THE CRY OF FAITH by Ray Palmer, D. D.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 5, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 42.

THE CRY OF FAITH.

By Ray Palmer, D. D.

Be near—be near, O God! Fierce beats the storm! The blinding darkness falling Shuts out sun, moon, and stars from mortal sight; Blast howls to blast; deep unto deep is calling; One changeless horror rules the dismal night.

Be near, O Strong to Save! 'Tis as beneath men's feet the earth were shaken, And life's best hopes do fall like withered leaves; The hearts that know not thee, as if forsaken, Sink, e'en as when relentless fate bereaves.

Be near, O sovereign Lord! All nature owns thy sway, thy will obeying; Beneath the awful shadow of thy wings, No tempest's rage, no fiery bolt dismaying, Can harm while that sure covert safety brings.

Be near, O Love divine! Thou in thick clouds and darkness hast thy dwelling, Yet hath the trembling soul a friend in thee; O'erwhelmed and helpless, 'mid huge billows swelling, Thy word, we know, can still the stormy sea.

Be near, O blessed Christ! Thou who on earth hast felt the pangs of sorrow, Who didst thyself borne down with anguish kneel; From thy sweet pity let us comfort borrow, And learn, heart-wounded, how thy love can heal.

Be near, O Son of God! All power in earth and Heaven forever wielding; If thou but speak, the elemental strife Dies in a moment, at thy mandate yielding; And tranquil sunshine once more floodeth life! —Ray Palmer, D. D.