THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES -BY- Aiit/ior of '' Sa/n Crab,'' *' The \^iUwje Juirtinw Teller,''' i.yr. »?*;<: '• lilest poesy I who fir'dst tlie seers of old. To thee the mission has been given To hght unquenchable desires in man For bliss, then lead him on to heaven/' J. ROBERTSIIAW. K>i*:c HALIFAX : S. X. WiiiTAKER ii, Son, St. James's Strf.et. gl^4. EXTEREI) AT .STATIONERS" HALL MIN, PR TnK following Poems are published, not so much for the merit they possess as poetry, but in response to the repeated solicitations of personal friends, who having seen them, as they periodically appeared in various Journals, desired to have them in a com- plete form. Hence the}' noAv go forth, with the sincere and earnest hope that they may prompt those who read them to high and holy aspirations. The title, " Evening Thought?," has been selected because they have been com- posed during my spare evening hours, in rural solitude, and are perhaps most 91 8027 iv PREFACE. appropriate for evening meditation and quiet hours i.f tlioughtfulness. That they may be spared the -withering blast of uncharitable criticism, and meet with a generous reception from an indulgent public, is the ardent hope of THE AUTIIOK. Halifax Nov., 1880. -^iivceNfENT^---'^--^ Pa^e. Mount Hermon— The Transfiguration .. 9 | Nature not God 13 ! Give Thyself unto Prayer 18 Invocation to Duty 21 The Dying Mother to her Son 24 Thunder Storm 27 Sign the Pledge ... 29 To Imagination 33 Birth-day Wishes 36 Welcome England's Hope 39 Be Ambitious 42 Spring 44 I love the Muse 47 Sabbath Praises 50 1 The Church Going Bell ... 53 To Hope (No. 1.) 56 To Hope (No. 2.) 58 To May 60 CONTEXTS CONTINUED. Life Page 62 SoDnet— To the Mind G-i „ Sunset Scene . 65 „ Close of Day . 66 „ Good Deeds 67 „ Despair ... 68 Eeverie 69 Home of my Childhood . 72 Greeting 75 Christian Communion 77 On Prayer 79 Pic-Nic to Sunny-vale . 81 Solitude 84 Trying to Serve Him 86 An Evening Voluntary . 88 This one Thing I do 91 EVENING THOUGHTS. MOUNT HERMON— The TEANSFIGURATION. O Blessed Hernion ! de^vy mount, The scene of hallow'd joy, the fount Of sweetest intercourse with heaven, So often sought by Christ at e'en. The solitude of Thy retreat Entranced His soul — 'twas there to meet And commune with His Father, where The midnight-hours were spent in prayer. The fragrant perfume of that grove, Blended with incense from above, — A sacrificial flame did rise From His pure heart, and pierced the skies. 'Twas there He carried all His cares, And made the burden of His prayers — The bitter foes by passion fired. And cruel persecutors hired. 10 'Twas there He bore with anguish sore, The broken vows just made before, By those whose friendship once had brought The human sympathy He sought. 'Twas there His agonizing grief, Found solace sweet and prompt rehef ; A balm to heal His wounded soul, His righteous anger to control. 'Twas there He took the chosen pair Of earnest souls to join in prayer ; To breathe the atmosphere of love, Receive new ardour from above. And lo ! behold, another pair ! — Angelic forms, so bright, so fair, Approached them in the solemn hour, To renovate their drooping power. 11 There, Moses -who the Law had penned, Which Law the guilty soul condemned ; Now saw the Law through gospel grace. Shine brightly in the Saviour's face. Also the Seer who sang of old, The true Messiah's Reign foretold ; Here saw fulfill'd in glory bright. His form transfigured — wondrous sight ! The Law, the Prophets, with the Lord, And two Apostles of the word. In solemn conclave now are bowed, Beneath the bright Shekinah cloud. And suddenly the Saviour's face, With beauty glistened and with grace ; And shed a radiance all around. Amid the solemn awe profound. 12 His raiment white as virgin snow, Spread o'er His form a sacred glow Of purity serene and grand — An emblem of the better land. The bold Apostle pray'd to raise, Three Tabernacles for their praise ; So sweet their fellowship was found, He viewed the spot as hallow'd ground. O Avhat a happy meeting this ! AVhat ecstacy of soul ! what bliss ! "What transport of celestial joy Would fill theirhearts, their tongues employ ! The scene so grand, divinely planned, Supremely blest at God's command ; Infused new life, new power, new grace, To prosecute the Christian race. 13 NATURE NOT GOD. Can man, Avitli reason clear, and mind acute, Prove Nature God — material as the dust, And dare His glorious attributes refute, As not deserving His implicit trust ? If Nature is God, and God akin to earth — A fragile substance subject to decay — Where's that Eternal Mind that called to birth All nature, and ^vhose changeless laws doth sway ? Can matter be eternal, or have power Inherent to create itself alone ; To usher into being all the splendours Of this beauteous globe with worlds on worlds unknown ? The universe exists, whence did it spring ? Could that which w^as not, create that which is ? Some moving power must this order bring From chaos, or from nothing, whence it is ! 