tf not my fatherland — Is not my home. Only a pilgrim here, Over fhe desert drear Sadly I roam : "Wistfully turn my eyes Up to my native skies — U\> towards heaven. When may I come to Thee P When shall these shackles be Suddenly riven ? D 50 Here darkly grows my life, Laden with sin and strife, Burdened with grief. There all is holy peace, There love will never cease- Joy is not grief. Is not the angel -song Sung by the happy throng Wafted to me ? And from the sapphire hall Surely sweet voices call, " Come and be free!" Father, Thou hearest mo Haising my heart to Thee — Longing for home : Graciously speak to me, Bid me from earth be free? Bid me to come. Blaming Thoughts. " Cause me to hear thy loving-kindness in the morning.*'-*. Psalm cxliii. 8. When night disappears and the daylight is dawning, And peaceful repose has my spirit refreshed, 0 God of the darkness ! my cry in the morning Shall still be to Thee, who hast given me rest. Each day with its duties and moments of sadness, I need Thee, 0 Father, to lighten my way, To turn e'en the dread and the grief into gladness, To cheer with Thy kindness the newly-born day. 51 O, speak to me words of Thy mercy on waking, To nerve me to labour, or sorrow, or strife, That so 'neath Thy smile I may always be taking The steps that will lead through the pathway of life. And so will my journey be happiness giving j So will my constant thought turn unto Thee : And 0 that I always to Thee may be living — Thou who art mighty, 0, speak unto me ! "He that watereth shall he tmicred alsa himself." Proverbs xi. 25. Live not to thyself alone, Thou who stand'st before the throne; Selfishness should ne'er be thine, Who hast breathed the life divine. If thy God has blessed thee thus, Give thy blessing unto us ; Let us share thy happy lot ; Freely give — withhold it not. Let the drops of kindness fall From thy spirit on us all, And upon thy blooming flowers God will send the copious showers. Know thou can?-! not live alone, Others' souls the power must own 5 Ne'er thy drops of grace withhold; God will bless a hundred-fold. 52 The feasant Senrixtt. 0 ! lightly on His servant's head Our Masters kind commands are laid; Love guides the firm directing hand. And wisdom lias the service planned. He sympathizes with us still, And gives us strength to do His will ; Knows we are weak and He is strong, Nor will the o'erwhelming toil prolong. 0 ! pleasant is the work He sends, Since He wTill call His servants friends ; Will bless us as we onward go, And make our cup to overflow. Then, Master, let us ever be Devoted only nnto Thee, Obeying all Thy righteous laws, Living and dying in Thy cause. The Best Choice. 'Tis not for treasures of gold, With all they buy to be mine j Riches too great to be told, In a casket of jewels to shine. Tis not a laurel of fame To bind in a wreath for my browj For honours to wait on my name, While mortals admiringly bow. 53 Tis not for friends to abound And lure me with flattery's smile, To press in their eagerness round, The tedious hours to beguile. No ! 'tis to God to retreat, And share in His mercy divine; To sit at the dear .Master's feet — Such choice in its wisdom be mine. The Grateful Vxztmspzci* •Because thou hast beer my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice."— Psalm Ixiii. 7. All that my life has seen, All that my lot has been, Darkness or light ; Seasons of deep distress, Days of pure happiness, All have been right. Difficult paths there were; Many a lurking snare Compassed me round ; Yet, on this happy day. Kneeling to praise and pray Still am I found. And 1 am fain to own Not l«y myself alone Have I thus stood: Thou hast befriended me, Blessed and defended mo— Thou art so good. 54 Thou art my Father- God 5 Every new step I trod Thou wast my Guide, Loving me evermore, Blessing me o'er and o'er, Still at my side. What shall I render Thee Who hast so tenderly Led me alway ? Father, I'll trust Thee still. Waiting Thy holy will, Through the new day* Under the shadowing Of Thy Almighty wing I will rejoice. 0, through the future be All Thou hast been to me ; This is my choice. Alone, alone! Life's seasons are declining ; Surely the sunset draweth very nig hi Weary and sad I chant my low repining, While none to pity or to scorn is by. Alone, alone ! Thick darkness gathers rourd mG| My spirit trembles in the dreadful shade ; 0, bitter is the sorrow that has bound me, Crushing the weight that on my heart is laid. Alone, alone ! This fiery, deep emotion Looks all in vain to find some fitting shrine; This yearning heart, this passionate devotion, — ■ There's nothing here round which it can entwine. Alone, alone ! In many a happy dwelling Bright swimming eyes into each, other gaze, And rosy lips most thrilling tales are telling ; While I am weeping out the long, long days. Alone, alone ! The choral song is flowing From many a heart all radiant with love-light, And beaming faces are with rapture glowing ; While I am desolate this cheerless night. Alone, alone ! 0 God, how passing dreary To lonely hearts life's journey may become ! Is there no haven for the sad and weary ? For wretched ones is there no tranquil home ? Alone, alone ! 0 Thou who lov'st me ever, I almost feel Thee bending o'er me now ; Hast Thou been watching all this vain endeavour At human shrines this deep full heart to bow ? Alone, alone ! 0 Holiest, receive me ; All this wild creature-love forgive, forgive ; Tardon the heart that must so often grieve Thee ; Love me, my Saviour, or I cannot live. 56 « £a in Weaai." Luke vii. 50. 0 koly, blessed Saviour ! Now and ever Speak to our fainting, trembling spirits thus : Those words which from our hearts all fears will sever, In Thy great tenderness, breathe over us. Speak them whene'er our halting fee* may linger At the first step of the untrodden way; When dimly we can see Thy guiding finger, 0, speak these tranquillizing words, we pray. Speak them whene'er, in silent reverence bending, We seek to hold sweet intercourse with Thee. Prepare us life's engagements to be tending, With spirits from the world's defilement free. Speak them whene'er with kindred hearts we gather, sMid greeting tones and thrilling looks of love j Give us Thy presence, then, O heavenly Father, And bless us with these peace-words from above. And whisper them at last, 0 i^viour tender, In the dim twilight of this life's decline; Calmly and trustingly we then will render To Thy dear hands the spirits that are Thine. V1 The Wight &. " We have also a more sure word of prophecy ? whereunto ye do ■well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the fiay-star arise in your hearts." —2 Peter i. 19. Dark is my journeying ; Storm-clouds their shadows fling : Star of my God ! Thanks that thy blessed light Shines through the shades of night Over the sod ! Gloom sprcadeth over me, Solemnly, silently, Sunless and dark ; But thou art shining here, Making it disappear, Guiding my bark f Dangers are all around, Torrents and crags abound, Yet I am safe ! Storms are not tossing me Over the blackened sea, Like a dead waif I Nc ! I am pressing still, On, up the narrow hill, Still toward home. Soon will its towers bo setw, Soon shall I enter in, Never to roam : Surely the future span Cannot be darker than Paths I have trod. Thanks that thy blessed light Shines through the shades of night, Lantern of God ! "lie tcstoxeih mtj Soul." As I walk through the path where my Father is guiding, How oft do I quit my firm hold of His hand ! How I wander from mercies which He is providing, To roam by myself through the dangerous land ! How oft the cool waters of life's crystal river Flow on in their sweetness untasted by mc ! How seldom are thoughts of the bountiful Giver Suggested by all the kind gifts that I see ! And yet, when I leave Him, and mourn it in sadness, With pardoning love " He restoreth my soul ; " He breathes the soft words that suffuse me with gladness — The words that can tempests of passion control. O ! sweet is the thought that He never will leave me, Tnough faithless too often my heart is to Him : 0 heart of deep love ! would I never might grieve Thee Till these eyes with the death-film were dreary and dim! The Pleasant Jfatb. •Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.' Yes, a pleasant way is the way to God : The flowers are springing about the sod, The Sun of Righteousness shineth still, And the fountain of life sends its little rill ; And still, as the travellers wend along, Rise the sweet notes of the pilgrim's song. There are shady bowers where the weary rest, And comforting words for the sad opprest, Joy for the mourning in Zion's way, Gladness of heart through the long bright day ; And sweetly over the pilgrims rise The balmy zephyrs from Paradise. Then come with the buoyant step and heart ; From the grovelling pleasures of earth depart. Holier joys are awaiting thee, Perfect in immortality ! Come with' us through the pleasant way, Nor longer 'mid fading treasures stay. The Ij all awed Spot. "The place whereon thou standest is holy ground/9 Joy to thee, Christian ! Thy dwelling is holy ! He who is holiest standeth by thee j Ground He has trodden is consecrate wholly ; Sacred indeed must thy dwelling-place be. GO Joy to thee, Christian ! God is beside thee Nothing can touch thee to injure thee now Sinners may scoff, and thy foes may deride thee, But thy Father can make all these enemies bow. Christian, be careful I The ground thou art treading Must only be trodden with reverent feet ; Think of the light which the Highest is shedding; Lowliness deep for His worship is meet. Bow thee then, Christian, and watch the bush burning: Listen ! 'tis God who is speaking to thee ! 0 ! when to the world and its duties returning, Pray that thy life from its sin may be free. Bame to ths toss, Come ! while thy youthful feet are lightly bounding Through the soft path where fragrant flowerets spring ; While the green hills and valleys are resounding With tho rich song thy lips in gladness sing. Come ! while tho low and tender words of blessing Fall like sweet notes of music on thine ear ; While those who love thee to thy side are pressing, And thy free heart knows not the pang of fear. Come ! while the future looks all bright with pleasure, And the fair sun shines in a cloudless sky ; While sorrow has not robbed thee of a treasure, Nor from thy happy spirit forced a sigh. 01 Come to the cross of Jesus in thy gladness, It has a charm to make thee happier still ; Come ! in the darkest season of thy sadness, When thickening sorrows shall thy faint heart fill. Come ! while thy life is overcast with sorrow, And o'er thee threatening clouds are hanging low ; While with deep terror watching for the morrow, Lest it should bring thee deeper, bitterer woe. Come ! while the evening shades are round thee falling, And day is drawing to an early close ; When soft, low voices are thy spirit calling, And thou art hastening to thy long repose. Come ! when the fairest lights of earth are fading In the mysterious darkness of the grave, When death thy chilly brow and cheek is shading, And thou art called to breast cold Jordan's wave. Come ! in all seasons to the cross of Jesus And learn the thrilling story of His love ; 'Twill cheer and sanctify, refresh and ease us, Fit us for life on earth and rest above. Walk Walk in the morn, when the birds' rich notes Triumphantly burst from their tiny throats ; Walk in the midst of the bustling day, When busy scenes are around thy way ; Walk in the calm, sweet sunset hour, When the world seems like a shady bower. 62 Walk in the country — the whispering leaves, The fragrant meadows, the golden sheaves, The clear blue sky, and the flower-clad sod, Will ever tell of the love of God. Go ! learn sweet lessons by walking there, Amid nature's pictures so sweet and fair. Walk by the side of the mighty sea, As it rolls in its glory, so wild and free : Its bounding billows and restless waves, And the hidden depths of its darkened caves, Have voices to speak of that God to thee, In whose mighty hand is the wild, wild sea. Walk in the city, and kindly scan The speaking face of thy fellow-man ; Thou wilt see the traces of world-wide care } Each has his burden of grief to bear : But a brother's eye appeals to thee, And a brother's heart needs sympathy. Walk, yes, walk, and ever raise Thy heart to heaven in songs of praise — Praise, that this world is so fair and bright- Praise, that thou livest in such delight — Praise, that the brightest joys here given Are dark to the bliss of thy home in heaven ! &et us icll Jesus. "And went and told Jesus."— Matt. xiv. 12. Ah ! it was well for those woe-stricken friends To tell the Saviour of their crushing grief; To go to Him whose sympathy ne'er ends, And supplicate His pity and relief. 03 And 'twill be well for us to go to Him With all that makes this life of ours grow dim. Let us tell Jesus — when the friends we loved, Too weD, perchance, for things of mortal birth, By death, or change, or exile are removed, And far less bright becomes our home on earth : Let us tell Jesus, for His tender love All human friendship is so far above. Let us tell Jesus — when life's weight of care, With all its toils and duties, seems too great For weak and fragile ones like us to bear, No arm but His can fit us for the weight ; And, when it wearies us, how sweet to rest And lose it all on the Beloved's breast ! Let us tell Jesus — when around our way Darkness and difficulties seem to stand, And. fearful lest our feet should go astray, We need some kindly voice, some guiding hand: O. we could follow if He would but lead, And He is always near in time of need. Let us tell Jesus — when the shadows come And tell us eventida is drawing nigh : If He but wait to bid us welcome home, We will not tremble, will uot fear to die : Let us tell Jesus all that may betide, Till we shall dwell fur ever by His side. 64 The Uoice at the Txaes. Who has not felt that there are sounds of music in the trees ? Who does not love those wild wood-notes struck by the fitful breeze ? Whose spirit has not thrilled with awe amid the mighty rush Or melted into tenderness beneath the sudden hush ? They are God's temples, and they all speak solemnly of Him, Throughout the day's majestic reign, or in the twilight dim. 'Tis well to gather 'neath their roof, and 'mid their organ-peal, To breathe the deep emotion which our burdened spirits feel. 