■^ TpL + ' I 1. THE ^--^"^^ Changed Cross. AND THE SHADOW OF THE ROCK. RELIGIOUS POEMS SELECTED FROM MANY SOURCES. NEW YORK: ANSON I). F. RANDOLPH & CU., No 77 BROADWAY- ^ THE Changed Cross. Other Religious Poems. -tfj — ^ The great favor which a part oF the fol- lowing selections had met in the form of " Leaflets for Letters," induced the Publisher, some few years ago, to gather them in a vol- ume that has found a wide circulation. The present is a new and enlarged edition. As the poems are mainly waifs, gathered from magazines and newspapers, it has not been possible, except in a few instances, to ascer- tain the names of the writers. New -York, March, 1865. ■»li -jf*- : Jl'.l '| « J«L » H«|H( I J 1 n- j:p" u MtMM The Chanqed Gross, XSD Other Religious Poems. IT was a time of sadness, and my heart, Althougli it knew and loved the better part, Felt wearied with the conflict and the strife, And all the needful discipline of life. And while I thought on these, as given to me — ■ My trial tests of faith and love to be — It seemed as if I never could be sure That faithful to the end I should endure. And thus, no longer trusting to His might Who says, " We walk by faith, and not by sight," Doubting, and almost yielding to despair, The thought arose — My cross I cannot bear : Far heavier its weight must surely be Than those of others which I daily see. Oh ! if I rain;ht another burden choose, Methiiiks I should not fear my crown to lose. -* — % TffB CHAXGED CROSS. A solemn silence reigned on all around — E'en Nature's voices uttered not a sound ; The evening shadows seemed of peace to tell, And sleep upon my weary spirit fell. A moment's pause — and then a heavenly light Beamed full upon my wondering, raptured sight Angels on silvery wings seemed everywhere, And angels' music thrilled the balmy air. Then One, more fair than all the rest to see — One to whom all the others bowed the knee — Came gently to me as I trembling lay. And, " Follow me 1" He said ; " I am the Way." Then, speaking thus. He led me far above, And there, beneath a canopy of love, Crosses of divers shape and size were seen. Larger and smaller than my own had been. And one there was, most beauteous to behold, A little one, with jewels set in gold. Ah ! this, methought, I can with comfort wear, For it will be an easy one to bear : And so the little cross I quickly took ; But, all at once, my frame beneath it shook. The sparkbng jewels fair were they to see, But far too heavy was their weir/ht for mc. n 4^- % THE GUANOED CROSS. " This may not be," I cried, and looked again, To see if there was any here could ease my pain ; Uut, one by one, I passed them slowly by, Till on a lovely one I cast my eye. Fair flowers around its sculptured form entwined, And grace and beauty seemed in it combined. Wondering, I gazed ; and still I wondered more To think so many should have jDassed it o'er. But oh ! that form so beautiful to see Soon made its hidden sorrows known to me ; Thorns lay beneath those flowers and colors fair 1 Sorrowing, I said : " This cross I may not bear." And so it was with each and all around — Not one to suit my need could tliere be found ; Weeping, I laid each heavy burden down. As my Guide gently said : " No cross, no crown !" At length, to Him I raised my saddened heart : lie knew its soitows, bid its doubts depart. '• Be not afraid," He said, " but trust in me — My perfect love shall now be shown to thee." And then, with lightened eyes and willing feet, Again I turned, my earthly cross to meet, With forward footsteps, turning not aside, For fear some hidden e^il might betide ; 8 THE CHANGED CROSS. And there — In the prepared, appointed way, Listening to hear, and ready to obey — A cross I qiU'ckly found of plainest form, With only words of love inscribed thereon. With thankfulness I raised it from the rest, And joyfully acknowledged it the best — The only one of all the many there That I could feel was good for me to bear. And, while I thus my chosen one confessed, I saw a heavenly brightness on it rest ; And, as I bent, my burden to sustain, I recognized my own old cross again. But oh ! how different did it seem to bo Now I had learned its preciousness to see I No longer could 1 unbelieving say, Perhaps another Is a better way. Ah no ! henceforth my own desire shall be, That lie who knows me best should choose for mo And so, whate'er His love sees good to send, I'll trust it's best, because He knows th.e end. •' For my thoughts are not your thoughts, saith the Lord."— Isaiah 50 : 8. " For I knoTT the thoughts that I think towards you — thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." — Jer. 29 : 11. And when that happy time shall come, of endless peace and rest, We shall look back upon our path, and say : It was the best. Tfi — qr k THE MEETIKQ-PLAOE. % THE MEETING-PLACE, WHERE the faded flower shall freshen, Freshen never more to fade ; Where the shaded sky shall brighten, Brighten never more to shade ; Where the sun-blaze never scorches ; Where the star-beams cease to chill ; Where no tempest stirs the echoes Of the wood, or wave, or hill ; Where the morn shall wake in gladness, And the moon the joy prolong ; Where the daylight dies in fragrance 'Md the burst of holy song — Brother, we shall meet and rest 'Md the holy and the blest. Where no shadow shall bewilder ; Where life's vain parade is o'er ; Where the sleep of sin is broken, And the dreamer dreams no more ; Where the bond is never severed — Partings, claspings, sobs, and moan, ISiidnight waking, twilight weeping, Heavy noontide — all are done ; Where the child has found its mother, Where the mother finds the child; 1^ 10 THE MEETINt^-PLAOE. Where dear families are gathered That were scattered on the wild — Brother, we shall meet and rest 'Md the holy and the blest. Where the hidden wound is healed ; Where the blighted light re-blooms ; Where the smitten heart the freshness Of its buoyant youth resumes ; Where the love that here we lavish On the withering leaves of time, Shall have fadeless flowers to fix on, In an ever spring-bright clime ; Where we find the joy of loving, As we never loved before ; Loving on unchilled, unhindered, Loving once and evermore — Brother, we shall meet and rest ']\Iid the holy and the blest. Where a blasted world shall brighten Underneath a bluer sphere. And A softer, gentler sunshine Shed its healing splendor here ; Where earth's barren vales shall blossom, Putting on their robe of green, And a purer, fairer Eden Be where only wastes have been ; ^ taaimmimmmm jtj '■ 1±+ TITE PILGRIM. U Where a Kiug, in kingly glory Such as earth has never known, Shall assume the righteous sceptre, Claim and wear the heavenly crown- Brother, we shall meet and rest 'Mid the holy and the blest. THE PILGRIM. STILL onward through this land of foca I pass in Pilgrim guise ; I may not stop to seek repose ; "Where cool the shadow lies I may not stoop amid the grass To pluck earth's fairest flowers. Nor by her springing fountains pass The sultry noontide hours ; Yet flowers I wear upon my breast That no earth-garden knows — White lilies of immortal peace, And love's deep-tinted rose ; And there the blue-eyed flowers of faith, And hope's bright buds of gold, As lone I tread the upward path, In richest hues unfold, 71 _ n *^ 12 THE PILGRIM. tt I keep my armor ever on, For foes beset my way ; X watch, lest passing on alone I fall a helpless prey. No earthly love have I — ^I lean Upon no mortal breast ; But my Beloved, though unseen, Walks near and gives me rest. Afar, around, I often see, Throughout this desert wide. His Pilgrims pressing on like me — They often pass my side : The kindly smile, the gentle word, For Jesus' sake I give ; But love — O Thou alone adored I For Thee alone I live. Painful and dark the pathway seems To distant earthly eyes ; They only see the hedging thorns On either side that rise ; They can not know how soft between The flowers of love are strewn — Tbe sunny ways, the pastures green. Where Jesus leads His own ; They cannot see, as darkening clouds Behind the Pilgrim close, ffOLY TEARS. IS How far adown the western glade The golden glory flows ; They cannot hear 'mid earthly din The son"; to Pilo;nms known, Still blending with the angels' hyrnu Around the wondrous throne. So I, Thy bounteous token-flowers Still on my bosom wear ; While me, the fleeting love-winged hem's To Thee still nearer bear ; So from my lips Thy song shall flow, My sweetest music be ; So on mine eyes the glory grow, Till all Is lost in Thee. HOLY TEARS. YES, thou may'st weep, for Jesus shed Such tears as those thou sheddest now. When, for the living or the dead, Sorrow lay heavy on his brow. He sees thee weep, yet doth not blame The weakness of thy flesh and heart 5 Thy human nature is the same As that in which he took a part. .^ f I — — 1 ■ ■ ' * "I" tfj ~~^ 14 HOLY TEARS. lie knoT^s its weakness, for he felt The crushing power of pain and woe, How body, soul, and spirit melt And faint beneath the stunning: blow. "What if poor sinners count thv grief The sign of an unchastened will ? lie who can give thy soul relief. Knows that thou art submissive still. Turn thee to Him, to Him alone ; For all that our poor lips can say To soothe thee, broken-hearted one, "Would fail to comfort thee to-day. "We will not speak to thee, but sit In prayerful silence by thy side : Grief has its ebbs and flows ; 'tis fit Our love should wait the ebbinof title, Jesus Himself will comfort thee. In His own time, in His own way ; And haply more than " two or three" Unite in prayer for thee to-day. "T^ — rp" +J — —\±^ WHOLLY EESIG^TED. 15 QOB OUR STRENGTH. MAN, in his weakness, needs a stronger stay Than fellow-men, the holiest and the best : And yet we turn to them from day to day, As if in them our spirits could find rest. Gently untwine our childish hands, that cling To such inadequate supports as these, And shelter us beneath Thy heavenly wing, Till we have learned to walk alone with ease. Help us, O Lord ! with patient love to bear Each other's faults, to suffer with true meekness Help us each other's joys and griefs to share, But let us turn to Thee alone in weakness. ^WHOLLY RESIGNED. CHE-IST leads us through no darker rooms Than he went through before : He that into God's kingdom comes, Must enter by this door : Come, Lord, when grace hath made mc meet Thy blessed face to see, For if Thy work on earth be sweet, What will Thy glory be ! ^ rf- nni» J^+J— ' — — 1+ 1 6 " MY TIMES ARE IJ^ THY UANDy Tlien I shall end my sad complaints, And weary, sinful days ; And join with the triumphant saints. That sing Jehovah's praise : My knowledge of that life is small, The eye of faith is dim, But 'tis enough that Christ knows all, And I shall be with Ilim. "JfF TIMES ARE IN THY HAND,"* Psalm 81 : 15. FATHER, I know that all my life Is portioned out for me ; And the changes that are sure to come, I do not fear to see ; But I ask Thee for a present mind Intent on pleasing Thee. I ask Thee for a thankful love, Through constant watching wise, To meet the glad with joyful smiles, And to wipe the weeping eyes, And a heart at leisure from itself, To soothe and sympathize. -JV" ^ *^MY TIMES ARE IN THY HAND:' 17 I would not have the restless will That hurries to and fro, Seeking for some great thing to do, Or secret thing to know ; I would be dealt with as a child, And guided where to go. AVherever In the world I am, In whatsoe'er estate, I have a fellowship with hearts. To keep and cultivate ; And a work of holy love to do, For the Lord on whom I wait. I ask Thee for the daily strength, To none that ask denied ; And a mind to blend with outward life, 'While keeping at Thy side ; Content to fill a little space, If Thou be glorified. And if some things I do not ask. In my cup of blessing be, 1 would have my spirit filled the more With grateful love to Thee — More careful than to serve Thee much, To please Thee perfectly. There are briers besetting every path, That call for patient care ; 4±r — ~ii 18 THE BORDER-LANDS. TLere is a crook in every lot, And a need for earnest prayer ; But a lowly heart that leans on Thee, Is happy everywJliere. In a service that Thy love appoints, There are no bonds for mc, For my secret heart is taught the truth That makes Thy children " free j" And a life of self-renouncinjr love Is a life of liberty. THE BORDER-LANDS. FATHER, into Thy loving hands My feeble spirit I commit, While wandering in these Border-Lands, Until Thy voice shall summon it. Father, I would not dare to choose A longer life, an earlier death ; I know not what my soul might lose By shortened or protracted breath. These Border-Lands are calm and still, And solemn are their sUent shades ; And my heart welcomes them, until The light of life's long evening fades. tij BiSa 4" % the; BORDER-ZAmys. 