THE Jhurch's HolyYear Em mm mm ?*i& : mm sss nn «? FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY scB % W\$ Qfytttofy* T^xty f«tr« ¥ V MAR 15 1933 ' THE (Eljttrrlj's IMg f|£ar. HYMNS AND POEMS FOR BY. The Rev. A. C. RICHINGS, M.A., VICAR OF BOXMOOR. PARKER & CO.. OXFORD : & 6, SOUTHAMPTON ST., STRAND, LONDON. W. H. VINEY, BOXMOOR. " 1885. HATMAN BROTHERS AND LXLXT, PRINTERS, HATTON HOUSE, FARRINOD01* ROAD, LONDON, E.C. ^xtiatz. fTlHE object of the writer in publishing this -■- volume, is to illustrate in simple poetry the teaching of the Church of England, as contained in the Lesson, Epistle, Gospel, or Collect con- nected with each Sunday and Holy day through- out the year, and in those occasional services provided for our use. Much has been done in this way since ' The Christian Year' appeared; and the revised Lessons now contain subjects for special teaching, which were not imparted on the same Sundays or Holy days, at the time when that favourite work was published. Any effort to make the members of our Church familiar with her teaching, may surely claim a friendly greeting. Some who will not read a sermon, may perhaps be induced to read a Hymn or Poem containing like lessons ; and if by the artless guile of a few verses, any soul is led to meditate on truths given for our present peace and future welfare, the end desired will be attained. Contents. PAGE Morning 1 Night 4 Advent Sunday. — 1 7 Advent Sunday. — II 9 Second Sunday in Advent 11 The Scriptures. Third Sunday in Advent 13 The jninistry. Fourth Sunday in Advent . . . . . .15 The Spiritual Presence. Christmas Day. — 1 18 Christmas Day.— II 21 St. Stephen's Day 23 The first Christian Martyr. St. John the Evangelist's Day ..'... 25 The disciple of love. The Innocents' Day .27 First Sunday after Christmas 31 The greatest Name, The Circumcision of Christ 32 The Second Sunday after Christmas . . . .31 The noiseless victory. The Epiphany 37 First Sunday after the Epiphany . . . .39 Seeking for the Child Jesus, CONTENTS. Second Sunday after the Epiphany Jesus at the marriage feast. Third Sunday after the Epiphany The leper and centurion's servant healed, Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Calming the storm Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany The tares arid wheat. Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany Purity sought. Septuagesima Sunday . Man's first estate. Sexagesima Sunday The expulsion from Edei\ Quinguagesima Sunday. — I. Charity. Quinguagesima Sunday. — II The blind man healed. Ash-Wednesday . First Sunday in Lent The temptation. Second Sunday in Lent . Jacob's deceit. Third Sunday in Lent . Joseph's prosperity, Fourth Sunday in Lent Jacob's despondency. Fifth Sunday in Lent . The burning bush. Palm Sunday Vain applause. Monday before Easter . The fig-tree cursed, Tuesday before Easter . Warnings foretold. Wednesday before Easter Judas plotting. CONTENTS. PAGB Thursday before Easter 86 The agony. Good Friday 88 Redeeming love. Easter Even . 90 Christ's burial. Easter Day.— 1 92 Ch r ist's res u r re ction . Easter Day.— II 95 Lazarus s resurrection. Monday in Easter Week 97 The icalk to Em ma us. Tuesday in Easter Week 99 Appearing to the disciples. First Sunday after Easter 101 * Peace be unto you? Second Sunday after Easter 103 The Good Shepherd. Third Sunday after Easter 105 Balaam's character. Fourth Sunday after Easter 108 God's good gifts. Fifth Sunday after Easter 110 Prayer. Trie Ascension Day. — 1 113 Christ's Ascension. The Ascension Day. — II 115 The conqueror. Sunday after Ascension Day 117 Waiting on God. Whitsunday— 1 119 The gift of the Spirit. Whitsunday— II 121 Monday in Whitsun Week 123 God no respecter of persons. Tuesday in Whitsun Week 125 Laying on of hands. CONTENTS. PAGE Trinity Sunday.— 1 127 The Trinity. Trinity Sunday.— II 129 The Trinity, First Sunday after Trinity 130 The rich man and Lazarus. Second Sunday after Trinity 133 The great supper. Third Sunday after Trinity 136 Angels rejoicing. Fourth Sunday after Trinity ... .138 Creation groaning. Fifth Sunday after Trinity.— 1 141 Saul's disobedience. Fifth Sunday after Trinity.— II 144 The great draught of fishes. Sixth Sunday after Trinity 146 David's lamentation over Saul and Jonathan. Seventh Sunday after Trinity 149 The miracle of the loaves and fishes. Eighth Sunday after Trinity 151 Fruitful trees. Ninth Sunday after Trinity 153 The unjust steward. Tenth Sunday after Trinity 155 Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. Eleventh Sunday after Trinity 158 The Pharisee and the publican. Twelfth Sunday after Trinity 160 Healing the deaf and dumb man. Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity .... 163 Naaman and the little maid. Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity 165 ' Where are the nine. 1 Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity 168 Seeking God first. Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity 170 liaising the widow of Nam's son. CONTENTS. -II. Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity Humility. Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity . Love to God and man. Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity . Paralytic healed. Twentieth Sunday after Trinity . The wedding garment. Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity. — I, Shadrach, Jleshach, and Abednego. Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity.- Eealing the nobleman's son. Twenty-second Sunday after Trinity. — I. Daniel and the lions' den. Twenty-second Sunday after Trinity. — II. For g icing others. Twenty-third Sunday after Trinity ' Whose is this image.' Twenty-fourth Sunday after Trinity. — I. The touch of faith. Twenty-fourth Sunday after Trinity. — II. The raising of Jairus's daughter. Twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity Gathering up the fragments. St. Andrew's Day ..... Leading a brother to Christ. St. Thomas the Apostle The doubter convinced. The Conversion of St. Paul . The Presentation of Christ in the Temple St. Matthias's Day .... The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary St. Mark's Day St. Philip and St. James's Day St. Barnabas the Apostle The son of consolation. PAGE 173 175 178 180 182 185 187 189 191 193 196 200 203 205 207 209 211 213 215 217 219 CONTENTS. PAGE St.' John the Baptist's Day 221 The bold forerunner. St. Peter's Day 223 St. James the Apostle 226 St. Bartholomew the Apostle 228 The guileless disciple. St. Matthew the Apostle 230 The publican called. St. Michael and All Angels 233 Angelic aid. St. Luke the Evangelist 235 The physician. St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles 237 All Saints' Day . . . . . ... .240 The living and departed saints. Holy Communion 242 Public Baptism of Infants 244 Baptism of such as are of Riper Years . . . 246 Catechism 247 * Feed my lambs J Confirmation 249 Made firm. Holy Matrimony 251 Visitation of the Sick ....... 253 1 Sick, and ye visited me.'' Communion of the Sick 254 Burial of the Dead 255 The right view of death. Churching of Women i . 257 The Church's directions for the thanksgiving of women. Commination ......... 259 Forms of Prayer to be used at Sea .... 261 Ordination 263 The Royal Accession 265 The Church's Holy Year 267 PiiiP RSI %nbtx. A boat was seen iipon the angry deep A chosen son raised up by God . A royal feast with marriage fare. A virgin pure was seen one day . As early rays of rosy morn . As Israel on their dreary march . As one of four pure crystal streams As on the battle field of war As the hen with outstretched wings As the streams which lofty hills do sever As varied rays make up the light Bright waving palms with shouts of praise Dark shadows lengthen with the close of day Eternal love ! Thou source of all pure joy For ages long God had one chosen race For one long week no ray of light Great is the power of sympathy . t . Has only one come back to tell . Here in these sparkling drops we now may hail How blest the truth by Gabriel told . How bright the light which shines on us . How easily we glide along the stream PAGE 46 221 180 209 185 11 215 15 253 240 175 77 123 205 41 165 244 213 187 68 INDEX. How many pearls are lost to sight How many storms are seen to fall How marked trie contrast between victory How meekly Jesus trod this earth How oft shall I free pardon give . How oft we fret beneath some load of care How oft we see this truth fulfilled How sweet are those companionships . How sweet those fellowships in life How varied were the spots where Jesus spake I sinned through ignorance and unbelief . If riper years to thee unfold If we had lived in yonder Eastern town Jesu God of consolation .... Lift up your heads ye everlasting gates Like some dark cloud which hides the sun . Like stately columns in some holy shrine " Love is the theme of praise to-day Lovest thou Me the blaster said . Many a wreath of faithful love . Many tablets to the unseen dead are raised 1 Nothing be lost/ such is our Master's plan O'er the wide waters of the sea . On Capernaum's peaceful shore . One more calm night had passed away One wintry day when stillness reigned around happv morn which comes to cheer life's way O HolyGhost, the Comforter Our blest Redeemer will return . O Thou before Whose mighty throne . Thou the Paschal Lamb of this great week Thou Who art the King of Kings . Thou Who at Creation's birth . O Trinity of love and power Oh ! who can gaze on that sad form . INDEX. PAGE Render to God the things of God ... 191 Saint James, a brother of that saint . . . 226 Saint Peter sometimes failed to prove .... 223 Some days on earth leave footprints clear behind . 125 Some families receive their ancient name ... 64 Some steps there are for all to climb .... 259 Sometimes to waves upon the sea .... 99 Sometimes we hear a fairy tale 70 Star of the East which came to light .... 37 Sweet is the breath of early dawn .... 1 Sweet is the fellowship we hold 2-42 Tears flow apace in this dark world .... 155 That loving form we watched this week ... 90 The daylight dies, the sun is sinking fast ... 4 The feast of the Paschal Lamb is over ... 39 The lips are sealed, the tongue is mute ... 95 The shepherd watching day and night . . . 103 The sky is clear, the night is calm .... 108 The sun is lowering in the sky . . . . . 149 The week of suffering rolls along .... 80 The wished for hour has come to smile . . . 251 This day two saints our thoughts engage . . . 217 This day we see our Saviour rise 113 There are some days in life's short tale . . . 263 There are some hills too high to scale . . . 110 There are some hours when hearts give back . . 257 There are some springs far out of sight ... 59 There's a story told of the Emerald Isle . . . 127 There is a charm in being first 23 There is a crowd upon that road 193 There is a gate through which all pass . . . 173 There is a solemn awe in death 255 There was a time when all was pure .... 51 'Tis hard to paint a godly life 228 ? Tis honour great to be a link ..... 211 Tis sad to be at strife with man 101 To-day we hear the Baptist's cry . . . .13 To be a healer of life's mortal griefs .... 235 To bring some helpless one to Christ . ". . .178 XVI INDEX. PAGE To leave a home by stern decree 56 'Twas early in the spring tide 170 ■ "We hear the song far overhead 18 We often have to wait in faith 117 We often mar a duty plain 141 We speak of heaven as far away 136 We're taught in God's most holy Word . . . 151 Whate'er we have we are but stewards . . . 153 What peaceful calm steals o'er the land ... 84 When Moses watched the flock at Hebron's feet . 75 When shadows dark steal o'er the room . . . 254 When some great lord a feast prepares . . .133 While Gennesaret lay like a child at rest ... 49 While gazing on a lovely spot 138 While gazing at the golden god 182 While gazing on some distant scene .... 86 While listening to Creation's voice .... 267 Who has not seen the little child .... 168 Who has not watched the wary rod . . . .105 Who has not watched upon the shore .... 249 Who shall describe the joy we find . . . .53 Who shall describe those weary hours. ... 66 Ye angels of pure light who dwell on high . . 233 gtaxning. 'Early 'in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.' — Psalm v. 3. SWEET is the breath of early dawn, When flowers are decked with robes of dew, And clouds are streaked with crimson rays, While hill and dale their charms renew. Pure are the beams of her first smile, Which bid farewell to shades of night ; Like angel spirits come to bless, They bring us nearer to the Light ; And nearer one day to their home, If we be * children of the Day ; ' Children whose steps they love to guard, And o'er whose lives they've sung their lay. But though they shine alike on all, They look down on different faces ; Some beaming bright with steadfast hope, Others lined with care-worn traces. MORNING, And yet they whisper in our ears, Some truths for all to lay in store ; They tell how God has watched our lives, And kept our cup still running o'er. They bid us rise and praise His name, 1 For all the blessings of the light/ And give to Him another day Of talents spent for Him aright. Who can behold this constant flow Of day and night, of work and rest, And fail to see a Father's care, By which we all are daily blest ! If early morn imparts such joy, As nature wakes to catch her light, And all creation seems to dance, As though inspired with new delight If birds pour forth their joyous songs To greet once more returning day, And every harp is tuned afresh, Shall we refuse to join their lay ? Oh ! wake our hearts when rosy morn, Sheds brightness on our bed of rest ; And bid us rise, good Lord, to own The Love which reigns in Thy great breast. Tossed to and fro with grievous pain, How some have longed for morning light ; While we ha^e been refreshed by sleep, And calmly passed the hours of night. MORNING. For these and all Thy daily gifts, The fruits of Thine unceasing care, Lead us to kneel and praise Thy name, And think of all the grace we share. Quickly the hours go speeding on, Like laden ships with out-spread sail; How soon the last will come and go, And life have told another tale. A tale of joy, if rightly spent ; A tale of grief, if thrown away ; A record true — however spent, Revealed upon the judgment day. The closing scene is drawing near ; Be with us Lord when it is here ; Let not our sun sink down to rest, Until in Thee we're fully blest. toe ■"^^•^1 NT V;* •"1 WM^\ TvVk*>ffl DHfii/^v» iV km V 1 ■ / J! Tm _> /JK*^ ^4S^ Jltgljt. \ He giveth His beloved sleep.' — Psalm cxxvii. 2. THE daylight dies, the sun is sinking fast Below the distant hills or plain ; Soft twilight wraps the earth in calm repose, And night once more usurps her reign. This is the hour when nature's seen to rest, And o'er the sea the moonbeam plays ; When solemn stillness rocks the world to sleep, And stars pour down their silver rays : When nightingales, or waters heard afar, Bring music to the listening ear ; And gentle dews descend on closing flowers, While distant sounds are wafted near : When every moan is hushed, except the wind, Or heavy sighs of bitter grief, Which makes the night appear too long for him, Whose sleepless soul finds no relief. NIGHT. How great the boon which thou dost bring with thee ; Rest for the body spent with toil ; Rest for the mind oppressed with many cares ; Calm rest — though only for a while. Yet there's a rest far better and moi*e sure, Than the soft sleep of passing night ; The rest our souls obtain in Thee, O Lord, The fountain of eternal Light. It is not here, where light and shade are seen, And trials great beset our way ; It is beyond, where truth and joy prevail, And night is lost in endless day. But still this rest of faith is one sure type Of that sweet rest enjoyed above ; Oh grant us more of her bright rays of hope, To gladden hearts which own Thy love. As evening shadows gather thick around, And call us once more to repose, May they remind us all of Thy command, That with true prayer each day shall close. Now work is done, we would retire to rest, Leaning on Thee — ' The First and Last ; ' With hearts acknowledging our many sins, And seeking pardon for the past. NIGHT. With prayer for those in sickness or in pain, For mourners sad whose hearts are tried ; For all those loved ones whom we cannot see, That Thou wilt be their Friend and Guide. And as we sleep beneath Thine outstretched wings, And dream of joys for which we long ; May we awake to think of that bright morn, When fervent prayer shall end in song : The song of countless hosts in that glad hour, When Thou wilt come to wake the dead ; To know that death and grave are passed and gone, And conquered by their living Head ! O welcome Night ! which helps us now to bear The weights laid down on earth's wide floor ; As thy foot rocks the cradle of our care, We're hushed to rest, and fret no more. Help us, good Lord, to give each day to Thee, That we may rise when nights are o'er, Like summer flowers, restored from wintry graves, To live with Thee for evermore. 3Urtrwtt j^uttirain — I. ( The night is far spent, the day is at hand, let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.' — Romans xiii. 12. DARK shadows lengthen with the close of day, And souls now blessed with light mnst not delay : The Bridegroom quickly conies — Why slumber here ? The night's far spent, and your salvation's near. The Church on earth is His beloved bride, Bought by the blood which came forth from His side ; The royal feast is now outspread for all, Why then should we neglect the Advent call ? It soundeth now, though only for a while, Rolling along through court and hallowed aisle ; Then dies away, until the cry we hear, Returning oft with each returning year. ADVENT SUNDAY. Awake ye sleepers ! Listen to the call Addressed by your Redeemer's voice to all ; Cast off the evil deeds which cloud the night, And put ye on the armour of God's light. Remember how He rode in triumph meek, When bitter tears were streaming down His cheek ; And ponder well the words upon His tongue, For all the works of darkness men had done. Grieve not His Spirit with such want of love ; For you He died — for you He lives above : Give Him your heart in this your day of light, And keep your lamp for ever burning blight : Then shall the Bridegroom own you as His bride, Greet you with joy, and place you at His side, Bid you sit down as His accepted guest, And dwell with Him, in everlasting rest. JUinmt Jluttirag. — II. 1 "Watch ye, therefore ; for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the morning. — St, Mark xiii. 35. OUR blest Redeemer will return To right the ills this earth, hath borne ; We cannot tell the day or year, If distant far or very near ; "We only know that He will come And leave awhile His blessed home ; Come with His great and glorious train, To mete out righteous loss or gain ; Come though His warnings be unheard, And many hearts remain unstirred ; Come though mankind refuse to know Their Advent joy or Advent woe ; Come to dispel the heavy cloud Which hangs o'er time like some dark shroud, The cloud first seen in Eden fair, When in the curse we had our share. It may be in the quiet eve, When nightly shadows thickly weave ; 10 AD VENT SUNDA F. Or at the noontide, when the snn But half his daily work hath done ; Or in the hour of early dawn Before the world awakes to learn ; Ere the cock begins his crowing, And the wheels of toil are stirring, "While the heavy dews are glitt'ring, 'Neath the moonlight softly waning : Come He will, as He hath spoken, For His word can ne'er be broken. Perchance some may be bent on pleasure, Or gloating o'er their earthly treasure ; While others may be pressed with care, And thoughts which only waken fear ; The merchant thinking of his wares, The tradesman counting up his shares ; Yet He will come, though stubborn sins Bind erring hearts in cruel chains ; Come to amend whate'er is wrong, Come to complete His work begun, Come to renew this mortal frame, Now sorely marred by grief or shame ; Come to attune these hearts, so slow To sing of all the love they know. Oh ! keep us, Lord, from fatal sleep, The sleep which caused Thine eyes to weep ; Defend us now from idle dreams, Light Thou our lamps with brighter gleams, And let them never, never fail, Lest we Thine Advent cease to hail. ^mmir Stoniau in %3tbtuL 1 Whatsoever things were written aforetime, were writ- ten for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.' — .Romans xv. -i. AS Israel on their dreary march Gathered sweet manna day by day, And on the sixth laid up a store.. To feed them when it ceased to lay ; So must we daily eat that food By which our souls on earth are fed ; And all its holy truths digest, Marking with care what God hath said. It is the light we need to have As on our weary path we tread ; And only when this light goes out. Shall we the darkness have to dread : It is the staff for all to take. When making for the better land ; The road is rough, but we are safe. While grasping it within our hand. 12 SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT. See how earth is ever drinking The showers which fall upon the ground ; # Raising stores for every season, While marching on her yearly round : The snow-white mantle with its warmth Protecting well the hidden seed ; The dew-drops too with sparkling light Contributing their little meed. And God's own Word we 're plainly told, ' Shall not return to Him as void,' If we like children at His feet, Will bring to it a child -like mind. Then let us prize this blessed means, The Church this day points out to all ; Her golden candlestick now shines, Shall we neglect her Advent call ! The call which bids us trim our lamps, To pierce the shadows of the night ; The call to rise and use that Word Which makes us * children of the light ' ; The call to hear the midnight cry Which ushers in the Bridegroom's voice : Oh ! how shall we His coming greet Unless we make His Word our choice ? Isaiah lv. 10, 11. Spirit ^tmimg in JUrfrott i Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.'— St. Matthew xi. 10. TO-DAY we hear the Baptist's cry In Juda's lonely wild ; 1 Repent, believe, for Christ is nigh, Ye must be reconciled.' Bold as a lion was this man, Time messenger of God ; No double aim could any scan, Who listened to his word. Such heralds have been ever given To witness, Lord, for Thee ; Some prophet, priest, or voice from heaven, To be Thy ministry : And when on earth Thine eye did see A flock without a guide ; Thy tender heart devised a way To lead them to Thy side* * St. Matthew ix. 36, 37. 38. 