x.x.xIV.
This prudent course ensured the object sought.
Some who opposed did, of their own accord Propose a.s.sistance, and with vigor wrought To raise the humble Chapel to the Lord.
Dear GOODWORTH wielded skilfully the sword, Which by G.o.d"s blessing pierced into the souls Of those who came to hear the plain-taught Word, Whose rich Truth, for Sin"s pleasures lost, consoles, And cheers and strengthens those whose l.u.s.t it still controls.
x.x.xV.
Truly it was a lovely sight to see The opening of that place of worship pure.
There was displayed no animosity, All seemed at home in perfect peace secure.
Sweet gospel sermons fitted to allure The erring sons and daughters of mankind Were preached that day, and I feel very sure It was no "blind man"s leading of the blind,"
But preaching of that sort which is for good designed.
x.x.xVI.
The music was by voices rich and clear, The words the language of most grateful hearts, All forming worship void of slavish fear; Most orderly besides in all its parts, Though the performers knew not much of arts On which some pride themselves in this our day; Nor was the singing done by fits and starts, As if G.o.d"s service were but childish play.
They knew His Eye was on their secret thoughts alway.
x.x.xVII.
I must not fail to mention the chief thing For which all saints should meet on Sabbath day; But first my Muse would boldly spread her wing, For she could always on this subject stay.
Your kind indulgence, reader, I would pray, As this sweet topic is most dear to me.
Most gracious Savior, who for me didst pay Thy precious blood upon the cursed tree, That I might be redeemed from sin and misery.
x.x.xVIII.
Grant me Thy Spirit"s aid while I attempt A true description of thy "Feast of Love"
May I from evil motives be exempt, Nor mention aught but what Thou wilt approve.
That small, dear family "born, from above,"
Just numbering twelve, around the table meet.
Each one displays the meekness of the dove, And hopes to share a most delicious treat In joining thus with Jesus in Communion sweet.
x.x.xIX.
And now the Pastor thought it right to tell What were the principles on which they met; For great misapprehension he knew well Prevailed abroad, and some men"s minds beset.
He trusted no one present would forget That the pure Bible was their only guide.
They had no human system to abet, Nor would they by man"s arguments be tried.
What say the Scriptures? these alone the case decide.
XL.
He said, "We meet, dear friends, in Jesus" name; By his command who, says, "_Remember me_?"
As He for us Sin-offering became, It is but right we should obedient be, And O, what wondrous love we here do see!
To think we are invited all to feast With Jesus in His glorious majesty.
This is a marvel, and "tis much increased When we reflect we are not worthy in the least.
XLI.
"Here at this table I now humbly stand Upon a perfect level with the rest.
We take the Bread and Wine at Jesus" hand, He hath these simple Emblems truly blest.
Our love to him by this act is expressed, And though we are indeed a small, weak flock, The Lord makes each a highly honored guest.
On His Atonement as our holy rock, We stand secure midst danger, nor fear any shock.
XLII.
"We do this every First Day of the Week, Because of old G.o.d"s people did the same; This all may learn who will take pains to seek The Word of Truth. All arguments are lame.
Men use against it, and not free from blame.
Can we, dear friends, remember Christ too often?
Ah, no indeed! To save our souls he came!
And his vast Love to us our hearts should soften, And plume the, wings, of Faith, which we may soar aloft on.
XLIII.
"We do not wish to hold the servile views To which too many of G.o.d"s children cling.
Oh, why should Christians in this way refuse What to their souls would sweetest comfort bring?
"_Remember Me_" should make our love to spring Like water gushing from a fountain clear, And tune our hearts each time afresh to sing The praise of Jesus, and should make us rear Our Ebenezer high as we to heaven draw near.
XLIV.
"Some ask us if we have the Lord"s command For breaking bread upon each Sabbath day.
We ask them in return, have they at hand A plain behest for acting in _their way_?
If such they have let them without delay Spread wide the fact and let the truth be known.
I should have nothing further then to say, Except my error thankfully to own.
But friends, as yet none ever have such precept shown.
XLV.
"Suppose there were near by a flock of sheep Whose sad, gaunt looks bespoke the pasture bare, While they have left scarce strength enough to creep, From having lacked too long good food and care.
Suppose that these were brought to pasture fair, The gate of which was opened wide to them.
Would they wait for command to enter there?
In truth I think not, and can rightly claim That we in doing this incur not any blame."
XLVI.
This said, he read aloud the Savior"s words, Uttered that solemn night before he died.
Deep, soul-toned language which quite well accords With his great sufferings for his blood-bought bride.
O, let not any this plain feast deride; There ne"er was Ordinance appointed yet That has more comfort to the Saints supplied.
"Tis calculated to make them forget Their sorrows when they view Christ"s death and b.l.o.o.d.y sweat.
XLVII.
And now most grateful thanks are offered up, The Bread is broke, and all in silence eat.
Then in like manner they partake the Cup, In fellowship they sit at Jesus" feet, And take from his dear hands refreshment sweet.
This done, collection for the Saints is made, And next praise rises to the "Mercy Seat."
From right glad hearts and unfeigned lips "tis paid: The meeting closes and each kind farewell is said.
XLVIII.
Yet this day"s joyous service was not o"er; Some met at night with GOODWORTH"S family, And there together searched the hidden store Of Bible truth, the prayer of Faith the key That did unlock each wondrous mystery.
All were invited, nay were pressed to speak, And show the light which G.o.d gave them to see.