jR| Cornell University Library PR4779.H12L4 1879 Lays and lyrics of the blessed life; cons 3 1924 013 481 415 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/cu31924013481415 LAYS AND LYRICS THE BLESSED LIFE, CONSISTING OV LIGHT FROM THE CKOSS, tx W.umB. MARIANNE FARNINGHAM, ** Is it not strange the darkest hour That ever dawned on sinful earth Should touch iihe heart with softer power For comfort than an angel's mirth ? That to the Cboss the mourner's eye should turn. Sooner than where the stars of Christmas burn?" Krbl THIRTEENTH EDITION Jt0tibott ; JAMES CLARKE & CO., 13, FLEET STREET. 1879. K.Lb'\*n% AUTHOR'S PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION. With a fervent "God-speed" this lowly warbler of the valley spreads wing, singing loving lays, though its songs may not excel in strength, nor its plumage possess beauty enough to win praise from impartial ears and eyes. But if you, dear Reader, favour it so highly as to allow it to become a welcome guest in your happy home, — if in the twilight, or by the glowing fire, surrounded by loving ones, amid mirth and joy, or alone with the yearnings of your own spirit, it bring to you tender thoughts, as from a sister who presses the same steep hill-side as yourself, with the same aims, and hopes, and fears ; and journeying, as she trusts you are also, to our "Father's house," — if it but make "the Blessed Life" more alluring to one undecided, or more pleasant and satisfying, even amid its difficulties, to one disciple of Jesus — then surely a portion of time redeemed from other mental engagements will not have been thus occupied in vain ; and the writer will rejoice greatly, feeling amply rewarded for all the toils of her congenial task. She knows how faltering and imperfect are her best efforts, — that her experience must of necessity fall far short of that of some who may peruse these pages, and who have lived many years amid the scenes and lessons she only begins to understand ; yet she ventures this public expression of her feelings in the hope that others may sympathize with them. MARIANNE FARNINGHAM. December, 1861. PUBLISHERS PEEFACE TO FIFTH EDITION. Four large editions of this boot have been sold within the space of four years; and now that a fifth edition is demanded, the Publisher feels constrained to take advantage of the opportunity afforded to unite with the gifted Author in warm acknowledgments to the Christian public for the generous welcome that has thus been given to the work. Its success has far exceeded the most sanguine anticipations ; though certainly no person familiar with its contents will hesitate to admit that even yet the circulation of the volume has greatly fallen short of its manifest merits, whether regarded in its poetical or its religious aspects. There is much consolation in the assurance that a spiritual blessing has gone with the book in various directions. Since its first issue, a multitude of communications have been received expressive of the delight and benefit imparted by the perusal of the poems. They have often ministered pleasure to the social and family circle, and have carried the sunshine of hope into the abodes of many lonely and afflicted ones, causing them to think lightly of present sufferings in anticipation of the " pleasures for evermore.'' In the confident conviction that thousands of other homes will be similarly cheered and blessed by these Lays and Lyrics, this new and revised edition is sent forth, commended to all whose hearts yearn after the beautiful and the true, and who "hold and are held " by that Cross whose influence alone enables mankind to use this world as not abusing it, and to look forward without dismay to the world that is to come. London, November, 1866. CONTENTS. :.to* UBHT FROM THE CROSS ... ... ... ... ll THE STJTUBE U5 THE CONVERT 28 ruth's RESOLVE 31 ■'jesus wept' 34 •'what are the wild waves saying?" 36 THE PAST 37 •'BLESS US, AND MAKE US BLESSINGS" 38 "I WILL COME AGAIN" 39 "NEITHER THIRST ANY MORE'' ... ... ... 40 "JEHOVAH JIREH" ... ... ... ... ... 41 "CAST ME NOT AWAY FROM THY PRESENCE" ... 42 THE MOUNT OF OLIVES 43 THE LANGUAGE OF THE CROSS ... ... ... 44 THE SAVIOUR'S ASSURANCE 45 " WHAT [S MAN, THAT THOU ART MINDFUL OF HIM?" 47 AUTUMN WINDS ... 47 OUR ADVOCATE 48 LONGING FOR HOME ... 49 MORNING THOUGHTS 50 "HE THAT WATERETH SHALL BE WATERED ALSO HIMSELF" 51 SHE PLEASANT SERVICE 52 IHE BEST CHOICE 52 THE GRATEFUL RETROSPECT 53 ALONE 54 "GO IN PEACE" 56 IHE NIGHT LAMP .., 57 VI CONTENTS. VAGB " HE RESTORETH MT SOUL*' 58 THE PLEASANT PATH 59 THE HALLOWED SPOT 59 COME TO THE CROSP 60 WALK... 1 61 LET US TELL JESUS 62 THE VOICE OF THE TBEES 64 I AM HOME , 66 "GOD BE MEBCIFUL UNTO US AND BLESS Us" ... 67 A DAT 68 TOIL AND BE STBONO 69 THE BEST FRIEND 70 THE GLORIFIED REDEEMER Tl OUB ISLAND HOME 71 "GIVE US THIS DAT OUB DAILY BREAD" 72 THE UNKNOWN FUTURE 73 WHO ARE AROUND THE THRONE ' ... ... ... 74 NOT UNTO US 76 THE CALL OF SAMUEL ... ... ... ... 75 SATUHDAT EVENING 77 THE NISHT COMETH 78 "BEHOLD, A DOOR WAS OPENED IN HEAVEN" ... 80 SUMMER-TIME 81 "HOW WILT THOU DO IN THE SWELLING OF JORDAN?" 82 "I WILL FEAR NO EVIL, FOR THOU ART WITH ME"... 83 "LOOKING UNTO JESUS " ... 83 THE APPEAL 84 THE RESPONSE ... ... ... ... ... 86 MORNING 87 "ALL RIGHT" 88 "AND THERE WAS VERT GREAT GLADNESS" ... 89 THE COUNTLESS MULTITUDE 90 TH?e UNSEEN ... ... ... ... ... 91 MINISTERING SPIRITS ... ... ... ... 92 FORGET NOT GOD 93 THE STILJ. SMALL VOICE ... ... ... ... SM. CONTENTS. Vll PJ.GS THE UNCHANGING ... ... ... ... ... 95 THE HOPE SET BEFORE US 95 THE USEFUL 97 "REJOICE IN THE LORD" 98 THE HOUR OF EVENINQ PRAYER 99 A GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN 102 FIRESIDE POETRY 103 CALL TO WORSHIP ... ... 104 REST IN THE ARK ... ... ... ..,. ... 105 SPEAK KINDLY 106 TARRY WITH US 107 "I SAT UNDER HIS SHADOW WITH GREAT DELIGHT" 108 COMING UP FROM THE WILDERNESS ... ... 109 LOOKING UP 110 "HOLD THOU ME UP, AND I SHALL BE SAFE" ... 112 "THE LORD HATH NEED OF THEE " 118 LIGHT 114 THE WIFE'S FAREWELL 115 "LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY" 118 THE GREAT PHYSICIAN 119 THE CLOSING SCENE 120 ONE MORE IN HEAVEN 121 THE STORY OF THE CROSS 122 LET US PRAY 123 SONGS IN THE NIGHT 126 THE SPIRTT'S LIGHT 127 "LET ME LANGUISH INTO LIFE" ... „. ... 128 AN APPEAL TO THE UNDECIDED ... ... ... 131 A SABBATH SCENE 132 HEAVEN 134 THE RESOLVE 136 "FOR TO ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST, AND TO DIE IS GAIN" 137 "AND HE WAS WOT, FOR GOD TOOK HIM " ... 138 THE CHRISTIAN'S HOME 139 LABOUR AND LOVE ... 140 • HIDE WITH US 141 Vlll CONTENTS. MSI PHASES OF LIFE .... 142 PICTURES OF LIFE 14,3 MY MISSION HERE 153 "WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE?" 154 HOLT LIVING AND DYINO 155 A CROWN FOR THE FAITHFUL 156 THE HEART'S RESPONSE TO THE SAVIOUR 157 THE UNSEEN PRESENCE 158 THE LANGUAGE OF THE EYE 159 . "RETURN UNTO THY REST, O MY SOUL" 160 THE UNIVERSAL FRIEND 161 THE HEAVENLY STOREHOUSE 162 ANYWHERE WITH JESUS 163 THE HOPE THAT MAKETH NOT ASHAMED 164 THE CHRISTIAN'S LOT ... ... ... ... 165 " WE SHALL BE CHANGED" 166 BE PATIENT 167 "YET THERE IS ROOM" 168 "1 WILL DRAW ALL MEN UNTO ME " 169 THE FEAR-STORM 170 THE DYING CHRISTIAN ... ... ... ... 171 SUNSHINE AFTER RAIN 172 " MY SOUL TH1RSTETH FOR THEE*' 173 AUTUMNAL SCENES 174 LORD AND SAVIOUR, HEAR US 176 THE father's BLESSING 177 GUIDE ME, MY FATHER 178 SIN AND GRACE ... ... ... ... 179 OCR HEAVENLY HOME 180 THE CHRISTIAN'S PRESENT REST , 181 "HE SATISFIETH THE LONGING SOUL*' 182 IBE DYING 183 "ABIDING UNDER THE SHADOW OF THF^ W/WTOHTY" 184 NONE BUT JESUS 185 SPRING-TIME 180 PRAY FOR THY LOVED ONES 187 IHE LOVE OF JESUS 188 CONTENTS. i.i ftitre ONLY A STEP ., „.. 