14 THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT. Not angel hosts — but mortals here, Were taught by Thee, O Lord, Thy sheep to feed, Thy lambs to rear, And bring them to Thy fold. Thy ministers are still on earth, To point to Thy return ; To Thee they owe their sacred birth, To Thee they bid us turn. * Bride of the Lamb, awake, 5 they cry, ' Cast off the midnight gloom, The coming of the Lord draws nigh, Which seals the sinners' doom.' Wait on the means which Christ hath sent Thy footsteps safe to keep ; Some guide ye need, and this is lent, While climbing up the steep.' Such is the lesson of this hour, Taught by the Church's round ; And they who own His quickening power, Will note her Advent sound. JFxmrtlj J&miratr in ^trtient. ( Lord, raise up (we pray Thee) Thy power, and come among U3, and with great might succour us.' Collect for the Sunday. AS on the battle-field of war, The captain waving high his sword, Nerves the soldier to press onward, And to obey his leader's word : So should the Advent of our Lord, Returning to this earth again, To reward His faithful soldiers, Uplift the soul where hope doth wane. How oft He tries to cheer the heart With these few words — ' Behold I come ! Come quickly, though it may seem long, Come surely too, to bring us home. Come to restore what we have lost, To right this life with all its wrongs, To mend the harp which sin hath torn, And make it play triumphant songs. 16 FO URTH SUNDA Y IN AD YEXT. That wailing from a mother's heart, * Why hear I not his chariot wheel ? This morn I saw him safe depart j ' Is one which parents still can feel. Her son returned not to his home, He fell by stratagem and craft ; And Sisera's mother never dreamt • Of Jael's tent and subtle shaft. We need not tarry thus in vain, For Him whose victory is won ; The spoils are sure which He will bring, Each conqueror then will be His son. He comes e 'en now these Advent hours, By holy Sacrament and prayer; By seeds of truth so freely sown, That we for Him may all prepare. Thy presence Lord we greatly want, To succour us with daily grace : Our strength is weak, our foes are strong, ■ We're sorely hindered in our race.' Now on life's battle-field we stand, Where fiery darts fall thick around ; And many foes are lurking nigh, To use the snares which strew the ground. FO URTH SUNDA Y IN AD VENT. 17 When earth was at its darkest hour, Thou didst come down to dwell below, And now when heavy clouds are seen, Come down again Thy power to show. Help us to fight as warriors brave, And when Thine Advent day we see, Beneath the shadow of Thy cross, Be ' more than conquerors, 5 saved by Thee. (Kljrisimas gag. — I. 1 And the angel said unto them, Fear not : for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.' — St. Lv.Jce ii. 10. TTTE hear the song far overhead, V V Which made the plains of Bethlehem ring, Startling her shepherds in the night, With ■ peace on earth, good will to men ': We see a blaze of dazzling light, Filling their souls with sudden awe, Until the angel told to them, The joyful tidings which he bore. We need not ask — What mean these signs, S&QgS visions from the unseen world ; The^niesfeage. which they came to bring, For ages long has been unfurled. The glorious truths to us revealed, The hymns of praise now rolled along By faithful souls lit up with joy, Unfold to us the angel's song. CHRISTMAS DAY. 19 Let tower and spire ring out again, The blessed story of Christ's birth, And let His ministers proclaim, How peace in Heaven came down to earth ; How good will flowing from above, Dispenses blessings far and wide ; The fruits of that unbounded love, Made known to us this Christmas-tide : Then will our God be glorified, By acts of faith and adoration, Till every tribe in every land, Is seen to be ' a holy nation.' All changes here, except Thyself : Our Christmas gifts last but a while, They come and go like flakes of snow, Seen melting on our sea-girt isle. But this day's gift will never part From those who bear it in their mind ; It cannot die, it cannot fail, For in this gift, our all we find. To celebrate this wondrous birth, And swell the anthem heard on high ; We meet once more in God's own "house, To hush in songs each earthly sigh ; c 2 20 CHRISTMAS DA Y. We turn our thoughts towards the spot, Where Jesus slept ' The Prince of Peace ; Himself the G-od incarnate there, Come down to bring the world's release ; We kneel upon the altar step, Before the mercy seat divine, And think of love, we cannot know* Though we may say — ' This love is mine.' Oh ! may our hearts in tune be found To join in every holy sound, Catching the echo of that song Which has for ages been as one, And sending back to heaven above The tribute of unfeigned love K . Then shall we partake together Of those blest joys, which none can sever, And wait to reach that heavenly choir, Whose anthems swell, but never tire. * Ephesians iii. 19. — ' The love of Christ which passeth knowledge.' Christmas Batr. — II. 1 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.' St. John i. 14. HOW meekly Jesus trod this earth ; His birth-place here, a lowly shed Outside a village in a cave. Hard by the spot where cattle fed. There laid they down His infant form,, While angels wondered at the sight ; # Himself a stranger in this world, And yet the world's eternal Light. Plain were the swaddling clothes He wore, Rough was the manger where He lay, Yet the Incarnate God was there, Revealed in flesh as on this day. * 1 Peter i. 12.— "Which thing; look into.' the angels desire to 22 CHRISTMAS DA Y. Upon the throb of that blest life, Seen in a bustling crowded khan, The world's salvation was to rest, So simple was the Father's plan. The palace high of princely state Was not required where power prevailed : Here was ' The Prince of Life ' Himself, Whose living strength hath never failed . We like Him were wrapped in clothing, When we put on our infant form ; Though now we've left our first estate, And had to face life's heaving storm. The pomp of heraldry and fame, Are not the diadems of glory ; Bestow on us O Lord Thy fame, And we receive the priceless dowry. With Thy true Church in every age, And with the bright celestial throng, Let every soul on earth unite, To celebrate what Thou hast done. We need to ponder on Thy love, Thy true humility and power, Till we have ceased to praise Thee here, And joined above the heavenly choir. j$t. J^pJjEtt's; gap. ' And he kneeled down, and eried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.' — Acts vii. 60. THERE is a charm in being first, The first in all we do ; The first to storm the citadel, The first to face the foe. ' The noble army ' may be great, Each martyr may prove strong, But Stephen's name stands out as chief Among that mighty throng. The first to die for his dear Lord, To kneel so calmly down, And pray for murderers in their rage, Whose stones fell thick around. The first to fall asleep in Christ, The first to shine so bright That lookers-on beheld his face, And wondered at the sight. 24 ST. STEPHEN'S DAY. Saint Alban's name thou dost revere ; We visit his great shrine, As first to suffer in this isle, For creed which now is thine. But this day's saint has greater charm, With higher lessons to impart : And he who marks his peaceful sleep, May nerve his wavering heart. Oh ! bring us back once more again, These faithful men of yore ; Whose hearts were glowing with God's faith, Whose love was mnning o'er. £ft. loljn tijc (Birattgdist's gaj. 1 The disciple whom Jesus loved.' — St. John xxi. 20. ' ETERXAL love ! Thou source of all pure joy ; Who shall describe the greatness of thy power, Loading the earth with all the charms we see, And shilling on through every day and hour. Thou art the child of our unchanging God, Enriching all on whom thy hand is laid : No w r onder Jesus loved that saint the most, Who drank most deeply at thy fountain head. Thou wert the jewel sparkling in his crown, Whose name the Church this day delights to praise ; When ages yet unborn have passed away, Earth still to thee her offerings great will raise. This grace shall ever have its own reward, Its treasures sure, where 'er 'tis seen to rest, And he received far more than other men, Who leaned upon his Master's loving breast. 26 ST. JOHN THE EVANGELISTS DAY. Bright too was tlie vision from his dear Lord, With glory such as none beside e er saw, In that wild rocky isle, where naught was heard, Except the sea-bird's cry, or billows' roar. Yes there — where solitude was seen to reign, A voice was heard — ' I am the first and last,' Prom Him who holds 'the keys of hell and death,' Proclaiming truths, ' as with a trumpet ' blast. And when old age had nearly run its course, And he no longer could the truth declare, Tradition says — Saint John would speak of love, So truly did he live and breathe its air. O life of love ! — True child of God thou art, Descending low to raise the drooping heart : Like ripened com upon a fruitful land, Thine ears are waiting for the reaper's hand. i @Hte Vnnazzntz 9 gag. ' In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children.'— &£. Matthew ii. 18. HOW many storms are seen to fall, Upon the lofty hill or plain, The winter storm with heavy snow, Or summer showers of gentle rain. And such is life upon this earth, It has its days of joy and grief ; Its sunny lights and sombre shades, And nights of pain without relief. Around the coasts of Bethlehem, A scene of woe was long forecast, Of mothers weeping for their babes, And Rachel with sore griefs oppressed. Oh ! who can hear of this sad tale, The tale of Herod's cruel plot ; Without some sympathy within, For babes destroyed, but not forgot. 28 THE INNOCENTS' DAT. And yet we know those little lambs, Have safely reached the Shepherd's fold, Good angels came at His command, Who blessed such lambs in days of old : In Paradise they safely dwell, Knowing rest which we are seeking, Far away from earthly trials, And beyond all scenes of weeping ; No clouds o'ershadow infant eyes, Which just look down on fallen earth, And then are sealed, as if to shun The sins which cling to mortal birth. Had Bethlehem's mothers ever known, That heavenly dream in their sad day, When Herod's sword their babes destroyed And crushed at once their infant lay ; That dream which told of unseen foe, The angel brought one winter's night, To make the Virgin guard her child : They too had saved their own by flight. These spring-tide flowers so quickly plucked, The Lord has added to 'His crown ; They dwell with Him in mansions fair, The early fruits of martyrdom. THE INNOCENTS' DAY. 29 This little flock of chosen lambs, We meet to celebrate to day ; To dwell on their untimely end, And o'er their lives and deaths to pray ; To pray — that we may be as they, Both innocent and undefiled, And think how oft Christ said when here, 1 Ye must be as a little child.' JFxrst ^tttt&ap after (Kljristmas. 1 Thou shalt call His name Jesus ; for He shall save His people from their sins.' — St. Matthew i. 21. . MANY a wreath of faithful love, Is weaved around a name, Unknown beyond the family home, By any deed of fame. The world delights to celebrate The works of mortal man ; In viUage church, or minster aisle, How many names we scan. On sunny plains and golden sands, The Pyramid of might, Stands out before the traveller's eye, Unhid by day or night. Why heed not men the greatest Name, The Name adored in heav'n ; The greatest Name that's known on earth, The Name by angels given. , FIRST AFTER CHRISTMAS. 31 As summer flowers their incense breathe O'er gardens in their bloom ; Or smiling rays light np the earth, When all around is gloom ; So doth the sound of Jesu's Name, Shed fragrance all around, To those who walk amid the bowers Where He Himself is found. Fulfil to us this Blessed Name, And save us from our sin, Then with Thy saints we'll give Thee praise, When we our crown shall win. 9Ffr£ (Exroimrisintt nf Christ* 1 And when eight days were accomplished for the cir- cumcising of the child, His name was called Jesus.' St, Luke ii. 21* OWE wintry day, when stillness reigned around, And wreaths of snow lay deep upon the ground, Two forms were walking o'er a lonely down, An aged father with his little son ; Both making for their home. The boy stopped short, and cried aloud for fear ; The father said — * My child, to me keep near ; Mark where I place my feet upon the snow, And in my footprints deep, your feet let go ; So shall we reach our home.' To travellers here, thus speaks the Church of God, Bidding them mark the footsteps of their Lord, Go where He trod, and note each great event, Which shows the path on which His days were spent, Thus making for their Home. THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST. 33 This day we see Christ circumcised on earth. To mark the rite which sealed the eight days' birth ; To carry out His Heavenly Father's plan, And keep the law Divine for sinful man : Thus pointing to our Home. May we improve the year we now begin, By growth in grace and hatred of all sin ; By Circumcision true our members free, While in His daily path our light we see, Thus making for our Home. Guide us, O Lord, along Thy hallowed road, As men baptized in childhood to their God, And leave us not to stray, whate'er betide, But keep us ever walking by Thy side, Until we reach our Home. jfoamir ^utttrap after Cljristmas. ; He shall not cry, nor lift up. nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He shall not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth.' — Isaiah xlii. 2, 3. HOW marked the contrast between victory won, By warriors brave, with glittering sword and shield, And that great trinmph which our Lord obtained, By word and miracle of friendly deed. The deaf were made to hear, the dumb to speak ; The lame to walk, the blind to have their sight; While captive prisoners found their chains re- leased, When sitting in the sunshine of His might. Xo cry was heard along the crowded street, Where He was seen to bend His peaceful way ; Except that cry called forth by varied wants. So often mingled with His toil by day. SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS. 35 When once the fiery zeal of Peter sought To guard His holy life by unsheathed sword ; He chode at once his quick but erring love, And healed the ear of Malchus with His word. Yes, though angels were waiting overhead To come to earth and do His righteous will, Yet even they must not put forth their strength, To stay the steps set out for Calvary's hill. The hearts oppressed with fear of grievous sin, Like reeds swayed to and fro by river's side, He ever sought to comfort and uphold, And with harsh words was never known to chide. With arm of power, and sympathy as strong ; He walked amid the fallen sons of grief, Known as the sure Physician of all woes, Ready to hear each cry and give relief. Where He beheld a spark of new-born life, He tried by word or deed to fan the same : ' The smoking flax,' He never stooped to quench, But kindled in its stead a brighter flame. The shallow brook with narrow rugged bed, Rolls on its waters with a babbling sound ; But rivers deep pursue a silent course, Within the channel where their streams found. d 2 36 SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS. Too deep was Jesu's love for man to know, It courted not the noisy blast of fame : Angels looked down, but could not understand The mystery of His great Incarnate Name. Such is the power on which the Church depends, Such is the help we need to mould the heart ; And not those weapons forged to crush the truth. So oft resorted to by tyrant's art. Lead us O Lord to feel Thine unseen power, When using armour made for warring hour, To know that peace and trust which is our strength. If we the victory would gain at length ; And when we hail Thee on Thy glorious Throne, May we lay down our arms beside Thine own- ®tre (Bpipfjang* : We have seen His star in the east, 'and are come to worship Him.' — St. Matthew ii. 2. STAR of the East which came to light A world o'erspread with darkest night, To show mankind both near and far, That Jesus is our ' Morning Star.' How blest are they who early rise To follow Him with longing eyes ; Counting their earthly gains as loss, If they o'ershadow His true cross. Ready to traverse hill and dell, To worship Love which none can tell ; And never halting till they find That One on whom they've fixed their mind. For ages long, beneath the lid Of Mercy Seat and type lay hid The blessed truth this day unfurled, For every nation in the world. 38 THE EPIPHANY. As wise men knelt beneath Christ's feet, Where every virtue deigned to meet ; They worshipped Him as Lord of earth, Rejoicing greatly at His birth. They laid down gifts most freely brought, For words could not reveal their thought ; And now their deeds to us repeat, How gifts and worship ever meet. As waves receding on the strand, Leave marks behind upon the sand; With music soft, or solemn roar, For ever playing on the shore : So should our hearts for ever sing, The praises of our heavenly King ; Leave footprints clear when we are gone, To mark some deeds of love we've done. Thrice blessed day which brought to earth. The tidings of a Saviour's birth, And led mankind to know and see, The Light of His Epiphany ! O Jesu be our Shield and Light, With brightest rays dispel the night ; And leave us not until we gain, That land of light where Thou dost reign. Jffcsi Swtiiag after tijc (Ppipljami. ■ How is it that ye sought }Ie ? wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business ?' — St. Luke ii. 49. THE feast of the Paschal Lamb is over. The tribes are on their homeward way. And friendly smiles with neighbours are ex- changed. Beguiling thus the hours of day. But hark ! amid the hum of voices loud, We catch the cry of anxious fear; The startling news is passed along the road — ' The child of Bethlehem is not here.' No earthly friend could still His parent's heart. With speed they now their steps retrace ; Through the temple gate they haste and look around, With sorrow on each careworn face. 40 FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. And oh ! the welcome sight which met their eyes, And cheered those hearts which glowed with love ; The missing child is found 'mid learned scribes, Unfolding wisdom from above. Few words spake He — but such as all should note, 1 Why wist ye not that I must be Where'er my Father's voice points out the way ; Why sought ye Me despondingly ? ' Let every tender child this lesson learn, And mothers too drink in His word, Then will they boldly tread in duty's path, Fearless of all except their Lord. j^ernttir J^tmiraiJ after tlje (Bpipljatm ♦ 1 And both Jesus was called, and His disciples, to the marriage.' — St. John ii. 2. GREAT is the power of sympathy To soothe life's frequent ills ; One gentle word or look of love, How many a throb it stills. We're told to weep with them that weep, To share in others' mirth, And Jesus went to Cana's feast, While dwelling on this earth. Those water pots filled up with wine, That nought might mar the feast, Have they no truth for us to read When we receive a guest : No truth to whisper in that day, When we put on the ring, Which links two hearts to wedded love, And joys which life may bring : 42 SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. No thoughts of Him, Who still looks down, On all the days of man; No prayers to kindle for those two, Whose future He doth scan ? When youth has flown on eagle wings, And years her charms destroy ; Our life if blessed by Him will be, A life of sober joy. Thy presence Lord we need to change The water into wine, The daily gifts of life to bless, And on our wants to shine. We often fail to seek Thy grace, When we sit down to share The food which Thou hast made for man, And miss the better fare. O sanctify each earthly joy, And bless the silent tear ; Whatever be our present lot, If Thine, we need not fear. ffljirtr ^intimy after t\}t (Fpipfjantf. ' Lord, if Thou wilt Thou canst make me clean/ fifr. Matthew viii. 2. • Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy.' St. Matthew viii. 6. HOW oft we see this truth fulfilled. That Jesus all our sorrows bore ; As mothers feel their children's tears. When they their little griefs outpour. That wayside cry from one unclean. It found an echo in His heart ; He spake to him a kindly word, And bade* his leprosy depart. His faith was weak — he only cried 1 Lord if Thou wilt. Thou hast the power; But straightway it called forth the help. Which fell on him that self- same hour. • Unclean. Unclean/ — the leper said, To every one who came too nisrh j Though shaven head and wasted form, Seemed to demand no warning cry. 44 THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. Sad type of sin, and all that's vile, Of sinful thoughts and impure heart ; ' Unclean, Unclean,' is still our cry, Only from Christ we need not part. He knows our every want and grief, And marks each thought which rules the mind, He bids us ' ask that we may have,' And ' seek that we may truly find. 1 O Thou who felt for sick and sad, And by Thy touch made lepers whole, Stretch forth on us Thy healing hand, And cleanse anew the contrite soul. We must be washed — we are denied, By words and deeds which Thou dost know, O wash us clean, and we shall be E'en ' whiter than the falling snow.' That master thought not of himself, Who left his home to find the Lord, His only thought — a suffering slave ! When he exclaimed — ' Speak but the word. The slave who waited on his wants, Now lying at the gate of death ; Whom he so late had often seen With smiling face and blooming health. THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. 45 ' The leper cleansed ' — ' the servant healed,' Should make us pray for all we know ; Do we their living faith possess When on like errands sad we go ? For others' ills we have to plead, Unworthy though we are to come, And faithful souls will surely pray For those who wait on them at home. JFnurtlj ^uniay after tbc (Epiphany. 1 Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea : and there was a great calm.' — St. Matthew viii. 26. A BOAT was seen upon the angry deep, With Jesns sleeping near the stern, Unmoved by fear, unshaken by the storm, For no dark fears could he discern. The waves fast sweeping o'er that little craft Which danced so wildly on each billow, And yet the Master in unbroken sleep, With head reclining on His pillow : That pillow hard, like Jacob's sleeping stone, A narrow bench against the rudder, # Where the steersman sat to guide the vessel. Alike in cold or summer weather. * ' On the low bench where the steersman sometime> takes rest, was pillowed the head of Jesus.' — The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. — Edersheim. FOURTH SUXD AY AFTER EPIPHAXY. 