Poems (Shipton)/A Benediction

by Anna Shipton

A BENEDICTION.

"Ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong."—Zech. viii. 13.

God bless thee to-day with joy that never
   Shall fade, beloved, away:
Thine be the portion that endureth ever,
   Through life's long endless day.
Undying fruit shall spring from wintry hours,
   According to His word;
The rod shall blossom with celestial flowers,
   Laid up before the Lord.

Renew thy strength, and tread with true endeavor
   The path thy Master trod:
Safe! for His seal proclaims thee His for ever,
   Anointed with His blood.
Walk in the light, that every snare be taken
   That would thy foot betray,
And own—the love that called hath ne'er forsaken
   The wanderer astray.

A little while to wait for His appearing,
   And watch for Him to come.
And hear His voice of love, in tones endearing,
   Welcome his loved ones home.
From faith to faith still follow Him, though weeping,
   His lightest whisper heed;
Sow thou the grain, and leave to Him the reaping,
   And trust to Him thy seed.

Speak for the Master: He will guide thee duly
   To wield the Spirit's sword.
Live for the Lord who bought thee: serve Him truly,
   And He will bless thy word.
Thus all thy wealth in Christ the Lord possessing,
   Thy heart shall rest above:
Take now His promise, with my parting blessing,
   In token of His love.