OBEDIENCE

Sister, my dear, I’m glad to find

The Lord has now constrained your mind,

Your cross to take, your love to show,

And join the church of Christ below.

How great an honour ’tis to be

A member of that company

Whom Jesus loves, protects and keeps,

And calls His dove. His lambs, His sheep.

You are not worthy on your part,

But Jesus loves a contrite heart;

And this to you, through grace, is given,

Tis not of earth, it is from heaven.

Mind not reproach, fear not man’s frown,

If there’s no cross, there’ll be no crown;

Suffer with Him, with Him you’ll reign,

And joy shall have instead of pain.

But is it pain? Nay, count it joy!

To follow Christ be your employ;

All earthly pleasures are but dross,

Compared with Jesus and His cross.