18!) "THERE SHALL BE NO NIGHT THE..IS ' 190 RAIN AT EVENTIDE 101 LOVE-DRAWINGS l'.l'i PRAY WHEN THE DAYLIGHT PADETH 10 V A HAPPY NEW YEAR KM CHRISTIANS OF ALL SECTS, UNITE ! lij j THE DAY'S REJOICING 1(17 NEED 198 GUIDANCE 1()H THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE 19!) IMMORTALITY 200 THE NEGLECTED FRIEND 201 FLOWERS 202 "PRAY WITHOUT CEASING" 203 "O LORD, REVIVE THY WORK" 204 FOR JESUS' SAKE 205 god's ACRE ... ... ... ... ... ... 207 THE SHELTER 208 WALKING BY FAITH 209 "HE KNOWETH THE WAY THAT I TAKE" ... 210 PREPARE THE LIVING FOR LIFE 211 THE SAVIOUR'S PROPHECY 212 " I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU COMFORTLESS, ] WILL COME TO YOU'' 213 PRAY FOR THE UNCONVERTED ... ... ... 214 FALLING LEAVES ... ... ... ... ... 215 THE APPROACH TO GOD 210 "THOU VISITEST THE EARTH" 217 THE HDSHED STORM 218 GODS LOAF 219 THE WISH OF THE WEARY ... ... ... ... 220 LEANING-TRUSTS 221 1EE WEARY HEART 222 COME WITH US 228 A NOVEMBER LAY 224 CREPARE THE DYING FOR DEATH Tib ft CONTENTS. AND SHE ANSWERED " JT IS WELL" ... ,.. 228 " TO BE WITH CHRIST, WHICH IS FAB BETTER"... 227. THE TRIED AND THUE 228 SPARE USEFUL LIVES 229 LOBD, REMEMBER ME 230 'THOU, LORD, HAST MADB ME GLAD" 231 THE UNTRODDEN PATH ... ... ... ... 232 FADING AWAY 234 TALK 235 SUFFERING AND GLORY 236 WHY STANDEST THOU HERE IDLE? 237 JESUS ONLY 238 ANSWERS TO THE SAVIOUR'S PRAYER 239 "THY WAY, O GOD, [S IN THE SANCTUARY" ... 240 NEW YEAR'S DAY 241 RISE AND PRAY 242 BE NOT DISCOURAGED 243 "THEY DESPISED THE PLEASANT LAND" 244 "WE ALL DO FADE AS A LEAF" 245 I WOULD NOT LIVE ALWAY 246 FOR EVER WITH THE LORD 248 BY THE SEA 249 " THE EARTH, LORD, IS FULL OF THY MERCY"... 250 RECOGNITION IN HEAVEN 251 " THOU KNOWEST NOT WHAT A DAY MAY BRING FORTH" 252 "NOT THIS MAN, BUT BABABBAs" 253 IHANKSGIVINO 255 FABEWELL 250 LAYS AND LYBICS, ETC. &ight from the 6ross. fok an angel's power of mind and thought ! The earth-bound soul can only weakly seem To tell of that with such deep meaning fraught, That angels stand astonished at the theme. Light from the Cross ! — 0, may it gild my page. Irradiate my mind, and nerve my hand To write of things which still from age to age Will form the songs they sing in spirit land. Eow deep the darkness that, with gloomy wings. Sat brooding o'er the world ere this light shone, Throwing more mystery o'er hidden things, Shrouding the soul that sat and sighed alone 1 G lory to God ! for now, athwart the skies, Light from the Cross of Calvary has come, To shed its blessed beams upon our eyes, And thus illuminate the pathway home. 12 Softly its rays shone on the history Of man's first sin against his holy God, Unfolding on the scene the mystery Of his redemption through a Saviour's blooA, Lighting the fearful sentences of death On the closed gates of long-lost Paradise, And upward urging the aspiring breath To a far better Eden in the sla'j.i. Light from the Cross upon God's broken law ! The trembling soul shrank from its Maker's look, Until, with heavenly-lighted eyes, it saw Hope for the Binner in the Holy Book. Mount Sinai's top was covered with the cloud Of the Eternal's anger, till on high, " Look unto Calvary !" was proclaimed alond, And sunbeams spread o'er all the brightening «k;. And we, who break it still, who work and strivp But to increase our own unrighteousness, When fainting 'neath our burden, may revive, As closer to that lighted Cross we press : For " Christ fulfilled the law," and we may oKuq To that fulfilment as our perfect good ; Beneath His holiness our sins may fling, And see our natures pardoned and renewed. Light from the Cross irradiates the time Of types and shadows, with their misty at ; Throws over it a glory all sublime, That ere it shone was never witnessed there: The olden service, and the sacrifice Of bulls and goats, and offerings for sin, Were but the shadows of that wondrous price Paid on the Cross our rebel souls to win. 18 The lamb, without a blemish, that waB laid On Israel's sacred altar, and the fire That kindled when their offerings were made, And bore to heaven their penitent desire, Were only simple types of Him who came To be the "Lamb of God," and take away The world's dark heritage of sin and shame — Owr sacrifice, whose power can ne'er decay. And so when we have sinned, and wildly weep, Not to these ontward rites onr spirits turn : When God's just wrath shall round about us sweep. Our worn hearts for a purer offering yearn. The lamp of Calvary will guide us where He lives — the spotless Lamb who once was slain % His blood is sprinkled on us in our prayer, And we are washed and pare from every stain. Light from the Cross has shone on prophecy, That dark, uncertain page of baffling power ; And man may read it now with kindling eye, And list the oracles all dumb before. Strange beauty gilds the sacred words inspired, Lessons Divine are radiant with its beams ; Man sees what ancient prophets long desired, And sings of Calvary by way-side streams. How sweet Isaiah's words of eloquence, And Jeremiah's pathos to us, now That light has elevated human sense, And glory touched the aching, dust-soiled brow t Christ came to preach good tidings to the meek, To loose the captives, broken hearts to bind, To comfort Zion's mourners, and to seek The lost and wretched whom none else could find. 14 Ah ! coma Mie throngs whom thus the prophets taught Who heard and marvelled, but believed them not, Within the Gospel's radiance have been brought, They had not then the wondrous words forgot : The holy cities where our fathers praised, And fields and valleys, would all vocal be, And from Judaea's mountain-tops be raised One long glad hymn of Christian melody. Light from the Cross upon the promises ! How sweet their life-words to the sickened soul t Healing, and solace, and support in these Are found, grief's surging billows to control : They who have sat beneath the Cross may take And bind them ever to the grateful heart, Their own blest heritage for Jesus' sake, To calm the terror and allay the smart. There was a weary, way-worn, wandering man, Who groped amid the darkness of the earth, Who read with eye-Bight dim the Gospel plan, Nor understood its beauty or its worth ; But when he knelt before the holy Cross, And saw that weary ones might sweetly rest, How did he call all other treasures Iosb, And clasp the promise to his throbbing breast i Light from the Cross upon the history Of falling nations and a changing world, Explaining brightly the deep mystery — Some peoples raised, and some to ruin hniSeO. Where'er thiB light has dawned, the hand of God Is seen disposing the intricacies, Bringing a brighter period with His nod, When all shall know the Saviour — all be hia. 15 And now it melts the Greenland heart of 100, Softens the fierce will of the African, Throws beauty round the Indian's wild device, And crowns with heavenly flowers the Mexican. Aad war and pestilence, where'er they go, But pioneer the blessed time of peace, When every tribe shall onr Jehovah know, And powers destructive in His mild reign censa Light from the Cross upon that spotless Life That trod, in human flesh, this vale of tears, Turning to harmony the din of strife, Staying with love earth's agony and fears ! A stranger 'midst His own, He suffered here, Till, on the Cross uplifted, there was given Conviction to His murderers ; while fear Seized those who crucified the King of Heaven ! Light on the miracles the Saviour wrought, Light on the healing touch of that kind hand, On all the blessings, with such mercy fraught, He scattered broadcast on the thirsty land ! The wondering crowd were fain to own that He Must be Messiah — such His matchless power — Who made the lame to want, the blind to see, And raised the dead from its unlighted hour. He fed the weary, hungry multitude ; — Light from the Cross proves Him the living bread : Among His people, poor, despised, He stood 5 — Light from the Cross proves Him their glorious how5 ; He healed the sick as they around Him pressed j — This light shows Him the healer of our souls i He soothed the raging tempest- waves to rest f— And He our passion and our sin controls. 