. • • . '. . FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON. D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Section y^ OF PRAYER AND PRAISE, PUR LIS TIED BY THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY. 28 CORNHILL, BOSTON. x— • *\~s ^ — * ^M Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1861, by the AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY, in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. GEO. C. BAND & AVERY, ELECTROTYPERS AND PRINTERS. ^~^jm INDEX OE SUBJECTS. I 1 ! Abel entering- heaven 104 Abide with us 20 Abou Ben Adhem's dream 156 Advice 05 Affliction 147 A hymn IIS A little bird I am 124 All, all is known to thee 159 / An ancient choral 149 ) "Angels that are to be." 14 ( A morning- hymn 200 A prayer 28 A prayer for divine strength 108 ( A prayer 109 ) A prayer for guidance 151 Beyond the river 40 ) Be strong in the Lord 42 ( Be strong 176 Be ye patient 36 Bringing our sheaves with us 189 Childlike submission 110 ( Christian duty 59 Christian trust 06 Christian confidence 86 Come, Holy Spirit 11 Consecration 62 Conversion * 136 ( Confession , , 140 J) k 3 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. *■ I Distractions in prayer .- 115 ( Drawing nearer 102 Earthly and heavenly interest 101 Eternity 182 Evening song 92 Evening prayer 133 Evening hymn 157 Exaggeration of ill 105 First and last 04 From thee cometh help 48 Fullness of Christ 105 Girl's thoughts on her twentieth birthday j 07 God's support and guidance 90 God's goodness 186 Going Home 142 Growing in Grace . . 145 Hagar and Ishmael 107 Haste not! Rest not! 13 Heavenward 29 Heaven 107 Heavenly Sowing 171 Hiding in God 15 Humility 83 Hymn of trust 30 Invocation 39 I hold still 44 I) Jesus, still lead on 57 ) Jesus, lead the way 72 v Judge not 120 Life springing from death 195 Life's purpose \ 150 Listen, listen to the hour 120 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. Longings for heaven CO Love to my Lord 31 ) Low spirits 51 \ Mercies 119 ( Music 96 ( My God, I know that I must die 40 ) My times are in thy hand 18 \ My work 51 ^ Night song 113 ) Night musings 164 ) " Nothing but leaves " 35 ( None but Christ 74 1 : Only waiting 180 ( ) Out in the cold 122 Peace 78 11 Peace like a river " 190 Prayer 58 / Prayer for mercy 00 Prayer for divine grace 177 Psalm 130 84 ) Pupil and tutor 38 ) { < | Pest 79 [) Pest and labor 144 ( Pest, weary soul 207 / Besting in God 204 Pivcr of God 102 Self-condemnation 73 Sick and in prison 49 Sloth 32 Sowing and reaping 70 Strive, wait, and pray 129 Sweet hope 187 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. ( Tarry with me 109 ) Thankfulness 154 The beautiful land 19? The day laborer 178 ) The eternal years 192 The gifts of God .... 172 The guiding- hand 131 ) The heart's song 98 The heart's core 139 The land of promise ..HO The ordeal 94 The pilgrim 87 The pilgrim of earth 127 The peace of God 100 ) The true shepherd 25 The wicket gate 1S4 The world 80 The word of the Lord 130 " This tabernacle " 22 ' Thoughts in a wheat field 100 ) Traveler's hymn 203 Via crucis, via lucis 17 Vi et armis 70 Wake thou that slcepest 53 Want of thought 99 Welcome death 191 Withdrawing from God 114 Would you be young again 75 Zinzendorff's hymn 199 INDEX OF FIRST LINES. Abide with me ; fast falls the eventide 20 Abou Ben Adhera (may his tribe increase) 156 Ah, dearest Lord I can not pray 115 ) Alas ! I have walked through life 99 A little bird I am 124 Another portion of life rolls on 182 \ A somber, moonless, leaden sky above 32 (] Be not afraid to pray 58 Ben Adam had a golden coin, one day 1G1 Beside the toilsome way 36 \ Be strong- in the Lord and the power of his might . 42 Be strong to hope, O heart ! 170 Beyond these chilling winds and gloomy skie3 . . . 167 \ Beyond the smiling and the weeping 187 ) Christ's blood and righteousness to me 199 ( Come, Holy Spirit! from the hight 11 Come, my soul, thou must be waking 200 Dear Lord, this world which thou hast wrought Father, I know that all my life 13 ) Father, in thy mysterious presence kneeling .... 28 Father, I have wandered far 39 Father! the skies are dark above me 151 Fever and fret and aimless stir 54 Forsake me not, my God 90 From my lips in their defilement 02 From the deeps of grief and fear 84 INDEX OF FIRST LINES. Girlhood's sunny days are over 67 Give me a heart of calm repose 196 Had I a thousand hearts, I'd raise 31 Heart, be still 113 Heart, heart, lie still 139 ) noly Zion! land supernal 69 How shalt thou bear the cross that now 192 How sweet it were, if without feeble fright 14 J) How meanly dwells the immortal mind ! 22 I come to thee, to-night 133 I have a work to do 51 In the silent midnight watches 98 ) In his wide fields walks the Master 100 In the still silence of the voiceless night 104 Is this the way my Father? 'Tis, my child .... 131 I thank thee, O my God ! who made 154 Jesus, still lead on 57 \ Jesus, lead the way 72 Jesus, the soul of music is 90 ) Judge not j the workings of his brain 120 Lamb of God, harmless, holy 149 ) Listen, listen to the hour! 120 Live for thyself, let each successive morn 150 Lord, many times I am weary quite 73 ) Lord, a happy child of thine 92 Lord, go with us, and we go 203 Mid the fast falling shadows . . . > 184 My God, I know that I must die 40 My God, whose gracious pity I may claim 159 My soul, be strong ! confront thy life 70 My soul, there is a countrie^ 78 My soul, what hast thou done for God 172 INDEX OF FIRST LINES. Nearer! yes, we felt it not 102 Not from the work appointed us to do 15 Nothing but leaves ; the spirit grieves 35 O faith ! thou workest miracles 13G O gracious God, my fainting heart 109 Oh for those solitary hours 177 Oh, send me not away ! for I would drink 108 Oh, what a load of struggle and distress GO Oh, what a cunning guest 140 O love divine ! that stooped to share 30 Ouly waiting till the shadows 180 O Saviour, pity all who weep GO O thou great Friend to all the sons of men 118 Pain's furnace heat within me quivers 44 Pilgrim of earth, who art journey iug to heaven ... 127 Pest, weary soul 207 River of God ! that springcst . 102 Since thy Father's arm sustains thee 204 So, in our simple creed 29 Source of my life's refreshing springs IG6 Sow with a generous hand 7G Sower Divine 171 Sow ye beside all waters 178 Still onward through this land of foes 87 Still, soft, and white upon the tasscled pine . . . .119 Strive, yet I do not promise 129 Sweet Saviour ! bless us ere we go 157 Tarry with me, O my Saviour 1G9 Ten thousand times ten thousand sung 104 There is a river deep and wide 40 The air is cold, the way is dark and dreary 122 The seed must die before the corn appears 195 The bird that soars on higliest wing 83 m INDEX OF FIRST LINES. The world is wise, for the world is old 80 The Lord, he is my strength and stay 74 The time for toil is past, and night is come .... 1S9 There is a land immortal 197 They sank amid the wilderness 107 They are going, only going 142 There is a land where beauty will not fade 14G Thou grace Divine, encircling all 186 This did not once so trouble me 1-io Through the cross comes the crown 17 Thy word, O Lord, like gentle dews 130 'Tis first the true, and then the beautiful 64 'Tis sweet to feel that he who tries 94 To be the thing we seem 50 Two hands upon the breast H4 Wake, thou that sleepest in enchanted bowers . . . 53 Weary, Lord, of struggling here 79 We must feel ere we can pity 05 We overstate the ills of life, and take 105 We will not weep, for God is standing by us . . . . 80 What shall I do, lest life in silence pass 38 What the heart is at the birth 105 What pleases God, O pious soul 110 When death is drawing near 191 When we are dark and dead 114 Who that a watcher doth remain 147 Wildly falls the night around me 49 Without haste ! without rest 13 Would you be young again 75 10 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. <£@x»©, Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit! from the height Of heaven send down thy blessed light : Come, Father of the friendless poor, Giver of gifts, and light of hearts, — Come, with that unction which imparts Such consolations as endure. ii. The soul's refreshment and her guest, Shelter in heat, in labor rest, The sweetest solace in our woe : — Come, blissful Light ! Oh, come and fill, In all thy faithful, heart and will, And make our inward fervor glow. 11 w SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. III. Where thou art, Lord, there is no ill, For Evil's self thy light can kill ; Oh, let that light upon us rise ! Lord, heal our wounds, and cleanse our stains, Fountain of grace, and with thy rains Our barren spirits fertilize. IV. Bend with thy fires our stubborn will, And quicken what the world would chill, And homeward call the feet that stray : Virtue's reward, and final grace, The eternal vision, face to face, — Spirit of Love, for these we pray. [Frederick Faber.] 12 S gg HASTE NOT! REST NOT! Haste aotl Rest not I Without haste ! without rest ! Bind the motto to thy breast; Bear it with thee as a spell; Storm or sunshine, guard it well ! Heed not flowers that round thee bloom, Bear it onward to the tomb ! Haste not ! let no thoughtless deed Mar for aye the spirit's speed ! Ponder well and know the right, Onward then with all thy might ! Haste not ! years can ne'er atone For one reckless action done. Rest not ! life is sweeping by, Go and dare before you die: Something mighty and sublime Leave behind to conquer time ! Glorious 'tis to live for aye, When these forms have passed away. Haste not ! rest not ! calmly wait : Meekly bear the storms of fate ! m SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. «££\ ( Duty be thy polar guide, — ( Do the right, whate'er betide ! ) Haste not ! rest not ! conflicts past, God shall crown thy work at last. ) [From the German of Goethe.] \ ( (' ) ( "Aagels ftat are to be™ { a How sweet it were if, without feeble fright, ( ) Or dying of the dreadful, beauteous sight, n An angel came to us, and we could bear ) To see him issue from the silent air ) At evening in our room, and bend on ours ) ^e^3'v^ His eyes divine, and bring us from his bowers m News of dear friends, and children who have never Been dead indeed, — as we shall know for ever. ( Alas ! we think not what we daily see, ) About our hearths, angels that are to "be, ) Or may be if they will, and we prepare Their souls and ours to meet in happy air, — A child, a friend, a wife whose soft heart sings In unison with ours, breeding its future wings. ( [Leigh Hunt.] M% m 0. HIDING IN GOD. ^fi Hiding in GmL " Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence. Thou shalt ) keep them secretly in a pavilion." — Psalm xxxi. 20. Xot from the work appointed us to do, Our Maker hides us; Xot from the suffering of mortal woe, That oft betides us : • But whoso treadeth where the Saviour trod, Where duty guideth, Fearful of nothing but the power of God, His Maker hideth. He walks amid the furnace-fires alone, Yet well attended; For lo ! there stands beside him God's own Son, To earth descended. Thousands and tens of thousands smitten lie Breathless around him ; Safe in the secret place of the Most High, Death hath not found him. 15 i Quiet in God, — the ever-present seal Of faith unspoken, — Believing faces, — infant lips reveal Its nameless token ; A gift bestowed upon the poor oppressed, To kings forbidden ; Beneath the shadow of thy wings to rest, Securely hidden. To bear for them the cross, as if for thee, Strengthen me ever; Among thine hidden ones, oh, number me, Now and for ever. A . ) ) 16 M VIA CRUCIS, VIA LUCIS. '.' Yia Graces* ¥ia Luc! " The way of the Cross the way of Light.' Through the cross comes the crown ; when the ( cares of this life, ( Like giants in strength, may to crush thee ( combine, ) Never mind, never mind ! after sorrow's sad strife ) Shall the peace and the crown of salvation be ) thine. ^ i ) Through woe comes delight ; if at evening thou ) sigh, And thy soul still at midnight in sorrow ap- pears, Never mind, never mind ! for the morning is nigh, ( Whose sunbeams of gladness shall dry up thy ( tears ! Through death comes our life ; to the portal of pain, Through Time's thistle-fields, are our weary ( steps driven ; Never mind, never mind ! through this passage we gain The mansions of light and the portals of heaven. [From the German of Roscgarten.] /T^ SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. !; \ Psalm xxxi. 15. ) D ( Father, I know that all my life Is portioned out for me; ( And the changes that are sure to come, ( ) I do not fear to see; ) ) But I ask thee for a present mind ) Intent on pleasing thee ) I ask thee for a thankful love, i 1) ( j Through constant watching, wise j ( To meet the glad with joyful smiles, ( And to wipe the weeping eyes ; ( ( And a heart at leisure from itself, ( ) To soothe and sympathize. ) ) I would not have the restless will ) ) That hurries to and fro, ) Seeking for some great thing to do, ]) K Or secret thing to know ; j I would be dealt with as a child, And guided where to go. (I ) & fo D ) (• S. 18 MY TIMES ARE IN THY HAND. Wherever in the world I am, In whatsoe'er estate, I have a fellowship with hearts, To keep and cultivate ; And a work of holy love to do, For the Lord on whom I wait. I ask thee for the daily strength, - To none that ask denied ; And a mind to blend with outward life, "While keeping at thy side, Content to fill a little space, If thou be glorified. And if some things I do not ask In my cup of blessing be, I would have my spirit filled the more With grateful love to thee, — More careful than to serve thee much, To please thee perfectly. There are briers besetting every path, That call for patient care ; There is a crook in every lot, And a need for earnest prayer ; But a lowly heart that leans on thee Is happy every where. 19 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. { ( In a service that thy love appoints, ) ( / There are no bonds for me, ) ) For my secret heart is taught the truth ) ) That makes' thy children "free;" j And a life of self-renouncing love ( Is a life of liberty. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( (' «' ) "If a man love me, he will keep my words : and my Father will ( love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with ) him." — Jon^ xiv. 23. ( ) Abide with me ; fast falls the eventide ; ) \ The darkness thickens. Lord, with me abide ; ( When other helpers fail, and comforts flee, ( Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me ! ( ( Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day ; Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away ; I) Change and decay in all around I sec, — ■ ) O Thou who change st not, abide with me ! 