mm ^ / jr ^ jp*""4 MNtfM assi< in bo to o ml 1 ol hei mind 1 ii.ii 1 he affe< 1 i< mate dame no longei bui nl upon the matei nal altar, but h itred in .ill Its £01 ms took posse ■ lion oi hei heai t. But, by the as sistam e ol ( rod, Ellen was enabled to bear, yeai afti 1 year, with < !hi Istian £01 titude, .ill the toils and hardships to whi< h she was Bubje< ted as a punishmenl f< >i hei 1 eligi< m ■ £ei voi . Edward 1 lay, who was lefl an 01 phan .11 a very eai ly age, had been edui ated by a Prol estanl gentleman .11 I !hai lottetown, who In- tended he should prepare £01 the ministi \. Edward had Erequentl) mel Ellen al my fathei ':,, and, being attrai ted by hei unaffe< ted piety, he had ae< ided to offei hei his hand, i>ii! no ■ hi had hei mothi 1 rei eh ed this in telligeni <• than a plan was detei mined to defeat, ii possible, his intentions. Pati i< 1. Siilliv an, 1 ifii med ( latholii , was in\ ited t< 1 hei fathei '.■■, and she was « ompelled to rei «i\ e his addresses. She immediatelj in foi med Edward oi thi ii .- h< me. w ho « ame 46 GOLDEN MOMENTS. without delay to her assistance ; but all in vain, she was forbidden the privilege of ever seeing his face again. Edward returned with a sad and heavy heart to Charlottetown, where he consulted my father, who thought it a better way to let the matter rest until the excited mother should in some measure come to herself again. In the mean time, Edward took a short jour- ney to renew his exhausted powers and to throw off the burden which so heavily weighed upon his spirits. Patrick still continued his visits, but without the least encouragement from Ellen. Her mother, fearing she might make her escape, took her to her own chamber. But kind Provi- dence, which overrules all things, soon de- feated her wicked scheme. Patrick shortly left home and went on board a fishing boat, which met with a deplorable fate, and Patrick, with a number of others, per- ished. Ellen was now liberated, as her mother had no apprehension of Edward ever returning. Ellen soon made a visit to Charlottetown, but was unable to ascertain the place of Edward's destination. Her mother, finding it impossible to induce her to change her views, forbade her GOLDEN MOMENTS. 47 ever coming again under the parental roof. Her eldest brother, a wealthy Catholic, offered her a home of ease and luxury, if she would re- nounce her religion and embrace the Catholic faith. But she chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleas- ures of sin for a season. Left without home and earthly friends, she was led to trust herself more fully on the arm of her dear Redeemer. She resolved to watch and pray more fervently, and count all things lost that she might win Christ. Her father, having lingered many years, the subject of much pain and suffering, died sud- denly, leaving her mother alone to reflect on her past life, which had so embittered many years of her husband's existence. With shame and humility she now desired Ellen to come home. Ellen obeyed the sum- mons. But alas ! she only came to die. The anxiety which had hitherto preyed upon her mind was more than her delicate frame could well bear. A raging fever soon laid her upon a sick bed, from which she never arose. My father was absent when the tidings of her illness came, and my mother was unable to leave home. A messenger was immediately dispatched to see if anything could be done for 48 GOLDEN MOMENTS. her relief. Ellen was quite dejected at first at the thought of not being permitted to see my parents in this hour of trial. She returned the Testament which my mother gave her, saying, " It had been the means of her salvation, and now that she was leaving for another world, she wished it might not be destroyed." On my father's return, my parents set out with hopes of seeing Ellen once more before she died. But when they entered the room, she had no knowledge of their presence. But a mild and heavenly radiance beamed forth from that lovely face, like the reflected ray from the eternal Son of righteousness. She so far recovered, however, before her death, that she was perfectly conscious that her end was near, and rejoiced that she was soon to go where sorrow or pain could never come, and where she should be permitted to behold her Saviour's face for evermore. It was her request that my father should at- tend her funeral ; but her father being dead, her mother had her buried yj&der Catholic or- ders. In about one week from the death of Ellen, her mother, who had been suffering under great mental affliction, sent for my parents in great haste, supposing herself to be dying. My father GOLDEN MOMENTS. 49 suggested that we all improve this occasion to witness the dying hour, " For it is better," he said, " to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting." We accordingly made preparations, and were soon on our journey. We arrived just in time to witness a scene over which angels might re- joice. There lay that now happy mother near the embrace of death, with the praises of God still lingering on her lips. And there, too, was that elder brother, and there those sisters who had so often spurned Ellen from their side ; but now, melted before God, they humbly bowed and begged for pardon ; and there the Lord in his mercy spoke peace to their troubled spirits, and before that mother was laid in the tomb,' those. sons and those daughters were born into the kingdom of grace. Truly, this was a day of rejoicing on earth as well as in heaven. Truth had ultimately triumphed. Although its ray at first was scarcely perceptible, yet its power, continually expanding, emitted a beam of glory to enlighten their benighted hearts. And now, my readers, since we have followed this short history together, let me ask, before I take my leave, if you see anything in the character of Ellen worthy of imitation ? If so, resolve at once to follow her example. You 4 50 GOLDEN MOMENTS. may not have the same obstacles to contend with, or the persecutions which she endured, but you may have other trials and other afflic- tions, which will make you feel the need of a closer walk with your divine Master, as you will never find this vile world a friend to grace to help you on to God. Be decided ; and although you may see your fondest wishes disappear like early dew, and the thick clouds of uncertainty obscure your brightest hopes, yet faith should look far be- yond, where all is light, and peace, and joy. TO R. H. Think not of the wrong thou hast suffered so keenly • Think not of the slander's venomous tongue ; Think not of ingratitude which hath so meanly Thy generous spirit with calumny stung. Think not of thy wrongs ; it retards thy pro- gression, As upward thou soarest by faith in thy prayer To heaven, thy blest everlasting possession, That place which thy Saviour hath gone to prepare. GOLDEN MOMENTS. 5 1 Think not of thy wrongs ; it unfits thee for du- ties Which daily demandeth thy strength and thy power. It blindeth thine eyes to the varied beauties Unfolding in nature before thee each hour. Oh ! think of some one who in kindness hath given A cup of cold water for Jesus' own sake, A word that hath cheered thee, and every fear driven Away from thy heart, when near ready to break. Then memory shall gird thee with strength for thy labor ; And, leaving thine enemies far in the rear, At length thou shall stand on the top of Mount Tabor, And Jesus transfigured to thee shall appear. AUTUMN WINDS. Autumn's wild melody floats in the air, Strains of sweet sadness oft blend with it there ; Winds sighing lonely where dark waters roll, Music mysterious speak to the soul. 52 GOLDEN MOMENTS. When melancholy broods over the mind, When the heart vainly endeavors to find Sympathy, where some congenial voice, Might in compassion teach it to rejoice ; Then from the hill o'er the vale that surrounds, Come those same sweet and melodious sounds ; Sweet consolation they ever bestow, Sympathy lending wherever they go." 'Mid plaintive moanings beside the death-bed, O'er the beloved one whose spirit has fled ; Then as the spirit when on its way home, Farewell they whisper, as onward they roam. Love-notes like these often fall on the ear, When the heart sadly weeps over the bier, Mingling with sorrow a soft melting strain, Speedily soothing the heart in its pain. Heavenly music thus reaches the heart. Grief no more bidding the warm tear-drop start ; Angelic voices dispelling the gloom, While the beloved is conveyed to the tomb. Now the heart yielding saith, "Thy will be done." . Heaven and earth seem united in one ; GOLDEN MOMENTS. 53 Autumnal zephyrs submissive blow, Bringing a blessing for every woe. ON THE DEATH OF MISS S E . The Summer is passed, and the fruits of the - field Are gathered, for all to the sickle must yield ; So God, to his garner is gathering home His people, ere frosts of the Winter shall come. Sweet songstress of Israel, no more shall we hear That voice that so often hath greeted our ear ; Her mission is ended — that mission of love, And now she is singing in heaven above. But as she ascended, her mantle she left, For some one to cherish that brother bereft ; The love of a sister, so gentle and free, Shall surely be doubled, whoever she be. ON THE DEATH OF MISS A. C . PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. She 's gone where no Autumn shall blight the fair flower, Or where chilly Winter shall reign in its power ; 54 GOLDEN MOMENTS. For 'there shall the Spring, in its beauty and bloom, Enrapture the spirit when leaving the tomb. No light of the sun or its heat shall be there — The Son of our God shall be light everywhere ; On heavenly manna her soul shall be fed, And down by the fountain of waters be led. Her voice is now silent on earth in the choir, She 's praising above with a heavenly lyre ; And she that hath pointed to Christ in the skies, Beholdeth her Saviour with unclouded eyes. O LAND OF MY FATHERS ! O land of our fathers, where liberty waves Her banner of freedom o'er their honored graves, Still true to our God and our country's cause, We boldly defend all her righteous laws ; Her watchwords of love and of liberty are Like some blessed beacon to nations afar ; While fearless she stands 'mid confusion and rage, Triumphantly leading the march of the age ; GOLDEN MOMENTS. 55 Long, long may her glory shine forth as the sun, Till darkness and error in vain seek to shun The eye of her justice, that equally scans The rights of her own and of all other lands. Her light is the Bible, the word of God's truth — The guide of the aged, the guide of the youth. Soon, o'er the vast globe, the blest truth shall prevail, Then falsehood no more shall God's temple assail. THE SOLDIER'S DEATH. 1 Chron. xxi. 11, 12, 13. Some die in the camp, and some die in the battle ; They die where the sound of the loud cannons rattle ; Some die on the plain, and some die on the mountain ; Their blood flows as free as the flood from the fountain. Some die of disease, and some die oft of hun- ger ; Some die middle aged, but some die often younger \ 56 GOLDEN MOMENTS. Our sons and our brothers, the enemy slaugh- ters ; Our husbands and fathers have left wives and daughters. O God, was it pride that brought such desola- tion, O'er land and o'er sea, to our once boasting nation ? Oh then let us weep, while we yet have our reason ; Our sins have brought death, and destruction, and treason. But oh, could we choose, if our land be cor- rected, To 'scape from the sword, by the Lord be pro- tected, And fall not by foes, in the day of the slaugh- ter, Nor famish in prison for bread or for water ; But into the hands of our merciful Saviour We 'd fall, and be chastened for all our be- havior ; Then, send by the hand of disease when thou sendest, And take to thyself our dear friends whom thou lendest. GOLDEN MOMENTS. S7 THE HgSPITAL. " Two Ways of Putting Things." i What sad misnomer do I hear, While troubled lips are heard to speak, Whene'er thy name falls on my ear, They would thy benediction seek. And when within thy walls they lie, And calmly rest their aching head, How many stretch them out to die, In silence on a peaceful bed. What painful groans reecho there, Where hearts, resigned, await their call, What shrieks oft rend the quiet air, And pass away like mortals all. What cursed words from lips profane, While prayers ascend from pious hearts, When from the cup the dregs they drain ; The spirit homeward then departs. i First way — read the ist, 3d, 5th, 7th, 9th, nth, 13th, 15th lines. Second way — read the 2d, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th lines. 58 GOLDEN MOMENTS. THANKSGIVING. Praise the Lord ! He doth preside ; He is God, and none beside ; In the battle, on the field, He shall be our strength and shield. When the bitter waters flow, He shall healing power bestow ; For the Gospel tree, in haste, Sweetens Marah to the taste. Praise the Lord ! for He hath made Us, his people not afraid ; For our sins we often grieve, True repentance we receive. But remembrance of his love Draws our hearts to Him above ; Then, throughout our pilgrim days, Loud we will proclaim his praise. MISSIONS. Much has been said on this subject, for the past few years, to arouse the present genera- tion to a sense of the importance of action GOLDEN MOMENTS. 59 and energetic labor, in bringing about the con- version of the world, and yet many are slum- bering under the delusion, that to the coming generations is committed this important work ; and while generations in succession pass from the stage of usefulness, many of our fellow-be- ings are ushered into the presence of God, who never heard of a Saviour, or the way of life as pointed out in the Gospel. More than eighteen hundred years have passed since the Saviour's last command went forth : " Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." The degradation in which the heathen na- tions now remain, will show how far this com- mandment has been obeyed. Look at the vail of superstition, and the mass of pollution, un- der which the earth groans. But objections of a great variety are brought forward, whenever the subject is mentioned. It requires a sacrifice. ■ This many are unwill- ing to make. If worldly good was the object to be obtained, no sacrifice could be too great. But this is not the object. It is the salvation of a dying world. Many excuse themselves from this responsi- ble position, because they never have had the impression that such was their duty. But are 60 GOLDEN MOMENTS. not the miseries of the heathen enough to awaken an impression, deep and powerful ? Or, can we listen to the history of their crimes, without feeling the greatness of our responsi- bilities ? These are calls that cannot be de- nied. Again, others plead their inability to qualify themselves for this important work. But have we not all the means necessary as far as edu- cation is concerned ? Our colleges and semi- naries are numerous, free for all who are in- clined to avail themselves of these glorious privileges. But the most fatal error is, the prevailing opinion that missionaries must possess a dif- ferent spirit from that of other Christians. But what is it to be a Christian, but to be Christ-like ? And what to be Christ-like, but to have the spirit of Christ, which is none other than a missionary spirit. But if we have not the spirit of Christ, we are none of his. Christ, our example, became a missionary to fallen man, and suffered and died to save a lost and ruined world. And since we profess to be his followers, let us keep his example ever before us, that we may be changed more and more into his likeness. GOLDEN MOMENTS. 6 1 Hark ! hark my soul ! what means that sound, That comes o'er hill and dale ? It is the cry of none around, Nor those in chains of iron bound, Who sadly now bewail. But lo ! 't is from the heathen land ; For freedom they implore, From sin and Satan — fatal band, — Oh ! who will lend a helping hand, To break that fiendish power ? The Son of God himself unfurled The banner of the cross, To save a lost and ruined world, Who were from Eden's garden hurled, And thus regain their loss. Wilt thou, oh then, who by his grace Redeemed and saved from sin, Still hide the Gospel from their face, And leave them in their dire disgrace, When we their souls might win ? Confer no more with flesh and blood ; Thy Master's call obey ; He went about, thus doing good, He prayed, and gave the needy food : Go thou, and give, and pray. 62 GOLDEN MOMENTS. I go, I go ; farewell, dear friends, With you I cannot stay ] Lo, now the heavenly breeze descends ; An angel o'er the water bends To waft me on my way. THE CHRISTIAN'S HOPE. Jesus, God's beloved Son, When at last the victory 's won, Shall a crown of glory give To all those who in Him live. Stand by the flag ! Cling to the cross ! x Counting worldly gain as loss ; Ours shall be the victory, Freedom and equality. Unto Him shall nations bow ; And to Him shall pay their vow. Then the knowledge of the Lord Shall be spread o'er earth abroad. Stand by the flag ! Cling to the cross ! Counting worldly gain as loss ; Our's shall be the victory, Freedom and equality. 1 Last words of Edward M. Schneider of the Fifty-first Massa- chusetts Regiment, son of Rev. Mr. Schneider, missionary to Aintab, Turkey. GOLDEN MOMENTS. 63 Then lift up the banner high, For the Lord is passing nigh : And the time is near at hand, When the saints shall take the land. Stand by the flag ! Cling to the cross ! Counting worldly gain as loss \ Ours shall be the victory, Freedom and equality. Then the kingdoms of the world, With their banners all unfurled, Shall be given forever more Unto Him whom we adore. Stand by the flag ! Cling to the cross ! Counting worldly gain as loss ; Ours shall be the victory, Freedom and equality. LINES ON THE DEATH OF A MINISTER. 2 Samuel iii. 38. Why toll the bell, this welcome day, 1 When heaven and earth rejoice ? Glad tidings and great joy, they say, In one triumphant voice. , * Christmas. 64 GOLDEN MOMENTS. Why gather to the place of prayer In attitude of grief ? 'T is well, for Jesus Christ is there To give the soul relief. A patriarch indeed has gone A prince, a faithful friend ; But Christ, who in a manger born, Shall consolation send. A faithful servant of the Lord, He lived and toiled on earth \ He now receives his last reward From Him who gave him birth. The house of God, where oft he stood, Is surely heaven's gate \ He entered, for it was not good That he should longer wait. Now, in the presence of his Lord He sits with priests and kings, And roams the fields of glory broad, Or soars on heavenly wings. TO REV. J. R . Go thou at Christ's bidding, thy mission fulfill ; Whate'er He commandeth, do thou his good will; GOLDEN MOMENTS, 6$ If foreign land calleth, that call thou obey, I will thee remember, and for thee I '11 pray. Or, if in thine own land, thy labors are spent, May angels, rejoicing while sinners repent, Attend thee through life with their message of love, Conduct thee at last to that haven above. And, when from Mount Vernon my steps shall recede, To wander where dwells not a Christian indeed ; Where many sit pining without the true God, Or gospel to lighten the path they have trod, Remember me, then, while I dwell humbly there, And pray that I may remain steadfast in prayer, That when God shall call me from hence to the sky, My spirit may enter our mansion on high. WHAT IS LIFE ? Oh what is life ? a holy breath Our great Creator gave to man ; And when 't is past, we name it death ; The Giver taketh it again. 5 66 GOLDEN MOMENTS. But why is life to mortals given, So swift its passing moments fly ? Oh, it was left a boon from heaven, To waft us to a life on high. SACRED MEMORIES. Grave Autumn with its changing hue Onward hath quickly sped, Since you and I last bade adieu, In different paths to tread ; But from my memory hath not passed That morning when we parted last ; And memory sweet hath often mused On those few fleeting hours ; For like a harp not often used, Amid life's secret bowers, My heart had hung silent, till thou Touched the same chord that vibrates now. Thy theme delights my inmost soul ; I claim it as my own ; The blood of Christ can make us whole, For all our sins atone ; Since to his bleeding side I flew, I feel the blessing ever new. GOLDEN MOMENTS. 