10 I heard them spoken of with dread, As fearful and unquiet places ; Shades, where the living and the dead Look sadly in each other's faces. But since Thy hand' hath led me here. And I have seen the Border-Land ; Seen the dark river flowing near, Stood on its brink, as now I stand, There has been nothing to alarm My trembling soul ; how could I fear While thus enci.'cled with Thine arm ? I never felt Thee half so near. Wliat should appal me in a place That brings me hourly nearer Thee ? When I may almost see Thy face — Surely 'tis here my soul would be. They say the waves are dark and deep, That faith has perished in the river ; They speak of death with fear, and weep . Shall my soul perish ? Never ! never ! 1 knoAv that Thou wilt never leave The soul that trembles wliile it clin«s o To Thee : I know Thou Avilt achieve Its passage on Thine outspread win^is. ll i J Tp Tp** 20 % ALL^ ALL IS KNOWN TO THEE:' And since I first was bronglit so near The stream that flows to the Dead Sea, I think that it has grown more clear And shallow than it used to he. 1 can not see the golden gate Unfolding yet, to welcome me \ I can not yet anticipate The joy of heaven's jubilee \ But I will camly watch and pray Until I hear my Saviour's voice CalUng my happy soul away, To see his glory, and rejoice. ''ALL, ALL JS iiTiVOIFiV TO THEE:' "When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, tlien Thou knewest my path." *T\ IVY God, whose gracious pity I may claim, _3JL Calling Thee Fathc-r — sweet, endearing name ! The S'ufTerings of this weak and weary frame, All, all are known to Thee. From human eye 'tis better to conceal IMuch that I suffer, much I hourly feel ; But oh ! the thoughl; does tranquillize and heal— All, all is known to Thee. ■TVMrrt"""" ' f 'tmrnoFr f»'»'».'imf CTCTKV^^ ~* LZ ■4h •ALL, ALL IS KN-OWN TO THEE:' 21 Each secret conflict with indwcllino: sin, Each sickening fear I ne'er the prize shall win, Eacli pang from irritation, turmoil, din — All, all are known to Thee. When in the morning imrefreshed I wake, Or in the night but little sleep can take, T^liis brief appeal submissively I make- — All, all is known to Tliee. Nay, all by Thee is ordered, chosen, planned — Each drop that fills my daily cup ; Thy hand Prescribes for ills none else can understand. All, all is known to Thee. The effectual means to cure what I deplore ; In me Thy longed-for likeness to restore ; Self to dethrone, never to govern more — All, all are known to Thee. And this continued feebleness, this state Which seems to unnerve and incapacitate. Will work the cure my hopes and prayers await — That can I leave to Thee. Nor will the bitter draught distasteful prove, 'NVhen I recall the Sox of Thy dear love ; The cup Thou wouldst no; for our sakes remove — That cup He drank for me. — I " taOtm ^ — ^ 22 OR I FOB THE HAPPY DA YS GONE BY. He drank it to the dregs — no drop remained Of wrath, for those whose cup of woe he drained Man ne'er can know what that sad cup contained, All, all is known to Thee. And welcome, irrecious, can His Spirit make My little drop of suffering for His sake. Father, the cup I drink, the path I take, All, all is known to Thee. OH! FOR THE HAPPY DAYS GONE BY On ! for the happy days gone by, When love ran smooth and free j Days when my spirit so enjoyed More than earth's liberty ! Oh ! for the times when on my heart Long prayer had never palled, Times when the ready thought of God Would come when it was called ! Tlicn when I knelt to meditate. Sweet thoughts came o'er my soul, Countless, and bright, and beautiful, Beyond my own control. Oh ! Avho hath lockei those fountains up ? Those visions w lio hath staid ? u" OH! FOR THE HAPPY DA YS QONE BY. 23 What sudden act hath thus transformed My sunshine Into shade ? This freezing heart, O Lord ! this will, Dry as the desert sand — Good thoughts tliat will not come, bad thought That come without command — A faith that seems not faith, a hope That cares not for its aim — A love that none the hotter growo At Jesus' blessed name — The weariness of prayer, the mist O'er conscience overspread — The chill repugnance to frequent The feast of angels' bread : If this drear change be Thine, O Lord I If it be Thy sweet will, Sjiare not, but to the very brim The bitter chalice fill ; But if it hath been sin of mine, Oh ! show that sin to me — Not to get back the sweetness lost, But to make peace with Thee. One tiling alone, dear Lord, I dread- To have a secret spot 1^ 24 cm FOR THE HAPPY DAYS GONE BT. That separates my soul from Thee, And yet to know it not. Oh ! when the tide of graces set So full upon my heart, I know, dear Lord, how faithlessly I did my little part. I know how well my heart hath earned A chastisement like this, In trifling many a grace away In self-complacent bliss. But if this weariness hath come A present from on high, Teach me to find the hidden wealth That in its depths may lie ; So in this darkness I can learn To tremble and adore, To sound my own vile nothingness, And thus to love Thee moro; To love Thee, and yet not to think That I can love so mucli ; To have Thee with me. Lord ! all day Yet not to feel Thy touch. If I have served Thee, Lord ! for hire, Hire which Tliy beauty showed, ll H~ -_jj ^"xt LOST TliEASUEES. 25 Ah ! I can serve Thee now for naught, And only as my God. Oh ! blessed be this darkness, then, This deep in Avhich I lie ; And blessed be all things that teach God's dread supremacy ! LOST TREASURES. LET us be patient, God has taken from us The earthly treasures upon which we leaned, That from the fleeting things which lie around us, Our clinging hearts should be for ever weaned. They have passed from us — all our broad posses- sions : Ships, whose white sails flung wide past distant shores ; liands, whose rich harvests smiled In the glad sun- shine ; Silver and gold, and all our hoarded stores. And, dearer far, the pleasant home where gatliercd Our loved and loving round the blazing hearth j Where honored age on the soft cushions rested, And childhood played about m frolic mirth. J atna ■* 4r 28 LOST TREASURES. Where underneath the softened light bent kindly The mother's tender glance on daughters lair, And he on whom all leant "with fond confiding, Rested contented from his daily care. All shipwrecked in one common desolation ! The garden-wallvs by other feet are trod ; The clin2:inf; vines by other fin2:ers tutored To fling their shadows o'er the grassy sod. While carking care and deep humiliation, In tears are mingled with their daily bread; And the rude blasts we never thought could reach us, Have sf)ent their worst on each defenseless head. Let us be cheerful ! The same sky o'erarches — Soft rain falls on the evil and the good ; [ing On narrow walls, and through our humbler dwell God's glorious sunshine pours as rich a flood. Faith, hope, and love still in our hearts abiding. May bear their precious fruits in us the same ; And to the couch of sufierlng we may carry, If but the cup of water, In His name. Lt;t us be thankful, if in this affliction No grave is opened for the loving heart ; And while we bend beneath our Father's chiding, We yet can mourn " each family apart." •4^ SUNDAY. 27 Shoulder to shoulder let us breast the torrent, "With not one cold reproach nor angry look ; There are some seasons, when the heart is smitten, It can no whisper of unkindness brook. Our life is not in all these brief possessions ; Our home is not in any pleasant spot : Pilgrims and strangers we must journey onward, Contented with the portion of our lot. These earthly walls must shortly be dismantled ; These earthly tents be struck by angel hands ; But to be built up on a sure foundation, There, where our Father's mansion ever stands There shall we meet, parent and cliild, and dearer That earthly love which makes half heaven of home ; There shall we find our treasures all awaiting. Where change and death and parting never come. — ♦ — SUNDAY. "I WAS in the spirit on the Lord's day."— Rev. 1 : 10. A FTER long days of storms and showers, [\ Of sighing winds, and dripping bowera, How sweet, at morn, to ope our eyes ^ On newl}- *' swept and garnished" skies 1 -jfj- ^ 28 SUNDAY. To miss the clouds, and driving rain, And see that all is briHit axrain — So bright we cannot choose but say, Is this the world of yesterday ? Even so, methinks, the Sunda}' brings A change o'er all familiar things ; A change — we know not whence it camo— They are, and they are not, the same. There is a spell within, around. On eye and ear, on sight and sound , And, loth or willing, they and we Must own this day a myster}'. Sure all things wear a heavenly dress That sanctifies their loveliness, Types of that endless resting-day, When " we shall all be changed " as they. To-day our peaceful, ordered home Forcshadoweth mansions yet to come , We foretaste, in domestic love, The faultless charities above. And as at yester-eventlde Our tasks and toys were laid aside 5 Lo ! here our training for the day When we shall lay them down for aye. 1 VSSZCOSHBBBSI -*- SUIWA Y. it But not alone for musings deep, Meek souls their " day of days " will keep ; Yet other glorious things than these, The Christian in his Sabbath sees. His eyes, by faith, his Lord behold ; How on the week's first day of old From hell he rose, on Death he trod, Was seen of men, and went to God. And as we fondly pause to look Where in some daily-handled book, Approval's well-known tokens stand, Traced by some dear and thoughtful hand Even so there shines one day in seven, Bright with the special mark of Heaven, That we with love and praise may dwell On Him who loveth us so well. Whether in meditative walk. Alone with God and heaven "we talk, Catching the simple chime that calls Our feet to some old church's walls ; Or passed within the church's door, Where poor are rich, and rich are poor, We say the prayers, and hear the word. Which there our fathers said and heard ; rp" .jjr- 1:^ 30 SUNDA Y. (f Or represent in solcini) wise, Our all-prevailing sacrirure 5 Feeding in joint eonnnunion high, The life of faith that cannot die. And surely, in a world like this, So rife with woe, so scant of bliss — Where fondest hopes are oftenest crossed. And fondest hopes are severed most ; 'Tis something that wc kneel and pray With loved ones near and far away ; One God, one faith, one hope, one care, One form of words, one hour of prayer. *Tis just — ye( pause, till ear and heart, In one brief silence, ere we part. Somewhat of that hiirh strain have cauirht, " The peace of God which passeth thought." Then turn we to our earthly homes, Not doubting but that Jesus comes Breathing his peace on hall and hut At evening, when the doors are shut ; Then speeds us on our work-day way, And hallows every, connnon day ; Without Ilim Sunday's self were dim, But all are bri{»;ht, if t- pent with Ilim. _nP- ■tT ONE BY ONBi ONE B Y ONE. ONE by one the sands arc llowinfr One by one the nionuMits fall, Sonic arc cominfr, }H)nie are iroin<'- — Do not strive to nrasp them all One by one thy duties wait thee, Let thy whole strength f^o to each ; Let no future dreams elate tluH'. ; Learn thou first what those can teach. One by one, (bright -^Ifls from heaven,) Joys are sent thee here below; Take them readily, when given — Heady, too, ta let them go. One by one thy griefs shall meet thee, Do not fear an armed band ; Que will fade, while others greet thco, Shadows passing through the land. Do not look at life's long sorrow, • Sec how small eaeh moment's pain; God Avill help thee for