CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY GIFT OF The Willers Family Cornell University Library PS 1919.H282W9 The wreathed cross :and other poems, aes 3 1924 022 250 587 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924022250587 THE Wreathed Cross AND OTHER POEMS, AESTHETIC AND RELIGIOUS. Rev. D. Y. HEISLER, A. M., AUTHOR OF "THE FATHERS OF THE GERMAN KEFORMED CHURCH IN EIROPE AND AMERICA," AND " LIFE-PICTURES OF THE PRODIGAL SON, A GIFT-BOOK FOP. THE MILLION." " Gather up the Fragments." EASTON, PA. FREE PRESS STEAM PUBLISHING HOUSE. 1879. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in tlie year 1S79, By Rev. D. Y. HEISLER, In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. ESTEEMED FEIEND AND PKECEFIOR, Peof. WILLIAM M. NEVIN, Esq., Jiittle T^olunie r.RATEFUI.LY INSCBllSED. PREFACE. This unpretending little volume is made up of Poems written during my leisure hours, and, with flight exceptions, in the ex- act order in which they are now published. Quite a number of them were composed on special occasions, and by request ; some of them for children and young persons, which, accordingly, are gotten up in a style and language adapted to the taste and capac- ities of rtie parties for whom they were designed. This fact will account for the peculiar style and versification of some of the pieces. They are the simple echoes of the heart, and now come before the public without any pretensions — claiming no special merit, either literary or poetic. All they seek, is, to be useful and entertaining to persons of a chaste and earnest spirit, by pre- ';enting important popular and religious truths in language, sim- ple, direct, and pleasing — aided by rythm and numbers. For reasons which are deemed satisfactory, a few very early productions have been retained ; for which we beg the reader's indulgence. It is hard to disown a child, however uncomely it may be. The book, indeed, does not profess to be a selection of choice Poems, only, but rather an artless collection of fugitive pieces, given very much in the form and order in which they were compo.sed. We ask that this fact may be kept in mind while forming a judgment on their merits. The word Aesthetic, found on the Title-page, is employed to designate those pieces, which, though not strictly religious, do yet treat of the true and beautiful in Nature and Providence, and, therefore, ought not to be stigmatized as profane, or secular, even, in the popular sense of these terms. They come legitimately within the sphere of the human, the ethical, the aesthetic, being, in their nature and ten- dency, pure, chaste, elevating, and refining ! Whilst the language and style, as well as the subjects of the several compositions, are, thus, simple and unpretending, it is nevertheless hoped that they will not be found wanting in that refinement and delicacy of feeling and sentiment, and that chaste- ne^s of thought and expression, which are classed among the chief elements of true poetry. The publication of these Poems, it may be added, i^ owing to the partiality and expressed wishes of a few personal friends, fully as much as to the Author's own judgment of propriety and duty in the case. His only wish, now, is — that, in their present form, they may serve to amuse and gratify these special and interested friends, and, at the same time, afford true comfort and spiritual edification to his fellow pilgrims, generally, on Life's weary way — to the praise and glory of Him "from whom cometh down every good and perfect gift. " , Easton, Pa., Easter Monday, ISTli. CONTENTS. Dedication 3 Preface 5 Proem — Excelsior 11 The Wreatlied Cross 13 Meditations — A Soliloquy 17 The Date Palm 19 Childhood 22 Asleep in Jesus 24 The Nativity 25 Rest for the Weary, 2fi Xew-year's Vision 27 The Epipliany SO Slaughter of the Innocents 33 The Flight into Egypt 34 " Fear not little Flock" 37 Dare to do Eight , 39 The Beatitudes 39 Love your Home 42 Around the Altar Twining 42 The Last Supper 4R Gathering in the Rose-buds 44 The Happy Choice 46 " Thou art so Sweet" 48 Tekel: or, The Sinner Tested , 50 Comforts of Religion 52 Thine Alone 53 V!ll CONTKXTS. Praisi' the Lord ■'** 'Tis not in Vain 55 The Christian's Inheritance SB Praise in Nature ' 57 Contrast in Death 58 Triumphs of the Gospel lU Carrier's Address Ii2 Bartimeus:"or, Jesus and the Blind Man G6 Gratitude 69 Lines for an Album ..' 70 The Rich Man and Lazarus 71 Christian Union— To a Friend at Parting 73 The Sinner Saved. 74 Worth of the Bible 76 Child's Morning Hymn 77 The Victor Slain 78 Child's Evening ITymn 80 Sweet Surprise 81 The Sabbath 83 Invocation 84 Storm at Sea 85 Spring 87 Visions of Heaven Sii Roses on a Grave 90 The Voice of Praise 90 Lostand Saved 91 .Tcsus All in All 93 The Charms of Religion 94 Glory of the Cross 95 Where are They ? 96 New-year's Heaven: or, the Everlasting Rest 196 PROEM— EXCELSIOR. The mind plays queen — her Empire wide and firm, Her Coronet of sparkling gems and gold — Her Sceptre mighty, and her sway supreme ; Endowed with rarest gifts — with potencies On the realms supernal well-nigh trenching. Yet, crude and primitive, the mind is weak, Shackled, and in its progress stayed — inapt, "And of its dole restrict." — Immured within Its prison-house of clay, and captive held. Impatient tho' it yearns and frets — it can't Exert at once, its own sweet native force ; Its range, conditioned, widens by degrees. At times, indeed, it mounts with eagle-wing The whirlwinds dizzy chariot, and, enshrined In royal state, brings forth, in splendid forms, The lofty thoughts imagination moulds i At times, again, descending deep to scenes Of philosophic strife, it fain would pluck From off the sacred shrine the golden fruit. But flights, like these, and dives to regions deep. Where Nature's scenes, sublime, enchant the soul. Belong, alas, to minds mature and cultured, Skilled in lofty science — enriched with stores Of ancient and of modern lore, high-prized. The progress, which, in mounting step by step The giddy heights of truth and knowledge deep. I'KOEM — EXCELSIOR. The mind achieves, these pages fain would show. At diff'rent points of life, my pen shall draw Some pictures to mark the mental vigor — Some lines by which, hereafter, I may trace The progress of the mind ; and, while I thus Record its silent growth, may all conspire To fill, with sentiments of grateful love. My soul, elate for God's rich bounty shared, And crown with honors high my blessed Lord ! Lamb of God — the pure — I long for Thee alone, Thy blood doth peace secure, Thy wounds for sin atone ; And, counting all things loss, I fix my hopes above. And twine around Thy cross A wreath of purest love I When sadness o'er me creeps. And gloomy shades prevail, When night its vigil keeps. And passions fierce assail — Then, Dearest Jesus, be My soul's sweet morning star; Thy light shall comfort me. Bright gleaming from afar I 14 THE WKEATHEn CROSS. Around the hallowed cross The heart's affections twine, And, midst the heaviest loss, Their gushing streams combine ; They form a mighty flood, "With genial warmth aglow, And find, in Jesus' blood, A sweet and placid flow! wondrous cross — to me The source of purest joy — From condemnation free. Sweet tho'ts my heart employ. 1 upward look to Thee, Lamb of God, most dear, And, in Life's book, I see My pardon full and clear ! When light within doth shine. And sheds sweet comfort round, When every blessing's mine. And joys supreme abound — 'Tis, then, I think of Thee, Dear Jesus, and Thy cross, And, 0, this comforts me. My gain stands in Thy loss ! AVhen days grow dark and drear. And nights are thick with gloom, When friends nor pleasures cheer. Nor peace in me finds room, 0, then, I turn mine eyes To dear Golgotha's brow. And every shadow flies — Sweet peace is round me now ! THE WKEATHED CKOSS. Thy bleeding love, dear Lord, My trembling soul assures. The promise of Thy word My future bliss secures ; For, in Thy wondrous cross, With sacred blood bedewed, I hail, 'midst outward loss, My inner life renewed I What honors shall I bring. Dear Saviour, to Thy name ? What anthems shall I sing To Thee of ancient fame ? My heart, aglow with love, To highest praise aspires, And, from the realms above, Thy life my spirit fires 1 wondrous gift to me. This gift of life divine, Conjoined my soul with Thee, Make Thou me wholly Thine ; My life I bring to Thee, Nor aught esteem I loss. For what is dear to me, I twine around Thy cross ! And, if, with cares opprest, I wander here and there. And find no soothing rest, No answer to my pray'r, Then, hail I Jesus, slain. Fixed on the crimson cross ; And gladly count that gain Which was my greatest loss I 16 THE WREATHED CROSS. My heart, now calm and free, (^ Is filled with love divine, And, gazing still on Thee, I hail Thee, Jesus, mine ; 1 Then round the cross is seen A halo bright and fair. ! And earth and sky, I ween, Are bathed in fulgent air ! ( How sweet is life, and bright, 1 "When Thy free grace is nigh ; 1 How soft and clear the light, ] Which Cometh from on high -, j And yet, my dearest Lord, 1 ( I need Thee every hour. I need Thy conq'ring word, I need Thy saving power ! When Death, with sable wing. ! Sweeps o'er my pilgrim way ; When foes to conflict bring Their hosts in fierce array — Then, Christ, in Thee secure. I'll hasten to Thy cross — Thy blood doth make me pure, Thy grace repairs my loss ! At length, when life is o'er, And all its tears are shed, When placed on Canaan's shore. Amid the sainted dead — Then, Jesus, free from dross, I'll worship Thee above. And twine around Thy cross A wreath of perfect love ! MEDITATIONS— A SOLILOQUY. Infinite Goodness ! say, what meed of praise, What love, what gratitude is due Thy grace ? What sentiments should in my bosom glow, And from my pen what tho'ts exclusive flow ? When all Thy varied mercies I review — Thy kindness shown, ea.ch morn and evening new, Each want supplied from out Thy boundless stores, My heart o'erflows, my wondering soul adores 1 And shall I hush? — conceal these gifts divine, And in this swelling heart my tho'ts confine ? Or shall I speak Thy love — Thy grace declare, And with me cause each, all, these gifts to share ? Great source of Light — do Thou my bosom fill With tho'ts that live and gently sway the will ; And may my soul — -illumined from above. Incessant feel and gladly speak Thy love I Where'er I stray or turn my ravished eyes. Such scenes of grandeur to my vision rise- Such beauty, grace, and loveliness combine. As show the hand that made them is divine ! Here on this earth and in yon vaulted sky, A thousand tokens of Thy Love I 'spy, — Each twinkling star appears a gem of light, To beautify the varied scenes of night. 18 MEDITATIONS. And, 0, when I with steady gaze survey The radiant scenes of night and charms of day, My spirit, winged with rays of purest love, In vision soars to sweetest joys above ! Yet other wonders, more stupendous still, Do the blest pages of Thy volume fill — 'Tis there, I ween, the depths of love divine Do in their most resplendent beauties shine ! 'Tis there we learn — ^the only wisdom this — The way to present j oy and future bliss ; How sinners lost may be restored to God And saved by virtue of redeeming blood ! How condescending and' how strangely kind Seemsthe Divine Restorer of mankind ; His love so boundless, so exceeding great, He died — ^to glory changed our vile estate ! 'Twas not for self the Son of God came down. And cheerful wore on earth the Martyr's crown ; His loving Heart, by pure compassion moved, Urged him to leave what He so dearly loved. He left his Home on high, and here became A man of deepest sorrow, grief and shame ; Betrayed by secret foes — by friends denied. To court and judgment led — then crucified ! My dearest Lord- — my Saviour and my God, What varied paths of anguish hast Thou trod, And yet how feebly burns the flame of love, take my Heart — fix all my thoughts above ! THE DATE PALM. 19 'Mid trials sore and persecution's frown, Help me to wear, with Thee, the thorny crown ; And when Life's ever}- ill I've meekly borne. Then take me. Lord, whei;e mourners cease to mourn. THE DATE PALM. Majestic — in the barren waste — The Date Palm springeth up in haste ; Straight, as an arrow shot from bow. Doth it, the prince of fruit trees grow, In verdure fair, 'mid burning sands, The pride and boast of desert stands ; As upward to the clouds it shoots, It, also, deeply strikes its roots. 