14 Designer must be greater than design, Say Nature's worshippers and tJnnkersfree^ Can ye the source of nature ere define The cause of nature's changeless harmony? What but Eternal Mind, Infinite strength, Such -works of vastness could produce ; I Where beauty, order, harmony, and strength, j Eeign universal, silently, profuse ? i I The rolling Sun — great monarch of the day, j His course unvarying, day by day pursues ; ! For e'er proclaiming by each golden ray, "I am from God, to Him my praise is due." Xor less when Luna gilds with silv'ry light, Her vast domain of universal peace ; And flings her mellow rays of beauty bright, Across the mountain, glen, and break, and seas. 15 Nor less doth Nature point to Nature's God, When shrouded 'neath the gloomy pall of night ; When silent stillness takes up her abode, And sweetest slumbers reign till morning light. Hark ! the thundering cataract whose voice The desert gloom dispels, its silence breaks ; And swells the choral song while all rejoice, And nature's sweetest harmony awakes. See the bright spray of yonder gurgling fount ! xA.s out earth's bosom fair it rises high ; For ever sending in its upward mount, Its humble adoration to the skies. See the lone flower upon the desert wild ! AVhose form exquisite with perfection vies ; An emblem sweet of purity, and mild. Whose silent message points us to the skies. 16 Do not these ^vorks their Maker indicate? His boundless skill and sov'reign rule display ? Whose destinies He holds, and seals their fate, Appoints their natal and expiring day. 'Twas God alone who spoke the world from nought, And fixed its diem and diurnal course ; Who from conglomerated chaos brought Eden — of bliss and woe at once the source. He planned the course of every rolling star, As well the laws which regulate the whole ; Whose bounds stupendous, marks both near and far, He reigns supreme both in and over all. But man I — a work, the masterpiece of all, Was formed in spirit perfect as his Lord ; Sublime in structure — spotless ere the fall — Divine in nature — lasting; as the word. 17 Give then, Oh man ! the homage which is due, To Him who formed thee for divine employ ; And bids thee highest, noblest, aims pursue. Which give transcendant and celestial joy. 18 GIVE THYSELF UNTO PRAYER. When burdened with life's toils and care, Then seek the Lord in fervent prayer ; And to His ever list'ning ear, Unfold thy troubles without fear. Do clouds and darkness hide from view, Thy loving Saviour, ever true ; Then soar on wings of prayer above. Where Christ reveals His precious love. Do future prospects yield dismay. And cast a shadow o'er thy way ; — Leave hidden scenes to Providence, And trust in His Omnipotence. If gloomy doubts have filled thy mind. Then go to Jesus, He is kind ; And to thy plaintive cry will grant, A quick response to every Avant. 19 If sudden grief has press'd thy soul, And wrung thy heart beyond control ; Thy closet seek, on bended knee Tell it to Jesus full and fr'3e. Should sins distress thee day by day, And sore temptation cross thy way ; Like Jesus seek the mount of prayer, — No soul can ever perish there. If faith be weak and hope be dim, Trust not thyself, but go to Him ; Whose gracious promise, rich and free, Says, " As thy day thy strength shall be. When Aveary in the Christian race, And faint and feeble in thy pace ; Go, breathe the soul-refreshing air Of heaven, in solitude and prayer. 20 If thou woiild'st conquer sin and pain, And over self a conquest gain ; Then let thy presence oft be found Beneath the cross — tliat hallowed ground. The Avorld with all its din and strife, Yields no support to Christian life ; No vital force, no holy fire, No earnest zeal, no pure desire. The holy mount of solitude, Far from the giddy multitude, Is more congenial to the mind Of him, who lasting peacL^ would find. 'Tis there the dews of heaven descend, In gracious show'rs, while low we bend ; Imparting energizing power, For conflict in each trying hour. 21 INVOCATION TO DUTY. Go, onward ! messenger of peace, Thy soul enerve, thy zeal increase ; Nor let thy laurels slack thy strife, To -win immortal souls to life. The battlefield of life is strewn With victims over whom hath blown, The chilling blast, the fetid breath Of mental stupor, moral death. Go forth ! and with a trumpet blast Arouse the dying concourse vast ; With words of vital power hold forth, And give to new-born souls their birth. Go forth with words of burning zeal, AYhich men's insensate hearts may feel ; That quickened into life divine, ]\Iay in their Maker's image shine. 22 Go fortli with sympathizing heart, And words of life and truth impart ; AVith melting pity, love divine, Draw rebels to a Saviour's shrine. Go heal the mourning hearts that bleed, And pant from sorrow to be freed ; Speak peace, the toktni of His love, Who reigns truimphantly above. Go with the burning eloquence That fired a Peter's soul, and hence, Thousands of converts rallied round, To praise the Saviour they had found. Go with desire intensified, By love to Christ the crucified; To draw an erring guilty race, Back to their Father's fond embrace. 23 Go cheer the downcast penitent, With saving grace and peace God-sent; Go point them to His bleeding side, Who for their sins on Calvary died. Go tell them Jesus waits to bless, And crown their days with happiness ; A rich provision waits their choice. Of free salvation without price. Go ! " He that winneth souls is wise," So saith the Spirit from the skies ; Go teach the lame, the poor, the blind, And help them sweeter rest to find Thus living, loving, labouring here, God's purposes perform with fear ; So shall thy gain transcend in worth, The vain and glittering gold of earth. 