Mal. 3:16-1716Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. 17And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. (Malachi 3:16‑17); Jude 20-2520But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 20‑25).
In a day of closing darkness,
When the outlook is so black,
When the hearts of men are failing,
And the feet of saints turn back,
When corruption spreads her mantle
O’er the minds, and ways, of all,
When the violent doth prosper,
And men’s passions rise and fall.
Then, amid the gloom and darkness,
Shines one feeble ray of light—
Some, who feel and own the ruin,
Seek by faith to walk aright;—
Some, who fear the Lord of glory,
And who think upon His name;—
Some, who often speak together
Of His glory and His shame.
Some, who often round Him gather,
To exhort, and sing, and pray,—
Some, who prove amid the darkness,
They are children of the day,—
Some, who wait a coming Savior,
And who long, His face to see,—
Some, who wait their hope’s fruition,
Till conformed to Him they be.
God, who dwells in heavenly glory,
He beholds this feeble few,—
He records in His remembrance
All the sorrows they pass through;—
He discerns each true affection,
And declares, “they shall be mine”
When I gather up “My Jewels”
These shall in My presence shine.
G. W. F.