FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY /5,27s I . i -«<- y 6 PARISH MUSINGS RIVINGTONS ILontion Waterloo Place ©ifortJ High Street CambrttJge Trinity Street >/ PARISH MUSINGS OK Devotional poems • / By JOHN S. B. MONSELL, LL.D. RURAL DEAN, AXD RECTOR OF S. NICHOLAS, GUILDFORD RIVINGTONS Eontfon, ©jrfortf, antf (iTamfirttrge 1871 [New Edition} Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013 http://archive.org/details/parishmOOmons Preface The following pages contain literally what they profess — Parish Musings ; — Hymns, not the result of retired and contemplative study, but the un- premeditated aspirations and utterances of the heart of one engaged in the active scenes of Parish labour ; — suggested by the incidents or feelings of each passing day, — composed on foot or on horse- back, — in storm or sunshine, — by the way-side or on the hill-top, — in the country meadow, or the busy street, — by day or by night, — wherever duty called, and whenever the spirit caught, from with- out or within, subject-matter for serious conversation with Heaven. In most cases they have sprung from the con- Vlll sciousness of wants and weaknesses found within the Writer's own breast. — when a giddy hour, an angry word, a wandering spirit, a cold heart, a failing faith, made him feel bitterly his own short- comings, and long for more constant and real communion with Christ. The only merit they claim is, that they are prac- tical, not theoretical ; not the cold musings of the head of one at ease; but the warm gushings of the heart of one, toiling himself, and striving to lead others amid the dust and conflict of the journey of life. As such they are now collected, to edify, to en- courage, to comfort. They seek — not man's praise, but his profit, — to help, not to amuse him, — to give the utterance of another's experience to what, no doubt, often struggles voiceless within his own bosom : and thus to promote closer communing with his heart — closer communion with his God. IX That some of these his "Parish Musings" (published in earlier years) have been thus blest to many of God's people, in both life and death, has been to the Writer the truest encouragement and reward. And it is in the sincere hope that they, with others (the growth of more maturity of soul), may continue to do God's work in an humble way, that this little volume is now put forth. — Not (as He knoweth, to Whom it is offered, and from Whom it hath been derived) for the Writer's honour, but for the Author's glory. Ramoan Rectory ; Ascension Day, 1850. Contents pacp: Christian Life .... I The Life of Light .... 3 Praver ..... 6 Faith ...... 8 "God with us" .... IO Lent ...... 12 " Soon and for Ever" H Trust ... ... 17 Love ...... 18 Onward ...... 20 Homeless ..... 23 Gethsemane ...... 26 Peace ....... 28 Holiness ...... 30 Hidden Good ...... 32 The Battle Won . 35 Our Sun and Shield . 37 XI 1 PAGE Holy Violence 39 Peaceful Warriors 41 The Pure Life 42 Home Fears . 45 Early Rest 49 Baptismal Hymn . 52 An Earnest Heart 54 God's Love 55 "Follow Me" 56 Going On 58 Silence 61 "Sons of God" . 63 Church Bells . , 64 Outward Seeming • 67 First Love . 69 Fear . 73 Wisdom . 76 Easter Hymn . 79 Sickness 82 Why Restless? . 84 A Wounded Spirit 86 Xlll PAGE Rest • 88 Submission .... 91 The Sparrows 93 Lux Dux, Lex Rex . . 96 Great Need .... 97 Abide with us 99 Arise and Save IOI The Promises of God . 103 Good Friday .... . 105 Nature and Grace no Trust ..... .114 Heaven .... . 116 Joy . . 118 The Cross .... 120 Answers to Prayer 121 They were , I24 Parting .... 126 Comfort .... 129 Baptismal Hymn . 131 The Threefold Promise • 133 Members of Christ • 135 XIV PAGE Believers . . . . . .137 Set Aside • 139 The Friend I4O Evening Prayer 142 Sweet Summer Day 144 Missionary Hymn I46 Be Still I48 Doing . I50 Gentleness . 152 Loving-kindness . 154 The Spring-tide Hour 156 Daily Prayer . ■ 159 God's Comforts l62 Fervour I63 Christ's Service I6 5 Sabbath Bells I67 Sorrow-Joy I69 Sanctified Sorrow I70 Fellowship 172 How Long ? . . 174 God's Works . I76 XV PAGE Perseverance .... . I 7 8 Undertake for Me . l80 Death .... 182 Sabbath Bells I84 Time ..... . 187 The White Robe I89 My Sister .... I90 The Haven .... 193 Where is my Grave ? . • 195 Beauty .... 198 Memory's Land 200 Autumn Leaves 202 Breath of the Morning 205 The Sailor's Life 2IO Cradle Song .... 213 Lullaby .... . 215 The Lord's Prayer 217 Our Father .... 219 The Hallowed Name 220 The Kingdom 221 God's Will .... 222 XVI PAGE Daily Bread Forgiveness Temptation Glory- Am en . . 223 . 224 . . 