24 THE DYING MOTHER TO HER SON. Dearest son, a loving mother, Sighs to breathe a prayer for thee ; Be that coupled with one other, — Darling son remember me. Once again the sun is dawning, Giving life and health and glee ; On thy natal day 'tis beaming, — Darling son remember me. Years have fled since first thy mother. Gazed with loving eyes on thee ; Still my love can never wither, — Darling son remember me. Fondly on thy growing stature, I have pondered anxiously ; From a child to manhood's nature, — Dearest son remember me. '2:) Can the mem'ry scorn retention, Of a name so dear to me ; Ne'er whilst reason holds possession, Will I cease to think on thee. Soon my withered frame must perish, For life's winter now I see ; Still I would one fond hope cherish, — ■ That mj son remembers me. Oh ! receive a motlier's blessing, Ere my days must numbered be ; And when my frail form's decaying, — Darlino- son remember me. Now when through a world of troubles, I have traced the pilgrim's way ; And have proved life's pleasures bubbles, May I find eternal day. C 26 "When the trumpet's blast shall ^Yaken, Sons and daughters, parents — all ; And the earth's foundation shaken, May Ave hear the Saviour's call. Hyrk ! the summons noAv awaits me, Must I leave thee with a sigh ; Oh ! I can't, I won't forget thee ! When my spirit mounts on high. 27 THUNDER STORM. Dull, heavy, thick and gloomy, The twilight linger'd long ; Dense clouds surcharged and stormy, Swept wide the heavens along. The wind terrific roaring, Rolled furious o'er the main ; The sturdy oak upheaving, And rocking spire and fane. No hopeful gleam of brightness, With radiant lustre shone ; Nor beam amid the darkness, To tell the night was gone. A pall of mourning shrouded, The mountain, hill and dale ; And like a death-knell sounded, The thundc-r in the vale. 28 The lightning flashed in fury, Eound peaks and spiral dome ; Dread darkness made more dreary The gloom that was to come. Such majesty in nature, Infused a solemn awe ; And pointed to the Maker, Of nature and her law. Great God ! Thy might is equalled, By mercy as by power ; Hence, humbly I will trust Thee, In this terrific hour. 29 SIGN THE PLEDGE ! Sign the pledge ! and bid defiance To the syren tempter's voice ; Bid her go — claim no alliance — Let the sober be thy choice. Sign the pledge ! and be a hero, In the noble temperance band ; Let thy voice for ever echo 'Gainst the crime that stains our land. Sign ! and try to stem that torrent Of iniquity so vile : Whose proud ^vaves of sin abhorrent, Swelled with victims, still beguile. Tell me not, 'tis vain to cherish, Hopes of stemming e'er the tide, Which is hurling on to perish, England's youth — our nation's pride. Say not that to sign is Aveakness, Proof of feeble, self-control ; Fickle courage — potent ^vitness Of a wavering, little soul. Hear ye not the AvidoAv's wailing, And the orphan's mournful cry. These are motives strong, invoking Greater eiforts still to try. Listen ! for I hear another Voice that speaks in feeble tones ; 'Tis the voice of some poor mother, PleadiniT throug-h her dying: irroans : — " Sign the pledge !" — Avith frenzied madness Pictured on her brow, she cried ; — " Drink ! 'tis drink, that fount of sadness, Hell invented, poison fired. !1 " Drink ! 'twas drink that robb'd thy father Of his reason, will, and power, Sunk his manhood, changed, nay, rather, Drove him frantic, fiendish, sour. " Yes, 'twas drink which desolated Home — that citadel of love ; Once my palace, priz'd, novv' hated, Once the type of home above." Drink ! 'tis drink which clothes in tatters, Father, mother, children dear ; Euins health, and fond hope shatters, Paints the future dark and drear. Drink is still that foul deceiver. Boasting strength, and mirth and glee, Stealing virtue, giving neither Joy, nor peace, nor liberty. 32 Drink ! Oh ! spurn it from thy presence ; Do not trust its fatal spell ; Lest its numbing, subtle essence, Drag thy ruined soul to hell. ^^:M^ TO IMAGINATION. Oh wondrous power divine, That soars to worlds unknown, The universe dost own As thine in which to shine, And read the mystery Profound, of nature — God. No other works of God In nature's history Is so sublimely blest. High on the wing inspired. By true ambition fired. Knowledge and truth in quest. The rolling orbs that shine Immeasurably high. Whose golden train doth vie With nature's grand design — The thunder's mighty roar, The riven cloud's dread crash, The lightning's vivid flash, All bid thee onward soar In speculative thought, To scan their mystery, Each contributary To thy flight, their aid hath brought. The ocean's vasty deep, Whose hidden gems abound, Invite tliy thought profound, Its boundless pearls to reap. The earth's ungathered gold, And mines of richest ore Like native earth, yet more Intrinsic — -wealth untold. The ceaseless ebbing tide, With grand and mighty roll, From north to southern pole. In majesty doth ride, Impell'd by force innate Or by majestic sway — Inherent to obey — Is thine to demonstrate. 35 Creation, matter, mind, Unfold in broad expanse. One comprehensive glance Sublimely grand, refined ; And paints it on the page Of memory's pure scroll, A photograph of all The past, of every age. No tow'ring battlement The ]3rogress of thy flight Can stay, whate'er its height — Nor e'en the firmament ; Since far beyond all space. Thy glorious path^vay round The universe hath bound A circular embrace. 36 BIRTH-DAY WISHES. As brightly beams the happy moru, Of this thy Natal-Day's retura ; So be thy future life one scene Of hallowed joy, and peace serene. Be this the dawn of brighter days, Of higher hopes, Diviner rays ; Of earnest thoughts, of noble deeds, Of richer faith, 'midst daily needs. In active duties let each day Leave footprints of thy upward way ; Of patient labour, constant care, Of meditation, earnest prayer. Let every day some conquest tell. Some victory won o'er death and hell, Some higher growth in faith and love, Some inspiration from above. 