UC-NRLF LIERA^Y UNIV^SrTY OP ^CALIFORNIA Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/christianlyricscOOmassrich tf|risliaH ITjrks: CHIEFLY SELECTED FROM MODERN AUTHOKS. Such songs have power to quiet The restless pulse of care ; And come like the benediction That follows after prayer ! " KnoM THB OFUZZI PAI.AUK. WITH TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY ILLUSTRATIONS. FREDERICK WARNE AND CO. BEDFORD STREET, COVENT GARDEN. New York : SCRIBNER, WELFORD, & CO. LONDON CLAY, SONS, AND TAYLOR, PRfNTEKS, BREAD STREET HILL. 91^ ni2 PREFACE. 'N this volume we have endeavoured to string together such Christian Lyrics as seem to us specially adapted to be the expression of home thoughts, and the companions of every-day life. Mingled with many lyrics hitherto unpublished, or but little known, will be found some, the words of which have long been familiar to us all. It an excuse for this be needed, it must be found in the feeling, which we trust others will share, that — even were it not for their intrinsic beauty — they are enshrined in so many hearts, and con- secrated by so many long-cherished and hallowed associa- tions, that no collection of sacred poetry would be complete without them. We have endeavoured, as far as possible, to prim these lyrics in their original form : except in one or two instances, we have not knowingly omitted any of the verses ; but should occasional incompleteness, or deviation 400 PREFACE. from the true reading, be detected, it must be accounted for by the difficulty of tracing some of these pieces to their source, and to the consequent necessity of trusting to collections, the editors of which have not felt them- selves bound to be equally scrupulous. To those authors who have so willingly permitted us to insert their poems, and to Messrs. Longman and Co., who have allowed us to transfer some pieces from Lyra Germanica, we beg here to offer our deserved acknow- ledgments. Should our little collection be of any service in sug- gesting sacred thoughts, or exciting holy feelings, we shall not regret that we have brought together, for the cheering of others' hearts, what has been such a source of joy and refreshing to our own. The Lyrics marked * were printed for the first time in Later Lyrics, and are Copyright. a^ PUBLISHERS' PREFACE. In this edition, the PubHshers have incorporated the "Later Lyrics ot the Christian Church," and have also added a few additional poems of the same character by American Authors, to whom they now beg to offer their acknowledgments for the use of them. CONTENTS TITLE. AUTHOR. The sleep E. B. Browning The peace of God A. A. Procter Prayer Abp. Trench Lines written after hearing some beautiful singing in a Convent Church at Rome .... Abp. Tretich The cloud Excelsior . The ivy C. Mackay Onward L. R. Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord's controversy . Christian I'ear The love of Christ which passeth knowledge . . C. Rossetti I will trust and not be afraid Lyra Gemtanica Make thy way plain before my face . . . J. H. Newman The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance . . A. L. Waring My soul thinsteth for God . The love of God I said, " Thou art my God " Never hasting, never resting Thou maintainest my lot . Strive, wait, and pray Enoch For ever . Buds and blossoms Suspiria . The suppliant . Lord, and what shall this man do From the Pro%>en(al — Translated by Bryant E. de Guhnn A. L. Waring A. A. Procter C. F. Alexander L. R. Longfellow Abp. Trench Christian i'ear Mortality Poems by the Author of ' John Halifax' *Wherewith shall I come before the Lord . L. F. Massey We love Him because He first loved us . . F. Xavier . Lord, I believe, help Thou mine unl>e!ief . Abp. French David's song to Saul R. Broivning Palm Sunday Christian Year Confidence . . From the Carman — Translated by G. Mathcson The Dayspring from on high ..... b 30 32 33 35 36 38 40 41 43 44 46 48 49 51 52 53 58 60 63 CONTENTS. TITLE. AUTHOR. PAGE. The day of wrath Sir IV. Scott . . 259 Loved and lost Professor J. Wilson . 260 Tribulation worketh patience . . . Foice of Christian Life in Song 261 Clinging to Thee . . 262 Cast down, but not destroyed F. F. . . . . 264 Thankfulness . . . . . . . . A. A. Procter . . 265 Contentment ....... AbJ>. Trench . . 267 Midnight hymn ...... . . 268 Morning hymn Lyra Gerrnanica . 270 Pray without ceasing L. R. . . 273 Thy face, Lord, will I seek ..... Bonar . . 275 Joseph, a type of Christ C. F. Alexander . 276 Glory to God in the highest C. E 280 An Advent hymn C. F.Alexander . 281 When heart and flesh fail I/e7nans . . . 283 For Christ's sake . . . . . . . L. R. . . . . 284 Song of the angels to Adam and Eve in Paradise . Hankinson . . 286 Jerusalem 292 The New Jerusalem 294 Life of the blessed . . . From the Spanish — Translated dy Bryant 296 Light shining out of darkness ..... Cowfer . . . 298 Cowper's grave ....... F. B. Browning . 300 The Prodigal Ai/. Trench . . 303 Love L. R 305 The death of the Sagamore ..... . . 306 He beheld the city, and wept over it . . . Christian Vear . . 311 Holy, holy, holy ! Lord God Almighty . . . B/. Heber . . . 314 A cry from the depths H. Bonar, D.D. . 315 Alone, yet not alone F. IV. Farrar . . 318 The return . . . . . . . . L. F. Massey . . 320 Mary Magdalene . . . From the Spanish— Translated by Bryant 324 A bruised reed shall He not break . . . . C. Rossetti . . . 326 The Mediator F. B. Broivning . 327 Litany Lord Glenelg . . 328 Hereafter. . . From Coplas de Ma7irique — Translated by Longfellow 330 A hymn for the sick room Professor G. IVilson . 332 Behold the Man Milman . . . 334 All things are yours ....... 336 Communion with God . . .... . C. Wilkins . . 338 In suffering . , 340 Clear shining after rain Lyra Germanica . 341 Songs of praise Motitgomery . . 343 The angel of patience M. S. M. . . . 344 Incompleteness A. A. Procter . . 346 The Lord is mindful of His own .... . . 347 Nearer to Thee S. F. Adams . . 348 Unto us a son is given . . . . . Alontgomery . . 350 Walk in the light ... ... 353 CONTENTS. ' xiii Adoration . . Truman . God in everything ....... Moore Freely ye have received, freely give Forgiven A. A. Procter Redeemed 354 35 S 356 .358 359 Here and there Hyjuns from the Laiid of Luther 360 A voice from heaven . • 363 God's acre . ' Longfellow . . 365 The dream 6". ^S". Treasury . . 366 Sleep F. Broderip . . 370 Bless us to-night . . 372 A psalm of life . . . . . . . . Longfellow . . 373 Service £. Ji. Parkes . . 375 Confido et Conquiesco A. A. Procter . . 277 He went on his way rejoicing . . . Hymns from the Land of Luther 378 He careth for you 380 The hours C. P. Cranch . . 382 Silence T. T. Lynch . . 384 Open Thou our eyes L. R 385 Discouraged because of the way .... . • 387 When I am weak, then am I strong . . . . . 389 Rock of Ages . .• Toplady ... 390 Faith in Christ . . 392 Look to Jesus FranzSn . . . 393 A cloud for a covering and fire to give light . .. Sir JV. Scott . . 395 King of kings and Lord of lords .... Dean Milman . . 396 Martyrs' song C. Rossetti . . 400 Jesus , . . F. IV. ... 404 A city that hath foundations ..... . . 406 Quiet from God . . . 407 Sabbath ....'..-... . . 411 Beyond A. A Procter . . 415 Living Poems by the Author of '' John Halifax' 417 For ever with the Lord .... Hymns from the Latid of Luther 420 Thy will be done Christian Year : . 423 As thou wilt Hymns from the Land of Luther 427 Rabia Lord Houghton . . 429 The knight's valour L. F. Masscy . . 430 In the field . 432 The good fight H. Bonar, D.D. . 434 The Church on Earth . . . . . A. Cambridge . . 43^ A song of the night during sickness . Professor G. IVilson . 439 The strength of my life A. L. IVaring . . 442 My doves £. B. Bro^vning. . 446 Peace Journal of Eugenie de Guirin 450 My psalm Whittier . . 453 Rejoice evermore . . . ... . . j^bf. Trench . . 454 The song of .songs Hymns from the Land of Luther 457 CONTENTS. Jerusalem the Golden O Fair ! O Purest ! . teach me to love Thee Too late ! Star of morn and even The covert of thy wings 1 will plead with you face to face The twins . The law of love The meek shall inherit the earth The kingdom of God Loss and gain . The wondrous well . Good stewards of the manifold : When death is coming near The angel's call Morning . Evening . Exhortation to prayer Watchman, What of the night Christmas hymn Christmas hymn Christmas bells . Avison . The heart's song O haupt voll blut und wunden Onward, Christian soldier Banner of the Cross . Go forward, Christian soldier O thou in whose eternal name . Hymn for Whit Sunday . The Child. Jerusalem .... An ancient sacramental hymn The communion of saints . Faith's repose . Rocked in the cradle of the deep The angel of the Lord To God most high . My faith looks up to thee . The sacrifice of praise Prayer .... Christus remunerator Dies Irae .... O angel of the land of peace The Red River Voyageur The hours Miserere Domine of God Gerald Massey T. Moore . Tennyson . F. T. Palgrave Lyra Germanica Christian Year R. Browning Abp. Trench G. Macdonald Abp. Trench B. R. Parkes Christian Year Mrs. Hemans Christiafi Year Margaret Mercer G. W. Bethune E. H. Chapin y. W. Brown Muhlenburg A. C. Coxe y. IV. Alexander Bp. Doafie . F. T. Huntington W. Croswell y. Newton Geo. H. Houghton Translated by R. Palmer H. Vaughan W. H. Burleigh Mrs. Willard . S. F. Smith Robert Lowell , Ray Palmer S.F.Key . H. Ware, junr. Caroline Chesebro Translated by yohn A • Dix CM. Sawyer . y. G. Whittier . Bishop Burgess . IV. H. Burleigh 457 460 ,461 462 463 464 467 471 473 474 476 478 . 480 482 CONTENTS. XV The last boat .... Author o/ ' The Gentlu Li/te' Thou compassest my path Thou art my portion, O Lord Oberlin In the night Gerald Massey . Let there be light Mason Comfort Hytmis from the Land of Luther Continuing instant in prayer Abp. Trench The ladder of Saint Augustine .... Longfelloav God with us Dean Milinan . As one whom his mother comforteth From ' Thoughts from a Girfs Lije The bright light that is in the clouds . . . Abp. Trench Waiting for spring C. F. A lexattder Jerusalem the Golden . . . St. Bernard — Translated by Dr. Neale Missionary Hymn Soldiers of the cross arise Death's final conquest Shirley Rest of the weary Ho ! every one that thirsteth J. E. Carpenter My home Those eternal bowers Mom Charles Wesley Morning light F. T. Palgrave . On going to labour Charles Wesley Praise the Lord of Heaven T. B Brovfne . My God and King George Herbert . Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers in New England . Mrs. Hemans . In the hour of trial Art thou weary Hear, O Lord and God !^my cries .... Francis Davison Hymn — the third day of Creation .... T. Whytehead . Song of an old man . Frederick Tennyson O when my God H. Vaughan O thou whose wise paternal love .... Passing the gate Sighs and groans George Herbert . Submit yourselves to His will Faith Lyra Mystica — M. Bridges Before the sacrament Teach me my God and King Third Sunday in Lent Dying to the world . Evening Hymn Heber George Herbert Heber Herbert Heber. 552 554 555 556 557 559 562 563 565 566 568 570 572 577 578 580 581 582 584 585 587 588 589 591 592 593 595 596 597 599 601 604 605 606 608 609 610 6n 612 612 613 620 love SUBJECT, Frontispiece .... Angel from the Uffizi Palace . Heading, List of Illustrations . And round my bier ye come to weep Through storm to light and guide us Flowers from their stalks divided It deepened on the mountain . The ivy in a dungeon grew The lovely star .... The mating birds became its guest; The light-enshrouded sun Hope in Him whate'cr betide . O God, my God, whom I .adore and Slowly grows the forest king . Acorn finial ... * F»reak of day .... Where children climb the parent's k Kuds and blossoms . Beside his bed his sorrowing angel stood When the shore is won at last . Finial -Dead leaves My God, I love Thee I'a sion flowers .... Horder of heartsease The day-spring .... Ivy border And wipe the weeping eyes Hriars besetting every path Milton and his daughters . Milton • • • Safely to harbour Fast falls the eventide ARTIST. 6\ y. Crispin. ' T. Kennedy IV^il/red Lawson T. Kennedy E. M. Wimperis T. Kennedy E.M. Wiinperii Hundley E. M. Wimperis. T. Kennedy E. M. Wimperis R. Patnes . T. Kenntdy Cftas. Murray W. y. Allen T. Kennedy Hundley Wolf . Hundley R. Barnes . T. Kennedy A. B. Houghton T. D. Scott . E.M. Wimperis Title xvii XVlll LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. SUBJECT. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes Group of angels The wild duck .... The ice mountains vast A child ki«s . . ^ . Speak gently to the little child Speak gently to the erring Go, and sin no more . Border The rainbow passes with the storm Under the bowering honeysuckle A little brook went singing The heaving ocean . The vast and helpless city while it sleeps The Brooklet In my parent ocean's breast I haste away The golden morn flames up the eastern skj' The second day ..... The Magi Holly border ...... Heartsease border The ancient wood ..... Crown of thorns and nails Some smiling angel close shall stand The Bright and Morning Star . The Dial In thy right hand to-morrow thy God shall p'ace the palms Patience in affliction Thou roll'st the orbs of light . And much have been forgiven . As those that watch for the day Wrapped in His swaddling bands Angels bending near the earth Robin to the bare bough clinging Beam, like the bow of promise, through the cloud Go when the moon is bright Thou bid'st me come to Thee . Nearer home Fair spirit, rest thee now .... Have served the Lord as their Master here Jerusalem Like Noah's dove, I flit between rough seas stormy skies .... Finial And wave my palm, and wear my crown All in the worship bending 7'he wild deer hath its lair and ARTIST. S. y. Cris/>in E. Moore . E. M. Wimperis R. Barnes . >> Wilfred Lmvsoti S. y. Crispin Hundley . T. Kennedy >» E. M. Wimperis T. Kennedy E. M. Witnperis S. y. Crispin Wolf . Hundley Hundley &^ Wo Hundley . T. Dalziel . E.M. Wimperis T. Kemiedy S. y. Crispin A. W.Bayes T. Kennedy S. y. Crispin R.- Barnes . S. y. Crispin R. Moore . E. M. Wimperis Wilfred La^vson S. y. Crispin . (f W. y. Allen . S. y Crispin . E. M. Wimperis S. y. Crispin R. Moore . LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. SUBJECT. He had not where to lay his head As many as touched were made perfectly Shut my heart up like a flower Jacob's dream Patmos Cometh surmhine after rain Deign to fill this temple lowly . Rose border ..... Ditto Angels to beckon me . . . This well Sword of Justice . . . - Borders ...... Carnation border .... Pomegranate border Nor fear to cro'-s e'en Jordan's wave In the mid silence of the voiceless night 'Tis morning The importunate widow . Sold by them that should have loved thee The Gothic window-frame The dark clouds bring the pleasant rain And dim cathedral aisle Wheat, poppies, and corn-flowers border Hop border Acorn border Lily of the valley border Ivy Border Amaranths Ditto . He plants His footsteps in the sea Like a sick child that knoweth not his mothi The .servant of God is on His way To the lonely tent where the chief reclines Like a weary bird to her downy nest The High Priest .... Pomegranate border Self-denial Vignette border .... Sufferer, lift thy weary eye Freely ye have received, freely give Pour out thy love like the rush of a river God's acre .... When in the silvery moonlight Service The hours are viewless angels . The silent fro^t with mighty hand Amaranth border k'bole ARTIST. .S". y. Crispin W. J. Allen T. Kennedy IV. y. Allen E. M. Wimperis A. W. Bayes Hundley . S. y. Crispin Wolf . Hundley S. y Crispin IV. Brough S. y. Crispin W. J. Allen S. y. Crispin E. M. VVi/nperis A. W. Bayes Hundley E. M. Wimperis Wilfred Lnwson W. y. Allen R. Moore . Hundley . A. B. Houghton H. French A. B. Houghton E. M Wimperis R. P. Leitch Hundley . .S". y. Crispin E. M. Wimperis Hundley 225 228 232 235 239 241 24 ^ 247 2^8 249 251 254 255 258 259 263 268 270 274 276 279 282 284 286 287 290 296 297 298 300 306 307 313 314 316 318 320 332s 336 35? 365 370 375 382 384 396 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. St'BJECT. Amaranth border Wyckliffe Passion flowers In meditative walk . As through a clouded sky the mo obeam ; Hop border Wheat and grapes Wheat and cornflowers In the field Ivy border Daisy and Buttercup border Flower border . Rose border . . Ditto .... Rose, shamrock, and thistle Peace .... Lily border Ditto Lily of the Valley border Ditto Border .... Ditto .... Ditto .... Ditto .... Vignette .... Fuschia border . Ere the glorious sun be born The ast faint pulse of quivering light Watch by the sick . Holly border Onward, Christian soldiers Buttercup border Acorn border Red River voyageurs O how many hours of beauty Honeysuckle border Ditto My Home Lead me a little in the sun stray ARTIST. Hundley . E. Btick?r,an Hundley A. W. Bayes E. M. Wimperis Hundley . F. Walker Hundley Francis Walker Hundley Wolf Hundley R. P. Leitck A. W. Bayjs Hundley y. A. Pasquicr Hundley T. Dalziel Hjindley A. B. Houghton //. French 397 400 405 411 420 42 J 424 425 432 442 443 444 446 447 448 450 453 454 458 459 467 468 469 470 474 476 489 4P3 495 534 5" 520 527 542 559 574 57'5 584 601 Vignettes by E. Bi'ckman, T. Dalziel, P. Hundley, T. D. vScott, J. Wolf, Francis Walker, T.,W. Wood, J. B. Zwecker. All the Floral Itiitials are designed by T. Kennedy. CHRISTIAN LYRICS. What would we give to our beloved? The hero's heart to be unmoved, The poet's star-tuned harp to sweep, The patriot's voice to teach and rouse, The monarch's crown to light the brows? "He giveth His beloved, sleep." What do we give to our beloved? A little faith all undisproved, A little dust to over weep. And bitter memories, to make The whole earth blasted for our sake : " He giveth His beloved, sleep. " "Sleep soft, beloved," we sometimes say, But have no tune to charm away Sad dreams that through the eyelids creep But never doleful dream again Shall break the heavy slumber when " He giveth His beloved, sleep." O earth, so full of dreary noises ! O men, with wailing in your voices ! O delved gold, the wallers heap ! O strife, O curse, that o'er it fall ! God strikes a silence through you all, "And giveth His beloved, sleep." His dews drop mutely on the hill, His cloud above it saileth still, 2 THE SLEEP. Though on its slope men sow and reap : More softly than the dew is shed, Or cloud is floated overhead, "He giveth His beloved, sleep." Ay, men may wonder while they scan A living, thinking, feeling man Confirmed in such a rest to keep ; But angels say, and through the word, I think their happy smile is heard — " He giveth His beloved, sleep." For me, my heart that erst did go Most like a tired child at a show. That sees through tears the rAummers leap, Would now its wearied vision close. Would childlike on His love repose "Who giveth His beloved, sleep." And friends, .dear friends, when it shall be That this low breath is gone from me. And round my bier ye come to weep. Let one, most loving of you all, Say, " Not a tear o'er her must fall J * He giveth His belovbd, sleep.'" E. B. Browning, B 2 CHRrSTTAN LYRICS. THE PEACE OE GOD. E ask for peace, O Lord ! Thy children ask Thy peace ; Not what" the world calls rest, That care and toil should cease, That through bright sunny hours Calm life should fleet away, And tranquil night should end In smiling day ; — It is not for such peace that we should pray. We ask for peace, O Lord ! Yet not to stand secure, Girt round with iron pride. Contented to andure: Crushing the gentle strings That hum.an hearts should know. Untouched by others' joy Or others' woe ; — Thou, O dear Lord, wilt never teach us so. We ask Thy peace, O Lord ! Through storm, and fear, and strife, To light and guide us on. Through a long, struggling life : THE PEACE OF GOD. While no success or gain Shall cheer the desperate fight, Or nerve, what the world calls, Our wasted might : — Yet passing through the darkness to the light. It is Thine own, O Lord, Who toil while others sleep ; Who sow with loving care What other hands shall reap : They lean on Thee entranced, In calm and perfect rest : Give us that peace, O Lord, Divine and blest, Thou keepest for those hearts who love Thee best. A. A. Procter. CHRISTIAN LYRICS. PRAYER. HEN prayer delights thee least, then learn to say, Soul, now is greatest need that thou shouldst pray. Crooked and warped I am, and I would fain Straighten myself by Thy right line again. Oh come, warm sun, and ripen my late fruits ; Pierce, genial showers, down to my parched roots. / My well is bitter ; cast therein the tree. That sweet henceforth its brackish waves may be. Say what is prayer, when it is prayer indeed? The mighty utterance of a mighty need. The man is praying, who doth press with might Out of his darkness into God's own light. White heat the iron in the furnace won. Withdrawn from thence, 'twas cold and hard anon. 6 . ON BEAUTIFUL SINGING. Flowers from their stalks divided, presently Droop, fail, and wither in the gazer's eye. The greenest leaf divided from its stem. To speedy withering doth itself condemn. The largest river from its fountain head Cut off, leaves soon a parched and dusty bed. All things that live from God their sustenance wait, And sun and moon are beggars at His gate. All skirts extended of Thy mantle hold. When angel-hands from heaven are scattering gold. A7'chbishop Tnnth. WRITTEN AFTER HEARING SOME BEAUTIFUL SINGING IN A CONVENT CHURCH AT ROME. WEET voices ! seldom mortal ear Strains of such potency might hear ; My soul that listened seemed quite gone. Dissolved in sweetness, and anon I was borne upward, till I trod Among the hierarchy of God. And when they ceased, as time must bring An end to every sweetest thing, With what reluctancy came back My spirits to their wonted track. And how I loathed the common life. The daily and recurring strife 7 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. With petty sins, the lowly road, And being's ordinary load. Why, after such a solemn mood, Should any meaner thought intrude? Why will not Heaven hereafter give, That we for evermore may live Thus at our spirit's topmost bent? So asked I in my discontent. But give me, Lord, a wiser heart; These seasons come, and they depart. These seasons, and those higher still. When we are given to have our fill Of strength and life and joy with Thee, And brightness of Thy face to see. They come, or we could never guess Of heaven's sublimer blessedness ; They come, to be our strength and cheer In other times, in doubt or fear, Or should our solitary way Lie through the desert many a day. They go, they leave us blank and dead, That we may learn, when they are fled, We are but vapours which have won A moment's brightness from the sun. And which it may at pleasure fill With splendour, or unclothe at will. Well for us they do not abide. Or we should lose ourselves in pride, 8 ON BEAUTIFUL SINGING. And be as angels — but as they Who on the battlements of day Walked, gazing on their power and might, Till they grew giddy in their height. Then welcome every nobler time, When out of reach of earth's dull chime 'Tis ours to drink with purged ears The music of the solemn spheres. Or in the desert to have sight Of those enchanted cities bright, Which sensual eye can never see : Thrice welcome may such seasons be : But welcome too the common way, The lowly duties of the day. And all which makes and keeps us low. And teaches us ourselves to know, That we, who do our lineage high Draw from beyond the starry sky, Are yet upon the other side, To earth and to its dust allied Archbishop Trench. THE CLOUD. LITTLE cloud was fashioned In a summer hour, By the love impassioned Of the sun and shower. jN All day it basked in sunlight J^ On the heaven's warm blue, Round lilies through the dun night It hung in dew. Once when dawn was leading In the hot young day, This little cloud, speeding Through the ether gray. Seemed to float and sail On the bright sky's bosom, 10 THE CLOUD. Like a dew-drop pale, On a blue-bell blossom. So close under heaven Did it glide and fleet, That I thought it riven By some angel's feet, When the breezes parted Its veiling screen, And blue glimpses darted Into sight between. As I gazed came breathings On a zephyr's wings. As of wild-wind wreathings Round ^olian strings ; 'Twas a lark far hidden In the little cloud, "Singing songs unbidden," Full, and free, and loud. Oh, it came down-streaming The clear air along. Like rills roused from dreaming, Like a shower of song. It made me glad and bright, Brighter every minute. Till I blessed the cloudlet white. And the spirit in it. II CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Then the sun's noon-splendour Filled the cloud with light, Though a soft and tender Yet intensest white; And the wanderer weary- Joyed that it was made, For it gave to him a cheery And a gratefial shade. Did the semblance of a shadow On the wide sky pass? It dusked the quiet meadow, And the glistening grass; It dimmed the forest fountain, And the clover lea; It deepened on the mountain. Darkened on the ^ea. Still though earth was shaded, And a gloom was there. Never dulled or faded Was the cloudlet fair; For it ever sailed Up so close to heaven, That nothing could have failed Of the beauty given. Now a lustre glowing In the silent west. THE CLOUD. From the sun was flowing As he turned to rest ; And the cloud borne sunward, Ever nearer, higher. Ever floated onward Towards the sunset fire; All its being belted With a glory bright, While into heaven it melted In a dream of light. Never more glance crossed it In the sky-heart far, But where I had lost it Shone the evening star. Like the cloud, keep union With the pure and high. Be thy communion Beyond the sky; So all love and graces, And a light divine, Shall have pleasant places In that heart of thine. And from thee will shower. Upon all around, A most precious dower. Like the shade and sound, 13 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Like the music blessing Of lark's ziraleet, Like the shadow's refreshing In the summer heat. If trouble and sadness Be around, above, Thou wilt drink deep gladness From thy heaven of love ; As when earth was covered With a twilight shroud Richer radiance hovered Round the little cloud. And when life is ending, Oh, how dear to die. Like the cloudlet, blending With the glorious sky ! And when unbeholden As its beauties are, To have memories, golden As the lovely star ! THE IVY. THE IVY. HE ivy in a dungeon grew, Unfed by rain, imcheered by dew; Its pallid leaflets only drank Cave moistures foul and odours dank. But through the dungeon grating high There fell a sunbeam from the sky : It slept upon the grateful floor In silent gladness ever- more. The ivy felt a tren:or shoot Through all its fibres to the root ; It felt the light, it saw the ray, It strove to issue into day. CHRISTIAN LYRICS. It grew, it crept, it pushed, it clomb. Long had the darkness been its home ; But well it knew, though veiled in night, The goodness and the joy of light. Its clinging roots grew deep and strong; Its stem expanded firm and long; And in the currents of the air Its tender branches flourished fair. It reached the beam — it thrilled, it curled, It blessed the warmth that cheers the world It rose towards the dungeon bars- It looked upon the sun and stars. It felt the life of bursting spring, It heard the happy skylark sing; It caught the breath of morns and eves. And woo'd the swallow to its leaves. By rains and dews, and sunshine fed, Over the outer wall it spread; And in the day-beam waving free. It grew into a steadfast tree. Upon that solitary place Its verdure threw adorning grace, The mating birds became its guests. And sang its praises from their nests. i6 THE IVY. Wouldst know the moral of this rhyme? Behold the heavenly liglit and climb ! Look up, O tenant of the cell, Where man, the prisoner, must dwell. In every dungeon comes a ray Of God's interminable day. On every heart a sunbeam falls, To cheer its lonely prison walls. The ray is Truth. O so^il, aspire To bask in its celestial fire; So shalt thou quit the glooms of clay, So shalt thou flourish into day. So shalt thou reach the dungeon grate No longer dark and desolate ; And look around thee, and above, Upon a world of light and love. C. Mackay, CHRISTIAN LYRICS. ONWARD. NWARD ! the goal thou seekest Is worthy the quest of a Hfe, And love can give to the weakest Courage and strength for the strife. High is the prize above thee, In the Hght of that golden sky ; The ladder's not all of sunshine, Whereon thou must climb so high. and griefs have Earth's shadows darkened, Earth's sorrows have shaded its light. But rays from the sunshine of heaven Each upward step make bright. Sometimes the glory paleth. And its brightness disappears ; 'Tis only thy eye that faileth, Or is dimmed by earth-born tears. Onward ! our cry for ever, Till our glorious goal be won. Mid the brightness fading never Of the light-enshrouded sun. L. R. HEAR YE. O MOUNTAINS^ HEAR YE, O MOUNTAINS, THE LORD'S CONTROVERSY." HERE is Thy favour'd haunt, eternal Voice, The region of Thy choice. Where, undisturb'd by sin and earth, the soul Owns Thy entire control? — 'Tis on the mountain's summit dark and high, When storms are hurrying by : 'Tis mid the strong foundations of the earth, Where torrents have their birth. No sounds of worldly toil ascending there, Mar the full burst of prayer; Lone Nature feels that she may freely breathe. And round us and beneath Are heard her sacred tones : the fitful sweep Of winds across the steep. Through wither'd bents — romantic note and clear, J^eet for a hermit's ear, — 19 c 2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. The wheeling kite's wild solitary cry, And, scarcely heard so high, The dashing waters when the air is still From many a torrent rill That winds unseen beneath the shaggy fell, Track'd by the blue mist well : Such sounds as make deep silence in the heart, For Thought to do her part. 'Tis then we hear the voice of God within, Pleading with care and sin : " Child of My love ! how have I wearied thee ? Why wilt thou err from Me? Have I not brought thee from the house of slaves ? Parted the drowning waves. And set My saints before thee in the way. Lest thou shouldst faint or stray ? " What ! w^as the promise made to thee alone ? Art thou th' excepted one? An heir of glory without grief or pain ? O vision false and vain ! There lies thy cross ; beneath it meekly bow ; It fits thy stature now : Who scornful pass it with averted eye, 'Twill crush them by and by. "Raise thy repining eyes, and take true measure Of thine eternal treasure ; 20 THE LOVE OF CHRIST. The Father of thy Lord can grudge thee nought, The world for thee was bought; And as this landscape broad — earth, sea, and sky- All centres in thine eye, ♦ So all God does, if rightly understood, Shall work thy final good." Christian Year. THE LOVE OF CHRIST WHICH PASSETH KNOWLEDGE. BORE with thee long weary days and nights, Through many pangs of heart, through many tears ; I bore with thee, thy hardness, coldness, slights. For three-and-thirty years. Who else had dared for thee what I have dared? I plunged the depth most deep from bliss above; I not My flesh, I not My spirit spared: Give thou Me love for love. CHRISTIAN LYRICS. For thee I thirsted in the daily drouth, For thee I trembled in the nightly frost : Much sweeter thou than honey to My mouth : Why wilt thou still be lost? I bore thee on My shoulders and rejoiced : Men only marked upon My shoulders borne The branding cross; and shouted hungry- voiced, Or wagged their heads in scorn. Thee did nails grave upon My hands, thy name Did thorns for frontlets stamp between Mine eyes I, Holy One, put on thy guilt and shame; I, God, Priest, Sacrifice. A thief upon My right hand and My left ; Six hours alone, athirst, in misery: At length in death one smote My heart and cleft A hiding-place for thee. Nailed to the racking cross, than bed of down More dear, whereon to stretch Myself and sleep : So did I win a kingdom, — share My crown ; A harvest,— come and reap. Christ 1 71 a Rossetii. I WILL TRUST AND NOT BE AFRAID." EAVE God to order all thy ways, And hope in Him whate'er betide, Thoii'lt find Him in the evil days Thy all-sufficient Strength and Guide ; Who trusts in God's unchanging love, Builds on the rock that nought can move. 23 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. What can these anxious cares avail, These never-ceasing moans and sighs? What can it help us to bewail Each painful moment as it flies? Our cross and trials do but press The heavier for our bitterness. Only thy restless heart keep still, And wait in cheerful hope ; content To take whate'er His gracious will, His all-discerning love hath sent; Nor doubt our inmost hearts are known To Him who chose us for His own. He knows when joyful hours are best. He sends them as He sees it meet; When thou hast borne the fiery test, And now art freed from all deceit, He comes to thee all unaware, And makes thee own His loving care. Nor, in the heat of pain and strife, Think God has cast thee off unheard, And that the man whose prosperous life Thou enviest, is of Him preferred; Time passes and much change doth bring, And sets a bound to everything. 24 «/ WILL TRUST AND NOT BE AFRAID^ All are alike before His face ; 'Tis easy to our God most high To make the rich man poor and base, To give the poor man wealth and joy, True wonders still by Him are wrought, Who setteth up and brings to nought. Sing, pray, and swerve not from His ways, But do thine own part faithtully, Trust His rich promises of grace. So shall they be fulfilled in thee; God never yet forsook at need The soul that trusted Him indeed. Lyra Cermanica. 25 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. ''MAKE THY WAY PLAIN BEFORE MY FACE." \I), kindly Light, amid the encirding gloom, Lead Thou me on ! The night is dark, and I am far from home — Lead Thou me on ! Keep Thou my feet ; I do not ask to see The distant scene — one step enough for me. I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou Shouldst lead me on. I loved to choose and see my path; but no*w, — Lead Thou me on ! I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears. Pride ruled my will : — remember not past years. So long Thy power hath blessed me, sure it still Will lead me on. O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till The night is gone; And with the morn those angel faces smile Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile. y. H. Newman. ''THE LORD IS THE PORTION;' ETC, "THE LORD IS THE PORTION OF MINE INHERITANCE." HOUGH some good things of lower worth My heart is .called on to resign, Of all the gifts in heaven and earth, The best, the very best is mine. The love of God in Christ made known— The love that is enough alone. My Father's love, is all my own. My soul's Restorer, let me learn In that deep love to live and rest — Let me the precious thing discern Of which I am indeed possessed — My treasure let me feel and see, And let my moments as they flee Unfold my endless life in Thee. Let me not dwell so much within My bounded heart, with anxious heed — ■ Where all my searches meet with sin, And nothing satisfies my need — It shuts me from the sound and sight 27 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Of that pure world of life and light Which has no breadth, or length, or height. Let me Thy power, Thy beauty see — So shall my vain aspirings cease, And my free heart shall follow Thee Through paths of everlasting peace. My strength Thy gift — my life Thy care, I shall forget to seek elsewhere The joy to which my soul is heir. I was not called to walk alone, To clothe myself with love and light ; And for Thy glory, not my own, My soul is precious in Thy sight. My evil heart can never be A home, a heritage for me — But Thou canst make it fit for Thee. A. L. Waring. 28 MV SOUL THIRSTETH FOR GOD." MY SOUL THIRSTETH FOR GOD." HOU hidden love of God, whose height, Whose depth unfathomed no man knows ; yjp, I see from far Thy beauteous light, Inly I sigh for Thy repose ; My heart is pained, nor can it be At rest, till it find rest in Thee. Is there a thing beneath the sun That strives with Thee my heart to share Ah ! tear it thence, and reign alone. The Lord of every motion there ! Then shall my heart from earth be free. When it hath found repose in Thee. O Lord, Thy sovereign aid impart, To save me from low- though ted care; Chase this self-will through all my heart, Thro' all its latent mazes there ! Make me Thy duteous child, that I Ceaseless may "Abba, Father," cry. 29 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Each moment draw from earth away My heart, that lowly waits Thy call : Speak to my inmost soul, and say, "I am thy Love, thy God, thy All!" To feel Thy power, to hear Thy voice. To taste Thy love, be all my choice. THE LOVE OF GOD. LL things that are on earth shall wholly pass away, Except the love of God, which shall Uve and last for aye. The forms of men shall be as they had never /^^ been ; The blasted groves shall lose their fresh and tender green; The birds of the thicket shall end their pleasant song, And the nightingale shall cease to chaunt the evening long. 30 THE LOVE OF GOD. The kine of the pasture shall feel the dart that kills, And all the fair white flocks shall perish from the hills. The goat and antlered stag, the wolf and the fox, The wild boar of the wood, and the chamois of the rocks, And the strong and fearless bear, in the trodden dust shall lie. And the dolphin of the sea, and the mighty whale, shall die. And realms shall be dissolved, and empires be no more, And they shall bow to death who ruled from shore to shore ; And the great globe itself, (so the holy writings tell,) With the rolling firmament, where the starry armies dwell. Shall melt with fervent heat, they shall all pass away, Except the love of God, which shall live and last for aye. From the Provencal— Translated by Bryant. >^-^ !>,>>-'- 31 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. "I SAID, THOU ART MY GOD.' GOD, my God, whom I adore and love, To say my God is joy all joys above ; 'Tis heaven to me come down. And never 'neath her bridal crown Did queen beside her king more rapture prove. The lowliest spot whence I can pray to Thee, My Lord, my Light, is worth all earth to me; 'Neath Thy all-seeing eye, Like wild flower 'neath the sunny sky. My soul expands, triumphant, happy, free. What says my soul, and how dost Thou reply? What says to flame the flame, to dawn the sky, What say two streams that meet. What heavenly converse used to greet Eve in the garden when the Lord drew nigh? Eugenie de Gii^rin. 32 NEVER HASTING, NEVER RESTING." EVER hasting, never resting,'* With a firm and joyous heart, Ever onward slowly tending, Acting, aye, a brave man's part. \ With a high and holy purpose, Doing all thou hast to do ; Seeking ever man's upraising, With the highest end in view. Undepressed by seeming failure, Undated by success; Heights attained, revealing higher, Onward, upward, ever press. 33 ^ CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Slowly moves the march of ages, Slowly grows the forest king, Slowly to perfection cometh Every great and glorious thing. Broadest streams from narrowest sources, Noblest trees from meanest seeds, Mighty ends from small beginnings, From lowly promise, lofty deeds. Acorns which the winds have scattered, Future navies may provide ; Thoughts at midnight whispered lowly, Prove a people's future guide. Such the law enforced by nature Since the earth her course began ; Such to thee she teacheth daily, Eager, ardent, restless man. "Never hasting, never resting," Glad in peace and calm in strife ; Quietly thyself preparing To perform • thy part in life. Earnest, hopeful, and unswerving, Weary though thou art and faint, Ne'er despair, there's One above thee, Listing ever to thy plaint. 34 " THOU MAINTAINEST MY LOT!" Stumbleth he who runneth fast, Dieth he who standeth still; Not by haste or rest can ever Man his destiny fulfil. " Never hasting, never resting," Legend fine, and quaint, and olden, In our thinking, in our acting. Should be writ in letters golden. THOU MAINTAINEST MY LOT." OURCE of my life's refreshing springs. Whose presence in my heart sustains me. Thy love appoints me pleasant things. Thy mercy orders all that pains me. If loving hearts were never lonely. If all they wished might always be. Accepting what they looked for only. They might be glad,— but not in Thee. 35 1^2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Well may Thy own beloved, who see In all their lot their Father's pleasure, Bear loss of all they love save Thee, Their living, everlasting treasure. Well may Thy happy children cease From restless wishes, prone to sin. And, in Thine own exceeding peace. Yield to Thy daily discipline. We need as much the cross we bear. As air we breathe, as light we see ! It draws us to Thy side in prayer, It binds us to our strength in Thee. A. L. Waring. ^, MORTALITY. " And we shall be changed. " K dainty mosses, lichens grey, Pressed each to each in tender fold. And peacefully thus, day by day, Z^Si-^ Returning to your mould ; ^ { Brown leaves that with aerial grace ,) Slip from your branch like birds (. a-wing, ^^ V Each leaving in the appointed place i^ * Its bud of future spring ; — If we, God's conscious creatures, knew But half your faith in our decay, We should not tremble as we do When summoned clay to clay. > But with an equal patience sweet, We should put off this mortal gear. In whatsoe'er new form is meet Content to reappear. 48 WHEREWITH SHALL I COME',' ETC. Knowing each germ of life He gives Must have in Him its source and rise, Being that of His being lives May change, but never dies. Ye dead leaves, droj^ping soft and slow, Ye mosses green and lichens fair. Go to your graves as I will go, For God is also there. Poems, by the Author of " John Halifax.''' "WHEREWITH SHALL I COME BEFORE THE LORD?" OD asketh gifts ; what hast thou wrought ? What store of treasure earned ? All kings their richest wealth have brought, And peasants blest returned. Bring virtue, humbleness, and truth; God will reward thy field's fair growth. 49 E CHRISTIAN LYRICS. But hast thou nought ? has harvest failed ? The vines died in the frost? Give love and faith, such have availed When all beside was lost. God in His mercy will receive Those who but love Him and believe. If even such thou canst not bring, Love garnered, rooted faith, Nor e'en one palest bud of spring To cheer this wintry death, God will receive thy prayer, and give The faith by which His children live; But if thy unused lips in vain Would speak of thy most bitter need, If sorrow, dumb through sin's long pain, Now careth not to wish or plead, God asketh but thy heart laid bare To iill its emptiness with prayer. Lucy F. Massey. 50 IVE LOVE HI Mr ETC. " WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US. 8ifi«a^ Y God, I love Thee not because I hope for heaven thereby, ^^- Nor yet because who love Thee not Are lost eternally. Thou, O my Jesus, Thou didst me Upon the Cross embrace ; For me didst bear the nails, and spear, And manifold disgrace. And griefs and torments numberless And sweat of agony ; Yea, death itself; and al for me Who was Thine enemy. Then why, O blessed Jesu Christ, Should I not love Thee well? Not for the hope of winning heaven. Nor of escaping hell; Not with the hope of gaining aught. Not seeking a reward ; But as Thyself hast loved me, O ever-loving Lord. .51 E 2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. So would I love Thee, dearest Lord And in Thy praise will sing; Solely because Thou art my God, And my Eternal King. Francis Xavier LORD, I BELIEVE; HELP THOU MINE UNBELIEF." . ¥ HIS did not once so trouble me, That better I could not love Thee ; But now I feel and know That only when we love, we find How far our hearts remain behind The love they should bestow. While we had little care to call On Thee, and scarcely prayed at all, We seemed enough to pray : But now we only think with shame, How seldom to Thy glorious name Our lips their homage pay. And when we gave yet slighter heed Unto our brother's suffering need, 52 DAVID'S SONG TO SAUL. \ '2 Our hearts reproached us then Not half so much as now, that we With such a careless eye can see The woes and wants of men. In doing is this knowledge won, To see what yet remains undone ; With this our pride repress, And give us grace, a growing store, That day by day we may do more. And may esteem it less. Archbishop Trench. DAVID'S SONG TO SAUL. HAVE gone the whole round of creation : I saw and I spoke ! I, a work of God's hand for that purpose, received in my brain And pronounced on the rest of His handiwork — returned Him again His creation's approval or censure : I spoke as I saw. I report, as a man may of God's work — all's love, yet all's law ! Now I lay down the judgeship He lent me. Each faculty tasked To perceive Him, has gained an abyss, where a dewdrop was asked. Have I knowledge? confounded it shrivels at wisdom laid bare. 53 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Have I forethought? how purblind, how blank, to the Infinite Care ! Do I task any faculty highest, to image success? I but open my eye5,— and perfection, no more and no less, In the kind I imagined, full-fronts me, and God is seen God In the star, in the stone, in the flesh, in the soul, and the clod. And thus looking within and around me, I ever renew (With that stoop of the soul which in bending upraises it too) The submission of man's nothing-perfect to God's All- Complete, As by each new obeisance in spirit, I climb to His feet ! Yet with all this abounding experience, this Deity known, I shall dare to discover some promise, some gift of my own. There's a faculty pleasant to exercise, hard to hoodwink, I am fain to keep still in abeyance, (I laugh as I think,) Lest, insisting to claim and parade in it, wot ye, I worst E'en the Giver in one gift. — Behold ! I could love if I durst ! But I sink the pretension as fearing a man may o'ertake God's own speed in the one way of love : I abstain for love's sake. — What, my soul? see thus far and no farther? when doors great and small, Nine and ninety flew ope to our touch, should the hundredth appal ? In the least things have faith, yet distrust in the greatest of all ? 54 DAVID'S SONG TO SAUL. Do I find love so full in my nature, God's ultimate gift, That I doubt His own love can compete with it? here the parts shift. Here the creature surpass the Creator, the end, what began ? Would I fain in my impotent yearning do all for this man, And dare, doubt He alone shall not help him, — who yet alone can ? Would it ever have entered my mind, the bare will, much less power, To bestow on this Saul what I sang of, the marvellous dower Of the life he was gifted and filled with ? To make s^uch a soul. Such a body, and then such an earth for insphering the whole ? And doth it not enter my mind, (as my warm tears attest,) These good things being given, to go on, and give one more, the best? Ay, to save, and redeem, and restore him, maintain at the height His perfection,— succeed with life's da) spring, deatli's minute of night? Interpose at the difficult minute, snatch Saul, the mistake, Saul^ the failure, the ruin he seems now, and bid him awake JFrom the dream, the probation, the prelude, to find himself set ' . 55 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Clear and safe in new light and new life, a new harmony- yet To be run, and continued, and ended — who knows? — or endure The man taught enough by life's dream, of the rest to make sure ; By the pain-throb, triumphantly winning intensified bliss, And the next world's reward and repose, by the struggles in this. I believe it ! 'tis Thou, God, that givest, 'tis I who receive : In the first is the last, in Thy will is my power to believe. All's one gift Thou canst grant it, moreover, as prompt to my prayer. As I breathe out this breath, as I open these arms to the air. From Thy will, stream the worlds, life and nature, Thy dread Sabaoth : I will ! — the mere atoms despise me ! why am I not loth To look that, even that, in the face too ? why is it I dare Think lightly of such impuissance? what stops my despair? This ; 'tis not what man does which exalts him, but what man would do ! See the king — I would help him, but cannot, the wishes fall through. 56 DAVID'S SONG TO SAUL. Could I wrestle to save him from sorrow, grow poor to enrich, To fill up his life, starve my own out, I would — knowing which, I know that my service is perfect. Oh, speak through me now ! Would I suffer for him that I love ? So wouldst Thou — so wilt Thou ! So shall crown Thee the topmost, ineffablest, uttermost crown, And Thy love fill infinitude wholly, nor leave up nor down One spot for the creature to stand it ! It is by no breath, Turn of eye, wave of hand, that salvation joins issue with death ! As Thy love is discovered almighty, almighty be proved Thy power, that exists with it and for it, of being beloved ! He who did most, shall bear most; the strongest shall stand the most weak. 'Tis the weakness in strength that I cry for ! my flesh that I seek In the Godhead! I seek and I find it. O Saul, it shall be A face like my face that receives thee ; a man like to me. Thou shalt love and be loved by for ever; a hand like this hand Shall throw open the gates of new life to thee ! See the Christ stand ! R. Browning, 57 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. PALM SUNDAY. E whose hearts are beating high With the pulse of Poesy, Heirs of more than royal race, Framed by Heaven's peculiar grace God's own work to do on earth, (If the word be not too bold ) Giving virtue a new birth, And a life that ne'er grows old — Sovereign masters of all hearts ! Know ye, who hath set your parts ? He who gave you breath to sing, By whose strength ye sweep the string, He hath chosen you, to lead His Hosannas here below; — Mount, and claim your glorious meed ; Linger not with sin and woe. 58 PALM SUNDAY. But if ye should hold your peace, Deem not that the song would cease — Angels round His glory-throne, Stars, His guiding hand that own. Flowers, that grow beneath our feet, Stones, in earth's dark womb thftt rest, High and low in choir shall meet. Ere His Name shall be unblest. Lord, by every minstrel tongue Be Thy praise so duly sung. That Thy angels' harps may ne'er Fail to find fit echoing here : We, the while, of meaner birth. Who in that divinest spell Dare not hope to join on earth. Give us grace to listen well. But should thankless silence seal Lips, that might half Heaven reveal. Should bards in idol-hymns profane The sacred soul-enthralling strain, (As in this bad world below Noblest things find vilest using,) 59 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Then, Thy power and mercy show, In vile things noble breath infusing ; Then waken into sound divine The very pavement of Thy shrine, Till we, like Heaven's star-sprinkled floor, Faintly give back what we adore. Childlike though the voices be, And untunable the parts, Thou wilt own the minstrelsy, . If it flow from childlike hearts. Christian Year. fy^ CONFIDENCE. LORD, how happy is the time When in Thy love I rest ! When from, my weariness I climb E'en to Thy tender breast ! The night of sorrow endeth there— Thou art brighter than the sun ; And in Thy pardon and Thy car * The heaven of heaven is won. Let the world call herself my foe. Or let the world allure ; I care not for the world, — I go To that dear Friend and sure. 60 CONFIDENCE. And when life's fiercest storms are sent Upon life's wildest sea, My little bark is confident, Because it holds by Thee. When the law threatens awful death Upon the dreadful hill. Straightway from her consuming breath My soul goes higher still; — Goeth to Jesus — wounded, slain, And maketh Him her home, Whence she will not go out again, And where death cannot come. I do not fear the wilderness. Where Thou hast been before ; Nay, rather, will I daily press After Thee, near Thee, more. Thou art my food ; on Thee I lean ; Thou makest my heart sing ; And to -Thy heavenly pastures green All Thy dear flock dost bring. And if the gate that opens there Be dark to other men, It is not dark to those who share The heart of Jesus then. That is not losing much of life Which is not losing Thee, 6i CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Who art as present in the strife As in the victory. Therefore how happy is the time When in Thy love I rest ! When from my weariness I climb E'en to Thy tender breast ! The night of sorrow endeth there — Thou art brighter than the sun ; And in Thy pardon and Thy care The heaven of heaven is won. From the German — Traiislated by G. Mathesoii. 62 THE DA YSPRING FROM ON HIGH." THE DAYSPRING FROM ON HIGH." (^^-OME, thou bright and morn- ing Star, Light of Light without beginning, Shine upon us from afar, That we may be kept from sinning : Drive away, by Thy clear light, Our dark night. As the soft refreshing dew Falls on drooping herb and flower, Let Thy Spirit shed anew Life on every wearied power : Bless Thy flock from Thy rich store, Evermore. Let Thy love's pure fire destroy All our earthly taint and leaven, Kindling love and holy joy With the dawning eastern heaven : Let us truly rise ere yet Life has set. Ah ! Thou dayspring from on high. Grant that at Thy next appearing, 63 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. We, who in the grave do he, May arise, Thy summons hearing, And rejoice in our new Hfe, Far from strife. Light us to those heavenly spheres. Sun of grace, in glory shrouded ; Lead us through this vale of tears, To the land where days unclouded, Purest joy and perfect peace, Never cease. "THE LAMB IS THE LIGHT THEREOF." HE day is gone. And, left alone, I long for that blest morrow Which shall set me wholly free From all care and sorrow. 