47 The anxious cry on that tempestuous night Which woke the Saviour then at rest, 1 Save Lord, we perish,' our boat is sinking fast, All hope hath now forsook our breast. The calm reproof which chode their groundless fears, And then the word of holy peace, Which stilled the winds and waves that roared around And brought at once their safe release. The thought that here was God's own chosen ark. With Jesus and His twelve within, Now tossed about with grievous fear and doubt, As we this day are tried by sin. What lessons shall these hours of fear unfold. To lookers on who will be taught ; Lessons more precious far than purest gold ! Or any gifts which it hath bought ! Leam we to ask, while on life's rolling sea, If we be sailing for the shore ; Resting on Him who calmed the stormy lake, Or idly sleeping at the oar. Drifting along, away from settled peace, Like sea-weeds tossed upon the foam, Our anchors up, our moorings all untried, Away from God and His blest Home. 48 FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. Nay more than this — if Christ's few words of peace Brought rest and safety to that crew, Whose boat was filling fast with heavy seas, Learn we to lean upon Him too : To lean in time of trouble and of care, When contrary winds and storms oppose, To lean upon Him, as our Guide, our All, And so regain our lost repose ! JfHtlj ^hxtttraj after tht (Bpxpijattix. 1 The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field : but while men slept, the enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat.' — St, Matthew xiii. 24, 25. WHILE Gennesaret lay like a child at rest, With neither wind nor storm to heave her breast ; And every hill around with light was blest ; A crowd was gathering by the water- side, To catch a glimpse of Him men oft deride, And many barren hearts the Lord espied : He would not let them congregate for nought, Some lessons true by parables He sought To teach the throng, His mighty fame had brought. The sower scattering far his precious seed ; The foe who planted tares in harvest mead, To mar the com created for man's need : E 50 FIFTH SUNT) A Y AFTER EPIPHAXY. The stony ground on yonder mountain side The prickly thorn which grew so deep and wide ; The shallow soil which labour seemed to chide : The stealthy bird waiting on silent wing, To catch the grain, the sower's hand doth fling ; To His great mind — such scenes high thoughts did bring. With tender voice, pure seeds of heavenly love Were dropped on hearts, by Him who often strove Through nature's lips man's follies to reprove. The Church of Christ hath still her wheat and tares, Her fickle minds scorched up with worldly glares, Her seed divine destroyed by sinful cares. We must not separate while on this earth, Her sons and daughters stained by fallen birth, Lest we pull up the seed of heavenly worth. Be ours the aim to scatter goodly wheat, Resist all foes which tempt our wayward feet, And make the word of life our daily meat. Soon will the corn be housed which is outcast, Soon will our sowing days be gone and passed : Will angels come to fetch us home at last ? j^istlj j^att&aii after ttre (Bpipijattj. And every man that hath, this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as He is pure.' — 1 John iii. 3. THERE was a time when all was pure, And man was not ashamed to stand Unclothed amid the works of G-od, Like virgin snow upon the land. We need not linger o'er the fall, And think how we became defiled, 'Tis ours to rise and call on God, That we may now be purified. To be like Christ — restored again, With bodies pure and spirits bright ; For this we have to strive and pray, While ling'ring in the shades of nigh The Son of G-od came down on earth To destroy all works of evil ; And give us strength to overcome, When contending with the devil. e 2 SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EP1PHAXY. Life is the school for all beyond, Where wisdom has to be attained ; That higher life with purer joys, By holiness must be regained. How should the soul if unrenewed, Reside where purity abounds ; How shall the heart in love with sin. Delight in Heaven and holy sounds ! The lips of that celestial choir, Whose voices are a mighty sea, Have songs as pure as breath of morn. And worship for eternity : Then rise and try by God's own means, To purify your life on earth, Till hallowed deeds of faithful love, Make known to all your sacred birth. ^qpteajjcshna Shtttftag, ■ Arid God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.' — Genesis i. 31. WHO shall describe the joy we find, From walking in a garden fair ; Where beauty reigns on every side, Making ns long to linger there ; Some chosen spot, where stately trees With flowers arranged by art and skill, And crystal waters sparkling clear, Our cup of pleasure seems to fill. Where every breath which, we inhale, Is laden with fresh perfume sweet ; While the soft grass on which we walk Is like a carpet to our feet.- What then must be the countless loss Of that which Adam once possessed, When every fruit and plant was good, That with all good he might be blessed. 54 SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY. This day the Church recalls the hour, When we were clothed in righteousness, And earth arrayed in robes of light, Looked like a maid in bridal dress : When every thing which God had formed Was clear and bright as mountain streams, And man himself, as lord of all, Had thoughts as pure as saintly dreams : When his sweet lyre was tuned by God, With every chord most fitly strung, And not a jarring note was heard To spoil the hymns in Eden sung. Then every tree and every plant, With fruit or flowers was blooming there, And God Himself was heard to say, i That everything was good and fair.' O happy time and happy state, When no dark cloud had yet been seen, And mists went up to bless the ground Which in those days was ever green. When some great church is sorely marred, In carved work or stately tower ; A builder wise the world invites, Its ancient beauty to restore. Should we do less for our great shrine Whose glory sin hath so defaced, That when we look upon our hearts, The form divine is scarcely traced ? SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY. 55 As Israel's temple rose in state Without the noise of workman's art. Her earrings all prepared at home, Where labour did her faithful part. # So must the temple reared within, Be built by Him who made the whole ; And we ourselves be polished stones, Wrought by that Hand which formed the soul. Our Master looks for His own work, The features of His grace divine, And where He looks for these in vain, His Spirit saith — * Ye are not Mine.' * 1 Kings vi. 7. — c The house when it was in building was built of stone, made ready before it was brought thither, so that there was neither hammer, nor axe, nor any sound of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.' I ^zxaQZsima j&mftair. 1 So He drove out the man.' — Genesis iii. 24. TO leave a home by stern decree, Where we have spent our happiest time, And seek anew some distant land, Strangers alike to soil and clime : This brings a pang to many a heart, A pang too deep for pride to hide ; Who then shall tell what Adam felt, Or Eve when standing at his side ; In that dark hour when they retired, Amid the trees of Eden's shade, To shun the eye of Him they feared, Whose one command they had betrayed. That searching cry— 4 Where art thou hid ? ' What cloud hath darkened thy pure face, Hast thou partook of fruit denied, And wrought thy downfall and disgrace ! SEXAGESI3LA SUNDAY. 57 O darkest day on which the sun With its bright light had ever gazed. When innocence was led astray, With sinful arts by Satan laid ; When Eve, the mother of mankind, Transgressed the law of God's decree, And first beholding — then beguiled, Made Adam taste the fatal tree. In vain each tried to shift the blame, And lay the sin at other's door, Instead of owning what they'd done, And promising to sin no more. The sky is darkened by their crime, The curse descends upon the three, Like a thunder- bolt it fell on all, And angels watched the sacred tree. They could not then retrace their steps, Or make atonement for the past ; From Paradise they are driven out, And on the world they both are cast. Dark is the night which has no star To penetrate the deep abyss ; But darker still that night within Which has no gleam of future bliss. As when the sun has set, the moon Comes forth to shed her welcome light, So now wheu they had lost their way, A star appeared their wrongs to right : A star which like the dawn of day, Shone forth from Him the Light of all, That ■ woman's seed should bruise their foe, And rescue them from Satan's thrall. 5 58 SEXAGESIMA SUNDAY. Such was their life, and such is thine ; Then seek to claim thy birthday right, The Son of God hath died for thee, And risen by His wondrous might. He gives us back what we have lost. He points us to His wounded side, Holding aloft the fallen crown, Which Eden's sin from man did hide. (Qninqxtagzzima Jsnnt&atx.- ' Now abideth' faith, hope, charity, these three, but the greatest of these is charity.' — 1. Cor. xiii. 13. THERE are some springs far out of sight, Which seem to have unfailing source, Onward they speed in trickling rills, Winding along their narrow course : And charity is such a spring, Whose waters never cease to flow ; It rears its homes for every ill, It sheds its joys on all below : It comes from heaven the land of peace, Where every heart with love is fraught ; It elevates each low desire, And moderates each selfish thought. Our faith and hope will cease with time, But ' charity will never fail ; ' ' Though heaven and earth shall pass away/ This gift divine will still prevail. 60 QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY. Oh ! who can paint Thy likeness true, The outline of Thy perfect face ; The deeds which Thou dost p]an and do, No mortal hand can ever trace. Angels may know Thy hidden power, Who listen to Thy songs above, And dwell by day and night with God, In mansions of eternal love. But we can only now recite The hymn of love from that bright page, Which God's own Church this day unfolds, And will repeat from age to age. May we O Lord this love now share,. The love which ' thinketh ill of none,' 1 Rejoiceth only in the truth,' And ever ' seekethnot her own.' Oh ! kindle more of this warm light, And with its rays our souls inspire ; This glory bright which comes from Thee, This flame of pure immortal fire. Then shall we learn in realms above, The love which now ' we know in part,' And celebrate the ' greatest gift,' With nobler songs and purer heart. (Qmiuptagesima ^un&aj. — IT. ' I do set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between Me and the earth.' — Genesis ix. 13. ' And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight." St. Luke xviii. 42. LOYE is the theme of praise to-day, The lesson great we have to teach ; Seen in the rainbow's lofty arch, Placed high for faith's strong hand to reach ; That emblem of God's love renewed, When desolation strewed the ground, And not a sign of life was traced, Save that bright leaf the dove had found. Seen also in the beggar blind, That wandering child of sightless gloom, Whom Jesus met outside the town, The world to him a living tomb ; 62 QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY. With darkened orbs, which ne'er did see The light that shone npon his face ; Nor in creation's boundless stores, Could one bright ray of beauty trace. This man had cried no doubt in vain To those who passed along the road ; Before he spake to Him, who proved To be his Saviour and his God. Here was the spring of all true love, Fast running over by his side ; Some news he'd heard of this great love, And he resolved it should be tried. They tell him — ' Christ is passing by,' He hears the sound of many feet ; Shall he neglect this golden chance Which he again may never meet ? ' Jesus,' he cries — with earnest voice,*! 1 Thou Son of David, look on me ' ; I see Thee with the eye of faith, Oh ! make these sightless eyeballs see ! : Forthwith the fount of love poured forth Its waters pure on that road side And those dark eyes at once received, The light which flowed so free and wide. QUINQUAQESIMA SUNDAY. 63 Some ray of this same light divine. Must on your hearts and lives now shine ; Some way-side tale of sorrow true Must still be heard by each of you : And though you cannot see Christ's face. Or love in all His features trace ; Yet must you look to Him and say. 1 Lighten our darkness. Lord we pray ; ' The darkness of the soul within, Now clouded o'er by inward sin. If love's great cup seems running o'er. The cry of faith will till it more. &%h WLzimzziiay. 1 Rend your heart and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God.' — Joel ii. 13. SOME families receive their ancient name, From past events, or mighty deeds of fame : This Lenten day its sacred name doth owe, To early signs of penitential woe. Sackcloth and ashes now we do not need, But prayer and fasting are the fruitful seed Of holy lives and self-denying love, By which we tune our hearts for songs above. Some souls there are who never seem to weep, Wild oats they sow, and no good fruit they reap ; But such as mark the Church's holy year, Find seasons there for Christian joy or fear. Shall husbandmen neglect to till the soil, Afraid of trouble or of fruitless toil ? No waving crops can they expect to share, Whose fields lie waste, unblessed by skill or care. ASH WEDXESDAY. 65 And can we hope to purify the mind, And reap snch fruits as God expects to find ; If we neglect to cultivate by prayer, The soil within which ripened corn should hear ? This holy day comes round to prove the heart, And make us think where we from God depart : It points to Him who wrestled with our foe, And tells of armour which we need to know. Help us O Lord to improve this Lenten hour, To feel Thy presence and adore Thy power : As we unbend the heart and sin confess, Receive our prayer, and all our efforts bless. jFirst ^unfiau in ICatt. ; Jesus said unto him. It is -written again. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. — St. Matthew iv. 7. WHO shall describe those weary hours, Spent in the wilderness alone, When Christ was tempted forty days, Enduring pangs to us unknown ! Once more we hear the solemn call, Which bids us on His sufferings gaze, Deny ourselves, and keep the fast Demanded by these Lenten days. As wounded deer so oft resort, To water brooks their thirst to slake ; And smitten sore retreat from those Who only seek their lives to take : So should our stricken souls repair To Him who sees our guilt within. Flee from temptation's wily snares, And seek the stream which flows for sin. FIB ST SUNDA Y IN LEXT. Have we O Lord no thoughts to tell, No erring words or deeds to mourn, No earnest cries to lift to Thee Who bore our trials and our scorn ? By Thy temptation may we learn, How to contend against our foe, And while we wage the war with him, Guide Thou the sword which pierces through The sword of Thy resistless might, Used by Thyself this very day ; That word which drove the tempter back, And made him feel Thy Godlike sway. Thou knowest every rising thought, Which tries the soul that rests on Thee ; Thy blood was shed, that all might learn The fulness of Thy sympathy. Assist us now to take our share In this appointed time of prayer ; To breathe our highest wants to Thee, With contrite hearts and bended knee : To wrestle with besetting sin, And exercise true discipline ; To rise by faith above each care, And think of griefs which Thou didst bear ; To tight as soldiers of Thy cross, And ' count all things save Thee as loss.' F '1 ^ernntr ^un&ap in f!ent ' And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy firstborn.' Genesis xxvii. 19. HOW easily we glide along the stream, Where rapid currents drive the boat ; We need not ply the oar or hoist the sail, While sitting still we onward float. And yet that river great will have her way : If we neglect the distant roar Of her loud cataract's tempestuous waves, We shall not run our boat ashore. Such is the treacherous course of all deceit ; It lures the foolish heart of man, Until it prompts the unseen soul within To carry out its sinful plan. To lead astray a neighbour is a sin ; But to deceive a father blind, An aged man, who could not see his son : How great the fall of such a mind ! SECOND SUNDA Y IN LENT. 69 As Jacob stood before his loving sire, Beguiled by woman's subtle art, Witli words of falsehood on his lying tongue, He played too sure the traitor's part. What blessing gained he by his heartless trick ! No joy without — no peace within ; His brother's fury drove him from his home, And made him suffer for his sin. Rebekah too lost sight of her loved son, And died before his long return ; For sin and woe like twins walk side by side, And he who errs is sure to mourn. And Esau parted with his highest good, By selling birthright gains for naught ; For not by plaintive words, or bitter tears Could heaven's first gift again be bought. Shall we barter now the life eternal For pottage which this world displays, And drown our carnal hopes with fruitless tears When we have erred from righteous ways. By all these scenes around old Isaac's couch, Sad voices speak, though long since dead ; May they shed wisdom on our fleeting lives, And blessings on our dying bed. -^o^o fljirir JSuttfcrtff in f cut. 1 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man.' — Genesis xxxix. 2. SOMETIMES we hear a fairy tale Where fortune ever smiles ; And, every week or passing year, Its hidden blessing piles. Now Joseph's life might surely read, Like such a fairy tale, In any other book than God's, Where love and truth prevail. We have the secret of his life, The key to all success ; He loved his God, and God loved him, And owned his righteousness. The avalanche on the lofty hill When sweeping down its side, Gains strength by every leap it takes And force by every stride : THIRD SUXDAY IN LENT 7 1 So Joseph's steps extolled his name : The pit and dnngeon hour Proved ladders to his spotless fame, And stepping stones to power ; Until he reached the highest round. And every knee was bent To him as lord of Egypt's soil, When famine sore was sent. The promise sure — that all things help The man who loves God's name ; * Had never fallen on his ears, Yet he believed the same. What lessons great, his life unfolds To every youthful mind, Which starting out to run its race, God's ways shall seek to find. The Lord was with him where he went. And he was with his Lord ; His honours rich we may discern, In all he saw and heard. Start not alone on life's dark road, Confiding in yourself : Look up to God to guide your steps, So shall you gain His help. * Romans riii. 28. — ' All things work together for good to them that love God.' 72 THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT. The precept is — ' Commit thy ways To Him who rules on high ' — Believe that word and you shall find Your Lord for ever nisrh. fonvtij jjtottiajr in gent. ' All these things are against me.' — Genesis xlii. 36. HOW oft we fret beneath some load of care Our anxious thoughts foreshadow here ; Indulge the reasonings of a carnal mind, Which God's true ways can never find. To-morrow's trouble may not ever come To darken our bright peaceful home ; Why should we throw its cloud across our way, Aid mar the pleasures of to-day ? Who shall discern the footsteps of our God, And see the wisdom of His word ? 'Tis like the track of ships across the main, Or eagle's flight to us unseen. Thus Jacob reasoned with his sons one day, Pleading to take Benjamin away : ' All these things ' — he cried — ' are against my life. Why weary me with bitter stiife ? 74 FO URTH SUNDA Y IN LENT. ' If bereaved I am of my children's hearts, If two be lost and one departs ; Then shall ye bring my grey hairs to the grave, And strip me of the joys I have.' He little dreamt of all the bliss in store, The cup of love fast running o'er : The waggons Joseph sent to fetch him down — All these to him were then unknown. ' Hadst Thou been here ' — two sisters once replied, ' Our brother Lazarus had not died ' : They could not read that wise and loving heart, Which planned for them the better part ; Until Christ's tender voice dispersed the cloud, Which hung o'er them like some dark shroud ; And gave them back, as earth restores her flowers That form which cheered their life-long hours. Thus like these three — our way we often grope Without the smile of cheerful hope ; Instead of trusting in that faithful Friend, Who knows each trial He will send. Seek ye to cast aside all needless fear, If dark the way — your God is near ; The cloud which shadows you will soon be gone And light return with daylight's dawn. Jfiftlj ^mittmtj in ICcnt. 1 And Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.' — Exodus iii. 3. WHEN Moses watched the flock at Hebron's feet, > Where solitude and stillness meet, No sound was heard to break the desert's sleep Beyond the bleating of his sheep : His shepherd years on earth were nearly past, The sun was setting on the last, And Israel's burden of benighted grief Found no consoler or relief. How oft this man had gazed on verdure green With prickly bush dispersed between ; How many a star looked down upon him there, When kneeling low to God in prayer : And now a vision strange with blazing light, Shines brightly on his wondering sight ; With haste he turns aside and ventures near, His mind o'ercast with doubt and fear. He hears a voice in that secluded spot Which rarely fell to human lot ; ; Put oh thy shoes ' — ' this place is holy ground/ No soiled dress must here be found ": 76 FIFTH SUNDA Y IN LENT. And then a tale of woe oppressed his ear, Which showed that God Himself was near, Unfolding Israel's groans and bitter cry, And all the pangs seen by His eye. ' I am come down ' — to prove that I can save, And break the chains of Pharaoh's slave ; 1 1 am come down ' — to set My people free, And thou must go and fight for Me. Why doubted Moses that strong hand of love, Which he had seen that very hour ; Why waited he to see that wondrous sign, Which gave to him the rod of power.* As sterling gold is purified from dross, And in the furnace bears no loss ; So God's best gifts by flames are not destroyed, In souls which He hath sanctified. ' As many as He loves, He chastens here,' To strengthen hope and lessen fear : Bend down thy neck, if thou the yoke would'st wear, And rest assured that love is there. Draw nigh this day to visit and admire The burning Bush lit up with fire : See how God's Church was crushed, but not dis- owned, Oppressed by man, but not dethroned ; And when on earth you strive with God to meet, ' Put off thy shoes from off thy feet,' Hallow the Name on which you seek to call, And give the homage due from all. * Exodus iv. 1 — 5. 