UNDER A CLOUD BY ELIZA SAWEHS J. MACLAREN, PRINCES STREET 1867 IOAN STACK TO OF A BELOVED DAUGHTER, THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED BY HER MOTHER. 387 CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION, PAGE i " There shall be no night there," .... 4 To a Friend, ........ 6 " Lo, I am with you alway," 7 New Year's Hymn, New Year's Hymn for Children, . . . . 1 1 All is well, 13 Prayers and Promises, 15 New Year's Hymn, 18 New Year's Hymn for Children, .... 21 " It is I," 23 " Come unto Me," 25 The Sabbath, . . . ... . . 27 The Happy Home, 29 To Elizabeth, . . . . . . . . 3 Jesus, our All, 33 Spring, 35 Summer, 36 Autumn, 37 Winter, 38 The Better Land, 39 The Midnight Prayer, 42 In Memory of a Beloved Mother, .... 43 Acrostic, ......... 46 Sunshine, 47 Shade, '. 49 To the Rainbow, 51 Acrostic, 5 2 VI The Stream, PAGE 53 "Jesus Wept," 54 To the Robin Redbreast, 56 Night, 58 Acrostic, 60 Moonlight, ........ 61 " This do in remembrance of Me," .... 63 " Lord, remember me," 65 To Jeanie, 67 The Storm at Sea, 70 New Year's Hymn, 73 New Year's Hymn for Children, .... 75 The Sea, 77 To Lizzie, 79 On Friendship, 81 On Love, 83 Trust in God, 86 On Hope, 88 To a Snowdrop, 91 On the Snow, 92 " She hath done what she could," .... 93 Hymn on the same words, 96 Sonnet for Children Spring, 98 Birthday Hymn, 100 Acrostic, 102 Had I the wings of a gentle Dove ! . . . . 103 To Aunt, ......... 105 To a Lock of Hair, 106 To Tom, . . . . 108 Spring Flowers, 109 To Elizabeth, 1 1 1 On Beauty, 113 To a Friend, 114 Response, 115 On the Breeze, 116 To Mary, 118 To a Sprig of Verbena, 119 Vli To Cousin Isabella, PAGE 121 Farewell, 122 Ruth and Naomi, 124 An only Child, 126 On a Tear, 128 The Grave, 130 To-Day, 132 On Absence, 135 To a Friend, 137 The Soldier's Adieu, 138 The Soldier's Return, 140 "Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled," . 142 On the Sea-shore, V. 145 To the Evening Star, . . . . . 147 On the Hills, 149 On the Sea-bird, 151 To Uncle, . . . 153 On the Twilight, 154 On Shells, 156 On the Dew, . . 158 Verses on Wild Flowers, 160 To Cousin Mary, . . . . . . 162 Hidden Ones, . . . . . . . . 163 Hymn, . . . . .'...,-. . 165 A Reflection, 167 Communion Hymn, 168 To a Young Friend, . 170 The Fallen Leaf, 171 To Jeanie, 173 " Not lost, but gone before," 174 To a Friend, 176 On the Graveyard, 177 To a Friend, 179 A Father to his Infant Daughter, . . . . 180 To a Friend, .182 On Patience, 183 On Christmas Day, 186 Vlll New Year's Hymn, PAGE 188 New Year's Hymn for Children, .... 191 Another New Year's Hymn for Children, . . 193 On the Death of a Sister, 195 To Lizzie, 198 Acrostic, 200 Resignation, 201 Emmaus, 203 Summer Friends, 206 Winter Friends, 208 Prayer, 210 Promise, 211 Birthday Reflections, 212 On the Resurrection, . 215 To a Young Friend, 218 To Tom, 219 To Elizabeth, 221 To a Young Friend on leaving Home, . . . 223 To Mary, 226 To Helen, 229 Prayer, ......... 230 A Rainy Day, 233 Stanza, . . . . 234^ " Fear Not," . . 235 What is Life ? . . . 237 Hymn for Children, 239 To a Friend, 240 Acrostic, 241 To Jeanie, 242 Acrostic, ......... 244 The New Life, 245 To a Friend, 247 Thoughts for New Year's Day, .... 248 Ode on the past Year, 251 To Lizzie, 252 To a Friend, 254 To another Friend, 255 IX Life, . . . ., . PAGE 256 To Auntie Margaret, . . . . . . 258 To a Friend, 259 The Cloud, . 260 Birthday Thoughts, 265 To Tom, 269 Perfect Peace, 272 Alice, 275 To Mary, . . . 279 To a Friend, 281 Yonder, 282 Acrostic, 284 The Storm- Voice, 285 To a Friend, 288 A Voice from Glory, 289 To Jeanie, 290 A Voice from Heaven, 293 Faith, 294 New Year's Hymn, 296 New Year's Hymn for Children, .... 300 To Lizzie, ......... 301 To a Friend, 305 To another, 306 Earth's Changes, . . . . . . . 307 Anticipation, . . , 310 To Tom, 312 To a Friend, 315 To Mary, 316 Enduring, 319 A Lily Gathered, 321 At Home, 324 To a Friend, 327 To Jeanie, 328 The Dirge of the Old Year, 332 Nearer Home, ." 335 New Year's Hymn for Children, .... 339 To Lizzie, 341 In Memory of a Beloved Aunt, . . . PAGE 344 Prayer and Promise, . . . . . . 347 To Tom, 350 Lines for Lizzie's Album, 354 To Mary, 356 Acrostic, 359 To a Young Friend, 360 Home, 361 To a Young Friend, 363 Stanza, 364 To Jeanie, 365 Found, 368 Last Words of the Dying Year, .... 370 Time's Message New Year's Hymn, . . . 372 New Year's Hymn for Children, . . . . 377 To Lizzie, 379 To a Friend, 382 A Birth-Day Wish, 383 To the Primrose, 385 To Tom, 387 Weep Not, ........ 390 To Mary, 392 A Summer Evening's Thought, .... 395 To Jeanie, 398 To a Rosebud, 401 Only Waiting, 402 New Year's Hymn for Children, .... 408 To Lizzie, 410 An Impromptu, 413 To Tom, 414 To Mary, 417 A Sunset, 421 Waiting, 424 In Memoriam, . 427 UNDER A CLOUD. INTRODUCTION. O ! little book, I send thee forth, God speed thee on thy way, Bind up the wounded, bleeding heart, and Jesus' love display ; Solace the heavy-laden soul, calm thou the troubled breast, And may some anxious, seeking souls, in Jesus' arms find rest. May little lambs through thee be led, to seek the Lord in truth, And He will of them all be found, e'en in their early youth. Point out the precious Saviour, to some poor trembling soul ; Oh ! bid the sick to Jesus come, that He may make them whole. Go ! for the arduous fight of faith, and nerve the trembling heart, * Them show the crown of amaranth, and strength to them impart. Go ! cheer the toil-worn pilgrim, and depict his happy home, A Where, all his weary wand' rings o'er, he never more shall roam. Go ! cheer the lonely mariner, as he speeds o'er the deep, Him of that faithful Pilot tell, who doth him safely keep ; Who o'er the stormy main presides, whose proud waves He can stay, Who stills the angry billows, and whom raging winds obey, Who him will bring through ev'ry storm to Canaan's tranquil shore, Where, safely moored, his little bark shall suffer storms no more. Go ! urge him on who patient runs the swift race set before him, Oh ! bid him unto Jesus look, whose loving eye is o'er him; Him show the glorious triumph palm, the radiant crown of life, Awarded by our blessed Lord, to victors in the strife. Go ! dry the mourners' burning tears, them show the heav'nly land, Where ev'ry tear is wiped away, by God's own gracious hand; Where those loved ones, for whom they mourn, now lean on Jesus' breast, And 'neath a Father's loving smile, enjoy eternal rest ; Tell them that in a little while, they'll meet on yonder shore*, Where death and parting are unknown, where joy reigns evermore. Go ! lead some erring wand'rers home, invite them to the fold, To taste a Saviour's deathless love, His mercy to behold ; Proclaim His invitation kind, " Poor sinner, come to Me, Thine ev'ry sin I will forgive, life, peace, I'll give to thee." Go ! tell the guileless little ones, that Jesus will them bless, That if they give themselves to Him, He '11 be their righteousness ; That as they tread this desert scene He'll be their Guard and Guide, And their faithful, gentle Shepherd, for ever at their side. Go ! tell the weary, aged saints, that He will be their Stay, That He will give them grace and strength according to their day; That down the dreary vale of years He '11 gently lead them on, That He will keep them day by day, e'en till their journey's done. Go ! and God's blessing go with thee, oh ! may thou do some good, That on that Day it may be said, " She hath done what she could." "THERE SHALL BE NO NIGHT THERE:' O night of sorrow shall be there ! all griefs, all sighs are o'er, No bleeding heart, no tear-dimmed eye, on that celestial shore ; God, with His gentle hand of love, shall wipe all tears away, And in His presence we shall joy, secure in endless day. No night of sin can enter there ! like Jesus we