Classic Poem

There — was a — little fam'ly —
Lived down in Bethany.
Two sisters and — a brother
Composed this family.
They — lived in peace and plenty
For these many long — — years;
And — — laid away — — their — treasure
Beyond this vale — of tears.

But while they lived so happy,
So pure and kind and good,
Their brother was afflicted
And suddenly thrown in bed.
Poor Martha and poor Mary
They wept and moaned and cried
Until Lazarus was no better,
He lingered on and died.

When Jesus heard their tidings
Far in a distant land;
So swiftly He did travel
To see this lonely band.
When Martha saw Him coming,
She met Him on the way
And told Him how her brother
Had died and passed away.

He cheered her and He blessed her.
He told her not to weep,
For in Him was full power
To raise him from his sleep.
When Mary saw Him coming,
She ran and met Him too;
Down at His feet a-weeping
Rehearsed this tale of woe.

When Jesus saw them weeping,
He fell a-weeping too;
And wept until they showed Him
Where Lazarus lay in tomb.
He rolled away the cover,
And looked upon the grave,
And prayed until His Father
This earthly friend did raise.

Then Lazarus in full power
Came from this gloomy mound,
He cried with life and vigor,
He walked upon the land.
Now do always love Jesus
Do His holy will
Like Martha and like Mary
Do always use Him well.

From death He will redeem you,
And carry you to the sky;
And bid you live forever
Where pleasures never die.

He shall not be rocked
In silver nor gold,
But in a wooden cradle
That rocks on the mold.

He neither shall be christened
In milk nor in wine;
But in pure spring-well water,
Fresh sprung from Bethine.