Poems (Holmes)/Lines dedicated to the Rev Mr. Wheeler

by Alice Ann Holmes

Lines dedicated to the Rev. Mrs. Wheeler,

WHO WENT AS A BAPTIST MISSIONARY TO SAN FRANCISCO, IN CALIFORNIA.

Go, thou herald of Salvation,
 A wider field is open now
For thee to spread Jehovah's name,
 Where men to superstition bow.

E'en though, alas! we sorrow much,
 With thee to take the parting hand,
And see thee leave thy friends and home,
 To toil in a strange and distant land.

But we our prayers in faith will join,
 To thy Great Master, Christ, our Lord,
That He may crown with much success
 Thy holy services abroad.

Then go, ambassador of Christ,
 To regions void of Gospel light,
And spread the tidings of great joy,
 Which angels brought to earth by night.

Ah yes, to San Francisco's sons,
 Proclaim the Saviour's hallowed name,
Who left His Father's throne on high,
 And man's redeeming Lord became.

Oh tell them of His humble birth,
 His life, His death, His sufferings;
And how He triumphed o'er the grave,
 And proved himself the King of kings.

Now, soldier of the cross, adieu;
 We sigh to breathe the parting knell;
But Christ, our Saviour, bids thee go
 On mission blest;—farewell, farewell.