'Tis well to listen for God's voice upon our bended knees, — To take, as from His kindly hand, the teaching of the trees. Along a shaded avenue, one calm, still summer's day, A pale and thoughtful-looking boy was resting from his play, When suddenly it seemed as if he felt an angel's wing, And his young heart was strangely stirred by the unwonted thing. The leaves were whispering to him that God was very near, And so he knelt and prayed, "Speak, Lord, and let Thy servant hear." Men told him he had wildly dreamed in that mysterious time, And that his fragile frame would sink beneath a burning clime ; But with mild eye and voice he woos the dark-browed group to heaven; He's working out the mission that beneath the trees was given. Night's pall hung o'er the sleeping earth, and autumn's mournful sighs Swept through the shivering branches, and awoke their piercing cues. A quick impatient step trod o'er the leaves that lay in death, And burning thoughts came rushing up with that short laboured breath; And as the youth walked madly on, he said, with flashing eye, "These trees, what mighty power they have — but what a worm am 1 ?" There came a whisper low, but deep, in that most fearful hour ; It told him that to wisdom's page belongs the highest power ; It pointed him to science, and he trod its hill-side o'er, And men were taught and nations blest through the wild forest lore. G5 A man with stern and frowning face, and dark and sullen mien, Stood caring nothing for the storms of that wild wintry BCene ; Yet something in those branches soothed the tempest in his breast, And made him long for pardon, and for happiness and rest. All faltering were the steps he took to his deserted home, From which with harsh and angry words he had been wont to roam, A timid face looked up to him : it was enough — his heart Beat against hers with love once more, and healed the torturing smarto Their sacrifice of praise that night with deepest joy was fraught, For the sweet happiness the trees had in their lessons taught. Another trod with measured step along the leafy aisle ; A calm repose was at his heart, and on his lips a smile. Prosperity athwart his course had thrown its brilliant light, And every passing day appeared to bring him fresh delight. Yet, as he mused beneath the trees, and saw that even they Were no exception to the rule of general decay, His heart uprose in earnestness to Him who dwells on high ; "Lord, to Thy other blessings add a readiness to die." Ah ! 'twas a necessary prayer, for soon there came a blow That hushed that manly, throbbing heart, and laid the strong one low. Yes ! priceless are the lessons which the dear old forests teach : Let us go forth beneath the shade, and listen while they preach ; And let us garner all their lore into our heart's recess, Assured that He who speaks through them will every sentence bless. They teach us far from earth's damp sod aspiringly to rise, To let our hands, and heads, and hearts turn upward to the skies ; For He who takes such care of them, with rain, and sun, and air, Will bless the hearts that trust in Him with far more tender care. Let us go forth into the fields amid the scented breeze, Asking our Father oft to send sweet lessons through the trees. GG I am Cornel The last words of a dying Christian. I am home ! I've arrived at my sweet home at last, And the cold swelling waves of the river are past 5 My eyes are unclosing that late were so dim ; 0 ! where is my Saviour ? I long to see Him. 1 am home ! I am home ! All my trials are o'er; I shall labour, and suffer, and sorrow no more ; I shall slake my hot thirst at the clear crystal fount, And peacefully rest on the heavenly mount. I am home ! I am home ! 0 ! the wonderful light — The radiant beauty that bursts on my sight ! And there are the streets and the temples of gold — I've heard of them oft, but the half was not told ! I am home ! I am home ! An angelical band Has a welcome for me in my dear fatherland ! This robe and this crown are they really for me ? And are they the friends of my youth that I see ? I am home ! I am home ! and again I am young ; 0 ! give me a harp that its notes may be strung ; 0 ! teach me the music that floats through the air; 1 dreamed not that heaven wTas so brilliant, so fair ! I am home ! I am home ! and my Jesus is here — 0 ! spirits immortal, make room for me near; He loved me, He led me : 0 ! now let me come And lie at His feet — I am home ! I am home ! G7 "God he l%%ercifx\\ nnta us, and Bkss us/' At the birth of early morning, When a gay song greets the dawning ; When the noontide sun is shining, And the toiler is repining j WThen the busy daylight closes, And the weary head reposes ; When the moon her watch is keeping, And the world beneath is sleeping, And the night's dark fold shall press us, God be merciful, and bless us ! When our friends are kindly smiling, Ail the pleasant hours beguiling ; WTien they one by one are leaving, Dying, changing, or deceiving ; When the sky is bright above us, And all nature seems to love us ; When the clouds are darkly lowering, Heavy drops of sorrow showering, And the woes of life oppress us, God be merciful, and bless us ! When along our path we're singing, And the flowers are freshly springing, And our feet are lightly going, "Where the water-brooks are flowing ; When temptations throng around us, Danger and distress surround us ; When our hearts with grief arc waiiing. And our mortal strength is failing ; When disease and death possess us, God be merciful, and bless us ! e2 GS & Bat}* Only a day — one little day ! — Full half its hours were wasted | We trifled in its morning prime, Forgetting how it hasted. The day had passed full oft before, Nor brought us much of sorrow, And at its close we had not grieved. For soon would come " to-morrow.'*' Only a day — we ate and laughed, And talked about the weather, Lounged easily upon our chairs, And played and sang together ; Then worked or read a little while, According to our liking, And scarcely thought upon the hours That one by one were striking. Only a day — but near our horn© A hundred might be dying ; And many, many hundreds more In misery were sighing ; Starvation came to some that day, And suicide to others, And ignorance and vice enchained More of our poorer brothers. Only a day — but 'twas the last That ever came to many ; They shrieked aloud for helping frieDds, But were not heard by any. eg Some dyed in deeper, blacker crime Hearts that were well-nigh bursting, And drank a poisoned draught, to see If it would quench their thirsting. Only a day — we might have helped To stem the raging waters ; We might have blessed and comforted Earth's wretched sons and daughters. But surely through a few short days Such things might be neglected ; And so we laughed and chatted en — What more could be expected ? Toil and he Strxmg ! Toil and be strong ! Within thy happy dwelling How weariness and sadness o'er thee creep! ITow, when the vesper song is softly swelling, Thou lov'st to steal away from all, and weep! How silently the dreaded shroud of weakness Is wrapping in its subtle folds thy strength ! How does thy spirit bow itself in meekness, Until thou'rt prostrate on the earth at length ! Yet rouse thyself, if thou wouldst soon bo stronger ; It is in labour strength and power lie ; Arise and work, struggle a little longer, Not till God bids thee is the time to die. Toil and be strong ! There's work enough before thees Stir the weak limbs, and nerve the fainting heart ; For He whose searching eye is ever o'er thee- Kequires of each that he do well his part. 70 The Best Friend. Beautiful words from the lips of One Who is ever His people's cheering Sun ? Calmly they float o'er the troubled mind As the zephyr's breezes, the summer's wind, Easing the soul of its weight of care, Hushing complaints in a holy prayer. For they speak of a deathless love to me — Of a better than human sympathy — Of a friendship ever unchanged by years, That deeper groweth 'mid grief and tears — Of a godlike, infinite tenderness, That when all is faded lives to bless. And sorrow itself becomes almost fair, With such a companion as He to share 5 Loneliness cannot be sad and drear With the angel-form of His presence near; And blessed indeed must affliction be That meets with such loving sympathy. The pilgrim's walk through the vale of life Is ever darkened by sin and strife ; But O ! 'tis precious to have a Friend Who will love and bless to the journey's end- To feel that the aching head may rest, And be gently soothed on the Healer's breast. Holiest ! 0, be this Friend to us ; Sympathize, comfort, and bless us thus; And till this toilsome life is o'er Help us to love Thee and praise Thee more; Sparc us to meet Thee at home in heaven, Where closer union with Thee is given. 71 The Glorified Redeemer. 0, for a single glimpse of Him upon the throne of light, If it were not too radiant for weak and mortal sight ! 0, for a moment nearer Him within that world above, To see those flaming eyes dissolve in deep and God-like love ! How bright must heaven be that e'er is lighted up by Him, The halo of whose shining brow no mists of earth may dim, Whose beaming glanee illuminates each fair and golden street, And rests upon th' adoring head bowed lowly at His feet ! 'Tis meet that many crowns should be upon His regal head, He before whom such myriads their highest honours spread; He who is Lord and King of nature, providence, and grace, And worshipped by the happy ones within that holy place. 0, that I too might join them there, and share the glory now! With love ineffable I'd place my crown upon His brow ! Yet, no; that honour were too great: if I might gain His scat, I'd bow among the lowliest, and cast it at His feet. 0tir Island l^amc* God's blessing upon thee, dear land of my birth, The brightest and fairest green spot of the earth ; The hearts of thy children are clinging to thee In fond recollections, wherever they be. ■79 What beauty there is in the blue of thy skies — On the tips of thy hills that so gracefully rise — In the fields and the meadows, and streamlets that glide— The tint of the sunset— the swell of the tide ! And thou hast much wealth in thy noble of soul, Who labour all evil to stem and control, Who are willing to die for the weal of their land, And lovingly, prayerfully, guarding thee stand. 0 England ! God bless thee, and make thee to shine The fairest of earth, with these blessings of thine ; And still may thy children, wherever they roam, Keep warm in their hearts this affection for home. 11 &ive its this ®atj attf Bailtj toad/' Matt. vi. 11. Give us "the bread that peri slieth," 0 God! Thine are the air, the sunshine, and the shower: Without Thy blessing fruitless is the sod, And vain all efforts are without Thy power : 'Tis by Thy hand Thy children, Lord, are fed ; 0, " give us day by day our daily bread !" Give us the bread of love ! Hearts hungering Lie unconcealed beneath Thy pitying eye ; Thou seest the tendrils longing still to cling, Thou know'st the yearning thought, the hidden sigh Thou art the source of all affection — give The bread that makes it such a joy to live 73 Give ns the bread that is our spirits need — • The kindling thought, the images sublime— The power in nature glorious truths to read, And throw a halo round the things of time, The mighty intellect, the expanding mind, Give us, 0 Thou who art for ever kind ! And 0, give us Thyself — Thou Bread of Life! For Thou alone hast power to satisfy; Nought else can strengthen for the toil and strife ; Without it we grow weak, and faint, and die. Father ! by Thee Thy children must be fed : G, " give us day by day our daily bread !" The ttntmwm Fixture* "What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter." John xiii. 7. The things that are so painful here, "When earth's thick mist shall disappear, Will 'mid our brightest blessings shine, And show the Giver's love divine. That future will a cause reveal For every sorrow that we feel ; But here we cannot understand The love that guides the Smiter's hand. But patience yet a B little while," And lie who seems to frown will smile; In that " hereafter " of r Our hearts will bless Him for the grief. 74 Wha tan Jtwwind the Throne? Who are around tlie throne? Not those Who never knew a sorrow, Who had no fears, nor pain, nor strife, Nor tremblings for the morrow ; Not those upon whose flower-clad path Earth's sun was ever shining ; Who never saw their precious things In death's embrace reclining ! Who are around the throne ? Ah, those Who ofc were faint and weary, To whom the world and all its scenes Were dangerous and dreary ; Whose hearts beneath a deep, deep grief, Unblessed, unhelped, were aching ; WTho trod the path the Saviour trod, When friends were all forsaking. Yvrho are around the throne ? The tried, Who were by trouble driven, For sorrow is the royal road That leadeth unto heaven. O ! welcome then the painful cross, AVith all its grief and anguish, If there's a home above for me, When meath its weight I languish 75 Hot tinto \%s, Not unto us, 0 Lord most high, For we should fall wert Thou not nigh : Our boasting would be all in vain ; If Thou forsake we must be slain. If ours should be the lighter sin, Thou dost restrain the thoughts within i Not in our weakness can we live ; The needful strength is Thine to give. Thou knowest best how, day by day, "We pass the dangerous hours away ; And if the precipice be past, Thine is the glory first and last ! Not unto us, 0 Lord, when death Quiets the pulse and steals the breath ; Thine shall the endless glory be, For Thou alone canst set us free. The Gall ot Samttd. Night stole on Shiloh ! All the weary train Of worshippers went out of God's high house To rest. The crimson sunset threw a flood Of liquid glory o'er the ark of God, Dwelling between the cherubim. The gold That overlay it richly did not seem So beautiful as the deep glow that spread Over the mercy-seat behind the veil ! 76 Dim and mysterious grew the sacred aisles, And silent were the foot-falls of the priest, And his loved boy-attendant — he who was So early set apart for God. The lamp Had not gone out when he lay down to sleep In childish confidence. Awhile he thought Of his loved mother in that far-off home, How she had parted his fair clustering curls With her own fingers— how the tears had gushed Into her eyes at the last look, and how Her pallid lips had quivered as they pressed Fond kisses on his own. And then he dreamed He was again in his own childhood's home, Playing amid the trees. Softly there came Stealing upon his slumbers a low voice — " Samuel! Samuel !" And the boy arose, Shook off the weariness that wrapp'd him round; And, pushing back his air with his white hand, Ran unto Eli — " Here am I !" It must Have been a dream ! And so he went again As Eli bade him. Yet again that voice, In its low accents — " Samuel ! Samuel !" Thrice did he hear it, and the boy looked grieved That Eli should deny it, " Thou didst call," He said, " and here am I !" And then the priest Perceived that God had called him ; and he laid His aged hand upon him as he said, " Go, and lie down ; and if He call again, ' Speak, Lord, for Thy servant hearcth,' thou shalt sry." 0 ! 'twas a solemn thing for that young boy Waiting for God amid those holy courts, 77 Listening for what Omnipotence might say! Again He came, and, as at other times, Ho stood and called; and the young spirit went Forth to his God in that close intercourse ! The morning came. A shade of sadness lay On Samuel's countenance, and his young heart Was heavy at the tidings he had heard ; He shrank from meeting Eli, and went out To open the Lord's house with trembling step. 0 ! it is sad to have to speak the words That wound a heart we love ! Yet when it is A message from our God, we must not fear To do His bidding. Samuel hid his face Against that bursting heart, and told him all ; And the old stricken man bowed down his head In silent resignation — " 'Tis the Lord ! Let Him do all that seemeth good to Him." Saturday. Zvemng* The shades of evening softly fall, And silence reigns around ; Saviour, as these last hours pass by, We would with Thee be found! Thy hand has led us safely through The week's vicissitude; And now we lift our hearts to Thee, For Thou art kind and good. We thank Thee for Thy mercies past, For life, and strength, and health; Thy love is all our stay, 0 God ! Thy smile is all our wealth. We thank Thee for the Sabbath day; 0 may its moments be Some foretaste of that blissful rest We hope to spend -with Thee ! Keep Thou our thoughts, that in Thy house WTe serve the God we love ; And let us join the songs they sing Around Thy throne above. 