FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON. D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Division Section Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013 http://archive.org/details/sonrshorOOhind SONNETS AND OTHER SHOUT POEMS. SONNETfe" DEC 22 1934 OTHER SHORT POEMS, CHIEFLY ON SACRED SUBJECTS. SAMUEL HINDS, D. 1). LONDON : B. FELLOWES, LUDGATE STREET. M DCCC XXXIV. R.CLAY, PRINTER, BREAD-STREET- HILL. P R E F A C E. This little volume of Poems cannot lay claim to the merit of having been written with any uniformity of design. They are, with a few exceptions, a casual register of religious impres- sions and feelings — of a frame of mind, sometimes my own, sometimes that of others with whom I have sympathized. As a whole, they are tinged, perhaps, with a sadder colouring of thought than accords with the condition of Christians in general ; but if, on this very account, they find readier access to the heart of the conscience-stricken sinner or the drooping mourner, they will accomplish the main purpose for which they are published. I'i NBRIDGE Wells, Oct. 8, 1834. CONTENTS. PAGE CAIN' 1 SAUL, AND THE GHOST OF SAMUEL 3 THE HAND-WRITING ON THE WALL 4 THE LAD POSSESSED BY A DUMB SPIRIT 5 NATHANAEL 6 JESUS SOUGHT AND NOT FOUND 7 THE SCOFFER REBUKED 8 THE EPHESIAN SORCERERS 9 THE AMBASSADOR IN BONDS 10 THE THINGS WHICH ARE JESUS CHRIST'S 11 THE PATIENT WAITING FOR CHRIST 12 MAN DOTH NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE 13 THE FRIEND THAT STICKETH CLOSER THAN A BROTHER . . 14 THE USES OF ADVERSITY 16 RACHEL BEREAVED OF HER CHILDREN 17 BE YE PERFECT 19 THE TREASURE HID 20 THE CHILDREN'S BREAD , . 22 PRAYER 23 WATCHING WITH JESUS 25 JESUS FORSAKEN OF GOD 27 SHE IS NOT DEAD, BUT SLEEPETH 29 THE DAUGHTER OF ABRAHAM WHOM SATAN HATH BOUND . 30 DOUBT AND BELIEF 32 THE HARP OF ZION SLEEPS 33 V 111 CONTENTS. PAGK THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED 35 IT IS I J BE NOT AFRAID 36 THE CHRISTIAN TOKEN .... 38 ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA 39 THE WRECK 40 WAITING FOR DAY 41 THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION 43 A DISTRESSED WIFe's PRAYER 45 THE DESIRE TO DEPART AND TO BE WITH CHRIST . ..." 47 CONTENTMENT 48 SORROW WITHOUT HOPE 49 THE LOVE OF GOD 50 THE GIFT OF GOD STIRRED UP 51 ONESIMUS 52 WHILE IT IS CALLED TO-DAY 54 THE WHITE ROBE 55 GOD SHALL WIPE AWAY ALL TEARS 57 THE BRIDAL CITY 59 THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR 61 THE OFT-FORGIVEN 62 MARTHA AND MAR,Y 63 LOVE KEEPING WATCH 64 CONFIRMATION HYMN 65 WRITTEN IN A BIBLE, A PRESENT TO A GOD-CHILD . . 67 TO TWO VERY DEAR LITTLE GIRLS WHO LEFT A NOSEGAY TO WITHER IN MY STUDY 69 THE EFFICACY OF FAITH 70 ON THE ORIGINAL SPRING AT TUNBR1DGE WELLS .... 72 E . M 73 THE CANDLE-FLY AND THE STUDENT 75 SORROW WITH HOPE 76 TO MARY 77 NOTES 79 SONNETS AND OTHER SHORT P O E M S. GENESIS IV. 15. '" AND THE LORD SET A MARK "PON CAIN, LIZST ANY FINDING HIM SHOULD KILL HIM." When on his flight the first-born went, with blood Upon his hand and heart, and every one, Kindred and kind, the avenger ; still Heaven's sun Gave him its light and warmth ; and still the flood And fountain slaked his thirst ; and eve and morn Breathed their soft blessings on the wretch forlorn :- B God's voice were these, and that voice bade him yet Look up to Him who for all creatures cares — Who on his awful brow the symbol set Of a command, Spare whom Jehovah spares. Rise then, thou trampled soul, from the world driven, Like Cain the accursed, for loud crying sins ; Look up, pray, hope, nor judge by earth of Heaven, For oft man's mercy ends where God's begins. 1 SAMUEL XXYI 11. 11 THEN SAIP THE WOMAN, WHOM SHALL I BRING VP UNTO THEE? AND HE SAID, BRING ME UP SAMUEL." Strange that we still should seek what most we dread ! Death seals the awful lips of Samuel; Yet Saul must traffic with the powers of Hell, To call up from the dwelling of the dead The man whose stern rebuke he most should fear : — And thus we conjure up and quail before The Messenger of God, the Counsellor Whom, in his living strength, we would not hear, Dead Conscience. — Father ! Thou who canst alone Recall the lifeless back to life, should death Come o'er my conscience, breathe thy Holy breath Therein, give back thy Spirit that is gone, That — no mere spectre, terrible yet vain — It may arise indeed and live again. b 2 DANIEL V. 5, 25. IN THE SAME HOUR CAME FORTH FINGERS OF A MAN'S HAND, AND WROTE OVER AGAINST THE CANDLESTICK UPON THE TLAISTER OF THE WALL OF THE KING'S PALACE ; AND THE KING SAW THE PART OF THE HAND THAT WROTE AND THIS IS THE WRITING that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN." Write it, O Lord, upon the hills and skies, In plain and city, and the world may see Thy dreadful .hand, and its own destiny — That the world's Prince, and those his wealth supplies — The surfeited, the drunken, the proud-hearted — May read thereon, " Thy kingdom is departed." Tremblest thou, in the visions of thy mind, To see those blazing characters ? gaze still — Thine eye is rivetted, and not thy will But God's detains it ; — gaze, and thou shalt find Those withering words vanish, and in their room, Traced by the same mysterious pen of light, Faintly at first, but brighter and more bright As more intent you gaze, " My kingdom's come." MARK IX. 21. AND HE ASKED