1$ aim ^tatt&att. 1 And when He was come near. He beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least iD this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace ! ' — St. Luke xix 41, 42. BRIGHT waving palms with shouts of praise, Now mark the tribute which men raise. While greeting Jesus on this day As if a conqueror on his way. We hear their shouts — we mark their song ; How sad and loud it rolls along ; As fickle as the morning breeze, Which flutters in the summer leaves. They gain at length the mountain steep, Then pause awhile — and watch Him weep ; What mournful words are on His tongue. For all the ills which they had done ! PALM SUNDAY. ' If tli on hadst known — e'en thou ' — He cries While tears are falling from His eyes, 1 The peace there was for man to win, Now hid alas ! by wilfnl sin.' ' How oft would I beneath My wings Have sheltered Israel from their sins ; If only they had owned My power And known their visitation hour.' Onward they make for Sion's hill, Descending slow towards the rill, Which girt the valley just below, Where olive trees were seen to grow. No heed is paid to His sad voice; They all with one accord rejoice, As if there were no sins to tell, No God to fear, no Heaven or Hell. One only song did He admire, The voices of the youthful choir, Which in the temple did resound Telling of joys which they had found. Oh ! contrast great beyond all word, Between this First Day with their Lord, And those He saw when looking on, So deeply lined with pain and scorn. What should we learn from this gay scene, With garments gay and branches green, From shouts of joy which rent the air, But could not ease the load He bare. PALM SUNDAY. 79 Learn we to shun that vain applause, Which comes and goes without true cause. To court God's praise — not that of man, In all we strive to do or plan. Then shall we wave ere long our palm, Taste in our woes God's healing balm, And join that multitude above. Whose songs are always songs of love. iHnnirap before faster. ' Let no fruit grow on thee henceforth for ever, and presently the fig-tree withered away.' 'And He went into the temple and cast out them that sold and bought.' St. Matthew xxi 19. 12. THE week of suffering rolls along, Which pressed so hard on God's dear Son ; The peaceful home on mountain side, Where He so oft His griefs did hide, Is now exchanged for bitter hate, And friendless homes within the gate Where stood the Temple's gleaming towers, Too soon to look on weary hours. Our Lord's disciples on this morn, With anxious thoughts and hearts forlorn. Were walking slowly by His side, At the first dawn of Passion-tide ; Beside the road a tree was seen With lack of fruit mid fig-leaves green ; To which He spake a withering word, And made it witness for its Lord. MONDAY BEFORE EASTER. And there it stands for every age "Which ponders o'er the sacred page ; Nothing but fruit, we hear it say "Will bear the test of God's great day — Shall we now spend each fleeting year Without one anxious thought or fear, And be content while memory weaves A fruitless life with nought but leaves ? Or when e'en now with silent thought We tread the temple where men bought, And hear it called ' a House of Prayer,' A home for God's own worshipper ; Shall we forget that stern rebuke Those greedy sellers could not brook, And as we tread the sacred court Find nothing there to be cast out ? No unclean lust or worldly care Which we have left to linger there, No thought of pride or vain conceit Wrapt up with prayer of self-deceit — Be with us Lord this holy week To bless each day we meet to keep ; And make the heart defiled by sin, Like temple courts when cleansed within. ©rustraj before (Bastcr, 4 And in the morning as tney passed by, they saw the fig- tree dried up from the roots.' — St. Mark xi. 20. { Seest thou these great buildings ? There shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.' St, Mark xiii. 2. ONE more calm night had passed away In that loved home at Bethany : The moon which shone with silver light And twinkling stars with lustre blight, Had sunk to rest this Tuesday morn, Beneath the light of early dawn ; When He Who is the world's true Son Had now His onward path begun — Again His holy steps are bent Toward the city, where He spent So many days and hours when here, Teaching the truths we now revere. By parable and mystic word Too soon alas to be performed, He bade them watch and always pray, Before their years had passed away. TUESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 83 Then sitting on the mountain side, Where garden shades were soon to hide The drops which rained from off His brow Through untold pain and bitter woe ; He cried — ' Behold yon temple there With mighty stones and buildings fair ; ' Its glory soon will pass away, Though men see not that awful day : And pointing to Jerusalem's fall, He spake a tender word to all, About that last and dreadful hour When He returns with mighty power : To give to man his just reward And make the lost confess their Lord. g 2 tEetrnestrap brfoxz (Basto:. ' And Judas went his way and communed with the chief priests and captains how he might betray Him unto them.' St. Luke xxii. 4. WHAT peaceful calm steals o'er the land, When overhead some gathering cloud Freighted with mist or heavy shower, Is waiting to discharge its load : There's not a whisp'ring leaf then heard ; For silence reigns across the plain, Until the storm comes sweeping down With lightning flash and heavy rain. Thus silent plottings marked this day, And faces stern were seen together, As weary hours passed slowly on ; Like threatening clouds in stormy weather. 'Twas spent by Christ in that loved home Where He so often found a rest, Or 'mid the shelter of that grove, Which looked upon His troubled breast : WEDNESDA Y BEFORE EASTER. . 85 We catch no sound of pleading voice : He seeks in solitude and prayer To leave behind the sullen crowd, And cast on God His load of care. The traitor now is with the foe, Intent upon his greedy gain ; Beguiled by that besetting sin, Through which so many souls are slain. We do not thus betray our Lord : But we may often traitors prove, By shameless deeds and broken vows, Through lack of faith or want of love. By all the pangs of this sad day, By all its treachery and woe, Uphold our faith in Thee, O Lord, That we may show our love is true. ©frtursirag before (&a%Uv. 1 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives.' . . . * My soul is exceeding sorrowful.' St. Matthew xxvi. 30, 38. WHILE gazing on some distant scene Outstretching far away, We sometimes know not where to pause And let our eyelids stay : And now there crowd upon the thoughts Which follow in Christ's way, So many acts by day and night, To ponder and survey. The Paschal Lamb and holy feast, The washing of the feet, By which He sought to teach His own, What acts were right and meet. And then that Eucharistic hymn, Before they leave the room, And walk together slowly forth, As if to face their doom. THUBSDA Y BEFOBE EASTEB. 87 We watch tlieni passing down the hill ; We listen to their song, Till Olivet conceals the path On which they move along. The moon is shining on their road, The stars are looking on, The favoured three fall fast asleep, While Jesus kneeleth down. Oh ! agony by Christ sustained For every soul we see ; When He the cup of sorrow drained To make us ever free. Those olive trees with darkened shade, What saw they on that night. When all our guilt was laid on Him Who is the w r orld's true Light ! They saw that kiss the torch revealed ; Disciples in their fears ; And Jesus pleading for their lives Forgetful of His tears : Stern soldiers too with glittering spears, Abashed before His eyes, Who yields to them His precious life As from the ground they rise. Oh ! by the mystery of Thy love, By all Thou didst endure. Lead us to feel our debt to Thee, And love Thee more and more. t (Boob Jfriitaj. 1 He was wounded for our trangressions, He was bruised for our iniquities . . . and with. His stripes we are healed.' Isaiah viii. 5. OTHOU the Paschal Lamb of this great week, The Prince of Peace so patient and so meek, Thy grace and mercy we draw nigh to seek ; Was ever love like Thine ? Thy crown of thorns, Thy pierced hands and side, Thy bleeding form which rebels now deride, Thy words while looking on the surging tide ; Was ever love like Thine ? Well might the sun her noonday glare with old, Weeping o'er griefs her light could not unfold, Hiding the shame for which Thy life was sold ; Was ever love like Thine ? Redeemed by Thee at such a costly price ! Can we forget Thy wondrous sacrifice ? Refuse to bow the knee, and shun aU vice ; Was ever love like Thine ? GOOD FRIDAY. 89 Ye passers "by ! Ye sons with heart and mind, To earth so quick — to heaven's best gifts so blind, He died — that you in Him all joys might find ; Was ever love like Thine ? We're not our own, the ransom-price was paid, When on Thy cross our debt of sin was laid ; Why should we stand aloof, or be dismayed, When such free love was Thine ! 1 Take up thy cross on earth,' we hear Thee say, And go where I thy Master, lead the way : Look not behind, but spend for Me each day ; Then shall My love be thine ! We're told how once a friend who stood hard by, Beheld a maiden sold with pitying eye, Then paid a willing price, though it was high ; A ray of love divine : How she with love did wait on her new lord, Seeking to know his will, and do his word ; Her cry — ' Let my redeemer's voice be heard ! ' Should not such love be mine ? Oh ! day of love ! whose love hath ne'er been told, Beyond all price of silver or of gold : By word and type earth saw Thee long foretold ; But knew no love like Thine. Help us O Lord to see Thy cross each day, And on that cross our every hope to stay ; To consecrate ourselves to Thee, and say Was ever love like Thine ? (Baster (Bbzn. And when Joseph had taken the body .... he laid it in his own new tomb.' — St. Matthew xxvii. 59, 60. THAT loving form we watched this week, To-day we see no more ; Calmly He sleeps within the tomb, His pains and sorrows o'er. No costly trappings marked His death, Few bore Him to His grave ; The world passed on its heedless way, Though it He died to save. While looking back, we see it all, As it was long foretold ; The rich man's tomb wherein He lay, And how His life was sold ; The grain of wheat laid in the ground, Great harvest to ensure ; The prophet cast into the deep, Then thrown upon the shore ; EASTER EVEX. 91 The bleeding side on which men looked, Pierced but left unbroken ; With every type and every word Fulfilled as He had spoken : And best of all, we see in Christ The lost on land and deep ; Resting awhile until He conies, To wake them out of sleep. Like Him we have both light and shade The waving palm of gladness ; A Calvary of woe and pain, An Easter eve of sadness. "We know not what may come to pass, While ling'ring on the way — May we, O Lord, in every grief, Our hope upon Thee stay. Like him, who at the Holy Feast, Reclined upon Thy breast ; True emblem of that perfect love, Which finds in Thee its rest. (B aster gag. — I. : Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first- fruits of them that slept.' — 1 Corinthians xv. 20. O HAPPY morn, which comes to cheer life's way ; "With holy greetings love salutes this day, Not as careless souls which ever tarry, But as those dear friends who sought Thee early. Their treasure hid outside the city wall, Their unseen Jesus was their unseen all, And with His kindly word He soon repaid The love which while it watched was sore afraid. Three holy women on this Easter morn, Before their city smiled in early dawn, Were hastening to the tomb with eager feet To anoint their loving Lord with spices sweet. We cannot thus anoint His sacred head, But we may go where'er true love shall lead; Adorn His house with offerings rich and rare, His presence worship, and His praise declare. EASTER DAY. 93 True f aitli will rise to greet this holy day, And at His altar her fond tribute lay ; Will visit now the tomb where He had lain, Where Mary wept, and wept so long in vain. He sleeps no longer now — He's left the grave, He rose this day to conquer and to save : The watch have fled — the heavy stone is gone, 1 Christ is risen ! ' — be this our Easter sonsr. As flowers in spring rise from the sleeping earth, And mark their wintry graves with Easter birth ; So should we now in frequent thought arise, Above those earthly cares which veil our eyes. Too long we sometimes linger o'er the spot Where loving friends lie hid but not forgot ; Too long we sometimes shed the silent tear, Forgetting that the spirit rests not there. This Easter morn comes back to silence fear, To make us know and feel that Christ is near, To tell how death was conquered by His love, That souls redeem'd might reign with Him above. To cheer the mourner as he stoops to weep, Beside the grave where some loved form doth sleep ; To shed its sunlight rays on all around, And brighten flowers just laid on hallowed ground. 91 EASTER DAY. While gathering in Thy house of prayer, dear Lord. To chant Thy praise or hear Thine own pure word ; May every faithful soul be filled by Thee, With visions bright of immortality. When at Thine altar too we meekly fall, And tell to Thee the sins our souls enthral ; May we discern e'en there Thy heavenly face, And follow on our way refreshed by grace. Thus may we learn aright Thy Easter song, Of victory gained, and life's hard battle won, Be owned by Thee in that triumphant day, Which when it dawns will never pass away. (Bastzv §ag. — II. : Our friend Lazarus sleepeth ; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.' — St John xi. 11. THE lips are sealed, the tongue is mute, "We fail to catch a single note, Save those few words which Jesus spoke, ' Our brother Lazarus only sleepeth ! ' For three long days, he calmly slept Within that tomb securely kept, Which seemed to mock the tears men wept, And those strange words, ' He only sleep- eth: 5 Those weary days were slow in passing, To sisters waiting for Christ's coming ; Yet e'en then, He was fulfilling His own kind words, ' He only sleepeth.' We see it all as we draw near To gaze upon the silent bier, Or watch in thought the falling tear, Which could not say — 'He only sleepeth.' 96 EASTER DAY. That piercing cry which Jesus raised, i Come forth ' — once more behold the day, * Loose him and let him go ' his way, The dead in Me are only sleeping : ' It rent the tomb, it clave the sky, It wiped the tear from every eye, It showed to all that life was nigh, And how in death we 're only sleeping. Be this our Easter song to-day, Be this the truth we bear away, Be this our life, our hope, our stay, 1 Our brother Lazarus only sleepeth.' iltonirag in (Basfer Mteek. 1 Behold two of His disciples went that same day to a village called Emmaus .... and Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them.' — St, Luke xxiv. 13, 15. HOW sweet are those companionships, Where souls are knit together, And hopes and fears are all as one, Which death alone can sever : Where Jesus is the faithful friend Whose Name each lays to heart ; Content to do His holy will, And choose the better part, Such were the friends whom Jesus joined Walking to a village near ; Their thoughts perplexed with tidings sad, Which awakened anxious fear : With burning hearts they heard Him dwell On the old prophetic scroll ; Then they prayed Him, ' not to leave them/ For His words becalmed their soul. 98 MONDAY IN EASTER WEEK. ' Abide with us — the daylight fades, Shadows dark are creeping on ; Come in and rest, and tell us more Of the news but just begun ' — He tarried there to make them know He was in truth their Saviour ! Then left them both to talk and muse Upon His kindly favour. Have you such friends to cheer your path ? One in hope and steadfast faith, One with your risen Lord in life, Fearing only what He saith. Such friendships here uphold the soul, As years roll on they ripen ; And when our days are nearly flown, The cares of age will lighten. Be this our daily cry while here — ' Come O Lord and with us dwell ' ; The night of sin o'erspreads our path, Passing shadows who can tell : We do not ask for one brief stay, But to have Thee ever near, To cheer our homes and drive away Every sinful doubt and fear. wm BfacsiraiJ in (Basfcr WLczk. ' Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.' — St. Luke xxiv. 35. SOMETIMES to waves upon the sea, Sometimes to souls o'erwhelined with woe, We catch those words of kindly love, Which breathed their peace on all below. Sweet is this gift come when it may ; But sweeter far when we're distressed, And know not how to calm our fears Is this great boon which brings its rest. With fastened doors and trembling hearts, The apostles met within a room, To worship Him Whom they believed, Was still enshrined in Joseph's tomb. When suddenly with breathless awe, They gaze on One they scarcely knew ; Until He showed His hands and side, And gave to each a nearer view. h 2 100 TUESDAY IN EASTER WEEK. Tli en glowed their hearts with fervent joy, Each face a token of delight, When once again His word of peace Rolled back their ling'ring shades of fright. If winds and waves were in His grasp To toss or cradle at His will, Then surely He can calm the soul Which turns to Him in every ill. The world may beat upon our head, And line with care the furrowed brow ; But still in Him there is true peace, If only we will seek it now. JFirst ^utttraj after (B aster. 1 The same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.' St. John xx. 19. TIS sad to be at strife with man, To know there's anger in the heart, To see the brow o'ercast with clouds When quarrels sore have done their part — But not to know the peace of God 1 Whose smile is heaven — whose frown is hell : The bitter fruits of such a loss No mortal tongue can ever tell. On Easter Day when Christ arose Before the breaking of the dawn ; Dark thoughts oppressed some loving hearts Like evening shadows stealing on : Jesus Himself — ' The Prince of Peace ! ' Through bolted doors to these drew near, And with true peace upon His tongue, He silenced every doubt and fear. 102 FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. How often now we forfeit peace By closing doors against our Lord ; And lose the comfort of His light, When we should rest upon His word. Would' st thou enjoy the gift of peace, The peace which earth can never bring, The peace which Christ alone can send ; Give Him thine heart, and let Him in ! He comes to drive away despair, He bends to earth His listening ear, He is our Advocate with God ; Why close the gate when He is near ? Peace with our conscience we should seek, Peace with our neighbour we must make ; But peace with God through His dear Son, On this great peace — our all's at stake. ^ernttir ^lntiraj after faster. ' I am the good Shepherd : the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.' — St, John x. 11. THE shepherd watching day and night His snowy flock laid down to sleep, Or browsing in some valley deep, Where dangers great beset their lives ; Then starting np to meet their wants, And seek afresh some pastures green, Near yonder stream which may be seen Winding its course across the plain : The sheep responding to his call, And moving on with silent tread Behind the steps which now do lead : How oft have painters drawn this scene ! 1 My sheep ' — saith Christ — ' do hear My voice And follow Me ' in life's rough way ; They listen to the words I say, - And ' none shall pluck them from My hand.' 104 SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. False shepherds flee before the foe, Like hirelings set to guard a fold, They care for nothing but the gold — • My life I give to save the flock.' Shall we be His while on this earth ; ' Lie down in pastures ' green and fair, And be restored from wand'rings drear ? Then His strong hand must be our guide. This Shepherd's care can never fail ; He sees the foe which longs to slay, And gives the word which guards our way : He ever lives — He cannot die. He marks the sigh in every breast, And wipes the tear-drop from each eye ; Go where we may, He still is nigh, And when He folds — who then can stray ? Cljirir ^untraj aftrr (B as tec. '' And Balaam rose tip in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for $n adversary against him.' — Numbers xxii. 21, 22. WHO has not watched the wary rod, Outstretched across a peaceful lake, And seen the fish beguiled by art Give up its life for lucre's sake : Or the foolish moth fast fluttering round The light which tempted it too near, Until the flame had caught its wing, And made it sell its life so dear. Such is the way fools are ensnared, By some deceit which lures the soul ; Then gliding down their chosen path, They lose at length all self-control. ' T was thus with Balaam and his life, He fell a prey to money's power, Until the light which filled his mind, Was quenched by lust in danger's hour, 106 THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. Sad is the story of his fall ; Sad are the words we hear him say, But sadder still to think he longed To die as we are wont to pray ; # Then fell at last in battle sore Fighting with foes by Israel slain, Instead of keeping on their side Who fought for God in Moab's plain. The ass forbade the prophet's rage, The angel showed him what to do ; Yet still he dallied with his snare And sought two ways at once to go. But God and mammon as one friend, We cannot ever truly serve ; We must decide and fix the heart, Or we like him shall surely swerve. We may have light and know God's laws, We may kneel down and sometimes pray ; We may do much to please the world, But left to self, we have no stay. There was great zeal in Balaam's life, He saw the path to him made known, But lust of wealth beguiled his heart And by its snare he was o'erthrown. * Numbers xxiii. 10. — ' Let me die the death of the right* eous, and let my last end be like his ! THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. 