225 • • • 226 • • 227 1 ' / must work the works of Him that sent Me while it is day ; the night cometh, when no mail can work." — John ix. 4 Christian life's no bank of roses Where we idly sit and sing, Till the gathering evening closes, — . Christian life's an earnest thing. Full of vows and full of labour, All our days fresh duties bring, First to God, and then our neighbour, Christian life's an earnest thing. Onward — ever onward pressing, Yet untired as Angel's wing, (ft A Loving, lab'ring, blest, and blessing, — Christian life's an earnest thing. On its wayside none may linger Undisturb'd by sorrow's sting, Or by judgment's warning finger, — Christian life's an earnest thing. Wake then, Christian, from thy slumber Evening doth its shadows bring ; Few the hours thy day may number, — Christian life's an earnest thing. mt 2Ltfe of iLiglit "There is sprung up a light for the righteous; and joyful gladness for such as are trite-hearted." — rs. xcvii. II O it is a weary life Full of toils and dangers, Full of sorrows, full of strife, We in it but strangers \ O it is a world of woe ! Why should we so love it ? And prefer life's cares below To life's joys above it? Yet from care we might be free As the sunshine o'er us, And the path of life might be Ever bright before us, If we could but look beyond Life, to that life yonder, If the hearts, of earth so fond, Could of heaven grow fonder. Then 'twould be a life of light, Nothing then could grieve us, Nothing then could pain or blight Trouble or deceive us ; Then — what care or grief befall Come but as God pleases, We would live above them all, We would live in Jesus. No ! 'tis not a weary life Tho' it hath its dangers, If we wage the Holy strife, If we live as strangers ; 5 It is not a world of woe If we do not love it, But a training heaven below For the Heav'n above it. ( . Lord, teach us to pray " — Luke xi. I When cold our hearts, and far from Thee Our wand'ring spirits stray, And thoughts and lips move heavily, — " Lord, teach us how to pray !" Too vile to venture near Thy throne, Too poor to turn away, Our only voice — Thy Spirit's groan — " Lord, teach us how to pray !" We know not how to seek Thy face Unless Thou lead the way ; We have no words, unless Thy grace " Lord, teach us how to pray ! " Here every thought and fond desire We on Thine altar lay, And when our souls have caught Thy fire, " Lord, teach us how to pray !" 8 JFattJ) "Lord, I believe ; help Thou mine tinbelief." — Mark ix. 21 Yes ! I do feel, my God, that I am Thine ! Thou art my joy — myself mine only grief, Hear my complaint low bending at Thy shrine — " Lord, I believe ; help Thou mine unbelief !" Unworthy even to approach so near, My soul lies trembling like a summer leaf; Yet O forgive ! I doubt not, tho' I fear, " Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief!" True, I am weak and worthless, Lord, but then I know the source whence I can draw relief; And, tho' repulsed, I still can plead again "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief!" O draw me nearer ! for too far away The beamings of Thy brightness are too brief, While faith, tho' fainting, still hath strength to pray- " Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief!" IO 11 And they shall call His name Emmanuel^ which being in- terpreted is, God with tcs." — Matt. i. 23 Sweet sacred Name, that like a spell Rests round this heart, — Emmanuel ! Watchword of peace, and sign of love, 'Twixt man below, and God above ; Best blessing of redemption, thus To be assured of " God with us !" " God w T ith us " in our hour of need, " God with us," His own blood to plead, " God with us," as our guide and stay, To hear, to answer when we pray, And make us feel, what joy 'tis thus To be assured of " God with us." II Let hell combine, and men oppose, Angels or Devils prove our foes, Heights, Principalities, or Powers Seek to despoil this hope of ours, — They cannot, dare not harm, while thus We feel assured of " God with us." Lord, draw us near, that we may be For ever walking close with Thee ; That we may live as in Thy sight, And love Thee as our chief delight, And, taught by faith, may ever thus Retain Thee as a " God with us ! " 12 aunt "7 have meat to eat that ye know notof." — John iv. 32 Sad, solemn season ! meet for thought and prayer, And calm seclusion ; yet not loved the less, If, fasting with my Saviour, I may share His feast of duty in the wilderness. Lone — yet not lonely, if my Lord be nigh. Sad — yet not joyless, if He deign to bless, Fasting — yet feasting, if His grace supply All that is wanting in earth's emptiness : A guest of Jesus, — where, tho' mortal eye Can neither table, bread, nor Host perceive ; 13 Yet, for the soul which — Heaven taught — doth be- lieve, Faith with its finer senses can descry, Dropt from the heavens, drawn from the waters still — My meat and drink to do my Father's will ! 