The Baptistery, Or, the Way of Eternal Life

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1874. Excerpt: ... My soul to patience; what I deem my gain, When closest wreathing chains around my soul, Take from me, though it rend my heart in twain, That He who bought may have my spirit whole: --Spurs that may give me pain, but urge me to the goal. Like one who on a rock with out-stretch'd arms Hangs, struggling there his footing to retain, . While each returning wave with new alarms Threatens to bear him to the angry main, So to the Cross I cling, (O blissful pain!) Well-nigh o'erwhelm'd with the loud-roaring tide, Which to the world would bear me back again, Labouring to seize with jaws devouring wide, --Oh, may I for a while beneath Thy shade abide! Nay, let me cling to Thee, and o'er the sea Thou shalt sustain me to the stable shore; Life-bearing wood of the all-saving Tree; And lift o'er wat'ry mountains rising hoar! Hail, little plank, sent forth to bear me o'er, While Faith like some good Angel holds the helm, Though dark and drear the Heavens, and billows roar, The stars come forth to people all the sky, And rule my course, while Faith her saving bark shall ply. And I with you that throng th' aerial plain, And seem to view us from your calm abode, Would hold companionship. Ye there attain Your blissful stations; on your earthly road H We see you bearing each his destin'd load, Like that Cyrenian on the hallow'd hill, Following the path the Man of Sorrows trode; None in that band without his share of ill, Walking their Heavenward road in solemn silence still. This Cross I clasp, and in my heart will hide, And care no more for the bright dreams of sense; I clasp it to my breast, nor lay aside Until I shall resign this fleshly fence Which keeps me from the Day. Then vanish'd thence That vision; as it pass'd with blue eyes mild As of ten summers, sweet in innoc...