20 ABIDE WITH US. M Not a brief glance I crave, a passing word, But as thou dwelTst with thy disciples, Lord, — Familiar, condescending, pati^it, free ; Come not to sojourn, but abide with me. Come not in terrors, as the King of kings, But kind and good, with healing on thy wings, — Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea ; Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me. Thou on my head in early youth didst smile, And though" rebellious and perverse meanwhile, Thou hast not left me, oft as I left thee ; On to the close, O Lord, abide with me ! I need thy presence every passing hour ; What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power ? Who like thyself my guide and stay can be ? m Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me. I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless ; Ills have no weight, and fears no bitterness. AVhere is death's sting? where, Grave, thy vic- tory ? I triumph still if thou abide with me. SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes : Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies ; Heaven's morning toeaks, and earth's vain shadows flee ; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me ! [H. F. Lyte.] — «^-e^a^**- U " For we know that, if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dis- solved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." — 2 Corixtiiia> t s v. 1. How meanly dwells the immortal mind ! How vile these bodies are ! Why was a clod of earth designed To inclose a heavenly star? Weak cottage where our souls reside ! This flesh a tottering wall, With frightful breaches gaping wide, The building bends to fall! <'- 22 V — * V-*^ "THIS TABERNACLE.'' V All round it storms of trouble blow, And waves of trouble roll, Cold winds and winter storms beat through And pain the tenant soul. " Alas ! how frail our state," said I, And thus went mourning on, Till sudden from the clearing sky A gleam of glory shone. My soul felt all the glory come, And breathed her native air ; Then she remembered heaven her home, And she a prisoner here. ( Straight she began to change her key, And, joyful in her pains, She sung the frailty of her clay, In pleasurable strains. 23 i <; How weak the prison where I dwell ! \ Flesh but a tottering wall; The breaches cheerfully foretell The house must shortly fall. ( J as SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. No more, my friends, shall I complain, Though all my heart-strings ache ; Welcome disease and every pain That makes the cottage shake ! Now let the tempest blow all round, Now swell the surges high, And beat the house of bondage down, And let the stranger fly. I have p, mansion built above By the eternal Hand, And should the earth's old basis move ; My heavenly house must stand. [Watts.] 24 M THE TRUE SHEPHERD. Tb.o Ttm SIieplicccL " My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." — Joiix v. 10. I was wandering and weary When my Saviour came unto me ; For the ways of sin grew dreary, And the world had ceased to woo me: And I thought I heard him say, As he came along his way, O silly souls ! come near me ; My sheep should never fear me ; I am the Shepherd true i At first I would not hearken, And put off till the morrow ; But life began to darken, And ^was sick with sorrow ; And I thought I heard him say, As he came along his way, O silly souls ! come near me ; My sheep should never fear me I am the Shepherd true ! 25 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. < ( At last I stopped to listen ; ( His voice could not deceive me; ( ( I saw his kind eyes glisten, ( <■ / So anxious to relieve me; ) And I thought I heard him say, ) ) As he came along his way, L-\£»" O silly souls! come near me; ( My sheep should never fear me ; And said how he had missed me; 26 j **M.J ^VV^ ^XXV,LXXVX XXV, TV,* 1VU1 XXXV,, ( I am the Shepherd true ! ( i 1 <: D He took me on his shoulder, ) ) And tenderly he kissed me ; ) He bade my love be bolder. ) ..xxv. ,cx r xxv, ^--u xxxv,, > } ( And I'm sure I heard him say, ( ( As he went along his way, ( ) O silly souls ! come near me ; ) My sheep should never fear me; ) I am the Shepherd true ! | I 1 ( Strange gladness seemed to move him, ( Whenever I did better; ( And he coaxed me so to love him, ) As if he was my debtor; ) J THE TRUE SHEPHERD. H } And I always heard him say, As he went along his way, ( O silly souls ! come near me ; ) ) - My sheep should never fear me*, ) I am the Shepherd true ! ) I thought his love would weaken, ^ As more and more he knew me ; But it burneth like a beacon, And its light and heat go through me ; And I ever hear him say, As he goes along his way, O silly souls ! come near me ; ( My sheep should never fear me I am the Shepherd true ! Let us do, then, dearest brothers, What will best and longest please us Follow not the ways of others, But trust ourselves to Jesus ; We shall ever hear him say, As he goes along his way, O silly souls! come* near me; My sheep should never fear me ; I am the Shepherd true ! [Frederick Faber.] J 27 $&, SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Father, in thy mysterious presence kneeling, Fain would our souls feel all thy kindling love, For we are weak, and need some deep revealing Of trust, and strength, and calmness from above. Lord, we have wandered forth through doubt and sorrow, And thou hast made each step an onward one, And we will ever trust each unknown morrow, — Thou wilt sustain us till its work is done. In the heart's depths a peace serene and holy Abides, and when Pain seems to have her will, Or we despair, — oh, may that peace rise slowly, Stronger than agony, and we be still ! Now, Father, — now, in thy dear presence kneel- ing* Our spirits yearn to feel thy kindling love ; Oh, make us strong ! we need thy deep revealing Of trust, and strength, and calmness, from above. 28 HEAVENWARD. *"<, ) Q (' ,' ( . Heavenward. " For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country/' — IIe brews xi. 14. So, in our simple creed We drop the frail mortality we wear, And — laud to Him who for our sakes did bleed, And on his cross our bitter griefs did bear ; We know our ransomed nature certain heir Of deathless being from its dying seed. They who nurse hopes live every day an age, And strive moi4pfleet to live by living well ; ( And so we hasten on our pilgrimage, Plucking earth's flowers, but fain in heaven to dwell. Life in our ear doth mean eternity, And time, our staff, but speeds us on our way, While all around poor voyagers we see Who bear it but to chronicle each day, I And notch the hurrying hours of destiny > In fearful units, numbering for dismay The lavished seeds of immortality. [Arthur Coxc.] Wl^ 29 m of Trust. that trust in him shall be desolate."— Psalm xxxiv. 22. SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. ^l\ ( > ( ) ( ) ( ) ( (' The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants ; and none of them ) <; O Love divine ! that stooped to share ( Our sharpest pang, our bitterest tear, ■*- ( On thee we cast each earth-born care ; r We smile at pain while thou art near. ) ) Though long the weary way we tread, ) And sorrows crown each lingering year, j No path we shun, no darfllBss dread, Our hearts still whispering thou art near ! ( <; When drooping pleasure turns to grief, ( And trembling faith is turned to fear, ) The murmuring wind, the quivering leaf, ) Shall softly tell us thou art near ! ) . ?a WL* On thee we fling our burdening woe, O Love Divine, forever dear, Content to suffer while we know, ( Living and dying, thou art near! < [Dr. Ilolmes.] ) ^r- LOVE TO MY LORD. Love to my Lord, ) ( Let us lift up our heart with our hand9 unto God in the heavens. ) Lam. iii. 41. " Had I a thousand hearts, I'd raise "Worthy of Him who reigns above, — Our heavenly guide ! He takes the heart we fain would give, ( ) I Them all in my Redeemer's praise," ) We sometimes cry ; And still we find it hard to give Our one poor offering, and live As he were by ! ( Oh, purest, truest, boundless love ! ) «' I ( He deigns in it himself to live, ( With us to 'bide. ( } Tune, Lord, this heart as t'were a lyre ) Of heavenly make, till every wire And every chord, ) Wake but one strain, — one deepest thrill ^ Long, louder, sweeter, fuller still, — ( Love to my Lord ! [From " Louisa von Plettenhaus."] SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. " Be not weary in well doing." 2 Thes. iii. 13. A somber, moonless, leaden sky above, And on the windows slowly dropping rain, A slumberous curtain, shutting out the sun, A lulling music, murmuring through the brain ; A glowing fire, whose warmth and softness steal Through every sense, as idly I recline, And ponder how to pass the pleasant hours, By storm and solitude made doubly mine. I am not called to brave the wintry air, And go with others to the house of God ; Sickness and pain close up the wonted path Which, year by year, my feet unwearied trod. To idly muse before the glowing light, To build up castles melting into air, To fill them with vague fancies, fleeting guests, And so let sleep steal on me unaware. This shall I do, as dies afar the chime Of bells that mark a Sabbath afternoon, Joining with wind and rain in outer air, The deep contralto of a pleasant tune. 'Tis hard to pass the old enchanted ground, Nor linger idly in its deepening shades ; To nerve the dreamy thought, compel the step To leave behind its streams and pleasant glades. Let in the sobbing wind, a mournful tone Blends with a strange and deeply thrilling power ; " When days and nights so many are thine own, Canst thou not watch with me one little hour ? " 'Tis for thy safety. I no longer need When compassed by an angel host ; But ambushed foes and traitors thronging come ; Let them not slay thee, sleeping at thy post. " This hour is thine, to watch, to weep, to pray O'er follies past, o'er sins as yet unshriven ; No day but has its clogging, wearying weight Of errors unrepented, unforgiven. &3 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. " Canst thou not watch one hour in thankful love For all that makes thy lot in life so blest ? Beware, lest doom, not mercy, bids thy heart At length sleep on, and take the wished-for rest."# So, back to prayer and earnest thought I come ; Back to life's conflict, spent, but striving still ; Or, if I lie with folded hands awhile, 'Tis but to wait, O Lord, thy blessed will. [Mrs. Emily B. Haven.] 84 •NOTHING BUT LEAVES." m ** Nothing liut Leaves." Mark xi. 13/ Nothing but leaves; the spirit grieves Over a wasted life ; Sin committed while conscience slept, Promises made, but never kept, Hatred, battle, and strife; Nothing but leaves! Nothing but leaves ; no garnered sheaves Of life's fair, ripened grain ; Words, idle words, for earnest deeds ; We sow our seeds, — lo ! tares and weeds; We reap, with toil and pain, Nothing but leaves. Nothing but leaves; memory weaves No veil to screen the past; As we retrace our weary way, • Counting each lost and misspent day, We sadly find at last Nothing but leaves. 35 M SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. *^> ) ( ( ( And snail we meet the Master so, ( (i Bearing our withered leaves? ( ,) The Saviour looks for perfect fruit, — ) ) We stand before him, humble, mute, ) ) Waiting the word he breathes, — ) "Nothing but leaves." ( ) [Christian Inquirer.] ( ) (f ( — ~+4f&fr~~ ( 1 f I ) "In your patience possess ye your souls."— Luke xxi. 19. ) ) . ) ( Beside the toilsome way, ( ( Lowly and sad, by fruits and flowers unblest, ( Which my worn feet tread sadly, day by day, ^ Longing in vain for rest, i! ) An angel softly walks, ) With pale, sweet face, and eyes cast meekly stalks, ) down; The while, from withered leaves and flowerless She weaves my fitting crown. (I ) M S BE YE PATIENT. | ^ A sweet and patient grace, A look of firm endurance, true and tried, Of suffering meekly borne, rests on her face, So pure, — so glorified. And when my fainting heart ) Desponds and murmurs at its adverse fate, Then quietly the angel's bright lips part, Murmuring softly, — "Wait." c< Patience," she sweetly saith ; <; ( " The Father's mercies never come too late ; ( Gird thee with patient strength and trusting faith, ( And firm endurance, — wait!" Angel ! behold, I wait, — ) hours, ) Wait till thy hand shall ope the eternal gate, Wearing the thorny crown through all life's And change the thorns to flowers. SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. I "For them that honor me I will honor." — 1 Sam. ii. 30. P. " What shall I do, lest life in silence pass ? " T. " And if it do, And never prompt the bray of noisy brass, What need'st thou rue ? Remember aye the ocean drops are mute, The shallows roar. Worth is the ocean, — fame is but the bruit Along the shore." P. "What shall I do to be for ever known?" T. "Thy duty ever." P. " This did full many who yet sleep unknown." T. " Oh, never, never ! Think'st thou, perchance, that they remain unknown Whom tlwu know'st not? By angel trumps in heaven their praise is blown ; Divine their lot." [Arthur dough.] «; INVOCATION. a- Xavocatikra. 44 Let my supplication come before thee : deliver me according to thy word." — Psalm cxix. 170. Father, I have wandered far, Oh, be now my guiding star! ( Draw my footsteps back to thee, ( Set my struggling spirit free ; Save me from the doubts that roll ) O'er the chaos of my soul, — ) Let one ray of truth illume ( .) And dispel the thick'ning gloom! God of truth, and peace, and love, Hear my prayer! Drive my restless thoughts above, — Keep them there ! «! Father, save me at this hour, From the tempter's fearful power, — Purify the hidden springs Of my wild imaginings. I have thought till thought is pain, Searched for peace till search is vain ; Out of thee I cannot find ) Rest for the immortal mind. ) 39 ~J& SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Now I come to thee for aid, — Peace restore ! / Let my soul on thee be stayed ) For evermore! J ^ [Churchman.] ( { • Beyond the River. ~e/$/d**>*~ <■ <■ «' { Be not afraid to pray, — to pray is right. ) Pray, if thou canst, with hope ; but ever pray, Though hope be weak, or sick with long delay ; Pray in the darkness, if there be no light. " I will, therefore, that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." — ! Tim. ii. 8. ( » <; Far is the time, remote from human sight, ( When war and discord on the earth shall cease ; " / Yet every prayer for universal peace Avails the blessed time to expedite. ) Whate'er is good to wish, ask that of Heaven, ) Though it be what thou canst not hope to see : ^ Pray to be perfect, though material leaven ( Forbid the spirit so on earth to be; ( But if for any wish thou darest not pray, / Then pray to God to cast that wish away. ) [Hartley Coleridge.] ) fr 58 <$>) ^ Gfix-Mkxi Duty. " To them who hy patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life." — Komaxs ii. 7. To be the thing we seem; To do the thing we deem Enjoined by duty ; To walk in faith, nor dream Of questioning God's scheme Of truth and beauty ; Casting self-love aside, Discarding human pride, Our hearts to measure : In humble hope to bide Each change in fortune's tide, At God's good pleasure ; To trust, although deceived ; Tell truth, though not believed; Falsehood disdaining : Patient of ills received, To pardon when aggrieved, Passion restraining ; 59 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. <&i <> With love no wrongs can chill, To save, unwearied still, The weak from falling : ) This is to do God's will On earth, and to fulfill — *^e^9^— j Our heavenly calling. ( [Horse Poeticse.] (> ,' ,' i fmf%v tw Mercy. .' "He hath sent me to heal the hroken-hearted, to preach deliver- v ance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at ( liberty them that are bruised." — Luke iv. 18. ) O Saviour, pity all who weep, D And, weeping, seek thy feet; ) Thou givest thy beloved sleep, — ^ Oh, make it calm and sweet. ) Have mercy upon all who faint Along their upward way, Sore troubled by the lingering taint Of Adam's sinful clay. CO ,W PRAYER FOR MERCY. ) ( ) ( iHave mercy upon all who strive In fear, for daily bread, The poor man's drooping strength revive, \ At thine own table fed. ) Have mercy upon all who part, — ) Love mourneth sore alone, — ( Heal tenderly each breaking heart, ( And bind it to thine own. ,' ) K Have mercy upon all who err, They need it more than all; ( Lead home each hapless wanderer, ( And raise up those that fall. ( ,; «; The deaf, the blind, the lepers heard ( Of old thy piercing voice ; ( r Speak to our souls that quickening word, ? Arise ! Be clean ! Kejoice ! ) ( <' ) ( .' 