67 Though parted here on earth awhile, Trusting alone in God, We both receive our Father's smile, And each the chastening rod ; We in his presence shall abide, And Jesus shall be near our side. And now on thy blest natal day, Not rolled two scores around ; Though far apart, we '11 kneel and pray That we be ever found In the high way of holiness — The road that leads to heaven and bliss. TO MARY ROGERS WHEELER. Mary, turn and seek salvation ; Ask in faith, it shall be given, Raise thy prayer in dark temptation, Youth may taste the joys of heaven. Roam no more from God thy Maker, O'er life's rough, uncertain sea ; Go, remember thy Creator, Endless peace thy joys shall be. Rest not on a false foundation, Safely trust thy God to-day ; 68 GOLDEN MOM I Watch and |)i.i\ ; for here temptation Hangs around thy flowery way. K\ er seek a heavenly treasure, Evei trust in Jesus' name, l,ci\ e -ill earthly < are and pleasure] Earthly joys, whi< h only measure Round the paths of sin and pain, LINKS. I Wi it ten on learning that •< company "f i hildren, who wen- buried bv tin- fill "t the " Pembarton," vara heard tinging, " We v home i" die lore."] Oh why Bhould we contend with (loci? The elements fulfill his word ; And when He Bpeaks 111 heaven above, They all obey his voi< «• oJ love, ( >ur flesh may shrink from human woe, We v.iinK sti ive to shun the blow ; And when the flames bui round us quite, Our eyes behold with dread the sight ; Bui Jesus Bpeakoj where'ei we be, 11 Lei little « hildren < <>nic to me." we'll gather round his gracious throne, And sweetly sing, " We 're going home." GOL I 69 ADVERSITY. Advsrsi iv is sometimes thought to be .1 great evil ; but this does not appear to be the design of our heavenly Father, when suffering his chil- dren to pass through affliction ; and, it rightly understood, we should perceive thai in many instances it had proved .1 very great bless- ing, We are apt to murmur and repine under the afflicting hand of God, when, it we knew his design, we should praise Him for those afflic- tions. The son may be the object of tender parents' e.ue. surrounded by .ill the blessings of life ; but alas! those parents ate taken from hint by the hand Of death, ami he is left to seek his daily bread. He sees not the hand of Provi ilenee in this, nor knows what blessings it may bring at Some future period ; but he is learning the wants of mankind, may he. to prepare him for a great work ; that oi preaching glad tid- ings to man.) a sail heart The daughter may ho the Idol of w\ affec- tionate mother, who sits watching her infant during her sleeping and her waking moments, and hstens to the fust feeble effort to lisp her JQ GOLDEN MOMENTS. name. She is encouraged with the anticipation of seeing her become a blessing to her parents and a companion in their lonely hours; but adversity comes, and the daughter must change the home of her childhood for a home among strangers, and the smiles of her parents for those cold and unkind looks which she some- times meets among the careless and unfeel- ing. She is led to contemplate the charac- ter of those with whom she meets, and, con- trasting the different minds, she is enabled to gain a knowledge such as cannot be obtained in all the researches of science. These lessons she learns will prove benefi- cial, and will enable her better to instruct all who may need her assistance. Her parents are rewarded -by seeing her become useful, and, although deprived of their former anticipations, they rejoice in their disappointment. Adversity is not only a social but a spirit- ual blessing. It shows us our dependence, and our inability to do anything without divine as- sistance. The man living in luxury and affluence, making wealth his God, seldom asks from whence it came, but flatters himself that it is the creature of his own hands ; but let the electric flash, or the volcanic flame destroy his GOLDEN MOMENTS. fl earthly idols, and how quick will he attribute the calamity to Him who rules above. And now that his earthly hopes have been removed, he is left to trace all events, though seemingly unpropitious, to the source of all good. He now lays up his treasure in heaven ; and although his earthly house is consumed, he has a house above whose builder and maker is God. There is no pain, no scorn, no fear We feel, and fain would wipe away, That doth not ever bring us near The portals of eternal day ; They are but means that God designed, Close to his throne the soul to bind. PRAYER IN THE CELL. Behold a form is kneeling Beneath his guilty chains ; For mercy still appealing, While mercy yet remains. A woman near is bending Before the throne of grace ; A plea to heaven sending For mercy in that place. 72 GOLDEN MOMENTS. Two unbelievers standing, Behold the anxious scene ; With wonderous looks demanding What all of this should mean — When our great Benefactor Hung on the cursed tree, A guilty malefactor Cried, Lord, remember me. The Saviour heard his prayer, And to his glad surprise Assured him he should share The bliss of paradise. And when our Lord ascended The Holy Spirit came ; With power it descended On all who loved his name. And through all time that Spirit Attends his children dear ; They plead the Saviour's merit For malefactors here. Behold, ye self-deceivers, Despising what ye 've heard : Ye '11 perish unbelievers While wondering at the word. GOLDEN MOMENTS. 73 THE ANGEL'S VISIT. An angel, pure and holy, From mansions far above, Was given a heavenly message, And borne on wings of love ; And as his flight descended, And near the earth he drew, He felt the chills of sorrow Heaven's atmosphere ne'er knew. But still right onward, bearing The message of his God, With wings ne'er tired or drooping, He reached man's low abode. And onward in his journey, O'er valley, hill, and plain, He saw abodes of trouble, Of sorrow and of pain. But soon he saw where angels Had visited before ; There dwelt the humble Christians, Christ's image now they bore. 74 GOLDEN MOMENTS. To witness all the customs Of this vain world below, He stopped once at a mansion That he might better know. The matron, kind and gentle, Received the stranger there, And showed him all her treasures, So beautiful and rare. And when he told her plainly He could no longer stay, She asked him from what country He journeyed all the way. " I have no home, but journey While here on earth I stay." The lady now grew colder, And bade him soon away. For she had hoped the stranger . Was from some foreign shore, And that the gold and silver Into her lap would pour ; And knew not 't was an angel That stopped there through the night, 'Till, looking round, she saw him About to take his flight. GOLDEN MOMENTS. ?$ LOST LINES. Once, when my mind was heaving Like billows to and fro, No worldly thought relieving Its ever-changing flow — For, like the mighty ocean Whose waters mount to heaven, This strange and wild emotion My very heart had riven, — I caught the scroll with wonder, My pen like lightning flew, And words rolled out like thunder Beneath the sea of blue. The broken fountain, gushing, Relieved my aching breast ; No more I felt the rushing, But sank in peace to rest. When I arose, the paper Lay passive on the stand ; I took the lighted taper And held it in my hand ; I read the liries with wonder, No likeness could be traced Of lightning or of thunder ; I laid it down in haste. 76 GOLDEN MOMENTS. So fax are words from telling The workings of the brain, That power within us dwelling That giveth joy and pain ; For like a fire, we feel it, Shut up within the bone ; No language can reveal it, It 's left with mind alone. I lost the scroll soon after, I think it little worth, But oft I 'm filled with laughter To think I gave it birth ; And faintly I remember The tumult of the mind, On one night in November, When fiercely blew the wind. LOVE. The bird was made to wing the air, The fish to swim the sea, But man was made to love, and live For immortality. Remove them from their element, They must unhappy be ; GOLDEN MOMENTS. 77 So man would be, removed from love And immortality. Who lives for pleasure and for ease Can ne'er the joy see Of those who live alone for love And immortality. For selfishness defeats its end, And bringeth misery To all who % will not live for love And immortality. TO AN ABSENT ONE. Dear brother, when our little band Are gathered morn and night, We miss one step, we miss one hand, We miss one smile of light. Remembering still that parting kiss, And that last word, "good-by," There is one voice we always miss, While tears start from the eye. And, as thy birthday comes along, We wish that thou wert here ; 78 GOLDEN MOMENTS. We 'd sing to thee a merry song, A brother's heart to cheer. But since thou art now far away, We '11 send our love by mail, And hope that, on thy natal day, No happiness shall fail. A VALENTINE. Of all the fabled fairy band That haunt the human brain, Love has the power at his command To bind the strongest chain. Sometimes we think we only dream (We know we 're wide awake), Of fairy things that real seem ; Alas, for our mistake ! While standing all alone one day, I caught a sight, perchance, Of one who stood right in my way ; I took but just one glance. What strange emotion shook my frame ; I panted long for breath ; But oh, that one I cannot blame, Even though it end in death. GOLDEN MOMENTS. And now, from what is said above, Thou must already know, That I 'm so very deep in love I ne'er could answer no. In love, ah well, that 's nothing new, Thousands have been before ; They dropped below the waters blue, And ne'er was heard of more. The water now is running deep, And looks so wild and free, I think I '11 go and take a leap, There yet is room for me. But oh, before that desperate deed, I 'd see that face once more, That in those eyes I yet might read My fate, ere all is o'er. And now if thou wouldst like to know Who this loved one may be, Allow me, then, before I go, To speak the truth to thee : One day, upon the water's brink, I thought I saw an elf ; I took one look, and now I think I saw my blessed — self. I drank so -freely from the flood I had to hold my breath, 79 80 GOLDEN MOMENTS. And then, oh dear, what was the good, It made me sick as death. But never mind, next time I mean To make a desperate plunge ; Meanwhile, I '11 try to keep me clean With water, soap, and sponge. Once more I '11 take a look below, At that sea-nymph divine j For I 'm in love, I 'd have thee know, With this sweet face of mine. Then good-by, sir, no fears for me, For all I 've said, or can ; I ne'er will drown myself for thee, Or any other man. TO M . They tell me, kind stranger, That thou hast been seen Oft courting the muses Where pastures are green ; And that thou hast wandered Down by the blue wave, Where muses, by moonlight, Their fairy wings lave. GOLDEN MOMENTS. 8 1 Say, which hast thou chosen To stand by thy side ; And which one hath promised To be thy young bride ; Oh, when will the wedding, So blithe and so gay, Come off, in the Autumn, Or not until May ? Oh fain would I witness That glorious sight, Amid sleeping flowers, Beneath the moon's light. Just send me a message, For if I could know The time and the place, I 'd Be ready to go. TO ESTHER. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. - Prov. xxxi. 29. Lo, in an ancient palace, Were fair young virgins seen ; Unknown to wrong or malice — Among them moved a Queen, In her, the King delighted; And in the royal hall, 6 82 GOLDEN MOMENTS. Among the maids invited, She was most loved of all. For virtue's mild adorning Doth shed a steady light, While beauties of the morning Shall fade before the night. So like Judea's daughter, Who graced the royal hall, After the King had sought her, Thou dost excel them all. THE POET AND THE COBBLER. A cobbler had a youthful friend Who was so learned and wise, He told him that the clergymen Were demons in disguise ; The lawyer was a demon's imp, — The doctor was a quack, — The poet was a little sprite That flew to heaven and back. The cobbler did not wish, indeed, To disbelieve his friend ; He knew of little else himself, But boots and shoes to mend. GOLDEN MOMENTS. 83 A clergyman he 'd seen at church, A lawyer at the bar ; The doctor, too ; but poets, sure, I wonder where they are. He searched around, thinking to find Some one with fairy wings ; But nothing could he see or hear Of those unearthly things. His learned friend at last explained To him where he might find A poet in a cottage near An arbor neatly vined. He went at once, and as he drew Near to the open door, He saw some children there at play Upon the cottage floor. He listened to their laughter wild, But soon he was amazed To see a being near approach To his enraptured gaze. " This is the poet, then," he thought, " Such an angelic thing : " What was his wonder not to find One feather of a wing. 84 GOLDEN MOMENTS. He told her, then, for whom he sought ; She quickly led the way, And bade him follow her along, But not a word to say. They went above, one, two, three flight, „ Until they found a place Where nothing but old papers lay, Except an old book-case ; The cobbler, then, just tiptoed in Behind the poet's chair, And at the papers thrown about, At once began to stare. He gathered up the papers round As far as he could see ; Up jumped the poet, then, and met The cobbler vis-a-vis, When to the cobbler's great surprise, There stood John Smith he knew, For he had seen him once before, And mended him a shoe. The cobbler left, without a word, And never looked behind, But never thought he should again A poet try to find. GOLDEN MOMENTS. 85 Next morning John went to the shop, The cobbler was asleep ; He soon began to gather all The leather in a heap. The cobbler sprang from off the bed, Demanding what he meant ; The poet, calmly, then replied, " The same as your intent," Ah, ah ! " the cobbler then exclaimed, " I only meant to go To see a poet, where he lived, And what he was, you know. I did not think it you, John Smith ; But if you are a poet, Just step up here and let me see, For I am bound to know it ; The only difference I see, Comparing us together, Is, you are made of paper, sir, And I am made of leather." 86 GOLDEN MOMENTS. THE YOUNG PHILOSOPHER. LESSON I. Natural bodies exist in conformity With the great truths here presented to mind ; Found in the science of modern philosophy, Governing matter of every kind : Atom, attraction, repulsion, inertia, are Termed the four truths which in Physics we find. Matter is known by its every property, Mass is a quantity it may comprise ; Density is the comparative quantity, Found in the whole given volume or size : Mass is in motion when all is not stational, Gravity shows where the density lies. Quickness of motion is known by velocity, Motion is measured by time and by space ; Force or momentum is motion in quantity, Found in a body when changing its place ; Estimate force as the pressure or motion is Made on a body in every case. LESSON II. All substance possesses a certain extension, Whereby every body fills limited space ; GOLDEN MOMENTS. 87 Impenetrability shows by dimension, No two things at one time can fill the same place, All matter is subject to force or compression, Which proves that all bodies existing have pores ; Susceptible to a degree of expansion, As found by the weight of the different ores. The ultimate atoms we find in division Of matter, would indicate limit thereby, These atoms are held by the force of cohesion ; Each atom attracting all particles nigh. In solids, cohesion exceeds the repulsion ; In liquids the forces are equally seen ; In vapors, repulsion exceeds the cohesion, Enlarging the spaces existing between. When substance elastic is changed by compres- sion, Remove all the pressure the form is regained, Unless it exceeds the great force of cohesion, Existing between all the atoms contained. All bodies exhibit mobility ever, Admitting of various changes by force ; Inertia of matter shows that it has never A power itself to effect its own course. 88 GOLDEN MOMENTS. The force of attraction is called gravitation, And is in all bodies terrestrial found ; The unit or standard is by calculation The force of the pressure expressed by a pound. The pressure of gravity is in proportion To matter of which the whole mass is com- posed ; All bodies though different have the same mo- tion, Whatever their density may be supposed. LESSON III. If we the simple powers review, We find them six in all ; ■ The lever first and last the screw, Mechanical we call. There are three kinds of levers straight, Made of a simple bar ; Each have a fulcrum, power, and weight, Though, different they are. The Jirst the fulcrum fills the space, Between the other two ; Second the weight now takes its place, And third the power we view. i GOLDEN MOMENTS. 89 The centre of the motion then, Is where the lever rests ; The power gained has ever been, Put to a certain test. For if you wish to raise a weight With only half the trouble ; The power's distance then we state, Should from the prop be double. LESSON IV. The screw is used in any case Where pressure is to be Exerted through a little space In any great degree. A hollow screw revolves around A fixed or solid one ; A board upon the top is found, By which the pressing 's done. Material to be compressed Must always, it will seem, Be placed upon the board to rest Between the screw and beam. Then may the handle at the end One hundred inches move ; 90 GOLDEN MOMENTS. The distance of the threads depend Upon the spiral groove. The power gained then by the press One hundred times will be ; The board is ninety-nine times less In its velocity. lesson v. You see the windlass at the well, We by the hand will turn ; Its power we always sure can tell If we the radius learn. For with the handle twice the length The radius of the beam ; If on it we exert our strength, . Just double it will seem. The wheel and axle moving thus, Shows that the power we gain, Equals the times one radius The other will contain. The radius of the axle three, The wheels just twenty-four, Divide the greater and you see There eight, and nothing more. GOLDEN MOMENTS. 9 1 A power then of any weight, If at the wheel applied, Will balance at the axle eight The power is multiplied. A little wheel they often choose To turn a larger one ; By means of cogs or teeth they use, Much greater work is done. The little wheels on pinions turn On axes very small ; But of their power you soon may learn, They drive the wheels and all. The teeth in number two may be, Just double number one ; And two if multiplied by three, Shows how the third will run. Then while the first one turn will take, The second will make two ; The third three times the second make ; Thus any number through. LESSON VI. The pulley is a block of wheels, Each with a little groove ; 92 GOLDEN MOMENTS. Though sometimes fixed, it sometimes yields, And by a cord will move. The cord is fastened at the end, Then round the pulley rolled : On what the power will depend, Can readily be told. For any weight can be sustained Just by a single pound ; The power or advantage gained Is as the cord is wound. Now if the cord is put around Four pulleys and no more A power of a single pound Will always balance four. LESSON VII. A horse will draw a load to mill With greater ease, you find, When any distance up the hill More gently is inclined. And thus in lifting up a weight, If you would power gain, Do not attempt to lift it straight, But make inclined a plane. GOLDEN MOMENTS. 93 Now with its height one third its length, The power would be three ; It only takes one third the strength To lift the weight you see. The next in order is the wedge j Its power will depend Upon the sharpness of the edge Or thickness of the end. Thus if its length should equal ten, Its thickness only two, A pressure on the end would then Five times the labor do. TO EMMA. How oft vain fancy gazes On pleasure's fairest flower, While high ambition raises Imaginary power. But there 's a higher pleasure Than fancy ever knew ; It comes with steady measure, As falls the evening dew. 94 GOLDEN MOMENTS. 'T is found in wisdom only, In flower, in shrub, in tree ; In sunshine, and when lonely We wander by the sea. Each orb a lesson teacheth, Of that bright world on high, Where pleasure never sleepeth, And virtue ne'er shall die. Then twine thy wreath of pleasure With an immortal flower ; And then a* heavenly treasure Shall flourish in thy bower. PAINTING A THOUGHT. He 's painting a thought, yes, he 's painting a thought, How strange, yet how truly the image is wrought ; 'T is love lights the eye of that maidenly form, Whose heart is now gushing with thoughts that are warm. Oh whence comes the power of genius and might To paint all the passions in colors of light ? GOLDEN MOMENTS. 