.V IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 Ittllft |25 us ^^ I^B 1^ |j2 III SBSSSBBB m S Ut 120 1.25 HA :i]fii)^:ii Sdmcjes Gapastion a» WMT MAM STRHT WIWrM,N.Y. 14110 (7I4)I79<4M» 4^ 4^ \ ' ^ iif^^^ lit ^ ^'asateti v^o CIHM/iCMH Microfiche Series. CIHIVI/ICIVIH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Instituta for Historical Microraproductlons / Inatltut Canadian da microraproductiona hiatoriquaa Tcehnteal and libNocrapMe Hotm/Hatm nehnkiUM at MbNographiqiiM TIM IfMtitMt* has a ttiinptad to obtain tho boat original eooy avaiiataia lor fNmin«. 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Bn A D 32X Maps, piataa. charts, ate., may ba fllmad at diffarant raductlon ratios. Thoaa too iarga to ba antiraly inchidad in ona axpoaura ara fllmad baginning in tha uppar laft hand comar. laft to right and top to bottom, aa many framaa aa raquirad. Tha following diagrama illuatrata tlM mathod: 1 2 3 Laa cartaa. planchaa, tablaauK. ate. pauvant Atra filmAa A daa taux da rAduction diff Arants. Loraqua la document aat trap grand pour Atra raproduit an un saul cilehA. il aat f MmA A partir . da I'angia supArlaur gaucha. da gaucha A droita. at da haut an baa. an pranant la nombra d'imagaa nAcaaaaira. Laa diagrammaa suivants Hiuatrant la mAthoda. 1 2 3 4 S 6 €a\ TI THE €anabtan €l)ri5tian ©ffcring. EDITED BY THE REV. R. J. MACGEORGE, INCUMBENT OF TRINITY CHURCH, STRBB.avaLB. -d /-/ t <- * r. £t < t C ' t?U • ^ C< t^*^ C t^ . /(fS^^ TORONTO; PBIMT£D AT THE OFFICE OF THE CHUBCH. N.OCCC.XLVIII. . ., TO BIS EXCELLENCY THE RIGHT HONOITRABLK THE EARL OF EIXIIN AND KINCARDINE, K.T., OOVERNOR GENERAL OF BRITI8U NORTH AMERICA, CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF KING*S COLLEGE, SiC. &C. &C. THIS LITTLE VOLUME OF POEMS, BY CANADIAN AUTHORS, IS, BY PERMISSION, MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO YOUR EXCELLENCY, IN THE HOPE THAT ITS CONTENTS WILL NOT PROVE DISCREDITABLE TO THE PROVINCE IN WHICH YOUR EXCELLENCY IS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF OUR MOST GRACIOUS SOVEREIGN LADY THE QUEEN, BY YOUR excellency's MOST OBUGED AND FAITHFUL SERVANT, THR EDITOR, i « I 7 .Inon. Th« AiUiimiial Tints f<9 Uev. n'. S. Dathtig. The New C'reation fiO Jiev. Dr. Mackie. Hymn for Raster 61 .S'. Thompaan. The Martyr's Grave 63 Ilcv. Chas. Dade, A M. Linen on a Homely Ded v 66 Lord Biahop uf Montreal. A Death-Bed 67 Anon. Lord Remember Me 70 Rev. G. S. J. Hilt. Bartimeus 71 Rev. R. J, Macgeorge. Inscription 74 A. Dixon, Jr. A Thought for the Times 76 A, Dixon, Jr. Rest for the Weary 77 Anon. Prayer of Daniel 79 Anon. Sonnet 83 Rev. R. J. Macgeorge. Rock of Rephidira 64 ' Rev. J. G. D. McKcfuie. Wanderer's Return B8 Rev. R. J. Macgeorge, NameofJesus 89 ^Lord Bishop offdontreal. The Lost Infant » 02 Anon, Christmas 94 T>ie Last Communion 9.^ Rev. G. C. Street. The Cross 99 Rev. W. T. Leach, A.M. Monday 101 Rev. W. Slennet, B.A, i I PREFACE. It is scarcely necessary to reniiiid the Canadian reader t^iat the branch of the Church Catholic established in this Colony, although -clothed in the spotless robe of Apostolic purity of faith, is poor and lowly, — the wilt to extend her blessed influences, being too often chained down by the fetters of necessity. This humility of condition, is the £ditor*8 plea for making an appeal to his brethren for assistance, in the form of the " Christian Offering/* After many struggles a Church was erected in the village of Streetsviile, — the congregation gave according to their means, yet still a heavy debt remains, and to- wards its liquidation the proceeds of this " little book** are to be devoted. Such being the object, he hopes trustfully that the sale will be large. As for the work itielf ; though it cannot vie in rich- ness of exterior with the generality of English puhlica- tions of the same nature, yet as regards the merit of its contents, he confidently believes that few of them surpass it. " Pearls are pearls, though set in humble style." In conclusion, the Editor returns his sincerest thanks to the Lord Bishop of Montreal, and to his friends among the Clergy and Laity, for their literary contribu- tions, and their kind wishes for his success. „ THB CANADIAN CHRISTIAN OFFERING. LINES WRITTEN WITH A FEN FROM AN EAGLE's WING. How fleet U a glance of the mind I Compared with the apeed of ita flight, The tempest itself lags behind, And the swift-winged arrows of light. COWPBS. Trace my thoughts, thou Eagle plume : Far to those I love, they fly : Ne'er shalt thou thy flights resume, Traveller of the boundless sky. Fleeter than thy flights of yore Speed our thoughts and farther range, Traverse time remote — explore Space — and, ah ! remember change. B ; 8 Years, O yerjrs for ever fled ! ' Thought can all your track pursue : Sleepers with the peaceful dead, Thought full well can picture you ! Homeward still the wanderer's care Flies athwart this waste of snow : When he knows not, knows not where Fate may deal some withering blow. Wanderer ! cast thy care on One Who to care for thee descends : Think what He for man has done — Trust to Him thy home and friends. Lift, O Lord, our thoughts on high, Teach our truant hearts to soar : — Thought can pierce beyond the sky. Pierce where change shall be no more. Lord of lords, and King* of kings ! Bear us all our journey's length : Bid us mount on Eagles' wings. Sheathe us in eternal strength. . ^ ; , < ',t *' . »-,;'i4,': .'.'r;i,W;«vv' ''■<■■ 'i ■: . ( , ■'■ 9 CHARITY THINK ETH NO EVIL. Think kindly ! little dost thou know How keen the strivings were Of those who sunk beneath the blow Or yielded to the snare. Thou seest the fault, but canst thou see The heart by sorrow riven ? Or note the conscious agony, That pledge of sin forgiven ? Think kindly ! how wilt thou presume To fill thy Maker's place ? How dare to seal another's doom, Thyself, tjjfe child of ^race? ■».■"■ >**,»*.,?; W.' 10 THE ASHES OF WICLIFF. V* " In obedience to the order of the Council of Constance Richard Fleming, Bishop of Lincoln, Diocesan of Lutterworth, sent his oiBcers (vultures with a quick scent at a dead carcase) to ungrave him. Ac- cordingly to Lutterworth they come— Sumner— ^mmissary—OfBcial — Chancellor — Proctor — Doctors, and their servants — take what was left out of the grave, and burn them to ashes ard cast them into Swift, a neighbouring brook running hard by. Thus this brook has conveyed his ashes into Avon — Avon into Severn — Severn into the narrow seas — they into the main ocean— and thus the ashes of Wicliffare the embfem of his doctrine, which now is dispersed ail the world over. FoLLBK's Church History. Where did our first Reformer sleep, When his glorious race was over? Earth's shrines have no nobler dust to keep, No manlier heart to cover ! Point out the hallow'd spot In its holy splendor dress'd, Where the. Pilgrim museth in solemn thought On his Faith's first Teacher's rest — , ,::■ k Shew us his grave ! — 'twas his to stand ; First of the great Apostle-band, The Spirit-conqueror, whose might The earliest streak of Gospel light On Britain shed abroad — Who rent thy chain, Imperial Rome — Who turn'd from death, our island home To Liberty and God ! i i- f I - They laid his' dust in Lutterworth, A quiet home of common earth ; Amid the flock the Shepherd slept, Familiar eyes his parting wept, "^ " '^ And years — long years roll'd by, ^ ' And greener liv*d his word and name. And many a thousand blessings came ' " To gild his memory ; And Vice and Fraud tlieir triumph sung When death had hush'd his burning tongue. And Priests of haughty mould. Girt by dark Rome's imperial power. Felt chiird and awed the startling hour That Wicliff's name was told ! E'en when his bones to dust were turn'd. Beyond the grave their vengeance burn'd, His warnings fill'd their guilty ear. They saw his awful Phantom near. And sent their mandate forth — " Go — tear the Accursed from the grave, " Scatter Lis dust o*er stream and wave, — «« Void be his place on earth !" They lay the charners secrets bare, , ^ The awful dust unmask, . jPriest— Sumner— Friar~are marshaird there To aid the godless task; , . FN b2 12 They tear the relics from the shroud, — • High springs the flame's red glow, Anathema and curse ring loud As they tramp on their Mighty Foe : " Yon brook will bear him to the deep, ^ . '^ Far as our deadliest curse can sweep " Cast out his poisonous clay !" — The scattered dust the menials lift. And down the waves of the dancing Swift His ashes float away ! — O'er quiet mead, by green-hill side Swift hastes to Avon's broader tide — And Avon sweeps thro* vale and wood . , To melt in Severn's kingly flood — ,,; And Severn, calm and free, i Floats downward on his lordly wave Tlie holy freight that Avon gave Triumphant to the sea ! 