THE VOYAGE OF LIFE

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 22, 1862

THE VOYAGE OF LIFE.

Tossed, now, on life's rough, billowy sea, Mine eye, O Father, turns to thee; Dark clouds above obscure the light Of heaven's ray—serenely bright, And surging billows round me roll, Like death's deep waters o'er the soul, The eye turns vainly to the shore, My barque, once launched, returns no more. I know the ocean's farthest wave, Eternity's vast shore doth lave, And trembling, fearful, turn to thee, That thou my light and guide wouldst be.

Each rolling billow bears me on To reach that unseen shore beyond; I fear the wave, I dread the blast, Yet tremble while I speed so fast; And in my impotence would flee My God, my Saviour, unto thee.

Now life's stern DUTIES meet me here; I dare not yield my heart to fear, Dare not let go my barque's slight helm, Dare not forget the promised realm Where Christ has said, "I will prepare A place for you,"—He waits me there! Ah! can I yield to terror now? Can I forget my solemn vow Which left me, Father, in thy hand, And trusted all to thy command? My doubts and fears, O God, forgive, And let me in thy favor live! E'en now the clouds disperse—and light Beams sweetly, brightly, on my sight, And freshly girded for my task, Once more thy promised blessing ask— Then gladly stand my helm beside, And calmly brave the swelling tide.

Still tossed on life's rough billowy sea, Mine eye, O Father, turns to thee! Thy blissful presence gives me light, 'Tis heaven's own ray—serenely bright! The ocean's rolling, surging tide, But draws me nearer to thy side.