to-morrow — Every day begin again. Every hour that fleets ro slowly, Has its task to do or bear; l l jf^ 32 ^liY'^S CHOICE. "1 Luminous the crown, and lioly, If thou set each gem with care. Do not linger with regretting, Or for passion's hour despond; Nor, the daily toil forgetting, Look too eagerly beyond. Hours are golden links, God's token, Reaching heaven, but one by one Take them, lest the chain be broken Ere the pilgrimage be done. MARTS CHOICE. JESUS, engrave it on my heart, That Thou the one thing needful art I could from all things parted be, But never, never, Lord, from Thee. Needful is Thy most precious blood, Needful is Thy correcting rod. Needful is Thy indulgent care, Needful Thy all-prevailing prayer. Needful Thy presence, dearest Lord, True peace and comfort to afford \ Ka. -a. 4i- •tffamlcm ''NEARER ROME:'i JS'eedful Thy promise to impart Fresh life and vigor to my heart. Needful art Thou to be my stay Through all life's dark and thorny way ; Nor less in death Thou'lt needful be, To bring my spirit home to Thee. Then needful still, my God, my King, Thy name eternally I'll sing ; Glory and praise be ever His — The " one thing needful " Jesus is. 4 ''NEARER home:' ONE sweetly solemn thought Comes to me o'er and o'er ; I'm nearer home to-day Than I ever have been before. Nearer my Father's house, Where the many mansions bo ; Nearer the great white throne, Nearer the jasper sea ; Nearer the bound of life, Where we lay our burdens down ; tr 84 ^OH! TO BE READY. Nearer leaving tlie cross, Nearer wearing the crown. But lying darkly between, Winding down througli tlic night, Is the dim and unknown stream That leads at last to the light. Closer, closer my steps Come to the dark abysm. Closer, death to my lips Presses the awful chrism. Saviour, perfect my trust, Strengthen the might of my faith, Let me feel as I would when I stand On the rock of the shore of death ; Feel as I would when my feet Are slipping over the brink ; For it may be I'm nearer home, Nearer now than I think. ■■Hi| tJmmmtmmaB OH! TO BE READY, ^H ! to be ready when death shall dome, Oh I to be ready to hasten home ! No earthward clinging, no lingering gaze. No strife at parting, no sore amaze ; jsmaammattM 4 TEE BRIDEGROOM'S DOVE. 35 No chains to sever that earth hath twined, No spell to loosen that love would bind. No flitting shadows to dim the light Of the angel-pinions winged for flight ; No cloud-like phantoms to fling a gloom 'Twixt heaven's bright portals and earth's dark tomb ; But sweetly, gently, to pass away From the world's dim twilight into day. To list the music of angel lyres, To catch the rapture of seraph fires, To lean in trust on the risen One, Till borne away to a fadeless throne. Oh ! to be ready when death shall come f Oh ! to be ready to hasten home ! THE BRIDEGROOM'S DOVE. " -MT Dove ! in the clefts of the rock, in the secret of tlio stairs."— Cast. 2 : 14. ' ' "A /TY Dove !" The Bridegroom speaks. To IVi- whom ? Whom, think'st thou, meaneth He V Say, O my soul I canst thou presume He thus addrcsscth thee ? A ■■■BHhI obbrs 4^ P TEE BRIVEGROOM'S DOVE. Yes, 'tis the Bridegroom's voice of love, Calling thee, O my soul J His Dove I The Dove is gentle, mild, and meek : Deserve I, then, the name ? 1 look within in vain to seek Aught v/hich can give a claim : Yet, made so by redeeming love. My soul, thou art the Bridegroom's Dove I Methinks, my soul, that thou may'st see, In this endearino; word, Reasons why Jesus likens thee To this defenseless bird ; Reasons which show the Bridegroom's lovo To His poor hclj^less, timid Dove I Tlie Dove, of all the feathered tribe, Doth least of power possess" My soul, what better can describe Thine utter helplessness ? Yet courage take ! the Bridegroom's lovo Will keep, defend, protect His Dove I The Dove hath neither claw nor sting, Nor weapon for the fight ; She owes her safety to her wing, Her victorv to fliohf. THE BBIDEGROOM'S DOVE. 37 A shelter hath the Bridegroom's love Provided for his helpless Dove I The Hawk comes on, in eager chase — The Dove will not resist ; In flying to her hiding-place, Her safety doth consist. The Bridegroom opes His arms of love, And in them folds His panting Dove 1 Nothing the Dove can now molest, Safe from the fowler's snare ; The Bridegroom's bosom is her nest — Nothino; can harm her there. Encircled by the arms of love, Almighty power protects the Dove I As the poor Dove, before the Hawk, Quick to her refuge flies, So need I, in my daily walk. The wing Avhich fiiith supplies, To bear me where the Bridegroom's love Places beyond all harnn ILs Dove ! My soul of native powei bereft, To Calvary repaii's --^J Tt 88 Tni; bridegroom's dove. Imraanucl is the rochj clefU " The secret of the stairs ! '* Since placed thereby tha Bridegroom's love, What evil can befall His Dove ? Though Sinai's thunder round her roars, Though Ebal's lightnings flash, Though heaven a fiery torrent pours. And riven mountains crash — Through all, the " still small voice " of love Whispers : " Be not afraid, my Dove ! " What though the heavens away may pass, With fervent heat dissolve ; And round the sun this earthly mass No longer shall revolve ! Behold a miracle of love ! The lion quakes, but not the Dove I My soul, now hid within a rock, (The " Rock of Ages " called,; Amid the universal shock Is fearless, unappalled. A cleft therein, prepared by love, In safety hides the Bridegroom's Dove ! O happy Dove ! thus weak, thus safo Do I resemble her ? ^+ GOD MY EXCEEDING JOY. 39 Then to my soul, O Lord 1 voiiclisafo A dove-Ulce character ! Pure, harmless, gentle, full of love, Make me in spirit, Lord, a Dove I O Thou, who on the Bridegroom's head Didst, as a Dove, come down. Within my soul Thy graces shed. Establish there Thy throne ; There shed abroad a Saviour's love, Thou holy, pure, and heavenly Dove ! S. R. i\L GOD, MY EXCEEDING JOY, Psalm 43 : 4. EARLY my spirit turned From earthly things away, And agonized and yearned For the eternal day ; Dimly I saw, when but a boy, God, my exceeding joy. la days of fiercer flame, When passion urged mc on, 'Twas only bliss in name — The pleasure soon was gone. «cMis»|m GOD, MY EXCEEDING JOY. Compared with Tliee, Iiow all things cloy, God, my exceeding joy! At length the moment came — Jesus made known His love ; High shot the kindllno; flame To glories all above. Now all my powers one theme employ God, my exceeding joy. Shadows came on apace ; Tears were a pensive shower ; I cried for timely grace To save me from the hour ; Thou gavest peace without alloy, God, my exceeding joy. One trial yet awaits, Gigantic at the close ; All that my spirit hates INIay then my peace oppose ; But God shall this last foe destroy, God, my exceeding joy. ^ GOD'S SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE, 42 GOiyS SUPPORT AND GUIBANCE. TRANSLATED FROM THE GEKMAN. FORSAKE me not, my God, Thou God of my salvation ! Give me Thy light, to be My sure illumination. My soul to folly turns, Seeking she knows not what ; Oh ! lead her to thyself — My God, forsake me not ! Forsake me not, my God ! Take not Thy Spirit from mc • And suffer not the might Of sin to overcome mc. A father pitieth The children he begot ; My Father, pity me — My God, forsake me not. Forsake me not, my God ! Thou God of life and power, Enliven, strengthen me In every evil hour ; And when the sinful fire Within my heart is hot, 42 OOD'S SUPPORT AND GUJDANOB ■^n Be not Thou far iVom mc — My God, forsake me iiotl Forsake mc not, my God I Uphold mc in my going, That evermore I may Please Thee in all Avcll-doiug, And that Thy will, O Lord ! May never be forgot, In all my works and ways — My God, forsake mc not 1 Forsake mc not, my God ! I would be thine for ever I Confirm mc mightily In every right endeavor: And when my hour is come, Cleansed from all stain and spot Of sin, receive my soul — My God, forsake mc not! n I AM. 43 Bt Q Bl ■■■ I A M, " 0®D calls himself 1 AM, leaving a blank which each sou may fill up with that which i-s most precious to himself." ry^IIOU bidd'st us call, and giv'st us many a 1 name, That thou may'st hear and answer every cry • But— for the wants of all are not the same— Another name Thy wondrous love did try ; To Moses first Thou gav'st it, and he knew Its worth, and taught us Iioav to prize it, too : I All— let every sinner kneel, and thank The Lord, and with his wants fill up the blank. Thy very wounds do say, each drop they bleed, " I AM thy need." Oh ! I am weary of this life, Of all its vanity and care ; Where can I hide me from its strife, From all its noises — where ? My spirit sinks beneath the load, I pant to reach a safe abode. "W hen shall I find a sAveet release ? Eomains there yet a lasting peace, A calm for my long storm-tost breast? " I AM thy rest." ly" J i»^i >ni fp^y »i r 44 / Air. Oil ! I am full of grievous sin, I can do naught that's right ; God ! how base my soul is in Thy pure and holy sight ! Thy perfect laAvs I daily, hourly break, And will not yield my will for Thy sweet sake. Still in my soul do burn wicked desires, And my heart's altar bears unhallowed fires ; 1 can do naught but all these thinirs confess. " I AM thy righteousness." But, Lord, I am so weak, so Aveak, I cannot stand before Thy face ; Th}'' praises I can hardly speak. Hardly stretch forth my hands for grace; The way seems long, the burden who can bear " Lord, must I sink beneath the load of care ? Thus is it now ; what shall it be at length ? « I AIM thy strength." Lord, I must die ; e'en now the wing Of Thy dread angel hovereth nigh; I know the messaire he doth brine: — " Soul, thou hast sinned, and thou must die.'* All nature feels and owns the just decree ; And is this all that is in store for me — Ashes to ashes, dust to kindred dust, No hope, no light? Surely my spirit must ■ a n frcx^ A LITTLE WHILE. 45 Sink in despair ere nature's last, fierce strife — « I AM thy life." Oh ! -wonderful Thou art ! Too wonderful for me is such cfreat love. Shining in such a heart Like sunbeams from above. How rich am I ! yea, all things I possess — Peace, joy, life, strength, and perfect righteous- ness. Jehovah shoAvs Himself, and gives to me All my desire. Look, trembling soul ! and sco On what a treasury thy want may call — "I AIM thine all in all." A LITTLE WHILE. BEYOND the smiling and the weepijig I shall be soon ; Beyond the waking and the sleeping, Beyond the sowing and the reaping, I shall be soon. Love, rest, and home ! Sweet hope ! Lord, tarry not, but come. ■ iiES'!g»Ka«3H Jj It. -*(' A UTTI.K WHILE. ^ Beyond the \)looinin: antl the iVettlnj!, Beyond renieniberinir an '\ WHO IS MY BROTHERS /T UST I my brother keep, ^JL And share his pains and toil. And weep Avith those that weep, And smile with those that smile ; And act to each a brother's part, And feel his sorroAvs in my heart ? Must I his burden bear As though it were my own, And do as I would care Should to myself be done ; And faithful to his interests prove, And as myself my neiglibor leave ? Must I reprove his sin. Must I partake his grief, And kindly enter in And minister relief — The naked clothe, the hungry feed. And love him, not in Avord, but deed ? Then, Jesus, at Thy feet A student let me be, And learn, as it is meet, Myduty, Lord, of Thee; For Thou didst come on mercy's plan, And all Thy life Avas love to man. _JJ L|-f. PILGRIM OF EARTH. 69 OL ! make nic as Thou art, Thy Spirit, Lord, bestow — The kind and gentle heart, That feels another's woe ; That thus I may be like my Head, And in my Saviour's footsteps treads PILGRIM OF EARTH. 