'Tis needful that its base be firm To guarranty a lengthened term ; For, when the tree so lofty grows, The tempest, also, rudely blows ; And, then, the tree, so slim and straight. Disports a top of extra weight — The trunk encircling far aloft. Are leaves, amazing, thick and soft ; And then the fruit, in clusters found, Grows thick and close the tree around. Which, as it may be well supposed, Is oft to passing winds exposed ; These, sweeping o'er the arid plain. And, all things striking in their train, Would hurl the giant to the ground, Were not its moorings solid found. But, most of all, the tree, designed For wand'ring hordes to wilds assigned, 20 THE DATE PALM. Is thus conserved and useful made, With food uniting grateful shade ; And, groaning 'neath its precious boon, It, shelt'ring, cheers the heart at noon ; And eve and morn the Bedouin For food and shelter there is seen. These children of the desert wild, By its sweet umbrage thus beguiled, And, feasting on its luscious fruit. Make it the object of pursuit — Accounting it the richest boon, A grateful screen from sun and moon ; For, pleasant tho' its fruit may be, Its cooling shade, as each can see, Is equally as dear to them — The wand'ring, restless sons of Shem. But, Oh 1 the wonders of this tree, Are greater yet by far, you see, For every part is useful found, From top e'en down unto the ground : The trunk elastic wood doth yield. To furnish them with bow and shield ; The bark is twisted into cords. To string the bows of savage lords ; The leaves, to roof the tents, are spread, Or, beaten soft, they form their bed ; The fruit yields them a grateful drink Which helps the Arab mind to think ; Nor prize they wine and date alone, A usance greater far they own ; The seeds, esteemed of equal good, j Do form the patient camel's food. I But who may venture, thus, to state The endless uses of the Date 7 It comfort brings to man and beast, THE DATE PALM. 21 And ill the desert spreads a feast. Its wondrous uses, Arabs say, Are — one to each recarring day ; Three hundred, thus, and sixty-five. Which keep them all the year alive. No marvel, then, that they should call The Palm — the noblest tree, of all. Esteem it God's best gift to them. The wild and roving sons of Shem ; And for it yield; with hearts elate. Their thanks each day to ALLAHJ^great 1 REFLECTIONS. Majestic Tree ! — In deserts wild. Men laud thee for thy gifts so mild ; Nor would to thee our hearts deny This tribute of laudations high ; For great thy patent virtues are. And hidden ones surpass them far. If not in number, yet in grade — Of nobler things the emblems made. The trunk, so lofty and so straight, Doth show the Christian's high estate ; Thy leaves and branches, up so far, The signet of his virtues are ; Thy luscious fruit, so rich and sweet. Yields of his life an emblem meet ; Thy branches, in their fadeless green, Are oft in glad processions seen ; Thus, when the Lord, His labors closed. To enter Salem's gates proposed, His princely honor to maintain. Thy branches graced the royal train ; For multitudes, on that bright day. With palm and vestments strewed the way I Yet further, still, thy fame extends CHILDHOOD. To higher worlds and nobler ends ; For, when His glories were displayed, By Saints, in snow-white robes aiTayed, Then of that bright, triumphant band Each one a palm-branch bore in hand ; The Palm — a sign of vict'ry gained. The glist'ning robes of bliss obtained ! Their robes made white in Jesus' blood, Their vict'ry speaks the purple flood ; And cross and crown, in sweet accoi-d. Bear witness to our blessed Lord, "While robes of white and branches green, As emblems of His work, are seen ; The Palm is, thus, in honor found — In em'rald wreaths the cross around ! CHILDHOOD. When Fancy sweeps the distant past, 1 And wakes to life what happened then, I The fairy things appear so fast i That they defy the readiest pen ; i Each moment brings some magic form I With rain-bow tints all fair and bright ; I The day knows naught of cloud or storm, 1 And moon and stars illume the night ! 1 How radiant shines the rising sun — How soft and fair the landscape round ! i How sweet the hours, and full of fun. And woods and hills with song resound ! Sweet days of Childhood ! O how dear That age so free from sin and care ! j How brilliant all things then appear, j How well the little pilgrims fare ! CHILDHOOD. 23 Their joys, at early morn begun, Are glowing yet at day's decline ; And e'en the gleams of setting sun Still in their hearts effulgent shine. How HAPPY, thus, at dawn of day, When Nature seems so bright and fair, How spry and blithesome in their play, With hearts as free and light as air ! Out in the fields and meadows, they With agile limbs and spirits high, Pursue the gold-wing'd bugs of May, Or chase the painted butterfly ; ■ Sweet roses, found in hedge or field. With eager haste they gather there. And bogs and fens must likewise yield Their share of lilies pure and fair! Thus, roaming gay, o'er hill and dale. They make the boundless forest ring. With sportive shouts their hearts regale, And, laughing, their sweet ditties sing. The trees must cater to their wants, The festooned vines afford a swing, And bush and bough, in gloomy haunts, Must each its share of pleasure bring. Sweet age of innocence and joy — Of festive days and dreamless nights, What sorrow can thy peace destroy, What grief alloy thy pure delights I How, often, from Life's scenes of care. My longing heart reverts to thee. Once more thy peerless joys to share, While mingling in thy childish glee ! 24 CHILDHOOD. could we but this scene prolong, And still possess, without alloy, The gladsome hours, the thrill, the song, The echo of that earlier joy ! Ah ! could we but in fancy bring Those fragrant seasons back again, How would we then rejoice and sing. And, rapt, forget each tort'ring pain ! * Blest time of innocence and love, So like that primal age of earth. When, in each fragrant field and grove, Was heard the voice of sacred mirth ; When ev'ry tree, and shrub, and flower, In ceaseless flow, sweet incense breathed. And in, and through fair Eden's bow'r. Bach object was in beauty wreathed I That season ne'er shall come again. To bring its sweet enjoyments back ; My time is that of grief and pain, In comforts tho' it doth not lack ; But, looking o'er the beauteous past, ■ In fancy, free from sin and pain, 1 hope, thro' grace divine, at last To be a child in truth again I ASLEEP IN JESUS. There is a calm, a sweet repose For those who sleep in Jesus blest ; They safely 'bide, secure from foes, And on the Saviour's bosom rest. THE NATIVITY. The shepherds, "neath an Eastern sky, Were watching o'er their flocks by night, When, suddenly, there gleamed on high A splendor 'bove the noon-day light ; For, lo, an Angel from the throne In glory came upon them there ; A heavenly light around themi shone, And they, afraid, the glory share I Then kindly did the Angel say — " Fear not, glad tidings you I bring ; For unto you is born to-day In Bethlehem a Saviour — ^king, Great joy and gladness now shall see All kindred tribes of human kind ; And of this joy — the sign shall be In manger that the babe ye find." The story scarcely had been told. Then brilliant forms swept o'er the plain ; A multitude their Prince enfold. Loud praising God in lofty strain. Exultant shouting — as they sang — " Be glory now to God most High," "And peace on earth," the chorus rang, " Good will to men," both far and nigh ! 26 THE NATIVITY. Soon as the charming song had ceased, And angel-bands to heav'n were gone, The shepherds, from their spell released. "Werei thoughtful, left to muse alone ; And each, instinctive, said and thought, "Come noTf — let's go to Bethlehem, There see the wonder God hath wrought. The wonder God hath wrought for men !" Still prompted by th' angelic song, ; The shepherds haste to reach the spot. And, by the spirit borne along, Their feet, so nimble, weary not ; Anon they reach the destined place, Their joy — what mortal can define? The Angel's word, fulfilled, they trace. With Mary find the babe Divine ! wondrous sight I bliss divine ! I With sacred joy their hearts o'erflow, Th' incarnate myst'ry they opine. ij And worship Jesus — bending low ; Then hast'ning to their tented fields. They all along the news proclaim ; Enraptured, glad, each bosom yields A grateful song to Jesus' Name I 1 REST FOR THE WEARY. ', There is for weary pilgrims found A rest from all their toils and cares. A Home, where joys supreme abound, A bliss, wherein each wand'rer shares ; To this dear rest — this home above. Are gathered all the sous of love ! NEW-YEAR'S VISIOK. Once struggling up a rugged steep, What TIME I cannot say, I reached the mountain's lofty peak. Thence sloping either way — And down the hill on either side I saw a spacious plain, It seemed much like a chequer-board, Tho' not alike the twain : The ONE, o'erhung by gloomy shades, Without ONE brilliant ray. The only Light by mortals seen. Was like to "dawn of day;" The other, 'neath a cloudless sky, Was brighter far, and fair. And yet the plain seemed varied by A shadow here and there I Across this chequered plain I 'spied The pathway trod by me ; The length — if I remember right — Was thirty miles and three ; Enough — my sluggish spirit seemed Aroused to strong desire. And in my waking eyes now beamed The meditative fire. 28 new-year's vision. While gazing psusive on the scenes, Which 'round this pathway lay, And anxiously concerned to know How I had passed that way ; An Angel, clothed in purest white, Stood by — with wisdom rife — And kindly offered to unfold The myst'ry of my life ! He gently raised his hand and said '•' Far yonder — do you see A spot in richest garb arrayed. From sorrows mostly free. And, in that spot of innocence, An object strange and new, An INFANT watched by Providence, That infant once were you ! " The garden gate is open wide, The infant, now a boy, Is out among the pit-falls seen, Of laughter full and joy — E'en there God's arm protected him. But HOW no mortal knew, Unharmed the wayward boy is seen, That wayward boy — were you ! " Pull out upon Life's chequered plain. More perilous than all. Behold what crowds of heedless youth Are yearly seen to fall ; But ONE, by sovereign grace, is seen In Christ created new ; / That rescued one — favored youth — That RESCUED one — were you ! new-year's vision. 29 " And now upon this lofty ridge, Of manhood's riper years, Review Life's imperfections all. With penitential tears — And, 0, with manly gratitude In every such review, Confess the Grace of Him who could Such mercy grant to yotj!" Thus far the Angel : When he ceased My heart grew faint within ; I saw me, with a vasty crowd, Still here exposed to sin — While down on yonder side the ridge. Dark lay the gloomy plain ; I begged him to my friends and me The FUTURE to explain. In answer to my earnest pray'r, The Angel friend replied ; " To mortals what is future yet, Is wisely here denied — Be quiet, then, and childlike look To Him alone who knows ; Whatever lies within this plain The Future will disclose I " One thing or two I fain would tell. And solemn things they are, How sinners may escape Jrom hell. And life eternal share ; One Light — the light of life — is come To chase the gloom away, And thro' the darkest shades of night To lead to endless day. 30 THE EPTPHANT. " God, in the gospel of His Son, Invites His children home, And oflfers ' grace' to cheer them on, Each FOE to overcome ; Gives Faith to conquer death and hell. And Hope to make them strong. And Love, the bond of perfectness. To bind the happy throng. And see what boundless stores of grace In Jesus Christ are found. Life, peace, and joy to every soul. That hears the blissful sound ; And in His Word the choicest rules To mortal man are given — Directions how to walk secure Thro' yonder plain to Heaven 1" 'Tis well — I knew it must be so Just as the Angel said ; 'Tis rashness to attempt to know That which is future yet ; God I may I be satisfied With what each good man hath. Thy Word — "a lamp to guide mt teet, A LIGHT UNTO MT PATH." THE EPIPHANY. Sages — from the Orient far — Gazing on the azure dome. Saw a strange — a wondrous star Luring them away from home ; THE EPIPHANY. 