HIS FATHER, HOW LONG IS IT AGO SINCE THIS CAME UNTO HIM I AND HE SAID, OF A CHILD." THE LAD POSSESSED BY A DUMB SPIRIT. It was an awful sight, to see the lad Foaming and wallowing on the miry ground, Labouring to speak, yet uttering not a sound, Save that his grinding teeth and choaked breath made. Awful it is, to think that Satan had The power to enter, take up his abode, And torture, not a wretch matured and bad, But a child hardly from the hand of God. Art thou a father ? Bless God that no eye Sees now His little ones bruised and denied ; Thy babes — alas ! lift up thy voice and cry For help and mercy — thine too, "of a child " Doth Satan torture — take thy faith and tears Unto the Lord — He still a father hears. JOHN I. 48. NATHANAEL SAIT1I UNTO HIM, WHENCE KNOWEST THOU ME? JEslS AX- SWERED AND SAID UNTO HIM, BEFORE THAT PHI LIP CALLED TH EE, WHEN THOU WAST UNDER THE FIG-TREE, I SAW THEE." When God's Archangel calls on thee to rise And see the Anointed— like Nathanael, To find that he already knows thee well, — Wilt thou receive his greeting with surprise ? Or have his mercies led thee to surmise Aught of some holy hours and places, where, Amid the stillness of thy bosom's prayer, The Unseen saw thee ? and that when thine eyes Are raised in solemn wonder to His face, A day-dawn will light up thy memory, And thoughts, which then within thy breast had place, Will be thy token that He looked on thee? Thy tears, too, if that look did ever melt Thy heart, and thou hast felt as Peter felt. JOHN VI. 15. fflSI JESVS THEREFORE PERCEIVED THAT THEY WOULD COME AND TAKE HIM BY l'ORl'E. TO MAKE HIM A KING, HE DEPARTED AGAIN INTO A MOUNTAIN HIMSELF ALONE." Still for Messiah's brows some weave a crown Of thorns ; putting Him oft to open shame By deeds and words unholy, and that name Blaspheming, which they dare not yet disown. And some would force on Hi in an earthly throne, And make Him party to their little schemes Of this world's policy, mixing man's dreams With Heaven's truth. And there is many a one, Who in his mantle's fold secretes a stone To cast at Him ; fearing, like them of old, Lest in His reign their sway should be o'erthrown. Daily He is betrayed and bought and sold ; — What wonder should we search and find Him gone, And we, the crowd perverse, be left alone ! JOHN IX. 30. "the man answered, and said unto them, why herein is a mar- vellous THING, THAT YE KNOW NOT FROM WHENCE HE IS, AND YET HE HATH OPENED MINE EYES." Peace, babbler! is this wisdom thou dost teach? Instructing simple folk, that Jesus wrought No miracle, from God no message brought, But that his servants childish fables preach ! Why herein is a marvel — This same tale Hath swayed mankind near twice ten hundred years, Triumphing over mortal hopes and fears. Whence is it ? Whereby doth it still prevail ? Before I communed with the Gospel-book, I groped my way in darkness, like one born Blind ; now, into my inmost self I look ; Who hath dispelled my night and made it morn ? Thou know'st not whence it is ? Then let me say, It is the Light of Heaven that causes day. ACTS XXIX. 19. MANY OF THEM ALSO WHICH USED CURIOUS ARTS BROUGHT THEIR BOOKS TOGETHER, AND BURNED THEM BEFORE ALL MEN: AND THEY COUNTED THE PRICE OF THEM, AND FOUND IT FIFTY THOU- SAND PIECES OF SILVER." So should it be. — Before the face of men And angels, bring forth thy forbidden treasures, That win for thee fame, power, and guilty pleasures ; Cast them upon the blazing pile, and then, — When on the accursed ashes thou hast trod — Then reckon what it cost thee, and bless God. But what ? The Devil's lore thou dost not learn From parchment and strange-lettered scrolls ? Then burn The tablet of thy heart, if it be there His wicked arts are written — and employed By thee, perhaps, for viler ends than were Those books th' Ephesian sorcerers destroyed — Burn that ; and not until thy treasure lies Consumed and trampled tell the sacrifice. !0 EPHESIANS VI. 20. " THE AMBASSADOR IN BONDS." Paul, from his prison-house of heathen thrall, Besought his children in the faith, to pray- That God would give him heart and tongue to say- Boldly the words which he was charged withal. With limbs unfetter'd, but with heart pent round By fear of obloquy, and lust of praise Or riches, and the dread of evil days, We, the ambassadors of Christ, are bound In this world's straiter bondage, and must call On friends, and flock, to join their prayers to ours, That, unsubdued in spirit by our thrall, We may rebuke the world, and the world's powers. Lord — for thy latter servants wear a chain — Touch thou their lips, that they speak not in vain. 1 1 P1I1L1PP1ANS 11. 