14 "Soon anir for Eton:" A DYING CHRISTIAN'S LAST WORDS " The time is short" — I Cor. vii. 29 " Soon and for ever," Such Promise our trust, Tho' ashes to ashes, And dust unto dust : " Soon and for ever" Our union shall be Made perfect, our glorious Redeemer, in Thee ; When the sins and the sorrows Of time shall be o'er, Its pangs and its partings Remember'd no more \ 15 Where Life cannot fail, And where Death cannot sever, Christians with Christ shall be " Soon and for ever." " Soon and for ever" The breaking of day Shall drive all the night-clouds Of sorrow away : " Soon and for ever" We'll see as we're seen, And learn the deep meaning Of things that have been : When fightings without us, And fears from within, Shall weary no more In the warfare with sin ; Where fears and where tears And where Death shall be — never i6 Christians with Christ shall be " Soon and for ever." " Soon and for ever" The work shall be done, The warfare accomplish'd, The victory won : " Soon and for ever" The Soldier lay down His sword for a harp, And his cross for a crown. Then droop not in sorrow, Despond not in fear, A glorious to-morrow Is brightening and near; When (blessed reward Of each faithful endeavour) Christians with Christ shall be " Soon and for ever ! " i7 ® trust " My soul folloiveth hard after Thee." — Ps. lxiii. 8 Give me, O Lord, whate'er my lot may be. A heart to look to, and to lean on Thee ; Teach me the thing that pleaseth Thee to do, And make my life to my profession true. Let me, my Saviour, on Thy breast recline, Thy words my comfort, my devotion Thine ; My life's best joy Thy promises to prove, — Trust in Thy Truth, and triumph in Thy Love. B i8 2Lobe " Walk in love." — Eph. v. 2 Lord, give me grace, that I may be Thine — with such soul-sincerity — That wheresoe'er my steps may move My first last thought may be — Thy love. Lord, let my morn and evening prayer Be in Thy strength, and for Thy care ; That neither day nor night be past So as to grieve me at the last. But while I watch and pray, lest sin Surprise my soul and enter in To rob me of my present joy, And all my hopes of Heaven destroy — 19 Let my first fear be, lest I grieve The grace that taught me to believe ; Let my last care be, not to prove Ungrateful for Thy saving Love. 20 ©ntoatir u Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth tin to those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus ." — Phil. iii. 13, 14 Christian, arise, and onward haste, Dwell not upon the gloomy past ; Let not the mist of useless tears, Shed over early doubts and fears, Shadow the heart, or dim the eye, That should look beamingly on High. Let it suffice thee to have giv'n So many years away from Heav'n, And let the remnant of thy days Be all one life of prayer and praise, 21 Too little for that glorious God, Who bought thee with His precious blood. Why should'st thou weep, when Jesus died Joy in believing to provide ? Say, seems it well, to those who know Nought of religion but thy woe, That thy redeemed heart and voice Thus sorrow, when they should rejoice ? Heir of a throne and crown above, Child of eternal grace and love, Lift up thine heart, lift up thine eyes, Press forward to the heavenly prize, And leave thy doubts and fears to those Who dare not upon Christ repose ! Then onward, Christian — onward haste, Dwell not upon the gloomy past ; 22 Let not the mist of useless tears, Shed over early doubts and fears, Shadow the heart, or dim the eye, That should look beamingly on High 23 " The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His heady — Matt. viii. 20 Birds have their quiet nest, Foxes their holes, and man his peaceful bed • All creatures have their rest, — But Jesus had not where to lay His head. Winds have their hour of calm, And waves — to slumber on the voiceless deep ; Eve hath its breath of balm To hush all senses, and all sounds to sleep : The wild deer hath his lair, The homeward flocks — the shelter of their shed ; All have their rest from care, But Jesus had not where to lay His head. 24 And yet He came to give The weary and the heavy laden rest ; To bid the sinner live, And soothe our griefs to slumber on His breast. What then am I, my God, Permitted thus the paths of peace to tread ? Peace — purchased by the blood Of Him who had not where to lay His head ? I — who once made Him grieve, I — who once bid His gentle spirit mourn, Whose hand essay'd to weave For His meek brow the cruel crown of thorn: — O why should I have peace ? Why ? — but for that unchanged, undying love, Which would not — could not cease, Until it made me heir of joys above. 25 Yes ! — but for pardoning grace, I feel I never should in glory see The brightness of that Face, Which once was pale and agonized for me ! Let the birds seek their nest, Foxes their holes, and man his peaceful bed ; Come, Saviour, in my breast Deign to repose Thine oft-rejected head ! Come ! give me rest, and. take The only rest on earth Thou lov'st, — within A heart, that for Thy sake lies bleeding, broken, penitent for sin. 26 ' Then cometh yesus with them unto a place called Geth- semane" — Matt. xvi. 36 Would'st thou learn the depth of sin, All its bitterness and pain, What it cost thy God to win Sinners to Himself again ? Come, poor sinner, come with me, Visit sad Gethsemane. Would'st thou know Christ's wondrous love ? Seek it not beside the throne, List not angels' praise above, Come, and hear the heavy groan Uttered by thy God for thee, Sinner — in Gethsemane. 