,transcribed from the #ahhg ,cassell ,company edition by ,david ,price1 email ccx#jgdpglaf4org ,picture3 ,book cover ,,cassell',s ,,national ,,library4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,the ,,christian ,,year 99 99 99 99 99 ,,by ,,the ,,rev4 ,,john ,,keble4 ,picture3 ,decorative graphic ,,cassell ,,company1 ,,limited3 ,,london1 ,,paris1 ,,new ,,york ,,melbourne4 #ahhg4 ,,introduction4 ,,john ,,keble1 two years older than his friend ,dr4 ,arnold of ,rugby1 three years older than ,thomas ,carlyle1 and nine years older than ,john ,henry ,newman1 was born in #agib1 at ,fairford in ,gloucestershire4 ,he was born in his father's parsonage1 and educated at home by his father till he went to college4 ,his father then entered him at his own college at ,oxford1 ,corpus ,christi4 ,thoroughly trained1 ,keble obtained high reputation at his ,university for character and scholarship1 and became a ,fellow of ,oriel4 ,after some years he gave up work in the ,university1 though he could not divest himself of a large influence there for good1 returned home to his old father1 who required help in his ministry1 and undertook for his the duty of two little curacies4 ,the father lived on to the age of ninety4 ,john ,keble's love for ,god and his devotion to the ,church had often been expressed in verse4 ,on days which the ,church specially celebrated1 he had from time to time written short poems to utter from the heart his own devout sense of their spiritual use and meaning4 ,as the number of these poems increased1 the desire rose to follow in like manner the while course of the ,christian ,year as it was marked for the people by the sequence of church services1 which had been arranged to bring in due order before the minds of ,christian worshippers all the foundations of their faith1 and all the elements of a religious life4 ,a book of poems1 breathing faith and worship at all points1 and in all attitudes of heavenward contemplation1 within the circle of the ,christian ,year1 would1 he hoped1 restore in many minds to many a benumbed form life and energy4 ,in #ahbe1 while the poems of the ,christian ,year were gradually being shaped into a single work1 a brother became able to relieve ,john ,keble in that pious care for which his father had drawn him away from a great ,university career1 and he then went to a curacy at ,hursley1 four or five miles from ,winchester4 ,in #ahbg--when its author's age was thirty-five--8,the ,christian ,year0 was published4 ,like ,george ,herbert1 whose equal he was in piety though not in power1 ,keble was joined to the ,church in fullest sympathy with all its ordinances1 and desired to quicken worship by putting into each part of the ritual a life that might pass into and raise the life of man4 ,the spirit of true religion1 with a power beyond that of any earthly feuds and controversies1 binds together those in whom it really lives4 ,setting aside all smaller questions of the relative value of different earthly means to the attainment of a life hidden with ,christ in ,god1 ,christians of all forms who are one in spirit have found help from 8,john ,keble's ,christian ,year10 and think of its guileless author with kindly affection4 ,within five-and-twenty years of its publication1 a hundred thousand copies had been sold4 ,the book is still diffused so widely1 in editions of all forms1 that it may yet go on1 until the circle of the years shall be no more1 living and making live4 ,four years after 8,the ,christian ,year0 appeared1 ,keble was appointed 7in #ahca7 to the usual five years' tenure of the ,poetry ,professorship at ,oxford4 ,two years after he had been appointed ,poetry ,professor1 he preached the ,assize ,sermon1 and took for his theme 8,national ,apostasy40 ,john ,henry ,newman1 who had obtained his ,fellowship at ,oriel some years before the publication of 8,the ,christian ,year10 and was twenty-six years old when it appeared1 received from it a strong impulse towards the endeavour to revive the spirit of the ,church by restoring life and soul to all her ordinances1 and even to the minutest detail of her ritual4 ,the deep respect felt for the author of 8,the ,christian ,year0 gave power to the sermon of #ahcc upon ,national ,apostasy1 and made it the starting-point of the ,oxford movement known as ,tractarian1 from the issue of tracts through which its promoters sought to stir life in the clergy and the people2 known also as ,puseyite because it received help at the end of the year #ahcc from ,dr4 ,pusey1 who was of like age with ,j4 ,h4 ,newman1 and then ,regius ,professor of ,hebrew4 ,there was a danger1 which some then foresaw1 in the nature of this endeavour to put life into the ,church2 but we all now recognise the purity of ,christian zeal that prompted the attempt to make dead forms of ceremonial glow again with spiritual fire1 and serve as aids to the recovery of light and warmth in our devotions4 ,it was in #ahcc that ,keble1 by one earnest sermon1 with a pure life at the back of it1 and this book that had prepared the way1 gave the direct impulse to an ,oxford movement for the reformation of the ,church4 ,the movement then began4 ,but ,keble went back to his curacy at ,hursley4 ,two years afterwards the curate became vicar1 and then ,keble married4 ,his after-life continued innocent and happy4 ,he and his wife died within two months of each other1 in the came year1 #ahff4 ,he had taken part with his friends at ,oxford by writing five of their ,tracts1 publishing a few sermons that laboured towards the same end1 and editing a 8,library of the ,fathers40 ,in #ahdg he produced another volume of poems1 8,lyra ,innocentium10 which associated doctrines of the ,church with the lives of children1 whom he loved1 though his own marriage was childless4 ,the power of ,keble's verse lies in its truth4 ,a faithful and pure nature1 strong in home affections1 full of love and reverence for all that is of heaven in our earthly lot1 strives for the full consecration of man's life with love and faith4 ,there is no rare gift of genius4 ,keble is not in subtlety of thought or of expression another ,george ,herbert1 or another ,henry ,vaughan4 ,but his voice is not the less in unison with theirs1 for every note is true1 and wins us by its purity4 ,his also are melodies of the everlasting chime4 8,and be ye sure that ,love can bless ,e'en in this crowded loneliness1 ,where ever moving myriads seem to say1 ,go--thou art nought to us1 nor we to thee--away60 8,there are in this loud stunning tide ,of human care and crime1 ,with whom the melodies abide ,of the everlasting chime2 ,who carry music in their heart ,through dusky lane and wrangling mart1 ,plying their daily task with busier feet1 ,because their secret souls a holy strain repeat40 ,with a peal1 then1 of such music let us ring in the ,new ,year for our ,library2 and for our lives4 ,january #a1 #ahhg4 ,h4 ,m4 ,,dedication4 ,,when in my silent solitary walk1 ,i sought a strain not all unworthy ,thee1 ,my heart1 still ringing with wild worldly talk1 ,gave forth no note of holier minstrelsy4 ,prayer is the secret1 to myself ,i said1 ,strong supplication must call down the charm1 ,and thus with untuned heart ,i feebly prayed1 ,knocking at ,heaven's gate with earth-palsied arm4 ,fountain of ,harmony6 ,thou ,spirit blest1 ,by whom the troubled waves of earthly sound ,are gathered into order1 such as best ,some high-souled bard in his enchanted round ,may compass1 ,power divine6 ,oh1 spread ,thy wing1 ,thy dovelike wing that makes confusion fly1 ,over my dark1 void spirit1 summoning ,new worlds of music1 strains that may not die4 ,oh1 happiest who before thine altar wait1 ,with pure hands ever holding up on high ,the guiding ,star of all who seek ,thy gate1 ,the undying lamp of heavenly ,poesy4 ,too weak1 too wavering1 for such holy task ,is my frail