37 Be frequent at the throne of prayer, And leave thy fears and burdens there ; Then shall thy soul find sweet relief, From sorrow, anguish, pain and grief. " Fear not, nor be dismayed," 'tis said, But ever upAvard look for aid ; And He who hears the raven's cry, Will send thee blessings from on high. Review the past with all its cares, And note how often fervent prayers Have changed the gloom to glorious day — Inspired new courage on life's way. In lonely hours of solitude, With glowing heart of gratitude, Uefresh thy soul with holy thought, Of mercies by thy Saviour wrought. 38 Let favours past thy soul inspire, And heights attained thy vigour fire To higher virtues, purer mind, Like Jesus — courteous, meek, and kind. Let holy fervour prompt thy zeal. And heavenly grace thine efforts seal; In serving Christ with purer aim, In deeds of love. His love proclaim. May Christ thy bright example be, In works of love and charity ; And be thy motto day by day, "Lord, be my Guide, my Strength, my Stay." And when life's pilgrimage shall end, And death shall sever friend from friend. May Angels lead thy soul on high, To brighter realms beyond the sky. 39 WELCOME, ENGLAND'S HOPE. \\Wi-ifte)i in anticipation of a JRoijal Visit to Halifax hy their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, on the occasion of the opening of the neiv Toicn Hall hy tJie Prince of Wales, Aug. ith, 18G;3.] :o: Hail, England's Royal heir, And Alexandra fair — Old England's hope ; We greet yon to our town, And ever fondly own The safety of your crown, Old England's hope. We bid you welcome here, And loyal would appear To England's hope ; 40 We linil you Avitli delight, And heart and hand unite, To make the glory bright, Of England's hope. Myriads of people meet Your presence here to greet— Old England's hope ; Their cheerful voices raise, And swell the joyous praise, Which every heart doth raise For England's hope. May virtue crown thy days, And peace attend thy ways, Old England's hope ; May truth and justice be Thy throne's stability, — Thy rule be equity, Old England's hope. 41 Thou art our nation's pride, Be faithful as her guide, — Old England's hope ; Be prompt the poor to bless, And every wrong redress. And thus their love possess, - Old England's hope. In every heart enshrined, By warm affections twined, Be England's hope ; And may thy glory be, Progress and peace to see, And to preserve us free, — Old England's hop3. 42 BE AMBITIOUS. Be ambitious ! be it wliolly Striving to be wise and good, Founded on true virtue solely, Ever leading up to God. Be ambitious ! friend and brother, Life's a drama for the brave ; And propitious, like another Thou niay'st rise — cease not to crave. Be ambitious ! life's a bubble Spent in hopeless dark despair ; Yielding fruits of pain and trouble. Bitter discontent and care. Be ambitious ! fearing never Stern obstruction's mighty brunt ; But with effort, still endeavour, Hero-like to keep the front. 43 Be ambitions ! scan the fntnre, Seal thy pnrpose, plan, and do ; And with all the might of nature, Fight and thou shalt conquer too. Be ambitious ! never ceasing, For a deathless name to fight ; Strengthen courage, ever scaling Fame's abrupt and tow'ring height. Be ambitious ! be in earnest ! With a hope thy zeal inflame ; And upon fame's niche the highest, Struggle to inscribe thy name. Be ambitious ! be it wholly Labouring to be wise and good ; Founded on true virtue solely, Ever leading up to God. u SPRING. Spring returns with footstep lightsome, Breathing soft and balmy air ; Spreading beauty, gay and blithesome. Rich and verdant, passing fair. Every hill and valley brighten. With the splendour of their sheen ; And our saddest hearts doth lighten, By their fresh and living green. Far and wide the landscapes vary, In their blooming flow'rets grand ; Fragrant airs the zephyrs carry, Sweet perfume o'er every land. Nature dons her gayest clothing, Spotless, pure as virgin snows ; Gorgeously apparelled, yielding Bliss, which only she bestows. 45 Sprightly, sportive, young and cheering, Spring cloth ope her ghidsome way ; Gilding with a halo — shining- Brighter, on to perfect day. Sparkling bright the crystal fountain, Gurgles forth its living streams ; Rolling down the rugged mountain, Glist'ning in the sunlight's beams. Hark 1 the happy lark, the linnet, Pouring forth their sweetest strains ; Cheer'd by spring's return, and with it Shady bowers and flow'ry plains. Soon the song is echoed loudly, Through the lonely woodland dell ; By the winged songsters wildly Blending in the rapt'rous swell. 46 Nature, beasts, and birds uniting, Join the past'ral symphony ; All with cnersv deliditincr, In the glorious harmony. Hark I the melody is swelling, Man has caught the blissful strain ; Eapt'rous on his tongue 'tis dwelling. Echoed o'er earth's wide domain. 47 I LOVE THE MUSE. ADDRESSED TO A VILLAGE POET. Hail 1 gentle lover of tlie muse, Thy foDd pursuit I love ; And tliough my j)inions be but Aveak, I dare to soar above. I love to soar o'er nature's plains, And view with raptured heart ; The grandeur of a God profound, Keveal'd in every part. I love to contemplate the rose, Which, blushing, hides her face ; Or when with gentle modesty. She opes with nobler grace. 48 I love to hear the feather'd tribe, When chanting in the wood ; Their thrilling notes my heart inspire — I breathe a prayer to God. I love to roam o'er moor and fen, The craggy peak to climb ; Where nature reigns in majesty, While awful, yet sublime. Ah, yes I I love my native hills. Which oft in days of yore, Were hallowed scenes in which my soul, Did first her God adore. I love the music of the stream, That ripples by my side ; It fills me with ecstatic joy, And bids my fears subside. 