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.