INDEX
|
Under ConstructionThere are a lot of poems to type in! |
Introduction
Clarence Bentley, my maternal grandfather, was a committed Christian and lived his life solidly following the teaching of the Bible. He, like my paternal grandparents and my parents, was a member of the Glad Tidings Hall, Assemblies of God, Pentecostal Church, Boyer Street, Derby. This church had its beginnings above a butcher’s shop in Derby, when its members were massively impacted by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the early part of the 20th century - I understand it was the first church in the Midlands to become ‘Pentecostal’ in experience. They grew significantly and took over the much larger hall in Boyer Street - the place to which I was taken as a baby and where I was baptised by full immersion at the age of 10 in 1954, following my decision to ask Jesus to become my Lord and Saviour four years earlier.Sadly, my maternal grandmother died in 1930 when my mother was 11, so I never knew her. He did marry again, resulting in another son and daughter (Arthur and Eunice) to join the two daughters and son (my mother Iris, Faith and Cecil) he had from his first marriage. In another tragedy this marriage was to end in divorce, so my only memory of him is him living alone in Holtlands Drive, Derby.
c1920 with his then family, Iris sitting on her mother’s knee and Cecil standing to her left.When World War One broke out, he stood firm as a conscientious objector, and this being looked upon far more seriously than was the case during World War II, he was sentenced to prison - Wormwood Scrubs. He was treated very badly there, as everyone looked down on those who refused to fight for King and country; and when he was released he was obliged to serve his country by working on a farm. (A poem, 25th April 1915, was written - after conflict - in Hognaston, a tiny Derbyshire village near Carsington Water, and I believe this was when he was on the farm.) On one occasion the farmer set the bull on him, and generally made his life miserable.When finally he was able to resume a ‘normal’ life, he was a compositor - setting the type for a printing firm. I remember my mother telling me that on one occasion the firm was asked to print a book that involved printing the Greek language. The Christians at Boyer Street studied Greek in order to better understand the New Testament, so he was familiar with it. When the job was finished, the company for whom the job was done contacted the printers to thank them, because not only had the book been printed well, but errors that had been made in the original Greek text of the book had been corrected - my grandfather’s work!While he was in Wormwood Scrubs, and then after he was released, he wrote some poems, and my mother inherited the book in which he wrote them, although I do not know whether he had this book while in prison (which seems unlikely) or if he wrote on scraps of paper he managed to get hold of and later copied them into the book. When my mother died I inherited the book, and later gave it to Arthur, his son and only surviving member of that generation. Before I did so I photocopied all the pages; and so here are the poems. I have tried to reflect the wording and punctuation exactly as it is written. The language may appear quaint by today’s standards, but the use of ‘thee’ and ‘thou’, for example, was common practice in church circles at that time. My understanding is that where “After conflict” appears in a poem’s title, this refers to difficulties experienced in prison and various battles he faced after being released. |
|
Opportunities Written November 12th 1914
|
The moments are passing, how quickly they go. I say, my dear friend, it’s a blessing to know That each one was grasped as quick as it came With one thought in mind, to honour His name.The moments are passing, but how very small, Though each one will count in numbering up all, But listen, dear friend, each one of them make A life that is lived asleep or awake.The moments are passing to everyone given Opportunities many - a ladder to heaven. “What are they?” you ask; the result will be known When you and I gather around the Great Throne.The moments are passing, “the night is far spent.” Christ Jesus is coming - are you content With no souls to greet Him, with nothing to bring As an offering to Jesus - your Saviour and King?The moments are passing, “awake thou that sleepest,” And Christ shall give to thee life that is sweetest. Thrice