49 I love to view those mighty works, Displayed in yonder heaven ; They speak of God — the first great cause- Their glorious Origin. I long to have the eye that sees, " Through nature, nature's God ;" That sees creative power displayed, In ev'ry flower or bud. 'Tis scenes like these inspire my soul, With true poetic fire ; Altho' devoid of nature's gift, My soul would e'er aspire. 50 SABBATH PRAISES. Hail Sabbath morn of peace and promised rest ; — Man's truest foretaste of eternal bliss, All nature greets thy sacrad hours and is AYith beauty clad ; but man indeed is blest. The whole creation tunes her vocal powers, And heaves her thrilling pa?ans, Lord to Thee; Whose adorations consecrate by Thee, Incessant rise from yonder sacred bowers. The prattling rills roll down the mountain side, And wider streams which flow thro' verdant vales, Do mingle with the songs of distant glades, Whose praises rise from morn till eventide. 51 Millions of voices swell tlie joyous strains, Which break the silence of the Sabbath morn, In songs on summer zephyrs high upborn, Whose praise re-echoes thro' elysium plains Ten thousand little choristers appear On nature's vast orchestral design ; Elated, tune their melody divine. Which falls with sweetness on the listening ear. The plumy tribes in harmony of love, With modulation blends mellifluous ; AVhile universal praise continuous Doth rise from every tongue in blissful love. But man than these doth raise a nobler song Of gratitude, by love divine inspired ; Since reason and intelligence hath fired His soul, 'tis meet more lasting strains dwell on his tongue. O'l For his devotion Avas the Sabbath made, A day of universal sweet repose ; That cares corroding, worldly claims, 'twixt those, An interim Avith God in prayer pervade. For this, immortal souls will ever long — When quickened from the lethargy of death; And wing to heaven on every fleeting breath, The rapturous praises of a grateful tongue. Oh ! what a rare and precious gift to man, This season consecrated for his soul ; When God in mercy yields to his control, And signs and seals his wise eternal plans. 53 THE CHURCH GOING BELL. How sacred the sound ot the church going bell, Which wakes us from slumber with deep solemn knell ; To hail with rejoicing the sabbath's repose, When business and cares and anxieties close. It calls us away from the world with its charms, Where sin doth corrupt us, where sorrow alarms ; Where vile immorality deadens the soul, And darkens our prospects and deadens the soul. It calls us away from earth's pleasures and sense, Where beauty like bubbles yields no recom- pense ; Where all that is lovely is lovely alone, As it bows in devotion to Heaven's hiirh throne. 54 It calls lis away from the giddy and s^y, Who p int for enjoyment on God's h oly day ; Whose sole recreation is built upon dreams. Of bliss never given, where bliss never gleams. It calls us to service, not idle repose, — To mingle with rapture our praises with those Who gather for worship, and travel the road Which leadeth to virtue, to heaven, to God. How sacred the sound, when the world's hushed in peace, And its whirl and its clang of commotion doth cease ; When silence elysium is broken alone By its chimes, and the praise wliich ascends to God's throne. 00 How sacred the sound ! it inspires us with praise, — We flock to God's temple, our voices to raise, And swell the great chorus of song which doth rise From millions of voices, which soar to the skies. 56 TO HOPE. (Xo. 1.) Hope ! thou soul inspiring treasure, Dissipate the gloom of fear, Which beclouds mj mind, and ever Paints life's path in darkness drear. Come and wipe those tears of sadness, Which anon bedew my cheek ; Animate my heart with gladness ; Raise my sunken spirit, meek. Come and bid me cease to sorrow. Though life's struggles press me sore ; And in faith to trust the morrow, When my troubles may be o'er. Come with all thy brightness cheering, Every moment as it goes ; Ever blooming, ever bearing, Joy amidst a thousand woes. Then in hope I'll view the future, With a calm and peaceful mind Longing for a perfect nature, Leavino- all the world behind. ^/;h>. 58 TO HOPE. (No. 2.) O Blessed Hope ! thy cheering light, Transforms the gloom of darkest night To scenes of bright effulgent day, — Unclouded glory, rich and gay. Thy beaming star shall be my guide, — Though clouds of darkness now betide, To blight my prospects on the road, — To heaven's unchanging bright abode. Thy light dispels my anxious fear, And gilds the leaden atmosphere With golden streaks of comins: dav, And radiant gleams upon my way. Should cares distress me day by day, And dim life's passage all the way ; My faith on thy consoling power "Would lean for comfort every hour. 59 No present ills nor future grief, However long, however brief, Can e'er disturb my peaceful breast, While on Thy power my soul doth rest. O may thy tranquilizing beams, And bright illuminating gleams, Bring joy and gladness to my heart — Perpetual peace serene impart. 