16 Light from the Cross falls on our mission here, Lights np the path of duty for our feet, Turns to sublimity this lower sphere, And makes our daily labour light and sweet. It quickens to activity the nerve That sluggish lies in hearts too faint and cold. The " Well done, faithful servant," to deserve, In that blest city where the streets are gold. The missionary sees it, and is strong To labour on, though death is all around 5 The pastor hails it, and can raise a song, Though cares and sorrows in his lot abound ; Et falls upon the teacher's darkened room, And more than mortal strength at once is given •■ It warms and cheers the suffering martyr's gloom. And lights his spirit with a ray of heaven. Light from the Cross upon the miseries That crowd around the way-worn pilgrim he: 9, Hope for the wretched in his poverties, Joy for the sufferer in his lowest sphere ! ! 'twere enough to make the angels weep, To watch the outcasts in their great distress, Deep shadows brooding o'er them as they sleep ; But even here this light has made it less. Hundreds of ragged little ones, who bear Faintly indeed the stamp of childhood's joy, Were watching willingly each lurking snare, Waiting to find from Satan some employ : riut there were Christian hearts and active feet, Which trod the darkened haunts of wretchedness,. And brought them from their places of retreat, Intent, like Jesus Christ, to aid and bless. 1? And now, throughout our happy Christian land, What groups of sweet young faces may be seen. Singing with joy of Jesus as they stand, With bright intelligence of eye and mien; Learning deep lessons how to lire and die, To play their parts as in God's holy sight ; While prayers are breathed that they beyond the sky May praise Him ever for this blessed light ! Light from the Cross upon the cottagers That toil from morn till night for dally bread ! A lot of hunger is too often theirs, Of sleepless tossing on their rough, hard bed ; But ligiit nas power to reach their humble home. Power the intensest darkness to dispel, To lead to Calvary all those who roam, And make them own at last, God doeth well I Through the dark alleys, with a silent prayer, Aurelia wends her dim, intricate way : Daughter of Luxury ! what doth she there ? See, many a rough voice urges her to stay! She brings them light their darksome way to cheer. She tells them softly of the Saviour's love — How 'twas the poor He loved, and sought while here, And that He pities them, though now above. She leaves the Bible there, and so each night The poor man sits upon his wooden chair, While shines around his home the Gospel light, And the rude walls are vocal with his prayer. ! blessings on that true, warm woman's heart, That in ner love and trust did what she could i And praise to Him who did His ligiit impart, And fill her spirit with such grat-tiide! B 18 Light from the Cross sometimes, with holy beam Has fallen upon the drunkard's sodden mind, Awaking him from his delirious dream, His true position in the world to find ; And the wine-cup is quickly dashed aside, For higher impulses attend him now ; He is a man again with manly pride, And the dark blot is fading from his brcsr. There was a man in whose black, kindling iyo The fever-fires of passion wildly burned ; His waB the harsh rebuke, the rude reply, The haughty spirit that his fellows spurned : But once, when the sweet Sabbath bell was vane He lingered near the Cross a little while ; And now the words of love are on his tongne. The lion is a lamb, with patient smile. Another, too, there was, who lightly spoke The holy name of the Almighty God, Who in the minds of others oft awoke A wish to tread the sinful paths he trod. But a strong hand was on him, and he knelt Beside the Cross, until its brilliant light Fell on his Bpirit, and the scoffer felt Humbled and penitent in Jesus' sight. Thrice-blessed, holy light ! where'er it shine* Its sacred influence at once is known ; It moulds the hardest heart, until it twines In lowly, reverent love around the throne. So noiseless, yet so infinite its sway, It spreads like lucent sunbeams o'er the earth ^ And joyfully the hearts of men obey, And waken to a more exalted birth. >9 All that is good, or great, or high, or pure, Springs from that one great fountain at the Cross; That is the only good that will endure When other gains are proved but constant loss ! That nerves the painter's hand and guides his dreams ! The poet and the sculptor own its power : God is the source of art, and Calvary's beams Give it a glory never seen before. For science nourishes amid its light, And literature attains a higher tone, And courtesy, and kindness, with delight, Will ever make the Christian land their own. Oar country's greatness from this light proceeds ; The Gospel makes it noble, good, and free, And yet within its sod are but the seeds j — , What will the great and glorious harvest be P I hear the indistinct slow Future's tramp, Marching along the beaten way of Time ; In its broad hands it bears the Gospel lamp, And on its lofty brow God's seal sublime ! What shall the destiny of nations be — What the grand future of this rising world, — When Jesus' Gospel shall have set them free, And He the banner of His Cross unfurled ? Ah ! who can paint that glorious time of good, When the dark corners of the earth shall cons And join their hearts and hands in brotherhood, All pilgrims to the universal home ? When war shall never raise its clanging noise, Nor hands be lifted but to clasp and bless ; Good-will and peace prevail — earth's greatest joys— And warm kind hearts of brethren, in distress f b2 20 Where, then, shall ignorance be ? O, man mav seek, But never find it, in that happy hour : And vice will triumph not above the weak j It shall be conquered by a higher power : And superstition, with its wearing rust, And enmity, with its sly, oreeping tread, Will then give room to perfect love and trust, Calling down blessings on each other's head. Light from the Cross shall be the world's great weal ( All moral benefits from thence have sprung ; And its unfolding changes shall reveal How God His blessings round the Cross has flun#. The Saviour teaches morals to mankind ; The lofty character proceeds from Him ; And he who copies Jesus in his mind Will have an excellence years cannot dim. And in the good time coming man will be A nobler creature, because more like God, For the rich light of Christianity Shall be diffused as sunshine all abroad. And this shall be the secret of the change : — The great predictions shall have been fulfilled ; Man kneels before his Maker, glad t' exchange His best performances for Christ's blood spilled. And nations, in one concert grand and deep, Will learn calm lessons at the Holiest' s feet ; Their hearts in Calvary's streams will seek to steep. And bring to heaven the praises that are meet. Here only perfect holiness is found : Before the Cross man ceases thus to strive, Lies in abasement on the blood-washed ground, Grateful his all from Jesus to derive. 