Classic Poem

The Captive Released

Lord thou canst set the captive free
No bars nor bolts shall hinder thee!
The conscious soul walks out at large
And humbly feels a free discharge.
Rich in thy knowledge all is new
Himself, the world, salvation too!
Strong in thy strength he feels alone
But dreads one trial of his own,
In ev'ry step he looks to thee
Or knows that step must stumbling be!
He lives an inward life within,
An inward war he holds with sin.
No more to truth a lifeless clod
His " life is hid with Christ in God! "
His prayer, on wings seraphic given
In Christ's dear name ascends to Heaven,
And open finds that golden gate
Where all his patient servants wait.
Then come! poor trembling soul repair,
The meanest knock is notic'd there —
There wait, tho' life be almost past
Reception may'st thou find at last.English