21 FOB ALLSEEKTHE1K OWN, NOT THE THINGS WHICH ARE J ESUS CHHISt's.'' Of whom spake Paul? — of those who set their hand Unto the plough with him, and by his side Laboured : yet more they laboured to provide Their own good things, men's favour, gold, and land. What ! came they to their Master with mask'd pride, Craving to serve, that so they might be great, Might get them riches, place, and power to guide A nation's councils — mitres, robes, and state ? O man of God, who now, as heretofore, Dost lull thy conscience with the thought — that part, Part only, of thy work 's thine own, and more Thy Master's, — thou who, with divided heart, Wouldst serve that Master still, but on a throne — The flock is Jesus Christ's ; all else thine own. 12 2 THESSALONIANS III. 5. THE PATIENT WAITING FOR CHRIST. I knew a youthful mother, whose fair boy So stirred the quiet bosom where he lay, That she was always dreaming of the day When he should be her staff, and pride, and joy. And manhood's glorious day of strength arrived ; But, while her hope was blossoming, he went O'er Indian seas, on fame and wealth intent. And then a second span of life she lived In patient, fruitless waiting for a time, When, in his altered form and sun-burnt face, A mother's eye, despite of years and clime, Should read the lines no other eye can trace. Meek spirit ! thou didst learn to wait for one, Who, when He comes, will bring with Him thy son. 13 DEUTERONOMY VIII. 3. AND HE HUMBLED THEE, AND SUFFERED THEE TO HUNGER, AND FED THEE WITH MANNA, WHICH THOU KNEWEST NOT, NEITHER DID THY FATHERS KNOW; THAT HE MIGHT MAKE THEE KNOW THAT MAN DOTH NOT LIVE BY BREAD ONLY, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDETH OUT OF THE MOUTH OF THE LORD DOTH MAN LIVE." Teach us this lesson, gracious Lord — In life's long weary way, Through sin and murmurings, still thy Word Sustains us day by day. What have we learned ? to seek that bread On which thy wandering people fed ? By toil, and want, and sorrow tried, We learn on thee to call ; Speak, from thy Rock the living tide Shall burst, true manna fall. That holy bread, those waters give, Which those who taste for ever live. 14 PROVERBS XVIII. 24. THERE IS A FRIEND THAT STICKETII CLOSER THAN A BROTHER. Though in death's dreary slumber They sleep, the faithful few, Whom love and sorrow number As all thy fond heart knew ; There's yet another, One more than brother, Who lives and cares for you. When those in blood the nearest Would nature's ties undo ; When those whose love is dearest Prove heartless and untrue, — There's One still nearer, There's One still dearer, Who cleaves till death to you. 15 And when the dead shall waken, And thousands from heaven's view Go outcast and forsaken, Shalt thon be friendless too ? In that dread hour One friend has power, The friend who died for you. 16 HABAKKUK III. 17, 18. ALTHOUGH THE FIG-TREE SHALL NOT BLOSSOM, YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD, I WILL JOY IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION." Blighted the fig-tree's blossom fell ; The vine with clusters ceased to swell ; No hand the scanty olives pressed ; No golden sheaves my corn-fields blessed ; My ruined stalls no oxen fed ; The last of all my flock was dead. And while I mused and mourned, a voice Breathed softly on my ear, " Rejoice ! Thy vine-yards, olive-yards, and store Of flocks and herds, shall tempt no more Thy heart from God to stray ; Clouds were they, interposed between Thee and that Heaven which now is seen ; Thy vail is ta'en away." 17 MATTHEW XI. 18. JEREMIAH XXXI. 15. RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN, AND WOULD NOT BE COMFORTED BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT.'' They are not. Sleep they in the grave Where their own palm trees o'er them wave ? Or was their tomb the stranger's land ? The ocean ? or the desert sand ? They live, bereaved Rachel : yet The mother must her own forget ; Branded with God's disclaiming sign, They are not His, they are not thine. Though with the tokens of their birth They go, and, through the realms of earth, With kings and nobles cast their lot, To thee, sad Rachel, they are not. c IS Look on the mother's meek distress, O Lord, and heal her childlessness ; Her bondage break, and let her be Free, and a mother of the free ! 1!) MATTHEW V. 48. BE YE THEREFORE PERFECT, EVEN AS YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN IS PERFECT.'' There is One whose eye ne'er closes By night or day ; Strew not then thy couch with roses, But watch and pray. There's One whose suns on sinners rise, As on his saints ; Then mete not out thy charities With cold restraints. There's One who died, that you may live When life grows dim ; Then think it not too much to give That life to him. c 2 20 MATTHEW XIII. 44. AGAIN, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO TREASURE HID IN A FIELD ; THE WHICH WHEN A MAN HATH FOUND, HE HIDETH, AND FOR JOY THEREOF GOKTH AND SELLETH ALL THAT HE HATH, AND BUYETH THAT FIELD." Why dost thou hide the treasure, Lord ? For many pass it by, Although its value they have heard, And that 'tis somewhere nigh. Is it from helpless misery hid ? From man in better need ? Friend of the friendless soul, forbid That this should be my creed ! But some there are so dull and blind — So lost — so dead in sin — Open the cell, and they would find No precious things therein. 