13ILGRIM of earth, who art journeying tx) heaven ! Heir of Eternal Life ! child of the day ! Cared for, watched over, beloved and forgiven— An thou discourao:ed because of the way ? Cared for, watched over, though often Thou seemcst Justly forsaken, nor counted a child ; Loved and forgiven, though rightly Thou dcemcst Thyself all unlovely, impure, and defiled. Weary and thirsty — no water-brook near thee, Press on, nor faint at the length of the way \ The God of thy life will assuredly hear thee — He will provide thee strength for the day. lireak through the brambles and briers that ob- struct thee, Dread not the gloom and the blackness of night ■*qn '. rp" 4" 70 % PILGRIM OF EARTH. Lean on the hand that will safely conduct thee, Trust to Ills eye to whom darkness is light. Be trustful, be steaafast, whatever betide thee, Only one thing do thou ask of the Lord — Grace to go forward wherever lie guide thee. Simply believing the truth of His word. Still on thy spirit deep anguish is pressing, . Not for the }oke that His wisdom bestows: A heavier burden thy soul is distressing, A heart that is slow in His love to repose. ICarthlincss, coldness, unthankful behavior — Ah I thou maycst sorroAv, but do not despair Even this grief thoumayest bring to thy Saviour Cast upon Him e'en this burden and care ! ih-ing all thy hardness — His power can subdue it; How full is the promise ! The blessing how fr(>f' ' * WTiatsoever yc ask, In my name, I will do it. Abide in my love, and be joyful in mo." 4^ A LITTLE WHILE. • 1\ " WHAT IS THIS THAT HE SAITH: A LIT- TLE WHILE P' Jonx 16 : IS. OH ! for the peace which floweth as a river, Making Life's desert-places bloom and smile. Oh ! for a faith to grasp heaven's briglit " for ever," Amid the shadows of Earth's " little while.'* " A little while " for patient vigil-keeping, To face the storm, to wrestle with the strong ; " A little while " to sow the seed with weeping, Then bind the sheaves and sinijthe harvest-son <;. " A little while " to wear the robe of sadness, To toil with weary step through erring ways; Then to pour forth the fragrant oil of gladness, And clasp the girdle of the robe of praise. '' A little Avhile " 'mid shadow and illusion To strive by faith Love's mygrterics to spell ; I'hou read each dark enigma's clear solution, Then hail Light's verdict — "He doth all things Avell." •' A little while" the earthen pitcher taking To Avayside brooks from far-otf fountains fed; Tlicn the parched lip its thirsi; for ever slaking Beside the fulness of the Fountain Head. ■^ 72 "% J2r HE A YEK. " A little Avhllc " to keep the oil from foiling ; " A little while " Faith's flickering lamp to trim And tlicn,thc Bridegroom's coming footstep hailing, To haste to meet Ilim Avith tlie bridal hvmn. And lie who is at once both Gift and Giver, Tlie future Glory, and tlie present smile. With the bright promise of the glad " for ever," Will light the shadows of the " little while." "T-^ IN HEAVEN. '• Tlielr angels do always behoUl the fiice of my Father." SILEXCE filled the courts of heaven, Hushed were seraphs' harp and tone, When a little new-born seraph Knelt before the Eternal Throne ; Wliile its soft white hands were lifted, Clasped, as if in earnest prayer. And its voice, in dove-like nun*murs. Rose nke music on the ear. Light from the full fount of Glory On his robes of whiteness glistened. And the bright-wmged seraphs near Ilim Bowed their radiant lu'ads and lisrened. 4" ^ 7iV HEAVE 2f^. TO " J^ord, from Tliy Throne of Glory here, My heart turns fondly to another ; O Lord ! our God, the Comforter, Comfort, comfort, vvj siccct Mother ! I\[any sorrows hast Thou sent her, Meekly has she drained the cup ; And the jewels Thou hast lent her Unrepining yielded up. Comfort, comfort, my sweet Mother 1 " Earth is crowinjx ionelv round her ; Friend and lover hast Thou taken ; Let her not, though woes surround her Feel herself by Tlice foi-saken. Let her think, when faint and Aveary, Wc are waitinsr for her here : Let each loss that makes earth dreary ]Make the hope of heaven more dear. Comfort, comfort, mt/ sweet Mother I " Tiiou, who once in nature human, Dwelt on earth a little child, Pillowed on the breast of Woman, Blessed Mary ! undefiled. Thou Avho, from the cross of sun'eriug, Marked Thy ]Mothcr's tearful foce, And bequeathed her to Tliy loved one, Bidding him to fill Tliy place : Comfort, comibrt, utij sircrf Mo/her I tfj ^ 74 /2V JIEAVEN. " Thou "who once, from heaven descending, Tears and woes and conflicts "won : Thou "who, nature's laws suspending, Gav'st the widow back he son : Tliou who, at the grave of Lazarus AVept "With those who wept their dead : Thou 1 who once in mortal ancruish Bowed Thine own anointed head, Comfort, comfort, my sweet Mother f " The dove-like murmurs died away Upon the radiant air, But still the little suppliant knelt AVith hands still clasped in prayer j Still were those mildly-pleading eyes Turned to the sapphire throne, Till golden harp and angel voice Bang forth in mingled tone ; And as the swelling numbers flowed, By angel voices given, liich, sweet, and clear, the anthem rolled Through all the courts of heaven, ■•'lie is the widow's God," it said, AVlio spared not " His own Son," J'he infant cherub bowed his head — " H'hy will, Lord! he doner "T^ ip- i + r" *'/r .t;^ /; BE NOT afraid:' 75 "7r 75 /; BE NOT AFRAWr JIatt. 14 : 37. TOSSED Avitli rough winds, and faint witi fear, Above the tempest, soft and clear, AVliat still small accents greet mine ear ? 'Tis I ; be not afraid. " 'Tis I, who led thy steps aright ; 'Tis I, who gave thy blind eyes sight ; 'Tis I, thy Lord, thy Life, thy Light. 'Tis I ; be not afraid. " These ra2:ino; winds, this surs-inir sea, Bear not a breath of wrath to thee ; That storm has all been spent on me. 'Tis I ; be not afraid. " This bitter cup fear not to drink ; I knoAv it well — oh ! do not shrink ; I tasted it o'er Kedron's brink. 'Tis I ; be not afraid. " Mine eyes are watching by thy bed, Mine arms are underneath thy head, My blessing is around thee shed. 'Tis I : be not afraid. "TH r:p" 76 NATURE ARD FAITH. "^ " AMicn on the other side thy fecL Shall rest 'mid thousand welcomes sweet, One ■vvell-kno^Yn voice thy heart shall greet 'Tis I ; be not afraid." " From out the dazzlinpj majesty, Gently He'll lay His hand on thee, "Whispering : " Beloved, lov'st thou me V 'Twas not in vain I died for thee. 'Tis I ; be not afraid." NATURE AND FAITH. 2 Cor. 4 : 17, IS. WE wept — 'twas Nature wept, but Faith Can pierce beyond the gloom of death, And in yon world, so fair and bright, Heliold thee in refulgent light ! AVe miss thee here, yet FaUli would rather Know thou art with thy heavenly Father. Nature sees the body dead — Faith beholds the spirit lied; Nature stops at Jordan's tide — Faith beholds the other side ; Tliat but hears farewell and sighs, Thvt^ thy welcome in the skies; if- -t^ NATURE AND FAITH. Nalwc mourns a cruel blow — Faith assures it is not so ; Nature never sees thee more — ralth but sees thee gone before ; Nature tells a dismal story — Faith has visions full of glory ; Nature views the change with sadness— Faith contemplates it with gladness ; Nature mnvnwxYS— Faith gives meekness, i* Strength is perfected in weakness ;" Nature, writhes, and hates the rod — Faith looks up and blesses God ; Sense looks doAvnwards — Faith above •, Tliat sees harshness— //iw sees love. Oh ! let Faith victorious be — Let it reign triumphantly ! But thou art gone ! not lost, but flown I Shall I then ask thee back, my own, Back— and leave thy spirit's brightness ? Back— and leave thy robes of whiteness ? Back — and leave thine angel mould ? Back— and leave those streets of gold? Back — and leave the Lamb who feeds thee V Back— from founts to which He leads thee V Back — and leave thy heavenly Father V Back — to earth and sin ? — Nay ; rather ■qn--^ rp" 78 MY LAMBS. Would I live in solitude ! I ivoidd not ask thee if I could ; But patient wait the high decree, That calls my spirit home to thee 1 MY LAMBS. I LOVED them so, That Avhen the Elder Shepherd of the fold Came, covered Avith the storm, and pale and cold. And begged for one of my sweet lambs to hold, I bade him go. He claimed the pet — A little fondling thing, that to my breast Clung always, either in quiet or unrest — I thought of all my lambs I loved him best, And yet — and yet — I laid him down In those white, shrouded arms, with bitter tears ; For some voice told me that, in after-years. He should know naught of passion, grief, or fears, As I had known. And yet again That Elder Shepherd came. My heart grew faint IbS" mmtm ■■! i— iwibwiiw ■ i 1 mljji i % JHY LA3IBS. "79 He claimed another lamb, with sadder plaint, Another ! She wlio, gentle as a saint , Ne'er gave me pain. Aghast I turned away ! There sat she, lovely as an angel's dream, Her golden locks with sunlight all agleam, Her holy eyes with heaven in their beam. I knelt to pray. " Is it Thy will ? My Father, say, must this pet lamb be given ? Oh ! Thou hast many such, dear Lord, in heaven." And a soft voice said : " Nobly hast thou striven ', But — peace, be still." Oh ! how I wept, And clasped her to my bosom, with a wild And yearning love — my lamb, my pleasant child Her, too, I gave. The little angel smiled, And slept. "Go! go!" I cried: For once again that Shepherd laid His hand Upon the noblest of our household band. Like a pale spectre, there He took His stand, Close to his side. And yet how wondrous SAveet The look with which he heard my passionate cry ; ■ I jf" ^ % 80 MY LAMBS. ''Touch not my Inmb ; for liiin, oh ! let mc die !" " A little Avhile," lie said, -with smile and sigh, " Again to meet." Hopeless I fell ; And -when I rose, the light had burned so low, So faint, I could not sec my darling go : He had not bidden mc farewell, but oh ! I felt farewell ]\Iorc deeply, far. Than if my arms had compassed that slight frame : Though could I but have heard him call my name — " Dear motlier !" — but in heaven 'twill be the same 5 There burns my star ! He will not take Another lamb, I thought, for only one Of the dear fold is spared, to be my sun, My guide ; my mourner when this life is done : JNIy heart would break. Oh ! with what thrill t hoard Him enter; but I did not knoAV (For it was dark) that He had robbed me so. The idol of my so'.d — he could not g-J — O heart 1 be still ! Came morning. Can 1 tell How this poor frame its sorrowful tenant kept ? ■^ — ^ MY LAMBS. 81 For waking tears wore miTie ; I, sleeping, wept. And days, months, years, that weary vigil kept. Alas! "Farewell." How often it is said ! I sit and think, and wonder too, sometime, How it will seem, when, in that happier cllrac, It never will rino; out like funeral chime Over the dead. No tears ! no tears ! Will there a day come that I shall not weep ? For I bedew my pillow in my sleep. Yes, yes ; thank God ! no grief that clime shall keep, No weary years. Ay ! it is well : Well with my lambs, and Avith their earthly guide There, pleasant rivers wander they beside, Or strike sweet harps upon its silver tide — Ay ! it is well. Through the dreary day, Tlicy often come from glorious light to mo ; I cannot feel their touch, their faces see, Yet my soul whispers, they do come to me * Heaven is not far away. "TH— -JT TEE CALL. THE CALL. THE niglit was dark ; behold, ilit shade was ' deeper In the old garden of Gethsemano. When that calm voicG awoke the wea^y sleeper : ' " Could 'st thou not watch one hour alone with me?" O thou ! so weary of thy self-denials, And so impatient of thy little cross, Is it so hard to bear thy daily trials, To count all eartlily things a gainful losa ? What if thou always^ sutler tribulation, And if thy Christian warfare never cease The cainino- of the auiet habitation Shall gather thee to everlasting peace. But here we all must suffer, walking lonely The path that Jesus once Himself hath gone : Watch thou in patience, through the dark hour only— This one dark hour — before the eternal dawn. Tlie captive's oar may pause upon the galley, The soldier sleep beneath his plumed crest, And Peace may fold her wings o'er hill and valley > But thou, Christian ! must not take thy rest. % rp" % THE CALL 83 Tliou must -walk on, however man upbraid tliee, With Hira who trod the wine-press all alone ; Thou wilt not find one human hand to aid thee, One humat soul to comprehend thine own. Heed not the images for ever thronging From out the foregone life thou liv'st no more. Faint-hearted mariner ! still art thou longing For the dim line of the recedinir shore ? Wilt thou find rest of soul in thy returning To that old path thou hast so vainly trod ? Hast thou forgotten all thy weary yearning To walk among the children of thy God : Faithful and steadfast in their consecration, Living by that high faith to thee so dim. Declaring before God their dedication, So far from thee because so near to Him ? Canst thou forget thy Christian superscrljition, " Behold, we count them happy which cjidurc '" ? What treasure wouldst thou, in the land Egyptian. Repass the stormy water to secure V And wilt thou yield thy sure and glorious ju'otnise For the poor, fleeting joys earth can afford ? No hand cari take away the treasure from us, That rests within the keeping of the Lord. j:p" ^ ^ TEE CALL. Poor, wandering soul ! I know that thou art seek- ing Some easier way, as all have sought before, To silence the reproachful inward speaking — Some landward path unto an island shore. The cross is heavy in thy luunan measure, The way too narroAv for thine inward pride ; Thou canst not lay thine intellectual treasure At the low footstool of the Crucified. Oh ! that my faithless soul, one great hour only, "Would comprehend the Christian's perfect life Despised with Jesus, sorrowful and lonely. Yet calmly looking upAvard in its strife ! For poverty and self-renunciation. The Father yielded back a thousand-fold ^ Li the calm stillness of regeneration, Cometh a joy we never knew of old. In meek obedience to the heavenly Teacher, Thy weary soul can find its only peace ; Seeking no aid from any human creature — Looking to God alone for his release. And He will come in His own time and power To set His earnest-hearted children free : W^itch only through this dark and painful hour, And the briiiht mornino- vet will break for thee «Ma BE 4j- GODS AKVIL. 