"As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." (2 Cor. 6:9, 10.)

I often weep, yet I am not sad ;
Often in sorrow, I yet am glad ;
Chastened sore, yet I shall not die ;
Poor I am, yet how rich am I!
Naked, but clothed in fairest dress :
Nothing I have, yet I all possess.

Losses and troubles upon me rain ;
I count the losses my richest gain :
I am a fool in the world's esteem ;
Folly and madness my choice they deem:
Christ's reproach is my richest prize ;-
God's folly makes me divinely wise.

I pass through rivers, yet am not drowned ;
I walk the waves as on solid ground ;
The hottest fires cannot singe or burn ;
The hosts of darkness cannot overturn:
While He that dwelt in the bush is near,
And God is with me, what should I fear ?

Say, is the devil more strong than God?
Or Pharaoh's scepter than Moses' rod ?
Lo ! in the river and in the sea,
In the hot furnace, He's still with me :
In the dark valley, and in the grave,
Jehovah-Jesus is strong to save.

Soon shall the weary night be o'er,
The sun will rise to set no more ;
Soon shall the winter's cold rain be past,
The turtles be heard in the land at last;
And soon shall the glorious Bridegroom say,
"Arise, My fair one, and come away."

Oh, what a moment the past will seem !-
Vanished away like a troubled dream ;
Not worth a sigh will its grief be thought,
When to His presence we're safely brought;
Praise, our employment ceaseless be ;
Chiefest among ten thousand He !

J.G.D.