A WORLD REDEEMED

This world is but the shadow

Of the world that is to be,

A ripple on the surface

Of a deep, unfathomed sea.

God's plans are always perfect,

But long ages intervene

From the planning of the temple

To the glow upon its sheen;

But we can be co-workers

In accomplishing his plan;

For in God's purpose is a place

For every son of man.

The germ may be developed

In a more salubrious clime,

All obstacles surmounted

In the onward march of time,

And nature's forces harnessed

Will their destiny fulfil,

And things now deemed supernal

Respond to human will;

For God has so adjusted

The laws of this earthly sphere,

That by man's help his plans unfold,

And order doth appear.

The words of God's own prophets

Concerning these latter days

Of mighty transformations,

To our great Redeemer's praise;

When wastes shall glow in beauty,

And the savage beast be kind,

Though they have prior fulfilment

In the realm of soul and mind;

Will then be more than figure,

Though that we all count sublime;

The earth will wear its regal robes

In every land and clime.

This life is but a sample

Of the life that is to be;

There we know the perfect lesson,

Here we learn the a — b — c;

And the life beyond is fashioned

By the thoughts and deeds of this;

Fitting it for realms of darkness,

Or for never-ending bliss;

For those alone will sorrow

Who receive His grace in vain,

But those who wrought with God will prove

That godliness is gain.