21 Thy word is — " Seek, and ye shall find Search out the place, and go And sell all thou didst leave behind, And there thy all bestow. And if we still those terms refuse, Of what can we complain ? Not ours, but thine, the wealth we lose— Thy gift that's given in vain. 22 MATTHEW XV. 26, 27. !UT HE ANSWERED AND SAID, IT IS NOT MEET TO TAKE THE CHIL- DREN'S BREAD, AND TO CAST IT TO THE DOGS. AND SHE SAID, TRUTH, LORD; YET THE DOGS EAT OF THE CRUMBS WHICH FALL FROM THEIR MASTER'S TABLE." They tell us, Lord, we are not thine, Because not all their creed we hold ; They bid us heaven and hope resign, For they alone are Israel's fold. Thou knowest, Lord, if it be so — Still, she was not of Israel, For whom thy mercies once did flow — The crumbs that from thy table fell. And we, in faith and patience strong, To thee will come and cry like her ; Enlighten us, if we be wrong ; Enlighten them, if they do err. 2<3 MATTHEW XXI. 22. ALL THINGS, WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK IN PRAYER BELIEVING, YI SHALL RECEIVE." Oft had I prayed, believing prayed, Yet nothing could obtain ; And in my folly, oft I said, Lord, is thy promise vain ? | I prayed in youth, that I might win The race of youthful pride ; Though hope burned like a fire within My heart, it was denied. I prayed for power, I prayed for wealth; Nor wealth nor power was mine — In lingering pain I prayed for health, And felt my strength decline. 24 At the last, Wisdom spoke— " My son, Christ's kingdom is of Heaven ; Ask heavenly things— they shall be done I asked, and it was given. 25 MATTHEW XXVI. 40. AND HE COMETH UNTO THE DISCIPLES, AND F1NDETH THEM ASLEEP, AND SAITH UNTO PETER, WHAT, COULD YE NOT WATCH WITH ME ONE HOUR?" I sat beside my evening fire, My Bible on my knee, And read, where Jesus doth inquire, " Could ye not watch with me ?" Sure, thought I, I could watch all night, With Jesus by my side ; A trial this ! with what delight Would I be now so tried ! Slowly I read word after word, " Sit ye here whilst I go" — And then I cried, " It is, O Lord, It is with me e'en so." 26 " For I sit here, whilst thou art gone To Heaven to pray for me ; Life's solemn hour I watch alone, And yet I watch with thee. " But when these dim and wearied eyes With sight of thee are blest, Lord, wilt thou say to me, likewise, Sleep on, and take thy rest f 27 MATTHEW XXVII. 46. AND ABOUT THE NINTH HOUR JESUS CRIED WITH A LOUD VOICE, SAYING, ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACTHAN1? THAT IS TO SAY, MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME?" In reason's pride those words I scanned, And thought how I might understand Hints of a secret, strange and high — O dark and dreadful mystery ! That He, the Immortal, should complain Of being left to mortal pain ! That He should on the cross declare, That God, his God, had left him there ! But when I laid the book aside, And thoughts of sin subdued my pride, Back to my heart those sad words came— The same, yet seemed they not the same. 28 No more they had of mystery, And clouded meaning strange and high But to the thrilling question, " Why God from his Son withdraws?" My stricken conscience made reply, " / was the wretched cause." 29 LUKE VIII. 52. SHE IS NOT DEAD, BUT SLEEPETII. The baby wept ; The mother took it from the nurse's arms, And sooth'd its grief, and still'd its vain alarms, And baby slept. Again it weeps ; And God doth take it from the mother's arms, From present pain, and future unknown harms, And baby sleeps. ;J0 LUKE XIII. 16. A DAUGHTER OF ABRAHAM, WHOM SATAN HATH BOUND. The throng'd saloon and glittering hall, Are Maida's fairy homes ; There is enchantment over all The scenes through which she roams. And every night the dance is there, There Maida, too, we see ; An angel sent to banish care From earth, might Maida be. But every night ? must Maida go ? Has life no scene but one ? No duties ? and does Maida know How soon that life is gone ? ;31 Alas ! alas ! poor Maida knows, But dares not — cannot fly ; Though tired, she must not seek repose, Though sad, she must not sigh. The jewel] 'd neck thou dost behold, Is fair as light to thee ; But a chain it wears that's not of gold, And that chain thou canst not sec. Satan hath bound that creature fair, His prisoner is she ; O to the Lord break forth in prayer, Poor Maida, and be free ! 32 LUKE XVII. 5. AND THE APOSTLES SAID UNTO THE LORD, INCREASE OUR FAITH. What ! gazing on your Saviour's face, And listening to his word, Dared ye to ask for further grace, To credit all you heard ? Yet so it is ; belief springs still In soils that nurture doubt ; And we must go to Him who will The baneful weed cast out. Did never thorns thy path beset ? Beware — be not deceived ; He who has never doubted yet, Has never yet believed.* * See Note A. M LUKE XXIII. 28. BIT JESUS TURNING UNTO TIIF.M SAID. DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM, WEEP NOT FOR ME, BUT WEEP FOR YOURSELVES, AND FOR YOUR < II1LDREX." The harp of Zion sleeps, Will none its chords awaken ? And Zion's daughter weeps, Alas for the forsaken ! He who the nations breaks,* Her ancient harp has broken ; Its mournful silence speaks, Herself a mournful token. And still she will not look To him, her King of Glory ; Her eye is on the book, Yet reads she not his story. Thou Bhalt break them with a rod of iron. — Psalm ii. 9. D 34 So Zion's harp must sleep, None may its chords awaken ; And Zion's daughter weep, Forsaking and forsaken. as LUKE XXIV. 34 THE LORD IS RISEN 1NDKLD. AND HATH APPEARED TO SIMON. And who is Simon ? mine own friend, With whom I daily walk ; Who makes my soul to heaven ascend, Whene'er of heaven we talk. O go, like Peter from the tomb, With tidings of the Lord — To sin and sorrow's darkened room Go — they will hear thy word. For on thy heart's bright page they'll read, And in thy looks they'll see, That Jesus rose, and lives indeed, And hath appeared to thee. d 2 36 JOHN VI. 20. IT IS I ; BE NOT AFRAID. The sinner's soul is dark when first He struggles with his sin ; O ! what are storms that o'er us burst To that — the storm within ! Saviour ! he looks around for thee, And thou art ever near : But it is night, and he can see No sight, but sights of fear. He sees thee ; but he cannot think That thou to him art come, To save him from the awful brink Of an eternal doom. 37 Speak, Lord ! he knows not who thou art, Amid that dismal shade — Say to the trembling sinner's heart, " It's I— be not afraid." 