64 THE LAMB IS THE LIGHT THEREOF:' The night is here, Oh ! be Thou near, With Thy bright lamp, O Jesus ; From the night of sin and death Speedily release us. The sweet sunlight Fades from my sight ; O Glory uncreated. Shed Thy glowing beams on me Who so long have waited. Whate'er doth move, Below, above. Now from its work reposes ; Show me. Lord, Thy work in me Ere mine eyelid closes. When shall the day Abide alway. By night no more succeeded ? When the day of days arise Where no sun is needed ? To Salem, then, No more again Her sunlight shall be missing; For the Lamb shall be her light, Her eternal blessing. 65 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Oh ! were I there ! Where all the air With lovely sounds is ringing ; Where the saints are evermore Holy, Holy, singing ! Jesus, my rest ! Thou ever blest ! Oh ! help my poor endeavour ; Let me, in Thy glorious light, Shine before Thee ever. A VALEDICTION. OD be with thee, my beloved, God be with thee ! Else alone thou goest forth, Thy face unto the north — Moor and pleasance, all around thee and beneath thee Looking equal in one snow ! While I, who try to reach thee, 66 A VALEDICTION. Vainly follow, vainly follow, With the farewell and the hollo, And cannot reach thee so. Alas ! I can but teach thee — God be with thee, my beloved, — God be with thee ! Can I teach thee, my beloved, — can I teach thee? If I said go left or right. The counsel would be light, — The wisdom poor of all that could enrich thee. My right would show like left; My raising would depress thee; My choice of light would blind thee, — Of way would lead behind thee, — Of end would leave bereft. Alas ! I can but bless thee — May God teach thee, my beloved, — may God teach thee! Can I bless thee, my beloved, can I bless thee? What blessing word can I From my own tears keep dry ? What flowers grow in my field wherewith' to dress thee? My good reverts to ill; My calmnesses would move thee ; My softnesses would prick thee ; My bindings-up would break thee ; My crownings curse and kill. Alas ! I can but love thee — May God bless thee, my beloved, — may God bless thee ! 67 F 2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Can I love thee, my beloved — can I love thee? And is this like love, to stand With no help in my hand, When strong as death I fain would watch above thee ? My love-kiss can deny No tear that falls beneath it : My oath of love can swear thee From no ill that comes near thee, — And thou diest while I breathe it. And /, I can but die ! May God love thee, my beloved, — may God love thee ! E. B. Browning. DAY BY DAY. IVE us this day our daily bread," The force to toil, the strength to bear; By Thee the day-long march is led, Thy hand the manna will prepare. " Give us this day our daily bread," Thyself to be our portion give ; That food of which the Saviour said, "The man that eateth it shall live.' 68 DAY BY DAY. To Thee have passed our yesterdays, Our morrows still are out of sight, And all our service, all Thy praise, Lie here between the dawn and night. Thou in Thy perfect peace wilt fold All those who love this narrow bound, From fears that bar, regrets that hold, The pressure of the time around. Our hearts are weak, the years are long, We could not bear the whole of life ; God has not made our harness strong For more than one day's watch and strife. Our daily bread thus give us. Lord, And teach us not to gather more ; Poor are we in our narrow hoard, Rich only nourished from Thy store. Lucy F. Massey, 69 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. PARTING. 5^ART in peace! is day before us? Praise His name for life and light;- Are the shadows lengthening o'er us? Bless His care who guards the night. Part in peace ! with deep thanksgiving, Rendering, as we homeward tread. Gracious service to the living, Tranquil memory to the dead. Part in peace ! so give the praises God, our Maker, loveth best; Such the worship that upraises Human hearts to heavenly rest. S. F. Adams. 70 THE WORTH OF HOURS. THE WORTH OF HOURS. ELIEVE not that your inner eye Can ^ver in just measure try The worth of hours as they go by. For every man's weak self, alas ! Makes him to see them, while they pass, As through a dim or tinted glass : But if in earnest care you would Mete out to each its part of good, Trust rather to your after-mood. Those surely are not fairly spent, That leave your spirit bowed and bent In sad unrest and ill-content : • And more — though free from seeming harm. You rest from toil of mind or arm, Or slow retire from pleasure's charm, — 71 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. If then a painful sense comes on Of something wholly lost and gone, Vainly enjoyed, or vainly done, — Of something from your being's chain Broke off, nor to be hnked again By all mere memory can retain, — Upon your heart this truth may rise, — Nothing that altogether dies Suffices man's just destinies. So should we live, that every hour May die as dies the natural flower, — A self-reviving thing of power ; That every thought and every deed May hold within itself the seed Of future good and future meed ; Esteeming sorrow, whose employ Is to develop, not destroy. Far better than a barren joy. Lord Houghton. MY TIMES ARE IN THY HAND.' ATHER, I know that all my life Is portioned out for me, And the changes that are sure to come I do not fear to see ; But I ask Thee for a patient mind, Intent on pleasing Thee. I ask Thee for a thoughtful love, Through constant watching wise, To meet the glad with joyful smiles, And wipe the weeping eyes ; And a heart at leisure from itself, To soothe and sympathise. 73 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. I would not have the restless will That hurries to and fro, Seeking for some great thing to do, Or secret thing to know ; I would be treated as a child, And guided where I go. Wlierever in the world I am, In whatsoe'er estate, I have a fellowship with hearts, To keep and cultivate ; And a work of lowly love to do For the Lord on whom I wait. So I ask Thee for the daily strength, To none that ask denied, And a mind to blend with outward life. While keeping at Thy side ! Content to fill a little space. If Thou be glorified. And if some things I do not ask In my cup of blessing be, 1 would have my spirit filled the more With grateful love to Thee — More careful, than to serve Thee jnuc/ij To please Thee perfectly. 74 MV TIMES ARE IN THY HAND." There are briers 'besetting every path, That call for patient care ; There is a cross in every lot, And an earnest need for prayer; But the lowly heart that leans on Thee, Is happy anywhere. In a service which Thy will appoints. There are no bonds for me ; For my inmost heart is taught "the truth," That makes Thy children "free," And a life of self-renouncing love Is a life of liberty. A. L. Waring. 75 .^^^ MILTON ON HIS BLINDNESS. AM old and blind ; Men point at me as smitten by God's frown, Afflicted and deserted by mankind ; Yet I am not cast down. I am weak, yet strong ; I murmur not that I no longer see — Poor, old, and helpless, I the more belong, Father supreme ! to Thee. 76 MILTON ON HIS BLINDNESS. merciful One ! When men are farthest, then Thou art most near ; When friends pass by, my weakness shun, Thy chariot I hear. Thy glorious face Is leaning towards me, and its holy light Shines in upon my lonely dwelling-place, And there is no more night. On my bended knee, I recognize Thy purpose clearly shown ; My vision Thou hast dimmed that I may see Thyself— Thyself alone. 1 have nought to fear; This darkness is but the shadow of Thy wing : Beneath it I am almost sacred, here Can come no evil thing. Oh ! I seem to stand, Trembling where foot of mortal ne'er hath been, Wrapped in the radiance of Thy sinless land, Which eye hath never seen. Visions come and go ; Shapes of resplendent beauty round me throng ; From angel-lips I seem to hear the flow Of soft and holy song. n CHRISTIAN L YRICS. It is nothing now, When heaven is opening on my sightless eyes, When airs from Paradise refresh the brow, That earth in darkness lies. In a pure clime My being fills with rapture — waves of thought Roll in upon my spirit — strains sublime Break over me unsought. Give me now my lyre ! I feel the stirrings of a gift divine ; Within my bosom glows unearthly fire, Lit by no skill of mine. E. Lloyd. 78 TRUST. OMMIT thou all thy griefs And ways into His hands, To His sure truth and tender care, Who earth and heaven commands. Who points the clouds their course. Whom winds and seas obey : He shall direct thy wandering feet, He shall prepare thy way. Put thou thy trust in God, In' duty's path go on ; Fix on His word thy steadfast eye. So shall thy work be done. No profit canst thou gain By self-consuming care ; To Him commend thy cause. His ear Attends the softest prayer. 79 CHRISTIAN LYRICS, Give to the winds thy fears ; Hope, and be undismayed ; God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears; God shall lift up thy head. Through waves, and clouds, and storms, He gently clears thy way ; Wait thou His time — thy darkest night Shall end in brightest day. Gerhardt. STRENGTH, LOVE, AND REST. TH^L evermore for some great strength we pray, Seeking and yearning for it day by day ; A strength whereon undoubting we may lean. And find that rest we have but ,dinily seen. To lean our heart upon another heart, In love that neither life nor death can part; So seek we still to end our life-long quest, For only in true love we find true rest. 80 STRENGTH, LOVE, AND REST That love which makes another's Hfe our own, And tunes our jarring natures to one tone ; The fining up of all we sought so long ; For leaning on itself no strength is strong. No love is perfect here, it leads us on To love's great source — the uncreated One ; Most true is that through which we learn to see Most of Thy strength, and most, O Lord, of Thee : Which sees, in all its happiness and bliss. The promise of a joy more great than this ; Which seeks its perfectness for evermore, In the love-light that gilds the happy shore. O strength, O love and rest, the light that steals From the pure sunshine of those golden fields ! Faint rays we catch e'en now upon our way. Lighting our footsteps to the land of day. Thou art the Light, the sunshine is from Thee ; And in Thy heart is strength and purity; There lean our weary hearts, there ends our quest. For there is perfect love and perfect rest. L. R. U^ 'i^^^pli^^^'^^ 8i ABIDE WITH ME. BIDE with me ; fast falls the eventide ; The darkness thickens; Lord, with me abide; When other helpers fail, and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me. •^ Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day ; Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away ; Change and decay in all around I see ; O Thou who changest not, abide with me. Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word, But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,— Familiar, condescending, patient, free, Come not to sojourn, but abide with me. Come not in terrors, as the King of kings, But kind and good, with healing on Thy wings ; Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea ; Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me. 82 ABIDE WITH ME. 1 need Thy presence every passing hour, — What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power? Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be ? Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless : Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness : Where is death's sting? where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still if Thou abide with me. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes, Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies ; Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee ; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. H. F. Lytc 83 G 2 THE BOY AND THE ANGEL. ORNING, evening, noon, and night, " Praise God," sang Theocrite : >^ Then to his poor trade he turned. By which the daily meal was earned. Hard he laboured, long and well ; O'er his work the boy's curls fell; But ever at each period, He stopped and sang, " Praise God : " Then back again his curls he threw, And cheerful turned to work anew. 84 THE BOY AND THE ANGEL, Said Blaise, the listening monk, *' Well done ! I doubt not thou art heard, my son : As well as if thy voice to-day Were praising God, the Pope's great way. This Easter-day, the Pope at Rome Praises God from Peter's Dome." Said Theocrite, "Would God that I Might praise Him that great way, and die." Night passed, day shone. And Theocrite was gone. With God a day endures alway, A thousand years are but a day. God ■ said in heaven, " Nor day, nor night, Now brings the voice of My delight." Then Gabriel, like a rainbow's birth, Spread his wings, and sank to earth ; Entered in flesh the empty cell, Lived there, and played the craftsman well ; And morning, evening, noon, and night. Praised God in place of Theocrite. 85 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. And from a boy to youth he grew : The man put off the stripHng's hue ; The man matured, and fell away Into the season of decay : But ever o'er his trade he bent, And ever lived on earth content. (He did God's will; to him all one If on the earth or o'er the sun.) God said, "A praise is in Mine ear; There is no doubt in it, no fear : So sing old worlds, and so New worlds that from My footstool go. Clearer loves sound other ways : I miss My little human praise." Then forth sprang Gabriel's wings, off fell The flesh disguise, remained the cell. 'Twas Easter-day ; he flew to Rome, And passed above St. Peter's Dome. In the tiring-room close by The great outer gallery, 86 THE BOY AND THE ANGEL. With his holy vestments dight Stood the new Pope, Theocrite : And all his past career Came back upon him clear, Since when, a boy, he plied his trade, Till on his life the sickness weighed ; And in his cell, when death drew near. An angel in a dream brought cheer: And rising from the sickness drear He grew a priest, and now stood here. To the East with praise he turned,^ And on hfs sight the angel burned. I bore thee from thy craftsman's cell. And set thee here; I did not well. Vainly I left my angel's sphere, Vain~ was thy dream of many a year. Thy voice's praise seemed weak : it dropped- Creation's chorus stopped ! Go back and praise again The early way while I remain. CHRISTIAN LYRICS. With that weak voice of our disdain, Take up creation's pausing strain. Back to tlie cell and poor employ : Return the craftsman and the boy ! " Theocrite grew old at home; A new Pope dwelt in Peter's Dome. One vanished as the other died : They sought God side by side. Robert Browning. OUR FEET SHALL STAND WITHIN THY ^^r^>^r2^ GATES." PEN now Thy gates ot beauty, Zion, let me enter there. Where my soul in joyful duty W^aits for Him who answers pray'r Oh how blessed is this place, Fill'd with solace, light, and grace ! Yes, my God, I come before Thee, Come Thou also down to me; Where we find Thee and adore Thee There a heaven on earth must be. ''OUR FEET SHALL STAND," ETC. To my heart oh enter Thou, Let it be Thy temple now. Here Thy praise is gladly chanted, Here Thy seed is duly sown; Let my soul, where it is planted, Bring forth precious sheaves alone, So that all I hear may be Fruitful unto life in me. Thou my faith increase and quicken, Let me keep Thy gift divine Howsoe'er temptations thicken ; May Thy word still o'er me shine. As my pole-star through my life, As my comfort in my strife. Speak, O God, and I will hear Thee, Let Thy will be done indeed ; May I undisturbed draw near Thee While Thou dost Thy people feed; Here of life the Fountain flows. Here is balm for all our woes. CHRISTIAN L YRICS. "THIS IS THE DAY WHICH THE LORD t^\ HATH MADE."- HE dawn of God's dear Sabbath Breaks o'er the earth again, As some sweet summer morning After a night of pain. It comes as cooUng showers To some enchanted land, As shades of clustered palm-tree's Mid weary wastes of sand ; As bursts of glorious sunshine Across a stormy sea. Revealing to the sailors That Port where they would be, — The calm and peaceful Haven, The dazzling, golden shore, The home of saints and angels. Where sin is known no more. O day when earthly sorrow Is merged in heavenly joy, And trial changed to blessing That foes may not destroy, - 90 " THIS IS THE DA K" ETC. When want is turned to fulness, And weariness to rest, And pain to wondrous rapture, Upon the Saviour's breast ! Oh we would bring for offering, Though marred with earthly soil, A week of earnest labour. Of steady, faithful toil ; Fair fruits of self-denial, • Of strong, deep love to Thee, Fostered by Thine own Spirit, In our humility. And we would bring our burden Of sinful thought and deed. At His dear altar kneeling. From bondage to be freed ; Our heart's most bitter sorrow For all Thy work undone — So many talents wasted ! So few bright laurels won ! And, with that sorrow mingling, A steadfast faith and sure. And love so deep and fervent, That tries to make it pure, — In His dear Presence finding The pardon that we need ; 91 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. And then the peace so lasting — Celestial peace indeed ! So be it, Lord, for ever. Oh may we evermore In Jesu's holy presence His blessed Name adore ! Upon His peaceful Sabbath, Within His temple walls — Type of the stainless worship In Sion's golden halls — So that, in joy and gladness. We reach that Home at last. When life's short week of sorrow. And sin^ and strife is past ; When angel hands have gathered The fair, ripe fruit for Thee, O Father, Lord, Redeemer ! Most Holy Trinity ! Ada Cambridgi THE DA V OF REST. THE DAY OF REST. ALLELUJAH ! Fairest morning, Fairer than my words can say, Down I lay the heavy burden Of life's toil and care to-day ; While this morn of joy and love Brings fresh vigour from above. Sun-day, full of holy glory ! Sweetest rest-day of the soul, Light upon a darkened world From thy blessed moments roll, Holy, happy, heavenly day, Thou canst charm my grief away ! Now, I taste my Father's goodness, Falling like the morning dew. While of pastures ever fairer I would take a distant view; Where my Shepherd's flock I see. Where my dwelling soon shall be ! 93 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Oh ! be silent, earthly turmoil, I have work more sweet and blest, And each thought would gather homeward On this happy day of rest, Thus with clearer faith to see All my Lord has done for me. In the gladness of His worship, I will seek my joy to-day : It is then I learn the fulness Of the grace for which I pray; When the word of life is given, Like the Saviour's voice from heaven. Let the day's sweet hours be ended Prayerfully as they're begun ; And Thy blessing. Lord, be granted, Till earth's days and weeks are done, That at last Thy servant may Keep eternal Sabbath day. Hymns from the Land of Luther. 94 TO A WATER-FOWL. HITHER, midst falling dew, While glow the heavens with the last ^^ steps of day, '^ Far through their rosy depths dost thou pursue Thy solitary way? Vainly the fowler's eye Might mark thy distant flight to do thee wrong, As, darkly painted on the crimson sky, Thy figure floats along. Seek'st thou the plashy brink Of weedy lake, or marge of river wide, Or where the rocking billows rise or sink On the chafed ocean side? 95 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. There is a power whose care Teaches thy way along that pathless coast, — The desert and the illimitable air, — Lone wandering, but not lost. All day thy wings have fanned, At that far height, the cold, thin atmosphere, Yet stoop not, weary, to the welcome land, Though the dark night is near. And soon that toil shall end ; Soon shalt thou find a summer home, and rest, And scream among thy fellows ; reeds shall bend Soon o'er thy sheltered nest. Thou'rt gone, the abyss of heaven Hath swallowed up thy form ; yet on my heart Deeply hath sunk the lesson thou hast given, And shall not soon depart. He who, from zone to zone, Guides through the boundless sky thy certain flight, In the long way that I must tread alone. Will guide my steps aright. , Bjyant. ^z- 96 THE ALPINE GENTIAN, HE, 'neaj;h ice-mountains vast, Long had lain sleeping, When she looked forth at last Timidly peeping. Trembling she gazed around,— All round her slept. O'er the dead icy ground Cold shadows crept. Wide fields of silent snow, Still frozen seas ; What could her young life do Mid such as these? 97 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Not a voice came to her, Not a warm breath ; What hope lay there for her, Living midst death? Mournfully pondering, Gazed she on high ; White clouds were wandering Through the blue sky. There smiled the kindly sun, Gentle beams kissed her; On her the mild moon shone, Like a saint sister. There, twinklipg, many a star Danced in sweet mirth ; The warm heavens seemed nearer far Than the cold earth. So she gazed stedfastly Loving on high, Till she grew heavenly Blue as the sky. And the cold icicles Near her which grew. Thawed in her skyey bells, Fed her with dew : 98 THE GOLDEN RULE. And the tired traveller Gazing abroad, Fixing his eyes on her Thinketh of God, — 7'hinks how mid life's cold snow, Hearts to God given Breathe out where'er they go Summer and heaven. Excelsior. THE GOLDEN RULE. " AU things whatsoever ye wofild that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them. " — Matt. viL 12. H ! not alone the murderous blade This golden rule would sheathe, Not only rival states be made The words of peace to breathe. But were this sacred maxim ours, How oft life's thorns were changed to flowers. How many a cloud that round us lowers Would half its darkness lose. Love o'er our chequered,changeful way. Would hold its sweet yet potent sway, Mighty as noontide's powerful ray, Yet soft as evening dews. 99 H 2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Not only near the glittering sword Doth war's fierce spirit dwell; The discord of the soul, a word, A glance, can speak too well. A thousand trifles, light as air To him who can life's tempests dare, May yet the softer spirit tear With wounds not deep, but keen. And who can thus bid others smart, Has war as surely in his heart As he who wings the poisoned dart In battle's dreadful scene. But thoughtless words may bear a sting Where malice hath no place. May wake to pain some secret string Beyond thy power to trace. When quivering lips, and flushing cheek, The spirit's agony bespeak, Then, though thou deem thy brother weak, Yet soothe his soul to peace. But if the fierce and kindling eye Proclaim a storm of passion nigh, Oh ! then with tenfold fervour try To bid the tumult cease. For if those angry passions wake Within another's breast, Thou'lt surely in his guilt partake, Its weight on thee will rest. THE GOLDEN RULE. And though the crime be great in him To let the tempest rise within, Yet is not thine the greater sin, In the just view of heaven? Whose load, in many an after day, Upon thy burdened heart may weigh, And chase thy spirit's calm away, When he has been forgiven. Perchance thy well-aimed satire draws A smile from those around ; But in a heartless throng's applause Is solid pleasure found? Can it delight thee ? surely, no ; Its brightest smiles thou wouldst forego, The fame its honour can bestow, Rather than wound another. Could thou its worthless praise obtain, A listening world's approval gain. Could this atone to thee for pain Inflicted on a brother? O thou, whose every nerve vibrates On feeling's golden chain ! Whose chords each passing breeze awakes To pleasure or to pain, — A living harp, whose trembling strings Now rapture thrills, now anguish wrings, . While every whispering zephyr brings Some breath to swell the tone, — lOI CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Remember, feelings as refined May round thy brother's heart be twined. And gently guard his peace of mind, As if it were thine own. Thus make this sacred maxim tliine. While life is spared to thee, The lip that gave it was divine — A lip of purity. And He, whose blameless life supplied Of holy love a boundless tide. Thy yielded heart would sweetly guide. Its loveliness to see : And were its spirit felt aright, 'Twould shed around a hallowed light. And make this weary world as bright A& aught 'neath heaven can be. S. A. Storrs. ^-^ I02 IT SHALL BE RETURNED TO THEE AGAIN. Thy love Shall chant itself its own beatitudes, After its own life working. A child-kiss, Set on thy sighing lips, shall make thee glad ; A poor man, served by thee, shall make thee rich ; A sick man, helped by thee, shall make thee strong ; Thou shalt be served thyself by every sense Of service which thou renderest. E. B. Browning: 103 ^^^-^ SPEAK GENTLY. PEAK gently ! it is better far To rule by love than fear; Speak gently ! let no harsh words mar The good we might do here. Speak gentl)' ! love doth whisper low The vows that true hearts bind ; And gently friendship's accents flow ; Affection's voice is kind ! Speak gently to the little child, Its love be sure to gain; Teach it in accents soft and mild ; It may not long remain ! 104 SPEAK GENTL K Speak gently to the young, for they Will have enough to bear ; Pass through this world as best they may, 'Tis full of anxious care ! Speak gently to the aged one; Grieve not the careworn heart ; - The sands of life are nearly run, Let such in peace depart Speak gendy, kindly, to the poor, Let no harsh .tone be heard ; ■ They have enough they must endure. Without an unkind word. Speak gently to the erring ! know They may have toiled in vain ; Perchance unkindness made them so ; Oh ! win them hack again. Speak gently ! He who gave His life To bend man's stubborn will, When elements were in fierce strife, Said to them, " Peace, be still." Speak gently ! 'tis a little thing Dropped in the heart's deep well ! The good, the joy, that it may bring, Eternity shall tell ! 105 THINK GENTLY OF THE ERRING. ^HINK gently of the erring ; Ye know not of the power With which the dark temptation came, In some unguarded hour. Ye may not know how earnestly They struggled, or how well, Until the hour of weakness came. And sadly thus they fell. Think gently of the erring; Oh ! do not thou forget, However darkly stained by sin, He is thy brother yet; 106 THINK GENTLY OF THE ERRING. Heir of the selfsame heritage, Child of the selfsame God, He has but stumbled in the path Thou hast in weakness trod. Speak gently to the erring; For is it not enough That innocence and peace have gone, Without thy censure rough? It sure must be a weary lot, That sin-stained heart to bear, And those who share a happier fate Their chidings well may spare. Speak gently to the erring; Thou yet may'st lead them back With holy words and tones of love, From misery's thorny track ; Forget not thou hast often sinned, A.nd sinful yet must be ; Deal gently with the erring, then.. As God has dealt with thee. 107 JUDGE NOT, UDGE not; the workings of his brain' And of his heart thou canst not see : r^ What looks to thy dim eyes a stain, In God's pure light may only be A scar, brought from some well-won field, Where thou wouldst only faint and yield. The look, the air, that frets thy sight. May be a token that below The soul has closed in deadly fight With some infernal fiery foe, Whose glance would scorch thy smiling grace. And cast thee shuddering on thy face. io8 JUDGE NOT. The fall thou darest to despise — May be the slackened angel's hand Has suffered it, that he may rise And take a firmer, surer stand ; Or, trusting less to earthly things. May henceforth learn to use his wings. And judge none lost; but wait and see, With hopeful pity, not disdain : The depth of the abyss may be The measure of the height of pain, The love and glory, that may raise This soul to God in after days. A. A. Procter. THE BETTER WILL. O have, each day, the thing I wish. Lord, that seems best to me ; \^^ But not to have the thing I wish, Lord, that seems best to Thee. 'Tis hard to say without a sigh. Lord, let Thy will be done ; 'Tis hard to say, my will is Thine, And Thine is mine alone. 109 _ CHRISTIAN L YRICS, IS/'l Most truly then Thy will is done, When mine, O Lord, is cross'd ; 'Tis good to see my plan o'erthrown, My ways in Thine all lost. Whate'er Thy purpose be, O Lord, In things or great or small, Let each minutest part be done, That Thou mayst still be all. I In all the little things of life Thyself, Lord, may I see, In little and in great alike Reveal Thy love to me. So shall my undivided life To Thee, my God, be given ; And all this earthly course below Be one dear path to heaven. Rev. H. Bonar. t ]^^ no TO-MORROW, TO-MORROW. IS late at night, and in the realm of sleep My little lambs are folded like the flocks ; From room to room I hear the wakeful clocks Challenge the passing hour, like guards that keep Their solitary watch on tower and steep; Far off I hear the crowing of the cocks, And through the opening door that time unlocks Feel the fresh breathing of to-morrow creep. To-morrow ! the mysterious, unknown guest, Who cries to me : " Remember Barmecide, And tremble to be happy with the rest." And I make answer : " I am satisfied ; I dare not ask ; I know not what is best ; God hath already said what shall betide." Longfellow. Ill CHRISTIAN L YRICS. FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY. AITH, Hope, and Charity, — these three, Yet is the greatest — Charity ; Father of lights ! these gifts impart To mine and every human heart. Faith, that in prayer can never fail; Hope, that o'er doubting must prevail ; And Charity, whose name above Is God's own name, — for God is love. The morning star is lost in light ; Faith vanishes at perfect sight ; The rainbow passes with the storm, And Hope with sorrow's fading form. But Charity, serene, sublime, Unlimited by death or time, Like the blue sky's all-bounding space. Holds heaven and earth in one embrace. y. Montgomery. LIFE'S LESSON. NDER the bowering honeysuckle, By purple bells of shaking heather, And bramble spines that closely buckle Thick-leaved chains together, As the sunshine plays, Where the lily strays. On its stream, Netting a gaudy maze Where the shingles gleam FUtting in cressy nook Which the forget-me-not, King-cup, and hare-bell dot, How the glad little brook, 113 I CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Sparkling along, Singeth in joyous measure, Toned by its own sweet pleasure, Music's song? Under the night's gloom, black and starless, When the old forest-beeches near its Darkling flood, like trees are far less Than like shadowy spirits; Though the sunlight's gone That so sweetly shone, And the flowers Died, as the night came on, With the golden hours; Though the blossom and beam, Tliough the love and the light From the glamour of night, Have deserted its stream. How the lone rill, Chilled and forsaken — listen ! Makes, though no starlight glisten. Music still ! Excelsior. 114 WORSHIP THE lord;' ETC. "WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS." ULL rings in every heart and ear The Sabbath matin-chime, The while eternity draws near Adown the aisles of time. The while, with hands upraised to bless, She veils in smiles her awfulness. The day is come, an angel's psalm With music fills the air, All tells of peace and breathes of balm And draws our hearts to prayer; While Nature's glory lends us wings "^ For pure and high imaginings. Sweet day of worship, day of rest. Heaven's impress on our life, — May weary heart and brain oppressed Now cease from care and strife ;_ And in communion still and sweet Sit lowly at the Master's feet. It comes long looked for, weary eyes Have pined its light to see, Have waited till the morning rise As prisoners to be free. For thus, by sign and shadow known, Is God's eternal Sabbath shown. 115 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. We, gazing up through cloud and mist, The pearly gates behold. The jasper and the amethyst. The streets of shining gold \ Until, without, we yet begin The thankful song they chant within. Bright Eastern glow, it lasteth long, Fair shines the noontide light, Yet surely comes the even-song And solemn hush of night, When anthem sweet, and chanted stave, Must, die from roof and architrave. Yet may the blessing of the time Hold every heart in peace ; Echoes of the eternal chime Linger when songs must cease ; May God who dwell eth everywhere Make all the world our house of prayer. Till we abide where perfectly God's love shall rule our days, Where all our work a prayer shall be. And all our prayer be praise. Till Sabbath light gleam far and wide, To set no more in eventide. Lucy F. Massey. ii6 THE STREAMLET'S SONG. LITTLE brook went singing, All through the summer hours, Ever a low soft murmur It whispered to the flowers. The bulrush and the sedge-grass Its leafy border made, And the low bending willow ' Gave cold and quiet shade. The young birds loved its shelter. And listened to its song. They tried to learn its cadence. As it carolled it along. What was the brooklet singing. What did its murmur say, Its dreamy tones of music Through all the summer-day? "7 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. A child came to its margin, It sang its song to her : " Fair child," it said, " I'm joyous As spring-time's flowerets are. For life is glad and sunny. And who so gay as I ? For flowerets kiss me as I pass Beneath the glowing sky." A maiden watched the brooklet, To her its low voice said, "Calm my life has always been In this fair meadow led ; If clouds have dimmed the brightness, They quickly passed away, And when I've reached the river, I shall be always gay." Long years had changed the maiden, When there she stood again ; Youth's glee had left her spirit, Her eyes were dim with pain. Was it the song her childhood. Or that her girlhood knew. That reached her world-worn spirit, Watching its waters blue ? Ii8 THE STREAMLET'S SONG. She heard a sadder murmur Than she had heard before ; " Oh never gleams the sunlight In brightness as of yore. I'm weary of the meadow, I'm weary of my tune, The nights are dark and cheerless, The winter cometh soon." An aged woman watched it With tear-dimmed anxious eye. And bent her ear to listen To the streamlet's symphony. But oh, it sang that evening A changed, a sadder sound "I go my weary journey. To that great ocean bound. " My life is sad and restless, I water many a grave, I fear the heaving ocean, I fear the mighty wave." — But still the child and maiden And weary woman's heart Read not aright its lesson. Nor what its music taught. 119 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Their own hearts beat too loudly The stream's low tones to hear, Their spirits' voices heard they And not its music clear. I'll tell you what it murmured, What were the words it sung, As bluebells kissed its waters, And sedge-grass o'er it hung. It said, "My life is humble, But very tranquil too, I gaze for ever upwards On that deep sky of blue. After the cloudlets gather, The sunshine seems more bright, I know the morning cometh, Though dark may be the night. "Sometimes the flowerets v/ither, I make them fresh again, I bathe the thirsty willows When falls no gentle rain. The work my Maker gives me It makes me glad to do, His smile is in the sunshine. His blessing in the dew. 1 20 THE STREAMLETS SONG. " The ocean I am nearing Is beautiful and fair : He leads me through the meadow, He'll make me happy there. And anywhere and everywhere, So that I do His will, And do my life's work bravely, I shall be happy still." Z. R. 121 CHRIS TIAN L YRICS. HYMN OF THE CITY. OT in the solitude Alone may man commune with heaven or see Only in savage wood And sunny vale the present Deity ; Or only hear His voice Where the winds whisper and the waves rejoice. Even here I do behold Thy steps, Almighty, here amidst the crowd, Through the vast city rolled, With everlasting murmur deep and loud — Choking the ways that wind 'Mongst the proud piles, the work of human kind. Thy golden sunshine comes From the round heaven, and on their dwelling lies, And lights their inner homes ; For them thou fill'st with air the unbounded skies. And givest them the stores Of ocean, and the harvest of its shores. 122 HYMN OF THE CITY. Thy spirit is around, Quickening the restless mass that sweeps along And this eternal sound — Voices and footfalls of the numberless throng, Like the resounding sea, Or like the rainy tempest — speaks of Thee. And when the hours of rest Come, like a calm upon the mid-sea brine. Hushing its billowy breast — The quiet of that moment too is Thine, It breathes of Him who keeps The vast and helpless city while it sleeps. B}yatit. 123 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. OMNIPRESENCE. ATHER and Friend! Thy light, Thy love Beaming through all Thy works we see ; Thy glory gilds the heavens above, And all the earth is full of Thee. Thy voice we hear. Thy presence feel, Whilst Thou, too pure for mortal sight, Involved in clouds — invisible, Reignest the Lord of life and light. We know not in what hallowed part Of the wide heavens Thy throne may be. But this we know, that where Thou art, Strength, wisdom, goodness, dwell with Thee. Thy children shall not faint or fear. Sustained by this delightful thought, Since Thou their God art everywhere, They cannot be where Thou art not. BowruKr. 124 <:^^^ THE BROOKLET. WEET brooklet, ever gliding, Now high the mountain riding, The low vale now dividing. Whither away? "With pilgrim course I flow; Or in summer's searching glow, Or in moonless waste of snow, Nor stop, nor stay " For oh, by high behest, To a home of glorious rest, In my parent ocean's breast, I haste away." " Many a dark morass. Many a craggy mass. Thy feeble force must pass, Yet, yet, delay'/' 125 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. "Though the marsh be dire and deep, Though the crag be stern and steep, On, on, my course must keep, I may not stay. " For oh ! be it east or west. To a home of glorious rest, In the bright sea's boundless breast, I haste away." "The warbling bowers beside thee. The laughing flowers that hide thee, With soft accord they chide thee. Sweet brooklet, stay ! " " I taste of the fragrant flowers, I respond to the warbling bowers. Sweetly they charm the hours On my winding way. "But ceaseless still in quest Of that eternal rest In my parent's boundless breast, I haste away." " Knowest thou the drear abyss ? ' Is it a scene of bhss? Oh ! rather cling to this ; Sweet brooklet, stay!" 126 THE BROOKLET. ''Oh! who shall fitly tell What wonders there may dwell? That world of mystery well Might strike dismay ! " But I know 'tis my parent's breast ; There held, I must needs be blest; And with joy to my promised rest I haste away I " Si7' R. Grant. 127 3?=^-i^^ -^ yc. A MORNING PRAYER. HE golden morn flames up the eastern sky, And what dark night had hid from every eye All-piercing daylight summons clear to view : And all the forest, vale, or plain, or hill, That slept in mist enshrouded, dark and still, In gladsome light are glittering now anew. Shine in my heart and bring me joy and light, Sun of my darken'd soul, dispel its night. And shed in it the truthful day abroad ; And all the many gloomy folds lay bare Within this heart that fain would learn to wear The pure and glorious likeness of its Lord. 128 A MORNING PRA YER. Glad with Thy light, and glowing with Thy love, So let me ever think, and speak, and move. As fits a soul new-touch'd with life from heaven. That seeks but so to order all her course, As most to show the glory of that source, By whom alone her strength, her life are given. I ask not, take away this weight of care ; No, for that love I pray that all can bear, And for the faith that whatsoe'er befall Must needs be good, and for my profit prove, Since from my Father's heart, most rich in love,i- And from His bounteous hands it cometh all. I ask not that my course be calm and still ; No, here too. Lord, be done Thy holy will ; I ask but for a quiet, childlike heart ; Though thronging cares and restless toil be mine, Yet may my heart remain for ever Thine, Draw it from earth, and fix it where Thou art. I ask Thee not to finish soon the strife, The toil, the trouble of this earthly life : No, be my peace amid its grief and pain. I pray not grant me jww Thy realm on high : No, ere I die let me to evil die, And through Thy cross my sins be wholly slain. 129 K CHRISTIAN LYRICS. True Morning Sun of all ray life, I pray- That not in vain Thou shine on me to-day, Be Thou my light when all around is gloom ; Thy brightness, hope, and courage on me shed. That 1 may joy to see, when life is fled. The setting sun that brings the pilgrim home. Lyra Gennanica. ADVENT HYMN. WATCHMAN, will the night of sin Be never past? O watchman, doth the tarrying day begin To dawn upon thy straining sight at last ? Will it dispel Ere long the mists of sense wherein I dwell? Now. all the earth is bright and glad With the fresh morn ; 130 ADVENT HYMN. \ But all my heart is cold, and dark, and sad ; Sun of the soul, let me behold Thy dawn ! Come, Jesus, Lord ! O quickly come, according to Thy word ! Do we not live in those blest days So long foretold, When Thou shouldst come to bring us light and grace ? And yet I sit in darkness as of old. Pining to see Thy glory; but Thou still art far from me. Long since Thou camest for the light Of all men here ; And still in me is nought but blackest night. Yet am I Thine, O hasten to appear, Shine forth and bless My soul with vision of Thy righteousness ! If thus in darkness ever left," Can I fulfil The works of light, while yet of light bereft? Or how discern in love and meekness still To follow Thee, And all the sinful works of darkness flee? The light of reason cannot give Life to my soul; 131 ir CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Jesu^ alpne can make me truly live, One glance of His can make my spirit whole. A^ise, and shine, O Jesus, on this longing heart of mine ! Single and clear, not weak or blind, The eye must be, To which Thy glory shall an entrance find ; For if Thy chosen ones would gaze on Thee, No earthly screen Between their souls and Thee must intervene. Jesus, do Thou mine eyes unseal. And let them grow Quick to discern whate'er Thou dost reveal. So shall I be deiiver'd from that woe, Blindly to stray Through hopeless night_, while all around is day. Lyra Germanicd. 132 THE SECOND DAY. And Cod said, Let there be a firmament J" HIS world I deem But a beautiful dream Of shadows that are not what they seem Where visions arise, Giving dim surmise Of the sights that shall meet our waking eyes. Arm of the Lord ! Creating Word ; Whose glory the silent skies record, Where stands Thy name CHRISTIAN LYRICS. In scrolls of flame, On the firmament's high- shadowing frame ! I gaze o'erhead, Where Thy hand hath spread For the waters of heaven their crystal bed ; And stored the dew In its depths of blue, Which the fires of the sun come tempered through. Soft they shine Through that pure shrine. As beneath the veil of Thy flesh divine Beams forth the light, That was else too bright For the feebleness of a dinner's sight. And such I deem The world will seem When we waken from life's uncertain dream, And burst the shell Where our spirits dwell In this wondrous ante-natal ctll. I gaze aloof At the tissued roof Where time and space are the warp and woof. Which the King of kings As a curtain flings O'er the dreadfulness of eternal things? 134 THE SECOND DA V, As a tapestried tent, To shade us meant From the bare everlasting firmament; Where the blaze of the skies Comes soft to our eyes Through a veil of mystical imageries. But could I see As in truth they be, The glories of heaven that encompass me, I should lightly hold The tissued fold Of this marvellous curtain of blue-and-gold. And soon the whole, As a parched scroll, Shall to my amazed sight uproU ; And without a screen At one burst be seen, The presence in which I have ever been. Oh ! who shall bear The blinding glare Of the majesty that shall meet us there? What eye can gaze On the unveiled blaze Of the light-gilded throne of the Ancient of days ? Christ us aid ! Himself be our shade. That in that dread day we be not dismayed. Whytehead. 135 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. THE SHEPHERDS. HERE the lambs sleep, there shep- herds watch around ; Where shepherds pray, there angels fill the plain ; Where angels sing, heaven comes to earth again Where Jesus is, there heaven below is found. The shepherds watclf beneath the ""^^ solemn sky. Looking above, till terror dims their view : " These blessed songs, come they, O stars, from you. Or can a sinner's harp be tuned so high ? " On earth appeared a shining angel-host, And thus their heavenly message, wondering, told, "To you the Saviour Christ is born to-day! ' Forsaking all, the watchers sped away To seek their Shepherd, and to join His fold, — Sure this glad night no little lamb is lost ! Hymns from the Land oj Liither. 136 THE STAR IN THE EAST. A^ rHE STAR IN THE EAST. S the sages frum afar Did behold the guiding star. As with joy they hailed its light, Leading onward, beaming bright; So, most gracious Lord, may we Evermore be led to Thee. As with joyful steps they sped, Jesu, to Thy lowly bed; There to bend the knee before Thee whom heaven and earth adore ; So may we with willing feet Ever seek Thy mercy-seat. As they offered gifts most rare At Thy cradle rude and bare ; So may we with holy joy, Pure and free from sin's alloy. All our costliest treasures bring, Christ ! . to Thee our heavenly king. 137 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Holy Jesus, every day Keep us in the narrow way; And when earth shall be no more, Bring us to the heavenly shore, Where we need no star to guide, Where no clouds Thy glory hide. . In that heavenly country bright Need they no created light : Thou its Light, its Joy, its Crown, Thou its Sun which goes not down There for ever may we sing Alleluias to our king. Amen. GLAD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY." H ! let us all be glad to-day, And with the shepherds homage pay ; Come see what God to us hath given. His only Son, sent down from heaven. Awake, my soul ! from sadness rise. Come, see what in the manger lies : Who is this smiling infant child? — 'Tis httle Jesus meek and mild. '' GLAD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOVr Twice welcome, O Thou heavenly guest ! To save a world with sin distressed ; Com'st Thou in lowly guise for me ? What homage shall I give to Thee ! Ah ! Lord eternal, heavenly king, Hast Thou become so mean a thing ; And hast Thou left Thy blissful seat, To rest where colts and oxen eat ? No silken robes surround Thy head, A bunch of hay is all Thy bed ! Where Thou, a king so rich and great. Art bright as in Thy heavenly state. Jesus, my Saviour, come to me — Make here a little crib for Thee ; A bed make in this heart of mine, That I may aye remember Thine. Then from my soul glad songs shall ring — (X Thee each day I'll gladly sing ; Then glad hosannas will I raise From heart that loves to sing Thy praise. Translated fro7n the German, by J. Hunt. 139 CHRISTIAN L VRICS. NEW YEAR. HANK God that toward eternity Another step is won ! Oh longing turns my heart to Thee As time flows slowly on, Thou Fountain whence my life is born, Whence those rich streams of joy are drawn, That through my being run ! I count the hours, the days, the years, That stretch in tedious line, Until, O Life, that hour appears, When, at Thy touch divine, Whate'er is mortal now in me Shall be consumed for aye in Thee, And deathless life be mine.- So glows Thy love within this^ framt.-, That, touched with keenest fire. My whole soul kindles in the flame Of one intense desire To be in Thee, and Thou in me. And e'en while yet on earth to be Still pressing closer, nigher ! 140 Ni:iV YEAR. Oh that I soon might Thee behokl ! I count the moments o'er ; Ah come, ere yet my heart grows cold And cannot call Thee more! Come in Thy glory, for Thy Bride Hath girt her for the holy-tide, And waiteth at the door. And since Thy Spirit sheds abroad The oil of grace in me, And Thou art inly near me, Lord, And I am lost in Thee, So shines in me the Living Light, And steadfast burns my lamp and bright, To greet Thee joyously. Come ! is the voice then of Thy bride ; She loudly prays Thee, come ! With faithful heart she long hath cried, Come quickly, Jesus, come ! Come, O my Bridegroom, Lamb of God, Thou knowest I am Thine, dear Lord, Come down and take me home. Yet be the hour that none can tell Left wholly to Thy choice. Although I know Thou lov'st it well. That I with heart and voice 141 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Should bid Thee come, and from this day Care but to meet Thee on Thy way, And at Thy sight rejoice. I joy that from Thy love divine No power can part me now. That I may dare to call Thee mine, My Friend, My Lord, avow That I, O Prince of Life, shall be Made wholly one in heaven with Thee ; My portion, Lord, art Thou. And therefore do my thanks o'erflow, That one more year is gone, And of this time, so poor, so slow. Another step is won ; And with a heart that may not wait. Toward yonder distant golden gate I journey gladly on. And when the wearied hands grow weak, And wearied knees give way. To sinking faith, oh quickly speak, And make Thine arm my stay; That so my heart drink in new strength, And I speed on, nor feel the length Nor steepness of the way. 142 THROUGH PEACE TO LIGHT, Then on, my soul, with fearless faith, Let nought thy terror move ; Nor aught that earthly pleasure saith E'er tempt thy steps to rove ; If slow Thy course seem o'er the waste. Mount upwards with the eagle's haste. On wings of tireless love. O Jesus, all my soul hath flown Already up to Thee, For Thou, in whom is love alone, Hast wholly conquered me. Farewell, ye phantoms, day and year. Eternity is round me here, Since, Lord, I live in Thee. Lyra Germanica. Second Series. THROUGH PEACE TO LIGHT. DO not ask, O Lord, that life may be. A pleasant road ; I do not ask that thou wouldst take from me Aught of its load ; I do not ask that flowers should always spring Beneath my feet; I know too well the poison and the sting Of things too sweet. 143 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. For one thing only, Lord, dear Lord, I plead. Lead me aright — Though strength should falter, and though heart should bleed — Through Peace to Light. I do not ask, O Lord, that Thou shouldst shed Full radjiance here; Give but a ray of peace that I may tre^d Without a fea;r. 1 do not ask my cross to understand, My way to see — Better in darkness just to feel Thy hand And follow Thee. Joy is like restless day ; but peace divine Like quiet night : Lead me, O Lord, till perfect day shall shine. Through Peace to Light. A. A. Procter. 144 THE WINGS OF THE DOVE, ETC. THE WINGS OF THE DOVE AND THE EAGLE. S I lay upon my bed, Weeping and complaining, Turning oft my weary head, Hope and help disdaining; -Lo ! before mine eyes there stood, Vision of an ancient wood, Full of happy birds pursuing Each the other with keenest zest; And I heard the plaintive cooing Jssuing from the turtle's nest, Till I murmured at the sight. And forgot God's high behest; " Had I but your wings, I might Fly away and be at rest." Then the low, sweet, plaintive cooing Of the fond maternal birds, Seemed itself with thoughts imbuing. And at length flowed forth in words. US L CHRISTIAN L YRICS. " Plumes of doves and fluttering wings Are but vain and feeble things, Timidly the air they fan ; Scarcely would they serve to raise thee — Need the truth at all amaze thee? — O'er this earth a little span. Look thou there ! " and, lo ! an eagle, From his nest amid the stars. Stood before me, with his regal Front and venerable scars. In a moment, wide extending His great wings, (so seemed my dream,) He was in the air ascending With a wild, exulting scream. Fiercest winds and rude blasts blowing Could not stop his bold careering, Higher still and higher going He kept ever upwards steering, Till I lost him in the zenith. Far above the mid-day sun. Where he seemed like one that vvinneth Rest in heaven when work is done. "Judge thou, then," the voice said, "whether This or that's the better thing — Rainbow tinted dove's soft feather. Or the eagle's ruffled wing?" " That's the better ! "— " Rest then still ! In thy heart of hearts abase thee ; 146 THE WINGS OF THE DOVE, ETC. Lose thy will in God's great will. By and by He will upraise thee, In His own good time and season, When 'tis meet that thou shouldst go. And will show thee fullest reason Why He kept thee here below. Wings of doves shall not be given ; But to lift thee up to heaven, Thou shalt have entire dominion O'er the eagle's soaring pinion, Thou shalt mount to God's own eyrie, And become a crowned saint, Thou shalt run and not be weary, Walk, and never faint; Therefore utter no complaint." Now I lie upon my bed Saying, " Be it even so ; I will wait in faith and hope Till the eagle's wings shall grow." G. Wilsoft. 