Literary DCGD #7: I would see Jesus

When discussing the first principles and ordinances of the gospel the focus is often on the details and less often on their purpose in the plan of salvation. The 7th D&C gospel doctrine lesson talks about faith, repentance, baptism and the gift of the holy ghost. In teaching these principles and ordinances, the focus should remain on Christ.

I believe this poem does that. While I’ve not yet discovered exactly who the author, “G. H.,” is, I suspect the author is Gustavus Hills, who worked on the Times and Seasons when this was published. But I do not know for sure.

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I would see Jesus

By G. H.

When streams of pleasure gently flow,

And skies are clear, and comforts glow;

In all prosperity, would I

To Jesus turn my grateful eye.

 

Or should the storms of sorrow lower,

Afflictions pain, temptations pour;

In all adversity, would I

To Jesus turn my patient eye.

 

When healthful flows the tide of life,

And strength is firm, and vigor rife;

In all activity, would I

On Jesus fix my cheerful eye

 

Or should diseases rack my frame,

Or pains distract, or fevers flame;

In all my sicknesses, would I

To Jesus life my languid eye.

 

When in the sacred courts I tread,

And bow the knee, or lift the head;

In all the ordinances, would I

On Jesus fix my faithful eye.

 

Or when the friendly throng I meet,

And heart meets heart, and friendships greet;

In social intercourse, would I

On Jesus keep my loving eye.

 

When death shall spread his sombre shade,

And life shall cease, and earth shall fade;

In the departing hour, would I

On Jesus fix my hopeful eye.

 

And when the happy millions meet,

And waive their palms at Jesus’ feet;

Through all eternity would I

On Jesus keep my joyful eye.

Times and Seasons, 15 January 1842

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The relevant stanza for this lesson is the fifth:

When in the sacred courts I tread,

And bow the knee, or lift the head;

In all the ordinances, would I

On Jesus fix my faithful eye.

The rest of the poem also makes the authors point about the central role of Christ in the gospel. I think for this lesson it is a good reminder about what the details of the principles and ordinances are all about.