Dresden enterprise and Sharon tribune. (Dresden, Tenn.) 1907-1997, 1915-10-08
The Village Church.

young lady who never enjoyed
the blessing Of physical sight.
The shepherd referred to is Ed.
c. G. McDearmon, Baptist J
minister. who organized the
church and was for many years
the pastor Of the village church
at Palmersville, the home Of the
young lady:
was listening to the patter
OF the rain drops on the pane,
When my thoughts went slowly stray
ing
To the old church down the lane.
To that church used to wander
When the summer days were fair, y =
Where its kind and gentle shepherd
n Used to spend the hours in prayer.
After service he would greet usss
With his welcome words Of cheer, i@
Then my heart was pure and change
less
And my life was free from care.
Many years since then have vanished.
Many youthful hearts grown old,
Since he babe the erring wanderer
Try to seek the upper fold.
Ishave grown from child to girlhood@
,EAnd have often yielded to sin,
Since he stood among our members,M
Leading erring pilgrims in.
From the paths of vice and folly,
Where they have been wont to roam.
He has bid them turn to Jesus#
And to find in Him home.
| have often been to service
Since he bid that church adieu;
have listened there to others
That thought we're pure and TRUE,
Time passed on until one summer
1t was very dull and strange.
| was thinking of our shepherd,
Wondering if he had not changed. !
He had gone through many troubles
Since that time so long ago,
And his sorrows have been many,
Like the drops of winter snow.
l was dreaming in the twilight
OF those youthful days so mild
When heard strain of music
Floating down the dim church aisle.
He was joining in the chorus
That was sounding in my ears,
Yes, it was our gentle shepherd
That / had not met for years,
Yes, he had grown somewhat older
Since the days when last we met,
But his voice was still unaltered
! And his faith in Christ was great.
Soon he whispered OF sweet heaven,
Where all grief and tears will cease,
| And he tried in words to tell us
OF that home Of gentle peace,
1t was at great revival,
Many then trusted in the Lord,
Many learned to talk of Jesus
And the beauty OF His word.
But for me the hours passed slowly
And my lips grew parched and dry,
Though the gentle summer breezes
Often kissed them with sigh.
Well, at last our gentle shepherd
Ceased to make his visits here,
! He had left our little village
And the church that was SO dear.
, | was growing tired and lonely;
Christ and l seemed far apart;
ButI went to church one summer
} And returned with thoughtful heart
There | learned how our dear Savior
Came to earth with loving voice;
How he gave himself for sinners
That we might make Him our choice
Would | have Him for my Savior?
Would | quit this life OF sin?
. Would seek His sweet forgiveness?
Would l say, dear Lord come inH
Yes, do accept His blessings
That he scatters now so free;
! Yes, have received forgiveness
!. Through His blood that flowed for
J. me.
J Now a CLEAN of sweet contentment
Lingers in my sightless eyes;
| have learned to look to heaven
4 For the treasures that prize.
. Now the summer days have gone
d And the autumn winds blow sad;
# But my faith is strong in Jesus,
It And He keeps my spirit glad.
! |