| 482 Poetry.
For the Times and Seasons.
By J. H. Johnsons.
"The wise shall understand."-Daniel.
Amazed with wonder! I look round Or prove that Christ was not the Lord
To see most people of our day, Because Peter cursed and swore?
Reject the glorious gospel sound, Or Book of Mormon not his word
Because the simple turn away. Because denied, by Oliver?
Or does it prove there is no time, Or prove, that Joseph Smith is false
Because some watches will not go? Because apostates say tis so?
But does it prove there is no crime Or prove, that God, no man exalts
Because not punished here below? Because from priests such doctrines flow?
Or can it prove no gems remain, O, no! the wise will surely say;
Because some fools, throw there's away? No proof unto the man that's wise,
Or can it prove no king can reign Then O! dig deep ye wise to-day;
Because some subject wont obey? And soon the truth will be your prize.
Or prove the gospel was not true Not like the fool who chanc'd to see,
Because old Paul the Saints could kill? The Saint forsake his heavenly course,
Because the Jews its author slew, And turn to sin and vanity-
And now reject their Saviour [Savior] still? Then cries your "scheme is all a farce."
For the Times and Seasons.
Psalm. By
Miss E. R. Snow.
Praise the Lord O my soul: Praise him all ye sons and daughters of Zion.
Let us sing unto him a new song: let us sing of his marvellous [marvelous] doings in the last days.
He is the same yesterday, to-day and forever; therefore I will praise him for what my eyes have seen, and my ears have heard.
He hath opened the fountain of knowledge: he hath unlock'd the treasures of wisdom and understanding.
He hath brought to pass that which he spake by the mouth of his ancient prophets: yea, he hath caused truth to "spring up out of the earth, and righteousness to look down from heaven."
In ancient time he call'd his servant David from the sheep-fold to preside over the nation of Israel; yea, from a tender of flocks did he raise him to the sovereignty of his covenant people.
He call'd Elijah from the occupation of husbandry, even when "ploughing [plowing] in the field with twelve yoke of oxen;" to be a prophet in Israel:
Yea by the hand of Elijah, was he anointed to the office of his calling, even to proclaim the word of the Lord-to declare the counsels of the Most High to the people.
In these last days the Lord hath call'd his servant Joseph-the son of an husbandman; to be a prophet and a teacher: yea, to be a mighty instrument in rolling forward and establishing that kingdom which "shall fill the whole earth."
The Lord hath spoken to him from the heavens-he hath instructed him thro' the ministration of angels-he hath taught him by the power of the holy spirit.
He hath opened the heavens, he hath rent the veil thereof, before his face-he hath spread the visions of eternity in his presence-he hath drawn aside the curtain of futurity and showed unto his servant things to come.
He hath anointed him with the oil of understanding, and instructed him in the great mysteries of the kingdom of heaven; even those "mysteries which have been hid from ages and from generations."
Rejoice all ye Saints of the Lord and listen to the instruction of his prophet-be careful to depart from evil-let your hearts be pure for the great day of the Lord approaches.
He will perform a speedy work upon the earth-he will cut it short in righteousness-he will not suffer his word to perish.
Therefore, let the nations be wise-let the great ones of the earth receive counsel; let the honest in heart prepare and gather even unto Zion:
For "the earth shall reel to and fro like a drunken man," yea, she shall groan because of iniquity which is already increasing heavily upon her.
But "Zion shall be redeem'd with judgment, and her converts with righteousness"-the nations of the earth will honor her-the glory of the Lord will encompass her round bout; and his praises will be heard in her midst.
Communications.
Manchester, April 17th 1841
Dear Bro. Joseph:-
Once more I take my pen to write a few lines to you; most gladly would I embrace the opportunity of a personal interview with you, did it offer; but vain is the indulgence of such thoughts at present.
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