This poem was written by
Reverend S. D. Phelps, in 1851, for his wife.

It's a long poem, but well worth the time. It's one of the most
beautiful pieces I've ever read about the love of a man for his wife.
It's a tribute from a godly man to his godly wife,
whom he obviously loved with all his heart.

May we, as Christian wives strive to earn the honor, love, and esteem
that would place loving thoughts and words such as these in the hearts
and minds of our own husbands. And may we be blessed with
the grace that comes from giving him our all.

Come hither dearest one of earth,

Come sit thee by my side,

For thou are even more lovely now

Than when my blushing bride.

Departing years have shown thy worth,

And tested well thy love,

And I have found in thee a friend

Next to my Friend above.

Sweet kindred soul, my own fond wife!

A world of bliss mid earthly strife

I bless thee, kindest Heaven

For this the choice boon of life

The strength of thy affection pure,

The beauty of thy mind,

Have round me thrown their golden links,

My wandering heart to bind

They've shed upon my path their rays,

So sweet, so calm, so bright,

That they have changed a darkened world

To one of hallowed light.

Of earth thou art my Eden fair,

The partner of my joy and care;

The blest companion of my heart,

In thought and wish and prayer.

Beloved! When I saw thee first,

And met thee as a friend,

And only in acquaintanceship

Our hearts began to blend,

My youthful soul was kindled then,

And unknown raptures felt;

Unconsciously I breathed thy name

While in devotion knelt.

And every day before my eye

Came like a seraph from the sky,

Thy lovely image dearest one,

and in my dreams 'twas nigh.

Oft arm in arm with joyful steps,

Over flowery fields we trod

Oft listening to the Sabbath bell,

We sought the house of God.

And many a blissful hour flew by,

When sitting side by side,

But happiest was the moment

I took thee as my bride.

Oh then, my Beautiful were given

Our pledges to each other

Our vows to Heaven,

And naught hath yet

For three bright years

Our deep affection riven.

In mutual hope and faithful trust

And in confiding love,

Receiving from our Father's Hand

Rich blessings from above,

Amid life's duties, toils and cares,

Along our pilgrim way

Together we have come with joy

Increasing til today.

Thou, like a guardian spirit fair,

Hast sought my every ill to share.

For thee, O priceless boon of Heaven

Shall rise incessant prayer

And on our path and in our home

Hath beamed a precious light

Replete with new and wondrous charms

in hope of promise bright;

An angel baby's face and form

and laughing life of glee,

A golden link of love to bind

My heart more close to thee.

Amusing, mirthful, darling girl,

A treasure sweet, immortal pearl!

O ever round our darling

May celestial pinions furl.

Our little world of peaceful joy,

With cloudless sky serene,

By sordid hearts and vulgar eyes,

Is never known nor seen

The sweetest bliss can never be found

In glittering wealth alone

Nor does it dwell in royal courts,

Nor on ambition's throne.

In hearts of faith and love it springs

And blesses those to whom it clings,

Sheltered and sweetly shadowed

By its soft angelic wings.

Thou loveliest one of all on earth

of my own self a part

The choicest of celestial gifts,

And nearest to my heart...

O never shall this arm forbear,

My chosen to defend,

And never shall this heart grow cold

til life's last pulse shall end.

Sweet star of life, serenely bright,

Dispelling gloom with purest light,

Can such affection know decay,

Or die in death's dim night?

The love that bindeth Christian hearts

is not alone of earth,

It is an effluence from God,

And hath a Heavenly birth.

Its spirit thrills our wedded souls

Llike music tones divine

Its holy fire of sympathy

Through all our path shall shine.

Then in those radiant skies afar,

Where naught can ever its beauty mar

'Twill ever beam in glory

With the Bright and Morning Star!

Rev. S. D. Phelps - 1851

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