xxxxxxxxxaxxxxraxx-xx xxxxxxxxx .HK^: '/*/iii|;,.m'^V{v^' KacxrraacrxrnTincxTxinijrxTs.xx THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES THE BROOK IN THE WAY. Clje Broofe in t|)t fflSEap: ORIGINAL HYMNS AND POEMS. BY ^ ANNA SHIPTON, AUTHOR OF " Whisj>ers in the Palms;" ''Precious Gems for the Saviom-'s Diadem;' "Tell Jesus, or Recollections of Emily Gosse;" " The Cottage on the Rock," S^'c. , &=€. ■ HE SHALL DRINK OF THE BROOK IN THE WAY : THEREFORE SHALL HE LIFT UP THE HEAD." Psalm ex. 7. LONDON: MORGAN AND CHASE, 40, LUDGATE STREET. LONDON : MORGAN AND CHASE, 40, LUDGATE STREET. PREFACE "I stretch forth my hands unto Thee." — Ps. cxUii. 6. WO streams flowed from the threshold of Eden, — the river of hfe and the fountain of tears. The bitter wave of one whispers, "The sorrow of this world worketh death;" while the sweet voice of many waters breathes blessing, — singing for ever, " Drink, and thirst no more." The mighty power and wisdom of God are wit- nessed on every side, in the gracious acceptance of the meanest ministry. So I comfort me in remem- bering that the dream of an enemy was blessed to the strengthening and refreshing of a mighty man of valour, and the rustling in the leaves of the mulberry trees for the discomfiture of an host.* And now I pray the same Lord to bless the * Judges vii. 9-15; 2 Samuel v. 24. 8G881S vi Preface. murmur of " Tlie Brook in the Way," though but a faint echo through the bruised reed upon its margin. May His Spirit give it speech and language, and its music shall make glad the city of my God. Hereafter, some halting, weary soul may declare, " Now we believe, not because of thy saying; for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the Avorld." To Him, my heavenly Father, and His Holy Spirit, I commit my pilgrim songs. A. S. October, 1864. CONTENTS. •▼ Page Avenger, The . . . . . 145 Broken Slumber, The 52 Conflict .... 4 Come to Jesus , . 114 Coming up from the Wilderness 124 Covenant, The .... 158 Door of the Sepulchre, The 96 Everlasting, The .... 167 Exchange, The .... 108 Experience of Psalm xci. 46 Finger of God, The 43 Fourth Watch, The .... 14 Fruitless Toil .... 172 God's Messenger .... 89 Goodly Heritage, The 134 Have Faith in God .... 59 Heavenly Friend, The 120 He loveth me . . ■ • 31 Home! Light! Home! 79 Jehovah -Nissi .... 99 "Lackest Thou Anything?" III Living Saviour, The .... 60 Loan to the Lord, The 102 Love's Ministry • . . 165 VIU Contetits. Loving Cup, The My Garden - Ground . Name of the Lord, The . New Year's Guest, The Offering, The (i Cor. vi. 19, 20) Offering, Tlie [Psalm ciii. 13, 14) Pearl Diver, The Plant of Renown, The Praise for all ! Prayer Vessel, The Priceless Gift, The Promise, The Psalm cxvi. Rest at Noon Revival Hymn River of God, The . Seek His face continually Sheep -Track, The Sinner Saved, The Starless Night, The . Sympathy of Jesus Temple of the Living God, The Thoughts of Home Touch of Faith, The . Unanswered Prayer, The Vacant Place, The Voice of My Beloved, The Wailing Wanderer Returned, The . Wayside Watcher, The Wilderness Song, A Witliout Money and without Price Word in Season, A Page 160 36 152 22 I 82 86 17 56 19 139 129 94 33 144 12 117 27 67 169 140 154 "3 148 137 156 150 6S 72 162 69 Cl)e ^rook in tlje 2Bap» THE OFFERING. " Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price. ' I Cor. vi. 19, 20. iiuS^O more my own, Lord Jesus ; Bought with Thy precious Blood, I give Thee but Thine own. Lord, That I'ong Thy love withstood. I give the life Thou gavest, My present, future, past ; My joys, my fears, my sorrows, My first hope and my last. I give Thee up my weakness. That oft distrust hath bred, That Thy indwelling power May thus be perfected. B The- Brook in the Way. I give the love the sweetest Thy goodness grants to me ; Take it, and make it meet, Lord, For ofifering to Thee. Smile ! and the very shadows In Thy blest light shall shine ; Take Thou my heart, Lord Jesus, For Thou hast made it Thine. Thou know'st my soul's ambition, For Thou hast changed its aim ; (The world's reproach I fear not,) To share a Saviour's shame ; Outside the camp to sufifer ; Within the Vail to meet, And hear Thy softest whisper From out the Mercy-seat. Thou bear'st me on Thy bosom. Amidst Thy jewels worn, Upon Thy hands deep graven, By arms of love upborne. Rescued from sin's destruction, Ransomed from death and hell ; Complete in Thee, Lord Jesus : Thou hast done all things well ! The Brook hi the Way. Oh deathless Love that bought me Oh price beyond my ken ! Oh Life, that hides my own life E'en from my fellow-men ! Now fashion, form, and fill me With light and love Divine ; So, ONE with Thee, Lord Jesus, I 'm Thine — for ever Thine ! B 2 The Brook in the Way. CONFLICT. " Behold, O God, our Shield, and look upon the face of Thine Anointed." — Psalm Ixxxiv. 9. " He knoweth the way that I take : when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." — Job x.\iii. 10. ORD ! my soul is burdened By a weight of care, And my foot is taken In the fowler's snare; Darkness gathers o'er me, I shall fall, or flee; Helper of the helpless, Rise and succour me ! Dangers seem to threaten, Tempters' wiles assail, In Thy light I see them, Yet I weakly quail. Strange unholy terrors In my bosom rise. What distrustful language, Heavy groans and sighs ! The Brook in the Way. Thoughts of sin's defilement, Bom of faithless mood, Hosts of unclean devils, Guests of hell's dark brood, Leave me lame and mourning, Blind to seek and trace All the glorious beauty Of Immanuel's face. Look, oh ! look upon me, See my wounds! and hear In my soul's veiled chambers, What dishonouring fear ! Withered arms for service, And a palsied frame That hath scarce a heart-throb At Thy precious name. Touch me, cleanse me, heal me! Thou didst give me life ; Speak the word and save me From this deadly strife. Thine is full salvation, And the gift is free. Helper of the helpless, Rise and succour me ! The Brook in the Way. Hast thou cast me from Thee? Well Thou may'st. Ah, no! Hold me fast, sweet Jesus ! Whither should I go? Should I seek to hide me In some desert spot, Earth no cavern holdeth Where my God is not. Could I rise to heaven, (Thus by fears oppressed,) There art Thou ! Descending To the grave's dark breast, Even there Thou reignest ; And the shades of night Open lie as noon-day, To Thy piercing sight ! Wherefore am I thus. Lord ] I, who fain would show To the thirsty pilgrim Where the waters flow: Where the milk to nourish, Where the wine of home. Are so freely offered Unto all that come. The Brook in the Way. Father! may I call Thee Abba — Father — mme ? Dost Thou look upon me And still own me Thine] Ah ! Thy Spirit shews me Christ, my Priest and King Sinless, Stainless, Perfect, Is my offering. Look on Thine Anointed, Let my tongue be mute. While we gaze together On my Substitute. Thou art full well pleased With Thy spotless Lamb; And Thy Spirit tells me What, O God, I am ! Lost, abhorred, and loathsome, Leprous and unclean, Yet, enrobed in Jesus, I am spotless seen. Oh ! the weight of glory It is mine to share ! Even now He calls me "Altogether fair." T7ie Brook in the Way. Lo ! I see Thee, Jesus, Ransom of my soul ! Hast Thou not redeemed me ? Let the thunders roll. Can the Law convict me ? Thou hast set me free ! Back, thou wily Tempter, Jesus died for me. Bend, oh ! bend my will, Lord, This — my only aim; For in light or darkness Thou art still the same. Give me, or withhold then, What Thou seest best ; Not upon Thy gifts. Lord — On Thyself I rest. Did He say, " To-morrow I will hear thee"? Nay! Full and free the fountain Floweth every day. Holy Dove, oft grieve'd. Ere my tears were dried, To my listening spirit Thy still voice replied. The Brook in the Way. " Child ! My child, be patient, I thy sins have borne ; I have marked the conflict, And the scoffer's scorn. I have seen the sorrows Of thy broken heart, And in thy afflictions Borne a brother's part. • Wouldst thou fear the darkness. Didst thou hate the lighf? Would thy sin displease thee, Were thy sin delight 1 Evil would be welcome, Wert thou of the earth ; Child, look up to heaven, Whence thou hadst thy birth. *' Put thy heel on Satan, Draw the Spirit's sword; Prove thy holy breast-plate. Take Me at my word. Am I not thy Fortress % Wherefore fall or fly; Grasp thy palm, rejoicing In My victory. ig lo The Brook in the Way. " 'Tis the lowliest conquers ; 'Tis by might of love That the weakest soldier Doth the bravest prove. Rest thee, weary trembler ! Was the strife unsent % Nay ! thy King was with thee ; Not a bow was bent, " But thy Lord who loves thee Guided every dart; See ! they only sent thee Nearer to my heart. At thine hands upraised, Half thy foes withdrew; Fonvard ! I have conquered, Thou shalt conquer too. " Child ! in Me abiding. Nought thy foot shall move; Fear not ! I will help thee, Mine is changeless love. Take my yoke upon thee, Learn the way from Me; I am meek and lowly, Meek and lowly be. The Brook in the Way. ii " Take my yoke — I bore it, Lean upon my breast; I have fought thy battle, Share with Me my rest. Soon the plains of glory Sinless thou shalt tread; My right hand upholds thee, Rise — be undismayed. " Trust Me— only trust Me ! Wherefore shouldst thou quail ? Can a weapon prosper. Shall a foe prevail, 'Gainst the Lord's Anointed ? He hath set their bounds ; While thy faith, though feeble, Loving-kindness crowns." 12 The Brook in the Way. SEEK HIS FACE CONTINUALLY. RUST in the Lord ! yea, trust in Him, Renew thy strength again ; For He, from whom thy faith was born, That faith will still sustain. Commit thy way to Him, to whom Thou dost commit thy soul ; He sees the path by thee unseen : On Him thy burden roll. Wait thou on Him, His time is best, His wisdom shall declare; Wait thou in patient hope, and trace A Father's tender care. Rest upon Him, on Him, thy Lord, Till thou canst see His face; Folded within each purpose lie Deep mysteries of grace. The Brook in the Way. 13 He nourishes the comfortless ; He sends thee gloomy days To train thy soul for nobler flight, And give thee themes for praise. He sends the blast, He bids the storm Sweep o'er His richest land, To prove the trees of righteousness Are planted by His hand. He lets the tear-mist float above The valley's fairest spot; And the budding grass is greenest where Our earthly joys are not. He sends His springs among the hills, When other streams decline; And where the flowery gourd has drooped. He trains His fruitful vine. Whoso is wise, and all His works With watchful care discern. The loving-kindness of the Lord They, even they, shall learn. 14 The Brook in the Way. THE FOURTH WATCH. " Many waters cannot quench love ; neither can the floods drown it* Sol. Song viii. 7. E walketh on the waters, Calm in the midnight storm ; The seething billow beareth That rnild, majestic form. The wind is but His chariot, Obedient to His word : WHio knows the path Thou takest % Creator ! Jesus ! Lord ! He walketh on the waters, He ruleth wind and wave, The storm-tossed bark He steereth,- He watches but to save. In His right arm is safety ; With Him is life and light ; Wait for Him, though He tarry Till the fourth watch of the night. The Brook in the Way. 15 Distrust meets no upbraiding, All terror is allayed ; ** Be of good cheer," He whispers, " 'Tis I ; be not afraid." Hark ! as the sweet assurance Breaks gently on the ear, Each sinking heart respondeth — " 'Tis He ! be of good cheer !" 'Tis He who cleansed the leper. The evil one cast out, 'Tis He who fed the hungry. Ye loved ones, can ye doubt 1 Who, 'neath the vault of heaven. E'er yet the waters trod. Or quenched their foaming fury, Save Christ, the Son of God 1 Ah ! while on earth they wandered. Those often weary men, Forgat they e'er that whisper That stole upon them then 1 With every stormy breaker The Master still was near; His love upheld His weak ones, " 'Tis I ; be of good cheer." 1 6 The Brook in the Way. Oh ! Son of Man ! still sleepless, When others toil or weep, Thou, 'midst the wildest tempest, Dost ceaseless vigil keep. Come, Lord ! our fourth watch waneth ; Come Thou — deliv'rance bring; Of Thy little band the Brother, The Bridegroom, and the King. Far o'er the world's wide waters Thy open door is seen : Thy dove, with white wings weary. Prays Thee to take her in. There 's light upon the billow As the wild blast sweepeth by; We hear the heavenly message, "Be not afraid, 'tis I." Oh ! chase away the shadows. We long to see Thy face; Each lonely hour has brought us Nearer to Thine embrace. Come, Lord, we wait Thy coming ; With Thee is joy and light ; Sweet hope ! soon, soon shall vanish The fourth watch of our night ! The Brook in the Way. 17 PRAISE FOR ALL ! "All things are yours." — i CoR. iii. 21. RAISE, my soul, the love that sought thee ! Praise the Lord, whose blood hath bought thee ! Praise for all I "Ye are Christ's." Can any sever Christ and thee? Nay; then for ever Praise for all ! Praise for triumph, or for trial, Prayer swift answered, or denial — Praise for all ! Praise for friends, best loved and loving ; And the Love in all removing : Praise for all ! For the days of health and gladness, And the nights of weeping sadness : Praise for all ! c 1 8 The Brook in the Way. Tears, though wept for others' sorrow, Or the joy that flies to-morrow: Praise for all ! For the path made plain before thee, For the dark cloud lined with glory: Praise for all ! For the sickness sent to chasten, And the chariot home to hasten : Praise for all ! For the hope that waneth never, For thy rest beyond the river : Praise for all I Tfie Brook in the Way. 19 THE PRICELESS GIFT. "I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." — John x. 28. ESUS ! Thou Son of God Most High, I hear Thee ! Thou art passing nigh : Look on me, Lord, or else I die ! Behold a leper, lost, defiled. By Satan's every lure beguiled ; Lord, speak! for I would be Thy child. Give me another heart, behold I nothing offer, yet am bold ; Thou hast no price, I have no gold. Give me Thy Spirit, — make me clean. And where this heart of flesh hath been, Thy heavenly image shall be seen. Fill it with Love, and Light, and Praise, To worship Thee through endless days, ^\^lile I upon Thy glory gaze. » * * * c 2 20 The Brook in the Way. 'Tis mine ! Press on, O feeble one ! For thee the work of grace is done, He takes away my heart of stone ! Tears flow; but they are sweeter far Than all my earthly pleasures were. And none my priceless joy can mar. Thorns wound, but soon they '11 wound no more, For Faith points to the open door. And Christ hath trod the path before. Away, ye foolish dreams of earth ! Farewell, false joys and madder mirth: I tasted you, and know your worth. I ask not labour, Lord ; for me. Full well Thou know'st how sweet 't would be ; But oh ! I ask to follow Thee, To walk with Thee, be glad and meek, And list the word my Lord shall speak ; None other lord henceforth I seek. And if my foot should lag behind, Look on me, and that look shall bind A ready foot to willing mind. The Brook in the Way. 21 Keep me abiding all the day With Thee my Life, in Thee my Way, Then none can lead my steps astray. And sin in every shape abhorred, Christ shall the choicest food afford, And my soul taste His sweet reward. So now I drink the flowing stream, And now I bask in glory's beam, Jesu's eternal love my theme. Come, sinners all, there 's room for you ! Come in, poor wanderers ! — if you knew The Love of Christ, you 'd all come too ! 22 TJie Brook in the Way. THE NEW-YEAR'S GUEST. " Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." — Rev. iii. 20. ARK ! at your door a Stranger knocketh, Will you not rise and let Him in % A New-year's Guest ! and keep Him waiting An entrance at your house to win ! "A Stranger!" Yea, despised, rejected, Bowed with a burden meekly borne; Up, then, thou sluggard ! bid Him welcome. Open to Him, this New-year's morn. Still sleeps the door upon its hinges, And drowsily a voice replies, " I know Him not, nor wish to know Him ! "' And entrance to the Lord denies. The Stranger onward moves, and lingers Where His own Book arrests the eye, And doctors, wise in worldly wisdom. Search in its hidden mystery. The Brook in the Way. 23 He waits without, whose love designed it ; If thoughts of Him their hearts engage, His glorious Spirit shall unfold it, And shed His light o'er every page. Discord and anger swell the tumult, Untoward passions madly rise. Drowned is that voice of sweet persuasion, And Christ is hidden from their eyes. 