While nature was sinking in silence to rest

While nature was sinking in silence to rest,
And the last beams of daylight were dim in the west,
I strayed in the twilight unconscious away,
In deep meditation, where'er my path lay.

I passed near a garden: there fell on my ear
A voice of deep anguish from one that was there;
The tones of his agony melted my heart,
While earnestly pleading the lost sinner's part.

In offering to heaven his strong, matchless prayer,
He spake of the torments the sinner must bear;
His life as a ransom he offered to give,
That sinners redeemed in glory might live.

So deep was his sorrow, so fervent his prayers,
That down o'er his bosom rolled sweat, blood, and tears!
I wept to behold him, and asked his name;
He answered, "'Tis Jesus, from heaven I came.

"I am thy Redeemer, for thee I must die,
The cup is most painful, but cannot pass by;
Thy sins like a mountain are laid upon me,
And all this deep anguish I suffer for thee!"

I heard with attention the tale of his wo,
While tears like a fountain of waters did flow;
The cause of his sorrow to hear him repeat,
Affected my heart, and I fell at his feet.

I trembled with horror, and loudly did cry,
"Lord, save, or I perish! O, save, or I die!"
He smiled when he saw me, and said to me, "Live!
Thy sins, which are many, I freely forgive."

How sweet was that language! it made me rejoice!
His smiles, O, how pleasant! how cheering his voice!
I ran from the garden to spread it abroad,
I shouted, "Salvation! O, glory to God!"

I 'm now on my journey to mansions above,
My soul full of glory, of peace, light, and love!
I think of the garden, the prayer, and the tears,
And that loving stranger who banished my fears.

The day of bright glory is rolling around,
When Gabriel, descending, the trumpet shall sound;
My soul then in raptures of glory will rise,
To gaze on that Stranger with unclouded eyes.