61 M, Ji m SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. &>\ ( (' ) ( <; From my lips in their defilement From my heart in its beguilement, From my tongue, which speaks not fair, From my soul, stained every where, — O my Jesus, take my prayer! Spurn me not, for all it says, — Not for words and not for ways, Not for shamelessness endued! Make me brave to speak my mood, /' my Jesus, as I would, ) Or teach me (which I rather seek), ) What to do and what to speak. j 1 have sinned more than she ( Who, learning where to meet with thee, ( And bringing myrrh, the highest priced, ( Anointed bravely, from her knee / Thy blessed feet accordingly. ) My God, my Lord, my Christ, ) From the Greek, by E. B. Browning. As*thou saidest not, " Depart," To that suppliant from her heart, Scorn me not, O Word, that art 62 M i^ 3 CONSECRATION. ^K The gentlest one of all words said ! But give thy feet to me instead, That tenderly I may them kiss, And clasp them close, and never miss, With over-dropping tears, as free And precious as that myrrh could be, T' anoint them bravely from my knee ! Wash me with thy tears ! draw nigh me, That their salt may purify me ! Thou remit my sins, who knowest All the sinning, to the lowest, — Knowest all my wounds, and seest All the stripes thyself decreest ; Yea, but knowest all my faith, — Seest all my force to death, — Hearest all my wailings low That mine evil should' be so. Nothing hidden but appears In thy knowledge, O Divine, O Creator, Saviour mine ! Not a drop of falling tears, Not a breath of inward moan, Not a heart-beat which is gone. [St. Joannes Damasccnus.] fi3 m SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. 'Tis first the true, and then the beautiful ; Not first the beautiful, and then the true ; First the wild moor, with rock and reed and pool, ! j Then the gay garden, rich in scent and hue. ) ( ) ) Not first the glad, and then the sorrowful ; But first the sorrowful, and then the glad : (j* Tears for a day, for earth of tears is full ; Then we forget that we were ever sad. ') ( ( Not first the bright, and after that the dark, But first the dark, and after that the bright ; First the thick cloud, and then the rainbow's arc, First the dark grv e, then resurrection light. ) 'Tis first the night, — stern night of storm and war, Long night of heavy clouds and veiled skies ; ( Then the fair sparkle of the Morning Star, ( That bids the saint awake, and day arise. ( ) L 64 M MXIQQ. " Blessed be God, who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."— 2 Cou. i. 3, 4. We must feel ere we can pity ; We must long before we pray; We must know the need of comfort Ere we cheer another's way. Art thou, then, the only mourner ? Throbs no breaking heart but thine ? Does the earth's green surface never Hide a deep and wealthy mine ? Know we not what wondrous structures Grow beneath the rolling seas? Coral reefs in hidden natures Rise as silently as these. May be that thy strength of purpose Might uplift some sinking heart ; And the ray to thee returning, A refracted light impart. 65 A% SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. £ m m < SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Day by day; There to be more fully, truly, ( Thine alone. 68 In the shadow and the darkness ( Be my star; ( In the light, lest radiance dazzle, ) ) Go not far; ) ) Make me patient, kind, and gentle, ) ) Teach me how to live more nearly ( .; ( As I pray. ( ( That my heart so much desireth ( Grant me still, ( If the earnest hope accordeth ) | With thy will; D ) Should thy mercy quite withhold it, ) Be thou near ; ^ Let me feel I hold its promise f All too dear. i! i 1 <; Here, upon life's very threshold, Take my heart ; ( ? .From thy holy guidance let it ) ) Ne'er depart ; ) When life's stormy strife is over, .| ') ( i Take me home, M LONGINGS FOR HEAVEN. Longings " And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads : they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."— Isaiah xxxv. 10. Holy Zion ! land supernal, Sacred palace of our King, Where the saints will reign eternal, — Sweet it is of thee to sing ! All is joy and bliss within thee ; Songs of triumph ceaseless rise ; There's no grief 'for those that win thee, Sadness, pining, tears nor sighs. All earth's storms for them subsiding, — They have reached the port of rest ; In their Saviour's love abiding, With his peace for ever blest. With his glory he surrounds them, While like him I see them shine ; With unfading crowns he's crowned them, And their vestments are divine. 69 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Turn from him their souls will never, — ( All submissive to his love; Sin has lost its power for ever, Where his praise is sung above. ) !; O my Lord, who by thy passion, ) On these heav'ns hast set my eyes, — ) Thou hast clothed me with salvation: For this rest my spirit sighs. — •** *&&&* — ( «; [J. E. Rankin.] ( ) ( ( 1 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and v having on the breastplate of righteousness."— Era. vi. 14. ) ) ( ) My soul, be strong! confront thy life, Nor feebly moan with weak complaint; ( Arouse to wage the mortal strife, ( ( ) ( Thou shrinking coward, pale and faint! Look up at Truth's unchanging face ; That brow, though stern, is yet serene; And sometimes, for the heart of grace, ) On those white lips a smile hath been. ) VI ET ARMIS. It will not serve thee to delay; Shall the rude ocean cease to roar, Because thy wild and dangerous way Lies to its dimly visioned shore ? The warrior on the tented field Lingers no more to look behind, # But raises high his bossy shield, And casts his banner to the wind. Shake off thy dreams ! Let faith and prayer Light the drear way, — the path is straight ; Contagion fills the misty air, ( And clustering snares around thee wait. r <' Hope not for succor from below, ( Stars shine from heaven, and shine at night ; ) Be stout of heart ; come weal or woe, Forward! and God defend the right! [A. W. II.] iu. SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. ( <> ) I 1 JesiSs, lead Ilk© way. { I M Let us run with patience the race that is eet before us, looking ' » / unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." — Heb. xii. 1, 2. ( Jesus, lead the way, ) So we shall not stray ^ From the path, while here abiding, ( | But shall follow thy safe guiding: ( ( Lead us by the hand r ) To the fatherland. «; ,) Should we fare but hard, ? ) Stand we fast on guard ; l ) Though the days be very dreary, Never of our burdens weary; , ! «' \ JLNever ui uur uuruciis weary ^ ( For through trouble's sea < ( Lies our road to thee. ( «; (f Should some secret smart Vex and wound the heart, ( Or another's woe and weakness, — < Grant us patience, — grant us meekness ) I Lift thou up our mind ) ) To the end designed. > i u J » SELF-CONDEMNATICN. ^ ( Lord, thy guidance lend ( Through life to the end; ( Though the way be rough and trying, Be thou needful help supplying; And when all is o'er, ) Open, Lord, the door ! [From the German of Jesu Gen Voran.] ( — ^e/22/3-v — ( " If our heart condemn us. God is greater than our heart, and ) kncweth all things."— 1 Jons iii. 20. ( Lord, many times I am weary quite | Of my own self, my sin and vanity ; Yet be not thou, or I am lost outright, Weary of me. <' And hate against myself I often bear, And enter with myself in fierce debate; — Take thou my part against myself, nor share In that just hate. Best friends might loathe us, if what things per- verse We know of our own selves they also knew; — Lord, Holy One ! if thou, who knowcst worse, Shouldst loathe us too ! [Trench.] (&» SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. The Lord, he is my strength and stay; When Sorrow's cup o'erflows the brim, It sweetens all, if I can say, It is from him! it is from him! When, humbly laboring for my Lord, Faint grows the heart and weak the limb, What strength and joy are in the word, It is for him! it is for him! I hope for ever to abide Amid the shining seraphim, Delivered, pardoned, glorified; — But 'tis through him! it is through him! Then welcome be the hour of death, When Nature's lamp burns low and dim, If I can cry with dying breath, I go to him, I go to him ! [A. l. o. ej ( 74 <&> WOULD YOU BE YOUNG AGAIN P ^»[) I ,' ,» (' ) ( ) ( " Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth .' unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for tho v prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."— Phil. iii. 13, 14. ( «» <; ( One tear to memory given, / Onward I'd hie. ) Life's dark flood forded o'er, ( ) All but at rest on shore, Would j©n bo young agatal Would you be young again? So would not I, — I ) ( With home so nigh? i ) ) ) Retrace your way, — Say, would you plunge once more, If you might, would you now Wander through stormy wilds, Faint and astray? Night's gloomy watches fled, Morning all beaming red, ( Hope's smiles around us shed, , ) Heavenward, — away. ) L 75 M SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Where, then, are those dear ones, Our joy and delight ? — Dear and more dear, though now Hidden from sight. Where they rejoice to be, There is the land for me; Fly, time, fly speedily, — Come, life and light. '• — ~*-£/&/dr* 1 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." — Psalm cxxvi. 5. Sow with a generous hand ; Pause not for toil or pain ; Weary not through the heat of summer, Weary not through the cold spring rain ; But wait till the autumn comes, For the sheaves of golden grain. ) 11=^ Scatter the seed, and fear not, A table will be spread; What matter if you are too weary To eat your hard-earned bread : ( Sow while the earth is broken, ^ For the hungry must be fed. ) 4^ SOWING AND REAPING. Sow while the seeds are lying ( In the warm earth's bosom deep ; And your warm tears fall upon it, — They will stir in their quiet sleep, ) ) And the green blades rise the quicker, j Perchance, for the tears you weep. ,' Then sow, — for the hours are fleeting, And the seed must fall to-day, ( ( And care not what hands shall reap it, ( Or if you shall have passed away ) ) Before the waving cornfields ) ( ) Shall gladden the sunny day. ) ( ) I ,' Sow, and look onward, upward, Where the starry light appears, ( Where, in spite of the coward's doubting, ( ( Or your own hearts' trembling fears, ( ) You shall reap in joy the harvest ) ) You have sown to-day in tears. ) ) \ \ i J, SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. & My soul, there is a countrie, ( Afar beyond the stars, ( Where stands a winged sentrie ( All skillful in the wars. ( » [) There, above noise and danger, ) Sweet peace sits crowned with smiles, And One born in a manger ( Commands the beauteous files. ) He is thy gracious friend, And (O my soul, awake !) Did in pure love descend, ( To die here for thy sake. If thou canst get but thither, ) There grows the flower of peace, — V Tl^ -*.^r,^ +"U«4- ,->«%■»-. -n^4- -r^r^l^^-^ The rose that can not wither, Thy fortresse and thy ease. Leave, then, thy foolish ranges, For none can thee secure, But one who never changes, Thy God, thy Life, thy Cure. [Ilenry Vaughan.] w m ) ( ,• ,' .' ) ) "Weary, Lord, of struggling here With this constant doubt and fear, Burdened by the pains I bear, " Return unto thy rest, O my soul ; for the Lord hath dealt boun- tifully with thee." — Psalm cxvi. 7. And the trials I must share, — Help me, Lord, again to flee ( To the rest that's found in thee. I ( Wakened by the wayward will "Which controls, yet cheats me still, ) Seeking something undefined ) With an earnest, darkened mind, — Help me, Lord, again to flee To the light that breaks from thee. ,; Fettered by this earthly scope, In the reach and aim of hope, Fixing thought in narrow bound, Where no living truth is found, — Help me, Lord, again to flee ) To the hope that's fixed on thee. L ¥ SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. ( Fettered, burdened, wearied, weak, ( Lord, once more thy grace I seek; ( Turn, oh, turn me not away! ) Help me, Lord, to watch and pray, That I never more may flee From the rest that's found in thee. [Protestant Churchman.] «— -we^a^ ) ( ) ;> <; ' And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of ' righteousness, and of judgment."— John xvi. 8. / <> k~^ The world is wise, for the world is old; Five thousand years their tale have told; Yet the world is not happy, as the world might be,- ( ) Why is it? why is it? Oh, answer me! ( ( The world is kind if we ask not too much ; ( ) It is sweet to the taste, and smooth to the touch ; ) ) Yet the world is not happy, as the world might ) be,— ) Why is it ? why is it ? Oh, answer me ! ) THE WORLD. The world is strong, with an awful strength, ( And full of life in its breadth and length ; Yet the world is not happy, as the world might { be,- ) Why is it ? why is it ? Oh, answer me ! If The world is so beautiful one may fear Its borrowed beauty might make it too dear; Yet the world is not happy, as the world might be, — ) Why is it ? why is it ? Oh, answer me ! <; ( The world is good in its own poor way, ( There is rest by night and high spirits by day ; ( Yet the world is not happy, as the world might (' . be .~ Why is it ? why is it ? Oh, answer me ! ,; ( The Cross shines fair, and the church-bell rings, ( And the earth is peopled with holy things; ( Yet the world is not happy, as the world might ji be,— ^ Why is it ? why is it ? Oh, answer me ! ) 81 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. > What lackest thou, world? for God made thee ( of old; ( } Why, — thy faith hath gone out, and thy love ( grown cold ; Thou art not happy, as thou mightest be, For the want of Christ's simplicity. It is love that thou lackest, thou poor old world ! Who shall make thy love hot for thee, frozen old world ? Thou art not happy, as thou mightest be, For the love of dear Jesus is little in thee. Poor world ! if thou cravest a better day, Remember that Christ must have his own way ; I mourn thou art not as thou mightest be, But the love of God would do all for thee. [Frederick Faber.) 82 M !>' 3r humility. wi 1 I ( (' ,; M Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift ^ you up." — James iv. 10. / Whose clothing is humility. In deepest adoration bends ; The weight of glory bows him down, The bird that soars on highest wing Builds on the ground her lowly nest; And she that doth most sweetly sing Sings in the shade, where all things rest ; In lark and nightingale we see "What honor hath humility. < When Mary chose the better part, She meekly sat at Jesus' feet; And Lydia's gently opened heart Was made for God's own temple meet. Fairest and best adorned is she, ( The saint that wears heaven's brightest crown, ) Then most when most his soul ascends. Nearest the Throne itself must be The footstool of humility. [James Montgomery.] 83 Mm CIO. " Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice ; let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplica- J tions. If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand ? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch ) for the morning ; I say, more than they that watch for the morning. Let Israel hope in the Lord : for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities." From the deeps of grief and fear, O Lord, to thee my soul repairs ; ( From thy heaven bow down thy ear, Let thy mercy meet my prayers; Oh, if thou mark'st What's done amiss, What soul so pure Can see thy bliss? But with thee sweet Mercy stands, ( Sealing pardons, working fear; ) Wait, my soul, wait on his hands, — Wait, mine eye, — oh, wait, mine ear! If he his eye Or tongue affords, Watch all his looks, Catch all his words! 84 -j HUNDRED AND THIRTIETH PSALM. As a watchman waits for day, And looks for light, and looks again, When the night grows old and gray, To be relieved he calls amain; So look, so wait, So long, mine eyes, To see my Lord, My sun, arise. "Wait, ye saints, wait on our Lord, For from his tongue sweet mercy flows ; Wait on his cross, wait on his word, — Upon that tree redemption grows; He will redeem His Israel From sin and wrath, From death and hell. [Phineas Fletcher.] 