95 It comes from the Giver who reigneth above, Whose name and whose nature forever is Love God painteth his thoughts on the flowers of the field, In various colors his mind is revealed : The bright tint of morn and the glow of noon- day, The shadows of evening enshrouded in gray, — Are nought but the thoughts of the Power un- seen, Though everywhere present, a veil is between ; But soon shall the veil of the flesh be removed, Oh then may we stand in his presence approved. THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS. The day had departed — each sorrow and mirth Was hushed in the silent embrace of the earth : The cool breath of evening, o'er mountain and plain, Was wafting sweet odors, distilled by the rain. I lay on my pillow, in vain tried to sleep, While sickness and sorrow oft caused me to weep; 96 GOLDEN MOMENTS. I felt a strange longing I could not define, But full well I knew it was something divine. Ten summers had passed since my father had died, And left me without a protector or guide ; He, too, long had suffered with sickness and pain, But never would suffer such sorrow again. How strange the emotion, when there near the bed, I felt his dear presence, and thought him not dead, But after the absence of years had returned ; And oh, to embrace him my heart truly yearned. I saw naught, I heard naught, but still I felt sure His presence was with me, angelic and pure : The vision departed, but Jesus is near, To guard me in danger, then why should I fear ? For God, in his mercy, his Spirit doth send To comfort his children, when sorrows attend : And angels though seen not are oft by our side, To bring us the blessings that God doth provide. GOLDEN MOMENTS. 97 FRAGMENTS. It was a fine April morning. The air was warmer than usual, and a clear blue sky be- spread the heavens as Mrs. Howe stepped on board the cars for the little village of Dalton. But April skies are changing, and soon a little cloud was seen, and a squall of snow and rain passed over, leaving the air somewhat cooler. As she stepped from the cars on her arrival, she learned that her friends were absent, and would not return for some time. But having come from a benevolent purpose, she found it necessary to remain. She therefore improved the first opportunity in securing a convenient situation where she might await their return. She was directed to a Mr. Quinham, who re- sided in a small cottage on one of the princi- pal streets of the village. After finding her way to the door, she was met by a woman with small nervous-looking eyes, who proved to be Mrs. Quinham herself. She immediately stated her errand, and it was soon decided that this should serve as a temporary home for Mrs. Howe until her friend's arrival. A coach was therefore sent to bring her baggage, while re- freshments were being prepared ; after which, 7 98 GOLDEN MOMENTS. Mrs. Howe begged leave to rest herself a while on the lounge in the sitting-room. While lying there she fell asleep, and dreamed that she was in a bed-room below, in one corner of the house. And that while standing there, she saw a huge serpent coiled up on the bed. She was somewhat alarmed at first, but was assured by one standing near, that it was dead. And at first sight, the eyes did look dull and dead ; but on approaching the reptile, they brightened up. She now began to move towards the door, carefully watching the eyes of the serpent, which followed her ; after which she observed the head also moving stealthily towards her. She now opened the door, and without much delay made her escape. Endeavoring to close the door behind her, she discovered the ser- pent thrusting his head at her. Upon this, she suddenly awoke. When she arose, Mr. and Mrs. Quinham were quietly seated in the room. She began to converse with the latter, who kept up such a constant winking and blinking all the while, that Mrs. Howe began to feel not a little ner- vous herself. She therefore next addressed herself to Mr. Quinham, who sat sleeping in the corner, but soon aroused on finding himself noticed. After numerous topics, religion was introduced as the subject of conversation. GOLDEN MOMENTS. 99 Thus far, his wife had sat quite composed, but on hearing the word religion, she instantly arose and commenced moving chairs, rattling crockery and the like ; until they could scarcely hear their own voices, and were at length obliged to desist. An aged female now entered the apartment ; her frame was slightly curved from the shoul- ders, and as she turned toward Mrs. Howe, her head and neck moved in a serpentine manner. And as their eyes met, it was with difficulty that Mrs. Howe could retain her self-possession until she could leave the room. Mrs. Howe was one who was not easily affected by dreams ; but there was such a strik- ing resemblance between the eyes, head, and neck of the form before her, and the serpent in her dream, that she could not suppress the fear that they might be alike in nature. As soon as she felt sufficiently composed, she expressed a wish to retire to her own room ; when to her sur- prise, Mrs. Quinham led the way clear through into a little corner room. Here she was in- formed that the aged female she had just met in the sitting-room, should be her future compan- ion and room-mate. Finding herself once more alone, she threw herself on her knees, and asked the protection of her heavenly Father, IOO GOLDEN MOMENTS. not forgetting all his past blessings, which He had so bountifully bestowed. Before she arose, some one entered the room, but soon left, shut- ting the door in a hurried manner, at the same time uttering something, she could not under- stand what. Having no desire to leave her room, she remained until the bell rang to call the family to their evening repast. After tea, Mrs. Howe was occupied in perus- ing a small volume, which she had taken from her trunk for that purpose. Mr. Quinham, anxious to make himself interesting, inquired the title of the work she was reading ; after which he went on to state his opinion of dif- ferent authors ; and thus the conversation con- tinued for some time. Before retiring to his room for the night, Mr. Quinham requested Mrs. Howe to read a chapter from the Bible ; but no sooner had she taken the holy book from the sideboard, than Mrs. Quinham, taking a newspaper, deliberately seated herself at the table, and as the former began to read " Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us," the latter commenced such a rat- tling with the paper, that the reading could scarcely be heard. Nothing daunted, however, Mrs. Howe raised her voice and succeeded in reading the chapter through, notwithstanding GOLDEN MOMENTS. 101 the continual annoyance caused by the vehe- ment rattling of the paper. As soon as she closed, the rattling ceased. She now retired to her room. She bowed humbly before God in prayer, but soon the door rattled, and she arose, thinking it might be her room-mate ; but she now clearly saw it was done to annoy her. After closing her door again, she knelt the second time, and began to pray. The same rattling of the door was heard, but she heeded it not. Then she heard loud voices, and a weight fell heavily on the floor. She arose, opened the door, but the draught of air extinguishing the light, unabled her to discover any one there. But the sound of female footsteps were distinctly heard retreat- ing through the dining-room. After Mrs. Bad- ger (for this was the name of the aged woman) came to the room, they both retired to rest. The next morning Mrs. Howe, being some- what indisposed, did not venture beyond the little yard in front of the house. She had therefore time to consider the propriety of stop- ping where there seems to be no prospect of usefulness. In the afternoon she took a short walk on some of the more retired streets. She at length came to a large, but rather ancient looking 102 GOLDEN MOMENTS. house, in front of which stood a number of large elms gently waving in the cool breeze. On the left was a beautiful flower garden. Mrs. Howe approached the door and rang the bell, which was answered by an elderly looking lady, who bade her walk in, at the same time calling her sister who was feeding the chickens in the back-yard. Presently the sister came forward, and introduced herself as Miss Pinkham, with some self-complacency, indicating thereby that she was mistress of the establishment. Find- ing that Mrs. Howe was a stranger, she politely invited her to spend the remainder of the time with her. Her family consisted of herself and aged sister, a niece, and two or three young ladies employed in the village. Miss Pinkham was above the middle age and rather of a communi- cative turn. Having always resided in the vil- lage, she was prepared to give any important information which might interest a stranger. She commenced by giving a history of the old stand, as she called it, and taking Mrs. Howe over the house, she showed her all the rooms below and above. Among the latter she showed her one that was to be hers for the present. It contained two beds ; one of which was already occupied by one of the young ladies, who was GOLDEN MOMENTS. 103 not expected till after tea. Mrs. Howe retired to her room quite early that night, not forget- ting to leave the light for the young lady, who came in soon after. As Marion entered, Mrs. Howe remarked that she had left the light for her ; to which she replied in a very pleasing manner. She con- versed quite fluently for some time, relating with great accuracy facts connected with some parts of her own history; other parts were passed over in a manner that the careful ob- server would not fail to discover something there which she wished to conceal. The following morning, while the young ladies were enjoying themselves below, Mar- ion silently withdrew, and sought the com- pany of Mrs. Howe, who was not a little sur- prised at her restless appearance. During Mrs. Howe's conversation with her that morn- ing, she saw a silent tear fall unbidden from her eye. Mrs. Howe asked the cause of her grief ; she confidingly replied, and from her own statements Mrs. Howe learned that she was left an orphan in infancy, and had been cared for by a rich family, who had indulged her fastidious mind with everything she de- sired. At the age of fifteen she became dis- satisfied, and resolved to leave forever her 104 GOLDEN MOMENTS home of wealth and ease, choosing rather to seek her own pleasure, than to receive the kind reproof of her adopted parents. Three years had passed, and still she remained an alien from those who sought her highest good. Mrs. Howe did not question her in relation to the past, but pointed her to Him who taketh away the sin of the world ; and en- deavored to give that instruction which she deemed best calculated to awaken the mind of Marion . to a true sense of her own sinful state. But Marion, like many others, contin- ued to put the subject by until a more conven ient season, — saying, she was yet too young ; and that evening she was seen at a public place of amusement, apparently unconscious of her guilt and danger. The next day Mrs. Howe saw her but sel- dom ; but when the evening came she again retired to her chamber with a sad countenance. The week had now closed, and the Sabbath of rest was at hand. Again Mrs. Howe discov- ered the falling tear, for Marion was weeping. That evening they retired in silence. On the following evening, they again met. Marion had just returned from her mother's grave, where she had been in company with her friend Charlie Brighton, to whom she ex- GOLDEN MOMENTS. 105 pected soon to be united. For some moments they sat silently watching the gold and purple clouds melting unconsciously away, till the gray evening was seen spreading its wing over the most remote dwelling in the little village, when Marion began by stating that they had been at the grave of her mother, and while there, she asked her friend's opinion of the fu- ture state, to which he indifferently replied. It was now evident to Mrs. Howe's mind, that the Holy Spirit was striving with Marion indeed. For what but the Spirit of God led her to speak or even think of this all-impor- tant subject. After hearing Marion through, Mrs. Howe asked her what she thought of the subject. She at first endeavored to answer in as indif- ferent a manner as her friend. Mrs. Howe, feeling this was no time for argument, gently arose, taking from the table her own private journal, commenced reading an extract from her own experience, emphasizing those parts that she wished to make impressive. Before she had read far, Marion again wept. Laying the journal aside, she asked Marion if she did not think it much better to have that assur- ance in her own heart, than to remain in un- certainty, hoping merely that God in some way would eventually save her. 106 GOLDEN MOMENTS. "Oh!" said Marion, " if some one had only spoken to me on this subject three years ago ! But it is too late now." To which Mrs. Howe replied, " My dear girl, you said yester- day you were too young ; and now you think it is too late. But do not despair \ you are not too young, neither is it too late, but whenever you are willing to yield your heart to God, that moment God will accept you." And then she added, " Would you not like to be a Chris- tian ? " "Yes," said Marion, " but I am such a great sinner." " But do you not know," said Mrs. Howe, "what is first necessary in order to become a Christian ? " Marion casting an inquiring look at Mrs. Howe, replied in the negative. " Well," continued Mrs. Howe, " it is to feel yourself a sinner. If you never feel that you are a sinner, you will never see the need of a Saviour. The Holy Spirit first opens our eyes to see our lost condition, and the word of God points us to Jesus Christ as our only hope of salvation. Yes, the Holy Spirit truly takes of the things of Christ, and shows them unto us. And it 's the Holy Spirit that is now moving you to seek the Saviour. Will you now yield, and be saved by grace through faith on the Son of God ? " GOLDEN MOMENTS. IOJ This was an important moment with Mar- ion. After a short pause, they both knelt to- gether. Marion began to weep, while Mrs. Howe offered up a short prayer in her behalf. The door now unclosed and one of the young ladies entered for the purpose of lighting her lamp, but started back on seeing they were both kneeling. Mrs. Howe spoke softly to the young lady and asked her to kneel, but she did not feel inclined to unite with them, and soon retired to her room. Marion, who continued kneeling, requested that the other young lady, who was professedly pious, should be invited in. She came, but did not seem much interested in the subject. Mrs. Howe asked Marion if Miss Pinkham should be permitted to pray with her. She replied in the affirmative. Mrs. Howe immediately descended the stairs, and stated the case of Marion in a very plain and simple manner. But Miss Pinkham at first declined, as it was getting late, and thought she had better wait till morn- ing. Mrs. Howe urged the case, however, and at last she consented to pray with Marion, provided she would come down to her sitting- room. When Mrs. Howe returned, Marion arose from her knees, and went down. And there they all knelt and engaged in prayer for IOS GOLDEN MOMENTS. Marion, who exclaimed, in much distress, " Will God forgive me ! Oh, will he forgive me ? " Mrs. Howe assured her that God would forgive her, just as quick as though there was not another sinner in the world ; and that she might claim Him as her Saviour, whenever she would give Him her whole heart. Marrian's grief subsided, and all was silent. Miss Pinkham arose from her knees, but Mar- ion heeded it not. Mrs. Howe turned her face towards Marion whose eyes were still di- rected heavenward, and there she saw that that once restless heart now calmly trusted in her risen Lord. And when Mrs. Howe gave her hand to lead her to the chamber, she, whether in the body or out, was so absorbed in the con- templation of heavenly things, that she seemed for the time almost unconscious of surrounding objects. As they entered the room, Marion, bursting into a flood of tears, exclaimed " I shall always have reason to bless the day that I ever saw your face." " You must praise God for that," Mrs. Howe replied. "I do," said Marion, " from my heart thank and praise Him, that you have been permitted to assist me, so un- worthy of this great blessing." She then desired to see her adopted parents, GOLDEN MOMENTS. 1 09 that she might ask their forgiveness, and tell them how she had found the pearl of great price. After returning thanks to God, they retired for the night. In the morning Marion sought the presence of her friend Charles Brighton, and told him frankly that she had found the Saviour. Charles seemed much affected by this, but seemed un- willing to renounce his favorite creed, and em- brace Christ. But Marion like every true disciple of Jesus, labored faithfully and prayer- fully until he became an humble penitent at the foot of the cross. In a few days, Mrs. Howe was again requested to meet in the sit- ting-room for prayer. Charles, who was now present, arose and requested their prayers for him. Mrs. Howe feeling her own weakness, bowed before her God, and sought strength of Him, who is the strength of his people, and then prayed earnestly for the penitent at her side. Before they arose he too found strength in believing. Beautiful was the sight to behold those youthful worshipers, as they approached the altar, and publicly avowed themselves disciples of the true and living God. Marion's cup of joy was now full. She sent the whole account of their wonderful change to HO GOLDEN MOMENTS. her adopted parents, who received the news with joy. Marion soon returned to the home she had three years before so willfully deserted. Charles Brighton and Marion were soon united in marriage, and are now living to tes- tify to the truths contained in the Christian religion. A PICTURE. As I look at the world of isms and ists, Through sunshine and shadow and varying mists, Three vessels I see on the waters so wide, But only one stemming the current and tide. One vessel is Good Work's, who early in youth, Set out on a voyage in search of the truth ; With no faith to guide him, he struck on a rock, And never survived such a terrible shock. Next, Faith with his vessel, who being alone, Has nothing now left but his skin and his bone. While Good Works was absent I saw him cap- size, And overboard went all his refuge of lies. GOLDEN MOMENTS. I 1 1 But right in the centre comes sailing along, A vessel well filled with the firm and the strong. And high over all, her true motto is seen From James second chapter and verses eight- een. And true Faith is there, and noble Good Work ; She keeps on the track with the Clergy and Kirk. And they are all bound to that haven above, For they are those only whose faith works by love. SACRED POEMS. THE DEW OF HERMON. GOD'S PROMISES. Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak ; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distill as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass. — Deut. xxxii. i, 2. T 1ST, ye heavens ! God is speaking ; -^ Hear, O earth, the words of Love ! Ye who are the promise seeking, Hear the voice that 's from above ! All my doctrine shall from heaven Drop as gently as the rain, And my speech distill at even, Like the dew upon the plain. As the dew and as the shower Nourishes the tender blade, So my word shall, in its power, Strengthen thee and give thee aid. Il6 THE DEW OF HERMON. THE CHRISTIAN'S LOVE FOR GOD'S PEOPLE. For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake : because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people. More- over as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord, in ceasing to pray for you. — i Sam. xii. 22, 23. He who hath pleased to make, Will surely not forsake His chosen people who obey ; Moreover, as for me, Whene'er I bow the knee, For them I ne'er will cease to pray. But I will ever plead That Israel indeed, May serve the Lord with all their might ; Consider — oh how great The Lord, thus to create, And still preserve them in his sight ! May they not turn aside, But evermore abide Near by the font of love divine ; The church of God to me Precious shall ever be — Their joys and sorrows still are mine. THE DEW OF HERMON. \\J THE CHRISTIAN'S DELIVERANCE. Their Redeemer is strong : The Lord of hosts is his name : He shall thoroughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon. — Jer. 1. 