147 L2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. RESIGNATION. • HERE is no flock, however watched and tended, But one dead lamb is there ! There is no fireside, howsoe'er defended, But has one vacant chair. The air is full of farewells to the dying, • And mournings for the dead ; The heart of Rachel, for her children crying. Will not be comforted ! Let us be patient ! these severe afflictions Not from the ground arise, But oftentimes celestial benedictions Assume this dark disguise. We see but dimly thro' the mists and vapours; Amid these earthly damps. What seem to us but sad, funereal tapers, May be heaven's distant lamps. There is no death ! What seems so is transition ; This life of mortal breath Is but a suburb of the life elysian, Whose portal we call death. 148 RESIGNATION. She is not dead, — the child of our affection, — But gone unto that school Where she no longer needs our poor protection, And Christ Himself doth rule. In that great cloister's stillness and seclusion, By guardian angels led, Safe from temptation, safe from sin's pollution. She lives, whom we call dead. Day after day we think what she is doing In those bright realms of air; Year after year, her tender steps pursuing, Behold her grown more fair. Thus do we walk with her, and keep unbroken The bond which nature gives, Thinking that our remembrance, though imspoken. May reach her where she lives. Not as a child shall we again behold her; For when with raptures wild In our embraces we again enfold her, She will not be a child; But a fair maiden in her Father's mansion. Clothed with celestial grace; And beautiful with all the soul's expansion Shall we behold her face. 149 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. And though at times, impetuous with emotion And anguish long suppressed, The swelling heart heaves moaning like the ocean That cannot be at rest, — We will be patient, and assuage the feeling We may not wholly stay ; By silence sanctifying, not concealing. The grief that must have way. Longfellow. OUT OF SIGHT. ^HAT! though the stream be dead. Its banks all still and dry. It murmureth now o'er a lovelier bed In the air-groves of the sky. What though our prayers from death The queen-rose might not save ! With brighter bloom and balmier breath She springeth from the grave. What though our bird of light Lie mute with plumage dim ! In heaven I see her glancing bright — I hear her angel-hymn. 150 TO THE FRINGED GENTIAN. What though the dark tree smile No more — with our dove's calm sleep ! She folds her wing on a sunny isle In heaven's untroubled deep. True that our beauteous doe Hath left her still retreat — But purer now in heavenly snow She lies at Jesus' feet. O star ! untimely set ! Why should we weep for thee? Thy bright and dewy coronet Is rising o'er the sea. John Wilson. TO THE FRINGED GENTIAN. HOU blossom bright with autumn dew, And coloured with the heaven's own blue, A That openest when the quiet light -"^■^^ Succeeds the keen and frosty night. Thou comest not when violets lean *^ O'er wandering brooks and springs unseen, Or coluipbines, in purple dressed. Nod o'er the ground-bird's hidden nest. 151 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Thou waitest late and com'st alone, When woods are bare and birds are flown, And frosts and shortening days portend The aged year is near his end. Then doth thy sweet and quiet eye Look through its fringes to the sky, Blue — blue— as if that sky let fall A flower from its cerulean wall. I would that thus, when I shall see The hour of death draw near to me, Hope, blossoming within my heart, May Took to heaven as I depart. Bryant. 152 A CHILD'S GRAVE AT FLORENCE. A. A. E. C. Born July 1848. Died November 1849. F English blood, of Tuscan birth, What country should we give her? Instead of any on the earth. The civic heavens receive her. And here, among the English tombs, In Tuscan ground we lay her. While the blue Tuscan sky endomes Our English words of prayer. 153 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. A little child ! how long she lived By months, not years, is reckoned : Born in one July, she survived Alone to see a second. Bright-featured, as the July sun Her little face still played in, And splendours, with her birth begun, Had had no time for fading. So Lily, from those July hours, No wonder we should call her ; She looked such kinship to the flowers, Was but a little taller. A Tuscan lily, only white, As Dante, in abhorrence Of red corruption, wished aright The Hlies of his Florence. We could not wish her whiter, her Who perfumed with pure blossom The house ! a lovely thing to wear Upon a mother's bosom ! This July creature thought perhaps Our speech not worth assuming ; She sat upon her parents* laps, And mimicked the gnat's humming; 154 A CHILD'S GRAVE AT FLORENCE. Said, "Father," *' Mother "—then, left off. For tongues celestial, fitter. Her hair had grown just long enough To catch heaven's jasper-glitter. Babes ! Love could always hear and see Behind the cloud that hid them, "Let little children come to Me, And do not thou forbid them." So, unforbidding, have we met, And gently here have laid her, Though winter is no time to get The flowers that should o'erspread her. We should bring pansies quick with spring. Rose, violet, daffodilly. And also above everything,. White lilies for our Lily. Nay, more than flowers this grave exacts. Glad, graceful attestations Of her sweet eyes and pretty acts, With calm renunciations. Her very mother with light feet Should leave the place too earthy, Saying, "The angels have thee, Sweet, Because we were not worthy ! " 155 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. But winter kills the orange buds, The gardens in the frost are, And all the heart dissolves in floods, Remembering we have lost her. Poor earth, poor heart, — too weak, too weak, To miss the July shining : Poor heart ! what bitter words we speak When God speaks of resigning ! Sustain this heart in us that faints, Thou God, the self-existent ! We catch up wild at parting saints And feel Thy heaven too distant. The wind that swept them out of sin Has ruffled all our vesture. On the shut door that let them in We beat with frantic gesture, To us, us also, — open straight ! The outer life is chilly — Are we too, like the earth, to wait Till next year for our Lily? But God gives patience, love learns strength. And faith remembers promise, And hope itself can smile at length On other hopes gone from us. 156 A CHILD'S GRAVE AT FLORENCE. Love, strong as Death, shall conquer Death, Through struggle made more glorious, This mother stills her sobbing breath. Renouncing, yet victorious. Arms, empty of her child, she lifts, With spirit unbereaven, — " God will not all take back His gifts ; My Lily's mine in heaven ! *' Still mine ! maternal rights serene Not given to another ! The crystal bars shine faint between The souls of child and mother. "Meanwhile," the mother cries, "content Our love was well divided : Its sweetness following where she went, Its anguish stayed where I did. "Well done of God to halve the lot, » And give her all the sweetness ; To us, the empty room and cot, — To her, the heaven's completeness. "To us, this grave— to her, the rows The mystic pklm-trees spring in ; To us, the silence in the house, — To her, the choral singing. 157 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. "For her, to gladden in God's view,- For us, to hope and bear on !— Grow, Lily, in thy garden new. Beside the Rose of Sharon. '*Grow fast in heaven, sweet Lily clipped, In love more calm than this is, — And may the angels, dewy-lipped. Remind thee of our kisses ! "While none shall tell thee of our tears, These human tears now falling. Till after a few patient years, One home shall take us all in. "Child, father, mother, — who left out? Not father, and not mother; And when, our dying couch about, The natural mists shall gather, "Some smiling angel close shall stand In old Correggio's fashion, And bear a Lily in his hand, For death's annunciation." E. B. Browning. GONE. GONE. NOTHER hand is beckoning us, Another call is given, And glows once more with angel-steps The path which reaches heaven. Our young and gentle friend, whose smile Made brighter summer hours, Amid the frosts of autumn time Has left us, with the flowers. No paling of the cheek of bloom Forewarned us of decay; No shadow from the silent land Fell round our sister's way. The light of her young life went down, As sinks behind the hill The glory of a setting star — Clear, suddenly, and still. 159 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. And half we deemed she needed not The changing of her sphere, To give to heaven a shining one Who walked an angel here. Tlie blessing from her quiet life Fell on us Hke the dew; And good thoughts, where her footsteps pressed, like fairy blossoms grew. Sweet promptings unto kindest deeds Were in her very look ; We read her face as one who reads A true and holy book : The measure of a blessed hymn To which our hearts could move ; The breathing of an inward psalm ; A canticle of love. We miss her in the place of prayer, And by the hearth-fire's light ; We pause beside her door to hear Once more her sweet ''Good night!" There seems a shadow on the day Her smile no longer cheers; A dimness on the stars of night, Like eyes that look through tears. i6o GONE. Alone unto our Father's will One thought hath reconciled ; That He whose love exceedeth ours Hath taken home His child. Fold her, O Father^ in Thine arms And let her henceforth be A messenger of love between Our human hearts and Thee. Still let her mild rebuking stand Between us and the wrong, And her dear memory serve to make Our faith in goodness strong. And grant that she who, trembling, here Distrusted all her powers, May welcome to her holier home The well-beloved of ours. Whittier. i6i CHRISTIAN LYRICS. y^^.:\,r^^£^^ ^ THE REAPER AND THE FLOWERS. HERE is a reaper, whose name is Death, And, with his sickle keen. He reaps the bearded grain at a breath. And the flowers that grow between. "Shall I have nought that is fair.?" saith he ; "Have nought but the bearded grain? Though the breath of these flowers is sweet to me, I will give them all back again." He gazed at the flowers with tearful eye. He kissed their drooping leaves; It was for the Lord of Paradise He bound them in his sheaves. My Lord has need of these flowerets gay," The reaper said, and smiled ; Dear tokens of the earth are they, Where He was once a child. . 162 THp REAPER AND THE FLOWERS. " They shall all bloom in fields of light, Transplanted by my care, And saints, upon their garments white, These sacred blossoms wear." And the mother gave, in tears and pain, The flowers she most did love ; She knew she should find them all again In the fields of light above. Oh, not in cruelty, not in wrath. The reaper came that day ; 'Twas an angel visited the green earth, And took the flowers away. Longfellow. 163 M 2 THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR. ^|r^HE last sand from time's hour-glass '^^J'l Shall soon disappear, '1^^ ^"^ ^^^^ vapour shall vanish This old rolling sphere. On the floor like the chaff-stream In the dark wintry day, From the fan of destruction Shall suns drift away. And the raetedrs of ^lory Which 'wilder the wise, Only gleam till we open In true worlds our eyes. 164 THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR. But aloft in God's heaven, There blazeth a star, And I live while I'm watching Its light from afar. From its lustre immortal My soul caught the spark, Which shall beam on undying When sunshine is dark. So transforming its radiance. Its strength so benign, Dull clay burns a ruby, And man grows divine. To the zenith ascended, From Joseph's dark tomb, Star of Jesse ! so rivet My gaze through the gloom, 'I'hat Thy beauty imbibing. My dross may refine, Till in splendour reflected I burn and I shine. 165 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. HEAVENWARD. I EAVENWARD doth our journey ttnd, We are strangers here on earth, Through the wilderness we wend Towards the Canaan of our birth. Here we roam a pilgrim band, Yonder is our native land. Heavenward stretch, my soul, thy wings. Heavenly nature canst thou claim, There is nought of earthly things Worthy to be all thine aim ; Every soul that God inspires, Back to Him, its source, aspires. Heavenward ! doth His Spirit cry, When I hear Him in His word Showing thus the rest on high, Where I shall be with my Lord. When His word hlls all my thought, Oft to heaven my soul is caught. Heavenward ever would I haste, When Thy table, Lord, is spread ; Heavenly strength on earth I taste, Feeding on the Living Bread; i66 HE A VENWARD. Such is e'en on earth our fare .'Who Thy marriage- feast shall share. Heavenward ! faith discerns the prize, That is waiting us afar, And my heart would swiftly rise, High o'er sun, and moon, and star, To that light behind the veil Where all earthly splendours pale. Heavenward death shall lead at last, To the home where I would be ; All my sorrows overpast, I shall triumph there with Thee, Jesus, who hast gone before, That we too might heavenward soar. Heavenward ! heavenward ! only this Is my watchword on the earth ; For the love of heavenly bliss Counting all things little worth. Heavenward all my being tends Till in heaven my journey ends. Lyra Germanica. 167 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. THE BUILDING OF THE HOUSE. HAVE a wondrous house to build, A dwelling humble yet divine ; A lowly cottage to be filled With all the jewels of the mine. How shall I build it strong and fair, This noble house, this lodging rare. So small and modest, yet so great ? How shall I fill its chambers bare, With use, with ornament, with state? My God hath given the stone and cl y, 'Tis I must fashion them aright ; 'Tis I must mould them day by day. And make my labour my delight ! This cot, this palace, this fair home. This pleasure-house, this holy dome Must be proportions fit. That heavenly messengers may come To lodge with him who tenants it. i68 THE BUILDING OF THE HOUSE. No fairy bower this house must be, To totter at each gale that starts, But of substantial masonry. Symmetrical in all its parts ; Fit in its strength to stand sublime For seventy years of mortal time, Defiant of the storm and rain. And well attempered to the clime. In every cranny, nook, and pane. ril build it so that if the blast Around it whistle loud and long, The tempest, when its rage has pass'd. Shall leave its rafters doubly strong. rU build it so, that travellers by Shall view it wiih admiring eye, For its commodiousness and grace : Firm on the ground — straight to the sky, A meek but godly dwelling-place. Thus noble in its outward form, Within ril build it clean and white, Not cheerless cold, but happy warm. And ever open to the light. No tortuous passages or stair, No chamber foul or dungeon lair. No gloomy attic shall there be. But wide apartments ordered fair. And redolent of purity. 169 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. With three compartments furnished well, The house shall be a home complete ; Wherein, should circumstance rebel, The humble tenant may retreat. The first a room wherein to deal With men for human nature's weal, A room where he may work or play. And all his social life reveal In its pure texture day by day. The second, for his wisdom sought. Where, with his chosen book or friend. He may employ his active thought To virtuous and ex<ed end. A chamber lofty and serene, With a door-window to the green Smooth-shaven sward, and arching bowers. Where lore, or talk, or song between, May gild his intellectual hours. The third an oratory dim. But beautiful : where he may raise. Unheard of men, his daily hymn Of love, and gratitude, and praise ; Where he may revel in the light Of things unseen and infinite, And learn how little he may be, And yet how awful in thy sight, Ineffable eternity. 170 THY WAY, NOT MINE. Such is the house that I must build, This is the cottage— this the dome— And this the palace, treasure filled For an immortal's earthly home. Oh noble work of toil and care ! Oh task most difficult and rare ! Oh simple but most arduous plan ! To raise a dwelling-place so fair — The sanctuary of a man. C. Mackay, ^h THY WAY, NOT MINE. ' HY way, not mine, O Lord, However dark it be ! Lead me by Thine own hand, Choose out the path for me. Smooth let it be or rough, It will be still the best, Winding or straight, it leads Right onward to Thy rest. I dare not choose my lot : I would not if I might; Choose Thou for me, my God, So shall I walk aright. 171 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. The kingdom that I seek Is Thine; so let the way That leads to it be Thine, Else I must surely stray. ' Take Thou my cup, and it With joy or sorrow fill As best to l^ee may seem; Choose Thou my good and ill. Choose Thou for me my friends, My sickness or my health; Choose Thou my cares for me, My poverty or wealth. Not mine, not mine the choice. In things or great or small ; Be Thou my guide, my strength. My wisdom and my all. Bonar, 172 " HOIV OLD ART THO HOW OLD ART THOU?" OUNT not the days that have idly flown, The years that were vainly spent ; Nor speak of the hours thou must blush to own, When thy spirit stands before the throne To account for the talents lent. But number the hours redeemed from sin, The moments employed for heaven ; Oh! few and evil thy days have been, Thy life a toilsome but worthless scene, For a nobler purpose given. Will the shade go back on thy dial-plite ? Will thy sun stand still on his way? Both hasten on; and thy spirit's fate Rests on the point of life's little date : Then live While 'tis called to-day. 173 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Life's waning hours, like the Sybil's page, As they lessen, in value rise : Oh ! rouse thee and live ! nor deem man's age StaVids in the length of his pilgrimage, But in days that are truly wise. COMMIT THY WAY TO GOD. ^^/JMMlt thy way to God, The weight which makes thee faint ; Worlds are to Him no load. To Him breathe thy complaint. He who for winds and clouds Maketh a pathway free, Through wastes, or hostile crowds. Can make a way for thee. 174 COMMIT THY WAY TO GOD. Thou must in Him be biest, Ere bliss can be secure ; On His work must thou rest, If thy work shall endure. To anxious, prying thought, And weary, fretting care. The Highest yieldeth nought ; He giveth all to prayer ! Father ! Thy faithful love. Thy mercy, wise and mild, Sees what will blessing prove, Or what will hurt Thy child. And what Thy wise foreseeing Doth for Thy children choose. Thou bringest into being. Nor sufif'rest them to lose. All means always possessing, Invincible in might; Thy doings are all blessing, Thy goings are all light. Nothing Thy work suspending, No foe can make Thee pause, When Thou, Thine own defending, Dost undertake their cause. 175 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Hope then, though woes be doubled, Hope, and be undismayed ; Let not thy heart be troubled, Nor let it be afraid. This prison where thou art, Thy God will break it soon, . And flood with light thy heart In His own blessed noon. Up, up ! the day is breaking, Say to thy cares, good night ! Thy troubles from thee shaking, Like dreams in day's fresh light. Thou wearest not the crown. Nor the best course canst tell ;. God sitteth on the throne, And guideth all things well. Trust Him to govern, then ! No king can rule like Him ; How wilt thou wonder when Thine eyes no more are dim ; To see those paths which vex thee How wise they were and meet ; The works which now perplex thee. How beautiful complete ! 176 COMMIT THY WA V TO GOD. Faithful the love thou sharest, All, all is well with thee ! The crown from hence thou bearest With shouts of victor)'. In thy right hand to-morrow, Thy God shall place the palms; To Him who chased thy sorrow How glad will be thy psalms ! Paul Gerhardt. 177 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. RESIGNATION. ATHER ! whate'er of earthly bliss Thy sovereign will denies, Accepted at Thy throne of grace Let this petition rise : "Give me a calm, a thankful heart, From every murmur free ; The blessings of Thy grace impart, And make me live to Thee. "Let the sweet hope that Thou art mine My life and death attend; Thy presence through my journey shipe, And crown my journey's end!" Steele. 178 HE DOETH ALL THINGS WELL. HOPED that with the brave and strong My portioned task might lie; To toil amid the busy throng With purpose pure and high : But God has fixed another part, And He has fixed it well ; I said so with my breaking heart, When first this anguish fell. These weary hours will not be lost, These days of misery, These nights of darkness, tempest-tost — Can I but turn to Thee; With secret labour to sustain In patience every blow, To gather fortitude from pain, And holiness from woe. 179 N 2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. If Thou shouldst bring me back to life, More humble I should be, More wise, more strengthened for the strife, More apt to lean on Thee ; Should death be standing at the gate. Thus should I keep my vow. But, Lord ! whatever be my fate, Oh, let me serve Thee now ! Anne Bronte. THE PROMISED ONE. {From " David playing before Saul.") EE ! the dull dense clouds are breaking Slowly, slowly into light away ; And my mental sense is waking, Dazzled by a brighter ray Than e'er, the east with glory streaking, Glanced from the opening eyes of day. ..>*^ Is it come ? — that glimpse of heaven For which my soul so long hath striven, Diving for lore obscure and high, In the darkling depths of prophecy? Avaunt thee, fiend ! the woman's seed shall tread On the fierce terrors of the serpent's head. 1 80 THE PROMISED ONE. I know Him by the light He giveth ; I know that my Redeemer liveth : He shall stand upon the earth, Godlike in His mortal birth ; In Him the sons of sorrow shall find rest And all the nations of the world be bl^st. Yes, I know Him from afar, — Israel's Sceptre, Jacob's Star; For, like him on Zophim's brow. Him of the gifted eye, I shall see Him, but not now. Behold Him, but not nigh. Be it so ! on other eyes Let the promised One arise, While mine own are curtained deep In their last and soundest sleep : Enough for me, what Hope sublime Can to her humble child allow; Enough ! anticipating time, She feels Him and adores Him now. Hankinson. i8i LOVE TO GOD. E love Thee, Lord, yet not alone Because Thy bounteous hand Showers down its rich and ceaseless gifts On ocean and on land; Because Thou bidst the sun go forth Rejoicing in his might, And kindle earth to glowing life And beauty with his light. Because Thou roU'st the orbs of light Through trackless fields of space. And giv'st to each low creeping flower Its fragrance and its grace : Because in sunshine and. in storm Alike we see Thee near; 182 LOVE TO GOD. In summer gale and rushing wind, Alike Thy voice we hear; 'Tis not alone because Thy names Of Wisdom, Power, and Love, Are written on the earth beneath, The glorious skies above : For these, Thy gifts, we praise Thee, Lord ; Yet not for these alone The incense of Thy children's love Arises to Thy throne. We love Thee, Lord, because when we Had erred and gone astray. Thou didst recall our wandering souls Into the heavenward way; When helpless, hopeless, we were lost In sin and sorrow's night, Thou didst send forth a guiding ray Of Thy benignant light. Because when we forsook Thy ways. Nor kept Thy holy will. Thou wert not the avenging Judge, But gracious Father still ; Because we have forgot Thee, Lord, Yet Thou hast not forgot; Because we have forsaken Thee, Yet Thou forsakest not : — 183 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Because, O Lord, Thou lovedst us With everlasting love : Because Thy Son came down to die, That we might live above ; Because when we were heirs of wrath, Thou gavest hopes of heaven : Yes; much we love, who much have sinned, And much have been forgiven. /. A. E. 184 UNDERTAKE FOR ME." S those that watch for the day, Through the restless night of pain, When the first fair streaks ot grey Bring rest and ease again — As they turn their sleepless eyes The eastern sky to see, Long hours before sunrise — So waiteth my soul for Thee. As those that watch for the day, Through the long, long night of grief, i8s CHRISTIAN LYRICS. When the soul can only pray That the day may bring relief, — When the eyes, with weeping spent, No dawn of hope can see, But the heart keeps watch intent, — So waiteth my soul for Thee. As those that watch for the day. Through that deepest night of all, When trembling and sin have sway, And the shades of Thy absence fall : As they search, through clouds of fear, That Morning Star to see, And the Light of Life appear — So waiteth my soul for Thee ! As those that watch for the day, And know that the day will rise. Though the weary hours delay. As they pass under midnight skies, Though the Sun of Righteousness Only faith's eye can see, Because Thou hast promised to bless, Lord Jesus, I wait for Thee. 1 86 CHRISTMAS DAY. HAT sudden blaze of song Spreads o'er the expanse of heaven? In waves of light it thrills along, The angelic signal given — "Glory to God!" from yonder central fire Flows out the echoing lay beyond the starry quire. Like circles widening round Upon a clear blue river, Orb after orb, the wondrous sound Is echoed on for ever : " Glory to God on high, on earth be peace, And love towards men of love — salvation and release." 187 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Yet stay, before thou dare To join that festal throng ; Listen and mark what gentle air First stirred the tide of song; 'Tis not' " the Saviour born in David's home, To whom for power and health obedient worlds should come : " 'Tis not, " the Christ the Lord :— " With fix'd adoring look The choir of angels caught the word, Nor yet their silence broke : But when they heard the sign, where Christ should be. In sudden light they shone and heavenly harmony. Wrapp'd in His swaddling bands And in His manger laid, The hope and glory of all lands Is come to the world's aid; No peaceful home upon His cradle smiled, Guests rudely went and came, where slept the royal Child. But where Thou dwellest. Lord, No other thought should be, Once duly welcomed and adored. How should I part with Thee? Bethlehem must lose Thee soon, but Thou wilt grace The single heart to be Thy sure-abiding place. i88 CHRISTMAS DA V. Thee, on the bosom laid Of a pure virgin mind, In quiet ever and in shade, Shepherd and sage may find; They who had bow'd untaught to nature's sway, And they who followed Truth along her star- paved way. The pastoral spirits first Approach Thee, Babe divine, For they in lowly thoughts are nursed, Meet for Thy lowly shrine ; Sooner than they should miss where Thou dost dwell j\ngels from heaven will stoop to guide them to Thy cell. Still, as the day comes round For Thee to be reveal'd, By wakeful shepherds Thou art found, Abiding in the field; Ail through the wintry heaven and chill night air In music and in light Thou dawnest on their prayer. Oh faint not ye for fear — What though your wandering sheep. Reckless of what they see and hear, Lie lost in wilful sleep ? High heaven, in mercy to your sad annoy, Still greets you with glad tidings of immortal joy. 189 CHRISTIAi\ LYRICS. Think on the eternal home, The Saviour left for you ; Think on the Lord most holy, come To dwell with hearts untrue : So shall ye tread untired His pastoral ways, And in the darkness sing your carol of high praise. Christian Year. A CHRISTMAS CAROL. T came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth To touch their harps of gold : " Peace on the earth — good will to men From heaven's all-gracious King ; " 190 A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The world in soiemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing. Still through the cloven skies they come, With peaceful wings unfurl'd, And still their heavenly music floats O'er all the weary world. Above its sad and lowly plains They bend on heavenly wing, And ever o'er its Babel sounds The blessed angels sing. Yet with the woes of sin and strife The world has sufiered long, Beneath the angel-strain have rolled Two thousand years of wrong; And man, at war with man, hears not The love-song which they bring, — Oh hush the noise, ye men of strife. And hear the angels sing ! And ye, beneath life's crushing load Whose forms are bending low. Who toil along the climbing way. With painful steps and slow; Look now, for glad and golden hours Come swiftly on the wing — Oh rest beside the weary road And hear the angels sing ! 191 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. For, lo ! the days are hastening on, By prophet-bards foretold, Wlien with the ever-circHng years Comes . round the age of gold ! When peace shall over all the earth Its ancient splendours fling, And the whole world send back the song Which now the angels sing. E. H. Sears. LORD, THAT I MIGHT RECEIVE MY SIGHT." v5 ORD ! we sit and cry to Thee Like the blind beside the way : Make our darken'd souls to see The glory of Thy perfect day ! Lord, rebuke our sullen night. And give Thyself unto our sight ! Lord ! we do not ask to gaze On our dim and earthly sun ; But the light that still shall blaze When every star its course hath run, The hght that gilds Thy blest abode. The glory of the Lamb of God Milman. 192 ROBINS AND THEIR SONGS. OBIN, to the bare bough clinging, What can thy bUthe music mean ? Like a hidden fount, thy singing Seems to clothe the trees with green. What warm nest for thee hath nature Where thy soft red breast to lay ? Sing'st thou, little homeless creature, For the crumbs we strewed to-day ? Other birds have fled this dun I'ght, Soaring on to regions fair, Singing in the richest sunlight Singing in the starlit air; 193 o CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Hiding 'mid the broad-leaved shadows Of the southern woods at noon, Filling all the flower-starred meadows With the melodies of June. Knowest thou the woods have voices, Poet-voices full and clear ; Strains at which the heart rejoices, Feeling the unspoken near; Pouring music like a river. Many-toned and deep and strong, Tones, midst which, like childhood's, quiver Thy few notes of simple song ? Then the '' crimson-tipped " thing. Like a daisy among birds, With a quiet glee, did sing Strains condensed thus in words : " Well I know the joyous mazes Of the songs so full and fine; — Very faint would be God's praises. Sounded by no voice but mine ! "Yet the httle child's sweet laughter, Wckes it no responsive smile, Though the poet singeth after, And the aigels al the while? 194 ROBINS AND THEIR SONGS. '• What I sing I cannot measure, Why I sing I cannot say, But I know a well of pleasure Springeth in my heart all day." So I learned that crumbs are able Lowly hearts to fill with song — Crumbs from off that festal table Lowly hearts will join ere long. He who wintry hours hath given. With the snows gives snowdrops birth : And while angels sing in heaven, God hears robins sing on earth. Only keep thee on the wing, Music dieth in the dust. Nothing that but creeps can sing. Soaring we can sing and trust. Excelsior. ?3?--^ 195 02 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. MAKE THY FACE TO SHINE UPON THY SERVANT." HRIST, whose glory fills the skies, Christ, the true, the only Light, Sun of Righteousness, arise. Triumph o'er the shades of night ; Dayspring from on high, be near ; Daystar, in my heart appear. Dark and cheerless is the morn, Unaccompanied by Thee \ Joyless is the day's return, Till Thy mercy's beams I see : Till they inward life impart, Glad my eyes and warm my heart. Visit then this soul of mine, Pierce the gloom of sin and grief, Fill me, Radiancy divine, Scatter all my unbeUef ! More and more Thyself display, Shining to the perfect day. Toplady, 196 LOOKING UNTO JESUS. LOOKING UNTO JESUS. HOU, who didst stoop below To drain the cup of woe, — Wearing the form of frail mortality; Thy blessed labours done, Thy crown of victory won, Hast passed from earth — passed to Thy home on high. Man may no longer trace. In Thy celestial face, The image of the bright, the viewless One; Nor may Thy servants hear, Save with faith's raptured ear, Thy voice of tenderness, God's only Son ! Our eyes behold Thee not. Yet hast Thou not forgot Those who have placed their hope, their trust in Thee Before Thy Father's face Thou hast prepared a place, That where Thou art, there may they also be. It was no path ot flowers, Through this dark world of ours, 197 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Beloved of the Father, Thou didst tread ; And shall we, in dismay, Shrink from the narrow way. When clouds and darkness are around it spread ? O Thou, who art our life, Be with us through the strife ! Was not Thy head by earth's fierce tempests bowed? Raise Thou our eyes above To see a Father's love Beam, like the bow of promise, through the cloud. E'en through the awful gloom Which hovers o'er the tomb, That light of love our guiding star shall be ; Our spirits shall not dread The shadowy way to tread. Friend, Guardian, Saviour, which doth lead to Thee. Cluistian Exavimer PRAY WITHOUT CEASING." O when ihe morning shineth, Go when the moon is bright, Go when the eve decUneth, Go in the hush of night : Go with pure mind and feeUng, Fling earthly thoughts away, And in thy chamber kneeling. Do thou in secret pray. Remember all who love thee, All who are loved by thee ; Pray too .for those who hate thee, If any such there be : 199 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Then for thyself in meekness A blessing humbly claim, And link with each petition Thy great Redeemer's name. But if 'tis e'er denied thee In solitude to pray, — Should holy thoughts come o'er thee When friends are round thy way ; E'en then the silent breathing Of thy spirit raised above Shall reach His throne of glory. Who is mercy, truth, and love. Oh, not a joy or blessing, With this can we compare, The power that He hath given us To pour our souls in prayer. Whene'er thou pin'st in sadness. Before His footstool fall : Remember in thy gladness His love who gave thee all. Lord Morpeth, 200 LET US PRA V. LET US PRAY. ORD, what a change within us one short hour Spent in Thy presence will avail to make ; What burdens lighten, what temptations slake, What parched grounds refresh as with a shower. We kneel, and all around us seems to lower ; We rise, and all, the distant and the near. Stands forth in sunny oudine, brave and clear : We kneel how weak, we rise how full of power : Why therefore should we do ourselves this wrong — Or others — that we are not always strong, That we are ever overborne with care. That we should ever weak or heartless be, Anxious or troubled, when with us is prayer. And joy, and strength, and courage, are with Thee. Archbishop Trench, 201 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. JUST AS I AM. ^ UST as I am — without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidst me come to Thee — O Lamb of God, I come. Just as I am — and waidng not To rid my soul of one dark blot ; To Thee whose blood can cleanse ei^ch spot— O Lamb of God, I come. Just as I am — though tossed about With many a conflict, many a doubt, Fightings within and fears without— O Lamb of God, I come. Just as I am^poor, wretched, blind : Sight, riches, healing of the mind, Yea all I need, in Thee to find — O Lamb of God, I come. Just as I am — Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; Because Thy promise I believe— O Lamb of God, I come. 202 « CAST ME NOT AWAY FROM THY PRESENCE:' Just as I am — Thy love unknown Has broken every barrier down ; Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone — O Lamb of God, I come. Elliott. CAST ME NOT AWAY FROM THY" PRESENCE." ORTH from the dark and stormy sky, Lord, to Thine altar's shade we fly ; Forth from the world, its hope and fear, Saviour, we seek Thy shelter here : Weary and weak, Thy grace we pray ; Turn not, O Lord, Thy guests away ! Long have we roamed in want and pain, Long have we sought Thy rest in vain ; Wildered in doubt, in darkness lost. Long have our souls been tempest-tost : Low at Thy feet our sins we lay ; Turn not, O Lord, Thy guests away ! Heber, 203 CHRISTIAN L YFICS. NEARER HOME. NE sweetly solemn thought Comes to me o'er and o'er — I'm nearer home to-day Than I ever have been before. Nearer my Father's house, Where the many mansions be ; Nearer the great white throne; Nearer the crystal sea — Nearer the bound of life, Where we lay our burdens down ; Nearer leaving the cross ; Nearer gaining the crown. But lying darkly between, Winding down through the night, Is the dim and unknown stream That leads at last to the light. Closer, closer my feet Come to that dark abysm ; Closer death to my lips Presses the awful chrysm. 204 NEARER HOME. Saviour, perfect my trust, Strengthen the might of my faith ; Let me feel as I would when I stand On the rock of the shore of death. Feel as I would when my feet Are slipping o'er the brink ; For it may be I'm nearer home, Nearer now than I think. Carey. 205 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. A DEATH-BED HYMN. E would see Jesus" — for the shadows lengthen Across this little landscape of our life ; "We would see Jesus," — our weak faith to strengthen For the last weariness — the final strife. "We would see Jesus " — for life's hand hath rested With its dark touch upon both heart and brow : And though our souls have many a billow breasted, Others are rising in the distance now. "We would see Jesus" — the great rock foundation Whereon our feet were set by sovereign grace : Nor life, nor death, with all their agitation. Shall thence remove us, if we see His face. "We would see Jesus" — other lights are paling Which for long years we have rejoiced to see ; The blessings of our pilgrimage are failing. We would not mourn them, for we go to Thee. " We would see Jesus " — yet the spirit lingers Round the dear objects it has loved so long; And earth to earth can scarce unclose its fingers. Our love to Thee makes not this love less strong. 206 ''SHE IS NOT DEAD, BUT SLEEPETH." "We Would see Jesus" — sense is all too blinding, And heaven appears too dim — too far away ; We would see Thee, to gain a sweet reminding That Thou hast promised our great debt to pay. "We would see Jesus" — this is all we're needing; Strength, joy, and willingness come with the sight "We would see Jesus" — dying, risen, pleading; Then welcome day, and farewell mortal night. "SHE IS NOT DEAD, BUT SLEEPETH." The baby wept ; The mother took it from the nurse's arms, And soothed its grief, and stilled its vain alarms, And baby slept. Again it weeps ; And God doth take it from the mother's arms, From present pain, and future unknown harms, And baby sleeps. Hinds. 207 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. THE SLEEP OF DEATH. ALM on the bosom of thy God, Fair spirit, rest thee now ! E'en while with us thy footste[) trod, His seal was on thy brow. Dust, to its narrow house beneath ! Soul, to its place on high ! They who have seen thy look in death No more may fear to die. Lone are the paths, and sad the bowers, Whence thy sweet smile is gone; But oh ! a brighter home than ours. In heaven is now thine own. Hejnans. 208 "WHO SHALL ASCEND TO THE HOLY PLACE?" HO shall ascend to the hoi}- place^ And staiid on the holy hill ? Who shall the boundless realms of space With shouts of rapture thrill? Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth ! The servants of the Lord are they The pure in heart and hand, For whom the eternal bars give way, The eternal gates expand I Hallelujah! &c. Not to the noble, not to the strong, To the wealthy or the wise. Is given a part in that angel - song,. That music of the skies ; Hallelujah ! &c. But those who, in humble and holy fear. With childlike faith and love Have served the Lord as their Mas\er here, Shall praise their Lord above. Hallelujah! &c. 209 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. And chiefly those who in youth to Him Their morn of life have given, With Cherubim and Seraphim, And all the host of heaven, Hallelujah! &c. Shall stand in robes of purest white ; And to the Lamb shall raise The song that rests not day or night, The eternity of praise. Hallelujah! &c. Hankiiison. HEAVEN. H talk to me of heaven, I love To hear about my home above, For there doth many a loved one dwell, In light and joy ineffable : Oh tell me how they shine and sing. While every harp rings echoing ; While every glad and tearless eye Beams like the bright sun gloriously. Tell me of that celestial calm Each face in glory weareth,'! Tell me of that victorious palm Each hand in glory beareth. O happy, happy country, where There enters not a sin. And death, who keeps the portals fair, May never once come in; 2IO HE A VEN. No grief can change their day to night, The darkness of that land is light, Sorrow and sighing God has sent Far thence to endless banishment. And never more may one dark tear Bedim their burning eyes ; For every one they shed while here, In fearful agonies, Glitters a bright and dazzling gem In their immortal diadem. O lovely, blooming country, there Flourishes all that we deem fair. For though no fields nor forests green, Nor bowery gardens there are seen, Nor perfumes load the breeze, Nor hears the ear material sound, Yet joys at God's right hand are found, The archetypes of these. This is the home, the land of birth Of all we highest prize on earth ; The storms that rack this world beneath Shall there for ever cease, The only air the blessed breathe Is purity and peace. Oh may heaven's gate unclose to me, Oh may I too its glories see, And my faint, fighting spirit stand Within that happy, happy land. 211 p 2 THE CITY OF OUR GOD. LORIOUS things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God ! He whose word cannot be broken Formed thee for His own abode : On the Rock of Ages founded, What can shake thy sure repose ? With salvation's wall surrounded. Thou mayst smile at all thy foes. See ! the streams of living waters, Springing from jeternal love, Well supply thy sons and daughters, And all fear of want remove : Who can faint while such a river Ever flows, their thirst to assuage? THE CITY OF OUR GOD. Grace which, hke the I^ord, the Giver, Never fails from age to age. Round each habitation hovering. See the cloud and fire appear ! For a glory and a covering, Showing that the Lord is near; Thus deriving from their banner Light by night and shade by day, Safe they feed upon the manna Which He gives them when they pray. Blest inhabitants of Zion, Washed in the Redeemer's blood ! Jesus, whom their souls rely on, Makes them kings and priests to God : 'Tis His love His people raises Over self to reign as kings ; And, as priests, his solemn praises Each for a thank-offering brings. Saviour, if of Zion's city I through grace a member am ; Let the world deride or pity, I will glory in Thy name : Fading is the worldling's pleasure, All his boasted pomp and show; Solid joys and lasting treasure None but Zion's children know, Newton. 213 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. BOUGHT WITH A PRICE. AVIOUR of men, and Lord of love, How sweet Thy gracious name ! With joy that errand we review On which Thy mercy came. While all Thine own angelic bands Stood waiting on the wing, Charmed with the honour to obey The word of such a King, — For us, mean, wretched, sinful men, Thou laidst that glory by, First in our mortal flesh to serve. Then in that flesh to die. Bought with Thy service and Thy blood. We doubly, Lord, are Thine; To Thee our lives we would devote. To Thee our death resign. Doddridge. 214 AT HOME IN HEAVEN. OR ever with the Lord!" Amen ; so let it be ; Life from the dead is in that word, 'Tis immortaUty. Here in the body pent, Absent from Him I roam, Yet nightly pitch my moving tent A day's march nearer home. My Father's house on high, Home of my soul, how near At times, to faith's far-seeing eye, Thy golden gates appear ! 215 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Ah ! then my spirit faints To reach the land I love, The bright inheritance of saints, Jerusalem above. Yet clouds will intervene, And all my prospect flies ! Like Noah's dove, I flit between Rough seas and stormy skies. Anon the clouds dispart, The winds and waters cease, While sweetly o'er my gladdened heart Expands the bow of peace. Beneath its glowing arch, Along the hallowed ground, I see cherubic armies march, A camp of fire around. I hear at morn and even, At noon and midnight hour, The choral harmonies of heaven Earth's Babel tongues o'erpower. Then, then I feel that He, (Remembered or forgot), The Lord, is never far from me, Though I perceive Him not. 216 AT HOME IN HEAVEN. In darkness as in light, Hidden alike from view, I sleep, I wake, as in His sight Who looks all nature through. From the dim hour of birth, Through every changing state Of mortal pilgrimage on earth, Till its appointed date. All that I am, have been, All that I yet may be, He sees at once, as He hath seen. And shall for ever see. How can I meet His eyes? Mine on the cross I cast, And own my life a Saviour's prize, Mercy from first to last. "For ever with the Lord ! " Father, if 'tis Thy will, The promise of that faithful word. E'en here to me fulfil. Be . Thou at my right hand, Then can I never fail ; Uphold Thou me, and I shall stand Fight, and I must prevail 217 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. So, when my latest breath Shall rend the veil in t\vain, By death I shall escape from death, And life eternal gain. Knowing as I am known, How shall I love that word, And oft repeat before the tHrone, " For ever with the Lord." Then, though the soul enjoy Communion high and sweet. While worms this body must d- stroy, Both shall in glory meet. The trump of final doom Will speak the selfsame word. And Heaven's voice thunder througli the tomb, " For ever with the Lord :" The tomb shall echo deep That death-avvr.kening sound ; The saints shall hear it in their sleep And answer from the ground. Then, upward as they fly. That resurrection-word Shall be their shout of victory, " For ever with the Lord ! " 218 ''AND THEY SHALL SEE HIS FACE:' That resurrection-word, That shout of victory, Once more, " For ever with the Lord ! " Amen, so let it be ! Montgomery, "AND THEY SHALL SEt: HIS FACE" HAT must it be to dwell above. At God's right hand, where Jesus reigns, Since the sweet earnest of His love O'erwhelms us on these dreary plains ! No heart can think, no tongue explain. What bliss it is with Christ to reign. When sin no more obstructs our sight, W'hen sorrow pains our heart no more, How shall we view the Prince of Light, And all His works of grace explore ! What heights and depths of love divine Will there through endless ages shine ! 219 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Well, He has fixed the happy day When the last tears will wet our eyes, And God shall wipe those tears away, And fill us with divine surprise To hear His voice and see His face, And feel His infinite embrace ! This is the heaven I long to know ; For this with patience I would wait. Till, weaned from earth and all below, I mount to my celestial seat, x\nd wave my palm, and wear my crown. And, with the elders, cast them down. Swain. 220 *'ms SERVANTS SHALL SERVE HIM.'' HIS SERVANTS SHALL SERVE HIM." E seek that land whose light e'en now, • Though dim and far, is all our gladness ; Whose hope, in storms, is God's own bow; Whose peace, the rest from care and woe ; Whose love, our joy in. sadness. There day and night Thy happy saints In ceaseless work find I'est unending. Where in Thy strength theirs never faints. Where tears are dried, and hushed complaints, All in one worship bending. The service here we strive to pay. By weakness marred, by darkness clouded ; Strong in Thy strength, bright with Thy day. We there shall offer perfecdy. In light and love enshrouded. Our hearts, whose love has taught them this, Their wants to feel, their own unmeetness, Shall learn, in that ne'er-ending bliss, To rise towards Thine own perfectness, Thine infinite completeness, 221 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. The songs, here drowned in the moan Of earth's unrest, which ceaseth never, Shall rise, in strains of joy unknown, To Him who sitteth on the throne, And to the Lamb for ever. And for our feet, to earth which cling, Feeble and slow, too oft unwilling. Thou there shalt give an angel's wing To serve, as angels do, our King, Thy high behests fulfilling. So let us strive, with earnest soul. Thy work to do, though small the measure, Knowing it part of one great whole, All tending to our highest goal, Thy perfect will and pleasure. L. R. xT.^.f'?iQfz^r,rs-~ ■^A-^^^'^y^ 222 HE HAD NOT WHERE TO LAY HIS HEAD. IRDS have their quiet nest, Foxes their holes, and man his peaceful bed : All creatures have their rest, But Jesus had not where to lay His head. Winds have their hour of calm, And waves, to slumber on the voiceless deep : Eve hath its breath of balm, To hush all senses and all sounds to sleep. The wild deer hath its lair, The homeward flock the shelter of their shed ; All have their rest from care, — But Jesus had not where to lay His head. 223 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. And yet He came to give The weary and the heavy-laden rest ; To bid the sinner live And soothe my griefs to slumber on His breast. What then am I, my God, Permitted thus the paths of peace to tread? Peace, purchased by the blood Of Him who had not where to lay His head. I, who once made Him grieve, I, who once made His g-^nde spirit mourn Whose hand essayed to weave For His meek brow the cruel crown of thorn : — O why should I have peace? Why? but for that unchanged, undying love, Which would not, could not cease, Until it made me heir of joys above. Yes, but for pardoning grace, I feel I never should in glory see The brightness of that face. That once was pale and agonized for me. Let the birds seek their nest, Foxes their holes, and man his peaceful bed ; Come, Saviour, in my breast Deign to repose Thine oft-rejected head ! 224 THE RIGHTEOUS ADVOCATE. On earth Thou lovest. best To dwell in humble souls that mourn for sin ! O come and take Thy rest, This broken, bleeding, contrite heart within. J. S. Monsell. THE RIGHTEOUS ADVOCATE. ATHER, I bring this worthless child to Thee, To claim Thy pardon, once, yet once again. Receive him at my hand, for he is mine. He is a worthless child ; he owns his fault ; Look not on him., he will not bear the glance ; Look but on me, I'll hide his filthy garments. He pleads not for himself, he dares not plead: His cause is mine, I am his Intercessor. 225 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. By that unchanged, unchanging love of Thine, By each pure drop of blood I shed for him, By all the sorrows graven on my soul, By every wound I bear, I claim it true, Father divine ! I would not have him lost ; He is a worthless child, but he is mine ! Sin hath destroyed him — sin hath died in me ; Satan hath bound him — Satan is my slave ; Death hath desired him — I have conquered death. My Father, hear him now, not him, but me ! I would not have him lost for all the worlds Which Thou hast long created for my glory. Because he is a poor, a worthless child, x\nd all his every hope on me it lies. I know my children, and I know him mine, By all the sighs he pours o'er outcast Israel, By all the prayers he breathes o'er Judah's sins ; I know him by the sign my children bear, That trusting love, by which he cleaves to me. I could not bear to see him cast away, Vile as he is ! the weakest of my flock, The one that grieves me most and loves me least. Yes ! though his sins dim every spark of love, I measure not my love by his returns ; And though the stripes I send to bring him home Should seem to drive him further from my arms. Still he is mine ! I lured him from the world : He has no right, no home, but in my love. Though earth and hell combined against him rise, 226 THE RIGHTEOUS ADVOCATE. I'm bound to rescue him, for we are one. — — O sinner ! what an Advocate is thine ; Methinks I see Him lead the captive in, Poor, sorrowful, ashamed, trembling with fear, Shrinking behind his Lord, accused, condemned, Well pleased to hide the form himself abhors With that all spotless garment of his Friend. But look ! some secret impulse lifts his eye. To see if love be mingled now with wrath. If mercy beams upon the Father's face. Poor sinner ! read • thy welcome in that smile. And hear the Father's word to Him for thee : " Take thy poor worthless child ! I have forgiven." E. Birrell. 227 Q 2 "AS MANY AS TOUCHED WERE MADE PERFECTLY WHOLE." AVIOUR divine, we bend before Thee lowly, Sadly we bring into Thy presence holy Our hearts, so sin-oppressed; Touching the border of Thy garment pure, Whose touch all sorrow and all sin can cure. We ask Thee for Thy rest. And in so stooping, higher shall we reach Than e'en the highest point our hearts can teach, 228 "AS MANY AS TOUCHED^' ETC. Even, dear Lord, to Thee, Whose lowliness hath raised us to such height, That we may dare to touch Thy garment white, Of matchless purity. Thy gentleness, O Christ, hath made us great, Thy uncrowned majesty our lost estate Redeemed by bitter woe ; And though our trembling fingers feebly hold, Yea, scarcely touch Thy holy garment's fold, Thou wilt not let us go. Thy love, the source of ours, shall still abide. Shall draw us, wandering, closer to Thy side, And make us wholly pure ; Led ever higher by its light divine. Wrapped in its heavenly beauty shall we .shine, In love and rest secure. Z. A\ 229 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART." H for a heart to. praise my God, A heart from sin set free ; A heart that's sprinkled with the blood So freely shed for me ! A heart resigned, submissive, meek, My dear Redeemer's throne : Where only Christ is heard to speak, Where Jesus reigns alone ! A lowly and believing heart. Abhorring every sin ; Which neither life nor death can part From Him that dwells within. A heart in every thought renewed, And filled with love divine ; Perfect and right, and pure and good ; A copy, Lord, of Thine. Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart, Come quickly from above : Write Thy new name upon my heart. Thy new, best name of Love. 230 RENEW A RIGHT SPIRIT WITHIN ME." RENEW A RIGHT SPIRIT WITHIN ME." RACIOUS Spirit, dwell within me, I myself would gracious be ; And with words that help and heal, Would Thy life in mine reveal; And with actions bold and meek, Would for Christ, my Saviour, speak. Truthful Spirit, dwell with me, I myself would truthful be ; And with wisdom kind and clear, Let Thy life in mine appear, And with, actions brotherly, Speak my Lord's sincerity. Tender Spirit, dwell with me, I myself would tender be ; Shut my heart up like a flower At temptation's darksome hour; Open it when shines the Sun, And His love by fragrance own. Silent Spirit, dwell with me, I myself would quiet be ; Quiet as the growing blade That through earth its way has made, 231 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Silently, like morning light, Putting mists and chills to flight. Mighty Spirit, dwell with me, I myself would mighty be ; Mighty so as to prevail Where, unaided, man must fail; Ever, by a mighty hope. Pressing on and bearing up. Holy Spirit, dwell with me, I myself would holy be ; Separate from sin, I would Choose and cherish all things good, And whatever I can be, Give to Him, who gave me Thee. Lynch. 232 LOVE ST THOU ME? "LOVEST THOU ME?" OVEST thou Me ? " I hear my Saviour say : Would that my heart had power to answer, " Yea, Thou knowest all things. Lord, in heaven above And earth beneath ; Thou knowest that I love." But 'tis not so ; in word, in deed, in thought, I do not, cannot, love Thee as I ought ; Thy love must give that power, Thy love alone ; There's nothing worthy of Thee but Thine own ; Lord, with the love wherewith Thou lovest me. Reflected on Thyself, I would love Thee. J. Montgomery. ^^k 233 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. HIDE ME UNDER THE SHADOW OF THY WINGS." TILL nigh me, O my Saviour, stand, And guard in fierce temptation's hour ; Hide in the hollow of Thy hand; Show forth in me Thy saving power : Still be Thine arm my sure defence, Nor earth nor hell shall pluck me thence; In suffering be Thy love my peace ! In weakness be Thy love my power ! And when the storms of life shall cease, Jesus, in that important hour, In death, as life, be Thou my guide. And save me, who for me hast died. 234 '=L-.»J \^lf THE HOUSE OF GOD. " Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not!''' Gen. xxviii. i6. NCE slow and sad the evening fell On desert path, on lonely dell, As, sad and desolate, One laid him down to sleep alone, His couch the sand, his pillow stone. The morning-tide to wait. But gleamed before his dazzled sight A radiance more than morning light. From opened portals given ; And on his charmed ear there rung A sound more sweet than matin song — The choral hymns of heaven. He saw the glory of that place Whose light is God the aviour's face. He saw its dwellers fair ; And learnt that — desolate, alone, A wanderer from his father's home — God's presence still was there. 235 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. So we, (though often worn, opprest, We wander, seeking home and rest,) In sorrow's darkest hour, May see, as Jacob saw of old, God's sunbeams, bright and manifold, The shades of night o'erpower. For not in temple hoar alone, In cloistered shade, 'neath sculptured stone Stands now God's house below; But wheresoe'er His radiance bright Gleams on our darkness and 'tis light, His presence we may know. Transfigured in His glory fair The whole earth stands, one house of prayer, One ante-room of heaven ; For surely, though we know it not, God's presence is in every spot, To those who seek it given. Then let us strive, and work, and wait. As those who see that opened gate, That glory in our night; So that at last, through Christ the way, We too may tread that land of day, Where God, the Lord, is light. L, R. 236 PARAPHRASE ON PSALM LXXXIV. PARAPHRASE ON PSALM LXXXIV. LEAS ANT are Thy courts above, In the land of hght and love ; Pleasant are Thy courts below In this land of sin and woe. Oh, my spirit longs and faints For the converse of Thy saints ; For the brightness of Thy face, King of glory, God of grace ! Happy birds that sing and fly Round Thine altars, O Most High ! Happier souls that find a rest In a heavenly Father's breast ! Like the wandering dove that found No repose on earth around, They can to their ark repair, And enjoy it ever there. 237 CHRISTIAN LYRICS, Happy souls, their praises flow Ever in this vale of woe ; Waters in the desert rise, Manna feeds them from the skies ; On they go from strength to strength, Till they reach Thy throne at length, At Thy feet adoring fall Who hast led them safe through all. Lord, be mine this prize to win, Guide me through a world of sin, Keep me by Thy saving grace, Give me at Thy side a place. Sun and Shield alike Thou art; Guide and guard my erring heart : Grace and glory flow from Thee ; Shower, oh shower them, Lord, on ms ! H. F. Lyte. 238 THE EXILE'S VISION. ^f|j[w/HE blue Egean's countless waves in Sabbath f|ip sunlight smiled, And murmuring washed the rocky shore of that lone island wild, Where unto him, *'whom Jesus loved," such views sub- lime were given, That e'en the land of exile shone "the very gate of heaven ! " He saw the radiant form of Him, upon whose sorrowing breast, At the Last Supper's solemn feast, his weary head found rest ; One " like unto the Son of man," all glorious to behold. Arrayed in robes of dazzling light, and girt with purest gold. 239 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. His head and hair were white as wool ; His eyes a fiery- flame, Not tearful now as when He trod this world of sin and shame ; His countenance was as the sun, His voice was as the sound Of many waters, murmuring deep in harmony profound. But when before His feet, as dead, the loved disciple fell, How gently deigned the Prince of life His servant's fears to quell ! And give Him strength to see his face, whom highest heavens adore, The Lord, who "hveth, and was dead," and lives for evermore ! Oh ! then upon his raptured gaze what floods of glory streamed ; He saw the land of love and light — the home of the redeemed ; He stood by life's resplendent stream, whose tide in music rolled Throughout the holy city's length among its streets of gold. He heard the mighty new-made song, to angel-hosts unknown, Go up like incense unto Him that sat upon the throne ; And the pure strains by seraphs sung in that celestial sphere. In sweetest cadence rose and fell upon his listening ear. 240 THE EXILE'S VISION. Within the flashing walls of heaven, with jewelled splen- dour bright, He saw the countless multitudes arrayed in saintly white : He marked them with their waving palms, in worship bending low Before the feet of Him who smiled beneath the emerald bow. The pearly gates, the crystal sea, the universal hymn. The sun-bright forms, the brilliant eyes, which tears may never dim. The healing trees, the fadeless flowers, the harpings of the blest, In splendid vision to his soul revealed the promised rest. Long since that aged saint hath reached the fair celestial shore, And gained the martyr's crown, for he the martyr's suf- fering bore; Long since his happy feet have stood within his Father's home, Yet still the mighty voice he heard, with ceaseless cry, saith, "Come!" And life's bright fountain springeth yet, as free, and fresh, and fair, As when in Patmos' dreary isle it cheered the exile there ! And hark ! the Spirit and the Bride repeat in mercy still, That he who is athirst may drink — yea, whosoever will 241 R CHRISTIAN LYRICS. O blessed voices ! be it ours your loving call to hear. And so obey that when, at last, from yonder radiant sphere The heavenly Bridegroom shall descend to claim His own again, We may lift up our heads and say, "Lord, even so, Amen ! " Sunday at Home. PRAY, PRAY, THOU WHO ALSO WEEPEST. RAY, pray, thou who also weepest. And the drops will slacken so. Weep, weep, and the watch thou keepest With a quicker count will go. Think : the shadow on the dial, For the nature most undone, Marks the passing of the trial, Proves the presence of the sun. Look, look up, in starry passion, To the throne above the spheres : Learn : the spirit's gravitation Still must differ from the tear's. 242 PRAY, PRAY, THOU WHO ALSO WEEP EST. Hope : with all the strength thou usest In embracing thy despair. Love : the earthly love thou losest Shall return to thee more fair. Work : make clear the forest-tangles Of the wildest stranger-land. Trust : the blessed deathly angels Whisper, " Sabbath hours at hand ! " By the heart's wound when most gory, By the longest agony. Smile! — Behold in sudden glory The Transfigured smiles on thee f E. B. Browning. 24^ R 2 SABBATH MORNING. IGHT of light, enlighten me, Now anew the day is dawning ; Sun of grace, the shadows flee, Brighten Thou my Sabbath morning. With Thy joyous sunshine blest, Happy is my day of rest. Fount of all our joy and peace. To Thy living waters lead me, Thou from earth my soul release. And with grace and mercy feed me ; Bless Thy word, that it may prove Rich in fruits that Thou dost love. 244 SABBATH MORNING. Kindle Thou the sacrifice That upon my lips is lying; Clear the shadows from mine eyes, That, from every error flying, No strange fire may in me glow That Thine altar doth not know. Let me, with my heart to-day, Holy, holy, holy, singing, Rapt awhile from earth away. All my soul to Thee upspringing, Have a foretaste inly given How they worship Thee in heaven. Rest in me and I in Thee, Build a paradise within me ; O reveal Thyself to me, Blessed Love, who diedst to win me; Fed by Thine exhaustless urn. Pure and bright my lamp shall bum. Hence all care, all vanity. For the day to God is holy : Come, Thou glorious majesty, Deign to fill this temple lowly. Nought to-day my soul shall move, Simply resting in Thy love. Lyra Germanica. 245 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. THE GAIN OF GRIEF. OVE'S very grief is gain ; Thereby each hoUer grows, and heaven is nigher ; Souls that their idols may not here detain, Will follow and aspire. \ Potent is sorrow's breath To quench wrath's fever ; and the hungry will That clutches fame, looks in the face of death, And the wild mien is still. No path of sense may wile arning heart. It asks not if the road Have bays to crown, or odours to beguile, But — does it lead to God ? - Love, purity, repose, Faith cherished, duty done, and wrong forgiven ; — Be these the garland and the staff of those Who have a child in heaven. Athencpiim. i4- 246 " THY WILL BE DONE. "THY WILL BE DONE." ATHER ! that in the olive shade, When the dark hour came on, Didst with a breath of heavenly aid Strengthen Thy Son; Oh ! by the anguish of that night, Send us down blest relief; Oh, to the chastened, let Thy might Hallow this grief. And Thou, that when the starry sky Saw the dread strife begin, Didst teach adoring faith to cry, " Thy will be done ! " By Thy meek spirit, Thou, of all That e'er have mourned, the chief — Thou Saviour ! if the stroke must fall, Hallow this grief. Hemans. m4^. CHRISTIAN L YRICS. N other wise came summer's death Through sunsets long ago, With tender smile, with shortened breath, With autumn's deepening glow. Then softly fell the crimson leaves, And starry jasmine drooped, Then corn prepared for golden sheaves In ripened fulness stooped. Now, sudden dies the year and swift In gasps of bitter pain. Dark morning clouds in tempests drift To evening's sullen rain. A mournful time with time to part, A death-hour scant of cheer. The sun and summer of my heart Fails with the failing year. On the old ash-tree's spreading root Long since the moss is brown ; Long since the last o'er-ripened fruit In withered grass dropped down; 248 A DEATH IN WINTER. Not yet the golden aconite O'er meadow lands is gay, Not yet the swelling buds are white On leafless bough and spray. Storms on my love's new grave must beat, Snow for her pall be given, Who should have passed when daylights meet, And earth is likest heaven; When parted clouds and gentle shower Bring life from out the dust, Till hope in every opening flower Should blossom into trust. Who reads the mystery of death ? Who dares to question life? What voice hath pain and parting breath, .Or the year's closing strife ? Fade, dying days, wail, anguished wind, And feed your grief in vain, I mourn the loss your hours must find, I weep a lifelong pain. Yet love undying still abides When life is waning low. As sap in withered branches hides, As moss beneath the snow. 249 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Not mine, O year, your hopeless woes ; My heart is taught to guess Beyond the prospect that you close Spring's growing perfectness. The blossom from love's buried seed Shall show more fair in heaven, The withered leaves that mock my need For roses shall be given. Hope waits not for the budding corn To know the spring begun, Trust through the darkness feels the morn And sees the ascending sun. Lucy F. Massey. 250 IT IS WELL. IT IS WELL. fi^EVER more ! Like a dream when one awaketh Vanishing away; Like a billow when it breaketh Scattered into spray; Like a meteor's paling ray, Such is man, do all he can ; — Nothing that is fair can stay. Sorrow staineth, man complaineth, Sin remaineth ever more ; Like a wave upon the shore Soundeth ever from the chorus Of the spirits gone before us, " Ye shall meet us, ye shall greet us In the sweet homes of earth, in the places of our birth, • Never more again, never more !" So they sing, and sweetly dying Faints the message of their voices. Dying like the distant murmur, when a mighty host rejoices, But the echoes are replying with a melancholy sighing, Never more again, never more ! Nothing that is fair can stay ; But while death's sharp scythe is sweeping, 251 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. We remember mid our weeping, That a Father-hand is keeping Every vernal bloom that falleth underneath its chilly sway ; And though earthly flowers may perish, There are buds His hand will cherish. And the things unseen eternal, ^hese can never pass away; Where the angels shout, " Hosanna," Where the ground is dewed with manna, These remain and these await us in the homes of heaven for aye ! Far away. Far, far away are the homes wherein they dwell ; We have lost them, and it cost them Many a tear, and many a fear When God forbade their stay : But their sorrow on the morrow Ceased in the dawning of a lighter, brighter day ; And our bliss shall be as certain, when death's awful curtain. Drawn from the darkness of mortal life away. To happy souls revealeth what it darkly now concealeth, Yielding to the glory of heaven's eternal ray. Far, far away are the homes wherein they dwell, But we know that they are blest, and ever more at rest. And we utter from our hearts, " It is well." E. W. Farrar. 252 ONE ARMY OF THE LIVING GOD. ONE ARMY OF THE LIVING GOD. ET saints below in concert sing With those to glory gone ; For all the servants of our King, In heaven and earth, are one. One family, we dwell in Him ; One church, above, beneath. Though now divided by the stream — The narrow stream of death. One army of the living God, To His command we bow; Part of the host have crossed the flood, And part are crossing now. Ten thousand to their endless home This solemn moment fly ; And we are to the margin come, And soon expect to die ! O Jesus ! be our constant guide ; Then, when the word is given, Bid Jordan's narrow stream divide, And land us safe in heaven. CHRISTIAN LYRICS. i?tt>-^ f^ ^^ 0\ AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT. §S eager home-bound traveller to the goal, Or steadfast seeker on an un- searched main, Or martyr panting for an aureole, My fellow-pilgrims pass me, and attain That hidden mansion of perpetual peace Where keen desire and hope dwell free from pain : That gate stands open of perennial ease ; I view the glory till I partly long. Yet lack the fire of love which quickens these. O passing angel, speed me with a song, A melody of heaven to reach my heart And rouse me to the race and make me strong; Till in such music I take up my part, Swelling those hallelujahs full of rest. One, tenfold, hundredfold, with heavenly art. Fulfilling north, and south, and east, and west, Thousand, ten thousandfold, innumerable, All blent in one, yet each one manifest ; Each one distinguished and beloved as well 254 eyk>^ AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT As if no second voice in earth or ^^r^^YSl heaven Were Hfted up the Love of God to tell. Ah, Love of God, which Thine Own ,^J^ Self hast given To me most poor, and made me rich in love, Love that dost pass the tenfold seven times seven. Draw Thou mine eyes, draw Thou my heart above. My treasure and my heart store Thou in Thee, Brood over me with yearnings of a dove ; Be Husband, Brother, closest Friend to me; Love me as very mother loves her son, Her suckling firstborn fondled on her knee ; Yea, more than mother loves her little one; For, earthly, even a mother may forget And feel no pity for its piteous moan : But Thou, O Love of God, remember yet, Through the dry desert, through the water-flood (Life, death), until the Great White ^' Throne is set. 255 ^v. CHRISTIAN L YRICS. If now I am sick in chewing the bitter cud Of sweet past sin, though solaced by Thy And ofttimes strengthened by Thy flesh and blood, How shall I then, stand up before Thy face When from Thine eyes repentance shall be hid And utmost Justice stand in Mercy's place : When every sin I thought, or spoke, or did Shall meet me at the inexorable bar. And there be no man standing in the mid ' To plead for me ; while star fallen after star With heaven and earth are like a ripened shock, And all time's mighty works and wonders are Consumed as in a moment; when no rock Remains to fall on me, no tree to hide, But I stand all creation's gazing-stock Exposed and comfortless on every side. Placed trembhng in the final balances Whose poise this hour, this moment, must be tried ? — Ah Love of God, if greater love than this Hath no man, that a man die for his friend. And if such love of love Thine own Love is, Plead with Thyself, with me, before the end ; Redeem me from the irrevocable past; Pitch Thou Thy presence round me to defend; Yea, seek with pierced feet, yea, hold me fast. With pierced hands whose wounds were made by love. Not what I am, remember what Thou wast When darkness hid from Thee Thy heavens above, And sin Thy Father's face, whilst Thou didst drink 256 FOOTSTEPS OF ANGELS. The bitter cup of death, didst taste thereof For every man ; while Thou wast nigh to sink Beneath the intense intolerable rod, Grown sick of love ; not what I am, but think Thy life then ransomed mine, my God, my God ! Christina Rosse.ti: FOOTSTEPS O'P AN6ELS. HEN the hours of day are nuin- bered, And the voices of the night Wake the better soul, that slumbered. To a holy, calm delight ; Ere the evening lamps are lighted, And, like phantoms grim and tall, Shadows from the fitful fire-light Dance upon the parlour wall ; Then the forms of the departed Enter at the open door; The beloved, the true-hearted, Come to visit me once more : 257 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. He, the young and strong, who cherished Noble longings for the strife. By the road-side fell and perished, Weary with the march of life; They, the holy ones and weakly, Who the cross of suffering bore, Folded their pale hands so meekly. Spake with us on earth no more ! And with them the being beauteous. Who unto my youth was given More than all things else to love me, And is now a saint in heaven. With a slow and noiseless footstep Comes that messenger divine. Takes the vacant chair beside me, Lays her gentle hand in mine. And she sits and gazes at me * ^ With those deep and tender eyes, like the stars, sq still and saintlike. Looking downward from the skies. Uttered not, yet comprehended, Is the spirit's voiceless prayer, Soft rebukes, in blessings ended, Breathing from her lips of air. , THE DAY OF WRATH. Oh ! though oft depressed and lonely, All my fears are laid aside, If I but remember only Such as these have lived and died. Longfellow. THE DAY OF WRATH. ^^HE day of wrath ! that dreadful day, piy^ When heaven and earth shall pass away, What power shall be the sinner's stay? Whom shall he trust that dreadful day? When, shriveUing -like a parched scroll, The flaming heavens together roll ; When, louder yet, and yet more dread, Swells the high trump that wakes the dead ; Oh, on that day, that wrathful .day, When igian ito judgment wakes from clay. Be Thou, O Christ ! the sinner's stay. Though heaven and earth shall pass away. Sir Walter Scott. 259 s 2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS, LOVED AND LOST. IS not when the death-prayer is said The life of life departs : The body in the grave is laid, Its beauty in our hearts. At holy midnight voices sweet Like fragrance fill the room, And happy ghosts with noiseless feet Come brightening from the tomb. We know who sends the visions bright, From whose dear side they came ! We veil our eyes before Thy light. We bless our Saviour's name ! Dim is the light of vanished years In the glory yet to come ; O idle grief ! O foolish tears ! When Jesus calls us home. Like children for some bauble fair That weep themselves to rest, We part with life — awake ! and there The jewel in our breast. yohii IVz/son. 260 TRIBULATION WORKETH PATIENCE. TRIBULATION WORKETH PATIENCE. 1) S the harp-strings only render All their treasures of sweet sound, All their music, glad or tender, Firmly struck or tightly bound ; \S^ So the hei^rts of ,Christip,ns owe Each its deepest, sweetest strain, To the pressure firm of woe, And the tension tight of pain. Spices .crushed th.ir pungence yield, Trodden scents their sweets respire ; Would you have its strength revealed, Cast the incense in the fire. Thus the crushed and broken frame Oft doth sweetest graces yield ; And through suffering, toil, and shame, From the martyr's keenest flame. Heavenly incense is distilled! The Voice of C /wist i an Life in Song. 261 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. CLINGING TO THEE. |OLY Saviour, Friend unseen, fcj Ifi^ll Since on Thine arm Thou bidst me lean, V / ^~~» Help me, throughout life's varying scene, ^^^-^^ By faith to cling to Thee ! Blest with this fellowship divine, ( Take what Thou wilt, I'll ne'er repine, E'en as the branches to the vine My soul would cling to Thee. Far from her home, fatigued, opprest, Here she has found her place of rest ; An exile still, yet not unblest. While she can cling to Thee ! Without a murmur I dismiss My former dreams of earthly bliss; My joy, my consolation this. Each hour to cling to Thee ! What though the world deceitful prove. And earthly friends and joys remove ; With patient, uncomplaining love Still would I cling to Thee! 262 CLINGING TO THEE. Oft when I seem to tread alone Some barren waste with thorns o'ergrown, Thy voice of love, in tenderest tone, Whispers, " Still cling to Me ! " Though faith and hope awhile be tried, I ask not, need not, aught beside ; How safe, how calm, how satisfied, The souls that cling to Thee ! They fear not Satan or the grave, They feel Thee near and strong to save. Nor fear to cross e'en Jordan's wave. Because they cling to Thee 1 Blest is my lot, whate'er befall ; What can disturb me, what appal. Whilst as my Rock, my Strength, my All, Saviour, I cling to Thee ! CHRISTIAN LYRICS. "CAST DOWN, BUT NOT DESTROYED." UCH have I borne, but not as I should bear; The proud will unsubdued, the formal prayer, Tell me Thou yet wilt chide, Thou canst not spare, O Lord, Thy chastening rod ! O help me, Father, for my sinful heart Back from this discipline of grief would start. Unmindful of His sorer, deeper smart, Who died for me, my God ! Yet if each wish denied, each wee and pain, Break but some link of that oppressive chain Which binds us still to earth, and leaves a stain Thou only canst remove — Then am I blest — O bHss from man concealed ! If here to Christ, the weak one's tower and shield, My heart through sorrow be set free to yield A service of deep love. F. F. '^^^^ifi^Q 264 THA NK FULNESS. CT-c^ THANKFULNESS. Y God, I thank Thee, who hast made The earth so bright ; So full of splendour and of joy, Beauty and light ; So many glorious things are here, Noble and right. I thank Thee, too, that Thou hast made Joy to abound ; So many gentle thoughts and deeds Circling us round, That in the darkest spot of earth Some love is found. I thank Thee more that all our joy Is touched with pain ; That shadows fall on brightest hours, That thorns remain ; So that earth's bliss may be our guide. And not our chain. For Thou who knowest, Lord, how soon Our weak heart clings. Hast given us joys tender and true, Yet all with wings, So that we see gleaming on high Diviner things. 265 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. I thank Thee, Lord, that Thou hast kept The best in store; We have enough, yet not too much To long for more : A yearning for a deeper peace Not known before. I thank Thee, Lord, that here our souls, Thoilgh amply blest. Can never find, although they seek, A perfect rest — Nor ever shall, until they lean On Jesu's breast. A, A. Procter. 266 CONTENTMENT. CONTENTMENT. O'ME murmur, when the sky is clear And wholly bright to view, If one small speck of dark appear In their great heaven of blue : And some with thankful love are filled If but one streak of light, Ohe ray of God's good mercy, gild The darkness of their night. In palaces are hearts that ask, In discontent and pride. Why life is such a dreary task. And all good things denied ? And hearts in poorest huts admire How loVe has in their aid (Love that not ever seems to tire) Such rich provision made. Archbishop Trench. 267 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. MIDNIGHT HYMN. N the mid silence of the voiceless night, When, chased by airy dreams, the slum- bers flee, Whom in the darkness doth my spirit seek, .Q Qod, but Thee? And if there be a weight upon my breast, Some vague impression of the day, foregone, Scarce knowing what it is I fly to Thee, And lay it down.' 268 MIDNIGHT HYMN. Or if it be the heaviness that comes In token of anticipated ill — My bosom takes no heed of what it is, Since 'tis Thy will. For oh ! in spite of past and present care — - Or anything beside — how joyfully > Passes that silent solitary, hour, My God, with Thee ! More tranquil than the stillness of the night, More peaceful than the silence of that hour, More blest than anything, my bosom lies Beneath Thy power. For what is there on earth that I desire, Of all that it can give or take from me ? Or whom in heaven doth, my spirit S2ek, O God, but Thee? 269 MORNING HYMN. " ^^^^' OME, my soul, awake, 'tis morning, Day is dawning O'er the earth ; arise and pray. V Come to Him who made this splendour, Thou must render "All thy feeble powers can pay. From the stars now learn thy duty, See their beauty Paling in the golden air : So God's light Thy mists should banish. Thus should vanish What to darkened sense seemed fair. See how everything that liveth, Gladly striveth On the pleasant light to gaze ; 270 MORNING HYMN. Stirs with joy each thing that grosveth, As it knoweth Darkness snaitten by these rays. Soul, thy incense also proffer; Thou shouldst offer Praise to Him, who from thy head Kept afar the storms of sorrow, And the morrow Finds the night in peace hath fled. Bid Him bless what thou art doing, If pursuing Some good end ! but if there lurks 111 intent in thine endeavour, May He ever Thwart and turn thee from thy works. Think that He, the All-discerning, Knows each turning Of thy path, each sinful stain ; Nay, what shame would fain gloss over Can discover; AH thou dost to Him is plain. Bound unto the flying hours Are our powers; Earth's vain good floats down their wave, That thy ship, my soul, is hasting, Never resting. To its haven in the grave. 271 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Pray that when thy Hfe is closing, Calm reposing, Thou may'st die, and not in pain : That, the night of death departed, Thou, glad-hearted, May'st behold the sun again. From God's glances shrink thou never, Meet them ever; Who submits him to His grace, Finds that earth no sunshine knoweth Such as gloweth O'er his' pathway all his days. Wakenest thou again to sorrow. Oh ! then borrow Strength from Him, whose sunlight might On the mountain-summit tarries, And yet carries To the vales their mirth and light. Round the gifts He on thee showers. Fiery towers Will He set; be not afraid, Thou shalt dwell mid angel-legions, In the regions Satan's self dares not invade. Ly7'a Germanica. 272 ''PRAY WITHOUT CEASING:' " PRAY WITHOUT CEASING." '' And he spake a pai'able unto this end, that men ought ahvays to pray pn and not to faint. " WAS long ago in olden time, Christ spake a parable divine, To teach the waiting throng That men ought evermore to pray. And God w(5uld hear and help alvvay Although they waited long. That human voice we may not hear. That music breaks not on our ear. Yet still the words are sure : And many hearts- with grief opprest, Have found them light, and hope, and rest, And trusted there secure. And rises, Lord, this cry to Thee, From weary hearts unceasingly, '* How long, O Lord, how long ! O Thou, the True, the Good, the Great, Have mercy on us desolate ! Is not Thy sceptre strong?" So prayed they, bowed with sorrow down ; While we, whom love and gladness crown. Bend lower still in prayer. With hearts so full we need to pray, " O make us worthy. Lord, alway This weight of love to bear. 273 T CHRISTIAN LYRICS. " O help us mid these beams divine, To think of Thee from whom they shine, By whom all love is given ; To know them but reflections bright Of glory true and infinite, Which floods the fields of heaven." And thus, in happiness or care, Still, Lord, to Thee ascends our prayer, For strength we cry from far; And learn, as Jesus taught of old, In toils and troubles manifold, To trust Thy guiding star. So lead us. Thou to whom we pray, That ever nearer day by day Unto the Christ we come ; And v/here we see the star abide, There — surely trusting in our Guide — May find our rest and home. L. R. THY FACE, LORD, WILL I SEEK. THY FACE, LORD, WILL I SEEK. HEARD the voice of Jesus say, " Come unto Me and rest ; Lay down, poor weary one, lay down Thy head upon My breast ; " I came to Jesus as I was, Weary, and worn, and sad ; I found in Him a resting-place, And He has made me glad. I heard the voice of Jesus say, " Behold I freely give The living water, thirsty one. Stoop down, and drink, and live ; " I came to Jesus, and I drank Of that life-giving stream : My thirst was quenched, my soul revived And now I live in Him. I heard the voice of Jesus say, " I am this dark world's Light ; Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise, And all thy day be bright:" I looked to Jesus, and I found In Him my radiant Sun ; So in the light of Light I live, And glory is begun ! Bonar. 275 T2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. OSEPH A TYPE OF CHRIST. ^-^^^OLD by them that should have )^-^ loved thee, Prisoner in the heathen's land, Given by him that best had proved thee To the dungeon and the band : — From the land of flowers and rain. Borne to Egypt's dewless plain, Leaving tent and pastoral dell. And the sire that loved thee well, And the airs on upland breezy, Where the scented cedars grow, For the servant's toil un- easy, And the captive's weary woe ; — 276 JOSEPH A TYPE OF CHRIST. Out of grief to honour risen, Winning rapture for thy pain, And a palace for thy prison, And a sceptre for thy chain ; — Ruling with a gentle art Over many a grateful heart. Melting with a brother's love Those thine anguish could not move- Wearing graciously thy glory Through the land thy wisdom won — How should Christians read thy story, Aged Israel's favoured son ? As the little sapling tender Shows the great oak waving proud ; As the cold lake burns with splendour From the crimson sunset-cloud ; So in sufferings of thine Trace we out a gift divine. And thy sorrows throb and glow With a pulse of heavenly woe ! Type thou art of One more holy Who His glory laid aside, Took the form of servant lowly, Stooped to suffering man, and died. He was scorned, and sold, and hated By the men He came to save, 277 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. With a cruel wrath un sated, Followed to His three days' grave, — Not one pitying thought for Him, When His failing eye waxed dim, Not one note in sympathy With that love so full and free. When His tender spirit, yearning, Wept those tears of God-like grief O'er the lawless city spurning Help, and safety, and reUef. Now He reigneth high exalted Where the white-robed elders stand, By the great throne rainbow-vaulted. Each with golden harp in hand. Thousand thousand harps adoring. Thousand thousand vials pouring Odours sweet of saintly prayers, That embalm those heavenly airs. Round the Lamb once slain and wounded Breathing till that awful hour, When, by heaven's high host surrounded, He shall come again in power. For behind each image saintly Burns the light of Jesus' name — As the lines lie dim and faintly In the Gothic window-frame, 278 JOSEPH A TYPE OF CHRIST. Till the sunlight touch the pane Rising o'er the fretted fane, And each form and gorgeous hue Starts to sight distinct and true, So doth many a sin-stained creature Catch a glory from Christ's face. And a light is on His feature, That our eye should love to trace. C F. A. 79 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST ^ORIOUS was that primeval light Which poured its golden flood O'er the young earth, when fresh and bright In its first bloom it stood. But, lo ! another light, that shines O'er Bethlehem's midnight sky, On man with richer promise beams, And lovelier scenes draw nigh. Glad tidings of Immanuel's birth The angelic heralds bring ; " Glory to God, and peace on earth. Good will towards men," they 'sing. Rise, then, my soul, and greet the morn Thus sung* by hosts of heaven ; For unto us a Child is born, To us a Son is given. C. E. 280 AN ADVENT HYMN. AN ADVENT HYMN. Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the LordP — Matt. xxi. 9. ■■■fi _. HEN first our Lord came down on earth, He did not scorn like us to be, For He was born of mortal birth, A simple child of low degree. Where Syrian waves are bright and clear, Where Judah's grapes grow large and red, He walked below, and men drew near And heard the holy words He said. But when the Lord shall come again, With angel-hosts encircled round, All earth and heaven shall hail Him then With thunder-peal and trumpet-sound. And, some in joy and some in dread, The sons of men His eye shall meet For all the living and the dead Must stand before His judgment-seat. 281 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. His voice on earth we did not hear, His steps below we could not trace, But when His glory shall appear, We too shall meet Him face to face. For surely as the leaves and flowers In summer time come back again, So surely, as in sultry hours The dark clouds bring the pleasant rain, Shall He who in His lowly love Came down that we might be forgiven. Break glorious through the clouds above. And take His children home to heaven. C. F. H. 282 WHEN HEART AND FLESH FAIL, WHEN HEART AND FLESH FAIL. OWLY and solemn be Thy children's cry to Thee, Father divine I A hymn of suppliant breath, Owning that life and death Alike are Thine. O Father, in that hour, When earth all succouring power Shall disavow ; ^ \.^ When spear, and shield, and crown, In faintness are cast down ; Sustain us. Thou. By Him who loved to take The death-cup for our sake. The thorn, the rod ; From whom the last dismay Was not to pass away ; Aid us, O God. Tremblers beside the grave, We call on Thee to save. Father divine ; Hear, hear our suppliant breath, Keep us, in life and death. Thine, only Thine. He mans, 283 FOR CHRIST'S SAKE. r bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of zvhom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.'''' — Ephes. iii. 15. T> HE quiet Sabbath sunshine played, With soft and loving smile, On those in lowly church who prayed. And dim cathedral aisle. There some in joy, in sorrow some. Beneath that sunshine knelt ; Each with his own request had come. Each heart its burden felt. Yet named they all one sacred name. And saw One presence fair; " For Christ our Saviour's sake," — the name To each far different prayer. While, every joy, and grief, and need, Swelled one united cry, Blending in Him whose name we plead. Our Advocate on high. FOR CHRIST'S SAKE. Until the soft ." My God," which came From every praying heart, Rose but as one '' Our Father," — name Which joins those far apart. So ever, as we nearer rise Towards Him we all would find, We draw more closely still the ties Which heart to heart can bind. That like the union none may know, Of Father and of Son, We all who trust in Him below, In Him may all be one. L. R. 28: CHRISTIAN LYRICS. SONG OF THE ANGELS TO ADAM AND EVE IN PARADISE. AIL! Hail! Hail! Welcome to your realm of beauty, Welcome to your blest abode, Thus with mingled love and duty, We, the elder sons of God, Join our voices to salute ye. Pour our echoing strains abroad ; . Now let triumph ride the gale ; Peace and joy and praise prevail; It is finished ! Hail ! all hail ! Finished is the six-days' wonder ! Since Jehovah's voice of might, ' From the secret place of thunder, Spake the word, and there was light, — We have watched the glad returning Of the day-star to the earth, From the chamber of the morning Marching like a bridegroom forth ; We have watched the grand progression 286 SONG OF THE ANGELS. Of the changes, as they passed, Through each beautiful succession : — Ye the loveHest ! ye the last ! 'Tis the Sabbath of creation ! God upon His throne doth rest ; And His smile of approbation All His perfect work hath blest. Of the mighty lyre of nature Harmonized is every chord ; And the least and loftiest creature Breathes thanksgiving to the Lord. Ye, in whom the beauty liveth, We have longed and watched to view, Praise with us the God who giveth You to us, and us to you : For you, — for ye have a soul like ours ; It heaves in your bosom, it beams through your eye. Baptized in the feelings, endowed with the powers That burn through the depth of eternity. And happy are we, unto whom 'tis given To tend you as guardians, and cheer you as friends ; Happy to speed from our homes in heaven. 287 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. And carry the blessings your Father sends. We will encamp around by night, Your holy rest to keep ; Like the hills that watch in shadowy might, Round the lake so pure and deep. Which, dreaming of distant worlds of light, Lies locked in their arms asleep. And, as that still lake awakes and rejoices, When Zephyr his playmates hath found. That dance to shore with their liquid voices Telling their joy around; — So ye shall awake at our gentle call. From your pillow of fern and heather; And we'll sing to the God and the Father of all Our matin praise together. When past the freshness of the dawning, And spent the spirits of the breeze ; W^hen fiery noon comes down, embrowning The slippery turf beneath the trees. Our wings* shall interweave an awning Of cooler shade than these. And when the sapphire gates of even Open to realms beyond ; When earth to the embrace of heaven Doth glowingly respond ; -\lJ SONG OF THE ANGELS, ETC. When sweet and slumbrous melodies O'er land and water creep, As Nature sits, with half-shut eyes, Singing herself to sleep ; — Ye shall catch the gleam of our golden hair In the wake of the sinking sun ; And we'll wander on earth, or hover in air, With our robes of glory on. And those, whose mission with daylight closes, As homeward they hie them fast. Shall leave you a chaplet of heaven's own roses On the mountain they touched the last. Yet not to the animal taste alone Is our office of love confined ; We will minister pleasures of loftier tone To the subtler sense of mind. In the beauty that woos the eye around. In the music that haunts the ear. Ye shall feel a presence more profound Than aught that ye see and hear. A voice from the ocean's world of wonder, — From the mountain's crest elate, — From the rushing wind, from the rolling thunder CHRTSTIAX LYRICS. Announces "God is great." Where, in the forest's lonely place, The fountain dwells secure, With smiles upon its dimpled face, It tells you "God is pure." The humblest flower, the tiniest creature That creeps, or swims, or flies. Joins with the mightier forms of nature To attest that " God is wise." The blessing with the sunshine given Wakes joy in field and grove ; Heaven speaks to earth, and earth to heaven Makes answer " God is love ! " Thus, borrowing from material things A token and a tone, We'll teach of love, whose secret springs God sees, — and God alone. And would ye know what deeds are done In other worlds afar. And call down teachers many a one From planet and from star ; Delightful task to single out Some twinkling point of light From all the diamonds wreathed about SONG OF THE ANGELS. ETC. The coronal of night ; And draw you of its scenery A landscape grand and strange ; And trace through all its hi-tory The wondrous path of change ! Yet there be vast and dim dominions, — Ocean without a shore, — Which not the boldest angel-pinions Have ventured to explore : And there be mysteries fathomless, Wrought in a realm of fire, Whereat the Cherubim may guess, But have not dared inquire. ' One thing we know, that, ages back. Before your earth was made, There rose a cloud so densely black. It cast e'en heaven in shade : Tliat darkness passed, and light on high Again serenely shone ; But, when we looked along the sky, Ten thousand stars were gone ! Again the angel- watch was set The eternal gates before. But many a face we there had met, We met again no more ! God o'er their fate a veil hath spread. Nor further may we win, Save of its cause a rumour dread, 291 u 2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. That sighed the name of sin. God guard us safe from aught of ill In knowledge or in deed ! To know His love, to do His will,— We ask no higher meed. May nought avert the blessing given His creatures at their birth ; Disturb the harmonies of heaven, Or mar the peace of earth ! From " Ministry of Angels, "" by T. E. Hankinson. JERUSALEM. MOTHER dear, Jerusalem ! When shall I come to thee? When shall my sorrows have an end ? Thy joys when shall I see? O happy harbour of God's saints ! O sweet and pleasant soil ! In thee no sorrows can be found ; No grief, no care, no toil. No dimly cloud o'ershadows thee, No gloom, nor darksome night, But every soul shines as the sun, For God Himself gives light. 292 JERUSALEM. Jerusalem ! Jerusalem, Would God I were with thee ! O that my sorrows had an end : Thy joys that I might see ! Thy walls are made of precious stone, Thy bulwarks diamond square ; Thy gates are made of orient pearl; O God, if I were there ! O my sweet home, Jerusalem ! Thy joys when shall I see ? The King that sitteth on the throne, And thy feHcity? Thy gardens and thy goodly walks Continually are green. Where grow such sweet and lovely flowers As nowhere else are seen. Jerusalem ! Jerusalem ! Thy joys fain would I see ; Come quickly. Lord, and end my griefs, And take me home to Thee. O, in my forehead plant Thy name. And take me hence away ; That I may dwell with Thee in bliss, And sing Thy praise for aye. 293 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. O mother dear, Jerusalem ! When shall I come to thee? When shall my sorrows have an entl ? Thy joys when shall I see? HE NEW JERUSALEM. LESSED city, heavenly Salem, Vision dear of peace and love, Who of living stones art builded. In the height of lieaven above, And, with angel hosts en- circled, As a bride to earth dost move ; From celestial realms descending, Bridal glory round thee shed. Meet for Him Whose love espoused thee, To thy Lord shalt thou be led ; 294 THE NEW JERUSALEM. All thy streets and all thy bulwarks Of pure gold are fashioned. Bright thy gates of pearl are shining, They are open evermore ; And by virtue of His merits Thither faithful souls do soar, AVho for Christ's dear Name in this world Pain and tribulation bore. Many a blow and biting sculpture Polished well those stones elect, In their places now compacted By the heavenly Architect, Who therewith hath willed for ever That His palace should be decked. ^ Praise and honour to the Father, Praise and honour to the Son, Praise and honour to the Spirit, Ever Three and ever One, One in might and One in glory. While eternal ages run. Amen. CHRIST/AN L YRICS. LIFE OF THE BLESSED. EGION of life and light ! Land of the good whose earthly toils are o'er ! Nor frost nor heat may blight Thy vernal beauty, fertile shore, Yielding thy blessed fruits for evermore ! There, without crook or sling, Walks the good Shepherd ; blossoms white and red Round His meek temples cling ; To the sweet pastures led, His own loved flock beneath His eye is fed. He guides, and near Him they Follow delighted, for He makes them go Where dwells eternal May, And heavenly roses blow Deathless, and gathered but again to grow. He leads them to the height Named of the infinite and long-sought good, And fountains of delight ; And where His feet have stood Springs up, along the way, their tender food. LIFE OF THE BLESSED. And when, in the mid skies, The climbing sun has reached his highest bound, Reposing as He Hes, With all His flock around, He 'witches the still air with murmurous sound. From His sweet lute flow forth Immortal harmonies of power to still All passions born of earth, And draw the ardent will Its destiny of goodness to fulfil. Might but a little part, A wandering breath of that high melody, Descend into my heart. And change it till it be Transformed and swallowed up, O Love ! in Thee. Ah ! then my soul should know, Beloved ! where Thou liest at noon of day. And from this place of woe Released, should take its way To mingle with Thy flock and never stray. From the Spanish — . Translated by JV. C. Bryatit. LIGHT SHINING OUT OF DARKNESS. Clouds and darkness are round about Him : righteousness and judgment are the habitation of His throne'' — Psalm xcvi'. 2. OD moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform ; Q He plants His footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomahle mines Of never-falling skill. He treasures up His bright designs, And works His sovereign will. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy, and shall break In blessings on your head. 298 LIGHT SHINING OUT OF DARKNESS. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace ; Behind a frowning Providence He hides a smiling face. His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour ; The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower. Blind unbelief is sure to err, And scan His work in vain ; God is His own interpreter, And He will make it plain. Cowper. 299 COWPER'S GRAVE. T is a place where poets crowned may feel the heart's decaying ; It is a place where happy saints may weep amid their praying ; Yet let the grief and humbleness as low as silence languish ! Earth surely now may give her calm to whom she gave her anguish. O poets ! from a maniac's tongue was poured the deathless singing ^ O Christians ! at your cross of hope, a hopeless hand was clinging ! 300 CO WPER 'S GRA VE. O men ! this man in brotherhood, your weary paths beguihng, Groaned inly while he taught you peace, and died while you were smiling ! And now, what time ye all may read through dimming tears his story, How discord on the music fell, and darkness on the glory. And how, when one by one sweet sounds and wandering lights departed. He wore no less a loving face because so broken-hearted He shall be strong to sanctify the poet's high voc5.tion, And bow the meekest Christian down in meeker adoration ; Nor ever shall he be, in praise, of wise or good forsaken ; Named softly as the household name of one whom God hath taken. Like a sick child that knoweth not his mother while she blesses, And drops upon his burning brow the coolness of her kisses ; That turns his fevered eyes around — " My mother ! where's my mother?" As if such tender words and looks could come from any other ! — 301 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. The fever gone, with leaps of heart, he sees her bending o'er him ; Her face all pale from watchful love, the unweary love sh-e bore him ! — Thus woke the poet from the dream the life-long fever gave him. Beneath those deep pathetic eyes, which closed in death to save him ! — Thus ! oh not thus I no type of earth could image that awaking. Wherein he scarcely heard the chant of seraphs round him breaking, Or felt the new immortal throb of soul from body parted, But felt those eyes alone, and knew " my Saviour, not deserted ! " Deserted I who hath dreamt that when the cross in darkness rested Upon the Victim's hidden face, no love was manifested? What frantic hands outstretched have e'er the atoning drops averted ? What tears have washed them from the soul, that one should be deserted? Deserted ! God could separate from His own essence rather ; And Adam's sins have swept between the righteous Son and Father; 302 THE PRODIGAL Yea, once Immanuel's orphan cry His universe hath shaken ; It went up single, echoless, '-My God, I am forsaken!" It went up from the Holy's lips amid His lost creation, That, of the lost, no son should use those words of desolation ; That earth's worst phrensies, marring hope, should mar not hope's fruition, And I on Cowper's grave might see his rapture in a vision. E. B. Brown in^. THE PRODIGAL. HY feed est thou on husks so coarse and s \M JC- \ I could not be content with angels' ^- ■ food. How camest thou companion to the swine ? loathed the courts of heaven, the choir divine. Who bade thee crouch in hovel dark and drear? I left a palace wide to sojourn here. 303 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Harsh tyrant's slave who made thee, once so free ? A father's rule too heavy seemed to me. What sordid rags hang round thee on the breeze? I laid immortal robes aside for these. An exile through the world who bade thee roam? None, but I wearied of a happy home. Why must thou dweller in a desert be ? A garden seemed not fair enough for me. W^hy sue a beggar at the mean world's door? To live on God's large bounty seemed so poor. What has thy forehead so to earthward brought? To lift it higher than the stars I thought. Archbishop Trench. 304 LOVE. LOVE. OR the love of the truerhearted, Thanks we give Thee, Lord of love ; Truest treasure Thou hast given, Fairest link 'twixt earth and heaven, Sunshine from above. May this love that Thou hast given. Light, and hope, and joy to be; Filling all our lives with meaning, Teaching truest strength in leaning ; Draw us nearer Thee. For the love Thou sendest shows us How that stronger love must glow, By its very depth revealing Other depths of deeper feeling God alone can know. Teaching us of love unuttered, Ever springing, ever new, Whose unfathomed depth and beauty Cheer our sorrows, gild our duty, • Perfect, constant, true. /.. A'. ^^i^^^&^ 305 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. THE DEATH OF THE SAGAMORE. jl^ HE servant of God is on his way 'CI From Boston's beautiful shore ; The boat skims light o'er the silvery bay, The sleeping waters awake and play At the touch of the splash- ing oar. The boat is fast, and over the sod Of the neighbouring wood he hies, Through moor and thicket his path is trod, For he hastens to speak of \ the living God In the ear of the man who dies. The purpose that fills his soul is great As the heart of man may know; 306 THE DEATH OF THE SAGAMORE. Vast as eternity, strong as the gate Which the spirit must pass to a changeless state, To enter on bUss or woe. /^, Where Romney's forest is high and dark The eagle lowers her wing O'er him who once had made her his mark. For the Sagamore, on his bed of bark, Is a perishing, powerless thing. On the door of the wigwam hang the bow. The antlers, and beaver's skin, But he who bore them is faint and low, For death hath given the fatal blow, And a monarch expires within. The eye that glanced, and the eagle fled Away to the fields of air 307 X 2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. The hand that drew, and the deer was dead; The hunter's foot, and the chieftain's tread, And the conqueror's arm, are there. But each his powerful work has done, His triumph at length is past; The final conflict is now begun. And, weeping, the mother hangs over her son, As the Sagamore breathes his last. The queen of Massachusetts grieves That the life of her child must end ; And that is a noble heart which heaves With a mortal pang on the bed of leaves Of the white man's Indian friend. That stately form that lies prostrate there, On those feet that are cold as snow, Hath often sped through the midnight air, A word to the Christian's ear to bear, Of the plot of his heathen foe. And often, while roaming those wilds alone, His generous heart would melt At the touch of a ray of light which shone From the white man's God, till before His throne Almost has the Indian knelt. 