31 For it spake of One who came To fulfill the hopes of old, What the Seers in vision claim, What the prophets had foretold. In the clear nocturnal sky Still they saw the triple star, Shining in its sphere so high, Shining near and shining far ; Dreams of ancient visions came Floating on the midnight air, Kindling in their hearts a flame Pure and lofty — -bright and fair ! Hasting they — the mystic three — Magi high in story famed, Came the wond rous child to see. Child in vision Jesus named ; When the promised babe was born. Born a king in Bethlehem, On that fair and brightest morn Came the Orient sons of Shem ! Joyous, bright, the Magi came. Came, in eager haste, to seek — Seek Him of the mystic name. Born a king, so mild and meek ; " In the East, His star we've seen — Seen it brilliant, seen it dim ; Guided by the radiant sheen, We have come to worship Him !" Vexed, alarmed, the tyrant king. Greatly moved, the story hears. Learned Rabbies doth he bring To allay his doubts and fears ; 32 THE EPIPHANY. i And of them doth now demand Where Messiah should be born ; " Here," say they — " in Judah-land, Blessed now, tho' erst forlorn !"' Then the despot — 'greatly ired — Called the Magi whom he feared, Earnestly of them inquired When the mystic star appeared ; " Go"— saith he— "to Bethlehem, Seek the wond rous child and bring Word to me in haste again — • I, too, would adore the king." i i ... When his wish the Magi heard, Heard the crafty tyrant's word. Hastily they sped their way ; And the star, which they had seen In the Orient sky serene, Went before them till it came Standing o'er the spot — the same Where the infant Saviour lay ! 1 Fairly now the house within, i They with Mary see the child, Bending low, they worship Him, j Worship Christ — the meek, the mild ; And, their treasures op'ning. wide. Rarest gifts of gold they bring, Frankincense and myrrh beside Offer they to Christ — their king ! Once their willing service done, Service rendered to their Lord, Homeward haste they, and anon God doth kindly aid afford— SLAUGHTER OF THE INNOCENTS. 33 Warns them Herod not to see, Homeward go another way ; Heeding, they the tyrant flee, Glad — the voice of God obey Grateful for this help divine, They with joy their steps retrace Still the mystic star doth shine, Shines effulgent in its place ; Guided hy His light serene, Err they not, nor aimless roam ; Fended 'neath the radiant sheen, They in safety reach their home ! SLAUGHTER OP THE INNOCENTS. Heard ye, elate, th' enrapt'ring strains Erst sweeping o'er Judea's plains, In sweet celestial lays ? They were the songs of angels bright Rejoicing in the coming light — The light of better days ! That joy is changed to tort'ring fears. And eyes are moist with briny tears, Which now in torrents fall ; And hearts, with gladness full of late. Now drain the bitter cup of fate — Of wormwood and of gall I The Despot, by the wise men mocked, Is mad with rage, and men are shocked With horrid deeds of blood ; For, sending forth his servile hosts, Of vict'ry o'er the weak he boasts, Avenged in crimson flood 1 34 THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT. Fulfilled is what the prophets spake, In Kama all of grief partake — A plaintive voice is heard ; The voice of mourning, sad and deep, For Bachel doth her children weep, And weeps with hope deferred ! bloody scene ! cruel fate ! Where all was peace and joy of late. Now sorrow reigns supreme ; There lamentation loud and strong, And mourning o'er the cruel wrong, Are found in their extreme I The blood of infant martyrs shed, In vengeance, thus, to slaughter led, No longer they are near ; Sweet Innocents in crowds are slain. And comfort none doth now remain The smitten heart to cheer ! THE PLIGHT INTO EGYPT. Rapture reigned in Judah, then, Joy the heaving bosom thrilled ; For the cherished hope of men. For the promise was fulfilled ; Yet the welkin, dank and dark. Presaged trouble — presaged pain, And the prudent eye could mark Wrath-clouds gath'ring o'er the plain. THE PLIQHT INTO EGYPT. 35 Scarce the Magi yet are gone, When an Angel from above Comes to Joseph — sad and lone — In a dream, with words of love, Saying : '' rise, and take the child, Child so tender — dear to thee — With his mother meek and mild, To the land of Egypt flee 1 " There remain, till thee I bring Word of comfort, word of joy; For the bloody tyrant-king Seeks the infant to destroy.'' Going thence, in haste, he took Mary with the babe divine ; Glad, the tyrant's realm forsook. Safety sought in foreign clime I Stayed he in that land remote. Sheltered by the arm divine, Until God in judgment smote Herod of the scheme malign ; That the mystic word of old Might receive its sense anon, " Out of Egypt have I called, Called my well-beloved Son." Safe — protected were the three, Aided still by might divine ; Prom the dread of tyrants free. Exiled, they do not repine ; Once the tyrant dead and gone, Joseph, now, no longer fears ; For an Angel from the throne To him in a dream appears. 36 THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT. " Hasten, rise" — ^the Angel said — "Take the mother, take the child, They who sought his life are dead, Homeward bear the meek, the mild." Quickly, then, he rose and took Child and mother, calm, serene, Glad, the land of Ham forsook. Came again to Palestine. I Tyrants new the sceptre bore. Evils feared he, serious, grave, ! Would his safety risk no more, 1 Would no more the perils brave ; I Fearing he, and warned of God, Turned aside to Galilee, Where he found a safe abode, Sheltered and from danger free. In a city small and mean, Dwelt they — dwelt the sacred three ; Naz'reth — as in vision keen — Prophets saw their home should be ; And the mystic word, once more. In fulfillment now is seen ; Word in darkness veiled before — " He shall be a Nazarene." the bliss — the rapture sweet Nestling in the trusty heart, When, submissive at His feet, In God's love we share a part ! Dangers tho', in countless hosts, Daily crowd around our path, Bach, in God, a vict'ry boasts O'er the cruel sons of wrath ! "FEAB NOT LITTLE FLOCK." Ye friends of the Saviour, And friends ofmankind, Come let us endeavor With heart and with mind, The God of all mercies, The Grod of all grace, To serve and to honour. To love and to praise ! His goodness has kept us In days that are gone, His grace will sustain us In time that's to come ; This truth is so precious. This hope is so dear, That, living or dying. We never shall fear ! The God that made heaven. The earth, and the seas, Doth He not sustain them So long as He please ? And why — so much favored. Should WE not confide In Him who has made us And ALL things beside ? 38 FEAR NOT LITTLE PLOOK. " If you, that are evil," The Lord doth inquire, " Do grant to your children The gifts they desire ; Much LESS will your Father, Whose dwelling's on high. The things ye have need of To yoQ e'er deny. ■'The voice of the raven, That sails in the air. Your Father in heaven With pity doth hear ; With food He supplies them Tho' num'rous they be ; But, 0, ye distrustful. Much better are ye ! "And think of the lilies That grow in the field ; They toil not — ^they spin not. Nor increase they yield ; Yet God doth array them In robes that are gay; And why should less goodness To you. He display ?" Then fear not, beloved, Nor faint on the road. Since God will supply us With raiment and food ; Come, let us take courage And hope for the day. When Christ in His mercy. Shall call us away I THE BEATITUDES. 39 Yea, let us be constant, Nor yield to dismay, And God will in season. His glory display ; At length, from all sorrows He'll free us, His blest. And grant us an entrance To non-ending rest I DARE TO DO RIGHT. God is faithful, just, and true. And will kindly care for you — Bravely, then, the right pursue, As is due I THE BEATITUDES. Once, weary with the cares of earth, ' The Lord of life was found Ensconsed upon the mountain side, With multitudes around ; And, gazing on the eager crowd. Who craved the light above. He oped His sacred lips, and spake In words of purest love : Lo, " blessed" they, the weary ones, Whom earth unhappy calls ; On them, in sweet and tender notes. The "benediction'' falls ; They be the richest far on earth That are in spirit poor ; For theirs the heavn ly kingdom is, And theirs for evermore. 40 THE BEATITUDES. Yea, " blessed" are the contrite ones, The burthened souls that mourn ; The Lord will hear their plaintive groans. To joy their sadness turn ; For, in the heaving breast is found A soil productive, pure, And every grace shall there abound. And joy divine be sure 1 Supremely "blessed" are the meek. Who, fearing God, obey — ■ And, longing for salvation, seek To walk in wisdom's way ; For they, the blessed heirs of life. The sons of heav'nly birth. Are made to share in present bliss. Inheritors of earth ! And " blessed" are the famished ones, That hunger and do thirst. And "righteousness" in earnest seek. And seek this blessing first ; Yea, blessed are these weary ones. As God their bliss hath willed. For they, the poor and needy, shall With joys divine be "filled." And " blessed are the merciful," The tender and the kind — The sympathising friends of all. The lovers of mankind ; For they, in darkest seasons found, In anguish of the mind. Shall, even then, in bliss abound. Sweet mercy they shall find ! THE BEATITITDES. 41 Thrice "blessed are the pure in heart,'' The faithful and the true, Who long with all on earth to part, And higher ends pursue ; For they, in all that greets them here. In earth and sea combined, In forest, field, and sky, shall see A God supremely kind ! And " blessed" they, who, hating strife. The ways of peace pursue. And, following thus the Prince of Life. Are found to virtue true ; Renewed in heart, the Holy one Says ; "they shall all be mine, Blest children of the living God, And heirs of life divine." And " blessed" they, the pure and good, The righteous and the just — With every gift of grace adorned, And free from every lust ; Who, for their goodness, suffer wrath And persecutions dire ; For theirs are joy and heav'nly bliss. Such as the saints desire ! And chiefly ye, the friends of truth. Enlightened from on high. Who, faithful to your Sov'reign Lord, Proclaim Him far and nigh ; Supremely "blessed" are ye just. That goodness still pursue, Tho' by the wicked world arraigned For what is good and true. 42 ABOUND THE ALTAR TWINING. " Rejoice, and be exceeding glad," Ye servants of the Lord — Triumphant lift your heads on high, " For great is your reward ;" For so the ancient prophets fared, The faithful and the true ; "Whom wicked men did persecute, With vengeance did pursue ! LOVE YOUR HOME. Once the soul, in thought estranged, Frets in discontent at home. Soon it, then — all things arranged — Longs in distant lands to roam ! AROUND THE ALTAR TWINIXG. Around the altar twining Affections warm and pure. In faith and love combining. The crown of life secure ; Xor fear nor danger heeding. The heart, thus firm and strong, Tho' wily lusts are pleading, Instinctive shuns the wrong. Around the altar twining Affections warm and pure. In light and beauty shining, To life and bliss allure ; The Lord, the mighty, shielding His children 'neath His arm, Nor to the tempter yielding, Preserves them free from harm. THE LAST SUPPER. 