1 . If;/. iir' «; ^*' i: ■-' Where doth our first Reformer sleep- Ask of the wild waves — where ? Search where the winds of heaven may sweep. Seek his bright ashes there ! — Where'er high Truth's immortal light ^ , ^* Bursts the thick gloom of error's night, i Where Reason wings her eagle flight, ,^,/. .«; Where breathe Religion's notes. Where Godlike Freedom's mighty voice Bids the weak heart of slaves rejoice. %■ o * «£ I ■ I 13 Where human worth a home may claim, Where Genius soars on earthly fame,-» Our first Reformer's g^lorious name Like holiest music floats: The chainless waves of ocean trace, Follow the rushing river — Each Altar marks his burial place, There Wicliff lives for ever ! ,.' ' -^t ? -,.i ^^ ■ "^f .'"*; v?*;V 14 THE EMIGRANTS FUNERAL. ' 4 * Strange earth we sprinkle on the exile's clay, Mingled with flowers his childhood never knew; Far sleeps he from that mountain-top so blue, Shadowing the scene of his young childhood's play: But o'er his lonely trans-atlantic bed The ancient words of hopeful love are spoken, The solitude of these old pines are broken With the same prayers, once o'er his father said. Oh precious Liturgy ! that thus canst bring Such sweet associations to the soul. That though between us and our homes, seas roll. We oft in thee forget our wandering. And in a holy day* i. 15 THE VOCAL STATUE. The stupendous ruins of the statue of Memnon, King of Ethiopia, are still visible amongst the remains of Thebes in Upper Egypt. At sunrise sweet and cheer Ail strains of music were said to issue from its lips ; whilst it uttered mournful sounds at the approach of night. The Heathen fable may be easily transformed into a Christian allegory. Morning in Thebes ! the olden time ! On «* hundred- gated" walls, — On stately porch, — on fanes sublime, — The purple sunlight falls. Circling the giant-statue*s throne, , . Admiring thousands hear ; ,7 Soft music leave the lifelike stone. And melt upon the ear. Son of the dawn — offspring of light — He greets his parent's rays ; The marble lips, which mourn'd at night, At morn, breathe hymns of praise. That brow hath moonlight oft caressed, But won no answering tone; And starlight slept upon its breast, Yet voiceless still the stone. 16 And may not truthful symbols dwell, — Emblems of better things, — Where fiction weaves her mythic spell, And fancy spreads her wings? Ye — quickened by the Spirit's breath — Children of light divine ; On whom, reclaimed from shades of death, Immortal glories shine; How sacred your baptismal birth ! ^ Have ye its pledges kept? Joy'd, when its light shone clear on earth ? And, when it faded, wept? The godly have a strife — a task : With spirits dark they fight; Yet all the comfort which they ask, * Is Christ — their Lord and Light. I'hey shrink from each seductive way,— Fair-seeming to the eye, — Wherein the simple blindly stray, • And sorrowfully die. . 1 1 ■ V^.' Passive to pleasure's magic blaze, Where festive halls are bright ; J'hey turn, in pure and holy praise, To Christ — their only Light. " i'::' 1 y 17 The luring" phantom lights which glare On verge of endless night, Touch not their hearts, made strong by prayer: Christ is their only Light. Wealth may attract, or pomp obscure, The wretched worldling's sight; Unmov'd, the godly stand secure In Christ — their only Light. Their faith and hope, surmounting death. Shall make the grave look bright; And still their song, with fleeting breath, Shall be of Christ — their Light. :- t 18 THINGS PAST. Memory doth treasure up all that is seen, Or thought, or felt, in travelling down life's road, Whether with pleasure linked, or sorrow keen, The mind doth still retain th' increasing load: For oft sweet music's strain, like magic spells, Perfume of flowers, or word at random said, Evokes lonff-hidden thoughts from deep- stored cells, Which erring fancy deemed for ever fled; Touched by the charm, they burst their shrouded gloom. And throng around, arrayed in hues of eld : £*en so, when comes the fearful day of doom. When peals the trump, — the final session's held,— Our long'forgotten sins, in black array, Will marshalled stand, revealed in blaze of day. 19 THE NON-COMMUNICANTS LEAVING THE CHURCH WHEN THE HOLY COMMUNION IS ABOUT TO BE ADMINISTERED. O His a vision dark with woe, On feast-day to behold The sheep of Christ scatter, as though A wolf were in the fold. The wine is pour'd, set is the bread. But guests the banquet fly ! They fly the fare of which 'tis said " Except ye eat ye die." « Morsels from heaven their tasting wait, And blood of EshcoPs grape, But they rush forth, infatuate. And labour to escape. To all is offered costly cheer And festival array. But strange ! the boon some scorn, some fear, And thrust the robe away. do Bright angel oft, soared home at even From watch by altar kept, Constrained to tell the sight in heav'n, Hath hid his face and wept. When call to share their Saviour's fare Is thus by men despised, Had not prevailed the Church's care, Would such now be baptized ? Had not prevailed the Church's care, These all were heathen yet ; Their vows, 'mid unbelief's chill air, So boldly they forget ! Were holy Paul to greet such now, They swift would turn away : * A little water on the brow ! — What doth the babbler say ?' Such would not join the corps of Christ, Did Christ before them stand : Who scorn their vows, would not enlist In His vow- loving band. Saviour, forgive ! be merciful ! They know not what they do ! Their eyes are dim, their ears are dull, Thy witnesses are few. 91 O teach once more the world to know Thy doctrine's certain sound, Else when Thou com'st again below , Thy faith will scarce be found. And ye who now so erring miss Your soul's best food to see, Think of His Word who said, Do this In memory of Me. Obey that Word of God's own Son, And deem it meet and right To throng your King's pavilion. And feast with great delight Youth, maid, strong man, child, bent grandsire. Men, brethren, fathers, stay ! The board He spreads your souls require ! Turn not in fear away ! His Arm yet works 'neath mystic veil Of symbol and of rite; By these He bids your faith ne'er fail, And aids your hope by sight. Go, cleanse your hands, strive, watch, repent. And soon your souls shall learn. In Word, and Prayer, and Sacrament, Your Saviour to discern. ' ■ * And all ye Priests, give every where One clear, united voice; One Faith, one Font, one Feast declare,— Give heresy no choice. Then crowds will grace the Lord's repast^ Of such as Jesus loved, — Of such as shall by Him at last Be chosen and approvM. ' '; ! And then, as in the Church's youth, • ;^ Heart unto heart will cleave; ' ^^ Then wide will spread God's certain Truth, Then will the world believe ! ,i,a:. % -Ti^:.' . f .: ■si . .■ \ i . > » ■; ♦ . :■■■■■ ^ Ai'^--^ -r, ■> ]■' -n-^-y^ .' : ON THE NIGHT^BLOWING CEREUS. ^H-.' He shdl grow up before Him as • tender plant Isaiah liit. 2. A mantle of leaves Had enshrouded the rose, And slumber had hidden The tints of the bower; When, lo ! in the midst , Of this dewy repose, As I wander'd, I came To a night-blowing flower. All others, their robes And their odours forsaking, Undistinguished were sleeping In slumber profound ; But this, this alone. In its beauty was waking, And breathing its soul-filling Sweetness around. *Twas a glorious flower ! Its corolla of white. As pearls of Arabia 'Mid jewels of gold, ? ^ And lonely and fair, Through the shades of the night, It beamed with a softness I loved to behold. C2 And, metbought, as I look'd, What an emblem is this, Thus blooming afar From the land of its birth, Of Him, whose own land Is a region of bliss, Though He grew as a plant In this garden of earth. *Twas thus, while the world All around Him was dim. That He shone with love's purest And holiest ray : 'Twas thus, in the garden , ,s So honour'd by Him, That night, through His fragrance, Was richer than day. Like the flowers. His disciples At midnight were sleeping, And deep were their slumbers. Unconscious of care ; While He, in the blood j ' Of His agony, weeping, f To His Father was breathing The sweetness of prayer. ;1 ifi jf »-»i t - 1 re ' w -, -':^ -4#l il '^ ■^ M THE SNOW STORM. WRITTEN UPON A JOURNEY IN LOWER CANADA. Blow winds and crack your cheeks, rage, blow. « «« « « • « « I tax not you, ye elements, with unkindness. Kino Lbar. i*' 1^ Rage on, thou whistling tempest, Sweep high the snow in air: Ye blinding gusts relent not, — I can your fury dare : Oh ! we might heed but little The storms which blow above. If man upon his fellow Would breathe the breath of love ! II. I pass the homes of peasants. Thick scattered through the land: I mark each spire, a banner ^^^^ For God which seems to stand : I hear the bell, which calls them To bend the duteous knee: ^ • ! I see them troop responding, i^. — Alas ! it calls not me. ,-, \< so Itl. O who can speak the sadness That chilis a Christian heart, To think that in religion We have not common part ! That us you hold as outlawed From holy Church and hope : We mourn your deep enchantment Beneath a sorcerer Pope. 