27 When His tears and bloody sweat, When His passion, and His prayer When His pangs on Olivet Wake within thee thoughts of care, Think what tender love for thee Drew Him to Gethsemane ! Hate the sin that cost so dear, Love the God that loved thee so, Weep, but weeping watch and fear Lest that fountain freshly flow. That so freely once for thee Gush'd in sad Gethsemane. 28 "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast tip mire and dirt. There is 710 peace, saith my God, to the wicked." — Is A. lvii. 20, 21 Swollen as the troubled sea Lord I feel this heart to be ; Restless on account of sin, Lord there is no peace within. Till Thou bid its passions cease Lord it never can have peace ; Ne'er can change its wicked will, Till Thou whisper " Peace, be still !" Every idle hope begone, Speaking peace when there is none; 2 9 None but Jesus, none but He Peace can ever speak to me. Till I feel my sins removed, And, — assur'd that I am loved,- Lean upon my Saviour's breast, I can never think of rest. 30 holiness " Ye shall be holy, for I am holy." — Lev. xi. 41 Guide me ever, Lord, I pray, Guide me most this holy day ; Guard me ever with Thy blessing, Guard me most when Thee confessing; What I cannot give Thee, take — This poor heart, for Jesus' sake ! Holy every day should be, Holiest that I give to Thee ; Holy every thought and feeling, Holiest when before Thee kneeling ; Holy art Thou, — holy make This poor heart — for Jesus' sake ! 3i When my voice to Thee I raise, Let my soul ascend in praise; When my knee is bent before Thee, Let my bended heart adore Thee ; Thou art holy, — Father make Sinners such — for Jesus' sake ! Holy art Thou, glorious God, Holy is Thy bright abode, Holy are the saints, who round Thee Praise the grace by which they found Thee ; Holy Father, stoop to make Sinners such — for Jesus' sake ! 32 itriren C£oo& ;i /"Fvfo knowelh -what is good for man ?" — Eccles. vi. 1 2 " Who knoweth what is good for man" In this vain life below ? Who for himself dare plot and plan. And measure out life's little span With certainty, as if he can Tell what will come or go ? The very things we most desire, Most importunely crave, Granted — might only feed the fire Of Passion's lust, and raise it higher, Until both life and joy expire In an untimely grave. 33 Or we may live to feel 'twas best That God denied our prayer ; And tried and proved, till we confest That winds and waves which broke our rest, And toss'd us to our Saviour's breast, Our truest blessings were. Alas ! to-morrow — how it seems To cheat us of to-day ! The fond enthusiast idly deems Those projects, passions, plans, and schemes, Which people Life's uneasy dreams, Will for his coming stay. But let another evening set, Another morning rise ; To-morrow will its pledge forget, When it becomes to-day, — nor let c 34 Its dupe know aught but vain regret, And so he lives and dies. Lord, let me cast all thought of care For worldly things on Thee ; Thankful that Thou such weight wilt bear For one, who has small time to spare For aught, but holy strife and prayer Thine evermore to be. 35 €ftt battle mon " I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, 1 have kept the faith : henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day." — 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8 My task is o'er, my work is done, And spent the weary day, I've fought the fight, the battle won, And soon must haste away ; Henceforth there is laid up for me A crown, thro' all eternity ! A crown by Hands eternal wove, Meet for a child of God, Gem'd with the jewels of His love, And purchased with His blood ; Which human hands could ne'er have wrought, And human merit ne'er have bought. 36 Farewell, the cross, 'neath which so long I've watch'd, and wept below, And welcome now the harp and song That wait me where I go, Yet O ! that cross must still be dear, My strength thro' many a sorrow here ! And oft throughout eternity, 'Mid all that's bright and blest, Its victory my joy shall .be, And I will love it best • For 'twas through Him who died thereon. My fight was fought, my battle won ! 37 ©nv Sun ants S|jfeHr " For the Lord God is a sun and shield : the Lord will give grace and glory : 710 good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trustethin Tkee.^ — Ps. lxxxiv. II, 12 My Sun 'mid darkness, death and gloom, My Shield 'gainst storm and heat, God of my life, — the God in whom Both grace and glory meet; Be Thou my guide and guard below, My blessedness above, And breathe o'er this cold heart the glow And gladness of Thy love. When wand'ring — weary and opprest — Shine o'er my pathless way, 38 When life beams brightest, seems most blest,- Ward off joy's noontide ray; My failing, falt'ring footsteps tend With fresh supplies of grace, And be my glory at the end To see Thee face to face. O Lord of hosts, how blest is he Who in Thy strength confides, Whose soul reposes trustingly On all Thy grace provides ; Who never fears, nor doubts Thy love, Assured, — when Thou art nigh, That what Thy wisdom may approve, Thy love will ne'er deny ! 