43 Around the altar twining Affections warm and pure, On virtue still reclining, Of radiant glory sure ; happy they, who, hoping In God, the mighty Lord, With hostile forces coping, Secure the great reward. Around the altar twining Affections warm and pure, The trusty heart refining, A blissful hope insure ; Hence, happily reposing On God in fiercest strife. The soul itself composing. Awaits eternal life ! THE LAST SUPPER. The sun went down, that festal eve. With gold and crimson in the sky. And no one could, in fact, believe, The tragic scenes that lay so nigh ; The Master, in that upper room — Convened with friends — once more at least. Would, prior to his final doom. With them observe the pascal feast I While seated round the festive board. He took the bread, and blessed, and brake, " Take — 'tis my body, broke for you. This eat in mind of me" — He spake ; 44 GATHERING IN THE ROSE-BUDS. Then took the cup, and, blessing, said " Drink ye, my friends, drink all of this. This is my blood for sinners shed, 'Tis life to you — 'tis endless bliss !" joyous feast! O blessed scene I What matchless grace to mortals shown ; Such kindness ne'er before was seen. Such boundless love was never known ; 'Tis Jesus bringing life and peace, And pledging men sweet joys above ; Then hasten, mortals, to receive These tokens of His dying love ! GATHERING IN THE ROSE-BUI»S. Little "beauties," scarcely born. Basking in the dew of morn. Tiny Rose-buds, sweet and fair, Breathing in the baling air. Prom the stem so rudely torn, Hapless seem and quite forlorn ; Yet by fairy hands are brought. Set in vases chastely wrought ! Placed upon the mantel fair, Where, immersed in perfumed air. Gently swelling, they expand Into roses sweetly grand ; In the night and thro' the day. Fragrance now exhaling, they Grandly thus the parlor grace. Lovely, charming — just in place ! GATHERING IN THE ROSE.BCDS. 45 So the little wand'rers gay, Cast upon Life's thorny way, ' Here and there are ling'ring found, Weary, way-worn, homeward bound ; Loveliest, fairest of them all, Gently doth the Master call Up to yonder worlds above. Full of beauty — full of love ! Hearts are saddened here below, Bitter tears are caused to flow ; Every earthly joy seems gone, And the weary weep alone ; But their joy, awhile restrained, 'Mid the losses here sustained, Soon, in fuller measure giv'n. Sweeter shall be found in heav'n ! Parents — mourning babes removed. Treasures once so dearly loved — Deeming all earth's pleasures gone, Nothing left but tears alone — Deem ye life all dark and drear. With no ray of hope to cheer ? Bleeding hearts, with anguish riv'n, Lo ! your babes are saved in heav'n ! Sweet the joy that hope doth give, Children dying, still do live — Happier far in realms above, Bathing there in seas of love ; Waiting, free from care and fear, For the loved ones struggling here ; Soon their bliss ye, too, shall share In those mansions bright and fair ! THE HAPPY CHOICE. I ask not for riches, Which cannot secure A crown that is fadeless, Xor joys that are pure ; I ask but those riches, From virtue that 'rise, The smiles of my Saviour, The pearl of great price ! I ask not for beauty. This soon shall decay. And leave me to linger 'Mid shame and dismay : I ask not such beauty, I seek but to find The FAIREST in Nature, The beauty of mind ! I ask not for pleasitres, Prom Nature that spring ; Like vapors they vanish, And leave but a sting ; I ask but those pleasures In death that endure, Produced by the spirit, Sweet, lovely, and pure I THE HAPPY CHOICE. I ask not for power, So eagerly souglit, 47 ! i With pain it is coupled, With danger 'tis fraught ; I ask but for power My spirit to rule. Its passions to govern, Its fears to control 1 I ask not for kavor, 'Mong mortals below ; The good that is lasting, They cannot bestow ; I ask but for favor. With Thee, Most High ; In weakness defend me, In danger be nigh I I ask not for honor, The charm of mankind ; The flesh tho' it pleases. It poisons the mind ; I ask but for honor. In Jesus my Lord, The pledge of his pardon. The seal of His blood ! I ask not for wisdom To earth that's confined ; With sin it is mingled. With falsehood combined ; I ask but for wisdom My duties to scan, 1 i ! i 1 1 And render them daily - To God and to man 1 48 THOU ART SO SWEET. |l I ask not for glory By conquest attained ; With tears it is purchased, With blood it is stained ; I ask but THIS glory — My name to survive In Heaven's fair ledger, The Lamb's book of Life ! "THOU ART SO SWEET.'" These were the dying words of a young lady, who, when no longer able to speak aloud, continued to magnify the rich grace of God, iu Christ, — her tongue silently going through the motion— Thou art so sweet— Thou art so sweet, until her spirit passed gently over into the land of the bleat. Thou art so sweet ! When Nature's night so dark and drear, By grace dispelled, did disappear, And skies became all bright and clear, Surprised, I sung— Thou art so sweet 1 Thou art so sweet ! Ah ! since each day Thy grace I feel, As near Thy throne I joyful kneel, And Thou thyself dost there reveal, I'll sing, I'll sing — Thou art so sweet ! Thou art so sweet ! At morn — when all so lovely seems, The sun displays his radiant beams, And air with choicest music teems, I'll sing aloud — Thou art so sweet 1 THOU AKT SO SWEET. 49 Thou art so sweet I Thy name I'll praise at busy noon, 'Mid odors sweet and rosy bloom — Thy word dispels the gath'ring gloom, And sings my soul — Thou art so sweet 1 Thou art so sweet ! At even-tide — all calm and still, I lift mine eyes to Zion's hill. And God my Saviour's with me still, I'll sing with joy — Thou art so sweet ! Thou art so sweet i At midnight, when my soul awakes 'Mid silent gloom and spreading shades, And all before my vision fades — I'll sing alone — Thou art so sweet ! Thou art so sweet I While yet my blood so freely flows, My soul with burning ardor glows, And God His grace on me bestows — I'll sing in youth — Thou art so sweet 1 Thou art so sweet I Yes, when I feel — reduced by age, I soon must leave this earthly stage. Let praise to God my soul engage, While loud I sing — Thou art so sweet ! Thou art so sweet I While life remains, my soul inspire, God, with love and sacred fire, Let all my powers in haste conspire To sing, enrapt — Thou art so sweet I 50 TEKEL: OR, THE SIN'NER TESTED. Thou art so sweet ! When sickness lays me on my bed, And pains are o'er my body shed, I'll lift my soul to Christ- my Head, And still sing on — Thou art so sweet ! Thou art so sweet ! When struggling in the arms of death. When stops my pulse and fails my breath, I'll rest secure in God, through faith, And louder sing— Thou art so sweet ! Thou art so sweet I Yes, when life's toilsome days are o'er, And sin disturbs my soul no more, I'll sing in strains unknown before. My God, My God — Thou art so sweet ! TEKEL: OR, THE SINNER TESTED. Thou art wanting ! Who is wanting ? He, whose thoughts from God estrange, Whilst he blindly trusts to fate ; Though in death he seek a change. Then, alas, 'twill be too late — He is wanting, Truly wanting ! Thou art wanting 1 Who is wanting ? He who strives the world to please. Seeks not heaven, shuns not hell, TEKEL : OB THE SINNER TESTED. 51 Still lives on in thoughtless ease, Oh ! his state is hard to tell ! He is wanting. Sadly wanting ! Thou art wanting ! Who is wanting ? He who serves not God, sincere, Nor obeys His mandates pure ; He doth not the Lord revere, And to him destruction's sure. He is wanting, Surely wanting ! Thou art wanting 1 Who is wanting ? He, who makes not God his friend. Nor to Christ for safety flees ; But lives thoughtless to his end. Till at length his doom he sees — He is wanting. Ever wanting ! Thou art wanting ! Who is wanting? He, that, when the Lord shall come. To collect His jewels rare. Finds for him there is no room, And sinks down to dark despair — He is wanting, Greatly wanting 1 Thou art wanting, Who is wanting 7 He, who, when earth disappears, Finds himself engulfed in hell ; 52 I'OMFORTS OP RELIGION. Where must flow his bitter tears, Where his sorrows still must swell- He is wanting, O, he's wanting ! COMFORTS OF RELIGION. How sweet 'tis to mingle with saints of the Lord To praise Him for mercies revealed in His Word ; Serenely look up to the place where He dwells And draw from Him comfort as water from wells. How sweet 'tis to linger beside the pure stream Where pleasures forever, as traly 'twould seem, Abide in their freshness to cheer the sad soul And goodness and mercy encompass the whole. How sweet to remember that all we possess Results from His goodness, His mercy, and grace ; And feel the assurance, we need not despond Since God is so gracious, so loving and fond. How sweet to look forward, nor then be afraid When death shall envelope the soul in its shade. But lean with composure on Jesus' strong arm Where pain cannot enter nor dangers alarm. How sweet to look, also, beyond the thick gloom That hides from the vision the sun-beams of noon. There God and the Saviour forever compose The spirit's sweet Testing — its endless repose. Aye, sweet from the valley of sorrows and tears A home in the skies to the mourner appears ; He steadily looks to this mansion on high, The pilgrim's dear Homestead reserved in the sky ! THI\E ALOXK. o3 When sunk in affliction — in deepest distress — And nothing remaineth to cheer and to bless, "I'is THEN the lone pilgrim, the' heaving a sigh. Looks upward, and thinks of his portion on high ! THINE ALONE. Yes, my Jesus, precious Saviour, I would yield myself to. Thee ! Seal this offering with Thy favor, And from sin my spirit free ! Thou hast saved me by Thy power Prom disease and early death, And to Thee, in earnest prayer, I will spend my latest breath 1 While my life and strength continue, I will seek Thy smiling face, And for aye pursue that virtue Which is wrought alone by grace ; Thou art worthy, my Saviour, Thou art worthy to receive Honor, glory, strength, and power. More than ever I can give ! what mercy Thou hast shown me! what joy and love and peace I Prom destruction's dark forebodings Thou hast saved me by Thy grace.' Risen from the tomb with power, Thou hast burst the chains of death ; Now to Thee, in grateful prayer, 1 will breathe my sweetest breath 1 54 PRAISE THE LORD. High ascended up to heaven — Thou hast oped its pearly gates, And redemption, dearly purchased, On the weary pilgrim waits — Waits to crown him with its graces, And to free his captive soul ; Jesus, I would sound Thy praises, Thro' the earth from pole to pole ! Low before Thy gracious Presence Bends my soul in humble prayer ; There I find Thy pard'ning mercy, And Thy goodness ever share ; Lift upon my Spirit, Saviour, Now alone Thy smiling face 1 Let Thy grace, and truth, and power, Let Thy love inspire my praise ! PRAISE THE LORD. Earth's music sweet — of charming strain And greens that deck the life-clad plain, The scenes beneath, so passing fair. And sounds that fill the balmy air, '' All — all unite. In gentle tide. To swell and bear His praise along, And chant to God a solemn song ! Thus may you send. Dear Christian friend. Sweet praise to God with ev'ry breath, In sickness, health — in life and death ; So shall you here secure His grace. In Heaven enjoy His smiling face ! 'TIS NOT IN VAIN ; OR, THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. 'Tis not in vain ! Your tears that fall so thick and fast, When day begins — when day is past. Will bring to you relief at last — Your tears are not in vain I 'Tis not in vain ! Some soul among that happy baud, Who 'round the throne immortal stand, May bless you when at God's right hand — Your work is not in vain ! 'Tis not in vain ! Here lead a life of active faith, And when you pass the gates of death, Immortal bloom your brow shall wreath Your faith is not in vain ! 'Tis not in vain 1 Your hope, so constant, firm, and pure. When life is past shall still endure, And joy and peace beyond secure — Your hope is not in vain ! 