85 GOD'S ANVIL. PAIR'S furnacc-hcat "within me quivers, God's breath upon the fire doth blow, And all my heart in anguish shivers, And trembles at the fiery glow ; And yet I whispei\ "As God will!" And in Ilis hottest fire hold still. He comes, and lays my heart, all heated, On the bare anvil, minded so Into His own fair shape to beat it, With His great hammer, blow on blow ; And yet I whisper, "As God will !" And at His heaviest blows hold still. He takes ray softened heart, and beats it. The sparks fly off at every blow. He turns tt o'er and o'er, and heats it, And lets it cool, and makes it glow : And yet I whisper, "As God will I " And in His mighty hand hold still. Why should I murmur ? for the sorrow Thus only longer-lived would be ; Its end may come, and will, to-morrow, When God has done Ilis work in me * ^h- Tp" TEE CROSS AND CRO WN. ^ So I say trusting, "As God will ! " And, trusting to the end, hold still. He kindles, for my profit purely. Affliction's glowing, jQery brand ; And all His heaviest blows are surely Inflicted by a master-hand; So 1 say, praying, "As God will ! " And hope in Him, and sufler still. THE CROSS AND CROWN. MUST Jesus bear the cross alone, And all the world go free ? i^o ; there's a cross for every one, And there's a cross for me. How happy are the saints above, Who once went sorrowing here, But now they taste unmingled lovo x\nd joy without a tear. The consecrated cross Til bear, Till death shall set me free ; And then go home, my crown to wear, For there's a crow n for me. "Ti -*— — ^ EVEir ME. S*l Upon the crystal pavement, down At Jesus' pierced feet, Jojful I'll cast my golden crown, And His dear name repeat ; And palms shall wave, and harps shall ring, Beneath heaven's arches high ; Tlie Lord that lives, the ransomed sing, That lives no more to die. EVJEN ME. LORD ! I hear of showers of blessing Thou art scattering, full and free ; Showers the thirsty soul refreshing — Let some droppings fall on me. Even me. Pass me not, O gracious Father ! Lost and sinful though I be ; Thou mightst curse me, but the rather Let Thy mercy light on me. Even rao. Pass me not, O tender Saviour ! Let me love and cling to Thee ; "^ 88 EVEN' ME. Fain I'm longing for Thy favor; When Thou callest, call for me, Even nie. Pass me not, O mighty Spirit ! Thou canst make the blind to see; Testify of Jesus' merit, Speak the word of peace to me, Even me. Have I long in sin been sleeping, Long been slighting, grieving Thee ? lias the world my heart been keeping ? Oh ! forgive and rescue me, Even me. Love of God ! so pure and changeless ; Love of Christ ! so rich and free ; Grace of God ! so strono; and boundless Magnify it all in me, Even mc. Pass me not, almighty Spirit ! Draw this lifeless heart to Thee ; Impute to me the Saviour's merits ; Blessing others, oh ! bless me, Even me. ■ 1 W' 4^ % TB^ PEACE OF GOD. 89 MY SAVIOUR, CRUCIFIED. OMY Saviour, crucified ! Near Thy cross may I abide ; There to gaze, with steadfast eye, On Tiiy d}ang agony. Jesus, bruised and put to shame, Tells me all the Father's name 5 God is love, I surely know, By my Saviour's depths of woe I in Ills sinless soul's distress, [ behold my guiltiness ; Oh ! how vile my low estate, Since my ransom was so great. Dwelling on Mount Calvary, Contrite shall my spirit be ; Rest and holiness shall find, Fashioned like my Saviour's mind. THE PEACE OF COD. WE ask for peace, O Lord ! Thy children ask Thy peace ; Not what the world calls rest. That toil and care should ceaso. ■qn rp" 4" tt 90 THE PEACE OF GOD. That through bright sunny hours, Cahii life should fleet away, And tranquil night should fade In smiling day. It is not for such peace that we would pray. We ask for peace, O Lord ! Yet not to stand secure, Girt round with iron pride, Contented to endure ; Crushing the gentle strings That human hearts should know ; Untouched by others' joys, Or others' woe. Thou, O dear Lord ! wilt never teach us so. We ask Thy peace, O Lord ! Through storm and fear and strife, To lio'ht and guide us on Through a long, struggling life ; While no success or gain Shall cheer the desperate fight, Or nerve what the world calls Our wasted might ; Yet pressing through the darkness to the light. It is Thine own, O Lord ! Who toil while others sleep ; TH rp- ^ PEACE. Wlio sow, with living care, Wliat other hands shall reap ; They lean on Thee, entranced In calm and perfect rest ; Give us that peace, O Lord I Divine and blest, Thou keepest for those hearts that love Thco [best. PEA G E. LIFE'S mystery — deep, restless as the ocean- Hath surged and wailed for ages to and fro ; Ji^arth's generations watch its ceaseless motion, As in and out its hoUoAV moanings flow. Shivering and yearning by that unknown sea, Let my soul calm itself, O God ! in Thee. Life's sorrows, with inexorable power, Sweep desolation o'er this mortal plain ; And human loves and hopes fly as the chaff Borne by the v/hirlwind from the ripened grain Oh ! when before that blast my hopes all flee, Let my soiil calm itself, O Christ ! in Thee. Between the mysteries of death and Yi^Q Thou standest, loving, guiding, not explaining ; "Mil ly ,t' [±4. 92 PEAOE. We ask, and thou art silent ; yut wc gaze, And our charmed hearts forget their drear com- plaining. ' No crushing fate, no stony destiny. Thou " Lamb that hath been slain I" avc rest in Thee. The many waves of thought, the mighty tides, The ground-swell that rolls up from other lands, From far-off worlds, from dim, eternal shores, Whose echo dashes o'er life's wave- worn strands ; This vague, dark tumult of the inner sea Grows calm, grows bright, O risen Lord ! in Thee. Thy pierced hand guides the mysterious wheels. Thy thorn-crowned brow now wears the croAvn of power ; And when the dark enigma presseth sore. Thy patient voice saith : " Watch with me one hour." As sinks the moaning river in the sea, lu silent peace, so sinks my soul in Thee. 4j — [ ^ PRATER FOR STREKGTE. 93 FBAYER FOR STRENGTH. lATHER ! before thy footstool kneelluor, Once more my heart goes up to Thee ; For aid, for strength, to Thee appealing, Thou who alone canst succor me. Hear me ! for heart and flesh are failing — My spirit yielding in the strife ; And anguish, wild as unavailing. Sweeps in a flood across my life. Help me to stem tlio tide of sorrow ; Help me to bear Thy chastening rod ; Give me endurance ; let me borrow Strength from thy promise, O my God ! Not mine the grief which words may lighten ; Not mine the tears of common woe : The pang Avith which my heart-strings tighten, Only the All-seeing One may know. And I am weak ; my feeble spirit Shrinks from life's task in wild dismay : Yet not that Thou that task wouldst spare it, My Father, do I dare to pray. Into my soul Thy might infusing. Strengthening my spirit by Thine owu, JTp" tt 94 PRAYER FOR STRENGTH. llel}) me — all other aid refusing — • To cling to Thee, and Thee alone. And oh ! in my exceeding weakness, Make Thy strength perfect: Thou art strong Aid me to do Thy will with meekness. Thou, to whom all my powers belong. Saviour ! our human form once wearing, Help, by the memory of that day, When, painfully Thy dark cross bearing, E'en for a time Thy strength gave way. Beneath a lighter burden sinking, Jesus, I cast myself on Thee ; Forgive, forgive this useless shrinking From trials that I know must be. Oh ! let me feel that Thou art near me, Close to Thy side I shall not fear. Hear me, O Strength of Israel ! hear mo ; Sustain and aid 1 in mercy, hear ! +^ np- -qn Tf. ONWARD. 95 ONWARD. TRAVELER, faint not on the road, Droop not In the parching sun ; Onward, onward with thy load, Till the night be won. Swerve not, though thy bleeding feet Fain the narrow path would leave ; From the burden and the heat, Thou shalt rest at eve. Midst a world that round thee fades, Brightening stars and twilight life ; When a sacred calm pervades All that now is strife ; Rich the joy to be revealed In that hour from labor free, Bright the splendors that shall yield Happiness to thee. Master of a holy charm, Yet be patient on thy way ; Use the spell, and check the harm That would lead astray. From the petty cares that teem, Turn thee, with prophetic eyo, To the glory of that dream Which shall never die. _j:p" 96 ORIEF WAS SENT THEE FOR THY GOOD. Bj the uiysteiy of thy trust ; By the grandeur of that hour When mortality and dust Clothed eternal power ; By the purple robe of shame, The mockery, and the insulting rod ; By the anguish that o'crcame The incarnate God : Faint not ! fall not ! be thou strong, Cast aAvay distrust and fear; Though the weary day seems long, Yet the night is near. Friends and kindred wait beyond — They who passed the trial pure : Traveler, by that holy bond, Shrink not to endure. ■*P^ GRIEF WAS SENT THEE FOR THY GOOD SOME there are who seem exempted From the doom incurred by all : Are they not more sorely tempted ? Are they not the first to fall ? -tVs a mother's firm denial Checks her infant's wayward mood, Wisdom lurks in every trial — Grief was sent thee for thy good. "^ SCENES " OiV JOBDAN'S STRAND.'' 97 In the scenes of former pleasure, Present anguish hast thou felt ; O'er thy fond heart's dearest treasure, As a mourner, hast thou knelt : In thy hour of deep affliction, Let no impious thoughts intrude : Meekly bow, with this conviction — Grief was sent thee for thy good. SCENES " ON JORDAN'S STRANDS THERE came a little child, with sunny hair, All fearless to the brink of Death's dark river, And with a sweet confiding in the care Of Him who is of life the Joy and Giver ; And, as upon the waves she left our sight, We heard her say: "My Saviour makes them briiiht." Next came a youth, with bearing most serene, Nor turned a single backward look of sadness ; But, as he left each gay and flowery scene, Smiling declared: "My soul Is thrilled with gladness ! 98 SCENES " (?iyr JOBDAN'S STIiAI^D.' "Wliat earth deems bright, for ever I resign. Joyful but this to kiiOTV, that Christ is miiK." An aged mourner, trembling, tottered by, And paused a moment by the swelling river Then glided on beneath the shadowy sky. Singing : " Christ Jesus is my strength for evei * Upon His arm my feeble soul I lean. My glance meets His, without a cloud between." And scarce her last triumphant note had died. Ere hastened on a man of wealth and learning, Who cast at once his bright renown aside, These only words unto his friends returning " Christ for my Wisdom thankfully I own. And as ' a little child' I seek His throne." Then saw I this : that, whether guileless child. Or youth, or age, or genius, won salvation, Each self-renouncing came ; on each God smiled; Each found the love of Christ rich compensation For loss of friends, earth's pleasures, and renown ; Each entered heaven, and " by His side sat down." ■* 4f THERE IS LIOUT BEYOND. 