39 p?*lg Violence " / will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me." — Gen. xxxii. 26 I will not, cannot let Thee go ! My God, why dost Thou try me so, As thus to seem about to leave A soul Thou never lov'dst to grieve ? Ah no ! tho' many cares and griefs oppress me, " I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me !" I feel, my God, that I have caught The Arm that I so long have sought ; And tho' 'tis strong, — yet that will be My joy, when 'tis outstretch'd for me ; And therefore now, — tho' struggling, it distress me, " I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me !" 40 I've toil'd thro' all the weary night, And, if I hold till morning's light, I know Thou'lt be constrained, Lord, To yield to Thine own pleaded word, And more than conqueror thro' grace confess me; " I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me." 'Tis hard to hold Thee, Lord, — but O ! 'Twere harder still to let Thee go ! And lose Thy gift of Joy divine, Just when about to call it mine ! Ah no ! tho' many cares and griefs distress me, " I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me !" 41 peaceful mzxviovfi " We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us" — Rom. viii. 37 Rise sons of Zion — peaceful warriors rise ! This is no time of ease for soMiers true, But battles must be fought, and victories Be won for Him, who fought and bled for you. The ark and Israel dwell in tents ; — who yields, Or lingers, when the gospel trumpet sounds, Where God's hosts camped in the open fields, Trim their watch-fires, and tread their holy rounds ! Talk not of weakness ; — who is strong unless God's Arm uphold him, and God's Spirit bless ? Fear not disorder ; — where should soldiers be But where the faithful strive for mastery? Dread not the din, — the toil, — the tug of war, Christ makes His servant more than conqueror ! 42 ( i Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see God."- Matt. v. 8 My soul, would'st thou behold thy God, Would'st thou for ever be There, where thy sight can bear His light Thro' all eternity ? Would'st thou arise to those pure skies Where no sin-clouds obscure, And there abide, with Him who died ? Thou must, my heart, be pure ! Thy pride must be abased, Thy passions must lie still, Each wand'ring thought be captive brought To God's most holy will : 43 All He doth love thou must approve, All He appoints endure, And every day keep sin away, Would'st thou, my heart, be pure ! Yet who can check the strivings Of sin in thee my soul, What mortal power watch every hour, Each rising wish control ; What tears or pains can cleanse thy stains, What vows thy sickness cure, From sin release, vouchsafe thee peace, And make and keep thee pure ? Thank God there is a Fountain To wash in, and be clean ; A Life within, to cleanse from sin. And all that self hath been : 44 In that dear Life, dare ev'ry strife To make thy calling sure ; Watch, work, and pray, from day to day, And God will keep thee pure. 45 " While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept : for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may liveV — 2 Sam. xii. 22. " Almighty God, and merciful Father, to whom alone belong the issues of life and death ; look down from heaven, we humbly beseech Thee, with the eyes of Thy mercy upon this child, now lying upon the bed of sickness." — Visitation of the Sick. Now all is done, that love and care And skilful kindness could suggest, And He who hears our anxious prayer Will answer as His love deems best : O that both hopes and fears were still, Waiting on His mysterious will ! 4 6 And yet both hopes and fears will crowd Around that bright and precious child, And both will speak their thoughts aloud, Till this distracted heart grows wild : O might they all give place to one Heart-filling prayer, " God's will be done !" Sometimes a dream of what may be Comes like soft sunshine o'er this heart, I hear his prattle at my knee, Feel his warm cheek near mine, and start To find it — ah ! so cold and pale, That Hope (and well-nigh Faith) doth fail. And then again the dream returns — Childhood and youth are safely o'er, His eye with manhood's ardour burns, Fears hover round his path no more : 47 Hopes, with their buds and blossoms, all Burst where his bounding footsteps fall. He seems to speak — with anxious ear My very heart waits breathless by, His lips are parted — and I hear— My precious babe — thy restless cry ! No heart to hope, no faith to pray, Dies with that cry my dream away. Come then, my God, and take the place Of these distracting hopes and fears, Stablish this trembling heart with grace, Dry with Thine hand these falling tears, And teach me to confide to Thee, The treasure Thou could'st trust with me. Happy, if rescued from the strait Of being call'd on to decide, 4 8 Here with submissive soul I wait By Thy decision to abide ; Life — with its blessings, and its pain, Or death — with its " To die is gain." 49 1 ' But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast ? Can I bring him back again ? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." — 2 Sam. xii. 23 Why dost thou weep ? say, can it be Because for ever blest — and free From sin, from sorrow, and from pain, Thy babe shall never weep again, Shall never feel, shall never know E'en half thy little load of woe ? What was thy prayer, when his first smile Did thy young mother-heart beguile ? When his first cry was in thine ear, And on thy cheek his first warm tear, And to thy heart at first were prest The throbbings of his little breast ? D 50 What was thy prayer ? canst thou not now See in his bright cherubic brow, Hear in his soft seraphic strain, So full of joy, so free from pain, An answer (as if God did speak) To all thy love had dared to seek ? Why therefore weep, when all the cares, The doubts, the troubles, and the snares, The threatening clouds, the falling tears, Childhood's wild hopes, and manhood's fears. That might have been — for him, for thee, — Have passed away and ne'er shall be ? No thorns of earth have pierced his feet, No bitter tempests round him beat, No rains upon his head descended, But one soft gush of tears, that blended 5i With the bright sacramental shower, And drove him to the heavenly bower. He scarcely suffer'd, then was crown'd, Was scarcely lost till he was found, Had scarcely heaved one mortal sigh, Then enter'd immortality : A child of thine — a child of bliss ! Why therefore weep for joy like this? Nay rather strive to praise the love That could so tenderly reprove, That when it wounded left no sting Of self-consuming suffering, But with thy profit, link'd the joy Of thy beloved and sainted boy. 52 Baptismal p?fimn " I have lent him to the Lord.'"' — I Sam. i. 28 God of that glorious gift of grace By which Thy people see Thy face, When in Thy presence we appear, Vouchsafe us faith to venture near ! Confiding in Thy Truth alone, Here, — on the steps of Jesu's throne — We lay the treasure Thou hast giv'n, To be received and rear'd for heav'n. Lent to us for a season, — we Lend him for ever, Lord, to Thee ! 53 Assured that, if to Thee he live, We gain in what we seem to give. Large and abundant blessings shed Warm as these prayers upon his head : And on his soul the dews of grace Fresh as these drops upon his face ! Make him, and keep him Thine own child, Meek follower of the Undefiled ; Possessor here of grace, and love, Inheritor of heaven above ! 54 &tt Eavnest fflmxt " Teach me to do Thy will: for Thou art my God."- Ps. cxliii. io Give me, O Lord, an earnest heart, Anxious to do Thy will, Contented with whatever part In life 'tis mine to fill. Fearful of wealth, and worldly pride, Glad, if a low degree With even sorrow by my side Help me to walk with Thee. Cautious of all the gauds and glow By earthly sunshine given, Choosing the cloudiest paths below So they lead up to Heaven. 55 u God so loved the world, thai He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in £Ji??i should not perish, but have everlasting life.'''' — John iii. 16 My God ! what wondrous love was Thine, How deep, how boundless, how divine ! That, when Thine erring sheep had stray'd Thus found them and such ransom paid ! How cold the hearts that do not burn With zeal to show some faint return To One, whose love might well require Each thought, each feeling, each desire ! Lord ! Thou hast not denied Thy Son ! Perfect the glorious work begun, And give Thy grace, — in mercy give — That we may both believe and live. 56 " JFolloto me" " Take tip the cross, and follow me." — Mark x. 21 Take up thy cross, my soul, nor grieve That such thy lot must be, For He who this command did leave, Said also — " Follow me." Take up thy cross, — nor faithless fear Lest it o'erwhelm thee, Without its weight thou could'st not hear His voice say, — " Follow me." Take up thy cross, he is unwise Who would from it be free, Without its pain, thou would'st not rise When Christ says, — " Follow me." 57 Take up thy cross, — and let thy song Whilst thou dost bear it be, Pain cannot grieve, nor suff'ring wrong, While Christ says, — " Follow me." 58 " Let us go on anto perfection ." — Heb. vi. I Who is so thoughtless as to say To-morrow does not feel to-day, And own its mystic power To heighten or relieve the pain, Swell the eternal loss or gain Of every coming hour ? One word, one look, one thought of sin, Utter'd, or glanced, or harbour'd in The heart where Christ should reign ; Tho' mourn'd and wept, will leave behind 59 Some moral weakness in the mind, Upon the soul some stain. While holy prayers and deeds of faith, Such as to-day the