0 ! spread Thy sheltering wing around, Till all these Sabbaths cease, And we are safely landed where There is eternal peace. The m$U Cometh. Tnou'iiT happy, little child, among the sunshine and the flowers, Thy tiny feet are dancing through the cheerful morning hours ; Thou'rt laughing as they tell thee of a lamp to light thy way, Thou think'st thou wilt not need it through the long, long summer day; Thou seest not the shadows which the night ere long will cast, But, little one, they'll hang above thy drooping head at last. Thou'rt dreaming, thoughtful youth, of many happy hours in store, Thou paint'st the future very bright with learning's wealthy lore, 70 Thy brilliant eye is gazing on the steep ascent to fame, Tlion'st vowed to gain its lofty height, and carve thereon thy name; Thy lip is curled in scorn to those "who talk of night to thee ; It is not yet the noontide hour — yet short thy day may be. Thou thinkest not of sorrow's night, 0 thou of gentle brow ! It cannot come while those dear eyes smile tenderly as now ; A cloudless sun shines o'er the home ins love so sweet has made; Thou'rt clinging to thy noble oak, and resting in its shade : But joy like thine is very short ; 0 ! kneel before 'tis gone ; Pray for a lamp to light thee through the night that cometh on. And thou who'rt strong and healthy, in the height of manhood'a prime, Dream' st not how silently the hours are bringing evening-time; Yet there are gathering shadows slowly creeping o'er thy way, And whispers floating through the air speak of a closing day. Thou'rt prudent in thy worldly aims — hast thou provision made For the dark season coming on, when day and life shall fade ? Servant of God ! Strange that to thee the night seems distant still, When thoughts of its approaching should thine inmost spirit fill; O ! wake thy dormant energies, and let the startling tale Spread through this world of carelessness on each careering gale* Tell mortals that the night of death is quickly coming on ; They'll need the Gospel's light indeed when life's faint sun is gone. Ah, yes ! the long, dark, rayless night is coming to us all; Around our homes, upon our hearts, its deepening shadows fall. " 0 Sun of Righteousness, arise with healing on Thy wings," When /er our trembling, shrinking forms its blackened shroud it flincrs. And A-hen the heavy hand of death falls on our failing sight — 0 ! take us to the cloudless land where there is no more night ! 80 11 Behold, a #oor wt\$ opened in Rev. iv. 1. WHAT is within the door ? 0, for a dream Of that eternal city ! How the heart Prays but for one short glance, in which to see Glimpses of all its glory ! And the thought That soars e'en to its portal fails at last, For to our straining eyes that guarding door Is not yet open. But the favour' d John Has left his record, and on that we base Our expectations while we linger here Waiting the signal to ascend to God. Within that door there is the great white throne, Its emerald rainbow round it. Golden streets, And founts of crystal water ; jasper walls, And gates of pearl, and paths of precious stones ; And there are numbers which no man could count, Of holy, happy spirits, patriarchs, And prophets— men who waited long, and bore Their witness for their God. And there are some Who lived and suffered silently, unknown Upon the earth. And some who came From hot and scorching countries, on whose brows Jesus has placed His mark. Some, too, there are Whose infant tongues just lisped His praise below : And some familiar to our hearts, who went From our embraces at the welcome call Of the sweet voice they longed for. Harps of gold And palms of victory are in the hands That grow not weary now ; and crowns of gold Are theirs to cast before the Saviour's feet, 81 "Who gave Ilimsclf for them. And through tho air, Borne on their wings of light, the angels pass ; And all with one uccord join in the song Of swelling Hallelujahs. O! the joys Of heaven tongue may not utter. Yet, methinks, Were the door opened now, I would not gaze On all these glories, but would cast myself Low at His feet T>hom I so oft displease : For it were heaven indeed to see Him smile Upon me — to throw off the weariness And sin of earth, and feel that I were Hi3 For all eternity ! The summer-time, the summer-time, how beautiful it seems ! The sun is glancing everywhere its strong and radiant beams ; There's sunshine in the cotter's home, where everything is neat, And sunshine in the palaces, and sunshine in the street. The lark pours from it3 tiny throat its thrilling hymn at morn, Uprising from its lowly nest among the waving corn ; The nightingale is warbling forth its witching vesper song, As twilight breathes away the day, that never is too long. The flowers are sweetly smiling in the valley, on the hill ; The weeping willows stoop to kiss the little laughing rill ; There is a balmy fragrance in the scarcely-moving air, The very wind is music, and there's beauty everywhere. The little children skip and play beneath the shady trees, Their sunny curls are blown about by every passing breeze ; The labourer goes forth to toil, or rests at noon to dine, And murmurs gratefully, " Bless God ! the harvest is so fine." F 82 Yes, let us all bless God indeed, and wipe the heated brow ; 'Tis God that sends the summer-time, and we will praise Him now : He clothes the world in beauty, makes our earthly home sublime, While gladness fills our swelling hearts — bless God for summer-time 1 fiam vein man da in tns $ willing at fotxlan? Jer. xii. 5. When sickness shall thy spirit bow, And anguish rack thy heart and brow 5 When faintly throbs the pulse of life, And flesh is failing in the strife, And shorter grows the laboured breath — How wilt thou bear th' approach of death ? When those who love thee disappear. And new strange sounds steal on the ear} When the weak brain begins to swim, And earth with all its joy grows dim, And death is calling thee away — How wilt thou bear that trying day ? When Jordan's darkening waters swell, And every billow tolls thy knell ; When o'er thee creeps an icy chill, And dread thy sinking heart shall fill — While higher mounts the o'erwhelming wave— And thou art dying— who will save ? 83 I will fear no- Euil, fat Thau art with me. Psalm xsziL 4. Though on the yielding shore I tread, And tempests lower above my head, Though, the fierce tide is rising high — Yet I am not afraid to die : Fcr Thou art with me — Thou whose power Can shield me in the trying hour ; And to Thy mighty hand I'll cling, When the cold waves around me spring. Speak to me in the swelling tide, And in the rock's great shadow hide ; O ! let me feel that Thou art nigh, And then I will not fear to die. But when to Jordan's banks I come, And see from thence my shining home, Fearless I'll breast the risiug wave, Since Thou art with me, and wilt save. &oolun# xxnta testis* Heo. xii. 2. "Looking to Jesus ! " At the opening year Sorrow and dread press en my sinking heart ; The present is but dark, and still I fear The fature will but bring the sufferer's part, Weak is the spirit to endure alone— Jesus, I raise my eyes unto Thv throne ! f2 * 84 " Looking to Jesus ! " On tin's Xew Year's day Sad memories a gloomy shadow fling ; Hopes that were bright have passed to swift decay ; Hearts that have blessed me with their cherishing, And joys that were too great for earth, are gone — Saviour, I need Thee as I journey on. " Looking to Jesus ! " Duties clts&ier round ,, And calls to labour everywhere 1 hear ; Yet am I weak, and faint, and strengthless found, Unfitted for the struggle that is near. Almighty Helper, let me lean on Thee ; Strength to the strengthless Thou dost love to be ! " Looking to Jesus ! " Ever while I live I would be looking, Saviour, unto Thee ; All that Thy helpless child is needing give. Till from this earth the longing soul is free. O ! stay with me till life itself shall end j Loving Redeemer, ever be my Friend ! The appeal* "Lovest thou me ? "—John xxi. 16. Lovest thou Me ? I have lived a life Clouded by suITering, woe, and strife ; Have prayed whole nights on the cold, damp sod, And rough and steep were the paths I trod j My life and death were My love to thee, Cheerfully given --end lovest thou Me ? Lovest thou Me ? I have led thee far Through the meads where the living waters are, Have made thy journey with mercy bright, Have kept thee safe through the darksome night, Have made thy spirit from bondage free, Have blessed thee ever — and lovest thou Me ? Lovest thou Me ? I am ever near, With the watchful eye and the listening ear ; Thy faintest sigh and thy softest prayer Are heard, and then I am with thee there ; Comfort and peace I have breathed o'er thee In the day of storm — and lovest thou Me ? Lovest thou Me ? My blood has bought Joys with eternal richness fraught — A better home in the far-off land, A seat of rest at My Father's hand ; Immortal life I have sought for thee, A fadeless crown — and lovest thou Me ? Lovest thou Me ? When at last in heaven The robe and the harp to My friends are givenr '"Mid all that is holy, and bright, and fair, And immortal, wilt thou be absent there ? Will they shout the chorus of victory While thou art silent — nor lovest thou Me? Lovest thou Me ? I know thy heart Will oft grow cold, and from Me depart ; I know thou wilt grieve thy Friend — and yet I love thee still, and will not forget. By all the depth of My love for thee, Let thy spirit answer — lovest thou Me '( 86 The Eesponss. 6 Yea, Lord ; thou knowest that I love thee."— John xxi. 1ft, Loving Saviour ! Thou canst see How my spirit thirsts for Thee ; How I am unsatisfied When I wander from Thy side ; How the dearest joys of earth, Hours of thoughtfulness or mirth, Cannot bring me happiness, Unless Thou remain and bless. All that Thou hast done for me Binds my heart in love to Thee ; And Thy messages of love Make me long to dwell above. Thou hast washed me in Thy blood, Thou art guiding me to God, Pleading for me at His throne ; Saviour, I am all Thine own ! Yet my weak and faithless heart Ever prone is to depart, Unless Thou wilt keep me near, Walking in Thy holy fear. O, permit me ;:ot to stray From Thy holy, narrow way ; Take my hand, and let it be Clinging to none else but Theo. Dear Bcdeenier ! love me still 5 Bend my spirit to Thy will ; 87 Let me be Thy loving child, While I tread this desert wild j Lead rnc to that shining home, Where temptations never come £ Folded in Thy arms I'll be Ever, ever loving Thee ! Morning. In the east the sun is shining On the golden grain ; Hark, the voice of duty calling Bids us rise again ! Angels o'er us have been watching Through the silent night ; Let us turn our thoughts to heaven, Blessing God for light. And with undiminished ardour Let us forward go ; Hands, and head, and heart be working While we stay below. Let us find some task completed, Something nobly done, That shall earn a night's reposing At the set of sun ! 88 mi Eight, The late Capt. R. Petley, a few days before his death, said to a friend who was with him, " It is all right— the covenant is sure." " All right ! " And why ? That a life well spent Has brought an evening of calm content ? That the faithful walls of the memory Are hung with pictures of charity ? That thoughts of righteous deeds well done Have thrown a joy round the setting sun ? No ; for the holiest deeds alone For the sins of a moment could not atone ! " All right !" And why ? That to him was given The boon of wealth from the King of Heaven ? That partial judges have graced his name "With the laurel- wreath of a well-earned fame ? That loving eyes will bedew his bier With grateful hearts and affection's tear ? No ? for these are neglected all When disease and death with their voices call. " All right" that the promise of God is sure, The love of the Saviour wrill still endure ; That his failing eyes o'er the water's foam Can see the lights in his shining home ; That the angels with eager arms are nigh ; That the veteran is not afraid to die ! O that we, when our lives are past, May say from the heart, "All right ! " at last. 69 Jtnxi there was wrtj Great Gladness* Nehemiah viii. 17. Jerusalem blazed in the autumn's clear sun, And well-nigh the work of the captives was done ; And they gathered the branches of myrtle and pine, And olive and palm with the flowers to entwine. And they sat in the booths which with joy they had made, "While the breath of the myrtle perfumed the soft shade ; And the green trellis hung o'er the streets of their home, And the temple looked fair with the wreaths on its dome. \Vhcn softly there pealed through the vistas all dim, The sweet solemn strains of their tremulous hymn ; While the people fell down on the roofs that they trod, And calmed their full hearts in the worship of God. And the governor's voice rang majestic and high, Y-'ith his lofty brow bared to the deep azure sky; And he read 'mid their sobs of God's goodness and love, Till they gratefully pealed their glad anthem above. And there came on the hearts that had lately been sad Such blessings from heaven that they sang and were glad, And their beautiful city re-echoed with joy, r were the foes that had sought to destroy. kept the long-slighted commands of their God, \\'ho had brought them safe back to their own belov'd sod; mile was upon them, once more they were free — How kind and forgiving a God He must be ! 90 The Cauntluss Multitude. " A great multitude which no man could number." — Rev. vii. 9, There are bright angels ! Sound the naming throne, Veiling their faces with their wings, they stand ; Those who ne'er shed a tear nor breathed a groan Assemble, clothed in light, at God's right hand, Leading with lyres of more than human mould, That song whose language mortal lips ne'er told. And there are children ! Those whose brows all pure Have early won the crown of fadeless light ; Who lived, but had no sorrows to endure, Whose little day was never quenched by night. Ah ! there are crowds of them in that bright world Where the victorious banners are unfurled ! And there are saints who in the Saviour's blood Have washed their robes ; and they are white as snow. From life's drear journey and from death's dark flood A deep repose, a holy calm, they know. Oh ! how the voices of that rapturous throng Swell through the arch of heaven the choral song ! Yet there is room ! 0 pilgrim on earth's way, Say, whither are thy footsteps journeying ? Wilt thou not press toward that brightening day? Wilt thou not join the chorus that they sing ? O ! 