21 jight from the Cross upon the followers Of Christ, the Spotless One ! Sometimes 'tis dim j While earth-clouds float above these lives of theirs They are not perfect followers of Him. Not conquered quite as yet is Satan's power : Faith, Hope, and Charity are not quite strong ; They falter sometimes in the trying hour. And grieve the God to whom they all belong. But, with the full refulgence of that light, Full holiness will deck the Christian's brow j He will be beautiful in Jesus' sight, If in His righteousness alone he bow. And deeper are the lessons Christ will teach, The longer they remain in His blest school, And higher the attainments they will reach, While He who is all tenderness shall rule. The perfect Christian is the perfect man ; Morality and excellence most be With those who know and feel the Gospel plan s Whom God has honoured, Jesus has set free. All gentleness, and purity, and love, Call this their birth-place, where the streams that flow Are preparations for that state above Which shall no sin or darkness ever know ! A child is playing 'mid the bright, gay flowers, A maiden dreams in the sweet twilight dim, A youth is singing through the sunny hours, And manhood's voice swells high the holy hymn. Why are they all so happy ? 'Tis that they Have gathered silently around the Cross, And, therefore, joys that cannot fade away Are theirs, e'en in this world of grief and loss. 22 Light from the Cross ! How bright the mercy-seat Is to the timid soul approaching now ! How passing dear the place at Jesus' feet, Where she can look to Calvary and bow ; Where hopes all heaven-born fill the expanding mind, And love eternal satisfies the heart ; Where its weak tendrils fondly are entwined Around the Highest, never more to part ! ■So when our yearning spirits cry for peace, And we are left with all our griefs alone, Within that sacred place the storm will cease, And we gain access to the blood-washed throne. No sword of vengeance drives the soul away, But Jesus welcomes with His beaming smile, When in our wretchedness we turn to pray, And bask in that blest sunlight for a while. And when with undimmed power that light shall slims, Those who are bound in Christian unity Shall love as brethren in those rays divine, Shall hope and suffer all in charity, Shall quell the flashing glance, the selfish thought, And cultivate the loving word and deed, In characters with such high goodness fraught That all men shall confess them Christ's indeed. And then our grand cathedrals will not be Closed to God's servants of another name ; Nor those who love each other disagree, Their hopes, their fears, their interests the same. The party spirit will not then distress Those who kneel down at the same throne of grace j But lips that coldly sneered will narmly bless. All longing eagerly for Jesus' fiice. 23 O happy period ! Blessed, holy light ! Would that our eyes might see, our ears might hear. Its kindling rays dispel the gloomy night ; Would that "the good time coming" might be near] Our eyes are straining for it evermore ; Our hearts have ceased not for its dawn to pray ! O that the hours of darkness were but o'er ! that the reign of light would not delay ! Light from the Cross dawns on affliction's night ; Dreams — angel-dreams float oft amid the pain, Making the rod that rests upon us light, Helping the spirit rise and trust again : For in God's characters of love we read What tender, useful offices are theirs, How trials are God's children's greatest need, How " loving-kindness" sends their deepest cares . Yon lonely sufferer, whose friends have passed On long before her to the Great Unseen, Is not unhappy, though she is the last Of a large joyous cirole that has been ; For there is glory round about her bed, And she can see, e'en with her aged eyes, The light of Calvary above her head, Wooing her gently to her native skies. Light from the Cross illumines scenes of joy, Gives to our pleasure all its richest glow, Suggests the holy themes our thoughts employ, Lends rays of heaven to these fleet hours below j Guides ever higher to that land of love, Where crystal waters and green pastures be j And fills the heart that yearns for things above With quiet hopes of immortality. 24 Light from the Cross npon the vale of death > No longer is it heralded by gloom ; For when its icy hand has stayed the breath, Light from the Cross will radiate on the tomb ; And cheerfully toward that home serene The trnsting soul will speed upon its way, Till, basking in God's light — no veil between — Darkness and doubt and death will flee away. So dies the Christian ! Shadows only come Across the valley which he needs must tread ; There is no terror frighting him from home ; He will be there when others say " He's dead!'' He does not fear the narrow resting-place, 'Tis but the lighted threshold of his heaven ; ingels are round him with the torch of grace- Soon the full blaze of glory will be given. Light from the Cross will not grow dim above | The shining robe, the golden harp, will be But tokens of the Saviour's deathless love, Who hung on Calvary to set us free. And through eternity the swelling song Will celebrate the wonders of that light That beamed our chequered earthly path along, And brought us safely where there's no more night. Praise for the blessed light of Calvary ! ! when owe tongues are loosed, a noble hymn Shall praise Him for the glory constantly, That e'en these earth-damps cannot shade or dint. Till then, whate'er of trial's power may come, Let us ne'er leave this blessed, holy place; — Beneath the Cross of Christ shall be our home, Till we behold the Saviour face to face. 25 Tlw Ftittttt!, " He shall choose our inheritance for us."— Fsalm xlvii. i. The lofty elms were waving to and fro, And making solemn music. The brown leaves Fell softly on the greensward. The pale stars Looked on the sleeping earth, and smiled. The hush Was deep and all unbroken, save the fall Of a light footstep. For, with measured tread. Beneath the spreading branches, one there walked In whose strong frame, and flashing eye, and brow High and unwrinkled, were the buoyancy And strength of youth. He stood with halting feet On manhood's threshold. He had juBt awoke To see life as it is ; with purposes, And impulses, to make it something great And worthy of its Donor. And he sought To make his future course, and chose and dreamed Of paths that he would like to tread ; and yet, Round all there gathered something like a mist And dark uncertainty : there seemed to be A doubt, and dread, and danger with the joy. Whichever way he looked. And then he thought Of One who in His mighty hand holds all The destiny of nations, yet loves well To be the Guide of youth. The young man bared His head, ai>d, glancing up to the high heavens, Said, "Father, choose for me!" Years passed awa/ s The strong athletic frame was called to bend .'