'Tis not alone the children V : " Of old usurping Rome : They who her yoke have broken Are dissidents at home : To thee, loved England's Zion, On different sides alike, There stand whose will is evil, Whose arm upraised to strike. Each spokesman of the people Insidious wrongs thee still : Each newsman's weekly trumpet Remorseless blows thee ill; Their teeth are spears and arrows, Their tongue a sharpened sword : With mischief to thy children Their ready lips are stored. > 27 \e ' VI. O for the dove's free pinion, That I might flee and find The rest which you refuse me, My brethren of mankind ! Ah me ! the post of duty Is not for soft repose : Our term of toil and conflict The grave alone can close. VII. O sure and peaceful shelter ! Which none but God can break, When all who lie expectant The general trump shall wake : Then in their promised country Thine Israel shall be blest, O, Captain of Salvation, — It is the Land of Rest. VIII. My God, before thy greatness No child of man may boast : — Yet look on us, thy servants, And go before our host: Beset by many a danger, And soiled by many a sin, O from without defend us, And purify within I 28 IX. We have not wronged this people, We have not proudly dealt: — Thy word we freely tender, If this a wrong be felt: We draw, to do them service, Our wages from afar. And rob for this the Churches Beneath a different star. , X. We count, among our shepherds. True hearts the fold to tend ; None to be spent more willing. None readier seen to spend : Far thro* the gloom of forests Their welcome steps are traced: Their hands the rose of Sharon Plant in the howling waste. XI. Turn, turn, good Lord, Thy children, That they may all be one, Ev*n as, O Holy Father, ' Thou and Thy blessed Son: — When shall we see the leopard Lie gently by the kid, And with the bear to pasture ^ The fearless kine be bid ? 29 XII. Full many a stone of stumbling Must from our path be hurled ; Full many a fault be weeded From this misjudging world; Full many a speck be purg-ed From things we love and prize ; Full many a schism repented, Ere that blest sun shall rise. ' ' XIII. Far hence the hollow seeming Of unity and love, Which leaves to choice of fancy Truths given from God above: Far hence their pliant baseness, Whom from their standard sways, Poor meed of fashion's favour, Or breath of mortal praise. XIV. The gems of truth to barter. We purchase peace too dear ; Pure faith and ancient order Must still be guarded here : All, all we love, we pray for, All holy zeal commend ; But for the rule delivered Of old we must contend. ^ XV. O come, O come, blest kingdom, O Saviour, bid it speed; One Spirit, one rite baptismal, One hope be ours, one creed ! 'Tis then the cross, — blest ensign,- One way we all shall wave ; Nor more with dissonant trumpets Proclaim its power to save. XVI. In seemly strength and order Shall march our conquering band : And Christ shall win the Paynim With followers hand in hand. Till God shed wide His glory, ■ Earth's utmost verge to sweep, Ev*n as the rolling waters O'erspead the boundless deep. !■' • T'^ 31 TEARS. ./ ..i. v'itir. t JH.;'= :* J ■'"'■; 4 ,j Tears — blessed tears ! • n V Ye are the voiceless language of the soul, Calming the tempest of the hopes and fears That o'er the breast their crested billows roll. How many a tale ye tell, When joy hath lost her voice, and sorrow's moan Is hushed by misery, when the big thoughts swell, Struggling for freedom in thtir narrow home. ' , * Ye are bright syllables, Silent, yet eloquent. Your drops uprise From the heart's fountains. Y"c are holy wells. Sunk in the vale of grief, gushing from joy's bright eyes. Ye are the holy dew ^ Drawn by the fervid beams of Christian love From life's eternal waters, which renew And fit our souls for happiness above, D 32 . Ye are two kindred streams, Born at the self-same fountain, yet ye flow, One, through the fairy fields where gladness gleams, The other, thro' the dreary realms of woe. There was a Man of woes. Within whose heart ye had a fountain deep ; But it was o'er the sorrows of His foes, And never tor His own, that He did weep. Oh, consecrated tears ! Since from the Saviour's holy eyes ye ran, '" Ye have been tokens, telling all our fears. That while He saves as God, He feels as man. ,^. ■''!.;, ;• ,v.. -K,-., ; ,; .:.,; " ) ' '' -V ' ' • '; ■ '., ■. :. = .•■;;,? .J '.f ^!> ■/';;. l:.^ ^v.:im-'-V--- '''■ f.0 ■ ; s - 33 fSS > I). THE SLAYING OF THE FIRST-BORN OF EGYPT. .?;'."(' < tJ ;.• ■ ' , Midnight on the moonless earth, On the black sky's starless dome, Silence on the bondman's hearth, On the Pharoah's regal home ! Wrapp'd in dreams of bigot pride, Slumber'd Egypt's myriads wide ; Miracle and plague had ceas'd ; Israel's thunder-calling Priest Waved no more his awful rod, Ask'd no tempests from his God ; And tlie Gods of Egypt waken, Veil'd Osiris' bolt is shaken. Bondage — tortures — felons' graves Be your portion, rebel slaves, — - Dupes, on dreaming hopes relying Fools, the Pharoah's Gods defying Midnight, moonless — starless — black — Silent — save a low faint shiver. Floating melancholy back From the old Nile's restless river. r \:^n : I , V 34 Is yon spectral light the Dawn From the Orient journeying on ? Tell to Isis* laggard Priest Morn is hovering in the East — Gods ! — The black vault rends asunder As if stirr'd with unheard thunder, And a mass of ghostly light Floateth down the breast of Night. Ha ! — Within that charnel gleaming, Looms some form of awful seeming. Nearer — His a war-like Phantom, — Pale, grey shadows clothe and haunt him ; Death and Terror, hovering round him. In a battle-garb have bound him : From his eyes cold lightnings glance, — Motionless his fire-clad lance. Hush ! — He stays his war-cloud now O'er the death-doom'd City's brow. Hear Osiris — Isis hear ! Egypt's judgment- hour is near ! O'er her the Destroyer bendeth, From his cloud the Shape descendeth — Gods of Egypt, hear ! — Now the Phantom-Shape is gliding Slowly down the slumbering street, Now his ghostly form is biding By the Pharaoh's royal gate : 35 : 1 Now the death-lance rais'd on hifi^h, Striks the lintel noiselessly ; And a dirge-like wailing falls O'er those high and stately halls, As if royal breath were fleeting, As if Death with Kings were meeting.- But the Phantom-Shape is gone, Silent — slowly — journeying on : Noble's tower, and peasant's gate, All in turn his step await — Where he strikes the death-dart's blow, There the Mourner's wailings flow. Now his misty Form's before The weak Bondman's lowly door. And the shadowy arm on high Lifts the death-lance threat'ningly. Hath he struck ? — Is that the moan For the young slave's spirit flown ? See — the phantom-shadow bow — Whence the spell that binds him now ? There's a token glistening there In the lance*s fiery glare, Like a flash of bloody light Streams its crimson on the night, — See the phantom-shape obey The red symbol's potent ray — Go !— The bondman sleepeth well, 'Twas his God that fram'd that spell. Away — pale shape — away ! d2 36 Morn on Egypt's wailing coast — Israel — up ! — thy God hath won thee, Call the thousands of thine host, — Come, with triumph's splendor on thee;— Warrior, Prophet, Leader, Priest, Raise the altar — spread the feast. Shout ! — Let Egypt's wailing sound In your jubilee be drownM — - Let each tribe its thousands gather, Wealth and substance, — child and father — Marshal now your long array; Follow ye your God to-day. Eastward ho ! — your cloudy guide Towards the desert seems to glide. Follow — follow — sign and wonder, — Judgment, tempest, sword and thunder, God hath on your tyrants cast, Jacob's line i^ freed at last. Israel up — away — away ! Victor, slave of yesterday, Thou art freed at last ! r A MYSTERY. r ^ 4 " Truly our lot is cast in a materialising age, for we lee many around us, intoxicated with intellectual pride, endeavouring to rationalise the supernaturalism of Divine mysteries, while their own minds, and even earth and air, abound with darknesses they cannot penetrate." Deep mysteries envelop all around, Derisive mocking schoolmen's art, I ween No clue the haughtiest intellect e'er found, No human eye hath through them ever seen. Oft in the changeful scenes upon life's stage, Like lightning's flash, there flits athwart the brain A vivid feeling, that in some past age ' Our part was acted, — ^acted now again. But vain all musings, weak all human skill. To solve this mystery of two-fold state ; Like forest bird encaged, the eager will Urges to soar aloft with wings elate. Alas! earth's prison bars repel such flight. King Death alone can ope to perfect light. dd FlUENDSHIP. " And what is Friendship but a name ?" Goldsmith. A name ! O minstrel, cease thine erring strain: Friendship is not tlie phantom thou vvouldst feign. Seek not to make me coldly, vainly wise: Seek not to teach me what my heart denies — Knowledge which it can never cease to spurn, And if it knew would hasten to unlearn. No — there is no delusion — I have been Not many years a pilgrim — I have seen Not much, yet even I have found that spot In which there grows the plant * Forget me not.