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diff --git a/old/54526-h/54526-h.htm b/old/54526-h/54526-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 6d6f4cc..0000000 --- a/old/54526-h/54526-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,11754 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> - -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> - <title> - Religious Poems - </title> - - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - - <style type="text/css"> - - body { - margin-left: 7%; - margin-right: 7%; - font-size: 100%; - } - - p { - margin-top: .5em; - text-indent: 1em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: 1em; - line-height: 112%; - } - - h1 { - text-align: center; - clear: both; - font-weight: normal; - font-style: normal; - font-size: 120%; - line-height: 120%; - margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - } - - h2 { - text-align: center; - clear: both; - font-weight: normal; - font-style: normal; - font-size: 110%; - line-height: 110%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - } - - .faux { - visibility: hidden; - margin-top: 1em; - } - - /* styles for Transcriber's Note */ - #tnote { - background-color: #EEE; - color: inherit; - margin:2em 25%; - padding: 0.5em 1em; - border: 1px solid gray; - font-size: small; - } - #tnote p { - text-indent: 0; - text-align: left; - margin-bottom: .75em; - margin-top: .25em; - } - - /* styles for illustrations */ - .image-center { - margin: 2em auto; - text-align: center; - } - .caption { - font-size: small; - margin: 0.25em 0; - } - .caption p.left { - margin-bottom: 0; - text-align: left; - text-indent: 2em; - font-size: x-small; - } - .caption p.center { - margin-top: 0; - margin-bottom: 2em; - text-align: center; - text-indent: 0; - } - - /* styles for front matter */ - #front { - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - } - #front p { - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - text-indent: 0; - text-align: center; - line-height: 125%; - } - - /* styles for ToC */ - #toc { - table-layout: fixed; - width: 80%; - max-width: 30em; - line-height: 80%; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; - margin-bottom: 3em; - } - #toc td { - font-size: 90%; - } - #toc td.title { - width: 43%; - padding-left: 1em; - text-indent: -1em; - text-align: left; - } - #toc td.author { - width: 42%; - padding-left: 1em; - text-indent: -1em; - text-align: right; - font-style: italic; - } - #toc td.pag { - text-align: right; - } - - /* styles for poetry */ - .poetry-container { - text-align: center; - } - .poetry { - display: inline-block; - text-align: left; - } - .poetry .stanza { - margin: 0.5em auto; - } - .poetry .verse { - text-indent: -3em; - padding-left: 3em; - } - .poetry .quote { - text-indent: -3.25em; - } - .poetry .indent-4 { - text-indent: -5em; - } - .poetry .indent2 { - text-indent: -2em; - } - .poetry .indent4 { - text-indent: -1em; - } - .poetry .indent6 { - text-indent: 0em; - } - .poetry .indent8 { - text-indent: 1em; - } - .poetry .indent10 { - text-indent: 2em; - } - .poetry .indent12 { - text-indent: 3em; - } - .poetry .indent16 { - text-indent: 5em; - } - .poetry .indent20 { - text-indent: 7em; - } - - /* styles for font dropcaps */ - div.drop-cap { - text-indent: 0em; - padding-left: 0em; - } - div.drop-cap:first-letter { - float: left; - margin: 0.05em 0.1em 0em 0em; - font-size: 220%; - line-height:0.85em; - } - - /* style for page numbers */ - .pagenum { - position: absolute; - right: 1.5%; - font-size: small; - font-style: normal; - font-weight: normal; - text-align: right; - } - - /* styles for footnotes */ - .fnanchor { - vertical-align: 15%; - font-size: x-small; - } - .footnote p { - margin-left: 3.5%; - margin-right: 3.5%; - font-size: small; - } - - /* misc styles */ - .nodent { text-indent: 0; } - .center { text-indent: 0; text-align: center; } - .smcap { font-variant: small-caps; } - .uppercase { text-transform: uppercase; } - .gap-above { margin-top: 2em; } - .gap-between { letter-spacing: 3em; } - .large { font-size: large; } - .x-large { font-size: x-large; } - .small { font-size: small; } - .x-small { font-size: x-small; } - -@media handheld { - div.drop-cap:first-letter { - float: none; - margin: 0; - font-size: 100%; - } - } - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Religious Poems, by Various - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Religious Poems - -Author: Various - -Release Date: April 10, 2017 [EBook #54526] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RELIGIOUS POEMS *** - - - - -Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Chris Pinfield and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div id="tnote"> - -<p>Transcriber's Note.</p> - -<p>The compiler of this collection is not identified.</p> - -<p>Apparent typographical errors have been corrected. "Zavier" has been -replaced by "Xavier". Inconsistencies in the use of hyphens and of -accents have been retained.</p> - -<p>Where individual poems lack titles they are identified, in the Table of -Contents, by their first line or an appropriate phrase.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="image-center" style="max-width: 481px;"> - <img src="images/illus002.jpg" width="481" height="600" alt="002jpg"/> - <div class="caption"> - <p class="left">Religious Poems</p> - <p class="center">THE ANGEL'S INTERCESSION.</p> - </div> -</div> - -<div id="front"> - -<h1>RELIGIOUS POEMS</h1> - -<p>SELECTED.</p> - -<p>PHILADELPHIA:<br /> - THE RODGERS COMPANY.</p> - -</div> - -<h2>CONTENTS.</h2> - -<table id="toc" summary="ToC"> - -<tr> - <td class="title"></td> - <td class="author"></td> - <td class="pag"><small>PAGE</small></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Our King</td> - <td class="author">Frances Ridley Havergal.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Sleep</td> - <td class="author">E. B. Browning.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">God's Commands</td> - <td class="author">Doddridge.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Be Strong</td> - <td class="author">Adelaide Procter.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Sleep of the Beloved</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Self-Dependence</td> - <td class="author">Matthew Arnold.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">What is Prayer?</td> - <td class="author">James Montgomery.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Virgin Mary to the Child Jesus</td> - <td class="author">E. B. Browning.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Voice from Galilee</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Lead, Kindly Light</td> - <td class="author">Cardinal Newman.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Weary of Life</td> - <td class="author">Unidentified.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Come unto Me</td> - <td class="author">Unidentified.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Earth's Beauty</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Servant of God</td> - <td class="author">James Montgomery.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Angel's Story</td> - <td class="author">Adelaide Procter.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Jesus</td> - <td class="author">Bernard.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Morality</td> - <td class="author">Matthew Arnold.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_45">45</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Morning</td> - <td class="author">John Keble.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Divine Order</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Issues of Life and Death</td> - <td class="author">James Montgomery.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_51">51</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Gracious Spirit</td> - <td class="author">Stocker.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_52">52</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">St. Agnes' Eve</td> - <td class="author">Alfred Tennyson.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_53">53</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Life and Death</td> - <td class="author">Adelaide Procter.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_54">54</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Angel's Call</td> - <td class="author">Mrs. Hemans.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">I would not Live alway</td> - <td class="author">Muhlenberg.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_57">57</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Jerusalem the Golden</td> - <td class="author">Bernard.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">When our Heads are Bowed</td> - <td class="author">Heber.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">O Soul, Soul</td> - <td class="author">Henry C. Graves.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_61">61</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Look</td> - <td class="author">E. B. Browning.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Meaning of the Look</td> - <td class="author">E. B. Browning.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Comfort</td> - <td class="author">E. B. Browning.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_63">63</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Substitution</td> - <td class="author">E. B. Browning.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_64">64</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Tears</td> - <td class="author">E. B. Browning.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Cheerfulness taught by Reason</td> - <td class="author">E. B. Browning.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Prospect</td> - <td class="author">E. B. Browning.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_66">66</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Consolation</td> - <td class="author">E. B. Browning.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_67">67</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">A Thought over a Cradle</td> - <td class="author">N. P. Willis.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_68">68</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Everlasting Blessings</td> - <td class="author">Frances Ridley Havergal.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_69">69</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Mother to her Child</td> - <td class="author">N. P. Willis.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_70">70</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Give me thy Heart</td> - <td class="author">Adelaide Procter.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">One Sweetly Solemn Thought</td> - <td class="author">Phœbe Carey.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_75">75</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Left Behind</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_76">76</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Lord, what a Change</td> - <td class="author">Richard Chenevix Trench.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Our Father</td> - <td class="author">Frances Ridley Havergal.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Thou art the Way</td> - <td class="author">Doane.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Night and the Morning</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_86">86</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">In Affliction</td> - <td class="author">James Montgomery.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Give to the Winds</td> - <td class="author">Gerhard.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Where wilt Thou</td> - <td class="author">Mrs. Sigourney.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">One there is above</td> - <td class="author">Newton.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">God moves in a mysterious way</td> - <td class="author">Cowper.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_90">90</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Onward, Christian</td> - <td class="author">Johnson.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_91">91</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Thankfulness</td> - <td class="author">Adelaide Procter.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_92">92</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Does the Gospel word proclaim</td> - <td class="author">Newton.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_94">94</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">My God, my Father</td> - <td class="author">C. Elliott.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Seen and the Unseen</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_96">96</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">I am far frae my Hame</td> - <td class="author">Unidentified.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_101">101</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Sinner's Friend</td> - <td class="author">Charlotte Elliott.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Evening Prayer at a Girls' School</td> - <td class="author">Mrs. Hemans.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_105">105</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">I Worship Thee</td> - <td class="author">F. W. Faber.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_107">107</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Peace of God</td> - <td class="author">Adelaide Procter.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Listening in Darkness—Speaking in Light</td> - <td class="author">Frances R. Havergal.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_112">112</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Morning Star</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_113">113</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">God of the World</td> - <td class="author">S. S. Cutting.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_114">114</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">There is a God</td> - <td class="author">Steele.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Lord, how Mysterious</td> - <td class="author">Steele.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Shadow of the Rock</td> - <td class="author">F. W. Faber.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Elegy</td> - <td class="author">Henry King.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Rest Yonder</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_122">122</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Soldiers of Christ</td> - <td class="author">C. Wesley.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Thy Will be done</td> - <td class="author">J. Roscoe.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_124">124</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">It is not Dying</td> - <td class="author">Malan.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_125">125</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Watchman! tell us of the Night</td> - <td class="author">Bowring.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Spirit accompanying the Word of God</td> - <td class="author">James Montgomery.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Cloudless</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_128">128</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Comfort</td> - <td class="author">Adelaide Procter.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_130">130</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">"Master, Say On!"</td> - <td class="author">Frances Ridley Havergal.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_132">132</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Leper</td> - <td class="author">N. P. Willis.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_134">134</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Things hoped for</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Sure Refuge</td> - <td class="author">Unidentified.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_144">144</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Unfruitfulness</td> - <td class="author">F. W. Faber.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Murmuring</td> - <td class="author">Richard Chenevix Trench.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_148">148</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">If thou couldst Know</td> - <td class="author">Adelaide Procter.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_149">149</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Compensation</td> - <td class="author">Frances Ridley Havergal.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_150">150</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Valiant for the Truth</td> - <td class="author">James Montgomery.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_156">156</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Advent</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">A Bethlehem Hymn</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">A Desire</td> - <td class="author">Adelaide Procter.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_161">161</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">That Glorious Song of Old</td> - <td class="author">Sears.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_164">164</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Hail to the Lord's</td> - <td class="author">Montgomery.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_165">165</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Old, Old Story</td> - <td class="author">Jemima Luke.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_167">167</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">My Jesus</td> - <td class="author">Unidentified.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_168">168</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">How Beauteous were the marks divine</td> - <td class="author">A. C. Coxe.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_169">169</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">O Sacred Head</td> - <td class="author">Bernard.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_171">171</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Heart of Stone</td> - <td class="author">C. Wesley.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_172">172</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">"By Thy Cross and Passion"</td> - <td class="author">Frances Ridley Havergal.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_173">173</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Abide in Him</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_175">175</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Rejoice, all ye Believers</td> - <td class="author">Laurenti.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_176">176</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Joined to Christ</td> - <td class="author">Frances Ridley Havergal.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_177">177</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">"Till He Come!"</td> - <td class="author">E. W. Bickersteth.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_178">178</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">"Forever with the Lord!"</td> - <td class="author">James Montgomery.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_180">180</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Meeting-Place</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_181">181</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">A Little While</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_183">183</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Ascension Day</td> - <td class="author">John Keble.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_185">185</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Sacrifice of Abraham</td> - <td class="author">N. P. Willis.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_188">188</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">A Solitary Way</td> - <td class="author">Unidentified.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_192">192</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Child's Welcome into Heaven</td> - <td class="author">Unidentified.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_194">194</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">"Now"</td> - <td class="author">Frances Ridley Havergal.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_196">196</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Ocean Teachings</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_201">201</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Incompleteness</td> - <td class="author">Adelaide Procter.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_203">203</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Nothing to Do</td> - <td class="author">Unidentified.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_205">205</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Death</td> - <td class="author">From "Sintram."</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_206">206</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">It is not Death to Die</td> - <td class="author">Bethune.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_207">207</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Rugby Chapel</td> - <td class="author">Matthew Arnold.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_208">208</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Right must Win</td> - <td class="author">F. W. Faber.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_217">217</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Substitute</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_221">221</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Jephthah's Daughter</td> - <td class="author">N. P. Willis.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_222">222</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Lord, many Times</td> - <td class="author">Richard Chenevix Trench.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_228">228</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Cleansing Fires</td> - <td class="author">Adelaide Procter.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_228">228</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Gone Before</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_229">229</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Lent Jewels</td> - <td class="author">Richard Chenevix Trench.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_231">231</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">On the Death of a Missionary</td> - <td class="author">N. P. Willis.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_233">233</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Set Apart</td> - <td class="author">Frances Ridley Havergal.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_236">236</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Useful Life</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_238">238</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Hymn</td> - <td class="author">Charlotte Elliott.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_240">240</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">"Behold, the Bridegroom Cometh!"</td> - <td class="author">Unidentified.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_242">242</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">It may be in the Evening</td> - <td class="author">Unidentified.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_246">246</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Joy of Assurance</td> - <td class="author">Frances Ridley Havergal.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_251">251</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">"How Wonderful!"</td> - <td class="author">Frances Ridley Havergal.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_252">252</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Thy Way, not Mine</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_253">253</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">A Child's First Impression of a Star</td> - <td class="author">N. P. Willis.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_255">255</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">"Come unto Me!"</td> - <td class="author">From St. Stephen the Sabaite.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_256">256</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">"Looking unto Jesus"</td> - <td class="author">From the German.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_257">257</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Evening Hymn</td> - <td class="author">Adelaide Procter.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_259">259</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Are all the Children in?</td> - <td class="author">Unidentified.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_261">261</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">He Leads us On</td> - <td class="author">Unidentified.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_263">263</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Nothing but Leaves</td> - <td class="author">Unidentified.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_264">264</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Because He first Loved us</td> - <td class="author">Francis Xavier.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_265">265</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Sonnet</td> - <td class="author">Richard Chenevix Trench.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_266">266</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Rest at Evening</td> - <td class="author">Adelaide Procter.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_267">267</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Now the Day is over</td> - <td class="author">Unidentified.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_268">268</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">The Land of Light</td> - <td class="author">Horatius Bonar.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_270">270</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Abide with Me</td> - <td class="author">Lyte.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_271">271</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="title">Farewell of the Soul to the Body</td> - <td class="author">Mrs. Sigourney.</td> - <td class="pag"><a href="#Page_272">272</a></td> -</tr> - -</table> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">{9}</a></div> - -<p class="center x-large">RELIGIOUS POEMS</p> - -<h2>OUR KING.</h2> - -<p class="center small">"Worship thou Him." Ps. xlv. 11.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">O Saviour,</span> - precious Saviour,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Whom yet unseen we love,</div> -<div class="verse">O Name of might and favor,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All other names above:</div> -<div class="verse indent6">We worship Thee, we bless Thee,</div> -<div class="verse indent8">To Thee alone we sing;</div> -<div class="verse indent6">We praise Thee, and confess Thee</div> -<div class="verse indent8">Our holy Lord and King!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">O Bringer of salvation,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Who wondrously hast wrought,</div> -<div class="verse">Thyself the revelation</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of love beyond our thought:</div> -<div class="verse indent6">We worship Thee, we bless Thee,</div> -<div class="verse indent8">To Thee alone we sing;</div> -<div class="verse indent6">We praise Thee, and confess Thee</div> -<div class="verse indent8">Our gracious Lord and King!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">{10}</a></div> -<div class="verse">In Thee all fullness dwelleth,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All grace and power divine;</div> -<div class="verse">The glory that excelleth,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O, Son of God, is Thine:</div> -<div class="verse indent6">We worship Thee, we bless Thee,</div> -<div class="verse indent8">To Thee alone we sing;</div> -<div class="verse indent6">We praise Thee, and confess Thee</div> -<div class="verse indent8">Our glorious Lord and King!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Oh, grant the consummation</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of this our song above,</div> -<div class="verse">In endless adoration,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And everlasting love:</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Then shall we praise and bless Thee,</div> -<div class="verse indent8">Where perfect praises ring,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">And evermore confess Thee</div> -<div class="verse indent8">Our Saviour and our King!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Frances Ridley Havergal.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE SLEEP.</h2> - - <p class="center small">He giveth His beloved sleep. Ps. cxxvii. 2.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Of</span> - all the thoughts of God that are</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Borne inward unto souls afar,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Along the Psalmist's music deep,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">{11}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Now tell me if that any is,</div> -<div class="verse">For gift or grace, surpassing this—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'He giveth His beloved, sleep?'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">What would we give to our beloved?</div> -<div class="verse">The hero's heart, to be unmoved,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The poet's star-tuned harp, to sweep,</div> -<div class="verse">The patriot's voice, to teach and rouse,</div> -<div class="verse">The monarch's crown, to light the brows?—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'He giveth <i>His</i> beloved, sleep.'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">What do we give to our beloved?</div> -<div class="verse">A little faith all undisproved,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A little dust to overweep,</div> -<div class="verse">And bitter memories to make</div> -<div class="verse">The whole earth blasted for our sake.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'He giveth <i>His</i> beloved, sleep.'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">'Sleep soft, beloved!' we sometimes say</div> -<div class="verse">But have no tune to charm away</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sad dreams that through the eyelids creep.</div> -<div class="verse">But never doleful dream again</div> -<div class="verse">Shall break the happy slumber when</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'He giveth <i>His</i> beloved, sleep.'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">{12}</a></div> -<div class="verse">O earth, so full of dreary noises!</div> -<div class="verse">O men, with wailing in your voices!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O delvèd gold, the wailers heap!</div> -<div class="verse">O strife, O curse, that o'er it fall!</div> -<div class="verse">God strikes a silence through you all,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And 'giveth His beloved, sleep.'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">His dews drop mutely on the hill,</div> -<div class="verse">His cloud above it saileth still,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Though on its slope men sow and reap,</div> -<div class="verse">More softly than the dew is shed,</div> -<div class="verse">Or clouds is floated overhead,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'He giveth His beloved, sleep.'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Aye, men may wonder while they scan</div> -<div class="verse">A living, thinking, feeling man,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Confirmed in such a rest to keep;</div> -<div class="verse">But angels say, and through the word</div> -<div class="verse">I think their happy smile is <i>heard</i>—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'He giveth His beloved, sleep!'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">For me, my heart that erst did go</div> -<div class="verse">Most like a tired child at a show,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That sees through tears the mummers leap,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">{13}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Would now its wearied vision close,</div> -<div class="verse">Would child-like on <i>His</i> love repose,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Who 'giveth His beloved, sleep!'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And friends, dear friends,—when it shall be</div> -<div class="verse">That this low breath is gone from me,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And round my bier ye come to weep,</div> -<div class="verse">Let one, most loving of you all,</div> -<div class="verse">Say, 'Not a tear must o'er her fall—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He giveth His beloved, sleep.'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>E. B. Browning.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">GOD'S COMMANDS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">How</span> - gentle God's commands!</div> -<div class="verse indent4">How kind his precepts are!</div> -<div class="verse">Come, cast your burdens on the Lord,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And trust his constant care.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Beneath his watchful eye</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His saints securely dwell;</div> -<div class="verse">That hand which bears all nature up</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Shall guard his children well.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Why should this anxious load</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Press down your weary mind?</div> -<div class="verse">Haste to your heavenly Father's throne</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And sweet refreshment find.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">{14}</a></div> -<div class="verse">His goodness stands approved,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Unchanged from day to day:</div> -<div class="verse">I'll drop my burden at his feet,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And bear a song away.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Doddridge.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>BE STRONG.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Be</span> - strong to <i>hope</i>, O Heart!</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Though day is bright,</div> -<div class="verse">The stars can only shine</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In the dark night.</div> -<div class="verse">Be strong, O Heart of mine,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Look towards the light!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Be strong to <i>bear</i>, O Heart!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Nothing is vain:</div> -<div class="verse">Strive not, for life is care,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And God sends pain;</div> -<div class="verse">Heaven is above, and there</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Rest will remain!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Be strong to <i>love</i>, O Heart!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Love knows not wrong;</div> -<div class="verse">Didst thou love—creatures even,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">{15}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent2">Life were not long;</div> -<div class="verse">Didst thou love God in heaven,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou wouldst be strong!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Adelaide Procter.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE SLEEP OF THE BELOVED.</h2> - -<p class="center small">"So He giveth his beloved sleep." Ps. cxxvii. 2.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Sunlight</span> - has vanished, and the weary earth</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Lies resting from a long day's toil and pain,</div> -<div class="verse">And, looking for a new dawn's early birth,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Seeks strength in slumber for its toil again.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">We too would rest; but ere we close the eye</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Upon the consciousness of waking thought,</div> -<div class="verse">Would calmly turn it to yon star-bright sky,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And lift the soul to Him who slumbers not.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Above us is thy hand with tender care,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Distilling over us the dew of sleep:</div> -<div class="verse">Darkness seems loaded with oblivious air,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In deep forgetfulness each sense to steep.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Thou hast provided midnight's hour of peace,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou stretchest over us the wing of rest;</div> -<div class="verse">With more than all a parent's tenderness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Foldest us sleeping to thy gentle breast.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">{16}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Grief flies away; care quits our easy couch,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Till wakened by thy hand, when breaks the day—</div> -<div class="verse">Like the lone prophet by the angel's touch,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">We rise to tread again our pilgrim-way.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">God of our life! God of each day and night,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Oh, keep us still till life's short race is run!</div> -<div class="verse">Until there dawns the long, long day of light.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That knows no night, yet needs no star nor sun.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>SELF-DEPENDENCE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Weary</span> - of myself, and sick of asking</div> -<div class="verse indent4">What I am, and what I ought to be,</div> -<div class="verse">At this vessel's prow I stand, which bears me</div> -<div class="verse">Forwards, forwards, o'er the starlit sea.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And a look of passionate desire</div> -<div class="verse">O'er the sea and to the stars I send:</div> -<div class="verse">"Ye who from my childhood up have calmed me,</div> -<div class="verse">Calm me, ah, compose me to the end!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Ah, once more," I cried, "ye stars, ye waters,</div> -<div class="verse">On my heart your mighty charm renew;</div> -<div class="verse">Still, still let me, as I gaze upon you,</div> -<div class="verse">Feel my soul becoming vast like you!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">{17}</a></div> -<div class="verse">From the intense, clear, star-sown vault of heaven,</div> -<div class="verse">Over the lit sea's unquiet way,</div> -<div class="verse">In the rustling night-air came the answer,—</div> -<div class="verse">"Wouldst thou <i>be</i> as these are? <i>Live</i> as they.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Unaffrighted by the silence round them,</div> -<div class="verse">Undistracted by the sights they see,</div> -<div class="verse">These demand not that the things without them</div> -<div class="verse">Yield them love, amusement, sympathy.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"And with joy the stars perform their shining,</div> -<div class="verse">And the sea its long moon-silvered roll;</div> -<div class="verse">For self-poised they live, nor pine with noting</div> -<div class="verse">All the fever of some differing soul.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Bounded by themselves, and unregardful</div> -<div class="verse">In what state God's other works may be,</div> -<div class="verse">In their own tasks all their powers pouring,</div> -<div class="verse">These attain the mighty life you see."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">O air-born voice! long since severely clear,</div> -<div class="verse">A cry like thine in mine own heart I hear,—</div> -<div class="verse">"Resolve to be thyself; and know, that he</div> -<div class="verse">Who finds himself loses his misery!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Matthew Arnold.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">{18}</a></div> - -<h2>WHAT IS PRAYER?</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Prayer</span> - is the soul's sincere desire,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Unuttered or expressed;</div> -<div class="verse">The motion of a hidden fire</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That trembles in the breast.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Prayer is the burden of a sigh,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The falling of a tear,</div> -<div class="verse">The upward glancing of an eye,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When none but God is near.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Prayer is the simplest form of speech</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That infant lips can try;</div> -<div class="verse">Prayer the sublimest strains that reach</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The majesty on high.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Returning from his ways;</div> -<div class="verse">While angels in their songs rejoice,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And cry—"Behold he prays!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The Christian's native air:</div> -<div class="verse">His watchword at the gates of death—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He enters heaven with prayer.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">{19}</a></div> -<div class="verse">The saints in prayer appear as one</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In word, and deed, and mind,</div> -<div class="verse">While with the Father and the Son</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sweet fellowship they find.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Nor prayer is made by man alone</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The Holy Spirit pleads</div> -<div class="verse">And Jesus, on the eternal throne</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For sinners intercedes.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">O Thou, by whom we come to God—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The Life, the Truth, the Way;</div> -<div class="verse">The path of prayer Thyself hast trod;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Lord! teach us how to pray.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>James Montgomery.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE VIRGIN MARY TO THE CHILD JESUS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="small verse">But see, the Virgin blest</div> -<div class="small verse">Hath laid her babe to rest.</div> -<div class="small verse indent6"><span class="smcap">Milton's</span> <i>Hymn on the Nativity</i>.</div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Sleep,</span> - sleep, mine Holy One!</div> -<div class="verse indent4">My flesh, my Lord!—what name? I do not know</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">{20}</a></div> -<div class="verse">A name that seemeth not too high or low,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Too far from me or Heaven.</div> -<div class="verse">My Jesus, <i>that</i> is best! that word being given</div> -<div class="verse">By the majestic angel whose command</div> -<div class="verse">Was softly as a man's beseeching said,</div> -<div class="verse">When I and all the earth appeared to stand</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In the great overflow</div> -<div class="verse">Of light celestial from his wings and head.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sleep, sleep, my saving One!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And art Thou come for saving, baby-browed</div> -<div class="verse">And speechless Being—art Thou come for saving?</div> -<div class="verse">The palm that grows beside our door is bowed</div> -<div class="verse">By treadings of the low wind from the south,</div> -<div class="verse">A restless shadow through the chamber waving:</div> -<div class="verse">Upon its bough a bird sings in the sun;</div> -<div class="verse">But Thou, with that close slumber on Thy mouth,</div> -<div class="verse">Dost seem of wind and sun already weary.</div> -<div class="verse">Art come for saving, O my weary One?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Perchance this sleep that shutteth out the dreary</div> -<div class="verse">Earth-sounds and motions, opens on Thy soul</div> -<div class="verse">High dreams on fire with God;</div> -<div class="verse">High songs that make the pathways where they roll</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">{21}</a></div> -<div class="verse">More bright than stars do theirs; and visions new</div> -<div class="verse">Of Thine eternal Nature's old abode.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Suffer this mother's kiss,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Best thing that earthly is,</div> -<div class="verse">To guide the music and the glory through,</div> -<div class="verse">Nor narrow in Thy dream the broad upliftings</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of any seraph wing!</div> -<div class="verse">Thus, noiseless, thus. Sleep, sleep, my dreaming One!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The slumber of His lips meseems to run</div> -<div class="verse">Through <i>my</i> lips to mine heart; to all its shiftings</div> -<div class="verse">Of sensual life, bringing contrariousness</div> -<div class="verse">In a great calm. I feel, I could lie down</div> -<div class="verse">As Moses did, and die,<span -class="fnanchor"><a name="Ref_1" id="Ref_1" href="#Foot_1">[1]</a></span> -—and then live most.</div> -<div class="verse">I am 'ware of you, heavenly Presences,</div> -<div class="verse">That stand with your peculiar light unlost,</div> -<div class="verse">Each forehead with a high thought for a crown,</div> -<div class="verse">Unsunned i' the sunshine! I am 'ware. Yet throw</div> -<div class="verse">No shade against the wall! How motionless</div> -<div class="verse">Ye round me with your living statuary,</div> -<div class="verse">While through your whiteness, in and outwardly,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">{22}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Continual thoughts of God appear to go,</div> -<div class="verse">Like light's soul in itself! I bear, I bear,</div> -<div class="verse">To look upon the dropped lids of your eyes,</div> -<div class="verse">Though their external shining testifies</div> -<div class="verse">To that beatitude within, which were</div> -<div class="verse">Enough to blast an eagle at his sun.</div> -<div class="verse">I fall not on my sad clay face before ye;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I look on His. I know</div> -<div class="verse">My spirit which dilateth with the woe</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of His mortality,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">May well contain your glory.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Yea, drop your lids more low.</div> -<div class="verse">Ye are but fellow-worshipers with me!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sleep, sleep, my worshiped One!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">We sat among the stalls at Bethlehem,</div> -<div class="verse">The dumb kine from their fodder turning them,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Softened their horned faces</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To almost human gazes</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Towards the newly Born.</div> -<div class="verse">The simple shepherds from the star-lit brooks</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Brought visionary looks,</div> -<div class="verse">As yet in their astonished hearing rung</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The strange, sweet angel-tongue.</div> -<div class="verse">The magi of the East, in sandals worn,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">{23}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent2">Knelt reverent, sweeping round,</div> -<div class="verse">With long pale beards their gifts upon the ground,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The incense, myrrh and gold,</div> -<div class="verse">These baby hands were impotent to hold.</div> -<div class="verse">So, let all earthlies and celestials wait</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Upon thy royal state!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sleep, sleep, my kingly One!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I am not proud—meek angels, ye invest</div> -<div class="verse">New meeknesses to hear such utterance rest</div> -<div class="verse">On mortal lips,—'I am not proud'—<i>not proud</i>!</div> -<div class="verse">Albeit in my flesh God sent His Son,</div> -<div class="verse">Albeit over Him my head is bowed</div> -<div class="verse">As others bow before Him, still mine heart</div> -<div class="verse">Bows lower than their knees. O centuries</div> -<div class="verse">That roll, in vision, your futurities</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My future grave athwart,—</div> -<div class="verse">Whose murmurs seem to reach me while I keep</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Watch o'er this sleep,—</div> -<div class="verse">Say of me as the Heavenly said,—'Thou art</div> -<div class="verse">The blessedest of women!'—blessedest,</div> -<div class="verse">Not holiest, not noblest—no high name,</div> -<div class="verse">Whose height misplaced may pierce me like a shame,</div> -<div class="verse">When I sit meek in heaven!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">{24}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent20">For me—for me—</div> -<div class="verse">God knows that I am feeble like the rest!—</div> -<div class="verse">I often wandered forth, more child than maiden,</div> -<div class="verse">Among the midnight hills of Galilee,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Whose summits looked heaven-laden;</div> -<div class="verse">Listening to silence as it seemed to be</div> -<div class="verse">God's voice, so soft yet strong—so fain to press</div> -<div class="verse">Upon my heart as Heaven did on the height,</div> -<div class="verse">And waken up its shadows by a light,</div> -<div class="verse">And show its vileness by a holiness.</div> -<div class="verse">Then I knelt down most silent like the night,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Too self-renounced for fears,</div> -<div class="verse">Raising my small face to the countless blue</div> -<div class="verse">Whose stars did mix and tremble in my tears.</div> -<div class="verse">God heard <i>them</i> falling after—with His dew.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">So, seeing my corruption, can I see</div> -<div class="verse">This Incorruptible now born of me—</div> -<div class="verse">This fair new Innocence no sun did chance</div> -<div class="verse">To shine on (for even Adam was no child),</div> -<div class="verse">Created from my nature, all defiled,</div> -<div class="verse">This mystery from out mine ignorance—</div> -<div class="verse">Nor feel the blindness, stain, corruption, more</div> -<div class="verse">Than others do, or <i>I</i> did heretofore?—</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">{25}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Can hands wherein such burden pure has been,</div> -<div class="verse">Not open with the cry 'unclean, unclean!'</div> -<div class="verse">More oft than any else beneath the skies?</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Ah King, ah Christ, ah Son!</div> -<div class="verse">The kine, the shepherds, the abased wise,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Must all less lowly wait</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Than I, upon thy state!—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sleep, sleep, my kingly One!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Art Thou a King, then? Come, His universe,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Come, crown me Him a king!</div> -<div class="verse">Pluck rays from all such stars as never fling</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Their light where fell a curse.</div> -<div class="verse">And make a crowning for this kingly brow!—</div> -<div class="verse">What is my word?—Each empyreal star</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sits in a sphere afar</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In shining ambuscade:</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The child-brow, crowned by none,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Keeps its unchildlike shade.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sleep, sleep, my crownless One!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Unchildlike shade!—no other babe doth wear</div> -<div class="verse">An aspect very sorrowful, as Thou.—</div> -<div class="verse">No small babe-smiles, my watching heart has seen,</div> -<div class="verse">To float like speech the speechless lips between;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">{26}</a></div> -<div class="verse">No dovelike cooing in the golden air,</div> -<div class="verse">No quick short joys of leaping babyhood.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Alas, our earthly good</div> -<div class="verse">In heaven thought evil, seems too good for Thee:</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Yet, sleep, my weary One!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And then the drear sharp tongue of prophecy,</div> -<div class="verse">With the dread sense of things which shall be done,</div> -<div class="verse">Doth smite me inly, like a sword—a sword?</div> -<div class="verse">(<i>That</i> 'smites the Shepherd!') then, I think aloud</div> -<div class="verse">The words 'despised,'—'rejected,'—every word</div> -<div class="verse">Recoiling into darkness as I view</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The <span class="smcap">Darling</span> on my knee.</div> -<div class="verse">Bright angels,—move not!—lest ye stir the cloud</div> -<div class="verse">Betwixt my soul and his futurity!</div> -<div class="verse">I must not die, with mother's work to do,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And could not live—and see.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent2">It is enough to bear</div> -<div class="verse indent2">This image still and fair—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">This holier in sleep,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Than a saint at prayer:</div> -<div class="verse indent2">This aspect of a child</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Who never sinned or smiled—</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">{27}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent2">This presence in an infant's face:</div> -<div class="verse indent2">This sadness most like love</div> -<div class="verse indent2">This love than love more deep,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">This weakness like omnipotence,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">It is so strong to move!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Awful is this watching place,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Awful what I see from hence—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A king, without regalia,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A God, without the thunder,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A child, without the heart for play;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Aye, a Creator rent asunder</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From His first glory and cast away</div> -<div class="verse indent2">On His own world, for me alone</div> -<div class="verse">To hold in hands created, crying—<span class="smcap">Son</span>!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent2">That tear fell not on <span class="smcap">Thee</span>,</div> -<div class="verse">Beloved, yet Thou stirrest in thy slumber!