Written by the request, and respectfully inscribed to my venerated
Father-In-Law, David Palmer, Nov. 1, 1864.
I for a subject asked one day,
A friend whose locks with age were grey,
He gave me one without delay,
'Twas 'Looking unto Jesus.'

I've often sung of birds and flowers,
Of verdent meads and crimson bowers,
The nobler theme invites my powers,
Of 'Looking unto Jesus.'

When keen despair and guilt opressed,
And gave our sin sick souls no rest,
We were with peace and pardon blest,
By 'Looking unto Jesus.'

When sore distressed by boding fear,
His smile the seeking heart can cheer,
And blackest clouds will disappear,
By 'Looking unto Jesus.'

For Christ our mediator bled,
That all his people might be led
To bliss, and justice dread,
By 'Looking unto Jesus.'

And precious Saviour ne'er may we
Forgot our early vows to Thee,
But ever through life's journey be,
Found 'Looking unto Jesus.'

And thou, dear Aged friend! dost know
How vain are all the joys below,
Which seem indeed a fleeting show,
While 'Looking unto Jesus.'

In the first flush of manhood's hour,
Jehovah called thee by His power,
Of strength to thee He's proved a tower,
While 'Looking unto Jesus.'

Thou for the truth has valiant been,
And battled with the 'Man of Sin,'
And did the conquest ever win,
By 'Looking unto Jesus.'

Thy gifted pen has oft essayed,
To soothe the mourners grief had made,
Prescribed the balm of Gilead,
By 'Pointing unto Jesus.'

Full a garland didst thou twine,
To wreathe round pure affection's shrine,
Though richly blessed 'twas ever thine
To give all praise to Jesus.

When thou with tuneful numbers sung,
Of Him who once on Calvary hung,
The notes across the Atlantic rung,
Of 'Looking unto Jesus.'

Thine offspring with peculiar care,
Thou didst instruct with patience rare,
With deep solicitude and prayer,
And 'Looking unto Jesus.'

May'st thou and thy loved partner see
God's grace in thy posterity-
Thy children's children ever be
Found 'Looking unto Jesus.'

And though thy strength is failing fast,
By sovereign grace thou'lt bide the blast,
And victory sung o'er death at last,
By 'Looking unto Jesus.'