Jacob’s Dream (Genesis xxviii. 10–12)

OH, pilgrim, halting on the rock-strewn sod

To thee this Bethel vision still appears!

The golden ladder of the love of God

Shines on the weary eyes, all wet with tears.

He leads thee on by ways thou hast not known,

He bids thee rest in desert stillness deep,

He gives thee pillows of the barren stone;

And lo! His angels dawn upon thy sleep.

He shows thee how Eternal Love unites

Thy sin-marred earth with His own sphere of bliss

And sends His bright ones from their radiant heights,

Laden with blessings from that world to this.

Thy solitude is no darkness unto Him,

The solitudes are peopled with His host,

Close the dim eye, and rest the wayworn limb—

The Lord is near when thou dost need Him most.