</div> -<div class="verse"><span class="smcap">Thou</span>, stirring not for glad sounds out of number</div> -<div class="verse">Which through the vibratory palm trees run</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From summer wind and bird,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">So quickly hast Thou heard</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A tear fall silently?—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Wak'st Thou, O loving One?—</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>E. B. Browning.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p class="nodent"><a name="Foot_1" id="Foot_1" href="#Ref_1">[1]</a> -It is a Jewish tradition that Moses died of the kisses of God's lips.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">{28}</a></div> - -<h2>THE VOICE FROM GALILEE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I heard</span> - the voice of Jesus say,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">"Come unto me and rest;</div> -<div class="verse">Lay down, thou weary one, lay down</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thy head upon my breast."</div> -<div class="verse">I came to Jesus as I was—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Weary, and worn, and sad;</div> -<div class="verse">I found in Him a resting-place,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And He has made me glad.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I heard the voice of Jesus say,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">"Behold I freely give</div> -<div class="verse">The living water—thirsty one,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Stoop down, and drink, and live."</div> -<div class="verse">I came to Jesus, and I drank</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of that life-giving stream.</div> -<div class="verse">My thirst was quench'd, my soul revived,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And now I live in Him.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I heard the voice of Jesus say,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">"I am this dark world's light;</div> -<div class="verse">Look unto me, thy morn shall rise,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And all thy day be bright."</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">{29}</a></div> -<div class="verse">I looked to Jesus, and I found</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In Him my Star, my Sun;</div> -<div class="verse">And in that Light of Life I'll walk</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Till trav'ling days are done.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Lead,</span> - kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Lead Thou me on;</div> -<div class="verse">The night is dark, and I am far from home,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Lead Thou me on;</div> -<div class="verse">Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see</div> -<div class="verse">The distant scene; one step enough for me.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Shouldst lead me on;</div> -<div class="verse">I loved to choose and see my path; but now</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Lead Thou me on.</div> -<div class="verse">I loved the garish day, and spite of fears,</div> -<div class="verse">Pride ruled my will; remember not past years.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Will lead me on</div> -<div class="verse">O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till</div> -<div class="verse indent6">The night is gone,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">{30}</a></div> -<div class="verse">And with the morn those angel faces smile,</div> -<div class="verse">Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile. </div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Cardinal Newman.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">WEARY OF LIFE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Weary</span> - of earth and laden with my sin,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">I look at heaven and long to enter in;</div> -<div class="verse">But there no evil thing may find a home,</div> -<div class="verse">And yet I hear a voice that bids me, "Come."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">So vile I am, how dare I hope to stand</div> -<div class="verse">In the pure glory of that holy land?</div> -<div class="verse">Before the whiteness of that Throne appear?</div> -<div class="verse">Yet there are Hands stretched out to draw me near.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The while I fain would tread the heavenly way,</div> -<div class="verse">Evil is ever with me day by day;</div> -<div class="verse">Yet on mine ears the gracious tidings fall,</div> -<div class="verse">"Repent, confess, thou shalt be loosed from all."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">It is the voice of <span class="smcap">Jesus</span> that I hear,</div> -<div class="verse">His are the Hands stretched out to draw me near,</div> -<div class="verse">And His the Blood that can for all atone,</div> -<div class="verse">And set me faultless there before the Throne.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">{31}</a></div> -<div class="verse">'Twas He who found me on the deathly wild,</div> -<div class="verse">And made me heir of heaven, the <span class="smcap">Father's</span> child,</div> -<div class="verse">And day by day, whereby my soul may live,</div> -<div class="verse">Gives me His Grace of pardon, and will give.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">O great Absolver, grant my soul may wear</div> -<div class="verse">The lowliest garb of penitence and prayer,</div> -<div class="verse">That in the <span class="smcap">Father's</span> courts my glorious dress</div> -<div class="verse">May be the garment of Thy righteousness.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Yea, Thou wilt answer for me, Righteous <span class="smcap">Lord</span>;</div> -<div class="verse">Thine all the merits, mine the great reward;</div> -<div class="verse">Thine the sharp thorns, and mine the golden crown;</div> -<div class="verse">Mine the life won, and Thine the life laid down.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Nought can I bring, dear <span class="smcap">Lord</span>, for all I owe,</div> -<div class="verse">Yet let my full heart what it can bestow;</div> -<div class="verse">Like Mary's gift let my devotion prove,</div> -<div class="verse">Forgiven greatly, how I greatly love.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Unidentified.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">COME UNTO ME.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">"Come</span> - unto Me, ye weary,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">And I will give you rest."</div> -<div class="verse">O blessed voice of <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Which comes to hearts oppressed;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">{32}</a></div> -<div class="verse">It tells of benediction,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of pardon, grace, and peace,</div> -<div class="verse">Of joy that hath no ending,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of love which cannot cease.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">" Come unto Me, ye wanderers,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And I will give you light."</div> -<div class="verse">O loving voice of <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Which comes to cheer the night;</div> -<div class="verse">Our hearts were filled with sadness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And we had lost our way;</div> -<div class="verse">But He has brought us gladness</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And songs at break of day.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">" Come unto Me, ye fainting,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And I will give you life;</div> -<div class="verse">O cheering voice of <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Which comes to aid our strife;</div> -<div class="verse">The foe is stern and eager,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The fight is fierce and long;</div> -<div class="verse">But He has made us mighty,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And stronger than the strong.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">" And whosoever cometh,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I will not cast him out."</div> -<div class="verse">O welcome voice of <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Which drives away our doubt;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">{33}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Which calls us very sinners,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Unworthy though we be,</div> -<div class="verse">Of love so free and boundless,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To come, dear <span class="smcap">Lord</span>, to Thee.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Unidentified.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>EARTH'S BEAUTY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Where</span> - the wave murmurs not,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Where the gust eddies not,</div> -<div class="verse">Where the stream rushes not,</div> -<div class="verse">Where the cliff shadows not,</div> -<div class="verse">Where the wood darkens not,</div> -<div class="verse indent8">I would not be!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Bright tho' the heavens were,</div> -<div class="verse">Rich tho' the flowers there,</div> -<div class="verse">Sweet tho' the fragrant air,</div> -<div class="verse">And all as Eden fair,</div> -<div class="verse">Yet as a dweller there,</div> -<div class="verse indent8">I would not be!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent-4">O wave, and breeze, and rill, and rock, and wood,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Was it not God Himself that called you <span class="smcap">GOOD</span>?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">{34}</a></div> - -<h2 class="faux">SERVANT OF GOD.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">"Servant</span> - of God, well done,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Rest from thy loved employ;</div> -<div class="verse">The battle fought, the vict'ry won,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Enter thy Master's joy."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The voice at midnight came,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He started up to hear;</div> -<div class="verse">A mortal arrow pierced his frame,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He fell—but felt no fear.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Tranquil amidst alarms,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">It found him on the field,</div> -<div class="verse">A veteran slumbering on his arms,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Beneath his red-cross shield.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The pains of death are past,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Labor and sorrow cease;</div> -<div class="verse">And, life's long warfare closed at last,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His soul is found in peace.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Soldier of Christ, well done!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Praise be thy new employ;</div> -<div class="verse">And while eternal ages run,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Rest in thy Saviour's joy.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>James Montgomery.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">{35}</a></div> - -<h2>THE ANGEL'S STORY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Through</span> - the blue and frosty heavens</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Christmas stars were shining bright;</div> -<div class="verse">Glistening lamps throughout the City</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Almost matched their gleaming light;</div> -<div class="verse">While the winter snow was lying,</div> -<div class="verse">And the winter winds were sighing,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Long ago, one Christmas night.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">While, from every tower and steeple,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Pealing bells were sounding clear,</div> -<div class="verse">(Never with such tones of gladness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Save when Christmas time is near,)</div> -<div class="verse">Many a one that night was merry</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Who had toiled through all the year.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">That night saw old wrongs forgiven,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Friends, long parted, reconciled;</div> -<div class="verse">Voices all unused to laughter,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Mournful eyes that rarely smiled,</div> -<div class="verse">Trembling hearts that feared the morrow,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From their anxious thoughts beguiled.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Rich and poor felt love and blessing</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From the gracious season fall;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">{36}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Joy and plenty in the cottage,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Peace and feasting in the hall;</div> -<div class="verse">And the voices of the children</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Ringing clear above it all!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Yet one house was dim and darkened;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Gloom, and sickness, and despair,</div> -<div class="verse">Dwelling in the gilded chambers,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Creeping up the marble stair,</div> -<div class="verse">Even stilled the voice of mourning,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For a child lay dying there.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Silken curtains fell around him,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Velvet carpets hushed the tread,</div> -<div class="verse">Many costly toys were lying,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All unheeded, by his bed;</div> -<div class="verse">And his tangled golden ringlets</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Were on downy pillows spread.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The skill of that mighty City</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To save one little life was vain,—</div> -<div class="verse">One little thread from being broken,</div> -<div class="verse">One fatal word from being spoken;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Nay, his very mother's pain,</div> -<div class="verse">And the mighty love within her,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Could not give him health again.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">{37}</a></div> -<div class="verse">So she knelt there still beside him,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">She alone with strength to smile,</div> -<div class="verse">Promising that he should suffer</div> -<div class="verse indent2">No more in a little while,</div> -<div class="verse">Murmuring tender song and story</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Weary hours to beguile.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Suddenly an unseen Presence</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Checked those constant moaning cries,</div> -<div class="verse">Stilled the little heart's quick fluttering,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Raised those blue and wondering eyes,</div> -<div class="verse">Fixed on some mysterious vision,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With a startled sweet surprise.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">For a radiant angel hovered,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Smiling, o'er the little bed;</div> -<div class="verse">White his raiment, from his shoulders</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Snowy dove-like pinions spread,</div> -<div class="verse">And a starlike light was shining,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In a Glory round his head.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">While, with tender love, the angel,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Leaning o'er the little nest,</div> -<div class="verse">In his arms the sick child folding,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Laid him gently on his breast,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">{38}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Sobs and wailings told the mother</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That her darling was at rest.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">So the angel, slowly rising,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Spread his wings, and through the air</div> -<div class="verse">Bore the child, and, while he held him</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To his heart with loving care,</div> -<div class="verse">Placed a branch of crimson roses</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Tenderly beside him there.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">While the child, thus clinging, floated</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Towards the mansions of the Blest,</div> -<div class="verse">Gazing from his shining guardian</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To the flowers upon his breast,</div> -<div class="verse">Thus the angel spake, still smiling</div> -<div class="verse indent2">On the little heavenly guest:</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Know, dear little one, that Heaven</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Does no earthly thing disdain,</div> -<div class="verse">Man's poor joys find there an echo</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Just as surely as his pain;</div> -<div class="verse">Love, on earth so feebly striving,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Lives divine in Heaven again!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Once in that great town below us,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In a poor and narrow street,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">{39}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Dwelt a little sickly orphan;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Gentle aid, or pity sweet,</div> -<div class="verse">Never in life's rugged pathway</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Guided his poor tottering feet.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"All the striving anxious fore-thought</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That should only come with age</div> -<div class="verse">Weighed upon his baby spirit,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Showed him soon life's sternest page;</div> -<div class="verse">Grim Want was his nurse, and Sorrow</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Was his only heritage.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"All too weak for childish pastimes,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Drearily the hours sped;</div> -<div class="verse">On his hand so small and trembling</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Leaning his poor aching head,</div> -<div class="verse">Or, through dark and painful hours,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Lying sleepless on his bed.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Dreaming strange and longing fancies</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of cool forests far away;</div> -<div class="verse">And of rosy, happy children,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Laughing merrily at play,</div> -<div class="verse">Coming home through green lanes, bearing</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Trailing boughs of blooming May.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">{40}</a></div> -<div class="verse">"Scarce a glimpse of azure heaven</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Gleamed above that narrow street,</div> -<div class="verse">And the sultry air of summer</div> -<div class="verse indent2">(That you call so warm and sweet)</div> -<div class="verse">Fevered the poor orphan, dwelling</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In the crowded alley's heat.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"One bright day, with feeble footsteps</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Slowly forth he tried to crawl,</div> -<div class="verse">Through the crowded city's pathways,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Till he reached a garden-wall,</div> -<div class="verse">Where 'mid princely halls and mansions</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Stood the lordliest of all.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"There were trees with giant branches,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Velvet glades where shadows hide;</div> -<div class="verse">There were sparkling fountains glancing</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Flowers, which in luxuriant pride</div> -<div class="verse">Even wafted breaths of perfume</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To the child who stood outside.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"He against the gate of iron</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Pressed his wan and wistful face,</div> -<div class="verse">Gazing with an awe struck pleasure</div> -<div class="verse indent2">At the glories of the place;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">{41}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Never had his brightest day-dream</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Shone with half such wondrous grace.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"You were playing in that garden,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Throwing blossoms in the air,</div> -<div class="verse">Laughing when the petals floated</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Downwards on your golden hair;</div> -<div class="verse">And the fond eyes watching o'er you,</div> -<div class="verse">And the splendor spread before you,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Told a House's Hope was there.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"When your servants, tired of seeing</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Such a face of want and woe,</div> -<div class="verse">Turning to the ragged orphan,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Gave him coin, and bade him go,</div> -<div class="verse">Down his cheeks so thin and wasted</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Bitter tears began to flow.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"But that look of childish sorrow</div> -<div class="verse indent2">On your tender child-heart fell,</div> -<div class="verse">And you plucked the reddest roses</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From the tree you loved so well,</div> -<div class="verse">Passed them through the stern cold grating,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Gently bidding him 'Farewell!'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Dazzled by the fragrant treasure</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And the gentle voice he heard,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">{42}</a></div> -<div class="verse">In the poor forlorn boy's spirit,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Joy, the sleeping Seraph, stirred;</div> -<div class="verse">In his hand he took the flowers,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In his heart the loving word.</div> -<div class="verse"></div></div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"So he crept to his poor garret;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Poor no more, but rich and bright,</div> -<div class="verse">For the holy dreams of childhood—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Love, and Rest, and Hope, and Light—</div> -<div class="verse">Floated round the orphan's pillow</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Through the starry summer night.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Day dawned, yet the visions lasted;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All too weak to rise he lay;</div> -<div class="verse">Did he dream that none spake harshly,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All were strangely kind that day?</div> -<div class="verse">Surely then his treasured roses</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Must have charmed all ills away.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"And he smiled, though they were fading;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">One by one their leaves were shed;</div> -<div class="verse">'Such bright things could never perish,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">They would bloom again,' he said.</div> -<div class="verse">When the next day's sun had risen</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Child and flowers both were dead.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">{43}</a></div> -<div class="verse">"Know, dear little one! our Father</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Will no gentle deed disdain;</div> -<div class="verse">Love on the cold earth beginning</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Lives divine in Heaven again,</div> -<div class="verse">While the angel hearts that beat there</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Still all tender thoughts retain."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">So the angel ceased, and gently</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O'er his little burden leant;</div> -<div class="verse">While the child gazing from the shining,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Loving eyes that o'er him bent,</div> -<div class="verse">To the blooming roses by him,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Wondering what that mystery meant.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Thus the radiant angel answered,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And with tender meaning smiled:</div> -<div class="verse">"Ere your childlike, loving spirit,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sin and the hard world defiled,</div> -<div class="verse">God has given me leave to seek you,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I was once that little child!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="gap-between">*****</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">In the churchyard of that city</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Rose a tomb of marble rare</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">{44}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Decked, as soon as Spring awakened,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With her buds and blossoms fair,—</div> -<div class="verse">And a humble grave beside it,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">No one knew who rested there.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Adelaide Procter.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">JESUS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Jesus,</span> - the very thought of thee</div> -<div class="verse indent4">With sweetness fills my breast:</div> -<div class="verse">But sweeter far thy face to see,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And in thy presence rest.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Nor can the memory find</div> -<div class="verse">A sweeter sound than thy blest name,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O Saviour of mankind!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">O Hope of every contrite heart!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O Joy of all the meek!</div> -<div class="verse">To those who fall, how kind thou art!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">How good to those who seek!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">But what to those who find? Ah! this,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Nor tongue nor pen can show;</div> -<div class="verse">The love of Jesus, what it is,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">None but his loved ones know.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">{45}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Jesus, our only joy be thou,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As thou our prize wilt be;</div> -<div class="verse">Jesus, be thou our glory now,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And through eternity.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Bernard.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>MORALITY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">We</span> - cannot kindle when we will</div> -<div class="verse indent6">The fire which in the heart resides;</div> -<div class="verse">The spirit bloweth and is still,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In mystery our soul abides.</div> -<div class="verse indent4">But tasks in hours of insight willed</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Can be through hours of gloom fulfilled.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">With aching hands and bleeding feet</div> -<div class="verse indent2">We dig and heap, lay stone on stone;</div> -<div class="verse">We bear the burden and the heat</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of the long day, and wish 'twere done.</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Not till the hours of light return,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">All we have built do we discern.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Then, when the clouds are off the soul,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When thou dost bask in nature's eye,</div> -<div class="verse">Ask how <i>she</i> viewed thy self-control,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thy struggling, tasked morality.—</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">{46}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent4">Nature, whose free, light, cheerful air,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Oft made thee, in thy gloom, despair.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And she, whose censure thou dost dread,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Whose eye thou wast afraid to seek,</div> -<div class="verse">See, on her face a glow is spread,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">A strong emotion on her cheek!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">"Ah, child!" she cries, "that strife divine,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Whence was it, for it is not mine?"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">There is no effort on <i>my</i> brow;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I do not strive, I do not weep:</div> -<div class="verse">I rush with the swift spheres, and glow</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In joy, and when I will, I sleep.</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Yet that severe, that earnest air,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">I saw, I felt it once—but where?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I knew not yet the gauge of time,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">No more the manacles of space;</div> -<div class="verse">I felt it in some other clime,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I saw it in some other place.</div> -<div class="verse indent4">'Twas when the heavenly house I trod,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">And lay upon the breast of God.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Matthew Arnold.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">{47}</a></div> - -<h2>MORNING.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Hues</span> - of the rich unfolding morn,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">That, ere the glorious sun be born,</div> -<div class="verse">By some soft touch invisible,</div> -<div class="verse">Around his path are taught to swell;—</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Thou rustling breeze, so fresh and gay,</div> -<div class="verse">That dancest forth at opening day,</div> -<div class="verse">And brushing by with joyous wing,</div> -<div class="verse">Wakenest each little leaf to sing;—</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Ye fragrant clouds of dewy steam,</div> -<div class="verse">By which deep grove and tangled stream</div> -<div class="verse">Pay, for soft rains in season given,</div> -<div class="verse">Their tribute to the genial heaven;—</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Why waste your treasures of delight</div> -<div class="verse">Upon our thankless, joyless sight,</div> -<div class="verse">Who, day by day, to sin awake,</div> -<div class="verse">Seldom of heaven and you partake?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Oh! timely happy, timely wise,</div> -<div class="verse">Hearts that with rising morn arise!</div> -<div class="verse">Eyes that the beam celestial view,</div> -<div class="verse">Which evermore makes all things new!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">{48}</a></div> -<div class="verse">New every morning is the love</div> -<div class="verse">Our wakening and uprising prove:</div> -<div class="verse">Through sleep and darkness safely brought,</div> -<div class="verse">Restored to life, and power, and thought.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">New mercies, each returning day,</div> -<div class="verse">Hover around us while we pray;</div> -<div class="verse">New perils past, new sins forgiven,</div> -<div class="verse">New thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">If on our daily course our mind</div> -<div class="verse">Be set, to hallow all we find,</div> -<div class="verse">New treasures still, of countless price,</div> -<div class="verse">God will provide for sacrifice.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Old friends, old scenes, will lovelier be,</div> -<div class="verse">As more of heaven in each we see:</div> -<div class="verse">Some softening gleam of love and prayer</div> -<div class="verse">Shall dawn on every cross and care.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">As for some dear familiar strain</div> -<div class="verse">Untired we ask, and ask again.</div> -<div class="verse">Ever, in its melodious store,</div> -<div class="verse">Finding a spell unheard before.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Such is the bliss of souls serene,</div> -<div class="verse">When they have sworn and steadfast mean,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">{49}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Counting the cost, in all to espy</div> -<div class="verse">Their God, in all themselves deny.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">O could we learn that sacrifice,</div> -<div class="verse">What lights would all around us rise!</div> -<div class="verse">How would our hearts with wisdom talk</div> -<div class="verse">Along life's dullest, dreariest walk!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">We need not bid, for cloister'd cell,</div> -<div class="verse">Our neighbor and our work farewell,</div> -<div class="verse">Nor strive to wind ourselves too high</div> -<div class="verse">For sinful man beneath the sky:</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The trivial round, the common task,</div> -<div class="verse">Would furnish all we ought to ask;</div> -<div class="verse">Room to deny ourselves; a road</div> -<div class="verse">To bring us, daily, nearer God.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Seek we no more; content with these,</div> -<div class="verse">Let present rapture, comfort, ease,</div> -<div class="verse">As heaven shall bid them, come and go:—</div> -<div class="verse">The secret this of rest below.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Only, O Lord, in Thy dear love</div> -<div class="verse">Fit us for perfect rest above;</div> -<div class="verse">And help us, this and every day,</div> -<div class="verse">To live more nearly as we pray.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>John Keble.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">{50}</a></div> - -<h2>DIVINE ORDER.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">'Tis</span> - first the true and then the beautiful,—</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Not first the beautiful and then the true;</div> -<div class="verse">First the wild moor, with rock and reed and pool,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Then the gay garden, rich in scent and hue.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">'Tis first the good and then the beautiful,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Not first the beautiful and then the good;</div> -<div class="verse">First the rough seed, sown in the rougher soil,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Then the flower-blossom, or the branching wood.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Not first the glad and then the sorrowful,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But first the sorrowful, and then the glad;</div> -<div class="verse">Tears for a day,—for earth of tears is full,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Then we forget that we were ever sad.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Not first the bright, and after that the dark,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But first the dark, and after that the bright;</div> -<div class="verse">First the thick cloud, and then the rainbow's arc,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">First the dark grave, then resurrection-light.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">'Tis first the night,—stern night of storm and war,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Long nights of heavy clouds and veiled skies;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">{51}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Then the far sparkle of the Morning-star,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That bids the saints awake and dawn arise.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE ISSUES OF LIFE AND DEATH.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Oh,</span> - where shall rest be found—</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Rest for the weary soul?</div> -<div class="verse">'Twere vain the ocean depths to sound,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Or pierce to either pole.</div> -<div class="verse">The world can never give</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The bliss for which we sigh:</div> -<div class="verse">'Tis not the whole of life to live,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Nor all of death to die.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Beyond this vale of tears</div> -<div class="verse indent2">There is a life above,</div> -<div class="verse">Unmeasured by the flight of years;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And all that life is love.</div> -<div class="verse">There is a death whose pang</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Outlasts the fleeting breath:</div> -<div class="verse">Oh, what eternal horrors hang</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Around the second death!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Lord God of truth and grace,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Teach us that death to shun,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">{52}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Lest we be banished from Thy face,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And evermore undone.</div> -<div class="verse">Here would we end our quest;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Alone are found in Thee,</div> -<div class="verse">The life of perfect love,—the rest</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of immortality.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>James Montgomery.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">GRACIOUS SPIRIT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Gracious</span> - Spirit, Love divine!</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Let Thy light within me shine; </div> -<div class="verse">All my guilty fears remove,</div> -<div class="verse">Fill me full of heaven and love.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Speak Thy pardoning grace to me,</div> -<div class="verse">Set the burdened sinner free;</div> -<div class="verse">Lead me to the Lamb of God,</div> -<div class="verse">Wash me in His precious blood.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Life and peace to me impart,</div> -<div class="verse">Seal salvation on my heart;</div> -<div class="verse">Breathe Thyself into my breast,—</div> -<div class="verse">Earnest of immortal rest.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Let me never from Thee stray,</div> -<div class="verse">Keep me in the narrow way;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">{53}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Fill my soul with love divine,</div> -<div class="verse">Keep me, Lord, forever Thine.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Stocker.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>ST. AGNES' EVE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Deep</span> - on the convent roof the snows</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Are sparkling to the moon:</div> -<div class="verse">My breath to heaven like vapor goes:</div> -<div class="verse indent2">May my soul follow soon!</div> -<div class="verse">The shadows of the convent-towers</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Slant down the snowy sward,</div> -<div class="verse">Still creeping with the creeping hours</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That lead me to my Lord:</div> -<div class="verse">Make Thou my spirit pure and clear</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As are the frosty skies,</div> -<div class="verse">Or this first snowdrop of the year</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That in my bosom lies.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">As these white robes are soil'd and dark,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To yonder shining ground;</div> -<div class="verse">As this pale taper's earthly spark,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To yonder argent round;</div> -<div class="verse">So shows my soul before the Lamb,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My spirit before Thee;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">{54}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent2">So in mine earthly house I am,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To that I hope to be.</div> -<div class="verse">Break up the heavens, O Lord! and far,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thro' all yon starlight keen,</div> -<div class="verse">Draw me, Thy bride, a glittering star,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In raiment white and clean.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">He lifts me to the golden doors;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The flashes come and go;</div> -<div class="verse">All heaven bursts her starry floors,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And strews her lights below,</div> -<div class="verse">And deepens on and up! the gates</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Roll back, and far within</div> -<div class="verse">For me the Heavenly Bridegroom waits,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To make me pure of sin.</div> -<div class="verse">The sabbaths of Eternity,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">One sabbath deep and wide—</div> -<div class="verse">A light upon the shining sea—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The Bridegroom with His bride!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Alfred Tennyson.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>LIFE AND DEATH.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">"What</span> - is Life, father?"</div> -<div class="verse indent12">"A Battle, my child,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Where the strongest lance may fail,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">{55}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Where the wariest eyes may be beguiled,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And the stoutest heart may quail.</div> -<div class="verse">Where the foes are gathered on every hand,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And rest not day or night,</div> -<div class="verse">And the feeble little ones must stand</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In the thickest of the fight."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"What is Death, father?"</div> -<div class="verse indent12">"The rest, my child,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When the strife and toil are o'er;</div> -<div class="verse">The angel of God, who, calm and mild,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Says we need fight no more;</div> -<div class="verse">Who, driving away the demon band,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Bids the din of the battle cease;</div> -<div class="verse">Takes banner and spear from our failing hand,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And proclaims an eternal peace."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Let me die, father! I tremble, and fear</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To yield in that terrible strife!"</div> -<div class="verse">"The crown must be won for Heaven, dear,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In the battle-field of life;</div> -<div class="verse">My child, though thy foes are strong and tried,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He loveth the weak and small;</div> -<div class="verse">The angels of heaven are on thy side,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And God is over all!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Adelaide Procter.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">{56}</a></div> - -<h2>THE ANGEL'S CALL.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Come</span> - to the land of peace!</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Come where the tempest hath no longer sway,</div> -<div class="verse">The shadow passes from the soul away,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The sounds of weeping cease.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent2">Fear hath no dwelling there!</div> -<div class="verse">Come to the mingling of repose and love,</div> -<div class="verse">Breathed by the silent spirit of the dove</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Through the celestial air!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent2">Come to the bright and blest</div> -<div class="verse">And crown'd for ever!—'midst that shining band,</div> -<div class="verse">Gather'd to heaven's own wreath from every land,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thy spirit shall find rest!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou hast been long alone:</div> -<div class="verse">Come to thy mother!—on the sabbath shore,</div> -<div class="verse">The heart that rock'd thy childhood, back once more</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Shall take its wearied one.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">{57}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent2">In silence wert thou left!</div> -<div class="verse">Come to thy sisters!—joyously again</div> -<div class="verse">All the home voices, blest in one sweet strain,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Shall greet their long-bereft.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent2">Over thine orphan head</div> -<div class="verse">The storm hath swept as o'er a willow's bough:</div> -<div class="verse">Come to thy father!—it is finish'd now;</div> -<div class="verse indent2"><i>Thy tears have all been shed</i>.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent2">In thy divine abode</div> -<div class="verse">Change finds no pathway, mem'ry no dark trace,</div> -<div class="verse">And, oh! bright victory—death by love no place!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Come, Spirit! to thy God!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Mrs. Hemans.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">I WOULD NOT LIVE ALWAY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I would</span> - not live alway: I ask not to stay,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way;</div> -<div class="verse">The few lurid mornings that dawn on us here</div> -<div class="verse">Are enough for life's woes, full enough for its cheer.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I would not live alway, thus fettered by sin,</div> -<div class="verse">Temptation without and corruption within:</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">{58}</a></div> -<div class="verse">E'en the rapture of pardon is mingled with fears,</div> -<div class="verse">And the cup of thanksgiving with penitent tears.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I would not live alway; no, welcome the tomb;</div> -<div class="verse">Since Jesus hath lain there, I dread not its gloom;</div> -<div class="verse">There sweet be my rest, till He bid me arise</div> -<div class="verse">To hail Him in triumph descending the skies.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Who, who would live alway, away from his God!</div> -<div class="verse">Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode,</div> -<div class="verse">Where the rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains,</div> -<div class="verse">And the noontide of glory eternally reigns.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet,</div> -<div class="verse">Their Saviour and brethren transported to greet,</div> -<div class="verse">While the anthems of rapture unceasingly roll,</div> -<div class="verse">And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Muhlenberg.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">JERUSALEM THE GOLDEN.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Jerusalem</span> - the golden,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">With milk and honey blest,</div> -<div class="verse">Beneath thy contemplation</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sink heart and voice oppressed.</div> -<div class="verse">I know not, oh, I know not</div> -<div class="verse indent2">What joys await us there,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">{59}</a></div> -<div class="verse">What radiancy of glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">What bliss beyond compare.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">They stand, those halls of Sion,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All jubilant with song,</div> -<div class="verse">And bright with many an Angel,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And all the Martyr throng;</div> -<div class="verse">The Prince is ever in them,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The daylight is serene;</div> -<div class="verse">The pastures of the blessed</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Are decked in glorious sheen.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">There is the throne of David;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And there, from care released,</div> -<div class="verse">The shout of them that triumph,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The song of them that feast;</div> -<div class="verse">And they, who with their Leader</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Have conquered in the fight,</div> -<div class="verse">For ever and for ever</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Are clad in robes of white.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">O sweet and blessed country,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The home of <span class="smcap">God's</span> elect;</div> -<div class="verse">O sweet and blessed country</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That eager hearts expect;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">{60}</a></div> -<div class="verse"><span class="smcap">Jesu</span>, in mercy bring us</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To that dear land of rest;</div> -<div class="verse">Who art, with <span class="smcap">God</span> the <span class="smcap">Father</span></div> -<div class="verse indent2">And <span class="smcap">Spirit</span>, ever Blest.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Bernard.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">WHEN OUR HEADS ARE BOWED.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">When</span> - our heads are bowed with woe,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">When our bitter tears o'erflow,</div> -<div class="verse">When we mourn the lost, the dear,</div> -<div class="verse">Gracious Son of Mary, hear!</div> -<div class="verse">Thou our throbbing flesh hast worn,</div> -<div class="verse">Thou our mortal griefs hast borne,</div> -<div class="verse">Thou hast shed the human tear:</div> -<div class="verse">Gracious Son of Mary, hear!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">When the solemn death-bell tolls</div> -<div class="verse">For our own departing souls,</div> -<div class="verse">When our final doom is near,</div> -<div class="verse">Gracious Son of Mary, hear!</div> -<div class="verse">Thou hast bowed the dying head,</div> -<div class="verse">Thou the blood of life hast shed,</div> -<div class="verse">Thou hast filled a mortal bier:</div> -<div class="verse">Gracious Son of Mary, hear!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">When the heart is sad within</div> -<div class="verse">With the thought of all its sin,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">{61}</a></div> -<div class="verse">When the spirit shrinks with fear,</div> -<div class="verse">Gracious Son of Mary, hear!</div> -<div class="verse">Thou, the same, the grief hast known; </div> -<div class="verse">Though the sins were not Thine own,</div> -<div class="verse">Thou hast deigned their load to bear:</div> -<div class="verse">Gracious Son of Mary, hear!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Heber.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> -<h2 class="faux">O SOUL, SOUL.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">O soul,</span> - soul, thou art passing,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Just now, the border lands:</div> -<div class="verse">Soul, soul, thy God is calling</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thee, from the border lands.</div> -<div class="verse">Soul, soul, what wilt thou answer,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When thou shalt stand alone,</div> -<div class="verse">Before thy God and Saviour,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'Midst th' glories of the throne?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">How hast thou passed the border?</div> -<div class="verse indent2">What course pursued below?</div> -<div class="verse">Of all I gave thee, warder,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Hast conquered every foe?</div> -<div class="verse">Soul, soul, hear Jesus calling!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He waits for thee above,</div> -<div class="verse">Oh! answer now, responding</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In faith, and hope, and love.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Henry C. Graves.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">{62}</a></div> - -<h2>THE LOOK.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">The</span> - Saviour looked on Peter. Aye, no word—</div> -<div class="verse indent4">No gesture of reproach! The heavens serene</div> -<div class="verse">Though heavy with armed justice, did not lean</div> -<div class="verse">Their thunders that way. The forsaken Lord</div> -<div class="verse"><i>Looked</i> only, on the traitor. None record</div> -<div class="verse">What that look was; none guess: for those who have seen</div> -<div class="verse">Wronged lovers loving through a death-pang keen,</div> -<div class="verse">Or pale-cheeked martyrs smiling to a sword,</div> -<div class="verse">Have missed Jehovah at the judgment call,</div> -<div class="verse">And Peter, from the height of blasphemy—</div> -<div class="verse">'I never knew this man' did quail and fall,</div> -<div class="verse">As knowing straight <span class="smcap">that God</span>,—and turned free</div> -<div class="verse">And went out speechless from the face of all,</div> -<div class="verse">And filled the silence, weeping bitterly.