99 THERE IS LIGHT BEYOND. BEYOND the stars that shiiic in golden gloiy, Beyond the calm sweet moon, Up the bright ladder sahits have trod before thee. Soul ! thou shalt venture soon. Secure with llini who sees thy hcart-slck yearning, Safe in His arms of love, '.riiou shalt exchange the midnight for the morning, And thy fair home above. Oh ! it is sweet to watch the world's night wearing The Sabbath morn come on, And sweet it were the vineyard labor sharing — Sweeter the labor done. All finished ! all the conflict and the sorrow , Earth's dream of anguish o'er ; Deathless there dawns for thee anightless morrow On Eden's blissful shore. Tatience ! then, patience ! soon the pang of dying Shall all forgotten be. And thou, through rolling spheres rejoicing, Hying Beyond tlie w.-weless sea, ij^ 00 THERE IS LTGUT BEYOND. Sliall know liereaOci- wlicrc lliy Lord doth leid thee, His darkest dealings traee And by those ibuntalns where His love Avill feed tlicc-, liehold Hint face to face. Then bow thine liead, and God shall j^Ive thoo meekness, Bravely to do His will ; So shall arise His ^loiy in thy weakness — O stru^olinL:; sonl ! be still. Daik clonds are His paAilion shining o'er thee, 'J'hinc! heart must recognize The veiled ISheehinah moving on before thee, Too bright to meet thine eyes. Behold the -wheel that straightly moves, and lleetly ]*erlbrms the Sovereign Word ; Tiiou know'st His snllerlni; love ! then sulleriniz meekly, Follow thy loving Lord 1 AVateh on tlie tower, and listen by the gateway, Nor weej) to wait alone ; Take thou thy spiees, and some angel straightway Shall roll awav the stone. ^ r!+ THY WILL Bhj pone:' 101 Then sljalt thou tell thy llvliii; Lord 1 ath risen, And risen but to save ; Tell of the might that breaks the Cai:)tive's prison, And life beyond the grav<> I Tell how He met thee, all Ills radlanee shrouded^ I low in thy sorrow came His pitying voice breathing, Avlien laitli was elouded, Thine own familiar name. So at the grave's dark portal thou may'st linger, And hynm some happy strain ; The passing world may mock the feeble singer — Heed not, l)ut siuir a found Hilt in th(», thoughts of Thee, J'rayer would liavc couu^ nnsou^^ht, and .leon A truer liberty. Yet U'liou art oft most present, Lord, In weak distra(!ted prayctr ; A sinner out of heart with self, Most often fnids Thee there. T^ And i)rayer that humbles sets tho scul From all illusions fn^e, And teaehes it how utterly, Dear I^ord, it han<^s on Thee. -Jp" ^ ^ 114 MT GUEST. The soul that on self-sacrifice Is dutifully bent, Will bless the chasteninsj Land that makes Its prayer its punishment. Ah, Jesus ! "why should I complain ? And why fear aught but sin ? Distractions are but outward things ; Thy peace dwells far within ! These surface troubles come and go Like rufflings of the sea ; The deeper depth is out of reach To all, my God, but Thee ! MY GUEST. HAVE a wonderful Guest, Who speeds my feet, who moves my hands, Wlio strengthens, comforts, guides, commands, Whose presence gives me rest. He dwells within my soul ; He swept away the filth and gloom, He garnished fair the empty room, And now pervades the whole. BoaaBBaMiHKiiyH % MY GUEST. 115 For aye, by day and night, He keeps the portal — suffers naught Defile the temple He has bought, And filled with joy and light. Once 'twas a cavern dim ; The home of evil thoughts, desii'cs, Enkindled by infernal fires, "Without one thought of Him. Regenerated by His grace, Still 'tis a meagre inn, at best, "Wherein the Iving's to make His rest, And show His glorious face. Yet, Saviour, ne'er depart From this poor earthly cottage home. Until the Father bid me come, "Whisp'rlng within my heart : "I shake these cottage walls ; Fear not ! at My command they bow ; My heavenly mansions open now, As this poor dwelling falls." Then my dear wondrous Guest Shall bear me on His own right Iiand Unto that fair and Promised Land, "Where I in Him shall rest. Jl l:^ tJ' % 116 COMING. COMING. At even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or iu the morning." k i "|~T may be in the evening, _1_ Wlien the ■work of the day is done, And you have time to sit in the twilight And watch the sinking sun, While the long bright day dies sloAvly Over the sea, And the hour grows quiet and holy With thoughts of nie ; Vvliile you hear tlie village children Passing along the street, Among those thronging footstcjDS May come the sound of my feet Therefore I tell you : Watch By the light of the evening star, When the room is growing dusky As the clouds afar ; Let the door be on the latch In your home. For it may be through the gloaming I will come. " It may be when the midnight Is heavy upon the land, ■ i ft. "TH^ 4^ COMING. 117 ./iViid ilic black waves lying dumbly Along tlie sand ; AVhen the moonless night draws close, And the lights are out in the house ; When the fires burn low and red, And the watch is ticking loudly Beside the bed : Though you sleep, tired out, on your couch, Still your heart must wake and watch In the dark room, For it may be that at midnight I will come. " It may be at the cock-crow, When the night is dying slowly In the sky, And the sea looks calm and holy, Waitinrj for the dawn Of the golden sun Which draweth nigh ; When the mists are on the valleys, shailing The rivers chill. And my morning-star is fading, fading Over the hill : Behold I say unto you ; Watch 5 Let the door be on the latch In your home ; In the chill before the dawning. ■fr ^ 318 GOMINO. Between the niglit and morning, I may come. " Jt may be in the morning, When the sun is bright and strong And the dew is glittering sharply Over the little lawn ; When the waves are laughing loudly Along the shore, And the little birds are singing sweetly About the door ; With the long day's work beiore yon, You rise uj) with the sun. And the neighbors come in to talk a little Of all that must be done, But remember that / may be ihe next To come in at the door, To call you from all your busy work For evermore : As you work your heart must watch For the door is on the latch In your room. And it may be in the morning I will come." So He passed down my cottage garden. By the path that leads to the sea, j:^" if, COMINO. 119 Till He came to the turn of the little road Where the birch and laburnum tree Lean over and arch the way ; There I saw him a moment stay, And turn once more to me, As I wept at the cottage door, And lift up His hands in blessing — Then I saw His face no more. And I stood stiU in the doorway, Leaning against the wall. Not heedinjc the fair white roses, Though I crushed them and let them fall Only looking down the pathway , And looking toward the sea, And wondering, and wondering When He would come back for me ; Till I was aware of an Angel Who was going swiftly by. With the gladness of one who goeth In the light of God Most High. lie passed the end of the cottage Toward the garden gate — (I suppose he was come down At the setting of the sun , ll— ■ 120 coMJxa. To comfort some one in the village Whose dwelling was desolate) — And he paused before the door Beside my place, And the likeness of a smile Was on his face : " Weep not," he said, " for unto you is given To watch for the coming of His feet Who is the glory of our blessed heaven ; The work and watching will be very sweet, Even in an earthly home ; And in such an iiour as you think not He will come." So I am watcliing quietly Every day. Whenever the sun shines brightly, I rise and say : " Surely it is the shining of His face !" And look unto the gates of His high place Beyond the sea ; For I know He is coming shortly To summon me. And when a shadoAv falls across the window Of my room, WTierc I am working my appointed task. n Tfl ■tf' 4t A QUIET MIND. 121 I lif^ my liead to watch the door and ask If He is come ; And the Angel answers sweetly In my home : " Only a few more shadows, And He will come." A QUIET MIND. I HAVE a treasm-e which I prize ^ Its like I cannot find : There's nothing like it on the earth ; 'Tis this — a quiet mind. But 'tis not that Fm stupefied, Or senseless, dull, or blind ; 'Tis God's own peace within my heart, Which forms my quiet mind. I found this treasure at the cross : And there, to every kind Of weary, heavy-laden souls, Christ gives a quiet mind. My Saviour's death and risen life, To give it were designed ; His love, the never-failing spring Of this, my quiet mind. ■ 1 ^^^1 ■^ ^ 122 * A QUIET MIND. ITie love of God witliin my breast^, My heart to Him doth bind ; This is the peace of heaven on earth— This is my quiet mind. I've many a cross to take up now, And many left behind ; But present troubles move me not, Nor shake my quiet mind. And what may be to-morrow's cross, I never seek to find ; My Saviour says : " Leave that to mo, And keep a quiet mind." And well I know the Lord hath said, To make my heart resigned, That mercy still shall follow those A^V ho have this quiet mind. J meet with pride of wit and wealtli, And scorn, and looks unkind ; It matters not — ^I envy none. While I've a quiet mind. I'm waiting now to see my Lord, So patient and so kind ; I want to thank Ilim face to face. For this my quiet mind. +^ rp- "pr "Tit ALL rS LIGHT. '123 ALL IS LIGHT. "TXyilAT though storm-clouds gather round Hovering darkly o'er my way ? While I see the cross of Calvary Beaming with celestial ray, All is light, all is light ! What though mortal powers may falter ? Earthly plans and prospects fail ? With a heaven-born hope which entcrcth E'en to that within the veil, All is light, all is light ! 'SVTiat though all my future pathway Be from mortal sight concealed? With the love of Jesus glowing, As it lies to faith revealed. All is light, all is light ! E'en though death's deep vale before me Seem o'erspread with thickest gloom, >Miile I see a heavenly radiance Bursting from beyond the tomb, All is light, all is light I ^ I'JT" 4t 124 LONGINGS. L N GIN QS. WHEN shall I be at rest? My trembling heart GroAvs weary of its burden, sickening still With hopes deferred. Oh ! that it were Thy will To loose my bonds, and take me where Thou art ! When shall I be at rest ? My eyes grow dim With straining through the gloom ; I scarce can see The waymarks that my Saviour left for me. Would it were morn, and I were safe with Him 1 When shall I be at rest ? Hand over hand I grasp, and climb an ever steeper hill, A rougher path. Oh ! that it were Thy will My tired feet might tread the Promised Land ! Oh ! that I were at rest ! A thousand fears Come thronging o'er me, lest I fall at last. Would I were safe, all toil and danger past, And Thine own hands might wipe away my teais. ■»li rE*- ^ ^ LOiTGIirGS. 125 Oh ! that I were at rest, like some I love, Whose last fond looks drew half my life away, Sceminf^ to plead that either they might stay A7ith me on earth, or I with them above. But why these murmurs ? Thou didst never shrink From any toil or weariness for me — Not even from that last deep agony. Shall I beneath my little trials sink ? No, Lord ; for when I am indeed at rest, One taste of that deep bliss will quite efiaco The sternest memories of my earthly race, Save but to swell the sense of beino- blest. Then lay on me whatever cross I need To bring me there. I know Thou canst not be Unkind, unfaithful, or untrue to me 1 Shall I not toil for Thee, when Thou for me didst bleed? rp" ^ 326 BRIDGES. . ■'p. BRID G ES. I HAVE a bridge within my heart, Known as the Bridge of Sighs ; It stretches from life's sunny part, To where its darkness lies. And when upon this bridge I stand, To watch life's tide below, Sad thoughts come from the shadowy land And darken all its flow. Then, as it winds its way along To sorrow's bitter sea, Oh ! mournful is the spirit-song That upwaid floats to me. A song which breathes of blessings dead, Of friends and friendships flown ; And pleasures gone ! — their distant tread, Now to an echo grown. And hearing thus, beleaguering fears Soon shut the present out. While joy but in the past appears, And in the future doubt. Oh 1 often then will deeper grow, * The night that round me lies ^ I wish that Hfe had run its flow, Or never found its rise ! -jjr •+T1 ■rajsa P- LJ»|. BRIDGES. 