Whispers in the palms. Hymns and meditations

Preface

TO THE THIRD EDITION.

" There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification." — i Cor. xiv. 10.

IjHERE is an eastern tradition of the Palm Tree, that when its leaves quiver in the wind, they whisper the holy name of Jesus, which the listener never hears but once. Among the goodly branches borne by a rejoicing multitude, and strewn at the feet of the Lord, once rose the glad welcome whose echoes still vibrate in every believer's heart, "Hosanna ! blessed is the King of Israel!" Amid the waving palms of the redeemed host, who " came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb," will for ever ascend, "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb." Distinct as vi Preface.

though heaven resounded with no triumphant song, as though angelic choirs were silent, are heard the faint cry of the afflicted, the plaint of the sinwounded, the broken hymn of praise. Sweet sound these minor harmonies to the ever -listening ear of Him who gave the Lamb to be slain, for each whisper is winged with "the Name which is above all other," even the holy name of Jesus.

There is, however, a secret contained in this chosen emblem, which is the source and power of the believer's spiritual life. The Holy Ghost teaches it, without exception, to all who receive the kingdom of God as a little child.

The palm is not taken up for the first time before the throne of God and the Lamb. We triumph already in the battles fought for us. Victory is won ; victory over sin and death, victory over the world and Satan. In faith let us go forth with songs of praise to gather the spoil, even as the army of Jehoshaphat (2 Chron. xx. 21, 22.)

Wave this palm, O trembling believer. Behold your sins for ever taken away by the sacrifice of the cross, and liberty from their dominion secured by the adorable ransom ! Follow, then, a conquering Saviour ! reap the fruit of His triumph ! and by that

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act of faith you shall recognize, not once, but for ever, the secret enfolded in the precious Name it whispers.

In the realized light of that glory sin shall lose its power, and sorrow be robbed of its bitterness. Every billow that breaks upon your homeward way shall bear a message of everlasting love from Him in whose presence is fulness of joy, and at whose right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

He who bade us bear each other's burdens blesses the weakest things, and things which are despised, to His service. May He prosper this feeble ministration, by waking an echo in some sorrowful heart at the feet of Jesus, that shall swell the glad song before the throne, in praise and glory to the Triune God, the Great Jehovah !

A. S.

London, October, 1865.

Index

Are the pearly portals open ?

Arouse thee, laggard Soul — awake — awake !

As for the pleasant water brooks .

As late I paused, in mournful musing, o'er

"As thy day thy strength shall be"

A thousand voices rise on high

Be still, be still. Oh ! hush the woe

Captive by Babylon's bright streams

Christ hath said He will receive me

Christ the Lord hath risen

Christ, who the mourner's plea

Closed is the lattice, Lord; joy enters not

Come thou into the sunlight, child

Dark my shadowed path below

Down in the pleasant pastures

Enlighten my dark mind to read aright

Fair is our Zion's promised land .

Farewell, friend, till the shadows flee away

Far from the faithful pilgrim band

Father, for pleasant paths on earth

Father, my cup is full ! .

Father, on yon shadowy shore

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