107 He had desires wliich sounded well ; He wished to reach God's home at last ; And yet he perished through deceit, Like trees struck down by lightning's blast. Oh ! who can read his wavering life, Which tells us of his golden bait ; And not uplift the heart in prayer That he may shun what God doth hate ! JFmirtlj j^xmimtr after (Basto* 1 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.' St. James i. 17. THE sky is clear, the night is calm, We raise our eyes above, And gaze upon the moon's soft light, With stars like gems of love. There reigns the ' Father of all lights/ Upholding every world : We look again, and every look, Shows wonders still unfurled. We are the creatures of His word, His first fruits here below ; We need His gifts to bless our years, With joys we do not know. ' Our wills unruly,' He must rule, They are so prone to stray ; Our souls cleave sadly to the dust, While on their upward way. FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. 109 O Thou who guide st every orb And planet in their flight ; Look down on us Thy children weak, And fill us with Thy light. All changes here except Thyself, With Whom there is no change, New faces come and pass away And much to us is strange. Fix Thou our hearts on * those true joys.' Revealed in Thy word, Where all is sure and freely given, 1 Through Jesus Christ our Lord.' !. JFiftlj j^tmtray altzv (B aster. 'Verily, verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you.' St. John xvi. 23. THERE are some hills too high to scale, On their great peaks no foot can stand, The traveller looks on them with awe, And thinks of God's Almighty hand : And there are rivers on this earth, Whose waters flow so strong and fast, That none can estimate their power, Or stay the stream which rushes past. And prayer is like these works divine, We cannot realise its force, Or comprehend its priceless gains, And what we forfeit by its loss ; But we can read of bygone deeds, Of battles fought and victories won, Of sick restored and chains unloosed, And all the wonders it hath done. FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. Ill Was not the ladder reared on high Which Jacob in his dream discerned, With angels moving np and down, A vision true of what we've learned! ' Tis thus we seek by upward steps, To reach that One we cannot see, Till dwelling in eternal light, We with His angels bend the knee. Yes ! we have promises from God To lead us upward to His throne ; With words so loving and so clear That we may claim them as our own. He bids us ask that we may have, And knock aloud at mercy's gate ; Why should we linger in the porch When we are bidden not to wait. # The rod which Moses often used ; The incense from the altar fire ; The cloud which veiled the mercy seat, True thoughts of prayer may all inspire. Faith has no limit to her cries, Save that which God himself may send, And we can safely leave with Him What gifts He deems it best to lend. * Isaiah lv. 6. — l Seek ye the Lord while He may he found, call ye upon Him while He is near.' 112 FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER FASTFB. Then let us rise on upward wings And cleave the arch above our eyes, Who shall recite the unseen gains, We may call down from yonder skies ? Yes ! gains not only for ourselves, But for the hearts which need our prayer, That wand'ring spirits far removed, May reap those fruits, which all can share. Ikszznsion gap.— I. ; This same Jesus, which is taken up from yoi heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him £o into heaven.' — Acts i. 11. THIS clay we see our Saviour rise To mansions bright beyond the skies ; Disciples marked His upward night. And strove to gain one farewell sight. We like to linger on the strand. And watch the vessel leave the land. Which bears afar o'er wave and tide. The friend so lately by our side. But though our hearts within us burn. We cannot tell when he'll return. Or whether we on earth shall meet That one we loved so well to greet : On this high Feast we have no fear. No room for anxious gaze or tear ; Christ comes again — His angels say.. 1 As ye have seen Him go this day/* 114 ASCENSION DA Y. We cannot now behold His face, Yet with our spirits we may trace That likeness drawn by His own hand, For every tribe and every land. Thrice bless'd are they who have their part In all the treasures of His heart ; Who now with Him ascend on high, By upward thoughts and steadfast cry. Such in His glory bright will share, When with His saints He shall appear ; Receive from Him a crown of life, And bid farewell to mortal strife. Oh ! grant us Lord Thine. unseen power To pierce the heavy clouds which lower In Thine Ascension take our part, And rise to Thee with earnest heart. Too much we drag upon the ground, Too fond we cling to all around ; Heaven is our home — may we ascend, And life eternal with Thee spend. Tkzzznxion gag.— II. ' Lift up your heads, ye gates ; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. Psalm xxiv. 7. LIFT up your heads, ye everlasting gates, And let the King of glory in ' — His earthly toil and pains are over now, He cometh home to live and reign ! Who shall recount the victories He hath won, The trophies He hath left behind ; The foes o'ercome, the sorrows which He healed Both of the body and the mind ! Who shall define the limits of His sway O'er every tribe and nation here ; Who the horizon of that kingdom span, Unseen by eye, unknown to ear ! Hail mighty Conqueror ! — returning home To receive the welcome of all heaven, Laden with spoils won on dark Calvary's hill, Where Thy blest life for us was given. i 2 1 16 ASCESSIOX B A Y. While lingering in the wilderness of time, Far distant from our promised rest, May we in Thee O Lord survey our home, And in Thy great Ascension trust : Lift up our heads, and rise when we're depressed. Above the clouds which veil our sight ; In Thine Ascension realise our own, And with that hope beguile the night. 3 1 * ^uttirag after JVsrntsion gag* 1 And. being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me.' — Acts i 4. WE often have to wait in faith, Like ships becalmed upon the main ; Sometimes for hours which seem too long, Till hope is led to smile again. Such was the posture of Christ's Church When He ascended up to heaven ; She had to wait for His great gift, Until the Spirit's aid was given. We see the eleven filled with joy- By tidings which the angel brought, They leave the mount, for well they know Where now Christ's presence must be sought. They meet within an upper room, One in their faith and steadfast aim, Waiting in prayer, and full of hope For that blest Comforter they claim. 118 SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION. Oh ! picture bright of infant days, When schism had not rent in twain That bond of unity and love, Which linked so close that fair domain. We need this Comforter divine, To be our leader and our Guest, To calm the waves which rage without, And still the passions of our breast : To lift us up to that abode, Where ' Jesus Christ is gone before,' While we are left awhile below, On wings of faith alone to soar. And we must wait for this same gift, Which Pentecost so freely gave : It may not come with equal power, But still its blessings we may crave. Wait — is the watchword of our Lord, Wait — is the language of His Church : Wait for those gifts you Cannot see, Hope's deepest treasures need much search. Yes ! wait on promises received, Wait till He comes again with power : Wait as good servants for their lord, Soon shall you hail His advent hour. Jlmtiratr.— I. 1 1 will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever.' St. John xiv. 16. OTHOU Who at creation's birth, Wast brooding o'er the waters wide : When G-od the Father spake to earth, And darkness reigned on every side : Who once again in Jordan's stream Assumed the form of mystic Dove, When Jesus was the sacred theme Of Him, who is the God of love. Thy gifts of old we dare not crave, Thy tongues of fire and healing art, Which made the Church so strong to save— But all we need Thou wilt impart. Shall we not learn from Xature's smile. And all the wealth she now outpours ; To cast aside our anxious fear, And draw sweet comfort from her stores. 120 WHITSUNDAY. Her lap in these bright hours of spring, We see outspread with many charms; And as we look upon her face, She seems to speak of unseen arms. If parents heed their children's wants, And listen to their tender cry, Will God our Father fail to give, When for His Spirit we draw nigh f Our love is but a feeble ray, Flick'ring in this our night of sin ; Yet many waters cannot stay That flame which He hath lit within. Who then shall know the love of God, The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost : How free, how vast beyond all word That love revealed by countless cost. As ships are calmed upon the deep, When breezes cease to swell their sail, So on our course we cannot keep, If Thy blest Spirit's breath shall fail. O Holy Ghost, be Thou our Guide While sailing for the boundless shore ; If tossed with waves or heaving tide, Be with us then and evermore. x>6^= ®bit jfagfrggr — II, • The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost.' St. John xiv. 26. OHOLY GHOST the Comforter ! While sailing on life's swelling sea. Where can we anchor our frail bark Unless our hope is hid in Thee. There is no rest for sons of toil Who will not * take the easy yoke/ But turn away from Him, whose voice Of Thy blest comfort often spoke. O Holy Ghost the Comforter ! We greatly need Thy presence here. Where tempests try the struggling soul, Rocked to and fro with many a fear : Come breathe Thy peace upon our minds And calm the storms which sweep around Thou art the Guest for earth-bound hearts To lift them up above the ground. 122 WHIT SUNDAY. O Holy Ghost the Comforter ! Come down to us on this high Feast, When Thou didst bless the early Church With gifts her foes could not resist : Come down we pray with mighty help, To bear us o'er each swelling wave ; And prompt our souls to do God's will, That we may know Thy power to save. iltnn&aj in Mtijitsmt Wzzk. : I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." Acts x. 34. FOR ages long God had one chosen race To whom he gave His written law j Fencing them in. like some choice garden fair, With gifts which others never saw : But when Christ came to save a world from sin, He overthrew this outer wall, Destroyed the veil the High Priest passed within, And held out mercy free to all. In deepest lines this plain truth is written, That God respects no chosen class ; Bright children gay with blooming cheeks health, By palace gates are seen to pass. The cottage at the foot of yonder hill Abounds with gifts of love untold ; And merry peals of laughter echo there, Telling of joys unbought by gold. of 124 MONBA Y IN WHITSUN WEEK. The inner chamber of true bliss below, Is sweet contentment's lowly seat ; And Jesus Christ confers His promised peace On those who kneel at wisdom's feet. His gates of gold are opened wide for all On the high road to wealth within ; They 're only closed by Him on wilful foes Who still pursue the path of sin. ©ttssirag in XiEljitsim Wtztk. ' Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.' — Acts viii. 17. SOME days on earth leave footprints clear behind, Too deep for long years to efface ; As we look back, they seem to come again Like features of a well-known face. Such are the days to which fond memory turns, Arraying them in colours bright ; Recalling bridal vows and lives betrothed To kindred hearts by holy plight. Days which bring back to some the solemn hour, When praying for the life divine They were ordained as ministers of Christ, With charity and truth to shine. 126 TUESDAY IN WHITSUN WEEK. Days which lead others back to that still aisle, Where they knelt down to seal the vow Which pledged them to renounce all worldly foes, In words which cling to memory now. Such hours the early converts once beheld, When sacred hands on them were laid By rulers sent to strengthen their new life, And give to them the Spirit's aid. ' Tis wise to keep tbe birthday of such deeds, And treasure up the sacred past ; To consecrate anew ourselves to God, So long as fleeting years shall last. \wake my soul — Recall to mind thy vows ; Seal them afresh like letters new ; Walk worthy of tby holy calling here, And with true prayer tbe past review. ©rittitir Jlintirain— I. 1 Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.' — Revelation iv. 8. THERE'S a story told of the Emerald Isle, Where crimes have stained e'en nature's peaceful smile : How a saint once preached upon the mystery Of the Three in One, and the One in Three, To listening crowds who gathered round his word To learn their way to heaven and to God. He held aloft — 'tis said — a trefoil flower, And cried — ' Here is the mystery of the hour, These leaves are three, but all unite in one,' As light and heat and fire make up the sun, As body, life and soul complete the man ; Or rainbow hues define the rainbow span. If angels cast their crowns before God's throne, And worship Him they cannot see, but own ; 1 28 TRINITY SUNDA Y. Why should we stumble at the solemn thought Of One, whose attributes can ne'er be taught — The stars above look down and chide our shame, Their glory or their number — who can name ? The mighty ocean too with teeming host ; The winds which blow with music loud or soft ; All these proclaim with one united hymn, How great is God, and how all live in Him ! 5 Tis vain to reason then — we ne'er can scan The Trinity of God or Trinity of man. Oh ! help us Lord as children to adore Thy mystery of love and life and power : To rise on wings of faith above the sky, Content to own, what we can ne'er descry ; To join on earth the bright angelic host, And worship Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Srinitj ^mtirag. — II. 1 One G-od and Father of ail.' — Ephesians iv. 6. O TRINITY of love and power ! On Whom we lean in life's dark hour, Uniting in one holy tie That grace which brings the Godhead nigh : To Thee our hearts this day we raise, With saints and angels offering praise. Thou art the Father, whom we own Dwelling in light around the throne ; Thou art the Son — we have access Through Thee in times of sore distress ; Thou art the Spirit, by whose aid Our sins beneathgthe Cross are laid. How shall we prove that we are true In all we now confess or do, And seal that creed we oft repeat While looking toward Thy mercy seat : Oh ! make our life on earth to be A witness for Thy Trinity ! 3First J^mtirag after ®ritttiir. ' There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day : and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus.' . St. Luke xvi. 19, 20. IF we had lived in yonder Eastern town Where Lazarus lay in rags upon the ground ; Beheld the dogs which licked his bleeding sores, And in the rich man's house our table found : Our mind and judgment might have been misled, While looking on the great man's earthly state ; And dazzled by the good things which we saw Have overlooked the beggar at his gate. Thus must we err, who fail to read the heart And look upon the outer man alone ; But G-od who knoweth all, discerned true wealthy And claimed this weary sufferer for His own : Ere long he died — and died we're told the first. The first to be with Abram and the blest ; The first to leave his sorrows far behind, And mingle with the spirits now at rest. FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TBIXITY. 131 The rich man died — was carried to his tomb With signs of funeral pomp and worldly state ; No angel sent by God brought him sweet rest. Though while he lived men thought that he was great. Thus like some hidden pearl in ocean's bed.. Or gold beyond the ken of mortal eye ; True wealth is sometimes clad in humble dress.. When watched by Him who all our thoughts doth spy. How great the contrast between these two lives. By Dives spent in idle ease and pleasure, Heedless of all who toiled outside his gate, Each day to him a round of wasted leisure : By Lazarus spent in poverty and woe ; Cast roughly down by neighbours on the road,'* To catch some crumbs of mercy from a man, Whose father Abraham believed in God. 'Twas not the lowly rag or purple robe, That made them look so different to the Lord, But that true faith unseen to human eyes, Which brought to one the riches of God's word. * ' Which was laid' — literally 'was cast,' as if unwelcome burdeu. 132 FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. What are the many things which we have here, If spent on self, unmindful of the poor ; They bring down sorrow on the owner's head, And prove far worse than any running sore. Seek ye that gold which never can decay, Or tempt your wayward heart from God to stray : If you would stand in that triumphant day When Heaven with earth and sea shall pass away. j^crnittt j^tttt&atr after Qtrittittr. { A certain man made a great supper, and bade many.' St. Luke xiv. 16. WHEN some great lord a feast prepares, With many dainties rich and rare ; Sends invitations freely round Arranging all with thoughtful care : We seldom hear of much delay, Or guests unwilling to partake Of all the generous host provides, For those who at his table eat. Yet on this day the Church records A feast which few would deign to share. And servants urging all around To come and take the princely fare. The chief inside the city walls Were bidden first to enter in ; But they declined with one consent, Indifferent to the host within ; 134 SECOND SUNDAY AFTEB TBIXITY. One pleads his business, or his farm, Another has his house to mind ; And so by pleasure or by gain They lose the joys which all might find. Then wider still the message ran, To all the poor who thronged the street Perchance they may regard the call, And for the feast be found more meet. And last of all, outside the gate, Where weary wanderers might be found, The messengers are told to go And urge on them the welcome sound. Thus pressing was the king's command Conveyed by prophets long before, To those who shunned e'en then His word, And trampled under foot His law. Why should we turn away from Him, Who rules on earth as King of kings ; Yv T hy forfeit heaven for worldly gains And spurn the bounty which He brings ? The feast is spread before our eyes, Tis laden well with choicest wine ; The cup we're asked to come and drink Is filled with juices from ' The Tine ! ' And there is room — yes room for thee, If only thou wilt haste to go, And share the blessings which He gives, Before thy sun hath sunk too low. SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 135 Come now, He cries, for all is found,' Come quick, for life itself is short ; Come young and old, with little child, And take the gifts so freely bought. The banquet is outspread for all, The room is filling for the feast ; The gate of love stands open wide, Pass in, pass in, and be His guest. Spirit JitmtraiT after Crinxtj. ' Likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.'— St. Luke xv. 7. WE speak of heaven as far away, And think we cannot hear One note of those angelic strains, Which may be floating near : Like children in the onter porch Of some great minster aisle, We may discern the distant choir, And catch its songs awhile. When brother fond or sister dear Beguiled by power of ill, With broken heart and downcast look, Returns across the hill, Led by the Shepherd of their souls From wand'rings on the plain, Back to the flock they left behind, No more to stray again : THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 137 As they lament their former deeds, And tread anew God's way, Lay down the burden of their sins, And o'er the past do pray : Faith's ear may catch the joyous notes Of heaven's bright golden lyre, Swept by those hands of love and power, Which we can never tire. How near those angels seem to be While listening in their home, With hearts of joy and sympathy Like Him whose love they own. How blest the song too which they raise, When He Who is < The Way, 5 In his safe arms is seen to bear The sheep which went astray. Have their glad harps been swept o'er you, In their unseen domain ; Or watch they now a wandering soul, For which to raise no strain ? Jfnurilj J^mtftaiJ after ®rinitp. ' For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.' Romans viii. 2*2. and 1 Samuel xii. 16-25. WHILE gazing on a lovely spot Not often trod by human feet, Away from crowded homes and smoke And all the din of noisy street : Some calm retreat of light and shade, Where torrent streams and mountains high With woodland slopes and varied hues, Make wearied souls forget to sigh ; Where every sight and every sound Gives pleasure to the human mind ; From soaring larks to murm'ring brooks, Such joys as scarce can be defined. "Tis hard to think creation groans, When we are charmed with new delight ; Yet wearied limbs and failing strength, Soon greet the welcome shades of night ; While sin within and care without, Break in upon the fairest"; day With weary sighs, and grievous ills, Which cannot join in Nature's lay FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TniXITY. 139 And when we muse on some we've lost, Who lately drank the cup of pain. And paid that penalty of sin, Wnich like the night returns again ; We see the earth in travail still, And taught by Eden's heavy fall We cast aside fair beauty's spell, Convinced that sorrow comes to all. Be this our aim in life's rough way, Be this the end of every pain, To make us seek our rest in Him, Who for our sins and woes was slain : Then trials long will seem but short As we survey our heavenly home ; And with the heart upheld by hope, We shall not wish from God to roam. ' Twas thus that Samuel spake of old, When Israel wandered from their God ; He promised grace and certain help, If they would only keep His word : The heavy rain and thunder loud, Sent to remind them of their sin ; It led them to confess their shame, And made them own their lawful king. Why should we mourn o'er life's short ills, Forgetful of that wisdom sure, Which when it mixed our cup of woe, Sought in that cup our griefs to cure ; The thorn and thistle at our feet, The barren soil which needs much care, The life of toil wherein we groan, With erring hearts their blessings share. 140 FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRIXITY. Let all the signs of fallen power, And all the loss which we've sustained, Lead us to look beyond this hour When higher joys shall be regained ; Regained by Him who came to seek A lost and ruined race on earth ; And by His blood and spotless life, Restored to us our rightful birth. JFiftlj Shmfcajaffer Crittitj — I. It repenteth Me that I have set up Saul to be king : for is turned back from following Me, and hath not per- ormed My commandments.'