'mid that countless multitude to be, Would be indeed a cloudless heaven to thee 2 91 The Un seen. M T>Ve endure, ns seeing Lira vrho i3 invisible."— Hob. xi. 27. The mist and darkness deepened o'er that man of threescore years, And scarce the enduring spirit could keep back the scalding tears As he beheld his treasured things in desolation lie, And still lived on, and lived alone, through days of agony. Yet from the trembling lip there came no passionate complaint, No murmuring from the heart that grew so worn, and sick, and faint ; For there were unseen arms around, supporting him through all, A more than angel form of love that would not let him fall. A mother watched the fading of her own and only child : " 0 ! spare her to my clinging heart," was the entreaty wild. The mother had to check the fond, but wearying caress, For still the loved form wasted, and the hope grew less and less. Yet on that bleeding heart was laid a mighty healing hand, And the rebellion fled like mists at His Divine command ; There came a deep, unearthly peace, and she was heard to tell, "With chastened, trusting utterance, " He doeth all things well." And she who felt with every pain and each decreasing breath, That, walking side by side with her, was the dark monster Death, Smiled sweetly, as the trying hour, with all its dread, drew nigh, And heavenward, 'mid the suffering, raised her dim and languid eye, u I fear not, I am not alone," with feeble voice she said j " Th' Invisible is here ; on Him I lean my weary head. He strengthens me amid it all" — the voice was hushed — she slept; But the Supporter took her home, and soothed the hearts that wept. O, God ! Thy feeble children's meed of agony is sure ; And from Thy hand alone must come the power that can endure. "We see Thee not amid the gloom, and yet our thanks we give, That evermore Thou givest us the strength through all to live. 92 0 ! while the wintry hurricanes around our spirits roar, Let ns but feel Thee near us, and the danger will be o'er. In life or death Thy unseen hand shall our protection be— 0, meeten for the time when we may ever gaze on Thee. Ministering Spirits* Christian ! thou canst not be alone — thy onward path may seem Dark, difficult, and all uncheered by sweet affection's beam ; Thou may'st feel lonely 'mid the crowd, who all are strange to thee, May'st long for human friends, and love, and earthly sympathy j Yet dream not that thou art alone, for ever by thy hand Are visitants too pure for earth sent from the spirit-land. Christian ! tread softly, for to thee each spot is holy ground ; Seraphic forms and angel-wings are floating all around : Bright messengers of mercy come to cheer thy passage home, To bless thee, guard thee, guide the feet that otherwise would roam ; They come with thrilling messages sent by a Father's love, And fan thy brow with breezes cool borne gently from above. Christian ! care less for earth, and pray to live as angels live; Strive to commune with them, nor crave for joys the world can give ; Entreat thy God to make thee pure, that so thou mayest bless, E'en as the seraphs do, this land of sorrow and distress ; So shall their mission be thine own, so shalt thou take thy place In the same cloudless land, and gaze on the Redeemer's face. 03 Forget not f*ktcL •Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God."— Dent, vlii. 11 Fai'< is the sun above iby head \ And the flowers around thy feet Are blossoming fresh and beautiful, And shedding a fragrance sweet ; Blessings are scattered athwart thy way. And returning morn and eve Find thee ever with some new joy, Bearing the word, " Receive." O ! do not forget who giveth all — With songs of praise at His footstool fall. "Do not forget me," thy friends have said. And thy fond and yearning heart Bearcth them ever some thoughts of lcve$ Though miles and years should pait v But if not in vain the pleading lip3 And the voice of affection be, Surely the Highest deserveth more Than a passing thought from thee. Child of His love ! remember Him Whose care and kindness life's chalice brim, Forget not God ! Each blade of grass, Each fmely-penciU'd flower, Each murmuring rill, each singing bird. And each bright and fleeting hour, Tell of Him to the thoughtful mind, In language pure and deep, Whose tender, skilful, mighty hands Safely creation keep. Bow thee, 0 man, on the velvet sod, And with grateful spirit acknowledge God. 94 Forget not God in the opening mom, Or the stilly evening's close ; When thy busy brain is working on, Or thy wearied limbs repose ; If pleasure beam o'er the gladsome path,, Or the night of sorrow come, Remember Him who will ever be His people's rest and home. Gratefully think of the pathway trod, And for all its blessings forget not God, The still small IMce* How through the twilight dim, Like a low vesper hymn, Whisperings come ; Raising the burdened thought, Often with sorrow fraught, Up to our home ! One by one, over us, Dreams that are glorious Silently spread ; Breezes from Paradise Float o'er the aching eyes, Rest on our head. O ! it is sweet to he Thus from our labour free* Low on the sod ; Earnestly listening For tidings thou shalt bring, Yoicc of our God ! The 1&tichmging* •'AYith whom is no Variableness, neither shadow of turr. James i. 17. Tins is a world of change ! All things are dying, And those most precious are the first to fall ! Life's fiow'rets beautiful are early lying Where dark decay has spread its funeral pall. Change dims the eye that looked upon us brightly; Freezes the hearts that made us rich in love ; Change spoils the tones that speak to us so lightly ; Ah ! but it touches not the Friend above ! No change in Him ! Coldly our hearts are beating, And there are seasons when we love Him not ; But tender still will be the Saviour's greeting, However changed or dark may be our lot. Unchanged, unchanged ! We bless Theo in our gladness, Dear Friend of sinners, who hast loved us so! O, bind us to Thee in our hours of sadness, And linger near us every step we go. Thx? £iqxc set tuefofs us* Eib. vi. 13. Rest ! when the labours cf life are o'er, When the free, glad spirit shall upward s^car; Feace! o'er the weary heart to steal, While the ransomed ones adoring kne Joy ! that no withering storms decay, When the things of earth email Lave passed away. 96 A home ! where everything speaks of love, Tranquil and safe in that bcnse above ; A crown ! of pure and unchanging gold, That e'en through eternity grows not old; A robe ! of beautiful, spotless white, Dazzling and rich in the heavenly light ! The friendship of myriads of holy men. Perfect and free from all tarnish then ; The love of angels for ever there, 'Mid all that is sacred, and glad, and fair ; The presence of Jesus, whose smile will be Lasting and bright as eternity ! 0, let us quicken our tardy feet — Be our progress thither more blithe and fiees f Light is glancing upon the road, And each step brings us nearer God ! " Onward and upward" our watchword beP Till the gates of our beautiful home we see i Thou who hast gone to prepare our place, How are we longing to see Thy face ! Help ud life's difficult hills to climb, Looking beyond the events of time ; Let the hope set before us still cheer our wa7, Till the darkness closes in deathless day! 97 The Useful. They are not great alone who live to do some mighty deed. Who listen not to sorrow's cry unless when millions plead} Life's dnties gather silently along the lone roadside, And Christ-like spirits will net wish for scenes of wealth and pride. They are the really useful who, with humble, reverent heart, Unseen by earth's admirers, seek to do their secret part. Applauding lips and nattering smiles may fascinate too well, But praise from multitudes will cause the weak, vain heart to swell ; But better than the fading flowers which numbers round may fling, Would be the Saviour's smile upon some lowly offering. The Ci cup of water in His name " may bring His blessing down More richly than the lofty deeds that win a world's renown. The cooling touch that stays awhile one painful throbbing smart, Or nerves to calm endurance still a faint and sinking heart ; The look of gentle warning that will check a sinful deed ; The lips that breathe the word of love which is the spirit's need j The tones which rouse the nerveless soul to rise at duty's call — O, u He who sees in secret" will in love legard them all. Then cheer thee, lowly worker — though the world regard thee not, There is an Eye that notes thee, and will bless thy humble lot. Press forward to the rest that will be thine when time is past, Nor weary of thy silent work; for know thy God at last Will " openiy reward thee" — and methinks 'twere sweet to he Partaker in the welcome He will give to such as thee ! 98 "Itejoktt i» the &orxL" Phil. iv. 4. Eejoice in the Lord ! There is light in the dwelling And peace in the spirit where Christ is the gnest ; And surely the chorus might always be swelling Around the blest threshold which Jesus has pressed. Eejoice in the Lord ! He will scatter the sadness That broods o'er the sanctified home of His friends ; And days as they pass will be radiant wTith gladness, "Where prayer from the family altar ascends. Eejoice in the Lord ! The fresh flow'rets are springing In fragrance and beauty to gladden thy way ; And the Father of mercies His largess is flinging — New tokens of love for each newly -born day. Eejoice in the Lord ! He is tenderly leading Each step that His wisdom requires thee to take ; And He will supply all the strength thou art needing, Who loveth for ever and will not forsake. Eejoice in the Lord ! There is joy for thee ever, If thou in thy life-time belongest to Him ; A bond — all of love — which no changes can sever, A sun o'er thy head which no storm-cloud can dim. Eejoice in the Lord ! He awaits thee in heaven, With myriads who made His light service their choice ; And shortly the robe and the crown will be given To thee ! Then, believer, O ! always rejoice ! 99 The Jjottr of Zvmitig ^rayef, Softly the daylight faded. The red sun Sank gently down behind the gold-tipped hills ; The evening breeze sighed soothingly among The quivering forest leaves. The choristers Which we call lowly, and look down upon As detrimental to the summer-time — The grasshoppers and gnats — unwearily Poured forth their joyous music; but the tired cattle Sought the shade, and rested. The clouds Floated on gracefully, and softly laid Their coverlid above the wearied earth. It was the hour for rest, and intercourse With the unslumbering One, whose skilled hand makes " Th' outgoings of the evening to rejoice.'' 'Twas sweet to see how many, in this time Of soft, subduing quiet, turned their thoughts And raised their spirits to the Infinite, And prayed before the universal shrine God has erected everywhere. The fair-haired child, Clasping its tiny hands, its bright blue eyes Closed, meekly knelt beside its mother's knee, And lisped the simple prayer her lips had taught For the protection of the children's GocL Whose eyelids never droop. The maiden sought Her room, made holy by the -sacred thoughts g2 100 And nameless yearnings under which her soul Had often trembled ; and then, throwing back Tho shining tresses, laid her thoughtful brow Upon the sacred page her kindling eye Had been perusing ; poured the gushing fount Of passionate emotion at His feet Who reads the heart's deep mysteries. For herself She asked for holiness, and purity Of life and conduct — that her days might be A faint reflection of His days in whom Was found no guile ; and then, in softer tone And deeper earnestness, besought of God Blessings for all her loved ones. The young man Folded his arms across his throbbing heart, And watched with flashing eye the darkening heavens, Till, breaking suddenly his joy-tinged dreams Of future fame and greatness, raised his brow, Flushed with a high resolve, and fervently Prayed to the Infinite that he might be God's honoured messenger, and make the world Better and holier for his stay therein. His pleading was not quickly o'er ; for when The stars looked down and smiled, his manly tone Rose high in the still air — " 0 Father! Friend! Place me among the truly great, e'en those Whom Thou mak'st good ! " The mother softly stole Into the silent chamber, where the light— The "last red light" of the departing day — Tinged with its glorious beauty the soft locks Of all her cherub children. She watched them, 101 Hushing her breath for very joy, until The fount of love within her yearning heart Came gushing up, and well-nigh overflowed. And then she knelt, and poured its deep tide forth In earnest wrestlings for the privilege Of polishing her gems, to sparkle in The Saviour's coronal. The aged man Leaned, tremblingly, upon his time-tried staff, And, picturing the everlasting hills, Toward which his worn feet tottered, where were all In youth he loved so deeply, breathed a prayer For blest re-union in the spirit-land. And there were companies — Whole families Gathered around the altar, and sent up A vesper sacrifice. A little band Met 'neath a low, but consecrated roof, To crave a blessing. And the multitude With blended voices sang, " Glory to Thee, My God, this night." And there were couples, too, Whose spirits grew too happy for this world, Who knelt and poured the deep impassioned tide Of feeling forth, in the sweet voice of prayer. Earth may have many scenes of grief and strife ; Yet while the sunset comes, with its soft hours And hallowed emotions, let us bless Our God for making it so beautiful. 102 Jl glimpse -of Usaucm 0 tor a glimpse of heaven ! My spirit longs For but one glance at the fair fatherland I My straining ear would catch the thrilling songs So sweetly warbled by the white-robed band. This earth, with all its joys, is incomplete ; "I should be satisfied55 at Jesus' feet. Around my Saviour shining seraphs bow. And some I loved (how well !) are with them there, Crowns of immortal life upon each brow, Amd on their faces not a trace of care. Joy " heart of man hath not conceived*' is given — O ! if I could but be with them in heaven ! A glimpse of heaven ! No clouds athwart its sky I No fading flowers, where it is always spring! No aching hearts, i\o tear, no frown, no sigh ! No faltering voice to mar the strains they sing ! No weary feet or heart, no throbbing head ! No mourning over precious treasures fled ! And 0 ! to be with Christ ! Ever to lie Sweetly upon that loving Saviour's breast J Drinking deep gladness from His beaming eye, And being full of love and peace and rest. When, when, dear Jesus, shall the call be given ? When may I go and live with Thee in heaven ? 