34. Let Judah shout aloud, Let Israel praise the Lord ; He judgeth all the proud, He '11 give them their reward ; For Judah's Great Redeemer 's strong, His people shall not suffer long. But He will plead their cause, And surely give them rest From all unholy laws. Which have their souls oppressed : The Lord of hosts — that is his name ; He reigns in heaven and earth the same. He is a gracious God ; He cleanseth them from guilt ; His glorious words record The stone on which they built : Christ is their sure foundation stone, Their hopes are built on Him alone. Il8 THE DEW OF HERMON. THE CHRISTIAN'S INVITATION. In those days, and in that time, saith the Lord, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping : they shall go, and seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten. — Jer. 1. 4, 5. When Israel gathered from abroad, To Zion ask the way, And with their faces thitherward, To every one they say, Come, let us join us to the Lord ; His covenant obey. Then shall the Lord his Spirit pour Upon his chosen seed, Nor shall they thirst or hunger more ; He '11 give them all they need ; For from his never failing store, On heavenly bread they '11 feed. Then He will make the crooked straight, Asunder cut their band, He '11 break in pieces every gate ; What shall before Him stand ? His people who upon Him wait, Shall go possess the land. THE DEW OF HERMON. 119 He will be sanctified in them : Then shall the heathen know That He their Lord that did condemn, Will also mercy show, And will redeem Jerusalem From all her guilt and woe. THE CHRISTIAN'S TRIUMPH. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth ; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. — Isa. lxi. 11. The genial earth the bud doth bring, And gardens causeth forth to spring The grain in season sown ; So shall the Lord cause righteousness And praise to spring, his name to bless, Before all nations known. His word when sown, and kept by grace, Receives the sunshine of his face, And deeply taketh root ; Its branches shooteth up to heaven, Then with the strength that God hath given It beareth precious fruit. His people shall in every clime, Proclaim aloud His truth sublime, Till all the nations hear \ 120 THE DEW OF HERMON. Hark, hear the heralds while they say : " Go through the gates : prepare the way Behold salvation near ! " Lo, how the nations gather round, To listen to the joyful sound Of glory's flowing stream ! Loud hallelujahs fill the earth, And Zion's joy is in the birth Of Christ, who doth redeem. The Gentiles shall his glory see, For every one shall bow the knee, And every tongue confess ; Shall not the earth, her people say, Bring forth a nation in a day, Though once a wilderness ? To isles afar they shall proclaim His mercy, and extend his fame, Until the Lord shall fill The earth with knowledge of his ways, And all unite to sing his praise, Ascending Zion's hill. THE DEW OF HERMON. 121 THE SAFETY OF GOD'S PEOPLE. Deut. xxxiii. 26, 28, 29. Israel then shall dwell in safety, Jacob's fountain then shall flow Through a land of peace and plenty, Where the corn and vineyards grow. There the pearly dews of heaven Drop in silence all around, And the enemy shall even Subject unto them be found. Happy art thou, O thou nation ! Who is likened unto thee ; In the Lord is thy salvation, And thy sword and shield is he. None is like thy God,- Jeshurun, He who rideth upon high, For thy succor, and in his own Excellency on the sky. THE UNITY OF GOD'S PEOPLE. Psalm cxxxvii. Behold you who tell How good 't is to dwell With Christians united by that holy spell ! 122 THE DEW OF HERMON. God's grace shall descend, Their cause to defend, For all hearts that love Him in harmony blend. How pleasant the sight That giveth delight, When all of the children of God do unite To give God the praise For guiding their ways, And lengthening their useful and prosperous days. And none shall annoy, Their peace to destroy, But all his rich blessings their souls shall en- joy \ Though numbers be few, The promise is true, And blessings from heaven descend like the dew. God's word giveth peace, Their souls it shall bless, And clothe them in robes of his own righteous- ness ; His love shall distill, And every heart fill ; Forever they '11 praise Him and do his good will. THE DEW OF HERMOJV. 123 It is a blest place Where heavenly grace Descends with the Saviour ; He shows them his face ; His is the command Which ever shall stand, Even life everlasting bestowed by his hand. They meet in God's name ; His glory 's their aim ; He fills every soul with that heavenly flame ; And when they depart, United in heart, They pray for that strength which the Lord will impart. GOD'S CARE FOR HIS PEOPLE. Isa. xlix. 13, 14, 15, 16. Then sing, O ye heavens ! be joyful, O earth ! Ye towering mountains, in singing break forth ; The Lord for his people has comfort and peace, And He will have mercy: then trouble shall cease. Then why sayest Zion the Lord will not bless, Or He hath forgotten his vineyard to dress ? 124 THE DEW 0F HERMON. Oh, can the fond mother her offspring forget, And not have compassion ? Oh yes, she may ; yet God will not forget his own people nor leave Them ever to wander ; on Him they believe ; Their name is engraven upon his right hand ; Their walls shall before Him continually stand. THE CHRISTIAN EXHORTED TO PRAISE GOD FOR HIS MANIFOLD BLESSINGS. 107th Psalm, 31 verses. Oh give thanks now to the Lord ! Let his goodness be adored ; Let the Lord's redeemed say so, Whom He hath redeemed from woe. Gathering them from every land, By the power of his own hand. Lo, they wandered far astray ! In a solitary way ; Then they cried aloud to God, Forth He led them by his word, From the lonely wilderness Where they wandered in distress. Oh that men would praise the Lord ! Let his goodness be adored ; We, his children, He doth save Wonderfully from the grave. THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 25 Longing souls were satisfied, When they to the Lord had cried : Goodness every soul did fill, When they looked to Zion's hill ; Ere the city had been found, Many were in darkness bound ; They rebelled against the Lord, And the counsels of his word ; Them with labor He brought down Where to help them there were none ; Then to God they raised their hands, By his power He broke their bands. Oh that men would praise the Lord ! Let his goodness be adored, Let his wondrous works be praised, While our hearts to Him are raised. Bless the Lord, his power is great, He hath broken every gate : Fools, because they have transgressed, Are afflicted and distressed. All their meat their souls abhor, Near the gates of death they draw ; Then they cry again to God : Wilt thou save us by thy word ? Then He saved them from distress, That they might no more transgress. He delivered by his word — Blessed be the name of God. 126 THE DEW OF HERMON. Oh that men would praise the Lord ! - Let his goodness be adored. We his wondrous works will praise, The remainder of our days. Let them offer thanks and prayer, And with joy his works declare ; Those who go where billows sweep, See his wonders in the deep ; He commands the stormy wind, Then they are at their wits' end. Stagger they like drunken men, While the waves go down again. Then they cry once more to God In their trouble ; and the Lord Speaks, and all the waves are stilled ; Their desires are fulfilled. Oh that man would praise the Lord ! Let his goodness be adored, While his wondrous works we sing, Glory to our Heavenly King. GOD HIS PEOPLE'S STRENGTH. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength ; they shall mount up with wings as eagles : they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. — Isa. xl. 31. Lord ! we here together meet, And for thy salvation wait ; THE DEW OF HER MOM. 12? If we wait upon the Lord, Listening to thy gracious word, We shall mount above with wings — Soar above all earthly things ; Run and never weary be, Till our Saviour's face we see. We shall walk and never faint : Labor strengthens every saint ; Jesus by our side doth walk, While of heavenly things we talk , And our. hearts within us burn While of Jesus Christ we learn j Of those heavenly mansions fair That for us He will prepare. THE CHRISTIAN THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as a brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burnetii. — Isa. lxii. r. For Zion's sake will I not hold My peace, and for Jerusalem I will not rest till I behold Salvation as a burning gem. 128 THE DEW OF HERMON. For out of Zion shall go forth The law of love and life divine ; .Before all nations of the earth Jerusalem shall brightly shine. For Zion is the Lord's delight ; The Holy Spirit shall descend And scatter all the shades of night, And by his power He will defend. No thing unclean shall enter in To thee, blest city of our God ; But that highway that 's free from sin Shall lead us to thy blest abode. A CALL FOR MORE LABORERS INTO THE VINEYARD. Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary. Thy congregation hath dwelt therein : thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor. The Lord gave the word : great was the company of those that published it. — Psalm Ixviii. 9, 10, ti. O God ! thou hast graciously blest And sent us a plentiful rain ; Our souls in thy presence find rest ; New strength from thy blessings we gain. THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 29 Thy people dwell safely in thee ; For all thou hast opened the door ; The fount of thy goodness is free ; Yes, thou hast prepared for the poor. And, Lord, thou hast given thy word To nourish the undying soul, And many rejoiced when they heard That faith in the Saviour made whole. But where are thy servants, O Lord ? And where thy laborers, where To spread the glad tidings abroad, And all thy good will to declare ? The harvest now truly is great, The laborers yet are but few ; We pray therefore, ere 't is too late, For laborers faithful and true. Oh send them by whom thou wilt, send And gather a harvest for heaven, And may all thy people attend The word thou hast graciously given. Oh give to thy messengers grace, That they may the whole truth declare, 9 I30 THE DEW OF HERMON. Before a poor sin-fallen race Now wending their way to despair. Now, Lord, let deliverance come To souls that are now in their chains ; In Jesus there is enough room, The Lord God omnipotent reigns. THE COMMISSION. Preach the word. — 2 Tim. iv. 2. Go preach the word of truth and grace, And bid a world in Christ believe ; For all shall live who seek his face, And all be saved who Christ receive. Oh high commission of the Lord — To preach the everlasting word ! The word is like a two-edged sword, Dividing whatsoe'er it will ; Christ is the Everlasting Word, In Him is power all sin to kill. Preach Christ and Him once crucified; For our redemption He hath died. The word is true and must prevail, Though heaven and earth may pass away, THE DEW OF HERMON. 131 The word of God can never fail, But will endure through endless day. Here is our sure foundation laid, On Christ who hath our ransom paid. Then in his strength thy mission fill — Gird on the armor of the Lord, He will reveal his gracious will ; Do thou according to his word, And Christ shall be thy faithful friend, He will with thee go to the end. ASKING FOR THE WITNESS. And the Lord looked upon him and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites : have not I sent thee ? And he said unto him, O my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel ? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. — Judges vi. 14, 15. O Lord ! on me why dost thou look, And say, go thou in this thy might ? Why talkest thou beneath the oak, With one so feeble in thy sight ? Wherewith shall I my people save ? Or put the enemy to flight ? My people dwell in yonder cave, Secluded from the noonday light. 132 THE DEW OF HERMON. Behold my family is poor, And I 'm the least of father's house ; But if thou wilt be with me sure, Then I will pay to thee my vows. If grace I 've found now in thy sight, Let it be proved 't is from the Lord ; Then in thy name I '11 go and smite, And conquer with the mighty sword. THE WITNESS GIVEN. And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the Lord, Gid. eon said, Alas, O Lord God ! for because I have seen an angel of the Lord face to face. And the Lord said unto him, Peace be unto thee ; fear not : thou shalt not die. — Judges vi. 22, 23. Alas for me ! for I have had The witness of the living God : But, " Peace to thee ; fear not ! " He said, " Thou shalt not die ! " (O blessed word !) For when to Him the gift I brought Beneath that lofty spreading oak, He gave the witness that I sought When there arose the fire and smoke. The Lord now surely is with me : I will not fear what man can do ; THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 33 The Lord is good — his work shall be Employment of my days, though few. I 've listed in the little band, And soon the battle will be won : We cry aloud, trumpet in hand, Sword of the Lord and Gideon. PREPARING FOR THE SERVICE OF GOD. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. — Ezra vii. 10 Dear Saviour, come in thy blest way, And seal my heart forever thine ; Oh wash my sins and guilt away, And fill me with thy love divine. Give grace that I may well prepare My heart to seek and do thy will ; That I may thy blest truth declare, What thou hast promised to fulfill. Now take me, Lord, and make me clean, I can do nothing without thee ; 'T is by thy grace that I have been Assisted from thy wrath to flee. O Lord, accomplish thy great work That thou hast in my heart begun ; 134 THE DEW OF HERMON. Destroy the powers of sin that lurk In me, and let thy will be done. Let all my thoughts be raised on high, And let my conversation be (Watched by the never-sleeping eye) In heaven, from whence we look for thee. This is the way of holiness For all the ransomed of the Lord, And all its paths are paths of peace, To lead the soul up to its God. A PRAYER FOR THE SEALING POWER. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar : and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips ; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us ? Then said I, Here am I ; send me. — Isa. vi. 6, 7, 8. High on a gracious throne of white The Lord shall ever reign : He is a never-failing light To all the heavenly train. Around his glorious temple stands, With seraphims above, A multitude of angel bands, All filled with perfect love. THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 35 But can I stand before his face, And all his glory see ? Can I — the vilest of the race ? — If not, then " woe is me ! " Lord, from thy sacred altar take, A living coal of fire, And touch my heart, that it may make Iniquity expire. That when I hear thy blessed voice, Saying, " Whom shall I send ? " I may with all my heart rejoice, And to thy word attend. O gracious Lord, come in thy power, And win the victory ; And take my heart from this glad hour — "Here Lord am I, send me." That I may spend what thou hast given According to thy word, And point the way that leads to heaven, Through faith in Christ, the Lord. May sinners hear, and turn to thee And give thee all the praise ; Oh let us thy salvation see, And walk in all thy ways. 136 THE DEW OF HERMON. THE WORK OF GOD HIS SERVANT'S DELIGHT. For though I am free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. — 1 Cor. ix. 19. I love thy work, my God, my King, No other shall my hands employ ; No other can such pleasure bring, Or fill immortal souls with joy. Nor sordid gold, nor empty fame Shall lure me while I see the prize, Till I that peaceful rest obtain, And in my Saviour's image rise. Prepare me, Lord, to do thy will, Transform me by renewing grace ; May I with all my powers fulfill Thy word in my appointed place. And daily may my soul aspire, To be more like my master here, And beaming with celestial fire, Reflect his blessed image clear. Then sinners now in darkness bound, Shall see the light, and turn to God, With joy to hear the gospel sound, And glorify our blessed Lord. THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 37 Oh speed the day when every voice Shall join in praising Christ the Lamb, And every soul in Him rejoice, And bless our great Redeemer's name. THE SAVIOUR'S LAST COMMAND. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you : and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. — Matt . xxviii. 1 g, 20. Happy, art thou if called to stand Between the living and the dead; If thou obey the blest command, A crown shall shine above thy head. Blessed, if from the ways of sin A sinner turneth to the Lord ; If thou from death a soul dost win, Assisted by the grace of God. Go in the strength of Jesus' name, And spread the gospel o'er the earth ; Glad tidings to a world proclaim, Salvation through a Saviour's birth. In Jesus' strength thou canst not fail, He will go with thee to the end ; I38 THE DEW OF HERA/OH. The gates of hell cannot prevail, Jehovah will his cause defend. The stone that from the mountain's brow Removed by no frail mortal hand, Has rolled through many ages now, And will with power fill the land. Oh may that welcome day soon rise Triumphant o'er each pagan isle, When all shall turn their longing eyes To Him in whom was found no guile. HUMILITY. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord ; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. — John xiii. 16. O God, if we by thee are sent, May we be humble and content To do thy righteous will ; We pray thou wouldst our lives protect, And may we not thy work neglect, Till we our mission fill. And may that grace which thou hast given To us, be used as precious leaven In thy great work below ; THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 39 The stone that with thy powerful hand Escaped the mount, by thy command Shall crush the deadly foe. The gospel with its light shall shed A beam of glory, and shall spread, . If we obey thy word ; While each shall help the other on, Till we in heaven with thee sit down, Our Master and our Lord. FERVENT ZEAL FOR THE CAUSE OF GOD. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. — Eccl. ix. 10. Dear Saviour, while the moments fly, Whate'er my hand shall find to do, With thy abundant grace will I With all my might thy work pursue. Give me thy strength, and naught I fear ; The love of Christ constraineth me ; Thy glory shall on earth appear, And every eye thy work shall see. Let not my life be dear to me, So dear as my Redeemer's name ; 140 THE DEW OF HERMON. For with thy love so full and free, I can endure all toil or shame. In vain do earth and sin oppose, For Christ is mighty to redeem, And He will -conquer all his foes, And 1 at last shall reign with Him. Then come, my blessed Saviour, come, No more from thee my soul would part, Conduct me to my happy home, To dwell forever where thou art. But oh, my soul, with patience wait, Till thou hast done thy Master's will ; Thy labors shall not terminate, Till thou his righteous word fulfill. THE FAITHFUL PASTOR. Besides those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. — 2 Cor. xi. 28. How doth the faithful pastor's heart With bitter anguish bleed, When from the fold the sheep depart, That he was wont to feed. How many anxious moments pass In weeping, and in prayers, THE DEW OF HERMON. 141 He fades and withers like the grass, Before his daily cares. He cares that they should holy be, And live in peace and love ; That they their Saviour's face may see, And reign at last above. He oft exhorts them in Christ's stead, That they be reconciled To God, who bountifully fed, And on their labors smiled. He, like the Saviour, spends his days In doing good to all ; While love directs him in his ways, He surely ne'er can fall. THE REWARD OF THE FAITHFUL. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubt- less come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. — Psalm cxxvi. 6. Thou servant beloved, go forth on thy mission, Nor rest thee, nor weary, till Jesus shall come, For soon thou shalt reap an eternal fruition, When angels in triumph shall welcome you home. 142 THE DEW OF HERMON. For time is now swiftly the period winging, When all of thy labors shall end with thy years, And thou shalt rejoicing return again, bringing The fruits of the field thou hast watered with tears. See yonder above thee, an angel now holding A starry magnificent crown for thy head ; And as the brief years of thy life are unfolding, The Lord shall protect thee, and thou shalt be fed. TRUST IN GOD RECOMMENDED. Psalm xlii. How panteth, Lord, my soul for thee, And thirsteth for the living God :. When shall I come his face to see, And listen to his peaceful word ? My tears have been by night and day My meat while seeking for thy word ^ Why they continually say, Now unto me, where is thy God ? When I remember, Lord, this thing, I pour out my whole soul in me, For I had gone with them to sing, And to the house that 's built for thee. THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 43 Oh why art thou cast down, my soul ? And why disquieted in me ? Hope thou in God ; I shall be whole, And praise Him when his face I see. Deep waters calleth unto deep, And loud is heard the water spout, While o 'er my head thy billows sweep, And all thy waves toss me about. Yet will the Lord, while it is day Command his loving kindness here, And in the night his songs shall be With me, and he shall hear my prayer. I will say unto God, my rock, Oh why hast thou forgotten me ? Why go I mourning while they mock ? Because I fear the enemy. Why art thou now my soul cast down ? And why disquieted within ? Hope thou in God : Him will I own, For I shall praise my God again. THE SAME CONTINUED. Psalm xliii. Judge me, O Lord, and plead my cause Against ungodly nations round ; Deliver from unjust men's laws, And let my strength in thee be found. 144 THE DEW 0F HERM0N - O Lord, why dost thou cast me off ? Why go I mourning all the day ? Why doth the enemy now scoff ? Where is God ? they say to me, Send out thy light and truth to me. Let them my soul to God now bring ; To God my exceeding joy, yea, Upon the harp I '11 praise and sing. Oh why cast down now, O my soul ! And why art thou disquieted ? Hope in thy God, I shall be whole, And praise Him whom my soul hath led. BURDEN OF SOUL FOR SINNERS. I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved, because they kept not thy word. — Psalm cxix. 158. Behold I transgressors with grief, Because they have kept not thy word ; In slumbers I find no relief, My spirit within me is stirred. They 've slighted thine offer of grace, Refusing thy message of love ; They turn from beholding thy face, And strive not to enter above. Their ^souls are delighted with sin, In sinning they spend all their days, THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 45 'T is sweeter than honey to them ; They have never learned wisdom's ways. From them, thy salvation is far, They seek not thy will to obey ; And when one would speak, they 're for war, For thou shalt not govern they say. For vainly they boast in their pride, They will not seek after the Lord, They think not of Christ crucified, In thought they dwell never on God. Their mouths filled with cursing and fraud, Their tongues always speak against thee, They say they 're forgotten by God, And that the Lord never will see. But, Lord, all their sins thou hast known, — Our ways are all known unto thee ; Thou hearest the poor when they groan, And settest the prisoner free. O Lord, let deliverance come, And may Satan's kingdom now fall, . For Jesus has said there is room, — His table is spread for us all. 146 THE DEW OF HERMON. PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED. Behold all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves altout with sparks : walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of my hand ; ye shall lie down in sorrow. — Isa. 1. n. Behold all ye nations that kindle a fire, That walk in the ways of your own heart's de- sire ; Now walk in the light of your own kindled flame, And travel the road that will lead you to shame. But what shall ye have from the hand of the Lord? Ye '11 lie down in sorrow as your just reward. Ye 've slighted the mercy he offered to you, And follow the broad way which many pursue. But if ye repent not, God then will destroy, For ye might have tasted the fruits of his joy. Ye would not come unto the Lord, that ye might All see his eternal and glorious light. THE PROSPERITY OF THE RIGHTEOUS. And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God : and, as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper. — 2 Chron. xxvi. 5. Will ye hearken, O ye nation, To the great and mighty Lord ? THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 47 Seek Him in your habitation ? Seek the true and living God ? Let your idols fall before Him, Cast them from your sight away. Raise your voices, and adore Him, Bow before his throne to-day. Thou shalt prosper while thou keepest All the words of his command ; But when thou thy treasure heapest, Thou shalt fall before his hand. He doth every needed blessing Bountifully on thee shower. All that thou art now possessing, Is through his almighty power. THE VANITY OF HUMAN GLORY. Who hath taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning city whose merchants are princes, whose traffickers are the honorable of the earth ? The Lord of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth. Isa. xxiii. 8, 9. Who hath brought the crowning city, With its merchandise and gain, Thus to languish without pity ? All her mighty men are slain. I48 THE DEW OF HERMON. This the Lord of hosts hath purposed, Thus to stain all earthly pride, Bringing to derision thou most Honorable of earth beside. Ah ! is this your joyous city, That hath been from ancient day ? Surely thou hast not had pity, Now thou shalt be driven away. Oh ! the pride of human glory, And the knowledge of the world, Pass on like a pleasing story, Quickly out of sight then hurled. SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS CONDEMNED. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. — Matt. v. 20. Except your righteousness exceed That of the Pharisees and Scribes, Before the judge ye '11 guilty plead, Before all nations, tongues, and tribes. For they their heavy burdens bind, Those burdens grievous to be borne, Them on men's shoulders they 've confined, And made their poor sad hearts to mourn. THE DEW OF HERMON. 149 They shut the gates of heaven against Themselves by pride, that awful sin ; They make long prayers for a pretense And hinder those who would go in. They often fast and often pray, And greatly boast in deeds of fame ; Of their possessions, tithes they pay, And get themselves a glorious name. Like whited sepulchres they are, That beautiful appear indeed ; They outwardly are very fair, Their righteousness in vain they plead. Within is base hypocrisy, To cover their unrighteousness, All manner of iniquity, Full of extortion and excess. Self-righteousness will prove at last Like filthy rags, for covering ; For when the day of life is past, The soul to shame it sure will bring. >• Unless by faith ye 're clothed upon, With Christ's pure robe of righteousness, To that bright world where He hath gone, To reign eternally to bless — 150 THE DEW OF HERMON. Ye shall in no case enter in, To dwell with Him in heaven above, For in his kingdom there 's no sin, But all is everlasting love. SALVATION THROUGH OBEDIENCE AND FAITH. And said, verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. — Matt, xviii. 3. Sinner, thou art far from heaven, . By thy oft repeated crimes : Wilt thou ever be forgiven ? Dost thou not reflect by times ? Lo ! thy sins are like a mountain ; By thy pride and unbelief, Thou hast scorned the healing fountain, That would give thy soul relief. Hast thou utterly rejected All the offers of his grace ? Wilt thou not by God protected, • Seek in heaven a resting-place ? For except thou art converted, Turning from thy sins to God, THE DEW OF HERMON. 151 (For thy ways are now perverted,) Thou shalt never see the Lord. Wilt thou not then be obedient, And be humble as a child ? Thinkest thou thy ways expedient ? Satan hath thy heart beguiled. To obey is recommended. Better than all sacrifice ; God to thee hath condescended, Why shouldst thou his grace despise ? He hath promised to protect thee, If thou wouldst obey his voice, And He never will neglect thee ; If thou wilt have Christ thy choice. He will be thy father ever, He will no good thing withold, Nothing can Him from thee sever, While thou art within the fold. THE SIN OF OMISSION. How readest thou ? — Luke x. 26. That sacred voice ! how oft ye hear ; Its echo falleth now 152 THE DEW OF HERMON. With dread upon your guilty ear ; It saith : How readest thou ? Why tempt ye God ? for by his word, Ye shall be judged at last ; Why on your heads displeasure draw, Until your life is past ? His holy word with scorn ye read, Or reckless pass it by ; That solemn truth ye never heed That ye were born to die. And when ye read the word wherein The great command is given, Ye justify yourselves in sin, And shut your souls from heaven. No longer slight abounding grace, Bestowed by mercy's hand ; But with your soul and might, embrace The Saviour's blest command. Then ye shall have eternal peace, The sacred promise given ; For sin and sorrow then shall cease ; They cannot enter heaven. THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 53 DANGER OF DELAY. While I am coming, another steppeth down before me. — John v. 7. Down by Bethesda's healing pool, Where multitudes await The moving of the waters cool, There 's one that is too late. In wretchedness he moveth slow, But knoweth not his fate, For others oft before him go, And then he is too late. O Sinner, there is help for thee, Whatever be thy fate ; But if thou wouldst salvation see, Come, ere it is too late. Ye trembling souls, who would delay, This truth well contemplate, For if you tarry long, you may Forever be too late. Then, when the Righteous Judge on high, Shall shut the golden gate, In great amazement ye will cry, Alas ! I am too late. 154 THE DEW OF HERMOH. THE CONDITIONS OF SALVATION. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. — Rom. x. 13. Salvation is of God, It cometh from above, It saves us from the second death, And fills with Jesus' love. 'T is not a name to live, Or form of worship fair, That can secure immortal life, Or save us from despair. 'T is offered now for all, And he that will, may come And find supplies at mercy's fount, Then enter heaven — his home. But he that will refuse Forgiveness of his sin, And slight the message of his love, Can never enter in. Great God, repentance give, Renew our evil heart, Forgive us, that we may forsake And from each idol part. THE DEW OF BERMON. 1 55 By faith may we secure The great atonement made ; Rejoice and wonder at the Lord That hath our ransom paid. THE VOICE OF GOD. My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. — Prov. xxiii. 26. Hast thou not heard that gentle voice That speaks when thou art all alone ? It bids thee come, in Christ rejoice, And hasten to his gracious throne. Come, in thy youthful, joyous days, Ere care and sorrow mar thy brow, And learn to walk in wisdom's ways ; Hark ! hear his voice ; He saith : come now. " Give me thine heart," He saith to thee, And I will give thee rest above ; Oh take my yoke, and learn of me, And thou shalt know a Saviour's love. How happy, then, thy life would be, To feel that Christ is all thine own ; And that his blood is spilt for thee, And doth for all thy sins atone. 156 THE DEW OF HERMON. PIOUS EXAMPLE. Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one-and-thirty years. For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father : and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images. — 2 Chron. xxxiv. 1, 3. Behold a prince, a youthful prince, Began to seek the living God ; Oh, will not this thy heart convince, That thou may 'st turn and seek the Lord ? Thou hast the word to guide the way, With all the counsels of the just ; Then turn to God, his word obey, And tread those idols in the dust. Turn unto God, with all thy heart, With all thy soul,, with all thy might, And never from his ways depart, And He will give thee peace and light. Thou shalt be guided by his hand, And walk with Him in wisdom's ways, And in his strength thy feet shall stand, If thou wilt serve Him all thy days. His cause thy youthful days demand, With all thy vigor, strength, and power, THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 57 To break the power of Satan's band, Then God shall reign for evermore. Go in his strength, and thou shalt be A blessing to thy fellowmen ; And God will surely be with thee, For with the good He 's ever been. And many shall in Him rejoice That thou wast sent to them in love, And that they ever heard thy voice, When pointing them to Christ above. And when thy labor here is done, Then thou shalt enter thy reward ; The battle fought, the victory won, To reign forever with thy Lord. FREE SALVATION. Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked ; but that the wicked turn from his way and live : turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways ; for why will ye die. — Ezekiel xxxiii. 11. Did thy Redeemer die in vain ? Ah, say not so, thou mortal man ! The soul is precious in his sight, Salvation is his chief delight. 158 THE DEW OF HERMON. He has no pleasure in the death Of those who curse Him with their breath, But would the souls of all men save From sin, which doth mankind enslave. The all-atoning blood is free ; It can atone for you and me ; Oh, turn then, sinner, to the Lord, Implore the merit of his blood. He '11 free you from all guilt and shame, Ask but in faith in Jesus' name, He will on thee his grace bestow, And thou shalt all his glories know. THE GREAT SALVATION. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgres- sion and disobedience received a just recompense of reward ; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation ; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him. — Heb. ii. 2, 3. The Saviour began to proclaim Salvation Himself unto all ; For this cause from heaven He came, To rescue our souls from the fall. His works were confirmed unto all, By many who joyfully heard ; THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 59 His children obeying the call, Went everywhere preaching the word. Salvation so full and so free, Flowed forth from Emmanuel's side : Who could for the sinner but He, So great a salvation provide. If God by the prophets of old, Spake oft to the children of men, And steadfast remained what was told, By angels who spake to them then, And those who the word disbelieved, Were chastened and scattered abroad, And every transgression received A just recompense of reward, Shall we who neglect this free grace, Now offered to us by our Lord, Escape a most fearful disgrace, The justice of Almighty God ? CONTRITION. Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. — Matt. viii. 2. O Lord, how shall a feeble worm Approach the throne of grace ? l60 THE DEW OF HER MO AT. How shall I from my sorrows turn, And seek a Saviour's face ? I 'm naked, without friends I roam, Amid the furious storm ; In this cold world I have no home, No fire to cheer and warm. But thou hast bid me come to thee, With all my sins and guilt ; I know thou wilt not turn from me, For thou canst if thou wilt, Apply thy blood and make me clean, And fill me with thy peace ; My sin-sick soul restore again, And clothe with righteousness. THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. — 2 Cor. viii. 9. Ye know the boundless love and grace, Of Jesus Christ who died to save The lost and ruined human race, Whom to redeem his life He gave. Though He was rich, poor He became, That through his poverty we might THE DEW OF HERMON. l6l Be rich in faith, and in his name Find all our comfort and delight. If we are hungry He will feed ; For He has spread a royal feast ; If we are blind, He sure will lead, And guide his poor invited guest. If we are naked, He '11 prepare For us a robe of righteousness : Then we that royal feast may share, And sit where Christ his children bless. Then loose my tongue, that I may sing The riches of his sovereign grace, And all my thanks and offerings bring, • To Him who hath prepared my place. PRAYING FOR DELIVERANCE. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. — Psalm lxvi. 18. Oh, give me strength, my blessed Lord, To break this band from off my soul ; This yoke of sin so much abhorred, That daily would my heart control i For Lord, I know if in my heart, I do regard iniquity, ii 1 62 THE DEW OF HERMON. Or from thy ways my feet depart, Thou wilt not hear and answer me. Oh, may my soul by thy free grace This moment sink into thy will, That I may yet behold thy face, And all my vows to thee fulfill. Then, surely, thou wilt hear my voice, When offering up my humble prayer, Then, oh my soul, in God rejoice, Who showeth mercy everywhere. THE SINNER'S PLEA. Therefore I will look unto the Lord ; I will wait for the God of my • salvation ; my God will hear me. — Micah vii. 7. Lord, unto thee we humbly look, And will for thy salvation wait ; For thou hast promised in thy book, That thou wouldst hear for Jesus' sake. My God will hear me when I pray • Then will I come in humble prayer, And bow before Him every day, And meet my blessed Saviour there. And when before the mercy seat I come with this my only plea, THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 63 I throw myself at Jesus' feet, And cry, " my Lord hath died for me." I '11 wait before the throne of grace Till Jesus deigns to stoop and bless ; My longing soul shall see his face, Rejoicing in his righteousness. DELIVERANCE THROUGH FAITH. Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity ; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord hath heard my supplication ; the Lord will receive my prayer. — Psalm vi. 8, 9. Depart, ye foolish, far from me, Ye workers of iniquity ; Ye who have sought my soul to slay, In secret lurking by the way, Your mouths are filled with vain deceit, And mischief to your tongue is sweet. Give ear now to my voice, O Lord, And hearken to my cry, my God ; Arise, O Lord ; for me awake, Thou wilt receive for mercy's sake ; I '11 lay me down in peace, for thou Makest me dwell in safety now. The Lord hath heard my weeping voice, In Him my soul can now rejoice ; 164 THE DEW OF HERMON. My feeble prayer He will receive, For in his name, I still believe : I will sing to the Lord, for He Hath dealt in mercy unto me. REJOICING THROUGH DELIVERANCE. I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy ; for thou hast considered my trouble ; thou hast known my soul in adversity. — Psalm xxxi. 7. God of love, thy every blessing Calls upon me to rejoice ; Now my soul thy peace possessing, Gladly strives to raise her voice. Once my years were spent with sighing, And my life was spent with grief ; Thou, O God, my faith was trying ; Now in thee I find relief. For thou hast my woes considered, Thou hast known my soul in pain ; Thy great mercy hath delivered, I 've not trusted thee in vain. PRAYER THE CHANNEL OF ALL GOOD. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be estab- lished. — Pkov. xvi. 3. Commit thy works all to the Lord, No more upon thyself rely, THE DEW OF HERMON. ' l6$ God's Holy Spirit and his word, Shall all thy strength and wants supply. Soon as the morning sun shall pour Its rays on this terrestrial sphere, Arise and humbly fall before Thy Maker, who thy voice shall hear. Ask for that strength that shall abide When sorrows gather o'er thy soul ; That from the tempest thou mayest hide, When high the stormy billows roll. Pray for that grace to suffer on, With thy dear Lord, while here below ; That thou mayest reign where He is gone, And all his heavenly glories know. He shall sustain thee in the hour When this thy earthly house decays, And crown thee then with strength and power, Eternally his name to praise. That glory, yet is not revealed, But, when aside the veil is drawn, Those blessed truths shall be unsealed, When we, ascending, hail that morn. 1 66 THE DEW OF HERMON. THE OFFICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. And when He is come He will reprove the world of sin, and of right- eousness, and of judgment. — John xvi. 8. Oh, who can know the immortal mind, That penetrates the heart of man ; The length and depth is undefined Beyond a mortal's power to scan. From early youth's unclouded morn, And down life's dark and weary night, The Holy Spirit sheds upon Our path a ray of sacred light. And when our feet abroad would stray In paths of sin, that Spirit 's nigh, To point us to the narrow way, That leads to blest abodes on high. The Gospel with its trumpet voice, Has sounded often in our ears, And bids us make the happy choice, Renouncing all our doubts and fears. But man in vain may preach the word, It ne'er will reach the sinner's heart, Unless the Spirit of the Lord Should through rich grace that light impart. THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 67 But when the Comforter is come, Reproving all the world of sin, Confusion fijls the mind with gloom, And dark forebodings reign within. Come, heavenly Spirit, from above, We will no more thy goodness grieve, Nor more refuse that melting love, That us from our sins retrieve. If we through Christ are reconciled, And by our faith in Him made free, God then will own us for his child, And by his grace we '11 welcome thee. Come, take possession of my soul ; Oh stay and make thy dwelling here ; Erect thy temple, take the whole, And reign without a rival near. Then shall my soul, inspired with zeal, Proclaim redeeming love abroad, While sinners, who their guilt shall feel Shall turn repenting to the Lord. 1 68 THE DEW OF HERMON. THE DECLARATION OF THE YOUNG CONVERT. And she said to the kinjr, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. Howbeit, I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it; and behold, the half was not told me : thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. — i Kings x. 6, 7. Oh, while the heralds of the Lord Proclaim the word that He has given, And seeking, not their own reward, But pointing sinners up to heaven, How doth the unbelieving heart Reject the dear Redeemer's word ; Believing not, until they start To prove the sayings they have heard. But when their Saviour's face they view, And all his loveliness behold, They say : Yes, the report was true, But oh, the half was never told. His goodness far exceeds his fame, Or anything that man can tell ; For living faith in Jesus' name Hath saved my soul, and all is well. His word will guide my feet aright, And lead me in the heavenly way : THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 69 He is the way, the truth, the light : My feet from Him shall never stray. He gives me rest, He gives me peace, And Christ is all I want below j His praise I '11 sing, and never cease, His goodness I will ever show. By faith in Him, I stand secure, Then let the rain in torrents come : If built on Christ I shall endure, And rest at last with Him at home. But I will praise Him while I stay On earth, then join with saints above, And praise Him through eternal day, And sing anew the song of love. TRUSTING GOD FOR MERCY. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions : accord- ing to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord. Good and upright is the Lord : therefore will he teach sinners in the way. — Psalm xxv. 7, 8. Remember not, Lord, all the sins of my youth. My many transgressions against divine truth ; But in thy rich mercy remember thou me, For the sake of thy goodness, O Lord, let it be! \yO THE DEW OF HERMON. How oft I 've forsaken the guide that was given, And turning I wandered, and sought not for heaven ; But now, thou hast called me, and I will obey, Away from salvation my feet shall ne'er stray. How good and how upright is Jesus, our Lord ; He therefore will ever teach sinners the word. The meek, He will guide them, and teach in their youth ; The paths of the Lord are all mercy and truth. THE PATH OF LIFE. Thou wilt show me the path of life ; in thy presence is fullness of joy ; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. — Psalm xvi. ii. Thou wilt show me the path of life, Where I may walk and live ; For in thy kingdom is no strife, Peace freely thou dost give. Thy presence is my fullest joy, I want no joy beside ; Thy labors are my blest employ ; Let me dwell near thy side. THE DEW OF HERMON. 171 At thy right hand are pleasures free, For all for evermore ; Oh may I ever live to thee, And thy great name adore. And when my days on earth are past, And all my work is done, I '11 reach my journey's end at last, And enter heaven my home. THE TRUTH THAT MAKETH FREE. " Every one that is of the truth, heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth ? " Oh what is truth ? God's word is truth ; Now let its sanctifying power Direct the heart of every youth, And keep them through life's darkest hour. Oh may the Spirit of the Lord Come now, to lead our youthful feet In thy commands, exceeding broad, Where truth and mercy gently meet. The truth can make us free indeed, And then we shall be free from sin \ By faith we are called Abram's seed, We through the promise enter in. 172 THE DEW OF HERMON. Christ Jesus is the truth, the way That leads us to that blest abode ; He is our guide through life's short day, Our Friend and Brother on the road. FAITH THE- POWER THAT OVER- COMES THE WORLD. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? — i John v. 5. Dear Saviour, to thy side we flee, Escaping sin and misery ; Surrounded by a world of strife, Amid the toil and cares of life. But with that love that maketh free, We gladly come by faith to thee ; Thou art our refuge, in thy name We hide ourselves from guilt and shame. In thee we safely may repose, Secure from all our hidden foes. Thou art our head and captain sure Of our salvation, make us pure. Lead us to that immortal fount, And to the top of Pisgah's mount, That we may view the promised land, While on the mountain's top we stand. THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 73 DESIRING TO BE MORE LIKE CHRIST. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. — James iii. 17. Give me that wisdom from above, That is first pure, then peaceable, And gentle, full of fruits of love, With all that grace desirable, To make my heart a temple pure, Where universal love may reign, Where true religion may endure, My steps to guide, my soul sustain. I yield myself and all to God, To live for Him and for his cause, In righteousness to serve the Lord, And peaceably maintain his laws. I would before thy footstool bow With gratitude, for blessings given, And humbly pray that thou wouldst now, Just now prepare my heart for heaven. 174 THE DEW OF HERMON. UNWAVERING FAITH IN COD'S PROMISES. For the which cause I also suffei these things: neverthlei 11.. i ashamedi foi I know whom i have believed, and am pei uaded thai he i- able to keep thai which I have committed unto him against thai ■ lOTHvi. xa. O Lord, we know in whom we trust, And pray to thee in faith, To keep us humble in the dust, And faithful unto death. Thou art our help in time of need • When every other power lias failed us, then to thee we plead, In life's mosl feai ful hour. Thou ail our joy, when on the hoard The plenteous least is spread ; We humbly ask a blessing poured, On this our daily bread. When we sil down and when we rise, In faith we 'II look I" thee. That We may run and win the prize, Which at the end we see. THE DEW OF HERMON. 175 And when on earth our race is o'er, Our prayer shall change to praise, Where sin and sorrow come no more, To cloud those heavenly rays. THE RENEWED HEART. Therefore, if any mat! be in Christ, he is a new creature : old tilings are passed away ; behold, all thing e new. — a Cok. v. 17. If any man be in the Lord, Behold all things are new, His soul goes out in prayer to God, That he may swift pursue. No more in the ways of death His feet with pleasure tread, But praising God with every breath, His soul with love is \va\. Once he was blind, but now he sees The glory of the Lord ; And now upon his bended knees Pours out his soul to God. Once h.e was dead, but now he lives To praise his Saviour's name ; Himself unto the Lord he gives, And owns his rightful claim. 176 THE DEW OF HERMON. Once he was lost, but now is found By Him who doth redeem ; Once he was deaf, but now the sound Of love is sweet to him. Once he was poor, but now is rich In faith, and hope, and love, And all those gracious blessings which Are sent from heaven above. Once he was naked, but he now Is clothed with righteousness ; He joyfully performs the vow He made when in distress. His hopes, his joys, his aims are new ; Old things are passed away ; He gives the praise to whom 't is due, Nor wishes to delay. REJOICING IN HOPE. It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool ; for I will say the truth : but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. — 2 Cor. xii. 1, 6. * Once when my soul in darkness bound Was struggling for the light, THE DEW OF HERMON. if? No human aid on earth was found, To rescue me from night. But God's own arm, outstretched, did save ; He raised my thoughts above, Then to my drooping spirit gave The fullness of his love. And then it was my spirit heard That sweet and loving voice, That spake that all-prevailing word, And bade my heart rejoice. I saw my Saviour on the tree Between the earth and heaven ; I saw Him dying there for me, That I might be forgiven. Again, I saw Him on the throne, At the right hand of God ; I heard Him plead for me alone, Through his atoning blood. I saw the Father smile, and knew That plea was heard above ; Then quick the Holy Spirit flew, The witness of his love. 12 178 THE DEW OF HERMON. And to my happy spirit gave The earnest of that rest ; Yes, Jesus Christ hath power to save ; I knew that I was blest. I will this blessed truth declare But lest ye think me vain, I will awhile my words forbear, But, glory to his name. LIFE AND IMMORTALITY. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales ; and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. — Acts Man in darkness weeps alone, And the past a mystery lies, With the future all unknown, Thickly hidden from his eyes, Till the Spirit from above, Sends a ray of sacred light, Filling all the soul with love, Then the blind receiveth sight. Then the past in beauty stands, Well arrayed in truth divine ; Through the future's golden sands, Opening fields of glory shine. THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 79 Hope and faith shall then prevail O'er the shades of gathering gloom And the soul her sweets inhale, Where immortal flowers bloom. THE YOUNG CONVERT'S INVITATION. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Naz- areth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. — John i. 45, 46. Come ye sinners, we have found Him Of whom Moses in the law Wrote : he bade us come around Him, And his heavenly face we saw. Yes, 't is Jesus, son of Joseph, The despised, poor Nazarene ; He of whom Esaias the prophet Wrote, that should the world redeem. He is mighty to deliver, And to save from every sin ; He our wise and gracious Giver, Gave Himself our souls to win. He is surely God's Anointed, Sent to heal the broken heart, 180 THE DEW OF HERMON. He hath been by God appointed, All these blessings to impart. Ask no questions, unbeliever ; We have told the truth to thee. Think ye Him a bold deceiver ? Stop no longer ; come and see. He will fill your soul with glory, Clothe you in a robe of white ; Then you '11 tell the pleasing story, How He brought you into light. Come, poor sinner, stop no longer, Christ is knocking at the door ; Will ye perish still with hunger, While there 's plenty yet in store ? He will give thee bread of heaven, He will ever dwell with thee ; All thy sins shall be forgiven, If thou wilt but come and see. THE DEW OF HERMON. l8l PROFESSING CHRIST BEFORE THE WORLD. Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. — Acts iv. 10. Oh, why stand ye all here, With amazement and fear, While ye witness the deed that is done ? Be it known unto you, And all Israel too, That in Jesus this power is alone. For it is through his name That I am what I am, — I will own him my Saviour and King ; He whom ye crucified, And whom ye have denied, True salvation to my soul did bring. Oh, ye gave Him the cup, But my God raised Him up, To relieve and deliver my soul ; Brought by his mighty hand, Now before you I stand, A true witness that Christ can make whole. 1 82 THE DEW OF HER MO AT. I will praise then his name, And will spread broad his fame, For the mercy He's shown unto me ; Verily He is good ; He will wash in His blood, All poor sinners who to Him will flee. He will turn none away Who his call will obey, He hath freely salvation prepared ; And therefore if ye '11 come, There is plenty of room, For this truth his own words have declared. He will save you from sin, And will bid you come in To that glorious mansion above ; Then aloud ye will raise Your glad voices in praise, For that deep and mysterious love. THE WORLD THE CHRISTIAN'S FIELD OF LABOR. Go work to-day in my vineyard. — Matt. xxi. 28. Go, then, disciple of the Lord, Go work for Him to-day ; His vineyard o'er the earth is broad, Why wilt thou longer stay ? THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 83 See longing souls that faint for bread, That bread of life divine ; Wherewith thy soul hath oft been fed, Since Jesus Christ was thine. Speak to that poor, distrusting heart, That trembling stands with fear ; Canst thou no words of peace impart, That wounded heart to cheer ? Point to the bleeding Lamb above, Who died the world to save ; To reconcile us to his love, His precious life He gave. CHRIST OUR EXAMPLE. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. — Rom. xiv. 7. Behold the Lamb of God below, Who left the realms of endless day, And 'mid a world of guilt and woe, Upon Him took the form of clay. His life was spent in doing good ; He had not where to lay his head ; Thousands his hand supplied with food, He healed the sick, he raised the dead. 1 84 THE DEW OF HERMON. He lived our true example here, • And died our sacrifice at last ; His blood alone now brings us near To God, in whom our hope is fast. The first disciples followed in The path their Saviour's feet had trod ; They lived not to themselves, for sin Still separated man from God. They warned the sinner to repent, And sought, through Christ, a world to save ; O'er mountain and through vales they went, And unto each a portion gave. And counted their own lives not dear, They truly suffered for his sake ; Like Him they toiled and labored here, And strove the sinner to awake. We are disciples of the Lord — Partakers of his righteousness, And may we spread his name abroad, And live like Him a world to bless. Then let our lives show forth his praise, By steadfast faith and works of love ; The God of grace prolongs our days, To gather souls for joys above. THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 85 PERSEVERANCE. And let us not be weary in well doing : for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men. — Gal. vi. 9, 10. Toil on, ye Christian pilgrims, In virtue's beaten way ; Toil on, the harvest cometh, And will not long delay. Oh, be thou never weary, But follow Christ the Lord ; Then at the blessed harvest Thou 'It reap a rich reward. Reflect the light of glory Wide o'er the darksome globe, Till all who turn, believing, Put on the righteous robe. Then in thy crown of glory They '11 shine as stars above ; And with thee drink the pleasure That flows from Jesus' love. CHRISTIAN ACTIVITY. And Jesus said unto him, No man having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. — Luke ix. 62. Awake, my soul, thy task perform, Before the gathering blast 1 86 THE DEW OF HERMON. Bursts forth in a terrific storm, And all thy hopes be past. Arise, and with thy strength pursue The labor that thy God Hath given thee on earth to do, To spread his name abroad. And look not back, but pressing on, The prize thou wilt obtain \ And thou shalt go where Christ has gone, And in his kingdom reign. Put on the armor of the Lord, And fight till thou hast won ; A crown above is thy reward, With that blessed " Well done." Then let not fear, or aught below Deter thee on the road ; But follow on, and thou shalt know Thy Saviour, Christ the Lord. T is life eternal Him to know, To all who do his will ; Where'er they meet, where'er they go, His love their souls shall fill. THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 8 7 O Love divine, now fill my soul, And shield me all my way : And though the stormy billows roll, I ne'er will cease to pray. THE INFLUENCE OF UNGODLY ASSOCI- ATION. 2 Cor. vi. 14, iS> l6 - Art thou a follower of Christ ? And dost thou now on Him rely ? Why wilt thou then be still enticed, And turn thy Saviour to deny ? Oh, be not yoked unequally Together with an infidel : For how can Jesus Christ agree With darkness and with Belial ? What fellowship hath righteousness With the unrighteousness and sin Of those whose hearts only possess What God Himself hath called unclean ? How doth the temple of the Lord Agree with idols made of clay ? The temple of the living God Are ye whose sins are washed away. 188 THE DEW OF HERMON. Now God will come, the Scripture saith, And walk with you and be your God ; But unbelievers down to death Will lead you, if you heed their word. AGAINST WORLDLY-MINDEDNESS. And Jesus answered, and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful. — Luke x. 41, 42. When weary I wander with trouble and care, The world sometimes proving a dangerous snare, The words of my Saviour oft memory brings, Thou 'rt careful and troubled about many things. When grief and deep sorrow o'erwhelmeth my soul, Or when baser passions the mind would control, Then comes the reproval as if borne on wings, Thou 'rt careful and troubled about many things. When eagerly striving with little success, In my humble manner my people to bless, In vain comes the tempter and to me he sings, Thou 'rt careful and troubled about many things. THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 89 But Lord I 'm determined thy work to pursue, I want nought on this earth but thy will to do ; I want not the vain world, for trouble it brings ; I would not be troubled about many things. I wish not for honor, for wealth, or for fame, But always be trusting my Saviour's dear name ; For all worldly pleasures will take to them wings, I would not be careful about many things. But there is one subject which shall be my care, How I shall my heart for God's temple prepare ; This is one thing needful, true pleasure it brings, I will not be troubled about many things. THE DUTY OF FORGIVENESS. So that contrariwise, ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such an one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you, that ye would confirm your love toward him. For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. —2 Cor. ii. 7, 8, 9. Forgive, forgive, and comfort such, Lest they be swallowed up with grief ; Nor let them sorrow overmuch, But kindly come to their relief. 190 THE DEW OF HERMON. Even as Christ did not condemn, And gave the earnest of his love, Ye should confirm your love toward them, Thereby your own obedience prove. The Lord our God is judge of all, And He will judge in righteousness ; He hears the needy when they call, The widow and the fatherless. The Lord is great, He dwells in heaven, High on his everlasting throne ; The Lord is good, to man He 's given, That precious gift that will atone. To that blest fountain we may go, And wash that we may all be clean ; He will our hearts make white as snow, Although like crimson they have been. BROTHERLY LOVE. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. — i John ii. 10. O thou great source of love and light, Inspire us with thy love divine, That we may love with all our might, And all we have shall then be thine. THE DEW OF HERMON. 