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Elizabeth Barrett Browning.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE MEANING OF THE LOOK.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I think</span> - that look of Christ might seem to say—</div> -<div class="verse indent4">'Thou Peter! art thou then a common stone</div> -<div class="verse">Which I at last must break my heart upon,</div> -<div class="verse">For all God's charge to His high angels may</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">{63}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Guard my foot better? Did I yesterday</div> -<div class="verse">Wash <i>thy</i> feet, my beloved, that they should run</div> -<div class="verse">Quick to deny me 'neath the morning sun,</div> -<div class="verse">And do thy kisses, like the rest, betray?</div> -<div class="verse">The cock crows coldly.—Go and manifest</div> -<div class="verse">A late contrition, but no bootless fear!</div> -<div class="verse">For when thy final need is dreariest,</div> -<div class="verse">Thou shalt not be denied, as I am here,</div> -<div class="verse">My voice, to God and angels shall attest,</div> -<div class="verse">'<i>Because I</i> <span class="smcap">KNOW</span> <i>this man, let him be clear</i>.'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Elizabeth Barrett Browning.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>COMFORT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Speak</span> - low to me, my Saviour, low and sweet</div> -<div class="verse indent4">From out the hallelujahs, sweet and low.</div> -<div class="verse">Lest I should fear and fall, and miss Thee so</div> -<div class="verse">Who art not missed by any that entreat.</div> -<div class="verse">Speak to me as to Mary at Thy feet—</div> -<div class="verse">And if no precious gums my hands bestow,</div> -<div class="verse">Let my tears drop like amber, while I go</div> -<div class="verse">In reach of Thy divinest voice complete</div> -<div class="verse">In humanest affection—thus in sooth,</div> -<div class="verse">To lose the sense of losing! As a child</div> -<div class="verse">Whose song-bird seeks the wood for evermore,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">{64}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Is sung to in its stead by mother's mouth;</div> -<div class="verse">Till, sinking on her breast, love reconciled,</div> -<div class="verse">He sleeps the faster that he wept before.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Elizabeth Barrett Browning.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>SUBSTITUTION.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">When</span> - some beloved voice that was to you</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Both sound and sweetness, faileth suddenly,</div> -<div class="verse">And silence against which you dare not cry,</div> -<div class="verse">Aches round you like a strong disease and new—</div> -<div class="verse">What hope? what help? what music will undo</div> -<div class="verse">That silence to your sense? Not friendship's sigh—</div> -<div class="verse">Nor reason's subtle count! Not melody</div> -<div class="verse">Of viols, nor of pipes that Faunus blew—</div> -<div class="verse">Not songs of poets, nor of nightingales,</div> -<div class="verse">Whose hearts leap upward through the cypress trees</div> -<div class="verse">To the clear moon: nor yet the spheric laws</div> -<div class="verse">Self-chanted,—nor the angels' sweet All hails,</div> -<div class="verse">Met in the smile of God. Nay, none of these.</div> -<div class="verse">Speak <span class="smcap">THOU</span>, availing Christ! and fill this pause.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Elizabeth Barrett Browning.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">{65}</a></div> - -<h2>TEARS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Thank</span> - God, bless God, all ye who suffer not</div> -<div class="verse indent4">More grief than ye can weep for. That is well—</div> -<div class="verse">That is light grieving! lighter, none befell,</div> -<div class="verse">Since Adam forfeited the primal lot.</div> -<div class="verse">Tears! what are tears? The babe weeps in its cot,</div> -<div class="verse">The mother singing; at her marriage-bell</div> -<div class="verse">The bride weeps; and before the oracle</div> -<div class="verse">Of high-famed hills, the poet has forgot</div> -<div class="verse">Such moisture on his cheeks. Thank God for grace,</div> -<div class="verse">Ye who weep only! If, as some have done,</div> -<div class="verse">Ye grope tear-blinded in a desert place,</div> -<div class="verse">And touch but tombs,—look up! Those tears will run</div> -<div class="verse">Soon in long rivers down the lifted face,</div> -<div class="verse">And leave the vision clear for stars and sun.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Elizabeth Barrett Browning.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>CHEERFULNESS TAUGHT BY REASON.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I think</span> - we are too ready with complaint</div> -<div class="verse indent4">In this fair world of God's. Had we no hope</div> -<div class="verse">Indeed beyond the zenith and the slope</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">{66}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Of yon gray bank of sky, we might be faint</div> -<div class="verse">To muse upon eternity's constraint</div> -<div class="verse">Round our aspirant souls. But since the scope</div> -<div class="verse">Must widen early, is it well to droop</div> -<div class="verse">For a few days consumed in loss and taint?</div> -<div class="verse">O pusillanimous Heart, be comforted,—</div> -<div class="verse">And, like a cheerful traveler, take the road,</div> -<div class="verse">Singing beside the hedge. What if the bread</div> -<div class="verse">Be bitter in thy inn, and thou unshod</div> -<div class="verse">To meet the flints?—At least it may be said,</div> -<div class="verse">Because the way is <i>short</i>, I thank Thee, God!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Elizabeth Barrett Browning.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE PROSPECT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Methinks</span> - we do as fretful children do,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Leaning their faces on the window pane</div> -<div class="verse">To sigh the glass dim with their own breath's stain,</div> -<div class="verse">And shut the sky and landscape from their view,</div> -<div class="verse">And thus, alas! since God the maker drew</div> -<div class="verse">A mystic separation 'twixt those twain,</div> -<div class="verse">The life beyond us, and our souls in pain,</div> -<div class="verse">We miss the prospect which we're called unto.</div> -<div class="verse">By grief we're fools to use. Be still and strong,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">{67}</a></div> -<div class="verse">O man, my brother! hold thy sobbing breath,</div> -<div class="verse">And keep thy soul's large window pure from wrong,—</div> -<div class="verse">That so, as life's appointment issueth,</div> -<div class="verse">Thy vision may be clear to watch along</div> -<div class="verse">The sunset consummation-lights of death.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Elizabeth Barrett Browning.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>CONSOLATION.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">All</span> - are not taken! there are left behind</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Living Beloveds, tender looks to bring,</div> -<div class="verse">And make the daylight still a happy thing,</div> -<div class="verse">And tender voices to make soft the wind.</div> -<div class="verse">But if it were not so—if I could find</div> -<div class="verse">No love in all the world for comforting,</div> -<div class="verse">Nor any path but hollowly did ring,</div> -<div class="verse">Where 'dust to dust' the love from life disjoined—</div> -<div class="verse">And if before these sepulchres unmoving</div> -<div class="verse">I stood alone, (as some forsaken lamb</div> -<div class="verse">Goes bleating up the moors in weary dearth)</div> -<div class="verse">Crying 'Where are ye, O my loved and loving?'</div> -<div class="verse">I know a voice would sound, 'Daughter, I <span class="smcap">AM</span>.</div> -<div class="verse">Can I suffice for <span class="smcap">Heaven</span>, and not for earth?'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Elizabeth Barrett Browning.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">{68}</a></div> - -<h2>A THOUGHT OVER A CRADLE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I sadden</span> - when thou smilest to my smile,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Child of my love! I tremble to believe</div> -<div class="verse">That o'er the mirror of that eye of blue</div> -<div class="verse">The shadow of my heart will always pass;—</div> -<div class="verse">A heart that, from its struggle with the world,</div> -<div class="verse">Comes nightly to thy guarded cradle home,</div> -<div class="verse">And, careless of the staining dust it brings,</div> -<div class="verse">Asks for its idol! Strange, that flowers of earth</div> -<div class="verse">Are visited by every air that stirs,</div> -<div class="verse">And drink its sweetness only, while the child</div> -<div class="verse">That shuts within its breast a bloom for heaven,</div> -<div class="verse">May take a blemish from the breath of love,</div> -<div class="verse">And bear the blight forever.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20">I have wept</div> -<div class="verse">With gladness at the gift of this fair child!</div> -<div class="verse">My life is bound up in her. But, oh God!</div> -<div class="verse">Thou know'st how heavily my heart at times</div> -<div class="verse">Bears its sweet burthen; and if Thou hast given</div> -<div class="verse">To nurture such as mine this spotless flower,</div> -<div class="verse">To bring it unpolluted unto Thee,</div> -<div class="verse"><i>Take Thou its love</i>, I pray thee! Give it light—</div> -<div class="verse">Though, following the sun, it turn from me!—</div> -<div class="verse">But, by the chord thus wrung, and by the light</div> -<div class="verse"><div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">{69}</a></div></div> -<div class="verse">Shining about her, draw me to my child!</div> -<div class="verse">And link us close, oh God, when near to heaven!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>N. P. Willis.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>EVERLASTING BLESSINGS.</h2> - - <p class="center small">"I know that whatsoever God doeth it shall be forever." - —<span class="smcap">Eccles</span>. iii. 14.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">O what</span> - everlasting blessings God outpoureth on His own!</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Ours by promise true and faithful, spoken from eternal throne;</div> -<div class="verse">Ours by His eternal purpose ere the universe had place;</div> -<div class="verse">Ours by everlasting covenant, ours by free and royal grace.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">With salvation everlasting He shall save us, He shall bless</div> -<div class="verse">With the largess of Messiah, everlasting righteousness;</div> -<div class="verse">Ours the everlasting mercy all His wondrous dealings prove;</div> -<div class="verse">Ours His everlasting kindness, fruit of everlasting love.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">{70}</a></div> -<div class="verse">In the Lord Jehovah trusting, everlasting strength have we;</div> -<div class="verse">He Himself, our Sun, our Glory, everlasting Light shall be;</div> -<div class="verse">Everlasting life is ours, purchased by The Life laid down;</div> -<div class="verse">And our heads, oft bowed and weary, everlasting joy shall crown.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">We shall dwell with Christ forever, when the shadows flee away,</div> -<div class="verse">In the everlasting glory of the everlasting day.</div> -<div class="verse">Unto Thee, belovèd Saviour, everlasting thanks belong,</div> -<div class="verse">Everlasting adoration, everlasting land and song.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Frances Ridley Havergal.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE MOTHER TO HER CHILD.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">They</span> - tell me thou art come from a far world,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Babe of my bosom! that these little arms,</div> -<div class="verse">Whose restlessness is like the spread of wings,</div> -<div class="verse">Move with the memory of flights scarce o'er—</div> -<div class="verse">That through these fringed lids we see the soul</div> -<div class="verse">Steep'd in the blue of its remember'd home;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">{71}</a></div> -<div class="verse">And while thou sleep'st come messengers, they say,</div> -<div class="verse">Whispering to thee—and 'tis then I see</div> -<div class="verse">Upon thy baby lips that smile of heaven!</div> -<div class="verse">And what is thy far errand, my fair child?</div> -<div class="verse">Why away, wandering from a home of bliss,</div> -<div class="verse">To find thy way through darkness home again?</div> -<div class="verse">Wert thou an untried dweller in the sky?</div> -<div class="verse">Is there, betwixt the cherub that thou wert,</div> -<div class="verse">The cherub and the angel thou may'st be,</div> -<div class="verse">A life's probation in this sadder world?</div> -<div class="verse">Art thou with memory of two things only,</div> -<div class="verse">Music and light, left upon earth astray,</div> -<div class="verse">And, by the watchers at the gate of heaven,</div> -<div class="verse">Look'd for with fear and trembling?</div> -<div class="verse indent20">God! who gavest</div> -<div class="verse">Into my guiding hand this wanderer,</div> -<div class="verse">To lead her through a world whose darkling paths</div> -<div class="verse">I tread with steps so faltering—leave not me</div> -<div class="verse">To bring her to the gates of heaven, alone!</div> -<div class="verse">I feel my feebleness. Let <i>these</i> stay on—</div> -<div class="verse">The angels who now visit her in dreams!</div> -<div class="verse">Bid them be near her pillow till in death</div> -<div class="verse">The closed eyes look upon Thy face once more!</div> -<div class="verse">And let the light and music, which the world</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">{72}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Borrows of heaven, and which her infant sense</div> -<div class="verse">Hails with sweet recognition, be to her</div> -<div class="verse">A voice to call her upward, and a lamp</div> -<div class="verse">To lead her steps unto Thee!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>N. P. Willis.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>GIVE ME THY HEART.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">With</span> - echoing steps the worshipers</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Departed one by one;</div> -<div class="verse">The organ's pealing voice was stilled,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The vesper hymn was done;</div> -<div class="verse">The shadows fell from roof and arch,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Dim was the incensed air,</div> -<div class="verse">One lamp alone, with trembling ray,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Told of the Presence there!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">In the dark church she knelt alone;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Her tears were falling fast;</div> -<div class="verse">"Help, Lord," she cried, "the shades of death</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Upon my soul are cast!</div> -<div class="verse">Have I not shunned the path of sin,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And chosen the better part?"—</div> -<div class="verse">What voice came through the sacred air?—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">"<i>My child, give me thy Heart!</i>"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">{73}</a></div> -<div class="verse">"Have I not laid before Thy shrine</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My wealth, O Lord?" she cried;</div> -<div class="verse">"Have I kept aught of gems or gold,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To minister to pride?</div> -<div class="verse">Have I not bade youth's joys retire,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And vain delights depart?"—</div> -<div class="verse">But sad and tender was the voice,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">"<i>My child, give me thy Heart!</i>"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Have I not, Lord, gone day by day</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Where Thy poor children dwell;</div> -<div class="verse">And carried help, and gold, and food?</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O Lord, Thou knowest it well?</div> -<div class="verse">From many a house, from many a soul,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My hand bids care depart:"—</div> -<div class="verse">More sad, more tender was the voice,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">"<i>My child, give me thy Heart!</i>"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Have I not worn my strength away</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With fast and penance sore?</div> -<div class="verse">Have I not watched and wept?" she cried;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">"Did Thy dear saints do more?</div> -<div class="verse">Have I not gained Thy grace, O Lord,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And won in heaven my part?"—</div> -<div class="verse">It echoed louder in her soul,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">"<i>My child, give me thy Heart!</i>"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">{74}</a></div> -<div class="verse">"For I have loved thee with a love</div> -<div class="verse indent2">No mortal heart can show;</div> -<div class="verse">A love so deep, my saints in heaven</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Its depths can never know;</div> -<div class="verse">When pierced and wounded on the cross,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Man's sin and doom were mine,</div> -<div class="verse">I loved Thee with undying love,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Immortal and divine!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"I loved Thee ere the skies were spread;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My soul bears all thy pains;</div> -<div class="verse">To gain thy love my sacred heart</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In earthly shrines remains:</div> -<div class="verse">Vain are thy offerings, vain thy sighs,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Without one gift divine;</div> -<div class="verse">Give it my child, thy heart to me,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And it shall rest in mine!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">In awe she listened, and the shade</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Passed from her soul away;</div> -<div class="verse">In low and trembling voice she cried,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">"Lord, help me to obey!</div> -<div class="verse">Break Thou the chains of earth, O Lord,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That bind and hold my heart;</div> -<div class="verse">Let it be Thine, and Thine alone,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Let none with Thee have part.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">{75}</a></div> -<div class="verse">"Send down, O Lord, Thy sacred fire!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Consume and cleanse the sin</div> -<div class="verse">That lingers still within its depths;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Let heavenly love begin.</div> -<div class="verse">That sacred flame Thy saints have known,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Kindle, O Lord, in me,</div> -<div class="verse">Thou above all the rest forever,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And all the rest in Thee."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The blessing fell upon her soul;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Her angel by her side</div> -<div class="verse">Knew that the hour of peace was come;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Her soul was purified:</div> -<div class="verse">The shadows fell from roof and arch,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Dim was the incensed air,—</div> -<div class="verse">But Peace went with her as she left</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The sacred Presence there!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Adelaide Procter.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">ONE SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">One</span> - sweetly solemn thought</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Comes to me o'er and o'er:</div> -<div class="verse">I'm nearer home to-day</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Than I have been before;</div> -<div class="verse">Nearer my Father's house,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Where many mansions be,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">{76}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Nearer the great white throne,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Nearer the crystal sea.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Nearer the bound of life,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Where burdens are laid down,</div> -<div class="verse">Nearer to leave the cross,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And nearer to the crown;</div> -<div class="verse">But lying dark between,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And winding through the night,</div> -<div class="verse">The deep and unknown stream</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Crossed ere we reach the light.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Jesus, confirm my trust;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Strengthen the hand of faith</div> -<div class="verse">To feel Thee, when I stand</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Upon the shore of death.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Be near me when my feet</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Are slipping o'er the brink;</div> -<div class="verse">For I am nearer home,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Perhaps, than now I think.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Phœbe Cary.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>LEFT BEHIND.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Look</span> - at this starbeam! From its place of birth,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">It has come down to greet us here below;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">{77}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Now it alights unwearied on this earth,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Nor storm nor night have quenched its heavenly glow.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Unbent before the winter's rugged blast,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Unsoiled by this sad planet's tainted air,</div> -<div class="verse">It sparkles out from yon unmeasured vast,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Bright 'mid the brightest, 'mid the fairest fair.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Undimmed it reaches me; but yet alone:</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The thousand gay companions that took wing</div> -<div class="verse">Along with it have perished one by one,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Scattered o'er space like blossoms of the spring.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Some to yon nearer orbs have sped their course,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Yon city's smoke has quenched a thousand more;</div> -<div class="verse">Myriads in yon dark cloud have spent their force;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A few stray gleams are all that reach our shore.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And with us! How many, who began</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Life's race with us, are dropping by the way;</div> -<div class="verse">Losing themselves in darkness one by one,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From the glad goal departing wide astray;</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">When we shall reach the kingdom of the blest,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">How few who started with us shall we find</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">{78}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Arriving or arrived, for glorious rest!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">How many shall we mourn as left behind!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">LORD, WHAT A CHANGE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Lord,</span> - what a change within us one short hour</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Spent in Thy presence will prevail to make—</div> -<div class="verse">What heavy burdens from our bosoms take,</div> -<div class="verse">What parched grounds refresh, as with a shower!</div> -<div class="verse">We kneel, and all around us seems to lower;</div> -<div class="verse">We rise, and all, the distant and the near,</div> -<div class="verse">Stands forth in sunny outline, brave and clear;</div> -<div class="verse">We kneel how weak, we rise how full of power!</div> -<div class="verse">Why, therefore, should we do ourselves this wrong,</div> -<div class="verse">Or others—that we are not always strong;</div> -<div class="verse">That we are ever overborne with care;</div> -<div class="verse">That we should ever weak or heartless be,</div> -<div class="verse">Anxious or troubled, when with us is prayer,</div> -<div class="verse">And joy, and strength, and courage, are with Thee?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Richard Chenevix Trench.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>OUR FATHER.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Oh</span> - that I loved the Father</div> -<div class="verse indent6"> With depth of conscious love,</div> -<div class="verse">As steadfast, bright, and burning</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As seraphim above!</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">{79}</a></div> -<div class="verse">But how can I be deeming</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Myself a loving child,</div> -<div class="verse">When here, and there, and everywhere,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My thoughts are wandering wild?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">It is my chief desire</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To know Him more and more,</div> -<div class="verse">To follow Him more fully</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Than I have done before:</div> -<div class="verse">My eyes are dim with longing</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To see the Lord above;</div> -<div class="verse">But oh! I fear from year to year,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I do not truly love.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">'For when I try to follow</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The mazes of my soul,</div> -<div class="verse">I find no settled fire of love</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Illumining the whole;</div> -<div class="verse">'Tis all uncertain twilight,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">No clear and vivid glow;</div> -<div class="verse">Would I could bring to God my King</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The perfect love I owe!'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The gift is great and holy,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'Twill not be sought in vain;</div> -<div class="verse"><div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">{80}</a></div></div> -<div class="verse">But look up for a moment</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From present doubt and pain,</div> -<div class="verse">And calmly tell me <i>how</i> you love</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The dearest ones below?</div> -<div class="verse">"This love," say you, "is deep and true!"</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But tell me how you know?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">How do you love your father?</div> -<div class="verse indent2">"Oh in a thousand ways!</div> -<div class="verse">I think there's no one like him,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">So worthy of my praise,</div> -<div class="verse">I tell him all my troubles,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And ask him what to do;</div> -<div class="verse">I know that he will give to me</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His counsel kind and true.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Then every little service</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of hand, or pen, or voice,</div> -<div class="verse">Becomes, if he has asked it,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The service of my choice.</div> -<div class="verse">And from my own desires</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'Tis not so hard to part,</div> -<div class="verse">If once I know I follow so</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His wiser will and heart."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">{81}</a></div> -<div class="verse">'I know the flush of pleasure</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That o'er my spirit came,</div> -<div class="verse">When far from home with strangers,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">They caught my father's name;</div> -<div class="verse">And for his sake the greeting</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Was mutual and sweet,</div> -<div class="verse">For if they knew my father too,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">How glad we were to meet!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">'And when I heard them praising</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His music and his skill,</div> -<div class="verse">His words of holy teaching,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Life-preaching, holier still,</div> -<div class="verse">How eagerly I listened</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To every word that fell!</div> -<div class="verse">'Twas joy to hear that name so dear</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Both known and loved so well.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">'Once I was ill and suffering,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Upon a foreign shore,</div> -<div class="verse">And longed to see my father,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As I never longed before.</div> -<div class="verse">He came: his arm around me;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I leaned upon his breast;</div> -<div class="verse">I did not long to feel more strong,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">So sweet that childlike rest.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">{82}</a></div> -<div class="verse">'The thought of home is pleasant,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Yet I should hardly care</div> -<div class="verse">To leave my present fair abode,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Unless I knew him there.</div> -<div class="verse">All other love and pleasure</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Can never crown the place,</div> -<div class="verse">A home to me it cannot be</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Without my fathers face.'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">This is no fancy drawing,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But every line is true,</div> -<div class="verse">And you have traced as strong a love</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As ever daughter knew.</div> -<div class="verse">But though its fond expression</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Is rather lived than told,</div> -<div class="verse">You do not say from day to day,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'I fear my love is cold!'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">You do not think about it;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'Tis never in your thought—</div> -<div class="verse">'I wonder if I love him</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As deeply as I ought?</div> -<div class="verse">I know his approbation</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Outweighs all other meed,</div> -<div class="verse">That his employ is always joy,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But do I love indeed?'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">{83}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Now let your own words teach you</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The higher, holier claim</div> -<div class="verse">Of Him, who condescends to bear</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A Father's gracious name.</div> -<div class="verse">No mystic inspiration,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">No throbbings forced and wild</div> -<div class="verse">He asks, but just the loving trust</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of a glad and grateful child.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The rare and precious moments</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of realizing thrill,</div> -<div class="verse">Are but love's blissful blossom,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To brighten, not to fill</div> -<div class="verse">The storehouse and the garner</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With ripe and pleasant fruit;</div> -<div class="verse">And not alone by these is shown</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The true and holy root.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">What if your own dear father</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Were summoned to his rest!</div> -<div class="verse">One lives, by whom that bitterest grief</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Could well be soothed and blessed.</div> -<div class="verse">Like balm upon your sharpest woe</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His still, small voice would fall;</div> -<div class="verse">His touch would heal, you could not feel</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That you had lost your all.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">{84}</a></div> -<div class="verse">But what if He, the Lord of life,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Could ever pass away!</div> -<div class="verse">What if <i>His</i> name were blotted out,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And you could know to-day</div> -<div class="verse">There was <i>no</i> heavenly Father,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">No Saviour dear and true,</div> -<div class="verse">No throne of grace, no resting-place,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">No living God for you!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">We need not dwell in horror</div> -<div class="verse indent2">On what can never be,</div> -<div class="verse">Such endless desolation,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Such undreamt misery.</div> -<div class="verse">Our reason could not bear it,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And all the love of earth,</div> -<div class="verse">In fullest bliss, compared with this,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Were nothing, <i>nothing</i> worth.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Then bring your poor affection,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And try it by this test;</div> -<div class="verse">The hidden depth is fathomed,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">You see you love Him <i>best</i>!</div> -<div class="verse">'Tis but a feeble echo</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of His great love to you,</div> -<div class="verse">Yet in His ear each note is dear,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Its harmony is true.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">{85}</a></div> -<div class="verse">It is an uncut jewel,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All earth-incrusted now,</div> -<div class="verse">But He will make it glorious,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And set it on His brow:</div> -<div class="verse">'Tis but a tiny glimmer,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Lit from the light above,</div> -<div class="verse">But it shall blaze through endless days,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A star of perfect love.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16">—<i>Frances Ridley Havergal.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">THOU ART THE WAY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Thou</span> - art the Way: to thee alone</div> -<div class="verse indent4">From sin and death we flee;</div> -<div class="verse">And he who would the Father seek,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Must seek Him, Lord, by Thee.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Thou art the Truth; Thy word alone</div> -<div class="verse indent2">True wisdom can impart;</div> -<div class="verse">Thou only canst instruct the mind,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And purify the heart.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Thou art the Life: the rending tomb</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Proclaims Thy conquering arm;</div> -<div class="verse">And those who put their trust in Thee</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Nor death nor hell shall harm.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">{86}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life:</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Grant us to know that Way;</div> -<div class="verse">That Truth to keep, that Life to win,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Which leads to endless day.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Doane.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE NIGHT AND THE MORNING.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">To</span> - dream a troubled dream, and then awaken</div> -<div class="verse indent4">To the soft gladness of a summer sky;</div> -<div class="verse">To dream ourselves alone, unloved, forsaken,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And then to wake 'mid smiles, and love, and joy;</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">To look at evening on the storm's rude motion,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The cloudy tumult of the fretted deep;</div> -<div class="verse">And then at day-burst upon that same ocean,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Soothed to the stillness of its stillest sleep—</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">So runs our course—so tells the church her story,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">So to the end shall it be ever told;</div> -<div class="verse">Brief shame on earth, but after shame the glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That wanes not, dims not, never waxes old.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Lord Jesus, come, and end this troubled dreaming.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Dark shadows vanish, rosy twilight break!</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">{87}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Morn of the true and real, burst forth, calm-beaming.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Day of the beautiful, arise, awake!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>IN AFFLICTION.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Father!</span> - Thy will, not mine, be done!</div> -<div class="verse indent4">So prayed on earth Thy suffering Son,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">So, in His name I pray:</div> -<div class="verse">The spirit fails, the flesh is weak;</div> -<div class="verse">Thy help in agony I seek;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O! take this cup away.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">If such be not Thy sovereign will,</div> -<div class="verse">Thy wiser purpose then fulfil;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My wishes I resign,</div> -<div class="verse">Into Thine hands my soul commend,</div> -<div class="verse">On Thee for life or death depend;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thy will be done, not mine.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>James Montgomery.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">GIVE TO THE WINDS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Give</span> - to the winds thy fears;</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Hope, and be undismay'd;</div> -<div class="verse">God hears thy sighs, and counts thy tears.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">God shall lift up thy head.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">{88}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Through waves, through clouds and storms,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He gently clears thy way;</div> -<div class="verse">Wait thou His time; so shall this night</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Soon end in joyous day.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Still heavy is thy heart?</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Still sink thy spirits down?</div> -<div class="verse">Cast off the weight, let fear depart,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Bid every care be gone.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">What though thou rulest not!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Yet heaven, and earth, and hell</div> -<div class="verse">Proclaim, God sitteth on the throne,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And ruleth all things well.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Gerhard.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">WHERE WILT THOU.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Where</span> - wilt thou put thy trust?</div> -<div class="verse indent6">In a frail form of clay,</div> -<div class="verse">That to its element of dust</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Must soon resolve away?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Where will thou cast thy care?</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Upon an erring heart,</div> -<div class="verse">Which hath its own sore ills to bear,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And shrinks from sorrow's dart?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">{89}</a></div> -<div class="verse">No! place thy trust above</div> -<div class="verse indent2">This shadowy realm of night,</div> -<div class="verse">In Him, whose boundless power and love</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thy confidence invite.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">His mercies still endure</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When skies and stars grow dim,</div> -<div class="verse">His changeless promise standeth sure,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Go,—cast thy care on Him.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Mrs. Sigourney.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">ONE THERE IS ABOVE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">One</span> - there is above all others,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Well deserves the name of Friend;</div> -<div class="verse">His is love beyond a brother's,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Costly, free and knows no end.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Which of all our friends, to save us,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Could or would have shed his blood?</div> -<div class="verse">But our Jesus died to have us</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Reconciled in Him to God.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">When He lived on earth abasèd,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Friend of sinners was His name;</div> -<div class="verse">Now, above all glory raisèd,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He rejoices in the same.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">{90}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Could we bear from one another</div> -<div class="verse indent2">What He daily bears from us?</div> -<div class="verse">Yet this glorious Friend and Brother</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Loves us though we treat Him thus.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Oh for grace our hearts to soften!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Teach us, Lord, at length to love!</div> -<div class="verse">We, alas! forget too often</div> -<div class="verse indent2">What a Friend we have above.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Newton.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">GOD MOVES IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">God</span> - moves in a mysterious way</div> -<div class="verse indent6">His wonders to perform;</div> -<div class="verse">He plants His footsteps in the sea,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And rides upon the storm.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Deep in unfathomable mines</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of never-failing skill,</div> -<div class="verse">He treasures up His vast designs,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And works His sovereign will.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The clouds ye so much dread</div> -<div class="verse">Are big with mercy, and will break</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In blessings on your head.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">{91}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But trust Him for His grace;</div> -<div class="verse">Behind a frowning providence</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He hides a smiling face.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">His purposes will ripen fast,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Unfolding every hour,</div> -<div class="verse">The bud may have a bitter taste,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But sweet will be the flower.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Blind unbelief is sure to err,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And scan His work in vain;</div> -<div class="verse">God is His own interpreter,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And he will make it plain.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Cowper.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">ONWARD, CHRISTIAN.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Onward,</span> - Christian, though the region</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Where thou art be drear and lone; </div> -<div class="verse">God has set a guardian legion</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Very near thee; press thou on.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Listen, Christian; their hosanna</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Rolleth o'er thee: "God is love,"</div> -<div class="verse">Write upon thy red-cross banner,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">"Upward ever; heaven's above."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">{92}</a></div> -<div class="verse">By the thorn-road, and none other,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Is the mount of vision won;</div> -<div class="verse">Tread it without shrinking, brother;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Jesus trod it; press thou on.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Be this world the wiser, stronger,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For thy life of pain and peace,</div> -<div class="verse">While it needs thee; oh! no longer</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Pray thou for thy quick release.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Pray thou, Christian, daily rather,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That thou be a faithful son;</div> -<div class="verse">By the prayer of Jesus, "Father,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Not my will, but thine, be done."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Johnson.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THANKFULNESS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">My</span> - God, I thank Thee who hast made</div> -<div class="verse indent6">The Earth so bright;</div> -<div class="verse">So full of splendor and of joy,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Beauty and light;</div> -<div class="verse">So many glorious things are here,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Noble and right!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">{93}</a></div> -<div class="verse">I thank Thee, too, that Thou hast made</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Joy to abound:</div> -<div class="verse">So many gentle thoughts and deeds</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Circling us round,</div> -<div class="verse">That in the darkest spot of Earth</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Some love is found.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I thank Thee <i>more</i> than all our joy</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Is touched with pain;</div> -<div class="verse">That shadows fall on brightest hours;</div> -<div class="verse indent4">That thorns remain;</div> -<div class="verse">So that Earth's bliss may be our guide,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">And not our chain.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">For Thou who knowest, Lord, how soon</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Our weak heart clings,</div> -<div class="verse">Hast given us joys, tender and true,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Yet all with wings,</div> -<div class="verse">So that we see, gleaming on high,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Diviner things!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I thank Thee, Lord, that Thou hast kept</div> -<div class="verse indent4">The best in store;</div> -<div class="verse">We have enough, yet, not too much</div> -<div class="verse indent4">To long for more:</div> -<div class="verse">A yearning for a deeper peace,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Not known before.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">{94}</a></div> -<div class="verse">I thank Thee, Lord, that here our souls,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Though amply blest,</div> -<div class="verse">Can never find, although they seek,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">A perfect rest,—</div> -<div class="verse">Nor ever shall, until they lean</div> -<div class="verse indent4">On Jesus' breast!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Adelaide Procter.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">DOES THE GOSPEL WORD PROCLAIM.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Does</span> - the Gospel word proclaim</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Rest for those that weary be?</div> -<div class="verse">Then, my soul put in thy claim—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sure that promise speaks to thee!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Marks of grace I cannot show,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All polluted is my best;</div> -<div class="verse">But I weary am, I know,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And the weary long for rest.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Burdened with a load of sin,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Harassed with tormenting doubt,</div> -<div class="verse">Hourly conflicts from within,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Hourly crosses from without;—</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">All my little strength is gone,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sink I must without supply;</div> -<div class="verse">Sure upon the earth is none</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Can more weary be than I.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">{95}</a></div> -<div class="verse">In the ark the weary dove</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Found a welcome resting-place;</div> -<div class="verse">Thus my spirit longs to prove</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Rest in Christ, the Ark of grace.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Tempest-tossed I long have been,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And the flood increases fast;</div> -<div class="verse">Open, Lord, and take me in,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Till the storm be overpast!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Newton.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">MY GOD, MY FATHER.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">My</span> - God, my Father, while I stray</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Far from my home on life's rough way,</div> -<div class="verse">Oh, teach me from my heart to say,</div> -<div class="verse">"Thy will be done, Thy will be done!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">What though in love or grief I sigh</div> -<div class="verse">For friends beloved no longer nigh;</div> -<div class="verse">Submissive still would I reply,</div> -<div class="verse">"Thy will be done, Thy will be done!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">If thou shouldst call me to resign</div> -<div class="verse">What most I prize,—it ne'er was mine;</div> -<div class="verse">I only yield thee what was Thine:</div> -<div class="verse">"Thy will be done, Thy will be done!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">{96}</a></div> -<div class="verse">If but my fainting heart be blest</div> -<div class="verse">With Thy sweet Spirit for its guest,</div> -<div class="verse">My God, to Thee I leave the rest;</div> -<div class="verse">"Thy will be done, Thy will be done!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>C. Elliott.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE SEEN AND THE UNSEEN.</h2> - -<p class="center smcap">On the Great Exhibition, 1851.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Ha!</span> - yon burst of crystal splendor,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Sunlight, starlight, blent in one;</div> -<div class="verse">Starlight set in arctic azure,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sunlight from the burning zone!</div> -<div class="verse">Gold and silver, gems and marble,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All creation's jewelry;</div> -<div class="verse">Earth's uncovered waste of riches,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Treasures of the ancient sea.</div> -<div class="verse indent10">Heir of glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">What is that to thee and me?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Iris and Aurora braided—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">How the woven colors shine!</div> -<div class="verse">Snow-gleams from an Alpine summit.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Torch-light from a spar-roofed mine.</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">{97}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Like Arabia's matchless palace,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Child of magic's strong decree,</div> -<div class="verse">One vast globe of living sapphire,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Floor, walls, columns, canopy.