shall be, For we shall see Him as He is, and holy be as He; No wand' ring thoughts, no anxious cares, shall agitate our breast, No sin shall mar our services, in yonder land of rest. No night of ignorance is there ! we '11 know as we are known, And through a blest eternity, rejoice before the throne ; .No clouds shall e'er o'ershadow us, faith will be changed to sight, All gloomy doubts and fears dispelled, in that sweet land of light. No night of suffering is there ! no weariness, no pain, The ransomed in that better land, shall ne'er be sick again ; No aching head, no fevered brow, shall weigh our spirit down, For in Emmanuel's happy land, all sickness is unknown. No night of parting shall be there ! our loved ones gone before, Shall hail us at the gates of bliss, we'll meet to part no more, To be for ever with the Lord, our griefs, our trials o'er, No tearful eye, no sad farewell, on yonder radiant shore ! No night of death shall enter there ! to close our peaceful rest, No tender ties are sever'd, in the mansions of the blest ; Once in our happy, longed-for home, we'll rest in Jesus' love, For ah ! no night can ever be, in our God's house above. January 25, 1857. TO A FRIEND. H ! near each other let us live, By living near the throne, Thus, in each other's company, We ne'er shall feel alone. In close communion with our God, Let us walk day by day, And, leaning on His arm of love, Pursue our upward way. May we live in loving converse With God, our chiefest Friend, Assured that to our earnest prayers He will an answer send. ARRAN, August 5, 1857. " LO ! I AM WITH TOU ALWAT." HEN sundered far, how sweet to meet Before our Father's mercy-seat ! To pour into His gracious ear Our ev'ry care, our ev'ry fear. Ah ! there we would for ever lie, And realise our Father nigh, His eye of love He on us bends, And to our cry, His ear He lends. We would, O holy Father, rest Our weary heads upon Thy breast , Encircled by Thy loving arm, We feel secure from ev'ry harm. Thy gentle hand us all doth guide, For Thou art ever at our side, To strengthen, comfort, and to cheer For ah ! 'tis Heaven when Thou art near. ARRAN, September 16, 1857. NEW TEAR'S HTMN. NOTHER year has passed away, with all its griefs and fears, But God has cheered our bleeding hearts, and wiped away our tears ; And should our future path be dark, we'll trust our Father's power, Which is most precious to His saints, in sorrow's darkest hour. Another year has passed away how changed is the scene ! Since last we hailed a New Year's Day, how busy death has been ! How many friends have safely reached, the bright, the better land ! How many homes made desolate, by war's destroying hand! Another year has passed away, with all its toils and cares, But grace has aided us till now, us saved from many snares ; On God we cast our future cares, and on His love rely, He will our ev'ry burden bear, our ev'ry want supply. Another year has passed away how great our guilt has been! Our words and actions stained with sin, our very thoughts unclean ; Oh ! may our souls in Jesus' blood, be this day cleansed anew, And, from our heavy load released, the heavenly race pursue. Another year has passed away, another stage is o'er Of our upward, homeward journey, to Canaan's blissful shore ; Oh ! let us ever hasten on, prepare to meet our God, And may daily strength be given us, to tread the thorny road. Another year has passed away, our race is nearer run, Soon will the glorious prize be gained, the crown of glory won ; Encouraged by God's cheering voice, we'll press on day by day, And, in the prospect bright forget the dangers of the way. Another year has passed away, ere long we'll reach our home, And receive the gracious welcome, "Ye blessed children, come, My precious blood I shed for you, to wash your sins away, Come, ever shall you dwell with Me, in realms of cloudless day." A2 IO Another year has passed away our days are fleeting fast, We know not but this opening year, may prove to us our last, For ere it shall have run its course, we may have gained that shore Where winds and billows never rise, where tempests rage no more. Another year has passed away life's day will soon be past; May this year find us holier and better than the last, Our hearts more weaned from earthly things, more fixed on joys above, That we our God may glorify and rest in Jesus' love. Another year has passed away soon may the summons come; May our lamps be brightly burning, when Jesus calls us home, To that bright land of light and love, where death can enter never, Where in His presence we shall bask, for ever and for ever ! January I, 1858. 1 1 NEW TEARS HTMN FOR CHILDREN. ESUS ! bless a pilgrim band, Travelling to the better land ; Keep us in the narrow way, Never let us go astray. Fold us in Thy tender arms, There we 're free from all alarms :, On Thy gentle, loving breast, Let Thy lambs in safety rest. May we ever hear Thy voice Bidding us in Thee rejoice, Sweetly saying, ' Follow Me, And thy Leader I will be." All our wants do Thou supply, Guard our steps with watchful eye, Guide us by Thy hand of love, Safely to our home above. Let the year we now begin, Find us dying more to sin, Growing day by day in grace, Till we see Thee face to face. 12 May we then rejoicing stand, With the sheep at Thy right hand, And, in loudest strains, confess, " Jesus is our Righteousness." January I, 1858. ALL IS WELL. OON life's fondest hopes decay, Soon youth's pleasures pass away, But, if Jesus be our Stay, All, all is well. Oft we are by sins oppressed, Oft by doubts and fears distress'd, But, if Jesus be our Rest, All, all is well. Soon earth's brightest joys may end, And the shades of grief descend, But, if Jesus be our Friend, All, all is well. Dearest friends may leave our side, Toils and dangers may betide, But, if Jesus be our Guide, All, all is well. Oft our journey seems too long, Oft afflictions round us throng, But, if Jesus be our Song, All, all is well. M Oft we wander in the night, Oft our joys are lost to sight, But, if Jesus be our Light, All, all is well. Oft our en'mies lie concealed, And at us their weapons wield, But, if Jesus be our Shield, All, all is well. Oft do cares our peace destroy, Oft temptations us annoy, But, if Jesus be our J0v, All, all is well. In the dark and cloudy day, We are very prone to stray, But, if Jesus be our Way, All, all is well. Oft our life is but begun, When 'tis said, (t Thy race is run," But, if Jesus be our Sun, All, all is well. October 28, 1858. PRATERS AND PROMISES. PRAYER. H ! let Thy presence go with us, Be Thou our constant Friend, And to our ev'ry prayer and cry, Do Thou an answer send. PROMISE. Fear thou not, for I am with thee, No earthly friend so near, To hear thy prayer, to mark thy sigh, To dry the falling tear. PRAYER. Oh ! let Thy presence go with us, In sorrow's trying day ; Be near to cheer our drooping hearts, And wipe the tear away. PROMISE. Fear thou not, for I am with thee, In sorrow as in joy, And I will cheer thine aching heart When anxious cares annoy. i6 PRAYER. Oh ! let Thy presence go with us, Watch o'er us day and night, In times of danger us defend, Put all our foes to flight. PROMISE. Fear thou not, for I am with thee, By night as well as day, In danger I will thee defend, And chase thy fears away. PRAYER. Oh ! let Thy presence go with us, Be alway at our side, And in the dark and dreary day, For all our wants provide. PROMISE. Fear thou not, for I am with thee, In sickness as in health, Upon a bed of languishing, In poverty and wealth. PRAYER. Oh ! let Thy presence go with us, Through all life's little while, And may we tread this vale of tears Cheered onward by Thy smile. PROMISE. Fear thou not, for I am with thee, I will with thee abide, And 'neath the covert of My wings, Thou mayest ever hide. PRAYER. Oh ! let Thy presence go with us, When life ebbs fast away, And when we walk through death's dark vale, Be Thou our strength and stay. PROMISE. Fear thou not, for I am with thee, Until life's latest breath, I '11 clasp thee in Mine arms of love, When comes the hour of death. November 27, 1858. i8 NEW TEARS HTMN. MOTHER year has joined the past, and we are nearer home, Our holy, everlasting home, where death can never come ; 'Tis but a short, a little while we sojourn here below, Erelong we'll reach Emmanuel's land, nor sin nor sorrow know. No pains, no griefs can e'er be felt, on Canaan's tranquil shore, For when the morn of joy has dawned, the night of weeping 's o'er ; Then, upward, onward let us haste, pursue life's thorny way, Though dark and dreary it may be, it leads to cloudless day. The sands of life are falling fast, soon will our race be run, The battle fought, the conflict o'er, the crown of glory won All our days of mourning ended, with Jesus we shall reign, And meet our loved ones gone before, no more to part again. 