103 Fireside Foetrtj* A group of little children sat beside the cheerful hearth, And like sweet strains of music rose the sounds of childish mirth ; And one on whose broad brow were stamped the lineaments of th< i Eich treasures from the Bible mine in simple language brought ; The rosy lips were parted, and the undimmed eyes grew bright, And all those little beating hearts were swelling with delight. It was a lofty intellect thus bending to their ken — Methinks to angel-eyes he ne'er had been so great as then. A youth was parting from the friends that ''clustered round his home/' Life's busy din was calling him 'mid sterner scenes to roam ; But 0 ! those clinging arms, those eyes lit with such pleading love, Will be to him as well-trimmed lamps, lighting his steps above. The tempter's voice may tell him that the paths of sin are fair, But in his heart will ever be thoughts of that fireside prayer — Thoughts of those dear unselfish ones that felt so much for him, WTio with their gentleness and love oft made joy's cup to brim. There were two loving hearts — but each was swayed by passion's storm, With crimsoned cheek and flashing eye, and proudly straightened form ; And angry, scornful words were passed, from white lips quiv And hearts were aching with the wounds loved hands were poison Surely it was an angel-form sent suddenly from heaven That whispered to them each, " Forgive, as ye wrould be forgiven ;" For hands were clasped, and trusting smiles began to beam again, And chastened and repenting words removed the sting of pain. They tell us poetry's a thing we cannot understand, All dreamy and intangible, borne from an unreal land; 104 Yet surely there are fireside scenes, and deeds, and words, and looka More thrilling than romance can be, in all the startling books. There must be poetry where love perfumes the atmosphere, Y»rhere language is composed alone of all that can endear, Where of unselfish sympathy the passing life is full. Let us live poetry, and earth will be so beautiful ! Call txx Worship* r40 come, let us worship and bovr down : let us kneel before the Lord our maker." — Psalm xcv. 6. 0 come, and let us gather, 'Tis the holy hour of prayer ; Let united supplications Softly fill the scented air ; Let us wipe the clinging earth-dust From the heated, aching brow, And amid the hours of labour Let our weary spirits bow. We have souls that are immortal, And they should not grovel here, But should rise and hold communion In their higher native sphere ; Let us kneel around heaven's portal, Till, in accents soft and sweet, Come the whispers of Jehovah, Soothing all before His feet. It is well, amid the bustle And the weariness and strife, To withdraw our thoughts a moment From the vexing cares of life ; 105 To ascend and join the angels In the lofty songs they sing, And to chant our hallelujahs To the praise of Zion's King. God has filled the world with beauty, Has o'ershadowed it with love, And prepares us in His kindness Yet a better home above : 0 ! then come, each fellow pilgrim, Let us worship and fall down, Let us kneel before our Maker, Weaving praises for His crown. &est in the &rh. "But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark." — Gen. viii. 9. "No rest ! no rest !" Life's rough and stormy billow Rises and falls amid the howling storm ; Its changeful waters yield no resting pillow For weary wing and fragile fainting form. " No rest ! no rest ! " So long I have been roaming, Uncomforted, unsatisfied, unblest, While the wild waters all around are foaming, And still their sad song is — " No rest ! no rest !" "No rest ! no rest \" For ah ! I have forsaken The blessed ark where dwells such deep repose, And recklessly a dangerous course have taken Where the dark tempest in its fury blows. 106 My spirit sorrows that it e'er departed From that sweet resting place, that tranquil shade, Where peace and joy so solace the sad-hearted, And chase the shadows sin and care had made. " Xo rest ! no rest !" I long- to be returning To that safe haven which once sheltered me ; My heart in its intensity is yearning To be thus resting, satisfied, and free. O Thou who know'st how very dark and dreary Is the long passage taken thus alone, Receive the drooping dove, all worn and weary, Into Thv loving arms — again Thine own ! Speak kindly ! Ah ! thou knowcst not How much of good or ill May be within the little words Thou speakest lightly still — How long within the yearning heart Their influence may remain, Gilding the life with beams of joy, Or shading it with pain. Speak kindly ! Crushing trials come To every pilgrim here, And earth, with all its tinselled show, Is desolate arid drear ; But kindly, sympathizing words Bring sunshine, peace, and rest : O ! soothe the weary, aching head, And ease the throbbing breast. 107 Speak kindly ! Words f.re registered In God's own book in heaven ; And 0 ! remember, not in vain Tlie least of them is given. Then earn the blessing cf the sad, While life's short course ye run, And pray that thou may'st hear at last Thy Father's sweet " Well done!" Tamj with tts. When the night-clouds gather o'er us. Shutting out the light of day; When the path is dark before us, Saviour, Thou canst see our way : Tarry with us, And we shall not go astray. When life's changing scenes distress us. Fill our quaking hearts with fear j Care and grief and pain oppress ua, Burden the thick atmosphere : Tarry with us, All is well if Thou art near. When, amid the consternation, Breathing silent prayers we knewi Craving help and consolation For the woes our Bpirits feci, Tarry with us, Jesus, Thou alone canst heal. 108 When the foe we dread is brinsrins: Pain and death to those we love, And the hands to which we're clinging Loosen, and are stretched above, Tarry with us, Holiest, do not Thou remove. "When this weary life is ending, When to us death draweth nigh, Still Thy fainting ones be tending, And we will not fear to die : Tarry with us, Saviour, bear us to the sky. "I sat under his shadaw with great delight." Solomon's Song, ii. 3. I looked at the past, at the joys which had fled, At the sunshiny hours that had passed o'er my head, At the seeming good deeds that I ever had done, And sought there for comfort ; alas ! I found none. I looked at the future, which brightly did gleam — Tried to gather some hope from its joy-lighted dream ; But a shadowy mist passed over the whole, Leaving nothing to fill the desires of my soul. Then I turned from both, counting each one but dross, And faintingly sank at the foot of the Cross ; And the Saviour came to me so loving and mild, And pressed in His arms His dissatisfied child. 109 Then I buried my face in His bosom and wept, That His easy commands I so feebly had kept ; But His soul-thrilling voice bade my sorrows all cease, And, in accents of love, He breathed o'er me His peace. And my spirit's deep yearnings were instantly still — For the love of the Saviour each craving can fill; And I only drew nearer and nearer His side, And asked that for ever I there might abide. And I gazed in His eye, till my heart soared above, And was filled with deep draughts of ineffable love j Earth's trifles all faded away from my sight, As I sat 'neath His shadow, and found great delight. doming up from ihz WMetness, The twilight shades my future way are hiding, Darkness will spread its pall ; How sweet to feel the Infinite abiding Here, where the shadows fall ! I've laid my hand in His, and He is leading — Whither I do not know ; But in the pastures of His love I'm feeding, Where living waters flow. And though at times this life's intricate mazes Are very rough and long; My spirit clings to His strong arm, and raises The pilgrim's holy song. 110 And when — the path grown very dark and dreary- I faint, and yearn for rest, Sweet are the slumbers of the worn and weary, On the Beloved's breast. I fear not, though the furious tempest rages, While He still whispers Peace ! For His calm voice the wildest storm assuages, And all its dashings cease. Upon my brow He has " Excelsior" graven, And so I soon shall soar, And leave this wilderness for His bright haven Where I stall love Him more. Poking ttpu "I will direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."— Psalm v. S. When the woes of life oppress me, And my heart grows faint with grief, And there's no one near to bless me, "Nov to give my soul relief, I will look to Thee, my Father, To Thy blessed footstool cling ; For Thou low's t the weak to gather 'Neath Thy kindly fostering wing. When the light of joy is beaming O'er the fair and brilliant way, And the flowers of life are seeming As if ne'er to fade away, — Ill For Thy love, which knows no measure, And Thy smile so freely giveu, Will intensify each pleasure, And make earth almost like heaven. When the hills of life grow steeper, And the way is rough and long, When the darkened mists grow deeper, And my heart becomes less strong, — For there's none but Thee to guide mo Through the torrent or the brake — 1 will pray, " 0, go beside me, Every step my feet may take !" And when death its dews is wreathing Eound the brows of those I love, And the faded lips are breathing Sighs for ease and rest above; When all skill is unavailing. And my woe is great indeed, Then Thy love will be unfailing, And will meet my spirit's need. When the shades of life are closing O'er the landscape of my life, And I yearn to be reposing From its weariness and strife, 'Mid the waves of Jordan's river Shall my prayer ascend to Thee— I will look to Thee fur ever, Here and in eternity. U2 ((§a\&. Thou me up, and I shall ba safe," Psalm cxix. 117. Father ! I cannot walk alone ; The pathway that I tread Is all too difficult for me. Unless by Thee I'm led. But Thou art strong, and wise, and good; Thou know'st the way I take ; O ! let my weakness cling to Thee ; Lead me, for Jesus' sake ! For I shall wander from Thy side "When danger may be near, And faint along the wayside rough, O'erwhelmed with, grief and fenr9 Unless Thy mighty hand, 0 God ! Uphold me all the time, And guide me every step I take Toward the heavenly clime. Tes ! hold me, and I shall be safe, And let me ever be, Through the intricate maze of life, Clinging to none but Thee. O ! keep me by Thy mighty love Still in the narrow way, Until the darkness of this world Melts into perfect day. 119 "T1.J5 tod* hath nued of thee." Child, who art dancing with careless feet Through the pathway where pleasure and plenty meet, There's a still small voice sweetly calling thee ; The Friend of thy childhood has need of thee ! Not to gather one flower from thy sunny way, But to make it fair with a brighter ray. Thou on whose brow is the dew of youth, Whose eye is bright with the light of truth, He who is God of the realms above Has need of thee with thy heart of love ; Not to stay thy step in its buoyancy, But to fill thy spirit with ecstacy. Thou who art strong in thy manhood's prime, To whom dost thou consecrate thy time ? There's a noble mission from sorrow free ; The God of the nations has need of thee ! Come, and the path which thy feet may press Shall be carpeted over with happiness. Whoever, whatever, thy life may be, Listen — the Lord hath need of thee ! There are conquerors' crowns and seats of rest For His servants, who only are truly blest. Come where the soul is from sorrow free ; Come, for our Master hath need of thee. 114 Hark ! through the dense and misty air There is rising slowly a startled prayer, A piercing cry through the gathering nighk A wild entreaty — " 0, give us light ! " And straining eyes through the darkness peer^ Earnestly asking if day be near. Light ! Light ! For we cannot see Things as they are and ought to be ! Dangers are round us —and 0, for light To read the directions of God aright ! His " hand -writing" is clear and wise : 0 ! that the darkness would leave our eyes! Light for the rich, for they do not know The duties that from their station grow ! Light for the scorned and trodden poor, To help them to suffer and still endure I Light for the nations that groaning he 'Xeath the weight of darkness and misery ! Light to live in this troublous time, When terror gathers in every climo j Light to die, to dispel the gloom That curtains grimly the opening toinl) ; O Thou who dwell' st where there is no night, Hear us in heaven — 0, give us light ! IK The Wife's Farewell. Til' autumnal sunset dyed the western skies, And threw a softened glory o'er the earth; The cooling breezes played among the brown And yellow leaves, and woke within the* woods "Wild, thrilling music-tones. And there was one "Whoso last request had been to have her couch Drawn to the window, that she might once more Drink in the beauty of this lovely earth. Her deep blue eyes were filled with tears, as oft She turned from the sweet scene without, and laid Her trembling fingers on her husband's head, Or smoothed the damp locks from his burning brow8 Until he murmured, in tones of agony, "How can I live without thee ?" Then she turned Towards him, with a look of deathless love, And, with a sweet smile resting on her lips, Said, in a tone of melting tenderness : — " Thou wilt not, precious one, For souls so linked as ours can never part ; Death seals the eye and silences the tone, But cannot touch the heart. u And, dearest, we have loved With an unchangeable — a deathless love ; Begun on earth, to be still further proved, And perfected above. h2 116 u Dosfc tlion remember well How full of happiness our lives have been — Dwelling together in this lovely dell, So holy and serene — " Where not one grief has come, And not one sorrow thrown its darkening shade Over the sunlight of our happy home, Which love so sweet has made ? " Ah ! thou wilt ne'er forget The brow, the heart, that throbbed alone for thee ; The love that clings to thee in death — and yet I struggle to be free. u For I am going home — Home, where the weary ones so sweetly rest ; Where thou, my best-beloved, soon shalt come, And lean on Jesus' breast. " The time will not be long j Life's shadows lengthen o'er thy shortening way; Thou soon wilt swell the loud, triumphant song, Where there is no decay. " And I will ask to come And float around thee in thy sombre hours, When evening's shadows fill thy lonely room, And dew rests on the flowers ; u And fan thy aching brow With the cool, soothing airs 01 Paradise ; And raise the spirit that is drooping now, To soar beyond the skies. 117 " Our love has been so deep, And I so happy in thy company, I scarce could stay in heaven if thou didst weep — I'd fly to comfort thee. " Ah ! I am going now — Start not, my husband — only closer fold Thy shielding arms about me — kiss my brow, That grows so damp and cold. " Lay me upon thy heart ; I long to die on that sweet resting-place ; And, dearest, smile upon me ere we part ; I scarce can see thy face. " Let my last dying breath Be gently breathed upon thy lips — for, 0 ! Thou art so very dear to me in death ; Farewell, belov'd — I go. " See, angel-forms of light- Beckon me softly to the golden shore; I long to go where all things are so bright, And I shall weep no more. " I can hear music sweet From the unnumbered lyres with golden strings, And happy ones who lie at Jesus' feet, And sing of holy things. " 0 ! earth, with all its love, Is nothing with this land of bliss in view ; Its ties are loosening, and I mount above, Detain me not. Adier. ! " 118 The stricken husband went upon his way ; But, ere the autumn came again, he joined His loved and lost one in that peaceful land Where the heart's clinging cords are never riven. ii hard, teach tts to prat}*" My Saviour, 0 my Saviour ! how I long to come to Thee ! As, prostrated before Thee, I am here on bended knee ; But my tongue can find no utterance, I know not what to say, And can only groan in spirit — teach, O teach me how to pray ! This should be the hour of freedom, of communion with the skies, But my thoughts are all so earth-bound that they cannot, will not rise ; And my restless, panting spirit vainly struggles to be free ; Ifc cannot make this world its home, yet cannot come to Thee. 0 ! if Thy hand of love would wipe this sin-stain from my brow, Then I might raise my eyes to heaven, and see Thy- face ; but now This ponderous weight of guilt will press me down to earth again. I am saddened and disheartened, for my efforts seem in vain. 0 ! that heaven were but nearer, and Thyself less far away ! That from Thy throne in glory Thou wouldst teach me how to pray But I may not expect it — Thou dost justly hide Thy face From one who cannot love Thee, and who values not Thy grace. Yet linger near me, Saviour ; leave me not in sadness here, For this wilderness, without Thee, is so lonely and so drear ; The tempest round is raging, and I fearful, trembling stand ; 0 ! through the dense, dark mist, Redeemer, stretch to me Thy hand. 119 Then will I give to Thee this heart, for Thou wilt scorn it not, But in the stream of Calvary cleanse it from each dark spot, And from my spirit's soarings take this crushing weight away. Jesus, I thank Thee : surely now Thou'rt teaching me to pray. The &«at ^Injsiciaru "Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands ou every one of them, and healed them."