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Found in Claude's Norbeck Beidler's Bible

Pamphlet Titled "A HALF CENTURY"

By Rachael Bahn  

A half century,

Upon a couch of pain;

The Lord saw fit to lay me low,

On which I still remain:

Remain to suffer and wait

Until my time shall come

To be releas'd from mis'ry great,

and enter that sweet home.

 

Yes, fifty years, a lifetime most,

It long, O long appears,

Have taken been through murky streams;

Remember, fifty years.

 

Distress'd and lonely oft have been,

When thinking of the loss

I have sustain'd have trials seen,

And heavy was the cross.

 

My friends, who had surrounded me

When first I took my bed,

Are resting in the silent tomb

where not a tear is shed.

 

And i am left to linger here--

I often wonder why;

Why 'tis the Lord afflicts me thus;

On him I e'er rely.

 

All is intended for my good;

Shall utter no complaint.

I many lessons have been taught,

Though often have pass'd--

Of them have fifty spent in bed,

Yet time sped onward fast.

 

It onward sped though pain I had,

My suff'rings were intense;

Life was at times a blank to me,

And I lived in suspense.

Still in the mids of trouble walk

I often weary feel--

In dread and fear am wand'ring on;

The Lord alone can heal.

 

He will not cast ****ver off;

He will compassion show;

He doth not willingly afflict

His children here below.

 

He often lifts His chast'ning hand;

To ease my burden some.

My heart is weak, is weak indeed;

His will be ever done.

 

"He maketh sore, and bindeth up."

He woundeth and makes whole.

O precious blood shed on the tree,

My spirit still control!

 

At times I happy feel, its true--

My friends do visit me;

The Lord inspires their hearts with love;

Me often come to see.

 

Their presence cheers me truly so,

They ev'ry kindness show;

They come from far, they come from near,

And favors ***estow.

 

And those who daily wait on me

Great sympathy impart;

They treat me **ndly, kindly treat,

Which fills with joy my heart.

 

The end is drawing nigh, my friends,

When I shall bid farewell;

Shall bid my last farewell to you--

Its nearness none can tell.

 

May I be ready *hen to go

When the last summons come,

To glorify God' Holy name,

With Him forever roam.

 

In endless bliss I hope to meet,

To meet you 'round God's Throne,

And evermore adoring Him

For loving kindness shown.

 

Oh! what rejoicing there will be

To be released from pain,

And wearing robes of snowy white;

What an eternal gain.

 

Stonybrook, York County, Pa.,

December, 1899.

 

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