308 THE DEATH OF THE SAGAMORE. But the fatal fear, the fear of man, That bringeth to man a snare, Has braced his knee, as it just began To bend ; and the fear of a heathen clan Has stifled the Christian's prayer. But now, like a flood, to his trembling heart Has the fear of a God rushed in \ And keener far than the icy dart That rends the flesh and spirit apart, Is the thought of his heathen sin. To the lonely tent where the chief reclines, As the herald of love draws nigh, I'he Indian shrinks as he marks the signs Of a soul at peace, and the light which shines Alone from the Christian's eye. "Alas!" he cries, in the strange, deep tone Of one in the grasp of death, *' No God have I, I have lost my own, And I go to the presence of thine alone, To scorch in His fiery breath. "That Spirit who made the sky so bright, With the touch of His shining feet, 309 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Who rules the waters, enkindles the light, Imprisons the winds and gives them their flight, I tremble His eye to meet. "When oh, if I openly had confessed, And followed and loved Him here, I now might fly to His arms for rest, Like a weary bird to her downy nest, When the evening shades draw near. "But grant me this one great boon I crave In a dread and an awful hour — When I am gone to my lonely grave, Oh take my son to thy home, and save This beautiful forest-flower. " To the God of thy people, the Holy One, To the path that shall reach the skies; Say, say, that to these thou wilt lead my son, That he may not second the race I have run, Nor die as his father dies." "As his father dies."— With the breath that bore That sorrowful sound hath fled The soul of a king, for the strife is o'er Of the spirit and flesh, and the Sagamore Is numbered with the dead. 310 ''HE BEHELD THE CITY,'' ETC. But hath he not, by his high bequest, Like the penitent on the* tree. The Saviour of dying man confessed, And found the promise to him addrest, "To-day thou shalt be with Me?" " HE BEHELD THE CITY, AND WEPT OVER IT." HY doth my Saviour weep At sight of Sion's bowers ? Shows it not fair from yonder steep, Her gorgeous crown of towers? Mark well His holy pains: 'Tis not in pride or scorn. That Israel's King with sorrow stains His own triumphal mom. It is not that His soul Is wandering sadly on, In thought how soon at death's dark goal Their course will all be run, Who now are shouting round 311 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Hosanna to their chief; No thought like this in Him is found, This were a Conqueror's grief. Or doth He feel the Cross Already in His heart, The pain, the shame, the scorn, the loss? Feel e'en His God depart? No : though He knew full well The grief that then shall be — The grief that angels cannot tell — Our God in agony. It is not thus He mourns ; Such might be martyr's tears. When his last lingering look he turns .On human hopes and fears ; But hero ne'er or saint The secret load might know, With which His spirit waxeth faint ; His is a Saviour's woe. " If thou hadst known, e'en thou, At least in this thy day. The message of thy peace ! but now 'Tis passed for aye away : 312 ''HE BEHELD THE CITY;' ETC. Now foes shall trench thee round, And lay thee even with earth, And dash thy children to the ground, Thy glory and thy mirth." And doth the Saviour weep Over His people's sin. Because we will not let Hira keep The souls He died to win? Ye hearts, that love the Lord, If at this sight ye burn. See that in thought, in deed, in word. Ye hate what made Him mourn. Ch?-istian Year. 313 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY! LORD GOD ALMIGHTY." ,uC^il|OLY, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!" Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee ; Holy, Holy, Holy ! Merciful and Mighty, God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity. Holy, Holy, Holy ! all the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, Which wast, and art, and evermore shalt be. Holy, Holy, Holy ! though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see, Thou alone art Holy : there is none beside Thee Perfect in power, in love, and purity. " Holy, Holy, Holy ! Lord God Almighty ! " All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth, and sky, and sea : Holy, Holy, Holy ! Merciful and Mighty ! God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity. Bishop Heber. ' 3H ' A CRY FROM THE DEPTHS. A CRY FROM THE DEPTHS. ERE in Thy royal presence/ Lord, I stand; I give myself, my all, to Thee; Thou hast redeemed me by Thy precious blood ; Thine only will I be. No love but Thine, but Thine, can me relieve, No light but Thine, but Thine, will I receive, No light, no love, but Thine ! Take, take me as I am ! Thou need'st me not, I know Thou need'st me not at all. All heaven is Thine, all earth, each morning star; High angels wait Thy call. I am the poorest of Thy creatures, I The child of evil and dark misery; Yet take me as I am ! Perhaps Thou overlookest me ; too small A mote of being for Thine eye To rest on, or to care for; far beneath Thine awful majesty. But still I am a thing of life, T know, CHRISTIAN LYRICS. mi And made for everlasting joy and woe ; — Turn not Thine eye away. Perhaps Thou/ dost repent of making me ? And yet, this, O my God, I know, That I am made, made by Thine own great hand. Though least of all below ; Myself I cannot alter or unmake, Oh wilt Thou not this soul of mine new make ? New-make me, O my God. Perhaps for aught of good I am unfit, Most worthless and most useless all ; Yet make me but the meanest thing that lives, Within Thy Salem's wall. I shall be well content, my God, to be, To do, or suffer aught that pleaseth Thee : — Oh cast me not away. It would not cost Thee dear to bless me, Lord : A word would do it, or a sign ; It needs no more from Thee, no more, my God ; Thy words have power divine. And oh, the boundless blessedness to me, Loved, saved, forgiven, renewed and blessed by Thee! Oh speak, oh speak the word ! 316 A CRV FROM THE DEPTHS, Life ebbs apace, my night is coming fast ; My cheek is wan, my hair is grey ; I am not what I was when on me blazed The noon of youth's bright day. Make haste to do for me what thus I plead, Thou the succourer of my great need, O love and comfort me ! 1 know the blood of Thine eternal Son Has power to cleanse even me ; O wash me now in that all-precious blood ; Give my soul purity ; Scatter the darkness, bid the day-star shine. Light up the midnight of this soul of mine ; Let all be song and joy ! Rev. H. Bonar. 317 ALONE, YET NOT ALONE. LONE, alone, ah ! weary soul. In all the world alone I stand, With none to wed their hearts to mine, Or link in mine a loving hand. Ah ! tell me not that I have those Who own the ties of blood and name ; Or pitying friends who love me well. And dear returns of friendship claim. 318 ALONE YET NOT ALONE. I have, I have! but none can heal, And none shall see my inward woe, And the deep thoughts within me veiled No other heart but mine shall know. And yet amid my sins and shames The shield of God is o'er me thrown ; And 'neath its awful shade I feel Alone, — yet, ah, not all alone ! Not all alone ! and though my life Be dragged along the stainbd earth, O God! I feel Thee near me still. And thank Thee for my birth. E. W. Faf-rar. 319 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. THE RETURN. ORE than midway toward the west The low sun approached his rest ; Mists upon the pastures lay, On the slopes a shadow grey, All the bare and sunless trees Drooped forsaken by the breeze. A worn woman, weak and bent, Toward the town in slow descent By the farms and scattered homes Wearily and sadly comes On some purpose fixed and stayed Though with pain each step is made. Sees she any hope of pity In the full heart of the city? Dreams she that a fire is lit Where she soon may hope to sit? At her step will any rise With a welcome in their eyes? 320 '# THE RETURN. Nay, though round her soul there press Ghosts of vanished happiness, Though where'er her steps are bent Once she wandered innocent j Alien through the streets she moves, One who neither fears nor loves. In the city's very heart There abideth, set apart From its tumults manifold, A cathedral grey and old ; Prayer and chaunt within the door. And without a city's roar. See, she presses on to gain This near goal of all her pain ; Stands within the columned nave, Watches on each lettered grave On each tablet-covered wall Coloured sunlights glance and fall. The great organ swells and dies In beseeching harmonies ; Silence falls, until again Sounds the distant sweet "Amen," And the prayers and praises cease With the parting words of peace. 321 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. The last sun-rays slip between Scroll and knot of carved screen ; Up the silent aisle she steals, Low before the altar kneek, The unfrequent tears at last Gathering hotly, falling fast. And she speaks, '' Will He endure, He the Holy and the Pure, That a sinner such as I, Crushed with wilful misery And the guilt of my own loss, Thus should bow before His cross? " I would pray, but know not how ; For my spirit even now. From this hope too late pursued, From these comforts that elude Bids me turn again to sin ; And can I a pardon win ? " The last accents die away, And the evening's shadowy grey Folds her, as she croucheth there On the lowest altar-stair; In the awful silence known. Comes an answer to her moan. 322 THE RETURN, " Child, with weary feet and worn, Through paths bitter and forlorn Thou hast sought escape from Me, I have loved and followed thee ; Fainting not, I onward went To thy land of banishment. "Thee I sought with pleading voice Through each winding of thy choice, Calling thee who would not turn, Giving comfort thou didst spurn ; Blows thou to thyself hast dealt In My bosom first were felt. " Wilt thou yet another space Hide thee from My pitying grace? Wilt thou do a further wrong To the mercy slighted long ? Still misdeeming of My love, Wilt thou fail its depths to prove ? " Wordless sobs were all her prayer From the depth of her despair, Clasping arms that hugged the stone To the heart whence warmth had flown, Agony of contrite grief Humbled to its high relief 323 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. " By the sin Thou, sinless, bore, Save me that I sin no more; By Thy glory laid aside Strip me of my hardened pride ; Take the heart I cannot give, Let me die in Thee to live." Dim through stainbd windows drawn Fell the sunbeams of the morn, Where, on stony pillar prest, The sad heart had throbbed to rest, And with outstretched arms of faith Passed to Paradise through death. Lucy F. Massey. MARY MAGDALENE. LESSED, yet sinful one, and broken-hearted; The crowd are pointing at the thing forlorn, In wonder and in scorn ! Thou weepest days of innocence departed; Thou weepest, and thy tears have power to move The Lord to pity and to love. 324 MARY MAGDALENE. The greatest of thy follies is forgiven, Even for the least of all the tears that shine On that pale cheek of thine. Thou didst kneel down, to Him who came from heaven, Evil and ignorant, and thou shalt rise Holy, and pure, and wise. It is not much that to the fragrant blossom The ragged briar shall change; the bitter fir Distil Arabian myrrh ! Nor that, upon the wintry desert's bosom, The harvest should rise plenteous, and the swain Bear home the abundant grain. But come and see the bleak and barren mountains Thick to their tops with roses : come and see Leaves on the dry dead tree ; The perished plant, set out by living fountains. Grows fruitful, and its beauteous branches rise, For ever, towards the skies. From the Spanish — Translated by IV. C. Bryant. 32^ CHRISTIAN LYRICS. A BRUISED REED SHALL HE NOT BREAK. WILL accept Thy will to do and be, Thy hatred and intolerance of sin, Thy will at least to love, that burns within And thirsteth after Me : So will I render fruitful, blessing still, The germs and small beginnings in thy heart. Because thy will cleaves to the better part. — Alas ! I cannot will. Dost not thou will, poor soul? Yet I receive The inner unseen longings of the soul, I guide them turning towards Me; I control And charm hearts till they grieve. If thou desire, it yet shall come to pass. Though thou but wish indeed to choose My love ; For I have power in earth and heaven above. — I cannot wish, alas ! 326 THE MEDIATOR. What, neither choose nor wish to choose? and yet I still must strive to win thee and constrain : For thee I hung upon the cross in pain, How then can I forget? If thou as yet dost neither love, nor hate, Nor choose, nor wish, — resign thyself, be still Till I infuse love, hatred, longing, will. — I do not deprecate. Christina Rossetti. THE MEDIATOR. OW high Thou art ! our songs can own No music Thou couldst stoop to hear ! But still the Son's expiring groan Is vocal in the Father's ear. How pure Thou art ! our hands are dyed With curses, red with murder's hue. — But He hath stretched His hands to hide The sins that pierced them from Thy view. 327 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. How strong thou art ! we tremble lest The thunders of Thine arm be moved ; But He is lying on Thy breast, And Thou must clasp Thy best-beloved. How kind Thou art ! Thou didst not choose To joy in Him for ever so; Thou that embrace Thou wilt not lose For vengeance, didst for love forego. High God, and pure, and strong, and kind. The low, the foul, the feeble, spare ! Thy brightness in His face we find, Behold our darkness only there. E. B. Browning, LITANY. AVIOUR ! when in dust to Thee Low we bow the adoring knee, When, repentant, to the skies Scarce we lift our weeping eyes; Oh ! by all the pains and woe Suffered once for man below, Bending from Thy throne on high Hear our solemn litany ! 328 LITANY. By Thy helpless infant years, By Thy life of wants and tears, By Thy days of sore distress, In the savage wilderness ; By the dread permitted hour Of the insulting tempter's power, Turn, oh turn a pitying eye — Hear our solemn litany ! By the sacred griefs that wept O'er the grave where Lazarus slept By the boding tears that flowed Over Salem's loved abode; By the anguished words that told Treachery lurked within Thy fold ; From Thy seat above the sky Hear our solemn litany ! By Thine hour of dire despair, By Thine agony of prayer. By the cross, the nail, the thorn, Piercing spear, and torturing scorn. By the gloom that veiled the skies O'er that dreadful sacrifice ; Listen to our humble cry, Hear our solemn litany ! By the deep expiring groan. By the sealed sepulchral stone, 329 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. By the vault whose dark abode Held in vain the rising God ; Oh ! from earth to heaven restored, Mighty, re-ascended Lord, Listen, listen to the cry Of our solemn litany. Lord Glenelg. HEREAFTER. O One alone my thoughts arise, The Eternal Truth,— the Good and Wise, To Him I cry. Who shared on earth our common lot. But the world comprehended not His deity. This world is but the rugged road Which leads us to the bright abode Of peace above ; So let us choose that narrow way, Which leads no traveller's foot astray From realms of love. Our cradle is the starting-place, In life we run the onward race, 330 HEREAFTER. And reach the goal ; When, in the mansions of the blest, Death leaves to its eternal rest The weary soul. Did we but use it as we ought, This world would school each wandering thought To its high state. Faith wings the soul beyond the sky. Up to that better world on high, For which we wait. Yes; — the glad Messenger of love To guide us to our home above. The Saviour came ; Born amid mortal cares and fears, He suffered in this vale of tears A death of shame. From Copias de Manriquc — Translated by Longfellow. 331 A HYMN FOR THE SICK ROOM. UFFERER, lift thy weary eye ! Help is with thee, Christ is nigh ; God regards thee from on high. All thy groans go up as prayers, Through the Spirit's interceding ; Each un worded murmur wears, At God's throne, the air of pleading And in all thy woes He shares. Who was once the Victim bleeding. 332 A HYMN FOR THE SICK ROOM. Though He is, and was, all sinless, He remembers mortal pain ; Holy though He is, and stainless, On His form the scars remain, And He looketh now, though painless. Like a Lamb that hath been slain. He is not a great High Priest In all sympathy deficient, From all human things released. For Himself in all sufficient; To be man He hath not ceased, Though He is, as God, omniscient. All thy bed in all thy sickness. He will make with His kind hands; All thy fainting, fears, and weakness. Anxious thoughts, and fond demands, All thy patience, faith, and meekness, Reach Him where on high He stands. Faint not, then ! God ever listeneth, Answereth ere the cry is sent ; Whom He loveth, those He chasteneth, Taketh what He only lent; For Himself our ripening hasteneth By His sorest punishment. 333 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Need of patience have we all : Only through much tribulation Shall the holiest God doth call Pass through their ordained probation, And no longer dread to fall, Certain of their soul's salvation. Prafessor G. Wilson. %. C^ \ Ik m0Msm A -^fX^ Son of Man ! BEHOLD THE MAN ! OUND upon the accursed tree, Faint and bleeding, who is He ? By the eyes so pale and dim, Streaming blood, and writhing hmb, By the flesh with scourges torn. By the crown of twisted thorn, By the side so deeply pierced, By the baffled burning thirst, By the drooping death-dewed brow, tis Thou, 'tis Thou ! 334 BEHOLD THE MAN ! Bound upon the accursed tree, Dread and awful, who is He? By the sun at noon-day pale, Shivering rocks and rending veil, By earth that trembles at His doom, By yonder saints who burst their tomb. By Eden, promised ere He died To the felon at His side. Lord! our suppliant knees we bow, Son of God ! 'tis Thou, 'tis Thou ! Bound upon the accursed tree, Sad and dying, who is He? By the last and bitter cry. The ghost given up in agony; By the lifeless body laid In the chamber of the dead ; By the mourners come to weep Where the bones of Jesus sleep ; Crucified ! we know Thee now ; Son of Man ! 'tis Thou, 'tis Thou ! Bound upon the accursed tree, Dread and awful, who is He? By the prayer for them that slew, " Lord ! they know not what they do ! By the spoiled and empty grave, By the souls He died to save, 335 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. By the conquest He hath won, By the saints before His throne, By the rainbow round His brow, Son of God ! 'tis Thou, 'tis Thou ! ^&^ "ALL THINGS ARE YOURS." ESUS, I Thy cross have taken, All to leave and follow Thee; Destitute, despised, forsaken, Thou from hence my all shall be; Perish every fond ambition, All I've sought, or hoped, or known; Yet how rich is my condition ! God and heaven are still my own ! Go, then, earthly fame and treasure ! Come disaster, scorn, and pain! In Thy service pain is pleasure ! With Thy favour loss is gain! 336 ''ALL THINGS ARE YOURS P I have called Thee, Abba, Father ! I have stayed my heart on Thee ! Storms may howl and clouds may gather, All must work for good to me. Soul, then know thy full salvation. Rise o'er sin, and fear, and care] Joy to find in every station Something still to ,do or JDear; Think what Spirit dwells within theej What a Father's smije is thine ! What a Saviour died to win thee ! Child of heaven, co.uldst thoy repine? Haste then on from grace to glory, Armed by faith and winged by prayer; Heaven's eternal day before tjliee, God's own hand shall guide thee there. Soon shall close thy earthly mission, Swift shall pass thy pilgrim days; Hope soon change to glad fruition. Faith to sight, and prayer to praise ! 337 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. COMMUNION WITH GOD. ORD, I am come alone with Thee ! Thy voice to hear, Thy face to see, And feel Thy presence near; It is not fancy's lovely dream, Though wondrous e'en to faith it seem, That Thou dost wait me here. A moment from this outward life, Its service, self-denial, strife, I joyfully retreat; My soul, through intercourse with Thee, Strengthened, refreshed, and calmed shall be, Its scenes again to meet. How can it be that one so mean, A sinner, selfish, dark, unclean. Thus in the holiest stands : And in that light divinely pure. Which may no stain of sin endure, Lifts up rejoicing hands? Jesus ! the answer Thou hast given ! Thy death, Thy life, hath opened heaven, And all its joy to me ; Washed in Thy blood — oh wondrous grace ! I'm holy as the holy place In which I worship Thee. 338 COMMUNION WITH GOD. How sweet, how solemn, thus to lie And feel Jehovah's searching eye On me v/ell pleased can rest ! Because with His beloved Son The Father's grace has made me one, I must be always blest. The secret pangs I could not tell To dearest friend, — Thou knowest well, They claim Thy gracious heart; Thou dost remove with tender care, Or sweetly give me strength to bear The sanctifying smart. Thy presence has a wondrous power ; The sharpest thorn becomes a flower, . And breathes a sweet perfume ; Whate'er looked dark and sad before. With happy light shines silvered o'er, — Theire's no such thing as gloom ! Thou know'st I have a cross to bear ; The needful stroke Thou dost not spare, To keep me near Thy side ; But when I see the^ chastening rod In Thy pierced hand, my Lord, my God, I feel so satisfied ! Charlotte Wilkins. 339 Z2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. IN SUFFERING. ATHER, Thy will, not mine, be done ; So prayed on earth Thy suffering Son ; So in His name I pray. The spirit faints, the flesh is weak. Thy help in agony I seek, Oh ! take this cup away. If such be not Thy sovereign will. Thy wiser purpose then fulfil; My wishes I resign ; Into Thy hands my soul commend, Dn Thee for life or death depend ; Thy will be done, not mine. 340 CLEAR SHINING AFTER RAIN. K-fii OMETH sunshine after rain, (^^^^^ After mourning joy again, ^ After heavy bitter grief Dawneth surely sweet relief ! And my soul, who from her height Sank to realms of woe and night, Wingeth now to heaven her flight. None was ever left a prey, None was ever turned away, Who had given himself to God, And on Him had cast his load. Who in God his hope hath placed Shall not life in pain out-waste, Fullest joy he yet shall taste. 341 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Though to-day may not fulfil All thy hopes, have patience still, For perchance to-morrow's sun Sees thy happier days begun ; As God willeth march the hours, Bringeth joy at last in showers. When whate'er we asked is ours. Every sorrow, every smart. That the Eternal Father's heart Hath appointed me of yore. Or hath yet for me in store, As my life flows on Fll take Calmly, gladly, for His sake. No more faithless murmurs make. I will meet distress and pain, I will greet e'en death's dark reign, I will lay me in the grave, With a heart still glad and brave ; Whom the Strongest doth defend, Whom the Highest counts His friend, Cannot perish in the end. Lyra Gei'manica. 'J^^^^^^ ur 342 SOJVGS OF PRAISE. SONGS OF PRAISE. O.VGS of praise the angels sang, Heaven with hallelujahs rang, When Jehovah's work begun, When He spake and it was done. Songs of praise awoke the mom, When the Prince of peace was born ; Songs of praise arose, when He Captive led captivity. Heaven and earth must pass away. Songs of praise shall crown that day : God will make new heavens and earth. Songs of praise shall hail their birth. And will man alone be dumb Till that glorious kingdom come ? No : — the Church delights to raise Psalms, and hymns, and songs of praise. Saints below, with heart and voice, Still in songs of praise rejoice ; Learning here, by faith and love. Songs of praise to sing above. 343 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Borne upon their latest breath, Songs of praise shall conquer death ; Then, amidst eternal joy, Songs of praise their powers employ. Mojitgomery THE i^NGEL OF PATIENCE. Translated from the G(rtn.i??. HROUGHOUT this earth in stillness An angel walks abroad, For consoling in our weakness, He is strengthened of the Lord ! Peace in his look abideth. With a mild and quiet grace. Oh ! follow where he guideth. Follow patience in thy race. He ever truly leads thee Through suffering here below, And, speaking oft to cheer thee, A brighter time he'll show. Does thy heart sink despairing? Thy hope he doth recall, He helps thee in cross-bearing, To good he turneth all. 344 THE ANGEL OF PATIENCE. He calms to quiet sadness The anguish of thy breast ; The heart that was so restless, In humility hath rest. Thy darkest hour of weeping He bringeth by degrees, Though thy wound be slow in healing, He gives thee certain ease. Thy tears no anger cause him, He waiteth to console. He chides not thy desiring, With grace he stills thy soul. When troubles round are raging, Murm'ring thou askest, " Why ? " Voiceless — thy grief assuaging — He smiles and points on high. » Not for all anxious questions Doth he replies prepare. The sum of his monitions, " Endure — soon ends thy care." Thus with thy footsteps blending, His words are few and plain, And his thoughts are only tending To the great, the glorious aim. M. S. M, 345 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. INCOMPLETENESS. OTHING resting in its own completeness Can have worth or beauty : but alone Because it leads and tends to further sweetness, Fuller, higher, deeper, than its own. Spring's real glory dwells not in the meaning, Gracious tliough it be, of her blue hours ; But is hidden in her tender leaning To the summer's richer wealth of flowers. Dawn is fair because the mists fade slowly Into day, which floods the world with light : Twilight's mystery is so sweet and holy. Just because it ends in starry night. Childhood's smiles unconscious graces borrow From strife, that in a far-oft" future lies : And angel-glances (veiled now by life's sorrow) Draw our hearts to some beloved eyes. Life is only bright when it proceedeth 1 owards a truer, deeper life above ; Human love is sweetest when it leadeth To a more divine and perfect love. Learn the mystery of progression duly, Do not call each glorious change decay ; ]kit know we only hold our treasures truly When it seems as if they bad passed away ; 346 THE LORD IS MINDFUL OF HIS OWN. Nor dare to blame God's gifts for incompleteness ; In that want their beauty lies ; they roll Towards some infinite depth of love and sweetness, Bearing onwards man's reluctant soul. A. A. Pi Oder. THE LORD IS MINDFUL OF HIS OWN. OD doth not leave His own ; The night of weeping -for a time may last, Then, tears all past, His going forth shall as the morning shine, The sunrise of His favour shall be thine: God doth not leave His own. God doth not leave His own ; Though few and evil all their days appear. Though grief and fear Come in the train of earth and hell's dark crowd, The trusting heart says, even in the cloud, God doth not leave His own. God doth not leave His own; This sorrow in their life He doth permit, Yea, chooseth it To speed His children on their heavenward way, He guides the winds. — Faith, hope, and love all say, God doth not leave His own. 347 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. NEARER TO THEE. ;EARER, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee, E'en though it be a cross That raiseth me : Still all my song would be. Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. Though, like the wanderer. Daylight all gone, Darkness be over me. My rest a stone ; Yet, in my dreams, I'd be Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. There let the way appear Steps unto heaven ; All that Thou sendest me, In mercy given ; Angels to beckon me Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. Ther, with my waking thoughts Bright with Thy praise, O :t of my stony griefs Bet'.iel I'll raise ; 348 NEARER TO THEE. So by my woes to be Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. Or if on joyful wing Cleaving the sky. Sun, moon, and stars forgot, Upwards I fly : Still all my song shall be, Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. Christ alone beareth me Where Thou dost shine Joint-heir He maketh me Of the divine ! In Christ my soul shall be Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. .S". F. A da If IS. CHRISTIAN LYRICS. UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN." AIL to the Lord's anointed ! Great David's greater Son ! Hail, in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun ! He comes to break oppression. To set the captive free ; To take away transgression, And rule in equity. He comes with succour speedy For those who suffer wrong; To help the poor and needy, And bid the weak be strong ; To give them songs for sighing. Their darkness turn to light. Whose souls, condemned and dying, Were precious in His sight. By such shall He be fearbd While sun and moon endure, Beloved, obeyed, revered, For He shall judge the poor, 350 " UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN:' Through changing generations, With justice, mercy, truth, While stars maintain their stations. Or moons renew their youth. He shall come down like showers Upon the fruitful earth ; And love, joy, hope, like flowers. Spring in His path to birth. Before Him, on the mountains. Shall Peace, the herald, go ; And righteousness, in fountains. From hill to valley flow. Arabia's desert ranger To Him shall bow the knee ; The Ethiopian stranger His glory come to see : With off'erings of devotion, Ships from the isles shall meet, To pour the wealth of ocean In tribute at His feet. Kings shall fall down before Him, And gold and incense bring; All nations shall adore Him, His praise all people sing : For He shall have dominion O'er river, sea, and shore, 351 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Far as the eagle's pinion , Or dove's light wing can soar. To Him shall prayer unceasing And daily vows ascend ; His wisdom still increasing, — A kingdom without end. The mountain-dew shall nourish A seed in weakness sown, Whose fruit shall spread and flourish, And shake like Lebanon. O'er every foe victorious. He on His throne shall rest; From age to age more glorious. All blessing and all blest. The tide of time shall never His covenant remove : His name shall stand for ever; His new, best name of Love. Montgo77ieiy. 352 " WALK IN THE LIGHT." WALK IN THE LIGHT." ALK in the light — and thou shalt own Thy darkness past away, Because on thee the light hath shone In which is perfect day. Walk in the light — and sin abhorred Shall not defile again; The blood of Jesus Christ the Lord Shall cleanse from every stain. Walk in the light— and thou shalt find Thy heart made truly His, Who dwells in cloudless light enshrined ; In whom no darkness is. Walk in the light — so shalt thou know That fellowship of love His Spirit only can bestow Who reigns in light above. Walk in the light — and follow on Till faith be turned to sight, Where, in divine communion, God is Himself the light. 353 A A CHRISTIAN LYRICS. ADORATION. LWAY imploring palms we raise towards heaven As though we drew the consecration down : And miss the holy wells that gush hard by. So men mistakenly look up for dew, 'The while its blessed mist imbathes their fe-et. I'herefore if any flower shall breathe for thee A fragrant message from its pencilled urn ; If spring airs glad thee; if the sunset bring Into thine eyes the tears of solemn joy ; If any radiant passion come to make Existence beautiful and pure to thee ; If noblest music sway thee, like a dream ; If sorrow to a mournful midnight turn Thy noon ; if something deepest in thee wake To a dim sentiment of mystery ; If musing warm to worship ; if the stars Earnestly beckon to immortal life ; Ponder such ministrations, and be sure 'Thou hast been touched by God, O human heart. Truman. -«-^^«K 354 GOD IN EVERYTHING. GOD IN EVERYTHING. The day is Thine, the night also is Thine : Thou hast prepared the light and the sun^ — Ps. Ixxiv. i6. HOU art, O God, the life and light Of all this wondrous world we see ; Its glow by day, its smile by night, Are but reflections caught from Thee ; Where'er we turn, Thy glories shine, 'A^ And all things fair and bright are Thine. When day, with farewell beam, delays Among the opening clouds of even, And we can almost think we gaze Through golden vistas into heaven, Those hues that mark the sun's decline, So soft, so radiant, Lord, are Thine. When youthful spring around us breathes. Thy spirit warms her fragrant sigh, And every flower the summer wreathes Is born beneath that kindling eye, — Where'er we turn, Thy glories shine, And all things fair and bright are Thine. Moore. 355 A A 2 FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE. IVE ! as the morning that flows out of heaven, Give ! as the waves when their channel is riven, Give ! as the free air 'and sunshine are given, Lavishly, utterly, carelessly give : Not the waste drops of thy cup overflowing, Not the' faint sparks of thy hearth ever glowing, Not a pale bud from thy June roses blowing, Give as He gave thee who gave thee to live. Pour out thy love like the rush of a river Wasting its waters for ever and ever, 356 *' FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED;' ETC. Through the burnt sands that reward not the giver, Silent or songful thou nearest the sea. Scatter thy life as the summer- showers pouring; What if no bird through the pearl-rain is soaring ! What if no blossom look upward adoring ! Look to the life that was lavished for thee. Give ! though thy heart be all wasted and wear)', Laid on an altar all ashy and dreary ; Though from its pulses a faint miserere Beats to thy soul the sad presage of fate ; Bind it with cords of unshrinking devotion; Smile at the song of its treiYibling emotion ; 'Tis the stern hymn of eternity's ocean ; Hear! and thy future in silence await. So the wild wind spreads its perfumed caresses. Evil and thankless the desert it blesses; Bitter the wave that its soft pinion presses, Never it ceaseth to whisper and sing, What if the hard heart give thorns for thy roses? What if on rocks thy tired bosom reposes? Sweeter is music with minor-keyed closes, Fairest the vines that on ruins will cling. Almost the day of thy giving is over ; Ere from the grass dies the bee-haunted clover 357 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Thou wilt have vanished from friend and from lover What shall thy longing avail in the grave ? Give ! as the heart gives whose fetters are breaking, Life, love, and hope, all thy dreams and thy waking, Soon heaven's river thy soul-fever slaking, Thou shalt know God and the gift that He gave. FORGIVEN. IND hearts are here ; yet would the tenderest one Have limits to its mercy : God has none, And man's forgiveness may be true and sweet, But yet he stoops to give it. More complete Is love that lays forgiveness at thy feet. And pleads with thee to raise it. Only heaven Means crowned, not vanquished, when it says " Forgiven." A. A. Procter. 358 ..^ REDEEMED. There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one simwr that repenteth.^^ — Luke xv. lo. EDEEMED, redeemed, The word went forth from the Father's throne And a flood of light from His blessed Son Upon the suppliant streamed ; And the angel-host, with one accord, Sent forth a shout and song, For another soul by their blessed Lord Was promised to their throng. Forgiven, forgiven, The words went up as the thunder's roll, And on the humble, trembling soul The echoes fell from heaven; And the angels touched the silver strings Of their harps and caught the word, 359 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Veiled their glad faces with their wings, And bowed before the Lord. Rejoice, rejoice. Great was the sound of joy above, And brighter seemed the realms of love. Sweeter the angels' voice. And all because one weary heart Had courage to be blest, Had taken up the better part. And bathed its wings in rest. HERE AND THERE. HAT no human eye hath seen. What no mortal ear hath heard, What on thought hath never been In its noblest flights conferred — This hath God prepared in store For His people evermore. When the shaded pilgrim-land Fades before my closing eye, Then, revealed on either hand Heaven's own scenery shall lie : Then the veil of flesh shall fall, Now concealing, darkening all. 360 HERE AND THERE. Heavenly landscapes, calmly bright, Life's pure river murmuring low, Forms of loveliness and light, Lost to earth long time ago, — Yes, mine own, lamented long, » Shine amid the angel-throng ! Many a joyful sight was given. Many a lovely vision here. Hill, and vale, and starry even. Friendship's smile, affection's tear, These were shadows, sent in love, Of realities above ! When upon my wearied ear Earth's last echoes faintly die ; Then shall angel-harps draw near. All the chorus of the sky ; Long-hushed voices blend again. Sweetly in that welcome strain. Here were sweet and varied tones. Bird, and breeze, and fountain's fall. Yet creation's travail-groans Ever sadly sighed through all ; There no discord jars the air, Harmony is perfect there. 361 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. When this aching heart shall rest, All its busy pulses o'er, From its mortal robes undrest Shall my spirit .upward soar. Then shall unimagined joy All my thoughts and powers employ. Here devotion's healing balm Often came to soothe my breast, Hours of deep and holy calm, Earnests of eternal rest. But the bliss was here unknown, Which shall there be all my own ! Jesus reigns, the Life, the Sun Of that wondrous world above ; All the clouds and storms are gone, All is light and all is love. All the shadows melt away In the blaze of perfect day ! Hymns from the Land of Luther. 362 A VOICE FROM HEAVEN. A VOICE FROM HEAVEN. SHINE in the light of God, His likeness stamps my brow, Through the shadows of death my feet have trod, And I reign in glory now ! No breaking heart is here, • No keen and thrilling pain, No wasted cheek, where the frequent tear Hath rolled and left its stain. I have found the joys of heaven, I am one of the angel-band ; To my head a crown of gold is given, And a harp is in my hand ! I have learnt the song they sing Whom Jesus hath set free; And the glorious walls of heaven still ring With my new-born melody. No sin, no grief, no pain. Safe in my happy home ! My fears all fled, my doubts all slain, My hour of triumph come. 363 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. O friends of mortal years, The trusted and the true ! Ye are walking still in the vale of tears, But I wait to welcome you. Do I forget?— Oh no! For memory's golden chain Shall bind my heart to the hearts below Till they meet to touch again. P^ach Hnk is strong and bright, And love's electric flame Flows freely down, like a river of light, To the world from which I came. Do you mourn when another star Shines out from a glittering sky? Do you weep when the raging voice of war And the storms of conflict die? Then why should your tears run down, And your hearts be sorely riven, For another gem in the Saviour's crown, Another soul in heaven? 364 GOD'S-ACRE. LIKE that ancient Saxon phrase, which calls The burial-ground God's Acre ! It is just ! It consecrates each grave within its walls, And breathes a benison o'er the sleeping dust. God's-Acre ! Yes, that blessed name imparts Comfort to those who in the grave have sown The seed that they have garnered in their hearts, Their bread of life ; alas ! no more their own. Into its furrows shall we all be cast. In the sure faith that we shall rise again At the great harvest, when the archangel's blast Shall winnow, like a fan, the chaff and grain. 365 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Then shall the good stand in immortal bloom, In the fair gardens of that second birth ; And each bright blossom mingle its perfume With that of flowers which never bloomed on earth. With thy rude ploughshare, Death, turn up the sod, And spread the furrow for the seed we sow ; This is the field and acre of our God, This is the place where human harvests grow ! t Longfellow. THE DREAM. T^ARTED and worn with earthly cares' I yielded to repose, And soon, before my raptured sight, a glorious vision rose : thought, whilst slumbering on my couch in midnight's solemn gloom, heard an angel's silvery voice, and radiance filled the room. A gentle touch awakened me, — a gentle whisper said, " Arise, O sleeper, follow me ;" and through the air we fled. We left the earth so far away that like a speck it seemed, And heavenly glory, calm and pure, across our pathway streamed. 366 THE DREAM. Still on we went, — my soul was wrapped in silent ecstasy ; ^ . I wondered what the end would be, what next should meet mine eye. I know not how we journeyed through the pathless fields of light, When suddenly a change was wrought, and I was clothed in white. We stood before a city's walls, most glorious to behold ; We passed through gates of glistening pearl, o'er streets of purest gold ; It needed not the sun by day, the silver moon by night ; The glory of the Lord was there, the Lamb Himself its light. Bright angels paced the shining streets, sweet music filled the air, And white-robed saints, with glittering crowns, from every clime were there ! And some that I had loved on earth stood with them round the throne, " All worthy is the Lamb," they sang, " the glory His alone." But fairer far than all beside, I saw my Saviour's face ; And as I gazed He smiled on me with wondrous love and grace. 367 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Lowly I bowed before His throne, o'erjoyed that I at last Had gained the object of my hopes, that eardi at length was past. . And then, in solemn tones, He said, " Where is the diadem That should be sparkling on thy brow, adorned with many a gem? I know thou^hast believed on Me, and life through Me is thine; But where are all those radiant stars that in thy crown should shine ? "Thou seest now yonder glorious throng, the stars on every brow ! For every soul they led to Me, they wear a jewel now ! And such thy bright reward had been, if such had been thy deed. If thou hadst sought some wandering feet in path of peace to lead. " I did not mean that thou shouldst tread the way of life alone, But that the clear and shining' light, which round thy footsteps shone, Should guide some other weary feet to my bright home of rest, And thus, in blessing those around, thou hadst thyself been blest." * * -> * -;f 368 THE DREAM. The vision faded from my sight, the voice no longer spake, A spell seemed brooding o'er my soul, which long I feared to break; And when at last I gazed around in morning's glimmering light. My spirit fell o'erwhelmed beneath that vision's awful might. I rose and wept with chastened joy, that yet I dwelt below ; That yet another hour was mine, my faith by works to show; That yet some sinner I might tell of Jesus' dying love, And help to lead some weary soul to seek a home above. And now, while on the earth I stay, my motto this shall be, " To live no longer to myself, but Him who died for me ; " And graven on my inmost soul this word of truth divine, " They that turn many to the Lord bright as the stars shall shine." S. S. Treasury. 369 B B SLEEP. HEN in the silvery moonlight The lengthened shadows fall, And the silence of night is dropping Like gentle dew on all ; When the river's tranquil murmur Doth lulling cadence keep, And blossoms close their weary eyes, He giveth all things sleep. From the little bud of the daisy. And the young bird in the nest, To the humble bed of a peasant-child, All share that quiet rest. 370 SLEEP. It comes to the poor man's garret, And the captive's lonely cell : On the sick man's tossing, feverish couch, It lays a blessed spell. And the Holy One who sends it down, For a healing and a balm, Doth bless it with a mighty power Of peacefulness and calm. He counts the buds that fade and. droop, And marks all those who weep ; And closes weary, aching eyes. With the holy kiss of sleep : The truest comfort he has given For all earth's pain and woe. Until that glorious life beyond Nor tears nor sleep shall know. Mrs. Broderii yjl B B 21 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. BLESS US TO-NIGHT. ATHER of love and power, Guard Thou our evening-hour, Shield with Thy might. For all Thy care this day Our grateful thanks we pay, And to our Father pray. Bless us to-night. Jesus Emmanuel, Come in Thy love to dwell In hearts contrite ; For many sins we grieve, But we Thy grace receive. And in Thy word believe. Bless us to-night. Spirit of truth and love. Life-giving, holy Dove, Shed forth Thy light ; Heal every sinner's smart. Still every throbbing heart. And Thine own peace impart, Bless us to-night. 373 A PSALM OF LIFE. A PSALM OF riFE. ELL me not, in mournful numbers, Life is but an empty dream ; For the soul is dead that slumbers. And things are not what they seem. Life is real ! life is earnest ! And the grave is not its goal ; '' Dust thou art, to dust returnest," Was not spoken of the soul. Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is our destined end 'or way; But to act that each to-morrow Find us further than to-day. Art is long and time is fleeting. And our hearts, though stout and brave. Still like muffled drums are beating Funeral marches to the grave. In the world's broad field of battle, In the bivouac of life, Be not like dumb, driven cattle ! Be a hero in the strife ! 373 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Trust no future, howe'er pleasant ! Let the dead past bury its dead \ Act, — act in the Hving present 1 Heart within, and God o'erhead \ lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time : Footprints that perhaps another, Sailing o'er life's solemn main, A forlorn and shipwrecked brother. Seeing, shall take heart again. Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heatt for any fate ; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labour and to wait. Longfellow. 374 SERVICE. SERVICE. these O Lord ! unhewn stones Piled rudely for Thy mighty towers, And I, condemned to work alone, Possessor of few fleeting hours ; Not on the carven cornices Shall ever mark of mine belong, But I might place the lowest range — Then for my labour make me strong ! I shall not live when this dear race Shall widen to its nobler scope ; Nor dare I say I know my soul Will see fulfilment of its hope ; But if I fail this faith to win, Nor think the crown reserved for me, If these few days be all Thou giv'st. Help them to pass in serving Thee. 375 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. I know not of myself, my soul Is stranger to me than the smile On some beloved face; no lights In future days these days beguile ; I only know I live to learn, To love, to struggle, to endure — When all my sight is swathed in mist, Thou and my work alone are sure ! But art Thou not enough? unseen. Unproved, unknown, but ever near : The days are interfused with Thee, And every day in Thee is dear. Lord of my life ! I dare to live Where thousands of Thy children be, Living to live by Thy dear power. And if I sleep to sleep in Thee ! B. R. Parkes. 376 CONFIDO ET CONQUIESCO. CONFIDO ET CONQUIESCO. ^' Sett J potest ; vult: quid est quod timeamus.^^ — S. Ignatius. RET not, poor soul : while doubt and fear Disturb thy breast, The pitying angels, who can see How vain thy wild regret must be, Say, Trust and Rest. Plan not, nor scheme, — but calmly wait ; His choice is best. While blind and erring is thy sight, His wisdom sees and judges right, So TruLt and Rest. Strive not, nor struggle : thy poor might Can never wrest The meanest thing to serve thy will ; All power is His alone : be still, And Trust and Rest. 377 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Desire not : self-love is strong Within thy breast ; And yet He loves thee better still, So let Him do His loving will, And Trust and Rest. What dost thou fear ? His wisdom reigns Supreme confessed ; His power is infinite ; His love Thy deepest, fondest dreams above — So Trust and Rest. "HE WENT ON HIS WAY REJOICING." HEN we seek with loving heart, Each to act a childlike part. Daily duty, daily care, For our Lord to do or bear ; — All His pleasure to fulfil, Do or suffer all His will, — Serve Him here with earnest love, Till we dwell with Him above, — 378 HE WENT ON HIS WA V REJOICINGr When the ransomed look before, View by faith the heavenly shore, Catch the echo of the song They shall join in there, ere long, — Then, of small account appear Every mortal toil or tear ; Homeward hasting day by day, What are trials by the way? He, the Great High Priest, draws nigh, Brings for every want supply ; Healing oil, and cheering wine, Living water, bread divine. Then together all rejoice. Singing praise with heart and voice ; Finding, ere our work be done. Present heaven on earth begun. Often by our Saviour blest With a sweet sabbatic rest, Every burden we can bear To His heart, and leave it there. And arising, onward haste, When that blessed hour is past, Ready, with uplifted hands. For the Master's next commands.. 379 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Ready, at His midnight call, Joyfully to part from all, — Then, with Him, the festal door Enter, to go out no more ! Hymns from the Land of Lnther, "HE CARETH FOR YOU." LORD, how happy should we be If we could cast our care on Thee, If we from self could rest ; And feel at heart that One above, In perfect wisdom, perfect love, Is workinof for the best. How far from this our daily life, How oft disturbed by anxious strife, By sudden wild alarms ; Oh, could we but relinquish all Our earthly props, and simply fall On Thme Almighty arms ! 380 ''HE CARETH FOR YOUr Could we but kneel and cast our load, E'en while we pray, upon our God, Then rise with lightened cheer ; Sure that the Father, Who is nigh To still the famished raven's cry. Will hear in that we fear. We cannot trust Him as we should ; So chafes weak nature's restless mood To cast its peace away ; But birds and flowerets round us preach, All, all the present evil teach Sufficient for the day. Lord, make these faithless hearts of ours Such lessons learn from birds and flowers. Make them from self to cease, Leave all things to a Father's will, And taste, before Him lying still, E'en in affliction peace. Amen. -^^ 381 THE HOURS. HE hours are viewless angels, That still go gliding by, And bear each minute's record up. To Him who sits on high ; And we, who walk among them, As one by one departs, See not that they are hovering For ever round our hearts. Like summer-bees that hover Around the idle flowers. They gather every act and thought^ Those viewless angel-hours j The poison or the nectar The heart's deep flowercups yield, A sample still they gather swift And leave us in the field. 382 THE HOURS. And some flit by on pinions Of joyous gold-and-blue, And some flag on with drooping wings Of sorrow's darker hue; But still they steal the record, And bear it far away ; Their mission-flight, by day or night, No magic power can stay. And i.% we spend each minute That God to us hath given, The deeds are known before His throne. The tale is told in heaven. Those bee-like hours we see not, Nor hear their noiseless wings; We often feel, too oft, when flown, That they have left their stings. So teach me, heavenly Father, To meet each flying hour, That as they go they may not show My heart a poison flower ! So when death brings its shadows, The hours that linger last Shall bear my hopes on angel wings. Unfettered by the past. C P. Cranch. 383 SILENCE. silence mighty things are wrought — Silently build ed, thought on thought, Truth's temple greets the sky; And like a citadel with towers, The soul, with her subservient powers, Is strengthened silently. Soundless as chariots on the snow The saplings of the forest grow To trees of mighty girth ; Each nightly star in silence burns, And every day in silence turns The axle of the earth. 384 OPEN THOU OUR EYES. The silent frost, with mighty hand, Fetters the rivers and the land With universal chain ; And smitten by the silent sun, The chain is loosed, the rivers run, The lands are free again. O Source unseen of life and light. Thy secrecy of silent might If we in bondage know. Our hearts, like seeds beneath the ground, By silent force of life unbound, Move upward from below. T. T. Lynch OPEN THOU OUR EYES. " ycsus Him self drr.v near, and wept with them.