— Luke iv. 40. Jud.ea's hills were with sunset dyed, The soft breeze stirred by the river's side, And weary feet o'er the way-side prest; The children slept on their mothers' breast, And the deepening hush at the daylight's close Brought soothing whispers of sweet repose. But the Saviour of sinners rested not, His labours and grief were all forgot ; He stood, with pitiful, loving eye, Marking the groups that were drawing nigh, For a sorrowing, suffering, sickly train Came o'er the mountain, and vale, and plain. The blind with his sightless orbs drew near, The trembling leper, o'erwhelmed with fear; The idiot came, with his wandering eye ; The deaf and dumb, with the deep-fetched sigh; The palsied limb, and the fevered brow, Thronged at the Healer's feet to bow. 120 And with loving mercy He laid His hand On " every one" of the strange, sad band ; And the healing touches new joy awoke, And a shout of praise on the silence broke ; For many a home was illumed with ii]_d . t That had been all dark till that happy night, 0 ! when the shadows of evening fall, When the inward voices to worship call, And we come to Thee on our lowly knees, Heal us, dear Saviour, of sin's disease ; Remove the sickness that clouds our days, Loosen the tongues that would sing Thy praise. The Biasing fett£. We know not what it is to pass death's deep and awful gloom, Nor why we all should shudder so in prospect of the tomb ; But we dread to think of agonies that are so fierce and strong, When mysterious voices tell us they will all be ours ere long. For 0 ! to die, and leave this world with light and beauty filled ; To feel the life-blood in our veins flow sluggishly and chilled ; To know the boundings of our hearts are by death's finger crushed, And our breath is growing quick and short, and then for ever hushed. To be conscious that all things around grow dark and fade away, That that dense night is coming on, and shrouding all our way; That e'en our loved and loving ones are with the dim unknown; To be launched in Jordan's cold, deep flood, and feel we are alone. 121 Alone ! 0 no ! for let us now betako ourselves to prayer, That He who conquered Death himself may stand beside ns there % That Jesus' arms may shield us from the mighty monster's power, And we may closely cling to Him in that most trying hour. And then we will not fear to die, but gladly close our eyes, To open them 'mid brighter scenes beyond the azure skies. We know that to a " better land" our ransomed souls will come, And will not shrink from dying, since it is but " going home" Qne Mare in Jj-eatrun. The azure skies have opened, and an angel has been down, To bring glad tidings for an heir to an immortal crown : A chilling hand was softly laid upon the failing heart, And, freed, the spirit fled away to act a nobler part. What glory burst upon the sight that here had been so dim ; How bright his eyes, while those below shed many tears for him • How full of joy he must have been, though earth's slight cords were riven ; How glad he must have felt to think he made one more in heaven ! One more to bend with perfect love before the Saviour's feet ; One more that still increasing throng with thankfulness to greet ; One more to swell that thrilling song he practised oft below ; One more in heaven to welcome us when we are called to go. O ! comfort us with thoughts like these, dear Saviour, in Thy love, When friends have left our hearths and homes to dwell with The© above j And let us feel that when to us Thy signal shall bo given, We only nave to close our eyes — then be :< one mure in heaven." 122 The $to*g of the Gross. The snow lay thick on the monntain top, And covered the frozen ground, And the leaden skies looked darkly down On the ice-blocks scattered round. And a few, close wrapped in the shielding skins, Came pressing around the blaze, And paused to list to the old man's tale, But listened with vacant gaze. Yet the servant of God spoke earnestly To the sullen Greenlanders, Seeking the language that most of ail The spirit's emotion stirs. He spoke of the Highest, who built the world, And fashioned the sea and skies, And solemnly told His perfections o'er — How holy, how good, how wise. But their hearts were cold as the snow around^ And the dull and vacant stare Half chilled the hope of the servant's soul, And checked the aspiring prayer. But a better thought came suddenly, As, with smiling brow and look, And a quick, impulsive prayer to God, He opened the Holy Book, 123 And read from the pages the simple lore Of the dear Redeemer's love, v And told of His sufferings here below, And His yearning heart above. And his soul waxed warm with the holy theme, And their hearts began to melt, And the quivering lip and the tearful eye Told what the spirit felt. And they looked at the good man wistfully, As word after word was given ; And the cold dull souls became filled with love, As they plumed their wings for heaven. Ah ! while we are treading life's thomy way, 'Mid the sin, and toil, and loss, There's nothing so sweet and beautiful As the story of the Cross. fast xxs l^rat}* In the bright, unclouded freshness Of our joyous youthful days, When our careless feet are bounding Through the earth's intricate maze ; When fair hope a brilliant sunbeam Lightly o'er the future throws, And the heart, all joy and gladness, Nought of coming sorrow knows — For a guide across the desert, For a hand whose grasp is strong, For a lamp to light our footsteps, As we journey thorns among 124 For a check to all temptations That surround our unshod feet, For a shield, a friend, a guardian, Who will help all woe to meet : For a safeguard on our way — Brother, sister, let us pray ! In the gathered congregation, In the rapt, adoring crowd, When the cries of praying hundreds Eeach the heavens long and loud : When from hearts, like burning incense, Deep and fervent prayers arise, Each in beautiful devotion Pouring forth its sacrifice — For the souls that lie in darkness, For the heathen and the slave, For the weather-beaten seaman, For the warrior and the brave ; For the widow and the orphan, For the poor without a home, For the aged and afflicted, For the prodigals who roam ; For a brighter, happier day — Brother, sister, let us pray ! "When our friends are gathered round us, And our hearts o'erflow with joy, Tasting earnests of the pleasures That will never fade or cloy ; When life's fairest fiowers are scattered Brightly o'er the path we tread, And the halo and the sunbeam Rest upon each loved one's head — 125 For the dear Redeemer's blessing, For a share in His deep love, Fcr a lowly reverent feeling, Turned towards His throne above ; For a hope of a re-union. In the land where partings cease ; For a foretaste of the glory, And the purity, and peace ; For the hastening of that day — Brother, sister, let us pray ! In the closet, closed and secret, When we pant for quick relief, When our hearts lie crushed and bleeding 'Xeath their mighty weight of grief; When our souls for love are yearning, And our " summer friends" have fled, And the flowers we fondly cherished Lie around us bruised and dead — For the strength of the Almighty, To support our fainting soul ; For the touch of the Physician Whose skilled hand can make us whole ; For the spirit of the Saviour, Still to say, " Thy will be done j" For the rest and consolation He can give each wearied one ; For His love to light our way — Brother, sister, let us pray ! At all times and in all seasons, Hours of darkness and of light, All the summer, all the winter, Every day, and every night ; 126 In all joy and in all sadness, "Whether sorrowful or gay, Whatsoever be our feelings, O ! 'tis beautiful to pray ! Of our cares our souls are lightened Soon as we draw near the throne, Yvrhen our Friend, our loving Fatner, Kindly listens to His own ; And the highest, richest blessings — Blessings that will ne'er grow dim, Flow round those in rich abundance "Who draw near and pray to Him. * Then for ever, day by day, Brother, sister, let us pray ! $xmgs in tli£ Wight "Who giveth songs in the night."— Job xxxv. 10. Dark the night-clouds gather round us, Grief and fear beside us stand, Sorrow and distress have bound ua, Pressing us on every hand. Yet, the songs of Zion singing, Tranquil 'mid it all we dwell ; Every night, its blessing bringing, Helps the choral strain to swell. For we know that still above us Is the Guardian of the night, Who will ever cheer and love us, Who will bring us peace and light. 127 And so sweet is our commtmion 'Mid the weary journeying-, So intense and close the union, That we canuot chooje but sing. 'Tis "His Love fclie chores, 'Tis His grac the song, "lis His favour shining o'er us Makes the night seem not so long ; For each day that has departed Came with blessings from His hand, Solacing the weary-hearted, Shedding light across the land. 0 ! for grace to serve Him better ! For a heart to love Him more, Free from sin's debasing fetter, Upward to His throne to soar ! Jesus ! give us warmer feeling, 0 ! increase our spirit's light, Till around Thy throne we're kne Where there will be il no more night." The Spirit's tight, •'And it was now lark, and Jesus was no: come to them."— John vi. 17. 'Tis always dark when Jesus has not come ! Solemn and stormy is the way of life; Gloom settles o'er the fairest hearth and home, And nought is seen and felt but woe and strife. 128 'Ife never dark where He will deign to be j O'er life's sad hours a joy sublime He flings; Our weary hearts from fear and care grow free, While He is watching o'er our precious things. His presence is the brightness of our day, His absence is the darkness of our night ; We need no sunshine but His cheering ray — Than His effulgent smile no other light. When from His side our souls by sin are riven, Life's fairest joys are incomplete and dim; But earth grows radiant with the light of heaven While we are holding intercourse with Him. 0 ! might we live for ever in His sight, And never mourn that Jesus has not come, Till we behold Him as the only light # Within the precincts of our sinning home ! "het me languish into hite," A deep subduing glory softly hung O'er the rich summer skies. The sweet perfume Of honeysuckle, rose, and heliotrope, Blent with the soft, pure air which gently stole In at the open casement, and then fanned The high, white forehead of the dying one. The unbound locks lay carelessly upon The snowy pillow, damp with death's cold dew. The breath came feebly through the parted lips, * Rev. xxi. 23. 129 And the blue eye, unnaturally bright, Roamed to and fro, save sometimes, when it beamed Unutterable tenderness upon The trembling forms beside her. They were there Whose love had made her young life beautiful, Hushing the breathings of their bleeding hearts, And vainly yearning for the power to snatch Their precious one from the cold, freezing arms Of death. At length one took the wasted hand And asked her if she knew them. For a while She strove to dwell upon the scene around, And give the answer love desired ; but, ere Her quivering lips had formed the words, her soul Flew to another subject, and a smile, Intensely beautiful, illumed her face, As, with a thrilling tone, she said, w I know That my Redeemer liveth !" Fainter grew The pulse of life ; and o'er her eyes there stole A thickening mist, darkening the well-known room. She heard, as in a dream, a husky voice Say, sadly, " She is going." Then she saw Floating around her seraphs robed in light ; And. one, the fairest of them all, leaned o'er, And loosed the " silver cord" — and she teas free ! Up through the dazzling depths of light she rose, Surrounded by ethereal beings, till The gate of the Celestial City stood Before them in its beauty. 'Twas not closed To them; and she, the newly-born, walked in. The shining angels brought the blood-washed robe, I 130 And threw around her. On her brow they placed The fadeless crown of life, and in her hands A harp with strings of gold. And then they led Her on, and on, and on, o'er the vast plains Studded with amaranthines — till she gained The temple of the Holiest. There she stayed; Her spirit bathed in rapture, and drank in Melodious music from unnumbered lyres, And sweet, unfaltering voices. There she saw Myriads of beings clothed in radiant robes, And One, more beautiful than all beside, Who seemed the source of all the dazzling light. Nearer she drew to Him, and then she saw The wounded hand and pierced side, and knew That it was Calvary's Sufferer ! With a cry Of rapturous adoration, low she knelt Before His great white throne, and cast her crown At His dear feet. Then, in His mighty love, He raised and folded her in His kind arms, And bade her welcome to her home in heaven ! When morning dawned, earth had another scena Of agonizing woe. A little band Of stricken mourners stood beside the clay, And wept that earth was darker still. But heaven * Ah ! there was joy in heaven ! 131 $-n appeal ta the Undeci&od. " How long halt ye between two opinions ? "—1 Kings xviii. 