85 -. . -v^^-w-vJ^S S SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. n? " But it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light."— Zech. xiv. 7. We "will not weep, for God is standing by us, And tears will blind us to the blessed sight ; We will not doubt, if darkness still doth try us ; Our souls have promise of serenest light. We will not faint, if heavy burdens bind us ; They press no harder than our souls can bear ; The thorniest way is lying still behind us ; We shall be braver for the past despair. Oh, not in doubt shall be our journey's ending ; Sin, with its fears, shall leave us at the last ; All its best hopes in glad fulfilment blending, Life shall be with us when the death is past. Help us, O Father ! when the world is pressing On our frail hearts, that fail without their friend. Help us, O Father ! let thy constant blessing Strengthen our weakness till the joyful end. 86 M THE PILGRIM. The Pilgrim. "And confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." — Hkb&BWS xi. 13. Still onward through this land of foes, I pass in Pilgrim guise ; I may not stop to seek repose, Where cool the shadow lies ; I may not stoop amid the grass, To pluck earth's fairest flowers, Nor by her springing fountains pass The sultry noontide hours; Yet flowers I wear upon my breast, That no earth-garden knows, — "White lilies of immortal peace, And love's deep-tinted rose ; And there the blue-eyed flowers of faith, And Hope's bright buds of gold, As lone I tread the upward path, In richest hues unfold. SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. F ( I keep my armor ever on, ( For foes beset my way; ) I watch, lest passing on alone, ) I fall a helpless prey. ) No earthly love have I, — I lean j Upon no mortal breast; ( But my Beloved, though unseen, Walks near and gives me rest. ( Afar, around, I often see, ( Throughout this desert wide, / His pilgrims, pressing on like me, — ) They often pass my side; ) The kindly smile, the gentle word, j For Jesus' sake I give ; ( But love, — O thou alone adored! ( For thee alone I live. ,; ( Painful and dark the pathway seems, ( To distant earthly eyes; r They only see the hedging thorns ) On either side that rise; ) They can not know how soft between, The flowers of love are strown, — The sunny ways, the pastures green, Where Jesus leads his own ; { w~° THE PILGRIM. ( They can not see, as darkening clouds ( Behind the pilgrim close, ( How far adown the western glade ) The golden glory flows; I They can not hear 'mid earthly din The song to pilgrims known, Still blending with the angels' hymn Around the wondrous throne. ( ) lj So I, thy bounteous token-flowers ( Still on my bosom wear ; ( While me, the floating love-winged hours To thee still nearer bear; j So from my lips thy song shall flow, ) My sweetest music be; ) So on my eyes the glory grow, Till all is lost in thee. 89 3. SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. " Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me ; put not thy servant away in auger ; thou hast heen my help ; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation." — Psalm xxvii. 8, 9. Forsake me not, my God, Thou God of my salvation ! Give me thy light to be My sure illumination. My soul to folly turns, Seeking she knows not what; Oh, lead her to thyself, — My God, forsake me not! Forsake me not, my God ! Take not thy Spirit from me; And suffer not the might Of sin to overcome me. A father pitieth The children he begot; My Father, pity me; My God, forsake me not! 90 GOD'S SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE. ( Forsake mc not, my God ! ( Thou God of life and power, * ( Enliven, strengthen me, ( In every evil hour; And when the sinful fire Within my heart is hot, Be not thou far from me; M Tr God, forsake me not! ) ( Forsake me not, my God! ( Uphold me in my going; ( That evermore I may ,' Please thee in all well-doing; And that thy will, O Lord, ) May never "be forgot In all my works and ways, — My God, forsake me not! Forsake me not, my God ! I would be thine for ever ; Confirm me mightily In every right endeavor. And when my hour is come, Cleansed from all stain and spot Of sin, receive my soul ; My God, forsake me not ! [Translated from the German.] SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. r D i ( " My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed." — Psalm lxxi. 23. V J vearag ©oaf. ( > <; Lord, a happy child of thine, ) Patient through the love of thee, ) In the light, the life divine, Lives, and walks at liberty. ( Leaning on thy tender care, Thou hast led my soul aright ( Fervent was my morning prayer, ( Joyful is my song to-night. ) ,; O my Saviour, Guardian true, ^ ) All my life is thine to keep ) ) At thy feet my work I do, ) ) In thy arms I fall asleep. ) ) Tender mercies on my way, ) ^ Falling softly like the dew, \ ( Sent me freshly every day, ( I will bless the Lord for you. ( 92 £$% EVENING SONG. % % Though I have not all I would, Though to greater bliss I go, Every present gift of good To eternal love I owe. Source of all that comforts me, Well of joy for which I long, Let the song I sing to thee Be an everlasting song. [Mrs. Waring.] 03 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. I TU Meal. ) " And he shall Bit as a refiner and purifier of 6ilver." — Mal. iii. 3. Tis sweet to feel that he who tries The silver, takes his seat ( Beside the fire that purifies, ) Lest too intense a heat, ) Raised to consume the base alloy, ) The precious metal, too, destroy. ) 'Tis good to think how well he knows The silver's power to bear The ordeal through which it goes, ( And that, with skill and care, He'll take it from the fire when fit For his own hand to polish it. ) ( <; ( ( 'Tis blessedness to know that he ) The piece he has begun Will not forsake, till he can see (To prove the work well done,) An image, by its brightness shown, The perfect likeness of his own. tef 94 THE ORDEAL. But, oh ! how much of earthly mould, Dark relics of the mine, Lost from the ore, must he behold; How long must he refine, Ere in the silver he can trace The first faint semblance to his face. Thou great Refiner, sit thou by, Thy purpose to fulfill ; Moved by thy hand, beneath thine eye, And melted at thy will, Oh, may thy work for ever shine, Reflecting beauty clear as thine ! 95 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Let him sing psalms, the Spirit saith, ) Jesus the soul of music is, — ) His is the noblest passion ; j K Jesus' name is joy and peace, ( ( Happiness and salvation; ( ( Jesus' name the dead can raise, ( r Show us our sins forgiven, / ) Fill us with all the life of grace, ) ) Carry us up to heaven, ) Who hath a right like us to sing, — I) ) Us, whom his mercy raises? ) K Merry our hearts, for Christ is king, ^ ( Cheerful are all our faces; ( ( Who of his love doth once partake, j / He evermore rejoices; / ) Melody in our hearts we make, ) ) Melody with our voices. ) ) He that a sprinkled conscience hath, ) ) He that in God is merry, ( v iJCl JJJLUJL Ollli' USaiUiSj l/llU UU1I11 MU1L1I, v ( Joyful and never weary, ( L J 96 Offer the sacrifice of praise, Hearty and never ceasing, Spiritual songs and anthems raise, Honor and thanks and blessing. Then let us in his praises join, Triumph in his salvation; Glory ascribe to Love divine, Worship and adoration; Heaven already is begun, Opened in each believer; Only believe, and still sing on ; Heaven is ours for ever! [Charles Wesley.] SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. " Behold, I stand at the door and knock : if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." — Rev. iii. 20. In the silent midnight watches, List thy bosom door; How it knocketh, knocketh, knocketh, Knocketh evermore. Say not, 'tis thy pulses beating, 'Tis thy heart of sin ; 'Tis thy Saviour knocks and crieth, Rise, and let me in! Death comes down, with reckless footstep, To the hall and hut: Think you Death will stand a-knocking Where the door is shut ? Jesus waiteth, waiteth, waiteth, But thy door is fast! Grieved, away thy Saviour goeth, Death breaks in at last. WANT OF THOUGHT. *■ | Then 'tis thine to stand entreating ( Christ to let thee in : ( At the gate of heaven beating, "Wailing for thy sin. Nay, alas ! thou foolish virgin, ) Hast thou then forgot ? Jesus waited long to know thee, But he knows thee not ! ) [A. C. Coxe.] { ( ( ) ( — **/$& — < i \ Want of Thangat. Alas ! I have walked through life ( Too heedless where I trod, ( Nay, helping to trample my fellow-worm, ( And fill the burial sod, ) ) Forgetting that even the sparrow falls ) Not unmarked of God! ( if The wounds I might have healed . ( The human sorrows and smart ! And yet it never was in my soul ) ) To play so ill a part : ) ) Bat evil is wrought by want of thought \ As well as want of heart. [T. Hood.] ( SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. " The harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels."— Matt. xiii. 89. Int his wide fields walks the Master, In his fair fields, ripe for harvest ; Where the evening sun shines slant-wise On the rich ears heavy bending. Saith the Master : " It is time." Though no leaf shows brown decadence, And September's nightly frost-bite Only reddens the horizon, — " It is full time," saith the Master, The wise Master, u It is time." Lo, he looks. That look compelling Brings his laborers to the harvest; Quick they gather, as in autumn, Passage-birds in cloudy eddies Drop upon the sea-side fields ; White wings have they, and white raiment, White feet shod with swift obedience, Each lays down his golden palm-branch, And uprears his sickle, shining, " Speak, O Master, is it time ? " 100 THOUGHTS IN A WHEAT FIELD. ( O'er the fields the servants hasten, Where the full-stored ears droop downwards, ( Humble with their weight of harvest ; Where the empty ears wave upward, ) And the gay tares flaunt in rows : J , But the sickles, the sharp sickles, Flash new dawn at their appearing; Songs are heard in earth and heaven, For the reapers are the angels, And it is the harvest time. m^ 101 ,; O great Master, are thy footsteps ) Even now upon the mountains? Art thou walking in thy wheat fields? Are the snowy-winged reapers Gathering in the silent air? ( Are thy signs abroad, the glowing / Of the distant sky, blood reddened — ) And the near fields trodden, blighted, Choked by the gaudy tares triumphant ? Sure it must be harvest time. Who shall know the Master's coming? Whether it be at dawn or sunset, ( When night dews weigh down the wheat ears, / Or while noon rides hi Mi in heaven, ( Sleeping lies the yellow field ? [) w ^ SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. m Only may thy voice, good Master, Peal above the reapers' chorus, And dull sound of sheaves slow falling, — " Gather all into my garner, For it is my harvest time." [Miss Muloch.] *J&R/*~ — "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb."— Rev. xxii. 1. River of God ! that springest Before the throne on high, To weary men thou bringest In one bright body meet. Healing and comfort nigh. ( Beside thy crystal waters, Within thy golden street, jl God's chosen sons and daughters & <' ( D ( They know no care for ever; Sorrow and pain are o'er: ( That union nought shall sever, — ( They " live for evermore " 102 RIVER OF GOD. They stand in peace before him Whose name is on their brow; They love and they adore him Before whose throne they bow. They see the hand that fed them, The power that kept them strong ; They bless the love that led them Tenderly all life long. River of God ! with gladness That city thou dost fill ; Thou dost dispel all sadness, — Thou dost all strength instill. River of God! beside thee Pure joys and love abide ; What though earth's mists may hide thee, What though rash men deride? They hide, but can not stain thee; We feel that thou art pure ; AVc can not yet attain thee, Yet know thee ever sure. 103 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. M " And they sung as it were a new song before the throne."— Rev. xiv. 3. Ten thousand times ten thousand sung Loud anthems round the throne, When lo ! one solitary tongue Began a song unknown ; A song unknown to angel ears, A song that told of banished fears, Of pardoned sins, and dried-up tears. Not one of all the heavenly host Could these high notes attain ! But spirits from a distant coast United in the strain, Till he who first began the song, To sing alone not suffered long, Was mingled with a countless throng. And still, as hours are fleeting by, The angels ever bear Some newly ransomed soul on high, To join the chorus there ; And so the song will louder grow, Till all redeemed by Christ below To that fair world of rapture go. 104 j FULLNESS OF CHRIST. That I may sing of troubles sharp Exchanged for endless joys ; Oh give me, Lord, my golden harp, ( And tune my broken voice ; I ) ) The sons; that ne'er was heard before - ( ) A sinner reached the heavenly shore, But now shall sound for evermore. ) ( ) — ^e^a-v — i ( Mkess of I What the heart is at the birth, ) What the soul is to the earth, ) What the gem is to the mine, ) What the grape is to the vine, ( ) What the bloom is to the tree, That is Jesus Christ to me. What the string is to the lute, What the breath is to the flute, ( What the spring is to the watch, ? What the nerve is to the touch, What the breeze is to the sea, ) That is Jesus Christ to me. ) ( ®U- 105 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. What the estate is to the heir, What the autumn's to the year, What the seed is to the farm, ) What the sunbeam's to the corn, ) What the flower is to the bee, That is Jesus Christ to me. What the light is to the eye, What the sun is to the sky, What the sea is to the river, What the hand is to the giver, ( What a friend is to the plea, ) That is Jesus Christ to me. ) (' What culture is unto the waste, What honey is unto the taste, [) What fragrance is unto the smell, Or springs of water to a well, What beauty is in all I see, ( All this and more is Christ to me. ( «' .' ) ( ) ( 106 HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. Hagar aad Mimaei M ITe turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground ) into water springs."— Psalm cvii. 35. V d They sank amid the wilderness, The weary and forsaken ; ( She gave the boy one faint caress, a And prayed he might not waken. ) D ( Far, far away the desert spread: Ah! Love is fain to cherish ) The vainest hopes; but now she said, j ( Let me not see him perish. Then spoke the Lord, and at his word Sprang forth a little fountain, Pure, cold as those whose crystal hoard Is in some pine-clad mountain. ( Oh, blessed God ! thus does thy power, ( When, worn and broken-hearted, ^ We sink beneath some evil hour And deem all hope departed. SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Then doth the fountain of thy grace ( Rise up within the spirit, ( And we are strengthened for that race ( Whose prize we shall inherit. ) ) ) { Even I, the weakest, at the fount of life ! ( Chide not my steps, that venture near the brink, ( Weary and fainting from the deadly strife. 'For without me ye can do nothing."