'Tis night ! and in a lordly mansion Light flashes on the pictured pane, W^iere Art, in rainbow hues, pourtrayeth The anguish of the Lamb once slain. The tapers gleam on sparkling crosses, 'Mid tissues rich and tracery fair; On costly garb, on books and carving — Not such the badge His followers bear ! Surely within He will find welcome % Behold, He knocketh ! " Ope to Me," He saith, in tones of tender pity, " I will come in and sup with thee." " Who art Thou f " Who % The Man of Sorrows ! Thorn-crowned, and wounded, and betrayed; Slain for thy sins, bruised and afflicted : Open to Me; be not afraid 1" 24 The Brook in the Way. " I have my friends and children with me : A face so scarr'd by sorrow's stain Would mar our mirth. Not now — to-morrow, Stranger, perhaps you'll call again." * * * * " Our custom is, this merry-making, Sad thoughts would dull life's pleasant chime; 'Tis well for Saint-days, or for Sunday, In sickness, or in dying time. " But I have health, and wealth, and leisure. And songs of gladness round me swell; I have no room for Christ to enter; There's time enough to think of hell ! " Associations and committees Will feed the hungry, clothe the poor; And sure, enough is paid for praying; Why should I rise and ope the door?" Leisure and room for friends and children, The gifts of God's long-suffering grace ; But for the Son who died to save them — For Thee, Lord Christ, there is no place. On, on He goes, and now He pauses ; At a low doorway see He stands. The glory from His brow descending Shows in the gloom His pierced hands. The Brook in the Way. 25 He knocks. No festive songs are rising In that drear hovel ; by the grate, Where the last embers faintly glimmer, Kneeleth a woman — desolate ! Mem'ries of other days flit o'er her — New years and old years, black with sin ; Oh ! tarry there. Thou lovely Stranger, She may have time to let Thee in. " Lost, lost for ever !" Hark ! she waileth ; " Sin Avas too sweet, and did betray My wandering footsteps downward, downward ! I have no hope, O Christ ! to-day. " My sin ! — my sin ! its fetters bind me. Haunting my soul with dreams of hell : By day, by night, I read my portion Written in flames unquenchable ! " Oh ! the dread past, and darker future, God's mercy trampled on, and I, Afraid to live, with guilt o'erburdened, And yet more fearful still to die ! " O Lord ! long left, and sorely wounded ! Canst Thou receive the lost once more ? Thy Blood can save me !" Heavenly Stranger, Thou knockest at the outcast's door ! 26 The Brook in the Way. " Open to Me !" He saith. She opens ! 'Tis the same Friend of bygone years. The crucified, betrayed, forsaken, Stoopeth to dry the sinner's tears. Angels rejoicing o'er that dwelling Behold the sinner's New-year's Guest. He enters % Who % The King of Glory ! The wanderer sups on Jesus' breast. The Brook in the Way. THE SINNER SAVED. '■ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." — Matt. xi. 28. ELL me, happy Pilgrim, How you sought and found All your peace and gladness On this barren ground. Why are all our pleasures Dull and tame to you, And your anxious hours Seem so far and few?" " Not from Earth or Nature, Stranger, doth it spring ; Birds that build the lowest. Soar aloft to sing. So my strain is gladdest When aloft I rise, — Farthest from my earth-nest. Nearer to the skies ! 28 The Brook m the Way. " Once, like you, I questioned : Life seemed nothing worth ;- Death, a gloomy vision ! — And I wandered forth, Seeking something better Than the worldhng's lot; — Rest, and peace, and pardon ; But I knew not what. " Thus I worked and fretted, Strove to keep God's law; Vows new-made, and broken, All the fruit I saw. Then I heard of Jesus ! And, while drowned in tears, He drew gently near me. Quieting my fears. " ' Come,' He said, 'poor sinner,' (Oh ! that welcome word Seemed the sweetest message My poor heart had heard,) ' Come ! My work is finished, And thy labour lost ; See, thy soul's redemption, And the price it cost.' The Brook in the Way. 29 " Then I told Him over All my life of sin; '■ Now,' I said, ' or never, Will He let me in !' Not one thought I 'd given. All those long years past, To the dear Redeemer I had found at last. " So I spoke, all trembling, ' Lord ! it is not fit That a ragged beggar At Thy table sit. I would mend my garments, And would fitted be For the King's own presence. Who takes heed of me.' " Soft He spake, so sweetly, - ' Seek no other dress ; Not a thread is lacking In My righteousness. I a mantle give thee None beside hath wove ; Take it — be partaker Of My Father's love ! 30 The Brook in the Way. o " ' All the wrath — thy portion- I have borne from God ; From thy sins I wash thee In my cleansing Blood.' Then I cried, ' O Saviour ! In Thy boundless grace, For the chief of sinners Thou hast found a place.' " From that day I knew Him, — Christ ! my Priest and King ! Father ! Friend ! Physician ! Can I cease to sing? Nay, until He call me From my work below, I will tell His praises Wlieresoe'er I go. " Enter, stranger ! Welcome ! See ! the way is clear ! 'Tis the Friend of sinners That awaits thee here. Come ! believe, and trust Him ! Grace He'll ne'er deny, Since He saved a sinner, — Such an one as I ! " The Brook in the Way. 31 HE LOVETH ME. "Who loved me, and gave Himself for me." — Gal. ii. 20. HENE'ER my faithless footsteps stray, I miss my Lord upon the way, And then — how hard it is to say, " He loveth me." Wild sounds the tempest in my ear, Nor sun, nor stars, for days appear, And yet my Jesus still is near, He loveth me. All other love can soon forget ; Estranged, where once the firmest set ! Wand'ring and weak I am, and yet He loveth me. How can I doubt Him % for my name Is graven on His breast ! He came To bear for me my sin and shame ! He loveth nie. Upon the Cross I see Him bleed — Mocked with a crown and broken reed ! Made sin for me ! Oh ! soul, indeed He loveth me. 32 The Brook in the Way. When, drooping, on my way I go, That sweet assurance can bestow Peace in the darkest hour ; I know He loveth me. It smoothes for me the roughest road, It bears me o'er the rising flood, All things together work for good. He loveth me. It is the shadow from the heat, It is the star to guide my feet. My pillow, and my night-song sweet, "He loveth me." When clouds upon my spirit fall. And sins affright, and fears appal. Up, sinking heart, and tell Him all ! He loveth me. He loveth me ! That thought hath flung A joy and gladness o'er my song, Its burden echoes all day long, " He loveth me." He loveth me ! Take courage, ye ^Vho sigh for Him you cannot see ; Sure, none should ever hopeless be ! He loveth me. The Brook in the Way. 33 REVIVAL HYMN. "Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power." — Ps. ex. 3. !iHO is willing? These are willing, children look- ing for their Lord, Springing to the arms of Jesus, at His first endearing word ; Let them come, the Shepherd sought them. He has called them, they are blest ; Feed His lambs, His blood has bought them, and He bears them on His breast. Who is willing? Weeping sinners; broken-hearted, see they come ! Lo ! behold the dead arising from the darkness of the tomb ! Blind, they grope amid the shadows \ waiting by the way, they cry, "Give us Light, O Lord, to see Thee, for we hear Thee passing by." D 34 The Brook in the Way. Who is willing'? These are willing; children of the Light, they bring Water for the thirsty strangers, sparkling from the eternal spring ; On ! O little flock ! press onward, shew the Light, and point the Way, Grace, free grace, in love proclaiming, heralds of a brighter day. Are ye willing, slumbering servants % Ah ! but faithless watch ye keep, Wake ! the midnight cry arises, and the foolish virgins sleep ! Vain ye plead prophetic knowledge, or the marvels ye have done \w the mighty name of Jesus, when your day of grace is gone. Are ye willing, careless daughters? Not a sigh to heaven ye raise ; Whilst the publicans and sinners enter through the gates of praise. Ye, without, are rocked in pleasures, that shall fade when Christ appears ; Then, your scoffs will turn to terrors, and your smiles shall change to tears. The Brook in the Way. 35 Come ! the Lord Himself is willing ; He hath died that you may live, Still the waters of salvation full and freely He will give; For the fountain ever floweth from the Saviour's pierced side ; Are ye willing % Christ is willing ! Sinners, hear it far and wide ! D 2 36 The Brook m the Way. MY GARDEN-GROUND. "My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spicos, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies." — Sol. Song vi. 2. OD granted me a garden-ground Within this desert land, And thorns bloomed in the wilderness By heavenly breezes fanned. A brook ran rippling by the way, And made sweet music there; The fairest vineyard of the South Seemed never half so fair. One came, when barren lay the field, Of gracious speech was He; As mother to her listening child, Thus spake my Lord to me : "I am the Husbandman, and thou From me this land dost hold; More precious is the smallest blade Than Ophir's purest gold. The Brook in the Way. 37 'Work for me, work thy one brief hour, For Me, thy Friend, and ne'er Dread thou the drought, or fear the cloud, But cast on Me thy care. Far on the breeze, each winged germ May mock thine anxious gaze : Thou 'It find it in the fatherland, The growth of many days, " Raise thou the bruised and broken plants The storm may bend around; Shelter for me the tender vine Within thy garden-ground. Let not the lack of harvest fruit Thy heart's allegiance move ; My hand deals forth the best for thee, And all is done in love. • 'Tis not for thee to judge the need Of watching, tears, and toil; A fairer clime awaits thy plants. Now in a foreign soil. And see ! to cheer thy path awhile, This crystal brook shall run; Its voice shall chime in happy praise With thine, my lonely one ! " 38 The Brook in the Way. I answered, "Lord, how good it is ! How great Thy mercies be ! Yes, I will keep this garden-ground, And tend it but for Thee. All Thine! for ever, Lord, all Thine ! The stream, the flowers, the fruit; Such love beams in Thy gifts to me — My tongue hath long been mute. " Now I can only say, ' 'Tis Thine !' Ask what Thou lovest best, And I will cull my first-ripe fruit, For Thou my hand hast blest." So day by day I worked and sang, Though many a night I wept To see the blight or weed arise, But still my watch I kept. Brightest beside my purling brook My buds of promise grew; I loved the sunshine on the wave. And the sparkling spray it threw. I saw reflected in its face Our April's changing sky. The glory of the sunset eve, And night's fair canopy. The Brook in the Way. 39 No message came for fruit or flower: But, as I passed along At noon, I missed the warbling brook That cheered me with its song. I cried, "Oh, anything but this Hadst Thou but chosen, Lord ! That brook had sweeter songs for me Than any summer bird." He chided not, that Husbandman, But whispered, while I mourned, "Only believe !" and then I thought My little brook returned. It soothed me with an angel tongue. And stilled my falling tear: "Oh, dear one !" thus it seemed to sing, " Rejoice I am not here ! " My voice rings in thy future home, And Jesus loves the strain. Oh, never, never wish me back 'Mid earthly scenes again. No summer heat can reach me there, No winter's frost or snow; And radiant in the light of life My rippling wavelets flow. 40 The Brook in the Way. " Not lost for thee the silver stream, Not dumb my summer song ; Beyond the Jordan's wave it flows Far fairer fields among, Praising the love that marked the path That once was blindly trod ; Thus we together still make glad The city of our God." So comforted, my sorrowing head Bowed to the silence there ; But still I said, " No other brook Was ever half so fair." But I will now but deeper drink From whence its source began ; Deep from the rivers of Thy love. Whence, Lord, my brooklet ran. Still worked I in my garden ground. And autumn days drew nigh, And then the Husbandman returned- He passed my ripe grapes by ; He gathered not the pom'granate, Nor bent the green fig's bough ; Soft breathing o'er the beds of spice, His voice hath found me now. The Brook in the Way. 41 Close at my side a lily grew, A fragile bud so small ; None marked it, but I cherished it The dearest of them all. He paused beside my flower awhile, My heart grew faint and cold ; I cried, " Lord, wait, that little one . Will fairer hues unfold." He heeded not, He plucked my bud, And, smiling on me, said, " I planted it, and it shall bloom In Paradise instead ; For it this clime is all too cold ; But there, 'mid Eden's bowers, Thy lily-bud will grow to be The fairest of my flowers. "Weep not ! I am not grieved with thee, Though I thy treasures cull, ' Tis but to give them back again More richly beautiful. I lent them to thy loving heart, And soon thy Lord shall say, ' Thy work is done, thy crown is won, Rise up and come away.' 42 The Brook in the Way. " Still tend for me one fleeting hour This garden of tliy care, Days there will be when thou wilt miss Thy bud and streamlet there ; Look to the plains of Paradise, Where joys immortal beam, There thou wilt find thy bud a flower, Thy rippling brook a stream. " One flows in anthems rich in praise In heaven's eternal rest ; Thy folded bud will blossom fair On Jesu's tender breast. Soon shall the singing of the birds Rejoice thy listening ear ; The shadows lengthening in the sun Disclose the dawn is near." Now on I go, and bless the spot Where once the brooklet ran. And trace the wisdom and the love That led the Husbandman To lend awhile the pleasant plant That graced my garden ground, And those, the dearest to my heart, Christ hath the fairest found. The Brook in the Way. 43 THE FINGER OF GOD. " For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world ; but that the world through Him might be saved." — John iii. 17. " Never man spake like this man." — John vii. 46. E stooped, and wrote upon the ground — No sound the silence breaks ; Quick-heaving breasts and clouded brows Proclaim that conscience wakes : Men feel that God Himself is there, Beneath whose sight the soul lies bare. We know not what that finger traced To meet each downcast eye, What long-forgotten sins arise In slumbering memory ; In darkness veiled — to men unknown ; But seen by God, by God alone. He reads their thoughts, deceitful all ; Clear to His sight they shine : Lust, av'rice, murder, serpent's guile, And last — their dark design. He bids the sinless cast the stone ; And lo, they go forth, one by one ! 