38 JOHN XVII. 35. BY THIS SHALL ALL MEN KNOW THAT Y£ ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YE HAVE LOVE ONE TO ANOTHER." Have I called thee my own brother, Whilst we knelt beside each other, Only to forget that name, And a brother's love disclaim ? Lord, thy word cannot be broken, Love is still the Christian's token ; When we meet, and when we part, Breathe it, Lord, o'er every heart. Write it there, that we inherit Heaven, as children of thy Spirit ; Brothers, sisters, born with breath Of a life that knows no death. 89 ACTS V. 1, 2. BIT A CERTAIN MAN NAMED ANANIAS, WITH SAl'PHIRA HIS WIFE, SOLD A POSSESSION, AND KEPT BACK PART OF THE PRICE, HIS WIFE ALSO BEING PRIVY TO IT, AND BROUGHT A CERTAIN PART, AND LAID IT AT THE APOSTLES* FEET." No gold and silver, Lord, have we Devoted, and withheld from thee ; But oft we give thee all our heart, Give all, and still keep back a part. Forbid it then, O Lord, that we, Like those whose fearful doom we read, Or like the blinded Pharisee, Should boast of paying all to thee, Of inward thought, or outward deed ; When much we squander, much secrete, And lay a remnant at thy feet. 40 ACTS XXVII. 30, 31. AND AS THE SHIPMEN WERE ABOUT TO FLEE OUT OF THE SHIP, WHEN THEY HAD LET DOWN THE BOAT INTO THE SEA, UNDER COLOUR AS THOUGH THEY WOULD HAVE CAST ANCHORS OUT OF THE FORE-SHIP, PAUL SAID TO THE CENTURION AND TO THE SOLDIERS, EXCEPT THESE ABIDE IN THE SHIP, YE CANNOT BE SAVED." Bereft of fortune, friends, and fame — Gone every earthly hope and aim — What should I do ? The mariner, without mast or sail, Lets his bark drive before the gale — So do thou too. She'll live awhile — that friendless wreck, Though breakers sweep her flooded deck, And plank from plank are rending ; Cling to her — when 'tis time, from Heaven The word for quitting shall be given — Abide — thy life 's depending. II ACTS XXVII. 29. THEN FEARING LEST THEY SHOULD HAVE FALLEN UPON ROCKS THEY CAST FOUR ANCHORS OUT OF THE STERN, AND WISHED FOI THE DAY." What will morn bring ? — Some treacherous shore, Whose people lust for human gore ? Or sadder — where the eye shall scan Nor man, nor any food for man. What will morn bring? — How oft have I, Since sorrow wet my sleepless eye, That weary question asked in vain, And wished for morn, though morn brings pain ! Your lot is mine, enduring crew, And, therefore, I will learn of you : Now all my daylight hours are past, My anchor on a Rock I'll cast. 4*2 I'll wait for morn — that morn, whose light This dark world veils from human sight ; Whose hours begin when Time is o'er, Whose sun will rise to set no more. i.; ROMANS VIII. 11, 15. FOR AS MANY AS ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOU, THEY ARE THE SONS OF GOD. FOR YE HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE SPIRIT OF BOND- AGE AGAIN TO FEAR; BUT YE HAVE RECEIVED THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION, WHEREBY WE CRY. ABBA. FATHER." Fathlr, my way is dark and wild ; Take pity on thy wandering child, And lead me, as thy Spirit led Those numbered with the holy dead. Calmly they walked their vale of tears, Untroubled by its phantom fears ; Children beneath a Father's care, They only felt that Thou wert there. O guide me, as thy Spirit gave His guidance, over land and wave, To those who saw thy Gospel spread, And made thy word their daily bread. 44 O lead me, as thy Spirit led The martyr to his fiery bed ; Who kindled with the kindling brand A torch that blazed throughout this land.* Or if thy child in silence goes With those whose trials no man knows, Still, Father, leave me not alone Until my pilgrimage be done. See Note B. 45 1 CORINTHIANS VII. 16. WHAT KSOWEST THOU, O AVIFE, WHETHER THOU SHALT SAVE THY HUSBAND ?" He strays — how far, to thee alone, My Saviour and my God, is known ; Yet think upon thy word, that says, The wife may win him from his ways — May, haply, mend the broken tie, That linked us for eternity. In mercy, Lord, his soul defend, And be my counsellor and friend ; For unto thee, and only thee, I tell my tale of misery. No eye but thine has seen my tears, No bosom shared my doubts and fears. 4G Thou too art witness, when I said, "Until death part us we will wed," ! Twas written on my fervid heart, That we were not in death to part, But that we asked a blessing then, Which we might ask in heaven again. In heaven ? If I alone could be In heaven, would it be heaven to me ? Save, save me from the thought, O Lord ; I will not go beyond thy word, I'll labour for his soul and mine, And all besides to thee resign. 