* A fragrant flower, which, though of heavenly birth, Can live, can bloom, can blossom upon earth. And they have found, that it is more than name, Whose hope, whose faith, whose feelings, are the same; 39 tin: idst irn, lot.* tnly th. me, are VVlio for each other, at the mercy-seat, Those blessintfs which themselves desire en- treat : And breathe, with each petition of their own, A prayer, unsought, untold, yet not unknown. O, such indeed is Friendship! Such the ties Whose strength the power of Time itself defies. They who have thus in Christian friendship met, Though they may part, they never can forget. The fl-iendship of the world, with fitful blaze, As interest rules, now brightens, now decays: But theirs that nobler flame, serenely bright, Which burns, for ever burns, with heaven-born liffht. ^ 'Tis theirs to say, while Faith on wing sublime Soars high beyond the bounds of distant time— 'Tis theirs to say, nor is such faith in vain, I know, that they who part shall meet again. Oh may we meet on that eternal shore. Where the calm'd bosom knows its fears no more : Where they whose life is Christ, with Christ shall dwell : And where nor tongue, nor pen, shall ever say — Farewell! 40 i ■1 .■'i\ A PRAYER. •' Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice unto Him witli reyerence." } iv About my path, about my bed, Thou, LoBD, art ever near: - » . My soul, possessed with holy dread, .r None other can I fear. None have I here on earth but Thee, And none in heaven above ; . - But Thou art all in all to me, V ,, i< , None other could I love. Thou art my Ruler, — it is meet To heed Thy sovereign voice : , My Father Thou,— then it is sweet To make Thy will my choice. The duteous loyalty of awe Shall lead me in Thy way: "^ The bands of love's constraining law Forbid my feet to stray. 41 THE POOR MAN'S CHURCH. ''*t)f. ' Go tbou, and do likewise." Wake, harp of Zion, silent long, Nor voiceless and unheard be thou, ; ) While meetest theme of sacred song Awaits thy chorded numbers now ! Too seldom, 'mid the sounds of strife ; That rudely ring unwelcome here, Thy music soothes this fever*d life With breathings from a holier sphere. • ,<;■.■ The warrior, wading deep in crime, Desertless, lives in poet's lays; The statesman wants not stirring rhyme To cheer the chequer'd part he playK: And Zioii's harp, to whom alone Soft-echoing, higher themes belong, Oh lend thy sweet aerial tone — 'Tis meek- eyed Virtue claims the song. .i 5 Beyond the limits of the town A summer's ramble, may be seen A scatter'd suburb, newly grown, . ^ Rude huts, and ruder fields between. ^\ 42 Life's luxuries abound not there, Labour and hardship share tlie spot; Hope wrestles hard with frowning care, And lesser wants are heeded not. Religion was neglected too— *Twas far to town — the poor are proud — They could not boast a garb as new, And shunn'd to join the well-drest crowd. • ^ -■ • rt ' •- - ■ - , . ■ - -^tt ' ' ' No country church adorn'd the scene, In modest beauty smiling fair, Of mien so peaceful aiul serene, The poor man feels his home is there. Oh England ! with thy village chimes, Thy church-wed hamlets, scatter'd wide, The emigrant to other climes Remembers thee with grateful pride ; And owns that once at home again. With fonder love his heart would bless Each humble, lowly, hallowed fane That sanctifies thy loveliness. But here, alas ! the heart was wrung To see so wan, so drear a waste — ' Life's thorns and briers rankly sprung. And peace and love, its flow'rs, displaced. 43 And weary seasons passed away, '■ As time's fast-ebbing tide roll'd by, To thousands rose no Sabbath-day, They lived — to suffer — sin — and die ! Then men of Christian spirit came, They saw the mournful scene with grief; To such, it e'er hath been the same To know distress and give relief. They told the tale, nor vainly told — They won assistance far and wide; ."^is heart were dull indeed and cold, Who such petitioner denied. They chose a slightly-iising hill That bordered closely on the road, And workmen brought of care and skill, And wains with many a cumbrous load. With holy prayer and chanted hymn The task was sped upon its way, And hearts beat high and eyes were dim To see so glad a sight that day. And slowly as the work ascends In just proportions, strong and fair, How watchfully its early friends Widi zealous ardour linger near, £ 44 *Tis finished now — a Gothic pile, — Brave handiwork of faith and love — In England's ancient haiiow'd style, That pointeth aye, like hope, above : With stately tow'r, and turret high, And quaint-arch'd door, and buttress'd walK And window stain'd of various dye, And antique moulding over all. And hark ! the Sabbath-going bell ! A solemn tale it peals abroad — To all around its echoes tell ■ " This building is the house of God !" Say, Churchman ! doth no still small voice Within you whisper — "while 'tis day "Go, bid the desert place rejoice ! "Your Saviour's high behest obey: " Say not, your pow'rs are scant and weak, "What hath been done, may be anew; " He addeth strength to all who seek "To serve Him with affection true." I 45 THE INDIAN LOG CHURCH. Hude forest temple ! little canst thou show Of architectural pomp or blazonry ; But to my heart thy meek simplicity Speaks deeper toned than prouder fanes can do: Emanuel's pioneer in a wild land, For a^es buried in the gloom of night, Thou first didst beckon with beseeching hand, To Gospel liberty and Gospel light. Within thy walls, first, in this region, swell'd The choral hymn of praise to Israel's God; Here first the wandering Indian beheld -- The entrance to immortal life's straight road, And, nothing doubting, heard with glist'ning eye, That he was heir with Christ, of wealth beyond the sky. i ':! m . HYMN. " Lord of lords, and King of kings." Rbv «t«. 14 ■ ■ ■ - » Rob'd with all the Deity, Worshipp'd as the Infinite, Who is this cnthronM on high ? Who is this enshrinM in light? Angels, let me hear his name: Tell me, whom ye thus proclaim. Why do ye, with trembling wings, Why do all created things. Hail this Being Lord of lords, and King of kings ? Mortals, would ye hear the story ? ('Tis to you it doth belong): Would ye know a Saviour's glory ? Would ye learn an angel's song? This is Jesus : — once He died, Once for you was crucified. Therefore all creation sings» All creation homage brings. Hailing Jesus Lord of lords, and King of kings. 47 14. Now anointed Lord of all, Myriads bow before Him ; Thousand thousands prostrate fall; Heaven and earth adore Him. Hark ! the deep and solemn sound Rolls above, beneath, around. Hark ! they sweep the golden strings. Hark ! all nature thrilling rings, Hailing Jesus T.ord of lords, and King of kings. '&■■ •"*/'; ^ ':iA;' 'J-'-^vi^ ;|p-*> f •- 'Hi. ■ :■'■•**.■' .nt\ E« ■ S ;4n-"^j> ■ ^-' fi:jS;.J*l"J, if?.... u?:?"^ bm, J Pit ;•..!>:: ii-\j"fi.*'i 48 THE CAPTURE OF JERUSALEM IN THE FIRST CRUSADE. Warriors of Christ, commission'd from on high 111 God's own cause to conquer or to die, Warriors of Christ, lo there before your eyes, Almost obtain'd, the long contested prize ! That hallow'd soil which holiest feet have trod, That tomb in which repos'd the Son of God. And still do Moslem rites that spot profane ! And still does Zion wear the Moslem's chain ! Where is the sword of Christendom, the sveord Which fought thus far the battle of the Lord ? Why shines th' embroider'd cross on every breast, If ye can look on scenes like these — and rest? If ye can rest unmov'd, and eat, and sleep, And leave the city of your God to weep. Oh once again, ye brave, 'tis Heaven's decree, Once more attempt, and Zion shall be free. .# Fir'd by their leader's voice, from post to post A tenfold ardor fires the warrior host. A^ain, impetuous, o*er the mounds of dead, With added force, the dire assault is led : Nor led in vain. Though thousand croises fall, They stand, they strive, they burn, they gain the wall. . . Hoard ye that shout? Heard, ye the skies resound? . f They plant the bannered cross on holy ground. Yet still the Moslem, prodigal of life. Wield the red blade and urge the desperate strife, And every street and every house defend, And every step with fellest rage contend. There Tissaphernes, stern Argantes here, Stay the proud foe, and make the mighty fear; There the swarth Ethiop draws the deadly bow; Here Egypt's sabre lays the invader low : And still their chiefs the fruitless combat dare, Now fir'd by hope, now madden'd by despair. But vain that hope. Can mortal arm avail When Europe's best those fainting ranks assail? Here Godfrey leads: there Britain's sword devours : * : j i Here Charles and Conrad urge their banded powers : There chivalrous Tancred guides his daring train; 56 :! AiiH here Rinaldo strews the earth with slain. So look'd the dreaded chief whose glittering shield Shone like a sun o'er Ilium's fated field: v So moved Pelides through the ranks of fight : So flames the meteor through the black of night. Yield, Moslem, yield: why, why provoke your fate ? Would ye at length repent? 