</div> -<div class="verse indent10">Heir of glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">What is that to thee and me?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Forms of beauty, shapes of wonder,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Trophies of triumphant toil;</div> -<div class="verse">Never Athens, Rome, Palmyra,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Gazed on such a costly spoil.</div> -<div class="verse">Dazzling the bewildered vision,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">More than princely pomp we see:</div> -<div class="verse">What the blaze of the Alhambra,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Dome of emerald, to thee?</div> -<div class="verse indent10">Heir of glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">What is that to thee and me?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Farthest cities pour their riches,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Farthest empires muster here,</div> -<div class="verse">Art her jubilee proclaiming</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To the nations far and near.</div> -<div class="verse">From the crowd in wonder gazing,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Science claims the prostrate knee;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">{98}</a></div> -<div class="verse">This her temple, diamond-blazing,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Shrine of her idolatry.</div> -<div class="verse indent10">Heir of glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">What is that to thee and me?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Listen to her tale of wonder,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of her plastic, potent spell;</div> -<div class="verse">'Tis a big and braggart story,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Yet she tells it fair and well.</div> -<div class="verse">She the gifted, gay magician,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Mistress of earth, air, and sea;</div> -<div class="verse">This majestic apparition,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Offspring of her sorcery.</div> -<div class="verse indent10">Heir of glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">What is that to thee and me?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">What to that for which we're waiting</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Is this glittering earthly toy?</div> -<div class="verse">Heavenly glory, holy splendor,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sum of grandeur, sum of joy.</div> -<div class="verse">Not the gems that time can tarnish,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Not the hues that dim and die,</div> -<div class="verse">Not the glow that cheats the lover,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Shaded with mortality.</div> -<div class="verse indent10">Heir of glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That shall be for thee and me!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">{99}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Not the light that leaves us darker,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Nor the gleams that come and go,</div> -<div class="verse">Not the mirth whose end is madness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Not the joy whose fruit is woe;</div> -<div class="verse">Not the notes that die at sunset,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Not the fashion of a day;</div> -<div class="verse">But the everlasting beauty,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And the endless melody.</div> -<div class="verse indent10">Heir of glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That shall be for thee and me!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">City of the pearl-bright portal;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">City of the jasper wall;</div> -<div class="verse">City of the golden pavement;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Seat of endless festival.</div> -<div class="verse">City of Jehovah, Salem,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">City of eternity,</div> -<div class="verse">To thy bridal-hall of gladness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From this prison would I flee.</div> -<div class="verse indent10">Heir of glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That shall be for thee and me!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Ah! with such strange spells around me,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Fairest of what earth calls fair,</div> -<div class="verse">How I need thy fairer image,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To undo the syren snare?</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">{100}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Lest the subtle serpent-tempter</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Lure me with his radiant lie;</div> -<div class="verse">As if sin were sin no longer,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Life were no more vanity.</div> -<div class="verse indent10">Heir of glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">What is that to thee and me?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Yes, I need <i>thee</i>, heavenly city,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My low spirit to upbear;</div> -<div class="verse">Yes, I need thee—earth's enchantments</div> -<div class="verse indent2">So beguile me with their glare.</div> -<div class="verse">Let me see thee, then these fetters</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Break asunder; I am free;</div> -<div class="verse">Then this pomp no longer chains me;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Faith has won the victory.</div> -<div class="verse indent10">Heir of glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That shall be for thee and me?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Soon where earthly beauty blinds not,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">No excess of brilliance palls,</div> -<div class="verse">Salem, city of the holy,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">We shall be within thy walls!</div> -<div class="verse">There, beside you crystal river,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">There, beneath life's wondrous tree,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">{101}</a></div> -<div class="verse">There, with naught to cloud or sever—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Ever with the Lamb to be!</div> -<div class="verse indent10">Heir of glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That shall be for thee and me!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">I AM FAR FRAE MY HAME.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I am</span> - far frae my hame, an' I'm weary aftenwhiles,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">For the langed-far hame-bringin', an' my Father's welcome smiles,</div> -<div class="verse">An' I'll ne'er be fu' content, until mine een do see</div> -<div class="verse">The gowden gates o' heav'n an' my ain countrie.</div> -<div class="verse">The earth is fleck'd wi' flowers, mony-tinted, fresh an' gay,</div> -<div class="verse">The birdies warble blithely, for my Faither made them sae:</div> -<div class="verse">But these sights an' these soun's will as naething be to me,</div> -<div class="verse">When I hear the angels singin' in my ain countrie.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I've His gude word of promise that some gladsome day, the King</div> -<div class="verse">To His ain royal palace His banished hame will bring;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">{102}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Wi' een an' wi' hert rinning ower, we shall see</div> -<div class="verse">The King in His beauty, in oor ain countrie.</div> -<div class="verse">My sins hae been mony, an' my sorrows hae been sair,</div> -<div class="verse">But there they'll never vex me, nor be remembered mair</div> -<div class="verse">For His bluid has made me white, and His han' shall dry my e'e,</div> -<div class="verse">When He brings me hame at last, to my ain countrie.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Sae little noo I ken, o' yon blessed, bonnie place,</div> -<div class="verse">I only ken it's Hame, whaur we shall see His face:</div> -<div class="verse">It wad surely be eneuch for ever mair to be</div> -<div class="verse">In the glory o' His presence, in oor ain countrie.</div> -<div class="verse">Like a bairn to his mither, a wee birdie to its nest,</div> -<div class="verse">I wad fain' be gangin' noo, unto my Saviour's breast,</div> -<div class="verse">For He gathers in His bosom witless, worthless lambs like me,</div> -<div class="verse">And carries them Himsel', to His ain countrie.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">He is faithfu' that hath promised, an' He'll surely come again,</div> -<div class="verse">He'll keep His tryst wi' me, at what hour I dinna ken;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">{103}</a></div> -<div class="verse">But He bids me still to wait, an' ready aye to be,</div> -<div class="verse">To gang at ony moment to my ain countrie.</div> -<div class="verse">Sae I'm watching aye, an' singin' o' my hame as I wait</div> -<div class="verse">For the soun'ing o' His footfa' this side the gowden gate:</div> -<div class="verse">God gie His grace to ilka ane wha' listens noo to me,</div> -<div class="verse">That we a' may gang in gladness to oor ain countrie.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">(<i>Unidentified.</i>)</div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE SINNER'S FRIEND.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">O thou,</span> - the contrite sinner's Friend,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Who loving, lov'st them to the end,</div> -<div class="verse">On this alone my hopes depend,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That Thou wilt plead for me!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">When, weary in the Christian race,</div> -<div class="verse">Far-off appears my resting-place,</div> -<div class="verse">And fainting, I mistrust Thy grace—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Then, Saviour, plead for me!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">{104}</a></div> -<div class="verse">When I have err'd and gone astray</div> -<div class="verse">Afar from Thine own and Wisdom's way,</div> -<div class="verse">And see no glimmering guiding ray—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Still, Saviour, plead for me!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">When Satan, by my sins made bold,</div> -<div class="verse">Strives from Thy cross to loose my hold,</div> -<div class="verse">Then with Thy pitying arms enfold,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And plead, oh, plead for me!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And when my dying hour draws near,</div> -<div class="verse">Darken'd with anguish, guilt, and fear,</div> -<div class="verse">Then to my fainting sight appear,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Pleading in Heaven for me!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">When the full light of Heavenly day</div> -<div class="verse">Reveals my sins in dread array,</div> -<div class="verse">Say, Thou hast wash'd them all away;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Oh, say, Thou plead'st for me!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Charlotte Elliott.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">{105}</a></div> - -<h2>EVENING PRAYER AT A GIRL'S SCHOOL.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="small verse quote">"Now in thy youth, beseech of Him,</div> -<div class="small verse indent2">Who giveth, upbraiding not,</div> -<div class="small verse">That His light in thy heart become not dim,</div> -<div class="small verse indent2">And His love be unforgot;</div> -<div class="small verse">And thy God, in the darkest of days, will be</div> -<div class="small verse">Greenness, and beauty, and strength to thee."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="small verse indent20 small">—<i>Bernard Barton.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Hush!</span> - 'tis a holy hour—the quiet room</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Seems like a temple, while yon soft lamp sheds</div> -<div class="verse">A faint and starry radiance, through the gloom</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And the sweet stillness, down on bright young heads,</div> -<div class="verse">With all their clustering locks, untouched by care,</div> -<div class="verse">And bowed, as flowers are bowed with night—in prayer.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Gaze on,—'tis lovely! childhood's lip and cheek,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Mantling beneath its earnest brow of thought—</div> -<div class="verse">Gaze—yet what seest thou in those fair, and meek,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And fragile things, as but for sunshine wrought?</div> -<div class="verse">Thou seest what grief must nurture for the sky,</div> -<div class="verse">What death must fashion for eternity!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">{106}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Oh! joyous creatures, that will sink to rest,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Lightly, when those pure orisons are done,</div> -<div class="verse">As birds with slumber's honey-dew oppressed,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'Midst the dim folded leaves, at set of sun—</div> -<div class="verse">Lift up your hearts! though yet no sorrow lies</div> -<div class="verse">Dark in the summer-heaven of those clear eyes;</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Though fresh within your breasts th' untroubled springs</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of hope make melody where'er ye tread;</div> -<div class="verse">And o'er your sleep bright shadows, from the wings</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of spirits visiting but youth, be spread;</div> -<div class="verse">Yet in those flute-like voices, mingling low,</div> -<div class="verse">Is woman's tenderness—how soon her woe!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Her lot is on you—silent tears to weep,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And patient smiles to wear through suffering's hour,</div> -<div class="verse">And sunless riches, from affection's deep,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To pour on broken reeds—a wasted shower?</div> -<div class="verse">And to make idols, and to find them clay,</div> -<div class="verse">And to bewail that worship—therefore pray!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Her lot is on you—to be found untired,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Watching the stars out by the bed of pain,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">{107}</a></div> -<div class="verse">With a pale cheek, and yet a brow inspired,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And a true heart of hope, though hope be vain.</div> -<div class="verse">Meekly to bear with wrong, to cheer decay,</div> -<div class="verse">And oh! to love through all things—therefore pray!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And take the thought of this calm vesper time,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With its low murmuring sounds and silvery light,</div> -<div class="verse">On through the dark days fading from their prime,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As a sweet dew to keep your souls from blight.</div> -<div class="verse">Earth will forsake—oh! happy to have given</div> -<div class="verse">Th' unbroken heart's first fragrance unto Heaven.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Mrs. Hemans.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">I WORSHIP THEE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I worship</span> - thee, sweet Will of God!</div> -<div class="verse indent4">And all thy ways adore;</div> -<div class="verse">And every day I live, I seem</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To love thee more and more.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Thou wert the end, the blessed rule</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of our Saviour's toils and tears;</div> -<div class="verse">Thou wert the passion of His Heart</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Those three-and-thirty years.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">{108}</a></div> -<div class="verse">And He hath breathed into my soul</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A special love of thee,</div> -<div class="verse">A love to lose my will in His,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And by that loss be free.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I love to see thee bring to nought</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The plans of wily men;</div> -<div class="verse">When simple hearts outwit the wise,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Oh thou art loveliest then!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The headstrong world, it presses hard</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Upon the church full oft,</div> -<div class="verse">And then how easily thou turn'st</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The hard ways into soft.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I love to kiss each print where thou</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Hast set thine unseen feet;</div> -<div class="verse">I cannot fear thee, blessèd will,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thine empire is so sweet.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">When obstacles and trials seem</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Like prison-walls to be,</div> -<div class="verse">I do the little I can do,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And leave the rest to thee.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">{109}</a></div> -<div class="verse">I know not what it is to doubt;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My heart is ever gay;</div> -<div class="verse">I run no risk, for come what will,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou always hast thy way.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I have no cares, O blessèd will,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For all my cares are thine;</div> -<div class="verse">I live in triumph, Lord, for thou</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Hast made thy triumphs mine.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And when it seems no chance or change</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From grief can set me free,</div> -<div class="verse">Hope finds its strength in helplessness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And gayly waits on thee.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Man's weakness waiting upon God</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Its end can never miss,</div> -<div class="verse">For men on earth no work can do</div> -<div class="verse indent2">More angel-like than this.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Ride on, ride on triumphantly,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou glorious Will! ride on;</div> -<div class="verse">Faith's pilgrim sons behind thee take</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The road that thou hast gone.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">{110}</a></div> -<div class="verse">He always wins who sides with God,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To him no chance is lost;</div> -<div class="verse">God's will is sweetest to him when</div> -<div class="verse indent2">It triumphs at his cost.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Ill, that God blesses, is our good,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And unblest good is ill;</div> -<div class="verse">And all is right that seems most wrong,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">If it be his dear will!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>F. W. Faber.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE PEACE OF GOD.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">We</span> - ask for Peace, O Lord!</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Thy children ask Thy peace;</div> -<div class="verse">Not what the world calls rest,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That toil and care should cease,</div> -<div class="verse">That through bright sunny hours</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Calm Life should fleet away,</div> -<div class="verse">And tranquil night should fade</div> -<div class="verse indent2"> In smiling day;—</div> -<div class="verse">It is not for such Peace that we would pray.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">We ask for Peace, O Lord!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Yet not to stand secure,</div> -<div class="verse">Girt round with iron Pride,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Contented to endure:</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">{111}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Crushing the gentle strings</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That human hearts should know,</div> -<div class="verse">Untouched by others' joy</div> -<div class="verse indent2"> Or others' woe;—</div> -<div class="verse">Thou, O dear Lord, wilt never teach us so.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">We ask Thy Peace, O Lord!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Through storm, and fear, and strife,</div> -<div class="verse">To light and guide us on,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Through a long, struggling life:</div> -<div class="verse">While no success or gain</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Shall cheer the desperate fight,</div> -<div class="verse">Or nerve, what the world calls,</div> -<div class="verse indent2"> Our wasted might:—</div> -<div class="verse">Yet pressing through the darkness to the light.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">It is Thine own, O Lord,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Who toil while others sleep,</div> -<div class="verse">Who sow with loving care</div> -<div class="verse indent2">What other hands shall reap;</div> -<div class="verse">They lean on Thee entranced,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In calm and perfect rest:</div> -<div class="verse">Give us that Peace, O Lord,</div> -<div class="verse indent2"> Divine and blest,</div> -<div class="verse">Thou keepest for those hearts who love Thee best.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Adelaide Procter.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">{112}</a></div> - -<h2>LISTENING IN DARKNESS—SPEAKING IN LIGHT.</h2> - -<p class="center small">"What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light." -<span class="smcap">Matt.</span> x. 27.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">He</span> - hath spoken in the darkness</div> -<div class="verse indent6">In the silence of the night,</div> -<div class="verse">Spoken sweetly of the Father.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Words of life and love and light,</div> -<div class="verse">Floating through the sombre stillness</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Came the loved and loving Voice,</div> -<div class="verse">Speaking peace and solemn gladness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That His children might rejoice.</div> -<div class="verse">What He tells thee in the darkness—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Songs He giveth in the night—</div> -<div class="verse">Rise and speak it in the morning,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Rise and sing them in the light!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">He hath spoken in the darkness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In the silence of thy grief,</div> -<div class="verse">Sympathy so deep and tender,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Mighty for thy heart-relief.</div> -<div class="verse">Speaking in thy night of sorrow</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Words of comfort and of calm,</div> -<div class="verse">Gently on thy wounded spirit</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Pouring true and healing balm.</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">{113}</a></div> -<div class="verse">What He tells thee in the darkness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Weary watcher for the day,</div> -<div class="verse">Grateful lip and life should utter</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When the shadows flee away.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">He is speaking in the darkness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Though thou canst not see His face,</div> -<div class="verse">More than angels ever needed,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Mercy, pardon, love and grace.</div> -<div class="verse">Speaking of the many mansions,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Where, in safe and holy rest,</div> -<div class="verse">Thou shalt be with Him forever,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Perfectly and always blest.</div> -<div class="verse">What He tells thee in the darkness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Whispers through Time's lonely night,</div> -<div class="verse">Thou shalt speak in glorious praises</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In the everlasting light.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Frances Ridley Havergal.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE MORNING STAR.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">There</span> - is a morning star, my soul,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">There is a morning star;</div> -<div class="verse">'Twill soon be near and bright, tho' now,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">It seem so dim and far.</div> -<div class="verse"><div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">{114}</a></div></div> -<div class="verse">And when time's stars have come and gone,</div> -<div class="verse">And every mist of earth has flown,</div> -<div class="verse">That better star shall rise</div> -<div class="verse">On this world's clouded skies,</div> -<div class="verse indent16">To shine forever!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The night is well nigh spent, my soul,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The night is well nigh spent,</div> -<div class="verse">And soon above our heads shall shine</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A glorious firmament;</div> -<div class="verse">A sky all glad, and pure, and bright,</div> -<div class="verse">The Lamb, once slain, its perfect light;</div> -<div class="verse">A star without a cloud,</div> -<div class="verse">Whose light no mists enshroud,</div> -<div class="verse indent16">Descending never.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">GOD OF THE WORLD.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">God</span> - of the world! Thy glories shine,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Through earth and heaven, with rays divine:</div> -<div class="verse">Thy smile gives beauty to the flower,</div> -<div class="verse">Thine anger to the tempest power.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">God of our lives! the throbbing heart</div> -<div class="verse">Doth at Thy beck its action start—</div> -<div class="verse">Throbs on, obedient to Thy will,</div> -<div class="verse">Or ceases, at Thy fatal chill.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">{115}</a></div> -<div class="verse">God of eternal life! Thy love</div> -<div class="verse">Doth every stain of sin remove;</div> -<div class="verse">The cross, the cross—its hallowed light</div> -<div class="verse">Shall drive from earth her cheerless night.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">God of all goodness! to the skies</div> -<div class="verse">Our hearts in grateful anthems rise;</div> -<div class="verse">And to Thy service shall be given</div> -<div class="verse">The rest of life—the whole of heaven.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>S. S. Cutting.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">THERE IS A GOD.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">There</span> - is a God!—all nature speaks,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Through earth, and air, and seas, and skies;</div> -<div class="verse">See! from the clouds His glory breaks,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When the first beams of morning rise.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The rising sun, serenely bright,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O'er the wide world's extended frame,</div> -<div class="verse">Inscribes, in characters of light,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His mighty Maker's glorious name.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Ye curious minds, who roam abroad,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And trace creation's wonders o'er,</div> -<div class="verse">Confess the footsteps of your God,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And bow before Him, and adore.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Steele.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">{116}</a></div> - -<h2 class="faux">LORD, HOW MYSTERIOUS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Lord,</span> - how mysterious are Thy ways!</div> -<div class="verse indent4">How blind are we! how mean our praise!</div> -<div class="verse">Thy steps, can mortal eyes explore?</div> -<div class="verse">'Tis ours to wonder and adore.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Great God! I would not ask to see</div> -<div class="verse">What in my coming life shall be;</div> -<div class="verse">Enough for me if love divine,</div> -<div class="verse">At length through every cloud shall shine.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Are darkness and distress my share?</div> -<div class="verse">Then let me trust Thy guardian care;</div> -<div class="verse">If light and bliss attend my days</div> -<div class="verse">Then let my future hours be praise.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Yet this my soul desires to know,</div> -<div class="verse">Be this my only wish below,</div> -<div class="verse">That Christ be mine;—this great request</div> -<div class="verse">Grant, bounteous God, and I am blest!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Steele.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE SHADOW OF THE ROCK.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">The</span> - Shadow of the Rock!</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Stay, Pilgrim, stay!</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Night treads upon the heels of day;</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">There is no other resting-place this way.</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">{117}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent2">The Rock is near,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The well is clear—</div> -<div class="verse">Rest in the Shadow of the Rock.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The Shadow of the Rock!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The desert wide</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Lies round thee like a trackless tide,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">In waves of sand forlornly multiplied.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The sun is gone,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou art alone—</div> -<div class="verse">Rest in the Shadow of the Rock!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The Shadow of the Rock!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All come alone;</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">All, ever since the sun hath shone,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Who traveled by this road have come alone.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Be of good cheer—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A home is here—</div> -<div class="verse">Rest in the Shadow of the Rock?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The Shadow of the Rock!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Night veils the land;</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">How the palms whisper as they stand!</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">How the well tinkles faintly through the sand!</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">{118}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent2">Cool water take</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thy thirst to slake—</div> -<div class="verse">Rest in the Shadow of the Rock!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The Shadow of the Rock!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Abide! Abide!</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">This Rock moves ever at thy side,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Pausing to welcome thee at eventide.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Ages are laid</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Beneath its shade—</div> -<div class="verse">Rest in the Shadow of the Rock!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The Shadow of the Rock!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Always at hand,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Unseen it cools the noon-tide land,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">And quells the fire that flickers in the sand.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">It comes in sight</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Only at night—</div> -<div class="verse">Rest in the Shadow of the Rock!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The Shadow of the Rock!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'Mid skies storm-riven</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">It gathers shadows out of heaven,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">And holds them o'er us all night cool and even.</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">{119}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent2">Through the charmed air</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Dew falls not there—</div> -<div class="verse">Rest in the Shadow of the Rock!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The Shadow of the Rock!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To angels' eyes</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">This Rock its shadow multiplies,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">And at this hour in countless places lies.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">One Rock, one shade,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O'er thousands laid—</div> -<div class="verse">Rest in the Shadow of the Rock!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The Shadow of the Rock!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To weary feet,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">That have been diligent and fleet,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">The sleep is deeper and the shade more sweet.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O weary, rest!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou art sore pressed—</div> -<div class="verse">Rest in the shadow of the Rock!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The Shadow of the Rock!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thy bed is made;</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Crowds of tired souls like thine are laid</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">This night beneath the self-same placid shade.</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">{120}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent2">They who rest here</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Wake with Heaven near—</div> -<div class="verse">Rest in the Shadow of the Rock!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The Shadow of the Rock!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Pilgrim! sleep sound;</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">In night's swift hours with silent bound,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">The Rock will put thee over leagues of ground,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Gaining more way</div> -<div class="verse indent2">By night than day—</div> -<div class="verse">Rest in the Shadow of the Rock!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The Shadow of the Rock!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">One day of pain,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Thou scarce wilt hope the Rock to gain,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Yet there wilt sleep thy last sleep on the plain;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And only wake</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In Heaven's daybreak—</div> -<div class="verse">Rest in the Shadow of the Rock.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>F. W. Faber.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>ELEGY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Sleep</span> - on my love, in thy cold bed,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Never to be disquieted!</div> -<div class="verse">My last good night! Thou wilt not wake</div> -<div class="verse">Till I thy fate shall overtake,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">{121}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Till age, or grief, or sickness, must</div> -<div class="verse">Marry my body to that dust</div> -<div class="verse">It so much loves, and fill the room</div> -<div class="verse">My heart keeps empty in thy tomb.</div> -<div class="verse">Stay for me there; I will not fail</div> -<div class="verse">To meet thee in that narrow vale;</div> -<div class="verse">And think not much of my delay:</div> -<div class="verse">I am already on the way,</div> -<div class="verse">And follow thee with all the speed</div> -<div class="verse">Desire can make, or sorrows breed.</div> -<div class="verse">For hark! my heart, like a soft drum,</div> -<div class="verse">Beats my approach, tells thee I come;</div> -<div class="verse">And howe'er long my marches be,</div> -<div class="verse">I shall at last lie down by thee.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="center gap-between"> ****</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Each minute is a short degree,</div> -<div class="verse">And every hour a step toward thee;</div> -<div class="verse">At night when I betake to rest,</div> -<div class="verse">Next morn I rise nearer my west</div> -<div class="verse">Of life, almost by eight hours' sail,</div> -<div class="verse">Than when sleep breathed his drowsy gale.</div> -<div class="verse">The thought of this bids me go on,</div> -<div class="verse">And wait my dissolution</div> -<div class="verse">With hope and comfort. Dear, forgive</div> -<div class="verse">The crime: I am content to live</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">{122}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Divided, with but half a heart,</div> -<div class="verse">Till we shall meet and never part.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Henry King.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>REST YONDER.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">This</span> - is not my place of resting</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Mine's a city yet to come;</div> -<div class="verse">Onwards to it I am hasting—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">On to my eternal home.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">In it all is light and glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O'er it shines a nightless day;</div> -<div class="verse">Every trace of sin's sad story,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All the curse, has passed away.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">There the Lamb, our Shepherd, leads us,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">By the streams of life along;</div> -<div class="verse">On the freshest pastures feeds us,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Turns our sighing into song.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Soon we pass this desert dreary,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Soon we bid farewell to pain;</div> -<div class="verse">Never more be sad or weary,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Never, never sin again.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">{123}</a></div> - -<h2 class="faux">SOLDIERS OF CHRIST.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Soldiers</span> - of Christ, arise,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">And gird your armor on,</div> -<div class="verse">Strong in the strength which God supplies,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Through His eternal Son:</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Strong in the Lord of hosts,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And in His mighty power,</div> -<div class="verse">Who in the strength of Jesus trusts,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Is more than conqueror.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Leave no unguarded place,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">No weakness of the soul;</div> -<div class="verse">Take every virtue, every grace,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And fortify the whole.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Stand, then, in His great might,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With all His strength endued,</div> -<div class="verse">And take, to arm you for the fight,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The panoply of God:</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">That, having all things done,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And all your conflicts past,</div> -<div class="verse">You may o'ercome thro' Christ alone,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And stand complete at last.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">{124}</a></div> -<div class="verse">From strength to strength go on;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Wrestle, and fight, and pray;</div> -<div class="verse">Tread all the powers of darkness down,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And win the well-fought day.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>C. Wesley.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">THY WILL BE DONE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Thy</span> - will be done! I will not fear</div> -<div class="verse indent4">The fate provided by Thy love;</div> -<div class="verse">Though clouds and darkness shroud me here,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I know that all is bright above.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The stars of heaven are shining on,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Though these frail eyes are dimmed with tears;</div> -<div class="verse">The hopes of earth indeed are gone,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But are not ours the immortal years?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Father! forgive the heart that clings,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thus trembling, to the things of time;</div> -<div class="verse">And bid my soul, on angel wings,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Ascend into a purer clime.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>J. Roscoe.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">{125}</a></div> - -<h2 class="faux">IT IS NOT DYING.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">No,</span> - no, it is not dying</div> -<div class="verse indent4">To go unto our God,</div> -<div class="verse">This gloomy earth forsaking,</div> -<div class="verse">Our journey homeward taking</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Along the starry road.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">No, no, it is not dying</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Heaven's citizen to be;</div> -<div class="verse">A crown immortal wearing,</div> -<div class="verse">And rest unbroken sharing,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From care and conflict free.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">No, no, it is not dying</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To hear this gracious word,</div> -<div class="verse">"Receive a Father's blessing,</div> -<div class="verse">Forever more possessing</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The favor of thy Lord."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">No, no, it is not dying</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The Shepherd's voice to know;</div> -<div class="verse">His sheep he ever leadeth,</div> -<div class="verse">His peaceful flock he feedeth,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Where living pastures grow.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">No, no, it is not dying</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To wear a lordly crown;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">{126}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Among God's people dwelling,</div> -<div class="verse">The glorious triumph swelling</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of Him whose sway we own.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Oh, no, this is not dying,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou Saviour of mankind!</div> -<div class="verse">There, streams of love are flowing,</div> -<div class="verse">No hindrance ever knowing;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Here drops alone we find.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Malan.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">WATCHMAN! TELL US OF THE NIGHT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Watchman!</span> - tell us of the night,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">What its signs of promise are.—</div> -<div class="verse">Traveler! o'er yon mountain's height,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">See that glory-beaming star!—</div> -<div class="verse">Watchman! does its beauteous ray</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Aught of hope or joy foretell?</div> -<div class="verse">Traveler! yes; it brings the day—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Promised day of Israel.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Watchman! tell us of the night,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Higher yet that stars ascends.—</div> -<div class="verse">Traveler! blessedness and light,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Peace and truth its course portends!</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">{127}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Watchman! will its beams alone</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Gild the spot that gave them birth?—</div> -<div class="verse">Traveler! ages are its own,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">See, it bursts o'er all the earth.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Watchman! tell us of the night,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For the morning seems to dawn.—</div> -<div class="verse">Traveler! darkness takes its flight,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Doubt and terror are withdrawn.—</div> -<div class="verse">Watchman! let thy wanderings cease;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Hie thee to thy quiet home.—</div> -<div class="verse">Traveler! lo! the Prince of Peace,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Lo! the son of God is come.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Bowring.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE SPIRIT ACCOMPANYING THE WORD OF GOD.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">O spirit</span> - of the living God,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">In all Thy plenitude of grace,</div> -<div class="verse">Where'er the foot of man hath trod,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Descend on our apostate race.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Give tongues of fire, and hearts of love,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To preach the reconciling word;</div> -<div class="verse">Give power and unction from above,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Where'er the joyful sound is heard.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">{128}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Be darkness, at Thy coming, light;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Confusion—order, in Thy path;</div> -<div class="verse">Souls without strength inspire with might,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Bid mercy triumph over wrath.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">O, Spirit of the Lord! prepare</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All the round earth her God to meet;</div> -<div class="verse">Breathe Thou abroad like morning air,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Till hearts of stone begin to beat.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Baptize the nations; far and nigh,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The triumphs of the cross record;</div> -<div class="verse">The name of Jesus glorify,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Till every kindred call Him Lord.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">God from eternity hath willed,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All flesh shall His salvation see;</div> -<div class="verse">So be the Father's love fulfilled,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The Saviour's sufferings crowned through Thee.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>James Montgomery.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="image-center" style="max-width: 429px;"> - <img src="images/illus131.jpg" width="429" height="600" alt="131jpg"/> - <div class="caption"> - <p class="left">Religious Poems</p> - <p class="center">APPARITION TO THE SHEPHERDS.</p> - </div> -</div> - -<h2>THE CLOUDLESS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">No</span> - shadows yonder!</div> -<div class="verse indent6">All light and song;</div> -<div class="verse">Each day I wonder,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And say, How long</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">{129}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Shall time me sunder</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From that dear throng?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">No weeping yonder?</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All fled away;</div> -<div class="verse">While here I wander</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Each weary day,</div> -<div class="verse">And sigh as I ponder</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My long, long stay.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">No partings yonder!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Time and space never</div> -<div class="verse">Again shall sunder;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Hearts cannot sever;</div> -<div class="verse">Dearer and fonder</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Hands clasp for ever.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">None wanting yonder,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Bought by the Lamb!</div> -<div class="verse">All gathered under</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The evergreen palm;</div> -<div class="verse">Loud as night's thunder</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Ascends the glad psalm.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent12"><i>—Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">{130}</a></div> - -<h2>COMFORT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Hast</span> - thou o'er the clear heaven of thy soul</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Seen tempests roll?</div> -<div class="verse">Hast thou watched all the hopes thou wouldst have won</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Fade, one by one?</div> -<div class="verse">Wait till the clouds are past, then raise thine eyes</div> -<div class="verse indent6">To bluer skies.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Hast thou gone sadly through a dreary night,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">And found no light,</div> -<div class="verse">No guide, no star, to cheer thee through the plain,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">No friend, save pain?</div> -<div class="verse">Wait, and thy soul shall see, when most forlorn,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Rise a new morn.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Hast thou beneath another's stern control</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Bent thy sad soul,</div> -<div class="verse">And wasted sacred hopes and precious tears?</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Yet calm thy fears,</div> -<div class="verse">For thou canst gain, even from the bitterest part,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">A stronger heart.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Has Fate o'erwhelmed thee with some sudden blow?</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Let thy tears flow;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">{131}</a></div> -<div class="verse">But know when storms are past, the heavens appear</div> -<div class="verse indent6">More pure, more clear;</div> -<div class="verse">And hope, when farthest from their shining rays,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">For brighter days.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Hast thou found life a cheat, and worn in vain</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Its iron chain?</div> -<div class="verse">Has thy soul bent beneath earth's heavy bond?</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Look thou beyond;</div> -<div class="verse">If life is bitter—<i>there</i> forever shine</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Hopes more divine.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Art thou alone, and does thy soul complain</div> -<div class="verse indent6">It lives in vain?</div> -<div class="verse">Not vainly does he live who can endure.</div> -<div class="verse indent6">O be thou sure,</div> -<div class="verse">That he who hopes and suffers here, can earn</div> -<div class="verse indent6">A sure return.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Hast thou found naught within thy troubled life</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Save inward strife?</div> -<div class="verse">Hast thou found all she promised thee, Deceit,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">And Hope a cheat?</div> -<div class="verse">Endure, and there shall dawn within thy breast</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Eternal rest!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small"><i>—Adelaide Procter.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">{132}</a></div> - -<h2>"MASTER, SAY ON!"</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Master,</span> - speak! Thy servant heareth,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Waiting for Thy gracious word,</div> -<div class="verse">Longing for Thy voice that cheereth;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Master! let it now be heard.</div> -<div class="verse">I am listening, Lord, for Thee;</div> -<div class="verse">What hast Thou to say to me?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Often through my heart is pealing</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Other voices, Lord, than Thine,</div> -<div class="verse">Many an unwilled echo stealing</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From the walls of this Thy shrine:</div> -<div class="verse">Let Thy longed-for accents fall;</div> -<div class="verse">Master, speak! and silence all.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Master, speak! I do not doubt Thee,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Though so tearfully I plead;</div> -<div class="verse">Saviour, Shepherd! Oh, without Thee</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Life would be a blank indeed!</div> -<div class="verse">But I long for fuller light,</div> -<div class="verse">Deeper love, and clearer sight.