44 The Brook hi the Way. He stooped and wrote ! Oh, tender still To them His pure eyes scanned ! Each reads the mystic sign aright, None else may understand. The silent witness on the ground Tells not the tale to ears around. O thou sad woman ! bowed in shame, Shalt thou e'er rise again 1 Behold, the helpless stands before The righteous Judge of men ! And now, thy last accuser gone, The sinless One may cast the stone. And doth He cast it ? Lifting up Himself, He gazed around : Alone with Jesus ! leave her there. She hath the Refuge found. Her life, her guilty life is o'er. He bids her " go, and sin no more." Thus to the sinner speaks He still. Thus doth He speak to me, " From the dark thraldom of thy sin I come to set thee free." Saviour and sinner stand alone — Oh ! let the Sinless cast the stone. The Brook in the Way. 45 Not for dread condemnation here Hath Christ this dark world trod ; The holy Saviour, perfect Man, The spotless Lamb of God, Came but a pardon free to give, And bid the weeping sinner live. O loving, tender Son of Man ! More light and life be mine ; Teach me Thy finger, Lord, to trace In every mystic sign Writ on Thy spangled heavens above, And earth's dark pages, "God is love." And when my secret sins arise With fierce confounding might, And Satan, with m.alicious rage, Darkens my day to night ; Shall my accuser then be found "? Nay : grace, Thy grace, shall more abound. Yea, let me be alone with Thee, That Thou my soul mayst scan ; Better the chastening hand of God Than tenderest love of man. Thy blood shall then my soul restore, And bid me "go, and sin no more." 46 The Brook in the Way. EXPERIENCE OF PSALM XCI. N the secret place abiding, By the Great Jehovah's grace, Safe 'neath His Almighty shadow I have found a dwelling-place. God my refuge is, my fortress ; None shall pluck His weak one hence. Safely guarded from the fowler, And the noisome pestilence. Hidden 'neath His wings' soft feathers, I no fiercer weapon wield Than to make His truth my buckler. And lie fearless 'neath my shield. Thus I dread not midnight terror, Nor the shaft that quivereth by. Nor the noonday sickness, wasting ; None my hiding-place come nigh. The Brook in the Way. 47 ig, Thousands at my side are fallim Tens of thousands cease to be ; But Jehovah, as He promised, Surely hath delivered me. Here no evil can befal me, Here no plague disturbs my days ; Holy charge He gives His angels, And they guard me in my ways. In their viewless hands they bear me, Lest a stone my foot should meet ; Thus the lion and the adder I may trample 'neath my feet. He hath set His love upon me, (O my soul ! thou know'st not why,) He the captive hath delivered. And the beggar set on high. 1 have called, and He hath answered. Ever faithful doth He prove ; He hath shewn me His salvation, And a life-time of His love. 48 The Brook m the Way. THE MORNING CLOUD. " Who maketh the clouds His chariots. . . . He watercth the hills from His chambers." — Ps. civ. STORM cloud rose from its ocean-bed, And as slowly it sailed along, !1 No rest it found on the beautiful earth, It dimmed the smile of the morning's mirth — The joy of the July song. It seemed to mourn that the fair must fade In the glow of the summer day; It wept o'er the beauty it could not share, Then on to the heavens, its home was there, Its dark wings bore it away. Over the meadow, and over the hills. Where many a shadow had flown, There swept the cloud, with its gathering wreath, Borne wildly along by the wind's wild breath. Alone — and a lonely one 1 The Brook in the Way. 49 Its soft tears fell o'er the new-mown grass, And brighter the green that it wore ; The water-lily her blossoms outspread, And the drooping daisy upraised her head, Refreshed from that heavenly store. The parched earth drank up the ciystal drops; While the brook, with its gurgling rills. Proclaimed that the cloud had not wept in vain ; For down in the valley it wandered again, To sing of the God of the hilis. Then warbled the joyous birds in the brake, For the shower so soft and cool ; The panting cattle, that seemed to sink In the noontide stillness, have stooped to drink, Mid-way in the glassy pool. The wild goat browsed on the herbage scant, Where seldom a foot had trod ; In their rocky home gambolled the conies grey, For the heaven-sent cloud had passed that way, And they found their food from God. The moistened herb breathed its fragrant breath, Where a traveller paused to gaze ; The dark cloud borrowed a light from the sky; O'er the path where its shade had passed mournfully, There echoed a song of praise. £ go The Brook in the Way. The black pall rolled o'er the rocky coast, And parted before his eyes, At the sunset hour ; as flowers may bloom From unsightly roots in the earth's dark womb, It spread o'er the western skies. It gathered the rose of the laiby's rays, And the violet's amethyst shade ; Then wrapped the hills in its amber fold, And robed the valley in garments of gold. By the sun's last beams arrayed. And the traveller sighed for the cloudless land, Till the glory of earth was dim ; Most precious of all in his home above The Son of the Father, whose boundless love Gave the Lord of that glory to him. His soul sped on to his Father's house Afar — to the City of Light, With its fair foundations and pearly gates, \Vliere Christ in the mansion His loved one waits, In the day that hath no more night. He blessed the sorrow that darkened his day. The cross it was his to bear; It lifted from earth each low desire. As the cloud of the morn was a chariot of fire, — The fairest, where all is fair. TJie Brook in the Way. The cloud must come, and the tears will fall, As God sendeth forth the rain ; The shadows are weaving the rainbow's zone, And each bright ray is a lonely one, Till gathered to heaven again. 51 £ 2 52 The Brook in the Way. THE BROKEN SLUMBER. ■'Woman! why weepest thou? whom xeekest thou?" — John xx. 15. " I sleep, but my heart waketh : it is the voice of my Beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me." — Sol. Song v. 2. S the mourning bride, awaking From her slumber, wandered forth ; Weeping for her Lord departed, DwelHng on His matchless worth, Till Jerusalem's careless daughters Listen'd to her wail of woe. Crying, "Who is thy Beloved, That thou weep'st His absence so?" Thus I comfort me, recounting, Lord, Thy wondrous works of old, When Thy voice that woke the tempest Ruled the waves that o'er me rolled. I Thy mercies will remember, As my soul desponding lies, And their memory shall upbear me O'er the earth-mists to the skies. The Brook in the Way. 53 By the sleeper ceaseless watching, When temptation's hour was nigh, I declare how faithful Thou, Lord, And Thou know'st how faithless I. Could I dwell on Thy perfections, Tell how fair Thy features be, Men would leave their senseless pleasures, And go seek my Lord with me. Yet the lost light, sore lamented. Could alone the shadow give ; If it flee not at my pleading. Sure some blessing it will leave. Like the day-clouds, dark with showers. That with spring-tide duly come, — As the sunny harvest season Ere the grain is gathered home; So my winter and my summer, Night and morn, and twilight days. Raging heat, and tempest thunder. Shall unite to sing Thy praise ! Lord ! it is Thyself I sigh for. And I count past joys my pain; Thoughts of Elim's wells and palm trees Only make me thirst again. 54 The Brook in the Way. Oh ! dull heart ! and couldst thou slumber When thy Lord was at the door? And His locks, with night dews heavy ! Had He never watched before ] Was there not a lonesome garden % There that head was bowed for thee ! Where the myrrh and wormwood mingled 'Neath the mystic olive tree. When His fond hand gently beckoned, Didst thou mark no murderous sign % And His footprints — hast thou traced them ? Did the track resemble thine ! Heart of love, so pierced and broken ! Ah ! though fierce the soldier's spear, Yet its thrust was ne'er so cruel As my own reluctant ear. Where was sorrow like His sorrow % Nay ! not since the world began Was there one to bear the burden That He bore— the Sinless Man ! Soul ! if at thy door He speaketh, Wilt thou rise and open now? Though ilic thorn-wreath be the glory Of that bruised and bleeding brow ! The Brook in the Way. 55 Wouldst thou ?— 'tis the risen Jesus ! Answer'st thou with closed door, When He comes in love to seek thee, Where so oft ye met before % Wilt thou find excuse to linger % Or, with listless, dull delay. Greet the voice that longs to whisper, " Rise, my love, and come away." Rather— up, and gird thy garment ! Fear not that thy feet be soiled ! He who watcheth by thy lattice Calls thee His— the undefiled ! Canst thou hear a Saviour suing % Wilt thou let Him call in vain \ And, thy peace and joy forsaking, Only wake— to sleep again % Oh ! Thy blood, sweet Lamb, hath power In Thy righteousness complete I would hide me ! Blessed Jesus, I behold Thy hands— Thy feet ! By Thy grace. Thy love, I triumph ; And my praise shall fuller be. While I tell how rich Thy mercy Unto me, Lord— yea, to me ! 5*5 The Brook in the Way. THE PRAYER VESSEL. I Peter ii. 5. " He that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents." — Matt. x.w. 16. F God's divinest blessings, O child, thou art the steward ! Send forth thy prayer-girt vessel, By Faith's strong hand secured ; Chartered by Christ's own promise, Thy cargo cannot fail. And if becalmed it tarry, Thy breath may swell the sail. Bear thou thy brother's burden ; The tear by pity stirred Begets the sigh for succour — The cheering wayside word. Fast are the seasons passing ; Each garnered grain may be Seen in the Land of Glory, In some celestial tree. The Brook in the Way. 57 If the red gold thou hast not, Nor precious things of Earth, Thou hast unfaihng riches Where gold is nothing worth ; Thou'lt have some garden spices, Though thy land seem bleak and bare, For 'mid the many mansions There blooms a garden fair. Send forth thy heart-store bravely, No prayer hath e'er been lost ; Thy tears and sighs are numbered ; Thy Father knows the cost. With loving heart devising Burdens for every breeze, Trast thou the wealth to meet them In God's rich granaries. Send it ! — in worldly blindness If men should mock thy trade, God's blessings rest upon thee. Lade on ! — be not afraid ; Mean unto them thy measure — The prayer of patient years, Or thy heart's secret service. That Jesus' smile endears. 58 The Brook in the Way. Thy track may seem all shadow, And hope be lost to sight ; Fear not — trust on — the darkness To Christ, the Lord, is light ; He guards thy Love-sent vessel, And rich He counts thy store. Thy cargo bears no sorrow- Back from the unseen shore. Thy wealth upon the waters Cast thou — and tremble not, In angel habitations No prayer will be forgot ; So speed — speed forth thy vessel Upon the trackless main ! The breeze that wafts thy treasures Will blessings bring again. AVhen from the safe "hereafter" Thou ponderest o'er the past, Thou'lt own Who ruled the waters On which thy bread was cast ; For never yet confounded. Since flowed Time's changeful flood, Was the merchantman who trusted His goodly store to God. The Brook in the Way, 59 HAVE FAITH IN GOD. AVE faith in God ! for He who reigns on high Hath borne thy grief and hears the suppUant's sigh; Still to His arms, thine only refuge, fly. Have faith in God ! Fear not to call on Him, O soul distressed ! Thy sorrow's whisper woos thee to His breast; — He who is oftenest there is oftenest blest. Have faith in God ! Lean not on Egypt's reeds ; slake not thy thirst At earthly cisterns. Seek the kingdom first. Though man and Satan fright thee with their worst, Have faith in God ! Go ! tell Him all ! The sigh thy bosom heaves Is heard in heaven. Strength and grace He gives, Who gave Himself for thee. Our Jesus lives. Have faith in God ! 6o The Brook in the Way. THE LIVING SAVIOUR. " I know that ye seek Jesus which was crucified. He is not here, for He is risen, as He said." — M.'VTT. .\.\viii. 6. "Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord." — John .\x. 20. WEPT beneath the Cross that bore The Lamb for sinners slain; And oft I wandered, oft returned, To gaze on Him again. My soul had scarce a gleam of hope, Though 'neath the Cross I stood; Yet I could say that Jesus died, And life is in His blood. But when the quickened pulse began In this dull heart to move, I had no rest till I beheld The Object of my love. I longed to know the spotless Man Who bore my sin for me, Who burst the bonds of death and hell, To set the prisoner free. The Brook in the Way. 6i The cravings of my restless soul Of Christ Himself were born : Like Mary, at the empty grave, That resurrection morn, So, in the shadowy twilight, I Still sought Him, far and wide. Nor knew the One who led me on Was Christ the Crucified. I thought the Lord, enthroned above, Would take no heed of me; And death indeed were gain, if I My risen Lord could see. And yet He guided every step, Else had I never kno\vn His love that, for my waiting soul, Hath rolled away the stone. I thought but of His bleeding brow, His wounded hands and feet; I sought Him with the multitude, But Christ I did not meet. Some said, " The Saviour dwelleth here, And only here is He;" And others said, " Nay, come with us. Or Christ you cannot see." 62 77/1? Brook in the Way. *' Come forth and serve, and be content," Some busy labourer cried. I sadly answered, " Nay, I seek The Lord I crucified ! How can I tend your vineyards, how Scatter the seed around. Until the Master of the field, The living Lord, be found. " My vine would bear no fruit for Him, Though rich might be the leaves; And though in weeping I may sow, I still should find no sheaves. I sigh for God, the living God ; For Him my soul doth wait; None tell me where He dwells, and I Am sad and desolate." Lo here, lo there ! I sought Him far, The Bearer of my sin; I missed the kingdom of His grace, And sought it not within. Shrouded in daily circumstance, I little knew Him then. Or that my Lord's delights were still Among the sons of men. The Brook in the Way. 63 Sickness and sorrow came at length, And closed my chamber door; My Lord ! then wast Thou found of me, And my long search was o'er. And since the day Thou bad'st me cast Each rising care on Thee, Thou hast made in this wilderness A well of peace for me. Not only had the dying Lamb Washed all my sins away. But Jesus, Son of God and Man, Arose for me that day. Dark clouds, all glory-lined, revealed The way my Saviour came; And forth He bade His happy child The glorious news proclaim. '' The Lord is risen indeed," and now Our Kinsman He appears; He walks beside us on the road, And shares our smiles and tears; And still, in love omnipotent. Before our Father's face, He pleads the open door of hope For every heir of grace. 64 The Brook in the Way. Long time I mused upon my sins — Ah ! well might I be sad ! But, like Thy dear disciples, Lord, I saw Thee, and was glad. My hope Thou art — upon the Cross, My strength — upon the Throne ; Thy death my life. Thy pain my peace- Thrice blessed Three in One ! What though the fig-tree blossom not, Nor vine its fruitage yield, The promise of the olive fail. The harvest from the field. The fair flock perish from the fold, And from the stalls the herd. Shall I not trust in God my strength, And rest upon His Word % He is my portion ! He hath taught My murmuring lips to praise; And He will guide my feeble feet In His most holy ways. Lord ! search my heart with jealous love, And reign Thou there alone; For Thou art mine, and I am Thine, Eternally Thine own ! The Brook in the Way. THE WANDERER RETURNED. " He hath remembered His covenant for ever." — Ps. cv. S. PEN the gate to me, Blessed Redeemer ! Safe on the Rock of Thy Promise I stand ; Open the gate to me ! darkness surroundeth me, Sure is Thy Covenant graved on Thine Hand ! " "Who art thou, Stranger, that knockest so fearlessly?" " Lord ! Thou hast known how my foot was beguiled : Thou from death's penalty safely delivered me, Love's condescension hath called me Thy Child." " Thou hast denied, and betrayed, and forsaken Me ; Hast thou not feared lest my faithfulness fail % Long did I wait at thy door, and it opened not, Why should the cry of the truant prevail % " "Yea, Lord ! too true, in the sunshine I slumbered. Oft from Thy warning voice turned me away, Hard was my heart when Thou chast'nedst in ten- derness. Yet, wilt Thou look on me, Saviour, to-day ! F 66 The Brook in the Way. " Dost Thou not meet all who seek Thee confidingly? My need is my plea, and my hope is Thy word ; I rest on Thy Promise, Thy love, and Thy faithfulness, Still in the darkness I '11 wait for my Lord ! " Friendless, forsaken, with sorrows unspoken, Thou — Thou hast watched o'er me, my sin Thou hast known ; ' Only trust,' Thou hast said, and Thou never hast failed me, I rest on the Rock of Redemption alone ! " Long seemed the silence — it was but a moment ; Away passed the shadows like mists of the morn ; Angels have stooped o'er the threshold to listen To a voice beyond music at midnight upborne. Sweeter than Seraph-songs sounds the glad welcome — " Since thou hast believed, as thou wilt, let it be ; Thy face, oh ! poor wanderer, come hide in My bosom; Faith, tried in the furnace, rests still upon Me. " Bring forth the best robe, and the new wine of gladness ! Oh ! weak one, still trusting alone on ray Word, Enshrouded no more in the shadows, behold Me, And enter, beloved, the joy of thy Lord ! " ' The Brook in the Way. 67 THE STARLESS NIGHT. ' Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. " — Ps. xxxi. 24. Y a way I know not Thou dost guide. Barren it seems, and shadowed o'er; Oh ! keep me close to Thy dear side, I have not trod it heretofore. Jesus ! though dark the way and rough — If Thou dost share it — 'tis enough ! I would believe in Thee, my Lord, And taste Thy guiding hand of love, Relying on Thy holy Word That I shall read it all above. Now waiting for that heavenly light, I bless Thee for this starless night. I see not; but Thine eye doth run Still to and fro, my feet to guide; And He who gave His only Son Will for His ransomed ones provide. Jesus ! shall one Thou lov'st repine ? Thy will be done, O Lord — not mine ! F 2 68 The Brook in the Way. Sweeter, one smile of Thy dear face, Than all earth's treasures here below ; Better, one whisper of Thy grace. That Thou in darkness canst bestow, Than walk by sight, and fail to see The Hand of Love upholding me. Thou dost uphold me ! Clear and bright Thy promises, like stars, appear. Thou giv'st me songs to cheer the night, The mountain pathway to endear. Welcome the midnight as the day, Father! it is Thy \Y\\{—Thy way ! The Brook in the Way. 6g WITHOUT MONEY AND WITHOUT PRICE. AN INVITATION. "Let him that is athirst come." — Rev. .vxii. 17. OME to Jesus ! Are you lonely ? Solace sweet He will afford. Lean on Jesus — Jesus only ! Come, and find a loving Lord ! Are your trials past the telling 1 Are your sins as crimson dye ? Jesus sees your sad heart swelling 'Neath accusing Memory. He is waiting — will you leave Him Pleading at your heart in vain ] He is willing, oh ! believe Him ; He may never call again. 