arm1 ,o ,lord2 but ,i would fain ,track to its source the brightness1 ,i would bask ,in the clear ray that makes ,thy pathway plain4 ,i dare not hope with ,david's harp to chase ,the evil spirit from the troubled breast2 ,enough for me if ,i can find such grace ,to listen to the strain1 and be at rest4 ,,the ,,christian ,,year4 ,morning4 ,his compassions fail not4 ,they are new every morning4 ,lament4 iii4 #bb1 #bc4 ,,hues of the rich unfolding morn1 ,that1 ere the glorious sun be born1 ,by some soft touch invisible ,around his path are taught to swell2-- ,thou rustling breeze so fresh and gay1 ,that dancest forth at opening day1 ,and brushing by with joyous wing1 ,wakenest each little leaf to sing2-- ,ye fragrant clouds of dewy steam1 ,by which deep grove and tangled stream ,pay1 for soft rains in season given1 ,their tribute to the genial heaven2-- ,why waste your treasures of delight ,upon our thankless1 joyless sight2 ,who day by day to sin awake1 ,seldom of ,heaven and you partake8 ,oh1 timely happy1 timely wise1 ,hearts that with rising morn arise6 ,eyes that the beam celestial view1 ,which evermore makes all things new6 ,new every morning is the love ,our wakening and uprising prove2 ,through sleep and darkness safely brought1 ,restored to life1 and power1 and thought4 ,new mercies1 each returning day1 ,hover around us while we pray2 ,new perils past1 new sins forgiven1 ,new thoughts of ,god1 new hopes of ,heaven4 ,if on our daily course our mind ,be set to hallow all we find1 ,new treasures still1 of countless price1 ,god will provide for sacrifice4 ,old friends1 old scenes will lovelier be1 ,as more of ,heaven in each we see3 ,some softening gleam of love and prayer ,shall dawn on every cross and care4 ,as for some dear familiar strain ,untired we ask1 and ask again1 ,ever1 in its melodious store1 ,finding a spell unheard before2 ,such is the bliss of souls serene1 ,when they have sworn1 and stedfast mean1 ,counting the cost1 in all t' espy ,their ,god1 in all themselves deny4 ,oh1 could we learn that sacrifice1 ,what lights would all around us rise6 ,how would our hearts with wisdom talk ,along ,life's dullest1 dreariest walk6 ,we need not bid1 for cloistered cell1 ,our neighbour and our work farewell1 ,nor strive to wind ourselves too high ,for sinful man beneath the sky3 ,the trivial round1 the common task1 ,would furnish all we ought to ask2 ,room to deny ourselves2 a road ,to bring us daily nearer ,god4 ,seek we no more2 content with these1 ,let present ,rapture1 ,comfort1 ,ease1 ,as ,heaven shall bid them1 come and go3-- ,the secret this of ,rest below4 ,only1 ,o ,lord1 in ,thy dear love ,fit us for perfect ,rest above2 ,and help us1 this and every day1 ,to live more nearly as we pray4 ,evening4 ,abide with us3 for it is toward evening1 and the day is far spent4--,st4 ,luke xxiv4 #bi4 ',,tis gone1 that bright and orbd blaze1 ,fast fading from our wistful gaze2 ,you mantling cloud has hid from sight ,the last faint pulse of quivering light4 ,in darkness and in weariness ,the traveller on his way must press1 ,no gleam to watch on tree or tower1 ,whiling away the lonesome hour4 ,sun of my soul6 ,thou ,saviour dear1 ,it is not night if ,thou be near3 ,oh1 may no earth-born cloud arise ,to hide ,thee from ,thy servant's eyes6 ,when round ,thy wondrous works below ,my searching rapturous glance ,i throw1 ,tracing out ,wisdom1 ,power and ,love1 ,in earth or sky1 in stream or grove2-- ,or by the light ,thy words disclose ,watch ,time's full river as it flows1 ,scanning ,thy gracious ,providence1 ,where not too deep for mortal sense3-- ,when with dear friends sweet talk ,i hold1 ,and all the flowers of life unfold2 ,let not my heart within me burn1 ,except in all ,i ,thee discern4 ,when the soft dews of kindly sleep ,my wearied eyelids gently steep1 ,be my last thought1 how sweet to rest ,for ever on my ,saviour's breast4 ,abide with me from morn till eve1 ,for without ,thee ,i cannot live3 ,abide with me when night is nigh1 ,for without ,thee ,i dare not die4 ,thou ,framer of the light and dark1 ,steer through the tempest ,thine own ark3 ,amid the howling wintry sea ,we are in port if we have ,thee4 ,the ,rulers of this ,christian land1 ',twixt ,thee and us ordained to stand1-- ,guide ,thou their course1 ,o ,lord1 aright1 ,let all do all as in ,thy sight4 ,oh6 by ,thine own sad burthen1 borne ,so meekly up the hill of scorn1 ,teach ,thou ,thy ,priests their daily cross ,to bear as ,thine1 nor count it loss6 ,if some poor wandering child of ,thine ,have spurned to-day the voice divine1 ,now1 ,lord1 the gracious work begin2 ,let him no more lie down in sin4 ,watch by the sick3 enrich the poor ,with blessings from ,thy boundless store3 ,be every mourner's sleep to-night1 ,like infants' slumbers1 pure and light4 ,come near and bless us when we wake1 ,ere through the world our way we take2 ,till in the ocean of ,thy love ,we lose ourselves1 in ,heaven above4 ,advent ,sunday4 ,now it is high time to awake out of sleep3 for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed4--,romans xiii #aa4 ,,awake--again the ,gospel-trump is blown-- ,from year to year it swells with louder tone1 ,from year to year the signs of wrath ,are gathering round the ,judge's path1 ,strange words fulfilled1 and mighty works achieved1 ,and truth in all the world both hated and believed4 ,awake6 why linger in the gorgeous town1 ,sworn liegemen of the ,cross and thorny crown8 ,up from your beds of sloth for shame1 ,speed to the eastern mount like flame1 ,nor wonder1 should ye find your ,king in tears1 ,e'en with the loud ,hosanna ringing in ,his ears4 ,alas6 no need to rouse them3 long ago ,they are gone forth to swell ,messiah's show3 ,with glittering robes and garlands sweet ,they strew the ground beneath ,his feet3 ,all but your hearts are there--,o doomed to prove ,the arrows winged in ,heaven for ,faith that will not love6 ,meanwhile ,he passes through th' adoring crowd1 ,calm as the march of some majestic cloud1 ,that o'er wild scenes of ocean-war ,holds its still course in ,heaven afar3 ,e'en so1 heart-searching ,lord1 as years roll on1 ,thou keepest silent watch from ,thy triumphal throne3 ,e'en so1 the world is thronging round to gaze ,on the dread vision of the latter days1 ,constrained to own ,thee1 but in heart ,prepared to take ,barabbas' part3 8,hosanna0 now1 to-morrow 8,crucify10 ,the changeful burden still of their rude lawless cry4 ,yet in that throng of selfish hearts untrue ,thy sad eye rests upon ,thy faithful few1 ,children and childlike souls are there1 ,blind ,bartimeus' humble prayer1 ,and ,lazarus wakened from his four days' sleep1 ,enduring life again1 that ,passover to keep4 ,and fast beside the olive-bordered way ,stands the blessed home where ,jesus deigned to stay1 ,the peaceful home1 to ,zeal sincere ,and heavenly ,contemplation dear1 ,where ,martha loved to wait with reverence meet1 ,and wiser ,mary lingered at ,thy sacred feet4 ,still through decaying ages as they glide1 ,thou lov'st ,thy chosen remnant to divide2 ,sprinkled along the waste of years ,full many a soft green isle appears3 ,pause where we may upon the desert road1 ,some shelter is in sight1 some sacred safe abode4 ,when withering blasts of error swept the sky1 ,and ,love's last flower seemed fain to droop and die1 ,how sweet1 how lone the ray benign ,on sheltered nooks of ,palestine6 ,then to his early home did ,love repair1 ,and cheered his sickening heart with his own native air4 ,years roll away3 again the tide of crime ,has swept ,thy footsteps from the favoured clime ,where shall the holy ,cross find rest8 ,on a crowned monarch's maild breast3 ,like some bright angel o'er the darkling scene1 ,through court and camp he holds his heavenward course serene4 ,a fouler vision yet2 an age of light1 ,light without love1 glares on the aching sight3 ,oh1 who can tell how calm and sweet1 ,meek ,walton1 shows thy green retreat1 ,when wearied with the tale thy times disclose1 ,the eye first finds thee out in thy secure repose8 ,thus bad and good their several warnings give ,of ,his approach1 whom none may see and live3 ,faith's ear1 with awful still delight1 ,counts them like minute-bells at night4 ,keeping the heart awake till dawn of morn1 ,while to her funeral pile this aged world is borne4 ,but what are ,heaven's alarms to hearts that cower ,in wilful slumber1 deepening every hour1 ,that draw their curtains closer round1 ,the nearer swells the trumpet's sound8 ,lord1 ere our trembling lamps sink down and die1 ,touch us with chastening hand1 and make us feel ,thee nigh4 ,second ,sunday in ,advent4 ,and when these things begin to pass1 then look up1 and lift up your heads2 for your redemption draweth night4 ,st4 ,luke xxi4 #bh4 ,,not till the freezing blast is still1 ,till freely leaps the sparkling rill1 ,and gales sweep soft from summer skies1 ,as o'er a sleeping infant's eyes ,a mother's kiss2 ere calls like these1 ,no sunny gleam awakes the trees1 ,nor dare the tender flowerets show ,their bosoms to th' uncertain glow4 ,why then1 in sad and wintry time1 ,her heavens all dark with doubt and crime1 ,why lifts the ,church her drooping head1 ,as though her evil hour were fled8 ,is she less wise than leaves of spring1 ,or birds that cower with folded wing8 ,what sees she in this lowering sky ,to tempt her meditative eye8 ,she has a charm1 a word of fire1 ,a pledge of love that cannot tire2 ,by tempests1 earthquakes1 and by wars1 ,by rushing waves and falling stars1 ,by every sign her ,lord foretold1 ,she sees the world is waxing old1 ,and through that last and direst storm ,descries by faith her ,saviour's form4 ,not surer does each tender gem1 ,set in the fig-tree's polish'd stem1 ,foreshow the summer season bland1 ,than these dread signs ,thy mighty hand3 ,but1 oh1 frail hearts1 and spirits dark6 ,the season's flight unwarn'd we mark1 ,but miss the ,judge behind the door1 ,for all the light of sacred lore3 ,yet is ,he there2 beneath our eaves ,each sound ,his wakeful ear receives3 ,hush1 idle words1 and thoughts of ill1 ,your ,lord is listening3 peace1 be still4 ,christ watches by a ,christian's hearth1 ,be silent1 8vain deluding mirth10 ,till in thine alter'd voice be known ,somewhat of ,resignation's tone4 ,but chiefly ye should lift your gaze ,above the world's uncertain haze1 ,and look with calm unwavering eye ,on the bright fields beyond the sky1 ,ye1 who your ,lord's commission bear ,his way of mercy to prepare3 ,angels ,he calls ye3 be your strife ,to lead on earth an ,angel's life4 ,think not of rest2 though dreams be sweet1 ,start up1 and ply your heavenward feet4 ,is not ,god's oath upon your head1 ,ne'er to sink back on slothful bed1 ,never again your loans untie1 ,nor let your torches waste and die1 ,till1 when the shadows thickest fall1 ,ye hear your ,master's midnight call8 ,third ,sunday in ,advent4 ,what went ye out into the wilderness to see8 ,a reed shaken with the wind8 4 4 4 ,but what went ye out for to see8 ,a prophet8 yea1 ,i say unto you1 and more than a prophet4 ,st4 ,matthew xi4 #g1 #i4 ,,what went ye out to see ,o'er the rude sandy lea1 ,where stately ,jordan flows by many a palm1 ,or where ,gennesaret's wave ,delights the flowers to lave1 ,that o'er her western slope breathe airs of balm4 ,all through the summer night1 ,those blossoms red and bright ,spread their soft breasts1 unheeding1 to the breeze1 ,like hermits watching still ,around the sacred hill1 ,where erst our ,saviour watched upon ,his knees4 ,the ,paschal moon above ,seems like a saint to rove1 ,left shining in the world with ,christ alone2 ,below1 the lake's still face ,sleeps sweetly in th' embrace ,of mountains terrac'd high with mossy stone4 ,here may we sit1 and dream ,over the heavenly theme1 ,till to our soul the former days return2 ,till on the grassy bed1 ,where thousands once ,he fed1 ,the world's incarnate ,maker we discern4 ,o cross no more the main1 ,wandering so will and vain1 ,to count the reeds that tremble in the wind1 ,on listless dalliance bound1 ,like children gazing round1 ,who on ,god's works no seal of ,godhead find4 ,bask not in courtly bower1 ,or sun-bright hall of power1 ,pass ,babel quick1 and seek the holy land-- ,from robes of ,tyrian dye ,turn with undazzled eye ,to ,bethlehem's glade1 or ,carmel's haunted strand4 ,or choose thee out a cell ,in ,kedron's storied dell1 ,beside the springs of ,love1 that never die2 ,among the olives kneel ,the chill night-blast to feel1 ,and watch the ,moon that saw thy ,master's agony4 ,then rise at dawn of day1 ,and wind thy thoughtful way1 ,where rested once the ,temple's stately shade1 ,with due feet tracing round ,the city's northern bound1 ,to th' other holy garden1 where the ,lord was laid4 ,who thus alternate see ,his death and victory1 ,rising and falling as on angel wings1 ,they1 while they seem to roam1 ,draw daily nearer home1 ,their heart untravell'd still adores the ,king of kings4 ,or1 if at home they stay1 ,yet are they1 day by day1 ,in spirit journeying through the glorious land1 ,not for light ,fancy's reed1 ,nor ,honour's purple meed1 ,nor gifted ,prophet's lore1 nor ,science' wondrous wand4 ,but more than ,prophet1 more ,than ,angels can adore ,with face unveiled1 is ,he they go to seek3 ,blessd be ,god1 ,whose grace ,shows ,him in every place ,to homeliest hearts of pilgrims pure and meek4 ,fourth ,sunday in ,advent4 ,the eyes of them that see shall not be dim1 and the ears of them that hear shall hearken4 ,isaiah xxxii4 #c ,,of the bright things in earth and air ,how little can the heart embrace6 ,soft shades and gleaming lights are there-- ,i know it well1 but cannot trace4 ,mine eye unworthy seems to read ,one page of ,nature's beauteous book2 ,it lies before me1 fair outspread-- ,i only cast a wishful look4 ,i cannot paint to ,memory's eye ,the scene1 the glance1 ,i dearest love-- ,unchanged themselves1 in me they die1 ,or faint or false their shadows prove4 ,in vain1 with dull and tuneless ear1 ,i linger by soft ,music's cell1 ,and in my heart of hearts would hear ,what to her own she deigns to tell4 ',tis misty all1 both sight and sound-- ,i only know 'tis fair and sweet-- ',tis wandering on enchanted ground ,with dizzy brow and tottering feet4 ,but patience6 there may come a time ,when these dull ears shall scan aright ,strains that outring ,earth's drowsy chime1 ,as ,heaven outshines the taper's light4 ,these eyes1 that dazzled now and weak1 ,at glancing motes in sunshine wink4 ,shall see the ,kings full glory break1 ,nor from the blissful vision shrink3 ,in fearless love and hope uncloyed ,for ever on that ocean bright ,empowered to gaze2 and undestroyed1 ,deeper and deeper plunge in light4 ,though scarcely now their laggard glance ,reach to an arrow's flight1 that day ,they shall behold1 and not in trance1 ,the region 8very far away40 ,if ,memory sometimes at our spell ,refuse to speak1 or speak amiss1 ,we shall not need her where we dwell ,ever in sight of all our bliss4 ,meanwhile1 if over sea or sky ,some tender lights unnoticed fleet1 ,or on loved features dawn and die1 ,unread1 to us1 their lesson sweet2 ,yet are there saddening sights around1 ,which ,heaven1 in mercy1 spares us too1 ,and we see far in holy ground1 ,if duly purged our mental view4 ,the distant landscape draws not nigh ,for all our gazing2 but the soul1 ,that upward looks1 may still descry ,nearer1 each day1 the brightening goal4 ,and thou1 too curious ear1 that fain ,wouldst thread the maze of ,harmony1 ,content thee with one simple strain1 ,the lowlier1 sure1 the worthier thee2 ,till thou art duly trained1 and taught ,the concord sweet of ,love divine3 ,then1 with that inward ,music fraught1 ,for ever rise1 and sing1 