21. There's a long broad path, and the sky looks fair, And the road is smooth, and serene the air ; There's a narrow way which is often long, And tempests gather and dangers throng. Lingerers, choose as ye will to-day — The pleasant path or the narrow way. There are nattering lips and faces bold, Deceiving spirits and hearts all cold ; There's a Friend whose every thought is love, A guiding hand to the realms above. Halters, to whom shall your trust be given — Earth's fair, false friends, or the God of heaven P There's a wreath of roses that droop and die ; There's a smile that hides the convulsive sigh ; There's a crown of life that will ne'er decay ; There are sunlight joys that fade not away. Doubters, to which shall your spirits bow ? Which is the coronal for your brow ? The end of the long broad path is death, In blackness and woe giving up the breath ; But the narrow way leadeth still above, To immortal bliss and unchanging love. Ye who are undecided, come To that peaceful world, that eternal home. i 2 132 & Sabbath fene. Earth was hung o'er with an unclouded sky, And carpeted with a green velvet sward. Beauty — such beauty as the Infinite Alone creates — lay everywhere around ; And it was full of low, sweet melody. The singing birds poured their glad anthems forth, As if they did so joy in life, and knew Their morning song was wholly due to Him Without whose knowledge not a sparrow falls ; The pebbly brook murmured its thrilling sounds ; And ever and anon the fragrant air Breathed the sweet music of the Sabbath bells. The crowded city, too, looked like repose, For, though there many were with hardened hearts Who would not hear the voice inviting them To rest and happiness, yet were the marts And warehouses, and busy haunts of man Closed and deserted. But there was one house, A holy, consecrated fane, whose doors Opened invitingly, and whose fair aisles Wrere trod with silent reverence and joy, As one by one the worshippers came in. The man of wealth came with his family ; And he whose hands were hard and brown with toil Led in his children, and their mother too. The merchant, leaving his bewildering books, His counting-house, and stores, came gently in, To lave his burning brow and weary heart In that blest river whose cool streams make glad 11 The city of our God." And the old man, 133 Longing once more to hear the Gospel news, Leaned on the arm of his tall, stalwart son, "Who led him gently to his well-worn seat, And sat beside him. Then a little band, Who through the long, long days had sat and stitchod, Earning their daily bread, came wistfully For His kind messages who loves to give The weary rest. And she whose snow-white brow And bounding heart knew little of the touch Of sorrow, laid her joy-tinged dreams aside, And came to sit before His sacred feet Who is the Fount of Love. Then there stole A deeper awe o'er the assembled crowd, As the beloved and aged pastor came, Bearing upon his thoughtful countenance The traces of a hallowed interview ; For he had been with Jesus. Sweetly cams The words of invitation, " Let us pray ! " And then the knee was bent, and the high brow Laid low, and the full heart echoed the prayer — " Give us Thy blessing, Lord of light and love ! " O ! it was beautiful to see the rich Kneeling beneath the lofty dome where knelt The lowly peasant ; and upon the face Of all to see a holy, tranquil joy, Such as the world with all its glittering show Could never give. And then, filling the place Arose the rapturous, thrilling strain, M 0 come, And let us sing unto the Lord, and let Us make a joyful noise unto the Rock 134 Of our salvation." And it seemed as if They were rehearsing for the festival Of hallelujahs they would swell above. And when the pastor said, with beaming eye And trembling utterance, " In my Father's house Are many mansions," what a thrill of joy Passed through the aching hearts around ! He told The weary they would there find rest ; the sad That they should drink fulness of joy ; the poor That they were heirs to untold wealth ; the sick That there should be no pain ; and the bereaved That death ne'er enters that blest meeting place. He told the happy that their highest joy Was nothing when compared with the deep bliss Of the eternal mansions. So he seemed To have a message for them all. And 0 ! How many wished they were already there ! But, when he breathed the benediction o'er The low-bowed heads — and when he bade them still Go back into the world, and be like Him Who lived, and loved, and laboured, but ne'er sinned- They felt that life was earnest, and went out Strong in the strength of the Almighty One ! There's a home of happy meetings, Meetings never more to part, Where the sounds of joyous greetings Thrill through every bounding heart ; 135 Whore lost friends will find each other, Catch the love-lit glance again, Clasp the hand of father, mother, . And in perfect love remain. There are streams, where pilgrims weary- Stay and lave their dusty feet, Grateful that the path, though dreary, Brought them to an end so sweet ; Where the drooping hearts recover, Leaning on the Saviour's breast, While around them angels hover, And they all are truly blest. There are shrines, where spirits glorious Lay the relics of their strife, And on warriors' brows victorious Gleam the fadeless " crowns of life ; M Where no trace of earth-dust lingers On the trophies which they bring ; And where fair untrembling fingers Take the palm-branch of their King. There are altars. In devotion Seraphs fold their radiant wings, And the pure, with deep emotion, Bow, and breathe of holy things ; And, in one long strain of blessing, Lips that are from faltering free, Faultless harpists, gold lyres pressing, Join the holy minstrelsy. Father! when life's shadows lengthen, And its sunset gilds the dome, Give us light and hope to strengthen Longings for our better home ; 136 Cheer us, when our hearts are fainting, With the music of the blest ; Show us of that world a painting : Then, 0 take us to Thy rest ! This &esoli«* Hiou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive mi to glory." — Psalm lxxiii. 24. Yes, Thou shalt gaide me, kind and gentle Father, Through all this desert wild ; I ask not for its brightest joys, but rather That I may be Thy child. I cannot go alone, unloved, untended, Through life's untrodden way ; For oft into forbidden paths I've wended, And still may go astray. My future journey looks so dark and dreary, Its hills so steep and long ; But, 0 ! 'tis sweet, when very faint and weary, To lean upon the Strong. And though I cannot see a step before me, Though clouds my pathway hide, I fear not while Thy love is shining o'er m8, My kind, unerring Guide. And so I close my ear to other voices, And hearken unto Thine ; My spirit drinks Thy counsel, and rejoices, Tasting of life divine. 137 Earth's storms my fragile lear.ing-trusts are flinging Far from my grasp away ; But, closely to the "Rock of Ages" clinging, My soul feels no dismay. Then lead me on, dear Saviour, in Thy kindness, Through paths Thy feet have worn, Unspotted by the world's deep sin and blindness, Unto that glorious bourne — Where seraphs crowned with glory will receive me, And take me to Thy breast, No more to disobey, forget, or grieve Thee, But bathe in perfect rest. "For to me to tttw is Christ, and to die is &ain*" Phil. i. 21. I am waiting, I am waiting, and I fain would fly away, And feel this darkness melting into pure, undying day ; Would soar at once to heaven, and there breathe my native air, Where gathering shadows fall no more, where all is calm and fair. To be going, to be going — ah ! I long to go e'en now, To drop this heavy weight of care for ever from my brow. Earth is a sad and sinful place, and heaven is my home ; Why are its messengers so slow when fetching me they come? I am wean-, very weary, and I long to be at rest, To recline these throbbing temples on the Saviour's gentle breast, To see my Jesus, as He is, in realms of light above, And live for ever in His smile, and drink deep draughts of love. 138 And the glory — ah ! the glory that 13 waiting for me there 5 How my spirit pants to reach it, and its blessedness to share — To receive a harp of gold, a crown of pure and radiant light ! How can I linger longer in this world of sin and night ? Yet 'tis sinful, very sinful, thus impatiently to crave What can only be my own after passing through the grave ; After waiting, watching, working till my sovereign Lord's command Shall bear me far away from earth to that celestial land. O my Father ! 0 my Father ! pray forgive Thy erring child, Whose spirit, after all Thou'st done, is unsubdued and wild; And make me quiet in Thy hands, submissive to Thy will, Who silences t my soul's strong strife by whispering, " Be still ! n Make me anxious, make me anxious, less at once the world to leave Than to make more like a heaven on earth the spot whereon I live; And make more holy, and more pure, my whole deportment here, So that upon my brow may shine the Saviour's image clear; Then how happy, 0 ! how happy, when the call at last is given, Shall I be to find that scarcely I a stranger am to heaven ; That my spirit has been purified as that fair light-robed throng, And my lips have here been sweetly trained to echo heaven's own "gtod h« was not, iox &oxl toak him," How peacefully the Christian falls asleep ! How tranquilly he sinks to his repose ! Closing the eyes that never more shall weep, Easing the heart that aches with no more woes, Breathing his life away on that kind breast Where the world-weary lie in perfect rest ! 139 God takes liim ! One by one the clinging ties That bind his heart to earth are gently riven, And o'er his spirit brighter beams arise, While fond anticipations turn to heaven ; And, as his eyes wax dim, the world appears Enfolded in a shroud of grief and tears. The mortal frame grows weaker day by day ; The wasting hands beside him strengthless fall, The shortening breath dies silently away, And soft, mysterious voices sweetly call : Almighty arms enfold, and bear him on Ere mourning friends can whisper, " He is gone.'* On through the depths of heaven's eternal light, Where hallejujahs fill the fragrant air — Where saints and angels welcome with delight, And hearts are happy amidst scenes so fair — Where neither age, nor weariness, nor pain can come : 0, it were sweet to be, like them, at home ! The Christian's $|nme, 'He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abido under the shadow of the Almighty." — Psalm xci. 1. 0 ! BUT to be within that sacred dwelling, 0 ! but to have that shadow for our home, While life's rough billows are around us swelling, While o'er its shifting sands we trembling roam ! Thrice happy all who, in that stronghold hiding, Are safe from earthly tempests and alarms, 'Mid calm, unruffled peacefulncss abiding, Encircled in those everlasting arms ! 140 There's an Almighty Friend who loveth ever, A heart of tenderness that ne'er grows cold, A leaning-trust that no rude change can sever, A clasping hand that will not loose its hold ! And there are streams of life for all the thirsting, Fingers to guide all those who would be led, Sweet healing for the spirits that are bursting, Soft resting-places for the aching head ! 0 pitiful All-loving, we are yearning To rest beneath the shadow of Thy wing ! O ! help the faltering few that are returning ; Unto that " secret place " our spirits bring! katour and hov$. Labour ! there are voices calling Ever to life's battle-field! Rise ! and join the lasting conflict With a will that cannot yield. Linger not 'mid idle pleasures, Labour ! there's enough to do 5 Be thy watchword " Work and conquer! God's own might shall help thee through. Men are rushing to perdition ; Stay, 0, stay their hasty feet : Some are 'neath life's fever fainting 5 Lead to waters cool and sweet. 141 Some in ignorance are dwelling1 1 Point them to pnre learning's fonnt : Some 'mid scenes of vice are grovelling Urge them toward God's holy mount. Up and work • but 0, forget not All is useless without love ; Have a heart that sympathizes — Soul akin to God above. Love with love uncheck'd and boundless- Ever flowing, ever free, Faithful, cherishing, forgiving, If thou canst, as God loves thee. Love and labour ! Christian brother, Live for God ! Redeem the time ; Onward ! higher ! faint not, rest not, Till thou'st gained yon far-off clime. $hids with us. Father, abide with us ! The storm-clouds gather In gioomy vengeance o'er the sinking head. Go with us through our pilgrimage, dear Father; Cheer with Thy smile the thorny paths we tread. Shepherd, abide with us ! Our souls are thirsting For life's pure waters that around Thee flow; Pity the spirits that with woe are bursting; O ! lead us where the heavenly pastures grow. 142 Saviour, abide with ns ! We have been clinging To fragile reeds that droop and pass away ; Bnt now our souls, their clasping tendrils flinging Around Thy strength, ask Thee to be their stay. Jesus, abide with us ! Our hearts are weary, And those who blessed us with their love are gone ; Thou'rt always kind to the distressed and dreary — Love us, 0 Jesus ! as we journey on. Guardian, abide with us ! Earth's ties are breaking, And the chill desert winds have o'er us blown ; Yet we will weep not o'er the world's forsaking, If it will cause us to be Thine alone. Master, abide with us ! 0, be Thou ever Along life's pathway, in Thy mercy, nigh : Let nothing force our hearts from Thee to sever ; Help us to live — help us at last to die ! ffhases jof &ife. This life of ours is very beautiful : Fresh, fragrant flow'rets spring along its way, Blushing assent while we their beauties cull ; Its sky is radiant with the sun-lit ray ; And love and smiles wait on the dutiful — All have a share. 0 ! life is beautiful. And life is precious — it has links of gold, Binding us ever with their magic might ; And it has wealth that never can be told, Lodged within noble hearts that love the right And tireless strivings in the cause of good, And strong affections for the brotherhood. 143 Life too is earnest — there are noble deeds To be impressed upon its passing hour ; Balm to be poured into the heart that bleeds, And given to the nerveless arm more power ; "Excelsior " to be graven on the brow, And on the hand that in to labour — " Now !" And life is solemn — for it ends so soon : All that we love the best will fade away j But written in the blazing light of noon, There is a promise of a holier day, When life will be immortal, and the soul Dwell where the everlasting ages roll. Then life should be sublime — 0, for the art To clothe it in its true sublimity ! The unflinching courage — the aspiring heart— The lofty purpose — and the single eye ! Author of life ! Thy own high lessons give, And teach, O, ever teach us how to live. fictmes at Life;, Morn in the City ! Busy London bridge "Was not yet trodden by the restless feet Of its vast multitudes. The faint, grey dawn Rested on quiet homes and sleeping eyes, And weary toiling ones, to whom the light Comes all too soon for aching limbs and heart. Yet there wTere some astir. Two little boys, Whose fresh and rosy cheeks and rustic garb Bespoke them from the country, came and stood In one of the recessts. In their hands Were cages, prisoning some fluttering birds. The stern oppressor Poverty had taught 144 Their young hearts some sad lessons, and they comv» On this grey morning many weary miles Hoping to sell the songsters, and obtain Bread for themselves and parents ; to take back Joy to their sad and humble home. They talked Cheeringly to each other, and their thoughts Were busy speculating on success, Like older venturers. They did not see, Until he stood before them, a tall man, Dark-browed and stately in his mien, looking Intently on the prisoned birds. There was A something in his aspect which o' era wed The boys, and half afraid, they slank away As conscious of wrong- doing. In his hand He held a worn valise ; a wide, dark cloak Mantled his stalwart form ; and he appeared Weary and travel- stained. His lofty brow Was knit as if by suffering, and his eye And lip told to the gazer their own tale Of calm endurance. Yet his powerful frame Shook slightly as he asked, in broken tones And foreign accent, " Here, my little boys, How much for one of these ?" And then the boys Summoned their courage and went near to him, "A shilling, sir." He smiled, and from his pur^sa Drew forth the coin, and eagerly his hand Received the trembling bird. The country lada Looked wonderingly to see what he would do. With gentle, tender touch his fingers parsed Over the ruffled feathers, then he pressed 145 His lips a moment to the sofc round head, And loosed his hand, and with a bounding joy The bird careered above his head, and flew In its glad liberty away ! The man Stood watching, with emotion in his face, Long as his eye could follow. Then he turned And bought another of the staring boys, And sent it forth into the free, glad air j And so, till all were gone ! And then with joy, A strange, deep joy, upon his countenance, He turned to go away. But as he met The astonished gaze of one who watched him there, He stared a moment, while the warm blood rushed Swift to his forehead, and revealed the tide Of feeling at his heart. He said, cc I have Just been released from a dark dungeon's walls, And I can feel for prisoners !'