11 PHILTPPTANS T. 2.r 24. FOR I AM IN A STRAIT BETWIXT TWO, HAYING A DESIRE TO DEPART, AND TO BE WITH CHRIST; WHICH IS EAR BETTER" NEVERTHELESS TO ABIDE IN THE FLESH IS MOFE NEEDFUL FOR YOE." Round every heart fond nature winds Some tie to keep us here ; Man toils and murmurs — still lie finds That earth has something dear — Treasures that outweigh all the ill, And make him choose to live on still. Hadst thou none such, beloved Paul ? And did the hand divine That chasten'd thee, remove them nil, As it has taken mine ? O ! would that I with thee could say, " This world is better for mv stay." -18 PHILIPPIANS IV. 11. HAVE LEARNED, IN WHATSOEVER STATE 1 AM, THEREWITH TO BE CONTENT." Some days are days of mildness, And genial suns are glowing ; And some are days of wildness, And wintry winds are blowing : But in heaven's smile of gladness, Or in the storm that's blowing, To murmur's sin and madness, For both are God's bestowing. So some are merry-making, Without a care or sorrow, Whilst others, mirth forsaking, Look thoughtful on to-morrow. But if we bask in pleasure, Or under cares are bending, We'll count it heavenly treasure, For it is all God's sending. 49 1 THESSALONIANS IV. 13. Ill T I WOOLS NOT HAVE YOU TO BE IGNORANT, BRETHREN, CONCERN- ING I1I1.M WHICH ARE ASLEEP, THAT YE SORROW NOT, EVEN AS OTHERS WHICH HAVE NO HOPE." SORROW WITHOUT HOPE. ^Translated from Catullus.'] The way was long — o'er land and sea, My brother, I have come to thee, To pay the dues that mourners pay, To say the words that mourners say ; But O ! mid this vain pageantry, How fondly yearns, my heart for thee ! For thee ? — To senseless dust I speak- 'Tis senseless dust I came to seek ; My greeting or my parting word Will never more by thee be heard. 50 2 THESSALONIANS III. 5. AND THE LORD DIRECT YOUR HEARTS UNTO THE LOVE OP GOD. My poor heart clung to earth — too high And holy for affection's eye Was He who rules in Heaven above ; — I trembled, and I could not love ! Delightful then it was to me, Jesus, to sit and think on thee : Thee I could love ; each day became More dear to me thy human name. Time brought — I know not how — time brought My heart the blessing it had sought ; And O ! the truth was heaven to me, That I loved God in loving thee. 51 2 TIMOTHY I. 6. WHEREFORE I PUT THEE IN REMEMBRANCE THAT THOU STIR UP THE GIFT OF GOD WHICH IS IN THEK, BY THE PUTTING ON OF MY UAXDS." Something whispers within me That all is not right, For I take little pleasure In praying to-night ; And my eye wanders over The page of God's word, But the breath of his Spirit My heart has not stirred. Help, help me, O my Saviour, I must not give way ; — Help, help me in reading, And help me to pray. E 2 52 PHILEMON, ver. 15 FOR PERHAPS HE THEREFORE BFPARTED FOR A BE A SO V, THAT THOU SHOTTLDERT RECEIVE HIM FOR EVER." ONESIMUS. Go to thy master, go alone, Nor dread an angry tyrant's power, In him who kneels at Mercy's throne ; Go fearless, it is Mercy's hour. Go fearless, for the lips that plead With him for thee to be forgiven, Are those which taught him his own need Of pardon from his Lord in heaven. Shall Heaven for him its pity have, And he no pity for another ? And is not his once truant slave, His fellow-servant now, and brother? 53 Go, tell him how, in dire distress, With terror hovering o'er thy track, Like Hagar in the wilderness, God's angel found, and sent thee back. And if he chide thee, and complain That for a season thou didst stray, Say, it has made thee his again, Not for a season, but alway. To him — to me — the Lord did give This pledge of Mercy's wondrous ways, That thou shouldst be, poor fugitive, A theme for hope, and prayer, and praise. When death shall quench some lov'd one's smile, When soul from soul the grave shall sever, I'll say, " Like thee they're gone awhile, To be again my own for ever." M HEBREWS III. 13. EXHORT OXE ANOTHER DAILY, WHILE IT IS CALLED TO-DAY. The weary man, whose work is done, Looks calmly on yon setting sun ; His home he'll reach ere fades the light, And shadows deepen into night. But I have wasted all my day ; Was sent, yet loiter'd on the way ; Purpos'd, and still my work delayed, Till o'er me steals life's evening shade. Yet, though I toil in haste and fear, And tremble, Lord, thy voice to hear, Turn not the labourer away, Who comes while it is call'd to-day. REVELATION VI. 11. AND WHITE ROBES WERE GIVEN UNTO EVERY ONE OF THEM; AND IT WAS SAID UNTO THEM, THAT THEY SHOULD REST YET EOR A LITTLE SEASON, UNTIL THEIR FELLOW-SERVANTS ALSO AND THEIR BRETHREX, THAT SHOULD BE KILLED AS THEY WERE, SHOULD BE FULFILLED." That snow-white robe to thee is given — The Lord has deckt his own for heaven ; And art thon waiting still, till we Are ready to go on with thee ? Alas for us ! without, within, Are spread the fatal toils of sin, To steal away the hope that threw Its light so sweetly over you. But O ! how gladly would I drink Thy bitter cup, if I may think That when its bitterness is o'er, We then shall meet to part no more. 56 Yet, for a little season, rest — Sin cannot stain thy snowy vest; And Jesus bids thee rest, till he Has made us meet to go with thee. 57 REVELATION XXI. 4. AND GOD SHALL WIPE AWAY ALL TEARS FROM THEIR EYES. Why should the Christian mother sigh To see her darlings fade ? The unbeliever asks thee why — Art thou of death afraid ? Is this thy hope, thy holy love ? The love that casts out fear ? The hope that dreams of worlds above ? O whence that burning tear ? But, mourner, weep — thy dear Lord wept O'er one beloved friend ; Sorrow — yet not as though they slept The sleep that knows no end. .'