23

23

“ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER” (Hebrews

10: 25)

S. J. B. Carter

Dear brethren, when the saints for praise or prayer

Are gathered round the Lord—the Lord is there;

The Firstborn fair among His chosen race—

Bestowing of His fulness grace on grace.

Can we then, who have tasted of that grace,

Care to be absent when He shows His face?

Say, shall a little rain, a lengthy road,

Prevent communion with the saints and God?

Lo, Satan’s slaves to scenes of pleasure go,

By day or night, through rain or hail or snow—

And can we careless be of going where

The saints are found for worship or for prayer?

Shall business stay us, friends, or feeling tired,

When our attendance is by Christ desired?

Blush, brethren dear, blush at the very thought,

And let us show that we are better taught.

Exhort then one another, and let not

Th’assembling of ourselves be e’er forgot;

Responsible we are, each in his part,

To swell the song and gratify Christ’s heart.