70 The Brook in the Way. He hath never yet forsaken One who trusts alone in God ; He your life-long debt hath taken, And hath paid it with His Blood. From your sins He waits to cleanse you, You ! the slave by Satan bound, Messages of love He sends you — Where can such a Friend be found ? Are you sick % His word can heal you. Are you weary with the strife % Are you hungry? He can fill you With the heavenly Bread of Life. Now ! it is the time to try it : Test Him by His written Word ; Come ! for He will ne'er deny it ; Come to Christ the Risen Lord ! Do you fear His sharp reproving That you did not go before ; That you left Him — so unloving — Waiting long time at your door % He will only smile and greet you, Chasing shadows from your brow; He will surely run to meet you, Saying, ' Thou art welcome now ! ' The Brook in the Way. 71 By still waters He will lead you, In green pastures you shall rest ; And the pierced hands that freed you, Bear you on His tender breast. Come, oh ! come, this day, and try it ; Jesus' words are proved and true ; Take His gift, you cannot buy it — He hath waited long for you. 72 The Brook hi the Way. THE WAYSIDE WATCHER. " Thou shalt know that I am the Lord ; for they shall not be ashamed that wait for Me." — Is.v. xlix. 23. LL the day you sit here idle, And the Master at the door ! The fields are white to harvest, And our labour almost o'er. You are dreaming, you are dreaming ! Time is gliding fast away; See ! the eventide is waning, Soon shall break eternal day." " Brother, my hand is feeble. My strength is well-nigh spent : I saw you all at noon-day. And I marked the way ye went. I cried, ' God's blessing on them. What a favoured band they be ! But I '11 watch upon the highway, God may find a work for me.' " TJie Brook in the Way. 73 " Yet you tarry, yet you tarry," Said the labourer again, " You may idle on the highway. And wait all day in vain. 'Tis easy labour ' waiting ;' On the dusty road we tread To toil within the vineyard : Go out and work instead." The watcher smiled and answered, "My brother, is it so? Who waiteth on the Master, The Master's will shall know. He hath taught me one sweet lesson, I have learnt it not too late. There is service for the feeblest That only stand and wait." I sat me by the hedge-row, No burden could I bear, But I often thought. How blessed In the field to have a share ! The loving Master whispered. Through the often lonely day, ■ Still wait on Me, thou weak one. The lame shall take the prey." 74 The Brook in the Way. Not long I tarried watching : A wayfarer drew nigh, He was weary, sad, and hungry, For the glowing sun was high. His foot lagged faint and fainter. His eyes were downward cast. That labourer by my lattice At early morn had passed. I drew him 'neath the trellis Of the vine's inviting shade, Down by the soft green pasture Our Shepherd's love hath made. I fetched him from the streamlet Fresh water for his feet, I spread the bread before him, And bade him rest and eat. He bathed in the bright fountain, And then, refreshed and strong. He journeyed on rejoicing : You could hear his happy song. Where, on the dusty wayside. The traveller had been. Stood One, in heavenly beauty, \Vith more than regal mien. The Brook in the Way. 75 " I thank thee," said the Stranger, " For all thy cares afford, For rest, and food, and welcome, Beside thy simple board." " Nay, Lord," I said, " what succour Have I bestowed on Theel." " Thy service to my servant Hath all been done to Me." Oh ! it was well worth watching, A summer's day alone ; Well worth the weary waiting, To hear His sweet " Well done Is it too small a matter. That in man's foohsh pride He scorns one heart to gladden For which the Saviour died \ Oh, ever blessed Master ! The harvest-field is fair. And Thou hast better servants. Than Thy weak one, everywhere. Thou never hast forsaken One waiting by the way ; Still meet me with a promise. That the lame shall take the prey. 76 77/1? Brook in the Way. From the tangled thicket near me I heard a mournful cry; A little child had wandered From the sunny path hard by: His hands were torn with briers, His hot tears fell like rain; And he wept, lest he should never See his father's face again. Close to my heart I drew him, And pointed to the sky; I showed him how the dark clouds, So slowly sailing by, But veiled the bright sun's radiance From valley and from hill ; For the faithful sun was shining In all his glory still ! He ceased to weep, and listened; I soothed his childish woe ; Then on the way I led him, And soon beheld him go Back through the green fields singing Sweet was the joyful sound. That told the father's welcome. And the little wanderer found ! Tlie Brook in the Way. 77 Then on the highway, near me, I saw the Stranger stand — Stranger no more ! He guided The fair child by the hand. " I thank thee," said He softly, " Thou hast not watched in vain Behold my child returned Safe to my arms again." What grace is thine, O Master ! For work so poor and scant ; How glorious is the guerdon My loving Lord doth grant. I only saw a nursling Was wandering astray: Oh ! it is worth cross-bearing To wait for Thee one day. Have ye known the shadows darken On weary nights of pain, And hours that seem to lengthen Till the night comes round again % The folded hands seem idle : If folded at His word, 'Tis a holy service, trust me, In obedience to the Lord. 78 The Brook in the Way. Ye know the joy of labour Within the busy field ; But there are deeper pleasures A faithfi.ll heart may yield. To willing ones that suffer, And listen at His feet ; From the far-off land God givelh The fruit of life to eat. Brief is my hour of labour: My Lord my lot hath cast ; He giveth royal wages, To the first-called as the last. I have seen Him in His beauty, While waiting here alone — I know Him ever near me, For He cannot leave His own. None e'er shall lack a service, Who only seek His will ; And He doth teach His children To suffer and be still. In love's deep fount of treasures Such precious things are stored, Laid up for you, O blessed. That wait upon the Lord. The Brook in the Way. 79 "HOME! LIGHT! HOME!" . . . ' Good bye.' The words had hardly fallen from his lips when an expression of intense joy kindled in his face, his eyes beamed with rapture, and his eager hand pointed to the glory on which he was enter- ing : he uttered an exclamation of delight, — " Light'. — Home ! — Light !" See Memorial of a Ragged Scliool Boy in " Precious Gems for the Saviour's Diadem." OME ! Light ! Home !" The light of a cloud- less day; It breaks o'er the City whose builder is God, and never shall fade away : No sun, nor moon, nor stars, o'er the mansions of rest may reign. For the Lamb is the Light of that golden land, the Light is the Lamb once slain. " Light ! Light ! Home ! " With the Friend that can never change ! Midst the boundless stores of a Saviour's love, unfettered and free to range. He waits with Him there on high, who watched for Him here before ; And the tide of praise that knoweth no ebb swells sweet on the stormless shore. 8o TJie Brook in the Way. " Home ! Light ! Home ! " A home 'mid the ran- somed band, Drinking of fountains that never fail, led by a Saviour's hand. Never to hunger nor thirst, never to faint or fear; Only to live in the light of His smile that guided his footsteps here. " Light ! Home ! Light ! " The combat on earth is done ; The labourer wrought for a few short hours, and home to his rest is gone. A robe like the driven snow, a place in the glory fair ! — Oh ! who would not follow the freed young soul that basks in the brightness there ! " Home ! Home ! Light ! " Light in the shadow of death ; Light in the soul from the "Light of the world," light on the path beneath. A light that for sinners shall shine, as he shouts in his triumph — ' Come ! ' He tells of the Light of the Lamb once slain, and points to his glorious home. The Brook in the Way. 8i Light ! Lord ! Light ! Thou callest alone to bless ! Oh ! shed on the spirits held captive by sin the Sun of Thy righteousness. Give light to our waiting souls some gleams of Thy glory to see, And help us to trust in the Faithful and True, for our strength and our rest are with Thee. "Home! Light! Home!" Do jw^ look to a Father's home ? Do you point to the light that has gladdened your path, and cry to the wanderer, " Come 1 " Do you dwell on a Saviour's truth 1 Do you yearn o'er the blind man's night 1 Go ! seek ye the souls that are sinking in death, and tell them of Home and Light ! 82 The Brook in the Way. THE OFFERING. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame ; He rememberelh that we are dust." — Psalm ciii. 13, 14. rai^OT within thine heart's best chamber, In fond mem'ry's fragrant amber, Hoard the treasure God hath given; For the moth of time will fray it. And the rust of earth decay it : Lay thy loved one up — in heaven. He who lent it sure can keep it; While He sees thee over-weep it, Will He spurn thy sob of sorrow'? Tenderly He bendeth o'er thee ; Forty-fold He will restore thee, In the cloudless land to-morrow. Up the mountain — slowly — slowly; For the sacrifice is holy: Doth He call dead hearts to follow ? Nay, but living ones, well knowing That the life -tide overflowing, Pays no tribute cold and hollow. The Brook in the Way. 83 Clings the sick child, faint and ailing, Doth the mother mock its wailing, Feeble though the hands that hold it % Closer — closer to her bosom Will she clasp the fading blossom. And in deeper love enfold it. Lay it down — thy heart's best treasure \ Christ alone the pang can measure. Doth He count thee an offender. For the trembling hand that brings it. Or that sigh when sorrow wrings it. O'er that love so true and tender? Through the falling tears, bedewing AH the piled wood of thy doing, He His loving heart revealeth : Every silent pang is needed. Not a tear-drop falls unheeded ; He His sweet acceptance sealeth. Wilt thou trust Him, though He gather Back thy loved one % 'Tis thy Father, And He knows thee sad and lonely. Up the mount ! One standeth near thee, And thy sorrows more endear thee; Journey on with "Jesus only." G 2 84 The Brook in the Way. Wait not — thy warm breath may mar it, Loving bonds but bind and bar it From a higher, hoher soaring ; Now upon God's altar lay it : Canst thou trust Him? Will He slay itl He may prove thee by restoring. Love, His love doth mark thy going. With compassion overflowing ; Hark ! He whispers, " I am with thee, / upheld thy first faint struggle ; Child, I will reward thee double, And thy treasure back will give thee." Lay it down — beyond the river Thou shalt praise anew the Giver ; Through a life of endless glory Trace the path by which He brought thee, Sing the melodies He taught thee. Tell to angel -host thy story. Faint thy whispered love is spoken ; Ah ! thy words sound cold and broken Unto hearts less fond and fervent. Christ hath caught the sob that mourned it, And His smile to prayer hath turned it, While He saith, " My faithful servant ! " TJie Brook in the Way. 85 Lay it down ! Ah ! thou hast laid it, Oh, how fair hath love arrayed it ! Yet 'twill fairer be, and never Shall the dust becloud its sweetness ; But, transformed to heavenly meetness, Thou mayst call it thine for ever. 86 . The Brook in the Way. THE PLANT OF RENOWN. It pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell." — Col. i. 19. HRIST is my Rock, from Him my honey floweth; He is my Fountain, whence my fresh springs rise; He is my Guide in paths that no man knoweth ; He is my Shield, whence every arrow flies. He is my Light, and when my soul, arisen From its death slumber, felt a Saviour nigh, I knew the Friend whose strong arm burst my prison, The Brother born for drear adversity. He is my Shepherd, in His arms He bears me ; He is my King, I own His gentle sway; My Advocate, upon His breast He wears me ; My Judge, who swept the judgment far away. He is my Refuge, when the storms awaken ; He is my Keeper, when the snare is nigh ; The Brook in the Way. 87 My Captain in the fight my place hath taken ; And is my Fortress from the enemy. He is my mighty Counsellor, — He heareth The plaints I bring ; He guides my feet below : He is my great Physician, and endeareth, With His soft touch of love, the wounds of woe. He is my Strength, when to the fight He calls me ; He is my Peace, the peace none else can give ; He is my Righteousness, whate'er befalls me ; He is my Life, in Him alone I live. He is my Priest, whose office faileth never ; He is my Ransom, all my debt is paid ; He is my Sacrifice, once made, for ever : The Lamb of God, on whom my sin was laid ! He is my Sun, o'er Bether's mountains streaming In His eternal splendour ; and afar My soul looks, longing for the first, ray beaming. To herald Him I wait, my Morning Star ! He is my strong Deliverer, my Salvation, My Hiding-place, safe sheltered 'neath His wings ; He is my Everlasting Habitation, Where my rejoicing soul her anthem sings. 88 The Brook in the Way. He is the Rose of Sharon, sweetness shedding ; The Apple-tree, the fairest of the wood; The fruitful Vine, though once the winepress treading; The Vale's meek Lily, 'mid the herbage rude. Reveal Him, O Thou Comforter beloved ! When shadows on the mountain pathway fall, 'Mid earth's contentions keep my soul unmoved, And shew me Christ my Lord is all in all ! The Brook in the Way. 89 GOD'S MESSENGER. "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." — Matt. xiii. 9. GAZED around my lonely room, Then on the city's street, Where, one by one, accustomed sounds Died in the noontide heat. The whitened pavement glaringly Gleamed 'neath the sultry sky, And, from the view within — without, My heart turned wearily. The holy page upon my knee Was silent, and I sighed : I seemed within a prison cage. Freedom and flight denied. Earthward I gazed, and missed the hand Whose faithful love had shewn Its tenderness in leading on By paths I had not known. 90 The Brook in the Way. Dulled was the faith that once descried, When all was dark below, 'Twas fair above — but never yet Had life seemed drear as now. O Lord, how oft I questioned of Thy ever-watchful care ! Yet, what on earth were left for me, If Thou hadst failed me there % The tempter came, with wandering thoughts In wily guise arrayed: I pined for other, fairer paths, Than heavenly wisdom made ; For strength to nerve my helpless hand. My feeble frame to brace. For wider spheres of usefulness, And richer gifts of grace : Nor rested there. The Evil One Sought every sense to please, — Imaged the woodlands green, and brought The happy hum of bees : The river seemed to flow along The flowery bank I trod. And every sigh for things of earth Withdrew my heart from God. The Brook in the Way. 91 No vision of my Father's house Upon the shadows stole; Earth, with its pictured beauty, held Captive my willing soul. "■ O for the bird's free wing !" I sighed, " And those fair fields of ours ! " — Hark ! from the street a low voice cries, "Buy Everlasting Flowers!" As sunbeams in the Lapland sky Disperse the nights of gloom, A strange sweet gladness echoed in That solitary room. Sweeter than singing bird or bee, Amid earth's fading bowers, Awoke the echo in my heart, "Sweet Everlasting Flowers!" "Buy, buy!" and as it rose again, The stranger's plaintive cry. Another voice seemed whispering, " The wine and milk, come, buy. Come without money, without price. The peerless boon secure ; With pastures green, and flowing streams, And raiment white and pure. 92 The Brook in the Way. "^Vhy waste thy thought on fleeting joys? Why droops thy heavenly wing % Let birds and foxes make their homes Where all is perishing; But look to thine inheritance — Fear not these days of gloom; The thorns that wound thee sore to-day With fadeless fruit shall bloom. "An everlasting rest is thine, With everlasting love; Safe in thy Father's house, thy foot No chance or change can move. With Christ dwells everlasting joy In Heaven's perennial bowers; Then wait, and weave a glory wreath Of 'everlasting flowers.'" I saw no more the sultry street, Nor heard the city's din; Nor echo of the hurrying feet Awoke sad thoughts within. To the bright haven of the blest, Where broods no fear nor pain, The Shepherd in His sheltering arms Brought back His own again. The Brook in the Way. 93 All things are His, and all obey His wonder-working will ; E'en common things have life and speech, And His commands fulfil. From buried seeds, awhile entombed In these dead souls of ours. The sun and storm shall cherish buds Of fair, immortal flowers. Oh ! let me leam the lesson, Lord, And live it and be true, Waiting in patience at Thy feet Thy holy will to do. Resting in Thee confidingly. Trusting in Thee always, And finding every hour unfold Some secret cause for praise. 