VAGRANT VERSE

Southland Times, Issue 20831, 20 July 1929, Page 6

VAGRANT VERSE

REFLECTION.

(Written for the Southland Times.)

To-day as yesterday bring memories back to me

Of saddest thoughts have I so little done for thee. My perverse mind and way do wander into sin.

But my Redeemer Thou canst make me pure within.

Engraved upon my soul a song of love is there, Of joy and peace with which no gladness can compare. It is of Thee my Lord. I sing it night and in the day. That song of praise and thanks in spirit serve Thee all the way.

My Lord my Fount of blessing if I should faint or thirst In desert solitude without one earthly friend. Yet art Thou there Thy garment hem I touch. In faith I trust. On Thee my burden I do cast, sustain me Lord and comfort to the end.

Sin prints defilement on each step which I do take on earth. But Thou art my sure anchor Lord, my hope, my second birth, The promise I will leave Thee never, nor Thee forsake is mine. You with me in my dwelling place in heavenly (light will shine) (song will join). Were it a bitter course my sinful life may go such way, Across yon wilderness or ocean deep and dark I hear Thee say— Return. Thy wanderings lead thee into devious dangers sure. Come unto Me poor sinner. Peace and pardon thine will be if thou endure. From that far country yonder out among the husks Thy voice I hear Yes surely it is Thine. Thy very own, my Lord, I feel Thee near. Come unto Me all ye of heavy heart and burdened soul, I’ll give thee rest. I come my Father. I will arise unworthy tho I be in Thee I’m blest. The finished work is Thine alone in sorrow and in grief Thou bore it all— There was no other but Thyself such sacrifice could make since Eden fall. Thy wondrous love through countless time forever will abide. Oh Father, Son and Spirit three, make me submissive to Thy will what ever may betide. Oh Saviour dear my loved the best I see Thee in Thy robes of white My roving footsteps guide aright in paths of radiant light. Humility of heart and will I offer Thee my Lord my all. Nor let the darkness of the night obscure my vision of the goal. Tempestuous if it be my course on earth. My prayer hear and cry oh Lord. Thou are my refuge through what boisterous storms may rage with one accord. My failing footsteps keep upright on paths divine my Saviour dear. And Thou shall have the glory and the praise, and mine the joy, till Thou appear. —Alexander McDougall. West Plains, Invercargill. July 20, 1929.