has He called thee; morn, noon and night, Hasten to answer, obedience brings light.The moments are passing, but how very true That Jesus has something for each one to do. A service to render, a burden to bear, A kindly word spoken dries many a tear.The moments are passing, and what have we done? How much has been wasted - how many years gone? Opportunity comes like a wide-open door Which one day will close to open no more.The moments are passing, but glory to God, That life will speak, although ‘neath the sod; Whose motive was pure, whose love always true In constant well-doing life’s journey through.The moments are passing, but each one must bring Us nearer to Jesus, for to Him we cling. How precious the moments in fellowship sweet, Continually hearing the Word at His feet.The moments are passing, renewed by His power, We’ll continue to follow hour by hour. Shadows may darken, faith may grow weak But He never faileth, ‘tis Him we seek.The moments are passing, His Word is the same: A cup of cold water given in Christ’s name Shall not be forgotten, though years may pass by As God will reward in eternity.The moments are passing, grasp every one Opportunity affords you to honour God’s Son. Thus life will be sweeter, and nothing be lost, In honouring Jesus, whatever the cost. |
|
“Learn of Me” Nov. 26th 1914
|
“Learn of Me,” O little flock As it is written, “Ask, seek, knock, Follow Me” husband and wife. “I am the Way, the Truth, the Life.”“Learn of Me,” and do my will I bid the winds and waves “be still” “‘Tis he who doeth,” saith my Word Not they who only say, “Lord, Lord.“Learn of Me,” When burdens bear “And take My yoke - life with Me share. “Rest unto your souls” ye seek, You shall then know that I am meek.”“Learn of Me,” the path to know “For my sake and the Gospel’s, go Praying still, “Thy will be done” Then you shall hear the glad “Well done.”“Learn of Me,” afflicted soul Your burdens now upon Me roll. In the stillness of the day I am listening when you pray.“Learn of Me,” afflicted one Physician greater there is none. Words I speak to make thee whole And pour fresh life into your soul. |
|
The Setting of the Sun November 27th 1914Tune: How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
|
How beautiful the setting sun, All golden are its rays; What splendour and magnificence God’s handiwork displays.What warmth it gives, what light it sheds; Its equal there is none. How perfect too, in every part, The work of God alone.Sometimes the clouds may gather round, To hide it from our view That we might value it the more Each time it passes through.And yet this is one world alone, The work of God’s own hand; And to the sons of men made known The heavens He has planned.His purpose is to manifest - However great or small, This is the lesson we must learn - His wondrous love to all.More warmth than that the sun can give, Or light than it can shed, The Son of Righteousness imparts; To raise souls from the dead. |
|
God Will Keep November 28th 1914
|
“Kept in His hand, sealed with His blood, “All things working together for good.” His divine purpose unfolding to thee What has been prepared from eternity.Kept in His hand, no fears alarm; No foe can follow to do thee harm. The secret place of the Most High there dwell Secure from all fiery darts from hell.Kept in His hand, there to abide Walking along by the Saviour’s side. No better place can be found than this. Led by His Spirit, thy hand in His.Kept in His hand, what joy I find. His covering presence before and behind, Waiting upon Him, day by day. He is my God, my Guide, my Stay.Kept in His hand, walking by faith, Obedient to what His Spirit saith. Into green pastures so often led; Upon His Word, continually fed. |
|
The Second Coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ December 23rd 1914
|
We can upon Thy Word rely That soon again Thou wilt appear Though scoffers may this truth deny We feel the time is drawing near.We have this consciousness within As sweet as pardon to the soul Entirely sanctified from sin Triumphant we shall reach the goalWe know not when the time will be Our safest guide to “Watch and pray” For then the Bridegroom we shall see Ready to meet Him on that day.Uncertain though Thy saints may be When Thou shalt come in mighty power They live in blest expectancy E’en if it be the midnight hour. |
|
The Great European War Written Jan. 5th 1915
|
