PAUL'S STRAIT.
“In a strait betwixt two."-PHIL. i. 23.
“If I Will that he tarry till I come."-John 21: 23.
LORD, if Thou wilt, I'll tarry here,
To serve Thy people in their need;
To help the weak, the mourners cheer,
Thy ransomed flock to tend and feed;
To guard them from the beasts of prey:
For this I 'd be content to stay.
Lord, I would still on earth abide,
If I may preach Thy gracious Word;
Proclaim the Christ, once crucified,
Exalted as the Savior-Lord;
Warn sinners from the wrath to flee,
And win their wandering hearts to Thee
Lord, if by grace I may abide
A fruitful branch in Thee, the Vine;
Thy Father's name be glorified
In any works, or words of.mine;
I 'd count it-suffer what I may-
My joy and privilege to stay.
Yes, Lord though to depart were gain,
For then I should behold Thy face,
Leaving behind all grief and pain,
And glory crown the work of grace;
Yet not my will, but Thine be done:
I'll tarry, till my course is run.