A Pastor's Jottings, Or, Striking Scences During a Ministry of Thirty-Five Years (Paperback)

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. 1864. Excerpt: ... "Jesus can make a dying bed Feel soft as downy pillows are; While on his breast I lean my head, And breathe my life out sweetly there." Such was the faith, the hope, and the latter end of one who adorned the gospel; whose character was formed for usefulness, and who was an example worthy the imitation of those who may be placed in similar circumstances. THE CONTRAST. It is a great mistake, cherished by millions, that splendor and comfort, riches and happiness, associate together. Hence "they call the proud happy," and aspire after wealth and grandeur. But in reality, neither the comfort, the usefulness, nor the length of a man's life consists in the abundance which he hath. "Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith." That alone is the happy family where piety, industry, and love reign. They who have "fellowship with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ," though destitute of almost every thing else, must be happy even in a log cottage and de serted by all the world. We have united with such persons in singing with delight, Let me enjoy the Saviour's smile Within the cot the proud disdain; This shall my lonely hours beguile, This shall relieve my heart of pain. 'Tis not beneath the stately dome That happiness will always dwell; The heart oppressed with sorrow's gloom, May feel the woe it cannot tell. "While favored with the book of God, And near the temple of his grace, Content I pass life's stormy road, And spend in peace my fleeting days. I ask not pleasure, wealth, or fame, I ask not what the world can give; But save me from eternal shame: May Christ at death my soul receive. Then the sequestered vale shall charm, Then Nature's scenes shall always please; No guilt torment, nor fears alarm, But all within be heaven...