CHRISTIAN CONSOLATION

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 29, 1858

CHRISTIAN CONSOLATION.

“I was in prison and ye came unto me.”

If He who spake as never man did speak— If He who was all purity and love— In pity to frail man, could stoop to seek And save the guilty, from his throne above;

If He, himself untouched by sin or guile, For man's infirmity could deeply feel— And though, with awe, he sin rebuked the while, The spirit kindly wounded but to heal:

Shall man—frail man—with judgment more severe, His erring brother doom to dark despair— Unmov'd by sorrow's penitential tear, Deaf to the prodigal's relenting prayer?

Perhaps in some lone prison's dark recess, Are souls immur'd who inly, deeply feel— Those whom the Saviour came on earth to bless— Those whom the Great Physician's touch would heal.

As ministers of God, for lasting good, Extend the hand of sympathy and love— Not deepest guilt such mercy long withstood, Awaken'd by the spirit from above.

As ye have done, and do to one of these— E'en to the least—will it to Christ be done; "A cup of water" more than thirst appease, If given, in faith and love, through God's dear Son. [Sel.]