19 Our little bark is gliding on across life's troubled sea, And though the tempest rage around, we ne'er shall moved be Each billow shall us only waft, more swiftly to that shore, Where all is calm, serene, and bright, where ev'ry storm is o'er. How swiftly flows the tide of time ! nor will its moments stay, Then let us love and serve our God, while it is called to-day The gloomy night wears fast away, another year is past, And this dreary scene of sorrow, will not for ever last. For what is life ? a passing cloud, a short, a fitful dream, Tis a snow-flake on the ocean, a ripple on the stream, Which for a little while is seen, and then is gone for ever Ah ! slender is the thread of life, one moment may it sever. We will not alway tarry here, this world is not our rest, Oh ! how consoling is this thought, when weary and opprest, We have a home beyond the skies, a home of peace and love, No sin, no sorrow, pain, nor death, in that bright land above ! For all the mercies of the past we this day bless the Lord, We go forward to the future, depending on His Word Oh ! may He be our faithful Friend, in sorrow alway near, To mark our sighs, to hear our prayers, to dry the fall- ing tear. 20 This day life's journey we resume, oh ! may our Father's hand, Still lead and guide us till we reach, the bright, the better land, Where no burning tear of sorrow shall e'er bedim our sight, For all is ceaseless joy and bliss, in yonder realms of light. There we shall see Him as He is, and know as we are known, And through a blest eternity, we'll bask before the throne ; Clad in Emmanuel's snow-white robe, nought us from Him shall sever, We '11 on His gentle bosom rest, for ever and for ever ! January I, 1859. 21 NEW TEAR'S HYMN FOR CHILDREN. ATHER ! bless this glad New Year, May we spend it in Thy fear, As in years, in wisdom grow, More and more of Jesus know. Cleanse us all anew from sin, Let Thy Spirit dwell within, Mould us to Thy will divine Till we in Thy likeness shine. Grant us grace from day to day, To pursue the heav'nly way Rough and thorny though it be, It will lead us home to Thee. When we 're weary and opprest, Bid us come to Thee for rest Gently whisper, Trust in Me, And thy refuge I will be." Let Thy love our footsteps guide, Keep us alway at Thy side, Lead us by Thy gracious hand, To the bright, the better land. 22 There we '11 see Thee as Thou art, There we'll meet no more to part, And with all the ransomed throng, Jesus ! Thou shalt be our Song ! January I, 1859. " IT IS I. " N sorrow's dark and dreary hour, Be Thou, O Jesus, nigh, To dry the eye bedimmed with tears, To whisper, It is I." When all life's cherished hopes are fled, When loved ones fade and die, Be near to soothe our bleeding heart, To whisper, It is I." When laid upon a bed of pain, Oh ! listen to our cry, Bid all our anxious fears depart, And whisper, *' It is I." When all around is gloomy night, When clouds obscure our sky, Oh ! may we hear Thy gentle voice, Fond whisp'ring, (t It is I." Then, though the winds and billows rage, We will the storm defy, For still we '11 hear Thy voice of love, Soft whisp'ring, " It is I." 24 When those we love do faithless prove, Do Thou their place supply ; Oh ! bid us trust Thy deathless love, And whisper, " It is I." When passing through the vale of death, We'll on Thy love rely, Thou wilt sustain our trembling heart, Wilt whisper, " It is I." And when we see Thee face to face, In our loved home on high, Then shall we praise our Saviour-God, Who whispered, " It is I." January 25, 1859. COME UNTO ME." OME unto Me," O tempud one, And lean upon My breast, For I have felt temptation's power, And I can give thee rest. " Come unto Me," O doubting one, By guilt and sins distrest, Have I not suffered all for thee ? Then I will give thee rest. " Come unto Me," O seeking one, When weary and opprest, Thy portion I will ever be, And I will give thee rest. " Come unto Me," O mourning one, When by afflictions prest, Repose on Me thine aching head, And I will give thee rest. '< Come unto Me," O dying one, Thy soul, with peace possest, Shall calmly tread the vale of death, Then enter into rest. 26 " Come unto Me," O ransomed one, Now art thou fully blest, Here shalt thou dwell in endless peace, And with Me ever rest. January, 30, 1859, THE SABBATH. AIL, hallowed day ! Things of earth pass away. Our souls be raised to joys above, That we may seek our Father's face, May praise the riches of His grace, Adore His deathless love, On His own day ! Sweet day of rest ! Welcome to souls opprest, Its sacred hours be spent with God, In holy thoughts be passed the day, Of Him who is " the Life, the Way," Who, by His precious blood, Hath made us blest ! To praise and pray, On God's own holy day, Up to His house with joy we '11 go, To hear of Jesus' love divine, That we may in His image shine, May more Him love and know, From day to day ! 28 But if alone, We '11 bend before the throne, And with the saints we'll praise the Lord. Then may we feel His presence nigh, Then may He listen to our cry, And to us, in His Word, Himself make known ! This day God blest ; May peace pervade our breast, To us, oh ! may it ever prove, The foretaste of that sinless morrow, On which shall fall no night of sorrow ; For in God's house above, All, all is rest ! Hail, glorious day ! Whose first calm dawning ray Saw Jesus from the grave arise, Victor o'er death and all our foes ; We now in Him have sweet repose. And with Him in the skies, We '11 reign for aye ! February 15, 1859. 