They laid him down with strangers, for his home Was with the setting sun, and they who stood And look'd so steadfastly upon his grave, Were not his kindred; but they found him there, And loved him for his ministry of Christ. He had died young. But there are silver'd heads, Whose race of duty is less nobly run. His heart was with Jerusalem; and strong As was a mother's love, and the sweet ties Religion makes so beautiful at home, He flung them from him in his eager race, And sought the broken people of his God, To preach to them of JESUS. There was one, Who was his friend and helper. One who went And knelt beside him at the sepulchre Where Jesus slept, to pray for Israel. They had one spirit, and their hearts were knit With more than human love. God call'd him home. And he of whom I speak stood up alone, And in his broken-heartedness wrought on Until his Master call'd him.
Oh, is it not a noble thing to die. As dies the Christian, with his armor on!-- What is the hero's clarion, though its blast Ring with the mastery of a world, to this?-- What are the searching victories of the mind-- The lore of vanish'd ages?--What are all The trumpetings of proud humanity, To the short history of Him who made His sepulchre beside the King of kings?
"Know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself."--Ps. iv. 3.
Set apart for Jesus! Is not this enough, Though the desert prospect, Open wild and rough? Set apart for His delight, Chosen for His holy pleasure, Sealed to be His special treasure! Could we choose a nobler joy?--and would we if we might?
Set apart to serve Him, Ministers of light, Standing in His presence, Ready day or night! Chosen for His service blest He would have us always willing Like the angel-hosts fulfilling Swiftly and rejoicingly each recognized behest.
Set apart to praise Him, Set apart for this! Have the blessed angels Any truer bliss? Soft the prelude, though so clear; Isolated tones are trembling, But the chosen choir, assembling, Soon shall sing together, while the universe shall hear.
Set apart to love Him, And His love to know! Not to waste affection On a passing show. Called to give Him life and heart, Called to pour the hidden treasure, That none other claims to measure, Into His beloved hand! thrice-blessèd 'set apart!'