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Resting on the 'faithful saying,'</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Trusting what Thy gospel saith,</div> -<div class="verse">On Thy written promise staying</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All my hope in life and death,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">{133}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Yet I long for something more</div> -<div class="verse">From Thy love's exhaustless store.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Speak to me by name, O Master,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Let me <i>know</i> it is to me;</div> -<div class="verse">Speak, that I may follow faster,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With a step more firm and free,</div> -<div class="verse">Where the Shepherd leads the flock,</div> -<div class="verse">In the shadow of the Rock.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Master, speak! I kneel before Thee,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Listening, longing, waiting still;</div> -<div class="verse">Oh, how long shall I implore Thee</div> -<div class="verse indent2">This petition to fulfil!</div> -<div class="verse">Hast Thou not one word for me?</div> -<div class="verse">Must my prayer unanswered be?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Master, speak! Though least and lowest</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Let me not unheard depart;</div> -<div class="verse">Master, speak! for oh! Thou knowest</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All the yearning of my heart,</div> -<div class="verse">Knowest all its truest need;</div> -<div class="verse">Speak! and make me blest indeed.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Master, speak! and make me ready,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When Thy voice is truly heard,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">{134}</a></div> -<div class="verse">With obedience glad and steady</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Still to follow every word.</div> -<div class="verse">I am listening, Lord, for Thee;</div> -<div class="verse">Master speak, oh, speak to me!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16"><i>—Frances Ridley Havergal.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE LEPER.</h2> - -<p class="center small">St. Luke. Chapter xvii.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Room</span> - for the leper! "Room!" And, as he came,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">The cry pass'd on—"Room for the leper! Room!"</div> -<div class="verse">Sunrise was slanting on the city gates</div> -<div class="verse">Rosy and beautiful, and from the hills</div> -<div class="verse">The early risen poor were coming in,</div> -<div class="verse">Duly and cheerfully to their toil, and up</div> -<div class="verse">Rose the sharp hammer's clink, and the far hum</div> -<div class="verse">Of moving wheels and multitudes astir,</div> -<div class="verse">And all that in a city murmur swells—</div> -<div class="verse">Unheard but by the watcher's weary ear,</div> -<div class="verse">Aching with night's dull silence, or the sick</div> -<div class="verse">Hailing the welcome light and sounds that chase</div> -<div class="verse">The death-like images of the dark away.</div> -<div class="verse">"Room for the leper!" And aside they stood—</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">{135}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Matron, and child, and pitiless manhood—all</div> -<div class="verse">Who met him on his way—and let him pass.</div> -<div class="verse">And onward through the open gate he came,</div> -<div class="verse">A leper with the ashes on his brow,</div> -<div class="verse">Sackcloth about his loins, and on his lip</div> -<div class="verse">A covering, stepping painfully and slow,</div> -<div class="verse">And with a difficult utterance, like one</div> -<div class="verse">Whose heart is like an iron nerve put down,</div> -<div class="verse">Crying, "Unclean! Unclean!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20">'Twas now the first</div> -<div class="verse">Of the Judean autumn, and the leaves,</div> -<div class="verse">Whose shadows lay so still upon his path,</div> -<div class="verse">Had put their beauty forth beneath the eye</div> -<div class="verse">Of Judah's loftiest noble. He was young,</div> -<div class="verse">And eminently beautiful, and life</div> -<div class="verse">Mantled in eloquent fullness on his lip,</div> -<div class="verse">And sparkled in his glance; and in his mien</div> -<div class="verse">There was a gracious pride that every eye</div> -<div class="verse">Follow'd with benisons—and this was he!</div> -<div class="verse">With the soft airs of summer there had come</div> -<div class="verse">A torpor on his frame, which not the speed</div> -<div class="verse">Of his best barb, nor music, nor the blast</div> -<div class="verse">Of the bold huntsman's horn, nor aught that stirs</div> -<div class="verse">The spirit to its bent, might drive away.</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">{136}</a></div> -<div class="verse">The blood beat not as wont within his veins;</div> -<div class="verse">Dimness crept o'er his eye; a drowsy sloth</div> -<div class="verse">Fetter'd his limbs like palsy, and his mien,</div> -<div class="verse">With all its loftiness, seem'd struck with eld.</div> -<div class="verse">Even his voice was changed—a languid moan</div> -<div class="verse">Taking the place of the clear silver key;</div> -<div class="verse">And brain and sense grew faint, as if the light</div> -<div class="verse">And very air were steep'd in sluggishness.</div> -<div class="verse">He strove with it awhile, as manhood will,</div> -<div class="verse">Ever too proud for weakness, till the rein</div> -<div class="verse">Slacken'd within his grasp, and in its poise</div> -<div class="verse">The arrowy jereed like an aspen shook.</div> -<div class="verse">Day after day, he lay as if in sleep.</div> -<div class="verse">His skin grew dry and bloodless, and white scales,</div> -<div class="verse">Circled with livid purple, cover'd him.</div> -<div class="verse">And then his nails grew black, and fell away</div> -<div class="verse">From the dull flesh about them, and the hues</div> -<div class="verse">Deepen'd beneath the hard unmoisten'd scales,</div> -<div class="verse">And from their edges grew the rank white hair,</div> -<div class="verse">—And Helon was a leper!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20">Day was breaking,</div> -<div class="verse">When at the altar of the temple stood</div> -<div class="verse">The holy priest of God. The incense lamp</div> -<div class="verse">Burn'd with a struggling light, and a low chant</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">{137}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Swell'd through the hollow arches of the roof</div> -<div class="verse">Like an articulate wail, and there, alone,</div> -<div class="verse">Wasted to ghastly thinness, Helon knelt.</div> -<div class="verse">The echoes of the melancholy strain</div> -<div class="verse">Died in the distant aisles, and he rose up,</div> -<div class="verse">Struggling with weakness, and bow'd down his head</div> -<div class="verse">Unto the sprinkled ashes, and put off</div> -<div class="verse">His costly raiment for the leper's garb;</div> -<div class="verse">And with the sackcloth round him, and his lip</div> -<div class="verse">Hid in a loathsome covering, stood still,</div> -<div class="verse">Waiting to hear his doom:—</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent4">Depart! depart, O child</div> -<div class="verse">Of Israel, from the temple of thy God!</div> -<div class="verse">For He has smote thee with His chastening rod;</div> -<div class="verse indent4">And to the desert-wild,</div> -<div class="verse">From all thou lov'st, away thy feet must flee,</div> -<div class="verse">That from thy plague His people may be free.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent4">Depart! and come not near</div> -<div class="verse">The busy mart, the crowded city, more;</div> -<div class="verse">Nor set thy foot a human threshold o'er;</div> -<div class="verse indent4">And stay thou not to hear</div> -<div class="verse">Voices that call thee in the way: and fly</div> -<div class="verse">From all who in the wilderness pass by.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">{138}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent4">Wet not thy burning lip</div> -<div class="verse">In streams that to a human dwelling glide;</div> -<div class="verse">Nor rest thee where the covert fountains hide;</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Nor kneel thee down to dip</div> -<div class="verse">The water where the pilgrim bends to drink,</div> -<div class="verse">By desert well or river's grassy brink;</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent4">And pass thou not between</div> -<div class="verse">The weary traveler and the cooling breeze;</div> -<div class="verse">And lie not down to sleep beneath the trees</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Where human tracks are seen;</div> -<div class="verse">Nor milk the goat that browseth on the plain</div> -<div class="verse">Nor pluck the standing corn, or yellow grain.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent4">And now depart! and when</div> -<div class="verse">Thy heart is heavy, and thine eyes are dim,</div> -<div class="verse">Lift up thy prayer beseechingly to Him</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Who, from the tribes of men,</div> -<div class="verse">Selected thee to feel His chastening rod.</div> -<div class="verse">Depart! O leper! and forget not God!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And he went forth—alone! not one of all</div> -<div class="verse">The many whom he loved, nor she whose name</div> -<div class="verse">Was woven in the fibres of the heart</div> -<div class="verse">Breaking within him now, to come and speak</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">{139}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Comfort unto him. Yea—he went his way,</div> -<div class="verse">Sick, and heart-broken, and alone—to die!</div> -<div class="verse">For God had cursed the leper!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20">It was noon,</div> -<div class="verse">And Helon knelt beside a stagnant pool</div> -<div class="verse">In the lone wilderness, and bathed his brow,</div> -<div class="verse">Hot with the burning leprosy, and touch'd</div> -<div class="verse">The loathsome water to his fever'd lips,</div> -<div class="verse">Praying that he might be so blest—to die!</div> -<div class="verse">Footsteps approach'd, and, with no strength to flee,</div> -<div class="verse">He drew the covering closer on his lip,</div> -<div class="verse">Crying, "Unclean! unclean!" and in the folds</div> -<div class="verse">Of the coarse sackcloth shrouding up his face,</div> -<div class="verse">He fell upon the earth till they should pass.</div> -<div class="verse">Nearer the stranger came, and bending o'er</div> -<div class="verse">The leper prostrate form, pronounced his name—</div> -<div class="verse">"Helon!" The voice was like the master-tone</div> -<div class="verse">Of a rich instrument—most strangely sweet;</div> -<div class="verse">And the dull pulses of disease awoke,</div> -<div class="verse">And for a moment beat beneath the hot</div> -<div class="verse">And leprous scales with a restoring thrill.</div> -<div class="verse">"Helon! arise!" and he forgot his curse,</div> -<div class="verse">And rose and stood before Him.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">{140}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent20">Love and awe</div> -<div class="verse">Mingled in the regard of Helon's eye</div> -<div class="verse">As he beheld the stranger. He was not</div> -<div class="verse">In costly raiment clad, nor on his brow</div> -<div class="verse">The symbol of a princely lineage wore;</div> -<div class="verse">No followers at His back, nor in His hand</div> -<div class="verse">Buckler, or sword, or spear,—yet in His mien</div> -<div class="verse">Command sat throned serene, and if He smiled,</div> -<div class="verse">A kingly condescension graced His lips,</div> -<div class="verse">The lion would have crouch'd to in his lair.</div> -<div class="verse">His garb was simple, and His sandals worn;</div> -<div class="verse">His stature modell'd with a perfect grace;</div> -<div class="verse">His countenance the impress of a God,</div> -<div class="verse">Touch'd with the opening innocence of a child;</div> -<div class="verse">His eye was blue and calm, as is the sky</div> -<div class="verse">In the serenest noon; His hair unshorn</div> -<div class="verse">Fell to His shoulders; and His curling beard</div> -<div class="verse">The fulness of perfected manhood bore.</div> -<div class="verse">He look'd on Helon earnestly awhile,</div> -<div class="verse">As if His heart were moved, and stooping down</div> -<div class="verse">He took a little water in His hand</div> -<div class="verse">And laid it on his brow, and said, "Be clean!"</div> -<div class="verse">And lo! the scales fell from him, and his blood</div> -<div class="verse">Coursed with delicious coolness through his veins</div> -<div class="verse">And his dry palms grew moist, and on his brow</div> -<div class="verse"><div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">{141}</a></div></div> -<div class="verse">The dewy softness of an infant's stole.</div> -<div class="verse">His leprosy was cleansed, and he fell down</div> -<div class="verse">Prostrate at Jesus' feet and worship'd Him.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>N. P. Willis.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THINGS HOPED FOR.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">These</span> - are the crowns that we shall wear,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">When all thy saints are crowned;</div> -<div class="verse">These are the palms that we shall bear</div> -<div class="verse indent2">On yonder holy ground.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Far off as yet, reserved in heaven,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Above that veiling sky,</div> -<div class="verse">They sparkle, like the stars of even,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To hope's far-piercing eye.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">These are the robes, unsoiled and white,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Which then we shall put on,</div> -<div class="verse">When, foremost 'mong the sons of light,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">We sit on yonder throne.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">That city with the jeweled crest,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Like some new-lighted sun;</div> -<div class="verse">A blaze of burning amethyst—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Ten thousand orbs in one;</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">{142}</a></div> -<div class="verse">That is the city of the saints,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Where we so soon shall stand,</div> -<div class="verse">When we shall strike these desert-tents,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And quit this desert-sand.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">These are the everlasting hills,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With summits bathed in day:</div> -<div class="verse">The slopes down which the living rills,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Soft-lapsing, take their way.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Fair vision! how thy distant gleam</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Brightens time's saddest hue;</div> -<div class="verse">Far fairer than the fairest dream,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And yet so strangely true!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Fair vision! how thou liftest up</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The drooping brow and eye;</div> -<div class="verse">With the calm joy of thy sure hope</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Fixing our souls on high.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Thy light makes even the darkest page</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In memory's scroll grow fair;</div> -<div class="verse">Blanching the lines which tears and age</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Had only deepened there.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">{143}</a></div> -<div class="verse">With thee in view, the rugged slope</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Becomes a level way,</div> -<div class="verse">Smoothed by the magic of thy hope,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And gladdened by thy ray.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">With thee in view, how poor appear</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The world's most winning smiles;</div> -<div class="verse">Vain is the tempter's subtlest snare,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And vain hell's varied wiles.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Time's glory fades; its beauty now</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Has ceased to lure or blind;</div> -<div class="verse">Each gay enchantment here below</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Has lost its power to bind.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Then welcome toil, and care, and pain!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And welcome sorrow too!</div> -<div class="verse">All toil is rest, all grief is gain,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With such a prize in view.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Come crown and throne, come robe and palm!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Burst forth glad stream of peace!</div> -<div class="verse">Come, holy city of the Lamb!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Rise, Sun of Righteousness!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">{144}</a></div> -<div class="verse">When shall the clouds that veil thy rays</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For ever be withdrawn?</div> -<div class="verse">Why dost thou tarry, day of days?</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When shall thy gladness dawn?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE SURE REFUGE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Jesus,</span> - my Saviour, look on me!</div> -<div class="verse indent4">For I am weary and oppressed;</div> -<div class="verse">I come to cast myself on Thee;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou art my Rest.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Look down on me, for I am weak;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I feel the toilsome journey's length;</div> -<div class="verse">Thine aid omnipotent I seek;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou art my Strength.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I am bewildered on my way;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Dark and tempestuous is the night;</div> -<div class="verse">Oh! shed thou forth some cheering ray;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou art my Light.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I hear the storms around me rise,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But when I dread the impending shock,</div> -<div class="verse">My spirit to her refuge flies;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou art my Rock.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">{145}</a></div> -<div class="verse">When the accuser flings his darts,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I look to Thee—my terrors cease,—</div> -<div class="verse">Thy cross a hiding-place imparts;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou art my Peace.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Standing alone on Jordan's brink,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In that tremendous, latest strife,</div> -<div class="verse">Thou wilt not suffer me to sink;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou art my Life.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Thou wilt my every want supply,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Even to the end, whate'er befall</div> -<div class="verse">Through life in death eternally;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou art my All.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Unidentified.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>UNFRUITFULNESS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">My</span> - soul! what hast thou done for God?</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Look o'er thy misspent years and see;</div> -<div class="verse">Sum up what thou hast done for God,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And then what God has done for thee.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">He made thee, when He might have made</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A soul that would have loved Him more;</div> -<div class="verse">He rescued thee from nothingness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And set thee on life's happy shore.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">{146}</a></div> -<div class="verse">He placed an angel at thy side,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And strewed joys round thee on thy way;</div> -<div class="verse">He gave thee rights thou couldst not claim,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And life, free life, before thee lay.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Had God in heaven no work to do,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But miracles of love for thee?</div> -<div class="verse">No world to rule, no joy in self,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And in his own infinity?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">So must it seem to our blind eyes;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He gave His love no Sabbath rest,</div> -<div class="verse">Still plotting happiness for men,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And now designs to make them blest.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">From out His glorious bosom came</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His only, His eternal Son;</div> -<div class="verse">He freed the race of Satan's slaves,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And with His blood sin's captives won.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The world rose up against his love:</div> -<div class="verse indent2">New love the vile rebellion met,</div> -<div class="verse">As though God only looked at sin,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Its guilt to pardon and forget.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">For His Eternal Spirit came,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To raise the thankless slaves to sons,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">{147}</a></div> -<div class="verse">And with the sevenfold gifts of love</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To crown His own elected ones.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Men spurned His grace, their lips blasphemed</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The Love who made Himself their slave;</div> -<div class="verse">They grieved that blessed Comforter,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And turned against Him what He gave.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Yet still the sun is fair by day,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The moon still beautiful by night;</div> -<div class="verse">The world goes round, and joy with it,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And life, free life, is men's delight.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">No voice God's wondrous silence breaks;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">No hand put forth, His anger tells;</div> -<div class="verse">And He, the Omnipotent and Dread,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">On high in humblest patience dwells.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The Son hath come; and maddened sin</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The world's Creator crucified;</div> -<div class="verse">The Spirit comes, and stays, while men,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His presence doubt, His gifts deride.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And now the Father keeps Himself,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In patient and forbearing love,</div> -<div class="verse">To be His creature's heritage,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In that undying life above.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">{148}</a></div> -<div class="verse">O wonderful, O passing thought!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The love that God hath had for thee,</div> -<div class="verse">Spending on thee no less a sum</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Than the undivided Trinity.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Father and Son, and Holy Ghost,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Exhausted for a thing like this,—</div> -<div class="verse">The world's whole government disposed</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For one ungrateful creature's bliss.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">What hast thou done for God, my soul?</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Look o'er thy misspent years and see;</div> -<div class="verse">Cry for thy worse than nothingness;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Cry for His mercy upon thee.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>F. W. Faber.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">MURMURING.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Some</span> - murmur when their sky is clear,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">And wholly bright to view,</div> -<div class="verse">If one small speck of dark appear</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In their great heaven of blue.</div> -<div class="verse">And some with thankful love are filled,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">If but one streak of light,</div> -<div class="verse">One ray of God's good mercy, gild</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The darkness of their night.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">{149}</a></div> -<div class="verse">In palaces are hearts that ask,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In discontent and pride,</div> -<div class="verse">Why life is such a dreary task,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And all good things denied:</div> -<div class="verse">And hearts in poorest huts admire</div> -<div class="verse indent2">How love has in their aid</div> -<div class="verse">(Love that not ever seems to tire)</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Such rich provision made.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Richard Chenevix Trench.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>IF THOU COULDST KNOW.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I think</span> - if thou couldst know,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O soul that will complain,</div> -<div class="verse">What lies concealed below</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Our burden and our pain;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">How just our anguish brings</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Nearer those longed-for things</div> -<div class="verse indent2">We seek for now in vain,—</div> -<div class="verse">I think thou wouldst rejoice, and not complain.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I think if thou couldst see,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With thy dim mortal sight,</div> -<div class="verse">How meanings, dark to thee,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Are shadows hiding light;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">{150}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent2">Truth's efforts crossed and vexed,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Life's purpose all perplexed,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">If thou couldst see them right,</div> -<div class="verse">I think that they would seem all clear, and wise,<br /> - and bright.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And yet thou canst not know,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And yet thou canst not see;</div> -<div class="verse">Wisdom and sight are slow</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In poor humanity.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">If thou couldst <i>trust</i>, poor soul,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In Him who rules the whole,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou wouldst find peace and rest:</div> -<div class="verse">Wisdom and sight are well, but Trust is best.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Adelaide Procter.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>COMPENSATION.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">O the</span> - compensating springs! O the balance-wheels of life,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Hidden away in the workings under the seeming strife!</div> -<div class="verse">Slowing the fret and the friction, weighting the whirl and the force,</div> -<div class="verse">Evolving the truest power from each unconscious source.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">{151}</a></div> -<div class="verse">How shall we gauge the whole, who can only guess a part?</div> -<div class="verse">How can we read the life, when we cannot spell the heart?</div> -<div class="verse">How shall we measure another, we who can never know</div> -<div class="verse">From the juttings above the surface the depth of the vein below?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Even our present way is known to ourselves alone,</div> -<div class="verse">Height and abyss and torrent, flower and thorn and stone;</div> -<div class="verse">But we gaze on another's path as a far-off mountain scene,</div> -<div class="verse">Scanning the outlined hills, but never the vales between.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">How shall we judge their present, we who have never seen</div> -<div class="verse">That which is past forever, and that which might have been?</div> -<div class="verse">Measuring by ourselves, unwise indeed are we,</div> -<div class="verse">Measuring what we <i>know</i> by what we can hardly <i>see</i>.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">{152}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Ah! if we knew it all, we should surely understand</div> -<div class="verse">That the balance of sorrow and joy is held with an even hand,</div> -<div class="verse">That the scale of success or loss shall never overflow,</div> -<div class="verse">And that compensation is twined with the lot of high and low.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The easy path in the lowland hath little of grand or new,</div> -<div class="verse">But a toilsome ascent leads on to a wide and glorious view;</div> -<div class="verse">Peopled and warm is the valley, lonely and chill the height,</div> -<div class="verse">But the peak that is nearer the storm-cloud is nearer the stars of light.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Launch on the foaming stream that bears you along like a dart,—</div> -<div class="verse">There is danger of rapid and rock, there is tension of muscle and heart;</div> -<div class="verse">Glide on the easy current, monotonous, calm, and slow,</div> -<div class="verse">You are spared the quiver and strain in the safe and quiet flow.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">{153}</a></div> -<div class="verse">O the sweetness that dwells in a harp of many strings,</div> -<div class="verse">While each, all vocal with love, in tuneful harmony rings!</div> -<div class="verse">But O, the wail and the discord, when one and another is rent,</div> -<div class="verse">Tensionless, broken or lost, from the cherished instrument.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">For rapture of love is linked with the pain or fear of loss,</div> -<div class="verse">And the hand that takes the crown must ache with many a cross;</div> -<div class="verse">Yet he who hath never a conflict hath never a victor's palm,</div> -<div class="verse">And only the toilers know the sweetness of rest and calm.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Only between the storms can the Alpine traveler know</div> -<div class="verse">Transcendent glory of clearness, marvels of gleam and glow;</div> -<div class="verse">Had he the brightness unbroken of cloudless summer days,</div> -<div class="verse">This had been dimmed by the dust and veil of a brooding haze.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">{154}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Who would dare the choice, <i>neither</i> or <i>both</i> to know,</div> -<div class="verse">The finest quiver of joy or the agony-thrill of woe?</div> -<div class="verse">Never the exquisite pain, then never the exquisite bliss,</div> -<div class="verse">For the heart that is dull to that can never be strung to this.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Great is the peril or toil if the glory or gain be great;</div> -<div class="verse">Never an earthly gift without responsible weight;</div> -<div class="verse">Never a treasure without a following shade of care;</div> -<div class="verse">Never a power without the lurk of a subtle snare.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">For the swift is not the safe, and the sweet is not the strong;</div> -<div class="verse">The smooth is not the short, and the keen is not the long;</div> -<div class="verse">The much is not the most, and the wide is not the deep,</div> -<div class="verse">And the flow is never a spring, when the ebb is only neap.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">{155}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Then, hush! oh, hush! for the Father knows what thou knowest not,</div> -<div class="verse">The weed and the thorn and the shadow lurked with the fairest lot;</div> -<div class="verse">Knows the wisest exemption from many an unseen snare,</div> -<div class="verse">Knows what will keep thee nearest, knows what thou couldst not bear.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Hush! oh, hush! for the Father portioneth as He will,</div> -<div class="verse">To all His beloved children, and shall they not be still?</div> -<div class="verse">Is not His will the wisest, is not His choice the best?</div> -<div class="verse">And in perfect acquiescence is there not perfect rest?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Hush! oh, hush! for the Father, whose ways are true and just,</div> -<div class="verse">Knoweth and careth and loveth, and waits for thy perfect trust;</div> -<div class="verse">The cup He is slowly filling shall soon be full to the brim,</div> -<div class="verse">And infinite compensations forever be found in Him.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">{156}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Hush! oh, hush! for the Father hath fullness of joy in store,</div> -<div class="verse">Treasures of power and wisdom, and pleasures for evermore;</div> -<div class="verse">Blessing and honor and glory, endless, infinite bliss;—</div> -<div class="verse">Child of His love and His choice, oh, canst thou not wait for this?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Francis Ridley Havergal.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>VALIANT FOR THE TRUTH.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Fight</span> - the good fight; lay hold</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Upon eternal life;</div> -<div class="verse">Keep but thy shield, be bold,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Stand through the hottest strife;</div> -<div class="verse">Invincible while in the field,</div> -<div class="verse">Thou canst not fail, unless thou yield.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">No force of earth or hell,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Though fiends with men unite,</div> -<div class="verse">Truth's champion can compel,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">However pressed, to flight;</div> -<div class="verse">Invincible upon the field,</div> -<div class="verse">He cannot fall, unless he yield.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">{157}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Apollyon's arm may shower</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Darts thick as hail, and hide</div> -<div class="verse">Heaven's face, as in the hour,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When Christ on Calvary died;</div> -<div class="verse">No power of darkness in the field</div> -<div class="verse">Can tread thee down, unless thou yield.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Trust in thy Saviour's might;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Yea, till thy latest breath,</div> -<div class="verse">Fight, and like Him in fight,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">By dying conquer death;</div> -<div class="verse">And all-victorious in the field,</div> -<div class="verse">Then with thy sword, thy spirit yield.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Great words are these, and strong;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Yet Lord, I look to thee,</div> -<div class="verse">To whom alone belong</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Valor and victory.</div> -<div class="verse">With thee, my Captain in the field,</div> -<div class="verse">I must prevail, I cannot yield.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>James Montgomery.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">{158}</a></div> - -<h2>ADVENT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">The</span> - Church has waited long</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Her absent Lord to see;</div> -<div class="verse">And still in loneliness she waits,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A friendless stranger she.</div> -<div class="verse">Age after age has gone,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sun after sun has set,</div> -<div class="verse">And still in weeds of widowhood</div> -<div class="verse indent2">She weeps a mourner yet.</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Come, then, Lord Jesus, come!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Saint after saint on earth</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Has lived, and loved, and died;</div> -<div class="verse">And as they left us one by one,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">We laid them side by side;</div> -<div class="verse">We laid them down to sleep,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But not in hope forlorn;</div> -<div class="verse">We laid them but to ripen there,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Till the last glorious morn.</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Come, then, Lord Jesus, come!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The serpent's brood increase,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The powers of hell grow bold,</div> -<div class="verse">The conflict thickens, faith is low,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And love is waxing cold.</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">{159}</a></div> -<div class="verse">How long, O Lord our God,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Holy and true, and good,</div> -<div class="verse">Wilt Thou not judge Thy suffering Church,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Her sighs and tears and blood?</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Come, then, Lord Jesus, come!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">We long to hear Thy voice,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To see Thee face to face,</div> -<div class="verse">To share Thy crown and glory then,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As now we share Thy grace.</div> -<div class="verse">Should not the loving bride</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The absent bridegroom mourn?</div> -<div class="verse">Should she not wear the weeds of grief</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Until her Lord return?</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Come, then, Lord Jesus, come!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The whole creation groans,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And waits to hear that voice,</div> -<div class="verse">That shall restore her comeliness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And make her wastes rejoice.</div> -<div class="verse">Come Lord and wipe away</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The curse, the sin, the stain,</div> -<div class="verse">And make this blighted world of ours</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thine own fair world again.</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Come, then, Lord Jesus, come!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">{160}</a></div> - -<h2>A BETHLEHEM HYMN.</h2> - -<p class="center small">"Mundum implens, in præsepio jacens."—<span class="smcap">Augustine.</span></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">He</span> - has come! the Christ of God;—</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Left for us his glad abode</div> -<div class="verse">Stooping from his throne of bliss,</div> -<div class="verse">To this darksome wilderness.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">He has come! the Prince of Peace;—</div> -<div class="verse">Come to bid our sorrows cease;</div> -<div class="verse">Come to scatter, with his light,</div> -<div class="verse">All the shadows of our night.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">He the mighty King has come!</div> -<div class="verse">Making this poor earth his home;</div> -<div class="verse">Come to bear sin's sad load;—</div> -<div class="verse">Son of David, Son of God!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">He has come, whose name of grace</div> -<div class="verse">Speaks deliverance to our race;</div> -<div class="verse">Left for us his glad abode;</div> -<div class="verse">Son of Mary, Son of God!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Unto us a child is born!</div> -<div class="verse">Ne'er has earth beheld a morn</div> -<div class="verse">Among all the morns of time,</div> -<div class="verse">Half so glorious in its prime.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">{161}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Unto us a Son is given!</div> -<div class="verse">He has come from God's own heaven;</div> -<div class="verse">Bringing with Him from above,</div> -<div class="verse">Holy peace and holy love.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="image-center" style="max-width: 388px;"> - <img src="images/illus165.jpg" width="388" height="600" alt="165jpg"/> - <div class="caption"> - <p class="left">Religious Poems</p> - <p class="center">CHRISTMAS CHIMES.</p> - </div> -</div> - -<h2>A DESIRE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">O, to</span> - have dwelt in Bethlehem</div> -<div class="verse indent6">When the star of the Lord shone bright!</div> -<div class="verse">To have sheltered the holy wanderers</div> -<div class="verse indent2">On that blessèd Christmas night;</div> -<div class="verse">To have kissed the tender wayworn feet</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of the mother undefiled,</div> -<div class="verse">And, with reverent wonder and deep delight,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To have tended the Holy Child!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Hush! such a glory was not for thee;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But that care may still be thine;</div> -<div class="verse">For are there not little ones still to aid</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For the sake of the Child divine?</div> -<div class="verse">Are there no wandering Pilgrims now,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To thy heart and thy home to take?</div> -<div class="verse">And are there no mothers whose weary hearts</div> -<div class="verse indent2">You can comfort for Mary's sake?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">{162}</a></div> -<div class="verse">O to have knelt at Jesus' feet,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And to have learned his heavenly lore!</div> -<div class="verse">To have listened the gentle lessons He taught</div> -<div class="verse indent2">On mountain, and sea, and shore!</div> -<div class="verse">While the rich and the mighty knew Him not</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To have meekly done His will:—</div> -<div class="verse">Hush! for the worldly reject Him yet,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">You can serve and love Him still.</div> -<div class="verse">Time cannot silence His mighty words,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And though ages have fled away,</div> -<div class="verse">His gentle accents of love divine</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Speak to your soul to-day.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">O to have solaced that weeping one</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Whom the righteous dare despise!</div> -<div class="verse">To have tenderly bound up her scattered hair,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And have dried her tearful eyes!</div> -<div class="verse">Hush! there are broken hearts to soothe,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And penitent tears to dry,</div> -<div class="verse">While Magdalen prays for you and them,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From her home in the starry sky.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">O to have followed the mournful way</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of those faithful few forlorn!</div> -<div class="verse">And grace, beyond even an angel's hope,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The Cross for our Lord have borne!</div> -<div class="verse"><div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">{163}</a></div></div> -<div class="verse">To have shared in his tender mother's grief,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To have wept at Mary's side,</div> -<div class="verse">To have lived as a child in her home, and then</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In her loving care have died!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Hush! and with reverent sorrow still,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Mary's great anguish share;</div> -<div class="verse">And learn, for the sake of her son divine,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thy cross, like His, to bear.</div> -<div class="verse">The sorrows that weigh on thy soul unite</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With those which thy Lord has borne,</div> -<div class="verse">And Mary will comfort thy dying hour,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Nor leave thy soul forlorn.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">O to have seen what we now adore,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And, though veiled to faithless sight,</div> -<div class="verse">To have known, in the form that Jesus wore,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The Lord of Life and Light!</div> -<div class="verse">Hush! for He dwells among us still,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And a grace can yet be thine,</div> -<div class="verse">Which the scoffer and doubter can never know,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The Presence of the Divine.</div> -<div class="verse">Jesus is with his children yet,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For His word can never deceive;</div> -<div class="verse">Go where His lowly Altars rise</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And worship and believe.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Adelaide Procter.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">{164}</a></div> - -<h2 class="faux">THAT GLORIOUS SONG OF OLD.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">It</span> - came upon the midnight clear,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">That glorious song of old,</div> -<div class="verse">From angels bending near the earth</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To touch their harps of gold:</div> -<div class="verse">"Peace to the earth, good-will to man,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From heaven's all-gracious King:"</div> -<div class="verse">The earth in solemn stillness lay,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To hear the angels sing.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Still through the cloven skies they come,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With peaceful wings unfurled;</div> -<div class="verse">And still celestial music floats</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O'er all the weary world;</div> -<div class="verse">Above its sad and lowly plains</div> -<div class="verse indent2">They bend on heavenly wing,</div> -<div class="verse">And ever o'er its Babel sounds,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The blessed angels sing.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Oh ye, beneath life's crushing load,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Whose forms are bending low,</div> -<div class="verse">Who toil along the climbing way,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With painful steps and slow,</div> -<div class="verse">Look up! for glad and golden hours</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Come swiftly on the wing:</div> -<div class="verse">Oh rest beside the weary road,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And hear the angels sing!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">{165}</a></div> -<div class="verse">For lo, the days are hastening on,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">By prophet-bards foretold,</div> -<div class="verse">When with the ever-circling years</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Comes round the age of gold!</div> -<div class="verse">When peace shall over all the earth</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Its final splendors fling,</div> -<div class="verse">And the whole world send back the song</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Which now the angels sing!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Sears.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">HAIL TO THE LORD'S.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Hail</span> - to the Lord's Anointed,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Great David's greater Son;</div> -<div class="verse">Hail, in the time appointed,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His reign on earth begun!</div> -<div class="verse">He comes to break oppression,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To set the captive free,</div> -<div class="verse">To take away transgression,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And rule in equity.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">He comes with succor speedy,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To those who suffer wrong;</div> -<div class="verse">To help the poor and needy,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And bid the weak be strong;</div> -<div class="verse">To give them songs for sighing,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Their darkness turn to light,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">{166}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Whose souls, condemned and dying,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Were precious in His sight.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">He shall descend like showers</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Upon the fruitful earth;</div> -<div class="verse">And love and joy, like flowers,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Spring in His path to birth;</div> -<div class="verse">Before Him, on the mountains,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Shall peace, the herald, go;</div> -<div class="verse">And righteousness, in fountains,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From hill to valley flow.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Arabia's desert-ranger</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To Him shall bow the knee,</div> -<div class="verse">The Ethiopian stranger</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His glory come to see;</div> -<div class="verse">With offerings of devotion,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Ships from the Isles shall meet,</div> -<div class="verse">To pour the wealth of ocean</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In tribute at His feet.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Kings shall fall down before Him,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And gold and incense bring,</div> -<div class="verse">All nations shall adore Him,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His praise all people sing:</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">{167}</a></div> -<div class="verse">For He shall have dominion</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O'er river, sea, and shore,</div> -<div class="verse">Far as the eagle's pinion</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Or dove's light wing can soar.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">To Him shall prayer unceasing,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And daily vows ascend;</div> -<div class="verse">His kingdom, still increasing,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A kingdom without end:</div> -<div class="verse">The tide of time shall never</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His covenant remove;</div> -<div class="verse">His name shall stand forever;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That name to us is Love.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Montgomery.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">THE OLD, OLD STORY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I think,</span> - when I read that sweet story of old,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">When Jesus was here among men,</div> -<div class="verse">How He called little children as lambs to his fold,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I should like to have been with them then.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I wish that his hands had been placed on my head,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That his arms had been thrown around me,</div> -<div class="verse">And that I might have seen his kind look, when He said,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">"Let the little ones come unto me."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">{168}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Yet still to his footstool in prayer I may go,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And ask for a share in his love;</div> -<div class="verse">And if I thus earnestly seek him below,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I shall see Him and hear Him above—</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">In that beautiful place He has gone to prepare,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For all who are washed and forgiv'n;</div> -<div class="verse">And many dear children are gathering there,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">"For of such is the kingdom of heav'n."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I long for the joys of that glorious time,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The sweetest, and brightest, and best,</div> -<div class="verse">When the dear little children of every clime,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Shall crowd to his arms and be blest.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Jemima Luke.