The noise of battle, Lord we hear Cannons bursting forth their shell Too many precious lives we fear By cruel armaments have fell Whilst the conflict still is raging Hatred reaches to its height Men with men their souls are waging Watchman! Say, “What of the night?”Clouds of smoke are gathering round Gruesome sights behold the eye Bodies shattered on the ground Others heard through wounds to sigh Against each other swords are drawn As man to man no reason why Lord, grant us soon a brighter morn In lasting peace the nations tie.Amid these scenes a cry we hear From soldiers’ lips, whose hearts are torn Realising death so near “For such an end we were not born.”Is not God’s purpose through His Son Whatever nation, class, or tongue To knit all hearts by love in one This only can subdue the wrong.Unless Thy will is done below Hastening peace can never reign And Thy love men better know To forsake all selfish gain. |
|
A Children’s Hymn Written, Jan 17th 1915
|
My thoughts are known to Jesus About Him I must think If I would grow more holy And never from Him shrink.He bids me not forget Him Whilst in my younger years But early seek to serve Him And spare me many tears.My words are known to Jesus Yes! Every one I speak If they are kind and helpful To some who may be weak.To know that Jesus listens How careful I should be Lest should often grieve Him Who died on Calvary.My love is known to Jesus If it is weak or strong And, by the love of Jesus I’m kept from harm and wrong.There is but one Good Shepherd Such wondrous love has shown And they who truly love Him To others make it known. |
|
The Second Coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ February 1st 1915
|
1. Jesus Christ our Lord is coming Precious truth that God has given For His saints who now are waiting His return in power from heaven We shall know Him when we see Him By the marks where nails were driven.CHORUS:- He is coming, He is coming Jesus Christ Who died for me He is coming, yes! He’s coming Soon His lovely face I’ll see2. Though the cloud that once received Him Closed again at His command Jesus’ feet, as it is written, Shall upon Mount Olives stand. They will sing the song of Moses When the saints in heaven land.CHORUS:- He is coming, etc.3. He of earth Lord and Creator None in heaven so great as He Though by some despised rejected Everyone shall bow the knee And the soldiers, which have pierced Him Filled with terror then will be.CHORUS:- He is coming, etc.4. Soon the cry: “Behold He cometh!” Will His saints with joy exclaim Whether morning, noon or midnight They are ready, ‘Praise His Name! Jesus Christ the Lord is coming All ye messengers proclaim. |
|
The Risen Lord February 15th 1915 (after conflict)
|
He lives, He lives, the Christ Who died The sin of man to bear; He lives, He lives, Who overcame His victory you can share.Exalted now upon the Throne Who greater can there be? Oh, sinner, come, your Saviour own And He will set you free.How great the price He had to pay To clear the sinners guilt Himself upon the Altar lay His precious blood was spilt.No longer now by Satan bound Or fear of death shall hold, For God has put His armour round Christ’s righteousness makes bold.He lives, He lives, and can impart The power to conquer sin; “A broken and a contrite heart” He longs to enter in. |
|
The Victory Gain March 1st 1915 (After conflict)
|
1. Rejoice, the Lord your soul set free - when lifted up on Calvary’s tree Upon Himself your sin He took - - In agony - by God forsook A righteousness not of your own He saves you by His grace alone.CHORUS:- Rejoice, the Lord hath set you free And mercy, grace and liberty He gives to you the very hour You trust in His redeeming power.2. Your doubts and fears He can remove Upon the throne He reigns above To intercede for sinners such Of Him you cannot ask too much Just plead the Saviour’s Holy Name The victory over Satan gain.CHORUS:- Oh, Praise the Lord, the victory gain In Jesus all-prevailing Name All power on earth to Him is given He lives to intercede in Heaven.3. There never was a better Friend Upon His word you can depend His love so great, so strong and true And everything for them to do A crown of thorns upon this brow “The Fairest of ten thousand” now.CHORUS:- There never was a better Friend Always the same, world without end That love of His will never die The worth of which gold cannot buy. (Or: The love of Christ will never fade Nor shall the gates of Hell prevail.) |
|
“Oh Death, Where is Thy Sting?” March 2nd 1915
|
