Inscribed, and Sacred to the Memory of the Rev. Dr. John Campbell, of London, who died March 26, 1867. <br /> <br />Oh, faithful unto death! thy work is done; <br />Thy course is finished, and the goal is won; <br />Thy warfare ended, the reward is given- <br />A crown of life, the victor's palm in Heaven. <br /> <br /> <br />A warrior on the battle-field of life, <br />When truth and error met in mortal strife, <br />'Twas his to wield with power the Spirit sword, <br />And conquer in the battles of the Lord. <br /> <br /> <br />From superstition's thrall to free the mind, <br />The galling chains of slav'ry to unbind, <br />The Word of God, untrammelled and unbound, <br />Diffusing free as air the world around. <br /> <br /> <br />For this, with zeal that would not swerve or turn, <br />He strove, 'while thoughts that breathe and words that burn' <br />Flashed from his pen, and glowed upon the page- <br />The beacon light of truth from age to age. <br /> <br /> <br />The stroke was sudden, and the tidings came <br />Swift flashing from the south on wings of flame. <br />A standard-bearer for the truth lies low; <br />The Church of Christ hath deeply felt the blow. <br /> <br /> <br />His works, his worth, the prestige of his name, <br />To sorrowing friends most dear, have spread his fame <br />O'er Europe broad, and many a distant land- <br />Far ocean isles, on many a coral strand. <br /> <br /> <br />A humble friend inscribes this tribute small <br />To his blest memory. Grateful tear-drops fall <br />Upon the page. Be still, my heart, and know <br />He rests with God. His work is done below.<br /><br />Janet Hamilton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/elegiac-verses/