."j Beneath the weight of labour. And the scroll Of his life's duties opened gradually. He had a mission here. For him fond ties Of close affection were not made. He saw Families gather round his friends, and heard. Sweet epithets of tender love ; but they Were not for him. He might have chosen them ; But He who knoweth what is best for us Withheld them all, and gave him wealth. And so He fed the hungry, clothed the shivering form, And lived and laboured as God's servants should. And he was very happy. Those whom he Had blessed called blessings down on him. And peaoa, That peace that passeth knowledge, filled his heart And satisfied its yearnings. And at last, When the call came to bring him home, he said, " Goodness and mercy follow all my days, And I shall dwell within the house of God For ever." There was yet another — one On whose fair forehead was a wreath of thought And earnest meditation. Future years Lay spread before her. What the rolling ticte Might toss upon the. sands of life, and what Her path might be, she could not tell ; and as She sat before her window, and looked out On the dim earth, she wished it might be hers To scan that hidden landscape. But it passed — That wild, impatient wish. She raised her eye, Brfght with the light of youth and hope, toward heaven. The deep, deep azure made her think of Him 27 Whose great white throne is there. His mighty lore Had made her childhood beautiful. And He, She knew, would bless her now. And so she prayed, " Choose Thou my lot for me." There pressed around Friends with warm, loving hearts, who laid sweet flowera Along her sunny path. Bright smiles there were To welcome her where'er she went. And ties, Fond, close, and sweet, bound her young heart to home And dear old England. But, at last, there came One dearer than the rest, noble and good ; And their two Ufe-streo/ms rrvingled, a/nd were one. They watched the unseen guiding hand, and soon It led them from the old home-scenes, to where The dark-browed chieftain waited for the joy Of God's salvation. It would be wrong To say she shed no tears of parting. But ■ She knew the way He chose for her would be The path of safety and of happiness ! And so she went with him who had become Her earthly aU ; and soon she left the home So many loves had lighted, and became The inmate of a lowly cot, beneath A scorching sun, far from the happy scenes Of cloudless childhood. Was she happy there t Ah, yes ! for all the ease and rest and joy Of her old fatherland, she would not leave The spot where God has sent her. Every day Had brought its meed of happiness, — and closed With songs as glad and grateful as went up From the home circle in the far-off land. • ■■■••■•a* Yes ! surely it is better far that He Choose our inheritance. We may be Lea 28 Through paths we imaged not. But peace and joy Go always where He leads. We need not fear The shadows in the distance. Let us place Our hand within our Father's, and commit Our way to Him. The Romanists had gathered in The chapel wide and high ; And solemnly the organ's peal Went up, as to the sky : The burning candles threw a glare On pictured saints around, While all the congregation knelt In silence on the ground. The white-robed priests were chanting word; In dialect unknown, And so the ignorant were forced To worship all alone ; They listened to the music's swell. And gazed upon the cross ; And " use is second nature," so They thought not on their loss. But one, the fairest of them all, Who formed that gorgeous scene, A pale and thoughtful-looking girl, Whose years were just eighteen j Her quiet brow was very sad, She had an anxious look ; And every now and then she touched A little hidden book. 29 She knelt as all the others did, And to the altar turned, And bent her head in lowliness, While clouds of incense burned ; Yet, when they rose and left the plaot She said with bitterness — " 0, what a mockery it is To worship God like this ! " And when she gained her father's honst Her silent room she sought, And closed the door most carefully, As if for quiet thought ; And, having softly gone into A little secret nook, She quickly from her pocket drew The wondrous little book. For many days she had perused Its pages o'er and o'er ; And now she conned it carefully, As she had done before : And, as she read, fresh beauty seema^ To beam upon her sight, And silently her heart-thought rose— " Thy Word it giveth light." She saw that Christ, and He alone. Could peace and pardon give — Could teach the fallen sinner how In light and joy to live : She saw how those who loved His nam" Must choose the better part — With earth and all its vain delights Should be prepared to part. so She felt that all the false, dark creeds That had deceived her youth Must be forsaken by her now, i'or they were not the truth ; That even parents, friends, and home Were not her " all in all," And might not keep her where she was. If Christ should onward call. And, though 'twas very hard, she felt That they could all be given For the assurance of His love And one sure hope of heaven. But, though she read the sacred Word, She could not trust in Him ; And all her views of that best Friend Were incomplete and dim. 80, many earnest hours she spent Upon her knees in prayer; And supplications deep and strong Rose on the midnight air ; She had no earthly teacher, but Her cries went up to God, And soon the Saviour's smile beamed fortf Upon the path she trod. But the profession of her faith Provoked her father's ire, And frowning priests were ushered in To talk of flaming fire ; Those, too, whom she had fondly loved Now passed her coldly by, Or spoke such angry, bitter words, She almost wished to die. 81 Yet stedfast 'midst it all she stood, -ijid by iter pleading love Won many proud, mistaken hearts To seek for peace above ! In that bright world before the tnrons,, Calmly she resteth now j The palm of victory in her hand. The crown npon her brow. Freshly the morning air, with scented breath, Came o'er the mountain tops. The yellow corn Was ripening for harvest, and the sun Shone oni in splendour, as if glad to shase Famine away from Jndah. Everything Looked lovely to the exiled Naomi : She saw it all, but at her aching heart Was such accumulated sorrow, that Her spirit sank within her, and she turned From the fair scene to muse upon her woe. Into the land of Moab she had come, Leaning upon her husband. He was strong, And princely in his manhood ; and his eyes Had bent upon her with such looks of love As they kept journeying, that she scarcely felt The weariness of travel. By their side, In the exuberance of laughing youth, Their two fair sons had walked. But where were they 82 Now that she was returning ? The dark grave Shrouded her best-beloved and beautiful : And, with an aching, empty heart, she rose To recommence her journey. But there was Another trial to be borne. She called The youthful, weeping widows, whom she loved With all a mother's tenderness, who shared So deeply in their grief, and bade them go Back to their childhood's home. Yet for a while She stayed to bless them. They had been so kind And tender to her sons, and to herself ! Fervently she besought the Lord to bless them, And, with a voice choked in its utterance, prayed That other husbands might bind up their hearts, And give them rest. And then " they lifted up Their voices, and they wept." They would not go And leave her in her solitude ; but she, With stedfast heart of pure unselfishness, In firm low tones, and words unfaltering, Bade them depart to their ancestral homes. Orpah returned.. But Ruth, the gentle Ruth. Clave to her yet more closely, and her arms Tightened around Naomi, till the tears Gathered within her eyes, and her white lips Quivered with feeling as she said, " Go back Unto thy people ! " But the youthful head Sank on her breast again, and she replied — " Entreat me not to leave thee ! I have lived So long in happiness by thy dear side, So much of loving tenderness received, I would for ever near to thee abide, My mother ! Cherish me within thy heart, And bid me not depart ! 