-- 1 Samuel xv. 11. WE often mar a duty plain Which meets us on our daily round ; The thought of gain or praise of man, Creeps in and lures us with its sound ; Likesome fair sketch which art hath wrought With patience long and many toils, Until a child comes in the room And with its brush the picture spoils. Twas thus with Saul when he was sent To slay God's foes and give no rest ; He thought of gain which he might make And kept back part for his own feast : The sheep and oxen which were good, The lambs and fatlings of the fold ; All these he spared and kept alive, With jewels great and gifts of gold. " 142 FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY Only the refuse did he slay, The lean and worthless of their kind ; Reserving for himself the spoil, To satisfy his greedy mind. How subtle is the downward path; 'Tis like the worm that gnaws the root Of some green tree which promised fair, Destroying all its hope of fruit. Saul tried to hide his grievous sin, By pleading that he did God's will ; And sought to make the prophet think, That there was nothing lacking still : He spake of people and their wants, To prove that lie was not to blame ; While bleating sheep and lowing herds Proclaimed aloud his open shame. ' The offerings great the Lord did need Upon the altar and the fire ; They thought of them ' — he vainly urged When they fulfilled their own desire. We cannot hide the truth from Him, Whose eyes are found in every part ; Man's finite mind we may deceive ; God sees the chamber of the heart. ' To do is more than sacrifice, To hearken than the fat of sheep,' And he who would be owned of God, In his true paths must ever keep. Twas sad to hear the prophet tell Of tidings dark about his end ; That he should lose his earthly crown, Because he had despised God's word. FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 143 Far sadder still to be cast off Because that word we oft forgot ; To hear Christ say, when time is past, ' Depart from me, I knew yon not.' Strive then to walk in duty's path, Unsnared by lust or money's art ; And if the way appears too hard, Be this your prayer — ' Enlarge my heart.' JFiftlj ,%ttiray after {trittxttj.— II. ; Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: neverthelessjat Thy (word I will let down the net.' — St. Luke v. 5. HOW varied were the spots where Jesus spake To those who sought to hear Him teach ; The busy town or dreary wilderness, The mountain side or sunny beach. We see Him now in Simon's fishing boat Pushed off the shore where many stood ; Scattering the seed of His eternal truth, That all might profit if they would. That eager fisherman could not foresee The great reward for him in store. When he so willingly gave up his boat, To serve the Lord whom we adore. ? Tis thus we gain far more than we can tell, When we give back what we possess ; And often lose what on ourselves we spend, Our highest treasures growing less. FIFTH SUXDAY AFTER TBIX1TY. 145 1 Launch out into the deep * — we hear Him say, Regardless of thy bygone toil ; And as the net was east at His command, 'Twas laden with a wondrous spoil. Well might the fisher tremble at the haul, When he had spent a fruitless night, And overcome by all which he beheld, Recoil before so strange a sight. We often strive whom God hath set to teach, Not on the lake which sleeps at rest ; But on life's rolling sea, where heaving waves And stormy winds disturb the breast. We drop our net sometimes in waters calm, And think our work is all in vain ; Then launch we out far onward in the deep, And boldly cast our net again. What should we learn by all this anxious care, In weary hours passed on the lake, By fishermen who knew so well their craft, Yet on that night no fish could take ? Learn we to watch for souls with stronger faith In Him who rules o'er land and sea : The boat we launch in life at His command, Is laden for eternity. jlisilj ^tmimtj after Crinitg. 1 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided.' 2 Samuel i. 23. MANY tablets to the unseen dead are raised, With verses written on their fame, Extolling loud their matchless deeds and words. To keep alive their mortal name. Here is a song from David's loving heart, A song of praise on f riend and foe ; For Saul and Jonathan are slain, Pierced by the sword, or archer's bow. No record dark is told of all the wounds Which Saul inflicted on his son, Both are described as ' lovely in their lives/ And ' in their deaths as being one ' : For love outspreads her veil o'er many faults. And charity forbears to tell Of all the erring acts which marred the life, Now crushed beneath the final spell. SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 147 But praise is given to that unchanging friend, ' Whose love exceeded that of women ' ; The love which cheered so often David's soul, When like 'a partridge he was driven.' # ' How are the mighty fallen,' is his cry, 1 Put on your robes and weep for Saul, Ye mountains and ye fields refuse to have The dew or rain which comes for all.' f The shield of the mighty rests now on thee, The royal blood defiles thy plain ; ' Tell it not in Gath ' — tell it not abroad, Lest heathen hear about thy slain : Like lions strong or eagles soaring high With rapid flight above the ground They were in life — and now we mourn their death, With loving words of plaintive sound. Who does not prize the friendship of true love, That pure love which none can sever, The same in welcome joy, or heavy woe, Remaining with us now and ever. Such was the love of David's faithful friend, As constant as the light of day, Cemented by that unity of faith, Which makes us one in all we say. * 1 Samuel xxvi 20. — c The king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.' f 2 Samuel i. 19-23. L 2 148 SIXTH SUNDA Y AFTER TRINITY. As Eastern maidens went to Jacob's well, To fill their pitchers to the brim ; So ask your God to pour that love on you Which flows like mountain springs from Him- May friends like Jonathan be seen with you, One in their steadfast walk and creed ; One in their living hope and daily aim, One both to strengthen and to lead. j^inmtfj J$tm&ag after (Trtnttj- 1 1 have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with Ale three days, and have nothing to eat.' St. Mark viii. 2. THE sun is lowering in the sky ; Dark shadows soon will gather round That hungry crowd afar from home, But nigh to One whom they had found. The wilderness looks bare and drear, No waving crops are smiling there, No friendly homes or towns are near ; Well might their wants awaken fear — One only Refuge, Christ was near. Scant was the fare which they possessed, Who trembled for the fainting host ; : Seven loaves and some small fishes too,' Was all the food which they could boast. They saw no bread within their reach, To feed the multitude with food ; They'd scarce enough to meet their wants, And therefore stood in doubtful mood — One only Refuge, Christ" was near. 150 SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Some souls perchance were seeking meat To satisfy their higher need, And listening to the Word of Life, With joy received the precious seed : His boundless pity yearned for those, Far more than ever they for Him ; And if we ' seek G-od's kingdom first ' His choicest blessings we shall win ; For Christ our Refuge still is near. Look at the crowd now sitting down, Their canopy the sky of heaven, Their seat the barren desert plain, Their food the bread by Jesus given : And as you listen to those thanks Addressed to God upon His throne ; Seek by like words to raise your heart, To Him whose gifts we are to own — For Christ our Refuge still is near. Who shall describe the joys we find From feeding on that heavenly meat, Which Jesus Christ hath left behind For weary souls on earth to eat. Oh ! gather up in baskets now Some fragments of His many words ; Then shall you share that higher feast, Wliere He is owned as ' Lord of lords,' And know the Refuge we have there ! (Bigljtij ^nntrag after Crittxtij. ' Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit ; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.' St. Matt. vii. 17. and 1 Chron. xxix. 9-29. WE'RE taught in God's most holy word, To study nature's lovely face, And in the riches of lier stores, Fit emblems of our lives to trace. The faded leaf in autumn's fall, The ripened com with golden ears, The sickle in the reaper's hand, Returning with revolving years : The fruitful tree by yonder stream, Or fruitless branch with only leaves, Whose nature vile no good can yield — True wisdom here her garland weaves. Our Master watches every plant, Which He has dressed to bring forth fruit, And if He looks for it in vain, His axe is laid upon the root. 152 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 9 Tis willing offerings which He loves, Not fragments only of our store, Wrung from the heart by fear of man, Or hoarded up till life is o'er. Offerings like those we see this day, Prepared by David and God's tribe ; To build a temple of rare worth, For love of God, and not for bribe. 'Tis vain to give for worldly fame, And sound aloud our trumpet's blast, By paltry deeds which flatter self, Arid leave the soul a wreck at last. True works of faith laid out for God, Like cornfields ripened by His sun, Leave goodly sheaves behind, to show What toil and care for them hath done. Would'st thou be own'd when Christ appears, As one whose life was rightly spent ; Be this thy creed — Whate'er I have Is not mine own, but only lent ! lihttfr j^mtimy after ®riniijr. 1 Give an account of thy stewardehip ; for thovf mayest be no longer steward.' — St. Luke xvi. 2, and 1 Kings x. 1-14. TTTHATE'ER we have, we are but stewards. V V Stewards of the silver or the gold, Stewards of the life which God hath given And all the treasures which we hold. Too shrewd are we with earthly gains, Which for a while we have to spend ; Too slow to give for what is good, To quick to waste, too slack to lend : Unmindful of the warning word, 1 Thou mayest be no longer steward.' Yet this is Time's increasing cry, Which every knell proclaimeth near, And it will come alike to all Who use or waste their goods while here : Our talents may be great or small, The widow's mite or acres broad, The lowly cot or mansion great, Which holds the peasant or the lord : Yet must we hear the solemn word, ' Thou mayest be no longer steward/ 151 NINTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The unjust steward devised a scheme, When by his lord he was oppressed, To have enough when all was lost, And find a home in his distress : Child of the light — Christ bids you learn Some lessons wise from this man's ways, And shew more wisdom than the world, In forming plans for future days. Oh ! why should you forget His word, * Thou mayest be no longer steward.' If Sheba's queen from distant lands, A journey took some grains to glean Of higher knowledge from a king, Regardless of the toils between : Should we do less who know that King, Which God's great love to us hath given; The Fountain of all truth and gain, Whose finger points direct to heaven ? Oh ! keep us mindful of Thy word, * Thou mayest be no longer steward.' Make you good friends of Mammon's wealth, Sure friends to greet in time to come, Who on your head will blessings pour, When you have reached their peaceful home : Then will your Lord remember you As stewards of that true wealth He gives ; And when your years have ceased to roll, He'll welcome you where He now lives, As those who ne'er forgot His word, * Thou mayest be no longer steward.' Sntilj ^uniray after Crinity. 1 And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it.' — St. Luke xix. 41. TEARS flow apace in this dark world, Like dewdrops on the thirsty soil, Watering anew the weary road Where tread the daily sons of toil ; Yet rarely in the surging crowd Is seen that deeper grief within, Which wrung from Christ a flood of tears While dwelling on Jerusalem's sin : Oh ! are there not, though lightly borne, Like sins within our hearts to mourn ? The Psalmist's eyes ' ran down with tears ' # Like torrent streams on some hill side, Which he recaUed that broken law When men e'en now so oft deride : * Psalm cxix. 136. — ' Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not Thy law.' 156 TENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. And Peter shed most bitter tears When he beheld his Saviour's look, And thought of those foreboding words Which his crushed spirit could not brook. Oh ! have not we some tears to shed O'er deeds misdone and words we've said ! Shall Jesus weep o' er human sin, While thinking on the woes it brought, And shall we never mourn with Him, Who as He wept, our healing sought : Or when we see the Temple cleansed, To be a house for holy prayer ; Shall we allow within our hearts Dark thoughts we know He cannot bear : Oh ! lead us all to look within, And cleanse our temple from all sin I That noble city with its towers Gleaming beneath the midday sun, Some would have gazed upon with pride, Forgetful of the ills she had done ! But His clear eye beheld the storm, Which marr'd the beauty others saw, And while the tears were streaming down, He spake of days with cruel war : Oh ! keep us all from Israel's scorn, And from those sins, which made Thee We cannot count those sacred drops, Which furrowed down Thy visage meek ; We only see the signs of love, Too deep for mortal tongue to speak ! TEXTII SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 157 Oh ! let Thy tears plead with those souls, Where words perchance have lost their power; For tears will move e'en hardened hearts, Oh ! let them speak to such this hour ! They fell from Thee for wilful sin, Shall they no tribute to Thee bring ? (gktetttlj ^xttttraj after Crntttir. 1 Two men went np into the temple to [pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.' — St. Luke xviii. 10. OTHOU before Whose mighty throne, Angelic hosts are wont to bend ; Eternal source of heavenly light, Wilt Thou to mortal prayer attend ? Attend to hear the lowly cry Which penitence breathes out to Thee ; And mark the first uprising call, Or holy tear, which Thou canst see. Yes ! Thou hast said, that we must ask Before we enter by Thy door, And urged to pray by Wisdom's voice We dare not cease, till life is o'er. Why should we doubt Thine own sure word Why seek we not that spirit true, Which lifts its voice above the crowd, And mingles with the faithful few ? ELEVENTH SVXDAY AFTER TRINITY. 159 That child-like and confiding faith, Which in Jerusalem's temple court, Relied on God and not on man, And gained from Him the grace it sought. His was the mirror of true prayer, His was the hope which soared above, Until it reached the throne of grace, And was enriched by God's great love. The golden ears hang down their heads And fruits bend lowly on the tree, When summer hours have made them ripe ; All teaching us humility ! That smitten breast and lowly cry In yonder temple we must heed ; And with like words draw nigh to God, To find the mercy which we need. Do what we may, we have no claim, No works of charity to plead, No tithe or fasting days to urge, Like him who praised his every deed. Short was that cry the sinner raised, Deep was the guilt which he confessed, But like all prayer which trusts in God, It brought to him the promised rest. Cindftlj ^nnirap after {Trinity. ' And looking up to heaven, He sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.' — St. Mark vii. 34. OH ! who can gaze on that sad form, Where loss of speech or stammering tongue Babble aloud with gestures wild ; And not lament what sin hath done. Such was the man borne on the road By friends who in his loss did share ; And as Christ looked upon his face. He heaved a sigh which all could hear. Oh ! why that sigh from One so great Who came to heal the dumb and blind ; To open eyes that could not see, And pour new light upon the mind. He sighed, because He felt for him As feels a mother for her son ; He sighed, because He knew so well What evil deeds the Fall had done. TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY, 161 That city which His claims refused, Those sisters whom He so much prized, That garden where He drained the cup ; All these beheld His earthly sighs. Aside He takes him from the crowd, That when apart from worldly diu, He might discern the touch of life, Aud own the power which came from Him. Aside He takes His children now, That they may muse on their sick bed. Upon the kindly deeds He wrought, And all the loving words He said. Great was the awe which fell on those, Who heard the strange mysterious cry Addressed by Christ to him He touched — It seemed as hidden as His sigh ; And yet it woke that slumbering ear, Which could not hear a single sound. And made the deaf man straightway tell In accents clear, the joy he'd found. We need this prayer to us fulfilled — It loosed at once that inner gate, Which nature's chains so long had barred, For him who could not clearly speak. M 1 62 TWELFTH S TJNBA Y AFTER TR1XI1Y. There are mute tongues for Christ to loose, There are dumb hearts which, will not wake, And ears still sealed by unbelief, With fetters strong we cannot break. If Thou O Lord hast made us free, From bonds by which we once were chained, Preserve our lives from sinful ways, Till perfect freedom we have gained. flbixUzntl) Statt&aii after Crittitg. ' Would God my lord -were with the prophet, that is in Samaria ! for he would recover him of his leprosy.' 2 Kings v. 3 and St. Luke x. 33. LIKE some dark cloud which hides the sun, And dims the fulness of its rays ; Our varied trials seem to chide The vanity of earthly days. 'Twas thus with Xaaman of old, Whose valiant arm had often met His warlike foes in battles fierce, With courage brave and prowess great. But one stern foe he could not slay, That leprosy he had to bear, It haunted him by day and night, And weighed him down with anxious care. And yet there was an unseen hand, Directing then ' a captive slave ' To turn her thoughts towards that home, Where he Elisha's aid might crave. m 2 164 13th SUNDAY AFTER TRTNITT. She told her mistress of his power, The mighty cures wrought by his word, Aud bade her go and seek to learn What he would do for her dear lord. 1 With chariots strong and horses fleet, He might be driven on the road And see the prophet for himself, Within the walls of his abode.' Though young, she did a neighbour's part , Like him who rode along the way, Where the poor traveller with his wounds, Half killed by thieves was seen to lay. She might have thought upon her wrongs, And dwelt upon her captive hour. When Naaman plucked her from her home, Snatched like a rosebud from the briar. But she forgot that bitter day, And all the ills it could relate ; Intent to soothe the grief she saw — Her soul devoid of cruel hate. Thus should we all with love unfold God's healing gifts to young and old; Bind up the running sores of life, By pouring oil on waves of strife ; Forget our sorrow and our self In giving to the needy help ; Lift up the weary from the ground, And tell of One whom we have found. Then will the Lord our works repay And shine upon us day by day. Jftfurtmttij ^mttmg after £rinitu\ ; Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? ' St. Luke xvii. 17. HAS only one come back to tell, Of blessings I have freely poured ; Have all the rest departed home, Forgetful of My healing word ? They all in trouble to Me cried, And shared alike My saving power ; I bade them go and be absolved, And they were cleansed that very hour : Oh ! where are now the nine ? Thus spake the Lord of heaven and earth To him who worshipped ' at His feet/ And offered up his heartfelt thanks, Such thanks as for his cure were meet — Must not these words of wounded grief Be heard e'en now in realms above, From Jesus looking on this world To see some trophies of His love, Oh ! where are now the nine ?. 166 14th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The mercies which His hand bestows, Like falling drops upon the soil, Are more in number than our hairs, And help to cheer our daily toil. The blessed rajs of His own light Which to our souls so fully come, With all the gifts of rolling years, Oh ! who shall count the mighty sum Poured down upon the nine ! The thankless ones who walked away, Belonged to Abram's chosen seed ; And had received the law of God, With all those rites of which we read : Oh ! where shall gratitude be seen, H favoured souls pursue their round, With silent tongues and thankless hearts, Heedless of mercies they've received — Disciples of the nine ! Thy Church O Lord is our safe guide, Thine ark to bear us o'er the sea : Signed with Thy cross — blest with her creed, Should not her sons give praise to Thee ? Can we be silent for Thy gifts, When hills and valleys clap their hands ; When forest trees their branches wave, And all the fruits which crown the year Rebuke the thankless nine ! Oh ! never, never be it said, That you who claim to be Christ's sheep ; Who feed upon His pastures rich, And His wise precepts feign to keep ; 14th SUXDAY AFTER TRIXITY. 167 Who see the blood outpoured for souls On that dark cross where He was slain ; Oh ! never, never be it said Of you who have so much to gain, Oh ! where are now the nine ? Jfifteentlj ^uniraj after Crxttxtg. 1 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his right- eousness ; and all these things shall be added unto you.' St. Matt. vi. 33. WHO lias not seen the little child, With busy fingers on the shore, Building its castle with much care, Although the tide will sweep it o'er : Or chasing a butterfly with zeal Across the hill or flowery vale, Until it's held and caught at last, When beauty droops and colours fail. Such is the way men often toil To raise some castle on life's plain ; And when it's raised and fairly built, ' Tis seen to melt away again ; To melt like snow before the sun, By loss of health or hand of death ; To lose its beauty and its charms, As the moth just caught upon the heath. 15th SUKDAY AFTER TEIXITY. 169 Oli ! how we need to hear Christ's voice Preaching to ns those lessons trne, About the mammon some adore, And the true Master all should know. We live in God, and jet we fail To lean on His Almighty power. Casting away eternal gains. For fleeting baubles of the hour. The birds which wing their rapid flight, And come again each new-born year. Led by the will which He hath given Steer their safe course o'er waters drear And those which never leave our shore To winter far in other lands. Are fed at home from day to day. Without the aid of human hands : ' Tliey never gather into barns, 1 Or seek to hoard up yearly store, And yet they rarely die of want. Their daily cup keeps running o'er : The flowers too preach on every side With lovely tints and varied hue ; Surpassing all which man can paint, Or fuller's art can ever show. By these our Master bids us strive To guard against to-morrow's care, Casting each burden at His feet, That we may rise above all fear. Why should we seek the lesser gifts, Aid leave the greater far behind. When flowers below, and birds on high, Rebuke each day our faithless mind ? Jixstotttlj ^uttiraj after ®rinitn. 