94 The Bj'ook in the Way. REST AT NOON. ' O my Dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see Thy countenance, let me hear Thy voice ; for sweet is Thy voice, and Thy countenance is comely." — Sol. Song ii. 14. HE Lord thy Shepherd is ! dread not, nor be dismayed ; He leads thee on through thorny paths by ways His hand hath made; The stormiest wind He rules, the wildest wave He binds ; Thou hast " the secret of the stairs," for to His heart it winds. Green pastures wait for thee, and when thou needest rest. Beside the softly flowing stream He'll bear thee on His breast ; Trust Him whate'er betide, on Him cast all thy care. The wilderness hath pleasant spots, and He will guide thee there. The Brook in the Way. 95 Oh, watch we by the way ! The Bridegroom soon shall come, And the silver trumpet's joyful shout shall call His loved ones home. Oh ! watch we by the way, and all His footsteps trace, Keep close beside Him, hear His voice; we soon shall see His face. g6 The Brook in the Way. THE DOOR OF THE SEPULCHRE. ' Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound : they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance." — Ps. Ixxxix. 15. EYOND the stars that shine in silvery glory, Beyond the calm, sweet moon. Up the bright ladder saints have trod before thee: Soul ! thou shalt venture soon. Secure with Him who sees thy heart-sick yearning, Safe in His arms of love. Thou shalt exchange thy midnight for the morning, And thy fair home above. Oh ! it is sweet to watch the world's night wearing, The Sabbath morn steal on; Sweeter it were the vineyard labour sharing, Sweetest the labour done. All finished ! all — the conflict and the sorrow — Earth's anguished dream is o'er ; Deathless there dawns for thee a nightless morrow Upon a stormless shore. T]ie Brook in the Way. 97 Patience, then, patience ! soon the pang of dying Shall all forgotten be; And thou, through rolling spheres rejoicing, flying Beyond the waveless sea, Shalt see that way where now thy Lord doth lead thee, His darkest dealings trace, And by those fountains where His love will feed thee. Behold Him face to face. Then bow thine head, and God shall give thee meekness Bravely to do His will. So shall arise His glory in thy weakness : Oh, struggling soul, be still ! Dark clouds are His pavilion, shining o'er thee; Thine heart must recognize The veiled Shekinah moving on before thee, Too bright to meet thine eyes. Behold the wheel that straightly moves, and fleetly Performs the sovereign word. Thou know'st His suffering love : then, suffering meetly. Follow thy loving Lord. H 9 8 Tlie Brook in the Way. Watch on the tower, and hsten by the gateway: Fear not to wait alone. Take thou thy spices, and some angel straightway Shall roll away the stone. Go to thy brethren, say thy Lord hath risen, And risen but to save; Tell of the might that breaks the captive's prison — Of life beyond the grave. Tell how He met thee, all His radiance shrouded ; How in thy sorrow came His pitying voice, breathing, when faith was clouded, Thine own familiar name. So at the grave's dark portal thou mayst linger, And hymn thy happy strain : The passing world may mock the feeble singer — Heed not, but sing again. Thus wait, thus watch, till He the last link sever: And soon tliat day shall be, When in His beauty thou shalt bask for ever, For Christ hath made thee free ! The Brook in the Way. 99 JEHOVAH - NISSL 'All things are ready: come unto the marriage."— Matt. xxii. 4. OME to the Fountain that floweth for ever, Drink of the waters, and thirst not again, He who hath conquered is strong to dehver ; None ever sought for the Saviour in vain. We bear you the message — the Lamb's invitation, The rude world's loud clamour it floateth above, Oh, join the sweet song— the glad song of Salvation, And rest 'neath His Banner — the Banner of Love. Partake of our joy, and reject not the blessing. Once gaze on the Cross, and your burden lay down ; Though poor in all else but His peace, yet possessing. In yon land of promise, a throne and a crown. Let not the weight of your dark sins affright you, His word of free pardon all doubts shall remove, Jehovah Himself through the valley shall light you. And show you, 'mid shadows, the Banner of Love. H 2 loo The Brook in the Way. Fear not, though a Httle band, exile and stranger. The promised inheritance keeping in view, Onward we march 'mid the tumult and danger. Our Shield is our Captain, the faithful and true ! What though we combat 'mid sneers and 'mid scom- mc And the rough way be weary, and scoffers reprove, We gird up our loins, and we watch for the morning. That brings us the Victor whose Banner is Love. Forward, my comrades ! press forward the faster ; If hard be the fare that our foes may afford. Shall the Soldier fare better in fight than his Master, Shall the servant be honoured, where suffered his Lord? Though the prince of the power of the air shall assail us, And the kingdoms of earth shall reject us — we'll prove One reigns over all — and He never can fail us ; We march 'neath His Banner — the Banner of Love ! Oh ! then, wave the palm that the Conqueror bought us. And gather the spoils that are safely our own; The Brook in the Way. lOI We wear the fair robe the Redeemer hath wrought us, And raise our thanksgivings before the white throne. While safe on the Rock — on the Rock of Salvation, At rest on the promise that nothing can move, We proclaim unto sinners the sweet invitation, And point to our refuge — the Banner of Love ! I02 The Brook in the Way. THE LOAN TO THE LORD. " As long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord."— i Sam. i. 28. ESUS ! bless our little one With the shining hair ! We would hold our treasure safe 'Neath a Father's care. Seal her, Saviour, as Thine own Li her childhood's days ; Let her feeble footsteps move In Thine holy ways. Boldly to Thy Throne we come, Trusting to Thy Word, As we give our little one To Thy keeping, Lord. Speak, and let her lisping tongue Tell Thy mercies sweet; Let her sing her happy song At her Saviour's feet. TJie Brook in the Way. 103 Take, oh ! take her in Thine arms, As in days of old; Mark her as Thy precious Lamb, Keep her in Thy fold. Put Thine hand upon her brow, Let her walk with Thee, And Thy minister of love ^ Let our darling be. O'er the road where dangers lurk. See His arms out-spread; Angels keep their ceaseless watch, Bending o'er thy bed. Jesus loves thee with a love None on earth can tell; Wilt thou love Him, little one ? Wilt thou love Him well % He hath died upon the Cross, He hath borne thy shame; For this sinful child of dust He a babe became. Once He left His Father's throne, And His home on high; For the lost the Holy One Laid His glory by. I04 The Brook in the Way. Oh ! love Him, little one With the shining hair; Give Him all thy childish heart, Not a little share. Jesus whispers, " Let her come ! ' Shall we say Him nay % Lord, take our loan to Thee, For ever, and to-day. The Brook in the Way. 105 A WORD IN SEASON. ^0 a ^tfgrim anb a .§»tranoer. " Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." — 2 Cor. vi. 17. " Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." — i John ii. 15. j'ORD ! whithersoever Thou goest I'll follow, for great is Thy fame, — The blind, and the halt, and the leper Thy might and Thy marvels proclaim : The truth of the prophets Thou provest; Thou'rt He that from David should spring, The Branch that should come forth of Jesse, our long-promised Israel's King. " Good Master, I fain would inhabit the house where Thy wonders are known, I would learn the deep things of Thy kingdom, and share in the state of Thy Throne." " The fox hath his hole in the covert, the bird on the bough hath her nest, The Son of Man, homeless and weary, hath here not a pillow of rest." To6 The Brook in the Way. The Holy One answered him gently, — the thoughts of his heart He discerned : And again to the world and its traffic the stranger looked back, and returned. Wouldst follow Him, friend, to that city whose maker and builder is God % Seek thou for the foot-prints of Jesus, and walk in the path He hath trod. He sought not for place nor for power, — for Him the world's welcome was death : For its own are its gifts and its guerdons, and not for the children of faith. E'en blossoms that bloomed on the mountain the thorns for His chaplet supplied, The tree that His hand had created — the Cross where its Maker hath died ! Wouldst follow ? Then walk not with worldlings, nor covet the praise they award ; Shun counsel that waits to betray thee, while feigned lips utter, " Lord, Lord." Sit not in the seat of the scorner, though earth name him noble and wise; Can those who make light of thy Master find favour and grace in thine eyes % The Brook in the Way. 107 Shall love -ties, in tenderness granted, make Christ, the sweet Giver, wane dim % Oh ! friend, is it joy thou art seeking? Thou 'It find all its fulness in Him. Betrothed to thy heavenly Bridegroom, what priceless adornments are thine ! He offers thee manna from heaven — wilt stoop to eat husks with the swine % Thou hast peace that the bHnd cannot fathom; and riches, they know not their worth. Wouldst build with the birds in the branches, and burrow with foxes in earth % Oh ! follow the Master who calls thee. He leadeth by paths thou shalt tread; Leave the world's tinselled falsehoods behind thee, and let the dead bury the dead. io8 The Brook in the Way. THE EXCHANGE. Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or cliildren, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." — Matt. xix. 29. HAVE no land to lose for Thee, No kindred, fame, nor home, nor gold; Yet, Lord, in Thy dear love to me My gain is still an hmidredfold. Thy ways are wondrous, sweet, and strange : For rags I have a regal dress. And sin and judgment I exchange For Jesu's perfect righteousness. For death, eternal life I claim; For sorrow, joys that still increase; A home of love in Christ's dear name, And the child's portion — perfect peace. What need I, that Thou wilt not give — My Heritage — my Friend — my God? Each hour new blessings I receive. The i)urchase of Thy precious blood. The Brook in the Way. 109 Earth's joyS no pleasure can afford, I ask for Thee and Thine alone ; I have no throne to lose, dear Lord ! But would I lose Thee for a throne *? What were the wide world's power and wealth, If lost Thy smile upon my way; What were unbroken days of health. Without Thy strength to be my stay % Life were a long and starless night, The past a drear, unclosed tomb; And in the future — fearful sight — Hell's hopeless gulf, the sinner's doom. What poor return Thou meet'st from me. Yet hast Thou claimed me for Thine own ! No throne or crown I leave for Thee — Lord, come and make my heart Thy throne ! Each costless gift, for Thy name's sake. In Thy remembrance safe is kept. And Thou dost holy record take Of every tear Thy saints have wept. All, all — free grace ! free love ! free gift ! Friend, wealth, and heritage, and home ! Thrice blest in Thee, howe'er bereft, And wealth in heaven for life to come ! no The Brook in the Way. Eat, drink, be merry, O my soul ! Safe from the waste of time and tears, Let everlasting ages roll, — Food is laid up for countless years, The gift of Jesus. O, dear Lord ! Behold I nothing leave for Thee ; But where my treasure safe is stored, There shall my heart for ever be. Tlie Brook in the Way. in "LACKEST THOU ANYTHING?" HAT lack I, Lord, that Thou hast taken, That Thou Thyself shouldst dearer be ] The loss of all no sigh can waken, Now lack I nothing, having Thee. Fairer than all that earth can proffer. Brighter than all that love can boast; Poor the best gift the world can offer. And worthless all that I have lost. What lack I, Lord, Thou hast not given, To bid my prisoned soul be free % A citizen of Thine own heaven, And lacking nothing, having Thee. Th}'^ promise stand eth firm for ever. Thy love no change nor shade can know. And none my happy soul shall sever From Thy sweet fellowship below. 112 The Brook in the Way. Soon to share with Thee in Thy glory, Soon at Thy blessed feet to be, And, knowing all love's blissful story, Lack nothing, Lord, beholding Thee. The Brook in the Way. 113 THE TOUCH OF FAITH. ' Sin shall not have dominion over you." — Rom. vi. 14. IGH in the heaven of heavens above. Before the great eternal throne, Christ hears thy half unspoken prayer, As though thou wert His only one. As though thy sorrow filled His heart. As though for thee alone He died. As though o'er thee His joy was full. And there was none on earth beside. He shall anoint thy weeping eyes. Thou shalt behold Him where He stands : To save thee, see His bleeding feet; To bless thee, see His pierced hands. One glance at Him — thy sinking heart Would marvel at its treacherous fears; For, touching but His garment's hem Will staunch the fountain of thy tears. I 114 I'h.