and shine4 ,christmas ,day4 ,and suddenly there was with the ,angel a multitude of the heavenly host1 praising ,god4 ,st4 ,luke ii4 #ac4 ,,what sudden blaze of song ,spreads o'er th' expanse of ,heaven8 ,in waves of light it thrills along1 ,th' angelic signal given-- 8,glory to ,god60 from yonder central fire ,flows out the echoing lay beyond the starry choir2 ,like circles widening round ,upon a clear blue river1 ,orb after orb1 the wondrous sound ,is echoed on for ever3 8,glory to ,god on high1 on earth be peace1 ,and love towards men of love--salvation and release40 ,yet stay1 before thou dare ,to join that festal throng2 ,listen and mark what gentle air ,first stirred the tide of song2 ',tis not1 8the ,saviour born in ,david's home1 ,to ,whom for power and health obedient worlds should come30-- ',tis not1 8the ,christ the ,lord30 ,with fixed adoring look ,the choir of ,angels caught the word1 ,nor yet their silence broke3 ,but when they heard the sign where ,christ should be1 ,in sudden light they shone and heavenly harmony4 ,wrapped in ,his swaddling bands1 ,and in ,his manger laid1 ,the ,hope and ,glory of all lands ,is come to the world's aid3 ,no peaceful home upon his cradle smiled1 ,guests rudely went and came1 where slept the royal ,child4 ,but where ,thou dwellest1 ,lord1 ,no other thought should be1 ,once duly welcomed and adored1 ,how should ,i part with ,thee8 ,bethlehem must lose ,thee soon1 but ,thou wilt grace ,the single heart to be ,thy sure abiding-place4 ,thee1 on the bosom laid ,of a pure virgin mind1 ,in quiet ever1 and in shade1 ,shepherd and sage may find2 ,they1 who have bowed untaught to ,nature's sway1 ,and they1 who follow ,truth along her star-paved way4 ,the pastoral spirits first ,approach ,thee1 ,babe divine1 ,for they in lowly thoughts are nursed1 ,meet for ,thy lowly shrine3 ,sooner than they should miss where ,thou dost dwell1 ,angela from ,heaven will stoop to guide them to ,thy cell4 ,still1 as the day comes round ,for ,thee to be revealed1 ,by wakeful shepherds ,thou art found1 ,abiding in the field4 ,all through the wintry heaven and chill night air1 ,in music and in light ,thou dawnest on their prayer4 ,o faint not ye for fear-- ,what though your wandering sheep1 ,reckless of what they see and hear1 ,lie lost in wilful sleep8 ,high ,heaven in mercy to your sad annoy ,still greets you with glad tidings of immortal joy4 ,think on th' eternal home1 ,the ,saviour left for you2 ,think on the ,lord most holy1 come ,to dwell with hearts untrue3 ,so shall ye tread untired ,his pastoral ways1 ,and in the darkness sing your carol of high praise4 ,st4 ,stephen's ,day4 ,he1 being full of the ,holy ,ghost1 looked up steadfastly into heaven1 and saw the glory of ,god1 and ,jesus standing on the right hand of ,god4 ,acts vii4 #ee ,,as rays around the source of light ,stream upward ere he glow in sight1 ,and watching by his future flight ,set the clear heavens on fire2 ,so on the ,king of ,martyrs wait ,three chosen bands1 in royal state1 ,and all earth owns1 of good and great1 ,is gather'd in that choir4 ,one presses on1 and welcomes death3 ,one calmly yields his willing breath1 ,nor slow1 nor hurrying1 but in faith ,content to die or live3 ,and some1 the darlings of their ,lord1 ,play smiling with the flame and sword1 ,and1 ere they speak1 to ,his sure word ,unconscious witness give4 ,foremost and nearest to ,his throne1 ,by perfect robes of triumph known1 ,and likest ,him in look and tone1 ,the holy ,stephen kneels1 ,with stedfast gaze1 as when the sky ,flew open to his fainting eye1 ,which1 like a fading lamp1 flash'd high1 ,seeing what death conceals4 ,well might you guess what vision bright ,was present to his raptured sight1 ,e'en as reflected streams of light ,their solar source betray-- ,the glory which our ,god surrounds1 ,the ,son of ,man1 the atoning wounds-- ,he sees them all2 and earth's dull bounds ,are melting fast away4 ,he sees them all--no other view ,could stamp the ,saviour's likeness true1 ,or with ,his love so deep embrue ,man's sullen heart and gross-- 8,jesus1 do ,thou my soul receive3 ,jesu1 do ,thou my foes forgive20 ,he who would learn that prayer must live ,under the holy ,cross4 ,he1 though he seem on earth to move1 ,must glide in air like gentle dove1 ,from yon unclouded depths above ,must draw his purer breath2 ,till men behold his angel face ,all radiant with celestial grace1 ,martyr all o'er1 and meet to trace ,the lines of ,jesus' death4 ,st4 ,john's ,day4 ,peter seeing him1 saith to ,jesus1 ,lord1 and what shall this man do8 ,jesus saith unto him1 ,if ,i will that he tarry till ,i come1 what is that to thee8 follow thou ,me4 ,st4 ,john xxi4 #ba1 #bb4 8,,lord1 and what shall this man do80 ,ask'st thou1 ,christian1 for thy friend8 ,if his love for ,christ be true1 ,christ hath told thee of his end3 ,this is he whom ,god approves1 ,this is he whom ,jesus loves4 ,ask not of him more than this1 ,leave it in his ,saviour's breast1 ,whether1 early called to bliss1 ,he in youth shall find his rest1 ,or armd in his station wait ,till his ,lord be at the gate3 ,whether in his lonely course 7,lonely1 not forlorn7 he stay1 ,or with ,love's supporting force ,cheat the toil1 and cheer the way3 ,leave it all in ,his high hand1 ,who doth hearts as streams command4 ,gales from ,heaven1 if so ,he will1 ,sweeter melodies can wake ,on the lonely mountain rill ,than the meeting waters make4 ,who hath the ,father and the ,son1 ,may be left1 but not alone4 ,sick or healthful1 slave or free1 ,wealthy1 or despised and poor-- ,what is that to him or thee1 ,so his love to ,christ endure8 ,when the shore is won at last1 ,who will count the billows past8 ,only1 since our souls will shrink ,at the touch of natural grief1 ,when our earthly loved ones sink1 ,lend us1 ,lord1 ,thy sure relief2 ,patient hearts1 their pain to see1 ,and ,thy grace1 to follow ,thee4 ,the ,holy ,innocents4 ,these were redeemed from among men1 being the firstfruits unto ,god and to the ,lamb4 ,rev4 xiv4 #d4 ,,say1 ye celestial guards1 who wait ,in ,bethlehem1 round the ,saviour's palace gate1 ,say1 who are these on golden wings1 ,that hover o'er the new-born ,king of kings1 ,their palms and garlands telling plain ,that they are of the glorious martyr-train1 ,next to yourselves ordained to praise ,his ,name1 and brighten as on ,him they gaze8 ,but where their spoils and trophies8 where ,the glorious dint a martyr's shield should bear8 ,how chance no cheek among them wears ,the deep-worn trace of penitential tears1 ,but all is bright and smiling love1 ,as if1 fresh-borne from ,eden's happy grove1 ,they had flown here1 their ,king to see1 ,nor ever had been heirs of dark mortality8 ,ask1 and some angel will reply1 8,these1 like yourselves1 were born to sin and die1 ,but ere the poison root was grown1 ,god set ,his seal1 and marked them for ,his own4 ,baptised its blood for ,jesus' sake1 ,now underneath the ,cross their bed they make1 ,not to be scared from that sure rest ,by frightened mother's shriek1 or warrior's waving crest40 ,mindful of these1 the firstfruits sweet ,borne by this suffering ,church her ,lord to greet2 ,blessed ,jesus ever loved to trace ,the 8innocent brightness0 of an infant's face4 ,he raised them in ,his holy arms1 ,he blessed them from the world and all its harms3 ,heirs though they were of sin and shame1 ,he blessed them in his own and in his ,father's ,name4 ,then1 as each fond unconscious child ,on the everlasting ,parent sweetly smiled 7,like infants sporting on the shore1 ,that tremble not at ,ocean's boundless roar71 ,were they not present to ,thy thought1 ,all souls1 that in their cradles ,thou hast bought8 ,but chiefly these1 who died for ,thee1 ,that ,thou might'st live for them a sadder death to see4 ,and next to these1 ,thy gracious word ,was as a pledge of benediction stored ,for ,christian mothers1 while they moan ,their treasured hopes1 just born1 baptised1 and gone4 ,oh1 joy for ,rachel's broken heart6 ,she and her babes shall meet no more to part2 ,so dear to ,christ her pious haste ,to trust them in ,his arms for ever safe embraced4 ,she dares not grudge to leave them there1 ,where to behold them was her heart's first prayer2 ,she dares not grieve--but she must weep1 ,as her pale placid martyr sinks to sleep1 ,teaching so well and silently ,how at the shepherd's call the lamb should die3 ,how happier far than life the end ,of souls that infant-like beneath their burthen bend4 ,first ,sunday after ,christmas4 ,so the sun returned ten degrees1 by which degrees it was gone down4 ,isaiah xxxviii4 #h2 compare ,josh4 x4 #ac4 ',,tis true1 of old the unchanging sun ,his daily course refused to run1 ,the pale moon hurrying to the west ,paused at a mortal's call1 to aid ,the avenging storm of war1 that laid ,seven guilty realms at once on earth's defiled breast4 ,but can it be1 one suppliant tear ,should stay the ever-moving sphere8 ,a sick man's lowly-breathd sigh1 ,when from the world he turns away1 ,and hides his weary eyes to pray1 ,should change your mystic dance1 ye wanderers of the sky8 ,we too1 ,o ,lord1 would fain command1 ,as then1 ,thy wonder-working hand1 ,and backward force the waves of ,time1 ,that now so swift and silent bear ,our restless bark from year to year2 ,help us to pause and mourn to ,thee our tale of crime4 ,bright hopes1 that erst the bosom warmed1 ,and vows1 too pure to be performed1 ,and prayers blown wide by gales of care2-- ,these1 and such faint half-waking dreams1 ,like stormy lights on mountain streams1 ,wavering and broken all1 athwart the conscience glare4 ,how shall we 'scape the o'erwhelming ,past8 ,can spirits broken1 joys o'ercast1 ,and eyes that never more may smile3-- ,can these th' avenging bolt delay1 ,or win us back one little day ,the bitterness of death to soften and beguile8 ,father and ,lover of our souls6 ,though darkly round ,thine anger rolls1 ,thy sunshine smiles beneath the gloom1 ,thou seek'st to warn us1 not confound1 ,thy showers would pierce the hardened ground ,and win it to give out its brightness and perfume4 ,thou smil'st on us in wrath1 and we1 ,e'en in remorse1 would smile on ,thee1 ,the tears that bathe our offered hearts1 ,we would not have them stained and dim1 ,but dropped from wings of seraphim1 ,all glowing with the light accepted love imparts4 ,time's waters will not ebb1 nor stay2 ,power cannot change them1 but ,love may2 ,what cannot be1 ,love counts it done4 ,deep in the heart1 her searching view ,can read where ,faith is fixed and true1 ,through shades of setting life can see ,heaven's work begun4 ,o ,thou1 who keep'st the ,key of ,love1 ,open ,thy fount1 eternal ,dove1 ,and overflow this heart of mine1 ,enlarging as it fills with ,thee1 ,till in one blaze of charity ,care and remorse are lost1 like motes in light divine2 ,till as each moment wafts us higher1 ,by every gush of pure desire1 ,and high-breathed hope of joys above1 ,by every secret sigh we heave1 ,whole years of folly we outlive1 ,in ,his unerring sight1 who measures ,life by ,love4 ,the ,circumcision of ,christ4 ,in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands4 ,coloss4 ii4 #aa4 ,,the year begins with ,thee1 ,and ,thou beginn'st with woe1 ,to let the world of sinners see ,that blood for sin must flow4 ,thine infant cries1 ,o ,lord1 ,thy tears upon the breast1 ,are not enough--the legal sword ,must do its stern behest4 ,like sacrificial wine ,poured on a victim's head ,are those few precious drops of ,thine1 ,now first to offering led4 ,they are the pledge and seal ,of ,christ's unswerving faith ,given to ,his ,sire1 our souls to heal1 ,although it cost ,his death4 ,they to ,his ,church of old1 ,to each true ,jewish heart1 ,in ,gospel graces manifold ,communion blest impart4 ,now of ,thy love we deem ,as of an ocean vast1 ,mounting in tides against the stream ,of ages gone and past4 ,both theirs and ours ,thou art1 ,as we and they are ,thine2 ,kings1 ,prophets1 ,patriarchs--all have part ,along the sacred line4 ,by blood and water too ,god's mark is set on ,thee1 ,that in ,thee every faithful view ,both covenants might see4 ,o bond of union1 dear ,and strong as is ,thy grace6 ,saints1 parted by a thousand year1 ,may thus in heart embrace4 ,is there a mourner true1 ,who fallen on faithless days1 ,sighs for the heart-consoling view ,of those ,heaven deigned to praise8 ,in spirit may'st thou meet ,with faithful ,abraham here1 ,whom soon in ,eden thou shalt greet ,a nursing ,father dear4 ,would'st thou a poet be8 ,and would thy dull heart fain ,borrow of ,israel's minstrelsy ,one high enraptured strain8 ,come here thy soul to tune1 ,here set thy feeble chant1 ,here1 if at all beneath the moon1 ,is holy ,david's haunt4 ,art thou a child of tears1 ,cradled in care and woe8 ,and seems it hard1 thy vernal years ,few vernal joys can show8 ,and fall the sounds of mirth ,sad on thy lonely heart1 ,from all the hopes and charms of earth ,untimely called to part8 ,look here1 and hold thy peace3 ,the ,giver of all good ,e'en from the womb takes no release ,from suffering1 tears1 and blood4 ,if thou would'st reap in love1 ,first sow in holy fear3 ,so life a winter's morn may prove ,to a bright endless year4 ,second ,sunday after ,christmas4 ,when the poor and needy seek water1 and there is none1 and their tongue faileth for thirst1 ,i the ,lord will hear them1 ,i the ,god of ,israel will not forsake them4 ,isaiah1 xli4 #ag4 ,,and wilt thou hear the fevered heart ,to ,thee in silence cry8 ,and as th' inconstant wildfires dart ,out of the restless eye1 ,wilt thou forgive the wayward though ,by kindly woes yet half untaught ,a ,saviours right1 so dearly bought1 ,that ,hope should never die8 ,thou wilt3 for many a languid prayer ,has reached ,thee from the wild1 ,since the lorn mother1 wandering there1 ,cast down her fainting child1 ,then stole apart to weep and die1 ,nor knew an angel form was nigh1 ,to show soft waters gushing by1 ,and dewy shadows mild4 ,thou wilt--for ,thou art ,israel's ,god1 ,and ,thine unwearied arm ,is ready yet with ,moses' rod1 ,the hidden rill to charm ,out of the dry unfathomed deep ,of sands1 that lie in lifeless sleep1 ,save when the scorching whirlwinds heap ,their waves in rude alarm4 ,these moments of wild wrath are ,thine-- ,thine1 too1 the drearier hour ,when o'er th' horizon's silent line ,fond hopeless fancies cower1 ,and on the traveller's listless way ,rises and sets th' unchanging day1 ,no cloud in heaven to slake its ray1 ,on earth no sheltering bower4 ,thou wilt be there1 and not forsake1 ,to turn the bitter pool ,into a bright and breezy lake1 ,this throbbing brow to cool3 ,till loft awhile with ,thee alone ,the wilful heart be fain to own ,that ,he1 by whom our bright hours shone1 ,our darkness best may rule4 ,the scent of water far away ,upon the breeze is flung2 ,the desert pelican to-day ,securely leaves her young1 ,reproving thankless man1 who fears ,to journey on a few lone years1 ,where on the sand ,thy step appears1 ,thy crown in sight is hung4 ,thou1 who did sit on ,jacob's well ,the weary hour of noon1 ,the languid pulses ,thou canst tell1 ,the nerveless spirit tune4 ,thou from ,whose cross in anguish burst ,the cry that owned ,thy dying thirst1 ,to ,thee we turn1 our ,last and ,first1 ,our ,sun and soothing ,moon4 ,from darkness1 here1 and dreariness ,we ask not full repose1 ,only be ,thou at hand1 to bless ,our trial hour of woes4 ,is not the pilgrim's toil o'erpaid ,by the clear rill and palmy shade8 ,and see we not1 up ,earth's dark glade1 ,the gate of ,heaven unclose8 ,the ,epiphany4 ,and lo1 the star1 which they saw in the east1 went before them1 till it came and stood over where the young ,child was4 ,when they saw