60 TO MAY. Hail ! beauteous May, thy vernal bloom, Upheaving from the wintry tomb, O'erspreads the bleak and barren plain, With gorgeous hues of life again. Hail ! virgin season, blithe and gay, "With joy we greet thy opening day ; And join the anthems to thy praise, Which nature's various voices raise. Nature resumes her wonted pride, And decks the glen and mountain side, With verdant beauty, fragrant flowers, And shady amaranthine bowers. The lonely rivulet that flows, 'Xeath where the weeping willow grows ; The cragfry nook, the mossy cell, Harmonious on thy praises dw3ll. 61 The balmy breeze thy advent sings, And through the vales the echo rings ; While sounds mellifluous fill the air, From merry songsters warbling there. The flowery meads, the rippling streams, The radiant sunlight's golden beams ; Each swells the chorus of the strain, Sung through creation's wide domain. All nature's vocal with a psalm, 'Midst holy solitude and calm ; Whose thrilling notes seraphic rise. With fervent zeal and pierce the skies. 62 LIFE. Life ! mysterious emanation From the Spirit-life of God ; Plant of heaven — an earth's probation- Ever tending up to God. Life ! whose pure and budding being, Perfect is as that above ; Innocence complete — a living Impress of Eternal Love. Life ! a birth, then ever living, Onward rolling like a sea ; Tossed and changing, troiibled, waving, Ceaseless — wondrous mystery ! Life ! how grand to live ! how holy, When our life has purpose, aim ; Living truth and virtue solely, Righteous precepts to proclaim. 63 Life! aye life hatli joys diviner Than the transient bliss of earth ; More exhaustless, far sublimer, — Mortals cannot tell their worth. Life ! inspiring contemplation, Photograph of Deity ; We thy hope and adoration, Strength and source of piety. Life ! sublimely grand conception ; Life without death — eternal Bliss is "waiting thy reception, In yon home Imperial. Life ! for that life enduring ! Through the cycles numberless ; E'er expanding, e'er unfolding Into glorious perfectness. 64 SONNET.— TO THE MIXD. mind I Thou emanation from the throne Of Deity ! Thy destiny sublime Is lasting as is God, and throughout time Thy powers expansive and divine, alone Can speak the wondrous majesty and skill That called thee into being. Thy nature And thy dignity shall in the future Bear resemblance to thy Maker, and will Rise until perfection's glorious height thy Path aspiring has attained. When in bliss Unspeakable thy song of rapture is With angels blended in the anthems of the sky; Then in the full fruition of thy being's end, Thy ceaseless praises shall the throne of heaven ascend. 65 SOXXET.— SUNSET SCENE. 'Twas close of day ; When basking in the last departing rays Of yonder setting sun, whose dying blaze Burst thro' the golden drapery which lay In massive folds beyond the western hills. 'Twas thus the glorious monarch of the day Had sped his course, and in one gorgeous ray Had tinged with grandeur yon eternal hills. 'Twas thus he sank behind the fiery cloud, And ceased once more to smile upon the scene Of nature's sweet repose. Ilis face was seen Alone to glimmer thro' his leaden shroud. Such was the silent majesty serene, Which garb'd creation while I viewed the sunset scene. 6(j SONNET.— CLOSE OF DAY. 'TwAS close, of day; The sun had flung across the broad expanse of heaven His hist refulgent stream of light, And tinged the vast ethereal, With splendid hues of golden tracery. Fair Luna now had leaped th' horizon's bounds And bid obeisance to the quiet scene Of nature's peaceful solitude. A calm and holy quiet reigned supreme, And locked the world's tempesteous throng, In silent slumbers, shadowed by the pall Of heaven's downy wings, and guarded By angelic watchers ; unconscious Closed the day in sweet and innocent repose. 67 SONNET.— GOOD DEEDS. Good deeds live on, nor cease to leave Their golden impress all around, Imparting joy and peace profound In ev'ry breast. Sad hearts that grieve, And mourn the bitter woes of life, Are by good deeds inspired With hope — with ardour fired, — Take heart again, and in the strife Of holy warfare firmly stand, Eesolved to fight, endure, or die. Such deeds are born in heaven, and high In purpose true, divinely plan'd, E'er stoop to raise humanity, From thrall of vice to purity. 68 SONNET.— DESPAIR. O DEEP abode ol dark despair, My spirit shrivels as I wend My way to thy dark regions, or do bend Beneath the low'ring clouds in prayer. Thy woes strike terror to my heart ; Aud blink the faintest star of hope Which dares to glimmer as I grope Through mazes thick, with saddest heart. * Eternal gloom and darkness dense Enshroud my path, and hide from view The better land sought by the few, Where perfect bliss doth recompense. for a gleam of hope divine, To cheer my heart aud evermore to shine. 60 REVERIE. Lock'd in the bosom of my native vale,' — Secluded from the phigues of worldly strife ; Whose constant turmoil and incessant wail, Forever blast the fairest scenes of life. Thus far retired beneath yon spangled dome, Whose countless orbs resplendent light my way. And gild this amphitheatre — my home — With radiant beauty that shall ne'er decay. Thus whenenclosedby nature's tow'ring peaks, Deep in the glen I tread with solemn pace ; And view the dark meandering stream which seeks To meet the distant ocean's vast embrace. Such solitude enkindles in my soul, Sublimest views of Diety and man ; And prompts my mind to thought beyond control, On universal empire — wondrous plan. 70 O who's the mind to scan God's vast designs, Or with the mind to grasp, will dare attempt To measure Infinite by finite lines, And bear the torture of a Avorld's contempt? Can man with boasted intellect define, The courses or the end of yonder spheres, Or tell their nature or their Origin, Explain theirpurpose through eternal years? Can man conceive and thus presume to say, " What varied beings people every star"; What their sublime