— John xv. 5. Oh, send me not away! for I would drink, Went I not forth undaunted and alone, Strong in the majesty of human might? Lo! I return all wounded and forlorn, My dream of glory lost in shades of night. Was I not girded for the battle-field? Bore I not helm of pride, and glittering sword ? Behold the fragments of my broken shield, And lend to me thy heavenly armor, Lordl &^^^ 108 J#$ A PRAYER. ^k gracious God, my fainting heart Calls thee to aid its prayer; 1 can not see thee in thy heaven, But feel that thou art there. I seem to try to know thy word, To make thy precepts mine; Ah me ! I am a feeble man, — Thy precepts all divine. ) | ) Each day I gird me to perform The duty I can see, And see each day a wider space Between myself and thee. <; j Oh, leave me not, dear blessed God, A prey to my despair; But give, of thine exceeding grace, ( A value to my prayer. & 109 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. » Forgive undutiful neglect; ( Forgive the secret sin ; < And let me, dying to myself, ) This day thy life begin. ) Through me, let men behold thy light, ) As through a window, shine ; And, blessing thee that I have lived, Account the glory thine. ( [E. J. C. Christian Inquirer.] / | ) ( What pleases God, O pious soul, ( Accept with joy, though thunders roll, J And tempests lower on every side ; ) Thou knowest naught can thee betide ) But pleases God. j The best will is our Father's will, t And we may rest there calm and still; ( Oh, make it hour by hour thine own, ( ^nd wish for naught but that alone ) Which pleases God. ) 110 CHILDLIKE SUBMISSION. His thought is aye the wisest thought ; How oft man's wisdom comes to naught; Mistake or weakness in it lurks, It brings forth ill, and seldom works What pleases God. His mind is aye the gentlest mind, His will and deeds are ever kind ; He blesses when against us speaks The evil world, that rarely speaks What pleases God. . His heart is aye the truest heart, He bids all woe and harm depart : Defending, shielding day and night The man who knows and loves aright What pleases God. He governs all things here below, In him lie "all our weal and woe : He bears the world within his hand, And so to us bear sea and land What pleases God. And o'er his little flock he yearns, And when to evil ways it turns, The Father's rod oft smiteth sore, Until it learns to do once more What pleases God. Ill rC^V ^y*_s r V^ SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. What most would profit us he knows, And ne'er denies aught good to those Who with their utmost strength pursue The right, and only care to do What pleases God. If this be so, then, World from me Keep, if thou wilt, what pleases thee But thou, my soul, be well content With God, and all things he hath sent, As pleases God. And must thou suffer here and there, Cling but the firmer to his care; For all things are beneath his sway, And must in every truth obey What pleases God. True faith will grasp his mercy fast, And hope bring patience al the last ; Then both within thy heart enshrine, So shall the heritage be thine That pleases God. To thee for ever shall be given A kingdom and a throne in heaven : And there shall be fulfilled in thee, And thou shalt taste and hear and see What pleases God. [Paul Gerhardt-ira.] 112 i Su. NIGHT SONG. Ki&il Song. Heart, be still! In the darkness of thy woe, Bow thee, silently and low; Comes to thee -whate'er God will, — Be thou still! Be thou still ! Vainly all thy words are spoken ; Till the word of God hath broken Life's dark mysteries, — good or ill; Be thou still. Sleep thou still! 'Tis thy Father's work of grace ; Wait thou yet before his face, He thy sure deliverance will, — Keep thou still! Lord, my God ! By thy grace, oh, may I be All-submissive, silently, To the chastenings of the rod, — Lord, my God. 113 . SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. — — we^£^x^— *:| - < ( Shepherd, king! ( From thy fullness, grant to me ( Still, yet fearless faith in thee, ) Till from night the day shall spring, ) Shepherd, king. ) D ( (' ) ( 1) ( ) < ) } When we are dark and dead, ( And thou art covered with a cloud < Hanging before thee like a shroud, ) So that our prayer can find no way, ) Oh, teach us that we do not say " Where is thy brightness fled ? " But that we search and try ( What in ourselves has wrought this blame, ( For thou remainest still the same. ? Not thou from us, O Lord, but we Withdraw ourselves from thee. CTrench.] 114 £ «' But earth's own vapors earth may fill ) With darkness and thick clouds, while still The sun is in the sky. DISTRACTIONS IN PRAYER. Bistraetieas xa Frayw. Ah, dearest Lord ! I can not pray, My fancy is not free ; Unmannerly distractions come, And force my thoughts from thee. D I The world that looks so dull all day Glows bright on me at prayer, And plans that ask no thought but then, ) Wake up and meet me there. { All nature one full fountain seems Of dreamy sight and sound, "Which, when I kneel, breaks up its deeps, And makes a deluge round. ) ( (v Old voices murmur in my ear; New hopes start into life ; And past and future gayly blend (' In one bewitching strife. L ... n t _ ^ ^ ^ ^ _ i SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE, My very flesh has restless fits; My changeful limbs conspire With all these phantoms of the mind, My inner self to tire. I can not pray; yet, Lord, thou know'st The pain it is to me, To have my vainly struggling thoughts Thus torn away from thee. Ah, Jesus! teach me how to prize These tedious hours, when I, Foolish and mute before thy face, In helpless worship lie. Prayer was not meant for luxury, Or selfish pastime sweet; It is the prostrate creature's place At his Creator's feet. Had I kept stricter watch each hour O'er tongue and eye and ear, Had I but mortified all day Each joy as it came near, — 116 J) I- DISTRACTIONS IN FRAYER. H In weak, distracted prayer; ) A sinner out of heart with self, ) Most often finds thee there. And prayer that humbles, sets the soul From all illusions free, ) And teaches it how utterly, ^ Dear Lord, it hangs on thee. f ) Is covetously bent, ) Will bless thy chastening hand that makes ( Its prayer its punishment. ) Ah, Jesus ! why should I complain ? And why fear aught but sin ? Distractions are but outward things; The soul that on self-sacrifice Thy peace dwells far within ! | Had I, dear Lord ! no pleasure found ([ But in the thought of thee, Prayer would have come unsought, and been ) A truer liberty. D r Yet thou art oft most present, Lord, 117 4 These surface troubles come and go, Like rufflings of the sea, The deeper depth is out of reach ) To all, my God, but thee. \ [Frederick Faber.] ( ,) ) Christ the way, the truth, and the life. ) -e^a^ ( ( ( ( ( ( ( .' (' ) ( Yes, thou art still the life ; thou art the way / The holiest know — light, life, and way of heaven ) And they who dearest hope and deepest pray, Toil by the light, life, way, which thou hast given. O thou great Friend to all the sons of men, Who once appeared in humblest guise below, Sin to rebuke, to break the captive's chain, ) And call the brethren forth from want and woe ; ) ) We look to thee ! thy truth is still the light Which guides the nations, groping on their way, Stumbling and falling in disastrous night, Yet hoping ever for the perfect day. [Theodore Parker.] 118 «JH 'For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting." Psalm c. ) ( ) ( ) ( Still, soft, and white upon the tasseled pine ( The wreathing snows their graceful garlands twine ; ) The generous tribute lieth lightly prest ) Upon each pointed spire and tufted crest; Falling unheeded from the sky above, Upon its brightness comes the chilling rain, — u Dissolves in silence all the treasured gain ; ( Into the bosom of the green old tree, ) Unseen the snowflakes sink all silently, 1) And with soft touch its hidden pulses move. ) ) So on our heads, O Lord, thy mercies fall, Attend each sore distress, each sorrow small. Evil — unthankful — wheresoe'er we go, ( Thy love rests on us, lavish as the snow, ) Unheeded oft from the abundance given. ) Dark, heavy gusts of sorrow touch the soul, t) And silently the burdened blessings roll Into our hearts unseen, to nourish there Perchance forgot — the sacrament of prayer ! ( [Independent.] / SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. i "Cast thy burden upon the Lord." — Fs alii. lv. 22. Is this the way, my Father ? 'Tis, my child. Thou must pass through this tangled, dreary wild If thou wouldst reach the city, undefined, Thy peaceful home above. But enemies are round ! Yes, child, I know That where thou least expectest, thou'lt find a foe ; But victor thou shalt prove o'er all below, Only seek strength above. 131 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. My Father, it is dark ! Child, take my hand, Cling close to me ; I'll lead thee through the land ; Trust my all-seeing care ; so shalt thou stand 'Midst glory bright above. My footsteps seem to slide ! Child, only raise Thine eye to me, then, in these slippery ways I will hold up thy goings ; thou shalt praise Me for each step, above. O Father, I am weary ! Child, lean thy head Upon my breast. It was my love that spread Thy rugged path ; hope on, till I have said, " Rest, rest for aye, above." 132 EVENING PRAYER. ,' Eveniag Prater. ) ■ Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto thee." ( Psalm cii. 1. ( I come to thee, to-night, ) In my lone closet where no eye can see, ) And dare to crave an interview with thee, ^ Father of love and light! ( <> I I ( Softly the moonbeams shine On the still branches of the shadowy trees, While all sweet sounds of evening on the breeze Steal through the slumbering vine. Thou gav'st the calm repose ( That rests on all, — the air, the birds, the flower, The human spirit in its weary hour, ) Now at the bright day's close. ) ( 'Tis Nature's time for prayer : ) The silent praises of the glorious sky, And the earth's orisons, profound and high, To heaven their breathings bear. 133 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. With them my soul would bend ( In humble reverence at thy holy throne, ( ) Trusting the merits of thy Son alone J ) Thy scepter to extend. ) J> If I this day have striven < With thy blest Spirit, or have bowed the knee J ) To aught of earth, in weak idolatry, 1 ) I pray to be forgiven. \ ) ) ) If in my heart has been ) An unforgiving thought, or word, or look, \ Though deep the malice which I scarce could ( brook, ( Wash me from the dark sin. { ) ( ( If I have turned away / From grief or suffering which I might relieve, ) ) Careless the cup of water e'en to give, ) ) Forgive me, Lord, I pray. ) And teach me how to feel My sinful wanderings with a deeper smart, ) And more of mercy and of grace impart, My sinfulness to heal. (. iu. 134 EVENING PRAYER. ( ( Father ! my soul would be ( Pure as the drops of eve's unsullied dew, ( And as the stars whose nightly course is true, ) So would I be to thee. Not for myself alone, ) Would I these blessings of thy love implore, ) But for each penitent the wide earth o'er, \ Whom thou hast called thine own. ( ( And for my heart's best friends, \ Whose steadfast kindness o'er my painful years I, Has watched to soothe afflictions, griefs and tears, ( My warmest prayer ascends. ( ; Should o'er their path decline ( The light of gladness, or of hope, or health, ) Be thou their solace, and their joy and wealth, ) As they have long been mine. ) And now, O Father! take ) The heart I cast with humble faith on thee, ) And cleanse its depths from each impurity, ^ For my Redeemer's sake. ( [From Hymns of the Ages.] ( ) ( £ 135 gffi SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Vt "Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature : old things are passed away: behold all things are become new." — 2 Cor. v. 17. O Faith! thou workest miracles Upon the hearts of men, Choosing thy home in those same hearts, We know not how or when. To one thy grave unearthly truths A heavenly vision seem ; While to another's eye they are A superstitious dream. To one, the deepest doctrines look So naturally true, That when he learns the lesson first He hardly thinks it new. To other hearts the selfsame truths No light or heat can bring; They are but puzzling phrases strung Like beads upon a string. 136 -j CONVERSION. Oh, gift of gifts ! Oh, grace of faith ! My God! how can it be That thou, who hast discerning love, Should'st give that gift to me? There was a place, there was a time, Whether by night or day, Thy Spirit came and left that gift, And went upon his way. How many hearts thou might'st have had More innocent than mine ! How many souls more worthy far Of that sweet touch of thine ! Ah, grace ! into unlikeliest hearts It is thy boast to come, The glory of thy light to find In darkest spots a home. How will they die, how will they die, How bear the cross of grief, Who have not got the light of faith, The courage of belief? fe _ _ 137 - M SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. The crowd of cares, the weightiest cross, Seem trifles less than light; Earth looks so little and so low, Then faith shines full and bright. O happy, happy that I am, If thou canst be, O faith, The treasure that thou art in life, What wilt thou be in death? Thy choice, O God of goodness, then I lovingly adore ; Oh, give me grace to keep thy grace, And grace to merit more ! [Frederick Faber.] 138 A*r* THE HEART'S CORE. J) ( ) ( I The Ecart's Sore. : " Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on ) thee."— Isaiau xxvi. 3. ( ) " Heart, heart, lie still ! \ Life is fleeting fast, 1 Strife will soon be past." " I can not lie still, ^ Beat strong I will." ) ( ) K "Heart, heart, lie still! Joy 's but joy, and pain 's but pain ; Either little loss or gain." " I can not lie still, Beat strong I will." .; " Heart, heart, lie still ! Heaven is over all, Rules this earthly ball." ) " I can not lie still, ) Beat strong I will. 139 <> SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Heaven's sweet grace alone Can keep in peace its own." w I " Heart, heart, lie still ! D ( ) ) " Let that me fill, ) And I am still." \ [Disciples' Hymn Book.] I ) ) ■ — ^(y&v — / Oh, what a cunning guest ) Is this same grief! within my heart I made ) Closets, and in them many a chest; ) And, like a master in my trade, ( In those chests, boxes; in each box a till; ( Yet grief knows all, and enters when he will. <' ) ) No screw, no piercer can j Into a piece of timber work and wind, ( As God's afflictions into man, ( When lie a torture hath designed. ) ( They are too subtle for the subtlest hearts, ( And fall, like rheums, upon the tcnderest parts. ) i &j§S 140 i CONFESSION. ^h ( We are the earth ; and they, Like moles within us, heave and cast about , ( And till they find and clutch their prey, / They never cool, much less give out ; No smith can make such locks, but they have keys; Closets are halls to them ; and hearts highways. c ) ( Only an open breast ) Doth shut them out, so that they can not enter Or, if they enter, can not rest, Wherefore my faults and sins, But quickly seek some new adventure. ( Smooth open hearts no fastening have ; but fiction ( Doth give a hold and handle to affliction. ( } i Lord, I acknowledge ; take thy plagues away ; ( For since confession pardon wins, ( I challenge here the brightest day, The clearest diamond; let them do their best, ,) They shall be thick and cloudy to my breast. [George Herbert.] j I ( -t^cKj w SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. &A " Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God." — Luke xviii. 1G. They are going, only going; Jesus called them long ago; All the wintry time they're passing Softly as the falling snow. When the violets in the spring-time Catch the azure ^f the sky, They are carried out to slumber Sweetly where the violets lie. They are going, — only going, — When with summer earth is dressed, In their cold hands holding roses Folded to each silent breast; When the autumn hangs red banners Out above the harvest sheaves, They arc going, — ever going, — Thick and fast, like falling leaves. 