'Tis not in vain I Your life here spent in faith and love, With meekness tempered like a dove. Shall bloom in endless spring above — Your life is not in vain ! 56 THE CHRISTIANS INHKRITAXI'E. 'Tis not in vain ! The way to God seems dark and strait, It leads, alas, thro' deaths thick shade, But death to you is heaven's gate, Your death is not in vain ! THE CHRISTIAN'S IXHERITAXCK. Christian ! view thy vast possessions, Lo ! the world is all thine own ! Thine the earth on which thou dwellest, Thine the seas and thine alone. Christian ! lift thine eyes to heaven, See the hosts yon skies display I Radiant orbs, with glory beaming. Thine, and thine alone are they ! Lo ! the woodland's waving foliage. And the mead's enchanting looks, Lo ! the ocean's surging billows. And the songs of purling brooks, Lo ! the day's resplendent brightness, And the night's secluding shades, All unite to swell the gladness. Which thy raptured soul pervades ! Hark ! what soft, melodious breathings, Float upon the morning breeze. Sweetest perfumes, rich, enchanting. Mingling, fill the air with these ! Saint ! the songsters' lovely anthems. And the flow'rets' charming hue — All conspire to breathe thee solace. All are here to comfort you ! PRAISK rx NATURE. 57 Lo ! the summer's golden harvest, Autumn scenes so passing fair — Lo ! the beasts 'that roam the forest, And the birds that sail the air — Diverse hosts that tread the mountains. Finny tribes that scud the main, All shall cheer the Christian's dwelling, All shall be the Christian's gain ! Nature yields thee vast possessions. Blessings thou hast largely shared ; But the richest of those blessings, Are but small with these compared ; Christ has died — the blessed Saviour, He has saved thy soul from hell ! Christ has risen — lo ! in heaven, Thou shalt with Him ever dwell I Jesus, raised to highest heaven, Xow is seated on the throne ; And His Spirit, freely given. Kindly cheers thee, pilgrim lone. And, at length, with peerless beauty. Will adorn thy rescued soul — Christian ! spread thy Saviour's praises. All is thine from pole to pole ! PRAISE IN NATURE. Hark ! The spring birds, near rde singing. Pill the air with music sweet, And — the echoes- sweetly ringing — Glad the cteerful songs repeat! 58 CONTRAST IN DEATH. Breezes o'er the earth are sweeping, Which enhance its beauty still, Cheer the pilgrim, weary, weeping, And with joy ecstatic fill ! Flow'rets sweet, in sun-light basking. Round me choicest fragrance pour, Beauty, grace, and joy combining, Cause my spirit to adore ! Nature, 0, 'tis sweet and charming, Clear and bright the fairy scene ; Forests decked with richest foliage, Meadows robed in living green ! While these scenes, so fair and lovely, Stand before my ravished eyes, I would raise my soul delighted — All-enraptured, to the skies 1 I would bear my humble portion In this song of heart felt praise. And, with grateful soul adoring, Now my voice with Nature raise ! CONTRAST IN DEATH. THE SINNER. Stretched on his pillowed couch the sinner lies ; His frame is racked with fell and keen disease Which slowly works within — his eyes are sunk, And pale his face. His languid looks show marks Of life-consuming, dread disease at work — His death is nigh, and sad the sinner's fate I He looks ; the world is fading from his dim, Distorted vision ; and a strange-toned voice CONTRAST IN DEATH. 59 Of fearful import, falls upon his ear And fills his soul with horror and dismay ! He looks again ; and finds his doom is fixed ; The long probation past ; and all his strength, His health, his life, he sees, in vain are spent. He weeps. His spirit once so stout, now quails ; And trembling seizes on his frame I He halts — He thinks of time, but time no more is his ; His trust is gone — the earth on which reposed His fondest hopes. The jests of sinners, now, No more can ease his troubled mind, or bring Composure to his soul with horrors deep And dark forebodings filled. Despair invades His faltering heart — -his hopes of life are fled. And all is dark. A world unknown now breaks Upon his view. The die, for him, is cast I He sighs. The scenes, his high- wrought fancy paints. Are fearful, dark — of horror full and dread ! Fresh tortures still his soul invade, and sink It deeper into woe extreme ! He dreads ; He quakes. His frame is tossed in anguish deep — Consumed with burning wrath. He cries to God For mercy — 0, 'tis mercy now he wants ! But, ah ! it is too late ! He cries once more — Heaven, save I my spirit save, God I But no I 'tis lost ! — Ah, lost — forever lost I Yet mercy ! — no, 'tis gone ! I have destroyed. Thro' sin destroyed my soul — my wretched soul ! THE SAINT. The Christian led a life of faith and hope. Of love and kindness oft to sinners shown ; A life of saff'ring great, and deep distress I And oft he felt the sting of keen reproach, And darts of envy hurled to pierce his soul ! Yet, tho' he felt these poisoned arrows' stings. CONTRAST IX DEATH. He lived a happy man — possessed of peace. And, now, this Christian, laid on death's cold bed, Rejoices — not in wealth, or fame, or pow'r, Xor aught by earth bestowed, but in his faith And hope, and prospects bright of future bliss. His mind is calm. His happy soul is rapt In meditation sweet ; and heav'nly peace Sits on his countenance ! He gently smiles, And lifts his soul to God in praise and pray'r. He knows full well his hope is fixed on high, Where God in glory dwells — where Jesus reigns ; Where angels join, and saints, to praise the Lamb, And raise, in everlasting songs of joy, His glory high ! The saint can well rejoice ! He calls to mind his life of faith and love. His life of earnest pray'rs, and frequent tears O'er sinners shed — his midnight watohings. And kindly deeds bestowed on men of rank Both high and low — bestowed on some whose hearts Were steeped in sin, and filled with burning rage ; And on the meek and contrite ones, who lived, And prayed, and wept, and ate their bread in tears ; Thus on the good and bad, alike, he smiled. These deeds he calls to mind ; and, 0, the peace Which they afFord, no heart but his can tell ! In death's cold arms he feels supremely safe. And lifts, in grateful strains, his soul to God. Ah ! he knows his Maker lives and watches O'er his life with tender care. Confidence, That priceless gift of God, dwells in his heart, And spreads a calm composure o'er his face. His soul is full of joy divine and peace ; Gently he sinks to rest. His thoughts now fixed On future bliss, he thus exclaims : " Oh death, Where is thy sting ! thy victory, where, grave !" TRIUMPHS OP THE GOSPEL. Lo ! the Saviour's blood-stained banner Poised to catch the gentle breeze, O'er th' extended range of mortals, Spreads its folds in joy and peace ; They, who grope in midnight darkness, And in shades of deepest gloom. Soon shall see the Gospel's brightness, And enjoy its precious boon I We have felt its quick'ning power. We enjoy its precious grace — Lo 1 its beams are spreading wider, Soon will touch at ev'ry place ; Distant lands the sounds are catching, Sounds of joyous, happy news; And the echoes, swift rehearsing. Further still the light diffuse I See, the West is raising higher Still the gently waving flag ; And the East, in earnest prayer. Follows up the golden track ; Isles are hast'ning to receive Him, Christ — the source of life and peace, While the Gospel's living heralds Haste poor pris'ners to release ! 62 carrikr's address. Nations, sleeping, wrapped in darkness, From their slumb'ring state awake : While the ancient forms of worship Deeply to their centre shake ; Earth and hell, their firmness yielding, Soon the Gospel shall confess. And the fruits of grace redeeming, "Will the distant nations bless ! Where those proud, majestic rivers. Rolling swift in mighty flood. Bear to seas their turgid waters, Crimsoned deep with human blood — There shall glide the silv'ry streamlets. Bearing on their bosom peace — There shall love, and joy, and gladness. Bless mankind, with gospel grace I Where dark scenes of horror triumph. There shall stand the Saviour's cross ; What before their gain they counted. Men shall count their greatest loss ; And the world shall bring its honors, Near the cross shall lay them down ; Raise to God their glad Hosannas, And with praise their Saviour crown CARRIER'S ADDRESS. Hail Patrpns, Friends, the Carrier-boy Health wishes you, and peace, and joy I Good News I bring — an extra sheet. As oft I did through snow and sleet ; 'Tis kindly meant, tho' rather stern. As you will by experieuce learn. li I r carrier's address. 63 Time was, when most, ye know, the aged spake, But now-a-days the young their places take ; And why not so ? I here would humbly ask. 'Tis surely not of all the heaviest task? — And, since in wit, the young their seniors beat. Why should the tongue submit to base defeat ? My majors, then, stand back — ^just hear me talk, Why not ? Sure T'm big — can — already walk ! Another year, I need not say, is flown — Fools only tell what is already known. My story is but brief, and briefly told, Some new things tho' it tells,, and some things old. Depend on it, I shall not speak in vain. Or, if I do, you have yourself to blame ; Though but a lad, you see, a stripling youth. My song, be sure, contains some precious truth. The globose earth stands still, some people say. And round it sweeps the burning sun each day — High o'er us stretched, the wide expansive blue Unaltered meets, each day, our steady view — While yonder stars like trembling lights are hung Deep in the clouds — the azure sky along — And distant far, in shining worlds unknown. Majestic reigns Jehovah — God alone ! " This doctrine's false," the lynx-eyed Seer exclaims, " The earth revolves, and fixed the sun remains — Thro' vasly space the stars their courses run, And cheerful move their centre 'round — the sun." This sure seems true — the other seems like truth. But which is right, 'tis hard to say for youth ; To know is good — but not, is sure no crime. Since we but wish to sing the course of time. carrier's address. Time moves ; but how is not so easy shown — As moments come, the moments past are gone. Oh ! — simple quite this truth, you may declare ; Perhaps ! — but, reader, know a myst'ry's there ! God's ways are deep. Time is — a truth sublime. Yet time is changed to that which is not time. Still, since we cannot grasp the slippery how. We must not therefore waste the precious xow ! Time moves we say : and, if it change, then we, Since we but live in time eternity ? — Tremendous tho't I so great, so vast our doom ! Ah I whither going then — whence are we come ? Tossed from the hand of God, so pure, so good. High, o'er creation chief, our father stood 1 All Nature smiled — and lovely Eden trod The man, deep on him stamped the image — God 1 The tempter came — his subtle schemes applied. Our father sinned. He fell, and falling died; 'Tis all we know, though speculation sought. Still seeks to know, what far transcends all thought, Yet, here it stands — its sad effects we know, And, knowing, should avoid the curse — the woe ! 'Tis wisdom to escape while yet we may — Descending thunderbolts will have their way 1 And how escape ? Can I yet flee the rod ? And, flying, shun the burning eye of God ? See there, on yonder wall the gleaming sword The trembling sinner warns to fear the Lord ! Alas 1 where flow'rets grew, sad Eden mourns. And, lo 1 the blushing rose 'mid prickly thorns 1 Sad change ! yet, 'neath the earth-encircling shroud Some hope-beams softly tinge the distant cloud 1 CARRIER S ADDRESS. 