83 " Where'er thou goest, let thy daughter go, And lodge where'er thou liest down to rest; Thine is the only God I wish to know, And thine the people that I love the best 5 Where'er thou diest, I will pray to die, — Where thou art buried, lie ! " ! for the sake of those we both have loveu, For the sweet memories of the happy past, Let me not in thy sorrow be removed, Let me stay with thee even to the last ; I cannot bear alone this early woe — O ! bid me not to go ! " He who so cheered me with his manly love, Is smiling on me while I ask thee now : ! thou who loVdst him, bid me not remove, But stay and chase the anguish from thy brow Bid me stand by thee in thy hours of pain : Permit me to remain." Naomi pressed her to her heart, and spake So other words. And they both journeyed on Unto the land of Judah. Ruth saw not What there awaited her : but yet she felt The joy of those who do a noble deed. God blessed her, as He will all those who strive To make another happy I JS "Jesus mpU" John si. 36. His sandalled feet were travel-stained, His journey had been long, And faintly on His staff He leaned, The weariest of the throng. But all-forgetful of Himself Was that kind, heavenly breast ; Working for those He should redeei»v» The Saviour might not rest. Grief was around the sepulchre j — The little loving band Were drawing nigh to Bethany, And missed the greeting hand : The ever-ready smile of love, The tender, thoughtful care, Came not as they were wont to do, For Lazarus was not there. The sisters tremblingly drew near, Swayed by their mighty grief, And many followers, gathering round, Strove to impart relief) But Mary, in her agony, Pressed to the Saviour's side, And said, " Lord, if Thou hadst been hero My brother had not died." 3fi He looked upon the stricken form With His all-pitying eye, — Then at the friends who late had said, " Lord, let us also die !" And over the Redeemer's son! A flood of anguish swept : His spirit groaned beneath the load Of grief; — and " Jesus wept." He did not weep when, fierce and strontf. His enemies drew near ; The "Crucify Him!" of the crowd Drew not a single tear. The cruel scorn, the bitter taunt, His fervent spirit bore ; Not for Himself that face Divine Its mournful aspect wore. Why now these tears ? He knew a word Could bring the absent breath — That Lazarus might smile again, For He could conquer death. He knew that He would waken him, From this his transient sleep, And that the life-tide would flow back — Then why did Jesus weep ? He wept for sympathy with those Who bore the sufferer's part, For human sorrow has such power To touch that mighty heart. The "World's Salvation" could not see Grief upon those He loved — Woe in the eyes that turned to Him— And He remain unmoved. o2 86 Jesus, we thank Thee for Thy tears j For, when our heartB are sad, We know Thou wilt not turn away, But make the mourner glad. And when our broken spirits faint, And sorrows o'er us sweep, Eemind us, all-tender Friend, That Thou in love didst weep. " What aw tU Wild Wai»s Saving?" "The floods have lifted up, O Lord,' the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves."— Psalm xciii. 3. The voice of God is in the waves that wildly o'er ns sweep, The rough dark watercourses of affliction's mighty deep ; They speak to us in thrilling tones of that Eternal Power Who " in the hollow of His hand" retains them every hour. "What are the wild waves saying P" Let us listen as they roU, While their d6sp language solemnly finds entrance to the soul. Ah ! they have swept our friends away ! How rapidly they fled Before their rushing might into the region of the dead ! How vain our frantic eagerness to hold them as they fly ! Yet from the moving waters there is sent a kind reply :— , Blest, are the dead who die in Christ, for ihey shall resting be, When the earth melts "with fervent heat" and there is "no more sea." Again the water-floods rise high, and from our loosened grasp Have swept the life-long treasures which we held with fondest clasp,— The comforts of our home fireside, the dazzling light of fame, The favour of our fellow-men, the honour of our name ; And when we ask the reason why, the tempest wild replies, " He speaks, and at His high command the stormy billows rise." 87 And yet again, with fearfnl force, the angry waters rush, And now the spirit is subdued, and there is solemn hush j The pulse is low, the oheek is pale, and faintly comes the breath, And nature sinks in terror from the hov'ring shade of death. But sweetly comes the Master's voice, " 'Tis I — be not afraid !" Te waters, "peace, be still;" for "here shall your proud waves be stayed." "What are the wild waves saying ?" From the throne of God above, Laden, they flow to us below, with messages of love ; Yet, when the storms are beating and our spirits quake with fear, 'Tis sweet to look above and see the " Bock of Ages" near, To hear our God say, " Hitherto, but now no further oome," To feel the waves are bearing us yet nearer to our home. Tte f ast. O! sweet are the thoughts of the too-fleeting past, Life's glorious sunshine, too brilliant to last ; Like soft-breathing harp-notes they gush through the wind, These thoughts of those seasons now far, far behind. When my spirit grows faint 'neath the hot, scorching Deem, 'Tis pleasant to lave it in memory's stream, And yet 'tis a feeling of exquisite pain— This yearning to live it all over again ! The flower-clad greensward where gaily I roved, The song of the streamlet my spirit so loved, Those seats by the fire-side whence joyous and free Rose the song and the laughter — so thrilling to me , 88 The eyes that smiled on me, the dear lips that blessed, rhe voices that cheered me, the kind hands that pressed. The thoughts of those pleasures remain with me yet ; They are past, they are past — but I cannot forget. And the future looks gloomy and lonely; — yet stay ! What was it so deepened the joy of my way P 'Twas the presence and smile of my Heavenly Friend, And He is unchanging — His love will ne'er end. So I'll hope, and press onward. The future may bring Less sunshine than gladdened the days of life's spring; But I cannot be wretched, wherever I roam, With the love of my Father, the sight of my home f ** Bless us, and m&be tts Hissings." Sojtly through the fragrant air Rises oft this earnest prayer, Reaching to that throne above, Unto Him whose name is love :— Bless us, Father, as we bow ; Breathe thy peace-words o'er us now; Make ns happy, pure, and good, Full of love and gratitude. Make us blessings ! Grant that wv Christ-like in our aims may be ; Making glad the weary heart, Pointing to the better part. 89 Lore and save us ; make ns shine In Thine image, Lord Divine ! Help ns while we linger here, Meetec for a higher sphere. "I ttrill come again." John xiv. 3. All desolate, and trembling, and faint-hearted, O'er life's rough hills we roam, Mourning that Christ our Saviour has departed Unto His glorious home ! For here the closest and the best communion Seems incomplete and dim : Oar spirits scarcely realize the union Between our souls and Him. For, though He cheers the path that is so dreary With messages of love, The strife and tumult make ns very weary — We long to rest above. And ! how sweet the promise He has given, That He will come again — That this strong veil that parts us shall be riven, And ended all our pain ! Jesus is gone before and is preparing Seats in that " better land," That we His bliss and glory may be sharing, There — at our God's right hand. 40 " A little while " there is for us to linger ; A little work to do j " A little while" to watch that pointing finger That leads the desert through. And then, His love in His own accents telling, Jesus will come again, And take us with Him to that peaceful dwelling, For ever to