David gave a little start of surprise when Dr. Fletcher announced the closing hymn.
"He done that for me," he whispered to Harvey; "he knows it's mine."
They rose to sing the noble song. The great words rolled slowly out from many reverent lips:
"The sands of time are sinking."
It was when they came to the soul's great boast
"With mercy and with judgment
My web of time He wove,"
that Harvey turned his eyes towards David; and his heart melted as he saw the tears rolling down the withered cheeks. David's head was bowed, for it hurt him sore that men should see. But there had come about him such a tide of feeling—all his chequered life rising up before him—and such a sense of the abundant grace that had made the shadows beautiful with light, that his soul dissolved in gratitude to the Hand that guided and the Heart that planned through all the labyrinth of years.
Other lips were still, and Harvey's among them, when they reached the closing lines:
"Amid the shades of evening
While sinks life's lingering sand
I hail the glory dawning
In Immanuel's land."
But those who were beside him marvelled at the strong rich tones with which David sounded the exultant note. His voice was no more the voice of age; and the scars of battle had vanished from his face. Strong and victorious came the swelling strain, and his uplifted eyes had the glow of unconquerable youth. He had caught the lights of Home.