the star1 they rejoiced with exceeding great joy4 ,st4 ,matthew ii4 #i1 #aj4 ,,star of the ,east1 how sweet art ,thou1 ,seen in life's early morning sky1 ,ere yet a cloud has dimmed the brow1 ,while yet we gaze with childish eye2 ,when father1 mother1 nursing friend1 ,most dearly loved1 and loving best1 ,first bid us from their arms ascend1 ,pointing to ,thee1 in ,thy sure rest4 ,too soon the glare of earthly day ,buries1 to us1 ,thy brightness keen1 ,and we are left to find our way ,by faith and hope in ,thee unseen4 ,what matter8 if the waymarks sure ,on every side are round us set1 ,soon overleaped1 but not obscure8 ',tis ours to mark them or forget4 ,what matter8 if in calm old age ,our childhood's star again arise1 ,crowning our lonely pilgrimage ,with all that cheers a wanderer's eyes8 ,ne'er may we lose it from our sight1 ,till all our hopes and thoughts are led ,to where it stays its lucid flight ,over our ,saviour's lowly bed4 ,there1 swathed in humblest poverty1 ,on ,chastity's meek lap enshrined1 ,with breathless ,reverence waiting by1 ,when we our ,sovereign ,master find1 ,will not the long-forgotten glow ,of mingled joy and awe return1 ,when stars above or flowers below ,first made our infant spirits burn8 ,look on us1 ,lord1 and take our parts ,e'en on ,thy throne of purity6 ,from these our proud yet grovelling hearts ,hide not ,thy mild forgiving eye4 ,did not the ,gentile ,church find grace1 ,our mother dear1 this favoured day8 ,with gold and myrrh she sought ,thy face2 ,nor didst ,thou turn ,thy face away4 ,she too1 in earlier1 purer days1 ,had watched thee gleaming faint and far-- ,but wandering in self-chosen ways ,she lost ,thee quite1 ,thou lovely star4 ,yet had her ,father's finger turned ,to ,thee her first inquiring glance3 ,the deeper shame within her burned1 ,when wakened from her wilful trance4 ,behold1 her wisest throng ,thy gate1 ,their richest1 sweetest1 purest store1 7,yet owned too worthless and too late17 ,they lavish on ,thy cottage-floor4 ,they give their best--,o tenfold shame ,on us their fallen progeny1 ,who sacrifice the blind and lame-- ,who will not wake or fast with ,thee6 ,first ,sunday after ,epiphany4 ,they shall spring up as among the grass1 as willows by the water courses4 ,isaiah xliv4 #d4 ,,lessons sweet of spring returning1 ,welcome to the thoughtful heart6 ,may ,i call ye sense or learning1 ,instinct pure1 or ,heaven-taught art8 ,be your title what it may1 ,sweet this lengthening ,april day1 ,while with you the soul is free1 ,ranging wild o'er hill and lea4 ,soft as ,memnon's harp at morning1 ,to the inward ear devout1 ,touched by light1 with heavenly warning ,your transporting chords ring out4 ,every leaf in every nook1 ,every wave in every brook1 ,chanting with a solemn voice1 ,minds us of our better choice4 ,needs no show of mountain hoary1 ,winding shore or deepening glen1 ,where the landscape in its glory ,teaches truth to wandering men3 ,give true hearts but earth and sky1 ,and some flowers to bloom and die1 ,homely scenes and simple views ,lowly thoughts may best infuse4 ,see the soft green willow springing ,where the waters gently pass1 ,every way her free arms flinging ,o'er the moist and reedy grass4 ,long ere winter blasts are fled1 ,see her tipped with vernal red1 ,and her kindly flower displayed ,ere her leaf can cast a shade4 ,though the rudest hand assail her1 ,patiently she droops awhile1 ,but when showers and breezes hail her1 ,wears again her willing smile4 ,thus ,i learn ,contentment's power ,from the slighted willow bower1 ,ready to give thanks and live ,on the least that ,heaven may give4 ,if1 the quiet brooklet leaving1 ,up the stony vale ,i wind1 ,haply half in fancy grieving ,for the shades ,i leave behind1 ,by the dusty wayside drear1 ,nightingales with joyous cheer ,sing1 my sadness to reprove1 ,gladlier than in cultured grove4 ,where the thickest boughs are twining ,of the greenest darkest tree1 ,there they plunge1 the light declining-- ,all may hear1 but none may see4 ,fearless of the passing hoof1 ,hardly will they fleet aloof2 ,so they live in modest ways1 ,trust entire1 and ceaseless praise4 ,second ,sunday after ,epiphany4 ,every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine3 and when men have well drunk1 then that which is worse2 but thou hast kept the good wine until now4 ,st4 ,john ii4 #aj4 ,,the heart of childhood is all mirth3 ,we frolic to and fro ,as free and blithe1 as if on earth ,were no such thing as woe4 ,but if indeed with reckless faith ,we trust the flattering voice1 ,which whispers1 8,take thy fill ere death1 ,indulge thee and rejoice20 ,too surely1 every setting day1 ,some lost delight we mourn2 ,the flowers all die along our way ,till we1 too1 die forlorn4 ,such is the world's gay garish feast1 ,in her first charming bowl ,infusing all that fires the breast1 ,and cheats the unstable soul4 ,and still1 as loud the revel swells1 ,the fevered pulse beats higher1 ,till the seared taste from foulest wells ,is fain to slake its fire4 ,unlike the feast of heavenly love ,spread at the ,saviour's word ,for souls that hear ,his call1 and prove ,meet for ,his bridal board4 ,why should we fear1 youth's draught of joy ,if pure would sparkle less8 ,why should the cup the sooner cloy1 ,which ,god hath deigned to bless8 ,for1 is it ,hope1 that thrills so keen ,along each bounding vein1 ,still whispering glorious things unseen8-- ,faith makes the vision plain4 ,the world would kill her soon3 but ,faith ,her daring dreams will cherish1 ,speeding her gaze o'er time and death ,to realms where nought can perish4 ,or is it ,love1 the dear delight ,of hearts that know no guile1 ,that all around see all things bright ,with their own magic smile8 ,the silent joy that sinks so deep1 ,of confidence and rest1 ,lulled in a father's arms to sleep1 ,clasped to a mother's breast8 ,who1 but a ,christian1 through all life ,that blessing may prolong8 ,who1 through the world's sad day of strife1 ,still chant his morning song8 ,fathers may hate us or forsake1 ,god's foundlings then are we3 ,mother on child no pity take1 ,but we shall still have ,thee4 ,we may look home1 and seek in vain ,a fond fraternal heart1 ,but ,christ hath given ,his promise plain ,to do a ,brother's part4 ,nor shall dull age1 as worldlings say1 ,the heavenward flame annoy3 ,the ,saviour cannot pass away1 ,and with ,him lives our joy4 ,ever the richest1 tenderest glow ,sets round the autumnal sun-- ,but there sight fails3 no heart may know ,the bliss when life is done4 ,such is ,thy banquet1 dearest ,lord2 ,o give us grace1 to cast ,our lot with ,thine1 to trust ,thy word1 ,and keep our best till last4 ,third ,sunday after ,epiphany4 ,when ,jesus heard it1 ,he marvelled1 and said to them that followed1 ,verily ,i say unto you1 ,i have not found so great faith1 no1 not in ,israel4 ,st4 ,matthew viii4 #aj4 ,i ,,marked a rainbow in the north1 ,what time the wild autumnal sun ,from his dark veil at noon looked forth1 ,as glorying in his course half done1 ,flinging soft radiance far and wide ,over the dusky heaven and bleak hill-side4 ,it was a gleam to ,memory dear1 ,and as ,i walk and muse apart1 ,when all seems faithless round and drear1 ,i would revive it in my heart1 ,and watch how light can find its way ,to regions farthest from the fount of day4 ,light flashes in the gloomiest sky1 ,and ,music in the dullest plain1 ,for there the lark is soaring high ,over her flat and leafless reign1 ,and chanting in so blithe a tone1 ,it shames the weary heart to feel itself alone4 ,brighter than rainbow in the north1 ,more cheery than the matin lark1 ,is the soft gleam of ,christian worth1 ,which on some holy house we mark2 ,dear to the pastor's aching heart ,to think1 where'er he looks1 such gleam may have a part2 ,may dwell1 unseen by all but ,heaven1 ,like diamond blazing in the mine2 ,for ever1 where such grace is given1 ,it fears in open day to shine1 ,lest the deep stain it owns within ,break out1 and ,faith be shamed by the believer's sin4 ,in silence and afar they wait1 ,to find a prayer their ,lord may hear3 ,voice of the poor and desolate1 ,you best may bring it to ,his ear2 ,your grateful intercessions rise ,with more than royal pomp1 and pierce the skies4 ,happy the soul whose precious cause ,you in the ,sovereign ,presence plead-- 8,this is the lover of ,thy laws1 ,the friend of ,thine in fear and need10 ,for to the poor ,thy mercy lends ,that solemn style1 8,thy nation and ,thy friends40 ,he too is blest whose outward eye ,the graceful lines of art may trace1 ,while his free spirit1 soaring high1 ,discerns the glorious from the base2 ,till out of dust his magic raise ,a home for prayer and love1 and full harmonious praise1 ,where far away and high above1 ,in maze on maze the trancd sight ,strays1 mindful of that heavenly love ,which knows no end in depth or height1 ,while the strong breath of ,music seems ,to waft us ever on1 soaring in blissful dreams4 ,what though in poor and humble guise ,thou here didst sojourn1 cottage-born8 ,yet from ,thy glory in the skies ,our earthly gold ,thou dost not scorn4 ,for ,love delights to bring her best1 ,and where ,love is1 that offering evermore is blest4 ,love on the ,saviour's dying head ,her spikenard drops unblamed may pour1 ,may mount ,his cross1 and wrap ,him dead ,in spices from the golden shore2 ,risen1 may embalm ,his sacred name ,with all a ,painter's art1 and all a ,minstrel's flame4 ,worthless and lost our offerings seem1 ,drops in the ocean of ,his praise2 ,but ,mercy with her genial beam ,is ripening them to pearly blaze1 ,to sparkle in ,his crown above1 ,who welcomes here a child's as there an angel's love4 ,fourth ,sunday after ,epiphany4 ,when they saw ,him1 they besought ,him that ,he would depart out of their coasts4 ,st4 ,matthew viii4 #cd4 ,,they know the ,almighty's power1 ,who1 wakened by the rushing midnight shower1 ,watch for the fitful breeze ,to howl and chafe amid the bending trees1 ,watch for the still white gleam ,to bathe the landscape in a fiery stream1 ,touching the tremulous eye with sense of light ,too rapid and too pure for all but angel sight4 ,they know the ,almighty's love1 ,who1 when the whirlwinds rock the topmost grove1 ,stand in the shade1 and hear ,the tumult with a deep exulting fear1 ,how1 in their fiercest sway1 ,curbed by some power unseen1 they die away1 ,like a bold steed that owns his rider's arm1 ,proud to be checked and soothed by that o'er-mastering chains4 ,but there are storms within ,that heave the struggling heart with wilder din1 ,and there is power and love ,the maniac's rushing frenzy to reprove1 ,and when he takes his seat1 ,clothed and in calmness1 at his ,savour's feet1 ,is not the power as strange1 the love as blest1 ,as when ,he said1 8,be still10 and ocean sank to rest8 ,woe to the wayward heart1 ,that gladlier turns to eye the shuddering start ,of ,passion in her might1 ,than marks the silent growth of grace and light2-- ,pleased in the cheerless tomb ,to linger1 while the morning rays illume ,green lake1 and cedar tuft1 and spicy glade1 ,shaking their dewy tresses now the storm is laid4 ,the storm is laid--and now ,in ,his meek power ,he climbs the mountain's brow1 ,who bade the waves go sleep1 ,and lashed the vexed fiends to their yawning deep4 ,how on a rock they stand1 ,who watch ,his eye1 and hold ,his guiding hand6 ,not half so fixed1 amid her vassal hills1 ,rises the holy pile that ,kedron's valley fills4 ,and wilt thou seek again ,thy howling waste1 thy charnel-house and chain1 ,and with the demons be1 ,rather than clasp thine own ,deliverer's knee8 ,sure 'tis no ,heaven-bred awe ,that bids thee from ,his healing touch withdraw2 ,the world and ,he are struggling in thine heart1 ,and in thy reckless mood thou bidd'st thy ,lord depart4 ,he1 merciful and mild1 ,as erst1 beholding1 loves ,his wayward child2 ,when souls of highest birth ,waste their impassioned might on dreams of earth1 ,he opens ,nature's book1 ,and on ,his glorious ,gospel bids them look1 ,till1 by such chords as rule the choirs above1 ,their lawless cries are tuned to hymns of perfect love4 ,fifth ,sunday after ,epiphany4 ,behold1 the ,lord's hand is not shortened1 that it cannot save2 neither ,his ear heavy1 that it cannot hear2 but your iniquities have separated between you and your ,god4 ,isaiah lix4 #a1 #b4 8,,wake1 arm ,divine6 awake1 ,eye of the only ,wise6 ,now for ,thy glory's sake1 ,saviour and ,god1 arise1 ,and may ,thine ear1 that seald seems1 ,in pity mark our mournful themes60 ,thus in her lonely hour ,thy ,church is fain to cry1 ,as if ,thy love and power ,were vanished from her sky2 ,yet ,god is there1 and at ,his side ,he triumphs1 who for sinners died4 ,ah6 'tis the world enthralls ,the ,heaven-betrothd breast3 ,the traitor ,sense recalls ,the soaring soul from rest4 ,that bitter sigh was all for earth1 ,for glories gone and vanished mirth4 ,age would to youth return1 ,farther from ,heaven would be1 ,to feel the wildfire burn1 ,on idolising knee ,again to fall1 and rob ,thy shrine ,of hearts1 the right of ,love ,divine4 ,lord of this erring flock6 ,thou whose soft showers distil ,on ocean waste or rock1 ,free as on ,hermon hill1 ,do ,thou our craven spirits cheer1 ,and shame away the selfish tear4 ',twas silent all and dead ,beside the barren sea1 ,where ,philip's steps were led1 ,led by a voice from ,thee-- ,he rose and went1 nor asked ,thee why1 ,nor stayed to heave one faithless sigh3 ,upon his lonely way ,the high-born traveller came1 ,reading a mournful lay ,of 8,one who bore our shame1 ,silent ,himself1 ,his name untold1 ,and yet ,his glories were of old40 ,to muse what ,heaven might mean ,his wondering brow he raised1 ,and met an eye serene ,that on him watchful gazed4 ,no ,hermit e'er so welcome crossed ,a child's lone path in woodland lost4 ,now wonder turns to love2 ,the scrolls of sacred lore ,no darksome mazes prove2 ,the desert tires no more ,they bathe where holy waters flow1 ,then on their way rejoicing go4 ,they part to meet in ,heaven2 ,but of the joy they share1 ,absolving and forgiven1 ,the sweet remembrance bear4 ,yes--mark him well1 ye cold and proud4 ,bewildered in a heartless crowd1 ,starting and turning pale ,at ,rumour's angry din-- ,no storm can now assail ,the charm he wears within1 ,rejoicing still1 and doing good1 ,and with the thought of ,god imbued4 ,no glare of high estate1 ,no gloom of woe or want1 ,the radiance can abate ,where ,heaven delights to haunt3 ,sin only bides the genial ray1 ,and1 round the ,cross1 makes night of day4 ,then weep it from thy heart2 ,so mayst thou duly learn ,the intercessor's part2 ,thy prayers and tears may earn ,for fallen souls some healing breath1 ,era they have died the ,apostate's death4 ,sixth ,sunday after ,epiphany4 ,beloved1 now are we the sons of ,god1 and it doth not yet appear what we shall be3 but we know that1 when ,he shall appear1 we shall be like ,him2 for we shall see ,him as he is4 ,st4 ,john iii4 #b4 ,,there are1 who darkling and alone1 ,would wish the weary night were gone1 ,though dawning morn should only show ,the secret of their unknown woe3 ,who pray for sharpest throbs of pain ,to ease them of doubt's galling chain3 8,only disperse the cloud10 they cry1 8,and if our fate be death1 give light and let us die40 ,unwise ,i deem them1 ,lord1 unmeet ,to profit by ,thy chastenings sweet1 ,for ,thou wouldst have us linger still ,upon the verge of good or ill4 ,that on ,thy guiding hand unseen ,our undivided hearts may lean1 ,and this our frail and foundering bark ,glide in the narrow wake of ,thy belovd ark4 ',tis so in war--the champion true ,loves victory more when dim in view ,he sees her glories gild afar ,the dusky