TO KNOW HIM by B. McCall Barbour

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 9, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 35.

"TO KNOW HIM."

By B. McCall Barbour

How CAN I know the great Almighty God, Enthroned in majesty beyond my ken; So great, so wondrous grand, so glorious, Center of strength, of power, of law, of all? I know he is. By him all things do move— This world with all its myriad mysteries Is but the edge of mystery more profound, Hid in his presence unapproachable.

I know him. He is God, who rules the world, Bestowing bliss on such as keep his laws, But in his justice breaking forth in wrath On such as heedless or unmindful are. I know he rules in earth, and sky, and sea, And sends alike the sunshine and the storm; I know he giveth and sustaineth life; And man in all his moods must bow to him.

Reason cries out, I know that he is God; But yet my soul deplores, I know him not. For fear of wrath the burden of my sin Quite weighs me down, and keeps me back from him. Oh, it is agony to bear this load of guilt, To live in terror of the pangs of law! How shall I know thee, God, that thought of thee May give me peace and take away all fear?

O happy day, when Jesus did reveal Unto my longing soul the love of God By sweet compassion and forgiving grace, And taught me how to love, and thus to know! I know him now in resurrection power, In his almightiness from sin to save, His strength to keep life steadfast and secure, His love unchanging in the midst of change.

Yes, now I know, Christ's life hath brought me near To God, in him my Father I behold, Robbed of the awful terror of the law, Robed in the beauty of his boundless love. What reason failed to grasp because of fear I know, for faith and love have made it clear. —B. McCall Barbour.