Christian hath For love of Jesus done, Shall — tho' by him forgotten — be Strength for another victory Beneath to-morrow's sun. The things which most mere trifles deem. A walk, a ride, a book, a dream, A pain, a laugh, a tear ; All come with their commission high To mould man for eternity, By growth in goodness here. And they, who own this heavenly law, Strength from all little things can draw 6o For great things yet to come : For holy triumphs, which may prove Their depth of faith, their height of love. And fit them for their home. 6i SsiUnct " 77/^/r strength is to sit still." — Is A. xxx. 7 When worldly men, and worldly ways Provoke thy wicked will, " Watch," for the careless heart betrays, Be silent, and be still ! When scorn that wounds, and wrong that grieves Thy bursting bosom fill, " Pray," — for the prayerless heart deceives, — Be silent, and be still ! Bear all that mortal hate can do, Its worst may only kill, His hope is sure whose heart is true, — Be silent, and be still ! 62 One bitter word, one angry thought Will haunt thy mem'ry, till It hurt thee more than him it sought. Be silent, and be still ! Trust Him to right thee, who can take Vengeance whene'er He will, Forget thyself, and for His sake Be silent, and be still ! 63 "SfeOttS Of ®OD" " As many as are led by the Spirit of God, tJiey are the so/is of God."— Rom. viii. 14 Up and be doing, — " sons of God" — arise ! Proclaim your glorious birthright by your deeds, Let the world learn from children of the skies How faith can triumph, when the Saviour leads. Remember Olivet, — its tears of blood, The judgment-hall — its buffetings and scorn, And the mild meekness of thine injured God, His robe of insult, and His crown of thorn. Remember Calvary, — its dying groan, Its dying prayers and sacrifice for man, Its sufferings His, — its sins, its cause, thine own, Then turn to sloth and slumber if you can : Sleep — and forget the hope, the heaven that lies Beyond earth's conflicts, — " sons of God" arise S 6 4 " Our days on the earth a?-e as a shadow." — I Chron. xxix. 15 Sweet church bell sounding solemnly ! What warnings thou dost give ! The living, — they must surely die, The dying, — they may live. Thou to the meditative mind A memory dost prove, Of pleasant scenes we leave behind And solemn scenes above. Thy voice doth tell of tearfulness, Of partings, and farewells, — And yet a chime of cheerfulness In all its music dwells : 65 The knell of dying joys it tolls To dying mortals given, It rings its welcome peal for souls Into the gates of Heaven. We hear thee in the busy mart, We hear thee in the field, We hear thee when the human heart To tenderness doth yield : When life is fresh, and home is fair, And young eyes beam around, Thou com est through the evening air A profitable sound. Thou bidst us use the pleasures which God gives us to enjoy, As most uncertain treasures, which A moment may destroy ; 66 And Christians do not love thee less, Because thy homeward sigh Calls them from dreams which seem to bless To bliss itself on high. 6/ ©uttoartr RetmittQ 1 If Thou, Lord, shoiddest mark iniquities \ O Lord, who shall stand 'f — Ps. cxxx. 3 When bow'd before Jehovah's throne With bended knee and lifted eye, My vows I breathe, my sins I own, And pour the supplicating sigh ; This is the heaviest thought to me, — I am not what I seem to be. For wand'ring thoughts and wild desires Oft lurk beneath that solemn show, There — lighting their unhallow'd fires Where Love to God alone should glow : The meek adorer others see Is not what he appears to be. 68 Yet there are times, when by life's joys My thoughts— insensibly beguiled — Will trifle with its empty toys, And — answering — smile where it hath smiled Then, 'tis a gladsome thought to me I am not what I seem to be. For 'neath that laugh of thoughtless mirth There lives a deeply serious soul, And impulses of heavenly birth, Which look and long for Heaven's control ; The giddy thing that others see Is not what he appears to be. Lord, make me in Thy sight sincere, From heartless prayer my soul protect, And, when the eyes of men are near, Make me more humbly circumspect ; — Seeming — as one who lives with Thee, And being — what I seem to be. 6 9 tt O that I were as in months past " — Job xxix. 2 O ! for the warmth of other days, The fervour and the fire That breathed through every song of praise, And kindled each desire ! That gave that depth of holy love To the still voice of prayer, When first it wing'd its way above To plead a Saviour there ! O ! for that love, — so deep, so true,- That first young love of heav'n, That fill'd this soul when first it knew Its. sins were all forgiv'n ! 70 When first it felt the saving power Of Christ's atoning blood, And in that hope-reviving hour Gave itself up to God ! But colder now, — more careless grown- This heart seems hard or dead, The love once felt is now unknown, The faith once fervent — fled ! While even He whose dawning ray Of love such comfort brought, 'Mid blessings of a perfect day Is now almost forgot. Time was when prayer was a delight, And precious was the word, To muse therein both day and night, And commune with the Lord ! 