^^ — Luke xxiv. 15. '^'^'"''^'^"^i^^X^ ND He drew near and talked with them, But they perceived Him not. And mourned, unconscious of that light— The gloom, the darkness, and the night That wrapt His burial-spot. Wearied with doubt, perplexed, and sad, They knew nor help, nor guide, While He who bore the secret key To open every mystery. Unknown was by their side. 385 . c c CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Thus often when we feel alone, Nor help nor comfort near, Tis only that our eyes are dim, Doubting and sad we see not Him Who waiteth still to hear. " The darkness gathers overhead, The morn will never come." Did we but raise our downcast eyes. In the white-flushing eastern skies Appears the glpwing sun. In all our daily joys and griefs, In daily work an(J rest, To those who seek Him, Christ is near, Our bliss to calm, to soothe our care, In leaning on His breast. Open our eyes, O Lord, we pray. To see our way — our Guide, hat by the path that here we tread. We, following on, may still be led In Thy light to abide. L. R. 386 DISCOURAGED BECAUSE OF THE WAY. DISCOURAGED BECAUSE OF THE WAY. HE way seems dark about me — overhead The clouds have long since met in gloomy spread, And, when I looked to see the day break through, Cloud after cloud came up with volume new. And in that shadow I have passed along, Feeling myself grow weak as it grew strong, Walking in doubt, and searching for the way, And often at a stand — as now to-day. And if before me on the path there hes A spot of brightness from imagined skies, Imagined shadows fall across it too. And the far future takes the present's hue. Perplexities do throng upon my sight, Like scudding fog-banks, to obscure the light ; Some new dilemma rises every day. And I can only shut my eyes and pray. 387 c c 2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Lord, I am not sufficient for these things, Give me the light that Thy sweet presence brings ; Give me Thy grace, give me Thy constant strength ; Lord, for my comfort now appear at length. It may be that my way doth seem confused, Because my heart of Thy way is afraid ; Because my eyes have constantly refused To see the only opening Thou hast made. Because my will would cross some flowery plain Where Thou hast thrown a hedge from side to side ; And turneth from the stony walk of pain, Its trouble or its ease no't even tried. • If thus I try to force my way along — The smoothest road encumbered is for me ; For were I as an angel, swift and strong, I could not go unless allowed by Thee. And now I pray Thee, Lord, to lead Thy child — Poor wretched wanderer from Thy grace and love ; Whatever way Thou pleasest through the wild, So it but take her to Thy home above. 388 « WHEN I AM weak; THEN AM I STRONG:' WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN AM I STRONG. i^^;^^Wj^^ALF feeling our own weakness, r (JNK lllflSlM We place our hands in Thine, — Knowing but half our darknes-, We ask for light divine. Then, when Thy strong arm holds us. Our weakness most we feel, And Thy love-light around us Our darkness doth reveal. Too oft, when faithless djubtings Around our spirits press, We cry, " Can hands so feeble Grasp such almightiness?" While thus we doubt and tremble, Our hold still looser grows; While on our darkness gazing Vainly Thy radiance glows. 389 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Oh cheer us with Thy brightness, And guide us by Thy hand, In Thy light teach us light to see, In Thy strength strong to stand. Then though our hailds be feeble, If they but touch Thine arm. Thy light and power shall lead us And keep us strong and calm. =%. ROCK OF AGES. OCK of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee : Let the water and the blood, From Thy wounded side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Cleanse me from its guilt and power. Not the labour of my hands Can fulfil Thy law's demands. 390 ROCK OF AGES, Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears for ever flow, All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone. Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress ; Helpless, look to Thee for grace ; Black, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Saviour, or I die. While I draw this fleeting breath, When my eyelids close in death. When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment-throne. Rock of Ages, shelter me, Let me hide myself in Thee. Toplady. 39J CHRISTIAN LYRICS. FAITH IN CHRIST. Y faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Saviour divine. Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away, Oh let me from this day Be wholly Thme. May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart, My zeal inspire ; As Thou hast died for me, Oh may my love to Thee Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire. V While life's dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread, Be Thou my Guide; Bid darkness turn to day. Wipe sorrow's tears away, Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside. 392 LOOK TO JESUS. When ends life's transient dream, When death's cold sullen stream Shall o'er me roll ; Dear Saviour, then in love Fear and distrust remove, And bear me safe above, A ransomed soul. LOOK TO JESUS. ESUS in thy memory keep, Wouldst thou be God's child and friend ; Jesus in thy heart shrined deep. Still thy gaze on Jesus bend ; In thy toiling, in thy resting, Look to Him with every breath, Look to Jesus' life and death. Look to Jesus, till, reviving, Faith and love thy ^fersprings swell, Strength for all good things deriving From Him who did all things well : Work, as He did, in thy season. Works which shall not fade away, Work while it is called to-day. 393 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Look to Jesus, prayerful, waking, When thy feet on roses tread ; Follow, worldly pomp forsaking. With thy cross where He hath led. Look to Jesus in temptation ; Baffled shall the tempter flee, And God's angels come to thee. Look to Jesus when dark lowering Perils thy horizon dim ; By that band in terror cowering, Calm midst tempests look to Him. Trust in Him who still rebuketh Wind and billow, fire and flood; Forward ! brave by trusting God. Look to Jesus when distressed; See what He, the Holy, bore ; Is thy heart with conflict pressed? Is thy soul still harassed sore? See His sweat of blood. His conflict. Watch His agony increase, Hear His prayer, and feel His peace ! Franz hi. 394 A CLOUD FOR A COVERING, ETC. A CLOUD FOR A COVERING AND FIRE TO GIVE LIGHT. HEN Israel of the Lord beloved, Out from the land of bondage came, Her father's God before her moved, An awful Guide in smoke and flame : (^ By day along the astonished lands The cloudy pillar glided slow; By night, Arabia's crimsoned sands Returned the fiery column's glow. Thus present still, though now unseen. When brightly shines the prosperous day, Be thoughts of Thee a cloudy screen, To temper the deceitful ray ! And oh ! when gathers on our path In sh^de and storm the frequent night, Be Thou, long-suffering — slow to wrath, A burning and a shining light. Sir W. Scott. 395 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. ING of kings ! and Lord of lords 1 ' Thus we move, our sad steps timing To our cymbals' feeblest chiming. Where Thy house its rest accords. Chased and wounded birds are we, Through the dark air fled to Thee ; To the shadow of Thy wings, Lord of lords, and King of kings ! Behold ! O Lord ! the heathen tread The branches of Thy fruitful vine, That its luxurious tendrils spread O'er all the hills of Palestine. And now the wild boar comes to waste Even us, the greenest boughs and last, That, drinking of Thy choicest dew. On Zion's hill in beauty grew. No ! by the marvels of Thine hand, Thou still wilt save Thy chosen land ! By all Thine ancient mercies shown. By all our fathers' foes o'erthrown ; By the Egyptian's car-borne host Scattered on the Red Sea coast ; By that wide and bloodless slaughter Underneath the drowning water. ''KING OF KINGS AND LORD OP LORDS. Like us in utter helplessness, In their last and worst distress — On the sand and sea-weed lying, Israel poured her doleful sighing ; While before the deep sea flowed, And behind fierce Egypt rode — To their fathers' God they prayed, To the Lord of Hosts for aid. On the margin of the flood With lifted rod the Prophet stood ; And the summoned east wind blew. And aside it sternly threw The gathered waves, that took their stand Like crystal rocks on either hand. Or walls of sea-green marble piled Round some irregular city wild. Then the light of morning lay On the wonder-pav^d way, Where the treasures of the deep In their ^waves of coral sleep. The profound abysses, where Was never sound from upper air, Rang with Israel's chaunted words, " King of kings ! and Lord of lords ! CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Then, with bow and banner glancing, On exulting Egypt came. With her chosen horsemen prancing, And her cars on wheels of flame, In a rich and boastful ring All around her furious king. But the Lord from out His cloud. He looked down upon the proud; And the host drave heavily Down the deep bosom of the sea. With a quick and sudden swell Prone the liquid ramparts fell; Over horse and over car. Over every man of war, Over Pharaoh's crown of gold, The loud thundering billows rolled. As the level waters spread, Down they sank, they sank like lead, Down without a cry or groan. And the morning sun that shone On myriads of bright-armed men, Its meridian radiance then Cast on a wide sea, heaving, as of yore, Against a silent, solitary shore. Then did Israel's maidens sing, Then d'ld Israel's timbrels ring, 398 ''KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." ' To Him, the King of kings ! that in the sea, The Lord of Hosts ! had triumphed gloriously. And our timbrels' flashing chords, "King of kings ! and Lord of lords !" Shall they not attuned be Once again to victory? * Lo ! a glorious triumph now ! Lo ! against Thy people come A mightier Pharaoh ! wilt not Thou Craze the chariot wheels of Rome? Wilt not, like the Red Sea wave. Thy stern anger overthrow? And from worse than bondage save, From sadder than Egyptian woe,. Those whose silver cymbals glance, Those who lead the suppliant dance, Thy race, the only race that sings " Lord of lords, and King of kings." Fall of Jemsalem. — Dean Milman. 399 MARTYRS' SONG. E meet in joy, though we part in sorrow; We part to-night, but we meet tOrmorrow ; Be it flood or blood the path that's trod, All the same it leads home to God : Be it furnace-fire voluminous, One like God's Son will walk with us. 400 MARTYRS' SONG. What are these that glow from afar, These that lean over the golden bar, Strong as the lion, pure as the dove, With open arms and hearts of love? They the blessed ones gone before, They the blessed for evermore. Out of great tribulation they went Home to their home of Heaven content ; Through flood, or blood, or furnace-fire, To the rest that fulfils desire. What are these that fly as a cloud, With flashing heads and faces bowed. In their mouths a victorious psalm. In their hands a robe and a palm? Welcoming angels these that shine, Your own angel, and yours, and mine ; Who have hedged us both day and night On the left hand and on the. right, Who have watched us both night and day Because the devil keeps watch to slay. Light above light, and Bliss beyond bliss. Whom words cannot utter, lo. Who is This? As a King with many crowns He stands. And our names are graven upon His hands ; As a Priest, with God-uplifted eyes, He offers for us His Sacrifice ; 401 D D CHRISTIAN LYRICS. As the Lamb of God for sinners slain, That we too may live He lives again ; As our Champion behold Him stand, Strong to save us, at God's Right Hand. God the Father give us grace To walk in the light of Jesus' face, God the Son give us a part In the hiding-place of Jesus' heart : God the Spirit so hold us up That we may drink of Jesus' cup. Death is short and life is long ; Satan is strong, but Christ more strong. At His word. Who hath led us hither, The Red Sea must part hither and thither At His word. Who goes before us too, Jordan must cleave to let us through. Yet one pang, searching and sore. And then Heaven for evermore ; Yet one moment, awful and dark, Then safety within the Veil and the Ark ; Yet one effort by Christ His grace, Then Christ for ever face to face. God the Fath^ we will adore, In Jesus' Name, now and evermore : 402 MARTYRS' SONG.^ God the Son we will love and thank In this flood and on the further bank : God the Holy Ghost we will praise, In Jesus' Name, through endless days : God Almighty, God Three in One, God Almighty, God alone. Christina Rossetti. 1 ?if p "'//.'/.'' '''rli \"'v"' \jj.: 7/1 Wk ; : : : U 403 D D 2 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. JESUS. HERE is a name I love to hear, I love to speak its worth \ It sounds like music in mine ear, The sweetest name on earth. It tells me of a Saviour's love, Who died to set me free ; It tells me of His precious blood ; The sinner's perfect plea. It tells me of a Father's smile Beaming upon His child ; It cheers me through this "little while,' Through desert, waste, and^ wild. It tells me what my Father hath In store for every day, And, though I tread a darksome path, Yields sunshine all the way. 404 It tells of one whose loving heart Can feel my deepest woe, Who in my sorrow bears a part, That none can bear below. It bids my trembling soul rejoice, It dries each rising tear; It tells me in a " still small voice," To trust and not to fear. Jesus ! the name I love so well, The name I love to hear ! No saint on earth its worth can tell, No heart conceive how dear. This name shall shed its fragrance still Along this thorny road; Shall sweetly smooth the rugged hill That leads me up to God. And there, with all the blood-bought throng From sin and sorrow free, I'll sing the new eternal song Of Jesus' love for me. F. W. 405 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. A CITY THAT HATH FOUNDATIONS. EYOND the dark and stormy bound That guards our dull horizon round, A loveUer landscape swe'ls; Resplendent seat of light and peace, In thee the sounds of conflict cease, And glory ever dwells. For thee the early patriarch sighed, I'hy distant beauty faint descried. And hailed the blest abode ; A stranger here, he sought a home Fixed in a city yet to come, The city of his God, Oft by Siloa's sacred stream, In heavenly trance and raptured dream, To faithful Israel shown, Triumphant over all our foes, The true celestial Salem rose, Jehovah's pronnsed throne. 406 QUIET FROM GOD. We too, O Lord, would seek that land. Follow the tribes that crowd its strand. From every peril saved; And wake as when, in elder time. Were marshalled all Thy hosts sulplime. And high Thy banner waved. QUIET FROM C7OD. UIET from God, it cometh not still The vast and high aspirings of the soul. The deep emotions that the spirit fill, And speed its purpose onward to the goal. It dims not youth's bright eye. Bends not joy's lofty brow; No guileless ecstasy Need in its presence bow. It comes not in a sullen form to place Life's greatest good in an inglorious rest, Through a dull beaten track its way to trace, And to lethargic slumber lull the breast 407 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Action may be its sphere, Mountain paths, boundless fields, O'er billows its career: This is the strength it yields. To sojourn in the world and yet apart, To dwell with God, and yet with man to feel, To bear about for ever in the heart The gladness that His Spirit doth reveal. Not to deem evil gone , From every earthly scene. To see the storm come on, But feel His shield between. It giveth not a power to human kind To lay all suffering powerless at His feet, But keeps within the temple of the mind A golden altar and a mercy seat, A spiritual ark. Bearing the peace of God Above the waters dark And o'er the desert-sod. How beautiful within our souls to keep This treasure the All-merciful hath given, To feel, when we awake and when we sleep, Its incense round us like a breath from heaven, 408 QUIET FROM GOD. Quiet at heart and home, Where the heart's joys begin, Quiet where'er we roam. Quiet around, within. What shall make trouble? not the adverse minds That like a shadow o'er creation lower; The spirit peace hath so attuned, finds There feelings that may own the Calmer's power. What may she not confer, E'en whilst she must condemn? They take not peace from her, She may speak peace to them. What shall make trouble? not an adverse fate, Not chilling poverty or worldly care ; They who are tending to a better state Want but that peace to make them feel they are; Care o'er life's little day The tempest clouds may roll, Peace o'er its eve shall play, The moonlight of the soul. What shall make trouble? not the holy thought Of the departed— that shall be a part Of the undying things that peace hath wrought Into a world of beauty in the heart : 409 Christian l yrics. Not the forms passed away 'That life's strong current bore ; Though the stream might not stay, The ocean shall restore. What shall make trouble? not slow-wasting pain, Not the impending, certain stroke of death ; These do but wear away, then snap, the chain That binds the spirit down to things beneath : . The quiet of the grave No trouble can destroy, He who is strong to save Shall break it but with joy. ^ 410 SABBATH. FTER long days of storm and showers, Of sighing winds and dripping bowers, How sweet at morn to ope our eyes On newly swept and garnished skies* To miss the cloud and drivmg ram. And see that all is bright again. So bright we cannot choose but say, "Is this the world of yesterday?" E'en so, methinks, the Sabbath brings A change o'er all familiar things ; A change we know not whence it came, They are, and they are not the same. 411 . CHRISTIAN LYRICS. There is a spell within, around, On eye and ear, on sight and sound, And, loth or wilhng, they and we Must own this day a mystery. Sure all things wear a heavenly dress, Which sanctifies their lovehness ; Types of that endless resting-day, When we shall all be changed as they. To-day our peaceful ordered home Foreshadoweth mansions yet to come : We foretaste, in domestic love. The faultless charities above. And as, at yester-eventide. Our tasks and toys were laid aside, So here, we're training for the day When we shall lay them down for aye. But not alone for musing deep, Our souls this " day of days " would keep. Yet other glorious things than these The Christian in his Sabbath sees. His eyes by faith his Lord behold, " How on the week's " first day " of old From hell He rose, on earth He trod. Was seen of men, and went to God. 412 SABBATH. And as we fondly pause to look, When in some daily-handled book Approval's well-known tokens stand, Traced by some dear and thoughtful hand ; E'en so there shines one day in seven. Bright with the special mark of heaven. That we with love and praise may dwell On Him who loveth us so well. Whether in meditative walk Alone with God and heaven we talk, Catching the simple chime which calls Our feet to some old church's walls, — Or, passed within the church's door, Where poor are rich, and rich are poor. We pray the prayers, and hear the word, Which there our fathers prayed and heard. Or represent, in solemn wise, Our all-prevailing Sacrifice, Feeding, in communion high, ^ The life of faith which cannot die. And sivrely, in a world like this, So rife with woe, so scant of bUss, Where fondest hopes are often crossed. And fondest hearts are severed most, — 413 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. 'Tis something that we kneel and pray, With loved ones near and far away, One God, one faith, one hope, one care, One form of words, one hour of prayer. 'Tis past, yet pause till ear and heart, In one brief silence ere we part, Something of that high strain have caught- The peace of God which passeth aught. Then turn we to our earthly homes. Not doubting but that Jesus comes, Breathing His peace on hall and hut, "At even when the doors are shut," — Then speeds us on our earthly way. And hallows every commoti day; Without Him Sunday's self were dim, And all are bright if spent with Him. 414 ''BE YON or " BEYOND." E must not doubt, or fear, or dread, that love for \\^Q is only given, ^ And that the calm and sainted dead will meet estranged and cold in heaven : ) Oh ! love were poor and vain indeed, based on so harsh and stern a creed. True that this earth must pass away, with all the starry worlds of light, With all the glory of the day, and calmer ^^ tenderness oi night ; For in that radiant home can shine alone the immortal and divine. Earth's lower things — her pride, her fame, her science, learning, wealth, and power, Slow growths, that through long ages came, or fruits of some convulsive hour. Whose very memory must decay — heaven is too pure for such as they. 415 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. They are complete : their work is done. So let them sleep in endless rest; Love's life is only here begun, nor is, nor can be, fully blest ; It has no room to spread its wings, amid this crowd of meaner things. Just for the very shadow thrown upon its sweetness here below, The cross that it must bear alone, and bloody baptism of woe. Crowned and completed through its pain, we know that it shall rise again. So if its flame burn pure and bright, here, where our air is dark and dense, And nothing in this world of night lives with a living so intense ; When it shall reach its home at length— how bright its light ! how strong "its strength ! And while the vain weak loves of earth (for such base counterfeits abound) Shall perish with what gave them birth, their graves are green and fresh around, No funeral song shall need to rise, for the true love that never dies. 416 LIVING, If in my heart I now could fear that, risen again, we should not know What was our life of life when here — the hearts we loved so mucji below ; I would arise this very day, and cast so poor a thing away. But love is no such soulless clod: living, perfected, it shall rise Transfigured in the light of God, and giving glory to the skies : And that which makes this life so sweet, shall render heaven's joy complete. A. A. Procter. LIVING. AFTER A DEATH. '* That friend of mine who lives in Gody H live! (Thus seems it we should say to our beloved, Each held by such shght links so oft removed :) ^i)^ And I can let thee go to the world's end; Jp* All precious names, companion, love, spouse, friend "^r Seal up in an eternal silence grey, Like a closed grave, till resurrection-day, All sweet remembrances, hopes, dreams, desires, 417 E E CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Heap, as one heaps up sacrificial fires ; Then turning, consecrate by loss, and proud Of penury — go back into the loud Tumultuous world again with never a moan, Save that which whispers still " My own, my own," Under the same broad sky whose arch immense Enfolds us both like the arm of Providence : And thus contented I could live or die, With never clasp of hand or meeting eye On this side Paradise. — While thee I see Living to God, thou art alive to me. Oh live ! And T, methinks, can let all dear rights go, Fond duties melt away like April snow, And sweet, sweet hopes, that took a life to weave, Vanish like gossamers of autumn eve. Nay, sometimes seems it I could even bear To lay down humbly the love- crown I wear, Steal from my palace, helpless, hopeless, poor, And see another queen it at the door — If only that the king had done no wrong. If this my palace, where I dwelt so long, Were not defiled by falsehood entering in : There is no loss but change, no death but sin, No parting, save the slow corrupting pain Of murdered faith that never lives again. Oh live ! (So endeth faint the low pathetic cry 418 LIVING. Of love, whom death hath taught, love cannot die,) And I can stand above the daisy bed, The only pillow for thy dearest head, There cover up for ever from my siglit My own, my own, my all of earth-delight; And enter the sea-cave of widowed years. Where far, far off, the trembling gleam appears Through which thy heavenly image slipped away, And waits to meet me at the open day. Only to me, my love, only to me This cavern underneath the moaning sea ; This long, long life that I alone must tread; To whom the living seem most like the dead. Thou wilt be safe out on the happy shore ; He who in God lives, liveth evermore. Poems, by the Author of " John Halifax^ ^^ 4T9 E £ 2 FOR EVER WITH THE LORD." SWEET home-echo on the pilgrim's way, Thrice welcome message from a land of light, - ^ As through a clouded sky the moon- "yg beams stray, ' ? So on eternity's deep shrouded night Streams a mild radiance, from that cheering word, "So shall we be for ever with the Lord." At home with Jesus ! He who went before, For His own people mansions to prepare; 420 ''FOR EVER WITH THE LORD:' The soul's deep longings stilled, its conflicts o'er, All rest and blessedness with Jesus there, — What home like this can the wide earth afford? " So shall we be for ever with the Lord." With Him all gathered ! to that blessed home. Through all its windings, still the pathway tends; While ever and anon bright glimpses come Of that fair city where the journey ends ; Where all of bliss is centred in one word, "So shall we be for ever with the Lord." Here kindred hearts are severed far and wide, By many a weary mile of land and sea. Or life's all varied cares, and paths divide ; But yet a joyful gathering shall be. The broken links repaired, the loss restored, " So shall we be for ever with the Lord." And is there ever perfect union here ? Oh ! daily sins lamented and confessed. They come between us and the friends most dear, They mar our blessedness and break our rest. With life we have the evils long deplored, "So. shall we be for ever with the Lord." 421 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. All prone to error — none set wholly free From the old Serpent's soul-ensnaring chain, The truths one child of God can plainly see He seeks to make his brother feel in vain ; But all shall harmonize in heaven's full chord, "So shall we be for ever with the Lord." O precious promise, mercifully given. Well may it hush the wail of earthly woe ; Oh let the dark passage to the gates of heaven The light of hope and resurrection throw ! Thanks for the blessed life-inspiring word, "So shall we be for ever with the Lord." Hymns from the Land of Luther. 422 " THY WILL BE DONE: "THY WILL BE DONE." LORD my God, do Thou Thy holy will— I will lie still — I will not stir, lest I forsake Thine arm, And break the charm Which lulls me, clinging to my Father's breast, In perfect rest. Wild Fancy, peace! thou must not me beguile With thy false smile : I know thy flatteries and thy cheating ways Be silent, Praise, Blind guide with syren voice, and blinding all That hear thy call. Come, Self-devotion, high and pure, Thoughts that in thankfulness endure, Though dearest hopes are faithless found. And dearest hearts are bursting round. Come, Resignation, spirit meek, And let me kiss thy placid cheek. And read in thy pale eye serene Their blessing, who by faith can wean CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Their hearts from sense, and learn to love God only, and the joys above. They say, who know the life divine. And upward gaze with eagle eyne, That by each golden crown on high, Rich with celestial jewelry, Which for our Lord's redeemed is set, There hangs a radiant coronet, All gemmed with pure and living light, Too dazzling for a sinner's sight, Prepared for virgin souls, and them Who seek the martyr's diadem. Nor deem, who to that bliss aspire. Must win their way through blood and fire. The writhings of a wounded heart Are fiercer than a foeman's dart. Oft in Life's stillest sliade reclining. In Desolation unrepining, Without a hope on earth to find A mirror in an answering mind. Meek souls there are, who little dream Their daily strife an Angel's theme, Or that the rod they take so calm .Shall prove in heaven a martyr's palm. " THY WILL BE DONE:' And there are souls that seem to dwell Above this earth — so rich a spell Floats round their steps, where'er they move, From hopes fulfilled and mutual love. Such, if on high their thoughts are set, Nor in the stream the source forget, If prompt to quit the bliss they know. Following the Lamb where'er He go. By purest pleasures unbeguiled To idolize or wife or child; Such wedded souls our God shall own For faultless virgins round His throne. Thus everywhere we find our suffering God, And where He trod May set our steps : the Cross on Calvary Uplifted high Beams on the martyr host, a beacon light In open fight. To the still wrestlings of the lonely heart He doth impart The virtue of His midnight agony, When none was nigh. Save God and one good angel, to assuage The tempest's rage. 425 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Mortal ! if life smile on thee, and thou find All to thy mind, Think, who did once from heaven to hell descend Thee to befriend : So shalt thou dare forego, at His dear call, Thy best, thine all. *'0 Father! not My will, but Thine be done"— So spake the Son. - . Be this our charm, mellowing earth's ruder noise Of griefs and joys : That we may clin^ for ever to Thy breast ^^ In perfect rest ! Christian Year. 426 AS THOU WILT. AS THOU WILT. S Thou wilt, my God ! I ever say ; What Thou wilt is ever best for me ; What have I to do with earthly care, Since to-morrow I may leave with Thee? Lord, Thou knowest, I am not my own, All my hope and help depend on Thee alone. As Thou wilt ! still I can believe ; Never did the word of promise fail ; Faith can hold it fast, and feel it sure Though temptations, clouds, and fears assail. Why art Thou disquieted, O my soul! When thy Father knows, and rules the whole ? As Thou wilt ! still I can endure ; Patiently my daily cross can bear; Why should I complain, a pardoned child, If the children's portion here I share? As Thou wilt, my Father and my God! I can drink the cup, and kiss the rod. As Thou wilt ! still I can hope on ; . Sunshine may return when storms have past; 427 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Thine All-seeing eye of sleepless love Watches o'er my path from first to last. When Thou wilt, upon the desert plain Springs may rise anew, and rivers flow again. ' As Thou wilt^! all life's journey through, To Thy will my own I would resign ; If on earth I have but little store, Be it so ! all heaven shall be mine ; Or if but Thyself, my God, art given, Nothing more I need, or ask in earth or heaven. As Thou wilt ! when Thine hour has come, Let Thy servant, Lord, in peace depart ; Good it is to love and serve Thee here. Better to be with Thee where Thou art, When or where or how the call may be. It will not come too early or too late for me. As Thou wilt, O Lord ! I ask no more. With the promise Faith pursues her way \ Patience can endure through sorrow's night, Hope can look beyond to heaven's own day. Love can wait, and trust, and labour still; — Life and death shall be according to Thy will ! Hymns from the Land of iMther. 428 RABIA, RABIA. OUND holy Rabia's suffering bed The wise men gathered, gazing gravely — Daughter of God ! " the youngest said, " Endure thy Father's chastening bravely ; TJicy who have steeped their souls in prayer Can every anguish calmly bear." She answered not, and turned aside, Though not reproachfully nor sadly : " Daughter of God ! " the eldest cried, " Sustain thy Father's chastening gladly, They who have learnt to pray aright, From pain's dark well draw up delight." Then she spoke out, — "Your words are fair; But, oh ! the truth lies deeper still ; I know not, when absorbed in prayer, Pleasure or pain, or good or ill ; They who God's face can understand Feel not the motions of His hand." Lord Houghton. /•:3fe ;;«si^ 429 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. THE KNIGHT'S VALOUR. (flS harness he hath watched all night ^ alone, Hath spoke the morning's vow and -^ heard the rite : He rises from before the altar-stone A consecrated knight. Slow moves he forth, his hand on his sword's hilt, With dintless shield and armour's clashing sound, Eager to fight where richest blood is spilt And noblest foes are found. " I have," he saith, *' a heritage of deeds, The long traditions of a stainless line ; Noble the past, but in Ufe's greater needs ! Be greater valour mine. *'Else wherefore, with my father's name and brow. Bind I his falchion in my knightly belt ! Else why have spoken deep this solemn vow Where all my race have knelt 1 " He rides where armies gather on the plain. "Sir knight, I charge thee stay thy headlong course; 'Tis thine to guard this outpost, draw thy rein And rest thy bleeding horse." 430 THE KNIGHT'S VALOUR. Now, backward borne, the banners of the host Toss like torn sails when all the sea is white : "And must I watch from safe, inglorious post My brethren's fall or flight?" " Loose, if thou wilt, thy casque, and sheathe thy sword ; Look to thy post, but strike no blow to-day; A knight's true honour is to serve his lord. His valour to obey." Again they charge and meet: what means this cry? The foes' strong line gives way, their might is spent; Now guard thy gallant breast, for as they fly Their random shafts are sent. He falls beside his post, for battle girt In mail no other blood than his hath stained. God rest thy soul, a valiant knight thou wert. Thy victory is gained. Lucy F. Massey. 431 IN THE FIELD. IGHTING the battle of life ! With a weary heart and head, For in the midst of the strife The banners of joy are fled. Fighting the whole day long — With a very tired hand ; With only my armour strong, The shelter in which I stand. 432 IN THE FIELD. There is nothing left of me If all my strength were shown, So small the amount would be, Its presence would scarcely be known. Fighting alone to-night, With not even a stander-by To cheer me on in the fight, Or to hear me when I cry. Only the Lord can hear. Only the Lord can see The struggle within, how dark and drear, Though quiet the outside be. Lord, I would fain be still And quiet behind my shield ; But make me to love Thy will For fear I should ever yield. Nothing but perfect trust And love of Thy perfect will Can raise me out of the dust, And bid my fears be still. Even as now my hands, So doth my folded will Lie waiting Thy commands Without one anxious thrill. 433 FF CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Lord, fix my eyes upon Thee And fill my heart with Thy love ; And keep my soul till the shadows flee. And the light breaks forth above. THE GOOD FIGHT. CAME and saw, and hoped to conquer, As the great Roman once had done : His was the one hour's torrent-shock of" batde ; My field was harder to be won. I came and saw, but did not conquer, The foes were fierce, their weapons strong ; came, I saw, but yet I did not conquer, For me the fight was sore and long. They said the war was brief and easy, A word, a look, would crush the throng ; To some it may have been a moment's conflict, To me it has been sore and long. They said the threats were coward bluster, To brave men they could work no wrong ; So some may boast of swift and easy battle, To me it has been sore and long. 434 THE GOOD FIGHT. And yet I know that I shall conquer, Though sore and hard the fight may be : I know, I know I shall be more than victor, Through Him who won the fight for me. I fight, not fearful of the issue, My victory is sure and near ; • Yet, not the less, with hand and eye all watchful, Grasp I my buckler and my spear. For I must fight if I would conquer, 'Tis not by fight that fields are won ; And I must conquer if I would inherit The victor's joy, and crown, and throne. 435 ' r !• 2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. THE CHURCH ON EARTH. IS one vast united army, Ruled and governed by Thy hand ; Drawn up ever, watching, waiting, Where the hosts of evil stand. And the battle-cry is sounding, Daily sounding o'er the plain ; And the soft, dim twihght deepens But to wake it up again. Thou hast placed Thyself each soldier, In the rank where he should be. Thou hast sealed him with Thy signet- Made him strong, O Lord, in Thee. Thou hast clothed him in the armour Of Thine own celestial might ; Gleaming softly in the sunshine. In the silent stars of night. 436 THE CHURCH ON EARTH. O'er his head the snow-white banner, With its shining symbol, waves ; And its sweet and holy shadow Every faltering footstep saves. Thou art guiding and directing In Thy wisdom day by day ; Thou dost rule this mighty army With a tender, loving sway. One vast host of one great Ruler ! Though each soul alone must face All the special strife and danger Of his own appointed place. Ay, though none may shun the warfare, Nor his daily cross lay down ; And though each must win his laurels, Each his own immediate crown ; 'Tis one Church — redeemed, united In the person of our Lord ; 'Tis one Church — His Bride beloved — To her first estate restored. We are members of that Body, We are branches of that Vine, We are shafts of that great Temple — With its corner-stone divine. 437 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Many sheep in one fold sheltered, Many links of one great chain, Many soldiers — but one army, On the one great battle-plain. One, and only one, for ever, In this time of earthly strife ; One, and only one, hereafter, In the bright and endless life. Help us, O Thou mighty Saviour, To be fruitful unto Thee, That we keep our place within it Throughout all eternity. Ada Cambridge. 438 A SONG OF THE NIGHT DURING SICKNESS. A SONG OF THE NIGHT DURING SICKNESS. if}^^^^ ELMET of the hope of rest ! p^Ht Helmet of salvation ! ^>7 Jt Nobly has thy towering crest mf^^:^^ Pointed to this exaltation. Yet I will not thee resume, Helmet of the nodding plume ; Where I go no foeman fighteth, Sword or other weapon smiteth ; All content, I lay thee down, I shall gird my brows with an immortal crown. Sword at my side ! Sword of the Spirit : Word of God ! Tiiou goodly blade ! Often have I tried thy merit ; Never hast th.ou me betrayed. Yet I will no further use thee, Here for ever I unloose thed ; Branch of peaceful palm shall be Sword sufficient now for me ; 439 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. " Fought the fight, the victory won," Rest thou here, thy work is done. Shield of faith ! my trembUng heart Well thy battered front has guarded ; Many a fierce and fiery dart From my bosom thou hast warded. But I shall no longer need thee, Never more will hold or heed thee. Fare thee well ! the foe's defeated, Of his wished-for victim cheated ; In the realms of peace and light Faith shall be exchanged for sight. Girdle of the truth of God ! Breastplate of His righteousness ! By the Lord Himself bestowed On His faithful witnesses, Never have I dared unclasp thee. Lest the subtle foe should grasp me; Now I may at length unbind ye, Leave you here at rest behind me ; Nought shall harm my soul equipped In a robe in Christ's blood dipped. Sandals of the preparation Of the news of peace ! 440 A SONG OF THE NIGHT DURING SICKNESS. There must now be separation, Here your uses cease. Gladly shall my naked feet Go my blessed Lord to meet; I shall wander at His side Where the living waters glide ; And these feet shall need no guard On the unbroken heavenly sward. Here I stand of all unclothed, Waiting to be clothed upon By the Church's great Betrothed, By the Everlasting One. Hark ! He turns the admitting key, Smiles in love, and welcomes me ; Glorious forms of angels bright Clothe me in the raiment white, Whilst their sweet-toned voices say, *' For the rest, wait thou till the Judgment Day.' Professor C. Wilson. 441 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. THE STRENGTH OF MY LIFE. O not far from me, O my strength, Whom all my thnes obey ; Take from me anything Thou wilt, 1^'"!. But go not Thou away, — Ahd let the storm that does Thy work Deal with me as it may. • On Thy compassion I repose, In weakness and distress : I will not ask for greater ease, Lest I should love Thee less. Oh, 'tis a blessed thing for me To need Thy tenderness. While many sympathising hearts For my deliverance care, Thou, in Thy wiser, stronger love, Art teaching me to bear — By the sweet voice of thankful song, And calm, confiding prayer. 442 THE STRENGTH OF MY LIFE. Thy love has many a lighted path, No outward eye can trace, And my heart sees Thee in the deep, With darkness on its face. And communes with Thee, mid the storm, As in a secret place, O Comforter of God's redeemed, Whom the world does not see, What hand should pluck me from the flood, That casts my soul on Thee? Who would not suffer pain like mine, To be consoled like me ? When I am feeble as a child, And flesh and heart give way, Then on Thy everlasting strength With passive trust I stay ; And the rough wind becomes a song, And darkness shines like day. Oh, blessed are the eyes that see, Though silent anguish show. The love that in their hours of sleep Unthanked may come and go ; And blessed are the ears that hear, Though kept awake by woe. J^'^ CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Happy are they that learn, in Thee, Though patient suffering teach. The secret of enduring strength. And praise too deep for speech — Peace that no presence from without, No strife within, can reach. There is no death for me to fear. For Christ, my Lord, hath died ; There is no curse in this my pain. For He was crucified ; And it is fellowship with Him That keeps me near His side. My heart is fixed, O God, my strength. My heart is strong to bear; I will be joyful in I'hy love, And peaceful in Thy care. Deal with me, for my Saviour's sake, According to His prayer. No suffering while it lasts is joy, How blest soe'er it be — Yet may the chastened child be glad His Father's face to see; 444 THE STRENGTH OF MY LIFE. And oh, it is not hard to hear What must be borne in Thee ! It is not hard to bear by faith, In Thine own bosom laid, The trial of a soul redeemed, For Thy rejoicing made. Well may the heart in patience rest, That none can make afraid. Safe in Thy sanctifying grace, Almighty to restore — Borne onward — sin and death behind, And love and life before — Oh let my soul abound in hope, And praise Thee more and more ! Deep unto deep may call, but I With peaceful heart will say — Thy loving-kindness hath a charge No waves can take away ; And let the storm that speeds me home, Deal with me as it may. A. L. Warinf^. 445 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. MY DOVES. iKu'fcY little doves have left a nest tl/illfe Upon an Indian tree Whose leaves fantastic take their rest Or motion from the sea ; For, ever there the sea- winds go With sunlit paces to and fro. The tropic flowers looked up to it, The tropic stars looked down, And there my httle doves did sit With feathers softly brown, And glittering eyes that showed their right To general nature's deep delight. And God them taught, at every close Of murmuring waves beyond And green leaves round, to interpose Their choral voices fond, Interpreting that love must be The meaning of the earth and sea. MY DOVES. Fit ministers ! of living loves Theirs hath the calmest fashion, Their living voice the likest moves To lifeless intonation, The lovely monotone of springs And winds and such insensate things. My little doves were ta'en away From that glad nest of theirs, Across an ocean rolling grey. And tempest-clouded a'rs ; My little doves, who lately knew The sky and wave by warmth and blue. And now, within the city prison. In mist and chillness pent, With, sudden upward look they listen For sounds of past content, For lapse of water, swell of breeze. Or nut-fruit falling from the trees. The stir without the glow of passion, The triumph of the mart, The gold and silver as they clash on Man's cold metallic heart, The roar of wheels, the cry for bread, These only sounds are heard instead. CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Yet still, as on my human hand Their fearless heads they lean, And almost seem to understand What human musings mean, (Their eyes with such a plaintive shine Are fastened upwardly to mine !) Soft falls their chant as on the nest Beneath the sunny zone ; For love that stirred it in their breast Has not aweary grown, Vnd 'neath the city's shade can keep The well of music clear and deep. And love that keeps the music, fills With pastoral memories ; All echoings from out the hills, All droppings from the skies, All flowings from the wave and wind Remembered in their chant, I find. So teach ye me the wisest part, My little doves ! to move Along the city-ways with heart Assured by holy love. And vocal with, such songs as own A fountain to the world unknown. y'''"^^ MV DOVES. 'Twas hard to sing by Babel's stream — More hard in Babel's street : But if the soulless creatures deem Their music not unmeet For sunless walls — let 21s begin, Who wear immortal wings within ! To me, fair memories belong Of scenes that used to bless, For no regret, but present song And lasting thankfulness. And very soon to break away Like types, in purer things than they. I will have hopes that cannot fade. For flowers the valley yields ; I will have humble thoughts instead Of silent dewy fields : My spirit and my God shall be My sea-ward hill, my boundless sea. £. B. Browning. 449 GG PEACE. H leave me to my reveries, My own pure sky, my valleys fair, ^My streamlets running where they please, My flowery hills, my forest trees, My blue-waved river flowing there. And let my life that stream beside, Like it pursue its onward way. Far from the loud world's pomp and pride, Not deep, but ever clear its tide, And careless of the future day. 450 PEACE. Thus let it glide on, sweet and slow, Bordered with flowers, tlie hills between. Playing with moss-shreds in its flow, With grasses waving to and fro, With willow branches dropping in. My hours, rocked by each wind that blows. Linked hand in hand steal soft away. In their light track my thoughts unclose, As fast and fresh as grass that grows Beside the trodden public way. They say that life is hard to bear; My God ! it is not so to me : Two angels — poetry and prayer — Like sister's love, like mother's care — Cradle and keep it pure for Thee. Childlike, it still pursues a dream, A hope, a wish, a memory, Like butterfly beside a stream ; And in each morning's sunny gleafti It seeks its own futurity. Drop upon dro]), but honey-sweet, Thus to its share the days are given ; There is not one it fears to meet : O God ! thus doubtless at Thy feet The angels live in heaven. 451 (i G 2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. And when this happy life is run, Death must draw very gently nigh, Like flowers half-faded by the sun, When the long summer day is done, — We only bend our heads and die. And if but Faith and Hope be there, Why what is death? To close our eyes, To concentrate ourselves in prayer. To yield our souls to angels' care, And sleep, to waken in the skies. yoiirnal of Eugenie de Guerin. JL<;2 MV PSALM. MY PSALM, SjWjLL as God wills, who wisely heeds ^ To give or to withhold ; And knoweth more of all our needs Than all our prayers have told. Enough that blessings undeserved Have marked my erring track, That wheresoe'er my footsteps swerved His chastenings turned me back. That death seems but a covered way Which leadeth into light, Wherein no blinded child can stray Beyond the Father's sight. That care and trial seem at last, Through memory's sunset air, Like mountain ranges overpast In purple distance fair. 453 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. That all the jarring notes of life Seem blending in one psalm, And all the angles of its strife Slow rounding into calm. And so the shadows fall apart And so the west winds play, And every window of my heart I open to the day. Whittier. 'REJOICE EVERMORE." lUT how shall we be glad? We that are journeying through a vale of tears, Encompassed with a thousand woes and fears, How should we not be sad ? Angels, that ever stand Within the presence-chamber, and there raise ^The never-interrupted hymn of praise. May welcome this command. 454 ''REJOICE evermore:' Or they whose strife is o'er, Who all their weary length of life have trod, As pillars now within the temple of God, That shall go out no more. But we who wander here, We that are exiled in this gloomy place, Still doomed to water earth's unthankful face With many a bitter tear — Bid us lament and mourn, Bid us that Ave go mourning all the day, And we will find it easy to obey. Of our best things forlorn ; But not that we be glad ; If it be true the mourners are the blest, Oh leave us in a world of sin, unrest, And trouble, to be sad. I spake, and thought to weep, — For sin and sorrow, suffering and crime, That fill the world, ^11 mine appointed time A settled grief to keep. When lo ! as day from night, As day from out the womb of night forlorn, So from that sorrow was that gladness born, Even in mine own despite. 455 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Yet was not that by this Excluded, at the coming of that joy Fled not that grief, nor did that grief destroy The newly risen bliss : But side by side they flow, Two fountains flowing from one smitten heart. And ofttimes scarcely to be known apart — That gladness and that woe; Two fountains from one source, Or which from two such neighbouring sources run, That aye for hvm who shall unseal the one, The other flows perforce. And both are sweet and calm, Fair flowers upon the banks of either blow. Both fertilize the soil, and where they flow Shed round them holy balm. Archbishop Trench. 45^^ JERUSALEM THE GOLDEN, THE SONG OF SONGS. HERE is a song now singing, Catch but its sweet beginning And you will still its notes prolong : For ever, ever learning, Yet never quite discerning The deep, full meaning of the song ! It tells of love undying, Before which grief is flying, Like mists swept by the sun along ! Oh ! how earth's sorrow leaveth ' The heart that here receiveth The holy music of the song. Hymns frofn tJte Land of Luther. JERUSALEM THE GOLDEN. ^^ERUSALEM the Golden, ^^ I languish for one gleam Of all thy glory folden In distance, and in dream ! My thoughts, like palms in exile, Climb up to look and pray 457 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Jerusalem the Golden, Methinks each flower that blows, And every bird a-singing, Of thee some secret knows ! I know not what the flowers Can feel, or singers see. But all these summer raptures Are prophecies of thee. Jerusalem the Golden, When sunset's in the west. It seems thy gate of glory, Thou city of the blest ! And midnight's starry torches, Through intermediate gloom, Are waving with their welcome To thy eternal home. Jerusalem the Golden ! Where loftily they sing, O'er pain and sorrows olden For ever triumphing ! 458 JERUSALEM THE GOLDEN. Lowly may be thy portal, . And dark may be the door, The mansion is immortal — '■ God's palace for His poor. Jerusalem the Golden ! There all our birds that flew, — Our flowers but half-unfolden, Our pearls that turned to dew, — And all the glad life-music, Now heard no longer here, Shall come again to greet us As we are drawing near. Jerusalem the Golden ! I toil on day by day ; . Heart-sore each night, with longing I stretch my hands and pray That midst thy leaves of healing My soul may find her nest, Where the wicked cease from troubling, - The weary are at rest. Gerald Massey. 459 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. O FAIR! O PUREST! SAINT AUGUSTINE TO HIS SISTER. FAIR ! O purest ! be thou the dove That flies alone to some sunny grove, And lives unseen, and bathes her wing, All vestal white, in the limpid spring. There, if the hovering hawk be near, That limpid spring in its mirror clear Reflects him ere he reach his prey, And warns the timorous bird away. Be thou this dove ; Fairest, purest, be thou this dove. The sacred pages of God's own book Shall be the spring, the eternal brook, In whose holy mirror, night and day, Thou'lt study Heaven's reflected ray ] And should the foes of virtue dare. With gloomy wing to seek thee there. Thou wilt see how dark their shadows lie Between Heaven and thee, and trembling fly. Be thou that dove; Fairest, purest, be thou that dove. T. Moore. 460 OH TEACH ME TO LOVE THEE. O OH TEACH ME TO LOVE THEE. H teach me to love Thee, to feel what Thou art, Till, filled with the one sacred image, my heart Shall all other passions disown ; Like some pure temple that shines apart. Reserved for Thy worship alone. In joy and sorrow, through praise and through blame. Thus still let me, living or dying the same,, In Thy service bloom and decay, Like some lone altar, whose votive flame In holiness wasteth away. Though born in this desert, and doomed by my birth To pain and afiiiction, to darkness and death, On Thee let my spirit rely — Like some rude dial, that, fixed on earih. Still looks for its light from the sky. 461 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. TOO -LATE ! .\TE, late, so late ! and dark the night and chill ; f Late, late, so late ! but we can enter still. Too late, too late ! ye cannot enter now. No light had we, for that we do repent ; And, learning this, the Bridegroom will relent. Too late, too late ! ye cannot enter now. No light, so late, and dark and chill the night ; Oh let us in that we may find the light ! Too late, too late ! ye cannot enter now. Have we not heard the Bridegroom is so sweet Oh let us in, though late, to kiss His feet ! No, no, too late ! ye cannot enter now. Tennyson. 