1 Behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.' St. Luke vii. 12 ' r I 1WAS early in the spring tide JL When nature wore her garments new, And Nam's slopes were clothed with flowers, Such flowers as only spring can show : That Jesus met a funeral train, With measured steps upon its way To lay a brother in his grave, To wait the resurrection day. ' Twas not a tale of common loss Which overtook this house of woe ; The dead man was an only son, The mourner was a widow too. Long was the train which slowly moved Outside the gate where Jesus paused, For many felt for this sad death, And knew the blank which it had caused. 16th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 171 His eyes were fixed on one dark form, The mother in her early grief , With tears fast falling on the ground, And yet obtaining no relief. Her sorrow moved His tender love. And stirred the feelings of His sonl ; For hers were tears which none could check Like mountain rills without control. She saw not Him who gazed on her And came to cheer her on the way ; One thought absorbed that stricken heart, 1 I 've lost my only son and stay.' ' Weep not ' — He said — with kindly voice, ' Thy loss is not beyond My power ; Look up to Me the mourner's friend, There's joy for thee this very hour.' The bearers stopped without delay As He drew near and touched the bier ; His words of life awakened awe, No lack of reverence trace we there. We lose sometimes God's highest gifts, By want of faith and holy mien, Forgetting that the Lord is nigh. Although His presence be unseen. Few words spake Christ — but as He cried ' Young man, I say to thee, arise ; ' The widow's son awoke to life, And looked around with wondering eyes. 172 16th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Oh ! joy beyond all words to tell, When that hushed voice was heard to speak ; And looking on her risen son The mother kissed his pallid cheek. We must not say it was a chance This meeting with the silent bier ; Christ saw it all from first to last, As He with wearied steps drew near. O Thou who hast the key of death, And gave to us our living breath ; Be Thou as nigh when we are borne By loving hands to our last home ; And whisper words of cheering sound, When we are laid beneath the ground ; Then lost to sight, we shall not part From friends now one with us in heart ; But rise again with them to shine In glory bright — for ever Thine ! §$zbznUznt\j ^trn&aj after Crittitj. Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased ; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.— St, Luke xiv. 11. THERE is a gate through, which all pass, As pilgrims for the better land : And He who holds the key of life, Unlocks this gate with His own hand. 'Tis not the golden gate of power, Of fortune great or kindred tie : Pride enters not the lowly porch, Where kneeleth true humility, It is the grace our Lord portrayed By little children on this earth ; And he who would discern its charms, Must learn from Him its priceless worth. It chooses not the upper seat Where wealth or fame may act their part ; It is content to walk aside, Its dwelling place the lowly heart. 174 17th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. It courteth not the world's applause, Whose smiles and frowns disturb it not ; It only seeks to be like Him, Whose humble life is much forgot. Its reaps its own reward while here, And feeds on pastures green and fair ; Unlike the restless heart of pride, Which no true peace can ever share. Oh ! who can tell when life is done And our great future has begun, The weight of glory kept in store, For those who trod the lowly floor Of penitence and child-like will, By valley deep or rugged hill ; Content to be with their dear Lord Confiding only in His word : Such humble souls like jewels bright, Shall shine with more than common light, For Christ reserves His glory great For those who choose the lowest seat. (fiflbtmtilj ^mtirag after (Trinity. ; Thou shalfc love the Lord thy God vrith all thy heart, and all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.' St. Matthew xxii. 37, 38, 39. AS varied rays make up the light "Which gilds our path from day to day; Painting the flowers we see around. Colouring each tender leaf and spray : So love to God and love to man Completes the law we should fulfil ; And he who ueeds true love to Cod, Must ever fail to do His will. Such was the answer Jesus gave To one who asked about the law. But lacked clear knowledge of that word Of which he seemed to stand in awe. Love comes from God the fountain head, Like waters gushing from a rock. And works for Him whose voice declares- 1 Behold I stand without and knock.' 176 18th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. It rolls along its crystal stream, And o'er the brink of time it leaps ; But even then it does not pause Until the ' sea of glass ' it meets. Oh ! who can tell thy mighty power, Or count the treasures by thee lent : Thou art the spring of all delight Where weary hours are gladly spent. Like that blest pool on Sion's hill, Where sick and needy did betake To bathe their sorrows and their wounds, And leave behind each weary ache. Thy welcome face doth ever shed New beams of gladness on the heart ; A ray of light from God Himself, His very smile in truth thou art. O love divine ! with outstretched arms So bountiful and yet so free ; How can we hope thy depths to sound, Which even angels cannot see ! High spots there are in distant lands, Which mortal feet have never trod ; Ice-bound for ever by that hand, Which is the hand of our great God ; And thou art like some mountain peak Concealed by clouds in yonder sky ; Bidding the traveller be content With upward looks to feast his eye ; 18th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 177 And wait in patience for the hour, When sunny rays shall chase the cloud, Now overhanging for a while The distant scene like some dark shroud. And God's great love will ere long give Far brighter visions to the soul ; As when the mist forsakes the hill, A clearer light reveals the whole, And lovely tints of varied hue Lend new-born charms to everything, Until the sun withdraws his rays, And night unfolds her sable wing. We know not yet - what we shall be ' ; # We only know that Christ will come To give us bodies like His own ; And take us back to His loved home, To see our King, just ' as He is,' Arrayed in robes of perfect light ; No longer hid by earth-born clouds, But manifested to our sight. Oh ! let us pray that our cold hearts May glow with f ervent love while here ; The love which suffered for our sake, 1 The love which casteth out all fear ' — Then shall we walk along the path Marked out by love from day to day ; Led by her hand — cheered by her smile— Until we are called to ' pass away.' * 1 John iii. 2. — ' It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him ; for we shall see Him as He is/ N Jlhteteeitffr StaitftaiT after ffxhtittT. 1 And, behold, they [brought to Him a man sick of the palsy.'— St. Matt. ix. 2. and flfc. 4far&. ii. 1-12. TO bring some helpless one to Christ Who cannot come alone, And lay him down before His feet, Is work which He will own. And if we find the way is barred, By cares which press too near, Or by a crowd of lookers-on, And yet we persevere : Then we may learn from wonders wrought So freely by His hand, How surely He will hear our cry, In this far distant land. The palsied man let down by friends With trouble and with care. Received a cure for all the sins Which he was known to bear. 19th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 179 And then to make His foes believe The power He had o'er guilt, Christ bade the man arise and walk And prove what he had felt. Oh ! blest reward for all their toil Their patience and their love, To save a soul from sin's dark curse By mercy from above. True faith must climb, if it would reach Above the noisy crowd ; Her anchor cast within the veil Above the passing cloud. Thy life on earth may never tell To those who look on thee, A tale of sorrow or distress — But God will surely see. Have you no friendless one to help In soul or body tried ; No brother fond or sister dear, Now dwelling at thy side ? Then rise and seek to let them down, By cords of prayer and thought, Before the throne of His great love, Where help may still be sought. n 2 tfarettiteifr ^uttfiap after (Tritutg. 1 Friend, how earnest thou in hither not having a wed- ding garment ? And he was speechless.' St. Mattheic xxii '12. A ROYAL feast with marriage fare Outspread with dainties free ; The king's arrival in the room His different guests to see : The wedding robes so fair and white, Provided for them all ; And yet one guest in mean attire Within the banquet hall. His silent look, and speechless tongue Which could not say a word, To hide the shame which weighed him down When questioned by his lord; The sentence passed — to bind him there, And take him far away — Far from the hall of light and joy Without a single plea. 20th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 181 How oft we 've heard the story read In God's own house this day ; . Forgetful of the lesson taught, And gone our homeward way. Will you be robed who now are led To worship at Christ's feet, In that last hour when all shall stand Before His Judgment seat ? ' Tis not the garb of outward life, Displayed before mankind, ' Tis more than this — 'tis something white. Too pure for earth to find ! ' Tis royal too, not human dress, Such as this world doth weave ; The best that's made — a perfect dress With nothing to retrieve. The feast is heaven begun on earth ; The robe is Christ's alone, Woven by Him upon the cross, Where He our victory won. By faith we put this garment on, And all which it imparts ; The righteousness which G-od demands To clothe our sinful hearts. Oh ! wear it now and hide thy shame ; There's nought for thee to pay, Except the love which all give back Who think they've heard Christ say — ' Arise and walk wifch sins forgiven Along the narrow way, Until you reach the banquet hall Where shines the endless day ! ' ^hmttj-first j^mtirag after ©rinitj.— I. ' If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace.' — Daniel iii. 17. WHILE gazing at the golden god Erected high on Dura's plain, Our hearts will follow three young men Who looked on it with bold disdain : And yet perchance our wills may stray From those unerring laws they owned, Though we refuse to "bow the knee And worship gods of wood or stone. Oh ! hearken ye to their brave words, Who listening to the king's decree, Stood undismayed like some high rock, Lashed by the fury of the sea ; ; Our God we serve ' — in Him we trust. Deliverance He will surely bring : If not — we rest upon His word. Beneath the shelter of His wing ! 2 1st SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 183 Look at them now by fetters bound, And cast into a burning lake ; On them the fire has no control, Their very hairs no hurt can take. What form divine is with them there, To stay the heat and rising flame ? Some angel bright like God's own Son ; Some being great of unknown name ! In duty's path go boldly on, Fearless of all which man can do, Then angels still will hover round In danger's hour to shelter you. The forest tree when rocked by winds, Strikes deeper root beneath the ground Oh ! let your faith when tempests sweep, More rooted in God's word be found. Once more look back upon those men Unmoved amid the burning sea ; As now they stand before their king, How strangely sounds his new decree ! — : Let every nation far and near Henceforward honour Shadrach s God, And he who speaks against His name, Let him be slaughtered by the sword.' Thus did salvation set her seal, On one whose pity nought could move, And led his hardened soul to bend Before the God of truth and love. 181 2 1st SUyDAT AFTER TRiyiTY. When passing ( through the waters ' drear, Or by the furnace sorely tried ; God promises to be with us, If we in Hirn our hopes confide. The eagle when she has soared on high, Beyond the reach of all below ; Looks downward with a fearless eye.. Upon the plain where lurks her foe : And when we rise on upward wings Above the fear which proves a snare ; f We can be still, and know that peace, Which unbelief doth never share. Be this your constant aim in life, To cast on God your load of care ; And calmly tread ' the narrow path,' Upheld by faith and earnest prayer ; Then will He guide your daily steps, And make you firm in danger's hour ; Bestow the wisdom which you need, And be to you a mighty tower ! * Isaiah xliii 2.—' When thou passest through the waters ; I will be with thee .... ^yhen thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned ; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.' f Prove?'bs xxix. 25. — ' The fear of man bringeth a snare : but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.' ©irrimtiJ-ftrst ^xttttra^ after Crxnttp. — II. 1 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way ; thy son liveth.' St. John iv. 50. AS early rays of rosy morn Roll back the shadows of the night, Gild snowy peaks and peaceful lakes With varied hues of glowing light : So Jesus Christ the world's true Light, Lit up the earth with brightest rays Of gentle love and healing power, When in our midst He passed His days. The blind and lame, the young and old, The sick and sad with careworn face ; All came to Him to seek their care, And found His love and saving grace. Here comes a father for a son, Whose taper looked well-nigh burnt out; He had some faith within his heart, And yet he seemed to ask in doubt : 186 2 1st SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Come down O Lord and heal my son, This very hour before he die ; Come Thou and stand beside his bed ' — Such was the tenor of his cry. That feverish look of sore distress ; That throbbing pulse which beat so fast ; That death-like shadow on his face, All these declared — he's sinking fast. So thought the father as he stood Before the Lord of life and power ; He little knew, how could he tell, What Christ might do that very hour. One word sufficed — ' Thy son shall live ' ; With peaceful heart hushed now to rest, The father heard his servants say, 1 The fever's gone — thy son is blessed.' Nor was this all the father gained, True love her conquest there achieved ! For all within his house were led To worship Him they now believed. Leave all your wants with Him who said, * Why ask for signs of power and might ? He knows your inmost thoughts and fears, And chides the dullness of your sight. His arm upholds the day and night ; Oh ! rest on Him and not on self ; He's near to bless you on life's road, And give to you His saving help. ®tuattii-5samir ^utt&ap after Srxnitp* — I. Tken the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions.' — Daniel vi. 16. HOW bright the light which shines on us From Daniel as our guide ; No fear of man did he betray, No shame had he to hide : The lions' den he firmly braved Regardless of the king ; His firm resolve — ' I'll serve my God, 1 Whatever it may bring. Three times he ' kneeled upon his knees,' And prayed as he was wont, With windows opened to the light, True emblem of the saint. Like some high cliff where frowning rocks Look down on angry waves, Which beat against their granite base, Amid the storm which raves : 188 22nd SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. He stood unmoved by all the seas Which raged around his soul, Believing in that God who saves, Where man has no control. The king when he had sealed his fate, Obtained no rest that night ; Sweet sleep the friend of weary hearts Brought him no calm delight. With early morn he rose in haste To visit Daniel's lair; Rejoicing greatly when he found, An angel had been there : There to restrain the angry lions, And save the prophet's life ; To crush the plans of wicked men, Who stirred up waves of strife. Oh ! vision bright of God's great love, To cheer the heart which looks above ; All mouths Thou surely now wilt close, Which seek Thy wisdom to oppose ; And they who suffer for Thy name, Shall shine as stars of brightest fame. (LtocniiJ-swnnii Jshraiag after Crinitg.— II. ' Then came Peter to Him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother .sin against me. and I forgive him ? Till seven times?' — St. Matthew xviii. 21. HOW oft shall I free pardon give, Seven times or even more ? So reasoned one who followed Christ, And thought npon His law. If he had known full well the prayer, 1 Forgive as we forgive.' He surely would have understood, How we are taught to live. Too prone we are to hover round Blind reason's artful net, Until we 're tangled in the maze, Which by her hand is set. Like foolish birds caught in a snare By artful trappers made, Who venture near to pick the grain, Which for their lives was laid. 190 22xd SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Reason and faith have different fields Outspread before the eye ; And faith receives what reason fails In hidden ways to spy. The debt of sin we cannot scale, Like Alpine peaks of boundless snow. Beyond the reach of mortal feet, It is too high for us to know. And God will not His pardon give, If we deal hardly with a foe ; Who need to have unmeasured grace From Him who seeth what we owe. Stretch out at once the hand of peace, By light o'er come thy brother's wrong ; So shall your soul be void of hate And charity renew her song. The droppings of the smallest spring, Will tell upon the hardest stone ; And kindly words of gentle sound, Will move the heart which they condone. Thrice happy he who like a child, Receives this truth in simple love, Content to do his Father's will, Waiting to leam yet more above. ®to£tttir-tfrirtr ^uttirap aftzv fbtinitv. 'Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's ; and unto God the things that are Cod's.' St. Matthew xxii. 21. EENDER to God the things of God, And pay ye tribute to the king ' ; So spake the Lord to Pharisees, Who bitter questions sought to bring. The image on the Roman coin, Supplied an answer to their pride ; And they w T ho trusted in themselves, Now sought in vain their shame to hide. Hast thou no image fair to read. Stamped on thyself by God's decree ; No righteous laws on earth to learn, Which He expects observed by thee : No life-long talents lent for use, No golden hours to interlace With faculties employed for Him, Whose works around reflect His face ? 192 23rd SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. What are the dowries of the mind, Its reasoning powers, and judgment strong ; But gifts from G-od to His dear sons, Which to His service should belong. Then give ye back without delay, The trophies due to your high King ; On your fair brow His cross was signed, To His own feet your tribute bring. Christ still inquires for His pure gold, * And plies the question asked of old : What image true doth this coin bear, Whose superscription trace we here ? What signs of power by Adam lost, Restored to souls through countless cost ? Some answer sure He will receive, From hearts which in Himself believe : But if His likeness be effaced, And trampled down and sore disgraced ; Then shall we hear our King proclaim To listening worlds our life of shame. * Revelation ' i\\. 18. — 'I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire.' (f tanttij-fnurtlj ^mttratr after ®rxnxt|j. — I. 1 She said within herself, if I may but touch His garment. I shall be whole.' — St. Matthew ix. 21. THERE is a crowd upon that road. Where Jesus Christ is seen to go ; On every side men touch His dress, But all His virtue do not know. One timid soul pressed on her way, More thoughtful than the moving throng. Resolved by faith to seek a cure. Though she might have to tarry long. For twelve long years she sought in vain. To find a healer for her grief ; And now she comes to tiy the Lord, Convinced that He would give relief. With trembling hand she touched the fringe. Deemed sacred by her Jewish race, Hoping to find a speedy cure, Without beholding His calm face. That silent touch more strong than words, Or all the boasted deeds of pride ; Reached there and then the loving heart Of Him who called her to His side. o 194 24th SUNDA Y AFTER TRINITY. It brought a cure without delay, Although she tried to shun that face, Which in the Saviour of mankind O'erflowed with love and saving grace. It could not be — how can she hide From Him whose eyes are everywhere ? He bade her come and own the cure, Though trembling in her heart with fear. Such kindly words fell from His lips, As never dropped from mortal tongue, ' Thy faith hath saved thee — go in peace,' Thy touch a perfect cure hath won. There is an outer fringe to touch, Which Christ Himself hath left behind ; Those means of grace faith's hand must press. If you His blessing wish to find. You need not tremble at Christ's feet, Like her who came to tell her deed ; How should that Lord refuse your cry, Who will not break the bruised reed ! Then draw ye nigh lost sons of toil, Break through the crowd that hides His view ; Christ longs to be approached by men, He's looking out for such as you. What is the plague which troubles thee, Is it some pain which wears thy frame, Or grief of mind which man can't cure ? Reach forth thine hand — He's still the same ! 24th SUXDAY AFTER TRINITY. 195 Yes ! touch with faith that yearning heart Which blessings free doth still impart : Thy body's ills He may not cure. But He shall help thee to endure Whatever thou art called to bear. If to His feet thou wilt repair. The thoughtless crowd may stay outside Heedless of all which may betide ; But draw thou nigh with all thy soul And let no crowd thy will control ; Christ longs to give thee His release. Go then to Him — and be at peace. W o 2 &iaznty-fanvt\j Jlmttrair after trinity.— II. 1 He said unto them, give place : for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth.' St. Matthew ix. 24. and St. Mark v. 21—43. ON Capernaum's peaceful shore, An eager crowd one morn was seen ; Looking across the peaceful lake, Which yesterday so wild had been ; Waiting to catch a nearer view Of Him whose presence they desired, Now crossing over in a boat, The sight of which new hopes inspired. When Christ that city now had reached Where many cures by Him were wrought ; The tongue of rumour quickly told Where healing power might then be sought. A ruler of the synagogue, Who oft had heard our Lord explain The law and prophecies of old ; Now came to search for Him again. 