19I If we continually abide Near the great source of light above, Not all the joys on earth beside Can lure us from a brother's love. If heirs of his sure promise given, To Abram and his seed by faith ; Bound to the same bright home in heaven, Saved from the powers of sin and death. The Son of God shall be our light, To guide our steps in wisdom's way ; No cause of stumbling, for more bright It shineth on to perfect day. Let each the other's burden bear, Avoiding all besetting sin ; And each remove the other's snare, Till we the heavenly prize shall win. If here below our joys are one, How sweet shall be our peace above, With all our toils and labors done, United with our head in love. A PSALM OF THANKSGIVING. 1 Chron. xvi. 36. Give ye thanks now to the Lord, Call upon the name of God, 192 THE DEW OF HERMON. All his wondrous works make known, Sing ye psalms before his throne : Talk of all his works and fame, Glory in his holy name. Let the hearts of them rejoice, That seek God, their blessed choice ; Seek the Lord and his strength free, Seek his face continually. Oh remember He hath done Wonders great beneath the sun, And the judgments of his mouth Are abroad in all the earth ; Oh, ye seed, his chosen ones, Ye his servants, Jacob's sons, He is your great Lord your God, Be ye mindful of his word ; Even the covenant of grace, Which He made to Abram's race ; And He hath confirmed the same Unto Israel by name : Saying, I will give the land Canaan into thy hand. When ye were but e'en a few, Sojourners and strangers too ; When ye from one nation went, And where'er ye pitched your tent ; He reproved kings for your sake, That he might you mighty make ; THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 93 Suffering none to do you wrong, Nor to do his prophets harm ; Sing now to the Lord your God, All the earth show forth abroad His salvation day by day, In his own appointed way ; Spread his glory all. around Where the heathen may be found ; And his marvelous works among All the nations, every tongue ; For great is the Lord our God, Greatly to be praised abroad ; He is also to be feared — And above all gods revered, For the gods of all the land ; Idols are made with the hand ; But the Lord the heavens made And without our feeble aid ; Honor is before his face, Strength and gladness jn his place ; Give to God the glory due To his name, and fear Him too ; Come before Him, come and bring Thankfully an offering ; Worship Him in holiness, For He is our righteousness ; Fear before Him all the land, — By his power the world shall stand : x 3 194 THE DEW OF HERMON.- Let the heavens above be glad, And let not the earth be sad ; But rejoice and let men say, Our Lord -reigneth even to-day : Let the field obey his voice, And that is therein rejoice ; Let the deep unf athomed seas Roar ; then shall the lofty trees Of the dark and mighty wood, Sing out, for the Lord is good ; At the presence of the Lord, For He comes, the Judge adored. Oh, give thanks now to the Lord ; Say ye, save us now, O God Of our great salvation here, Gather us together near : From the heathen of the land, Us deliver by thy hand, That we may give thanks, and raise Loud our voices in thy praise ! Blessed be the Lord again, — All the people said Amen. THE BLACKSLIDER. Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by ? behold, and see if there ba any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger. — Lam. i. 12. Oh, see ye not the deep distress That we are in before the Lord ? THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 95 Against his law we did transgress, We now receive a just reward. The city of Jerusalem Lieth in waste, her gates are burned ; The Lord in justice doth condemn The rebels, who his mercy spurned. The ways of Zion now do mourn, For none come to her solemn feasts ; O God of grace, thou long hast borne The sins of her polluted priests. Oh, turn thou us now to the Lord : Renew our days as those of old, That we may serve the living God, And dwell within his peaceful fold. THE BACKSLIDER REPROVED. Thine own -wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee : know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of hosts. — Jer. ii. 19. O righteous God, my sins I own, Thou art most faithful, just, and true ; Beneath a load of sin I groan, Beneath thy just displeasure too. 196 the dew of her mo n. Ah ! why did I forsake my God, That led me in the perfect way ? Why did I not obey the word, No more from thee to go astray ? Upon my own defenseless head I have called down thy mighty wrath. Me by thy Spirit thou hast led, But I forsook the narrow path. And to myself I have procured The frown of an offended God ; How can thy vengeance be endured, The wrath of the Almighty Lord ? Therefore it is, we know and see, An evil and a bitter thing, Thus to forsake, and fear not thee : Transgression doth correction bring. Reprove, O Lord, but do not slay, And use the rod, but not the sword, That we once more may find the way, And learn to trust thy holy word. THE DEW OF HERMON. 1 97 THE PUNISHMENT OF THE APOSTATE. And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others He said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite : let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity. — Ezek. ix. 4, 5. O righteous God, and judge of all, Before whom ancient Israel fell, Oh listen to our latest call, And spare us yet thy love to tell. Lord, tear these idols from our hearts, And cleanse thy sanctuary now ; Before the day of grace departs, Help us submissively to bow, That when from heaven thou shalt descend, Surrounded by an angel band, Thou wilt our helpless souls defend, And strengthen by thy powerful hand. Come, seal us thine for evermore, That when that awful day shall come, When thou shalt on the nations pour Thy wrath, and seal their final doom, We may escape without delay, Bearing thy mark upon our brow, I98 THE DEW OF HERMON. The terrors of that awful day, — Lord, come and be our Saviour now. Oh may we make our peace with thee, Now while it is the accepted time, That we may all thy glory see, And in thy righteous garment shine. BACKSLIDERS INVITED TO RETURN. Hosea vi. 1, 2, 3. Come, weary souls, return again, And seek the presence of the Lord ; Come unto Him with all your pain, And He will heal you by his word. Seek Him, and pray with living faith, And He will raise you by his might ; Revive your soul, and save from death, That ye may yet live in his sight. If then ye follow on to know The Lord, who saved you by his grace, And serve Him faithfully below, Ye shall behold Him face to face. Ye shall behold his glorious light, Refreshed by showers of grace divine ; THE DEW OF HERMON. 199 And walk with Him in robes of white, And in his blessed image shine. And while eternal ages roll, He '11 fill your heart with joy and praise, That by his stripes ye were made whole ; 'T is by his death your souls He '11 raise. Oh, grieve not that celestial dove That hovers o'er thy sinking frame, He would embrace thee with his love, And bear thee to the bleeding: Lamb. THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL. O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee? — Jer. iv. 14. Wash thine heart from every stain, That thou mayest be blest ; How long shall vile thoughts and vain, Lodge within thy breast ? Jesus hath prepared a place Where we all may go ; 'T is the healing stream of grace, Freely doth it flow. 200 THE DEW OF HERMON. Blessed Jesus, quickly come, Wash us in thy blood, That we never more may roam From our gracious God. Nothing but thy blood applied Can baptize the soul ; Nothing in the world beside That can make us whole. THE WANDERER'S PRAYER; Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holi- ness and of thy glory : where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me ? are they restrained ? Doubtless thou art our Father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not : thou, O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer ; thy name is from everlasting. — Isaiah lxiii. 15, 16. Dear Lord, look down from heaven above, Behold us from thy holy place ; Where is thy zeal, thy strength, thy love ? I long to see thy glorious face. Are all thy mercies now restrained ? Or dost thou still remember me ? My heart is sick, my head is pained, My eyes are dimmed, I cannot see. THE DEW OE HERMON. 201 Doubtless thou are art my Father still, Though Abraham now knoweth it not ; Acknowledged not by Israel, Among thy people I 'm forgot. Forever, Lord, thou art the same, My great Redeemer, Father, Friend 5 From everlasting is thy name, And through thy name what joys descend. In thy great name I humbly bow ; Oh come and wipe away these tears ; Thou hast heard prayer, and even now, I feel thee better than my fears. GOD'S CHASTISEMENT A PROOF OF HIS LOVE. Job v. 17, iS, 19, 20, 21. Behold, how happy is the man Whom God correcteth from above ; Despise not, then, the blessed plan, The chastening of Almighty love. He maketh sores, and bindeth up, He woundeth, and his hands make whole ; And oft He gives the bitter cup To cleanse and purify the soul. 202 THE DEW OF HERMON. And when through troubles thou dost go In six, He shall deliver, yea, Surely in seven there shall be no Evil to touch or hinder thee. In famine He shall thee redeem From death, till thy appointed hour ; In war thou shalt first look to Him — He can destroy the sword's power. And from the scourge of every tongue Thou shalt be hid ; nor be afraid When the destruction shall among The nations spread. — God is thine aid. ENDURANCE. * For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. — 2 Cor. iv. 17. Look to the Lord, He hears thy sighs, And knoweth all thy bitter tears ; Come unto me, the Saviour cries, My love shall cast out all thy fears. For all our light afflictions here, Which in a moment will be past, Worketh for us, it doth appear, A weight of glory at the last. THE DEW OF HERMON. 203 If we with Christ endure below, We sure shall reign with Him above ; And those eternal joys we know, Will fill the soul with perfect love. Our hearts filled with this gracious hope, We triumph over all our pain ; In sweet assurance we look up, In Christ we shall that bliss obtain. THE LORD OUR REFUGE. I am as a wonder unto many, but thou art my strong refuge.- Psalm lxxi. 7. Dear Lord, how many on me gaze, And wonder that I still endure ; But unto thee be all the praise, In thee alone I am secure. Thou art my refuge, strong and high, No other refuge can I see ; For thou dost hear the raven's cry, Then surely I may trust in thee. Thou art my shield — in thee I trust ; Thou canst the needed grace impart ; And when the trump shall wake my dust, I then shall see thee as thou art. 204 THE DEW OF HERMON. LOOKING FOR THE PROMISE. But the end of all things is at hand ; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. — i Peter iv. 7. Watch unto prayer then, O my soul, While dark temptation 's nigh, While o'er my troubled spirit roll Billows of sorrow high. The end of all things is at hand, Go dry that starting tear ; There is a fair and better land, Where enters naught to fear. With watchful heart and sober mind I '11 wait thy coming, Lord, Till I that glorious rest shall find, The promise of my God. GRATITUDE FOR PAST FAVORS. Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. — 1 Sam. vii. 12. Through troubled seas and conflicts sore, We hitherto have been led on, And bounding waves have ceased to roar, When Jesus by our side hath gone. Lo, Jesus stands with outstretched arms, Hark ! hear his voice : Peace, peace, be still ; THE DEW OF HERMON. 205 Our troubled souls again are calm, And we submissive to his will. High as the heavens we now would raise Our voice in honor of his name ; With joyful hearts we '11 sing his praise, And o'er the world his love proclaim. We consecrate our all to thee, O Lord, that we to thee may live ; And day by day our prayer shall be, O Lord, to us thy Spirit give. Do thou forgive Our follies past, Renew us by thy grace "and power ; Receive us to thyself at last, Secure from dark temptation's hour. GOD'S GRACE SUFFICIENT. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelation, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee. — 2 Cor. xii. 7, 8, 9. I blessed the day that I was born, Rejoicing every breath : But given there was to me a thorn, — Affliction deep as death, 206 THE DEW OF HERMON. Lest through abounding faith and light Which God to me had given, I might now judge it meet and right To exalt myself to heaven. For this thing I besought the Lord That it might far depart, And that the grief my soul abhorred, Be banished from my heart. God in his mercy heard my prayer, — I saw his smiling face ; He answered, this thy soul can bear, — Sufficient is my grace. THE BENEFITS OF AFFLICTION. Before I was afflicted I went astray ; but now have I kept thy word. — Psalm cxix. 67. How oft my feet have gone astray,' And wandered from the God of love ; How oft forsook the perfect way, , That leads the soul to joy above ; While God his gracious bounties gave, My life to bless, my soul to save. But when affliction's trying hour Came near, I fled to Him in tears ; THE DEW OF HERMON. 207 I felt that nothing but his power Could from my heart dispel these fears : I saw Him with compassion move, I threw me in his arms of love. And now I love to keep his word, — 'T is light and truth to guide my way : Such heavenly joy those leaves afford, I never more may go astray • Long, long I his forbearance proved, While in the paths of sin I roved. Now, when afflicted, I rejoice, And bow and kiss the chastening rod : For well I know 't is Father's voice, It is a voice that comes from God ; He calls me near his blessed side, And says, forever here abide. His word shall ever be my joy, My song by day, my peace by night ; His works shall be my blest employ, His praise my ever new delight, And when my days on earth are o'er, I '11 sing his praise for evermore. 208 THE DEW OF HERMON. ENCOURAGEMENT. I will hear what God the Lord will speak : for He will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints : but let them not turn again to folly. Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. — Psalm lxxxv. 8, 9. Cease, my soul, thy vain ambition, Hearken to thy Maker's word ; He hath witnessed thy condition, And thy oft repinings heard. He will speak to this our nation, And to all the saints abroad ; Peace, for surely his salvation Is nigh them that fear the Lord. Let them not return to folly, But speak, forth a Maker's praise, Till our land be filled with glory, And the knowledge of his ways. He will surely bless our labors, If we do not cease to pray \ Come, then, all ye friends and neighbors, Let us work for God to-day. THE DEW OF HERMON. 209 UNFAITHFULNESS LAMENTED. Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord ; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high-priest ; and be strong, all ye peo- ple of the land, saith the Lord, and work : for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts. — Haggai ii. 4. How have we so unfaithful proved ? Neglecting our blest means of grace ; How oft repeated warnings moved In vain our hearts to seek God's face. Till weak and helpless we were found, Our way hedged in on either hand : But while the foe was gaining ground, We heard the voice of God's command. Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel ! And thou, be strong, O Joshua ! Now in the midst of thee I dwell ; Go, all ye people, work to-day. For I am with you, saith the Lord, As when ye out of Egypt came \ According to my holy word, My Spirit shall with you remain. With willing hearts we then obeyed The message of the Lord our God ; H 2IO THE DEW OF HERMON. No more the dews of heaven are stayed, As a chastisement from the Lord. Now in the strength and power and might Of the eternal great " I Am," Who gave us strength and set us right, We '11 carry forth his glorious plan. Till life's last morning sun shall dawn, When we shall bid this earth farewell, And rise triumphant in that morn, For evermore with Christ to dwell. WATCHFULNESS. He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house ; he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. — Psalm ci. 7. Ye saints of God, arise ! Your houses guard with care, That sin may not before your eyes Take the possession there. For slander and deceit, And crimes of every hue, Will strive to gain within a seat, And tarry there with you. Oh keep your own hearts pure, That you may ever be THE DEW OF HERMON. 211 A terror to the evil doer, That they may from you flee. God surely will destroy The wicked of the land, But all his saints shall still enjoy The blessings of his hand. A CALL TO DUTY. Come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me ; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strength- ened their hands for this good work. — Neh. ii. 17, 18. Oh, come and let us build the wall, That we may never be Accounted a reproach by all The numerous enemy. The Lord our God is good indeed, Our stores and barns are filled, He '11 give us strength whene'er we need, — Let us rise up and build. Strengthen your hand in this good work, Let each perform his part, Dispel your fears if any lurk Within your every heart. 212 THE DEW OF HERMON. Then let our prayers ascend on high, They surely will prevail ; Our great Redeemer is near by, In Him we cannot fail. DECISION. So built we the wall ; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof : for the people had a mind to work. — Neh. iv. 6. O Lord, may we like Judah's host, Prepare to build up Zion's walls ; In thy great strength we make our boast, While Satan and his kingdom falls. Our enemies all laugh and mock, They round the wall with envy lurk ; But vain is their malicious talk, If we now have a mind to work. The work already doth progress, The wall is half completed now, For thou hast promised us success, If to thy throne we humbly bow. We '11 make our prayers now to our God, And set a watch against the foe ; Assist us now, our blessed Lord, To use the spear, the shield, the bow. THE DEW OF HERMON. 213 THE GREAT WORK OF THE CHRISTIAN. And I sent my messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down : why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? — Neh. vi. 3. In vain the foe with all their charm Allure me to the field ; They only think to do me harm, If I to them should yield. There is a great work to be done ; Why should the building cease ? Down from the wall I cannot come, — Then let me work in peace. Tbey need not threaten or accuse, To gain their wicked end, For like the ancient faithful Jews Our cause we will defend. And in the strength of Israel We '11 wrestle and prevail, Nor fear the sons of Belial, Who oft our cause assail. The Lord doth hear his people cry, And strengtheneth all their hands ; We are the apple of his eye, — We '11 do as He commands. 214 THE DEW 0F HERMON. CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY. And I said, Should such a man as I flee ? and who is there, that, be- ing as I am, would go into the temple to save his life ? I will not go in. — Neh. vi. n. Should such a one as I now flee Before my numerous enemy ? I, who have been redeemed with blood, And called a messenger of God ? And who is there, if as I am, Would flee before a mortal man, Or would into the temple go To save his life from any foe ? I will not go, for God on high Beholds with his all-seeing eye ; He will protect, and on me pour A blessing from his heavenly store. He '11 keep me, too, from hidden foes ; My Spirit shall in Him repose ; In Him is strength, in Him is grace ; Oh, when shall I behold his face ? HUMILIATION AND PRAYER. Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. — Psalm xxv. i. O Lord, to thee we lift our souls ; To thee our thoughts aspire ; THE DEW OF HERMON. 215 Thou art the centre round which rolls Our every fond desire. But far, yes, far as yonder sky Is from this lower sphere, So far thy thoughts from ours, high Above to us appear. But in the image of thy Son We see thy mercy shown ; For all the works that He hath done, Were done for us alone. For us He lived, for us He died, For us He spilt his blood ; For us the Lord was crucified, To bring us home to God. Yet how have we received thy laws ? Obeying not the truth ; Rejecting Christ without a cause, And hating his reproof. With contrite hearts, O Lord, we pray, Thou wilt our lives yet spare ; In mercy save us, that we may Yet in thy victory share. 2l6 THE DEW OF HERMOlST. And may our songs be raised above, To praise thy holy name ; Redeeming grace and dying love Shall be the sacred theme. DELIVER US FROM EVIL. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me. And God granted him that which he requested. — i Chron. iv. 10. Oh that thou wouldst but keep me From every evil way, That I may never leave thee, Or from true pleasure stray. Now give me faith to conquer, And reach that happy shore, That I may never suffer Or sin against thee more. While sin's dark surges leaving A burden on the breast, Like troubled waters heaving, The spirit cannot rest. For sin is sorely grievous Now to our burdened souls ; THE DEW OF HERMON. 21 7 We pray thou wouldst not leave us While dark the surges roll. O God, then grant my humble And penitent request, That I may never stumble, But in my Saviour rest. And when my days are numbered, And thou shalt call me home, His praise shall be remembered, When I have ceased to roam. For on my lips his praises Eternally shall dwell; Among the souls He raises, His wondrous love to tell. THE SAINT'S REST. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. — Heb. iv. q. To thee I come, my blessed Lord, In thee I may find rest ; Encouraged by thy holy word, I come with my request. I would not wander all the day In sorrow and in sin, 2l8 THE DEW OF HERMON. But would thy righteous call obey, Have faith and enter in. And oh, my soul, from all thy works Of death and darkness cease ; Oh search me, Lord, if still there lurks The hindrance of my peace. If truly I am born of God, Let love now fill my breast ; The love that 's promised in thy word, The earnest of that rest. Let all I am be' lost in thee, From thence no more to move ; Dear Lord, this is the rest for me, — The rest of perfect love. REPENTANCE FOR WORLDLY SORROW. I am afraid of all my sorrows ; I know that thou wilt not hold me in nocent. — Job ix. 28. My Father, who art full of love, Whose love can never fail, Now let my prayer ascend above, And in thy courts prevail. . THE DEW OF HERMON. 219 Oh, save my soul from guilt and shame, And cleanse me in thy blood ; Prepare me that I may proclaim A great and gracious God. Now, Lord, on me thy Spirit pour, And sanctify my heart ; Bid this tumultuous ocean's roar Be still, and peace impart. And let me never more complain Of leanness in my soul ; But by thy love and power restrain, And every whit make whole. Of all my sorrows I 'm afraid, I know thou wilt not hold Me innocent, for I 've betrayed My trust : my love is cold. Now by thy mighty power come down, And rescue now my soul ; Me with thy richest mercy crown, And all my fears control. .220 THE DEW OF HERMON. A PRAYER FOR RENEWING GRACE. There is therefore now no condemnation to those which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, hath made me free from the law of sin and death. — Romans v;ii. i, 2. Now, Lord, come by thy Spirit, Renew our souls in thee ; Through thy atoning merit From inbred sin make free. There is no condemnation To them which are in Christ ; Delivered from temptation, By sinners ne'er enticed. Who walk not by the fashion Of flesh or worldly lust, Imbued with Christ's compassion, Their lives in Him they trust. For now by faith in Jesus, From sin's delusive spell This gracious gospel frees us, His wondrous love to tell. Come, now by thy great power Break sin and Satan's chains ; THE* DEW OF HERMON. 221- May we this gladsome hour Be cleansed from sin's remains. Come, Lord, and sanctify us, Oh, sprinkle with thy blood ; Of other good deny us, But oh, not this, my God. We grasp thy gracious promise, We will not let thee go Till thou remove the darkness, And light and peace bestow. GIVING ALL FOR CHRIST. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price. — Acts v. i, 2. Let not my soul one moment stay, Till Christ is all my own ; Nor stop till I have learned the way To serve my God alone. My blessed Lord, I would be thine, Yes, thine with all my heart ; All that I am, and all of mine, I will keep back no part. Is aught on earth that strives to share My love for thee, my God, 222 THE DEW OF HERMON. It from my heart this moment tear, And cleanse me with thy blood. Thou blessed Comforter now come ; Oh may the Spirit seal Me ever thine ; thy will be done ; O Lord thyself reveal. Oh thou wilt come ; I feel thee near, To fill my soul with love ; Thy love shall cast out every fear, — Oh come, thou heavenly Dove. Then shall my soul exulting prove, The breadth, and depth, and height, And length of thy unchanging love, Thy power and thy might. THE CHRISTIAN'S TRIUMPH. O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt. — Matt. xiv. 31. When Jesus by his love divine, Forgave my sins and set me free, The glorious sun began to shine, Then gloom and doubt were swift to flee. But when the storm commenced to rise, And fierce temptations o'er me roll, THE DEW OF HERMON. 22$ And clouds bedimmed the upper skies, Then gathered doubts around my soul. But when I heard my Saviour speak, And say, O thou of little faith, Oh wherefore didst thou doubt ? if weak, Remember what my gospel saith, — Ask ye my Father in my name, And He will give it unto you ; Then kindled love into a flame, All spectre doubts soon from me flew. And now upon the sea of life I ride triumphantly along ; Amid the cares, and toil, and strife, I raise my Voice in sacred song. And though the billows toss and foam, I travel safely with no fear ; By faith in Christ I see my home, Beyond this narrow bounded sphere. And when I reach that port of peace, I '11 raise my voice in strains more loud, To Him who gained my soul's release, Dispelling that thick gathering cloud. 224 THE DEW 0F HERMON. Let saints and angels join the theme That hath begun our song below, Around the throne of Christ the Lamb, - That saved us from our mighty foe. PRAISING GOD FOR RENEWING GRACE. And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee : though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. — Isa. xii. i. O Lord, I will praise thee, Thy mercy hath raised me From sorrow and sin ; Thine anger that burneth, To love often turneth My spirit to win. Thy mercy was proffered, Atonement was offered, To rescue my soul ; My heart unbelieving, . While Satan deceiving, • Still kept the control. But through thy rich treasure, Thy love without measure, Was sent from thee, Lord ; For thy word hath taught me, A great price hath bought me, — The price of thy blood. THE DEW OF HERMON. 225 Thou art now forever My Saviour, and never Will I cease to sing Thy praises ; while dwelling On earth, I '11 be telling Of Jesus my king. Thy comfort abideth, For it never hideth From me in distress ; Thy word shall endure, Remaining secure, Forever to bless. REHEARSING GOD'S MERCIES. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone ; my steps had well nigh slipped. — Psalm lxxiii. i, 2. Truly, Israel, God is good, When we trust in Him for food, And to all whose hearts are clean, Where no sin doth intervene. But my sins were rising high, And my steps had slipped, well nigh ; With my feet upon the brink, One more step, and lo ! I sink. 226 THE DEW OF HERMON. Jesus ready stood to save Ere I sank below the wave, Stretching out his mighty hand, Bid me in his faith to stand. Lord, I would in thee believe ! Thou wilt graciously receive ; Thou shalt guide me in thy way With thy counsel, day by day. And if faithful here below, Ever more thou wilt bestow Grace and wisdom, to impart Peace and comfort to the heart. After that, thou wilt receive Me to glory, there to live, And with thee to reign above, Evermore to sing thy love. GOD'S WORD THE CHRISTIAN'S INHER- ITANCE. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage forever ; for they are the rejoicing of my heart. — Psalm cxix. 1 1 1. Thy testimonies, God of love, Shall be my heritage ; They lead my soul to things above, From childhood unto age. THE DEW OF HERMON. 2 2? Them have I taken, ne'er to part With them — they are my guide — And the rejoicing of my heart, — What can I want beside. I have inclined my heart to thee, Thy statutes to perform ; For they are all things unto me, They clothe and keep me warm. Thy gracious words are my delight, My comfort all the day ; My soul shall sing thy praise by night, And thy commands obey. Thou art my heritage above. Long shall thy word endure ; It points to my Redeemer's love, Bids me in heart be pure. Thy words shall raise me from the grave, To meet thee in the air. For thou hast died my all to save, Thou wilt not leave me there. 228 THE DEW OF HER MO IV. THE FULFILMENT OF THE SCRIPTURES. For verily, I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. — Matt. v. 18. Till heaven and earth shall pass away, Thy law shall never fail ; Thy blest command we would obey, — God, let it prevail. Thy law is love — to love our God, And love our fellow man • Transgressors feel thy chastening rod ; Thy love, they never can. The faithful soul that loves the Lord With all his heart and mind, Receives the truths thy words afford, With joy that 's undefined. In Christ thy word has been fulfilled, Thy word hath purified ; Through all our soul thy truth distilled, It cleansed and sanctified. LOOKING TO GOD. My heart is fixed, O God, ray heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise. — Psalm lvii. 7. My heart is fixed, O God, on thee, 1 '11 sing. and give thee praise, THE DEW OF HERMON. 229 Nor fear what foes can do to me \ Thy truth shall guide my ways. Though oft the hosts of darkness rise, And seek to cloud my sky, On thee, by faith, I Ve fixed my eyes, 'T is vain for them to try. Thy mercy reacheth unto heaven, Thy truth up to the cloud ; At morn, at noon, and at even, I '11 pray and cry aloud. For thou hast heard my fervent prayer, And stayed my heart on thee ; Thou wilt protect me from the snare The foe hath laid for me. THE REVELATION OF THE SPIRIT. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit ; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. — 1 Cor. ii. 9, 10. Eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard, Nor doth the heart of man conceive, The things which God hath by his word Prepared for those who do believe. 230 THE DEW OF HERMON. But God hath unto us revealed The mysteries of hidden things ; For by his Spirit we are sealed, The Spirit all this knowledge brings. The Lord gives life, and peace, and health, And all the joys of social bliss ; He giveth all we want of wealth, — We thank and praise the Lord for this. But He hath given eternal life, And pleasure that will never end, Where neither care, nor toil, nor strife Shall enter, where rich dews descend. God's kingdom is in every heart That doth by simple faith receive His blessed truths, that will impart True peace to all who will believe. His gracious kingdom here below Shall be a kingdom glorified ; Then we his perfect love shall know, And dwell with all the sanctified. It doth not yet to us appear What we shall be in heaven above ; But if we love and serve Him here, We shall be perfect in his love. THE DEW OF HERMON. 23 1 And when our blessed Lord shall come, To our salvation without sin, To take his ransomed people home, We shall be made like unto Him. THE PERFECT MAN IN CHRIST. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. — Eph. iv. 13. Lord, may we each our gifts improve, That is by grace bestowed ; And by thy Holy Spirit move, And keep the heavenly road, Till we are perfect all in one, United in the faith And knowledge of thy blessed Son, — The mystery of his death. Then from that blest immortal fount Of everlasting life, We '11 drink, then with an angel mount Above this world of strife. Then Christ shall dwell within our hearts, His gracious promise saith ; For where love enters, sin departs, That sin that worketh death. 232 THE DEW OF HERMON. Our spirits then shall soar above, And with the saints in light May comprehend this wondrous love, In length, and depth, and height. THE CHRISTIAN'S DUTY. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. — Heb. xii. 14. O God of peace, with power instill Thy holy principle of love Into every heart, till peace shall fill The earth, as it does heaven above. May discord and contention cease ; With all men let us follow peace, And holiness of heart and life, Without which none shall see the Lord ; For questions that engender strife. Are by the Holy One abhorred ; Let carnal minds these wilds pursue, But saints have better work to do. BECOMING MORE LIKE CHRIST. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. — 2 Cor. hi. 18. But now we all with open face Behold the glory of the Lord THE DEW OF HERMON. 233 As in a glass ; and by his grace, We see his Spirit in the word. And while his glory we behold, Oh, glory to the name of God ; Our hearts into his image mould, As by the Spirit of the Lord. Then let us ever keep in view, The glorious prize for which we run ; And eagerly may we pursue Our journey, till the prize is won. For Jesus is our leading star, He is our sun of righteousness ; He is the prize for which we are All striving ever to possess. If we by faith behold his face, And follow in the heavenly road, We soon shall win the blessed race, We shall be soon made like our Lord. 234 THE DEW OP HERMON. SALVATION NOT OBTAINED BY WORKS. Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight. Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord God, be it known unto you : be ashamed and confounded for your bwn ways, O house of Is- rael. — Ezek. xxxvi. 3ij 32. The Lord hath sprinkled with his blood, And cleansed from all iniquity, And purified us by his word, — Our labors blessed abundantly. But this was not for our sake, But for the sake of his great name ; For we the Lord did oft forsake, — Now for our ways we 're filled with shame. We loathe ourselves in our own sight, When we remember all our ways ; For this is no small thing, or light, That we are spared to sing his praise. But He would have the heathen know That He is God, and doth provide, And that his people where they go Are blest, and greatly multiplied. THE DEW OF HERMON. 235 THE CROSS THE CHRISTIAN'S GLORY. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. — Gal. vi. 14. I glory in the cross of Christ, . And God forbid that I should be By worldly glory e'er enticed, But ever seek humility. By faith in Christ I 'm crucified To all the world of sin and shame ; By faith in Him we 're sanctified, — Oh there is power in Jesus' name. The world is crucified to me, No more I seek its fleeting charms ; For Jesus Christ by faith I see, I rest supported in his arms. Forever here, oh let me rest, And glory in his holy name ; In Him my soul is ever blest, In Him my faith shall still remain. 236 THE DEW OF HERMON. THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM. When they had heard the king, they departed ; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they *rejoiced with exceeding great joy. — Matt. ii. 9, 10. When gentle eve steals o'er the earthy My humble voice I raise, All free from toil, all care and mirth, My God I '11 sing thy praise. Oh let thy Spirit now descend, May I a tribute bring To my Redeemer, Saviour, Friend, To thee, my God and King. The waning moon is shining low Where flows the crystal tide, And balmy zephyrs gently blow As on the waters glide. The feathered tribes now cease their flight, Their evening notes proclaim ; All nature sweetly doth unite In one delightful strain. The planets harmonizing shine In their appointed sphere j THE DEW OF HERMON. 237 And rolling oceans ! how sublime The heavens and earth appear. Is it not like Jerusalem, Where rose the eastern star, Which shone o'er ancient Bethlehem, That sages followed far ? O star of hope ! it still doth bring Good tidings to our race ; Salvation through our heavenly King, Illuminating grace. But if perchance a meteor's ray Should shine upon the place, And we mistake the glimmering way, 'T will lead us far from grace. But if we follow on to know What God designs for his, And ask Him but his will to show, 'T will lead where Jesus is. Oh let no good that we have known, Or beauty, here outshine The crowning goodness thou hast shown, That we might all be thine. 238 THE DEW OF HERMON. TRIUMPH OF THE GOSPEL. There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains ; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon : and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth. — Psalm lxxii. 16. Once in a silent upper room, Where dwelt the humble few, A voice arose amid the gloom, In prayer sincere and true. These faithful mourners bowed the head, By bitter grief oppressed ; Deserted by the world they fled, And sought a quiet rest. Again they met with one accord, To read and sing and pray, And hear the blessed word of God, On Pentecostal yad. But suddenly there came a sound, Descending from above, That made that holy place resound With songs of Jesus' love. For as the rushing mighty winds The Holy Spirit came, THE DEW OF HERMON. 239 And thousands who renounced their sins Believed on Jesus' name. Then everywhere they preached the word, And multitudes believed The gospel of the blessed Lord Which many had received. From north to south, and east to west, Their words like arrows flew, For soon the members of the blest Were scattered like the dew. And now throughout our blessed land The gospel trumpet sounds, And blessed is the Christian band Where holy love abounds. Though on the mount of Palestine The holy seed was sown By Jesus, the poor Nazarene, Who toiled and sweat alone — The fruit now shakes like Lebanon, We hear the music sweet, From morning till the set of sun, Where'er his people meet. 240 THE DEW OF HERMON. HUMAN LIFE. What is your life ? — James iv. 14. What is your life ? a vapor That rises in the air, That but a moment lingers, Although it seems so fair. What is your life ? a shadow That vanishes away ; It tarries but a moment, For death makes no delay. What is your life ? a flower That bloometh in the morn, And f adeth in an hour, Or at the evening dawn. What is your life ? a journey ; We 're travellers here below, To that blest, happy country, Or to the world of woe. Awake, O thou, from sleeping, Prepare to meet thy God ! For evermore believing In Jesus Christ the Lord. THE DEW OF HERMON. 24 1 I WOULD NOT LIVE ALWAYS. Job vii. 16. How blest in youth to make the choice Of wisdom's path of rest and peace, That makes the soul in age rejoice, When hopes of life and pleasure cease. We would not always live oelow, Where scenes of joy so soon are past ; But onward gladly would we go, Where youth and beauty ever last. For there the spirit, ever young, Shall never feel the waste of time, But shall, with an immortal tongue, Rejoice in strains of love sublime. But we will wait till God shall call Our spirits home to rest above ; Obediently performing all Our works of faith, and hope, and love GOD'S PROMISE SURE. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. — Psalm cxvi. 15. Rest, rest from thy labor of love ; Thy Saviour hath bidden thee go 16 242 THE DEW OF HERMON. To rest that is sweeter above, Than aught thou hast tasted below. Thy prayers and thy labors are blest, The Lord is not slack to perform ; He heard thy most fervent request, 1 And sheltered thy babes from the storm. Let Christians rejoice and be glad In Him that is faithful and true ; We would not be mournful or sad, For thou art now praising Him too. And when we shall meet Him above, We '11 praise Him in notes more divine ; For all that compassionate love That in his divinity shine. THE DYING CHRISTIANS For to me to live is Christ, to die is gain. — Phil. i. 21. He gladly resigns his commission from heaven, With all of his labors, his hopes, and his fears ; 1 " Be kind, sweet friends, to my orphan babes." — Dying request of Mrs. M . 8 Suggested on reading an account of the closing scene in the life of the Rev. D. H. M THE DEW OF HERMON. 243 He knows from the hand of the Lord they were given, He yields them again in the midst of his years. His toil and his sufferings will soon have an ending, Then peace in his bosom forever shall reign ; His spirit to God is in triumph ascending, To live hath been Christ, and to die now is gain. Around his death-bed now loved ones are bending, While heavenly music is filling the room, For mortals with angels their voices are blend- ing, While death is preparing his work for the tomb. The light of the earth is now fading before him, But glory from heaven breaks forth on his sight, He sees the Redeemer, and hastes to adore • Him, To dwell in his presence — forever in light.