65 The curse was scarce pronounced, when promised stood A Saviour there — the pledge of future good 1 Tho' time moved slowly on, each circling year, Rehearsing, sang the promised day more near. Time passed. At length the joyful period came, And aagels sang, and men, the Saviour's name I He lived and died ; His bloody cross now stands The joy of Shem — the hope of other lands ! "Go, preach the Gospel," now the record runs, " Whoe'er believes is safe — condemned who shuns." But how shall they, who have not heard, believe 7 And hear ? — unless the Word they first receive 1 By hearing then comes faith ; and hearing how? A preached Gospel by I — What duty now ? To make His counsels known — His firm decree : "Come weary souls, I save — come unto me." And how? No matter how — in various^ ways : The pulpit, book, and sheet — each truth displays. The quantum though we can't define exact, 'Tis deemed but just to state the simple fact. The object sought, by diverse means we reach, Myself may write — my friend prefer to preach. Men differ, thus, in taste — just as in looks. Fair speeches charm the one, another books ? Means vary then — one story all rehearse ! Truth speaks — the, gloomy shades of night disperse. Dominions, trembling, fall — dark systems cease, And on their ruins, lo ! the tents of Peace 1 Jehovah reigns ; and judgment now assigns To each his doom — the end of God's designs : And earth redeemed, and heaven, hell, combine In triumph, thus, to close the course of time I HABTIMBTJS. And how ? — we answered thus : " In various ways ! The pulpit, book, and sheet — each truth displays." And here I, too, would now the chance embrace, My merits thus in proper light to place — 'Tls not a pleasant task ; but who can blame, If, brief, I modestly advance my claim ? I'm sure — this is quite common now-a-days — Bach champion sounds his own peculiar praise ! My labors, though but few, are not so small ; At many a door, I made my weekly call — From many a flow'r I sipped the nectar sweet, And laid it humbly at my Patrons' feet — Good news at home, as well as news abroad, I,modest, told in child-like fear of God — And many a heart with anguish sore distrest, I solaced oft, and oft the mourner blessed. 'Tis true, the wrath-cloud moved our heads above, And much obscured sometimes the rules of love ; Tho' thunders rolled, and lightnings wounded some, The storm is o'er — a cheering calm has come. On yonder cloud, the rain-bow's varied hues. Sweet peace proclaim — a year of happy News. Here stay my song — I lay mine honors down. Join, angels, men, the God of Peace to crown ! BARTIMEUS: OR, JESUS AND THE BLIND MAN Close by the way the blind man sat. And mourned his cruel fate ; Requesting alms of those who passed And saw his sad estate : — He sat and mused within his heart, How he should spend the day ; BARTIMB0S. 67 When, lo ! a large and num'rous host Came passing by that way — He raised his head and gently asked : " Who comes along the road ?" When from the crowd he heard a voice, Which said—" The Son of God !" His heart was sad, and full his soul. He longed this man to see— " Thou Son of David," loud he cried, " Have mercy. Lord, on me." The thoughtless crowd his prayer heard And bade him stop his plea ; But Christ rebuked them, and exclaimed "Come, bring this man to me — I love to hear poor sinner cry. Nor will their suit disdain ; For this I left the vaulted sky. For this on earth remain !" His follow'rs feel the keen rebuke. And quick his word obey ; They bring before the Saviour's feet. The man without delay. " What wilt thou," said the Saviour kind, " That I for you should do— I came to make poor sinners whole. Shall, likewise, I heal you ? Now, when the beggar heard this speech, He felt his soul rejoice. And ventured, thus, in humble strain, ■ To raise his falt'ring voice — " I wish, dear Lord, that thro' Thy word I may receive my sight ; Thus would I own Thee Sov'reign Lord, And in Thy name delight." The Saviour, touched, in love responds — 68 BAETIMEUS. " Receive thy sight," He saith ; " I would not keep thee in suspense, Thou art made whole by faith.'' Soon as the suppliant heard Him speak, His eye-sight was restored ; And raising, now, his ravished eyes, The Saviour he adored — And all the crowd, astonished much, Now spread' His fame abroad ; Raised high their glad and joyous songs. And praised the Sov'reign God I And, now, ye sinners poor and blind, Lend to my voice an ear ; And while I freely speak my thoughts, My counsels may you hear — You know our Race in sin is steeped. By nature we are blind — A darkness worse than this man felt, Rests on the human mind ; — And should not you to Jesng cry. And ask His pard'ning grace ? Thus only shall you e'er succeed, To win His smiling face. But since we are so much defiled, So full of sin and shame. Dare we approach His mercy-seat, Or trust the Saviour's name ? — Yes, you may come and seek His grace. And in His name confide ; His grace will cleanse your foulest guilt. His name your sins will hide. What tho' your sin and guilt combined, Should form a purple flood — There's mercy in the Saviour's name. There's pardon in His blood I GRATITUDE. Go — view tlie mighty rivers — Go — viaw the purling brooks, While gently they are dancing Along the rocky nooks ; They gather still their waters Prom mountain and from plain ; Then, with increased volume. Return them to the main ! Go — view the plant so tender, So charming and so fair ; From earth it gathers moisture, Inhales the balmy air ; Then lovely stands it blooming. Sweet odors sends abroad ; Its leaflets, now descending, Enrich the lowly sod ! Go — view the sportive insect. Now glist'ning in the sun ; Its life is but a shadow. Its race as soon is run ; And yet this little sporter, May teach a lesson rare ; For, Id ! its failing parent It fefeds with tender care 1 TO LINKS KOK AX M.HrM. Gro, man, so proud and boasting, Go — view this humble (rain ; Let Nature teach thee wisdom, Nor scorn its simple strain, Though much to you inferior. Receive its precepts pure ; Its teachings are substantial. Of this you may be sure ! Go — aid your needy neighbor. Go to his mean abode ; Requite his love with favor. Commend his soul to God ; Go — to your precious Saviour A song of triumph raise ; Go — sing His saving power. And spread His lofty praise ! Go — render to your Maker, The love and honor due ; 'Twas He who gave you being. His hand created you ; Why should not YO0 be grateful, And serve the Lord in love ? Go — praise your God and Saviour, Who reigns and rules above ! LINES FOR AN ALBUM. There is a fount whose crystal flow Spreads life and peace and joy below — There is a spot whose charming sight Resembles much the world of light — There is a song whose winning strains Lift up the soul to heaven's plains — THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS. 71 This SONG they raise, In solemn praise, When saints on earth unite to sing The grace of tteir celestial king — The CHURCH of Christ this spot we count The BIBLE is that crystal fount. In life and death. With gentle breath, May e'er from you, dear Christian friend. To Christ this charming SONO ascend — Within His church still may you dwell, Your BIBLE love, and search it well ; So shall you herb secure His grace. In HEAVEN enjoy His smiling pace I THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS. There was a man in sumptuous style. Who fared from day to day ; Whose gorgeous robes and linens fine His riches did display — There was a beggar, poor, despised. Laid at the rich man's gate ; His frame was weak and full of sores, And sad was his estate. Poor Laz'rus craved the crumbs which fell Prom off the rich man's board. Yet none but dogs, which licked his sores, Would friendly aid afford. As time passed on the beggar died, On earth distrest, forlorn. To Abr'ham'a bosom swift his soul By angels bright was borne ; The rich man died, and was interred, 72 THE RICH MAX ANO LA Z ARTS. In hell be raised his eyes, And, tortured, saw on Abr'ham's breast, Poor Laz'rus in the skies. "0 send him. Lord," now loud he cried, His soul with anguish wrung — " That he, with moistened finger-tip, May cool my parched tongue ; For, in this gulf of dark despair, Still o'er my wretched soul. The pains of hell and deepest woe In flaming torrents roll !" But Abr'ham said, " Remember, Son, In life thou faredst well, While Laz'rus felt misfortune's stings, His sorrows who can tell ? And now he feels sweet comfort here. But thou the keenest pain. And, thus, it shall for evermore With him and you remain ; Besides all this, a gulf is fixed. That they, who would pass hence, Are forced to yield their cherished hope. Nor canst thou e'er come thence." " Send Laz'rus forth, I pray thee, then. Quick to my father's house, That from their deep and fatal sleep My brethren he may 'rouse. Lest they my fate should also share, , And come to this dread place. Where torments keen and endless woes Await our sinful race !" But Abr'ham said in kindly tone, " The prophets they have near. And Moses, too, whom God hath sent. These let your brethren hear." CHRISTIAX TNION. 73 The rich man, now, with anguish tossed, And well-nigh in despair. Lifts up to him once more his eyes, And breathes this piteous pray'r : " Nay, nay, my father Abr'ham, nay, Some kindly message send ; For, if one from the dead should rise. They will perchance repent 1" Still Abr'ham, true to his intent, Would not his Lord betray. But answered, thus, in faithful strain, Nor sternly less did say : " If they will not the prophets hear. Nor Moses when he cries. They would not listen, tho' one spake Who from the dead did rise." Thus closed the scene, and each remained Where God His place assigned. In heav n the poor man was enthroned. In hell the rich confined ! CHRISTIAN UNION— TO A FRIEND AT PARTING. There is a strange — a mystic bond That holds the human heart. And breaketh not, tho' we be called On earth awhile to part : It is that bond of quenchless love. Which binds the happy souls above. And sheds on man's deep-fallen race A halo bright of matchless grace. Where'er we be On land or sea, 74 THE SINNER SAVED. May still this bond 'tween us subsist, In clearest light or darkest mist, To keep our souls with sweet accord United firm in Christ our Lord ; And on our way To endless day, Whene'er we seek the Saviour's face, Enjoy His love and sing His grace, Then may we feel a brother's care. And seek for him a blessing there. Thus may we love each other still, While on Life's stormy sea ; And each breathe out this tender pray'r, Dear friend, remember me ! THE SINNER SAVED. The sinner lay upon his couch. With deep-dejected look ; And, as he thought of future scenes. His soul with horror shook — He raised his head, and deeply sighed, "Have mercy, Lord," he said, " Nor let Thy vengeance, long deserved, Pall on my guilty head I " Tho' long Thy grace I have despised, And so Thy love abused. That, when Thy goodness I beheld, Thy mercy I refused ; Yet, save me. Lord — with pity heed My groans, my sighs, my tears ; . And with compassion now regard My terrors and my fears." THE STNNEB SAVED. Thus prayed the sinner, poor, distrest. And smitten deep with guilt. When vengeance swept the sands away On which his hopes were built ;. But, as he prayed, distract with fears, He heard a loving voice, Which, while it filled his eyes with tears, - Did make his soul rejoice ! He heard — it was the voice of God, Nor did its strains delay — It bade him now with joyful haste Wipe all his tears away ; '' For I," said He, " have seen and heard. Above the starry skies, Thy sighs and groans, thy sorrow deep, Thy bitter tears and cries." Oh I how his happy soul rejoiced, And how his heart did leap, When, thus, in kind and friendly tones He heard the Saviour speak ; He raised his streaming eyes on high And blessed His sacred Name, While thro' the earth he spread abroad The honors of the Lamb. And sinners, now, he sought to teach The goodness of the Lord, How He had made His counsels known, Sweet mercies in His word — Where, for each sin of deepest dye, A pardon rich is found, A healing oil for ev'ry heart, A balm for ev'ry wound. 