>8 Weep— it is God and nature's will In this thy mortal day ; These human tears must flow, until God wipes them all away. 59 KK\ ELATION XXI. 9, 10. '' COME HITHER, I WILL SHEW THEE THE BRIDE, THE LAMB'S WIFE. AND HE SHEWED ME THAT GREAT CITY, THE HOLY JERUSALEM, DESCENDING OUT OS HEAVEN FROM GOD, HAVING THE GLORY OF GOD." Come hither — angel tongues invite — Come hither, and behold the sight ; A bridal city, built in heaven, And bright with glory God has given. holy messenger, in vain My wistful eye to heaven I strain ; 1 see no city in mid-air, No bridal vision, strange and fair. Come hither, still the angel cried, See mingling thousands side by side, Kneeling and worshipping together, Each calling each beloved brother. GO Is this thy bridal city, Lord ? So let me understand thy Word ; So cleanse my soul of all its sin, That I may go and dwell therein ! ()1 REVELATION XXII. If). "THE BRIGHT AND MORNING 6TAR. Ye holy men, who watched from far, To see " the bright and morning star," But watch'd in vain* — whose lot was given, Beneath a dim and twilight heaven ; Ye holy men, what will ye say To us, for whom has dawned the day, Who slumber on the sleep of night, Unconscious of the glorious sight ? Ye angels, who in vain desire To gaze and learnf — in vain admire — Children of heaven, what will ye say To man who sees, and turns away ? * Luke x. 21. f 1 lVtcr i. 12. 62 THE OFT-FORGIVEN. Yes, I'll believe thee, though thou art A dream for ever fading : I'll take thee to my ruined heart, Without one weak upbraiding. More oft have I to God returned, And He still turned to me ; He never yet my sorrow spurned— O ! how could I spurn thee ? 63 MARTHA AND MARY. Blame not a sister, if her way Of seeking God 's not thine ; Chicle not, if she at home will stay, Nor in thy good work join. O'er heath and hill, from door to door, Go thou, and seek and find His praise, who yet may praise her more Whom thou dost leave behind. 64 LOVE KEEPING WATCH. Far on yon heath, so lone and wild, A mother sits to watch her child, Delighted with its heedless play, Yet fearful of its going astray. God watches both ; O mother, pray That when those little feet shall stray O'er paths of life more lone and wild, God still may watch thy heedless child. Pray, little one, that God may bless Thy mother for her tenderness, And watch her from his throne above With all her own unwearied love, 63 CONFIRMATION HYMN. Lord, shall thy children come to thee? A boon of love divine we seek : Brought to thy arms in infancy, Ere hearts could feel or tongue could speak. Thy children pray for grace, that they May come themselves to thee this day. Lord, shall we come, and come again? Oft as we see yon table spread, And, tokens of thy dying pain, The wine pour'd out, the broken bread ; Bless, bless, O Lord, thy children's prayer, That they may come and find thee there. F 66 Lord, shall we come, come yet again ? Thy children ask one blessing more — To come, (not now alone and then,) When life and death and time are o'er, Then, then to come, O Lord, and be Confirmed in heaven, confirmed by thee ! 07 WRITTEN IN A BIBLE, A PRESENT TO A GOD-CHILD. A king for earthly wisdom prayed, God gave the boon he sought ; That king God's law still disobeyed, He knew, and did it not. Ask thou, my child, a better boon, The wisdom from above ; Nor think thy morn of life too soon To learn a Saviour's love. But ask not skill to understand The deep and curious lore, With which too many a reckless hand Hath gloss'd these pages o'er. f 2 OS Pray for what passeth human skill, The power God's will to do ; Read thou, that thou may'st do his will, And thou shalt know it too. And what if much be still unknown ? Thy Lord will teach thee that, When thou shalt stand before His throne, Or sit as Mary sat. Wait, and He will himself disclose Things now beyond our reach ; And listen not, my child, to those Who the Lord's secrets teach ; — Who teach thee more than He has taught, Tell more than He revealed ; Preach tidings that He never brought, And read what He left sealed. 69 TO TWO VERY DEAR LITTLE GIRLS WHO LEFT A NOSEGAY TO WITHER IN MY STUDY. Beautiful ! And were they made Only thus to bloom and fade ? 'Twas but yesterday they shone Unrivalled, and to-day are gone. But will He, who glory gives To the humblest plant that lives, Who these tiny things so deck'd, Will He your dear souls neglect ? They lift their head His light to share — So lift you your hearts in prayer ; Softly on them rests His dew, — So may his Spirit rest on you : You look on, admire and love, What if thus, from Heaven above, Angels now are looking on At what God for vou has done ? 70 THE EFFICACY OF FAITH. The waves were dashing loud and high, My child looked on with me : " Father," she cried, " why may not I Trust God and walk that sea ? " Was it not lack of faith alone That made the Apostle sink ? By faith, therefore, it may be done — Father, what should I think ?" " The Lord bade Peter go, my child ; And, should he thee command, Thy feet would on those waters wild Be firm as on this sand. 71 " But life has storms more awful yet, Waves rougher than yon sea ; Then do not thou, in these, forget That Jesus is with thee. " Care not what others have to do — What may be or has been; But, on the path God calls thee, go, And use thy faith therein." 72 ON THE ORIGINAL SPRING AT TUNBRIDGE WELLS.