"Abba, Father!" (Hymn)

"Abba, Father!"

"Abba, Father!" We approach Thee
In our Savior's precious Name;
We, Thy children, here assembled,
Now Thy promised blessing claim;
From our sins His blood hath washed us,
'Tis through Him our souls draw nigh,
And Thy Spirit, too, hath taught us,
"Abba, Father," thus to cry.

Once as prodigals we wandered
In our folly far from Thee,
But Thy grace, o'er sin abounding,
Rescued us from misery;
Thou Thy prodigals hast pardoned,
Kissed us with a Father's love,
Spread the festive board, and called us,
E'er to dwell with Thee above.

Clothed in garments of salvation,
At Thy table is our place,
We rejoice, and Thou rejoicest,
In the riches of Thy grace;
"It is meet," we hear Thee saying,
"We should merry and be glad,
I have found My once lost children,
Now they live who once were dead."

"Abba, Father!" all adore Thee,
All rejoice in Heav'n above,
While in us they learn the wonders
Of Thy wisdom, grace, and love;
Soon before Thy throne assembled,
All Thy children shall proclaim,
"Glory, everlasting glory,
Be to God and to the Lamb!"

James G. Deck, 1841
Hymns for the Poor of the Flock

The Four Calls (Poem)

The Four Calls

The Spirit came in CHILDHOOD,
And pleaded, "Let me in."
But oh! the door was bolted
By thoughtlessness and sin,
"I am too young," the child replied,"
I will not yield today.
There's time enough tomorrow."
The Spirit went away.

Again He came and pleaded,
In YOUTH'S bright happy hour.
He came, but heard no answer,
For lured by Satan's power,
The youth lay dreaming then,
And saying, "Not today;
Nor till I've tried earth's pleasures."
The Spirit went away.

Again He called in mercy,
In MANHOOD'S vigorous prime.
But still He found no welcome,
The merchant had no time,
No time for true repentance,
No time to think or pray.
And so, repulsed and saddened,
The Spirit went away.

Once more He called and waited,
The man was OLD and ill.
He scarcely heard the whisper,
His heart was cold and still.
"Go leave me; when I need Thee
I'll call for thee," he cried.
Then sinking on his pillow,
WITHOUT A HOPE, he died.

~Author unknown~

A Confederate Soldier's Prayer (Poem)

A Confederate Soldier's Prayer

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed.

Author Unknown
(Attributed to a battle weary C.S.A soldier near the end of the war)

No Condemnation!!! (Poem)

No Condemnation

"No condemnation!" Can it be
This message sweet is meant for me?
For me who, but for God's free grace,
Would occupy the sinner's place?

"No condemnation!" When, and how?
The word is clearly written - "Now."
Tis wrought through Christ, and Christ alone;
Naught but His blood can sin atone.

"No condemnation!" Fully free!
Though Satan cast his darts at me,
Accuse me oft, and try me sore,
In Christ I stand condemned no more.

"No condemnation!" No more dread
That God's fierce wrath will touch my head.
His Word is true; His promise, sure;
It shall forever more endure.

"No condemnation!" Joy untold!
My heart cannot its praise withhold
From Him who freely bore for me
My condemnation, set me free!

Georgia Knick Horne

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.