^ Brook in the Way. COME TO JESUS. OME to Jesus ! Ye who wander Far from hope, and peace, and rest. Scorned, neglected, and forsaken. Sorrowful and sore distrest : Come to Jesus ! Ye of sin and fear opprest. Come to Jesus ! Ye who never Listened to His Word before, Hear His loving invitation Sounding on the Red Sea shore, — Come to Jesus ! And behold your sins no more. Come to Jesus ! Egypt's chariots And her horsemen may pursue, But the arm revealed to save him Bears the feeblest trembler through. Come to Jesus ! For His love is tried and true. The Brook in the Way. 115 Come to Jesus ! He hath loved you With a deep abounding love, And His heart, of tenderest pity, Needs no sacrifice to move. Come to Jesus ! And His free salvation prove. Come to Jesus ! Canaan's country Is the pilgrim's happy home; Linger not in Egypt's bondage. Sharer of the sinner's doom. Come to Jesus ! Hark, the Spirit whispers, " Come !" Come to Jesus ! Cast behind you Filthy shreds that form your dress ; And the King shall then array you In His perfect righteousness. Come to Jesus ! Hungering in your nakedness. Thee, poor sinner, hath He loved; Thee He welcomes; yea. He gave His own life, the costly ransom, To redeem thee from the grave. Come to Jesus ! For He calleth but to save. 1 2 ii6 The Brook in the Way. Come, put on the wedding garment ; See the feast for thee outspread. Sinner, 'tis for thee provided, And the price hath all been paid. Come to Jesus ! He — the Lamb — hath died instead. Come, oh ! come, the Master waiteth. " Come," the longing Bride doth say; Come, He tarries whilst we linger; — He hath borne our sins away. Come to Jesus ! " Come," the Spirit cries, " To-dayT The Brook in the Way. 117 THE SHEEP-TRACK. ' I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh unto the Father but by Me." — ^John xiv. 6. WO ways : only two. One leadeth Home to the land of rest, And the Good Shepherd guides the flock He feedeth, The road He knoweth best. The feeble lamb, within His bosom hiding, Is precious as the strong; The sick He tends : in sweet compassion guiding The weary one with young. He leads them forth, He goeth out before them; And where the two ways meet. They look to Him, whose eye is watching o'er them. To guide their wavering feet. ii8 The Brook hi the Way. They own a mark by which the Master claims them, Though oft the sign seems dim; And well they know the Shepherd King who names them — They hear and follow Him. Sweet sounds His voice. All other calls unheeding, They watch where He may lead; And in His face of love His wishes reading. The flock that track will tread. Narrow it is, and rough, and often lonely, Upon the mountain steep: There's room for Jesus, and for Jesus only. And for His timid sheep. Around spread flowery fields where in their blindness The careless ones would roam : Sharj) seems the Shepherd's rod that falls in kindness To bring the wanderers home. Fierce howls the wolf, and adders creep around them ; But succour He will send ; For He who in the wilderness first found them Will keep them to the end. The Brook in the Way. 119 Two ways : only two. The other bendeth Down unto hell beneath ! Broad is the gate, and frantic mirth ascendeth From crowds that rush to death. No heavenly friend will soothe their hopeless sorrow, No arm their burden bear; No fold of rest awaits them on the morrow, No Shepherd King is there. For them death's bondage, and a night of weeping That hath no dawn of day. Oh, Christ! who o'er Thy flock Thy watch art keeping. Thou art the Truth, the Way ! I20 The Brook in the Way. THE HEAVENLY FRIEND. HAVE a Friend ! a precious Friend, unchanging, wise, and true, The chief among ten thousand ! — Oh ! I wish you knew Him too. Encompassed with a host of foes, weary in heart and hmb, I know who waits to soothe my woe — have you a Friend hke Him % He comforts me — He strengthens me; how can I then repine 1 He loveth me! This faithful Friend in life and death is mine. I have a Father true and fond, He cares for all my needs, His patience bore my faithless ways, my mad and foolish deeds; Tlie Brook in the Way. 121 To me He sends sweet messages, — He waiteth but to bless: Have you a Father like to mine, in such deep tender- ness] For me a kingdom doth He keep, for me a crown is won; I was a rebel once — He calls the rebel child His son. I have a proved unerring Guide, whose love I often grieve. He brings me golden promises my heart can scarce receive; He leadeth me, and hope and cheer doth for my path provide. For dreary nights and days of drought; — have yoii so sure a Guide % Quench not the faintest whisper that the heavenly Dove may bring. He seeks with holy love to lure the wanderer 'neath His wing. I have a Home — a home so bright, its beauties none can know; Its sapphire pavements, and such palms — none ever saw below; 122 The Brook in the Way. Its golden streets resound with joy, its pearly gates with praise; A temple standeth in the midst, no human hands could raise. And there unfailing fountains flow, and pleasures never end : Who makes that home so glorious ] It is my loving Friend. My Friend, my Father, and my Guide, and this our radiant home, Are offered you — turn not away! to-day., I pray you, " Come." My Father yearns to welcome you. His heart. His house, to share; My Friend is yours — my home is yours — my Guide will lead you there : Behold One altogether fair, the Faithful and the Tme, He pleadeth with you for your love — He gave His life (or you. Oh ! leave the worthless things you seek, they perish in a day; Serve novv the true and living God, from idols turn away. The Brook in the Way. 123 Watch for the Lord, who comes to reign; enter the open door; Give Him thy heart— thy broken heart— thou 'It ask it back no more. Trust Him for grace, and strength, and love, and all thy troubles end : Oh, come to Jesus ! and behold in Him my loving Friend. 124 The Brook in the J Fay. COMING UP FROM THE WILDERNESS. "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever.'' Heb. xiii. 8. lEANING on Thee, O Beloved ! 'Tis blessed to be Alone in the wilderness walking, While leaning on Thee ! b Thy voice. Lord, allured me to hasten From tempest and storm; I have found me a covert to rest in, Safe sheltered from harm. Ceaseless praise unto Thee for Thy mercy For ever belongs, And the courts of Thy house shall re-echo My wilderness songs. As the sea-bird, secure in her dwelling. Beholds the storm come, And cares not, though breakers may threaten Her rock-girdled home : The Brook in the Way. 125 So, safe in my haven of refuge, I too, Lord, would hide; No shaft of destruction can enter Thy love-riven side. Then welcome the thorns and the briers — They crowned Thee before; Still lingers a balm on the chaplet The Holy One wore. I can drink of the cup of His sorrow, Who drank it for me; Can partake of Thy baptism, Jesus, While leaninof on Thee ! "& Day breathes on the mountain of spices — Oh ! fragrant the breath. The day-star rides high in the heavens O'er shadows of death. Why tarry the wheels of Thy chariot % Oh ! hasten to come. And carry Thy bride of the wilderness Tenderly home ! O lone one, press onward: no melody Sweeter is heard Than the song of the midnight, awaked by The wilderness bird. 126 The Brook in the Way. Thy soul in its fulness respondeth — " 'Tis blessed to be Alone in the dark valley walking, Lord ! leaning on Thee." Each snare for thy weakness, O trembler, He traceth its source ! Though devious thy steps on the mountain, He knoweth thy course. No sigh o'er that slumber so careless That let Him depart. But sweeter than angel-song soundeth To His loving heart. Oh! stand not without, sadly weeping, — Re-enter the vail ! Shall the incense which His love hath perfumed Now cease to prevail % Wouldst thou lean on a reed plucked from Egypt, O wilderness Child? Or follow some star of the desert, By beauty beguiled? Thy hand freshly pierced shall remind thee Of Him who was slain, Who died that His lost and His banished Be brought home again. TJie Brook in the Way. 127 Hast thou drunk from a cistern of Edom % It mocketh thy thirst. And turned from the fount of sweet waters For thee once accursed ? Hast thou basked in the smile of the creature, And made it thy day; And awhile from the true light that shineth Hast wandered away? Turn again ! 'tis thy High Priest awaits thee; Oh ! banish thy fears ; Those feet, sorely pierced, fly to meet thee, Go ! wash them with tears. 'Tis He who was tempted in all things. Who knoweth thy frame; Though sore are the sorrows that bruise thee. He suffered the same. The sigh of thy soul's smothered anguish Compassion doth move; The pulse of the heart thou hast wounded Beats only with love ; That sob of contrition shall whisper, " Thy feeble one see. Still leaning on Thee, O Beloved, Still hoping in Thee." 128 The Brook in the Way. Oh, lost ones! return ye, return ye; Ah ! why will ye die % One wilderness opens around you, A darker is nigh. No light in death's shadow awaits you. No peace reigneth there! No balm for your wound or your weakness, No rest for your care ! Ye lone ones ! ye sad ones ! ye lost ones ! The night wanes apace; Dark terrors have gathered around you: The message of grace That had cheered you, and wooed you, and Is offered no more; [won you, The Lord of the feast is uprisen, And closed is the door. Afar off afar He beholdeth That one glance above; Break, break, stubborn heart; it awakens Swift answers of love. Through heaven's happy court is resounded, "The captive is free:" Go ! lean on the heart that was broken, Yea, broken for thee ! The Brook in the Way. 129 PSALM CXVI. " Praise ye the Lord." — Ps. cxvi. 19. LOVE Thee ! Thou my voice hast heard In supphcation, gracious Lord. Because Thine ear inchned to me, Lord, while I live I'll call on Thee. Death's sorrows compassed me around, Hell's anguish in the depths I found ; Then unto Thee my grief I brought, DeUverance for my soul I sought. Gracious the Lord, and righteous He ! I was brought low, He helped me. My soul, return thou to thy rest : God hath the simple saved and blest ! Delivering me from all my fears — My soul from death, mine eyes from tears, My feet from falling — that I may Walk in the living light of day. K 130 The Brook in the Way. What shall I render, Lord, to Thee, For all Thy benefits to me % Salvation's cup I take, and prize The fulness of the sacrifice. If precious in Thy sight doth prove The death of them whom Thou dost love ; Now let me die to sin's delight, And live for ever in Thy sight. The Brook in the Way. 131 THE PEARL-DIVER. "I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord; thoughts of peace, and not of evil." — Jer. xxix. ii. "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee." — Is. xliii. 2. OWN 'neath the wave the venturous diver sinks, And while the eddying currents round him whirl, Air from the crystal heavens he panting drinks, And risks his being for a precious pearl. Eager and breathless, as each rough-cast shell Gives up its treasure, none on earth may know What his pale cheek to loving hearts might tell — What visions of die wild deep come and go ! Enough for him a costly pearl is won — The king has smiled on him — the gloom is gone ! Long days have passed, and fled the last dark night; And in a crown, in fairest lustre, glow What once unlovely caskets hid from sight — Pearls for a diadem — a goodly row : Resplendent jewels of each brilliant hue, And fashioned by the Master's hand, are there. One knows where each bright gem in darkness grew — The slimy serpent's trail, the scorpion's lair — K 2 132 The Brook in the Way. He knows the diver's way, and He alone. He sees thy way. Be brave, my friend, press on ! And such thy prize, pearl-seeker ! Though the light Upon thine head once shining is withdrawn. Though the dark shadows gather on thy sight; The midnight is the herald of the morn. God led thee here, to trust, and hope, and learn, Among the mists of earth : it must be so : His hand in all thy wanderings to discern, To testify of that which thou dost know. When hath He left His tempted ones alone % Veiled in the cloud behold Him ! Friend, press on Ah ! what avails the fleeting happiness Bestowed by human heart, so dull to see Its fondest love is foolishness to bless ] And none had chosen thy dark path for thee : None but the God-man, who Himself hath trod The way He leads thee, can thy portion choose. No heart can shelter, save the heart of God, That thou no ray of glory hence may lose. A little while — and then His sweet "Well done" Awaits thee. Watch and hope, and still press on. Thy God smiles on thee I Though we cannot raise Our summer songs as when our day shone bright, He counts submissive sighs as sweet as praise : Our morning 's His, — His, too, the darkest night. The Brook in the Way. 133 Sure that, 'mid all, He keeps thy name engraved Deep on His loving heart. Soon shalt thou own That all thy wandering way with love was paved, Through the dark waters to the great white throne. Count up the stars that on thy midnight shone, And bless His hand in all. Oh, friend, press on ! The angel of His presence is with thee, And wondrous things thou canst not now divine Are born from these lone watches. Shall not He Gather His myrrh-dew with His spice and wine % He does not call for songs in winter time From frozen waters, waveless at His word, Nor ask for flowers in a sunless clime. Nor lordly pseans from the unstrung chord. Thou dost remember Him, though joy hath flown. Better than wine His love. Be brave — press on ! There was an hour — all storm-cloud, and no cheer- When from Gethsemane's dark grove was heard The supplicating cry; ere, drawing near, An angel strengthened his suffering Lord. No angel comes to thee; but He who kept That vigil, wnth His heart-blood measuring forth The depth of untold anguish, while there slept Close by His side the dearest friends of earth. His arm encircles thee — trust Him alone : The dawn is breaking — falter not, press on ! 134 The Brook in the Way. THE GOODLY HERITAGE. 'The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance." — Ps. xvi. 5. HRIST hath said He will receive me, Sure the message soundeth sweet ; I, a sinner, Lord, believe Thee, Lo ! I cast me at Thy feet : Bid my feeble faith increase, I await Thy " Go in peace." I no costly unguents offer, What have I wherewith to part % Nothing, but the woes I suffer, And a bruised and broken heart ; Not the tears that dew Thy feet Make me for Thy mercy meet. All I have — my sins — I lay them At the cross where Thou hast died, Nor with frail excuse array them, They my Christ have crucified ! Sins that long Thy love withstood — Blot them. Saviour ! with Thy blood. The Brook in the Way. i35 " Go in peace !" Oh ! who shall sunder My glad heart from that behest % Let the cold world scoff and wonder That the scorned is loved and blest, Nought my weary soul alarms, It is safe in Jesu's arms. He hath snatched me from my prison, Shall I mourning pass my days 1 Nay, I know that Christ is risen, And my tongue shall tell His praise ; He hath wiped my streaming eyes, By His life 1 too shall rise. He the wolf torn lamb hath taken From the deep pit dark and drear; Father, mother, had forsaken, But the Shepherd still was near, And He cleansed the staine'd fleece, Yea, He bade me " Go in peace." Peace ! Thy peace ! the blessed portion That Thy purchased ones receive. Peace amid earth's tribulation. Rest ! that Thou alone canst give : Mine inheritance I see, Peace on earth, and Heaven with Thee ! 136 The Brook in the Way. Thou, Redeemer ! Father ! Spirit ! Let me 'neath Thy wings abide, And Thy promised grace inherit, Gazing on Thy bleeding side : Sin and woe for me shall cease, Thou hast bade me "Go in peace !" The Brook in the Way. 137 THE VACANT PLACE. " Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given me, be with me where I am ; that they may behold my glory, which Thou hast given me." John xvii. 24. H, blessed boon ! God gave us tears To meet these mournful times; But let no bitterness be there To jar the heavenly chimes Of angels' voices, as they ring, Nearer than we can say; But let us bless the hand that gave, The hand that takes away. If Thou dost call our loved ones home. Shall we Thy claim deny % But, gracious Lord, now give us more Of Thy sweet company. And though we sorrow for the dead, Let not our grief be loud. That we may hear Thy loving voice Within the light-lined cloud. 138 The Brook in the Way. They rest with Thee, and shall our praise Be silent while they sing? Nay, cloud and rain, and biting blast, But summer fruit shall bring. The vacant place reminds us now Of what Thy love bestowed : The message and the messenger Were sent alike by God. He bids us gird us for the fight, And, as we heavenward tread, Remember in the darkest hours What He, the Lord, hath said. The Brook in the Way. 139 THE PROMISE. " My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." Ex. xxxiii. 15. Y presence shall go with thee." Tis enough ; Lead on, my heavenly Guide. Though dark and rough, Through deepening shadows I must walk alone. If Thou couldst e'er forsake Thy wandering one. More, Lord, I ask not; less I could not bear, Than tread this desert land and know Thee there. Enough for faith to hear Thy voice, and see Thy own right hand in love upholding me. And should my spirit fail, let me retrace Thy faithfulness in other days — the grace That guided every step — till I can say, " God changeth not. He is the same to-day." 140 The Brook in the Way. THE TEMPLE OF THE LIVING GOD. " The living God is among you." — Joshua iii. 10. ITHIN a humble manger The Holy Babe is laid, The herd and hinds surround Him Whom angels homage paid. The voice that ruleth nations Is changed to human wail; The glory of the Godhead Enshrouded 'neath a vail ! The young Child softly slumbers On a village maiden's breast; Earth to the Lord Creator Affords no place of rest; No shelter for the homeless, Beyond a stable-shed. No place, O heavenly Stranger, Where Thou canst rest Thy head TJie Brook in the Way. 141 The lowly shepherds round Him In worship bend the knee; The host of heaven, amazed, Gaze on the mystery. See ! frankincense and spices, The gifts the wise men bring, Myrrh for the death that waits Him, And fine gold for the King ! In this cold heart, my Saviour, No place for Thee is found; Amidst the world's wild clamour, Thy still, sweet voice is drowned. Oh, give Thy Holy Spirit; Thy temple, Lord, prepare; Cast out the thieves and merchandize That crowd Thy house of prayer. These, in the dark recesses, Have kept my Lord afar; He doth withhold His presence Where the money changers are. What buying, and what selling. What idols are within ! What strange and vain oblations Are on Thine altar seen ! 