142 $y GOING HOME. *-», fs Q J All along the mighty ages, ( All adown the solemn Time, ( They have taken up their homeward March, to that serener clime, D ... ( Where the watching, waiting angels ) Lead them from the shadows dim, \ To the brightness of his presence Who has called them unto him. ( They are going, — only going ( Out of pain, and into bliss, — r Out of sad and sinful weakness, ) Into perfect holiness. I ) ( I Snowy brows, — no care shall shade them; Bright eyes, — tears shall never dim ; Rosy lips, — no time shall fade them; — Jesus called them unto him. Little hearts for ever stainless, — Little hands as pure as they, — Little feet by angels guided Never a forbidden way. They are going, — ever going, Leaving many a lonely spot ; But 'tis Jesus who has called them, — ( Suffer, and forbid them not. [Religious Miscellany.] ) MS Jf > SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Rest aai Labor. " Two hands upon the breast, and labor is past." Two hands upon the breast, And labor's done; Two pale feet crossed in rest, — The race is won ; Two eyes with coin weights shut, And all tears cease; Two lips where grief is mute, And wrath at peace." So pray we oftentimes, mourning our lot; God in his kindness answereth not. " Two hands to work addrest, Aye, for His praise; Two feet that never rest, Walking his ways; Two eyes that look above, Still, through all tears; Two lips that breathe but love, Nevermore fears." So cry we afterwards, low at our knees ; Pardon those erring prayers, — Father, hear these ! [From Chambers's Journal.] if 144 As? GROWING IN GRACE. 1 GcGwiaf m G&aee. f -But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and \ / Saviour Jesu3 Christ." — 2 Petek iii. 18. /' This did not once so trouble me, ) ^ That better I could not love Thee; But now I feel and know, That only when we love, we find, ( ( How far our hearts remain behind < The love they should bestow. .' T\ hile we had little care to call ) ) On thee, and scarcely prayed at all, ) ) We seemed enough to pray; ) But now wp onlv think with shamp. V But now we only think with shame, * How seldom to thy glorious name ( ( ) )) ( Our lips their offerings pay. ( And when we gave yet slighter heed ? Unto our suffering brother's need : Our hearts reproached us then Not half so much as now that we, With such a careless eye, can see ^ The woes and wants of men. ( w.i 145 3§§a SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. * In doing is this knowledge won, To see what yet remains undone, With this our pride repress ; And give us grace, a growing store, That day by day we may do more, And may esteem it less. [Richard Chenevix Trench.] — -*~e/$/d~+ — T&e Laad @f Premise* ' There is a land where beauty will not fade, Nor sorrow dim the eye ; Where true hearts will not sink nor be dismayed, And love will never die. Tell me, — I fain would go, For I am burdened with a heavy woe, — The beautiful have left me all alone, The true, the tender from my path have gone, And I am weak and fainting with despair. Where is it? Tell me, where? Friend, thou must trust in Him who trod before The desolate paths of life; Must bear in meekness, as he meekly bore, Sorrow, and toil, and strife. 146 AFFLICTION. ,» Think how the Son of God These thorny paths hath trod; Think how he longed to go, Yet tarried out for thee th' appointed woe ; Think of his loneliness in places dim, When no man comforted or cared for him ; Think how he prayed, unaided and alone, In that dread agony, " Thy will be clone ! " Friend, do not thou despair; Christ, in his heaven of heavens, will hear thy prayer. [From the German of Uhland.] ( 'For whom the Lord lovcth he chaster eth. "— IIkhuews xii. G. Who that a watcher doth remain Beside a couch of mortal pain, Deems he can ever smile a^ain ? ]| Or who that weeps beside a bier, Counts he has any more to fear From the world's flatteries, false and leer ? SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. ( ( Oh, heart of ours ! so weak and poor, ( That nothing there can long endure; ( And so their hurts find shameful cure, — I And yet anon and he doth start At the light toys in which his heart Can now already claim its part. While every sadder, wiser thought, Each holier aim which sorrow brought, Fades quite away, and comes to naught. ( O Thou who dost our weakness know, ) Watch for us, that the strong hours so Not wean us from our wholesome woe. ( ) ) ( Grant Thou that we may long retain The wholesome memories of pain, Nor wish to lose them soon again. [Richard Chenevix Trench.] ( ( ) (1 .J ^ 148 -^-_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _,~_ = ^5^ AN ANCIENT CHORAL. Wj (' " O Lamm Gottes Unschuldig." Lamb of God, harmless, holy, I I : ( On the cross sacrificed for me; ( Quiet, and meek, and lowly, ( Though sinful men did deride thee ; ( Thou, our sins taking, bearing, J Dost forbid our despairing, ) On us have mercy, Lord Jesus. Lamb of God, in dust lying, In tears and blood bathing sadly, ( To thee for refuge flying, We meet all pains and death gladly; Thy wrestling, grieving, sighing, Thy agonizing, dying, Bring us sweet peace, O Lord Jesus. Lamb of God, harmless, holy, ) Making thyself an oblation ; Quietly, meekly, lowly, Winning for us our salvation ; Thy love in grace shall sustain ; Thy love to love doth constrain, Now and for ever, Lord Jl 149 " Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." — Titus ii. 12. (fiP* SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. &*\ } I ( ) ) ( ) ( <■ 1) Live for thyself! let each successive morn ) Rouse thee to plans of self-indulgent ease; ) And every hour some new caprice be born, \ Till all be thrown aside that does not please : ( So shalt thou learn how shallow is the fount ( Whose glittering waves all wholesome thirst ? destroy, ) And heartsick, even in youth, begin to count ) Springs without hope, and summers blank of ) j°y ! ( ) Live for thy fellow-men ! let all thy soul ( Be given to serve and aid, to cheer and love ; ( Make sacrifice of self, and still control ^ All meaner motives which the heart might ) move : ) The sting of disappointment shall be thine; ) The meed of base ingratitude be won; ^ Rare veins of gold illume the labored mine, ( And toil and sadness cloud thy setting sun ! n ) Jk 150 m A PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE. *m % Live for thy God ! Thine anchor shall be cast Where no false quicksands shift its hold away ; Through the clear future, from the sunrise past, Glows the calm light along the even way. The loss of human hope shall vex no more Than the quick withering of earth's common flowers, For well thou know'st when pain and death are d'er, Eternal spring shall glad the heavenly bowers ! *-€/22/3 A Pcarcr for (Mianae* Father! the skies are dark above me, Before me lies a trackless waste ; Long hast thou thus seen good to prove me, O God ! to my deliverance haste. I do not ask that thou shouldst lighten The clouds impending o'er my way ; I only ask that thou would'st brighten Their darkness with one guiding raw 151 A*P* ' SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. I pray thee not to make less weary The waste through which my pathway lies ; I would see that path, though dreary, And feel 'tis leading to the skies. Guide me, my Father ! if before me The Angel of thy presence go, ) I will not shrink, though clouds are o'er me, ) And round me gathered many a foe. ) I do not falter at the distance Weary as seems this earth-existence, I know 'tis bounded by the tomb. (' Between me and my heavenly home; ) <> <' ) ( Nor do I dread the ills that gather Thick from the cradle to the grave ; ) Nor from life's cares and griefs, my Father, Do I implore thy power to save. ( ,; Only from this, — the darkness brooding ) O'er every path of life I tread, And from the gloomy fear intruding, That thou my spirit ne'er hast led,- 152 ^■^lV^-\ V-X\_^^X_^ A PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE. (| I seek thy aid, I ask direction, Teach me to do what pleaseth thee ; ) I can bear toil, endure affliction, Only thy leadings let me see. ) ( Saviour ! thou kuowest earth is dreary, For thou hast trod its thorny maze ; ) Guide me through all its wanderings weary, Keep me for ever in thy ways ! I ) ( j O God ! my God, make no delaying, Haste thee to help me when I cry ; ( Oh, let me hear thy spirit saying, " This is the wav, the Guide is nigh ! ) ( Guidance and strength from thee imploring, Jesus, my prayer ascends to thee ; ' ) Lead me through life, that I, adoring, May praise thee in eternity. !■ ) ( i 1 ) ( <> ) 153 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. I thank thee, O my God ! who made The earth so bright, — So full of splendor and of joy, Beauty and light ; So many glorious things are here, Noble and bright. I thank thee, too, that thou hast made Joy to abound; So many gentle thoughts and deeds Circling us round; That in the darkest spot on earth Some love is found. I thank thee more that all our joy Is touched with pain ; That shadows fall on brightest hours; That thorns remain : So that earth's bliss may be our guide, And not our chain. 154 THANKFULNESS. For thou, who knowest, Lord, how soon Our weak heart cliugs, Hast given us joys tender and true, Yet all with wings; So that we see gleaming on high, Diviner things. I thank thee, Lord, that thou hast kept The best in store ; We have enough, yet not too much To long for more; A yearning for a deeper peace, Not known before. I thank thee, Lord, that here our souls, Though amply blest, j Can never find, although they seek, A perfect rest ; Nor ever shall, until they lean ( On Jesus' breast! ') [Adelaide Proctor.] ( ) ( I \ (I L 155 ^<=^= -J» w SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. ron's Bream* Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase !) Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace, And saw, within the moonlight of his room, Making it rich and like a lily's bloom, An angel writing in a book of gold. Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, ( And to the presence in the room he said, " What writest thou ? " The vision raised his head, ) And, in a voice made all of sweet accord, Answered, " The names of those who love the Lord." " And is mine one ? " Ben Adhem asked. " Not ( so," ( Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low, But cheerly still. "I pray thee, then, Write me as one who loves his fellow men." The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night He came again, with a great wakening light, And showed the names whom love of God had blest ; ( And, lo! Ben Adheni's name led all the rest. [Leigh Uunt.J 156 Wk Evening Hynuou 44 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense ; and the lift- ing up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." — Psalm cxli. 2. Sweet Saviour! bless us ere we go; Thy word into our minds instill, And make our lukewarm hearts to glow TTith lowly love and fervent will ; Through life's long day and death's dark night, O gentle Jesus, be our li^ht. The day is done, its hours are run, And thou hast taken count of all, — The scanty triumphs grace Lath won, The broken vow, the frequent fall; Through life's long day and death's dark night, O gentle Jesus, be our I Grant us, dear Lord, from evil ways True absolution and release, And bless us more than in past days, With purity and inward peace; igb life's long day and death's dark I O gentle Jesus, be our light. SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Do more than pardon, — give us joy Sweet fear and sober liberty, And simple hearts without alloy, That only long to be like thee; Through life's long day and death's dark night, O gentle Jesus, be our light. Labor is sweet, for thou hast toiled, And care is light, for thou hast cared Ah ! never let our work be soiled With strife, or by deceit ensnared; Through life's long day and death's dark night, O gentle Jesus, be our light. For those we love, — the poor, the sad ; The sinful, — unto thee we call; Oh, let thy mercy make us glad ! Thou art our Jesus and our all. Through life's long day and death's dark night, O gentle Jesus, be our light. Sweet Saviour ! bless us ; night is come ; Through all its watches near us be; 1 Good angels watch about our home, And we are one day nearer thee. Through life's long day and death's dark night, O gentle Jesus, be our light. [Frederick Fabcr.J j &~ ~_~. ,-. ,-. .-. ,-.^.. -_-_-„-_-_- ALL, ALL IS KNOWN TO THEE. all Is kaowa to Thee. "When mj' spirit was ovcrwhclmned within me, then thou knew- est my path." —Psalm cxlii. 3. My God, whose gracious pity I may claim, Calling thee Father, sweet, endearing name ! The sufferings of this weak and weary frame, All, all are known to thee. From human eye 'tis better to conceal Much that I suffer, much I hourly feel ; But oh ! the thought does tranquil ize and heal, — All, all is known to thee. Each secret conflict with indwelling sin, Each sickening fear I ne'er the prize shall win, Each pang from irritation, turmoil, din, — All, all are known to thee. When in the morning unrefreshed I wake, Or in the night but little sleep can take, This brief appeal submissively I make, — All, all is known to thee. 159 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. « Nay, all by thee is ordered, chosen, planned, — Each drop that fills my daily cup; thy hand Prescribes for ills none else can understand. All, all is known to thee. The effectual means to cure what I deplore; In me thy longed-for likeness to restore; Self to dethrone, never to govern more, — All, all are known to thee. And this continued feebleness, this state Which seems to unnerve and incapacitate, Will work the cure my hopes and prayers await, — That can I leave to thee. Nor will the bitter draft distasteful prove, When I recall the Son of thy dear love; The cup thou wouldst not for our sakes remove, — That cup he drank for me. He drank it to the dregs, — no drop remained Of wrath, for those whose cup of woe he drained ; Man ne'er can know what that sad cup con- tained, — All, all is known to thee. 160 EARTHLY AND HEAVENLY INTEREST. m ~~*e/g/d~' — 161 : And welcome, precious can his Spirit make My little drop of suffering for his sake. ( Father, the cup I drink, the path I take, — J All, all is known to thee lateccst. \ Bex Adam had a golden coin, one day. Which he put at interest with a Jew; Year after year, awaiting him, it lay. Until the doubled coin two pieces grew, ( And these two, four, — so on, till people said, J "How rich Ben Adam is!" and bowed the servile head. Q Ben Selim had a golden coin, that day, Which to a stranger, asking alms, he gave, Who went rejoicing on his unknown way. Ben Selim died, too poor to own a grave, But when his soul reached heaven, angels with ( pride Showed him the wealth to which his coin had multiplied. I Nearer. "For now is your salvation nearer than when ye believed." — Rom. xiii. 11. |) Nearer ! yes, we felt it not, j) 'Mid the rushing of the strife, As we mourned our changeful lot, Toiled beneath our shadowed life ; By each step our worn feet trod, We were drawing nearer God. When the day was all withdrawn, And we walked in tenfold night; When we panted for the dawn Of the ever-blessed light, — In those hours of darkness dim, We were drawing nearer Him. When beneath the sudden stroke, All our joys of life went down ; When our best-beloved broke Earthly bounds to take their crown, By the upward path they trod, Nearer drew we to our God. 162 DRAWING NEARER. SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. ! And lay it down. ) In the still silence of the voiceless night, \ "Wl-»n-t-» /->V» o o/^rJ Tvrr omv rl-nckorv-icj +V»£k cliitY>V\Q'na -Han } When, chased by airy dreams, the slumbers flee, Whom in the darkness doth my spirit seek, O God, but thee ? ) And if there be a weight upon my breast, J ) Some vague impression of the day foregone, Scarce knowing what it is, I fly to thee, ) ( ( Or if it be the heaviness that comes ^ In token of anticipated ill, ) ) My bosom takes no heed of what it is, ) ) Since 'tis thy will. j ( < For, oh ! in spite of past and present care, ( Or any thing beside, how joyfully r ) Passes that almost solitary hour, My God, with thee! | . } ( More tranquil than the stillness of the night, ( More peaceful than the silence of that hour, ( More blest than any thing, my spirit lies Beneath thy power. 