127 I have a bridge within my heart, Known as the Bridge of Faith ; It spans, by a mysterious art. The streams of life and death. And when upon this bridge I stand, To watch the tide below. Sweet thoughts come from the sunny land, • And brighten all its flow. Then, as it winds its way along Down to a distant sea. Oh ! pleasant is the spirit-song That upward floats to me. A song of blessings never sere, Of love " beyond compare," Of pleasures flowed from troublings hero, To rise serenely there. And, hearing thus, a peace divine Soon shuts each sorrow out ; And all is hopeful and benign, Where all was fear and doubt. Oh I often then will brighter grow The light that round me lies , I see from life's beclouded flow A crystal stream arise. f ^J- 128 ''FATHER, TAKE MY BAND."" ''FATHER, TAKE MY RAN Br THE way is dark, my Fathei- ! Cloud on cloud Is gathering thickly o'er my head, and loud The thunders roar above me. See, I stand Like one bewildered ! Father, take my hand, And through the gloom Lead safely home Thy child ! The day goes flist, my Father ! and the night Is drawing darkly down. My faithless sight Sees ghostly visions. Fears, a spectral band, Encompass me. O Father 1 take my hand. And from the night Lead up to light Thy child ! The way is long, my Father ! and my soul Longs for the rest and quiet of the goal : While yet I journey through this weary land, Keep mc from wandering. Father, take my hand \ Quickly and straight Lead to heaven's gate Thy child I ii n ,f r ' FA THER, TAKE MY HAXD:' 129 The path is rough, my Father I Many a thorn Has pierced me ; and my weary feet, all torn And bleeding, mark the way. Yet thy command Bids me press forward. Father, take my hand ; Then, safe and blest, Lead up to rest Thy chUd I The throng is great, my Father 1 Many a doubt And fear and danger compass me about ; And foes oppress me sore. I cannot stand Or go alone. O Father ! take my hand, And throuojh the throng Lead safe along Thy child! The cross is heavy. Father ! I have borne It long, and still do bear it. Let my worn And fainting spirit rise to that blest land Where orowns are given. Father, take my hand j And, reaching down Lead to the crown Thy chUd 1 130 THE GRACIOUS ANSWER. THE GRACIOUS ANSWER. The way is dark, my cldld! hut leads to light. I iDoidd not always have thee lualk by sight. My dealings now thou canst not understand. I meant it so ; hut I will take thy hand, And through the gloom Lead safely home My child 1 The day goes fast, my child! But is the nigJd Barker to me than day ? In me is light ! Keep close to me, and every spectral band Of fears shall vanish, I will take thy hand. And through the night Lead up to light My child! The way is long, my child ! But it shall be JVot one step longer than is best for thee , And thou shalt hiow, at last, when thou shall stand Safe at the goal, how I did take thy hand, And quick and straight Lead to heaven's gate My child ! % THE GRACIOUS ANSWER. 131 The path is rough, mij child I But oh ! hon swco.i Will he the rest, for iveary pilgrims meet, Wien thou shalt reach the borders of that land To which I lead thee, as I take thy hand , And safe and hlcst With me shalt rest My child ! The throng is great, my child ! But at thy side Thy Father icalks : then he not terrified ' For I am loith thee ; zvill thy foes command To let thee freely pass ; icitl take thy handy And through the throng Lead safe along My child I The cross h heavy, child! Yet there was One Who hore a heavier for thee : my Son, My Well-heloved. For Ilim hear thine ; and stand With Him at last ; and, from thy Father's hand. Thy cross laid down, Receive a crown, My child ! H. N, C. Oroomiah, Persic. pan* m iv 132 ASLEEP ON GUARD t ASLEEP ON GUARD! ^^ /^ SHAME!" we're sometimes fain to say \_y " On Peter sleeping, while Kis clear Lord lay ANvake Avith anguish, in the garden's shade, Waiting Ilis hour to be betrayed." We say, or think, if we had gone Thither — instead of Peter, James, and John — And Christ had left us on the outpost dim, As sentinels, to watch with Him ; "We would have sooner died, than sleep The little time we vigil had to keep ; Then wake, to feel His torturing question's power '• Could ye not watch with me one hour ?" One hour in sad Gethsemane ! And such an hour as that to Him must be ! All night our tireless eyes had pierced the shade, YvTiere He in grief's great passion prayed. What do we now, to make our word Seem no vain boast of love to Christ our Lord T We cannot take the chidden sleeper's place, And shun, by proof. His deep disgrace I # it. ASLEEP ON" GUARD t 133 No more, the olive's shade beneath, The human Christ foretastes the cup of death, And leaves His servants in the outer gloom. To watch till He again shall come ! Yet arc there midnights dark and di-ead, When Jesus still by traitors is betrayed ; Our bosom-sin's the lurking foe at hand, And "Watch with me" is Christ's command. One little hour of sleepless care, And sin could wrest no victory from us there , But, with the fame of our loved Lord to keep, Like those we scorn, we fall asleep. Oh ! if our risen Lord must chide Our souls, for slumbering His death-cross beside, What face have we to boast our feeble sense Had shamed poor Peter's vigilance I On Peter, James, and John, no more The wrong reproach of hasty pride we pour j But feel within the question's torturing power, " Could 7je not wateh with me one hour?" "TTL- au^9 n irri— tmaoBHafiyBi rf" B>aaBaQAaMBCKSB9BBBlH T-f- 13d TRE HOUR OF PRAYER. TEE HOUR OF PRAYER. MY God, is any hour so sweet, From blush of morn to evening star. As that which calls me to Thy feet — The hour of prayer ! Blest is that tranquil hour of morn. And blest that hour of solemn eve. When, on the wings of faith up-borne, The world I leave ! For then a day-spring shines on mc. Brighter than morn's ethereal glow : And richer dews descend from Thee Than earth can know. Then is my strength by Thee renewed ; Then do I feel my sins forgiven ; Then dost Thou cheer my solitude With joys of heaven. No words can tell what sweet relief There for my every want I find ; What strength for warfare, balm for griof, What peace of mind. THY WILL BE DONE. 135 Iluslied is each doubt, gone every fear ', My spirit seems in heaven to stay ^ And e'en the penitential tear Is wiped away. Lord ! till I reach that blissful shore, No privilege so dear shall be, As thus my inmost soul to pour In prayer to Thee. THY WILL BE BONE. WE see not, know not. All our way Is night. With Thee alone is day \ From out the torrent's troubled drift, Above the storm — our prayers we lift — Thy will be done ! The flesh may fail, the heart may faint, But who-are we, to make complaint, Or dare to plead, in times like these, The weakness of our love of ease ? Thy will be done ! We take with solemn thankfulness (Jur burden faj), nor ask it less ; And count it joy that even wo 4^ 1 136 TET WILL J3E DONi:. May suffer, serve, or wait for Thee, AVhose Avill be done 1 lliough dim, as yet, in tint and line, We trace Thy picture's wise design, And thank Thee that our age supplies Its dark relief of sacrifice — Thy will be done ! And if, in our unworthiness, Thy sacrificial wine we press ; If, from Thy ordeal's heated bars, Our feet arc seamed with crimson scars, Thy will be done ! i^^ for the age to come, this Iiour Of trial hath vicarious power ; And, blest by Thee, our present pain Be Liberty's eternal gain, Thy will be done ! Strike ! Thou the Master, we Thy keys, The anthem of the destinies ! The minor of Thy loftier strain, Our hearts shall breathe the old rcfraia — Thy will be done I mmtm la fyT" 4^ — 4*- RFMir OF TRUST. 137 HY2m OF TRUST. LOVE Divine ! that stooped to share Our sharpest pang, our bitterest teart On Thee we cast each earth-born care ; We smile at pain while Thou art near ! Though long the weary way we tread, And sorrows crown each lingering year, No path we shun, no darkness dread, Our hearts still whispering, Thou art near ! When drooping pleasure turns to grief, xind trembling faith is changed to fear, The murmuring wind, the quivering leaf, Shall softly tell us, Thou art near I On Tliee we fling our burdening woe, O Love Divine ! for ever dear ; Content to suffer, while we know, Lining and dying. Thou art near ! "*P~ Tp" tt 13:8 TffS BURIAL OF MOSES. THE BURIAL OF 310 SES, BY Nebo's lonely mountain, On this side Jordan's •wave, In a vale in the land of Moab, There lies a lonely grave ; And no man dug that sepulchre, And no man saw it e'er. For the " Sons of God " upturned the sod, And laid the dead man there. That "was the grandest funeral That ever passed on earth ; But no man heard the trampling, Or saw the train go forth. Noiselessly as the day-light Comes when the night is done, And the crimson streak on ocean's check Grows into the great sun — Noiselessly as the spring-time Her crown of verdure weaves And all the trees on all the hills Open their thousand leaves ^ . tl ,.... TZ TME BURIAL OF MOSES. 139 So, wltliout sound of music, Or voice of tbcm that wept, Silently down from the mountain's crown The great procession swept. Perchance the bald old eagle, On gray Beth-peor's height, Out of his rocky eyry Looked on the wondrous sight ; Perchance the lion stalking Still shuns that hallo w^ed spot : For beast and bird have seen and heard That which man knoweth not. But when the warrior dieth, His comrades in the war, With arms reversed, and muffled driun, Follow the funeral car. They show the banners taken, They tell his battles won. And after him lead his masterless steed, While peals the minute-gun. Amid the noblest of the land Men lay the sage to rest, And give the bard an honored place, With costiv marble drest — I 11 I n.. B m».J .vujjncy r .ii'."i.-ni '» ii.— ^. ' ..^.-g a s. r 140 TffE BUEIAL OF MOSES. Li tlie great minster trcansept, "Wlicre lights like glories fall, And the sweet choir sings, and the organ ring* Along the emblazoned wall. This was the bravest warrior That ever buckled sword ; This, the most gifted poet That ever breathed a word ; And never earth's philosopher Traced with his golden pen, On the deathless page, truths half so sago As he wrote down for men. And had he not high honor ? The hill-side for his pall, To He in state while angels wait, With stars for tapers tall. And the dark rock-pines like tossing plumes Over his bier to wave. And God's own hand, in that lonely land, To lay him in the grave I In that deep grave without a name, Whence his uncoffined clay Shall break again — most wondrous thought — Before the Judgment-day, 4^ "JV'OTF." 141 And stand, with glory wrapped around, On the hills he never trod, And speak of the strife that won our life With the Incarnate Son of God. lonely tomb In Moab's land 1 O dark Beth-peor hill I Speak to these curious hearts of em's, And teach them to be still. God hath His mysteries of grace, "Ways that we cannot tell ; And hides them deep, like the secret sleep Of him He loved so well. "AT TT '[ ^ ^ ~jr^ ISE ! for the day Is passing, l\i And you lie dreaming on *, The others have buckled their armor, And forth to the fight are gone : A place in the ranks awaits you. Each man has some part to play ; The Past and Future are looking In the face of the stern To-day *' Jv 142 THE NEED OF JESUS. THE NEED OF JESUS. I NEED Thee, precious Jesus! For I am full of sin ; My soul is dark and guilty. My heart is dead within ; .1 need the cleansing fountain, Where 1 can always flee — The blood of Christ most preciois, The sinner's perfect plea. I need Thee, precious Jesus 1 For I am very poor ; A stranger and a pilgrim, I have no earthly store ; I need the love of Jesus, To cheer me on my way : To guide my doubting footsteps, To be my strength and stay. I need Thee, precious Jesus I I need a friend like Thee — A friend to soothe and sympathize; A friend to care for me ; I need the heart of Jesus, To feel each anxious care, To tell my every want, And all my sorrows share. h +J ■- J+ TffE 2JE-ED OF JESUS. 