2 9 THE HAPPY HOME. HERE is a home, 'tis better far, Than any earthly home can be, Tis brighter than the brightest star, 'Tis lasting as eternity ! No sin doth break its calm rest ever, No grief doth cloud its happy day, The tide of joy flows on for ever, For God hath wiped all tears away ! No darkness there ! no dreary night Doth on that bright home ever fall, The Lamb 's its pure, its perfect light, Its life, its joy, its all in all ! And in that holy, happy home, Loved friends do meet no more to sever, For there no changes e 'er can come, There all is love and bliss for ever ! Oh ! happy land of spirits bright, May we all hail thy portals fair, Enter at death thy realms of light, And rest and reign with Jesus there ! March 19, 1859. TO ELIZABETH. NOTHER year has passed away Since last I hailed thy natal day : How many changes hast them seen ! For ah, how busy death has been ! How few and fleeting are thy days ! Then spend them to thy Saviour's praise, For soon the night of death may come, And call thee to thy happy home. A pilgrim in a stranger-land, May Jesus guide thee by His hand, Until, thy weary wanderings o 'er, Thou safe arrive on Canaan's shore. Should dark afflictions round thee rise, Should bitter tears bedim thine eyes, Oh ! stay on God thy mourning soul, He will the waves of grief control. Trust in the Lord, He cares for thee, Thy Father and thy God He '11 be ; In light or shade, still trust His love, And fix thy heart and hopes above. When weary, lonely, and opprest, Lean on thy Saviour's loving breast, Oh ! cast on Him thine anxious cares, He all thy griefs arid trials shares. When cherished friends around thee die, When loved ones wing their flight on high, Oh ! are they not for ever blest ? And do they not in Jesus rest ? Ah, yes ! their every conflict's o'er, Sin and temptation grieve no more, They dwell with Christ in endless day, Their tears for ever wiped away. And when thy work on earth is done, And when the sands of life are run, Jesus will take thee to His home, Where from Himself thou ne'er shalt roam. Fear not to stem the swelling tide, For Jesus will be at thy side, Around thee will His arms be cast, Till Jordan's gloomy waves be past. Then onward, onward, home to God, Nor fear life's darksome, dang'rous road, Thy God will lead thee safely on, Till all thy pilgrim days be done. 32 For He on whom thy hopes depend, He is thy Guardian and thy Friend, Then, on His grace and love rely, Until thou reach thy home on high. April 26, 1859. 33 JESUS OUR ALL. FT we are by sins opprest, Oft by 'doubts and fears distrest, But our terrors all shall cease If Thou, Jesus, be our Peace. Oft we wander in the night, Oft our joys are lost to sight, But we ne'er shall go astray, If Thou, Jesus, be our Way. Oft do waves of sorrow roll, And well-nigh o'erwhelm our soul. But we will not fear the shock, If thou, Jesus, be our Rock. Oft do foes around us throng, Oft the conflict 's fierce and long, But our en 'mies all must yield, If Thou, Jesus, be our Shield. Oft our journey seems too long, Oft our foes are fierce and strong, But we '11 reach our home at length, If thou, Jesus, be our Strength. B2 34 Soon will end life's little day, Soon we all shall pass away, But our path will not seem long, If thou, Jesus, be our Song. April 28, 1859. 35 SPRING. AIL, gentle Spring ! thou welcome art, To Nature and to me j Bright hope revives within this heart When I thy flow'rets see. They tell me dreary winter's o'er, Its storms all past and gone, They, with their varied, lovely tints, Rejoice 'neath yonder sun. The valleys clad in glowing green, Refresh the weary eye, The balmy gales, the blossoms fair, Proclaim glad summer nigh. All Nature smiles ! all, all is bright, The woods with joy do ring, The heart of man is also glad, For beauteous is the Spring ! April 30, 1859. SUMMER. RIGHT summer's come! sweet summer's here ! With all its flow 'rets gay, The feathered songsters of the grove, Carol the livelong day. Again the lily decks the vale, The woodbine and the rose, The bright blue sweet forget-me-not, Its tiny leaves unclose. How varied Nature's beauties are In this fair summer-time ! The waving fields, the verdant vales, The hills we love to climb. 'Tis sweet to wander forth at eve, And hear the blackbird's song, Oh ! may we join him in the praise, Which doth to God belong ! i May 21, 1859. AUTUMN. W thickly fall the withered leaves ! Proclaiming man must die ; May we prepare in summer-time, For our bright home on high. They point us to that dreary day, When death shall lay us low, When as a dream we '11 pass away, From all things here below. But trees again shall bud and bloom, When winter's storms are o'er, And we, too, from the grave shall rise, To flourish evermore ! Ah, yes ! we '11 bloom in paradise, Close by the Tree of Life ; There all is joyous, endless spring ! There all 's with beauty rife ! June 2$, 1859. WINTER. TERN winter comes with chill cold winds, And lays all Nature low ; The tempest howls o'er hills and dale, The streamlets cease to flow. Yet winter hath its pleasures too, For round the blazing hearth The gladsome tale, the merry song, Fill hearts with joy and mirth. All Nature's dead ! no flow 'rets bloom, For 'tis a lovely sight To see the trees, the fields, the hills, All clad in robes of white. How pure is the untrodden snow ! Can ought with it e'er vie ? Ah, yes ! souls washed in Jesus' blood, Meet for their home on high ! ey>, 1859. 39 THE BETTER LAND. HERE is a land a sinless land, Where sorrow ne'er shall be, No sin can e'er invade that land, May we its glories see. There is a shore a peaceful shore, Where storms for ever cease -, Where winds and waves distress no more, Where all is calm and peace. There is a home a heavenly home, From sin and suff'ring free, There friends shall meet to part no more, And ever blessed be. There is a band a joyful band, Around the throne on high ; For God hath wiped away all tears From ev'ry weeping eye. There is a throne a radiant throne, Before which we shall stand. And sing the new, th' eternal song, In that bright, better land. 40 There is a crown a crown of life, Which fadeth not away; Reserved for they who love the Lord. And they shall reign for aye. There is a Tree the Tree of Life, That blossoms near the throne ; And they who taste its precious fruit, Shall know as they are known. There is a book the Book of Life, Oh ! may our names be there ; May we be of the faithful few Who Heaven's bliss shall share. There is a Lamb a spotless Lamb, Before the throne of God ; Oh wondrous love ! amazing grace, For us He shed His blood. There is a stream a narrow stream Between us and that home, But Jesus will us safely guide When to its brink we come. These are the hopes that cheer our souls Whilst in this vale of tears, They point us to a fairer scene, And chase away our fears. Then let us, with a lively faith, Pursue our pilgrim way, Assured that in that better land We all shall rest for aye ! July 5, 1859. MIDNIGHT PRATER. N the lone midnight hour, when all Nature's at rest, When balmy sleep leaves us we '11 lean on Thy breast, Breathe into Thine ear all our griefs and our fears, And moisten our couch with true penitent tears. 'Tis sweet, oh ! how sweet, though we bend not the knee, In the still silent night to hold converse with Thee, Unseen and unknown unto Thee we draw nigh, Who look 'st on the heart, who will mark ev 'ry sigh. Oh ! then may we seize that calm, hallowed hour, Our wants to make known, all our griefs to out-pour, When sad and opprest Thou, our God, wilt us cheer, Thine own gracious hand will dry each falling tear. We will pillow our head on Thy bosom of love, Thine arm thrown around us, our Friend Thou wilt prove, The day-dawn will find us alone still with Thee, In near, close communion our souls lost will be. July 10, 1859. 43 IN MEMORY OF A BELOVED MOTHER. N this deeply sad day to Jesus 1 11 flee, My Strength and my Stay, my Refuge He '11 be; When I 'm sad and opprest on Him I will lean, Who has my best Portion, my Comforter, been. I have trod many steps of my pilgrim way, Since thou didst, my Mother, from earth pass away ; To thee sudden death was sudden glory, For, in a moment, was finished life's story. No bitter farewell thy tender heart wrung, No parting tear-drop from thy meek eye sprung -, Thy Saviour was with thee in death's dreary vale, His arms of love round thee, thy heart would not fail. Then landed in safety on that calm, tranquil shore, Thy sorrows were ended, life's battle was o 'er , Hailed by thy loved ones, so dear to thy heart, Thou didst meet them all there ne 'er from them to part. And we, too, shall join thee in that peaceful home, Where no parting, no pain, no sin can e 'er come ; Then let me thee follow to that bright land of bliss, For who would live alway in a cold world like this. 44 Ah ! welcome then, sorrow, and welcome then, pain, If only with Jesus in bliss I shall reign ; Thrice happy the day when from earth I shall go, And join my fond loved ones no change e 'er to know. ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING LINES FROM THE LOVED ONE IN GLORY. weep not for me, for I now am at rest, I safely have reached the bright home of the blest ; My sufferings are o'er and my tears wiped away, And I ever shall bask in glory's bright day. Then haste thee on, fear not, and thou too shalt rest Thy now bleeding heart on thy Saviour's fond breast ; His arms of love round us, nought e 'er shall us sever, We '11 rest in His love for ever and ever. We '11 follow the Lamb whereso 'er He may lead, By the still waters, or by yon verdant mead ; Then weep not, oh ! weep not, but look thou on high, And see me rejoicing 'neath His loving eye. Then onward, still onward, though lone be thy way, Home it will lead thee to the bright realms of day; Where I now am resting beneath Jesus' smile, The trials all ended of life's little while. 45 And when thy work is done again shall we meet, Thy loved ones in glory with joy shall thee greet ; And through cloudless day with Jesus we '11 reign, Nor sorrow, nor sin, nor e 'er suffer again ! ARRAN, August 5, 1859. ACROSTIC. LL, all was hushed at evening's close, R omantic isle ! when first thy hills R ose glorious to my raptured sight, A 11 Nature seemed so calm, so bright, N ought marred its deep repose. ARRAN, August %, 1859. 47 SUNSHINE. LL Nature rejoices 'Neath a bright cloudless sky, Then let man, too, be glad In his Saviour on high ; Bright Sun of Righteousness, 'Neath whose calm cheering ray, We may alway rejoice, E'en in life's gloomiest day. May we now be happy, By Jesus' love blest ; Then in sunshine or shade, In Him we shall rest ; In Nature around us, His hand we shall see ; Walk with Him, love Him, And serve Him shall we. Through hill and through valley, Through mountain and stream, Yea, through all God's works His glory doth gleam ; 4 8 Then with grateful hearts, may we His goodness adore, And learn from all Nature Him to praise more and more. ARRAN, August 10, 1859. 49 WADE. HEN dark clouds are lowering, When no sun appears , When Nature is weeping, And we full of tears ; Behind the clouds, sweet then, With faith's eye to see, The sun shining brightly, Then cheerful we '11 be. For Jesus, our Better Sun, Shines ever on high, And we '11 bask in His light, Though clouds dim our sky ; By faith we shall see Him, And feel Him most near, When dark clouds are darkest, When Nature 's most drear. Nought e'er can us sever From His fond loving heart, Not sorrow, not suffering, Not death can us part ; c 50 Then we'll cleave to Him close, Though gloomy our way, For ere long it will end In bright, cloudless day. ARRAN, August 11, 1859. TO THE RAINBOW. AIL, covenant bow ! in mercy given, To lead the soul from earth to heaven, Sweet pledge of peace from God to man, Thou, with thine arch, the heaven dost span. 'Tis sweet, when days are dark and drear, To see thee in the cloud appear ; "We know that all beyond is bright, Though to the eye 'tis dark as night. Bright emblem, thou, of love divine ! As ages roll thou 'It radiant shine Around God's throne of glory bright, Like to an emerald in sight. For in that land of perfect light There are no clouds, no gloomy night, Our Better Sun doth shine for ever, There darkness, storms, can enter never ! ARRAN, August 30, 1859. ACROSIIC LOVE to wander 'mid thy hills, S o lofty and so bright ; L ight beams within thy cottage-homes, E 'en in the darkest night. O ! how I love thy peaceful vales, F or fresh and balmy are thy gales. A h ! thou art ever dear to me, R omantic island of the sea, R ichest verdure clothes thy fields, A nd the gay flower sweet fragrance yields. N owhere more beauty can there be. ARRAN, Sept. i, 1859. 53 THE STREAM. S the streamlet floweth onward Into its parent sea, So, Holy Father, would our souls Seek their calm rest in Thee. Ever onwards doth it flow, Thrice happy in its race, So may we hasten homewards, Till lost in Thine embrace. Oft-times gliding, oft-times dashing, Still onward it will run, Nought shall e'er its course impede Until its journey 's done. So may we never tarry, But keep the heav'nly road, Until we lose ourselves in Thee, Our Father, and our God ! ARRAN, Sept. 4, 1859. 54 "JESUS WEPT." ESUS wept-," sweet precious words To ev'ry mourning heart, They cheer the lonely friendless one, They deepest peace impart. Jesus wept ; " the mighty God Shed tears of bitter grief, And He is near whene'er we call To give us sweet relief. " Jesus wept ;" O wondrous love ! To Him was sorrow known, And now He shares our griefs and fears, We bear them not alone. " Jesus wept ," the Man of Sorrows, Upon the throne above, Still feels with us in all our griefs His heart, His name is Love ! " Jesus wept ;" He weeps with us, For He is still the same As when He wept o'er Lazarus dead, " Unchanging" is His name. 55 < Jesus wept ;" the Son of Man, And yet the mighty God, Is still the same fond loving Friend As when the earth He trod. *' Jesus wept ; " then when a friend Is snatched from our embrace, We '11 cling to Him in that dark hour, And meekly seek His face. ' Jesus wept -," the Rock of Ages, Whose mercy faileth never ! He 's the same to-day, yesterday, For ever, and for ever ! " Jesus wept ;" that Friend of friends, On whose love we may rest, The pillow of the weary soul, The stay of the opprest. " Jesus wept ;" then let us go To Him in ev'ry sorrow, He will us cheer, and point our souls To Heaven's bright to-morrow. ARRAN, Sept. 10, 1859. TO THE ROBIN RED-BREAST. LOVE to hear thy merry chirp At early dawn of day, I love, when all around is calm, To hear thy matin lay. Thou teachest man to praise his God Ere yet his toils begin, To ask of Him throughout the day To keep him from all sin. I love to see thee at the door, Or on the window-sill, Picking up the smallest crumbs, There welcome thee I will. And then in winter's stormy days, When all is dark and drear, Thou com'st into my cottage home, The lonely heart to cheer. And, then again, at eventide, When all is still and bright, I love to hear thy song of praise, Ere fall the shades of night. 57 So may I then, too, bless the Lord, For all His mercies kind, And, ere I give myself to sleep, His goodness call to mind. For ah ! if God doth care for thee, Ne'er shall His children want, He will their heart's desires fulfil, Their ev'ry prayer will grant. Then may I, little bird, like thee, Upon His care rely, For to the waiting, longing soul Our God is ever nigh ! ARRAN, Sept. 12, 1859. C2 NIGHT. IGHT is the time to rest, To lay us down to sleep, Trusting in God, our faithful Guard, Who will us safely keep. Night is the time to pray, To raise the thoughts on high, To hold communion with our God When He alone is nigh. Night is the time to weep, To mourn o'er ev'ry sin, Humbly to ask our gracious God To whisper peace within. Night is the time to think, To commune with our heart, To meditate on love divine, And choose the better part. Night is the time to 'watch, To fear the tempter's power, But Jesus will be near to aid In that dark, trying hour. 59 Night is the time to praise, To bless God for His love, To waft our souls from earth to heaven, And join the choir above. Night is the time to joy, To bask 'neath Jesus' smiles, Rejoicing in His boundless love Who weariness beguiles. Night is the time to die, To shed die latest tear, To lay us in the arms of love, And soar to yon bright sphere. ARRAN, September 20, 1859. 6o ACROSTIC. SLE of beauty, fair are thy vales ! S o soft and balmy are thy gales , L ovely are thy heath-clad hills, E ver rippling are thy rills. O h, earth has not a lovelier spot ! F or thou, once seen, art ne'er forgot. A 11 Nature smiles beneath thy sky j R omantic isle ! all charms the eye ! R obed in such grace and beauty rare, A nd decked with flow' rets bright and fair, N o spot can e'er with thee compare ! ARRAN, September 24, 1859. 