'Tis now too late. Too long your strength th' indignant foe with- stood ; And rage provok'd is only quench'd in blood. Hark ! *Tis the victor*s loud exulting cry. Hark ! 'Tis the shriek, the groan, of them that die. Vainly is woman's frenzied prayer preferr'd ; It is the hour when prayers are never heard. Vainly the babe its little hand extends, And smiles, unconscious smiles ; the blow descends. Vainly would age her silvery honours plead: By the same sword the sire and infant bleed. x\nd still 'tis carnage; still from street to street The demon Fury guides the victor's feet: Still, flushed with blood, his arm is rais'd again — Will none that rage, that fearful rage, restrain? By the dear name of Him whose cross ye wear, Stay, Christiana, stay; the work of death forbear. tor It. ir 5J If ye indeed be followers of the Lord, Oh spare your fellow men, oh sheathe the glutted sword. i .-' The storm is hush'd: the work of death is done: Glows on Judaea's hills the setting sun: » On Salem's walls the crescent waves no more : In Salem's courts the Christian host adore ; And round that tomb in which their Lord was laid Have met the chieftains of the first erusade. Meek on tlie earth each awe-struck warrior kneels: O'er the rapt soul a solemn influence steals: Low murmuring sounds from half shut lips arise: Full hearts are breathing prayers, and vows, and sighs; And eyes not often wet, (oh wondrous sight !) Are weeping fast the tears of strange delight. Those eyes but lately, (not an hour is gone,) 'Neath the barr'd helm'n with martial fury shone: Those lips, hoarse sounding, swell'd the battle cry: Those mailed hands — the blood is scarcely dry. 'f^:. Strange contrast this ! But 'tis not ours to say Heaven from those prayers abhorrent turned away. We judge ye not: no, gallant warriors, no. While British hearts with kindred ardor glow, If censure too severe should bid you shame. The age in which ye liv*d shall bear the blame. And long as Britain loves the brave and bold. How shall she listen to your deeds of old ! Pierce with exploring eye th' historic gloom, And wipe the dust from each neglected tomb ! Let wisdom cavil; let the witling smile. As if your tale could mirth alone beguile; liefiection^ musing on the will of heaven, Sees that to you a nobler task was given. Ye roll'd war's angry storm on Syria's shore : Ye queird the power which none had quelPd before : Ye crush'd the proud: ye bade th' oppressor cease: Ye said to Zion's pilgrim, Go in peace : Ye gave to Europe arts till then unknown. And from each foreign land made rich your own. Therefore Reflection bids us own your claim: Therefore shall Poesy weave the wreath of fame; And still that fame, as ages roll along, Shall live in History's page and Tasso's song. y d 53 LINES TO A L.ADY WHO ASKED SOMfiTHING FOR HER its'^i /:i: ALBUM. Yes, I will write : since your request Demands the li- "^i^ted strain, My lyre shali i t- ik from balmy rest, And breathe and sound again. Poor though it be, my foolish rhyme May claim one short essay, For thus, perchance, the lingering time Shall faster speed away. 'J^'hen, Lady, this shall be the hour To try once more the Muse's power. Yes, this, for soon the Western gale Shall fluttering fill the flowing sail: And though we now together roam Across the Atlantic wave, And fellow-pilgrims of a month The Ocean's perils brave: Yet when we reach our native shore We part in peace, — the voyage is o'er. 54 I! We part, as fancy points our way, ' u. Or duty guides our feet, And perhaps (the' 'tis not ours to say) On earth no more to meet. We part ; and who can tell the extremes That each shall undergo, The hopes, the fears, the waking dreams Of human bliss and woe, Ere we before the Judgment seat In other guise again shall meet/ Unmark'd the approach, unknown the date, That hour shall come, or soon or late. Then, whether it be ours to drink The cup of grief or bliss, Ah, why witli anxious fondness cling I'o suvli a world as this? Whicb, brightly as it seems array'd. So soon, 50 very soon, must fade. Why fondly court the hollow mirth, And fading joys of fading earth, Which mock the grasp: a little while ' In glowing tints appear to smile, ^ Then, rapid as the viewless wind, Escape — but leave a sting behind? Say, then, shall such pursuits engage Our ceaseless thoughts from youth to age; Forgetting, while we urge the chace. That here we 've no abiding place? 55 Alas ! we do but sojourn here, A few short years to stay, Until the Messenger appear And summon us away. And oh ! how dreadful is that call To them who Ve made the world their all ! But if, redeemed by Heavenly Love, We seek while here the things above. Then welcome Death — thy conquering dart No more shall grief and fear impart; But when thou comest to release. That hour shall be the hour of peace. ;i l\ 56 THE WIDOWED MOTHER. I had a Wido^ved Mother once, A Mother meek and mild, ' . And tho' Vd come to manhood's years, I loved her like a child. I never knew a Mother yet v> • That seemed so kind as she ; So gentle, yet so firm withal, 'Midst this world's misery. Oh ! sad and drear had her pathway been Thro' this weary waste of life. And the cup her youth thought full of joy, With trouble had been rife. And in that time of trial sore. The day-spring from on high Had never dight with heavenly light Her future's darkened sky. But glory to the Lord our God, At even-time 'twas light. And it shone on the narrow path that leads To a land with glory bright. H 57 HEAVENLY FLOWERS. WRITTEN IN A LADY S ALBUM. Lady ! I've look'd thine Album thro*, And conn*d each page with care, The gems it boasts are fair to view. But much is wanting there : Hemans hath furnished many a flower, Tiie smiling wreath to grace. And ByrorCs verse, of matchless power, By Moore^s soft strains hath place. And bards for thee, to fame unknown, A chaplet sweet have wove. And woke the shell of softest tone To Friendship, or to Love : ' But scarce a line, 'mid lays so fair, To higher themes is gi^en; No strains Religion's praise declare, And lift our thoughts to Heaven. Oh ! worse than useless is the lay. That knows not how to soar Beyond the term of life's short day. And Heavenly scenes explore ! For who would cling to Earth's dull breast, Ifi winged like a dove. His soul could flee and be at rest, In better worlds above ? 58 When Jesse's son his father's flock Tended, amid the wild, By peaceful stream or sheltering rock, Or pasture green that smilM, Where'er his lonely footstep stray'd, To Heaven his harp was strung, While still his lips, that fervent pray'd, The Lord his Shepherd sung ! Nor less, 'mid Sion's courts of old, Isaiah's minstrelsy Th' Anointed Virgin-born foretold. In strains that ne'er shall die : Undying too — such themes sublime Awoke a MiltorCs fire. And still to such, in later time, A Heber tun'd his lyre. ^ • ', . \ \ Then, Lady ! let thy wreath be grac'd With flowers divine like these. Each earth-born bud beside them plac'd Shall lack the charm to please : And know, transplanted to thy breast. These flowers, 'neath kindlier skies, With Heaven's eterial sunshine blest, Shall bloom in Paradise ! , t ■ : 69 ■ ..; . ' THE AUTUMNAL TINTS. ^^ The hand of the coining Winter Has thrown o'er the forest scene A mantle of many colours, Like the robe of an Eastern Queen: ,i' And the Maple's sanguine hue Is the velvet's crimson fold; i And the Elm and Birch's yellow leaf Is its 'broidery of gold : ? • The faint and the fading green Is the delicate underdress, .r?/ That falls 'neath the gorgeous and flowing robe, - ' r And adds to her loveliness : And on leaves of a thousand dyes/ The dew-drops are lying now, And they are the gems, in the turban rich That p^races her Queenly brow. Go, Christian brother, and think That each leaflet's varying hue Was painted by that Almighty Hand, Which was nailed to the Cross for you. f2 00 THE NEW CREATION. O -i O, Thou, who to the lifeless clay Didst speak, and bad^st it ^; A ^eater, nobler power display, And bid it live to Thee. Revive thy work, thy work of grace. Thou Energy Divine : The image of Thyself retrace, <( And stomp my spirit Thine. My senses — instruments of shame — Transform and mould anew : And teach them, with another aim, Thy glory to pursue. .^ The hearing ear, the eye to see, The tongue to praise Thee, give ; And stablish Thine abode in me, And make it *' Christ to live." Then mine for aye shall be the joy, A stranger may not know; Foretaste of bliss, without alloy, ' The pledge of heaven below. • 61 HYMN FOR EASTER. n;'- . /> :Jf')i "ChrUt U riMD."