p. 1 | Sunlight in the Heart by Ellen H. Willis

California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · Oakland, California · Apr 1, 1875

Sunlight in the Heart.

By Ellen H. Willis

THERE is sunlight on the hill-top, There is sunlight on the sea; And the golden beams are sleeping On the soft and verdant lea; But a richer light is filling All the chambers of my heart, For thou art there, my Saviour, And 'tis sunlight where thou art.

Thou hast whispered thy forgiveness In the secret of my soul: "Be of good comfort, daughter, For I have made thee whole." The "fowler's snare is broken," And loosed my captive wing, And shall the bird be silent Which thou hast taught to sing?

In the dust I leave my sackcloth, As the garb of other days, For thou "girdest me with gladness, And thou robest me with praise." And to that home of glory Thy love hath won for me, In heart and mind ascending, My spirit follows thee.

Choose thou for me my portion— My bitter and my sweet; The cup thy hand doth mix me, I will drink it at thy feet; While I'm waiting for that moment, The brightest and the best; When thou shalt stoop to lift me From thy footstool to thy breast.

Oh! ye who sit in darkness, Ever mourning for your sin, Open the windows of your soul, Let the warm sunshine in; Ev'ry ray was purchased for you, By the matchless love of One Who has suffer'd in the shadow, That you might see the sun!

Lord Jesus! Thou hast bought me, And my life, my all, is thine; Let the lamp thy love hath lighted, To thy praise and glory shine; A beacon 'mid the darkness, Pointing upward where thou art; The smile of whose forgiveness, Is the sunlight of my heart! —Ellen H. Willis.