APPLES OF GOLD IN PICTURES OF SILUER. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures (or baskets) of silver.”—PROV. xxv. 11. IVE me fit words, O Jesu To some it seemeth stale: Some words that shall add freshness To this so hoar and old, Some gilt that shall add glitter To this pure virgin gold. A word that's fitly spoken May catch a careless ear; And midst the rumble of the world, May rouse a torpid conscience, And melt a stony heart, And from an eye unused to weep Thou spakest as none other Ere spake or preached before; And speak of Calvary's mercy, May live while here a holier life, Thus, touch my tongue, O Jesu! With Thy all-saving fire, And for the highest purposes Tune Thou my Then as in silver pictures 66 It is the voice of my Beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to Me, My sister, My love, My dove, My undefiled: for My head is filled with dew, and My locks with the drops of the night." SONG OF SOL. V. 2. O the Hope of Israel, the Saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest Thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night?" JER. XIV. 8. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." REV. III. 20. Open the door, beloved; My head with dew is filled, My locks with droppings of the night— And longed to enter in; And thou art all unheeding, And hast no smile to greet, Are My tender, toil-worn feet; And My loving heart is breaking. Thy mirth and midnight revels, Wilt thou never, love, relent? Oh! by the years I've waited— -[0, man by time grey-headed, Or in the prime of life, Bereaved or newly wedded, Son, daughter, husband, wife, Or little one of tender years, Thy life stretched out before CHRIST IS THE WEARY WAYFARER, THY HEART THE CLOSE-BARRED DOOR!]— Thou canst not ope that door, love, BUT ON THY BENDED KNEES: Then thy heart in prayer outpour, love, The present moment seize : And when in earnest prayer, love, The door flies open wide, The Heavenly Bridegroom shall come in And clasp His purchased bride. |