Welcome, O death, from mortal care For sight will take the place of prayer When once I pass the bars which now So many in great terror bow, And sink beneath the load. By faith in God’s abounding love, Expect to meet my Lord above, Nor fear whilst on the road.Oh, Blessed Christ, accept my praise Which I in weakness to Thee raise, Now broken are the jaws of death, The Holy Scriptures plainly saith: “O death, where is thy sting?” Thus when I reach the land of bliss I’ll sing a nobler song than this, To Thee, my Lord and King.Now grant to me a fuller light, Before my faith gives place to sight. Teach me obedience to Thy Word, Help me to wield the mighty sword, And in Thy love repose. Thrice blest is he who thus will love, And every talent to Thee give: His soul he shall not lose. |
|
“Trust in Jesus” March 11th 1915 (After conflict)
|
O doubting heart, by fears oppressed In Jesus’ righteousness be dressed Nor fear at all. Put on the armour, wield the sword And with the Spirit of the Lord Your foes must fall.Why sink beneath corroding care, When Jesus waits to answer prayer, And take thy load? E’en thought the path seems dark to tread, Doubt not - you will be safely led He knows the road.What though you have to face the foe? With Jesus as your Captain go To victory. Suffer men’s taunts in Jesus’ strength You then will share with Him at length Eternity. |
|
“Whisper Jesus” March 16th 15 (After conflict)
|
When surrounded by your foes Whisper Jesus Whisper Jesus This the victory Satan knows Jesus, Jesus.When your faith gives place to fear, Whisper Jesus Whisper Jesus In your weakness He draws near Jesus, Jesus.Satan cannot make you fall Whisper Jesus Whisper Jesus He will hear you when you call Jesus, Jesus.Until these mighty conflicts cease Whisper Jesus Whisper Jesus In tribulation, this your peace Jesus, Jesus. |
|
Following Jesus April 13th 1915 (After conflict)
|
What shall I render gracious Lord, For all Thou art to me? I’ll take the cup which Thou did’st drink Though bitter it may be.Why should I faint, or yet complain, Though great may be the test; Whilst following Thee along this path Thy will for me is best.Oh lead me Lord, nor let me choose An easier path than this; For I have taken up the cross And with it find the bliss.In life, in death, whate’er betide Help me to faithful be The visage, once by man so scarred In glory I shall see. |
|
In Conflict April 13, 1915 (After conflict)
|
Gird on thy sword, O child of God Fear not to wield it on your way With the whole armour onward plod And wear it always, night and day.The victory to Him belongs Who knows “the secret of the Lord;” And only he can bravely fight Who trusts in God’s almighty Word.Jesus has conquered every foe The Captain of salvation He And in His might, upon the field, You also shall have victory.The fallen hosts, by Satan led In cunning craftiness deceive Alluring precious souls to doubt And thus do cords of bondage weave.But Jesus Christ the Lord o’ercame And seated now upon the Throne Led by His Spirit Him to know Can claim His victory as your own. |
|
Take Courage April 25th 15 (At Hognaston, after conflict)
|
What though the way seem dark and drear His perfect love will cast out fear The darkness cannot hide His face For God will manifest His grace - And lead me on.What if I’m called upon to make A sacrifice for His dear sake ‘Tis but a little I can do And I must gladly do it too He died for me.What though my friends despise and shun Whilst witnessing for God’s dear Son This is the way the Saviour took His own disciples Him forsook At Calvary.Oh, Blessed Christ, to Thee I’ll raise Each day I live a note of praise I am not worthy of Thy grace Yet Thou hast promised me a place In heaven above.Whilst here on earth I dimly see What all Thy love hath wrought for me But looking for the better day When the dark shadows flee away To see Thy face. |
|
The Outstretched Arms May 4th 1915
|
His hands were lifted up to save, maybe To-night you see them lifted up for thee Those woundprints plainly show That precious blood did flow To save you from your sin and misery.His hands were lifted up to bless, how true That they are lifted up to rest on you His touch will make you whole Pour life into your soul This very moment ask Him thus to do.His hands were lifted up to smite, oh yes! And now, as then, against unrighteousness Good works cannot appease The blood alone will please “Flee from the wrath,” put on Christ’s righteousness. |
|
“Go Ye” Composed April 21st 1915
|
