I.
How often I’d longed for a trustworthy friend
On whom at all seasons my heart might depend
Both my joy and my sorrow to share;
But I met with so much disappointment and pain
That I feared all my seeking might prove to be vain
So I nearly gave up in despair.
II.
I was friendless and sad, my heart burdened with grief,
And I knew not to whom I could look for relief
When I heard a voice gentle and calm—
Oh, come unto me, lay thy head on my breast
And I will refresh thee, in me find thy rest
And I’ll ever protect thee from harm.
III.
I will soothe thee in sorrow, will comfort in pain,
Thou never shalt seek my assistance in vain;
Then refuse not my offer of love.
I will heighten thy joy, I will lessen thy woes,
I will guide thee in life in the path thou should’st go
And will safely convey thee above.
* The above beautiful poem was composed by Miss Mary Mackintosh, Mihol, Gairloch, who passed away some years ago. She lived a beautiful Christian life, adorning the doctrine of God her Saviour. When she learned the nature of the deadly trouble with which she was stricken she said to a friend: “I thought my reason would give way but in the midst of my fears and dark forebodings I was calmed with these words: ‘I have loved thee with an everlasting love and with loving kindness have I drawn thee.’ “—Editor.
IV.
I listened with pleasure, so sweet was the voice,
So soothing the tone I could not but rejoice
For I felt that His sayings were true.
And now I well know that He used no deceit
For I’m sure that the hours I have spent at His feet
Are the happiest ever I knew.
V.
He stilleth my passions, He calmeth my fears,
He changeth the aspect of death as it nears
And bids me confide in His love.
He whispers His infinite power to save,
To snatch me at last from the realms of the grave,
To dwell in His presence above.
VI.
In what words can I speak of the worth of my Friend,
Having loved me once, He will love to the end,
Though I oft times forgetful may be.
Every cause of estrangement I’d humbly defy,
So deep and so long, so broad and so high
Is the love that He beareth to me.
VII.
And how can I tell of the deeds He has done,
Of the manner in which my affections He won,
Of His goodness, His kindness, His grace.
I was lost, and He found me; was blind, He gave sight.
My path was a dark one, but He made it light
And brightened the gloomiest place.
VIII.
I was filthy and foul, but He made me quite clean.
And covered with rags for a long time I’d been,
But He gave me a garment to wear.
‘Twas a beautiful robe, no defect could I see
For He made it Himself, then gave it to me
That I might look lovely and fair.
IX.
I had broken the law and was sentenced to die.
I knew I was guilty, had nought to repay,
And my conscience tormented me sore.
When my Friend came in view, showed His hands and
His side,
And told me that once in my stead He had died
That I might have life evermore.
X.
Such then is my Friend, Oh! I wish I could sound
The praise of His name to earth’s uttermost bound,
I would sound it again and again.
Do you ask who it is that hath stilled my complaint?
Oh! listen ye sinners and praise Him ye saints,
It is Jesus, the Saviour of men.