Poems (Taggart)/To a beloved Sister
TO A BELOVED SISTER,A FEW WEEKS BEFORE HER DEATH.
Dear Sister, precious, cordial friend, By nature's warm and kindred tie;Till thought in dark oblivion end, My love for thee can never die.
Wert thou in peace, in health, and joy, My heart should quick responsive thrill,And, sympathizing in thy bliss, Bid every torturing throb be still.
But now, the sad reverse is thine; The blooming health of other yearsHas fled thy glowing heart, and thou Must own the world a vale of tears;
Where pain and sorrow all oppress, And quickly waste the fragile form:The transient dreams of youthful bliss Fast flee before affliction's storm.
But, Sister, Gilead's balm is near, Its healing free, could'st thou believe:The Son of God for thee doth care; His arms are ready to receive;
Yes, He, the one, the Saviour Lord, Who owns the world:—and all its woesAre present to his pitying eyes, Who felt them, died the death, then rose.
He died for all, for us he died, To ransom our immortal souls,That we might in His bliss reside Who doth the heaven of heavens control.
Now, with compassion's voice, he calls Us to approach his throne of love;Pardon and righteousness he gives With the eternal, holy dove.
Let us attend his gracious call, His grace with melting hearts receive;On his kind arms of mercy fall, And in a Saviour's love believe;
In meek, submissive trust recline Low at the great Redeemer's feet;Our life, our all,—the world resign, And wait the pardoning promise sweet.
Then, though life's current cease to flow, He life and peace eternal gives;While with transporting joys we know That our Divine Redeemer lives.