143 I need Thee, precious Jesus I For I am very blind ; A weak and foolish wanderer, With a dark and evil mind •, I need the light of Jesus, To tread the thorny road, To guide me safe to glory — Where I shall see my God. I need Thee, precious Jesus I I need Thee day by day — To fill me with Thy fulness, To lead me on my way ; I need Thy Holy Spirit, To teach me what I am, To show me more of Jesus, To point me to the Lamb, I need Thee, precious Jesus ! And hope to see Thee soon, Encircled with the rainbow, And seated on Thy throne ; There, with Thy blood-bought cliilireai, My joy shall ever be, To sing Thy praises, Jesus ! To gaze, my Lord, on Thee ! "T" j±i~ — lL. 144 TJIS CEEISTIAN AND HIS ECHO. THE CHRISTIAN- AND HIS ECHO. TRUE faith, producing love to God and man, Say, Echo, is not this the Gospel plan ? The Gospel plan. Must I my faith and love to Jesus show, By doing good to all, both friend and foe ? Both friend and foe. But if a brother hates and treats me ill, Must I return him good, and love him still ? Love him still. If he my failings -watches to reveal, Must I his fliults as carefully conceal ? As carefully conceal. But if my name and character he blast, And cruel malice, too, a long time last; And, if I sorrow and affliction know, He loves to add unto my cup of woe ; In this uncommon, this peculiar case, Sweet Echo, say, must I still love and bless ? Still love and bless. Whatever usage ill I may receive, Must I be patient still, and still forgive ? Be patient still, and still forgive. f TEE GERISTIAN AND ni^ ECHO. 146 Why, Echo how is this V thou'rt sure a dove ! Thy voice shall teach me nothing else but love ! Kothing else but love. Amen ! with all my heart, then be it so ; *Tis all delightful, just, and good, I know; And now to practise I'll directly go. Directly go. Things being so, whoever me reject, My gracious God me surely will protect. Surely will protect. Henceforth I'll roll on Plim my every care, And then both friend and foe embrace in prayer, Embrace in prayer. But after all those duties I have done, Must I, in point of merit, them disown. And trust for heaven through Jesus' blood alone ? Through Jesus' blood alone. Echo, enough ! thj'" counsels to mine ear, Are sweeter than, to flowers, the dew-drop tear ; Thy wise instructive lessons please me weU : I'll go and practise them. Farewell, farewell I , Pkactise them. Farewell, farewelll 146 LUSS AXD MOEK LESS AND MORE. ri^VsO prayers, dear Lord, in one — _1_ Give me both less and more ; Less of tbc impatient -world, and more of Theo ; Less of myself, and all that heretofore IMade me to slip Avhere -willing feet do run, And held me back from -where I fain -would be — Kept me, my Lord, from Thee ! All things -which most I need Are Thine ; Thou -wilt besto-w Both strength and shield, and be my -willing Guest ; Yet my -sveak heart takes up a broken reed. Thy rod and stalT doth readily forego. And I, -who might be rich, am poor, distressed, And seek but have not rest. How long, O Lord, ho-w long ? So have I cried of late, As though I kne-w not -\vhat I -v^'ell do kno-vN' ; Come Thou, Great Master Builder, and creaio Anew that which is Thine ; undo my wrong — Bj'cathe on this waste, and life and healtli besto-w Come, Lord, let it be so ! ^ '— ' — -I I I - '~' \ •■ "^ COMFORT BY THE WAY. 147 "^ Let It be so, and tlicn — AVliat thcii ? My soul sliall ^rait, And ever pray— all prayers, dear Lord, in one — Thy will o'er mine in all this mortal state Hold regal sway. To Tliy commands, Amen ! Break from my waiting lips till work is done, And crown and glory won. OOMFORT BY THE WAT. I JOURNEY tlirough a desert drear and wild. Yet is my heart by such sweet thoughts beguiled. Of Him on whom I lean — my strength and stay — I can forget the sorrows of the way. Thoughts of His love ! tlie root of every grace Which finds in this poor heart a dwelling-place ; Tiie sunshine of my soul, tlian day more bright, And my calm pillow of repose by night. Thoughts of His sojourn in this vale of tears I The tale of love unfolded in those years 148 BETROSPEOT. Of sinless suflering and patient grace I love again, and yet again, to trace. '.riionghts of His glory ! on the cross I gaze, And tliere behold its sad, yet healing rays ; Beacon of hope I which, lifted up on high, Illumes Avitli heavenly light the tear-dimmed eye. Thoughts of His coming ! For that joyful day In patient hope I watch, and wait, and pray ; The dawn draws nigh, the midnight shadows flee, And what a sunrise will that advent be Thus while I journey on, my Lord to meet, IMy thoughts and meditations are so sweet Of Him on whom I lean — my strength, my stay — I can forget the Borrows of the way. RETROSPECT. O LOVING One! O Bounteous One I What have I not received from Tlicc, Throughout the seasons that have gone Into the past eternity I Lowly my name and mine estate ; Yet, Father, many a child of Thine, I I i fll. Of i)urG'' heart and cleaner bands, Walks in an humbler path than mhio. And, looking backward through the year Along tlie way my feet have pressed, I sec sweet places everywhere — Sweet places Avhere my soul had rest. For, though some human hopes of mine Are dead, and buried from my sight, Yet from their graves immortal flowers Have sprung, and blossomed into light. Body, and heart, and soul have been Fed by the most convenient food ; My nights are peaceful all the while, And all my mortal days are good. My sorrows have not been so lio-ht Thy chastening hand I could not traco ; Nor have my blessings been so great That they have hid mj- Father's face. \ [ [,• sum ospscT. 149 160 THE VERDICT OF DEATH. now DOTH DEATH SPEAK OF OUR BELOVED f ■ " The rain that falls upon the height, Too gently to be called delight. In the dark valley reappears ^3 a wild cataract of tears : And love in life shall strive to see ■ Sometimes what love in death would be." Angel in ihe House, HOW doth Death speak of our beloved. When it hath laid them low ; "VVhen it has set its hallowing touch On speechless lip and brow ? It clothes their every gift and grace With radiance from the holiest place, With light as from an angel's face ; Eecalling with resistless force And tracino; to their hidden source, Deeds scarcely noticed in their course. This little loving fond device, That daily act of sacrifice. Of which too late we learn the pritje ! Opening our weeping eyes to trace Simple, unnoticed kindnesses. Forgotten notes of tenderness, ■ I ll tp » Tft THE VERDIGT OF DEATH. 151 ^ Wliicli evermore to us must be Sacred as hymns in infancy, Learned listening at a mother's knee. Thus doth Death speak of our beloved When it has laid them low : Then let Love antedate the work of Death, And do this now ! How doth Death speak of our beloved, When it has laid them low ; When it has set its hallowing touch On speechless lip and brow ? It sweeps their faults with heavy hand, As sweeps the sea the trampled sand, TiU scarce the faintest print is scanned. It shows how such a vexing deed Was but generous nature's weed. Or some choice virtue run to seed ; How that small fretting fretfulness Was but love's over-anxiousness. Which had not been, had love been less. This failing, at which we repined. But the dim shade of day declined, Which should have made us doubly kincL ^\L^ 152 777^ VERDICT OF DEATH. ■nn. Thus doth Death speak of our beloved, When it has laid them low ; Tlien let Love antedate the work of Death, And do this now ! How doth Death speak of our beloved. When it has laid them low ; When it has set its hallowing touch On speechless lip and brow ? It takes each failing on our part, And brands it in upon the heart, With caustic power and cruel art. The small neglect that may have pained, A giant stature will have gained When it can never be explained : The little service whicli had proved How tenderly we watched and loved, And those mute lips to glad smiles moved The little gift from out our store, Which mio-ht have cheered some cheerless hour. When they with earth's poor needs were poor But never Avill be needed more 1 ,^.i^>..»jg-.y.*n |-: r tt nr I II L I... 1 .1 .i^a A CHRISTMAS HYMN. 153 It shows our faults liko fires at niglit ; It sweeps their failings out of siglit, It clothes their good in heavenly light. O Christ our life ! fore-date the work of DeatJK, And do this now ! Thou who art love, thus hallow our beloved ' Not Death, but Thou ! A CHRIST3IAS RYMN. r "N human form enthroned, The sin of man atoned, Immanuel sits in highest seat of heaven , Our nature there He wears. And that blest union bears. In David's city on the low earth given. He draws us by a love, Not such as seraphs move In happy life through all the realms of space More subtle is the chord. The speaking of a word In iancruajre learned among our fleshlv raco. " My blood, once flowing frce Upon the darkened tree. ■j-r 154 TEE WAYy TEE TBUTIT, AND THE LIFE. Gives life to you in heaven's eternal room ; The Brother and the Friend, Through ages without end, Shall e'en outlast the Saviour from the doom.' ^ THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. THOU art the Way ! All ways are thorny mazes without Thee ; Where hearts are pierced, and thoughts all aim- less stray, In Thee the heart stands firm, the life moves free : Thou art our Way ! Thou art the Truth ! Questions the ages break against in vain Confront the spirit in its untried youth ; It starves while learning poison from the grain : Thou art the Truth ! Thou art the Truth ! Truth for the mind, grand, glorious, infinite, A heaven still boundless o'er its highest growth; Bread for the heart its daily need to meet. Thou art the Truth ! jr"T" ,tr THE WAT, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. 155 Thou art the Light ! Earth beyond earth no faintest ray can give ; Heaven's shadeless noontide blinds our mortal sight ; In Thee we look on God, and love and live: Thou art our Light ! Thou art the Rock I Doubts none can solve heave wild on every side, Wave meeting wave of thought in ceaseless shock ; On Thee the soul rests calm amidst the tide : Thou art the Kock ! Thou art the Life I All ways without Thee paths that end in death ; All life without Thee with death's harvest rife ; All truths dry bones, disjoined and void of breath : Thou art our Life ! For Thou art Love ! Our Way and End ! the way is rest with Thee I living Truth ! the truth is life in Thee 1 Life essential ! life is bliss with Theo I For Thou art Love 1 ^ rp- 156 THE TIME FOB PRAYER. THE TIME FOR PRAYER. WHEN is the time for prayer ? With the first beams that light the morning sky, Ere for the toils of day thou dost prepare, Lift up thy thoughts on high ; Commend thy loved ones to Ilis watchful care : Morn is the time for prayer. And in the noontide hour. If worn by toil, or by sad cares oppressed, Then unto God thy spirit's sorrow pour, And He v/ill give thee rest ; Thy voice shall reach Him through the fields of air : Noon is the time for prayer. \Ylien the bright sun hath set, While eve's bright colors deck the skies ; AVlien Avith the loved at home again thou'st met, Then let thy prayers arise ; t or those who in thy joys and sorrows share, Zii-e is the time for prayer. And when the stars come forth — When to the trusting heart sweet hopes are sriven, 4r- LIGHT IN DARKNESS. 157 h And tbe deep stillness of the hour gives birth To pure bright dreams of heaven ; Kneel to thy God — ask strength, life's ills to bear Night is the time for prayer. When is the time for prayer ? In everu liour, while life is spared to thee ; In crowds or solitude, in joy or care, Thy thoughts should heavenward flee. At home, at morn and eve, with loved ones there. Bend thou the knee in prayer ! LIGHT IN DARKNESS. BREEZES of spring, all earth to life awak- ing, Birds swiftly soaring through the sunny sky, The butterfly its lonely prison breaking, The seed up-springing which had seemed to die Types such as these a word of hope have spoken, Have shed a gleam cf light around the tomb ; But weary hearts longed for a surer token, A clearer' ray, to dissipate its gloom. And this was granted ! See the Lord ascending. On crimson clouds of evening calmly borne, I ..■■^.■^.wtj,. u iii A . i i »m w I I i mn III n M » — — MiiiBiMi I iicii III i mni i ,