6i MOONLIGHT. NE night, when all was hushed and still. As slow I wandered up the hill, The silver moon, with placid ray, Rose calmly o'er fair Brodick Bay. The scene was peace ! all Nature slept, While lofty Goatfell his watch kept O'er sweet Glen Rosa's tranquil vale, O'er stream and glen, o'er hill and dale. Methought how peaceful is this scene ! As if no curse had ever been ; All Nature lay in deep repose, No dark clouds dimm'd that evening's close. How bright thou shinest, queen of night ! How sweet to roam 'neath thy calm light, When all around is fair and still, And nought heard save the murmuring rill ! 'Tis then I love to walk alone, And muse on former joys now gone, When loving friends around me moved ; But, ah ! how many faithless proved. 62 Yet there were some more fond, more true, When days were dark, and friends were few, Who gently lent their aid to cheer And comfort me when all was drear. And there is One who ne'er will leave, Who '11 closer than a brother cleave ; For, ah ! when life is dark and drear, That loving Friend is alway near. Then, oh ! how sweet, when stars are bright, To wander forth by calm moonlight, Alone with God, to feel Him near, To breathe our griefs into His ear. But change the scene j perchance some friend, On whom our fondest hopes depend, May walk with us at that still hour, And vows exchange, and thoughts outpour. Then, gentle moon, we love thy light, Dark but for thee would be the night, Cheerless without thy silver ray, Which changes night to lightsome day. Then, welcome, welcome, lovely queen ! Thou sheddest beauty o'er this scene -, Remembered long will be this night, Its memories treasured with delight. And should I ne'er revisit more, O lovely isle ! thy tranquil shore, By me can ne'er forgotten be, The happy days I spent in thee. ARRAN, September 29, 1859. 7HIS DO IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME." ORD JESUS ! on this Sabbath-day Draw very nigh to me, And, seated at Thy holy table, I will remember Thee. Remember all Thy sufferings, Which Thou didst bear for me, Thy bitter tears, Thy sore distress Yes, I '11 remember Thee. Remember dark Gethsemane, Its fearful agony, When all Thy friends Thee left and fled Yes, I '11 remember Thee. Remember all Thy dreary path, Thy death on Calvary, For Thou didst die that I might live Yes, I '11 remember Thee. Remember all Thy pains and groans When on the bitter tree, The hidings of Thy Father's face Yes, I'll remember Thee. 6 4 Remember sweet Mount Olivet, Thee there in prayer I see, Mount Tabor, too, and Bethany Yes, I '11 remember Thee. May I enjoy communion near, And very happy be, Oh, may I taste Thy precious love As I rememember Thee ! When from the Mount I shall descend, Be near, be near to me, That I may closely walk with Thee, And aye remember Thee. Thy sweet command, " Remember Me," Shall ne'er forgotten be, For till this pulse has ceased to beat, I will remember Thee. When earthly tables are withdrawn, Then face to face I '11 see, And through eternity's bright day I will remember Thee. "LORD, REMEMBER ME." ORD ! on this holy festal day, Oh ! draw me near to Thee, Cause shine on me Thy loving face, Jesus ! remember me. And as anew I dedicate My heart and soul to Thee, Accept my vows, and hear my prayers, Jesus ! remember me. Oh ! whilst I tread this vale of tears, May I repose on Thee, In sorrow's dark and cloudy day, Jesus ! remember me. When burdened with a sense of sin, To Thy breast I will flee, Speak pardon to my troubled soul, Jesus ! remember me. When laid upon a bed of pain, I '11 raise my soul to Thee ; Oh ! give me grace to bear Thy will, Jesus ! remember me. 66 And if reviled for Thy dear name, I '11 suffer all for Thee, Meekly I '11 bear reproach and shame, Jesus ! remember me. And should my path be calm and bright, May I remember Thee, When sunshine gilds my onward way, Jesus ! remember me. When comes the solemn hour of death, That calls me home to Thee, Be with me in the dreary vale, Jesus ! remember me. Then welcome me to Heaven's joys, Where I'll Thy glory see, And, seated on Thy radiant throne, Jesus ! remember me. Then shall I commune face to face My Saviour-God, with Thee, And, through a blest eternity, Jesus ! remember me. October ip, 1859. 6 7 TO JEAN IE. A BIRTH-DAY HYMN. (HE Lord thee bless, Give thee deep peace, On this auspicious day ; To thee draw near, Thy prayers to hear, For grace to keep His way. Oh ! rest awhile, 'Neath Jesus' smile, Ere thou pursue thy way , Review the past, Cares on Him cast, Make Him thy Strength and Stay. Work, watch, and pray, While it is day, For soon the night will come ; Up, be doing, Still pursuing, Till Jesus call thee home. 68 On His fond breast For ever rest, In sorrow's cloudy day ; He will be near To soothe and cheer, And wipe. the tear away. Should storms arise, Oh ! lift thine eyes To Him whom winds obey ; Lean on His arm, Secure from harm, In life's beclouded day. Walk with thy God, Keep thou His Word, And daily grow in grace ; Oh ! love Him more, His name adore, Until thou see His face. Praise thou the Lord, Who shed His blood From death to ransom thee ; Then to Him cleave, He'll ne'er deceive, But will thy Portion be. Oh ! do not fear When danger's near, But 'neath His wing abide , Then trust in Him, Keep close to Him, He 's alway at thy side. 6 9 Life's but a day Which fleets away, A short, a transient dream ; Years swiftly glide, None here abide, All hasten down the stream. Then onward haste, Time do not waste, Its precious hours redeem , Thy home of love, In realms above, With glory bright doth gleam. Dear friend, adieu, Thy path pursue To realms of cloudless light, Where thou shalt rest, Redeemed and blest, Arrayed in robes of white. Oh ! there may we Together be, For ever and for ever ; Where all is joy, Without alloy, For sin there enters never ! November^ 1859. THE STORM AT SEA. MARK IV. 35 TO END. AS eve, the sun had glorious set Behind yon lofty hill, Calm was the Sea of Galilee, All was serene and still, When to the shore of that calm lake Came Jesus with His band, That band of faithful followers, Who were at His command. A bark lay there, they entered in, " Launch forth," the Saviour said, " And let us cross to yonder side," That moment they obeyed. Now gently did that little bark Float o'er that tranquil lake, Till, suddenly, a storm arose, Then they for fear did quake. Dark was the night, the wind did howl, Loud roared the angry sea, That little crew, o'erwhelmed with dread, Ah ! whither did they flee ? But where was now the wearied Lord ? Asleep on yonder pillow, The storm disturbed not His repose, Nor yet the raging billow. And why ? because He gently slept Upon His Father's breast, Ah ! there no tempests e'er could beat To mar His tranquil rest. To Him they fled in that dark hour, And woke Him out of sleep " Master," they cried, " save ! else we sink Down in this yawning deep." Calmly He rose, rebuked the storm, Said gently, " Peace, be still," Then all was calm, the wind and waves Obeyed His mighty will. And, turning to the trembling twelve, Where is your faith ?" said He, " Oh ! why so fearful ? trust in Me, I will your Refuge be." " The Pilot's part I will perform, No ill shall you betide, This little bark I '11 guide and guard Till safe on yonder side." '72 And it was so ; those chosen ones, Led by so sure a Guide, Did reach ere long the other shore, Crossed safe to " yonder side." Thus floats the Christian's little bark O'er life's tempestuous main, And, spite of winds and angry waves, The port of peace 'twill gain. The winds may roar, the billows rage, Dark clouds may dim the sky, But 'midst the storm we '11 hear a voice Soft whisp'ring, " It is I." How oft that whisper calms our fears When all around is night ! How precious is that voice of love ! Transforming all to light. It bids the stormy waves be still, And all is calm and peace, It soothes our weary, anguished souls, And all our sorrows cease. Jesus ! do Thou us safely keep, Be Thou our Guard and Guide, Until our little bark lies moored All safe on " yonder side." And when we reach the port of peace, The storms of life all o'er, We '11 bless the hand that led us safe To yonder peaceful shore. December i, 1859. 