142 The Brook in the Way. There is no silent chamber Where love its peace can bring, No place, O Dove the spotless, Where Thou canst rest Thy wing. Gold may be there, and spices, Yea, and the bended knee; And wiser than the Holiest Earth's wise men now would be. Forbear to smite, O Father — Thou 'It not forbear to save; I cast me on the Sacrifice Thy tender mercy gave : Upon the "young Child" Jesus, Bom in a stable-shed; On Him, the scorned and crucified. As dying in my stead; Upon my Priest Anointed, Thy well-beloved Son ; For vie reviled, accursed — Jesus, the Risen One ; Jesus, the King with many crowns, In kingly might adored; Jesus, the Sun of this dark world. Of heaven and earth the Lord ! The Brook in the Way. 143 Dispel, Lord, by Thy Spirit, Bewildering snares of sin; Enter Thy holy temple, And ever dwell within. Thus safe in Thee abiding. Rejoicing in Thy light, My rescued soul shall praise Thee, And serve Thee day and night. 144 I'h^ Brook in the Way. THE RIVER OF GOD. " Unto the rest beyond the river, Peace." — Ezra iv. 17, |HE crystal river, That flows for ever, JJears on its bosom no earthly store; But, gently moving, Unites the loving On the bright strand of the stormless shore. Oh ! there no sorrow Can dim the morrow, Nor cloud the dawn of the day begun ; No heart regretting One bright hope setting: Death is defeated, the victory won ! The crystal River No soul can sever, Nor fairer freight can it bear away, Than saints uprisen From death's dark prison, To wait with their Lord for the dawning day. The Brook in the Way. 145 THE AVENGER. ' Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me." Psalm xcii. it. EA, though I wait for weary days, and seem to pray in vain, Strong in Thy faithfulness, O Lord, I come to Thee again. My foes are Thine; and I, bowed down, upon Thy promise rest — The hope of all who trust in Thee — the God of the opprest. Thine is the sword — Thou bad'st it smite; this blunts its edge for me ; And I, through Him for sinners slain, shall more than conqueror be. Fight against them that with me strive; plead Thou my cause, O Lord; And on the battle-field be Thou my Buckler, Spear, and Sword. L 146 The Brook in the Way. Thou mightiest to save ! to Thee all grace, all power belong ! Thou hast my many sins forgiven; forgive, O Lord, my wrong. Thy murderers, in hate arrayed, did first Thy pity meet, And I my enemies would bring as trophies to Thy feet. Forgive ! For them on Calvary's mount Thy precious blood was spilt; From Sinai's thunders save them yet, and cancel all their guilt. Forgive ! — for, oh ! one glance of Thine the hardest heart can move; Draw them beneath the quenchless beams of one sweet look of love. Each hand, in fierce array opposed, shall strike but at Thy will ; The words that wound, the storms that burst. Thy wise decrees fulfil. As the frail bulrush to the breeze its spear-like beauty bends, So let Thy Spirit o'er them sweep, and change my foes to friends. TJie Brook in the Way. 147 O Lord, the night is waning fast; the dawn comes on apace ; Not shortened is Thine arm to save, nor past the day of grace : Grant broken, bleeding, contrite hearts to all who 'gainst me rise, So let me see my heart's desire upon mine enemies. L 2 148 T%e Brook in the Way. THE UNANSWERED PRAYER. "I called Him, but He gave me no answer."— Solomon's Song v. 6. OTH the Saviour answer not % Hath He then His own forgot % Who prescribes for Him the way- He shall answer when we pray"? Leave to Him the means, the hour: He is Wisdom, Love, and Power. His the glory, with the might Of resources infinite ! Onward ! then, faint-hearted. See, Christ with every breeze for thee — In the rough wave, in the sky. In the fierce blast sweeping by — All His gracious hand controls Tenderly for waiting souls. Hath He ever left thee yet ? Ah ! the mother may forget All the tender hopes that rest Round the babe upon her breast. The Brook in the Way. 149 But will He forsake His own, Who to Him for help have flown % O'er this dark, tempestuous sea Moves the Ark of Galilee. Gazmg only on the storm, Thou hast missed the beauteous Form Gliding o'er each foaming height. Leaving darkest billows bright, Cheering with some whispered word : Ah ! thou know'st Him—" 'Tis the Lord!" Up, thou trembler ! He will guide Thy lone" bark to yonder side, Where no stormy breakers rise. Hiding Jesus from thine eyes : Thou shalt see this storm hath driven Thy poor heart the nearer heaven. 15° The Brook in the Way. WAITING. ' Behold, I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Rev. xxii. 20. AM waiting as the day wanes, waiting The hght of the coming dawn to see : As the weary child Hes watching for its mother, I am longing, oh ! my Lord Christ, for Thee. Down here, the shadow and the sadness, The conflict with the foe in fierce array; Up there, the joy of sinless service, Never to pass away ! I am waiting in the noontide, waiting A gleam of the promised cloud to see. That shall bring to us the brightness of Thy glory — I am longing, oh ! my Lord Christ, for Thee. Down here, the tempter still accusing. And wiles that unwary feet betray; Up there, the smile of my Beloved, Never to pass away ! The Brook in the Way. 151 I am waiting, oh ! my loved Lord, waiting; How manifold Thy mercies unto me ! My weary eyes would gaze upon the Giver — I am waiting, oh ! my Lord Christ, for Thee. Up there, the everlasting morning. With delights that never can decay; Down here, the scoffing and the scorning. Soon, soon to pass away ! I am longing to behold Thee in Thy beauty, And soon shall the evening shadows flee; I trace Thee in the way that I am going. But, oh ! my spirit pineth. Lord, for Thee. Tune Thou my harp to songs of holy gladness; Thy coming turns my midnight into day; The weeping, and the waiting, and the watching Soon, soon shall pass away ! 5^^P^ 152 The Brook hi the Way. THE NAME OF THE LORD. " Thou hast been a sheher for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.' Ps. Ixi. 3. [ORD ! great is Thy glory ! Thy name is revealed — The "I AM" for ever! In faithfulness sealed. Though oft I 've forsaken Thee, Thou art the same — Blessed, thrice blessed, be Christ's holy name. Great are the pleasures, Lord, Thou hast laid up, And mixed are Thy mercies In life's bitter cup ; Thou never hast left me To sorrow or shame — Blessed, thrice blessed, be Christ's holy name. Thou bad'st me draw nigh Thee; How could I depart. Though Sinai's thunder Spake death to my heart % The Brook in the Way. 153 But Thy still voice of love, Lord, It followed the flame, Proclaiming the shelter of Christ's blessed name. Oh, what could I offer, Thy favour to win % I brought to the Cross but My burden of sin ! The portionless beggar, With nothing to claim, Hath entered the fortress of Christ's blessed name. My sadness was hopeless, And senseless my mirth. And the fool's laugh made sadder The falsehoods of earth. When the Light of the World To my dark dwelling came. Revealing the shelter of Christ's blessed name. The world's richest treasures I valued no more, Thy smile had left worthless What dazzled before. Now loosen my tongue. Lord, And let me proclaim The glories enfolded in Christ's blessed name ! 154 The Brook in the Way. THOUGHTS OF HOxME. " It is a good land which the Lord our God doth give us." Deut. i. 25. ^^. LORD, 'twas Thine to labour and wear the thorns for me; Thou sharest all my sorrow; Thou knowest what 'twill be To see the Father's glory, to hear Thy welcome there, Where never cross or burden remains for us to bear. I seem to pace the glittering street, and hear the harps of gold, The echo of the new song that never groweth old ; I hear Thy praise. Lord Jesus, my Life, my Lord, my King, Until my worn heart pineth the strains of heaven to sing. The Bfook in the Way. 155 Safe in the better country my loved ones I shall find, And some in that bright multitude I feared were left behind; Then loud shall sound our praises within the jasper wall, As cherubim and seraphim before the Holiest fall. With folded wings, expectant, the angel bands will come, To listen to the tale of grace that wooed the children home ; And, sitting at Thy feet, Lord, my joyful lips shall tell How much He hath forgiven who "doeth all things well." Thou blessed Spirit ! cheering this valley-land for me. With glimpses of the glory of that which soon shall be ; Each harp-string, dull and broken, Thy gentle breath awaits. Then let me sing of Jesus up to the golden gates. 156 The Brook in the Way. THE VOICE OF MY BELOVED. "The Master is come, and calleth for thee." — John xi. 28. IS the voice of my Beloved ! He doth gently call me hence, Till the shadows flee for ever O'er the hill of frankincense. I will get me to the mountain, From the busy field away. And wait with my Beloved For the dawning of the day. He has called : I cannot tarry, I have heard His voice before, For it broke upon my slumber "\Mien He waited at my door; I have heard it gently chiding Thoughts of mine on folly bent; I have wept its mournful silence — To my heart like banishment. The Brook in the Way. 157 In the north blast He rebuked me, And I knew the message well; In the soft south wind He whispered — Ah ! that sweetness who can tell ] Even now again I hear Him, I shall soon behold Him nigh. Soon shall touch that hand of mercy For me once pierced on Calvary. Be ye mute, earth's loving voices. And allure me not to stay; 'Tis the voice of my Beloved, " Rise, my fair one, come away." 158 The Brook in the Way. THE COVENANT. ' Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." — Ps. xxxvii. 4. OW mighty was Thy love, Lord, that drew me first to Thee; How precious was Thy blood, Lord, that set my spirit free. Like cordial to the fainting this promise of Thy word ; To me, who in Thyself delights, fulfil the promise, Lord. Lead me to follow on, where Thy Spirit bids me go, To do Thy work, not mine, Lord: yea, light and strength bestow, That in the path appointed Thy presence I may meet : Or let me sit in silence a listener at Thy feet, Partaking of the joy, Lord, of those who watch and wait. Content for one sweet whisper to listen at Thy gate. TJie Brook in the Way. 159 Will He who spake with Abraham speak with His people yet ] Hear all their sad complainings, their faithless ways forget % Yea, even with the Holiest shall feeble man prevail. Behold his Elder Brother High Priest within the vail ! The turtle's song of summer hath sounds that never reach The ear attuned only to the worldling's pleasant speech. Thus in Thy love rejoicing, my soul shall wander free, Blest in Thy gracious counsel, "Delight thyself in Me." In the secret of Thy presence I shall learn Thy will aright — Grant Thou my heart's desire, Thou art my heart's delight. i6o The Brook in the Way. THE LOVING CUP. "The cup which my Father hath given Me, shall 1 not drink it?" John xviii. ii. OME, drink ye, drink ye, all, of it, Pale children of a King; No poison mingles in the draught, So, while ye suffer, sing. 'Tis Love's own Life hath won it us, Christ's lip hath pressed the brim, — Come, drink ye, drink ye, all, of it. In fellowship with Him. Oh, shun not thou the Loving Cup, Nor tremble at its hue ; There is no bitter in the bowl. But Jesus drank it too. He counts thy tears, and knows thy pain, Yea, every woe is weighed ; And not a cross He bids thee bear, But once on Him was laid. The Brook in the Way. i6i Come, drink thou of the Loving Cup ! Thou wouldst not pass it by % 'Tis kept for every chosen one Of God's dear family : Nor, unbeUeving, turn aside; The Lord the cup bestows; And oh ! His face, above thee bent. With love and pity glows. Those hands, once bleeding on the Cross, Are now outstretched to bless; He draws thee closer to His heart For that draught's bitterness ; He hears thy faintly-sobbing breath, He marks each quivering limb; He drank a cup for thee alone — Child ! drink it now with Him. Let earth bring forth her bitter herbs, Soon all their power shall cease ; Come tribulation if it will. With Christ's abiding Peace. I take the cup — the Loving Cup, Thrice blesse'd shall it be ; I would not miss one gift, O Lord, Thy Blood hath bought for me. M 1 62 The Brook in the Wav. A WILDERNESS SONG. "The Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God."— Deut. vii. g. ' He is thy praise, and He is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen." — Deut. x. 21. MUSE upon Thy changeless love, And mourn, Lord, o'er my own ; What tenderness hath marked the path That none beside have known ! Let me remember all the way Thou hast the wanderer led. Since in this howling wilderness Thy little one was fed. How Thou hast wrought deliverance Within the lion's den ; Blessing the soul that trusts in Thee Before the sons of men. Though the wild waters round me raged, No wave hath o'er me rolled ; I walked through furnace fires unscathed, Thy Hand the flames controlled. The Brook i?i the Way. 163 And ever hast Thou succoured me When help seemed far away, And changed my sorrow into song, My darkness into day. These marvels mock my feeble ken, As through the past I range; I trace Thy love, whose ceaseless flow Knoweth no ebb nor chansre. 'o^ And pressing closer to Thy side As I the past retrace. The Holy Comforter reveals The glory of Thy grace. Prepare me to receive the form Thy seal shall give the wax : Thy fire can raise a fragrant cloud, E'en from the smoking flax. Use me ! and let my weapon be The clear brook's polished stone; The weakness of the work be mine, The glory all Thine own. Teach me the "secret of the stairs,"* And let me walk in white ; Feed me with hidden manna; make Thy law my chief delight. * Solomon's Song ii. 14. M 2 164 TJie Brook in the Way. And if my eyes are inward cast, Show me the Refuge nigh, And point me to the heahng Blood, My soul's security. Thus keep me by Thy wounded side. Thy wondrous work to trace ; To sing Thy matchless faithfulness, And Thine abounding grace. Thy radiant footsteps everywhere Make sunshine on my road : Oh ! may I learn to trust Thy love, Thou spotless Lamb of God ! Uphold me, Lord, with Thy right hand, So prone am I to flee ; My Father ! glorify Thyself— Do what Thou wilt with me ! TJie Brook in the Way. 165 LOVE'S MINISTRY. " There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Psalm xix. 3. HEARD the wavelet kiss the shore, Ere lost within the sea, And the ripple of the silvery tide Seemed as a psalm to me : Contented with God's holy will, Its feeble voice to raise. To hymn His glory and be lost, Nor thirst for human praise. Lord, make me like the ocean's voice. Obedient to Thy will, Thy purpose work as faithfully. And at Thy word be still. A breeze that filled a drooping sail, Bore to one sorrowing breast A promise from the Lord of Life, And sank again to rest. 1 66 The Brook hi the Way. Brief was its service, few the words It wafted to the shore, But they nestled in a mourner's heart, And the west wind's task was o'er. I, hke the sea-breeze swift and true, Thy messenger would be, And bear, Lord, to some burdened soul, A word of peace from Thee. I marked the soft dew silently Descend o'er plain and hill; On each parched herb and drooping flower The heavenly cloud distil. As noiseless as the sun's first beams It vanished with the day, But the waving fields told where it fell When the dew had passed away. Lord, make me like the gentle dew, That other hearts may prove. E'en through Thy feeblest messenger, Thy ministry of love. The Brook in the Way. 167 THE EVERLASTING. " A morning without clouds ; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain." — 2 Sam. .xxiii. 4. H for my home of glory, that death's dark veil enshrouds, It gleams in beauty o'er me, as day dawns from the clouds ! Bright are the hopes we borrow from joys that cannot wane- — To-day we weep, to-morrow brings sunshine after rain. It is the Everlasting makes fair the grave's dark walls, A rainbow radiance casting where many a tear-drop falls. We image our immortals in robes time cannot stain, Till through the pearly portals breaks sunshine after rain. There grace proclaims her story, each harp strikes one sweet chord, Safe in their rest of glory the ransomed of the Lord : 1 68 The Brook in the Way. No more a night watch holding, 'mid sorrow, sin, and pain. Their paths in hght unfolding, in sunshine after rain. Oh, thou blest habitation ! who forme'd thee so fair % 'Twas Christ, my hope's foundation; He fills the glory there ! His faithfulness, His power, these shall my soul sustain, Through every fleeting hour, in sunshine and in rain. My soul is often weary, weary of self and sin ; Often the way seems dreary, oft sinking fears within. But while on Jesus gazing, each fiery dart is vain; My soul alike is praising, for sunshine or for rain. But let the way be lonely, and fiercest foes appal. One glimpse of "Jesus only" will make amends for all. Shall earth's joys win me % Never ! Shall sin my soul detain. When waits for me for ever sweet sunshine after raini The Brook in the Way. 169 THE SYMPATHY OF JESUS. 