462 STAR OF MORN AND EVEN. "k^^ STAR OF MORN AND P:VEN. TAR of morn and even, Sun of Heaven's heaven ; Saviour high and dear, Toward us turn Thine ear; Through whate'er may come, Thou canst lead us home. Though the gloom be grievous, Those we leant on leave us, Though the coward heart Quit its proper part. Though the Tempter come. Thou wilt lead us home. Saviour pure and holy, Lover of the lowly. Sign us with Thy sign, Take our hands in Thine, Take our hands and come. Lead Thy children home. Star of morn and even, Shine on us from heaven, From Thy glory-throne Hear Thy very own ! Lord and Saviour, come. Lead us to our home ! F. T. P die rave. 463 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. THE COVERT OF THY WINGS. > HAT within me and without Hourly on my spirit weighs, Burdening heart and soul with doubt, Darkening all my weary days? In it I behold Thy will, God, Who giveth rest and peace, And my heart is calm and still. Waiting till Thou send release. God ! Thou art my rock of strength. And my home is in Thine arms, Thou wilt send me help at length. And I feel no wild alarms. Sin nor death can pierce the shield Thy defence has o'er me thrown, Up to Thee myself I yield, And my sorrows are Thine own. Thou m.y shelter from the blast, Thou my strong defence art ever ; Though my sorrows thicken fast, Yet I know Thou leav'st me never When my foe puts forth his might. And would tread me in the dust, 464 THE COVERT OF THY WINGS. To this rock I take my flight, And I conquer him through trust. When my trials tarry long, Unto Thee I look and wait, Knowing none, though keen and stron^ Can my faith in Thee abate. And this faith I long have nurst Comes alone, O God, from Thee; Thou my heart didst open first, Thou didst set this hope in me. Christians ! cast on Him your load, To your tower of refuge fly ; Know He is the living God, Ever to His creatures nigh. Seek His ever-open door In your hours of utmost need ; All your hearts before Him pour. He will send you help with speed. But hast thou some darling plan. Cleaving to the things of earth? Leanest thou for aid on man? Thou wilt find him nothing worth. Rather trust the One alone Whose is endless power and love, And the help He gives His own Thou in very deed shalt prove. 465 • H H CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Yea, on Thee, my God, I rest, Letting life float calmly on, For I know the last is best. When the crown of joy is won. In Thy might all things I bear, In Thy love find bitters sweet, And with all my grief and care Sit in patience at Thy feet. O my soul, why art thou vexed? Let things go as e'en they will ; Though to thee they seem perplexed, Yet His order they fulfil. Here He is thy strength and guard, Power to harm thee here has none ; Yonder will He each reward For the works he here has done. Let Thy mercy's wings be spread O'er me, keep me close to Thee ; In the peace Thy love doth shed, Let me dwell eternally. Be my all ; in all I do Let me only seek Thy will. Where the heart to Thee is true All is peaceful, calm, and still. Lyra Germanic a. 466 «/ WILL PLEAD WITH YOU FACE TO FACE:' I WILL PLEAD WITH YOU FACE TO FACE." ^"^ ^^^ ' What view'st thou all around ? <^)(^r^'^^ T is so — ope thine eyes, and see- A desert, where iniquity And knowledge both abound. In the waste howling wilderness The Church is wandering still, Because we would not onward press When close to Sion's hill. Back to the world we faithless turned, And far along the wild, With labour lost and sorrow earned, Our steps have been beguiled. Yet full before us all the while. The shadowing pillar stays, The living waters brightly smile, Th' eternal turrets blaze. Yet heaven is raining angels' bread To be our daily food. And fresh, as when it first was shed, Springs forth the Saviour's blood. From every region, race, and speech, Believing myriads throng. Till, far as sin and sorrow reach. Thy grace is spread along ; 467 0% CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Till sweetest nature, brightest art, Their votive incense bring, And every voice and every heart Own Thee their God and Kins; K r All own ; but few, alas ! will love ; Too like the recreant band That with Thy patient Spirit strove Upon the Red-sea strand. O Father of long-suffering grace, Thou who hast sworn to stay eading with sinners face to face Through all their devious way : How shall we speak to Thee, O Lord, Or how in silence lie ? Look on us, and we are abhorred ; Turn from us, and we die. Thy guardian fire, thy guiding cloud, Still let them gild our wall, Nor be our foes and Thine allowed To see us faint and fall. Too oft, within this camp of Thine, Rebellious murmurs rise ; Sin cannot bear to see Thee shine So awful to her eyes. 468 / WILL PLEAD WITH YOU FACE TO FACE:' Fain would our lawless hearts escape, And with the heathen be, To worship every^ monstrous shape • In fancied darkness free. Vain thought, that shall not be at all I Refuse we or obey, Our ears have heard th' Almighty's call, We cannot be as they. We cannot hope the heathen's doom To whom God's Son is given, Whose eyes have seen beyond the tomb, Who have the key of Heaven. Weak tremblers on the edge of woe, Yet shrinking from true bliss. Our rest must be, "no rest below," And let our prayer be this : " Lord, wave again Thy chastening rod, Till every idol throne Crumble to dust, and Thou, O God, Reign in our hearts alone. *' Bring all our wandering fancies home. For Thou hast every spell. And mid the heathen where they roam, Thou knowest, Lord, too well. 469 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. " Thou know'st our service sad and hard, Thou know'st us fond and frail ; — Win us to be beloved and spared When all the world shall fail. " So when at last our weary days Are well-nigh wasted here, And we can trace Thy wondrous ways In distance calm and clear, "When in Thy love and Israel's sin We read our story true, We may not, all too late, begin To wish our hopes were. new: "Long loved, long tried, long spared as they, Unlike in this alone. That, by Thy grace, our hearts shall stay For evermore Thine own." Christian Year. 470 THE TWINS. THE TWINS. Give, and it shall be given unto youP RAND rough old Martin Luther Bloomed fables — flowers on furze, Ihe better the uncouther: Do roses stick like burrs? "A beggar asked an alms One day at an abbey-door," Said Luther; "but, seized with qualms. The Abbot replied, ' We're poor ! " ' Poor, who had plenty once, When gifts fell thick .as rain : But they give us nought for the nonce. And how should we give again?' " Then the beggar, ' See your sins ! Of old, unless I err, Ye had brothers for inmates, twins, Date and Dabitur. CHRISTIAN LYRICS, " ' While Date was in good case Dabitur flourished too :• Por Dabitur's lenten face, No wonder if Date rue. " * Would ye retrieve the one ? Try and make plump the other! When Date's penance is done, Dabitur helps his brother. " ' Only beware relapse ! ' The Abbot hung his head. This beggar might be, perhaps, An angel," Luther said. R. Browning. 472 THE LAW OF LOVE. Sec 2 Kinss iv. i — 6. OUR forth the oil, pour boldly forth, It will not fail until Thou failest vessels to provide, / Which it may largely fill. Eut then, when such are found no more, Though flowing broad and free rill then, and nourished from on It straightway staunched will be. Dig channels for the streams of Love, Where they may broadly run ; And Love has overflowing streams To fill them every one. But if at any time thou cease Such channels to provide, The very founts of Love for thee Will soon be parched and dried. 473 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. For we must share, if we would keep That good thing from above ; Ceasing to give, we cease to have — Such is the law of Love. Archbishop Trench. "THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH." -J QUIET heart, submissive, meek, Father, do Thou bestow ; Which more than granted will not seek To have, or give, or know. Each green hill then will hold its gift Forth to my joying eyes ; The mountains blue will then uplift My spirit to the skies. The falling water then will sound As if for me alone ; Nay, will not blessing more abound That many hear its tone ? 474 THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTHr The trees their murmuring forth will send ; The birds send forth their song ; The waving grass its tribute lend Sweet music to prolong. The water-lily's shining cup, The trumpet of the bee, The hundred odours floating up, The many-shaded sea, The rising sun's unprinted tread Upon the crested waves, The gold and blue clouds overhead, The weed from far sea-caves. All lovely things from south to north, All harmonies that be, Each will its soul of joy send forth To enter into me. And thus the wide earth I shall hold, A perfect gift of Thine; Richer by these a thousandfold, Than if broad lands were mine. G. MacdoHiild. 475 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. THE KINGDOM OF GOD. SAY to thee, do thou repeat ^JJ^ To the first man thou mayest meet In lane, highway, or open street— ^>):^ That he and we and all men move Under a canopy of love. As broad as the blue sky above ; That doubt and trouble, fear and pain And anguish, all are shadows vain, That death itself shall not remain ; That weary deserts we may tread, A dreary labyrinth may thread, Through dark ways underground be led ; Yet, if we will One guide obey. The dreariest path, the darkest way Shall issue out in heavenly day ; 476 THE KINGDOM OF GOD. And we, on divers shores now cast, Shall meet, our perilous voyage past, All in our Father's house at last. And ere thou leave him, say tliou this, Yet one word more — they only miss The winning of that final bliss. Who will not count it true, that love, Blessing, not cursing, rules above. And that in it we live and move. And one thing further make him know. That to believe these things are so, This firm faith never to forego, Despite of all which seems at strife With blessing, -all with curses rife. That this is blessing, this is life. Archbishop Trench. ^^ Vj»«- 477 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. LOSS AND GAIN. IKE berries on some inner bough, Which swell, grow red, and straight decay, rinding for beauty no employ, Till all their fitness fades away ; Yet join some elemental force And fatten soil for other trees — How often seem our human lives Useless, or useful but as these. Whether, of earthly children, sires. Men toil and store, or whether, crossed In that most ardent of desires. The current of their lives seems lost ; Whether the task be duly done, Or the strong word 'unnoticed fall, God counts His workmen one by one, And surely, too, He uses all. No life is lost, no hope is vain, No prayer without a sequent deed. He turns all seeming loss to gain, And finds a soil for every seed, Some fleeting glance He doth endow, He sanctifies some casual word. Unconscious gifts His children show, • For all is potent with the Lord. 478 LOSS AND GAIN. We only see the outer thing, The secret heart of force ignore ; Lo ! from some harsh ungenial Spring Full Summer blossoms forth the more. Deep He the channels of God's grace Deep lies the mystery of use, He setteth in the chiefest place, That stone the builders all refuse. The links of time are counted up, And all afe nought if one were broken ; He knows the drops in every cup. No word remains as if unspoken ; We do not guess what we achieve, Dim is the ending of our course. Our faintest impulse may receive The aid of supernatural force. Half blind amidst the stir of things. But safe in following out the law. We know not v/hat a moment brings, Nor which way blows the burning straw. When earth's great heart hath ceased to beat, And all is finished as foreshown. Marshalled before the Judgment Seat, T/ien shall we know as we are known. . i?. Parkcs. 479 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. THE WONDROUS WELL. ^m§^^ AME North, and South, and East, and West, S^^^^ Four sages to a mountain crest. '^^^ SwgT Each vowed to search the wide world round, ^^^^^ Until the Wondrous Well be found. And here, as simple shepherds tell, Lies clear and deep the Wondrous Well. Before the crag they made their seat, The polished water at their feet. Said one, " This well is small and mean. Too petty for a village green." Another said, " So smooth and dumb, From earth's deep centre can it come?" ■ 480 THE WONDROUS WELL. The third, " This water seems not rare, Nor even bright, but pale as air." The fourth, " A fane I looked to see ; Where the true well is, that must be." They rose and left the mountain crest. One North, one South, one East, one West. Through many seas and deserts wide. They wandered, thirsting, till they died. The shepherds by the mountain dwell. And dip their pitchers in the Wondrous Well. 481 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. GOOD STEWARDS OF THE MANIFOLD GRACE OF GOD." her 4E Earth that in genial breast ■) Makes for the down a 1 kindly nest, Where wafted by the warm south-west It floats at pleasure, Yields, thankful, of her very best, To nurse her treasure : True to her trust, tree, herb, or reed. She renders for each scattered seed, And to her Lord with duteous heed Gives large increase : Thus year by year she works unfee'd, And will not cease. Woe worth these barren hearts of ours, Where Thou hast set celestial flowers, And watered with more balmy showers Than e'er distilled In Eden, on th' ambrosial bowers — Yet nought we yield. 482 GOOD STEWARDS," ETC. Largely Thou givest, gracious Lord, Largely Thy gifts should be restored ; Freely Thou givest, and Thy word Is, "Freely give." He only, who forgets to hoard, Has learned to live. Wisely Thou givest — all around Thine equal rays are resting found. Yet varying so on various ground They pierce and strike, That not two roseate cups are crowned With dew alike : E'en so, in silence, likest Thee, Steals on soft-handed Charity, Tempering her gifts, that seem so free, By time and place, Till not a woe the bleak world see. But finds her grace ; Eyes to the blind, and to the lame Feet, and to sinners wholesome blame, To starving bodies food and flame. By turns she brings ; To humbled souls, that sink for shame, Lends heavenward wings : 483 I I 2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Leads them the way our Saviour went, And shows Love's treasure yet unspent ; As when th' unclouded heavens were rent, Opening His road, Nor yet His Holy Spirit sent To our abode. o Ten days th' eternal doors displayed Were wondering (so th' Almighty bade) Whom Love enthroned would send, in aid Of souls that mourn, Left orphans in Earth's dreary shade As soon as born. Open they stand, that prayers in throngs May rise on high, and holy songs, Such incense as of right belongs To the true shrine, Where stands the Healer of all wrongs In light divine ; 484 ''GOOD STEWARDS," ETC. The golden censer in His hand, He offers hearts from every land, Tied to His own by gentlest band Of silent Love : About Him winged blessings stand In act to move. A little while, and they shall fleet From Heaven to Earth, attendants meet On the life-giving Paraclete Speeding His flight, With all that sacred is and sweet. On saints to light. Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, all Shall feel the shower of Mercy fall, And, starting at th' Almighty's call. Give what He gave, Till their high deeds the world appal. And sinners save. Christian Year, 48s CHRISTIAN L YRICS. WHEN DEATH IS COMING NEAR HEN death is coming near, When thy heart shrinks in fear, And thy limbs fail ; Then raise thy hands and pray To Him who smooths thy way Through the dark veil. Seest thou the eastern dawn? Hear'st thou in the red morn The angels' song? Oh lift thy drooping head, Thou who in gloom and dread / Hast lain so long. Death comes to set thee free, Oh meet him cheerily As thy true friend, And all thy fears shall cease, And in eternal peace Thy penance end. 486 V'^ THE ANGEL'S CALL. THE ANGEL'S CALL. t.OME to the land of peace ! Come where the tempest hath no longer sway, The shadow passes from the soul away, The sounds of weeping cease ! Fear hath no dwelling there ! Come to the mingling of repose and love,' Breathed by the silent spirit of the dove I'hroush the celestial air ! Come to the bright and blest, And crowned for ever ! — midst that shining band, Gathered to heaven's own wreath from every land. Thy spirit shall find rest I Thou hast been long alone : Come to thy mother ! — on the Sabbath shore, ^-^ The heart that rocked thy childhood, back, once more, Shall take its wearied one. CHRISTIAN LYRICS, In silence wert thou left: Come to thy sisters ! — joyously again All the home-voices, blent in one sweet strain, Shall greet their long bereft ! Over thine orphan head The storm hath swept, as o'er a willow's bough : Come to thy Father! — it is finished now; Thy tears have all been shed. In thy divine abode Change finds no pathway, memory no dark trace, And, oh ! bright victory — death by love no place : Come, spirit, to thy God ! Mrs. Heinatis. 488 MORNING. His compassions fail not. They are nnxj every morning^ — Lam. iii 22, 23. UES of the rich unfolding morn, That, ere the glorious sun be born, By some soft touch invisible Around his path are taught to swell; — Thou rustling breeze, so fresh and gay, That dancest forth at opening day, And, brushing by with joyous wing, Wakenest each little leaf to sing ; 489 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Ye fragrant clouds of dewy steam, By which deep grove and tangled stream Pay, for soft rain in season given. Their tribute to the genial heaven : — • Why waste your treasures of delight Upon our thankless, joyless sight ; Who, day by day to sin awake, Seldom of heaven and you partake? Oh ! timely happy, timely wise. Hearts that with rising morn arise ! Eyes that the beam celestial view, Which evermore makes all things new ! New^ every morning is the love Our wakening and uprising prove ; Through sleep and darkness safely brought, Restored to life, and power, and thought. New mercies, each returning day. Hover around us while we pray ; New perils past, new sins forgiven. New thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven. If, in our daily course, our mind • Be set to hallow all we find, New treasures still, of countless price, God will provide for sacrifice. 490 MORNING. Old friends, old scenes, will lovelier be. As more of heaven in each we see ; Some softening gleam of love and prayer Shall dawn on every cross and care. As for some dear familiar strain Untired we ask and ask again, Ever, in its melodious store, Finding a spell unheard before: Such is the bliss of souls serene, When they have sworn, and steadfast n:ean, Counting the cost, in all t'espy Their God, in all themselves deny. Oh could we learn that sacrifice. What lights would all around us rise ! How would our hearts with wisdom talk Along life's dullest, dreariest walk ! We need not bid, for cloistered cell. Our neighbour and our work farewell, Nor strive to wind ourselves too high For sinful man beneaih the sky; The trivial round, the common task, Would furnish all we ought to ask : Room to deny ourselves ; a road To bring us daily nearer God. 491 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Seek we no more ; content with these, Let present rapture, comfort, ease, As Heaven shall bid them, come and go : — The secret this of rest below. Only, O Lord, in Thy dear love Fit us for perfect rest above ; And help us this and every day. To live more nearly as we pray. Christian Year, 492 EVENING. ^^ Abide with us : for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.' Luke xxiv. 29. S gone, that bright and orbed blaze, Fast fading from our wistful gaze ; Yon mantling cloud has hid from sight The last faint pulse of quivering light. In darkness and in weariness The traveller on his way must press, No gleam to watch on tree or tower, Whiling away the lonesome hour. Sun of my soul ! Thou Saviour dear. It is not night if Thou be near : Oh may no earth-born cloud arise To hide Thee from Thy servant's eyes. 493 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. AV^hen round Thy wondrous works below My searching, rapturous glance I throw, Tracing out wisdom, power, and love, In earth or sky, in stream or grove ; Or by the light Thy words disclose Watch time's full river as it flows, Scanning Thy gracious providence, Where not too deep for mortal sense : — When with dear friends sweet talk I hold, And all the flowers of life unfold ; Let not my heart within me burn. Except in all I Thee discern. When the soft dews of kindly sleep My wearied eyelids gently steep, Be my last thought how sweet to rest For ever on my Saviour's breast ! Abide with me from morn till eve, For without Thee I cannot live : Abide with me when night is nigh. For without Thee I da^e not die. Thou Framer of the light and dark, Steer through the tempest Thine own ark Amid the howling wintry sea We are in port if we have Thee. 494 EVENING. Oil ! by Thine own sad burthen, borne So meekly up the hill of scorn, Teach Thou Thy priests thy daily cross To bear as Thine, noi- count it loss ! M some poor wandering cliild of Thine Have spurned to-day the voice divine, Now, Lord, the gracious work begin ; I>et him no more lie down in sin. Watch by the sick ; enrich the poor With blessings from Thy boundless store : Be every mourner's sleep to-night Like infant's slumbers, pure and light. Come near and bless us when we wake, Ere through the world our way we take : Till in the ocean of Thy love We lose ourselves in heaven above. Christian Year. CHRISTIAN LYRICS. EXHORTATION TO PRAYER. OT on a prayerless bed, not on a prayerless bed Compose thy weary limbs to rest ; For they alone are blessed With balmy sleep, Whom angels keep ; Nor, though by care oppressed, Or anxious sorrow, Or thought in many a coil- perplexed For coming morrow. Lay not thy head On prayerless bed ! For who can tell, when sleep thine eyes shall close. That earthly cares and woes To thee may e'er return? Arouse, my soul ! Slumber control. And let thy lamp burn brightly ; So shall thine eyes discern' Things pure and sightly; Taught by the Spirit, learn Never on prayerless bed To lay thine unblest head. 496 EXHORTATION TO PRAYER. Hast thou no pining want, or wish, or care, That calls for holy prayer ? Has thy day been so bright That in its flight There is no trace of sorrow? And art thou sure to-morrow Will be like this and more Abundant? Dost thou yet lay up thy store, And still make plans for more? Thou fool ! this very night Thy soul may wing its flight. Hast thou no being than thyself more dear. That ploughs the ocean deep ; And when storms sweep The wintry, lowering sky. For whom thou wakest and weepest? Oh, \\hen thy pangs are deepest, Seek then the covenant ark of prayer ; For He that slumbereth not is there — His ear is open to thy cry. Oh, then, on prayerless bed Lay not thy thoughtless head ! Arouse thee, weary soul, nor yield to slumber, Till in communion blest With the elect ye rest — Those souls of countless number; 497 i^k: CHRISTIAN L YRICS. And with them raise The note of praise, Reaching from earth to heaven — « Chosen, redeemed, forgiven ; So lay thy happy head, Prayer-crowned, on blessed bed. Maigaret Merca\ WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT? AY, watchman, what of the night? Do the dews of the morning fall? Have the orient skies a border of light Like the fringe of a funeral pall? " The night is fast waning on high, And soon shall the darkness flee. And the morn shall spread o'er the blushing sky, And bright shall its glories be." 498 WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT? But, watchman, what of the night, When sorrow and pain are mine, And the pleasures of hfe, so sweet and bright, No longer around me shine ? "That night of sorrow thy soul May surely prepare to meet; But away shall the clouds of thy heaviness roll, And the morning of joy be sweet." But, watchman, what of the night When the arrow of death is sped. And the grave, which no glimmering star can light. Shall be my sleeping bed? " That night is near, and the cheerless tomb Shall keep thy body in store, Till the morn of eternity rise on the gloom. And night shall be no more." B m, » 499 K K 2 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. CHRISTMAS HYMN. OY and gladness ! joy and gladness ! Oh, happy day ! Every thought of sin and sadness Chase, chase away. Heard ye not the angels telling, Christ the Lord of might excelling, On the earth with man is dwelling. Clad in our clay ? With the shepherd-throng around Him Haste we to bow ; By the angel's sign they found Him, We know Him now ; New-born babe of houseless stranger. Cradled low in Bethlehem's manger. Saviour from our sin and danger, Jesus, 'tis Thou ! God of Life, in mortal weakness. Hail, Virgm-born ! Infinite in lowly meekness. Thou wilt not scorn, Though all heaven is singing o'er Thee, And grey wisdom bows before Thee, When our youthful hearts adore Thee, This holy mom. 500 CHRISTMAS HYMN. Son of Mary, (blessed mother !) Thy love we claim ; Son of God, our elder brother, (O gentle name !) To Thy Father's throne ascended, With Thine own His glory blended, Thou art, all Thy trials ended, Ever the same. Thou wert born to tears and sorrows, Pilgrim divine ; Watchful nights and weary morrows. Brother, were Thine : By Thy fight with strong temptation. By Thy cup of tribulation, Oh ! thou God of our salvation, With mercy shine ! In Thy holy footsteps treading Guide, lest we stray ; From Thy word of promise shedding Light on our way ; Never leave us nor forsake us, Like Thyself in mercy make us. And at last to glory take us, Jesus, we pray. Geo?' ire IV. Bethune. 501 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. CHRISTMAS HYMN. ARK ! hark ! with harps of gold, What anthem do they sing ? — The radiant clouds have backward rolled, And angels smite the string. " Glory to God ! "—bright wings Spread glistening and afar. And on the hallowed rapture rings From circling star to star. " Glory to God ! " repeat The glad earth and the sea; And every wind and billow fleet Bears on the jubilee. Where Hebrew bard hath sung. Or Hebrew bard hath trod. Each holy spot has found a tongue : "Let glory be to God." 502 CHRISTMAS HYMN. Soft swells the music now Along that shining choir, And every seraph bends his brow And breathes above his lyre. What words of heavenly birth Thrill deep our hearts again, And fall like dew-drops to the earth ? " Peace and good will to men." Soft ! — yet the soul is bound With rapture like a chain : Earth, vocal, whispers them around. And heaven repeats the strain. Sound, harps, and hail the morn With every golden string ; — For unto us this day is born A Saviour and a King ! E. //. Chapih. 503 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. CHRISTMAS BELLS. HE bells— the bells— the Christ- mas bells, How merrily they ring ! As if they felt the joy they tell To every Imman thing. The silvery tones, o'er vale and hill, Are swelHng soft and clear. As, wave on wave, the tide of sound Fills the bright atmosphere. The bells— the merry Christmas bells, They're ringing in the morn ! They ring when in the eastern sky The golden light is born ; They ring, as sunshine tips the hills, And gilds the village spire — When, through the sky, the sovereign sun Rolls his full orb of fire. The Christmas bells — the Christmas bells, How merrily they ring ! To weary hearts a pulse of joy, A kindlier Ufe they bring. The poor man on his couch of straw, 1 he rich on downy bed, CHRISTMAS BELLS. Hail the glad sounds, as voices sweet Of angels overhead. The bells — the silvery Christmas bells, O'er many a mile they sound ! And household tones are answering them In thousand homes around. Voices of childhood, blithe and shrill. With youth's strong accents blend. And manhood's deep and earnest tones With woman's praise ascend. The bells — the solemn Christmas bells, They're calling us to prayer; And hark, the voice of worshippers Floats on the morning air. Anthems of noblest praise there'll be, And glorious hymns to-day, Te Deums loud and Glorias : Come, to the Church, — away. John W. Brown. i^^^J^I^-^ 505 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. AVISON. HOUT the glad tidings, exultingly sing ; Jerusalem triumphs, Messiah is King ! Sion, the marvellous story be telling, The Son of the Highest, how lowly His birth ! The brightest Archangel in glory excelling, He stoops to redeem thee, He reigns upon earth. Tell how He cometh ; from nation to nation. The heart-cheering news let the earth echo round ; How free to the faithful He offers salvation, How His people with joy everlasting are crowned. Mortals, your homage be gratefully bringing, And sweet let the gladsome hosannas arise ; Ye angels, the full hallelujah be singing; One chorus resound through the earth and the skies. , Muhlenbtirg. -^1 ^^?-. 506 THE HEART'S SONG. THE HEART'S SONG. " Behold I stand at the door:' N the silent midnight watches, List thy bosom-door; How it knocketh — knocketh — knocketh, Knocketh evermore ! Say not 'tis thy pulse's beating, 'Tis thy heart of sin ; 'Tis thy Saviour stands entreating, Rise and let me in. Death comes down with equal footstep To the hall and hut ; Think you Death will stand a-knocking Where the door is shut ! Jesus waiteth — waiteth — waiteth ; But thy door is fast : Grieved, at length away He turneth. Death breaks in at last ! 507 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Then 'tis thine to stand entreating Christ to let thee in ; At the door of heaven beating, Waihng for thy sin. Nay, alas ! thou foolish virgin, Hast thou then forgot, Jesus waited long to know thee. But — He knows thee not ! A. C. Coxe. 508 O HAUPT VOLL BLUT UND WUNDEiV. O HAUPT VOLL BLUT UND WUNDEN. SACRED Head, now wounded, With grief and shame weighed down ; Now scornfully surrounded With thorns, Thine only crown ; O sacred Head, what glory. What bliss till now was Thine ; Yet though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine. What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, Was all for sinner's gain ; Mine, mine was the transgression, But Thine the deadly pain. Lo, here I fall, my Saviour ! 'Tis I deserve Thy place; Look on me with Thy favour, Vouchsafe on me Thy grace. The joy can ne'er be spoken Above all joys beside, When, in Thy body broken, I thus with safety hide. Lord of my life, desiring Thy glory now I see ; Beside Thy cross expiring I'd breathe my soul to Thee. 509 V~ £ '■// '^ CHRISTIAN L YRICS. What language shall I borrow To thank Thee, dearest Friend, For tliis Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end? Oh make me Thine for ever; And should I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never Outlive my love for Thee. ^-^ %\ Be near me when I'm dying. Oh show Thy cross to me; And to my succour flying, Come,' Lord, and set me free! \Vhen strength and comfort languish Amidst the final throe. Release me from my anguish By Thine own pain and woe. J. W. Alexander. >" m ^1^^^-^ 510 ^^^-^' ONWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS. ' Be strong arid of a good courage : for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go zuith thee." — Deut. xxxi. 6. NWARD, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war. With the Cross of Jesus Going on before. Christ, the Royal Master, * Leads against the foe ; Forward into battle Do His banners go. Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war. With the Cross of Jesus Going on before ! 511 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee ! On, then, Christian soldiers, On to victory ! Hell's foundations quiver At the shout of praise ; Brothers, lift your voices, Loud your anthems raise. Like a mighty army, Moves the Church of God. Brothers, we are treading Where the saints have trod. We are not divided, All one body we— One in hope, in doctrine, One in charity. Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane,. But the Church of Jesus Constant will remain : Gates of hell can never 'Gainst that Church prevail, We have Christ's own promise. And that cannot fail. 512 THE BANNER OF THE CROSS, Onward then, ye people, Join our happy throng, Blend with ours your voices In the triumph song — Glory, praise, and honour Unto Christ the King, This through countless ages Men and angels sing. THE BANNER OF THE CROSS. LING out the Banner! Let it float Skyward and seaward, high and wide \ The sun, that lights its shining folds. The Cross, on which the Saviour died. ) Fling out the Banner ! Angels bend, In anxious silence, o'er the sign ; And vainly seek to comprehend The wonder of the love divine. Fling out the Banner ! Heathen lands Shall see, from far, the glorious sight, And nations, crowding to be born, Baptize their spirits in its light. 513 LL CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Fling out the Banner ! Sin-sick souls, That sink and perish in the strife, Shall touch in faith its radiant hem, And spring immortal into life. Fling out the Banner ! Let it float Skyward, seaward, high and wide : Our glory, only in the Cross ; Our only hope, the Crucified. Fling out the Banner ! Wide and high, Seaward and skyward, let it shine : Nor skill, nor might, nor merit, ours ; We conquer only in that sign. Bishop Doane. 514 GO FORWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIER! GO FORWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIER ! ''Fight the good fight of faith.''— \ Tim. vi. 12. C^ O forward, Christian soldier ! jT Beneath His banner true : The Lord Himself, thy Leader, Shall all thy foes subdue. His love foretells thy trials ; He knows thine hourly need ; He can with bread of heaven Thy fainting spirit feed. ^ Go forward, Christian soldier ! Fear not the secret foe ; Var more o'er thee are watching Than human eyes can know : Trust only Christ, thy Captain ; Cease not to watch and pray; Heed not the treacheroi^s voices That lure thy soul astrny. 515 LL2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Go forward, Christian soldier! Nor dream of peaceful rest, Till Satan's host is vanquished, And heaven is all possessed ; Till Christ Himself shall call thee To lay thine armour by, And wear in endless glory The crown of victory. Go forward, Christian soldier ! Fear not the gathering night : The Lord has been thy shelter ; The Lord will be thy light. When morn His face revealeth, Thy dangers all are past : Oh, pray that faith and virtue May keep thee to the last ! 5i6 O THOU IN WHOSE ETERNAL NAME. O THOU IN WHOSE ETERNAL NAME. THOU in whose eternal name Went forth the Apostles' ardent host, Baptize us with the hallowed flame That fell from heaven at Pentecost. The fearless faith that cries " Repent ! " Thy servants' earnest message fill ; By Thee the living word was sent, Thy presence make it living still. And while Thy people bend and pray Towards Thy benignant throne of light, Give answer in the dawning day Of Freedom, Mercy, Truth, and Right. 517 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Immortal Truth ! it lives in Thee ; Our hope shall lean on Thee alone ! Thy Christ be all our liberty, And all our strength and will Thine own ! Father, whose heavenly kingdom lies In every meek believing breast, Reveal before Thy children's eyes That kingdom's coming, and its rest ! Give Thy Son's herald, from above, The anointing of Thy Spirit's breath; The faith that worked in Christ by love, The trust that triumphed in His death. F. D. Huntmgto7i. 518 HYMN FOR WHITSUNDA Y. HYMN FOR WHITSUNDAY. REATOR Spirit ! come and bless us ; Let Thy love and fear possess us ; With Thy graces meek and lowly Purify our spirits wholly. Paraclete, the name Thou bearest, Gift of God the choicest, dearest, Love, and fire, and fountain living, Spiritual unction giving. Shower Thy benedictions seven From Thy majesty in heaven. Be the Saviour's word unbroken, Let Thy many tongues be spoken ; In our sense Thy light be glowing, Through our souls Thy love be flowing Cause the carnal heart to perish, But the strength of virtue cherish, Till each enemy repeUing, And Thy peace around us dwelling. We beneath Thy guidance glorious Stand o'er every ill victorious. Williaiii Croswcll. 519 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. THE CHILD. UIET, Lord, my froward heart, Make me teachable and mild, Upright, simple, free from art, Make me as a weaned child : From distrust and envy free, Pleased with all that pleases I'hee. AVhat Thou shalt to-day provide Let me as a child receive; Wliat to-morrow may betide Calmly to Thy wisdom leave : 'Tis enough that Thou wilt care, Why should I the burden bear ? As a little child relies On a care beyond its own ; Knows he's neither strong nor wise — Fears to stir a step alone — Let me thus with Thee abide. As my Father, Guard, and Guide. JERUSALEM. Thus preserved from Satan's wiles, Safe from dangers, free from fears, May I live upon Thy smiles, Till the promised hour appears. When the sons of God shall prove All their Father's boundless love. J. Neiutoit. JERUSALEM. ERUSALEM ! Jerusalem ! It is not to behold The glory of thy jasper- walls, Thy streets of purest gold ; To see the twelve Apostles' names Upon thy bulwark traced ; Thy gates — each one a solid pearl. By each an angel placed ; 521 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. The stream of life from 'neath the throne, Nor yet that throne to see — That I would pray, "O may my home Be found at last in thee!" No earthly eye I know hath seen The glories that are thine ; Nor ear hath heard such strains as rise From mid the host divine. But oh ! than all thy streets can boast My eager eyes would see; Jesus, the precious Lamb of God, Who died to ransom me ! '• Jerusalem ! Jerusalem ! * Name ever dear to me, O may at last my name be found, " With Christ, my Lord, in thee ! George H. Houghton. 522 AX AiXCIFNT SACRAMENTAL HYMN. AN ANCIENT SACRAMENTAL HYMN. O BREAD to pilgrims given, O Food that angels eat, O Manna sent from heaven. For heaven-born natures meet ! Give us, for Thee long pining, To eat till richly filled ; Till earth's delights resigning, Our every wish is stilled ! « O Water, life-bestowing, From out the Saviour's heart, A fountain purely flowing, A fount of love thou art ! Oh let us, freely tasting, Our burning thirst assuage ! Thy sweetness, never wasting, Avails from age to age. 523 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Jesus, this feast receiving, We Thee unseen adore; 71iy fe,ithful word believing. We take — and doubt no more ; Give us, Thou true and ioving. On earth to live in Thee ; Then, Death the veil removing. Thy glorious face to see ! TrauslcUed by Ray Pahiur. THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS. OY of my Life while left me here, And still my Love ! How in Thine absence Thou dost steer Me from above ! A life well led This truth commends — With quick or dead It never ends. '' Stars are of mighty use : the night Is dark, and long; The road foul, and where one goes right. Six may go wrong. 524 THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS. One twinkling ray Shot o'er some cloud, May cleare much way And guide a crowd, God's saints are shining lights : who stays Here long, must passe . * O'er dark hills, swift streames, and steep ways As smooth as glasse ; But these all night, Like candles, shed Theire beams, and light Us into bed. They are indeed our Pillar-fires, Seen as we go ; They are that Citie's shining spires We travel to : A sword-like gleame Kept man for sin First mit; — This beame Will guide him in. H. Vaughan, 525 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. FAITH'S REPOSE. \THER! beneath Thy sheltering wing In sweet security we rest, And fear no evil earth can bring, In life, in death, supremely blest. For life is good whose tidal flow The rtiotions of Thy will obeys; And death is good, that makes us know The Life Divine that all things sways. And good it is to bear the cross, And so Thy perfect peace to win : And nought is ill, nor brings us loss. Nor works us harm, save only sin. Redeemed from this, we ask no more, But trust the love that saves to. guide— The grace that yields so rich a store. Will grant us all we need beside. William H. Burleigh. 526 ROCKED IN THE CRADLE OF THE DEEP. ROCKED IN THE CRADLE OF THE DEEP. OCKED in the cradle of the deep, I lay me down m peace to sleep; /^^ Secure I rest upon the wave, For Thou, O Lord ! hast power to save. I know Thou wilt not slight my call ! For Thou dost mark the sparrow's fall ; And calm and peaceful is my sleep, Rocked in the cradle of the deep. And such the trust that still were mine, Though stormy winds swept o'er the brine, Or though the tempest's fiery breath Roused me from sleep to wreck and death In ocean caves still safe with Thee, The germs of immortality ; And calm and peaceful is my sleep. Rocked in the cradle of the deep. Mrs. Willard. 527 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD. r>^ NWARD speed thy conquering flight, Angel, onward speed, Cast abroad thy radiant light, Bid the shades recede ; Tread the idols in the dust. Heathen fanes destroy ; Spread the Gospel's love and trust. Spread the Gospel's joy. Onward speed thy conquering flight, Angel, onward fly ! Long has been the reign of night ; Bring the morning nigh. Unto thee earth's sufferers lift Their imploring wail; Bear them heaven's holy gift Ere their courage fail. 528 TO GOD, MOST HIGH, Onward speed thy conquering flight, Angel, onward speed ! Morning bursts upon our sight, Lo ! the time decreed : Now the Lord His kingdom takes, Thrones and empires fall ; Now the joyous song awakes, "God is All in All!" S. F, Smith. TO GOD, MOST HIGH. MY Lord, I have but Thee ; Other friends are faint and few,. To myself I am not true ; Yet, my God, Thou lovest me. I am poor and have no more But Thy love within my heart ; Earth shall never tear apart That which is my hidden store. Many, many doubts and fears, I have many pains and cares ; But Thou earnest, at unawares, And I see Thee through my tears. 529 M M CHRISTIAN LYRICS. I would never be my own, Nor on friends my heart-strings twine ; I do seek to be but Thine, And to love but Thee alone. Jesus ! while Thy cross I see, Though my heart do bleed with woe, By those blessed streams I know, Blood of Thine was shed for me. my Lord ! be Thou my guide ; Let me hold Thee by the hand. Then, in drear and barren land, 1 will seek no friend beside. Robe?'i Lowell. MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE. Y faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Saviour divine ] Now hear me while I pray; Take all my guilt away ; Oh let me, from this day, Be wholly Thine ! 530 AfV FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE. May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart, — My zeal inspire ! As Thou hast died for me, Oh may my love to Thee Pure, warm, and changeless be — A living fire ! While life's dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread, Be Thou my Guide ; Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow's tears away. Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside. When ends life's transient dream. When death's cold, sullen stream Shall o'er me roll. Blest Saviour ! then, in love. Fear and distrust remove; Oh bear me safe above — A ransomed soul ! Ray Palmet . 531 M M 2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE. ORD, with glowing heart I'll praise Thee, For the bliss Thy love bestows; For the pardoning grace that saves ') And the peace that from it flows : Help, O Lord, my weak endeavour, This dull soul to rapture raise : Thou must light the flame, or never Can my love be warmed to praise. Praise, my soul, the God that sought thee. Wretched wanderer, far astray; Found thee lost, and kindly brought thee From the paths of death away : Praise, with love's devoutest feeling. Him who saw thy guilt-born fear, And, the light of hope revealing, Bade the blood-stained cross appear. Lord, this bosom's ardent feeling Vainly would my lips express : 532 PRA YER. Low before Thy footstep kneeling, Deign Thy suppHant's prayer to bless : Let Thy grace, my soul's chief pleasure, Love's pure flame within me raise ; And since words can never measure, Let my love show forth Thy praise. S. F. Key. PRAYER. O prayer, to prayer ; — for the morning breaks, And earth in her Maker's smile awakes. His light is on all below and above, The light of gladness and life and love. Oh, then, on the breath of this early air. Send upward the incense of grateful prayer ! To prayer : — for the glorious sun is gone, And the gathering darkness of night comes on. Like a curtain from God's kind hand it flows To shade the couch where His children repose. Then kneel while the watching stars are bright. And give your last thoughts to the Guardian of night. 533 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. To prayer : — for the day that God has blest Comes tranquilly on with its welcome rest. It speaks of Creation's early bloom ; It speaks of the Prince that burst the tomb. Then summon the spirit's exalted powers, And devote to Heaven the hallowed hours. There are smiles and tears in that gathering band, Where the heart is pledged with the trembling hand. What trying thoughts in her bosom swell, As the bride bids parent and home farewell ! Kneel down by the side of the tearful there, And strengthen the fateful hour with prayer. There are smiles and tears in the mother's eyes. For her new-born infant beside her lies : Oh hour of bliss ! when the heart overflows With a rapture a mother only knows : Let it gush forth in words of fervent prayer; Let it swell up to heaven for her precious care. Kneel down by the dying sinner's side, And pray for his soul through Him who died. Drops of anguish are thick on his brow ; Oh what is earth and its pleasures now ? And what shall assuage his dark despair, But ihe penitent cry of humble prayer ? 534 PR A YER. Kneel down at the couch of departing faith, And hear the last words the believer saith. He has bidden adieu to his earthly friends ; There is peace in the eye which the Spirit sends ; There is peace in his calm, confiding air ; For his thoughts are with God, and his last words prayer. The voice of prayer at the sable bier ! A voice to strengthen, to soothe, to cheer. It commends the spirit to God who gave ; It lifts the thoughts from the cold dark grave ; It points to the glory where He shall reign, Who whispered, *' Thy brother shall rise again." The voice of prayer in the world of bliss ! But gladder, purer, than rose from this The ransomed shout to their glorious King, Where no sorrow shades the soul as they sing ; But a sinless and joyous song they raise; And their voice of prayer is eternal praise. Awake, awake, and gird up thy strength To join that holy band at length. To Him, who unceasing love displays. Whom the powers of nature unceasingly praise, To Him thy heart and thy hours be given ; For a life of prayer is a life of Heaven. Henry Ware^jun. 535 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. CHRISTUS REMUNERATOR. LIFTED hands of sovereign might, That spread beyond where sin can dare I O tender eyes, whose loving Hght Strikes through a blind world's dull despair ! O How shall we claim one glance of Thee Who hast all mortal fears to calm? Or, Son of David, cry, on me Have mercy? Nay, Lord ! Here is balm. Let me not thrust before Thine eyes That seek where martyrs watch and wait, A thankless life, that idly lies. And brings no service, soon or late. So many bondmen to release ! And devils dumb to exorcise. Turbulent nations praying peace ! The grief I brought Thee voiceless lies. It has no place, it has no name. A gift of love to Love I bring, The dark sky glows with living flame ; Not grief and loss, but love, I sing. 536 DIES IRjE. Dear Love that heeds the bird in nest, The singing bird, the dead in wood; Great Love ! that smiles from east to west, And fills all places as a flood. Avenging Love ! But who shall call. Avenge me. Lord ! O Christ, we see The lifted hands have wounds ! we fall In silent shame to worship Thee. Caroline Chesebro. DIES IR^. AY of vengeance, without morrow ! Earth shall end in flame and sorrow. As from Saint and Seer we borrow. Ah ! what terror is impending, K^ When the Judge is seen descending, And each secret veil is rending. To the throne, the trumpet sounding, Through the sepulchres resounding. Summons all, with voice astounding. Death and Nature, mazed, are quaking. When, the grave's long slumber breaking, Man to judgment is awaking. 537 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. On the written Volume's pages, Life is shown in all its stages — Judgment-record of past ages ! Sits the Judge, the raised arraigning, Darkest mysteries explaining. Nothing unavenged remaining. What shall I then say, unfriended. By no advocate attended, When the just are scarce defended. King of majesty tremendous, By Thy saving grace defend us ; Fount of pity, safety send us ! Holy Jesus, meek, forbearing, For my sins the death-crown wearing. Save me, in that day, despairing. Worn and weary Thou hast sought me; By Thy cross and passion bought me; — Spare the hope Thy labours brought me. Righteous Judge of retribution, Give, oh give me absolution Ere the day of dissolution. 538 DIES IR^. As a guilty culprit groaning, Flushed my face, my errors owning, Hear, O God, my spirit's moaning! Thou to Mary gav'st remission, Heard'st the dying thiefs petition, Bad'st me hope in my contrition. In my prayers no grace discerning, Yet on me Thy favour turning. Save my soul from endless burning ! Give me, when Thy sheep confiding Thou art from the goats dividing. On Thy right a place abiding ! When the wicked are confounded. And by bitter flames surrounded. Be my joyful pardon sounded ! Prostrate, all my guilt discerning, Heart as though to ashes turning; Save, oh save me from the burning ! Day of weeping, when from ashes Man shall rise mid lightning flashes, Guilty, trembling with contrition, Save him. Father, from perdition ! Translation by John A. Dix. 529 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. O ANGEL OF THE LAND OF PEACE. O ANGEL of the land of peace, When wilt Thou ever come for me? I fain would be where sorrows cease, I dread no more Thy kind release, I wait for Thee ! Sleep shuns mine eyes — mine inner sight Is turning dimly heavenward, To that far land of love and light, Where angels all the silent night Earth's children guard. My yearning soul would fain demand, O holy angels, pure and blest, Where, mid yon happy, shining band. In all the heavenly Fatherland, My lost ones rest ! Thou, who alone, when man forgot His heavenly innocence, and fell! Still pitying, lingered round the spot To soothe the anguish of his lot — Thou, Thou canst tell! 540 O ANGEL OF THE LAND OF PEACE. For Thou, with sweet and loving smile, Didst gently lure them to Thy breast, And bear them from this world of guile. Thy pale, pure angel lips the while Upon them prest. Dark grew my soul — till down the air Thy seraph- smile upon me fell ! And then I knew, from sin and care, That Thou my little ones didst bear With God to dwell ! Angel of the "land of peace ! When wilt Thou ever come for me? 1 fain would be where sorrows cease ; I dread no more Thy kind release; I wait for Thee ! Mrs. C. M. Sawyer. lU M» 541 ^^>v--- THE RED RIVER VOYAGEUR. UT and in the river is winding The links of its long, red chain, Through belts of dusky pine-land And gusty leagues of plain. Only, at time a smoke-wreath With the drifting cloud-rack joins, - The smoke of the hunting-lodges Of the wild Assiniboins ! • ' A French Canadian employed in trapping and hunting on the banks of American rivers. 542 i THE RED RIVER VOYAGEUR. Drearily blows the north wind From the land of ice and snow; The eyes that look are weary, And heavy the hands that row. And with one foot on the water, And one upon the shore, The Angel of Shadow gives warning That day shall be no more. Is it the clang of wild-geese? Is it the Indian's yell. That lends to the voice of the north wind The tones of a far-off bell ? The voyageur smiles as he listens To the sound that grows apace ; Well he knows the vesper ringing Of the bells of St. Boniface. The bells of the Roman Mission, That call from their turrets twain, To the boatmen on the river. To the hunter on the plain ! Even so in our mortal journey The bitter north winds blow, And thus upon life's Red River Our hearts, as oarsmen, row. 543 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. And when the Angel of Shadow Rests his feet on wave and shore, And our eyes grow dim with watching, And our hearts faint at the oar ; Happy is he who heareth The signal of his release In the bells of the Holy City, The chimes of eternal peace ! John Greenleaf Whittier. THE HOURS. I. — A.M. ONE ! Lord, whose daily mercies number My waking hours and hours of slumber. Launched on life's everlasting sea, I ask the gales that waft to Thee ! II. Two ! 'Tis the watcher's loneliest hour ; The realm of night has darkest power : O Father, let Thine angels keep Kind watches o'er a world asleep ! 544 THE HOURS. III. Three ! Ere the dawn's first infant breath, Floats o'er the vales the chill of death ; Oh, drive these murky shades afar, And come, thou bright and morning Star I IV. Four ! And the early labourer wakes ; Gray o'er the hills the day-dawn breaks ; Oh, warm my heart, celestial ray, And shine, and mount, till all be day ! V. Five ! And beside their peaceful beds Bow golden locks and hoary heads ; And blessings load the balmy air, And strew the way of praise and prayer. vr. Six ! Night is past, and day is here ] Its voices murmur to my ear — '* Twelve hours the great Taskmaster gave ; Work, and be mindful of thy grave ! " vit. Seven ! Give this day our daily bread ! 