I hear the heathen calling in unmistaken tones My heart is greatly burdened, for them my spirit groans In darkness they are groping, in vain they seek for light Oh hear my prayer, Lord Jesus, and give to them their sight.How much they long for freedom though circling all around Are numerous gods to keep them still bowing to the ground They know not the Deliverer - the One to set them free By Satan kept in bondage in sin and misery.More labourers Thou art needing to send into the Field The harvest truly plenteous, its fruit to Thee shall yield We plead Thy Name Lord Jesus - we know Thy power to save The ones by Thee most fitted now and across the wave. |
|
“Dead Unto Sin” Sept 8th 1915
|
Put to death O child of God Just as the seed placed ‘neath the sod You life with Christ identified The fleshly lusts all crucified.Nor need they rise to give Thee pain The cleanséd heart once more to stain Once reckoned dead you there abide The blessing claimed - in Him confide.Happy release both self and sin The strongest foes which dwell within Conquered by God’s Almighty power Controlled by Him each day each hour.How sweet to rest upon the Word Filled with the fullness of the Lord In knowledge and in grace to grow Continually to the Spirit sow.Thus Spirit filled and Spirit led Joined unto Christ the Living Head Unto His likeness be conformed The mind renewed will be transformed. (No longer to the world conformed But by His Spirit now transformed.) |
|
Be Ye Steadfast Unmoveable May 4th 1915 (After conflict)
|
Since the Saviour fought His way And conquered in the darkest day Shall we, who still are in the fight Be overcome by Satan’s might When Jesus Christ, at God’s right hand Can give the power that we may stand And conquer too?Since the cross He calmly bore And rose again to die no more Shall we, who follow in His train From that same pathway turn again Because it means the bitter cup The very dregs to drink quite up And loneliness?Since the veil was rent in twain When Jesus Christ bore sin’s dark stain Shall we neglect the Throne of Grace Where strength is found to run the race Whilst He our Priest there intercedes And daily pleads the sinners needs That all may come? |
|
The Lord is My Helper May 4th 1915
|
No path too dark for Christ to shed A radiance bright and clear His sheep are by Him safely led The Shepherd’s voice they hear.No foe too fierce for Christ to meet Which may beset us here His foes will soon in haste retreat Whenever He comes near.No foe too fierce for Christ to meet And saints the Victor know From Him they soon in haste retreat That mighty Name they fear.No pain too sharp for Him to feel Who intercedes above And those who to His footstool kneel Know something of His love.No load too hard for Christ to bear He gives His saints release No trouble which he cannot share He gives a perfect peace. |
|
The European War June 14 1915 (12.0 p.m.)
|
Lord Jesus Christ, the Same We call upon Thy Name For mercy great Bid this great conflict cease Give Universal peace By Thy strong Hand release The grip of hate.Our Advocate with God Thou hast the winepress trod At Calvary May Nations fear Thy Name Be righteousness their aim Put all Thy foes to shame Give liberty.Thou art the Son of Love The stain of war remove By Thine own blood Lead to repentance now All knees to Thee must bow Nor faith can question how Thou workest good.As King of kings supreme Foes are not what they seem Of Lords the Lord Our prayer of faith repeat Whilst at Thy Mercy Seat All foes beneath Thy feet And sheathed the sword. |
|
Barabbas or Jesus (After preparing a message on St Luke 23. 20 & 24) Sept 4th 1915
|
“Away with this man” I hear the world say “Give us Barabbas,” the murderer to-day. Midst the great tumult and for such a throng Pilate released Him, conscious of wrong> CHORUS: “Barabbas or Jesus? To gain or to lose “So Great salvation,” which one will ye choose “You must give your verdict, you must bow the knee; “Barabbas or Jesus? Whom shall it be? |
Into the judgement hall Jesus Christ came Led by His enemies - hatred aflame. Falsely accused, He patiently stood Submissive and calm, whilst sealing His blood. or Judas betraying, shed innocent blood.But did they forever put Jesus away Who promised so often to rise the third day? Nay, nay, this same Jesus to-day intercedes; For sinners unworthy His precious blood pleads.As Sinbearer and Saviour, before you He stands The marks of the cross in His piercéd hands. You must give your verdict, you must bow the knee, “Barabbas or Jesus?” - Now, whom shall it be? |
|
A Testimony June 11th 15.