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">MY JESUS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">My</span> - Jesus, as Thou wilt;</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Oh, may Thy will be mine;</div> -<div class="verse">Into Thy hand of love</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I would my all resign:</div> -<div class="verse">Thro' sorrow or thro' joy,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Conduct me as Thine own,</div> -<div class="verse">And help me still to say,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My Lord, Thy will be done.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">{169}</a></div> -<div class="verse">My Jesus, as Thou wilt;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Tho' seen thro' many a tear,</div> -<div class="verse">Let not my star of hope</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Grow dim or disappear:</div> -<div class="verse">Since Thou on earth hast wept,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And sorrowed oft alone,</div> -<div class="verse">If I must weep with Thee,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My Lord, Thy will be done.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">My Jesus as Thou wilt;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All shall be well for me;</div> -<div class="verse">Each changing future scene</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I gladly trust with Thee:</div> -<div class="verse">Straight to my home above</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I travel calmly on,</div> -<div class="verse">And sing in life or death,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My Lord, Thy will be done.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Unidentified.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">HOW BEAUTEOUS WERE THE MARKS DIVINE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">How</span> - beauteous were the marks divine,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">That in Thy meekness used to shine,</div> -<div class="verse">That lit Thy lonely pathway trod</div> -<div class="verse">In wondrous love, O Son of God!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Oh, who like Thee, so calm, so bright,</div> -<div class="verse">So pure, so made to live in light?</div> -<div class="verse"><div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">{170}</a></div></div> -<div class="verse">Oh, who like Thee did ever go</div> -<div class="verse">So patient through a world of woe?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Oh, who like Thee, so humbly bore</div> -<div class="verse">The scorn, the scoffs of men, before?</div> -<div class="verse">So meek, forgiving, god-like, high,</div> -<div class="verse">So glorious in humility?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The bending angels stooped to see</div> -<div class="verse">The lisping infant clasp Thy knee,</div> -<div class="verse">And smile as in a father's eye,</div> -<div class="verse">Upon Thy mild divinity.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And death, which sets the prisoner free,</div> -<div class="verse">Was pang and scoff, and scorn to thee;</div> -<div class="verse">Yet love through all Thy torture glowed,</div> -<div class="verse">And mercy with Thy life-blood flowed.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Oh, in Thy light be mine to go,</div> -<div class="verse">Illuming all my way of woe;</div> -<div class="verse">And give me ever on the road</div> -<div class="verse">To trace Thy footsteps, Son of God!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>A. C. Coxe.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">{171}</a></div> - -<h2 class="faux">O SACRED HEAD.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">O sacred</span> - Head, now wounded</div> -<div class="verse indent4">With grief and shame weigh'd down,</div> -<div class="verse">Now scornfully surrounded</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With thorns, thine only crown;</div> -<div class="verse">O sacred Head, what glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">What bliss, till now, was thine!</div> -<div class="verse">Yet, though despis'd and gory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I joy to call thee mine.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Was all for sinners' gain;</div> -<div class="verse">Mine, mine was the transgression,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But thine the deadly pain:</div> -<div class="verse">Lo, here I fall, my Saviour!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'Tis I deserve Thy place;</div> -<div class="verse">Look on me with Thy favor,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Vouchsafe to me Thy grace.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">What language shall I borrow</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To thank Thee, dearest Friend;</div> -<div class="verse">For this Thy dying sorrow,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thy pity without end?</div> -<div class="verse">O make me thine forever;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And should I fainting be,</div> -<div class="verse">Lord, let me never, never,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Outlive my love to Thee!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">{172}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Be near me when I'm dying,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Oh show Thy cross to me!</div> -<div class="verse">And for my succor flying,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Come, Lord, and set me free!</div> -<div class="verse">These eyes, new faith receiving,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From Jesus shall not move;</div> -<div class="verse">For he who dies believing,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Dies safely, through Thy love.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small ">—<i>Bernard.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">HEART OF STONE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Heart</span> - of stone, relent, relent!</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Break, by Jesus' cross subdued!</div> -<div class="verse">See His body mangled, rent,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Covered with a gore of blood;</div> -<div class="verse">Sinful soul, what hast thou done?</div> -<div class="verse">Crucified the Incarnate Son!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Yes, thy sins have done the deed,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Driven the nails that fixed Him there,</div> -<div class="verse">Crowned with thorns His sacred head,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Pierced Him with the cruel spear,</div> -<div class="verse">Made his soul a sacrifice,</div> -<div class="verse">While for sinful man He dies!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">{173}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Wilt thou let Him bleed in vain?</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Still to death thy Lord pursue?</div> -<div class="verse">Open all his wounds again,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And the shameful cross renew?</div> -<div class="verse">No; with all my sins I'll part;</div> -<div class="verse">Break, oh break, my bleeding heart!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>C. Wesley.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>"BY THY CROSS AND PASSION."</h2> - - <p class="center small">"He hath given us rest by His sorrow, and life by His - death."—<span class="smcap">John Bunyan.</span></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">What</span> - hast Thou done for me, O mighty Friend,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Who lovest to the end!</div> -<div class="verse">Reveal Thyself, that I may now behold</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Thy love unknown, untold,</div> -<div class="verse">Bearing the curse, and made a curse for me,</div> -<div class="verse">That blessed and made a blessing I might be.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Oh, Thou wast crowned with thorns, that I might wear</div> -<div class="verse indent6">A crown of glory fair;</div> -<div class="verse">"Exceeding sorrowful," that I might be</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Exceeding glad in Thee;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">{174}</a></div> -<div class="verse">"Rejected and despised," that I might stand</div> -<div class="verse">Accepted and complete on Thy right hand.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Wounded for my transgressions, stricken sore,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">That I might "sin no more:"</div> -<div class="verse">Weak, that I might be always strong in Thee;</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Bound, that I might be free;</div> -<div class="verse">Acquaint with grief, that I might only know</div> -<div class="verse">Fulness of joy in everlasting flow.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Thine was the chastisement, with no release,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">That mine might be the peace;</div> -<div class="verse">The bruising and the cruel stripes were thine,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">That healing might be mine;</div> -<div class="verse">Thine was the sentence and the condemnation,</div> -<div class="verse">Mine the acquittal and the full salvation.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">For Thee revilings, and a mocking throng,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">For me the angel-song;</div> -<div class="verse">For Thee the frown, the hiding of God's face,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">For me His smile of grace;</div> -<div class="verse">Sorrows of hell and bitterest death for Thee,</div> -<div class="verse">And heaven and everlasting life for me.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">{175}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Thy cross and passion, and Thy precious death,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">While I have mortal breath,</div> -<div class="verse">Shall be my spring of love and work and praise,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">The life of all my days;</div> -<div class="verse">Till all this mystery of love supreme</div> -<div class="verse">Be solved in glory—glory's endless theme!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Frances Ridley Havergal.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>ABIDE IN HIM.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry small"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse quote">"Tecum volo vulnerari</div> -<div class="verse">Te libenter amplexari</div> -<div class="verse indent6">In cruce desidero." <span class="smcap">Old Hymn.</span></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Cling</span> - to the Crucified!</div> -<div class="verse indent4">His death is life to thee,—</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Life for eternity.</div> -<div class="verse indent4">His pains thy pardon seal;</div> -<div class="verse indent4">His stripes thy bruises heal;</div> -<div class="verse indent4">His cross proclaims thy peace,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Bids every sorrow cease.</div> -<div class="verse indent4">His blood is all to thee,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">It purges thee from sin;</div> -<div class="verse indent4">It sets thy spirit free,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">It keeps thy conscience clean.</div> -<div class="verse">Cling to the Crucified!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">{176}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Cling to the Crucified!</div> -<div class="verse indent4">His is a heart of love,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Full as the hearts above;</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Its depths of sympathy</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Are all awake for thee:</div> -<div class="verse indent4">His countenance is light,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Even to the darkest night.</div> -<div class="verse indent4">That love shall never change—</div> -<div class="verse indent6">That light shall ne'er grow dim;</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Charge thou thy faithless heart</div> -<div class="verse indent6">To find its all in him.</div> -<div class="verse">Cling to the Crucified!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="image-center" style="max-width: 600px;"> - <img src="images/illus183.jpg" width="600" height="386" alt="183jpg"/> - <div class="caption"> - <p class="left">Religious Poems</p> - <p class="center">THE MAGI ON THE WAY TO BETHLEHEM.</p> - </div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">REJOICE, ALL YE BELIEVERS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Rejoice,</span> - all ye believers,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">And let your lights appear;</div> -<div class="verse">The evening is advancing,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And darker night is near;</div> -<div class="verse">The Bridegroom is arising,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And soon He draweth nigh:</div> -<div class="verse">Up! pray, and watch, and wrestle!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">At midnight comes the cry.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The watchers on the mountain</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Proclaim the Bridegroom near;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">{177}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Go meet Him as He cometh,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With hallelujahs clear:</div> -<div class="verse">The marriage feast is waiting,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The gates wide-open stand;</div> -<div class="verse">Up, up, ye heirs of glory!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The Bridegroom is at hand.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Our hope and expectation,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O Jesus, now appear;</div> -<div class="verse">Arise, thou Sun so longed for</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O'er this benighted sphere!</div> -<div class="verse">With heart and hands uplifted,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">We plead, O Lord, to see</div> -<div class="verse">The day of earth's redemption,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That brings us unto Thee.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Laurenti.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>JOINED TO CHRIST.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Joined</span> - to Christ in mystic union,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">We Thy members, Thou our Head,</div> -<div class="verse">Sealed by deep and true communion,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Risen with Thee, who once were dead—</div> -<div class="verse">Saviour, we would humbly claim</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All the power of this Thy name.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">{178}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Instant sympathy to brighten</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All their weakness and their woe,</div> -<div class="verse">Guiding grace their way to lighten,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Shall Thy loving members know;</div> -<div class="verse">All their sorrows Thou dost bear,</div> -<div class="verse">All Thy gladness they shall share.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Make Thy members every hour</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For Thy blessed service meet;</div> -<div class="verse">Earnest tongues, and arms of power,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Skilful hands, and hastening feet,</div> -<div class="verse">Ever ready to fulfil</div> -<div class="verse">All Thy word and all Thy will.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Everlasting life Thou givest</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Everlasting love to see;</div> -<div class="verse">They shall live because Thou livest,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And their life is hid with Thee.</div> -<div class="verse">Safe Thy members shall be found,</div> -<div class="verse">When their glorious Head is crowned!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Frances Ridley Havergal.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">"TILL HE COME!"</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase"><i>"Till</i></span> -<i>He come!</i>"—Oh, let the words</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Linger on the trembling chords,</div> -<div class="verse">Let the "little while" between</div> -<div class="verse">In their golden light be seen:</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">{179}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Let us think how heaven and home</div> -<div class="verse">Lie beyond that, "<i>Till He come!</i>"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">When the weary ones we love</div> -<div class="verse">Enter on that rest above,</div> -<div class="verse">When their words of love and cheer</div> -<div class="verse">Fall no longer on our ear,</div> -<div class="verse">Hush! be ev'ry murmur dumb,</div> -<div class="verse">It is only "<i>Till He come!</i>"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Clouds and darkness round us press;</div> -<div class="verse">Would we have one sorrow less?</div> -<div class="verse">All the sharpness of the cross,</div> -<div class="verse">All that tells the world is loss,</div> -<div class="verse">Death, and darkness, and the tomb,</div> -<div class="verse">Pain us only "<i>Till He come!</i>"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">See, the feast of love is spread,</div> -<div class="verse">Drink the wine and eat the bread;</div> -<div class="verse">Sweet memorials, till the Lord</div> -<div class="verse">Call us round His heavenly board,</div> -<div class="verse">Some from earth, from glory some,</div> -<div class="verse">Severed only "<i>Till He come!</i>"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>E. W. Bickersteth.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">{180}</a></div> - -<h2 class="faux">"FOREVER WITH THE LORD!"</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">"Forever</span> -with the Lord!"</div> -<div class="verse indent6">So, Jesus, let it be;</div> -<div class="verse">Life from the dead is in that word;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'Tis immortality.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Here, in the body pent,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Absent from thee I roam:</div> -<div class="verse">Yet nightly pitch my moving tent</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A day's march nearer home.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">My father's house on high,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Home of my soul! how near,</div> -<div class="verse">At times, to faith's aspiring eye,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thy golden gates appear!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Forever with the Lord!"</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Father, if 'tis thy will,</div> -<div class="verse">The promise of thy gracious word</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Ev'n here to me fulfill.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>James Montgomery.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">{181}</a></div> - -<h2>THE MEETING-PLACE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Where</span> -the faded flower shall freshen,—</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Freshen never more to fade;</div> -<div class="verse">Where the shaded sky shall brighten,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Brighten never more to shade:</div> -<div class="verse">Where the sun-blaze never scorches;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Where the star-beams cease to chill;</div> -<div class="verse">Where no tempest stirs the echoes</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of the wood, or wave, or hill:</div> -<div class="verse">Where the morn shall wake in gladness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And the moon the joy prolong,</div> -<div class="verse">Where the daylight dies in fragrance,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'Mid the burst of holy song:</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Brother, we shall meet and rest</div> -<div class="verse indent6">'Mid the holy and the blest!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Where no shadow shall bewilder,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Where life's vain parade is o'er,</div> -<div class="verse">Where the sleep of sin is broken</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And the dreamer dreams no more:</div> -<div class="verse">Where the bond is never severed;—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Partings, claspings, sob and moan,</div> -<div class="verse">Midnight waking, twilight weeping,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Heavy noontide,—all are done:</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">{182}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Where the child has found its mother,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Where the mother finds the child,</div> -<div class="verse">Where dear families are gathered,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That were scattered on the wild;</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Brother, we shall meet and rest</div> -<div class="verse indent6">'Mid the holy and the blest!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Where the hidden wound is healed,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Where the blighted light re-blooms,</div> -<div class="verse">Where the smitten heart the freshness</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of its buoyant youth resumes:</div> -<div class="verse">Where the love that here we lavish</div> -<div class="verse indent2">On the withering leaves of time,</div> -<div class="verse">Shall have fadeless flowers to fix on</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In an ever spring-bright clime:</div> -<div class="verse">Where we find the joy of loving,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As we never loved before,—</div> -<div class="verse">Loving on, unchilled, unhindered,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Loving once and evermore:</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Brother, we shall meet and rest,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">'Mid the holy and the blest!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Where a blasted world shall brighten</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Underneath a bluer sphere,</div> -<div class="verse">And a softer, gentler sunshine</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sheds its healing splendor here:</div> -<div class="verse"><div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">{183}</a></div></div> -<div class="verse">Where earth's barren vales shall blossom, </div> -<div class="verse indent2">Putting on their robe of green,</div> -<div class="verse">And a purer, fairer Eden</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Be where only wastes have been:</div> -<div class="verse">Where a King in kingly glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Such as earth has never known,</div> -<div class="verse">Shall assume the righteous sceptre,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Claim and wear the holy crown:</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Brother, we shall meet and rest,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">'Mid the holy and the blest.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>A LITTLE WHILE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Beyond</span> - the smiling and the weeping</div> -<div class="verse indent10">I shall be soon;</div> -<div class="verse">Beyond the waking and the sleeping,</div> -<div class="verse">Beyond the sowing and the reaping,</div> -<div class="verse indent10">I shall be soon.</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Love, rest and home!</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Sweet hope!</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Lord, tarry not, but come.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Beyond the blooming and the fading,</div> -<div class="verse indent10">I shall be soon;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">{184}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Beyond the shining and the shading,</div> -<div class="verse">Beyond the hoping and the dreading,</div> -<div class="verse indent10">I shall be soon.</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Love, rest, and home!</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Sweet hope!</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Lord, tarry not, but come.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Beyond the rising and the setting</div> -<div class="verse indent10">I shall be soon;</div> -<div class="verse">Beyond the calming and the fretting,</div> -<div class="verse">Beyond remembering and forgetting,</div> -<div class="verse indent10">I shall be soon.</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Love, rest, and home!</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Sweet hope!</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Lord, tarry not, but come.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Beyond the gathering and the strowing</div> -<div class="verse indent10">I shall be soon;</div> -<div class="verse">Beyond the ebbing and the flowing,</div> -<div class="verse">Beyond the coming and the going,</div> -<div class="verse indent10">I shall be soon.</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Love, rest, and home!</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Sweet hope!</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Lord, tarry not, but come.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Beyond the parting and the meeting</div> -<div class="verse indent10">I shall be soon.</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">{185}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Beyond the farewell and the greeting,</div> -<div class="verse">Beyond this pulse's fever beating,</div> -<div class="verse indent10">I shall be soon.</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Love, rest, and home!</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Sweet hope!</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Lord, tarry not, but come.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Beyond the frost-chain and the fever</div> -<div class="verse indent10">I shall be soon;</div> -<div class="verse">Beyond the rock-waste and the river,</div> -<div class="verse">Beyond the ever and the never,</div> -<div class="verse indent10">I shall be soon.</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Love, rest, and home!</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Sweet hope!</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Lord, tarry not, but come.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i> </div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>ASCENSION DAY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Soft</span> - cloud, that while the breeze of May</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Chants her glad matins in the leafy arch,</div> -<div class="verse">Draw'st thy bright veil across the heavenly way,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Meet pavement for an angel's glorious march.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">My soul is envious of mine eye,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That it should soar and glide with thee so fast</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">{186}</a></div> -<div class="verse">The while my groveling thoughts half buried lie,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Or lawless roam around this earthly waste.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Chains of my heart, avaunt I say—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I will arise, and in the strength of love</div> -<div class="verse">Pursue the bright track ere it fade away,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My Savior's pathway to His home above.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Sure, when I reach the point where earth</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Melts into nothing from the uncumber'd sight,</div> -<div class="verse">Heaven will o'ercome th' attraction of my birth,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And I shall sink in yonder sea of light:</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Till resting by th' incarnate Lord</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Once bleeding, now triumphant for my sake,</div> -<div class="verse">I mark Him, how by seraph hosts ador'd,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He to earth's lowest cares is still awake.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The sun and every vassal star,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All space beyond the soar of angel wings,</div> -<div class="verse">Wait on His word: and yet He stays His car</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For every sigh a contrite suppliant brings.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">He listens to the silent tear</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For all the anthems of the boundless sky—</div> -<div class="verse">And shall our dreams of music bar our ear</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To His soul-piercing voice forever nigh?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">{187}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Nay, gracious Saviour—but as now</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Our thoughts have trac'd Thee to Thy glory-throne,</div> -<div class="verse">To help us evermore with Thee to bow</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Where human sorrow breathes her lowly moan.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">We must not stand to gaze too long,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Though on unfolding Heaven our gaze we bend,</div> -<div class="verse">Where lost behind the bright angelic throng</div> -<div class="verse indent2">We see Christ's entering triumph slow ascend.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">No fear but we shall soon behold,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Faster than now it fades, that gleam revive,</div> -<div class="verse">When issuing from His cloud of fiery gold</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Our wasted frames feel the true sun, and live.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Then shall we see Thee as Thou art,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Forever fix'd in no unfruitful gaze,</div> -<div class="verse">But such as lifts the new-created heart,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Age after age, in worthier love and praise.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>John Keble.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">{188}</a></div> - -<h2>THE SACRIFICE OF ABRAHAM.</h2> - - <p class="center small">Genesis, Chapter xxii.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Morn</span> - breaketh in the east. The purple clouds</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Are putting on their gold and violet,</div> -<div class="verse">To look the meeter for the sun's bright coming.</div> -<div class="verse">Sleep is upon the waters and the wind;</div> -<div class="verse">And nature, from the wavy forest-leaf</div> -<div class="verse">To her majestic master, sleeps. As yet</div> -<div class="verse">There is no mist upon the deep blue sky,</div> -<div class="verse">And the clear dew is on the blushing bosoms</div> -<div class="verse">Of crimson roses in a holy rest.</div> -<div class="verse">How hallow'd is the hour of morning! meet—</div> -<div class="verse">Aye, beautifully meet—for the pure prayer.</div> -<div class="verse">The patriarch standeth at his tented door,</div> -<div class="verse">With his white locks uncover'd. 'Tis his wont</div> -<div class="verse">To gaze upon that gorgeous Orient;</div> -<div class="verse">And at that hour the awful majesty</div> -<div class="verse">Of man who talketh often with his God,</div> -<div class="verse">Is wont to come again, and clothe his brow</div> -<div class="verse">As at his fourscore strength. But now, he seemeth</div> -<div class="verse">To be forgetful of his vigorous frame,</div> -<div class="verse">And boweth to his staff as at the hour</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">{189}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Of noontide sultriness. And that bright sun—</div> -<div class="verse">He looketh at its pencill'd messengers,</div> -<div class="verse">Coming in golden raiment, as if all</div> -<div class="verse">Were but a graven scroll of fearfulness.</div> -<div class="verse">Ah, he is waiting till it herald in</div> -<div class="verse">The hour to sacrifice his much-loved son!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Light poureth on the world. And Sarah stands</div> -<div class="verse">Watching the steps of Abraham and her child</div> -<div class="verse">Along the dewy sides of the far hills,</div> -<div class="verse">And praying that her sunny boy faint not.</div> -<div class="verse">Would she have watch'd their path so silently,</div> -<div class="verse">If she had known that he was going up,</div> -<div class="verse">E'en in his fair-hair'd beauty, to be slain</div> -<div class="verse">As a white lamb for sacrifice? They trod</div> -<div class="verse">Together onward, patriarch and child—</div> -<div class="verse">The bright sun throwing back the old man's shade</div> -<div class="verse">In straight and fair proportions, as of one</div> -<div class="verse">Whose years were freshly number'd. He stood up</div> -<div class="verse">Tall in his vigorous strength; and, like a tree</div> -<div class="verse">Rooted in Lebanon, his frame bent not.</div> -<div class="verse">His thin white hairs had yielded to the wind,</div> -<div class="verse">And left his brow uncover'd; and his face,</div> -<div class="verse">Impress'd with the stern majesty of grief</div> -<div class="verse">Nerv'd to a solemn duty, now stood forth</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">{190}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Like a rent rock, submissive, yet sublime.</div> -<div class="verse">But the young boy—he of the laughing eye</div> -<div class="verse">And ruby lip—the pride of life was on him.</div> -<div class="verse">He seem'd to drink the morning. Sun and dew,</div> -<div class="verse">And the aroma of the spicy trees,</div> -<div class="verse">And all that giveth the delicious East</div> -<div class="verse">Its fitness for an Eden, stole like light</div> -<div class="verse">Into his spirit, ravishing his thoughts</div> -<div class="verse">With love and beauty. Every thing he met,</div> -<div class="verse">Buoyant, or beautiful, the lightest wing</div> -<div class="verse">Of bird or insect, or the palest dye</div> -<div class="verse">Of the fresh flowers, won him from his path;</div> -<div class="verse">And joyously broke forth his tiny shout,</div> -<div class="verse">As he flung back his silken hair, and sprung</div> -<div class="verse">Away to some green spot or clustering vine,</div> -<div class="verse">To pluck his infant trophies. Every tree</div> -<div class="verse">And fragrant shrub was a new hiding place;</div> -<div class="verse">And he would crouch till the old man came by,</div> -<div class="verse">Then bound before him with his childish laugh,</div> -<div class="verse">Stealing a look behind him playfully,</div> -<div class="verse">To see if he had made his father smile.</div> -<div class="verse">The sun rode on in heaven. The dew stole up</div> -<div class="verse">From the fresh daughters of the earth, and heat</div> -<div class="verse">Came like a sleep upon the delicate leaves,</div> -<div class="verse">And bent them with the blossoms to their dreams.</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">{191}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Still trod the patriarch on, with that same step,</div> -<div class="verse">Firm and unfaltering; turning not aside</div> -<div class="verse">To seek the olive shades, or lave their lips</div> -<div class="verse">In the sweet waters of the Syrian wells,</div> -<div class="verse">Whose gush hath so much music. Weariness</div> -<div class="verse">Stole on the gentle boy, and he forgot</div> -<div class="verse">To toss his sunny hair from off his brow,</div> -<div class="verse">And spring for the fresh flowers and light wings</div> -<div class="verse">As in the early morning; but he kept</div> -<div class="verse">Close by his father's side, and bent his head</div> -<div class="verse">Upon his bosom like a drooping bud,</div> -<div class="verse">Lifting it not, save now and then to steal</div> -<div class="verse">A look up to the face whose sternness awed</div> -<div class="verse">His childishness to silence.</div> -<div class="verse indent20">It was noon—</div> -<div class="verse">And Abraham on Moriah bow'd himself,</div> -<div class="verse">And buried up his face, and pray'd for strength.</div> -<div class="verse">He could not look upon his son, and pray;</div> -<div class="verse">But, with his hand upon the clustering curls</div> -<div class="verse">Of the fair, kneeling boy, he pray'd that God</div> -<div class="verse">Would nerve him for that hour. Oh! man was made</div> -<div class="verse">For the stern conflict. In a mother's love</div> -<div class="verse">There is more tenderness; the thousand chords,</div> -<div class="verse">Woven with every fibre of her heart,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">{192}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Complain, like delicate harp-strings, at a breath;</div> -<div class="verse">But love in man is one deep principle,</div> -<div class="verse">Which, like a root grown in a rifted rock,</div> -<div class="verse">Abides the tempest. He rose up, and laid</div> -<div class="verse">The wood upon the altar. All was done.</div> -<div class="verse">He stood a moment—and a deep, quick flush</div> -<div class="verse">Pass'd o'er his countenance; and then he nerv'd</div> -<div class="verse">His spirit with a bitter strength, and spoke—</div> -<div class="verse">"Isaac! my only son!"—The boy look'd up</div> -<div class="verse">And Abraham turn'd his face away, and wept.</div> -<div class="verse">"Where is the lamb, my father?"—Oh the tones,</div> -<div class="verse">The sweet, the thrilling music of a child!—</div> -<div class="verse">How it doth agonize at such an hour!—</div> -<div class="verse">It was the last deep struggle. Abraham held</div> -<div class="verse">His loved, his beautiful, his only son,</div> -<div class="verse">And lifted up his arm, and called on God—</div> -<div class="verse">And lo! God's angel stayed him—and he fell</div> -<div class="verse">Upon his face and wept.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>N. P. Willis.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>A SOLITARY WAY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">There</span> - is a mystery in human hearts,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">And though we be encircled by a host</div> -<div class="verse">Of those who love us well, and are beloved,</div> -<div class="verse">To every one of us, from time to time,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">{193}</a></div> -<div class="verse">There comes a sense of utter loneliness.</div> -<div class="verse">Our dearest friend is "stranger" to our joy,</div> -<div class="verse">And cannot realize our bitterness.</div> -<div class="verse">"There is not one who really understands,</div> -<div class="verse">Not one to enter into <i>all</i> I feel;"</div> -<div class="verse">Such is the cry of each of us in turn,</div> -<div class="verse">We wander in a "solitary way,"</div> -<div class="verse">No matter what or where our lot may be;</div> -<div class="verse">Each heart, mysterious even to itself,</div> -<div class="verse">Must live its inner life in solitude.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And would you know the reason why this is?</div> -<div class="verse">It is because the Lord desires our love.</div> -<div class="verse">In every heart he wishes to be <i>first</i>.</div> -<div class="verse">He therefore keeps the secret key Himself,</div> -<div class="verse">To open <i>all</i> its chambers, and to bless</div> -<div class="verse">With <i>perfect</i> sympathy and holy peace,</div> -<div class="verse">Each solitary soul which comes to <i>Him</i>.</div> -<div class="verse">So when we feel this loneliness it is</div> -<div class="verse">The voice of Jesus saying, "Come to Me;"</div> -<div class="verse">And every time we are "not understood,"</div> -<div class="verse">It is a call to us to come <i>again</i>:</div> -<div class="verse">For Christ alone can satisfy the soul,</div> -<div class="verse">And those who walk with him from day to day</div> -<div class="verse">Can never have a "solitary way."</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">{194}</a></div> -<div class="verse">And when beneath some heavy cross you faint,</div> -<div class="verse">And say, "I cannot bear this load alone,"</div> -<div class="verse">You say the truth. Christ made it purposely</div> -<div class="verse">So heavy that you must return to Him.</div> -<div class="verse">The bitter grief, which "no one understands,"</div> -<div class="verse">Conveys a secret message from the King,</div> -<div class="verse">Entreating you to come to Him <i>again</i>.</div> -<div class="verse">The Man of Sorrows understands it well.</div> -<div class="verse">In <i>all</i> points tempted He can feel with you.</div> -<div class="verse">You cannot come too often, or too near;</div> -<div class="verse">The Son of God is infinite in grace.</div> -<div class="verse">His presence satisfies the longing soul,</div> -<div class="verse">And those who walk with Him from day to day</div> -<div class="verse">Can never have a "solitary way."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Unidentified.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE CHILD'S WELCOME INTO HEAVEN.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">The</span> - golden gates were open</div> -<div class="verse indent4">And heavenly seraphs smiled</div> -<div class="verse">And with their tuneful harpstrings</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Welcomed the little child.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">They shouted "high and holy,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A child hath entered in,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">{195}</a></div> -<div class="verse">And safe from all temptation</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A soul is sealed from sin."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">They led him through the golden street</div> -<div class="verse indent2">On to the King of kings,</div> -<div class="verse">And a glory fell upon him</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From the rustling of their wings.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The Saviour smiled upon him</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As none on earth had smiled,</div> -<div class="verse">And Heaven's great glory shone around</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The little earth-born child.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">On earth they missed the little one,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">They sighed and wept and sighed,</div> -<div class="verse">And wondered if another such</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As theirs, had ever died.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Oh! had they seen through those high gates,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The welcome to him given,</div> -<div class="verse">They never would have wished their child</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Back from his home in Heaven.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Unidentified.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">{196}</a></div> - -<h2>"NOW."</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">A night</span> - of danger on the sea,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Of sleeplessness and fear!</div> -<div class="verse">Wave after wave comes thundering</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Against the strong stone pier;</div> -<div class="verse">Each with a terrible recoil,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And a grim and gathering might,</div> -<div class="verse">As blast on blast comes howling past,</div> -<div class="verse">Each wild gust wilder than the last,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All through that awful night.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Well for the ships in harbor now,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Which caught the morning tide;</div> -<div class="verse">With cable out and anchor sure,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">How peacefully they ride!</div> -<div class="verse">Well for the barque that came at eve,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Though watched with breathless fear;</div> -<div class="verse">'Twas sheltered first ere the tempest burst,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'Tis safe inside the pier!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">But see a faint and fitful light</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Out in the howling sea!</div> -<div class="verse">A vessel seeks the harbor mouth,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As in death agony.</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">{197}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Though strong stone arms are open wide,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">She misses the only way;</div> -<div class="verse">Alas! too late, the storm drives fast,</div> -<div class="verse">The mighty waves they sweep her past,</div> -<div class="verse">And against that sheltering pier they cast</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Their wrecked and shattered prey.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The billows drive the barque along,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Over the deck they dash,</div> -<div class="verse">Where sailors five are clinging fast</div> -<div class="verse">To broken stump of sail-less mast,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Waiting the final crash.</div> -<div class="verse">Is it too late? Can succor yet</div> -<div class="verse">Those drowning men now reach!</div> -<div class="verse">Life is so near—the firm-built pier</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Must be the death of each.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The daring hearts—the sturdy arms,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The swift and steady feet,</div> -<div class="verse">They rush into a yawning grave,</div> -<div class="verse">In strong recoil of mightiest wave,</div> -<div class="verse">Treading most awful path to save,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As they tread a homeward street.</div> -<div class="verse">Over the boulders 'mid foam they rush</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">{198}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent2">Into the ghastly hollow;</div> -<div class="verse">They fling the rope to the breaking wreck;</div> -<div class="verse">The aim is sure, and it strikes the deck,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The shouts of quick hope follow.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Reached—not saved! there is more to do,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A trumpet note is heard;</div> -<div class="verse">Over the rage,—over the roar</div> -<div class="verse">Of thundering billows on the shore,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Rings out the guiding word.</div> -<div class="verse">There is one chance, and only one.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All can be saved, but how?</div> -<div class="verse">"The rope hold fast, but quit the mast,"</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The trumpet signals "Now!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">There is a moment when the sea</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Allays its furious strength;</div> -<div class="verse">A shuddering pause with sudden whirl,</div> -<div class="verse">Gathering force again to hurl</div> -<div class="verse">Billow on billow, whirl on whirl;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That moment comes at length:</div> -<div class="verse">With single shout the "Now" peals out.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The answering leap is made.</div> -<div class="verse">Well for the simple hearts that just</div> -<div class="verse">Loosing the mast with fearless trust,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The strange command obeyed!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">{199}</a></div> -<div class="verse">The rope is good, the stout arms pull</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Ere the storm-lull is o'er;</div> -<div class="verse">'Tis but a swift and blinding sweep</div> -<div class="verse">Through waters wild and dark and deep—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The men are safe on shore—</div> -<div class="verse">Safe! though the fiend-like blast pursue;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Safe! though the waves dash high;</div> -<div class="verse">But the ringing cheer that rises clear</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Is checked with a sudden cry:—</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"There are but four upon the shore,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And five were on the deck!"</div> -<div class="verse">And strained eyes that pierce the gloom</div> -<div class="verse">Still trace, swift drifting on to doom,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">One man upon the wreck.</div> -<div class="verse">Again they chase in sternest race</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The far re-coiling wave;</div> -<div class="verse">The rope is cast, the tossing mark</div> -<div class="verse indent2">It reaches not, the windy dark</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Hides him they strive to save.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">They rush again, again they fail,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Again, and yet again:</div> -<div class="verse">The storm yells back defiance loud,</div> -<div class="verse">The breakers rear a rampart proud,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And roar, "In vain, in vain!"</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">{200}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Then a giant wave takes up the wreck</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And bears it on its crest;—</div> -<div class="verse">One moment it hung quivering there</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In horrible arrest.</div> -<div class="verse">The lonely man on vengeful sea</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A lightning flash uplit,</div> -<div class="verse">Still clinging fast to broken mast</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He had not dared to quit.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Then horror of great darkness fell,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">While eyes flashed inward fire;</div> -<div class="verse">And over all the roar and dash,</div> -<div class="verse">Through that great blackness came a crash,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A token sure and dire.</div> -<div class="verse">The wave had burst upon the pier,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The wreck was scattered wide;</div> -<div class="verse">Another "Now" would never reach</div> -<div class="verse">The corpse that lay upon the beach</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With the receding tide.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">God's "Now" is sounding in your ears,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Oh, let it reach your heart!</div> -<div class="verse">Not only from your sinfulness</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He bids you part;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">{201}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Your righteousness as filthy rags</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Must all relinquished be,</div> -<div class="verse">And only Jesus' precious death</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Must be your plea.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse"><i>Now</i> trust the one provided rope,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Now quit the broken mast,</div> -<div class="verse">Before the hope of safety be</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Forever past.</div> -<div class="verse">Fear not to trust His simple word,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">So sweet, so tried, so true,</div> -<div class="verse">And you are safe for evermore,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Yes,—even you!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Frances Ridley Havergal.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>OCEAN TEACHINGS.</h2> - -<p class="center small">"This great and wide sea."—<span class="smcap">Psalm</span> civ. 25.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">That</span> - rising storm! It has awakened me;</div> -<div class="verse indent4">My slumbering spirit starts to life anew;</div> -<div class="verse">That blinding spray-drift, how it falls upon me,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As on the weary flower the freshening dew.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">{202}</a></div> -<div class="verse">That rugged rock-fringe that girds in the ocean,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And calls the foam from its translucent blue,</div> -<div class="verse">It seems to pour strange strength into my spirit,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Strength for endurance, strength for conflict too.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And these bright ocean-birds, these billow-rangers,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The snowy-breasted,—each a winged wave—</div> -<div class="verse">They tell me how to joy in storm and dangers,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When surges whiten, or when whirlwinds rave.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And these green-stretching fields, these peaceful hollows,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That hear the tempest, but take no alarm,</div> -<div class="verse">Has not their placid verdue sweetly taught me</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The peace within when all without is storm?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And thou keen sun-flash, through the cloud-wreath bursting,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Silvering the sea, the sward, the rock, the foam,</div> -<div class="verse">What light within me has thy pure gleam kindled?</div> -<div class="verse indent2">'Tis from the land of light that thou art come.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And of the time how blithely art thou telling,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When cloud and change and tempest shall take wing;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">{203}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Each beam of thine prophetic of the glory,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Creation's daybreak, earth's long-promised spring.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Even thus it is, my God me daily teacheth</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Sweet knowledge out of all I hear and see;</div> -<div class="verse">Each object has a heavenly voice within it,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Each scene, however troubled, speaks to me.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">For all upon this earth is broken beauty,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Yet out of all what strange, deep lessons rise?</div> -<div class="verse">Each hour is giving out its heaven-sent wisdom,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A message from the sea, the shore, the skies.