Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity

How often those, most dearly loved,
Seem to be all too far removed
Beyond affection's reach;
We cannot help them in their grief,
We cannot bring them the relief
Of kindly look or speech.

We know they suffer — and we fain
Would bear some portion of their pain,
Or cheer them on their way;
But either distance lies between,
Or colder cause may intervene,
All proofs of love to stay.

Some are on beds of sickness laid,
And some, in disappointment's shade,
Life's early visions mourn;
Some have long left the narrow road,
And will not seek ' the Way' to God
By which they may return.

Is there no pathway that will lead
Our hearts to theirs in time of need,
No secret, by which we —
Tho' wanting outward means to prove
The depth and fervour of our love —
Their comforters may be!

Go read the Gospel, and behold
The palsied sufferer of old
Borne by the faithful four,
Who thro' the roof an entrance found
To Jesus, which the throng around
Denied them at the door.

There learn what faith and love can do,
When they to God and man are true,
And how that God approves
The deep devotion which would share
The burden of another's care,
And ever trusts and loves.

'Their faith ' our true and loving Lord
Left upon record in His Word,
All drooping souls to cheer, —
To teach us how the trusting heart,
If it will only do its part,
Need never doubt nor fear.

Then is there one, whom thy fond soul
From waywardness cannot control,
In sickness cannot tend?
One, who in sorrow or in sin,
Cannot, or will not let thee in,
To be his heart's dear friend?

Faint not, and fail not, only try, —
Since there is no extremity
For thy dear Lord too great,
Only be earnest, and in proof —
Denied the door — break up the roof —
And on thy Saviour wait.

He may not in His mercy grant
The very thing you ask or want, —
Still, in this comfort rest —
His Power, His Wisdom, and His Love
In bright and boundless concord move,
He'll do the thing that's best.