|
I am a sinner “saved by grace,” Nor of myself could I retrace The path which I have trod. No merits of my own to plead When in my heart I felt the need Of Christ, the Son of God.None righteous, “no not one” my cry Nor works of righteousness could buy The pardon of my soul Jesus Christ, the sinners plea He died for all - He died for me His blood has made me wholeWhen I thus passed from death to life(From here written on the 18th Sept 1926)From bondage, darkness, sin and strife It was through Christ the Lord. By His own blood and risen power He cleansed and pardoned in the hour That I believed His WordBorn from above, regenerate, Loosened from my lost estate And justified A child of God assuredly And bound to Him eternally By Christ Who died. |
|
Jan 1916
|
Living for Jesus every day Walking with Him the narrow way Trusting in Him when doubt and care Would come along to hinder prayer Meeting each trial with faith in God |
|
Jesus Glorified Jan. 10, 16
|
Exalted now upon Thy Throne Is Jesus Christ the Lord Around the throne His glory shines From Him proceeds a sword It wounds, it heals, it pierces through Discerning every thought And never will to Him return Unless some fruit is broughtIn wondrous Love He speaks to all Convicting men of sin The Holy Ghost. The Comforter Now seeks to enter in Whosoever will may come The sinfulest He loves And patiently, in mercy, too The heart of stone He movesOh, Gracious God, Thy Holy Name Let every saint adore Through Jesus Christ Thine Only Son Who is and was before To Thee the Father and the Son The Holy Spirit too Be glory now and evermore The lasting ages through Jan 2nd 16Oh praise the Lord and read His Word A blessing you will find The peace of God has never failed to keep the heart and mind Walk in the light - by faith not sight And ye will never fail Though Satan seeks to hinder you with Christ you must prevail. |
|
Dec. 7. 1915.
|
Though in the sky the clouds may form And scatter darkening rays I’ll lift my heart to Thee, Oh, God In thankfulness and praise.The clouds of sin indeed were dark And darker could not be When to Thee I gave no return For love bestowed on me.Ah more than what we know or think In sunshine or in shade Eye hath not seen nor ear hath heard What wonders Thou hast made.But Thou hast changed my night to day And now - whate’er betide The veil withdrawn - this is my joy Nothing Thy face can hide.(Text in red added by Les Sherlock as this line was blank after the first word) |
|
God On The Throne Dec. 14. 15
|
As black as night the landscape oer The angry waves and billows roar With all its strength the wind must own And can but teach - God on the throneGod on the throne - my theme just now The strongest gale to Him must bow Wars may come and wars may go But still this wondrous truth I knowNations may fall and rise again Wrong against right may seem to reign But He who bade the winds “be still” Makes all submissive to His will. |
|
Xmas 1915
|
Once again ‘tis Christmas time The Gospel Bells so sweetly chime The message of God’s peace Jesus Christ the Saviour came Embodied in a mortal frame The captives to release.Rejoice ye saints of His, rejoice Praise Him with heart and mind and voice The Prince of Peace is He Oh, happy day when Christ was born And happier still the day to dawn When we His Face shall see |
|
The Holy Child Jesus Jan 15. 16
|
Hail, Child of Joy, come in the midst A sinful world to bless Through Thee the sinner may receive A robe of righteousnessOf women’s seed the promise came Though through Eve came the fall And highly favoured of the Lord Was Mary among all'Twas in the manger where they laid The Saviour, Jesus Christ With God throughout His ministry A never-broken trystOh, wondrous gift, Thou God of Love Thine only Son to give Uplifted was the Spotless Lamb For man to look and liveHe, on the third day rose again Triumphant o’er the tomb From Cross to Crown - now glorified That hour to his has come. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|