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>INCOMPLETENESS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Nothing</span> - resting in its own completeness</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Can have worth or beauty: but alone</div> -<div class="verse">Because it leads and tends to further sweetness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Fuller, higher, deeper than its own.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Spring's real glory dwells not in the meaning,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Gracious though it be, of her blue hours;</div> -<div class="verse">But is hidden in her tender leaning</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To the Summer's richer wealth of flowers.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">{204}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Dawn is fair, because the mists fade slowly</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Into day, which floods the world with light;</div> -<div class="verse">Twilight's mystery is so sweet and holy</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Just because it ends in starry Night.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Childhood's smiles unconscious graces borrow</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From Strife, that in a far-off future lies;</div> -<div class="verse">And angel glances (veiled now by Life's sorrow)</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Draw our hearts to some belovèd eyes.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Life is only bright when it proceedeth</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Towards a truer, deeper Life above;</div> -<div class="verse">Human Love is sweetest when it leadeth</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To a more divine and perfect Love.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Learn the mystery of Progression duly:</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Do not call each glorious change, Decay;</div> -<div class="verse">But know we only hold our treasures truly,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When it seems as if they passed away.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Nor dare to blame God's gifts for incompleteness;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In that want their beauty lies: they roll</div> -<div class="verse">Towards some infinite depth of love and sweetness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Bearing onward man's reluctant soul.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Adelaide Procter.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">{205}</a></div> - -<h2>NOTHING TO DO.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">"Nothing</span> - to do" in this world of ours,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Where weeds spring up with the fairest flowers,</div> -<div class="verse">Where smiles have only a fitful play,</div> -<div class="verse">Where hearts are breaking every day?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Nothing to do?" thou Christian soul,</div> -<div class="verse">Wrapping thee round in thy selfish stole,</div> -<div class="verse">Off with the garments of sloth and sin;</div> -<div class="verse">Christ thy Lord hath a kingdom to win.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Nothing to do?" there are prayers to lay</div> -<div class="verse">On the altar of incense day by day;</div> -<div class="verse">There are foes to meet within and without;</div> -<div class="verse">There is error to conquer, strong and stout.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Nothing to do?" there are minds to teach</div> -<div class="verse">The simplest forms of Christian speech;</div> -<div class="verse">There are hearts to lure with loving wile</div> -<div class="verse">From the grimmest haunts of sin's defile.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Nothing to do?" there are lambs to feed,</div> -<div class="verse">The precious hope of the Church's need;</div> -<div class="verse">Strength to be borne to the weak and faint,</div> -<div class="verse">Vigils to keep with the doubting saint.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">{206}</a></div> -<div class="verse">"Nothing to do?" there are heights to attain,</div> -<div class="verse">Where Christ is transfigured yet again,</div> -<div class="verse">Where earth will fade in the vision sweet,</div> -<div class="verse">And the soul press on with wingèd feet.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Nothing to do?" and thy Saviour said,</div> -<div class="verse">"Follow thou me in the path I tread."</div> -<div class="verse">Lord, lend thy help the journey through,</div> -<div class="verse">Lest, faint, we cry, "So much to do!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Unidentified.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">DEATH.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">When</span> - death is drawing near,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">And thy heart shrinks in fear,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">And thy limbs fail,</div> -<div class="verse">Then raise thy hands and pray</div> -<div class="verse">To Him who smooths the way</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Through the dark vale.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Seest thou the eastern dawn?</div> -<div class="verse">Hear'st thou, in the red morn,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">The angels' song?</div> -<div class="verse">Oh! lift thy drooping head</div> -<div class="verse">Thou, who in gloom and dread</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Hast lain so long.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">{207}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Death comes to set thee free,</div> -<div class="verse">Oh! meet him cheerily,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">As thy true friend;</div> -<div class="verse">And all thy fears shall cease,</div> -<div class="verse">And in eternal peace,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Thy penance end.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>From</i> "<i>Sintram.</i>"</div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>IT IS NOT DEATH TO DIE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">It</span> - is not death to die—</div> -<div class="verse indent4">To leave this weary road,</div> -<div class="verse">And, 'mid the brotherhood on high,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To be at home with God.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">It is not death to close</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The eye long dimmed by tears,</div> -<div class="verse">And wake, in glorious repose</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To spend eternal years.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">It is not death to bear</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The wrench that sets us free</div> -<div class="verse">From dungeon chain,—to breathe the air</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of boundless liberty.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">{208}</a></div> -<div class="verse">It is not death to fling</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Aside this sinful dust,</div> -<div class="verse">And rise, on strong exulting wing,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To live among the just.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Jesus, thou Prince of life!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thy chosen cannot die;</div> -<div class="verse">Like thee, they conquer in the strife,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To reign with thee on high.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Bethune.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>RUGBY CHAPEL.</h2> - -<p class="center small">NOVEMBER, 1857.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Coldly,</span> - sadly descends</div> -<div class="verse indent6">The autumn evening. The field</div> -<div class="verse">Strewn with its dark yellow drifts</div> -<div class="verse">Of withered leaves, and the elms,</div> -<div class="verse">Fade into dimness apace,</div> -<div class="verse">Silent; hardly a shout</div> -<div class="verse">From a few boys late at their play!</div> -<div class="verse">The lights come out in the street,</div> -<div class="verse">In the schoolroom windows; but cold,</div> -<div class="verse">Solemn, unlighted, austere,</div> -<div class="verse">Through the gathering darkness, arise</div> -<div class="verse">The chapel-walls, in whose bound</div> -<div class="verse">Thou, my father! art laid.</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">{209}</a></div> -<div class="verse">There thou dost lie, in the gloom</div> -<div class="verse">Of the autumn evening. But ah!</div> -<div class="verse">That word <i>gloom</i> to my mind</div> -<div class="verse">Brings thee back in the light</div> -<div class="verse">Of thy radiant vigor again.</div> -<div class="verse">In the gloom of November we passed</div> -<div class="verse">Days not dark at thy side;</div> -<div class="verse">Seasons impaired not the ray</div> -<div class="verse">Of thy buoyant cheerfulness clear.</div> -<div class="verse">Such thou wast! and I stand</div> -<div class="verse">In the autumn evening, and think</div> -<div class="verse">Of bygone autumns with thee.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Fifteen years have gone round</div> -<div class="verse">Since thou arosest to tread,</div> -<div class="verse">In the summer-morning, the road</div> -<div class="verse">Of death, at a call unforeseen,</div> -<div class="verse">Sudden. For fifteen years,</div> -<div class="verse">We who till then in thy shade</div> -<div class="verse">Rested as under the boughs</div> -<div class="verse">Of a mighty oak, have endured</div> -<div class="verse">Sunshine and rain as we might,</div> -<div class="verse">Bare, unshaded, alone,</div> -<div class="verse">Lacking the shelter of thee.</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">{210}</a></div> -<div class="verse">O strong soul, by what shore</div> -<div class="verse">Tarriest thou now? For that force,</div> -<div class="verse">Surely, has not been left vain!</div> -<div class="verse">Somewhere, surely, afar,</div> -<div class="verse">In the sounding labor-house vast</div> -<div class="verse">Of being, is practiced that strength,</div> -<div class="verse">Zealous, beneficent, firm!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Yes, in some far-shining sphere,</div> -<div class="verse">Conscious or not of the past,</div> -<div class="verse">Still thou performest the word</div> -<div class="verse">Of the Spirit in whom thou dost live,</div> -<div class="verse">Prompt, unwearied, as here.</div> -<div class="verse">Still thou upraisest with zeal</div> -<div class="verse">The humble good from the ground,</div> -<div class="verse">Sternly repressest the bad;</div> -<div class="verse">Still, like a trumpet, dost rouse</div> -<div class="verse">Those who with half-opened eyes</div> -<div class="verse">Tread the border-land dim</div> -<div class="verse">'Twixt vice and virtue reviv'st,</div> -<div class="verse">Succorest. This was thy work,</div> -<div class="verse">This was the life upon earth.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">What is the course of the life</div> -<div class="verse">Of mortal men on the earth?</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">{211}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Most men eddy about</div> -<div class="verse">Here and there, eat and drink,</div> -<div class="verse">Chatter and love and hate,</div> -<div class="verse">Gather and squander, are raised</div> -<div class="verse">Aloft, are hurled in the dust,</div> -<div class="verse">Striving blindly, achieving</div> -<div class="verse">Nothing; and then they die,—</div> -<div class="verse">Perish; and no one asks</div> -<div class="verse">Who or what they have been,</div> -<div class="verse">More than he asks what waves,</div> -<div class="verse">In the moonlit solitudes mild</div> -<div class="verse">Of the midmost ocean, have swelled,</div> -<div class="verse">Foamed for a moment, and gone.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And there are some whom a thirst</div> -<div class="verse">Ardent, unquenchable, fires,</div> -<div class="verse">Not with the crowd to be spent,</div> -<div class="verse">Not without aim to go round</div> -<div class="verse">In an eddy of purposeless dust,</div> -<div class="verse">Effort unmeaning and vain.</div> -<div class="verse">Ah yes! some of us strive</div> -<div class="verse">Not without action to die</div> -<div class="verse">Fruitless, but something to snatch</div> -<div class="verse">From dull oblivion, nor all</div> -<div class="verse">Glut the devouring grave.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">{212}</a></div> -<div class="verse">We, we have chosen our path,—</div> -<div class="verse">Path to a clear-purposed goal,</div> -<div class="verse">Path of advance; but it leads</div> -<div class="verse">A long, steep journey, through sunk</div> -<div class="verse">Gorges, o'er mountains in snow.</div> -<div class="verse">Cheerful, with friends, we set forth;</div> -<div class="verse">Then, on the height, comes the storm,</div> -<div class="verse">Thunder crashes from rock</div> -<div class="verse">To rock; the cataracts reply;</div> -<div class="verse">Lightnings dazzle our eyes;</div> -<div class="verse">Roaring torrents have breached</div> -<div class="verse">The track; the stream-bed descends</div> -<div class="verse">In the place where the wayfarer once</div> -<div class="verse">Planted his footsteps; the spray</div> -<div class="verse">Boils o'er its borders; aloft,</div> -<div class="verse">The unseen snow-beds dislodge</div> -<div class="verse">Their hanging ruin. Alas!</div> -<div class="verse">Havoc is made in our train!</div> -<div class="verse">Friends who set forth at our side</div> -<div class="verse">Falter, are lost in the storm.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">We, we only are left!</div> -<div class="verse">With frowning foreheads, with lips</div> -<div class="verse">Sternly compressed, we strain on,</div> -<div class="verse">On; and at nightfall at last</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">{213}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Come to the end of our way,</div> -<div class="verse">To the lonely inn 'mid the rocks;</div> -<div class="verse">Where the gaunt and taciturn host</div> -<div class="verse">Stands on the threshold, the wind</div> -<div class="verse">Shaking his thin white hairs,</div> -<div class="verse">Holds his lantern to scan</div> -<div class="verse">Our storm-beat figures, and asks,—</div> -<div class="verse">Whom in our party we bring?</div> -<div class="verse">Whom we have left in the snow?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Sadly we answer, We bring</div> -<div class="verse">Only ourselves! we lost</div> -<div class="verse">Sight of the rest in the storm.</div> -<div class="verse">Hardly ourselves we fought through,</div> -<div class="verse">Stripped, without friends, as we are.</div> -<div class="verse">Friends, companions, and train,</div> -<div class="verse">The avalanche swept from our side.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">But thou wouldst not <i>alone</i></div> -<div class="verse">Be saved, my father! <i>alone</i></div> -<div class="verse">Conquer and come to thy goal,</div> -<div class="verse">Leaving the rest in the wild.</div> -<div class="verse">We were weary, and we</div> -<div class="verse">Fearful, and we in our march</div> -<div class="verse">Fain to drop down and to die.</div> -<div class="verse">Still thou turnedst, and still</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">{214}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Beckonedst the trembler, and still</div> -<div class="verse">Gavest the weary thy hand.</div> -<div class="verse">If, in the paths of the world,</div> -<div class="verse">Stones might have wounded thy feet,</div> -<div class="verse">Toil or dejection have tried</div> -<div class="verse">Thy spirit, of that we saw</div> -<div class="verse">Nothing: to us thou wast still</div> -<div class="verse">Cheerful, and helpful, and firm!</div> -<div class="verse">Therefore to thee it was given</div> -<div class="verse">Many to save with thyself;</div> -<div class="verse">And, at the end of thy day,</div> -<div class="verse">O faithful shepherd! to come,</div> -<div class="verse">Bringing thy sheep in thy hand.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And through thee I believe</div> -<div class="verse">In the noble and great who are gone;</div> -<div class="verse">Pure souls honored and blest</div> -<div class="verse">By former ages, who else—</div> -<div class="verse">Such, so soulless, so poor,</div> -<div class="verse">Is the race of men whom I see—</div> -<div class="verse">Seemed but a dream of the heart,</div> -<div class="verse">Seemed but a cry of desire.</div> -<div class="verse">Yes! I believed that there lived</div> -<div class="verse">Others like thee in the past,</div> -<div class="verse">Not like the men of the crowd</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">{215}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Who all round me to-day</div> -<div class="verse">Bluster or cringe, and make life</div> -<div class="verse">Hideous and arid and vile;</div> -<div class="verse">But souls tempered with fire,</div> -<div class="verse">Fervent, heroic, and good,</div> -<div class="verse">Helpers and friends of mankind.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Servants of God!—or sons</div> -<div class="verse">Shall I not call you? because</div> -<div class="verse">Not as servants ye knew</div> -<div class="verse">Your Father's innermost mind,</div> -<div class="verse">His who unwillingly sees</div> -<div class="verse">One of his little ones lost,—</div> -<div class="verse">Yours is the praise, if mankind</div> -<div class="verse">Hath not as yet in its march</div> -<div class="verse">Fainted and fallen and died.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">See! In the rocks of the world</div> -<div class="verse">Marches the host of mankind,</div> -<div class="verse">A feeble, wavering line,</div> -<div class="verse">Where are they tending? A God</div> -<div class="verse">Marshalled them, gave them their goal.</div> -<div class="verse">Ah, but the way is so long!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Years they have been in the wild:</div> -<div class="verse">Sore thirst plagues them; the rocks,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">{216}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Rising all around, overawe;</div> -<div class="verse">Factions divide them; their host</div> -<div class="verse">Threatens to break, to dissolve.</div> -<div class="verse">Ah! keep them combined!</div> -<div class="verse">Else, of the myriads who fill</div> -<div class="verse">That army, not one shall arrive;</div> -<div class="verse">Sole they shall stray; on the rocks</div> -<div class="verse">Batter forever in vain,</div> -<div class="verse">Die one by one in the waste.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Then, in such hour of need</div> -<div class="verse">Of your fainting, dispirited race,</div> -<div class="verse">Ye like angels appear,</div> -<div class="verse">Radiant with ardor divine.</div> -<div class="verse">Beacons of hope, ye appear!</div> -<div class="verse">Languor is not in your heart,</div> -<div class="verse">Weakness is not in your word,</div> -<div class="verse">Weariness not on your brow.</div> -<div class="verse">Ye alight in our van! at your voice,</div> -<div class="verse">Panic, despair, flee away.</div> -<div class="verse">Ye move through the ranks, recall</div> -<div class="verse">The stragglers, refresh the outworn,</div> -<div class="verse">Praise, re-inspire the brave.</div> -<div class="verse">Order, courage, return;</div> -<div class="verse">Eyes rekindling, and prayers,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">{217}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Follow your steps as you go.</div> -<div class="verse">Ye fill up the gaps in our files,</div> -<div class="verse">Strengthen the wavering line,</div> -<div class="verse">'Stablish, continue our march,</div> -<div class="verse">On, to the bound of the waste,</div> -<div class="verse">On, to the City of God.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Matthew Arnold.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE RIGHT MUST WIN.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Oh,</span> - it is hard to work for God,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">To rise and take his part</div> -<div class="verse">Upon this battle-field of earth,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And not sometimes lose heart!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">He hides himself so wondrously,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As though there were no God;</div> -<div class="verse">He is least seen when all the powers</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of ill are most abroad;</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Or he deserts us in the hour</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The fight is all but lost;</div> -<div class="verse">And seems to leave us to ourselves</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Just when we need him most.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">{218}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Yes, there is less to try our faith,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In our mysterious creed,</div> -<div class="verse">Than in the godless look of earth,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In these our hours of need.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Ill masters good; good seems to change</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To ill with greatest ease;</div> -<div class="verse">And, worst of all, the good with good</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Is at cross purposes.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">It is not so, but so it looks;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And we lose courage then;</div> -<div class="verse">And doubts will come if God hath kept</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His promises to men.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Ah! God is other than we think;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His ways are far above,</div> -<div class="verse">Far beyond reason's height, and reached</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Only by childlike love.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The look, the fashion of God's ways</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Love's life long study are;</div> -<div class="verse">She can be bold, and guess, and act,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When reason would not dare,</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">{219}</a></div> -<div class="verse">She has a prudence of her own;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Her step is firm and free;</div> -<div class="verse">Yet there is cautious science, too,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In her simplicity.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Workmen of God! Oh lose not heart,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But learn what God is like;</div> -<div class="verse">And in the darkest battle field</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou shalt know where to strike.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Thrice blest is he to whom is given</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The instinct that can tell</div> -<div class="verse">That God is on the field when He</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Is most invisible.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Blest too is he who can divine</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Where real right doth lie,</div> -<div class="verse">And dares to take the side that seems</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Wrong to man's blindfold eye.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Then learn to scorn the praise of men,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And learn to lose with God;</div> -<div class="verse">For Jesus won the world through shame,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And beckons thee His road.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">{220}</a></div> -<div class="verse">God's glory is a wondrous thing,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Most strange in all its ways,</div> -<div class="verse">And, of all things on earth, least like</div> -<div class="verse indent2">What men agree to praise.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">As he can endless glory weave</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From what men reckon shame,</div> -<div class="verse">In His own world He is content</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To play a losing game.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Muse on His justice, downcast some!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Muse and take better heart;</div> -<div class="verse">Back with thine angel to the field,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And bravely do thy part.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">God's justice is a bed, where we</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Our anxious hearts may lay,</div> -<div class="verse">And, weary with ourselves, may sleep</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Our discontent away.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">But right is right, since God is God;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And right the day must win;</div> -<div class="verse">To doubt would be disloyalty,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To falter would be sin!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>F. W. Faber.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">{221}</a></div> - -<h2>THE SUBSTITUTE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry small"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse quote">"Jesu, plena caritate</div> -<div class="verse">Manus tuæ perfortæ</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Laxent mea crimina;</div> -<div class="verse">Latus tuum lanceatum,</div> -<div class="verse">Caput spinis coronatum,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Hæc sint medicamina"—<span class="smcap">Old Hymn.</span></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I lay</span> - my sins on Jesus,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">The spotless Lamb of God;</div> -<div class="verse">He bears them all and free us</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From the accursed load.</div> -<div class="verse">I bring my guilt to Jesus,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To wash my crimson stains</div> -<div class="verse">White in his blood most precious,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Till not a stain remains.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I lay my wants on Jesus;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All fullness dwells in Him.</div> -<div class="verse">He heals all my diseases,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He doth my soul redeem.</div> -<div class="verse">I lay my griefs on Jesus,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My burdens and my cares;</div> -<div class="verse">He from them all releases,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He all my sorrows shares.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">{222}</a></div> -<div class="verse">I rest my soul on Jesus,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">This weary soul of mine;</div> -<div class="verse">His right hand me embraces,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I on his breast recline.</div> -<div class="verse">I love the name of Jesus,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;</div> -<div class="verse">Like fragrance on the breezes,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His name abroad is poured.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I long to be like Jesus,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Meek, loving, lowly, mild,</div> -<div class="verse">I long to be like Jesus,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The Father's holy child.</div> -<div class="verse">I long to be with Jesus</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Amid the heavenly throng,</div> -<div class="verse">To sing with saints his praises,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To learn the angel's song.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>JEPHTHAH'S DAUGHTER.</h2> - - <p class="center small">Judges. Chapter xi.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">She</span> - stood before her father's gorgeous tent,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">To listen for his coming. Her loose hair</div> -<div class="verse">Was resting on her shoulders, like a cloud</div> -<div class="verse">Floating around a statue, and the wind,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">{223}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Just swaying her light robe, reveal'd a shape</div> -<div class="verse">Praxiteles might worship. She had clasp'd</div> -<div class="verse">Her hands upon her bosom, and had raised</div> -<div class="verse">Her beautiful, dark, Jewish eyes to heaven,</div> -<div class="verse">Till the long lashes lay upon her brow.</div> -<div class="verse">Her lip was slightly parted, like the cleft</div> -<div class="verse">Of a pomegranate blossom; and her neck,</div> -<div class="verse">Just where the cheek was melting to its curve</div> -<div class="verse">With the unearthly beauty sometimes there,</div> -<div class="verse">Was shaded, as if light had fallen off,</div> -<div class="verse">Its surface was so polish'd. She was stilling</div> -<div class="verse">Her light, quick breath, to hear; and the white rose</div> -<div class="verse">Scarce moved upon her bosom, as it swell'd,</div> -<div class="verse">Like nothing but a lovely wave of light,</div> -<div class="verse">To meet the arching of her queenly neck.</div> -<div class="verse">Her countenance was radiant with love.</div> -<div class="verse">She look'd like one to die for it—a being</div> -<div class="verse">Whose whole existence was the pouring out</div> -<div class="verse">Of rich and deep affections. I have thought</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A brother's and a sister's love were much;</div> -<div class="verse">I know a brother's is—for I have been</div> -<div class="verse">A sister's idol—and I know how full</div> -<div class="verse">The heart may be of tenderness to her!</div> -<div class="verse">But the affection of a delicate child</div> -<div class="verse"><div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">{224}</a></div></div> -<div class="verse">For a fond father, gushing, as it does,</div> -<div class="verse">With the sweet springs of life, and pouring on</div> -<div class="verse">Through all earth's changes, like a river's course—</div> -<div class="verse">Chasten'd with reverence, and made more pure</div> -<div class="verse">By the world's discipline of light and shade—</div> -<div class="verse">'Tis deeper—holier.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20">The wind bore on</div> -<div class="verse">The leaden tramp of thousands. Clarion notes</div> -<div class="verse">Rang sharply on the ear at intervals;</div> -<div class="verse">And the low, mingled din of mighty hosts</div> -<div class="verse">Returning from the battle, pour'd from far,</div> -<div class="verse">Like the deep murmur of a restless sea.</div> -<div class="verse">They came, as earthly conquerors always come,</div> -<div class="verse">With blood and splendor, revelry and woe.</div> -<div class="verse">The stately horse treads proudly—he hath trod</div> -<div class="verse">The brow of death, as well. The chariot-wheels</div> -<div class="verse">Of warriors roll magnificently on—</div> -<div class="verse">Their weight hath crush'd the fallen. <i>Man</i> is there—</div> -<div class="verse">Majestic, lordly man—with his sublime</div> -<div class="verse">And elevated brow, and godlike frame;</div> -<div class="verse">Lifting his crest in triumph—for his heel</div> -<div class="verse">Hath trod the dying like a wine-press down!</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">{225}</a></div> -<div class="verse">The mighty Jephthah led his warriors on</div> -<div class="verse">Through Mizpeh's streets. His helm was proudly set,</div> -<div class="verse">And his stern lip curl'd slightly, as if praise</div> -<div class="verse">Were for the hero's scorn. His step was firm,</div> -<div class="verse">But free as India's leopard; and his mail,</div> -<div class="verse">Whose <i>shekels</i> none in Israel might bear,</div> -<div class="verse">Was like a cedar's tassel on his frame.</div> -<div class="verse">His crest was Judah's kingliest; and the look</div> -<div class="verse">Of his dark, lofty eye, and bended brow,</div> -<div class="verse">Might quell the lion. He led on, but thoughts</div> -<div class="verse">Seem'd gathering round which troubled him. The veins</div> -<div class="verse">Grew visible upon his swarthy brow,</div> -<div class="verse">And his proud lip was press'd as if with pain.</div> -<div class="verse">He trod less firmly; and his restless eye</div> -<div class="verse">Glanced forward frequently, as if some ill</div> -<div class="verse">He dared not meet, were there. His home was near;</div> -<div class="verse">And men were thronging, with that strange delight</div> -<div class="verse">They have in human passions, to observe</div> -<div class="verse">The struggle of his feelings with his pride.</div> -<div class="verse">He gazed intensely forward. The tall firs</div> -<div class="verse">Before his tent were motionless. The leaves</div> -<div class="verse"><div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">{226}</a></div></div> -<div class="verse">Of the sweet aloe, and the clustering vines</div> -<div class="verse">Which half conceal'd his threshold, met his eye,</div> -<div class="verse">Unchanged and beautiful; and one by one,</div> -<div class="verse">The balsam, with its sweet-distilling stems,</div> -<div class="verse">And the Circassian rose, and all the crowd</div> -<div class="verse">Of silent and familiar things, stole up,</div> -<div class="verse">Like the recover'd passages of dreams.</div> -<div class="verse">He strode on rapidly. A moment more,</div> -<div class="verse">And he had reach'd his home; when lo! there sprang</div> -<div class="verse">One with a bounding footstep, and a brow</div> -<div class="verse">Of light to meet him. Oh how beautiful!—</div> -<div class="verse">Her dark eye flashing like a sun-lit gem—</div> -<div class="verse">And her luxuriant hair!—'twas like the sweep</div> -<div class="verse">Of a swift wing in visions. He stood still,</div> -<div class="verse">As if the sight had wither'd him. She threw</div> -<div class="verse">Her arms about her neck—he heeded not.</div> -<div class="verse">She call'd him "Father"—but he answer'd not.</div> -<div class="verse">She stood and gazed upon him. Was he wroth?</div> -<div class="verse">There was no anger in that blood-shot eye.</div> -<div class="verse">Had sickness seized him? She unclasp'd his helm,</div> -<div class="verse">And laid her white hand gently on his brow,</div> -<div class="verse">And the large veins felt stiff and hard, like cords.</div> -<div class="verse">The touch aroused him. He raised up his hands.</div> -<div class="verse"><div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">{227}</a></div></div> -<div class="verse">And spoke the name of God, in agony.</div> -<div class="verse">She knew that he was stricken, then, and rush'd</div> -<div class="verse">Again into his arms; and, with a flood</div> -<div class="verse">Of tears she could not bridle, sobb'd a prayer</div> -<div class="verse">That he would breathe his agony in words.</div> -<div class="verse">He told her—and a momentary flush</div> -<div class="verse">Shot o'er her countenance; and then the soul</div> -<div class="verse">Of Jephthah's daughter waken'd; and she stood</div> -<div class="verse">Calmly and nobly up, and said 'twas well—</div> -<div class="verse">And she would die.<span class="gap-between"> ****</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20">The sun had well nigh set.</div> -<div class="verse">The fire was on the altar; and the priest</div> -<div class="verse">Of the High God was there. A pallid man</div> -<div class="verse">Was stretching out his trembling hands to heaven,</div> -<div class="verse">As if he would have pray'd, but had no words—</div> -<div class="verse">And she who was to die, the calmest one</div> -<div class="verse">In Israel at that hour, stood up alone,</div> -<div class="verse">And waited for the sun to set. Her face</div> -<div class="verse">Was pale, but very beautiful—her lip</div> -<div class="verse">Had a more delicate outline, and the tint</div> -<div class="verse">Was deeper; but her countenance was like</div> -<div class="verse">The majesty of angels.</div> -<div class="verse indent20">The sun set—</div> -<div class="verse">And she was dead—but not by violence.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>N. P. Willis.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">{228}</a></div> - -<h2 class="faux">LORD, MANY TIMES.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Lord,</span> - many times I am aweary quite</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Of mine own self, my sin, my vanity—</div> -<div class="verse">Yet be not Thou, or I am lost outright,</div> -<div class="verse indent12">Weary of me.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And hate against myself I often bear,</div> -<div class="verse">And enter with myself in fierce debate:</div> -<div class="verse">Take Thou my part against myself, nor share</div> -<div class="verse indent12">In that just hate!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Best friends might loathe us, if what things perverse</div> -<div class="verse">We know of our own selves, they also knew:</div> -<div class="verse">Lord, Holy One! if Thou who knowest worse</div> -<div class="verse indent12">Shouldst loathe us too!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Richard Chenevix Trench.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>CLEANSING FIRES.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Let</span> - thy gold be cast in the furnace,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Thy red gold, precious and bright;</div> -<div class="verse">Do not fear the hungry fire,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With its caverns of burning light;</div> -<div class="verse">And thy gold shall return more precious,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Free from every spot and stain;</div> -<div class="verse">For gold must be tried by fire,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As a heart must be tried by pain.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">{229}</a></div> -<div class="verse">In the cruel fire of sorrow</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Cast thy heart, do not faint or wail;</div> -<div class="verse">Let thy hand be firm and steady,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Do not let thy spirit quail:</div> -<div class="verse">But wait till the trial is over,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And take thy heart again;</div> -<div class="verse">For as gold is tried by fire,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">So a heart must be tried by pain!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I shall know by the gleam and glitter</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of the golden chain you wear,</div> -<div class="verse">By your heart's calm strength in loving,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of the fire they have had to bear.</div> -<div class="verse">Beat on, true heart, forever;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Shine bright strong golden chain;</div> -<div class="verse">And bless the cleansing fire,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And the furnace of living pain!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Adelaide Procter.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>GONE BEFORE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Thou</span> - art in heaven, and I am still on earth;</div> -<div class="verse indent4">'Tis years, long years, since we were parted here,</div> -<div class="verse">I still a wanderer amid grief and fear,</div> -<div class="verse">And thou the tenant of a brighter sphere.</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">{230}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent2">Yet still thou seemest near;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But yesterday it seems,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Since the last clasp was given,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Since our lips met,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And our eyes looked into each other's depths.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Thou art amid the deathless, I still here,</div> -<div class="verse">Amid things mortal, in a land of graves,</div> -<div class="verse">A land o'er which the heavy-beating waves</div> -<div class="verse">Of changing time move on, a land where raves</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The storm, which whoso braves</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Must have his anchor fixed</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Firmly within the vail—;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">So let my anchor be;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Such be my consolation and my hope!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Thou art amid the sorrowless, I here</div> -<div class="verse">Amid the sorrowing: and yet not long</div> -<div class="verse">Shall I remain 'mid sin, and fear, and wrong:</div> -<div class="verse">Soon shall I join you in your sinless song.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thy day has come, not gone,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thy sun has risen, not set,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thy life is now beyond</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The reach of death or change;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Not ended, but begun,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Such shall our life be soon.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">{231}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent2">And then,—the meeting-day,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">How full of light and joy!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All fear of change cast out,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All shadows passed away,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The union sealed forever</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Between us and our Lord.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE LENT JEWELS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">In</span> - schools of wisdom all the day was spent:</div> -<div class="verse indent4">His steps at eve the Rabbi homeward bent,</div> -<div class="verse">With homeward thoughts, which dwelt upon the wife</div> -<div class="verse">And two fair children, who consoled his life.</div> -<div class="verse">She meeting at the threshold led him in,</div> -<div class="verse">And with these words preventing, did begin:—</div> -<div class="verse">"Ever rejoicing at your wished return,</div> -<div class="verse">Yet am I most so now: for since this morn</div> -<div class="verse">I have been much perplexed and sorely tried</div> -<div class="verse">Upon one point which you shall now decide.</div> -<div class="verse">Some years ago, a friend into my care</div> -<div class="verse">Some jewels gave—rich, precious gems they were;</div> -<div class="verse">But having given them in my charge, this friend</div> -<div class="verse">Did afterward nor come for them, nor send,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">{232}</a></div> -<div class="verse">But left them in my keeping for so long,</div> -<div class="verse">That now it almost seems to me, a wrong</div> -<div class="verse">That he should suddenly arrive to-day,</div> -<div class="verse">To take those jewels, which he left, away.</div> -<div class="verse">What think you? Shall I freely yield them back,</div> -<div class="verse">And with no murmuring?—so henceforth to lack</div> -<div class="verse">Those gems myself, which I had learned to see</div> -<div class="verse">Almost as mine forever, mine in fee."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"What question can be here? Your own true heart</div> -<div class="verse">Must needs advise you of the only part:</div> -<div class="verse">That may be claimed again which was but lent,</div> -<div class="verse">And should be yielded with no discontent.</div> -<div class="verse">Nor surely can we find herein a wrong</div> -<div class="verse">That it was left us to enjoy it long."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Good is the word," she answered; "may we now</div> -<div class="verse">And evermore that it is good allow!"</div> -<div class="verse">And, rising, to an inner chamber led,</div> -<div class="verse">And there she showed him, stretched upon one bed,</div> -<div class="verse">Two children pale: and he the jewels knew,</div> -<div class="verse">Which God had lent him, and resumed anew.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Richard Chenevix Trench.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">{233}</a></div> - -<h2>ON THE DEATH OF A MISSIONARY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">How</span> - beautiful it is for man to die</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Upon the walls of Zion! to be call'd,</div> -<div class="verse">Like a watch-worn and weary sentinel,</div> -<div class="verse">To put his armor off, and rest—in heaven!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The sun was setting on Jerusalem,</div> -<div class="verse">The deep blue sky had not a cloud, and light</div> -<div class="verse">Was pouring on the dome of Omar's mosque,</div> -<div class="verse">Like molten silver. Every thing was fair;</div> -<div class="verse">And beauty hung upon the painted fanes;</div> -<div class="verse">Like a grieved spirit, lingering ere she gave</div> -<div class="verse">Her wing to air, for heaven. The crowds of men</div> -<div class="verse">Were in the busy streets, and nothing look'd</div> -<div class="verse">Like woe, or suffering, save one small train</div> -<div class="verse">Bearing the dead to burial. It pass'd by,</div> -<div class="verse">And left no trace upon the busy throng.</div> -<div class="verse">The sun was just as beautiful; the shout</div> -<div class="verse">Of joyous revelry, and the low hum</div> -<div class="verse">Of stirring thousands rose as constantly!</div> -<div class="verse">Life look'd as winning; and the earth and sky,</div> -<div class="verse">And every thing seem'd strangely bent to make</div> -<div class="verse">A contrast to that comment upon life.</div> -<div class="verse">How wonderful it is that human pride</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">{234}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Can pass that touching moral as it does—</div> -<div class="verse">Pass it so frequently, in all the force</div> -<div class="verse">Of mournful and most simple eloquence—</div> -<div class="verse">And learn no lesson! They bore on the dead,</div> -<div class="verse">With the slow step of sorrow, troubled not</div> -<div class="verse">By the rude multitude, save, here and there,</div> -<div class="verse">A look of vague inquiry, or a curse</div> -<div class="verse">Half-mutter'd by some haughty Turk whose sleeve</div> -<div class="verse">Had touch'd the tassel of the Christian's pall</div> -<div class="verse">And Israel too pass'd on—the trampled Jew!</div> -<div class="verse">Israel!—who made Jerusalem a throne</div> -<div class="verse">For the wide world—pass'd on as carelessly;</div> -<div class="verse">Giving no look of interest to tell</div> -<div class="verse">The shrouded dead was any thing to her.</div> -<div class="verse">Oh that they would be gather'd as a brood</div> -<div class="verse">Is gather'd by a parent's sheltering wings!—</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">They laid him down with strangers, for his home</div> -<div class="verse">Was with the setting sun, and they who stood</div> -<div class="verse">And look'd so steadfastly upon his grave,</div> -<div class="verse">Were not his kindred; but they found him there,</div> -<div class="verse">And loved him for his ministry of Christ.</div> -<div class="verse">He had died young. But there are silver'd heads,</div> -<div class="verse">Whose race of duty is less nobly run.</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">{235}</a></div> -<div class="verse">His heart was with Jerusalem; and strong</div> -<div class="verse">As was a mother's love, and the sweet ties</div> -<div class="verse">Religion makes so beautiful at home,</div> -<div class="verse">He flung them from him in his eager race,</div> -<div class="verse">And sought the broken people of his God,</div> -<div class="verse">To preach to them of <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>. There was one,</div> -<div class="verse">Who was his friend and helper. One who went</div> -<div class="verse">And knelt beside him at the sepulchre</div> -<div class="verse">Where Jesus slept, to pray for Israel.</div> -<div class="verse">They had one spirit, and their hearts were knit</div> -<div class="verse">With more than human love. God call'd him home.</div> -<div class="verse">And he of whom I speak stood up alone,</div> -<div class="verse">And in his broken-heartedness wrought on</div> -<div class="verse">Until his Master call'd him.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Oh, is it not a noble thing to die.</div> -<div class="verse">As dies the Christian, with his armor on!—</div> -<div class="verse">What is the hero's clarion, though its blast</div> -<div class="verse">Ring with the mastery of a world, to this?—</div> -<div class="verse">What are the searching victories of the mind—</div> -<div class="verse">The lore of vanish'd ages?—What are all</div> -<div class="verse">The trumpetings of proud humanity,</div> -<div class="verse">To the short history of Him who made</div> -<div class="verse">His sepulchre beside the King of kings?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>N. P. Willis.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">{236}</a></div> - -<h2>SET APART.</h2> - - <p class="center small">"Know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for - Himself."—Ps. iv. 3.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Set</span> - apart for Jesus!</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Is not this enough,</div> -<div class="verse">Though the desert prospect,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Open wild and rough?</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Set apart for His delight,</div> -<div class="verse">Chosen for His holy pleasure,</div> -<div class="verse">Sealed to be His special treasure!</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Could we choose a nobler joy?—and would we if<br />we might?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Set apart to serve Him,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Ministers of light,</div> -<div class="verse">Standing in His presence,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Ready day or night!</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Chosen for His service blest</div> -<div class="verse">He would have us always willing</div> -<div class="verse">Like the angel-hosts fulfilling</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Swiftly and rejoicingly each recognized behest.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">{237}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Set apart to praise Him,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Set apart for this!</div> -<div class="verse">Have the blessed angels</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Any truer bliss?</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Soft the prelude, though so clear;</div> -<div class="verse">Isolated tones are trembling,</div> -<div class="verse">But the chosen choir, assembling,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Soon shall sing together, while the universe shall<br />hear.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Set apart to love Him,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And His love to know!</div> -<div class="verse">Not to waste affection</div> -<div class="verse indent2">On a passing show.</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Called to give Him life and heart,</div> -<div class="verse">Called to pour the hidden treasure,</div> -<div class="verse">That none other claims to measure,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Into His beloved hand! thrice-blessèd 'set<br />apart!'</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Set apart for ever</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For Himself alone!</div> -<div class="verse">Now we see our calling</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Gloriously shown!</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">{238}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Owning, with no secret dread,</div> -<div class="verse">This our holy separation,</div> -<div class="verse">Now the crown of consecration</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Of the Lord our God shall rest upon our willing<br />head!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Frances Ridley Havergal.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE USEFUL LIFE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry small"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse"><span title="Psychê mou, psychê mou,">Ψυχή μου, ψυχή μου,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span title="Anasta, ti katheudeis.">Ἀηαστα, τὶ καθευδεις.</span></div> -<div class="verse indent16"><span class="smcap">Old Greek Hymn</span>.</div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Go</span> - labor on; spend, and be spent,—</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Thy joy to do the Father's will;</div> -<div class="verse">It is the way the Master went,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Should not the servant tread it still?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Go labor on; 'tis not for nought;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thy earthly loss is heavenly gain;</div> -<div class="verse">Men heed thee, love thee, praise thee not;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The Master praises, what are men?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Go labor on; enough, while here,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">If He shall praise thee, if he deign</div> -<div class="verse">Thy willing heart to mark and cheer;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">No toil for Him shall be in vain.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">{239}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Go labor on; your hands are weak,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Your knees are faint, your soul cast down;</div> -<div class="verse">Yet falter not; the prize you seek,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Is near,—a kingdom and a crown!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Go labor on, while it is day,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The world's dark night is hastening on;</div> -<div class="verse">Speed, speed thy work, cast sloth away:</div> -<div class="verse indent2">It is not thus that souls are won.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Men die in darkness at your side,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Without a hope to cheer the tomb;</div> -<div class="verse">Take up the torch and wave it wide,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The torch that lights time's thickest gloom.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Toil on, faint not, keep watch and pray;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Be wise, the erring soul to win;</div> -<div class="verse">Go forth into the world's highway,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Compel the wanderer to come in.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Toil on, and in thy toil rejoice;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For toil comes rest, for exile home;</div> -<div class="verse">Soon shalt thou hear the Bridegroom's voice,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The midnight peal, behold I come!