7* But now, a privilege no more, 'Tis duty only moves ! Because I fear Him I adore, — And not because He loves ! O ! for the warmth of other days ! — And yet how vain must be Such wishes, Lord, unless my ways With Thy commands agree ! For love must die, and joy must cease When man forgets his God, And paths of pleasantness and peace The careless never trod. Lord, make this heart more purely Thine. And such fond love supply 'Mid feeling's premature decline That faith may never die ! 72 So shall each careless, cold desire Once more devoutly burn, And all the fervour and the fire Of Heav'n's first love return. 73 Stat " Walking in the fear of the Lord" — Acts ix. 31 Fear ! — sure, Lord, a sinner must Often fear while he is dust, While he owns a heart within Full of earthliness and sin. Never let my spirit be In such false security, As to walk, while wand'ring here, Amid sin without a fear ! 'Tis not that I doubt my God Or the power of His blood, That His love could ever leave me, Or His truth could e'er deceive me ! — 74 'Tis not that I fear His pow'r Failing in the darkest hour, Or that death or hell could ever Me from my Redeemer sever ! But lest I should grieve His grace, And lest He should hide His face, And my heart then wand'ring go Where 'twould lose its Heav'n below. Lord, I'm weak but Thou art strong, Faint, but Thou shalt be my song, Weak and faint, but when I fear I'll remember Thou art near. For the closer I have trod Daily with Thee, O my God, Well I know, I've found within Less of fear, — since less of sin. 75 Therefore though my trust, O Lord ! Rests upon Thy faithful word, And no shade of doubt could make Me suppose Thou would'st forsake ;— Never let my spirit be In such false security, As to walk, while wand'ring here, Amid sin without a fear ! 7 6 a WLifrtfom So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.^ — Ps. xc. 12 So teach me, Lord, to number The moments as they fly, — So teach me, Lord, to Thee to live That I to Thee may die ; That all my powers, all my praise To Thee may first be giv'n, And all my talents, all my days Be consecrate to Heav'n ! Make me remember Whose I am, And Whom I ought to serve, How much of mercy I receive, How little I deserve ! 77 Unite my heart, O Lord ! to fear And reverence Thy Name, And let my life each passing year Thy faithfulness proclaim. Less than the least, — the least of all The mercies shown to me, Unworthy — but through Christ — to bend A worshipper to Thee ; Without Thy grace I cannot give To Heav'n one contrite sigh, Without Thee, Lord, I could not live, Without Thee dare not die ! Then be my Guard, my Guide through life, In death my firmest Friend, My Strength along the rugged way, My Glory at the end ! 78 And teach me so to number, Lord, The moments as they fly, That I may live upon Thy word, And in Thy faith may die. 79 " The Loi'd is risen indeed '" — Luke xxxiv. 34 This day the Lord is risen Our light and life to be, And the grave's gloomy prison Is burst, and we are free ! Death may not hold us longer Than till His voice shall call, Tis strong — but Christ is stronger, For He is Lord of all ! He gave His life to buy us From sin and death and pain, With blessings to supply us He took that life again : 8o And now He waits in glory To meet His own above, Come, sinners, sing the story Of His redeeming love. His precious blood — the payment- Salvation He hath won, Come, put the seamless raiment Of His redemption on : And when this world deceiving Distracts you with its strife, — O come to Christ believing, Come that ye may have life ! How sweet the path of duty When, walking with the Lord, We see Christ in His beauty, And live upon His word ! 8i Earth hath no scene of sadness This hope could fail to cheer, Nor one bright hour of gladness It would not make more dear. This day the Lord is risen Our light and life to be, And the grave's gloomy prison Is burst, — and we are free ! Death may not hold us longer Than till His voice shall call, 'Tis strong — but Christ is stronger, For He is Lord of all ! 82 Softness " The Lord will strengthen him tipon the bed of languishing . Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness." — Ps. xli. 3 O how soft that bed must be Made in sickness, Lord, by Thee ! And that rest — how calm, how sweet — Where Jesus and the suff'rer meet ! It was the good Physician now Soothed my cheek and chafed my brow, Whisp'ring, — as He raised my head, " It is I — be not afraid." God of glory, God of grace, Hear from Heav'n Thy dwelling-place ! Hear in mercy and forgive, Bid Thy child believe and live ! 83 Bless me, and I shall be blest, Soothe me, and I shall have rest, Fix my heart, my hopes above, Love me, Lord, for Thou art love 8 4 sm^fi 2susti