'Tis Thou the countless board hast spread Where households meet, and kneel, and part, For hall and chamber, field and mart. 545 N N CHRISTIAN LYRICS. VIII. Eight ! And the hours are swift of flight, Where love, and home, and young deUght, And hope, and cheerful labour, leave No spectres for the distant eve. IX. Nine ! Blessings, blessings on the sound Of humble school-bells, clashing round ! The merry sowers forth they ring, And gray-haired men the sheaves shall bring. X. Ten ! Here we till no Eden's soil ; All worthy gain is wrung by toil : The world's vast toil, O Father, guide ! Thy kingdom first, then all beside ! XI. Eleven ! And morn has sped so soon ; Haste, or the journey stays till noon : Woe, if the joyous noonday sun Look down, and nought be yet begun ! XII. Twelve ! Heaven puts on its dazzling robe, And festal pomp girds round the globe ; For God is Jove, and life, and light, And joy, and majestv, and right. 546 THE HOURS. I. — P.M. One ! One step downward ! Oh, be mine The faithful morning's rich dedine, And faith's calm vision clear and clearer, As hope's bright shore grows near and nearer ! II. Two ! Victory hovering in the West, The soldier craves not soon to rest ; With wiser heart and cooler nerve, Content to suffer and to serve. III. Three ! Shadowing clouds course o'er the plain, And gentle breezes curl the main ; And sober toil is half repose, While day sinks lovelier than it rose. IV. Four ! If along life's dusty street A moment pause my wayworn feet, May some kind angel stoop and smile, And whisper sweet, " A little while ! " V. Five ! The long shadows of the hills, A pensive pleasing music fills, Where Nature, with all sounds of peace. Gives the kind signal of release. 1^1 N N 2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. VI. Six ! And the twelve hours' toil is past ! O Father, bring us home at last ! Home, as at eve we love to meet ; No clouded eye, no vacant seat ! VIL Seven ! And as star by star appears. All heaven the desert wanderer cheers, Maps the dark pathway o'er the billow, And smiles on childhood's weary pillow. VIII. Eight ! Now the moon, with silver shield, Pale splendour pours o'er wave and field : Oh thus, when brighter joys depart, Let soothing peace still fold my heart ! IX. Nine ! And our curfew ! Bending low, "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;" And Thou, whose love the long day gave. Still pardon, succour, guide, and save ! X. Ten ! Who would loiter in the dance, Where pleasure hangs on folly's glance, While night sits throned in starry blaze, And tells us more than all our days? 54S THE HOURS. XI. Eleven ! The sentry walks the camp ; The student lingers o'er the lamp : The world may sleep, but I would wake, And watch, and toil, for love's sweet sake. Xil. Twelve ! Echoing through the midnight halls. The knell of time to judgment calls : O, Saviour, write my daily story. Till I shall sleep, and wake in glory ! Bishop Burgess. 549 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. T r MISERERE DOMINE. HOU, who lookest with pitying eye From Thy radiant home on high, On the Spirit tempest-tost, Wretched, weary, wandering, lost; Ever ready help to give, And entreating, " Look and Live ! " By that love exceeding thought, Which from heaven the Saviour brought ; By that mercy which could dare Death to save us from despair, Lowly bending at Thy feet. We adore, implore, entreat. Lifting heart and voice to Thee — Miserere Domine ! With the vain and giddy throng, Father ! we have wandered long, Eager from Thy paths to stray, Chosen the forbidden way; Heedless of the light within, Hurried on from sin to sin, And with scoffers madly trod On the mercy of our God ! Now to where Thine altars burn, Penitently we return : Though forgotten, Thou hast not To be merciful forgot; Hear our suppliant cries to Thee- Miserere Domine! 550 MISERERE DOMINE, From the burden of our grief Who but Thou can give relief? Who can pour salvation's light ■ On the darkness of our night? Bowed our load of sin beneath, Who redeem our souls from death? If in man we put our trust, Scattered are our hopes like dust! Smitten by Thy chastening rod, Lo ! we cry to Thee, our God ! From the perils of our path. From the terrors of Thy wrath, Save us, when we look to Thee — Miserere Doinine ! Where the pastures greenly grow. Where the waters gently flow. And beneath the sheltering Rock, With the Shepherd rests the flock — Oh, let us be gathered there, Under Thy paternal care; Love and labour, and rejoice With the people of Thy choice. Till the toils of life are done, Till the fight is fought and won, And the crown with heavenly glow Sparkles on the victor's brow ! Hear the prayer we lift to Thee — Miserere Do)?iine ! William H. Burleigh. 551 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. O?^ THE LAST BOAT. USING I sit upon the shore, Awaiting till the boat shall come, And bear me to my far-off home ; To cease from wandering ever more. Wearied with waiting, pinched with cold. Dim eyes of mine still watch the stream, Which runs as in an endless dreams- Runs now, will run, and ran of old. Ever unchanged, the constant swirl In little whirlpools eddies still, The straws and leaves float down the rill, And slime and scum still onward whirl. 552 THE LAST BOAT. For storms still ruffle its dark breast*: The sunshine long hath ceased to play, Which in the morning of my day, Fitfully shone with sweet unrest. The day is dying; — morn and noon And sober afternoon are gone; Yet the boat comes not, and alone I wait, and for its coming swoon. But still the waters hurry on, The moving waters, dark and drear; The wavelets dance in van and rear. And I am waiting to be gone. I would be home before the night Sets in to freeze my spirit chill; For I have crept adown the hill I mounted with a spirit light. Lone, aged, and worn, I dread the cold. The silent darkness long and drear : I've nought to wrap me from the air Whistling so shrilly o'er the wold. But, as a shadow on the land Glides swiftly over field and wood, Suddenly, where no mortal stood. The Boatman hoar is close at hand. 553 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. He beckons, and I step within ; The river glides and swirls away, So swiftly that I scarce can say, "O World! Farewell, Life, Death, and Sin." Author of " The Gentle Life. \ "THOU COMPASSEST MY PATH." \ F there had anywhere appeared in space Another place of refuge where to flee, Our hearts had taken refuge in that place, And not with Thee. For we against creation's bars had beat Like prisoned eagles, through great worlds had sought Though but a foot of ground to plant our feet, Where Thou wert not. And only when we found in earth and air. In heaven or hell that such might nowhere be — That we could not flee from Thee anywhere. We fled to Thee. 554 THOU ART MY PORTION, LORD. THOU ART MY PORTION, O LORD. O LORD ! Thy heavenly grace impart, And fix my frail, inconstant heart; Henceforth my chief desire shall be To dedicate myself to Thee : To Thee, my God ! to Thee. Whate'er pursuits my time employ, One thought shall fill my soul with joy ; That silent, secret thought shall be, That all my hopes are fixed on Thee : On Thee, my God ! on Thee. Thy glorious eye pervadeth space; Thou'rt present. Lord, in every place And wheresoe'er my lot may be, Still shall my spirit cleave to Thee : To Thee, my God ! to Thee. Renouncing every worldly thing, Safe 'neath the covert of Thy wing, My sweetest thought henceforth shall be, That all I want I find in Thee : In Thee, my God ! in Thee. Oberlin. 555 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. IN THE NIGHT. ARK, dark the night, and fearfully I grope Amidst the shadows, feeHng for the way, But cannot find it. Here's no help, no hope, And God is very far off with His day ! D Hush, hush, faint heart ! Why this may be thy chance, When things are at their worst to prove thy faith ; Look up, and wait thy great deliverance, And trust Him at the darkest unto death. AVhat need of Faith, if all were visibly clear? Tis for the trial-time that this was given. Though clouds be thick, its sun is just as near, And Faith will find Him in the heart of heaven. 'Tis often on the last grim ridge of war God takes His stand to aid us in our fight; He watched us while we rolled the tide afar. And, beaten back, is near us in His might ! Under the wildest night, the heaviest woe, When earth looks desolate — heaven dark with doom, Faith has a fire-flash of the heart to show The face of the Eternal in the gloom. Gerald Massey. 556 ''LET THERE BE LIGHT:' :Or^ LET THERE BE LIGHT.' HOU wast, O God ; and Thou wast blest Before the world began \ Of Thine eternity possessed Before Time's hour-glass ran. ThoU needest none Thy praise to sing, As if Thy joy could fade ; Couldst Thou have needed anything, Thou couldst have nothing made. Great and good God, it pleased Thee Thy godhead to declare; And what Thy goodness did decree Thy greatness did prepare. Thou spak'st, and heaven and earth appeared. And answered to Thy call; As if their Maker's voice they heard, Which is the creature's all. 557 CHRISTIAN LYRICS, To whom, Lord, should I sing, but Thee, The Maker of my tongue ! Lo ! other lords would seize on me, But I to Thee belong. As waters haste unto their sea, And earth unto its earth; So let my soul return to Thee, From whom it had its birth. But ah! I'm fallen in the night, And cannot come to Thee : Yet speak the word, "Let there be light," It shall enlighten me : And let Thy word, most mighty Lord, Thy fallen creature raise : O make me o'er again, and I Shall sing my Maker's praise. Mason. 558 o COM FORT. HOW many hours of beauty Has the Master dealt around? And how many broken spirits Has He tenderly upbound ! Oh how often, to refresh us, Warmly beams the sun of life. Chasing from our brows the furrows Gathered in its gloom and strife. 559 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Thus it will go on for ever Till the end of all things here ; Till our Lord to glory call us, In His presence to appear. Then the Fatherland to enter, And no more as pilgrims drest; But adorned with all the shining Festal raiment of the blest. Should not this thy spirit strengthen To rejoice, be calm and still, And to follow where He leadeth. Let Him lead thee where He will ? All things work for Thy salvation, If indeed thou art His friend : Tarry but a little season. Only wait until the end. So the bitterest, as the sweetest, Serve alike to lead to heaven ; Nor thy voice alone shall praise Him For the cross that once was given. Doubtless rugged heights arising, Fill thy heart with deep alarms \ But where Thou canst not surmount them, Christ will bear thee in His arms. S6o COMFORT. Only journey ever onward, Farther on the homeward way, Ever with an eye uplifted To the clearer realms of day. Fearless thou may'st tread the valley, All in shadow though it be, When the open blue of heaven Shines beyond the gloom for thee. Hymns from the Land of Luther. S6i oo CHRISTIAN LYRICS. CONTINUING INSTANT IN PRAYER. F we with earnest effort could succeed- To make our lives one long connected prayer, As lives of some perhaps have been and are, If, never leaving Thee, we had no need Our wandering spirits back again to lead Into Thy presence, but continued there. Like angels standing on the highest stair Of the sapphire throne, this were to pray indeed. But if distractions manifold prevail, And if in this we must confess we fail, Grant us to keep at least a prompt desire, Continual readiness for prayer and praise, An altar heaped and waiting to take fire With the least spark, and leap into a blaze. Archbishop Trench. THE LADDER OF SAINT AUGUSTINE. THE LADDER OF SAINT AUGUSTINE. AINT Augustine ! well hast thou said, That of our vices we can frame A ladder, if we will but tread Beneath our feet each deed of shame ! All common things — each day's events That with the hour begin and end ; Our pleasures and our discontents, Are rounds by which we may ascend. The low desire — the base design. That makes another's virtues less ; The revel of the giddy wine. And all occasions of excess. The longing for ignoble things, The strife for triumph more than truth, The hardening of the, heart, that brings Irreverence for the dreams of youth ! All thoughts of ill— all evil deeds, That have their root in thoughts of ill. Whatever hinders or impedes The action of the nobler will ! 563 002 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. All these must first be trampled down Beneath our feet, if we would gain In the bright field of fair renown The right of eminent domain. We have not wings — we cannot soar — But we have feet to scale and climb By slow degrees — by more and more — The cloudly summits of our time. The mighty pyramids of stone That wedge-like cleave the desert airs, When nearer seen and better known. Are but gigantic flights of stairs. The distant mountains that uprear Their frowning foreheads to the skies, Are crossed by pathways, that appear As we to higher levels rise. The heights by great men reached and kept Were not attained by sudden flight ; But they, while their companions slept. Were toiling upwards in the night. -^^^ 564 ''GOD WITH us: Standing on what too long we bore With shoulders bent and downcast eyes, We may discern, unseen before, A path to higher destinies. Nor deem the irrevocable past As wholly wasted, wholly vain, If, rising on its wrecks, at last To something nobler we attain. Longfellow. "GOD WITH US." HEN God came dovyn from heaven — the living God — What signs and wonders marked His stately way? Brake out the winds in music where He trod? Shone o'er the heavens a brighter, softer day? The dumb began to speak, the blind to see, And the lame leaped, and pain and paleness fled; The mourner's sunken eye grew bright with glee, And from the tomb awoke the wondering dead ! 565 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. When God went back to heaven — the living God — Rode He the heavens upon a fiery car? Waved seraph-wings along His glorious road? Stood still to wonder each bright wandering star? Upon the cross He hung, and bowed the head, And prayed for them that smote, and them that cursed ; And, drop by drop, His slow life-blood was shed, And His last hour of suffering was His worst. Milman. *'AS ONE WHOM HIS MOTHER COMFORTETH." COME, dear Lord, like a tired child, to creep Unto Thy feet, and there a while to sleep; Weary, though not with a long busy day, But with the morning's sunshine and with play; And with some tears that fell, although the while They scarce were deep enough to drown a smile. 566 "AS ONE WHOM HIS MOTHER COMFORTETW — — ' « There is no need for words of mine to tell My heart to Thee; Thou needest not to spell, As others must, my hidden thoughts and fears From out my broken words, my sobs, or tears; Thou knowest all ; knowest far more than I The inner meaning of each tear or sigh. Thou mayest smile, perchance, as mothers smile On sobbing children, seeing all the while How soon will pass away the endless grief. How soon will come the gladness and relief; But if Thou smilest, yet Thy sympathy Measures my grief by what it is to me. And not the less Thy love doth understand, And not the less, with tender, pitying hand. Thou wipest all my tears, and the sad face Dost cherish to a smile in Thine embrace, Until the pain is gone ; and Thou dost say, " Go now, my child, and work for Me to-day." Thoughts froin a Girl ^s Life. 567 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. "THE BRIGHT LIGHT THAT IS IN THE CLOUDS." D ESP AIR not in the vale of woe, Where many joys from suffering flow. Oft breathes simoom, and close behind A breath of God doth softly blow. Clouds threaten — but a ray of light, And not of lightning, falls below. How many winters o'er thy head Have past — yet bald it does not show. Thy branches are not bare, and yet What storms have shook them to and fro. To thee has time brought many joys, If many it has bid to go ; And seasoned has with bitterness Thy cup, that flat it should not grow. 568 " THE BRIGHT LIGHT;' ETC. Trust in that veiled hand, which leads one by the path that he would go, And always be for change prepared, For the world's law is ebb and flow. Stand fast in suffering, until He Who called it shall dismiss also ; And from that Lord all good expect. Who many mercies strews below; Who in life's narrow garden-strip Has bid delights unnumbered blow. Archbishop Trench. 569 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. WAITING FOR SPRING. AITING for Spring! The mother, watching lonely By her sick child when all the night is dumb, Hearing no sound save his hoarse breathing only, Saith, "He will rally when the Spring days come." Waiting for Spring ! Ah me, all nature tarries, As motionless and cold she lies asleep, Wrapt in her green pine robe that never varies, Wearing out Winter by this southern deep. The tints are too unbroken on the bosom Of those great woods ; we want some light green shoots ; We want the white and red acacia blossom, The blue life hid in all these russet roots. WAITING FOR SPRING. Waiting for Spring ! The hearts of men are watching, Each for some better, brighter, fairer thing ; Each ear a distant sound most sweet is catching, A herald of the beauty of his Spring. Waiting for Spring ! The nations in their anger, Or deadlier torpor wrapt, look onward, still Feel a far hope through all their strife and languor, And better spirits in them throb and thrill. Waiting for Spring ! Christians are waiting ever, Body and soul by sin and pain bowed down; Look for the time when all these clouds shall sever, See high above the cross a flowery crown. Waiting for Spring ! Poor hearts ! how oft ye weary, Looking for better things, and grieving much ! Earth lieth still, though all her bowers be dreary; She trusts her God, nor thrills but at His touch. It must be so, — the man, the soul, the nation. The mother by her child — we wait, we wait, Dreaming out futures ; life is expectation, A grub, a root that holds our higher state. Waiting for Spring — the germ for its perfection. Earth for all charms by light and colour given, The body for its robe of resurrection. Souls for their Sa^^our, Christians for our heaven. Cecil Frances Alexander. 571 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. JERUSALEM THE GOLDEN. |RIEF life is here our portion; Brief sorrow short-lived care; ^v^^j^^ The life that knows no ending, ^fi^'h The tearless life is there. .r]\S^' O happy retribution ! Short toil, eternal rest ; For mortals and for sinners A mansion with the blest ! That we should look, poor wanderers, To have our home on high ! That worms should seek for dwellings Beyond the starry sky ! There grief is turned to pleasure, Such pleasure as below No human voice can utter, No human heart can know. 572 JERUSALEM THE GOLDEN. And now we fight the battle, But then shall wear the crown Of full and everlasting And passionless renown : And now we watch and struggle, And now we live in hope, And Syon, in her anguish. With Babylon must cope. But there is David's fountain. And life in fullest glow. And there the light is golden. And milk and honey flow : The light that hath no evening, The health that hath no sore, The life that hath no ending. But lasteth evermore. Behold, when morn shall waken, And shadows shall decay. And each true-hearted servant Shall shine as doth the day : Yes ! God my King and Portion, In fulness of His grace. We then shall see for over, And worship face to face. 573 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. \l For thee, O dear, dear Country, Mine eyes their vigils keep ; For very love, beholding Thy happy name, they weep. The mention of Thy glory Is unction to the breast, And medicine in sickness, And love, and life, and rest. O one, O only Mansion ! O Paradise of Joy ! Where tears are ever banished, And smiles have no alloy ; The Lamb is all thy splendour; The Crucified thy praise ; His laud and benediction Thy ransomed people raise. With jasper glow thy bulwarks, Thy streets with emeralds blaze ; The sardius and the topaz Unite in thee their rays; Thine ageless walls are bonded With amethyst unpriced; The saints build up its fabric, And the corner-stone is Christ. JERUSALEM THE GOLDEN. Thou hast no shore, fair ocean ! Thou hast no time, bright day ! Dear fountain of refreshment To pilgrims far away 1 Upon the Rock of Ages They raise Thy holy tower; Thine is the victor's laurel, And thine the golden dower. Jerusalem the golden ! With milk and honey blest ; Beneath thy contemplation Sink heart and voice opprest. I know not, oh ! I know not What joys await us there; What radiancy of glory. What bliss beyond compare. They stand, those halls of Sion, All jubilant with song. And bright with mahy an angel, And all the martyr throng. CHRISTIAN LYRICS. The Prince is ever in them, The daylight is serene; The pastures of the blessed Are deck'd in glorious sheen. There is the throne of David; And there, from care released, The shout of them that triumph, The song of them that feast; And they, who with their Leader Have conquered in the fight, For ever and for ever Are clad in robes of white. St. Bernard — Translated by Dr. Neale. 576 MISSIONARY HYMN. MISSIONARY HYMN. NWARD ! onward ! men of heaven, Rear the Gospel's banner high ; Rest not till its light is given, Star of every pagan sky; Bear it where the eastern stranger Dwells 'neath Asia's sunniest ray; Where the western forest ranger Lingers ere he pass away. Where the Arctic ocean thunders, Where the tropics fiercely glow, Broadly spread its page of wonders, Brightly let its radiance flow. India marks its lustre stealing; Frozen Greenland loves its rays ; Afric, 'mid her deserts kneeling. Lifts the mingled strain of praise. Rude in speech or grim in feature. Dark in spirit though they be, Show that light to every creature. Prince or vassal, bond or free ; Lo ! they haste to every nation. Host on host the ranks supply, Onward ! Christ is our salvation, And your death is victory. 577 P P CHRISTIAN LYRICS. SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS, ARISE! OLDIERS of the Cross, arise! Gird you with your armour bright ; Mighty are your enemies, Hard the battle ye must fight. O'er a faithless, fallen world Raise your banner in the sky ; Let it float there wide unfurl'd ; Bear it onward; lift it high. Mid the homes of want and woe, Strangers to the living Word, Let the Saviour's herald go. Let the voice of hope be heard. Where the shadows deepest lie, Carry truth's unsullied ray; Where are crimes of blackest die, There the saving sign display. 578 SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS, ARISE ! To the weary and the worn Tell of realms where sorrows cease ; To the outcast and forlorn Speak of mercy and of peace. Guard the helpless ; seek the stray'd ; Comfort troubles; banish grief; With the Spirit's sword array'd, Scatter sin and unbelief. Be the banner still unfurl'd ; Bear it bravely still abroad, Till the kingdoms of the world Are the kingdoms of the Lord. 579 p p 2 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. DEATH'S FINAL CONQUEST. HE glories of our blood and state • Are shadows, not substantial things ; There is no armour against fate. Death lays his icy hands on kings ! Sceptre and crown Must tumble down, And in the dust be equal made With the poor, crooked scythe and spade. Some men with swords may reap the field, And plant fresh laurels where they kill ; But their strong nerves at last riiust yield ; They tame but one another still. Early or late They stoop to fate. And must give up their murmuring breath, When they, pale captives, creep to death. The garlands wither on your brow; Thea boast no more your mighty deeds \ Upon Death's purple altar now See where the victor victim bleeds ! Your heads must come * To the cold tomb ; Only the actions of the just Smell sweet and blossom in the dust. Shirley, 580 REST OF THE WEARY, REST OF THE WEARY. EST of the weary, Joy of the sad, Hope of the dreary. Light of the glad; Home of the stranger, Strength to the end. Refuge from danger, Saviour and Friend ! Pillow where, lying, Love rests its head, Peace of the dying. Life of the dead ; Path of the lowly, Prize at the end, Breath of the holy, Saviour and Friend ! When my feet stumble, I'll to Thee cry. Crown of the humble, Cross of the high ; When my steps wander, Over me bend Truer and fonder. Saviour and Friend ! 581 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Ever confessing Thee, I will raise Unto Thee blessing, Glory, and praise : All my endeavour. World without end, Thine to be ever, Saviour and Friend ! HO! EVERY ONE THAT THIRSTETH. O ! every one that thirsteth. Drink at the living well. Within whose source the streams of life And joy eternal dwell; Come ye, the poor, no worldly gift The sacred draught can buy; Pure, deep, and sweet, and without price. The sacred waters lie. Come ye in faith, incline your ear. And so your soul shall live. Strengthened for ever by the draught The well of truth can give : 582 HO! EVERY ONE THAT THIRSTETH. And God, yea, even God, whose words Alone are just and true, Will hear and make an everlasting Covenant with you. Come ye in faith, and ye shall then Go out with joy — be led forth free As the high mountains and the hills. That seem to sing in glee ! And that shall be a sign to thee That He hath heard thy voice ; And ye who* walk within His ways May evermore rejoice ! J. E. Carpenter. S8 MY HOME. MY Home ! my Home ! I've paused a while In many a stranger land, And seen in all "boon nature" smile Beneath her Maker's hand : But never, since calm reason took From Fancy's clutch her rhyming book, A joyful resting planned — Till here the blessed scene I laid, Here in mine own romantic shade. My Home ! my Home ! oh, ever dear Thy hallowed scenes shall be; In joy or grief, in hope or fear. My spirit clings to thee. 584 THOSE ETERNAL BOWERS, I deem my Home an emblem meet Of that enduring last retreat, From pain and passion free, Where Peace shall fix her bright abode, And yield her followers up to God. THOSE ETERNAL BOWERS. HOSE eternal bowers I Man hath never trod, Those unfading flowers Round the throne of God : Who may hope to gain them After weary fight ? Who at length attain them, Clad in robes of white ? He who gladly barters All on earthly ground; He who, like the martyrs. Says, " I will be crowned He whose one oblation Is a life of love, Clinging to the nation Of the blest above. 585 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Shame upon you, legions Of the heavenly King, Denizens of regions Past imagining ! What ! with pipe and tabor Fool away the light. When He bids you labour — When He tells you, " Fight ! While we do our duty, Struggling through the tide, Whisper Thou of beauty On the other side ! Oh, heed not the story Of this life's distress : Oh, the future glory ! Oh, the loveliness ! ^|& S86 MORN. MORN. HRIST, whose glory fills the skies ; Christ, the true, the only Light ; Sun of Righteousness, arise, Triumph o'er the shades of night ! Day-spring from on high be near. Day-star in my heart appear. Dark and cheerless is the morn tJnaccompanied by Thee ; Joyless is the day's return, Till Thy mercy's beams I see, Till they inward light impart, Glad my eyes, and warm my heart. Visit, then, this soul of mine ; Pierce the gloom of sin and grief; Fill me. Radiancy Divine, Scatter all my unbelief ! More and more Thyself display, Shining to the perfect day ! Rev. Charles Wesley. 587 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. MORNING LIGHT. ORD God of morning and of night, We thank Thee for Thy gift of hght ; As in the dawn the shadows fly, We seem to find Thee now more high. Fresh hopes have waken'd in our hearts Fresh energy to do our parts ; Thy thousand sleeps our strength restore A thousandfold to serve Thee more. Yet whilst Thy will we would pursue, Oft what we would we cannot do; The sun may stand in zenith skies, But on the soul thick midnight lies. O Lord of lights ! 'tis Thou alone Canst make our darken'd hearts Thine own Though this new day with joy we see, O Dawn of God ! we cry for Thee ! - 588 ON GOING TO LABOUR. Praise God, our Maker and our Friend ! Praise Him through time, till time shall end ! Till psalm and song His Name adore Through Heaven's great day of Evermore ! Francis Turner Palgrave. ON GOING TO LABOUR. ORTH in Thy Name, O Lord, I go. My daily labour to pursue, Thee, only Thee, resolved to know. In all I think, or speak, or do. (The task Thy wisdom hath assign'd, Oh, let me cheerfully fulfil ; In all my works Thy presence find, And prove Thine acceptable will. Preserve me from my calling's snare. And hide my simple heart above, Above the thorns of choking care, The gilded baits of worldly love. 589 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Thee may I set at my right hand, Whose eyes mine inmost substance see, And labour on at Thy command, And offer all my works to Thee. Give me to bear Thy easy yoke. And every moment watch and pray; And still to things eternal look. And hasten to Thy g\orious day. For Thee delightfully employ Whate'er Thy bounteous grace hath given, And run my course with even joy, And closely walk with Thee to Heaven. Rev. Charles Wesley, 590 PRAISE THE LORD OF HE A VEN. PRAISE THE LORD OF HEAVEN. RAISE the Lord of heaven, Praise Him in the height, ' Praise Him, all ye angels, Praise Him, stars and light ! Praise Him, skies and waters, Which above the skies, When His word commanded, Did, established, rise ! Praise the Lord, ye fountains Of the deeps and seas. Rocks and hills and momitains. Cedars and all trees ! Praise Him, clouds and vapours. Snow, and hail, and fire, Stormy wind fulfilling Only his desire ! Praise Him, fowls and cattle, Princes and all kings ! Praise Him, men and maidens, All created things; For the name of God Is excellent alone ; Over earth his footstool, Over heaven His throne ! T. B. Browne. 591 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. MY GOD AND KING. ET all the world in every corner sing My God and King ! The heavens are not too high; His praise may thither fly : The earth is not too low ; His praises there may grow. Let all the world in every corner sing My God and King ! The Church with psalms must shout; No door can keep them out : But, above all, the heart Must bear the longest part. Let all the world in every corner sing My God and King! George Herbert. 592 LANDING OF THE PILGRIM FATHERS. LANDING OF THE PILGRIM FATHERS IN NEW ENGLAND. HE breaking waves dashed high, On a stern and rock-bound coast, And the woods against a stormy sky Their giant branches tossed. And the heavy night hung dark, The hills and waters o'er, When a band of exiles moored their bark On the wild New England shore. « Not as the conqueror comes, They, the true-hearted, came ; Not with the roll of the stirring drums, And the trumpet that sings of fame. Not as the flying come, Y\ silence and in fear ; — They shook the depths of the desert gloom With their hymns of lofty cheer. Amidst the storm they sang, And the stars heard, and the sea ; And the sounding aisles of the dim woods rang To the anthem of the free ! 593 Q Q CHRISTIAN L YRICS. The ocean-eagle soared From his nest by the white waves' foam ; And the rocking pines of the forest roared — This was their welcome home ! There were men with hoary hair Amidst that pilgrim band ; Why had they come to wither there, Away from their childhood's land? There was woman's fearless eye, Lit by her deep love's truth ; There was manhood's brow serenely high, And the fiery heart of youth. What sought they thus afar? Bright jewels of the mine? The wealth of seas, the spoils of war? They sought a faith's pure shrine ! Ay, call it holy ground, The soil where first they trod — They have left unstained what there they found- Freedom to worship God. Mrs. Hemans. 594 IN THE HOUR OF TRIAL. IN THE HOUR OF TRIAL. '^ Lord, help me''' — Matt. xv. 25. IN the hour of trial, Jesus, pray for me ; Lest by base denial I depart from Thee; When Thou seest me waver. With a look recall. Nor for fear or favour Suffer me to fall. With forbidden pleasures Would this vain world charm ; Or its sordid treasures Spread to work me harm ; Bring to my remembrance Sad Gethsemane, Or, in darker semblance, Cross-crown'd Calvarv. I w ^ -^^ ^1 ^cy ^^\ Should Thy mercy send me Sorrow, toil, and woe; Or should pain attend me On my path below ; Grant that I may never Fail Thy Hand to see; Grant that I may ever Cast my care on Thee. 595 Q Q 2 CHRIS TIA N L YRICS. When my last hour cometh, Fraught with strife and pain ; When my dust returneth To the dust again ; On Thy truth relying, Through that mortal strife, Jesus, take me dying To eternal life. ART THOU WEARY? ^^ Come unto mey — Matt. xi. 28. RT thou weary, art thou languid, Art thou sore distrest? "Come to me" — saith One — "and coming. Be at rest!" Hath He marks to lead me to Him, If He be my Guide ? In His feet and hands are wound-prints, And His side." Is there diadem, as monarch, That His brow adorns? "Yea, a crown, in very surety. But of thorns ! " 596 HEAR, O LORD AND GOD! MY CRIES. If I find Him, if I follow, What His guerdon here? "Many a sorrow, many a labour, Many a tear." If I still hold closely to Him, What hath He at last ? *' Sorrow vanquish'd, labour ended, Jordan past ! " If I ask Him to receive me, Will He say me nay ? " Not till earth and not till heaven Pass away ! " "* Finding, following, keeping, struggling, Is He sure to bless ? "Angels, Martyrs, Prophets, Virgins, Answer, Yes ! " HEAR, O LORD AND GOD! MY CRIES. TEAR, O Lord and God! my cries; Mark my foes' unjust abusing; And illuminate my eyes. Heavenly beams in them infusing. 597 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Lest my woes, too great to bear, And too infinite in number, Rock me soon 'twixt hope and fear, Into death's eternal slumber ; Lest my foes their boasting make, "Spite of right on him we trample ;" And a pride in mischief take. Heartened by my sad example. As for me, I'll ride secure At Thy mercy's sacred anchor, And undaunted will endure Fiercest storms of wrong and rancour. These black clouds will overblow. Sunshine shall have his returning. And my grief-wrung heart, I know, Into mirth shall change his mourning. Therefore I'll rejoice and sing Hymns to God, in sacred measure, Who to happy pass will bring My just hopes, at His good pleasure. Francis Davison. 598 THE THIRD DA V OF CREA TION. HYMN. THE THIRD DAY OF CREATION. HOU spakest; and the waters rolled Back from the earth away, 1'hey fled by Thy strong voice con- trolled, Till Thou didst bid them stay : Then did that rushing mighty ocean Like a tame creature cease its motion, Nor dared to pass where'er Thy hand Had fixed its bound of slender sand. And freshly risen from out the deep The land lay tranquil now, Like a new-christened child asleep, With the dew upon its brow : As when in after time the Earth Rose from her second watery birth, In pure baptismal garments drest, And calmly waiting to be blest Again Thou spakest, Lord of power, And straight the land was seen All clad with tree, and herb, and flower, A robe of lustrous green : Like souls wherein the hidden strength Of their new-birth is waked at length. When, robed in hoHness, they tell What might did in those waters dwell. 599 CHRISTIAN L YRICS. Lord, o'er the waters of my soul The word of power be said ; My thoughts and passions bid Thou roll Each in its channelled bed ; Till that in peaceful order flowing, They time their glad obedient going To thy command whose voice to-day Bade the tumultuous floods obey. For restless as the moaning sea, The wild and wayward will From side to side is wearily ^ Changing and tossing still ; But swayed by Thee 'tis like the river That down its green banks flows for ever, And, calm and constant, tells to all The blessedness of such sweet thrall. Then in my heart, Spirit of Might, Awake the life within. And bid a spring-tide calm and bright Of holiness begin : So let it lie with Heaven's grace Full shining on its quiet face, Like the young Earth in peace profound, Amid th' assuaged waters round. T. Whytehead. 600 SONG OF AN OLD MAN. HOUGH winter yet be not o'er-past, The breath of spring steals o'er the lea; Is it in mercy unto me, April, thou comest in such haste? Ah ! gentle friend, I would behold Thy fair young face, thy tender tears, In thy soft voice my spirit hears Itself speak cheerly as of old. 60 1 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. When ere the dawn I wake and weep, To think of hearts that beat no more, And cruel memories haunt me sore, Come thou, and through my lattice creep. And murmuring in the ivy leaves. Waken the early morning bird, Whose mirth, by the first daylight stirr'd, Sings to me from beneath the eaves. Oh ! the first snowdrop let me see, The first young primrose laughing out ; When the rathe violet sheds about Its magic soul, bear that to me. When in their hearts thy life is born, The young man laughs, the young girl sighs, And love, in light of their blue eyes, Moves, as in heaven the star of morn. Wild horses run in valleys wide, The deer leaps up in oaken glade, The lion from his rocky shade Roars, and runs down the mountain side. When thy swift life moves in their blood Like lightning, lo ! the strong arise, And do great deeds, and o'er the wise Roll godlike visions like a flood. 602 SONG OF AN OLD MAN The poet bares his suffering brows Unto thee, and his voice is heard Mingling with song of tree and bird, Like gods beneath the garden boughs. But I am old, and in my breast The embers of the ancient fire Flame not again at my desire — Oh ! I am old, and crave but rest. Lead me a little in the sun, Kind hand of maid, or loving child; My tears the light of heaven shall gild Until my wintry day be done. Though in my heart the voice of spring, With its bright flowers and carols clear, Tells me not of the passing year, And the new life in everything ; But takes me back where lie inum'd The ashes of imperial joys. Discrowned hopes with quenched eyes, Great passions with their torches bum'd. Some spirit out of darkness brings, And sets upon their ancient thrones The scatter'd monumental bones Of thoughts that were as mighty kings. 603 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Some voice thrills in mine ear like breath Of virgin song, and fair young Love Is seen his golden plumes to move Over the grim grey land of Death. My heart is like a temple dim, Down whose long aisles the moonlight floats And sad celestial organ notes Hover, like wings of cherubim. Touch'd by some unseen hand, around The marble figures of the dead; But at this hour no living tread Is heard, no disenchanting sound. O, WHEN MY GOD! OWHEN my God, my glory,, brings His white and holy train Unto those clear and living springs Where comes no stain ; Where all is light, and flowers, and fruit, And joy, and rest; Make me amongst them ('tis my suit!) The last one, and the least. H. Vaughan. 604 O THOU! WHOSE WISE PATERNAL LOVE. O THOU! WHOSE WISE PATERNAL LOVE. © OTHOU ! whose wise paternal love Hath brought my active spirit down — Thy will I thankfully approve ; And, prostrate at Thy gracious Throne, I offer up my life's remains, I choose the state my God ordains. Cast as a broken vessel by, Thy work I can no longer do ; But while a daily death I die. Thy power I may in weakness show. My patience may Thy glory raise, My speechless woe proclaim Thy praise. But since, without Thy Spirit's might, |vO Thou know'st I nothing can endure, The aid I ask in Jesu's right — The strength He did for me procure— Father, abundantly impart, nd arm with love my feeble heart. 605 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Oh may I live of Thee possess'd In weakness, weariness, and pain ; The anguish of my throbbing breast, The daily cross, may I sustain, For Him who languished on the tree. But lived, before He died, for me. PASSING THE GATE. [|hERE is a land immortal, The beautiful of lands; Beside the ancient portal A sentry grimly stands ; He only can undo it, And open wide the door; And mortals who pass through it Are mortals never more. That glorious land is heaven, And Death the sentry grim ; The Lord, therefore, has given The opening keys to him ; And ransomed sinners, sighing And sorrowful for sin, Do pass the gate in dying, And freely enter in. 606 PASSING THE GATE. Though dark and drear the passage That leadeth to the gate, Yet grace comes with the message To souls that watch and wait ; And, at the time appointed, A messenger comes down, And leads the Lord's anointed, From cross to glory's crown. Their sighs are lost in singing, They're blessed in their tears ; Their journey homeward winging, They leave to earth their fears ; Death like an angel seemeth; *' We welcome thee," they cry ; Their face with glory beameth ; 'Tis life for them to die. '^ 607 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. SIGHS AND GROANS. ODO not use me After my sins ! look not on my desert, But on Thy glory ; then Thou wilt reform, And not refuse, me. For Thou only art The mighty God ; but I, a silly worm. ' O do not bruise me ! O do not urge me ! For what account can Thy ill steward make ! I have abused Thy stock, destroyed Thy woods, Sucked all Thy magazines. My head did ache Till it found out how to consume Thy goods. O do not scourge me ! O do not blind me ! I have deserved that an Egyptian night Should thicken all my powers, because my lust Hath still sewed fig-leaves to exclude Thy light. But I am frailty, and already dust; O do not grind me ! O do not fill me With the turned vial of Thy bitter wrath ! For Thou hast other vessels, full of blood, A part whereof my Saviour emptied hath, Even unto death. Since He died for my good, O do not kill me ! Geo r ere Herbert. • 608 SUBMIT YOURSELVES TO HIS WILL. SUBMIT YOURSELVES TO HIS WILL. INCE 'tis God's will— pain, take your course, ,. J Exert on me your utmost force — I well God's truth and promise know; He never sends a woe, But His supports divine In due proportion with the affliction join. Though I am frailest of mankind, And apt to waver as the wind — ^"^b" Though me no feeble bruised reed In weakness can exceed — My soul on God relies, And I your fierce, redoubled shocks despise. Patient, resigned, and humble wills Impregnably resist all ills. My God will guide me by His light, Give me victorious might : No pang can me invade, Beneath His wings' propitious shade. 609 R R CHRISTIAN LYRICS. \^^. FAITH. I AITH is the dawning of the day, Where darkness was before ; he rising of the solar ray, To set in night no more. Faith leads me onward to the Cross, And through it to a crown, When purified from all the dross That weighs the spirit down. Faith takes her balances of gold, And weighs with skill sublime Eternal happiness untold, Against the dreams of time. Faith is the compass never wrong, Not swerving from its pole : 6io BEFORE THE SACRAMENT. It cheers the weak, directs the strong, And gladdens every soul. Failh is the charm that keeps our sight From wandering by the way ; It studs with stars the brow of night, And turns it into day. '^ Lyra Mystical M. Bridges. BEFORE THE SACRAMENT. READ of the world in mercy broken, Wine of the soul in mercy shed 1 By wliom the words of life were spoken, And in whose death our sins are dead ! Look on the heart by sorrow broken. Look on the tears by sinners shed. And be Thy feast to us the token, That by Thy grace our souls are fed ! 6ll R R 2 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. TEACH ME, MY GOD AND KING. TEACH me, my God and King, In all things Thee to see, And what I do in anything, To do it as for Thee. •Sf- * * * A servant with this clause Makes drudgery divine ; Who sweeps a room as for Thy laws Makes that and the action fine. George Herbert. THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT. TRGIN-BORN! we bow before Thee ! Blessed was the womb that bore Thee ! Mary, mother meek and mild, Blessed was she in her child ! Blessed was the breast that fed Thee ! Blessed was the hand that led Thee ! Blessed was the parent's eye That watched Thy slumbering infancy ! 612 DYING TO THE WORLD. Blessed she by all creation, Who brought forth the world's Salvation ! And blessed they, for ever blest. Who love Thee most and serve Thee best ! Virgin-born ! we bow before Thee ! Blessed was the womb that bore Thee ! Mary, mother meek and mild, Ble-sed was she in her child ! DYING TO THE WORLD. Y soul lives but a stranger here, My country is the heavenly sphere : While God here wills my stay, His grace my powers shall sway. Death ! when for me you are designed, But litde work in me you'll find. 613 CHRISTIAN LYRICS. My all is God's possession grown, I nothing keep to call my own : If any self you see Remaining still in me, Oh ! that should long ago have died. Had I the lurking ill descried. Perhaps you'll at my body aim — But that's devoted to God's name; God there is pleased to build A temple, with God filled ; Dare you to ruin that design, Which temple is of Godhead trine ? By God's permission yet you may Dissolve this house built up of clay — In ruin when it lies, It glorious shall arise ; And rise to a much nobler height, Than the first temple, much more bright. Should you my heaven-born soul attempt- That from your terrors lives exempt^ — You ne'er, with all your skill, Could souls immortal kill : You need not me and world divide, 1 long ago the Avorld denied. 614 DYING TO THE WORLD. I have prevented all your force, Which from my friends might me divorce- To friends, though truly dear, My heart dares not adhere : No perfect friend but God I know, For God I all the rest forego. Should you invade me, armed with ])ain, And make me numerous deaths sustain, My will, to God resigned, Sweet ease in God will find ; God's love will all my pains endear ; With joy my dissolution's near. Death ! when you shall approach my head. You'll nothing see but what is dead ; Yet do not me forsake. Care of my body take; Lay me with gentle hand asleep— - God in the grave my dust will keep. 6l! CHRISTIAN LYRICS. EVENING HYMN. OD, that madest Earth and Heaven, Darkness and Hght ! Who the day for toil hast given, For rest the night ; May Thine Angel guards defend us, Slumber sweet Thy mercy send us, Holy dreams and hopes attend us, This livelong night ! 6i6 INDEX TO FIRST LINES. Abide with me ; fast falls the eventide After lonsr days of storm and showers Ah ! not alone the murderous blade A little brook went singing .... A little cloud was fashioned .... All as God wills, who wisely heeds . . All things that are on earth shall wholly pass away All night the lonely suppliant prayed Alone, alone, ah ! weary soul . . Alway imploring palms we raise towards heaven And He drew near and talked with them Another hand is beckoning us . . . A quiet heart, submissive, meek . . Art thou weary, art thou languid . . As eager home-bound traveller to the goal As I lay upon my bed As the sages from afar As the harp-strings only render . . As those that watch for the day . . . As Thou wilt, my God I I ever say Behold, O Lord ! these unhewn stones Believe not that your inner eye . . . Beyond the dark and stormy bound Birds have their quiet nest .... Blessed city, heavenly Salem . . . Blessed, yet sinful one, and broken-hearted Bound upon the accursed tree . . Bread of the world in mercy broken Brief life is here our portion . . . But how shall we be glad ? . . . Calm on the bosom of thy God . . Came North, and South, and East, and West • • • Christ, whose glory fills the skies . . Christ, whose glory fills the skies . . Come, my soul^ awake, 'tis morning . Come, thou bright and morning Star . Come to the land of peace ! . . . . Cometh sunshine after rain .... Commit thou all thy griefs .... Commit thy way to God Count not the days that have idly flown Creator Spirit ! come and bless us . . Dark, dark the night, and fearfully I grope Day of vengeance, without morrow Despair not in the vale of woe . . . Faith, Hope, and Charity,— these three Faith is the dawning of the day . . Page 82 411 99 117 10 453 354 385 159 474 596 254 145 137 261 185 427 375 71 406 22} 294 324 '34 611 572 454 208 480 196 587 270 63 487 34» 79 174 173 5'9 556 537 568 112 610 of 73 372 247 340 178 432 5'3 2»5 305 203 589 377 356 68 212 280 49 Pa(;k Father and Friend ! Thy light. Thy love 124 Father ! beneath Thy sheltering wing . 526 Father, I bring this worthless child to Thee 225 Father, I know that all my life . . Father of love and power . . : . Father ! that in the olive shade . . Father, Thy will, not mine, be done Father ! whate'er of earthly bliss . Fighting the battle of life ! . . . Fling out the Banner ! Let it float . For ever with the Lord ! , . . . For the love of the true-hearted Forth from the dark and stormv sky Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I go . Fret not, poor soul : while doubt and fear Full rings in every het of the weary 581 Rocked in the cradle of the deep . . . 527 Rock of Ages, cleft for me 390 Robin, to the bare bough clinging . . . 198 Round holy Rabia's suffering bed . . . . 429 Saint Augustine ! well hast thou said . . 563 Saviour divine, we bend before Thee lowly 228 Saviour of men, and Lord of love . . . 214 INDEX TO FIRST LINES. Page Saviour ! when in dust to Thee .... 328 Say, watchman, what of the night ? . . 498 See ! the dull dense clouds are breaking . 180 She, 'neath ice-mountains vast .... 97 Shout the glad tidings, exultingly sing . 506 Since 'tis God's will — pain, take your course 609 Sold by them that should have loved thee 276 Soldiers of the Cross, arise ..... 578 Some murmur, when the sky is clear . . 267 Songs of praise the angels sang .... 343 Soon and for ever ! 616 Source of my life's refreshing springs . . 35 Speak gently ! it is better far 104 Star of morn and even 463 Still evermore for some great strength we pray 80 Still nigh me, O my Saviour, stand . . 234 Strive ; yet I do not promise 36 Suflferer, lift thy weary eye ! 332 Sweet brooklet, ever gliding 125 Sweet voices ! seldom mortal ear ... 7 Take them, O death ! and bear away 43 Teach me, my God and King . . . .612 'I'ell me not, m mournful numbers j. . . 373 Thank God that toward eternity . . . 140 .The baby wept 207 The bells — the bells — the Christmas bells 504 The blue Egean's countless waves in Sab- bath sunlight smiled 239 The breaking waves dashed high . . . 593 The dawn of God's dear Sabbath ... 90 The day is gone 64 The day of wrath ! that dreadful day . . 259 The earth that in her genial breast . . . 482 The glories of our blood and state . . . 580 The golden morn flames up the eastern sky 128 The hours are viewless angels .... 382 The ivy in a dungeon grew 15 The last sand from time's hour-glass . . 164 The quiet Sabbath sunshine played . . 284 There is a land immortal 606 There is a name I love to hear .... 404 'I'here is a reaper, whose name is Death . 162 There is a song now singing 457 There is no flock, however watched and tended 148 'l"he servant of God is on his way . . . 306 The way ^eems dark about me — overhead 387 They came, they went ; of pleasures passed away 40 Tliink gently of the erring 106 This did not cnce so trouble me ... . 52 This world I deem 133 I'hose eternal bowers 585 Thou art, O God, the life and light . . 355 Thou blossom bright with autumn dew . 151 Though some good things of lower worth 27 Though winter yet be not o'cr-past . . . 6ot [Pagb Thou hidden love of God, whose height . 29 Thou spakest ; and the waters rolled . . 599 Thou wast, O God ; and Thou wast blest 557 Thou, who didst stoop below 197 Thou, who lookest with pitying eye . . 550 Throughout this earth in stillness . . . 344 Thus it will go on for ever 559 Thy love 103 Thy waj', not mine, O Lord 171 'Tis gone, that bright and orbfed blaze . . 493 'Tis late at night, and in the realm of sleep in 'Tis not when the death-prayer is said . 260 'Tis one vast united army 436 To have, each day, the thing I wish . . 109 To one alone my thoughts arise .... 330 To prayer, to prayer ; — for the morning breaks 533 'Twas long ago in olden time 273 Under the bowering honeysuckle . . . 113 Virgin-born! we bow before Thee . . . 612 Waiting for Spring ! The mother, watch- ing lonely 570 Walk in the light- and thou shalt own . 353 Wearied and worn with earthly cares, I yielded to repose 366 We ask for peace, O Lord ! \ We love Thee, Lord, yet not alone . . 182 We meet in joy, though we part in sorrow 400 We must not doubt, or fear, or dread, that love for life is only given 415 We seek that land whose light e'en now . 221 " We would see Jesus" — for the shadows lengthen 206 What must it be to dwell above .... 219 What no human eye hath seen .... 360 What sudden blaze of song 187 What ! though the stream be dead ... 150 What within me and without 464 When death is coming near 486 When first our Lord came down on earth 281 When God came down from heaven -the living God 565 When m the silvery moonlight .... 370 When Israel of the Lord beloved . . . 395 When prayer delights thee least, then learn to say 6 When the hours of day are numbered . . 257 When we seek with loving he.irt . . . 378 Where is Thy favour'd haunt, eternal Voice 19 Where the lambs sle«p, there shepherds watch around 136 Whither, midst fallin|; dew 95 Who .shall ascend to the holy place . . 209 Why doth my Saviour weep 311 Why feedest thou on husks so coarse and rude? 303 Ye dainty mosses, lichens grey .... 48 I Ye whose hearts are beating high ... 58 LONDON R. CLAY, SONS, AND TAYLOR, PRINTHKS, BREAD STREET HILL. YC 1 07609