164 ^~M ^ EXAGGERATION OF ILL. For what is there on earth that I desire, Of all that it can give or take from me, Of whom in heaven doth my spirit seek, O God, but thee ? — *&&* — Exaggeration of IIL "Neither be ye of doubtful mind." — Luke xii. 20. T7e overstate the ills of life, and take Imagination, given us to bring down The choirs of sin^in^; angels overshone By God's clear glory. — down our earth to rake, The dismal snows instead ; flake following flake, To cover all the corn. We walk upon The shadow of hills across a level throne, And pant like climbers. Near the alderbrake, We siiih so loud, the nightingale within Refuses to sine* loud, as else she would. O brothers ! let us leave the sin and shame Of taking vainly, in a plaintive mood, The holy name of Grief ! — holy herein, That by the grief of One, came all our \ [.Mrs. Browning.] 165 ^ SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. «*~H 1 Tb.e Peace of God. " Peace I leive with you, my peace I give unto you : not as the world giveih, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."— Jon;*- xiv. 27. Source of my life's refreshing springs, Whose presence in my heart sustains me, Thy love appoints me pleasant things, Thy mercy orders all that pains me. If loving hearts were never lonely, If all they wish might always be, Accepting what they looked for only, They might be glad, but not in thee. Well may thy own beloved, who see In all their lot their Father's pleasure, r' Bear loss of all they love, save thee, J 1 Their living, everlasting treasure. 1) ) Well may thy happy children cease From restless wishes prone to sin, > And in thy own exceeding peace, Yield to thy daily discipline. ( J [Mrs. "Waring.] — +~v?ja Beyond these chilling winds and gloomy skies, Beyond death's cloudy portal, There is a land where beauty never dies, And love becomes immortal. A land whose light is never dimmed by shade, Whose fields are ever vernal; Where nothing beautiful can ever fade, But blooms for aye, eternal. We may not know how sweet the balmy air, How bright and fair its flowers ; We may not hear the songs that echo I Through those enchanted bo v. .! We need as much the cross we bear As air we breathe, — as light we sec; It draws us to thy side in prayer; It binds us to our strength in thee. i, / ^ SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. I) - (J ( The city's shining towers we may not see, ( With our dim earthly vision ; (I (' For death, the silent warder, keeps the key That opes those gates elysian. [) ( ) ( ( ( But sometimes, when adown the western sky The fiery sunset lingers, ) Its golden gates swing inward noiselessly, ) Unlocked by unseen fingers. And while they stand a moment half ajar, ) Gleams from the inner glory Stream brightly through the azure vault afar, And half reveal the story. m ) ( ) ) O land unknown ! O land of love divine ! ) Father all wise, eternal, ( Guide, guide these wandering, way-worn feet of ( mine ( Into those pastures vernal. TARRY WITH ME. Tare? with Me. " Abide with us ; for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent."— Luke xxiv. 29. Tarry with me, O my Saviour! For the day is passing by ; See ! the shades of evening gather, And the night is drawing nigh; Tarry with me ! tarry with me ! Pass me not unheeded by. Many friends were gathered round me, In the bright days of the past ; But the grave has closed above them, And I linger here the last. I am lonely; tarry with me Till the dreary night is past. Dimmed for me is earthly beauty; Yet the spirit's eye would fain Rest upon thy lovely features; Shall I seek, dear Lord, in vain ? Tarry with me, O my Saviour, Let me see thy smile again. 169 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Dull my ear to earth-born music ; Speak thou, Lord, in words of cheer ; Feeble, tottering my footstep, Sinks my heart with sudden fear; ) Cast thine arms, dear Lord, around me, Let me feel thy presence near. Faithful memory paints before me Every deed and thought of sin ; Open thou the blood-filled fountain, Cleanse my guilty soul within ; ) Tarry, thou forgiving Saviour! Wash me wholly from my sin ! Deeper, deeper, grow the shadows, Paler now the glowing West; Swift the night of death advances; Shall it be the night of rest? ) Tarry with me, O my Saviour! Lay my head upon thy breast ! { ( <; ( \ Feeble, trembling, fainting, dying, ( Lord, I cast myself on thee; ( Tarry with me through the darkness ! / While I sleep, still watch by me, ) Till the morning, then awake me, ) Dearest Lord, to dwell with thee. ) ( HEAVENLY SOWING. Eoavealr Sowing. ( "Fie that sovrcth the good seed is the Son of* Man."— Matt. ) xiii. 37. | ( Sower Divine, ( * Sow the good seed in me, — Seed for eternity ; ) 'Tis a rough, barren soil, ) Yet, by thy care and toil, Make it a fruitful field, { A hundred-fold to yield ; ( Sower Divine, Plough up this heart of mine. J ( Sower Divine, ( Quit not this humble field ( Till thou hast made it yield; ) Sow thou by day and night, ) In darkness and in light ; ) Stay not thy hand, but sow, Then shall the harvest grow ; Sower Divine, Sow deep this heart of mine. w^ SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Sower Divine, Let not this barren clay Lead thee to turn away; Let not my fruitlessness, Provoke thee not to bless; Let not my £eld be dry, Sower Divine, Water this heart of mine. " But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."— Romans v. 8. My soul, what hast thou done for God ? Look o'er thy misspent years and see; Sum up what thou hast done for God, And then what God hath done for thee. He made thee when he might have made A soul that would have loved him more ; He rescued thee from nothingness, And set thee, on life's happy shore. 172 m THE GIFTS OF GOD. I He placed an angel at thy side, And strewed joys round thee on thy way : / He gave thee rights thou couldst not claim, And life, free life, before thee lay. Had God in heaven no work to do, But miracles of love for thee ? No world to rule, no joy in self, And in his own infinity ? So must it seem to our blind eyes ; He gave his love no Sabbath rest, Still plotting happiness for men, And new designs to make them blest. From out his glorious bosom came His only, his eternal Son ; He freed the race of Satan's slaves, And with his blood sin's captives won. The world rose up against his love, New love the vile rebellion met ; As though God only looked at sin, Its guilt to pardon and forget. 173 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. D ■ ( ( For his eternal Spirit came To raise the thankless slaves to sons, And with the seven-fold gifts of love, To crown his own elected ones. { ( Men spurned his grace ; their lips blasphemed The Love who made himself their slave ; They grieved that blessed Comforter, 1) And turned against him what he gave. } / Yet still the sun is fair by day, ) The moon still beautiful by night; ) The world goes round, and joy with it, ) And life, free life, is men's delight. No voice God's wondrous silence breaks, ) No hand put forth his anger tells; But he the omnipotent and dread, On high in humblest patience dwells. The Son hath come, and maddened sin The world's Creator crucified ; ( The Spirit comes, and stays, while men ( His presence doubt, his gifts deride. THE GIFTS OF GOD. *Wi ) And now the Father keeps himself In patient and forbearing love, To be his creature's heritage In that undying world above. Oh, wonderful ! oh, passing thought, The love that God hath had for thee ! Spending on thee no less a sum I Than the undivided Trinity. 1 Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost Exhausted for a thing like this! — ) xhe world's whole government disposed \ ( For one ungrateful creature's bliss ! The world's whole government disposed For one ungrateful creature's bliss ! ( I ) ) What hast thou done for God, my soul ? ) Look o'er thy misspent years, and see; ^ Cry from thy worse than nothingness, ( Cry for his mercy upon thee! f > I h J rS% 175 jg&k SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. m " Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." — Eph. vi. 10. Be strong to hope, O heart! Though day is bright, The stars can only shine In the dark night; Be strong, O heart of mine, Look towards the li^ht ! He [Miss Proctor.] 176 Be strong to bear, O heart! Nothing is vain; Strive not, for life is care, And God sends pain ; ( Heaven is above, and there ) Rest will remain. ) Be strong to love, O heart! ) Love knows not wrong; ) Didst thou love creatures, even Life were not long ; Didst thou love God in heaven, ( Thou wouldst be strong ! PRAYER FOR DIVINE GRACE. '*ii Prayer for DMao Grace. "Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us." — Psalm iv. 6. Oh for those solitary hours When grace descends in silent showers, When all the visible withdraws In solemn, fitful, awful pause, And memory, like a glassy sea, Looks up in calmness, Lord, to thee ! Then let thine image on this heart Be deeply felt in every part ; Each motion of the will subdue, — Inform, correct, instruct, subdue ; The motives guide, — the thoughts refine, Thyself the type from line to line. Eternal brooding, glorious Dove ! Breathe sweetly from thy throne above ; The miglit of every wave control, — Be thou the conscience of my soul, Till self-absorbed, I sit and sing Beneath the shadow of thy wing. 177 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. !. Tin© Bay Laborer. " In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." — Ecclesi- astes 11 : 6. Sow ye beside all waters, Where the dew of heaven may fall ; Ye shall reap if ye be not weary, For the Spirit breathes o'er all. Sow, though the thorns may wound iliee- One wore the thorns for thee; And though the cold world scorn thee, Patient and hopeful be. Sow ye beside all waters, With a blessing and a prayer: Name Him whose hand upholds us, And sow thou every where. Sow, though the rock repel thee, In its cold and sterile pride; Some cleft there may be riven, Where the little seed may hide. 178 ~M THE DAY LABORER. "T8 Fear not, for some will flourish ; ( And, though the tares abound, ( Like the willows by the waters ) Will the scattered grain be found. ) Work while the daylight lasteth, Ere the shades of night come on ; Ere the Lord of the vineyard cometh, And the laborer's work is done. { Work! in the wild waste place, Though none thy love may own, ( God guides the down of the thistle / The wandering wind hath sown. Will Jesus chide thy weakness, ) Or call thy labor vain ? The word that for him thou bearest, Shall return to him again. ( On ! — with thine heart in heaven, ( Thy strength in thy Master's might, Till the wild waste places blossom In the warmth of a Saviour's light. I) Watch not the clouds above thee ; Let the whirlwind round thee sweep ; God may the seed-time give thee, ( But another's hand may reap. m : SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE, Have faith, though ne'er beholding The seed burst from its tomb; Thou knowest not which may perish, Or what be spared to bloom. Room on the narrowest ridges The ripened grain will find, That the Lord of the harvest coming In the harvest sheaves may bind. [Church Missionary Gleaner.] " A very aged Christian, who was so poor as to he In an alms- house, was asked what he was doing now. lie replied, " Oxly WAITING." Only waiting till the shadows Are a little longer grown ; Only waiting till the glimmer Of the day's last beam is flown ; Till the night of earth is faded From the heart once full of day; Till the stars of heaven are breaking Through the twilight soft and gray. 180 /^ ONLY WAITING. Only waiting till the reapers Have the last sheaf gathered home ; For the summer time is faded, And the autumn winds have come. Quickly, reapers, gather quickly The last ripe hours of my heart, For the bloom of life is withered, And I hasten to depart. Only waiting till the angels Open wide the mystic gate, At whose feet I long have lingered, Weary, poor, and desolate. Even now I hear the footsteps, And their voices, far away ; If they call me, I am waiting, Only waiting to obey. Only waiting till the shadows Are a little longer grown ; Only waiting till the glimmer Of the day's last beam is flown ; Then, from out the gathered darkness, Holy, deathless stars shall rise, By whose light my soul shall gladly Tread its pathway to the ski & 181 I .' ( ^ SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. D ( ) ( (> (' ) ( / "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and \ the books were opened : and another book was opened, which is the ( book of lite : and the dead were judged out of those things which ) were written in the books, according to their works." — Rev. xx. 12. ) Another portion of life rolls on, The week glides calmly by; ( And down the swift stream of time we run ( To the sea of eternity. Who knows how soon the hour will come When the sun shall put out his light, And the Master shall call his laborers home ) To sleep in the valleys of night. ) ( ) ( And then shall he take a strict account Of duties neglected or done, ') And millions shall read their vast amount ) Recorded one by one ; ( <; ( And none another's sin shall shield, ) ( And none shall hide his own. And every bosom shall be unveiled And every secret known, 182 w Oh nothing will then avail us there But deeds of mercy and love ; For each his burden of sin must bear ^o the high tribunal above. To have trained our spirits to forgive, As we hope to be forgiven, And have lived on earth as they should live Whose hopes and home are heaven. We are weak and vain, but God is strong; We are blind, but his piercing eye, To whose orbit all space and time belong, Embraces infinity. We wander, — his spirit leads us back To the heavenward path of peace, And his glory lights the holy track That ends in eternal bliss. He smiles on all, — and though drear and dark Our journey may seem to be, — A joyous, a bright, though lonely spark Shines from eternity. As beneath the curtains of silver snow The flowers of the valley are hid, So the flowers of hope and beauty grow 'Neath the grave's pyramid. 183 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. &\ v I ( Even in the shadiest, darkest night, ( The stars shine on unseen; And the sun is clad in his robes of light, ) Though mists intrude between, ) And the grave, though dreary, and dull and deep, ) Is bright with a heaven-born ray, id its long, and seemingly listless sleep, ( Shall be crowned with eternal day. CBowring.] — ^e^3^~— " Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadcth unto life." — Matt. vii. 14. Mid the fast falling shadows, Weary, and worn, and late; A timid, doubting pilgrim, I reach the wicket gate. Where crowds have stood before me, I stand alone to-night; And, in the deepening darkness, Pray for one gleam of light. 