'And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me." — John xvi. 32. "Why are ye troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?" — Luke xxiv. 38. LONE ! alone !" I heard the plaint From the pilgrim's path ascend. Hath Jesus left you comfortless'? Or is He changed, my friend ? Responsive to a smile of love, Soul unto soul replies. When thrills the link of brotherhood, Which pilgrim strangers prize. But He — the truest, fondest Friend, That man can call his own — Well may He question, "Lov'st thou Me V To hear the cry, "Alone !" Why are ye troubled, wherefore thus Discouraged on the way % The Traveller to Emmaus yet Journeys with you to-day. 170 TJie Brook in the Way. The silence of your lonely heart Jesus Himself will break, Of His Divine comj^anionship Ye also shall partake. No gentler heart of human mould Scorned and reviled could be, Than His ; He trod the way alone, To-day to strengthen thee. With wild beasts in the wilderness, By hosts of hell assailed, Alone in His great agony, When fondest friendship failed; And then, uplifted on the Cross, That one heart-rending moan Tells us our sins' appalling shroud Hath left the Lamb — alone ! Friends ! have ye followed Him thus far, Through the dark way He trod, Distrusting still the daily care Of Christ the living God ? He tasted death for every man, And every grief hath known. And now before our Father's face, He beareth us — alone. The Brook in the Way. 171 Oh, tarry not, but prove the balm In Jesu's sympathy; The loneUest heart can find its mate In His of Calvary. He comes — He comes to call His Bride To share His heavenly throne, Then cease thy murmurings, O my friend, He leaves thee not alone ! 172 The Brook in the Way. FRUITLESS TOIL. " Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me." — Ps. ci. 6. " He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend." — Prov. xxii. 11. ^ORD, I have toiled all night, And still unblessed my hand; Yet I will launch into the deep Once more at Thy command. " I hear triumphant songs Swell from the banks around, Each answering each with joyful cry, But / no spoil have found. " Fruitless is all my toil, Through long night watches past, My heart is sick with hope deferred ; But Thou art come at last." The fisher's hands hung down; Dull was his heart, and faint. When a heavenly voice the silence broke. And answered his complaint. 77/1? Brook in the Way. 173 " When have I left ihee, son, That thou shouldst droop with fear? When liast thou sought my sympathy, And hast not found Me near % " Not fruitless is thy toil, If thou my cross wouldst bear; I do but ask thy willing heart, To grave my image there. " For each net vainly cast Stronger thine arm will prove; The trial of thy patient hope Is witness of thy love. " The time, the place, the way Are open to mine eye; I sent thee — not to gather spoil — To labour patiently. " My son ! was not thy cry, ' Increase my faith, O Lord — More of Thyself, and more like Thee ' ? Behold, thy prayer is heard. " Oh, trust Me with thy crown, 'Tis hidden safe with Me; A little while, and where I am, There shall my servant be. 174 The Brook in the Way. "Bright seems thy brother's lot; But, child, is thiite so dim % The King, thy Friend, hath asked of thee To watch one hour with Him." LONDON : MORGAN AND CHASE, 40, LUDGATE STREET. WORKS BY ANNA SHIPTON, AUTHOR OF "the brook in the -way." NEW EDITION, ENLARGED. ''TELL JESUS r or. Recollections of Emily Gosse. Enamelled covers. Is.; cloth gilt, Is. 6d. ; cheap edition, 6d. " In this delightful narrative of Christian experience we have an example of working for Jesus and being happy, of suffering bodily afiliction and being happy, and of djing and being happy." — Wesleyan Times. " It wiU be read with interest by all who care to know more of a character of the rarest and most beautiful Christian type." — Christian Work. WHLSPERS IN THE PALMS: Hymns and Meditations. Crown 8vo, cloth neat, 3s. 6d.; cloth elegant, gilt edges, Ss. PRECIOUS GEMS FOR THE SAVIOUR'S BIABEM. Being Narratives shewing forth the riches of His Grace. 18mo, cloth neat, 2s. 6d. ; morocco, 5s. 6d. THE COTTAGE ON THE ROCK. An Allegory. Cloth gilt, 2s. ; enamelled covers, Is. SMALL BOOKS. By the Author of " Tell Jesus:' Done up in a neat packet, 2s, Containing the following : The Little Fox ; or, Broken Communion Zd. The Bainy Day Zd. "She never speaks op Him;" or, "Wayside Ministiy 2d. The Great White House ... 2d. Which Way ? or, "Fetch them in, and tell them of Jesus" . 2d. The Crooked Stick 2d. Brief Memorial of a Ragged School Boy 2d. Everlasting Flowers ; or, my New Year's Gift \d. A Wedding Feast \d. The New Pitcher \d. Love did it \d. Widow Gray and the little Song-bird \d. What can a Child do? \d. The New Sixpence; or, "God is good! God is Love I" Id. The Empty Grave \d. A smaller Packet, selected from the above. Is. Any of the above little Books may also be had separately. LONDON : MOKGAN and chase, 40, LLTDGATE STKEFT. WORKS PUBLISHED BT MORGAN AND CHASE, 40, LUDGATE STREET, LOXDOX. GOSPEL NARRATIVE TRACTS. By Mr. and Mrs. P. H. GossE. Sixty sorts. 8d. per 100 ; 5s. per 1000 at the office of the Publishers; if ordered of a Bookseller, or sent post-free by the Publishers, 6s. 4d. per 1000. 1 The Railway Ticket 31 The Pilgrim to St. Patrick's Well 2 Thf Sinking Ship 32 The Pass Ticket 3 John Clarke 33 "This is what I want" 4 John Clftike's Wife 34 The King and the Prince 5 The Christian Soldier 85 The Stage-coaclrCompanions 6 The Kleveiith Hour 36 The .\noiivmons Letter 7 The Young Guardsman of the 37 Thomas Winter's Stray Sheep Alma 38 A Home and a Hearty Welcome 8 The Reapers 89 The Dying Postman 9 Tom Fowler, the Boatman 40 The Two Hospital Patients 10 The Two llaniacs 41 The Steel Trap 11 "Oh ! thatNiKht" 42 The Scattered Tracts 12 A Dollar's Worth 43 The Bad Leg 13 The Fall of the Rossberg 44 Freedom 14 The Faithful Nurse 45 The Sermon on the Stile 15 The PortuRucse Convert 4fi What is Believing ? IG The Suicide 47 The lirunkard's Wife 17 The Consimiptive Death-bed 48 The King's Daughter 18 Is Christ wiUing ? 49 Fue ! Fire ! 19 The Towing Net 60 The Cure for Cholera 20 Dving by Proxy 51 The Drowning Sailor 21 The College Friends 62 A Happy Family 22 The New Forest 63 Royal Compassion 23 The Good Physician 64 The Bathing Woman and her 24 The Old Soldier's Widow ■\'isitor 25 The Negio Slave 65 Mary KeUv's Letter 26 The Teacher's Visit 56 The Two Tenants 27 The Prodigal 67 Love 28 The Railway Lamp 68 "I've no Tune" 29 The Dving Peasant Lad 69 The Aged Italian 30 The Power of the Word 60 The Prize Fighter THESE TRACTS ARE DONE UP THUS :- s. d. I. — Sample Packets, containing GO different Tracts 6 ^■UlI^X V AA V^.Atl'Vk^ ■♦••<•••»■••■• ** ^^ II.— Packets of 1000, containing 60 *vm"f s (^pp (ifiocfi) >* aUi La V*''-C i.M/t/i/&/ •.....•••••••• TTT p.i,>l.-f.tq of 100 of each Tract 3 A AA.^^i at KvLS OI lUO Ui tltiyii -liauii ................................ " " TV _Po(«l.-pts of Too nssovted . 8 X \ ."^i aCKCLH Ul lUO 11S8UI LcU ...................................... " ^^ TT ^Wmind in one voliTTne cloth neat . ....*........•... 1 V .^^UOUUU 111 UIIL VOIUIJIC, ciubu licai. ............................ » " A lady, who is largelv occupied in the Lord's work in Paris, thus acknow- ledges a gi-ant of these" Tracts : " They were exactly what suited us. I think them far superior to almost anv I have seen;— short, interesting, and to the point. To one (The Stray Slicep) we attribute the conversion of an old stableman, now dying, we have cvei-y reason to believe, in the Lord. Works 2iuhli/ihed by 3iorg(in and Chase, London. LIFE AND LABOURS OF MR. JAMES TURXER, of rcterhead. IVith Fortrait. Cloth, Is. " God has taken away a bright light .James Turner was a keen, iiovverful weapon in the ^Master's hand, and he feared no man's Xace."—G. To-dav. 6. The Strivings of tlie Spirit. 7. The Backslider's Dream. 8. Uneq\iaUv yoked. n. The End of the Law. 30. '■ The Lord bless thee." IL While there is Life there is hope. 12. Pi-esoot Fair. 13. The King's Son. 14. Death on the Pale Horse. 1.5. Sudden Destniction. lii. " I 've got it ! " [clean. 17. His blood can make the foulest 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 21. 2fi. 2i). 30. 31. 32. The Widow's Son. 'riie Fountain opened for Sin. P.ichard's Conversion. The Love of God. The Hartley Colliers. The 'S'ietory that overcoraeth the World. The Swelling of Jordan. Our Heavenly Home. The CoUier's'Little Daughter. The Wife Beater. The Master's Call. The Open Door of Home. The Life Look. The Centre of Attraction. The Prodigal. RICHARD WEAVER'S LEAFLETS. New Series. Thirtij-iiro additional sorts. Fourpence per Hundred. 2s. 6d. per 1000, at the office of the Pub- lishers. If post-free from the Publishers, or by order of any Bookseller, 3s. 2d. per 1000. S3. 'What would make vou Happy? 34. The Drunkard and" his Child. 35. A Home above. SB. "To Die is Gain." 37. The Lord will provide. 3S. Tictoi-y. 39. 'Twill soon be too late. 40. Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 41. The Value of the Soul. 42. Tlie Father's Love. 43. The Prof of Love. 44 " Who shall be able to Stand ? " 45. ^VTiy willye Die'? 46. Just hi Time. 47. Hope for the Drunkard. 48. The Day of Judgment. 49. In Season and out of Season. 50. Nothing to do. 51. The Law and the Gospel. 52. High and Low. 53. The Sceptic. 54. Death. 55. God's Jewels. 56. Shut in and Shut out. 57. " They shall be mine." 58. Not ashamed of Jesus. 59. The Giant Killer. 60. Only Christ can Satisfy. 61. Our Foe and our Saviour. 62. Whosoever. 63. God's Bargain. 64. The Shipwreck. 300 Pdchard Weave)'' s Leaflets, assorted from both series, ill a Packet, Is. RICHARD WEAVER'S ADDRESSES IN LONDOX. Ax ENTIRELY Xew Sehies, in neat covers, 32mo. Id. each. '• Tbis is my Friend." "Our Lifiht Afilictiou.' "Jesus Only." " 'J he Rest of Heaven." "The Precious Blood of Christ." " Not Ashamed of the Gospel." ComiMPle ill a Packvt, price (id. Works puilished bij 2for^'an and Chase, Loiidun. THE REVIVAL TUNE BOOK: a Series of Original and tSelccted Tunes for Revival Services, Sunday Schools, and Home. In 28 Parts, 2d. each. Vols. I. and II., cloth, 2s. each. The Two Volumes bound in one, 4s. "This is a well-selected stock of beautiful tunes, with very appropriate words to eacb, leaviiip; nothiii? to wish for to those w!io have the power to siiif.'. This "Tuiiu Book" is adapted for prayer and other meetings, and must prove a great advantage."— I'oitdiloiiii Nt'us. "Nearly 30(1 of these airs, simple, cheerful, and i)opnlar, are collected iu a volume, and offered, strongly bound, for u small sum, the words of a popular or favourite hymn lieing given with each. 'J'lie melody, which forms a lending feature in all these tunes, gives them a special value in innking the service of praise to God cheerful, harmonious, and agreeable."— lOs/q/a/t Times. THE REVIVAIi HYMN BOOK. First and Second Series. Containing the Hymns in the " Ee- vival Tune Book," Vols. I. and "ll. Royal 32mo, wrapper, 2d.; cloth, 4d. each: bound together, paper, 4d. ; cloth, 8d. THE SOL-FA REVIVAL TUNE BOOK. Containing a Selection from the Times, with Words, published in the "Revival Tune Book," printed in the Tonic Sol-la Notation, by permission of the Rev. J. Curwen. Gd. INSTANT SALVATION. By Rev. J. Den- H.VM Smith. A striking leaflet for letters. Price 6d. per 100, post free. CHILDREN'S HYMNS FOR SCHOOLS, NURSERIES, AND COTTAGE WALLS, kc. Id. each. The set of 16 on gilt roller for Is. 6d. 1. The Saviour of Little Chil- dren. 2. A Child's MorningandEven- ing Hy!!m. 3. Hoannnah to .Tesus. 4. The Child's Wish. 5. Tlie l.itlle Ones. 0. Like Jesus. 7. Look to Jesus. 8. Singing " Glory." 0. Go(l in Heaven. 10. God cares Uiy mo. 11. I would be like an .\ngel. 12. The Child's IJalterii. hi. The Little Pilgrim. 11. 'i'ho Two I'aiuiers. 1'). 'I'lio Child's l-'riend. lij. Praver. Works published by Morgan and Chase, London. LEAFLETS FROM JOHN BUNYAN. Suited either for giving awaj-, or for enclosing in letters. Each of these "Leaflets" presents, in Bimyan's strik- ing manner, some portion of gospel truth. Price Foui-pence per 100. 2s. 6d. per 1000, at the office of the Publishers. If post free from the Publishers, or by order of any Bookseller, 3s. 2d. per 1000. Tbe Law and the Sinner. Without Excuse. Tlie Book of Remetnbi-ance. '■ Lord, Lord, open to us!" Hope thou in God. Faith and its effects. To linow the Love of Christ. The Resurrection of the Wicked. 9. Christ our All. 10. That I might know Him. 11. God's grace and Man's sin. 12. God's way of Salvation. 13. " Known by their Fruits." H. Christ's Second Coming. 15. Art thou bom again ? 10. Depart. TWENTY-FITTU THOt'SAXD. POPERY AND PROTESTANTISM BKOUGTIT TO THE TEST OF GOD'S HOLY WORD. By Rev. T. Phillips. Price 3d. " For the space and price, it is by far the fullest, the most compact, and the most complete thnt we have seen. Really an e.xcellent compend of the whole snbj^ct, and will require a very superior hand to surpass it." — British Banner. SECOND EDITIOX. READINGS FOR THE SICK ROOM for In- struction, Counsel, and Comfort, in the Hours of Weak- ness and Suffering. By Alexander W. Wallace, M.D. In glazed covers. Is.; cloth antique, 2s. "The profession of medicine is sacred. It has to do with that body which is the dwelling-place of an immortal spirit, which may even tie the temple of the Holy Ghost. No other profession admits of being so fully, and in its very essence, consecrated to God. In tbe discharge of the ' ministry of healing' which has been committed to him, the Author has felt that he could not overlook tbe immortal part of those who have come under his care. And he has sought, as often as possible, to make known a free salvation to those to whom be has thus had access. The 'Readings' wliich compose this volume have been suggested in the course of actual intercourse with the sick and suffering, and therefore, fraKineiitnry as they are, they may possess greater fresh- ness and reality than more elaborate treatises." — Preface. Works puhliiiJied by Morgan and Chase, London. SECOND EDITION. GEORGE WHITEFIELD, a Ligtt Rising in Obscurity: being an entirely newly written Biography of this great preacher. By J. R. Andrews. Extra crown 8vo, 448 pages, neatly bound, 5s. " He was the prince of English preachers." — Rei\ Dr. Hamilton. "An evangelist such as the world had never known since Peter the fisherman." — Rev Morlet/ Piinslioii. " A debt of gratitude is due to Mr. Andrews for bringing before the Church of Christ a subject so interesting in itself and so every way seasonable as the biography of Whilefield. The work exhibits the marks of honest labour and careful research. It is written, too, in a very agreeable style, the sentences are short and pithy, and there are constant pertinent quotations fi'om Whitetield's own letters; it gains the attention of the reader, and carries one on from page to page, pleased by a constant succes- sion of new scenes and striking events, and surprised at the amount of information compressed into so small a compass. It is a book possessing the happy merit of being e.vtremely difficult to lay down." — The RevicaL ELIJAH THE PROPHET ; or, Past, Present, and Future. By the Rev. Samuel Gauuatt. Author of "The Midnight Cry," "Revival Truth.^," &c. Crown Svo, cloth, 3s. 6d. " Drief, yet comprehensive." — Christian Witness. ".\bounds with sound aud practical instruction, conveyed in an earnest and forcible manner." — Record. PASTOR GOSSNER: his Life, Labours, and Persecutions. B}- the Rev. I)ii. ruociixow, Berlin. With an Introductory Chapter by J\Ius. Weitisuecht. Frontispiece {Gossner preaching in the Roman Catholic Church at St. Petersburg h). Cloth, Is. 6d. " To all who give attention to ^^i8sionary woi'k it will be deeply interesting, and even to others the rise and progress of a man of so much faith, and holiness, aud energy, cannot but be stimulat- ing and improving " — Record. " Mrs. Weitbrecht's introduction is very valuable. No honest man who reads this deeply interesting narrative will hereafter deny the success or the blessings which attend Christian Mis- sionary efforts in In