24th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 197 Deep was the grief in his dark home From which arose the mourner's cry ; And Jairus felt it when he said — • Come down at once before she die.' His only child was stricken down ; The lengthening shadows of her day, Whispered to every looker on, That life was ebbing fast away. She was a maid of tender years, Just opening out to hail the sun ; Like some fair rosebud in the spring Which by the wind is rudely torn. While making for the ruler's house And lingering o'er a wondrous deed ; The servants came and brought the news— • Thy child is gone— her life hath fled ! ' Oh ! who shall cheer the father now And calm the anguish of his soul ? The Master will — k Fear not He said — Only believe ' — * she shall be whole.' If words in season do befriend, And sympathy is sometimes sweet; Methinks they must that hour have led One broken heart with joy to beat. With willing steps Christ bent His way To look on that cold lifeless form, Which lay outstretched, upon -a couch. Just killed by death's resistless storm 198 24th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. With folded hands and raven locks, She seemed to rest as one asleep ; For beauty lingers o'er that face Where death his early watch doth keep. No sound did break the stillness there, Except the noise of funeral chant, Or cries* of mourning from those friends Who never yet Christ's power had learnt. ',Give place ' — He cried — ' the maid but sleeps,' I come to wake her from her dream ; These wailing sounds have no part here, Soon o'er her face life's rays shall gleam. Then grasped He in His living hand That lifeless hand which death had stilled. And spoke to her such kindly words, That every heart with hope was filled : 5 My little lamb ' — He said — ' arise ' * Look thou on Me the Lord of all ; And then her spirit came again, As wakes a child at mother's call. Great was the awe which fell on those Who had bewailed this grievous loss, When they beheld her rise and speak, And saw life's stream resume its course. ' Talitha cumi,' contains a term of endearment derived from a Syrian word signifying ' lamb,' often applied by fond parents to their children. It is as if th^ Good Shepherd had said, 'My little lamb, I say unto thee arise. — Macmillan, 24th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 199 With tenderest thought he bade them bring Some food to cheer her sinking frame ; Then charged them straitly as they went, No rumour of the deed to name. * In quietness and confidence ' — depend : We often lose by idle words we spend ; Go on your way. and lean on Him who knows Your secret wants, and gives His sweet repose : There's nothing hid or lost which He sees not, There's not a sigh or prayer by Him forgot ; Each flower you see is painted by His skill, Each planet in the sky obeys His will. Wait for His hand to grasp your timid soul, Yes ! wait in faith, till years have ceased to roll He will return at earth's last Easter day, To call the dead from graves wherein they lay, And wake all saints from that unbroken sleep, O'er which His eye her faithful watch doth keep. ®taattg-fiftlj J^xnttraiJ after (trinity. 'Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.'— St. John vi 12. NOTHING be lost'— Such is our Master's plan, Though trampled under foot by heedless man : The heavy clouds seen floating in the sky, Gather the crystal drops which they supply ; The waving boughs on forest trees so gay, Are fed by their own leaves when they decay : Xought would be lost — if we were led to say. ' Oh ! gather up the fragments of the day.' The mighty ocean with its rolling waves, Receives again the mists which it displays ; The golden sun which shines on glowing days, Gives back to earth the fragment of its rays. There's ' nothing lost ' in fair creation's breast, From early dawn to evening's hour of rest ; Her stores are kept by that All-seeing mind, Which bids us gather up what we can find. 25th SUXDAY AFTER TRIXITY. 201 This needful truth, our blessed Lord proclaimed To hungry pilgrims who His steps waylaid ; Before the setting sun forsook that spot Where evening twilight shades are soon forgot — Plain was the food which satisfied His love, Five barley loaves and fish — no dainties prove ; Plain too those words which to His own He spake. 1 Oh ! gather up the fragments that ye take." What gains they found, who travelled far from home, To meet with Him who bids the weary come ! Reclining on the grass where they had stood, He gave to them far more than mortal food : Could they forget that wondrous love and power, Which overflowed for them that evening hour ; Or all those fragments left around their feet, Then gathered up for other mouths to eat ! Look at the throng — in companies they rest. Like garden beds a skilful hand hath drest ; Where varied flowers with colours gay and bright, In silence wait to catch the falling light ; The light which lends to all some lovely shade, Painting the lofty sky and lowly blade. The meal is done — farewell to hangers pain — Twelve baskets full of broken food remain ! Like waving corn or leaves upon the tree. We cannot count the remnants which we see ; We only know that every little thing Which G-od hath made— some -glory true may brines 202 25th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. "lis not our years alone we must redeem, But all which tends to form life's daily theme ; Fragments gained — fragments lost — whate'er they be ; Each basket fill — the Master says — for Me ! Shall we forget the lesson of this day, Taught by our Lord to help us on life's way : Or shall we look with Him upon the ground, To see what wasted crumbs may there be found. Our sun is sinking fast below the plain, The twilight of old age we may not gain ; And failing years too often cry in vain, ' Oh ! gather up the fragments that remain. ^>t. ^ttirctn's gaj. •' And He saith unto them, follow }Ie. and I will make you fishers of men.' — fife. Matt. iv. 19. HOW sweet those fellowships in life, Which love's endearing smiles cement. They seem like rays of morning light On kindly errands ever sent ; But sweeter far they surely prove, When gently swayed by G-od's own grace. They prompt a brother's heart to lead Some wanderer here to see Christ's face. ' Twas thus Saint Andrew one day brought His brother Simon to the Lord, Resolved that he should look on Him And listen to His saving word. Oh ! happy ye who thus entwine Some earthly child now owned as thine And give to him such Heavenly lore, As love for souls alone can store ; Not frail memorials of thy power, Which wither like a gathered flower ; But those which shall for ever live To tell of blessings thou didst give. 204 ST. ANDREW'S BAT. Yet later on these two were met By Jesus toiling at their net ; And when they saw His mighty power Which brought them fish one evening hour, He bade them both desert the lake And now their homely craft forsake ; Be fishers true for souls alone With nets which He himself would own. Yes ! fishers now in waters deep Where living souls too calmly sleep, And in that counter-flowing tide, Where unbelief and sinful pride Refuse to take the bait we cast, Though life's rough stream be running fast. What lessons true have we to learn From toils which meet with small return, From casting on the waters deep, Till hope herself is rocked to sleep ! Seek we to go where we are sent, Though days and nights seem vainly spent ; To trust in Him who on the lake Filled empty nets until they brake. Grant blessed Lord that we may be, Like Andrew quick to follow Thee, Let down the net with faithful heart, And seek to act a brother's part. j$t. Somas' gay. ' Then saith He to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold !My hands ; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into }Iy side : and be not faithless, but believing.' St. John xx. 27. FOR one long week, no ray of light Lit up the darkness of that night. Which when it lost ' The Morning Star/ Left one sad soul to wander far : His fellow men rejoiced in heart, And in Christ's presence found their part But Thomas closed to them his ear. Until his risen Lord drew near. Oh ! wondrous love that sought him out, And would not leave him still to doubt ; Which could not bear to hear him mourn, And therefore said to him alone : ' Reach forth thy hand, and thrust it in, Here is the wound-print made for sin, These hands and feet which thou dost see Were pierced to draw all hearts to Me. 5 206 ST. THOMAS' BAY. Then looked he up to Christ and said — ' My Lord and God, whom I receive ' ; But Jesus said — ' More blest are they, Who never see, and yet believe.' Keep us O Lord from selfish pride, And sinful doubts which range too wide : Redeemed by thine Almighty power May we improve the passing hour, And never waste in idle dreams, The light which now so brightly gleams. £t. ittatt&efo tire Apostle. 'As Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom : and He saith unto him, Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him.' — St; Matthew ix. 9. HOW many pearls are lost to sight Beneath the ocean's rolling deep ; Until the diver seeks to find The prize which others fail to reap. The Eternal Spirit watches all In crowded courts or alleys low, And sometimes calls a longing heart From scenes of wretchedness and woe. While i sitting at the enstom seat/ Exacting dues too often wrong ; Saint Matthew heard a solemn call To rise and leave the heedless throng. That gentle voice which reached his ears, He'd often listened to before ; Hard by the spot where tolls were paid, When Jesus taught upon the shore ; # *' Life of the Messiah.' — Edersheim. vol. i. page 514, 515, 518. ST. MATTHEW THE APOSTLE. 231 Or in the synagogue, when Christ Stood up to read the ancient law ; Unfolding then to Jewish minds, The boundless riches of His store. His heart was therefore far away From those who clustered round his seat. Conscious of gains which he had found By sitting meekly at Christ's feet. For he had gathered from His lips Some words about the promised rest Bestowed on those who come to Him, With hearts laid bare and sins confessed. We cannot tell how long he sighed To cast aside the weary yoke ; We only know his heart replied As soon as ever Jesus spoke. With silent awe he heard the call, As though he marvelled at the word ; Despised by all — how could he hope To be so honoured by the Lord. At once he rose to follow Him, And left behind the wrangling mart ; Content to quit the treasure there, And find new treasures for his heart. Whatever be your calling here, However hard to do it right, Learn from St. Matthew to be still, And wait in patience for new light. 232 ST. MATTHEW THE APOSTLE. God knows your need and hears your cry ; Be then contented and remain ; Until you are called like this blest saint, To find through Christ some higher gain. £t. itttrljad attir ^,11 ^ttgcls. '•Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.' Hebrews i. 14. YE angels of pure light who dwell on high, And had your great primeval birth. Ages before the sun and moon appeared, Or fallen man bad trod this earth : Whose hands are quickly raised to sweep your harps, When one repenting soul is seen To give its life to God with sorrow true, And leave the mire where it had been : Ye spirits blest who come to guard our way, And save us from the hidden foe, Which we could never see about our path, Nor by our own strength overthrow. We think this day upon thy ministering powers And deeds of might — how thou didst bring God's messages of trust to faithful souls, With lightning speed and joyous wing. 234 ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS. The war if not in heaven, yet still on earth, * Now rages with contending host ; And we require angelic powers to fight Against the foe by which we're lost. We're told that children here have angel guards To watch and shield their infant days, Who ever ' see their Heavenly Father's face,' And speed to do whate'er He says. We know that ye have watched from age to age, The rise and fall of erring man, Guarding the tree of life when we had sinned, And pondering o'er redemption's plan. And when our sun is sinking down to rest Behind the waves which gird this shore, Ye come again to bear the faithful soul Where storms and tempests swell no more. How can we magnify thy deeds aright, And tell of blessings not revealed, Before we reach those realms of cloudless light, Where all thy love will be unsealed ! * Revelation xii. 7. — ' There was war in heaven : Michael and his angels fought against the dragon.' l^gfeS^g Sft, K'ukr. tfcrc (Etratutriist. 4 Luke the beloved physician, and Demas. greet you.* Colossians iv. 14. TO be a healer of life's mortal griefs, To lighten their oppressive weight ; This art by man will be for ever prized For all have sickness to narrate. But who shall paint that higher crown of life, Or those bright jewels kept in store For him who carries out Christ's last command, And wins lost souls by wisdom's power. Such was the man we celebrate this day, Whose pen records those hymns of praise # We love to chant as holy songs of joy, When in G-od's bouse our hearts we raise. Bora in that town where Christians first were named, The friend and comrade of Saint Paul, He plied with him his healing work of love, Proclaiming Jesus unto all. * Magnificat. Benedictus. Nunc Diraittis. 236 ST. LUXE THE EVANGELIST. When Demas turned aside from duty's path, The world too strong for his frail soul, Saint Luke stood firm, like some well rooted tree, ° On which the winds have no control. Thou great Physician of all souls. Who called this servant to be Thine, Vouchsafe to heal the wounds which sin hath made, » 1 By pouring in both oil and wine.' * 2 Timothy iv. 10, 11. — * Demas hath forsaken me . . . only Luke is with me.' £ft. ^xm0n attir §$t. Jhi&c, JVpssiUs. ' That ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.' — St. Jude 3. LIKE stately columns in some holy shrine. On which the fabric seems to lean. Where vaulted roof and lofty arch look down On cloistered aisle and hallowed scene ; So are the Twelve whom Jesus Christ ordained To be the founders of His band ; The pillars great erected by His love. On which the Church might firmly stand. This day we meet to celebrate two saints Who toiled for Christ, and won their rest ; One apostolic faith inspired their hearts, And in that faith they onward pressed : We know but little of their many deeds, We only know they served Christ well; They bravely fought beneath His banner here, Arid in such lives we see Him dwell. 233 ST. SIMON AND ST. JUDE, APOSTLES. We read Thaddeus thus addressed the Lord — ' How wilt Thou manifest Thyself ? ' # Expecting then some kingly deed to see, By which He would reveal His help. Plain were the words which he from Christ re- ceived About the favours which he sought : There is no royal road for us to know, When to His footstool we are brought. With such as do His will He will remain, A faithful friend whate'er betide ; The Father too on these will everj smile, And * with the Son Hhnself abide.' f * For that pure faith delivered to the saints,' This herald true bids all ' contend,' And with the Apostolic Church believe The truth he did so well defend. For all those saints who glorified their Lord, And true disciples without number ; We laud and magnify His name, As o'er their lives we meet to ponder. * St. John xiv, 22. — ' Judas saith unto Him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world ? ' t St. John xiv. 23. — ' If a man love Me, he will keep My words : and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.' Note. — St. Jude is also called Judas, Thaddeus, and Lebbaus. ST. SIMON AND ST. JUDK APOSTLES. 239 May we O Lord with them Thy tmth maintain. Contending for the ancient creed, And when the Book of Life by Thee is read, May our own names be then unsealed ! 5UI faints' gag. ' A great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.' Revelation vii. 9. AS tlie streams which lofty hills do sever, Their waters blend to swell the flowing river ; So God's true saints make up a mighty throng, Though parted now by distance or by tongue. This day the Church doth gather into one, All saints on earth and those whose race is run ; The soldiers brave, still fighting on the plain, The warriors dead, who sleep on land or main. We meet to think on names and lives of old, E'en though their uames and deeds have ne'er been told ; How dwelling here, they led a holy life, At peace with God, and strangers to all strife. There's many a flower seen growing on a bank Where the moss lies thick and the reeds are rank, Which sheds its perfume in the quiet lane, Where the traveller's steps are rarely seen : ALL SAINTS' DAY. 241 And there are saintly lives, with deeds unknown Beyond the home where their good seed is sown ; The peaceful round of each returning day, Another step along the narrow way. The ivy clings to the deserted tree, Whose withered trunk speaks only of decay; And hearts will cling to friends now far away, Whose worth they knew — whose life they could not stay. This day conies round to bring them to our mind, And make us pray that we their rest may find ; To raise our thoughts above the scenes of earth, Lest we forget the purpose of our birth. For all the blessed saints we give God praise, For all their works of faith, our song we raise ; Praise for the grace and zeal which urged them on, Praise for the glorious prize which they have won. O Thou on whom the faithful ever lean, Fountain of lif e and blessings yet unseen ; Help us to follow those who rest with Thee, And lay up treasures for eternity ! n tA %M ESP <&tz^&*M o&* ^ Wj& ^cZX* Wm ["%> SBBSi IMff ®0mmuni0tt» SWEET is the fellowship we hold With kindred souls we meet below ; We tell to them our hidden thoughts, And share with them our joy and woe : But better' still to soar on high, Like eagles in their upward flight, And touch the heart which knows our wants, The Fountain of eternal light. The Paschal Lamb was duly killed When Israel's host their triumph gained ; But Christ hath done far more for us By that great victory He obtained ; Yes I more to roll away the shame Arising from the curse of sin ; To give us back our blessings lost, And to ourselves new treasures bring. To celebrate this mighty love, We kneel before His holy feast, And feed upon the Bread of Life, Like her who craved one crumb at least : We hold with Him communion sweet, Then rise refreshed for life's great race, Cheered by the thought of Him who died, To slay the foes we have to face. HOLY COMMUNION. 243 Those spirits gone which once we knew, How nigh they seem though far away, As we partake of that same food Which helped them on their heavenly way. We think we hear their kindly voice Or see once more their loving smile, While kneeling low before that Lord Whom they adored with us awhile. These tokens of Christ's wondrous death. Ordained by Him to quicken love ; How can we ever know their worth, Until we dwell with Him above, And taste ourselves the higher Feast, The hidden food to sense untold, The supper blest with all good things. The banquet rare surpassing gold. R 2 flttbUt §aptism of infants. HERE in these sparkling drops we now may- hail The emblem of true power ; The living stream which Christ Himself outpours In this His chosen hour. The cross imprinted on that tender brow, Bespeaks the one He bare ; The cross we have to own and meekly take, However hard to wear. As members of His army here, we're pledged To fight as soldiers brave Against the foes which meet us on our way. Trusting in Christ to save. "We need no means save those which He ordained, As on life's road we tread ; He is our Captain whom we have to serve — The Church's living Head. Take back thine infant then to nurse for Him, Who took such by the hand ; Teach him to pray and gird his annour on, That he may firmly stand. PUBLIC BAPTISM OF IXFAXTS. 245 The fight begun this day will need much help. If he shall win at last ; Cherish his childhood days with gentle care, And screen them from the blast ; The blast of mildew from a wicked world, And sins not yet begun ; Earth's tender flowers need water and the light. With faces toward the sun. |Saptism ot mzh as are oi $tiper f)ears. IF riper years to thee unfold, That to the font thou ne'er wast brought By loving hands in early days, To be baptized and rightly taught : Come forward now of thy free choice, And dedicate thy life to God ; Sealing those vows before the Church, Which plight thee to obey His word. The Holy Three will meet thee there, The signs of love on thee be laid, The covenant be sealed in Heaven, With all the words true faith hath said. Received into Christ's Holy Church, Enrolled among her members now ; Thou must not halt or serve the world, But guard through life thy solemn vow. Let memory oft recall this day, Which saw thy soul betrothed for ever ; Lest fleeting trifles of the hour From endless joy thy future sever. Caterljxsnt. 1 Lovest thou Me more than these ? . . . . He saith unto him. Feed Mv lambs.' — St. John xxi. 15. LOVEST thou Me ? —The Master said. ' Then feed the lambs \ I seek to fold ; The bread of life I leave behind, To them more precious far than gold. Lovest thou Me ? ' — Then wait on these, As shepherds watch their snow-white flock ; Lead them beside the ' waters still,' And shelter them beneath the Rock. ' Lovest thou Me ? ' — Then never tire, Or grow impatient of your toil ; I will repay your righteous works, And on your labours ever smile. ' Lovest thou Me ? ' — Train them with care, As gardeners bend their tender plants To climb the sunny garden wall, And catch each ray which downward slants. 248 CATECHISM. ' Lovest thou Me ? ' — Give back My love, As earth returns the dew and rain, Spreading its mantle far and wide, Across the hill and lowly plain. ' Lovest thou Me ? ' — Then trust My power, Which blessed e'en infants yet unlDorn, When they were sleeping in the womb, Ere they beheld the smiling morn.* Oh ! never say they are too young, To catch from you some heavenly strain ; The word of truth or simple prayer, Shall not to them be taught in vain. ' Lovest thou Me ? ' — Then keep My charge. Think on those lambs for whom I died ; They need the care of loving hands, To keep them ever near My side. The fold is ready o'er the hill, The door is open for each one ; Oh ! leave them not to droop and die, Like fruit deprived of ripening sun. * Jer. i. 5. — c Before thou earnest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee. ' St. Luke i. 15.—' And he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost,*even from his mother's womb.'