p. 8 | Cling to the Rock by Clara Emogene Bowen

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Sep 3, 1912

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 39, No. 34.

Cling to the Rock

By Clara Emogene Bowen

While passing through a deep ravine, Only the railway space between The rugged rocks on either side, Stretching out both far and wide, 'Twas there—I knew not what the cause— The engine made a sudden pause.

A little child cried out in pain, So frightened at the coming train. She stood beside her brother there, In meek appeal, in lost despair. "Cling to the rock! Hold firm and fast! The danger then will soon be past."

"Cling to the rock!" the young voice craved; "Cling to the rock, and you'll be saved." The children passed, the train was gone; But in my mind the scene went on. So like to life I thought her word, The childish voice that I had heard.

I drew a solemn picture, too; It is again before my view. 'Tis when a life so fresh and fair, Unknown to grief, unknown to care, Is on the track of sin's dark train, That awful harbinger of pain.

I rush upon the heedless sight, And cry and shout with all my might: "Cling to the Rock, my dying friend! Cling to the Rock till life shall end— The Rock of Ages, pure and free! Cling to the Rock eternally."