Nearer Home 3563 NEARER HOME ONE Sweetly solemn thought I am nearer home to-day Than I ever have been before; Nearer my Father's house, Where the many mansions be; Nearer the great white throne, Nearer the crystal sea; Nearer the bound of life, Where we lay our burdens down; Nearer leaving the cross! Nearer gaining the crown! But lying darkly between, Winding down through the night, Closer and closer my steps Come to the dread abysm: Closer Death to my lips Presses the awful chrism. Oh, if my mortal feet Have almost gained the brink; If it be I am nearer home Even to-day than I think; Father, perfect my trust; Let my spirit feel in death, Phoebe Cary [1824-1871] "ONWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS!" ONWARD, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, Going on before. Christ the Royal Master See, His banners go! Onward, Christian soldiers! At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee; On, then, Christian soldiers, Hell's foundations quiver At the shout of praise; Like a mighty army Moves the Church of God; Where the Saints have trod; We are not divided All one body we, One in hope and doctrine, One in charity. Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane, Constant will remain; Gates of hell can never 'Gainst that Church prevail; We have Christ's own promise, And that cannot fail. "Onward, Christian Soldiers!" 3565 Onward, then, ye people! Unto Christ the King, Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, Going on before. Sabine Baring-Gould [1834 My new-cut ashlar takes the light If there be good in that I wrought, Thy hand compelled it, Master, Thine; Where I have failed to meet Thy thought I know, through Thee, the blame is mine. One instant's toil to Thee denied Stands all Eternity's offence; Of that I did with Thee to guide To Thee, through Thee, be excellence. Who, lest all thought of Eden fade, The depth and dream of my desire, Thou knowest Who hast made the Fire, One stone the more swings to her place I saw naught common on Thy earth. Take not that vision from my ken; O, whatso'er may spoil or speed, Help me to need no aid from men, That I may help such men as need! Rudyard Kipling [1865 |