TO THE LITTLE FLOCK by Ezra W. Darling

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 4, 1860

TO THE LITTLE FLOCK.

By Ezra W. Darling

My heart is ever with you, little flock, And ever be my prayer unto the end, That I may find beneath the sheltering rock A place with you when plagues to earth descend, Though lonely through the desert, meeting none Of like and precious faith, I journey still; Yet if God's will on earth by me be done, I'll hope to meet you all on Zion's hill.

O let us each, while it is called to-day, Make our own calling and election sure, Secure a home that will not pass away, A treasure in the heavens that will endure. Now in this time of quiet let us seek His favor ere it be for aye too late, Seek to be ever righteous, ever meek, It may be we shall 'scape the sinner's fate.

For soon the angry nations will arise, And dread confusion reign throughout the earth, Mercy return unto her kindred skies, And plagues and vengeance burst to sudden birth. No time to mend our ways will then be found, Nor chance to warn a friend or save a foe, But changeless sentence passed on all around, Whether to shame or glory they shall go.

Then soon the coming of that mighty One Will usher in the dawning of that day, That is not shortened by the setting sun, Then bright rewards to all his saints repay, O, it is worth our every care and aim, E'en how to 'scape the unmingled wrath of God, And rise above the fierce, devouring flame, When earth shall tremble 'neath th' avenging rod.

What though we're scattered now o'er mountains cold, Where howling wolves beset by night and day, Soon will the Shepherd gather to the fold, Each lonely wanderer thence no more to stray; Faithful to seek them out, none shall be lost, Though through the dreary wilderness they roam, Though some the narrow stream of death have cross'd, They shall return and safely reach their home.

EZRA W. DARLING. Beaver, Minn.