employ ; what homage pay They to the great Supreme, whose work they are ? Can man discern the link whose power unites, The beings inhabitant of every sphere ; W^hat part in God's great scheme each race delights To take, while all conspire a temple grand to rear? 71 Can man unfold the truth mysterious still, How all creation moves with mighty sway ; Scmie great and glorious purpose to fulfill Whose consummation hails eternal day V Can man divine the fiats of a God, And solve the problem of His wise decree } Say why a thousand worlds move at His nod, Empires crumble, nations fiill — dread mystery ? wisdom deep, profound ! Insoluble To human reason and to mortal ken ; That rules with equal power immutable. The destinies of empires and of men ! Firm on the rock of hope I fix my stand, Resigned and passive wait Thy sovereign will, Till all Thy creatures rise at Thy command, Thy purpose first predestined to fulfil. 72 HOME OF MY CHILDHOOD. Home of my childhood ! Thee do I love ; Embosomed in yon verdant vale Of glowing beauty — flowery dale— Serenely grand thy calm. hail Sweet home of love ! Home of my childhood ! Thee do I love ; So sweetly nestled in those bowers, Where infant's cheerful, happy hours Were spent in ecstacy. Those hours Of peace and love. 73 Home of my childhood ! Thee do I love ; Where first the budding springs of life Began the long and noble strife With impulse strong — 'midst passions rife— To soar above. Home of my childhood ! Thee do I love ; Where purity and innocence Received their flow divine, and whence Those higher types of life did thence Evolve in love. Home of my childhood ! Thee do I love ; And oft by Luddon's placid stream, In Luna's silvern, mellow beam, Have pensive strayed, to gain a gleam Of heavenly love. F 74 Home of my childhood ! Thee do I love ; My heart still throbs with rapt'rous joy While mem'ry paints without alloy Those scenes of youth. O sweet employ To tell my love. Home of my childhood ! Thee do I love ; Hound which a thousand thoughts entwine Of kindred dear ^vho loved thy shrine ^Vho now triumphant and divine Have soared above. Home of my childhood ! Thee do 1 love ; Thy dust is sacred to my lieart, Which neither time nor change can part, Till from her scenes my soul depart To heaven above. GREETING. We niOL't once more a joyous band, Of pilgrims to the better land ; To sing, to pray, — each other greet, Around our common mercy-seat. Here we upraise our grateful songs, To God — to whom all praise belongs ; To Him whose loving care each day, Has been our strength, support and stay. We own the gracious hand that's been So near to help, and come between The fearful clouds of doubt and dread. So often hung about our head. We bless Him for the word divine, Which on our path doth ever shine, To guide our footsteps in the way To realms of Vjliss and endless day. 76 "We bless Ilim for Ilis boundless grace, Which beams so brightly in the face Of Christ, through all the written Avord As our Redeemer, Saviour, Lord. O may that Saviour precious be, Till we Ilis face in glory see ; Then with our ransomed powers we'll sinj Glory to our exalted King. 77 CHRISTIAN COMMUNIOX. The saints of old by solemn vows, Of union and concord ; A book of sweet remembrance kept — God's goodness to record. They feared the Lord and often met In coimsel and in prayer, To tell the wonders of His love. His tenderness and care. Through all the devious ways He led. They found some cause for joy; Sweet tokens of His faithfulness, Their grateful hearts t'employ. Kehearsing how their doubts and fears Their sorrows and despair, Were changed by grace to joyful hope, To visions briQ;ht and fair. <8 And thus by holy couverbe here, And hope's inspiring ray ; Each fired another's zeal to press To scenes of cloudless day. May -we their virtues emulate. Their sympathy display ; By prayer and sweet Communion, Our sorrows chase away. So may our hearts within us bnrn, Our souls with rapture fired, Press on to meet our Saviour, King, With holy zeal inspired. 79 ON PRAYEK. Come, gracious Lord, our hearts inspire With holy ardour from on high ; And aid our feeble, faint desire. To draw Thy blessed Spirit nigh. We wait beneath Thy mercy-seat, And look with longing faith to see Some glimpse of tenderness, to meet With favour, while we bend the knee. Infuse Thine energizing power, And quicken all our hearts indeed ; xVnd on our drooping spirits pour, The precious unction which we need. Endue our souls with heavenly zeal, And fervour to our minds impart ; While at Thy throne we now appeal, With humble faith — believing heart. 80 We come relying on Thy word, As on the Christian race Ave run ; Nor faint not till our sovereign Lord Pronounce the glorious words : "Well done.' may our souls renew their strength, And mount as on the wings of love, Till at Thy side we reach at length, The home of perfect bliss above. 81 PIC-NIC TO SUNNY- YALE. \_Composed on the Annual Pic-Nic of Harrison Road Sunday School Band of Hope^ to Sunny-vale^ August '2%th^ 1880] 'TwAS bright and clear at Sun ay -vale, So sweetly nestled in yon dale, Beside the rippling stream ; Fair Lima smiled npon the scene, Of verdant beauty, calm, serene, With mellow sylvern beam. 