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">{240}</a></div> - -<h2>HYMN.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">O holy</span> - Saviour, Friend unseen,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">The faint, the weak, on Thee may lean,</div> -<div class="verse">Help me, throughout life's varying scene,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">By faith to cling to Thee!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Blest with communion so Divine,</div> -<div class="verse">Take what Thou wilt, shall I repine,</div> -<div class="verse">When, as the branches to the vine,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">My soul may cling to Thee?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Far from her home, fatigued, oppressed,</div> -<div class="verse">Here she has found a place of rest,</div> -<div class="verse">An exile still, yet not unblest,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">While she can cling to Thee!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Without a murmur I dismiss</div> -<div class="verse">My former dreams of earthly bliss,</div> -<div class="verse">My joy, my recompense be this,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Each hour to cling to Thee!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">{241}</a></div> -<div class="verse">What though the world deceitful prove,</div> -<div class="verse">And earthly friends and joys remove,</div> -<div class="verse">With patient, uncomplaining love,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Still would I cling to Thee!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Oft when I seem to tread alone</div> -<div class="verse">Some barren waste with thorns o'ergrown,</div> -<div class="verse">A voice of love, in gentlest tone,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Whispers, "Still cling to Me!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Though faith and hope awhile be tried,</div> -<div class="verse">I ask not, need not, aught beside;</div> -<div class="verse">How safe, how calm, how satisfied,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">The souls that cling to Thee!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">They fear not Life's rough storms to brave,</div> -<div class="verse">Since Thou art near, and strong to save;</div> -<div class="verse">Nor shudder e'en at Death's dark wave,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Because they cling to Thee!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Blest is my lot, whate'er befall;</div> -<div class="verse">What can disturb me, who appal;</div> -<div class="verse">While, as my strength, my rock, my all,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Saviour, I cling to Thee!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Charlotte Elliot.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">{242}</a></div> - -<h2>"BEHOLD, THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH!"</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="center small">I.</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Behold,</span> - a Royal Bridegroom</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Hath called me for His bride!</div> -<div class="verse">I joyfully make ready</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And hasten to His side.</div> -<div class="verse">He is a Royal Bridegroom,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But I am very poor!</div> -<div class="verse">Of low estate He chose me</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To show His love the more:</div> -<div class="verse">For He hath purchased for me</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Such goodly, rich array,—</div> -<div class="verse">Oh, surely never Bridegroom</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Gave gifts like His away.</div> -</div> - -<div class="center small">II.</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">When first upon the mountains,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I, in the vale below,</div> -<div class="verse">Beheld Him waiting for me,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Heard His command to go,</div> -<div class="verse">I, poorest in the valley,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Oh, how could I prepare</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">{243}</a></div> -<div class="verse">To meet His royal presence?</div> -<div class="verse indent2">How could I make me fair?</div> -<div class="verse">Ah! in His love He sent me</div> -<div class="verse indent2">A garment clean and white:</div> -<div class="verse">And promised broidered raiment</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All glorious in His sight.</div> -<div class="verse">And then He gave me glimpses</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of the jewels for my hair,</div> -<div class="verse">And the ornament most precious</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For His chosen bride to wear.</div> -</div> - -<div class="center small">III.</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">First in my tears I washed me,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">They could not make me clean:</div> -<div class="verse">A fountain then He showed me,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Strange until then unseen!</div> -<div class="verse">So close I'd lived beside it</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For many weary years,</div> -<div class="verse">Yet passing by the fountain</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Had bathed me in my tears.</div> -<div class="verse">Oh, love, oh, grace, that showed it!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Revealed its cleansing power!</div> -<div class="verse">How could I choose but hasten</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To meet Him from that hour.</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">{244}</a></div> - -<div class="center small">IV.</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I said, delay no longer;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He surely will provide</div> -<div class="verse">All for the toilsome journey,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Up the steep mountain side.</div> -<div class="verse">He sought me in the valley—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He knows my utmost need;</div> -<div class="verse">But He's a Royal Bridegroom,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I shall be rich indeed.</div> -<div class="verse">Rich in His pardoning mercies,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Bounties that never cease:</div> -<div class="verse">Rich in His loving kindness,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Rich in His joy and peace,</div> -<div class="verse">So then I took the Raiment.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And the jewels that He sent;</div> -<div class="verse">And, gazing on His beauty,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I up the hillside went.</div> -</div> - -<div class="center small">V.</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And still with feeble footsteps,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And turning oft astray,</div> -<div class="verse">I go to meet the Bridegroom,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Though stumbling by the way</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">{245}</a></div> -<div class="verse">I soil my royal garments</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With earth whene'er I fall;</div> -<div class="verse">I break and mar my ornaments,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">But He will know them all.</div> -<div class="verse">For it was He who gave them;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Will He forget His own?</div> -<div class="verse">Ah! for the love He bore me,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He called! will He disown?</div> -</div> - -<div class="center small">VI.</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">He sent His Guide to guide me:</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He knew how blind, how frail</div> -<div class="verse">The children of the valley:—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">He knew my love would fail.</div> -<div class="verse">He knew the mists above me</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Would hide Him from my sight.</div> -<div class="verse">And I, in darkness groping,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Would wander from the right.</div> -<div class="verse">I know that I must follow</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Slow when I fain would soar:</div> -<div class="verse">That step by step thus upward,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My Guide must go before.</div> -</div> - -<div class="center small">VII.</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Cleave close, dear Guide, and lead me!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I cannot go aright!</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">{246}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Through all that doth beset me,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Keep, keep me close in sight!</div> -<div class="verse">'Tis but a little longer;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Methinks the end I see:</div> -<div class="verse">Oh! matchless love and mercy,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The Bridegroom waits for me;</div> -<div class="verse">Waits, to present me faultless,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Before His Father's throne;</div> -<div class="verse">His comeliness my beauty,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">His righteousness my own.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Unidentified.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">IT MAY BE IN THE EVENING.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">"It</span> - may be in the evening,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">When the work of the day is done,</div> -<div class="verse">And you have time to sit in the twilight</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And watch the sinking sun,</div> -<div class="verse">While the long bright day dies slowly</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Over the sea,</div> -<div class="verse">And the hour grows quiet and holy</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With thoughts of Me,</div> -<div class="verse">While you hear the village children</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Passing along the street</div> -<div class="verse">Among those thronging footsteps</div> -<div class="verse indent2">May come the sound of My Feet:</div> -<div class="verse"><div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">{247}</a></div></div> -<div class="verse">Therefore I tell you, Watch!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">By the light of the evening star,</div> -<div class="verse">When the room is growing dusky</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As the clouds afar;</div> -<div class="verse">Let the door be on the latch</div> -<div class="verse indent6">In your home,</div> -<div class="verse">For it may be through the gloaming</div> -<div class="verse indent6">I will come.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"It may be when the midnight</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Is heavy upon the land,</div> -<div class="verse">And the black waves lying humbly</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Along the sand;</div> -<div class="verse">When the moonless night draws close,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And the lights are out in the house;</div> -<div class="verse">When the fires burn low and red,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And the watch is ticking loudly</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Beside the bed:</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Though you sleep, tired out on your couch,</div> -<div class="verse">Still your heart must wake and watch</div> -<div class="verse indent6">In the dark room,</div> -<div class="verse">For it may be that at midnight</div> -<div class="verse indent6">I will come.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"It may be at the cock-crow,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When the night is dying slowly</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">{248}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent6">In the sky,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And the sea looks calm and holy,</div> -<div class="verse">Waiting for the dawn of the golden sun</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Which draweth nigh;</div> -<div class="verse">When the mists are on the valleys, shading</div> -<div class="verse indent6">The rivers chill,</div> -<div class="verse">And my morning star is fading, fading</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Over the hill:</div> -<div class="verse">Behold, I say unto you, Watch!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Let the door be on the latch:</div> -<div class="verse indent6">In your home:</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In the chill before the dawning,</div> -<div class="verse">Between the night and morning</div> -<div class="verse indent6">I may come.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"It may be in the morning,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When the sun is bright and strong,</div> -<div class="verse">And the dew is glittering sharply</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Over the little lawn;</div> -<div class="verse">When the waves are laughing loudly</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Along the shore,</div> -<div class="verse">And the little birds are singing sweetly</div> -<div class="verse indent2">About the door.</div> -<div class="verse">With the long day's work before you,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">You rise up with the sun,</div> -<div class="verse"><div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">{249}</a></div></div> -<div class="verse">And the neighbors come in to talk a little,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of all that must be done;</div> -<div class="verse">But remember that I may be the next</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To come in at the door,</div> -<div class="verse">To call you from all your busy work</div> -<div class="verse indent6">For evermore:</div> -<div class="verse">As you work your heart must watch,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For the door is on the latch</div> -<div class="verse indent6">In your room,</div> -<div class="verse">And it may be in the morning</div> -<div class="verse indent6">I will come."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">So He passed down my cottage garden,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">By the path that leads to the sea,</div> -<div class="verse">Till he came to the turn of the little road,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Where the birch and laburnum tree</div> -<div class="verse">Lean over and arch the way.</div> -<div class="verse indent2">There I saw him a moment stay,</div> -<div class="verse">And turn once more to me,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As I wept at the cottage door,</div> -<div class="verse">And lift up His hands in blessing—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Then I saw His face no more.</div> -<div class="verse">And I stood still in the door-way</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Leaning against the wall,</div> -<div class="verse">Not heeding the fair white roses,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Though I crushed them, and let them fall,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">{250}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Only looking down the pathway,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And looking towards the sea,</div> -<div class="verse">And wondering, and wondering</div> -<div class="verse indent2">When He would come back for me,</div> -<div class="verse">Till I was aware of an angel</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Who was going swiftly by,</div> -<div class="verse">With the gladness of one who goeth</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In the light of God most high</div> -<div class="verse">He passed the end of the cottage</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Towards the garden gate,—</div> -<div class="verse">(I suppose He was come down</div> -<div class="verse indent2">At the setting of the sun,</div> -<div class="verse">To comfort some one in the village</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Whose dwelling was desolate,)</div> -<div class="verse">And He passed before the door</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Beside my place,</div> -<div class="verse">And the likeness of a smile</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Was on His face:—</div> -<div class="verse">"Weep not," He said, "for unto you is given,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To watch for the coming of His feet,</div> -<div class="verse">Who is the glory of our blessed Heaven:</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The work and watching will be very sweet</div> -<div class="verse">Even in an earthly home,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And in such an hour as ye think not</div> -<div class="verse indent6">He will come."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">{251}</a></div> -<div class="verse indent2">So I am watching quietly</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Every day;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Whenever the sun shines brightly</div> -<div class="verse indent6">I rise and say,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Surely it is the shining of His face!</div> -<div class="verse">And look unto the gates of His high place,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Beyond the sea,</div> -<div class="verse">For I know He is coming shortly</div> -<div class="verse indent6">To summon me.</div> -<div class="verse">And when a shadow falls across the window</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Of my room,</div> -<div class="verse">Where I am working my appointed task,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I lift my head to watch the door, and ask</div> -<div class="verse indent6">If He is come;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And the angel answers sweetly</div> -<div class="verse indent6">In my home,—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">"Only a few more shadows,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">And He will come."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Unidentified</i>.</div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THE JOY OF ASSURANCE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">It</span> - is too calm to be a dream,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Too gravely sweet, too full of power,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Prayer changed to praise this very hour!</div> -<div class="verse">Yes, heard and answered! though it seem</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">{252}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Beyond the hope of yesterday,</div> -<div class="verse">Beyond the faith that dared to pray,</div> -<div class="verse">Yet not beyond the love that heard,</div> -<div class="verse">And not beyond the faithful word</div> -<div class="verse">On which each trembling prayer may rest,</div> -<div class="verse">And win the answer truly best.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Yes, heard and answered! sought and found!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I breathe a golden atmosphere</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of solemn joy, and seem to hear</div> -<div class="verse">Within, above, and all around,</div> -<div class="verse">The chime of deep cathedral bells,</div> -<div class="verse">An early herald peal that tells</div> -<div class="verse">A glorious Easter tide begun;</div> -<div class="verse">While yet are sparkling in the sun</div> -<div class="verse">Large rain drops of the night storm passed,</div> -<div class="verse">And days of Lent are gone at last.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Frances Ridley Havergal</i>.</div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>"HOW WONDERFUL!"</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">He</span> - answered all my prayer abundantly,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">And crowned the work that to <i>His</i> feet I brought,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With blessing more than I had asked or thought—</div> -<div class="verse">A blessing undisguised, and fair, and free.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">{253}</a></div> -<div class="verse">I stood amazed, and whispered, "Can it be</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That He hath granted all the boon I sought?</div> -<div class="verse indent2">How wonderful that He for me hath wrought!</div> -<div class="verse">How wonderful that He hath answered me!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">O faithless heart! He <i>said</i> that He would hear</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And answer thy poor prayer, and He <i>hath</i> heard</div> -<div class="verse">And proved His promise. Wherefore didst thou fear?</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Why marvel that thy Lord hath kept His word?</div> -<div class="verse">More wonderful if He should fail to bless</div> -<div class="verse">Expectant faith and prayer with good success!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Frances Ridley Havergal.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>THY WAY, NOT MINE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Thy</span> - way, not mine, O Lord,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">However dark it be!</div> -<div class="verse">Lead me by Thine own hand,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Choose out the path for me.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Smooth let it be or rough,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">It will be still the best,</div> -<div class="verse">Winding or straight, it matters not,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">It leads me to Thy rest.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">{254}</a></div> -<div class="verse">I dare not choose my lot:</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I would not, if I might;</div> -<div class="verse">Choose Thou for me, my God,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">So shall I walk aright.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The kingdom that I seek</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Is Thine: so let the way</div> -<div class="verse">That leads to it be Thine,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Else I must surely stray.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Take Thou my cup, and it</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With joy or sorrow fill,</div> -<div class="verse">As best to Thee may seem;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Choose Thou my good and ill.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Choose Thou for me my friends,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My sickness or my health,</div> -<div class="verse">Choose Thou my cares for me,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My poverty or wealth.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Not mine, not mine the choice,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In things or great or small;</div> -<div class="verse">Be Thou my guide, my strength,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">My wisdom, and my all.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar</i>.</div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">{255}</a></div> - -<h2>A CHILD'S FIRST IMPRESSION OF A STAR.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">She</span> - had been told that God made all the stars,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">That twinkled up in heaven, and now she<br />stood</div> -<div class="verse">Watching the coming of the twilight on,</div> -<div class="verse">As if it were a new and perfect world,</div> -<div class="verse">And this were its first eve. She stood alone</div> -<div class="verse">By the low window, with the silken lash</div> -<div class="verse">Of her soft eye upraised, and her sweet mouth</div> -<div class="verse">Half parted with the new and strange delight</div> -<div class="verse">Of beauty that she could not comprehend,</div> -<div class="verse">And had not seen before. The purple folds</div> -<div class="verse">Of the low sunset clouds, and the blue sky</div> -<div class="verse">That look'd so still and delicate above,</div> -<div class="verse">Fill'd her young heart with gladness, and the eve </div> -<div class="verse">Stole on with its deep shadows, and she still</div> -<div class="verse">Stood looking at the west with that half smile,</div> -<div class="verse">As if a pleasant thought were at her heart.</div> -<div class="verse">Presently, in the edge of the last tint</div> -<div class="verse">Of sunset, where the blue was melted in</div> -<div class="verse">To the faint golden mellowness, a star</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">{256}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Stood suddenly. A laugh of wild delight</div> -<div class="verse">Burst from her lips, and putting up her hands,</div> -<div class="verse">Her simple thought broke forth expressively—</div> -<div class="verse">"Father! dear father! God has made a star!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>N. P. Willis.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>"COME UNTO ME!"</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Art</span> - thou weary? Art thou languid?</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Art thou sore distrest?</div> -<div class="verse">"Come to Me," saith One, "and coming,</div> -<div class="verse indent10">Be at rest!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Hath He marks to lead me to Him,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">If He be my Guide?</div> -<div class="verse">"In His feet and hands are wound-prints,</div> -<div class="verse indent10">And His side."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Is there diadem as monarch</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That His brow adorns?</div> -<div class="verse">"Yea, a crown in very surety,</div> -<div class="verse indent10">But of thorns!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">If I find Him, if I follow,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">What his guerdon here?</div> -<div class="verse">"Many a sorrow, many a labor,</div> -<div class="verse indent10">Many a tear."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">{257}</a></div> -<div class="verse">If I still hold closely to Him,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">What hath He at last?</div> -<div class="verse">"Sorrow vanquished, labor ended,</div> -<div class="verse indent10"> Jordan past!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">If I ask Him to receive me,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Will He say me nay?</div> -<div class="verse">"Not till earth and not till Heaven</div> -<div class="verse indent10"> Pass away!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Finding, following, keeping, struggling,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Is He sure to bless?</div> -<div class="verse">"Angels, martyrs, prophets, pilgrims,</div> -<div class="verse indent10"> Answer—Yes!"</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>From St. Stephen the Sabaite.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>"LOOKING UNTO JESUS."</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Thou,</span> - Lord, my path shalt choose,</div> -<div class="verse indent8">And my Guide be!</div> -<div class="verse">What shall I fear to lose</div> -<div class="verse indent8">While I have Thee?</div> -<div class="verse">This be my portion blest,</div> -<div class="verse">On my Redeemer's breast,</div> -<div class="verse">In peaceful trust to rest:</div> -<div class="verse indent8">He cares for me!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">{258}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Shall I then, choose my way?</div> -<div class="verse indent8">Never, oh, no!</div> -<div class="verse">I, a creature of a day,</div> -<div class="verse indent8">What can I know?</div> -<div class="verse">What dread perplexity,</div> -<div class="verse">Then would encompass me;</div> -<div class="verse">Now I can look to Thee,</div> -<div class="verse indent8">Thou orderest so!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">This lightens every cross,</div> -<div class="verse indent8">Cheers every ill;</div> -<div class="verse">Suffer I grief or loss,</div> -<div class="verse indent8">It is Thy will!</div> -<div class="verse">Who can make no mistake,</div> -<div class="verse">Chooseth the way I take,</div> -<div class="verse">He who can ne'er forsake,</div> -<div class="verse indent8">Holds my hand still!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Sweet words of peace and love</div> -<div class="verse indent8">Christ whispers me!</div> -<div class="verse">Bearing my soul above</div> -<div class="verse indent8">Life's troubled sea!</div> -<div class="verse">This be my portion blest,</div> -<div class="verse">On my Redeemer's breast,</div> -<div class="verse">In peaceful trust to rest:</div> -<div class="verse indent8">He cares for me!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">{259}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Christ died my love to win,</div> -<div class="verse indent8">Christ is my tower!</div> -<div class="verse">He will be with me in</div> -<div class="verse indent8">Each trying hour!</div> -<div class="verse">He makes the wounded whole,</div> -<div class="verse">He will my heart console,</div> -<div class="verse">He will uphold my soul</div> -<div class="verse indent8">By His own power!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">To Thee, the only, Wise,</div> -<div class="verse indent8">Whatever be,</div> -<div class="verse">I will lift up mine eyes</div> -<div class="verse indent8">Joyful in Thee!</div> -<div class="verse">This be my portion blest,</div> -<div class="verse">On my Redeemer's breast</div> -<div class="verse">In peaceful trust to rest:</div> -<div class="verse indent8">He cares for me!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>From the German.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>EVENING HYMN.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">The</span> - shadows of the evening hours</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Fall from the darkening sky;</div> -<div class="verse">Upon the fragrance of the flowers</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The dews of evening lie;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">{260}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Before Thy throne, O Lord of Heaven,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">We kneel at close of day;</div> -<div class="verse">Look on Thy children from on high,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And hear us while we pray.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The sorrows of Thy servants, Lord,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O do not Thou despise;</div> -<div class="verse">But let the incense of our prayers</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Before Thy mercy rise;</div> -<div class="verse">The brightness of the coming night</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Upon the darkness rolls:</div> -<div class="verse">With hopes of future glory chase</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The shadows on our souls.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Slowly the rays of daylight fade;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">So fade within our heart</div> -<div class="verse">The hopes in earthly love and joy,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That one by one depart:</div> -<div class="verse">Slowly the bright stars, one by one,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Within the heavens shine;—</div> -<div class="verse">Give us, O Lord, fresh hopes in Heaven,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And trust in things divine.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Let peace, O Lord, Thy peace, O God,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Upon our souls descend</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">{261}</a></div> -<div class="verse">From midnight fears and perils, thou</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Our trembling hearts defend;</div> -<div class="verse">Give us a respite from our toil,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Calm and subdue our woes;</div> -<div class="verse">Through the long day we suffer, Lord,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O give us now repose!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Adelaide Procter.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>ARE ALL THE CHILDREN IN?</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">The</span> - darkness falls; the wind is high;</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Dense, black clouds fill the western sky;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">The storm will soon begin;</div> -<div class="verse">The thunders roar, the lightnings flash,</div> -<div class="verse">I hear the great round rain-drops dash,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Are all the children in?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">They're coming softly to my side,</div> -<div class="verse">Their forms within my arms I hide,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">No other arms are sure:</div> -<div class="verse">The storm may rage with fury wild,</div> -<div class="verse">With trusting faith each little child</div> -<div class="verse indent2">With mother feels secure.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">{262}</a></div> -<div class="verse">But future days are drawing near;</div> -<div class="verse">They'll go from this warm shelter here</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Out in the world's wild din.</div> -<div class="verse">The rains will fall, the cold winds blow,</div> -<div class="verse">I'll sit alone and long to know</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Are all the children in.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Will they have shelter then secure,</div> -<div class="verse">Where hearts are waiting strong and sure,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And love is true when tried?</div> -<div class="verse">Or will they find a broken reed,</div> -<div class="verse">When strength of heart they so much need</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To help them brave the tide?</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">God knows it all; His will is best;</div> -<div class="verse">I'll shield them now and yield the rest</div> -<div class="verse indent2">To His most righteous hand:</div> -<div class="verse">Sometimes the souls He loves are riven</div> -<div class="verse">By tempests wild, and thus are driven</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Nearer the better land.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">If He should call me home before</div> -<div class="verse">The children go, on that bless'd shore</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Afar from care and sin,</div> -<div class="verse">I know that I shall watch and wait</div> -<div class="verse">Till He, the keeper of the gate,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Lets all the children in.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Unidentified.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">{263}</a></div> - -<h2>HE LEADS US ON.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">He</span> - leads us on,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">By paths we did not know</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Upward He leads us, though our steps be slow,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Though oft we faint and falter on the way,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Though storms and darkness oft obscure the day,</div> -<div class="verse">Yet when the clouds are gone</div> -<div class="verse">We know He leads us on.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">He leads us on</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Through all the unquiet years;</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Past all our dreamland hopes, and doubts, and fears</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">He guides our steps. Through all the tangled maze</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">Of sin, of sorrow, and o'erclouded days</div> -<div class="verse">We know His will is done;</div> -<div class="verse">And still He leads us on.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And He, at last,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">After the weary strife—</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">After the restless fever we call life—</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">After the dreariness, the aching pain,</div> -<div class="verse indent-4">The wayward struggles which have proved in vain,</div> -<div class="verse">After our toils are past—</div> -<div class="verse">Will give us rest at last.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Unidentified.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">{264}</a></div> - -<h2>NOTHING BUT LEAVES.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Nothing</span> - but leaves: the spirit grieves</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Over a wasted life.</div> -<div class="verse">Sins committed while conscience slept;</div> -<div class="verse">Promises made, but never kept;</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Hatred, battle, and strife—</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Nothing but leaves.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Nothing but leaves: no garnered sheaves </div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of life's fair ripened grain;</div> -<div class="verse">Words, idle words, for earnest deeds.</div> -<div class="verse">We sow our seed—lo! tares and weeds:</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Go reap with toil and pain</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Nothing but leaves.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Nothing but leaves: memory weaves</div> -<div class="verse indent2">No veil to sever the past;</div> -<div class="verse">As we return our weary way,</div> -<div class="verse">Counting each lost and misspent day,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">We find sadly, at last,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Nothing but leaves.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And shall we meet the Master so,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Bearing our withered leaves?</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">{265}</a></div> -<div class="verse">The Saviour looks for perfect fruit:</div> -<div class="verse">We stand before Him, humbled, mute,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Waiting the word He breathes—</div> -<div class="verse indent6">Nothing but leaves.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Unidentified.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I love</span> - Thee, O my God! but not</div> -<div class="verse indent4">For what I hope thereby,</div> -<div class="verse">Nor yet because who love Thee not</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Must die eternally.</div> -<div class="verse">I love Thee, O my God! and still</div> -<div class="verse indent2">I ever will love Thee,</div> -<div class="verse">Solely because, my God, Thou art</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Who first has lovèd me!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">For me, to lowest depths of woe</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou didst Thyself abase;</div> -<div class="verse">For me didst bear the cross, the shame,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And manifold disgrace;</div> -<div class="verse">For me didst suffer pains unknown,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Blood-sweat and agony.</div> -<div class="verse">Yea, death itself—all, all for me!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">For me, Thine enemy!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">{266}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Then shall I not, O Saviour, mine!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Shall I not love Thee well?</div> -<div class="verse">Not with the hope of winning heaven,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Nor of escaping hell;</div> -<div class="verse">Not with the hope of earning aught,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Nor seeking a reward;</div> -<div class="verse">But freely, fully, as Thyself</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Hast lovèd me, O Lord!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Francis Xavier.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>SONNET.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Our</span> - course is onward, onward into light:</div> -<div class="verse indent6">What though the darkness gathereth amain,</div> -<div class="verse">Yet to return or tarry, both are vain.</div> -<div class="verse">How tarry, when around us is thick night?</div> -<div class="verse">Whither return? what flower yet ever might,</div> -<div class="verse">In days of gloom, and cold, and stormy rain,</div> -<div class="verse">Enclose itself in its green bud again,</div> -<div class="verse">Hiding from wrath of tempest out of sight?</div> -<div class="verse">Courage!—we travel through a darksome cave;</div> -<div class="verse">But still, as nearer to the light we draw,</div> -<div class="verse">Fresh gales will reach us from the upper air,</div> -<div class="verse">And wholesome dews of heaven our foreheads lave,</div> -<div class="verse">The darkness lighten more, till full of awe</div> -<div class="verse">We stand in the open sunshine—unaware.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Richard Chenevix Trench.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">{267}</a></div> - -<h2>REST AT EVENING.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">When</span> - the weariness of Life is ended,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">And the task of our long day is done,</div> -<div class="verse">And the props, on which our hearts depended,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All have failed or broken, one by one:</div> -<div class="verse">Evening and our Sorrow's shadow blended,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Telling us that peace is now begun.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">How far back will seem the sun's first dawning</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And those early mists so cold and gray!</div> -<div class="verse">Half forgotten even the toil of morning,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And the heat and burden of the day.</div> -<div class="verse">Flowers that we were tending, and weeds scorning,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">All alike are withered and cast away.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Vain will seem the impatient heart which waited,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Toils that gathered but too quickly round;</div> -<div class="verse">And the childish joy, so soon elated</div> -<div class="verse indent2">At the path we thought none else had found;</div> -<div class="verse">And the foolish ardor soon abated</div> -<div class="verse indent2">By the storm which cast us to the ground.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Vain those pauses on the road, each seeming</div> -<div class="verse indent2">As our final home and resting-place;</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">{268}</a></div> -<div class="verse">And the leaving them, while tears were streaming</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Of eternal sorrow down our face;</div> -<div class="verse">And the hands we held, fond folly dreaming</div> -<div class="verse indent2">That no future could their touch efface.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">All will then be faded:—night will borrow</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Stars of light to crown our perfect rest;</div> -<div class="verse">And the dim vague memory of faint sorrow</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Just remain to show us all was best,</div> -<div class="verse">Then melt into a divine to-morrow:—</div> -<div class="verse indent2">O how poor a day to be so blest!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Adelaide Procter.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">NOW THE DAY IS OVER.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Now</span> - the day is over,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Night is drawing nigh,</div> -<div class="verse">Shadows of the evening</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Steal across the sky.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Now the darkness gathers,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Stars begin to peep,</div> -<div class="verse">Birds, and beasts, and flowers,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Soon will be asleep.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse"><span class="smcap">Jesu</span>, give the weary</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Calm and sweet repose;</div> -<div class="verse">With Thy tenderest blessing</div> -<div class="verse indent2">May mine eyelids close.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">{269}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Grant to little children</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Visions bright of Thee;</div> -<div class="verse">Guard the sailors tossing</div> -<div class="verse indent2">On the deep blue sea.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Comfort every sufferer</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Watching late in pain;</div> -<div class="verse">Those who plan some evil</div> -<div class="verse indent2">From their sin restrain.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Through the long night watches</div> -<div class="verse indent2">May Thine Angels spread</div> -<div class="verse">Their white wings above me,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Watching round my bed.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">When the morning wakens,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Then may I arise</div> -<div class="verse">Pure, and fresh, and sinless</div> -<div class="verse indent2">In Thy Holy Eyes.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Glory to the <span class="smcap">Father</span>,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Glory to the <span class="smcap">Son</span>,</div> -<div class="verse">And to Thee, Blest <span class="smcap">Spirit</span>,</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Whilst all ages run.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16 small">—<i>Unidentified.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">{270}</a></div> - -<h2>THE LAND OF LIGHT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">That</span> - clime is not this dull clime of ours;</div> -<div class="verse indent4">All, is brightness there;</div> -<div class="verse">A sweeter influence breathes around its flowers,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">And a far milder air.</div> -<div class="verse">No calm below is like that calm above.</div> -<div class="verse">No region here is like that realm of love;</div> -<div class="verse">Earth's softest spring ne'er shed so soft a light,</div> -<div class="verse">Earth's brightest summer never shone so bright.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">That sky is not like this sad sky of ours,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Tinged with earth's change and care;</div> -<div class="verse">No shadow dims it, and no rain-cloud lowers,—</div> -<div class="verse indent4">No broken sunshine there!</div> -<div class="verse">One everlasting stretch of azure pours</div> -<div class="verse">Its stainless splendor o'er these sinless shores;</div> -<div class="verse">For there Jehovah shines with heavenly ray,</div> -<div class="verse">There Jesus reigns dispensing endless day.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Those dwellers there are not like these of earth,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">No mortal stain they bear;</div> -<div class="verse">And yet they seem of kindred blood and birth,</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Whence, and how came they there?</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">{271}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Earth was their native soil, from sin and shame,</div> -<div class="verse">Through tribulation they to glory came;</div> -<div class="verse">Bond-slaves delivered from sin's crushing load,</div> -<div class="verse">Brands plucked from burning by the hand of God.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Those robes of theirs are not for these below;</div> -<div class="verse indent4">No angel's half so bright!</div> -<div class="verse">Whence came that beauty, whence that living glow?</div> -<div class="verse indent4">Whence came that radiant white?</div> -<div class="verse">Washed in the blood of the atoning Lamb,</div> -<div class="verse">Fair as the light those robes of theirs became,</div> -<div class="verse">And now, all tears wiped off from every eye,</div> -<div class="verse">They wander where the freshest pastures lie,</div> -<div class="verse">Through all the nightless day of that unfading sky!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Horatius Bonar.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2 class="faux">ABIDE WITH ME.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Abide</span> - with me! fast falls the evening tide,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;</div> -<div class="verse">When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,</div> -<div class="verse">Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;</div> -<div class="verse">Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;</div> -<div class="verse">Change and decay on all around I see;</div> -<div class="verse">O Thou who changest not, abide with me.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">{272}</a></div> -<div class="verse">I need Thy presence every passing hour,</div> -<div class="verse">What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?</div> -<div class="verse">Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?</div> -<div class="verse">Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;</div> -<div class="verse">Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.</div> -<div class="verse">Where is death's sting? where, grave, thy victory?</div> -<div class="verse">I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;</div> -<div class="verse">Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;</div> -<div class="verse">Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;</div> -<div class="verse">In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Lyte.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<h2>FAREWELL OF THE SOUL TO THE BODY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Companion</span> - dear! the hour draws nigh,</div> -<div class="verse indent6">The sentence speeds—<i>to die, to die</i>.</div> -<div class="verse">So long in mystic union held,</div> -<div class="verse">So close with strong embrace compell'd,</div> -<div class="verse"><div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">{273}</a></div></div> -<div class="verse">How canst thou bear the dread decree,</div> -<div class="verse">That strikes thy clasping nerves from me?</div> -<div class="verse">—To Him who on this mortal shore,</div> -<div class="verse">The same encircling vestment wore,</div> -<div class="verse">To Him I look, to Him I bend,</div> -<div class="verse">To Him thy shuddering frame commend.</div> -<div class="verse">—If I have ever caus'd thee pain,</div> -<div class="verse">The throbbing breast, the burning brain,</div> -<div class="verse">With cares and vigils turn'd thee pale,</div> -<div class="verse">And scorn'd thee when thy strength did fail</div> -<div class="verse">Forgive!—Forgive!—Thy task doth cease,</div> -<div class="verse">Friend! Lover!—let us part in peace.</div> -<div class="verse">If thou didst sometimes check my force,</div> -<div class="verse">Or, trifling, stay mine upward course,</div> -<div class="verse">Or lure from Heaven my wavering trust,</div> -<div class="verse">Or bow my drooping wing to dust—</div> -<div class="verse">I blame thee not, the strife is done,</div> -<div class="verse">I knew thou wert the weaker one,</div> -<div class="verse">The vase of earth, the trembling clod,</div> -<div class="verse">Constrained to hold the breath of God.</div> -<div class="verse">—Well hast thou in my service wrought,</div> -<div class="verse">Thy brow hath mirror'd forth my thought,</div> -<div class="verse">To wear my smile thy lip hath glow'd,</div> -<div class="verse">Thy tear, to speak my sorrows, flowed,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">{274}</a></div> -<div class="verse">Thine ear hath borne me rich supplies</div> -<div class="verse">Of sweetly varied melodies,</div> -<div class="verse">Thy hands my prompted deeds have done,</div> -<div class="verse">Thy feet upon mine errands run—</div> -<div class="verse">Yes, thou hast mark'd my bidding well,</div> -<div class="verse">Faithful and true! Farewell, farewell!</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Go to thy rest. A quiet bed</div> -<div class="verse">Meek mother, earth with flowers shall spread,</div> -<div class="verse">Where I no more thy sleep may break</div> -<div class="verse">With fever'd dream, nor rudely wake</div> -<div class="verse">Thy wearied eye.</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent16">Oh, quit thy hold,</div> -<div class="verse">For thou art faint, and chill, and cold,</div> -<div class="verse">And long thy gasp and groan of pain</div> -<div class="verse">Have bound me pitying in thy chain,</div> -<div class="verse">Though angels urge me hence to soar,</div> -<div class="verse">Where I shall share thine ills no more.</div> -<div class="verse">—Yet we shall meet. To soothe thy pain,</div> -<div class="verse">Remember—we shall meet again.</div> -<div class="verse">Quell with this hope the victor's sting,</div> -<div class="verse">And keep it as a signet ring,</div> -<div class="verse">When the dire worm shall pierce thy breast,</div> -<div class="verse">And nought but ashes mark thy rest,</div> -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">{275}</a></div> -<div class="verse">When stars shall fall, and skies grow dark,</div> -<div class="verse">And proud suns quench their glow-worm spark,</div> -<div class="verse">Keep thou that hope, to light thy gloom,</div> -<div class="verse">Till the last trumpet rends the tomb.</div> -<div class="verse">—Then shalt thou glorious rise, and fair,</div> -<div class="verse">Nor spot, nor stain, nor wrinkle bear,</div> -<div class="verse">And, I with hovering wing elate,</div> -<div class="verse">The bursting of thy bonds shall wait,</div> -<div class="verse">And breathe the welcome of the sky—</div> -<div class="verse">"No more to part, no more to die,</div> -<div class="verse">Co-heir of immortality."</div> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse indent20 small">—<i>Mrs. Sigourney.</i></div> -</div> - -</div> -</div> - -<p class="gap-above center small">THE END.</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Religious Poems, by Various - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RELIGIOUS POEMS *** - -***** This file should be named 54526-h.htm or 54526-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/5/2/54526/ - -Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Chris Pinfield and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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