76 WORTH OF THE BIBLE. The things he once so highly prized, And scenes he loved before, Lost all their beauty to his soul, He felt their charms no more ; But, in their stead, and nobler far The things of God appear ; He loves to be where Christians meet, He longs their voice to hear. And why should not the saint delight To linger where he hears The voice that soothed his aching heart. And quite removed his fears ? Why should not he delight to sing God's praise in joyful strain ? For all things do him pleasure bring Whose soul is born again. Then marvel not, ye mortals, steeped In sin and guilt and shame. That he, who feels the Saviour's grace, Should love to sing His name ; For tho' the earth should pass away, And stars should leave their train. The saint, that's washed in Jesus' blood. In Jesus will remain ! WORTH OF THE BIBLE. How perfect is Thy word, Lord, Its doctrines how divine ; It spreads salvation all abroad. And makes the nations Thine I i'hild's morning hymn. 11 On every page stands forth Thy will, In characters of gold ; Thy wonders — we can read them still, Tho' done in times of old. Mercy and truth and love combined, To sinful men made known, Here stand to welcome both refined And vulgar to Thy throne I But, if we thus in goodness trust, On love and grace rely, We also find our Maker just To let th§ wicked die ! He's sov'reign Lord of heav'n and earth. And all that's in them found ; So doth He in His word declare, And in His works abound I CHILD'S MORNING HYMN. Soon as the dewy morn appears. My waking thoughts, ascend on high ! Par, far away my slavish fears, Grod gently calls — His grace is nigh 1 Not earth shall fill my peaceful mind With inward terror or dismay — In mercy's smiles my soul shall find The gentle beams of heav'nly day ! Away, ye sinful thoughts, depart Par as the Bast is from the West — Earth's cares shall not engross my heart. Or e'er disturb my soul's sweet rest 1 78 THE VICTOR SLAIN. These sacred moments will I seize To fix my thoughts on things above ; Dear Saviour, fill my soul with peace^ My spirit sway with heavenly love ! So shall my feet delight to roam The path which Thou Thyself hast trod, The road that leads me safely home. That brings me to my gracious God ! THE VICTOR SLAIN. The drunkard lay beside the curb, His pulse was beating high ; He felt a strangeness in his brains, But could not say just why ; To speak the truth, his mind was gone. And reason's light had fied ; Nor did he know that brick and stone Were now his only bed. The Ijpys were tripping up and down. And saw the drunkard lie, But no one dared to speak a word. Or ventured to come nigh. Till, all at once, a lad appeared More daring than the rest. Who in this keen and simple strain The wretched man addressed : " My friend, what mean you thus to lie. Exposed to vilest shame. While men are passing thickly by And lisp thy former fame ? THE VICTOR SLAIN. Arise, and let thy country see Thy name again restored To what it was when soldiers brave Thy presence nigh adored." The people, now, with wonder struck, Approached the dubious scene, And asked with keen inquiring look What once the man had been. The youth resuming now his speech, Tho' trembling and afraid, Replied with more than usual skill, As thus he briefly said : " This man was not in former days What he, alas, is now ; For then a wreath of purest fame Sat on his victor-brow ; The seat of war his valor knew, And glory crowned the man. When thousands he to battle drew. And led the eonq'ring van. " But now, alas, his fame is gone. His mind is but a wreck ; Nor can a power short of God's The dread disaster check — Yet, let the drunkard know your love, Your sweet compassion share ; Perhaps he may regain his strength. Nor sink to dark despair.'' The people heard this short harangue, And praised the patriot lad, While he rehearsed the hero's tale, So tender and so sad. 80 rHIL1)'s KVEXrNC HYMX. And now their eyes are turned to him Who on the pavement lay, That they might see if aught of fame His features did betray. They saw still on his arched brow And o'er his furrowed face, Of greatness many aisignal mark, Of genius many a trace ; And viewing now his lot so mean, The contrast was so great — They could but shed a silent tear, And mourn his sad estate. While thinking on the drunkard's lot, And on his former fame, A feeling strange quick to the heart Of each spectator came. They shrink, and as they sadly muse. Their feelings who can tell ? The man sinks to a drunkard's grave, And to a drunkard's hell ! CHILD'S EVENING HYMN. The mountain peaks, so green and gay. Bright gilded by the setting sun, United .sing the close of day. And show his wonted course is run ! The evening sliades just now appear, And spread their dusky hues abiroad ; All Nature speaks His presence hear, And chants a solemn lay to God ! SWEKT SURPRISE. 81 Let me with Nature raise my voice And sing to God a cheerful song ; My soul in Him would e'er rejoice, And still the Saviour's praise prolong ! These sacred moments well may serve To raise my soul to worlds ahove ; And, while I would Thy grace rehearse, Pill Thou my soul with heav'nly love ! Let all my powers Thy name adore And speak abroad Thy saving grace ; Here may I feel Thy favor more, In heaven enjoy Thy smiling face ! SWEET SURPRISE. I passed by the church-door. The building along. And heard, all-enraptured, A charming sweet song — The song of the ransomed. Ascending on high Prom spirits where Jesus With power was nigh ! Its soft-BoWing cadence, Its echoes so sweet. Prevailed on my spirit To seek the retreat ; I entered the building. And found on the spot, Much people assembled To worship their God I 82 SWEET SURPRISE. Their songs of rejoicing — Their sweet-sounding strain, Bro't feelings oft-cherished To mem'ry again — I shared their rejoicings, Their love in full tide, As, cheerful iu prayer, I kneeled by their side ! Then, 0, what sweet raptures, My soul did enjoy, While anthems were chanted, Which angels employ ! There peace, far surpassing What mind can conceive. Distilled on my spirit. Its pains to relieve ! The song of redemption. The song of sweet praise. Our spirits still lingered In concert to raise ; And, 0, the sweet feelings. The joys of the soul. Like waves of the ocean Continued to roll ! And, then, on the pinions Of faith and of love, Our spirits still mounted To regions above — Where, with the bright angels All praising His name. We still were rejoicing In Jesus the Lamb ! the; sabbath. 83 Sweet, blissful devotion, So lofty and pure ! Thy scenes of rejoicing. Shall ever endure ! For, in that bright region, Where God doth abide, This song of redemption Plows on in full tide ! THE SABBATH. Lo I the Sabbath day is dawning. Christian, trim thy golden lamp I Let its flame be brightly burning. Let it bear the royal stamp ! May not sin, thy mind diverting, E'er engross thy thoughts to-day ; Oh ! attend the Saviour's warning. And give ear to what He'll say 1 See, He comes to meet His people, Gath'ring round His sacred shrine ; There, before His altar kneeling. All shall taste His love divine I Come then, Christians, hasten hither. Come prepared in heart and mind ; Here, to-day, by humbly seeking, All, who will, their God may find. Let the day be with thee sacred. And thy thoughts be fixed above I Seek thy Saviour's gracious presence, Seek His sweet and boundless love ! 84 INVOCATIOX. So the Sabbath thee shall comfort, Cheer thee on thy weary way — Till, at length, in yonder mansions. Thou shalt spend an endless day ! INVOCATION. Come, gracious Spirit, tune my heart, While I would slug Thy praise — Come, and inspire my languid tongue, To heaven my feelings raise — So shall I still Thy wonders sing. And praise to God my Saviour bring ! E'en as the dawning day appears And spreads the shades of night. So on this poor, benighted soul Shed beams of heavenly light — 0, let me feel Thy presence near. No more let sin in me appear ! For, as the dew-drops gently fall Wide o'er the sterile ground, And make its parch'd and desert soil In richest fruits abound — So let Thy grace still life impart To this my drear, my failing heart I Yea, come, enrich me with Thy grace. And shed Thy love abroad ; So shall I early seek Thy face — Shall seek my gracious God ; Then, come, with beams of mercy shine Upon this aching heart of mine I STORM AT SEA. Dark o'er the storm-tossed, spraying deep it huho-, A murliy cloud with sportive lightning charged, Displaying still its strange and varied scenes Of light and darkness mixed. Silent it stood As if it dared the boist'rous deep beneath ; Anon, the coming storm, uptossing high. Disturbed the wondrous, ever-shifting scene ; Within the huge and strangely-poised cloud The livid lightnings played. The rushing tide Up-heaves the billowy, splashing deep beneath, And surging wave on wave succeeds ; and, lo, The ocean rocks. Deep sounds are heard around ; And fragile barks, 'neath which the waters boil. Are rudely tossed about ; and all is noise. And tumult, with alarm. A brilliant flash Of lightning blinds the eye, and strikes the soul With dread. In zigzag line it darts athwart The murky sky ; and, in the distance, there Is heard the mutt'ring thunder; loud peal to Peal succeeds. The dark, cerule deep reflects The brilliant lightning flash. The souls of men Who on its bosom sail deep horror stirs ; And trembling, now, they grasp the rocking ship As o'er the boist'rous deep it scuds. Despair — Dark, stern, despair on ev'ry count'nance sits. As eye meets eye, and ghastly visage looks On face as grim, and quiv'ring lips reply STORM AT SEA. To quiv'ring lips — the trembling baud is seen To clasp sucb trembllug band, and piteous groans In other hearts such deatb-lilte groans awake, And burning tears to tears of brine respond ! As scenes like these, confront the eye of man, The sturdy soul shrinks back in horror deep. And well-nigh yields to fate. Destruction e'en And sudden death less dreaded are than they ! Scenes, such as these, do probe the hearts of men, And show what are their hopes and aim.s beyond The present world. The Christian, who has learned To place his trust in things unseoi, and seeks In yonder world a life which fadeth not — - Who lays up treasures where no thief can come And rob him of his wealth, rejoiceth then, And hopes, anon, to see his Father's face. But be, wbj lives a sinner, proud, and scorns To bow before his Maker's throne, now feels His vitals freeze with chill and deadly fears ; And on bis scornful brow there sits enthroned A desperation wild : While hell beneath Him opens wide its jaws to circumvene And lodge him in its fiery womb. Ah I then What horror fills his soul ! He weeps, he mourns ; He calls for help. His heart, that earlier scorned To show dependence on a higher Power, And, thus, his Sovereign God acknowledge. Now fails him ; and the frail and reeling bark Doth witness scenes of earnest, piteous, pray'r. His streaming eyes are raised to God ; and, on That deck, beneath the expanded star-lit Heavens, he humbly bends his knees. No more Doth him the shame of man deter yielding To his Maker, God, and rend'ring homage To Him who rules in heav'n, on earth, in hell ! SPRING. g7 Thus on the troubled deep the lightnings play, And thunders roll along the mantled sky, While lawless storms upheave the watery deep And toss the dashing spray. The massive ships, Those monuments of human art and skill, Are tossed upon the rough and foaming deep. Till naught but sad and floating wrecks remain. To those who sail upon the storm-tossed main At such an hour, a scene like this displays A spectacle at once sublime and grand I One, indeed, looks on with sweet composure. And feels a peace within before unknown ; Beside him stands another, filled wilh dread. His guilty soul o'erwhelmed with fear of hell ! • SPRING. Sweet Spring ! Thou com'st in such a lovely guise, And in such beauties clad, that, spell-bound, we Thy charms admire, and hail thee with delight ! Thou usher'st in thy reign with sweetest notes And all-harmonious strains of warbling birds; The woods and hills are vocal with their songs, Which, re-echoing, greet th' enraptured ear Of such as roam these lone and charming wilds ! The bland, soft air of balmy morn 'is filled With music sweet ; and evening zephyrs, Gently whispering, speak their sad, pathetic Tales of love, and o'er us waft sweet odors — The fragrant breath of blooming trees