73 NEW TEAR'S HTMN. IME is short," Christian, Years pass swift o'er thee , Night's fleeting, Christian, Day is before thee. Bright will the morrow prove, Lasting for ever ! In thy loved home above Night shall be never ! Press forward, Christian, Home is before thee ; Faint thou not, Christian, God's eye is o'er thee. From His deep heart of love Nought shall thee sever ! He will thy Portion prove, Now, and for ever ! O'er life's sea, Christian, Jesus will guide thee ; Brave the storm, Christian, His love will hide thee. Soon wilt thou gain the shore, There rest for ever ! There billows rage no more, Storms assail never ! 74 Face the foe, Christian, Love's banner 's o'er thee , Fight the fight, Christian, Glory 's before thee. Bear the cross, banish fear, Be dismayed never ; Through all life's changing year, Trust in God ever ! Onward haste ! Christian, " Faint, yet pursuing." Time redeem, Christian, Be up and doing. Soon will the race be run, Then joy for ever ! Soon will the crown be won, Which fadeth never ! The Bridegroom comes ! Christian, Be thy lamp burning, Watch and wait, Christian, For His returning. Morning dawns, glory 's near, Slumber then never ! Soon will thy Lord appear, Then bliss for ever ! January I, 1860. 75 NEW TEAR'S HTMN FOR CHILDREN. " The Lord is my Shepherd." Psal. xxiii. i. JESUS ! Shepherd of the sheep, To Thee the lambs are dear, Then let Thy love me safely keep Throughout life's changing year. May I Thy gentle voice obey, And closely follow Thee, For I am very prone to stray, Then, Jesus, lead Thou me. Oh ! fold me to Thy loving breast, And keep me safe from harm, There may Thy lamb securely rest Encircled by Thine arm. For all my wants do Thou provide, Watch o'er me day by day, Be Thou my Guardian and my Guide Through all my homeward way. Lord, in the year I now begin, May I more holy be, And may I daily die to sin Till meet to dwell with Thee. 76 Then may I in the fold above Among Thy flock appear, And praise Thee, Jesus, for Thy love Through Heaven's eternal year ! January I, 1860. 77 THE SEA. LOVE to wander by the shore At morning, noon, or night, j( To gaze upon the deep blue sea Inspires me with delight, To watch its constant ebb and flow When all is fair and bright. What are the thoughts that fill the mind Whilst gazing on the sea ? Does it not speak of love divine, Of Jesus' love to me ? Does it not also image forth A bright eternity ? When raging storms its bosom swells, When waves are mountains high, When winds are howling down the glens, And gloomy is the sky, I love to seat me on the shore And gaze on silently. 'Tis thus, methinks, the soul is tost, When doubts and fears rush in, Whene 'er the wily tempter's near Unveiling ev 'ry sin. 'Tis then the bosom heaves with fear, And all is gloom within. 78 But Jesus comes ! says, " Peace, be still, Did I not die for thee ?" Then Satan flees, and all is rest, Clouds, fears, and doubts all flee ; A deep calm peace pervades the soul Like to that tranquil sea. When not a ripple stirs its breast To mark its ebb or flow, When not a cloud obscures the sky, When not a breeze doth blow, When all is hushed, and calm, and bright, Above, around, below, Then oh ! how sweet to wander forth And list the billows' roar ! And as I gaze across the sea, To think of " yonder shore," Where winds shall rise and billows swell, Where tempests rage no more ! January 5, 1860. 79 TO DEAR LIZZIE. NOTHER year has passed away, And this is now thy natal day; Then listen, Lizzie dear, to me. Whilst I a loving word give thee. Thou hast now fourteen summers seen, God through them has thy Father been; From dangers He has kept thee free, A Guard, a Guide, He 's been to thee. Oh ! list His words, Give Me thine heart," Choose thou, my child, the better part, Which no one e 'er can take away. Oh ! tread, e 'en now, the narrow way. It leads to life, to joys above ; Then come to Jesus ! taste His love ; He loves the little lambs to bless, He will be all thy Righteousness. Then give to Him thy life's fresh morn ; He will with grace thy soul adorn, Will be through life thy constant Friend, Will guide thee to thy journey's end. 8o Temptations may thy peace destroy, Sins, sorrows, cares may thee annoy, But if in Jesus, all is well, He will thy doubts and fears dispel. May many sunny years be thine, May God's love on thy pathway shine, Until, thy pilgrim days all o'er, Thou plant thy foot on Canaan's shore. That I may meet thee, loved one, there, Is thy fond Mother's earnest prayer ; For ah ! in yonder world of joy No sorrows e'er shall us annoy. And now, adieu, I thee commend To God, thine ever faithful Friend ; Accept thy Mother's loving lay, On this thy happy natal day. January 13, 1860. 8i ON FRIENDSHIP. OW precious is a friend On whom we may depend ; Whose love Can chase our tears away ; Can turn to day The darkest night of grief ; Can bring us sweet relief, And soothe us midst our woe : Our tears then cease to flow; Their voice Bids us rejoice. Their sympathy is sweet, When at the mercy-seat, We meet In lowly earnest prayer. God hears us there ! He listens to our cry, Us blesses from on high. When all around is night Their presence brings us light Tears cease, And all is peace. D2 82 But should that friend prove cold, Should we no love behold, We weep, And turn from them away To Him, who aye Doth love His children dear ; Who doth the lonely cheer ; Who points us to that Friend Whose love can know no end ; Whose smile Doth grief beguile. Oft friendship's but a name ; How oft we prove the same Whilst here ! The truest friends deceive ; The fondest leave, And we are left alone. Yet ah ! is there not One Who '11 to us closely cleave, Who ne 'er will us deceive ? He's near, When all is drear. January 19, 1860. OAT LOVE. Y daughter said, "O! write on Love." To please her I will try. Love's not confined to Heaven above ; The human heart doth oft it prove ; Then will I now comply. Love visits earthy and Love is sweet, A balm to mortals given, For ah ! 'tis precious when we meet A kindred heart, 'tis then we greet A boon sent us from Heaven. Love dwells in ev'ry social breast ; For cold that heart must be Which cannot feel for souls opprest, Nor point them to that place of rest, From sin and sorrow free. Love smoothes life's dark and thorny way, Beguiles the weary hours, Makes glad the long, the darksome day, Makes dull November bright as May, And on our path strews flowers. 8 4 Love sweetens life with all its cares, When pass'd with one we love, Who all our joys and sorrows shares, Whose love us saves from many snares, Who true to us doth prove. Adieu to earth, to Heaven we turn. Where Love doth ever reign, Where its pure flame doth ever burn, Where cold hearts we shall never mourn, Nor ever hate again. Our God is Love ! His heart, His name, And His love changeth never ! Ah, nought can quench its sacred flame, From age to age it is the same, It burneth on for ever ! Jesus is Love ! for us He died Upon the bitter tree, And now He lives to be our Guide, For all our wants He will provide, And will our Shepherd be. The Spirit loves ! doth He not plead, And heaVnly grace impart ? Doth He not for us intercede, And give us grace in time of need ? He cheers the drooping heart. The Angels love ! to us they come In sorrow's gloomy day, They bid the wand'rer no more roam, They lead the pilgrim to his home, And cheer him on his way. 85 Saints also love ! who now on high Rejoice before the throne, They bend on us the watchful eye, Those ransomed ones may oft be nigh When we seem all alone. All Heaven is Love ! no stormy night Can fall on realms above, For in that home so fair, so bright, We '11 dwell in Love, and Love is light, For God Himself is Love I January 25, 1860. 