* "Chriit it risen from the dead: and become the first fruiti of them that ilept. For tiuce by man came death : by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die : even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Christ is risen ! Jesu lives ! - He lives His faithful ones to bless ; The grave to life its victim gives — Our grief is changed to joyfulness. The sleeping Saints, whom Israel slew, Waking, shall list the blissful sound; He — their first fruits — doth live anew — Hell hath a mighty conqueror found. Paschal offering ! Spotless Lamb ! For us was heard thy plaintive cry ; For us, in agony and shame, Thy blood's sweet incense soar*d on high. • Ea$Ur SaiMtmhon ^ the Primitive Church. 62 By erring man came woe — the grave — The ground accurs'd — the blighted tree- Jesus, as man, for ransom g^ve Himself» from death to set us free. Christ is risen ! saints rejoice ! — Your hymns of praise enraptured pour- Ye heavenly angels, lend your voice — Jesus shall reign for evermore ! Hallelujah! Amen. ■•'.P". «v'. I , ' fr-^-' r.- ■ ::■ i; « T;.' •■''■i:'. :'>v"S^;., -viori-f/. -,/^-!ii5*;'^ ^^'''^ *■ '-' ' f:i\hi ' ''-^ ' '^* — ^ — ' '4; ?.> ' «« . : "C J J 5 1/... J- ^ 1 » MvijxOd«S Vi?.! h'U W, Ml ^ /!.i.>lr vj?t •■:/'';l.fi^»'|■^^ Vff* 7k mi'!.*'****, ?. '-w-A^'* • 63 THE MARTYR'S GRAVE. O ! fallen thou on evil days, To vile Expedience palt'ring slave, Turn from the grovelling scenes of earth. And muse upon the Martyr's Grave. Go ! read the record of the past, Emblazon'd bright in deathless story ; The record of the hallowed dead. Pilgrims on earth, now Saints in glory. Theirs was no path bestrew'd with flowers, The path by thoughtless worldlings trodden, Where Pleasure speeds the rosy hours. Lapping the soul in dreams Elysian. Thro' tribulation's fiery flood, They held their onward course unblenching, Descended to the grave in blood, No craven fears their spirit quenching. See ! from yon City's crowded streets. All in the golden sunlight gleaming. From sculptur'd dome and lowly cot. What eager throngs are onward streaming. ^.-3 Virgin and matron, priest and Poble, Bondsman and free, all hurrying by, To yonder dread Arena hasting, To see the Christian Hero die. The caged beasts couch\i in their lair. Eager to burst their bars asunder, ; Bristling with fury, on him glare. With eye of flame and roar of thunder. ' Girded around with ghastly horrors, The centre of that grisly ring, Alone he stands, while on his head The caitiff rabble curses fling. No, not alone ; for watching o'er him. Invisible to mortal eye, • Blest ministering Spirits hover. Soothing his dying agony. The strife is o*er: on earth remains. The mangled corse, with gore all reeking; To heaven th' unfettered soul ascends, 'Mid clouds on high his Saviour seeking. O ! who can paint that hour of bliss. When from the dust of death ascending, The ransom'd spirit soared above. Its course to heavenly mansions bending. 65 Join'd to the glorious company Of Saints and Martyrs gone before, Who, thron'd amid the realms of light, Dwell with the Saviour evermore. Fires not the blush of shame thy cheek ? Does not thy sluggish bosom burn, As from the idle gauds of earth. To them thy wand'ring thoughts return ? Thou that to God, with niggard hand, Would'st give the refuse of thy hoard, While they, all prodigal of life, Th«ir heart's best blood like water pour'd : And, leagued with a perfidious band, Of felons in unhallow'd strife, Would'st rend, with sacrilegious hand. The bounteous breast that gave thee life. O may that Spirit's precious balm. Which even the dry bones could quicken, Shed on our souls celestial calm, When earth-born mists around us thicken. So shall we safe, *mid worldly foes, Tho' fierce around the tempest rages, In blest assurance still repose. Fast anchored on the Rock of Ages. 66 .i ;;^ ■! •, -ii . .•iij-i.;:' LINES ^^^:. ;.....^. 1 UPON OCCASION OF RETIRING TO A HOMELY BED IN A HUMBLE DWELLING. ' ' ^ ' ,-,- 1 My Heavenly Master had not where To lay His blessed head : Too thankful, then, may I repair To this — to any bed. Shield us this night, Almighty God, And when we sink at last To sleep beneath the kindred sod. On Thee our charge be cast ! O grant that when that dark repose By millions shall be burst. Our lot be found in Christ with those Ordain'd to rise the first. 67 A DEATH-BED. Break not the dying Maid's repose — Perchance beneath its gentle thrall Earth's latest sunshine round her glows, And Hope's last rainbow smiles o'er all : Mayhap some long-forgotten voice t r< I Of early music haunts her ear, Bidding the loosening soul rejoicey y Its everlasting morning near : ' ^ Sweet thoughts may light her dying breast- — Oh trouble not that holy rest ! i Scant are the spells remaining now ^ >-; To woo her back to life again — The memory of a faithless vow — -'' The shatter'd links of love's soft chain : Too many a cold and bitter thought ^^ > Would thro' her waken'd musings start — Dreams of an early blighted lot — Shapes, such as haunt a broken heart ; Life's 'osing hour may leave her blest, Oh ttf^i ble not that peaceful rest ! I I I \ I i I 1 ■< I '. ■ I! 'Twould seem as if earth's latest light Were fading from her pallid brow — The spirit trembles in its flight — The silver cord is loosing now ! Watch close — bend low — a half heard moan, Soft as an infant's quiet breath ; No more — a white-robed soul is flown — Our fairest flower is bowed in death: One Angel more ! now, free and blest ! ' Worlds cannot break thy glorious rest ! ; i n- ( ? In a lonely spot have we made her grave, By the half-heard flow of a peaceful wave. Where the spell of quiet is softest laid, On the solemn depths of the forest shade. Where faint and straggling the sunbeams fall, And the low winds whisper a gentle call, And the step of man will but rarely tread. We have made the grave of the early dead. n i: We shed few tears in ihe bitter hour, -) •r ' t vf " Lord, remember me when thou comett into thy kingdom." LiiKB xxiii. 42, When Satan's fiery darts assail, When guardian spirits flee, When ev*ry earthly hope doth fail, Good **Lord, remember me" In each time of temptation fierce, In all prosperity, . When tribulation's pangs do pierce. Good "Lord, remember me." In every hour of doubt and fear. And dark adversity. When sorrow wrings the bitter tear, Good "Lord, remember me." ' And although life on me should smile, Telling of mirth and glee. E'en then, lest they my heart beguile, Good "Lord, remember me." In the dread, solemn hour of death, In nature's agony, I would gasp with my latest breath, Good "Lord, remember me.",. r^ ft ■*r:>^' BARTIMEUS. > fff'-t u > /• . , ■ < ' I,' " Oh lone and lorn my lot ! To me the sun-beam is a joy unknown ; In vain Earth's lap with rarest flowers are strown — i? - ^ I crush, but see them not. " The human face and form, So glorious, as they tell, are all to me A strange and unimagined mystery. Dark as the mid-night storm. " Winter's sharp blast I prove, But cannot gaze upon the mantle white With which the widow'd Earth she doth bedight, In rough, but honest love." 5 - ... Sudden a mighty throng. Tumultuous, passed that beggar's miiddy lair, And listlessly he asked in his despair, W^hy thus they pressed along ? A friendly voice replied, *^ Jesus, the man of Nazareth, is here," The words with strange power fell upon his ear, And eagerly he cried : . . , ... i \ i << Jesus ! our David's son, Have mercy on me for Jehovah's sake; *^ Pity, Emanuel— pity do thou take — 'Mid thousands I'm alone !" The multitude cried — ** Cease ? The Master will not pause for such as thou, Nobler by far his purposes, we trow; Silence, thou blind one — peace!" But bold with misery, He heeded not the taunt of selfish pride. More eagerly and earnestly he cried, " Have mercy, Christ, on me !" The ever-open ear Heard — and heard not unmov'd that quivering voice : '< Come hither !" Hundreds now exclaimed — " Rejoict3 ; He calls; be of good cheer !" How rare — how passing sweet Sounded these words of hope ; he cast away His garment, lest its folds his course might stay, And fell 9i JtVM^ (eeU riniyUr it « What wouid'st thou ?" Wondrous bright The beggar's visage glowed— he felt right sure That voice, so God-like, straight would speak his cure — ** Lord, that I may have sight ?' u, He never knew suspense : "Receive thy sight, thou dark one, for thy faith !" And lo ! convulsively he draws his breath, Entranced with his new sense. Did Bartimeus seek Once more his ancient nook of beggary ? Oh no ! — he felt that he could gaze for aye On Jesus's face so meek. ring Love would not let him stay — His darkened soul was lightened, like his eyes; And from that hour the Lord whom he did prize He followed in the way. ight I " n f,3;^ tf ■< ^:i: >-ir:-'- ^f ' ' -'"ii '"i ^^t-'w 0^ Wi: ^ rj.f. INSCRIPTION ON ONE MUCH LOVED AND SUDDENLY TAKEN. >-*:■ 'iO- *V ■ <>■'■'. " In this life we are warriors ; in the separation we are conquerors ; bii t we shall not triumph till after the resurrection ; * « » and in the separa- tion the spirits rejoice and are delighted in a wonderful jojr ' They see angels and archangels, they converse with them, and see our blessed Saviour Jesus in his glorified humanity' — so Justin Martyr. But in these great Joys they look for greater. Tliey are now ' in paradise' but they long t^hat the body and soul may be in heaven together ; but this is the glory of the day of Judgment, the fruit of the resurrection." Bishop Jbrbht Taylor. Not on the battle-field's ensanguined plain, Which Havoc crowds with hosts of ghastly slain, Not there — not there — he rendered up his breath : — i Oh no ! undying lustre gilds his name, More glorious than e'er blazoned warrior's fame Who, war-slain, sank in peaceful sleep of death. - He fell a victim to his holy zeal, . He fell a victim to the public weal ; His earnest spirit rent its dwelling frail. Gentle, considerate, beloved by all, A city mourned the saintly martyr's fall. The widow wept — uprose the orphan's wail. But mourn we not; our loss to him is gain, His cross-crown'd bark has passed life's troubled main; Amid the Saints he sits in Eden's bowers, Or gladsome walks by molten-diamond streams, Where angel-forms discourse on heavenly themes, And perfume floats from never-fading flowers. Elate with joy, he bides the closing scene. When surging flames engulph hll things terrene, When earth's blue dome like parchment scroll is furled. And stars unlinked are hurled through bound- less night: To him earth's doom will ope heaven's gates of light- He bore his Saviour's cross through sinfid world. : , • •? . ; L ■ ■ . . ■■ ■.*.■,-;. ^ !,:■ ,'-T ^ - ,.o'' .'i^. ;■ t 4 ^ ■ I IP' *{ i; A THOUGHT FOR THE TIMES. v... .r 1;- ■I ':i-Jt- ^l A ^iant oak uprose in stalwart might. From seedling weak erst reared in Palestine, By blessed Sinless One of birth divine. Oft 'gainst its trunk the "scorner's axe" glanced bright Yet still its soaring arms defy the storm, Vainly time's deluge beats around its roots, Vainly the "powers of air" assail its shoots, It shades the world beneath its glorious form. And like a monarch's robe of lustrous green, A vine enringlets round this holy tree, Decking its stem with graceful drapery, Whence gleams rich purple clusters' sunny sheen. — Woe to th' aspiring vine, should it e'er be Reft from its clasp on the eternal tree. 77 UEST FOR THE WEARY. r i.r^ Vi^': Psalm It. 6. When my spirit was bowed by the anguish of grief; When inv sin-troubled soul to the dust was brought low, Imploring, I turned to the world for relief; But the world had no comfort on me to bestow. Then why thut false world any more bliould I rove, }\y temptations assaulted, by sorrows op- press'd ? O, that 1 had but the wings of a dove ! Then would I fly away, and be at rest. But where may a rest for the weary be found? Where is the place unto which he may flee? In vain the whole earth he might wander around : Rest, O my Saviour, is only in Thee. Thine are the mansions of glory above — Thine those eternal abodes of the bless'd: O, that I had but the wings of a dove ! Then would 1 fly to Thee* and be at rest. 78 ! M I \ Yet patient and meek would I wait for that hour, When the storms which have ruffled mortality cease : Then, leaning on Thee, and sustain*d by Thy power, Not even Death shall deprive me of peace. Sleeping in Thee, at the summons of love, I shall rise, in the robes of eternity dress'd : Thou wilt supply me with wings like a dove; And I will fly to Thee, and be at rest. 1 1 n ! is ;- • V 'I • « i ' ■ ■■ < =. 1'^ , ,." I' .■'.I vnf-.< i ^_ .„ — *« iJ i 1 ^ '..")' < . >v .' ' . . ■ 'V t . ^^Vv i^ h :u v^ ■'_>'.,: ■'- . .- J . -Jt ; i h '' - , , IE , .■J.'-.:*'^ . ,.:? .> hy. "';- ( ^ 1 - «.■ ' is ' *: */ ": Iv ' ' *>■* K i *» ! L 79 THE PRAYER OF DANIEL. " And his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he Kneeled upon liis knees, three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aiore time." .'"':'.-- ^ A .:,'■■- ■ ■':':..■':■ Danibl vl. 10. Eve on the Chaldee's golden towers, O'er Magian shrine and noble's hall, Grim battlements and airy bowers, Glorious the sun-flush'd splendor fall- In gold and purple pall the sun Slow sinks o'er gorgeous Babylon ! Soft on the quiet wind swept by The liquid notes of distant song: — Now burst the joyous chorus nigh, .Is pleasure led each festal throng. All seem'd as Earth's awaken'd voice, Her thousand echoes bade rejoice. H I I i \ 1 il 80 Where now was Israel's guardian seer, The wanderer in the stranger's land — Amid the regal banquet's cheer, The revel's maze, or masquer's band ? Hath the lone captive all forgot His far off home — his slavish lot ? — Within his chamber's still retreat The Prophet, with his God alone, Wafts upward to the mercy-seat His low-voic'd prayer's beseeching tone : — Bright words of hope — epch dearest thought Tliat love had fram'd, that faith had tau|j;ht. With soften'd brow, with yearning breast, Now hath he turn'd his ardent glance To where yon blue hills of the west Gleam 'neath the sun-set heaven's expanse; And visions of a glorious past Seem o'er his fancy's musings cast. There was the land his fathers trod, There his true spirit's cherish'd home; — There the bright temple of his God Once rear'd to heaven its worshipp'd dome : There was each dearest, holiest place. Where long had bow'd his freeborn race ! 81 Proof to the tempter's deepest art, The faith his youthful ear had heard, Still breathed its freshness round his heart In native strength, — unehang'd, unstirr'd; And in the light it shed o'er him, Earth, and the dreams of earth, grew dim ! Long hath the Prophet pass'd away, ; But to his dying glance was given The star of hope's triumphant ray. Bright kindling in his native heaven : — Far through the mists of future time. The Day-spring o'er his suffering clime. Oh wanderers in the stranger's land ! For whom the Exile's hours are told, — Have ye unloos'd each gentle band. Bade every thought of home grow cold ? Or will you turn like him your gaze Toward the deep joys of other days? Will life-like forms before ye start Of grassy haunts, of shrines for prayer, — Of graves where rest each loving heart 'Neath the low turf that swelleth there ? Will early Faith come whispering near Words of bright promise in your ear? ? ! 82 Or will the forms of memory seem But phantoms for the musing eye; — Shapes of a soft but empty dream Of what once was — of things gone by? No ! — they have brighter visions yet Than shadowy joy, or vain regret. The Faith that youth's pure spirit caught, Each hope of childhood's sacred time, Tho' chang'd in wisdom's deeper thought, Yet lives to soothe your manly prime : — To fan the flame their breathings nurs'd, To point the Heaven they told of first I And the same God, whose aid was nigh The Prophet in his fearful hpur. O'er ye may bend a watching eye To guide ye on with equal power, — 'Mid sunny hopes — or skies o'ercast — - On to a sinless home at last ! , B3 Ji SONNET. [lit, 5 ht, Oh world, false and cold, I turn from thee, All thy allurements fail to chain my heart ; Misfortune's sharp, but kindly God-sent dart. Hath broke the meshes which imprisoned me. The dream was beauteous— yea, exceeding fair; Bright was the glamour which it threw arouni^ ; But soon there came the cold mist of despair, Rising like vapour from a charnel ground. Then I essayed to lift my sickened gaze To the blest hill where Jesus shed his blood — Where first the mighty truth I understood, That here alone true happiness is found. Dear Lamb of God! from Thee doth well a balm To cure the sin-sick soul, and passion's tempest calm. h2 m N THE ROCK OF REPHIDIM. " He voviiTht <;.< -mt also out of the rock, and cauied wateri to run down HI", rvfets." PSALH iKxviii, 16. " They did aW drink tLc fiame spiritual drink ; for th«y drsnk of that spiritual Rock inat followed them, and that Rock was Christ." 