YES, faithful witness of a loving Master.
So sweetly tasting what His grace has done;
Still pressing to the goal, with pace the faster,
Like well-trained racers in the course who run.
All needless weight away from thee now casting,
Thy loins well girded and thine eager eyes
Fixed on the mark to which thy feet are hasting,
Where His own hand holds forth the victor's prize.
These words have thee sufficed,
'Mid toil and pain,
“For me to live is Christ,
To die is gain.”
In stripes and in imprisonment sustained,
'Mid watchings, fastings, tumults, toils and tears;
By grace divine the victory thou hast gained,
As poor, yet making many rich. 'Mid cares
Which came upon thee daily, for the churches,
Assaults and opposition on each hand;
His will to do, the aim of thy researches,
While laboring night and day, by sea and land.
These words have thee sufficed,
'Mid toil and pain,
“For me to live is Christ.
To die is gain.”
O Lord, Who hast so graciously engaged,
That Thou unto hoar hairs wilt make Thy care
Thy saints in service, be they young or aged,
Whose words are, "I have made and I will bear.”
Increase our faith, that we may more resemble
Him who could say, "I the good fight have fought,
Finished my course, and kept without dissemble
The faith of Him Who me thus far has brought;”
For whom these words sufficed,
'Mid toil and pain;
“For me to live is Christ,
To die is gain.”