86 TRUST. IN GOD. ORD ! as the ivy to the oak, So would I cling to Thee, Thou wilt defend me from the storms Of bleak adversity. For Thou wilt be my Strength and Stay, When darkness veils my sky, When tempests rage, and all is gloom, I '11 feel Thee ever nigh. When lightnings flash, when thunders roll, I will the closer cling, And calm, confiding, cheerful rest Beneath Thy shelt'ring wing. For Thou my Refuge and my Rock In time of need will be ; Thou wilt me save, my gracious God, For I do trust in Thee. Oh ! may I ever upwards aim, Like to that ivy green, Which clings to yonder stately oak, Which many a storm has seen. So would I cleave to Thee, my God, Let nought me from Thee sever, But may I 'neath Thy shade abide, Now, henceforth, and for ever ! Januarv 30, 1860. 88 ON HOPE. RIGHT star of Hope ! whose cheering ray Illumes with joy life's darkest day, For she doth sun my pilgrim way When all is dark and drear. Without her light this world would be A desert drear, where we should see No refuge whither we could flee When angry storms are near. Hope points her rainbow in the cloud, When skies are veiled in thickest shroud, When winds and waves are raging loud, Bright gleams of light appear. Hope is oft the child of sorrow, Yet from her we comfort borrow, For she points to that to-morrow Which shall be ever bright. On future joys with eagle eye She looks, and soars, then soars more high, Inciting us from earth to fly To yonder land of light. 8 9 Her pinions strengthened are by flight , She gilds with joy the darkest night, And silvers with her radiant light, Life's weary, lonely way. Hope ! precious anchor of the soul ! When swelling billows o'er us roll, And foaming rage, without control, 'Tis then we own her sway. Into the Rock of Ages cast, The chain of Love will hold it fast, Till, all the raging storms o'erpast, We hail the port of peace. Celestial Hope ! in sorrow near, To wipe away the falling tear, And point the mourner to that sphere Where all his sorrows cease. Bright Star ! at death we see her stand, Her torch bright burning in her hand, Disclosing yonder spirit-land, Beyond the gates of glory. There Faith and Hope their mission end, Then back to earth their steps they bend, To nerve the faint, the sick to tend, Till finish'd is life's story. In yonder land Hope's taper-light Is needed not, for there's no night, There Hope is joy, and Faith is sight, And all is cloudless day. 9 Guardian Graces ! bright wings of Love ! She drops them at the gates above, And enters Heaven alone, to prove That there Love reigns for aye ! February^ 1860. TO A SNOWDROP. WEET to see thee, pensive snowdrop, Blooming in the lonely churchyard, Bending o'er the graves of loved ones, As if their precious dust to guard. Thy tiny petals, spotless, pure, Do vie in whiteness with the snow, Drooping so meekly to the ground, Mourning for those who sleep below. How we hail thee, lovely flow' ret, When all around is dark and drear ! Thy coming cheers the mourner's heart, And bids us dry the falling tear. Thou point'st us to that blissful morn, When we, too, from the dead shall rise, To bloom in loveliness for aye In realms of love beyond the skies. Ah ! there the flow'rets never fade, No storm can e'er their bloom destroy j Perpetual spring doth ever reign In that bright land of peace and joy. February 13, 1860. ON THE SNOW. OW pure is the snow, Mantling all here below, With a garment so fair and so bright How beauteous the trees, As they wave in the breeze, Clad in robes of so sparkling a white ! Thus pure is the soul By Jesus made whole, And washed in His own precious blood. No sin doth remain, Not a spot, not a stain, When cleansed in that all-healing flood. Our sins all forgiven, In Him we are hidden, And in His robe dazzling arrayed. Thus are we all clad, And in Him are glad, For He hath sin's penalty paid. But sin comes again, Like fierce winds and rain, And stains that fair mantle of white. Then to Jesus we '11 go, He will pardon bestow, And make our robes shine still more bright. February 16, 1860. 93 SHE HATH DONE WHAT SHE COULD* MARK XIV. AND VIII., FIRST CLAUSE. WEET, precious words ! to Mary spoken, By her beloved Lord, As He 'neath Simon's favoured roof, Sat round the festal board ; For He was there a welcome guest. That family, that scene how blest, On that auspicious night ! Ah ! never shall forgotten be, That loving scene in Bethany, It was a hallowed sight. When Mary heard her Lord was there, With cheerful heart-felt pleasure, She hastened to that honoured home, With her most precious treasure, That she her gratitude might prove, Might give a token of her love To Him whom she adored. The depth of her love who can tell, For He had raised her when she fell, And her to peace restored. That box of alabaster white, With joy she now did open, And poured the ointment on His head, Of her deep love the token. 94 Indignant some around her said, " Why was this waste of ointment made ? " " Why not sold for the poor ? " But Jesus said, " Let her alone, This loving deed shall be made known, So long as ages 'dure." <{ The poor ye alway have with you, And ye may do them good ; But Me ye have not alway, and 1 She hath done what she could ;' This work which she on Me hath wrought, So long as Gospel truths are taught, Shall still recorded be ; To many a soul 'twill comfort bring, 'Twill raise it up on hopeful wing My grace and love to see." While some base hearts were murmuring, The Lord her deed did praise, He gave her of His joy to taste, And up her thoughts did raise To that bright home where she would rest, For ever happy, ever blest, Where no sin dare intrude; Where those sweet words would greet her ear, Pronounced by Him in accents clear, (( She hath done what she could." " She hath done what she could," may this Be ever said of me, As daily I, through grace divine, Like Jesus strive to be j 95 Oh ! may I meekly bear my cross, And count for Him all things but loss If only Him I know. Oh ! may I in His footsteps tread, Living to God, to this world dead, In grace, oh, may I grow ! Oh ! may these words be said of me E'en now in this cold world, Whilst struggling with indwelling sin, Whose banner 's oft unfurled. May Jesus aid me in the fight, Oh ! may I keep mine armour bright By earnest, wrestling prayer, Then in His strength I '11 onward go, Victorious over ev'ry foe, Until the crown I wear. " She hath done what she could," may this Fall gently on mine ear, When, at the solemn hour of death, My Saviour shall appear, That He may claim me as His own ; That I may share His joy, His throne, Through bright eternal day, May sound on golden harp His praise, Who did my soul from death upraise That I might live for aye ! February 24, 1860. 9 6 HTMN ON THE SAME WORDS, She hath done what she could." HEN groaning 'neath a load of sin, When anxious thoughts intrude, How cheering are those precious words ! " She hath done what she could." When mourning mine unworthiness, That I do no more good, How sweet to hear in gentlest tone ! u She hath done what she could." In moments of despondency, When trust the Lord I would, How sweet that whisper 'mid the gloom !