* When the forest tree shaded this lone quiet ri]l> A forlorn man here wandered to drink day by day ; On his cheek was the death-stain that mocks human skill, And the bloom of his young days had faded away. Then sparkled the wine-cup in Neville's blithe hall, And the harp too was there with its wild witching thrill ; But in sadness of spirit he tum'd from it all, To wander and drink at this lone quiet rill. And sadness and death passed away like a dream — He has gone to his hearth, the dear home of his love — So, my Saviour, let me drink of thy living stream, So depart, cleansed and whole, to my home that's above. * bee Note C. 73 E M Dear gentleman, 1 murmur not, For pain and trouble are our lot ; And we should grieve for that within, The pain and wretchedness of sin ; My Saviour, he hath taught me this — what a gracious friend he is ! Not long ago, I chanced to see What seemed a blighted sapless tree, But as I looked and drew more near, Fresh leaves were sprinkled here and there ; And still I looked, for in that tree, 1 read my own life's history. * See Note I). 74 I was not thinking of this pain, This scorching fever in my brain, But that to me, sin-blighted thing, The Lord had given a second spring ; O yes ! to both of us was given New life, and from the same kind Heaven. THE CANDLE-FLY AND THE STUDENT My madness is to rove where light Looks fairest, though it quench my sight ; To dive into its dazzling springs, Though fatal to my feet and wings. And thou, pale student, who art doing Thy all to save me from my ruin, The page thy candle doth illume, Lures thee as fondly to thy doom. It thins thy young cheeks more and more, It withers all their living bloom, And many who are gone before, Look back and warn thee from the tomb : But it is light for which you sigh, And light is glorious to thine eye : Thou too must go — to blaze and die ! 76 SORROW WITH HOPE. The grave has lost its dull cold gloom, Now thou art there ; My home is with thee in the tomb, My rest from care. It seems not mine, my silent hearth, My lonely bed ; And thoughts that once were of this earth, Are of the dead — Of how much thou wilt have to tell When we shall meet ; In God's own home how sweet to dwell ! New life how sweet ! And though I linger, every day I think on thee With Him ; and where thou art I pray That I may be. 77 TO MARY. We'll talk of thee when summer hours Bring back to us your favorite flowers ; We'll talk of thee then, Mary. When winter's hearth is blazing bright, The hearts thy merry smile made light Will muse on thee then, Mary. That winter-hearth, those flowers so sweet, Are friends we still may hope to meet ; But when shall we meet thee, Mary ! NOTES. Note A. p. 32. He who has never doubted yet, Has never yet believed. The assertion conveyed in these lines must not be understood to imply that infidelity, either complete or partial, is a necessary stage to belief in Christianity. The doubt meant is a candid hesitation in examining the evidence for and against gospel truth ; and, on every occasion, not only a perception of any objections made, but an acquiescence in them as objections, until they have been satisfactorily removed. The besetting temptation of the christian profession, when Christianity is triumphant, is to assent to all things without proving any. Now although it cannot be denied, that even when assent is thus indolently given — when there is, properly speaking, no reason for the hope within the be- liever — he may live soberly and piously under the influence of the religion to which he is attached ; still we are commanded to make faith a practical principle— the great practical principle ; and for faith to become this, it must be acquired by the natural and only process — the progress from doubt to assurance. Note B. p. 44. Who kindled with the kindling brand, A torch that blazed throughout this land. " Be of good cheer, brother; we shall this day kindle such a torch in England as I trust in God shall never be extinguished." — Latimer's words to Ridley at the stake. 80 Note C. p. 72. The story is related of Dudley Lord North, in the reign of James I., and the medicinal properties of the Tunbridge Wells spring are said to have been thus first made known. Note D. p. 73. The subject of these lines was at one time an object of great interest to some friends, through whom 1 was introduced to her. The account received was, that she was born and educated in a low class of society, and was naturally a plain rustic character ; but that she was subject to fits of insanity, (if it might be so called,) and that while these lasted, she not only taught herself several ingenious and elegant kinds of work, but displayed in her conversation, powers of mind and refinement of feeling quite un- accountable, and at variance with her former character, especially when speaking on religious topics. When her fit was over, she appeared to relapse into her former dull self, forgot all her accom- plishments, was incapable of recovering them, or learning any new ones ; and lost all her eloquence and imagination. She appeared to be about eighteen or nineteen. In the verses, I have done little more than throw into metre, what fell from her on one of the occa- sions I saw her. I regret to add, that she was subsequently dis- covered to have been practising an imposture, (certainly a very- skilful one,) in all those points that made her history marvellous. THE END. R.CLAY, PRINTER, ERE AD-STR E IT-H I L L.