1 Co*. X. 4, ** Ho ! Israel, to the waters, — Ye murmuring tribes, — repair I Once more may Israel's daughters The love of God declare. » ^'Jehovah hath forgiven Each sullen word and frown ; The flinty rock is riven, And life and ae«lth ft< w down" Onward — still onward — the bright stream rush'd Sparkling and fresh, as when first it gush'd From its granite- source; till the ** brook'* at length Attained the stately "river's" strength. Where the Symbol of Fire shone on high, The wanderers saw their Rephidim nigh ; And joyed to think that its crystal tide Was link'd to the Cloud — their constant guide. On the stifling air soft dews it shed; Refreshment and balm for the fevered head. Its path was green through the cheerless wild ; The desert blossom'd ; grim loneliness smiled : A carpet of flowers and verdure it cast On that Land of Death, as it flowed past: As Faith doth wreathe, round the desolate shrine Of the pining heart, a garland divine. Where the shifting sand, by the whirlwind swept, No trace of the traveller's footstep kept, Onward^ — unfailing — its course it held, — No sands absorbed it, and no rocks repeli'd. Onward it flowed — at God's command — A refuge and joy for the weary land : Type of the stream which the Crucified, In mercy, pour'd fri^m his stricken side, — River of Life from the Fountain above, — Embracing the earth with a zone of love. Hear ye that wailing, sharp and wild? The widow hath lost her only child ! But she stoops to taste the reviving stream. And the past fades away, like a cheerless.dream ; Or lustrous with hope its memories seem. ) 86 Encircling the mourner, bright Watchers stand, Angelic choirs from the spirit-land : Onward glances light her eye ; Faith's fair visions check her sigh ; Soften'd is her earthly grieving, hush'd her sorrow's biter cry. Sadly the Penitent seeks relief: Elarth hath no balm to heal his grief; But the Spirit guides to a Saviour's blood : His eye with tears no longer is dim, As he hears the strains of the seraph's hymn, Which haunt the brink of that sacred flood. How rich the flavour of the Chalice, To souls which are contrite, and free from malice ! Cordial sweet, — Symbol meet, — Of the fountain which flows by our pilgrim- feet ! Oh ! turn not away from the sacred wine, — That dearest pledge of love divine, — As if lurking death from the draught would start up ; And poison or bitterness filled the Cup. Darkly, in death, the shadows fall ' On the ^ates of pearl, and the jasper wall, Which gird the Lamb's resplendent Throne, — the pilgrim's joyful rest. ■ .' But the dying Christian turneth again, To the Rock which hath soothed his hours of pain ; — He drinks: the veil is rent in twain, — the tremor leaves his breast. Fairly the hosts of the Ransomed stand In the splendor and peace of the deathless land ; Brightly gleam the gems which are set In their undecaying coronet; Proudly they wave the immortal palm. And sing to the " Rock, which is Christ," their psalm : — " When our hearts with sac^ness fainted, Thou a cordial didst provide ; " Thou didst cleanse our souls sin-tainted, In thy pierc'd and bleeding side. " Thou didst cheer our tribulation, ^ Whilst Life's desert ways we trod; Thou — the Rock of our Salvation ! Thou — the gracious Son of God !" 1 I i THE WANDERER'S RETURN. ' Long toss'd upon the waters of Dissent, Dear Mother Church, I come to thee once more, V Weary and cold the years that I have spent Since last in prayer I knelt upon thy floor. Draughts have I drained from many a cistern strange, Hewn out by restless hands — but all in vain: My scorching thirst, unquanch'd, did still remain, — Still pineJ I for some new exciting change. At every backward step some dark'ning doubt Deepened the gloom which brooded o'er my soul ; Within were feverish fancies — while without Confusion rioted devoid controul. How gravely sweet to me, so long exiled, Thy sober, kindly voice. Mother, receive thy child! id- ) -■ ON BOWING AT THE NAME OF JESUS ; AND OTHER LITURGICAL USAGES. Prompt at the bidding of the soul Th* obedient body bends and plays: Unseen, unheard, unfelt controul, Which every spring and engine sways. Unconscious of the power we ply, Unskilled by deepest search to find, On senseless matter, how and why Can act this magic force of mind, We rest; we move; we sit; we rise; We guide the pen, we touch the lute : We feed the mouth, we turn the eyes, We lift the flail, we drive the brute. > V \ ^ .-^ ^ ^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 afia m 1.1 S^ RRl^^ IMH 6" O ^>^ Fhotographlc Sdmces Corporatian •'^ ^^^^\ "" v\ 23 WIST MAM STIHT WniTn,N.Y. 14SM ( 71* ) 171-4903 4^ 90 Nor thus alone — for gestures mark The movements of the soul within ; Paint thought or purpose, bright or dark, Impulse to seize, or prayer to win. We raise the brow, we wave the hand, We bow the head, we bend the knee. The bosom press, the arms expand : — *Ti8 language read by all who see. *Tis this, to forms and signs prepared. In social life, has led the way : The palm is grasped, the head is bared Good-will to speak or reverence pay. Ah ! if the flexion of the frame What stirs the inmost soul can shew. How gladly ut Thy glorious name. My Saviour, will I bow me low ! My Lord, my God, my life, my hope, In darkness and in sin I lay. With foes from hell unfit to cope. And but for Thee their certain prey. O, didst Thou look on one like me. King as Thou art of Saints above, And wast Thou lifted on the tree To draw me by Thy boundless love? 91 I yield me, then : — ^my heart is Thine^ — (Would it were less a heart of stone )) And still by each appointed sign Thy Sovereign claims I joy to own. I thank the Church, who early stamped Her holy token on my brow: O, never be the memory damped Of that, my sacramental vow ! Taught by the Church, I duly kneel To pour my prostrate soul in prayer : I rise when rising thoughts I feel. And in the songs of glory share* I stand, with champions of the Cross, Erect, aloud, with one consent To speak our faith : — ^'twere little loss To lose our lives for Christ our Lord. Thine is my soul, my body Thine: My own I am not, would not be : I serve, in all, a Lord divine: I mark, in all, a homage free. ! n THE LOST INFANT. Mourn not lor thee ! Though selfish love, That watchM the blossom f^om its. birth, Would woo It from its home above, To pine again on cold, dark Earth. Tho' sorrow chill the stricken heart, Tho' tears bedim ifte quivering eye, Bright Faith hath told how blest tfacru art. Since Death hath sung thf lullaby ! ^ Mourn not for thee ! What spell is ours. To lure thee to our arma once more — The fall of leaves — the blight of flowers — Earth's changeless tale told coldly o*er? Dare mortals for their Darling ask ^ A purer, happier lot than thine — E'en as they think — ah, trying task ! How bright the now closed eyes could shine? ^ Mourn not for thee ! God's holy Son Plucks flowers Uke ^e with Him to bide: Thine everlasting haven's won, Ere Life's wild sea of storms was tried. Sleep soft Beside thy sinless tomb Our hearts their falterii^ pray'r may tell — The love that M^teh'd thy dawning bloom O'er its lost darling sighs — Farewell! vJ( iV- ffi'nni' ine? ^- \ 94 CHRISTMAS. Angelic hosts His birth proclaim, And shepherds humbly hymn His name. The Lamb alike for all to die, For lofty kings and poverty ! He comes in humblest state arrayed, The God for us a victim made ; Lost sinners to redeem and save He comes on earth — to find a grave : To find a grave, but soon to rise All-brightening to the glowing skies, While choirs of seraphs loudly sing, In rapture, victory triumphing ! He comes again, the King of kings, Majestic on resplendent wings ; All power to the Son is given, Dominion o*er the earth and heaven ; His foes are all his foot-stool made, He comes in glory now arrayed. Woe to His proud defiers now, He comes a judge with awful brow; But, O ye humble ones, arise. Ascend with Christ to gorgeous skies, While choirs of seraphs loudly sing, In rapture, victory triumphing ! <^ "S. \ THE LAST COMMUNION. r S It is the Sabbath ! and within the room, The darkened room, where lies the dying youth, An air of more than Sabbath stillness reigns. Vainly the cold beams of a winter's sun Do strive to pierce the thickly curtained gloom — Type of the stru• 101 MONDAY. Thriee blesi art Thou, Almighty Lord, Who, as on i^ia day by Thy word The Heaven of Heavens didtt form ; Didst build the Firmament on high, — Didst fill with clouds the sunless sky. To nurse the untaught storm. In highest Heaven, Celestial Powers, Unceasing through the happy hoars, Their Maker's praises tell : Angels, Archangels- raise the strain. Cherubs and Seraphs back again The echoing answers swell. The Firmament, whose boundless blue Shuts out the highest Heaven from view, God*s handiwork doth show^ His wondrous skill its wonders prove, Dividing waves of mist above. From ocean's waves below. I Jehovah speaks: the snow descends, And hail and arrowy sleet He sends From oat His treasure cloud : And Him obey the wind's wild how], — The lightning's flash, — the angry growl Of thunder pealing loud. Jehovah speaks: the genial rain, Refreshing nature, falls amain, Then smiles the heavenly bow; The sun shines bright, — the vapours rise, And wafted, rest above the skies« Again to fall below. So may I, when with cares oppressed, Pray that upon my troubled breast The dew of heaven descend : So shall joy's beams my cares burst through — So my glad hymn's ascending dew With heaven's pure air shall blend. •jf^i^it ^Vii\ ■ ■■■•■■■■ ' i I-.:;.. :;.;T!f t;.:'}'' THE END. ' 'A' ^ ' 1 J?' is, ds id: •wl, — growl bow; iirs rise, ised, t d: through — f 11 blend. <;/' :'-\ * .. r*"?f