exhaled ; And sunny noon, alike with morn and eve. Displays its charms. Aye, strangely pleasing scenes Cheer night and day, while thou, sweet spring, art nigh ! No more stern wiater seals the gurgling brooks — The streamlets wild, from crystal bonds released, Now nimbly dance full many a long, lone day, In winding course, thro' verdant meads and dales ; And, in the streams — the clear and rushing tide — The num rous finny tribes now sportive play, And nimbly dart along the silvery crest. While on its bosom gleams the morning sun ! Oh ! how thy charms, sweet Spring, my soul elate, And fill me with delight ! Ecstatic joys Sweep o'er ray ravished breast ; and lovely scenes Of meadows, clothed in living green, and groves With opening blooms of diverse tints adorned. And charming music, from a thousand tongues, In concert tuned, all strike mine eyes and ears, And 'mind my soul of Heav'n's eternal spring ! Then hail, sweet Spring! Suggestive of the dawn of life, When from these earthly scenes my soul shall pass To yonder lovelier, brighter, scenes on high ! Thou lead'st me back where erst the morning stars In concert sang, and all the sons of God Did shout for joy. Thy life-clad hills, so fair. And newly-opening blooms remind me all Of scenes like those of resurrection morn ! Saint ! how will that morn of days, and spring Of years, delight and charm thy ravished soul ! Delightful morn to thee ! The mellowed songs Of angels pure and saints shall greet thine ear ; And melting strains from golden harps, and tongues With sacred fire touched, shall in thy bosom Find an echo — a kindred cord, which shall With rapture sweet and joy to them respond ! I j: VISIONS OP HEAVEN. Stern winter had vanished, so drear and so long, And woodland and valley were vocal with song. As down a lone meadow I pensively strayed All-studded with flowers — in beauty arrayed. Each object, encountered, seemed pleasant and new, And exquisite beauties stood forth to my view ; All, all was so simple, so lovely and fair — With Nature, so charming, 0, what can compare ? The gay-dancing streamlet that flowed by my side Made music so simple and free from all pride ; Its soft-flowing cadence — its echoes so sweet Bro't scenes to remenabrance with rapture replete. I tho't of that music whose soft-flowing strains. Distilling like dew-drops on Bethlehem's plains, Gave " glory to God," and to mortals forlorn Proclaimed the good news that a Saviour was born. I thought of that moment when first on my view Brake scenes of Redemption so rich and so new. When Jesus, who saw me in gloominess grope. Became to my spirit the " day-spring" of hope ! I thought of yon Temple — sweet portals of bliss — And mansions we enter when called to leave this, The Home of the pilgrim, once wearied below. And oceans of pleasure anmingled with woe 1 90 THE VOICE OF PRAISE. I tho't of that pureness — the sweetness and love, The BEAUTY that reigns in the mansions above ; These visions — so lovely, so blissful, divine — This beauty, dear reader, this sweetness, be thine I ROSES ON A GRAVE. Wherefore, Roses, do you bloom ? Asks one trav'ling to the tomb ; Therefore, stranger, that we cheer Freely thee, while thou art here I THE VOICE OF PRAISE. I saw a little sportive bird Of golden plumage, fair, Its sweeter notes of music heard Soft-floating on the air — I saw, and flow'rs of various hue Bedecked the turf I trod, And all, tho' silent, seemed to say Behold our Maker God ! I .saw the crystal streamlet flow In playful mood along, And from its simple music rose To God a grateful song — I saw the starry hosts above Illume the dismal night, And all their gentle raylets strove To praise th' Eternal Light I LOST AND SAVED. 91 I saw, and at Creation's head A loftier being stood, Saw Man with far sublii^er gifts, With nobler pow'rs endued ; And shall not he sincerely strive His silver voice to raise — Look up to God with cheerful heart, And sing His endless praise ? LOST AND SAVED. The full-sail ship securely rode. Slow on the dancing main, While sailors viewed, with cheerful eye, The beauteous marble plain ; But soon a murky cloud appeared. Poised in the distant sky, And as they watched, they trembling saw The gathering storm draw nigh. The heavens, awhile before so bright, Now tinged with deepest gloom, Presaged a storm that soon should rise And seal their threatened doom : The boist'rous deep is tossed and torn, The sailing bark is checked — The vessel breaks — the cargo sinks — The wretched crew is wrecked 1 Yet many a one the danger braved, And, struggling with the tide, Was from the angry Tvaters saved, And saw the storm subside. 92 i J j i LOST AND SAVED. Thus, rescued from a watery grave, And safely brought to shore, They praise Him who is strong to sa%'e, And laud Him evermore ! I, too, was once on board a ship, Stanch, sailing on the deep, No gathering storm around me raged, To break my sinful sleep ; The world I viewed with calm repose, Its pleasures I enjoyed — No serious view of coming wrath. My busied thoughts employed. Thus calmly on the storm-tossed deep. My bark securely rode, While in the thickest gloom qf night, My careless soul abode ; But He, whose mercy I despised, Whose grace I thrust aside. My fears alarmed, and kindly said : " Canst thou my wrath abide ?" From that dread hour my fear increased, My feelings who could tell ? From every hope my soul had ceased, And feared a dismal hell ; The gathering storm drew nearer still. Its gloom obscured my path. While o'er my soul suspended hung. The glittering sword of wrath ! My hopes are gone, and deep despair Invades my trembling soul ; Above is wrath — ^beneath I see 1 i 1 Hell's fiery billows roll— 1 .TESTTS ALL 7X ALL. 93 But Jesus comes — His pity moves As He my state beholds ; My cries He hears — within His arms, His wand'ring child He folds — A heav'nly peace my soul pervades, No terrors are abroad — My joy is full, since deep is hid "My life with Christ in God." JESUS ALL IN ALL. Jesus I Name most dear to me, Jesus ! all that eye can see, Jesus ! all that heart can taste, Jesus 1 Thou of all the best ! Jesus ! Thou my daily food, Jesus ! Thou my only good, Jesus ! Thou my portion now, Jesus ! mine for ever Thou ! Jesus ! Thee alone I seek, Jesus I rapt of Thee I speak, Jesus ! Thee my Love I call, Jesus ! Thee my all in all ! Jesus ! Thee in health I love, Jesus ! Thee in sickness prove, Jesus I Thee in life I own — Jesus ! Thee in death alone ! Jesus ! when my life is o'er, Jesus ! when on Canaan's shore, Jesus ! when I'm safe at home, Jesus I Thee I'll praise alone ! 94 THE CHARMS OK RKLIGION. Jesus ! when the skies have oped, Jesus ! when in glory robed, Jesus ! Thou my joy, my love, Jesus! Life in realms abovk! THE CHARMS OF RELIGION. There's sweetness in the mellowed strains That strike the ear at break of-day, When Nature from her slumber wakes, And feathered warblers chant their lay ! But sweeter far that song so choice Which angels sang on Bethl'hem's plains, And sweeter still my Saviour's voice Which now my beating heart enchains I There's grandeur in the noon-day sun, And beauty in the moon's soft beams, There's splendor in yon starry host, Whose brightness 'mid the darkness gleams ; But glorious more than mid-day sun. Than moon's soft beams more lovely far. Much brighter than yon glittering host, Is He — my soul's bright morning star! There's music in the gurgling brooks, And grandeur in the rushing tide ; Romantic scenes my vision meet On yon majestic mountain side ; But, high above those vaulted skies, Where suns in brightest glory shine. Far nobler scenes attract mine eyes. There sits my Saviour all-divine ! GLORY OF THE CROSS. 95 There's magic in the world of thought, And glory in the depths of mind, There's pleasure in sweet friendship's smile, And joy in converse with mankind ; But brighter, sweeter, is that world. Whose beauties eye hath never seen. Whose music ne'er has touched the ear. Nor charms by heart conceived have been ! There's vastneas in creation round. And wisdom in the world displayed ; There's beaiity in its life-clad plains And trees in richest robes arrayed ; But, in yon world where Jesus reigns, Far'lovlier scenes attract my view. There all is life, and love, and peace — There all through endless ages new ! There's sweetness in the balmy morn. And softness in the twilight gray. There's quiet in the midnight gloom. And charms are in the gleam of day ; But, 0, ten thousand times more sweet. More soft the dawn of that bright morn. When I, 'mid sweet seraphic strains, Shall to my Saviour's side be borne I GLORY OP THE CROSS. The cross I the cross ! Stupendous theme, | So vast, so deep — profound abyss ! J Deep as the utmost verge of hell. And high as yonder world of bliss I The vasty spheres that whirl in space. And stars that burn in distance far. 96 WHEKE ARE THEY ? Yoa worlds unknown, no eye can trace, And suns and moons thy glory share ! Blest, bloody cross ! Thrice dear to me, On which my Saviour, Jesus, died ; Sweet, sacred cross ! I gaze on thee. And, gazing, in that blood confide, Which seals my bliss. And yonder, in that " book of Life," Records my name ! "WHERE ARE THEY?' Say, where are they, the path who trod, That leads to Zion's hill — Who with us praised their Saviour God, With voices soft and still ? O where are they, who, mourning sin With floods of burning tears, Looked up to God, found solace there, A balm for all their fears ? Say, where are now those lovely bands Of Christians, young and old, Whose cheerful hearts and beaming eyes, Their bliss — their fervor told ? Whose burning hearts and voices clear. In concert oft and sweet, To God arose— to praise His Name, With joy and bliss replete ! Ah ! tell me but where summer scenes, Where flow'rets bright and gay — Whose fragrance sweet rejoiced the night, Whose beauty cheered the day — new-year's greeting. 97 Where they are gone, there too are those, Of whom we now complain — Their former joy — their bliss is gone — Where pleasure was, ia pain! NEW-YEAR'S GREETING. All hail ! te Patrons, firm and true, A " happy" New-year greeteth you ! 'Tis custom — and, I cannot say 'tis wrong For Carrier-boys to sing a New-year's song ; To greet their Patrons in appropriate lines. And, with the new year, wish them easy times. But hand me, first, a little "chink" — I'm sure 'twill help my head to think ; And — on- receiving ready cash. My pen will cut a finer — dash ! Alas ! this vile begging ! The "change" will appear, 'Tis shameful to doubt it — more shameful to fear ; No man will, on "New-year's day," forfeit the joy That flows from rewarding the dear "Carrier-boy." 'Tis not so small a "task,'' as school-boys say, To write a new address, each New-year's day ; The day indeed is new-^or new in kind — Bnt so each other day, if well defined. Its special claim is this, as would appear, 'Tis "new," because it ushers in the year ; And years compose the life-rule here below. And seal our bliss, or doom to endless woe ! 98 new-year's greeting. This special day — distiaot from all beside, To one grand purpose then may be applied ; It constitutes — if I may thus define — 'Twixt year and year the separation-line. The "old," stamped on Omniscience' book, remains. By virtue marked — or by pollution's stains. Untried — distinctly though within our view. Stands the inviting, bright, and future new. The day reviewed— its purposes defined, And to each one a solemn part assigned, The query comes, and for the past demands A strict and solemn answer at our hands : The year — how was it spent ? its duties met ? Doth its review occasion no "regret?"' Say, how has man been used? how God adored? How sins confessed ? and mercy — ^how implored ? I'm sure I brought — ;just as I brought before, Last year, a weekly " message'' to your door — To suit the diverse tastes of many minds, I brought delicious fruits of various kinds. To cheer her sex, when summer days were long. The gentle Western "muse" most sweetly sung ; And when she ceased, another caught the fire. And strikes, to this day, .