184 $& THE WICKET GATE. From the foul sloughs and marshes, I've gathered many a stain ; I've heard old voices calling, > From far across the plain; Now, in my wretched weakness, Fearful and sad I wait; ( ) And every refuge fails me, Here, at the wicket-gate. ( And will the portals open To me, who roamed so long; ( Filthy, and vile, and burdened With this great weight of wrong ? Hark, a glad voice of welcome, Bids my wild fears abate — Look, for a hand of mercy Opens the wicket-gate. ( ( 185 On to the palace Beautiful, And the bright room called Peace; Down to the silent river, Where thou shalt find release ; Up to the radiant city, Where shining ones await ; On, for the way of glory Lies through the wicket-sate. w SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Thou Grace Divine, encircling all, A soundless, shoreless sea, Wherein at last our souls shall fall, O Love of God most free ! ( ( When over dizzy steeps we go, ) One soft hand blinds our eyes, ) The other leads us safe and slow, O Love of God most wise ! And though we turn us from thy face, ( And wander wide and long, Thou hold'st us still in thine embrace, O Love of God most strong ! ) The saddened heart, the restless soul, ( The toil-worn frame and mind, n Alike confess thy sweet control, ) O Love of God most kind ! But not alone thy care we claim, Our wayward steps to win; ( We know thee by a dearer name, ( O Love of God within! SWEET HOPE. — *~e/$/d~«- — And, filled and quickened by thy breath, ( Our souls are strong and free To rise o'er sin, and fear, and death, O Love of God, to thee ! Sweet Hope* Beyoxd the smiling and the weeping I shall be soon ; Beyond the waking and the sleeping, Beyond the sowing and the reaping, I shall be soon. Love, rest, and home, — Sweet hope ! ( Lord, tarry not, but come. ( ( Beyond the blooming and the fading I shall be soon ; Beyond the shining and the shading, Beyond the hoping and the dreading, I shall be soon. Love, rest, and home, — Sweet hope ! ^ Lord, tarry not, but come. ) 187 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. ( ( Beyond the rising and the setting (1 I shall be soon; ( Beyond the soothing and the fretting, ) Beyond remembering and forgetting, I shall be soon. ) ( i Love, rest, and home, Sweet hope ! Beyond the farewell and the greeting, Hearts fainting now, and now high beating, I shall be soon. ,' Lord, tarry not, but come. ( Beyond the gathering and the strewing, I shall be soon ; Beyond the ebbing and the flowing, 1) Beyond the coming and the going, D I shall be soon. ) Love, rest, and home, — ) Sweet hope ! ( Lord, tarry not, but come. ( ( Beyond the parting and the meeting I shall be soon ; ( ) ( ) ( Love, rest, and home, — ) ( ) Sweet hope ! i, tarry not, 188 / .- A« — ,<£> <— s «-~s ^-i e~ v s—± <--•> ^-* *-> £->> £Z2,. — sr^. — •<=>. — ji-^""^ j r^f / Lord, tarry not, but come. ( I BRINGING OUR SHEAVES WITH US. <££]) j Beyond the frost-chain and the fever I shall be soon; J Beyond the rock-waste and the river, ) Beyond the ever and the never, I shall be soon. } Love, rest, and home, — Sweet hope ! Lord, tarry not, but come. J ) — *-e^a^ — ) ( ) ) IPO rwagrag owe . ) ( The time for toil is past, and night is come, — The last and saddest of the harvest eves ; ( i' Worn out with labor long and wearisome, ( ) Drooping and faint the reapers hasten home, ) ) Each laden with his sheaves. (' ' ) Last of the laborers, thy feet I gain, ) Lord of the harvest ! and my spirit grieves That I am burdened not so much with grain, As with a heaviness of heart and brain ; — Master, behold my sheaves. ^ SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. ^) J ( Few, light, and worthless, — yet their trifling ( ( weight ( Through all my frame a weary aching leaves ; ) For long I struggled with my hapless fate, ) And stayed and toiled till it was dark and late, Yet there are all my sheaves. Full well I know I have more tares than wheat, i' Brambles and flowers, dry stalks, and withered ^ leaves-, { Wherefore I blush and weep as at thy feet ( (' I kneel down reverently, and repeat, — ) ) Master, behold my sheaves! ) ) \ I I know these blossoms, clustering heavily ) ) With evening dew upon their folded leaves, ) ) Can claim no value nor utility ; — Therefore shall fragrancy and beauty be ( The glory of my sheaves. ( ( So do I gather strength and hope anew, ( For well I know thy patient love perceives ( Not what I did, but what I strove to do ; ) And, though the full, ripe ears be sadly few, ) Thou wilt accept my sheaves. \ [Atlantic Monthly.] ) H_ 190 p WELCOME DEATH. * } Welcome Death. v " Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, v ( I will fear no evil." — Psalm xxiii. 4. t When death is drawing near, j) . ( And thy heart shrinks with fear, ) And thy limbs fail, — ^ Then lift thy hands and pray To him who smooths the way /* Through the dark vale. ,' } ( ) See'st thou the eastern dawn? Hear'st thou, in the red morn, ( The angels' song ? Then lift thy drooping head, ^ Thou, who in fear and dread, ) • ) ( Hast lain so long ! n ^ Death comes to set thee free ; ^ ) Oh, greet him cheerily, ) ) As thv true friend ! ) ( * ( Then all thy fears shall cease, \ And in eternal peace, * Thy penance end ! ( s Ik __^_ _ i9 i SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. (] (' i» ) "While we look not at the things which are Been, but at the things ( which are not seen : for the things which are seen are temporal ; but ) the things which are not seen are eternal." — 2 Cor. iv. 18. Q So dread a weight appears ? ( Keep quietly to God, and think ( * ) (1 How shalt thou bear the Cross that now Upon the Eternal Years. Austerity is little help, Although it somewhat cheers; ) Thine oil of gladness is the thought ( } Of the Eternal Years. !' «' .; ) Rites are as balm unto the eyes, ) God's Word unto the ears ; ( But he will have thee rather brood ( Upon the Eternal Years. 102 Set hours and written rule are good, Long prayer can lay our fears; But it is better calm for thee To count the Eternal Years. w THE ETERNAL YEARS. m Oh ! many things are good for souls, In proper times and spheres; Thy present good is in the thought Of the Eternal Years. Thy self-upbraiding is a snare, Though meekness it appears; More humbling is it far for thee To face the Eternal Years. Brave quiet is the thing for thee, Chiding thy scrupulous fears; Learn to be real from the thought Of the Eternal Years. Bear gently, suffer like a child, Nor be ashamed of tears; Kiss the sweet Cross, and in thy heart Sing of the Eternal Years. Thy Cross is quite enough for thee, Though little it appears ; For there is hid in it the weiuht Of the Eternal Years. 193 w r D- Q ) SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. And know'st thou not how bitterness An ailing spirit cheers ? Thy medicine is the strengthening thought Of the Eternal Years. One Cross can sanctify a soul; Late saints and ancient seers Were what they were because they mused Upon the Eternal Years. Pass not from flower to pretty flower; Time flies and judgment nears ; Go make thy honey from the thought Of the Eternal Years. Death will have rainbows round it seen, Through calm contrition's tears, If tranquil hope but trims her lamp At the Eternal Years. Keep unconstrainedly in this thought Thy loves, hopes, smiles, and tears ; Such prison-house thy heart will make Free of the Eternal Years. 194 i! LIFE SPRINGING FROM DEATH. A single practice long sustained, A soul to God endears ; This must be thine to weigh the thought Of the Eternal Years. He practices all virtue well, Who his own Cross reveres, And lives in the familiar thought Of these Eternal Years. Life springing from Death, The seed must die before the corn appears Out of the ground, in blade and fruitful ears ; Low have these ears before the sickle lain Ere thou canst treasure up the golden grain. The grain is crushed before the bread is made And the bread broke ere life to man conveyed. Oh ! be content to die, to be laid low, And to be crushed, and to be broken so, If, thou, upon God's table rnay'st be bread. Life-snvinor food for souls an hungered. • [Trench.] m SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Give me a heart of calm repose Give me to live that higher life, And breathe that*purer air. i ) ) ( (' ) Isaiah xlviii. ) (J Amid the world's loud roar ; ( A life that like a river flows, ( Along a peaceful shore. ) <; ( I would roll onward to the deep, ( ( In brightness, not in foam; ) And 'mid earth's noise in stillness keep ) My soul's interior home. ') ) \ ] / Come, Holy Spirit, hush my heart / ) With gentleness divine; ) ) Indwelling peace thou canst impart, ,) '\ Oh, make the blessing mine ! ) \ ^ ) Above these scenes of storm and strife, There spreads a region fair; \ 196 .' Allay this feverish, restless mood, Arrest life's eager chase, And quench the thirst for earthly good ) With thy bedewing grace. ) I Come, Holy Spirit, breathe that peace ) Which flows from pardoned sin; ) Then shall my soul her conflict cease, And find a heaven within. I THE BEAUTIFUL LAND. ^ — +4/$/dr~ — TIic B< / "In my Father's house are many mansions : if it were not so, I \ would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."— Jon x xiv. 2. There is a land immortal, The beautiful of lands; J Beside the ancient portal ) A sentry grimly stands. He only can undo it, I And open wide the door ; And mortals who pass through it, Are mortals never more. 197 is SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. That glorious land is heaven, And Death the sentry grim; The Lord, therefore, has given The opening keys to him; And ransomed sinners, sighing And sorrowful for sin, Do pass the gate in dying, And freely enter in. Though dark and drear the passage ( That leadeth to the gate, ) Yet grace comes with the message ) To souls that watch and wait; j And at the time appointed, ', A messenger comes down, And leads the Lord's anointed ( From cross to glory's crown. ) Their sighs are lost in singing, ) They're blessed in their tears, Their journey homeward winging, They leave to earth their fears. Death like an angel seemeth ; "We welcome thee," they cry; ( Their face with glory beameth, — ) 'Tis life for them to die. ) [Barry Cornwall.] 198 £ < ZINZENDORFF'S HYMN. j> XmxeadlQrff s Hymn. )' \ "Christi Blut und Gerechtigkeit." ( Christ's blood and righteousness to me, / As robe and ornament shall be ; ) With these I'll stand, nor fear the rod, ) Before the awful bar of God. If through thy blood, O Lord, I be Here doubly faithful unto thee, And hate all evil for thy sake, (f Till death at last shall me o'ertake : <; ( Then will I when I come to thee, ) , ' Not think how good and great I be, / But this : Here comes a sinner, Lord ! Who needs thy gracious pard'ning word ! , j ) Jesus, thy praise the earth shall rend, ) That thou from heaven didst condescend ) And for mankind, and for my sake, * Eternal ransom here didst make. ( ) 199 SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. ( «; i.g JtJ.yam. ji . ) By the Baron von Carnitz of the 17th century. Translated by Dr. ) Arnold. ( ■ Come, my soul, thou must be waking, — J) Now is breaking ) O'er the earth another day; Come to him who made this splendor, — ( See thou render ( All thy feeble powers can pay. ) From the stars thy course be learning: ) Dimly burning, ) 'Neath the sun their light grows pale; ) So let all that sense delighted, \ While benighted From God's presence, fade and fail. Lo! how all of breath partaking, ( Gladly waking, ( Hail the sun's enlivening light! ) Plants, whose life mere sap doth nourish, Rise and flourish ) When he breaks the shades of night. j A MORNING HYMN. Thou, too, hail the light returning, -— Ready burning Be the incense of thy powers; For the night is safely ended, — God hath tended, With his care, thy helpless hours. Pray that he may prosper ever Each endeavor, When thine aim is good and true , But that he may ever thwart thee, And convert thee, When thou evil wouldst pursue. Think that he thy ways beholdeth, He unfoldeth Every fault that lurks within ; Every stain of shame glossed over Can discover, And discern each deed of sin. Fettered to the fleeting hours All our powers, Vain and? brief, are borne away, Time, my soul, thy ship is steering, Onward veering, To the gulf of death a prey. 201 / «J~" SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. "^ ) ; ', ( May'st thou, then, on life's last morrow, ( ( Free from sorrow, ( ) ) And, released from death's dark sadness, ) Rise in gladness, (1 . I \ That far brighter Sun to greet. ]) ( ( <; Only God's free gift abuse not, ( ( His light refuse not, ( ) But still his Spirit's voice obey; / ) Soon shall Joy thy brow be wreathing, ) Splendor breathing, Fairer than the fairest day. f ,; If aught of care this morn oppress thee, ( ( To him address thee, ( ) Who, like the sun, is good to all : ) ) He gilds the mountain-tops, the while ) His gracious smile j \ Will on the humblest valley fall. \ < . . i Round the gifts his bounty showers ; ( Walls and towers, ) Girt with flames, thy God shall rear; Angel legions to defend thee Shall attend thee, — Hosts whom Satan's gulf shall fear. 202 ~Ji SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. ^ ( (' ) J Resting j ( / "I foresaw the Lord alway before my face ; for he is on my right /' \ hand, that I should not be moved : therefore did my heart rejoice, \ ( and my tongue was glad : moreover also my flesh 6hall rest in ( hope." — Acts ii. 25, 26. Q ) Though the world thy folly spurneth, From thy faith in pity turneth, ( Peace thy inmost soul shall fill, ) ( ) & 204 ) Since thy Father's arm sustains thee, ( Peaceful be ; ( ( When a chastening hand restrains thee, \ ( It is he. ) Know his love in full completeness ( ) Fills the measure of thy weakness; ) If he wound thy spirit sore, Trust him more. ^ ( ) ( Without murmur, uncomplaining, ) ) In his hand ) ) Lay whatever things thou canst not j Understand. ( From thy faith in pity turneth, ( ( ) Lying still. RESTING IN GOD. Like an infant, if thou thinkest Thou canst stand; Childlike, proudly pushing back The offered hand, Courage soon is changed to fear, Strength doth feebleness appear. In his love if thou abide He will guide. Fearest sometimes that thy Father ( } Hath forgot ? When the clouds around thee gather, ) Doubt him not. m Always hath the daylight broken, — Always hath he comfort spoken, — Better hath he been for years Than thy fears. ( ( Therefore, whatsoe'er betideth, ( Night or day, — ) Know his love for thee provideth ) Good alway. ) Crown of sorrow gladly take, \ Grateful wear it for his sake, I Sweetly bending to his will, ( Lp n g still. I ( J4V SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. To his own thy Saviour giveth Daily strength ; To each troubled soul that liveth, Peace at length. Weakest lambs have largest share Of this tender Shepherd's care ; Ask him not, then, "When?" or "How?" Only bow. [Translated from the German. ] 206 REST, WEARY SOUL. . <^h ( ) ( (' ) ( lost, Fea^y SotiL Rest, weary soul ! For all thy sins full satisfaction made ; Strive not thyself to do what Christ has done ; Cast off the cares that have so long oppressed, — Rest, weary head ! Lie down to slumber in the peaceful tomb, Light from above has broken through its gloom ; Here, in the place where once thy Saviour lay, Where lie shall wake thee on a future day, Like a tired child upon its mother's breast, — f The penalty is borne, the ransom paid, j Take the free gift, and make the joy thine own. n No more by pangs of guilt and fear distrest, — ) Rest, sweetly rest. { Rest, weary heart ! From all thy silent griefs, and secret pain, Thy profitless regrets and longings vain ; Wisdom and love have ordered all the past, All should be blessedness and light at last; ( Rest, sweetly rest. ) Rest, sweetly rest ! ) ... SONGS OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. Eest ! spirit free ! In the green pasture of the heavenly snore, Where sin and sorrow can approach no more ; With all the flock by the good Shepherd fed, Beside the stream of life eternal led, For ever with thy God and Saviour blest, — Rest, sweetly rest!