'Twas festive day and all was gay, E'en nature deck'd with beauty lay In gorgeous splendour clad ; As on the lawm so newly mown, A hopeful band skipp'd up and down, AVith blithesome hearts and elad. A happy throng of blooming youth, Beaming with innocence and truth, On rural pastimes bent ; Anon -with bat and ball employed, And others racing more enjoyed. All seemed on mirth intent. The merry laugh, the shouts, the glee, Of plaudits won, of victory, — In sports of innocence — Resounded through the thicket wild, Of yonder hills at eventide, And through the valley thence. The lovely vale with echoes rang. As infant voices sweetly sang. Their vesper songs of praise ; The little choir with joy inspired, And holy rapture deeply fired, Their giatcfu] hearts upraise. 83 Those cheering tones of arduur born, On evening zephyrs high upborne, Eang round yon mountain domes ; Inspiring with a thrill of joy, Emotions pure without alloy, In cottage hearths and homes. The joyous scene, the festive day, In peaceful concord pass'd away, But left to mem'ry dear, Sweet recollections of the throng, Of genial minds, of cheerful song, Of fellowship sincere. 84 SOLITUDE, AVhen wrapt in solitude of night, Beneath the vaulted roof of Heaven ; When streams of light, effulgent bright, By shining Pleiades are given. 'Tis then, -when curtain'd in my glen, And Nature's voice is hushed to sleep I love to wander o'er the fen, Or skirt the rolling river deep. 'Tis then when reverie profound Absorbs my soul, whilst with delight I gaze upon each scene around, Illumined by yon orbs of light. 'Tis then, when secret silence reigns, Secluded from the world of care, I tune my lyre in humble strains. And chant the psalm of life in prayer. 85 Thus in the solitary wild, I seek reflection's blest abode ; And there in accents sweet and mild, I breathe my fervent prayers to God. 'Tis thus my meditative hours Give life a joy unmixed with woe ; Which stimulates the dormant powers, And bids me upward, onward go. 'Tis solitude that bids my soul — When thus remote from din and strife- In love, obey my Master's call, And haste to seize Eternal life. 1 86 TRYING TO SERVE IIIM. : Trying :o: to serve Him — niv Ma ster and Lord, 1 In 1 lowl^ " devotion with cheerful accord ; !ln true adoration and fervent a ppeal, ' His life tmulatinGf Avith ardour and zeal. Trying to serve Him in virtuous "ways, In suif'ring and conflict, in joy or in praise ; Contentedly bearing whate'er He may send, So long as His goodness my path shall attend. Trvino; to serve Him in weal or in woe, By patient endurance, fidelity show ; Implicitly trusting His will as the best, Since He who knows all will provide for the rest. Trying to serve Him in telling His love, And pointing the lost one to heaven above ; Unfurling the banner of mercy and grace, 'Mid the ranks of a sinful apostate race. 87 Trying to serve Him in spreading His truth I And guiding to Jesus the innocent youth ; j Instilling His precepts and leading the way, I Invoking to duty, to watch, and to pray. Trying to serve Him with lovv4y intent, Be it e'er so humbly, to spend and be spent, Assured that the Master will honour and bless. All faithful endeavours, with glorious success. 88 AN EVENING VOLUNTARY High on the brow of yon luxuriant hill, Whose stately form o'er hangs the Luddon's stream ; And adds a beauty to that loved retreat, Where sylvan bowers and rural grandeurs gleam. High on that summit at the close of day, With lonely step in pensive mood I strayed ; To catch a glimpse of Sol's departing ray, And view the golden landscape thus portrayed. Wide spread to view the blooming meadows lay, With myriad flowerets spangled rich and fair ; Whose short-lived glories closed with the day, And ceased to perfume the balmy aii\ The inorDing dew-drops which had bathed their cheeks, Were now by Ilesper's radiance kissed away ; Thus tearless and exhausted ceased to bloom, And closed their virgin beauty and display. A thousand little warblers poured forth, Their evening songs in yonder shady bower, And broke the silence of the Sabbath eve, In strains that sweetened every passing hour. The bleating flocks that grazed upon the plain, Were sportive, clustering round their matron dames ; Intent to wait the night-fall on those breasts, Whose precious life-drops fed their tender frames. Thus hushed to rest the struggles of the week, And troubles that befall us by the way — How sweet, with heart attuned, our God to seek, To raise the voice in song — to praise and pray. G 90 In contemplation of the closing day, We view life's landscape with its various scenes ; With here a blooming oasis rich and gay, But there a desert rank with painful scenes. for a life whose calm declining hour Bespeaks diviner peace, serener joys. Than earth affords with all its tempting power, When songs divine, the new-born soul employs. "mjm^ 91 "THIS ONE THING I DO." Have a purpose pure in living, Seek some noble end to gain ; Ever praying, ever striving ! Till the goal thou dost attain. Keep that purpose e'er before thee. Like a beacon light to guide Past the danger which surrounds thee, And stands thick on every side. Aim at something wise and worthy. Of life's highest, glorious end ; Something to uplift, inspire thee, — Hope infuse and vigour lend. Raise thy standard high, and ever Press with energy divine To thy destined home, and never Let thy courage know decline. 92 Let each day mark new advances, — Onward be thy constant aim ; — Progress, which true life enhances, Shall add honour to thy name. Have a firm determination, In the battle-field of life, That thy final destination, May with honour crown the strife. With a holy boldness pressing. And incessant ardour fired. Higher life and joys increasing, Shall with patience be acquired. Phil. 3c'. Vdv ■HiiFIJ^ip.* S. X. Whitaker & Son, Printers, St. James's Street, Halifax. This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. I '.'in- Nicholl - '"' RR