remain. O Friend above all ethers ! we are sighing To see and feel Thee here ; Joyful beyond expression will be dying, If it but bring Thee near. "%zithzt Thirst anij tame," Rev. vii. 16. No thirst for love ! " The heart's deep well" in heaven Is filled with holy, satisfying love j Such friendship as earth dreamed not of is given ; Affection is the atmosphere above. No thirst for knowledge ! There the Highest teaches, And none are ignorant within His school ; Each favoured student truths sublimest reaohes, And ! how kindly does that Teacher rule ! No thirst for honour ! Crowns of life immortal Already wreathe the conqueror's stainless brow, All who have passed within that blessed portal Far, far excel the haughtiest monarch now I 41 No thirst for happiness ! The ransomed spirit Bathes ever in unutterable joy ! Those who have gained that blissful shore inherit Deep, lasting gladness, nothing can destroy. No thirst ! no thirst ! Earth's cisterns, dry and broken, Shall tempt the faint, parched pilgrim there no more ; Life's gushing fountain, with its wealth unspoken, Pours freely, constantly, its deep flood o'er. ! while we tread earth's way, 'mid scenes distressing, And groans too often from our faint hearts burst, How sweet to feel our aching f let are pressing On to that land where there is no more thirst ! "Muwah Sixeh\ n " The Lord will provide," though the way that we tread Is so gloomy and rough that we sicken and faint ; Though the tempest and terror brood over our head, There's an ear that attends to the lightest complaint. " The Lord will provide" in the day of our need, Though the cisterns of earth may be broken and dry, Though a dearth should come over the land where we feed, And desolate sorrow and danger be nigh. " The Lord will provide" when our friends have all flown, And the lips that have blessed us are silent and cold j When we journey in darkness, uncheered and alone, There's a Friend whose kind hand will not loosen its hold. 42 " The Lord will provide," when the evening of life Throws its shadows of gloom o'er the narrowing way, When heart and flesh tremble and fail in the strife, And nature is sinking in solemn decay. " The Lord will provide" when the depths of the grave, With their darkness and nearness and dread, shall appal, When death shall have stricken the arm that would save, And vanquished and weak in the conflict we fall. " The Lord will provide," then, wherever we go j Let us trust to His goodness and cling to His side, And fearlessly travel life's road, since we know That all will be well — for " the Lord will provide." " 6ast nw not awa# from Thj? ftxtssexxce." Psalm li. 11. God, in mercy look on me 5 My spirit knows not where to flee 1 Yet in its grief I come to Thee — 0, cast me not away ! Thou seest me full of woe and sin, With fears without and guilt within j Yet only Thou canst make me clean— 0, cast me not away ! My sinfulness must Thee offend, 1 feel I grieve Thee without end; And yet Thou art my only Friend — 0, cast me not away ! 48 Unbounded mercy, Lord, is Thuifc, Unbounded misery is mine ; Tet in Thy depth of love Divine— 0, cast me not away ! Around Thy cross my arms I fling, Unto Thy gracious sceptre cling, Thou ever pitiest suffering — 0, cast me not away ! I long to see Thy smiling face, I long to feel Thy kind embrace, My Father, in Thy boundless grace — 0, cast me not away ! Weary, and wretched, and denied, Tet am I still Thy loving child, And art not Thou my Father mild ? — 0, cast me not away 1 0, bind me ever to Thy side, And let me in Thy shadow hide, And always at Thy feet abide— O, cast me not away I Ths ®lxmnt oi 01it»s. ™ And he went as he was wont to the Mount of OilveB."- Moee than earthly light and glory Bested on the mountain brow, Hallowed by such sacred footprints, That a halo gilds it now — Such a Saviour On its flowery sod to bow t 44 There the tears of love and kindness Fell from those all-tender eyes ; There the fervent supplications From those lips were heard to rise— God-like breathings, Wafted to the upper skies ! ! to rest where He once rested, Press the tnrf His feet have pressed Gaze upon those scenes so sacred, Were to he supremely blessed ! On the mountain Where the Saviour knelt to rest I But to be with Him it needs not We to Olivet repair ! Where our spirits turn toward Him In their longings — He is there, And will bless us 'Mid the hallowed scenes of prayer. Ttws &an#ua{p oi tlw @ross. " Bring thy sins and sorrows hero." Life's burdens are pressing on thee, As thou toilest o'er the sod ; Thou hast learnt some bitter lessons In the way thy feet have trod : Thy portion is mixed with sorrow, Thy cup has brimmed with woe, And a dark cloud hangeth o'er thee Where'er thy footsteps go. 45 And weighing npon thy spirit Is the heavy load of sin ; Its mark is on thy forehead, And its deep, dire curse within : And thy heart is well-nigh broken, O'erwhelmed by its rushing tide ; Thou art bowed by its sad confusion, But knowest not where to hide. Yet cheer thee, desolate-hearted, A haven of rest is near, And a voice of music entreats thee To cast thy burden here. It is far too large and heavy For thy sinking heart to bear ; O, drop it, thou heavy-laden, With the soothing breath of prayer. 0, faint one, do not tarry In the wild unceasing strife ; Come to the Cross ! I'll give thee Forgiveness, joy, and life. 'Twill soothe the crushing sorrow Within thy bleeding breast ; Wayworn, and sad, and weary, Come to the Cross and rest. Ths Sairicmt's Insurance. 11 AH power is given unto me in heaven and earth."— Matt, xxvifo IS. Cheek thee, sufferer, cheer thee 5 For the weary couch of pain No longer than He pleases Shall thy sinking form retain. 46 ill power is with thy Saviour, And His hand is nerved by love; He tenderly prepares thee ' For thy home with Him above. Faint not amid temptations, Thou who art sorely tried j There is a blessed shadow Where thy spirit may abide. A loving Friend permits it, He can see that it is best ; All power to Him is given- He will give the weary rest. Thou who with loving labour Tield'st thy services to Him, Success is in His keeping, He can fill thy cup to brim. 0, fear not for the future, , But betake thyself to prayer, That a crown of'bright rejoicing May soon be thine to wear. If we are friends of Jesus, We need not fear the strife That with hasty feet attends us All our journeyings through life. Nay, e'en the waves of Jordan, In that last and trying hour, Will not fill our souls with terror, For the Saviour has all power. 47 "What is Man, that Thou art mindful of him ?" I'aalm viii. 4. Sehaphs at Thy footstool bend s Strains from golden lyres ascend ; Myriads of immortals kneel, Rendering homage that they feel. Nature praises Thee, its God ; Flowers are smiling from the sod ; Birds are singing as they fly j All things join the harmony. Sun, and moon, and twinkling star Tell how great Thy glories are ; And the green earth at Thy feet Joins the chorus full and sweet. Since Thy works all praise Thee thus, Father, why such love to us ? Help us, Highest, every hour To adore Thy matchless power. Jtatumn Winds. i"HB " sad Autumn winds!" How they mournfully sigh, As now they are sweeping with eagerness by ! How wild are the voices they bear on the gale ! How startling the music that moves through the vale ! 