* A room Within a lordly mansion. The bright fire Sent forth its ruddy glow. The soft lamps lit Most beautifully the lofty pictured walls, And marble statuettes, and costly gems. Fragrant exotics scented the warm air, And all around in its rare beauty told Of wealth, and tastes refined. A lady sat In careless elegance beside the blaze, Reading a book. And o'er her face there «?t°Ie A look of interest, as if the words Had in them power to move that beautiiui And noble one. K 146 All silently the door Swung back upon its hinges, and a child Of fairy loveliness came in, whispering With voice as sweet as silvery lute, " Mamma." The lady did not speak, nor even raise Her eyes, but laid her fingers 'mid the curls — The light-brown curls that lay around the neck Of the fair little one, as if the touch Brought quite enough of joy. The graceful head Nestled against her robe, and looking up She watched those kindling eyes, as rapidly They passed from line to line ; and not a sound Disturbed the silence. When the chapter's end Was gained, and the rich book was laid aside, The lady folded the child to her with A mother's tenderness, and asked, " And now, What is it, Lily, darling ? " The bright eyes Were dreamy for a moment, and the brow Grew thoughtful ; then, with low, soft utterance, " I've heard a pretty story, dear mamma, About the Saviour ; how some mothers brought Their children to Him once, and Jesus' friends, Who knew not all about Him, said that He Could not attend to little ones, and bade Them go away. But Jesus said, c 0, let The children come !' And then He smiled, and laid His hands upon their heads, and blessed them, so That they were always happy ! And, mamma, I want to see the Saviour, and be blest — Take me to Jesus, please !" A thrill of pain Shot through the heart to which the child was pressed. 147 The mother had been passing tender : all Her love could do to brighten the young life Of this, her only child, had been well done ; But site knew not the Saviour, so her lips Had spoken not of Him ; and this request, Uttered so earnestly, awoke a wish That she were not a stranger to the Lord. But soon she stayed the yearning heart, and said, " I cannot lead you to Him as they did, But we will pray that lie may bless you still." There was a silent prayer, and then the words Spoken by her, and echoed by her child, Went as an evening sacrifice to Him — The Great Eternal. And the choirs of heaven Had joyous music, for the blessing came Both for the mother and the child, and they "Were sealed for heaven. Thej e was a scene of woe And dread despair ! Upon a bed there lay A form that had been very beautiful ; Nay, even now the features were all young And fair and delicately formed. But every limb writhed in intensest pain ; The brow was knit in anguish, and the eye Glared with a wild, unnatural light, and spoke Such tales of suffering as made the spirit shrink. Disease had stricken that ill-fated girl, And all attempts to soothe the racking pain Were useless. So, her loving friends stood by, Helpless, except to weep. 0, it was sad To hear the shrieks that woke the startled air, And see the little form in its agony Of pain. e2 148 But 'twas the spirit's fever that Awoke the mournful wail. She knew, too late, That the fair morning of her youth had passed In idle playfulness. Life had not been The earnest hallowed thing God meant it should. She had not sought in happy days of health His love and friendship, who alone can be The great Physician and the able Friend. There came the night Of darkness to her spirit, and she cried For mercy ; but despair alone replied. At length drew near, with calm, pale brow, and eyes Filled with the tears of svmpathy, and prayer In his full heart, a servant sent from God. He knelt, and 'mid her shrieks he spoke the words Of life and peace ! Long days and nights he stayed, As would his Master, wearying not, though yet No sunshine gladdened him. And the wild heart Still heaved with its deep anguish. Then he told How Christ had calmed the sea, healed the possessed, And loved the worst of sinners. And his prayers Arose to heaven' ti high portal, and at length The tarrying blessing came ! Peace, blessed peace, Fell on the troubled spirit, and, with trust In the Redeemer's merit, soon she died. But had the young and gay seen h?r, me thinks They would not leave the " one thing needful" till Life's evening hour came on ! 149 Life and its pictures ! Some are dressed in hues «Df sombre aspect ! Some are bright and fair, With joy's sweet sunshine ! But we all can tell That the great Artist doeth all thiugs well. The sun is setting in the distant west, The skies are bathed as if in liquid gold, As through the tree-tops comes a whispered strain Of softened music-tones ; and stealing, too, Upon the trembling air, the murmurings Of flowing streamlets, or the sighing sea, Blend with soft human voices. Strange it is What influence the glorious sunset has Upon our spirits. At the morning's dawn, Or 'neath the noontide beam, we mix among The busy scenes of life, and murmur not ; Nay, feel that 'tis a happiness to live And labour with our fellows. But at eve, Though the same scenes surround us, how there comes Stealing across our souls a yearning thought, That makes us long to shut earth out, and bring lleaven only in ! Ah ! it is then we pine For intercourse with those, the shining ones, "Who long have breathed the holy atmosphere Of the bright spirit-land ! We are athirst For something deeper, holier than earth, Although its loves and friendships are so dear. Surely these hearts of ours are made more pure By the soft twilight hours, and thus we learn To love it so ! And yet there is a kind Of sadness in its beauty j for we know 150 The day, with all its happiness, has passed Away for ever. O'er our onward path Its snn no more may shine, its golden hours No more bring opportunities to speak The kindly word, perform the God-like deed. " Passing away" must aye be said. But ah i There are far sadder sunsets than the close Of day. 9 4p 4? sjfc ^ * There sat a pale and wasted girl Within a darkened room. Her classic head Had silver threads amid the raven hair, Though youth had not yet passed. Her marble brow Bore marks of lofty and impassioned thought. She had bent all her intellect to win The meed of fame ; whole days and nights She toiled unweariedly with rapid pen Or glowing pencil ; and there came at last A slight reward for all her care. Men praised The eloquent heart-thoughts, that wondrously Had power to thrill their spirits ; and they called Her " gifted," and spoke flatteringly about Her " hallowed mission here." And so she stayed And basked herself awhile in the bright sun, And thought that it would always shine. But then It quickly set, and in. its place there came The withering simoom of calumny ; And those she loved the best looked coldly on And half believed the slander. And they tore The wreath of laurels from her throbbing head, And bound it with the piercing thorns of hate And harsh suspicion, and her life henceforth Was nought but sunless night. 151 There oft was seen Walking the thronged and busy thoroughfares Of the great city, one who looked as if Life were nil sun to him. And when his friends Said, '*' 'Tis a pleasant day," he felt the words Had a far deeper meaning, and his heart Would answer, " Yes, it is to me ; the sun Of bright prosperity shines round my path." His sun ivas wealth ; and very soon it had A setting time. For sudden changes came : His riches melted from his grasp away, And eventide of dark adversity Came on. A young wife sits behind the flowers That, with their rich, rare beauty and perfume, Embower the open window. The blue eyes, Whose very depths reflect the loving heart's Deep gladness, ever and anon look down The half-deserted walk, and try to catch The first short glimpse of him she loves — How well ! She looks, too, round the pleasant room j So many tokens of his love are there ! And as her heart recalls the words, the looks, That were far dearer than the gifts themselves, No wonder she exclaims, with trembling lips, '•' What shall I render to the Lord for all ? Truly, indeed, the lines have fallen to me In pleasant places ! " Brighter grew those eyes, And the full lips were wreathed with smiles ; for ah ! Her ear had caught the well-known sound — the step That had such power to stir the gushing heart. 152 O ! there was far more welcome in that glance Than words could frame ! Love's language would indeed Be poor and weak and incomplete, were they Its only messengers ! But see ! what means That look so full of weariness and pain, That e'en her smile can cheer not ? It is caused By heat, perhaps, or over-weariness ; And so he lies upon the couch, and she Kneels close beside him, whispering low words Of tenderness, and passing her soft hand Lingeringly, gently o'er his heated brow, With love's own thrilling touch. It fills his heart Full to o'erflowing with a grateful joy, But cannot move the pain. And so they call The old physician ; and his silvery head Is sadly shaken, for he feels his skill Can never cool alone that heated brain. And through the long, long days, and longer nights, That fragile form watches beside the bed, Tending his every wish, though but expressed By look : her only food and rest, to stoop And press her pallid lips upon that hand So clammy, but so dear ! And who has power To tell her that her young life's glorious sun Is setting ? None, until that princely form Lies marble-like before her, and she feels Dense darkness all around ! • ***«• Ah ! thus it is The sunsets close about us ! Happy they Who joy to bask beneath the glorious rays Of Christ, the Sun of Righteousness ! No shades 153 Of evening dim His radiant smile ; and those Who once have welcomed Him upon life's way Need fear no darkness. May our yearning hearts Be ever lighted by His mighty love ! Jlitj JIHssixm $]jeri3* " What is it ?" asked a youth on whom the light of genius shone; Who had a form of strength and health and vigour for his own ; Who had a power to move and guide the intellects of men, A mighty influence o'er all who came within his ken: " Work," was the answer, <: with thy might ; thy God requires of thee Thai all thy powers at His command shall ever ready be." ''What is it ?" asked a fragile girl; and o'er her eyes there stole A thickening mist that seemed to shut the light out from her soul ; And all her life was marked by hours of agonizing pain, And none was near to soothe and cheer, and bring the smile again ; " To suffer," was the answer, and she calmly took the cup, And from a chastening Father's hand drank all its bitters up. " What is it ? " asked another, and he seemed to have a life Of waiting for the answer. His was not the battle's strife ; He was not called to labour, nor to suffer, as are some ; Calmly and tranquilly his years would pass away or come. He only had to live and meet the little ills of time — With patience and contentment try to make his life sublime. " My mission ? " 'tis to do whate'er my heavenly Father sends, To fulfil the present duty with the present strength He lends. It may not be just what I wish, but then, since He knows best, 0 ! let me strive to do His will, and leave with Him the rest; Assured that if He gives a life of labour or of pain, So it be sanctified by Him, I cannot live in vain. 154 "Who is on the tod's Side?" Exodus xsxii. 26. Happy child, with the cloudless brow And sorrowless spirit — say, art thou ? "Wilt thou come with thy wreath of budding flowers, And give to the Highest the sunny hours ? More beautiful still will thy childhood be If thou bring'st it to Him on bended knee. Art thou, young man in thy healthful prime ? Wilt yield to thy God the fresh morning-time ? Wilt thou come ere the flashing eye grow dim, Wilt bring thy talents and strength to Him ? Come ! and a valiant soldier be, For the Lord hath need of such as thee. Mother, art thou, with thy deathless love, Stamped with the impress from above ? Hast thou thyself to the Holiest given ? Dost thou press on in the way to heaven ? Come ! and thy priceless treasures bring In their youth and beauty to Z ion's King! Art thou, 0 man of maturer years, With firm step treading this vale of tears ? Say, wilt thou bring the thought refined, The unflinching arm, the unbending mind — The glory and strength of thy manhood's pride ? O, come and enlist on Jehovah's side ! And way-worn pilgrim ! say, art tiiou, With thy faltering step and thy furrowed brow P Thy feet are trembling by Jordan's wave, Thou art not far from the opening grave ; O tottering aged one, decide, And join at once the Almighty's side. 0 come ! there is work for you all to do, And the Captain's strength shall bear you through. Take then the helmet, the shield, the sword ; Pass on to the banners of Christ our Lord. Look up, for immortal crowns are there ! Flock round the standard, and "icui and wear J* Ijoltj kitting and 3}tjing, " Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's." — Rom. xiv. 8. O! to adopt this language is to make our life sublime, To fling a sacred halo round the sin-stained things of time ; To make earth beautiful and pure, with Heaven's own rapture fraught, And holiness to stamp on word, on action, and on thought. And 'tis to clothe with radiant garb the messenger of death, To throw a beauty o'er the scene when yielding up the breath ; To exult that when earth's cherished joys grow shadowy and dim, The soul shall bask in clench less light, and live for aye with Him. One breathed them as, in manhood, on a bed of pain he lay, Intently listening for the voice to call or bid him stay ; He lived — and Jesus' image was so stamped on heart and brow, His holy life led many at the Saviour's feet to bow. 156 Another, with the dew of youth, whispered, "I am the Lord's," Vhile yet around her heart were thrown life's tender silken cords 5