18 Tho "sad Antumn winds ! " They are mourning that death Passes swift through the land on the Winter's chill breath, That the leaves and the flowers of the Summer must fade, And all beautiful things in the cold earth be laid. The " sad Autumn winds !" ! the shadows they fling To my heart can a thousand remembrances bring Of friends who have left me to journey alone, Who will hear never more their deep murmuring tone. The " sad Autumn winds ! " They will not blow in heaven 1 There Spring and its flowers are eternally given ; And those I have loved so will meet me again. For ever in beauty and peace to remain. Quv JfcdtHxcatu. " If tny man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jetnis Chi1u\ the righteous." — 1 John ii. 1. "We have an Advocate ! " Before the throne He pleads, who, dying, gave Himself for us j Who paid His life to win us for His own, And loves the deathless souls He purchased thus: He is our Advocate who has been slain, And surely Jesus cannot plead in vain. " We have an Advocate !" Our weight of sin Does not exclude us from the Saviour's sight; For they were sinners that He died to win, And those whom He has saved are His delighl 0, the immortal love of that kind Friend ! He will be faithful until life shall end. 49 " We have an Advocate ! " 0, raise a song Of lofty praise to Jesus' healing name ; Eternal honours will we give ere long, And throngh the vaults of oeavav H'S praise proclaim Save us, Redeemer, in Thy mighty lovi_, Plead for us till we dwell with Thee above I hanging for ^ome. Father, how wearily, Sadly, and drearily Time passeth on ! ! how my aching heart Yearns from it all to part- Longs to be gone I Th?s, where I waiting stand. Ij not my fatherland — Is not my home. Only a pilgrim here, Over the desert drear Sadly I roam : Wistfully turn my eyes Up to my native skies — TS13 towards heaven. When may I come to Thee f When shall these shackles be Suddenly riven ? D 50 Sere darkly grows my Vie, Laden with sin and strife. Burdened with griet. There all is holy peace, There love will never ceas-*-" Joy is not grief. Is not the angelrsong Snng by the happy throng Wafted to me ? And from the sapphire hall Snrely Bweet voices call, " Come and be free!" Father, Thou hearest me Eaising my heart to Thee— Longing for home : Graciously speak to me, Bid me from earth be free. Bid me to come. Morning Thoughts. " Canse me to hear thy loving -kindness in the morning."*** Psalm cxliii. 8. Whew night disappears and the daylight is dawning. And peaceful repose has my spirit refreshed, God of the darkness ! my cry in the morning Shall still be to Thee, who hast given me rest. Each day with its dnties and moments of sadness, I need Thee, Father, to lighten my way, To turn e'en the dread and the grief into gladness, To cheer with Thy kindness the newly-born day. 61 O, speak to me words of Thy mercy on waking, To nerve me to labour, or sorrow, or strife, That so 'neath Thy smile I may always be taking The steps that will lead through the pathway of life.. And so will my journey be happiness giving ; So will my constant thought turn unto Thee : And that I always to Thee may be living — Thou who art mighty, O, speak unto me I "%e that wateteth shall tie watered als«l 60 Joy to thee, Christian ! God is beside thee Nothing can touch thee to injure thee now Sinners may scoff, and thy foes may deride thee, But thy Father can make all these enemies bow. Christian, be careful .' The ground thou art treading Must only be trodden with reverent feet ; Think of the light which the Highest is shedding; Lowliness deep for His worship is meet. Bow thee then, Christian, and watch the bush burning i LiBten ! 'tis God who is speaking to thee ! ! when to the world and its duties returning, Pray that thy life from its sin may be free. ®omz to the $ross. Come 1 while thy youthful feet are lightly bounding Through the soft path where fragrant flowerets spring While the green hills and valleys are resounding With the rich song thy lips in gladness sing. Come ! while the low and tender words of blessing Fall like sweet notes of music on thine ear ; While those who love thee to thy side are pressing, And thy free heart knows not the pang of fear. Come ! while the future looks all bright with pleasure, And the fair sun shines in a cloudless sky ; While sorrow has not robbed thee of a treasure, Nor from thy happy spirit forced a sigh. 61 Come to the cross of Jesus in thy gladness, It has a charm to make thee happier still ; Come ! in the darkest season of thy sadness, When thiokening sorrows shall thy faint heart fill. Come ! while thy life is overcast with sorrow, And o'er thee threatening clouds are hanging low j While with deep terror watching for the bmitow, Lest it should bring thee deeper, bittervr woe. Come ! while the evening shades are round thee falling, And day is drawing to an early close ; When soft, low voices are thy spirit calling, And thou art hastening to thy long repose. Come ! when the fairest lights of earth are fading In the mysterious darkness of the grave, When death thy chilly brow and cheek is shading, And thou art called to breast cold Jordan's wave. Come ! in all seasons to the cross of Jesus And learn the thrilling story of His love ; 'Twill cheer and sanctify, refresh and ease us, Fit us for life on earth and rest above. Walk. Walk in the morn, when the birds' rich notes Triumphantly burst from their tiny throats | Walk in the midst of the bustling day, When busy scenes are around thy ways Walk in the calm, sweet sunset hour, When the world seems like a shady bower. 62 Walk in the country — the whispering leaven, The fragrant meadows, the golden sheaves, The clear blue sky, and the flower-clad sod, Will ever tell of the love of God. Go ! learn sweet lessons by walking there, Amid nature's pictures so sweet and fair. Walk by tne side of the mighty sea, As it rolls in its glory, so wild and free : Its bounding billows and restless waves, And the hidden depths of its darkened cavee. Have voices to speak of that God to thee, In whose mighty hand is the wild, wild sea. Walk in the city, and kindly scan The speaking face of thy fellow-man ; Thou wilt see the traces of world-wide care ; Each has his burden of grief to bear : But a brother's eye appeals to thee, And a brother's heart needs sympathy. Walk, yes, walk, and ever raise Thy heart to heaven in songs of praise- Praise, that this world iB so fair and bright — Praise, that thou livest in such delight — Praise, that the brightest joys here given Are dark to the bliss of thy home in heaven i hux us t-ell $esns, "And went and told Jesus."— Matt. xiv. IS. Ah ! it was well for those woe-stricken friends To tell the Saviour of their crushing grief j To go to Him whose sympathy ne'er ends, And supplicate His pity and relief. 63 And 'twill be well for as to go to Him With all that makes this life of ours grow dim- Let us tell Jesus — when the friends we loved, Too well, perchance, for things of mortal birth, By death, or change, or exile are removed, And far less bright becomes our home on eareh : Let us tell Jesus, for His tender love All human friendship is so far above. Let us tell Jesus — when life's weight of care, With all its toils and duties, seems too great For weak and fragile ones like us to bear, No arm but His can fit us for the weight 5 And, when it wearies ns, how sweet to rest And lose it all on the Beloved's breast! Let us tell JeBus — when around our way Darkness and difficulties seem to stand, And, fearful lest our feet should go astray, We need some kindly voice, some guiding Bar"! : 0, we could follow if He would but lead. And He is always near in time of need. Let ns tell Jesus — when the shadows come And tell us eventide is drawing nigh : If He but wait to bid us welcome home We will not tremble, wiil not fear to die : Let us tell Jesus all that may betide, Mil we shali dweil for ever by His o-