edge of stubborn war1 ,than if the untrodden bloodless field ,the harvest of her laurels yield2 ,let not my bark in calm abide1 ,but win her fearless way against the chafing tide4 ',tis so in love--the faithful heart ,from her dim vision would not part1 ,when first to her fond gaze is given ,that purest spot in ,fancy's heaven1 ,for all the gorgeous sky beside1 ,though pledged her own and sure to abide3 ,dearer than every past noon-day ,that twilight gleam to her1 though faint and far away4 ,so have ,i seen some tender flower ,prized above all the vernal bower1 ,sheltered beneath the coolest shade1 ,embosomed in the greenest glade1 ,so frail a gem1 it scarce may bear ,the playful touch of evening air2 ,when hardier grown we love it less1 ,and trust it from our sight1 not needing our caress4 ,and wherefore is the sweet spring-tide ,worth all the changeful year beside8 ,the last-born babe1 why lies its part ,deep in the mother's inmost heart8 ,but that the ,lord and ,source of love ,would have ,his weakest ever prove ,our tenderest care--and most of all ,our frail immortal souls1 ,his work and ,satan's thrall4 ,so be it1 ,lord2 ,i know it best1 ,though not as yet this wayward breast ,beat quite in answer to ,thy voice1 ,yet surely ,i have made my choice2 ,i know not yet the promised bliss1 ,know not if ,i shall win or miss2 ,so doubting1 rather let me die1 ,than close with aught beside1 to last eternally4 ,what is the ,heaven we idly dream8 ,the self-deceiver's dreary theme1 ,a cloudless sun that softly shines1 ,bright maidens and unfailing vines1 ,the warrior's pride1 the hunter's mirth1 ,poor fragments all of this low earth3 ,such as in sleep would hardly soothe ,a soul that once had tasted of immortal ,truth4 ,what is the ,heaven our ,god bestows8 ,no ,prophet yet1 no ,angel knows2 ,was never yet created eye ,could see across ,eternity2 ,not seraph's wing for ever soaring ,can pass the flight of souls adoring1 ,that nearer still and nearer grow ,to the unapproachd ,lord1 once made for them so low4 ,unseen1 unfelt their earthly growth1 ,and self-accused of sin and sloth1 ,they live and die2 their names decay1 ,their fragrance passes quite away2 ,like violets in the freezing blast ,no vernal steam around they cast4-- ,but they shall flourish from the tomb1 ,the breath of ,god shall wake them into odorous bloom4 ,then on the incarnate ,saviour's breast1 ,the fount of sweetness1 they shall rest1 ,their spirits every hour imbued ,more deeply with ,his precious blood4 ,but peace--still voice and closd eye ,suit best with hearts beyond the sky1 ,hearts training in their low abode1 ,daily to lose themselves in hope to find their ,god4 ,septuagesima ,sunday4 ,the invisible things of ,him from the creation of the world are clearly seen1 being understood by the things that are made4 ,romans i4 #bj4 ,,there is a book1 who runs may read1 ,which heavenly truth imparts1 ,and all the lore its scholars need1 ,pure eyes and ,christian hearts4 ,the works of ,god above1 below1 ,within us and around1 ,are pages in that book1 to show ,how ,god ,himself is found4 ,the glorious sky embracing all ,is like the ,maker's love1 ,wherewith encompassed1 great and small ,in peace and order move4 ,the ,moon above1 the ,church below1 ,a wondrous race they run1 ,but all their radiance1 all their glow1 ,each borrows of its ,sun4 ,the ,savour lends the light and heat ,that crowns ,his holy hill2 ,the saints1 like stars1 around ,his seat ,perform their courses still4 ,the saints above are stars in heaven-- ,what are the saints on earth8 ,like tress they stand whom ,god has given1 ,our ,eden's happy birth4 ,faith is their fixed unswerving root1 ,hope their unfading flower1 ,fair deeds of charity their fruit1 ,the glory of their bower4 ,the dew of heaven is like ,thy grace1 ,it steals in silence down2 ,but where it lights1 this favoured place ,by richest fruits is known4 ,one ,name above all glorious names ,with its ten thousand tongues ,the everlasting sea proclaims4 ,echoing angelic songs4 ,the raging ,fire1 the roaring ,wind1 ,thy boundless power display2 ,but in the gentler breeze we find ,thy ,spirit's viewless way4 ,two worlds are ours3 'tis only ,sin ,forbids us to descry ,the mystic heaven and earth within1 ,plain as the sea and sky4 ,thou1 who hast given me eyes to see ,and love this sight so fair1 ,give me a heart to find out ,thee1 ,and read ,thee everywhere4 ,sexagesima ,sunday4 ,so ,he drove out the man2 and ,he placed at the east of the garden of ,eden ,cherubims1 and a flaming sword which turned every way1 to keep the way of the tree of life4 ,genesis iii4 #bd2 compare chap4 vi4 ,,foe of mankind6 too bold thy race3 ,thou runn'st at such a reckless pace1 ,thine own dire work thou surely wilt confound3 ',twas but one little drop of sin ,we saw this morning enter in1 ,and lo6 at eventide the world is drowned4 ,see here the fruit of wandering eyes1 ,of worldly longings to be wise1 ,of ,passion dwelling on forbidden sweets3 ,ye lawless glances1 freely rove2 ,ruin below and wrath above ,are all that now the wildering fancy meets4 ,lord1 when in some deep garden glade1 ,of ,thee and of myself afraid4 ,from thoughts like these among the bowers ,i hide1 ,nearest and loudest then of all ,i seem to hear the ,judge's call3-- 8,where art thou1 fallen man8 come forth1 and be thou tried40 ,trembling before ,thee as ,i stand1 ,where'er ,i gaze on either hand ,the sentence is gone forth1 the ground is cursed3 ,yet mingled with the penal shower ,some drops of balm in every bower ,steal down like ,april dews1 that softest fall and first4 ,if filial and maternal love ,memorial of our guilt must prove1 ,if sinful babes in sorrow must be born1 ,yet1 to assuage her sharpest throes1 ,the faithful mother surely knows1 ,this was the way ,thou cam'st to save the world forlorn4 ,if blessd wedlock may not bless ,without some tinge of bitterness ,to dash her cup of joy1 since ,eden lost1 ,chaining to earth with strong desire ,hearts that would highest else aspire1 ,and o'er the tenderer sex usurping ever most2 ,yet by the light of ,christian lore ',tis blind ,idolatry no more1 ,but a sweet help and pattern of true love1 ,showing how best the soul may cling ,to her immortal ,spouse and ,king1 ,how ,he should rule1 and she with full desire approve4 ,if niggard ,earth her treasures hide1 ,to all but labouring hands denied1 ,lavish of thorns and worthless weeds alone1 ,the doom is half in mercy given1 ,to train us in our way to ,heaven1 ,and show our lagging souls how glory must be won4 ,if on the sinner's outward frame ,god hath impressed ,his mark of blame1 ,and e'en our bodies shrink at touch of light1 ,yet mercy hath not left us bare3 ,the very weeds we daily wear ,are to ,faith's eye a pledge of ,god's forgiving might4 ,and oh6 if yet one arrow more1 ,the sharpest of the ,almighty's store1 ,tremble upon the string--a sinner's death-- ,art ,thou not by to soothe and save1 ,to lay us gently in the grave1 ,to close the weary eye and hush the parting breath8 ,therefore in sight of man bereft ,the happy garden still was left2 ,the fiery sword that guarded1 showed it too2 ,turning all ways1 the world to teach1 ,that though as yet beyond our reach1 ,still in its place the tree of life and glory grew4 ,quinquagesima ,sunday4 ,i do set ,my bow in the cloud1 and it shall be for a token of a covenant between ,me and the earth4 ,genesis ix4 #ac4 ,,sweet ,dove6 the softest1 steadiest plume1 ,in all the sunbright sky1 ,brightening in ever-changeful bloom ,as breezes change on high2-- ,sweet ,leaf6 the pledge of peace and mirth1 8,long sought1 and lately won10 ,blessed increase of reviving ,earth1 ,when first it felt the ,sun2-- ,sweet ,rainbow6 pride of summer days1 ,high set at ,heaven's command1 ,though into drear and dusky haze ,thou melt on either hand2-- ,dear tokens of a pardoning ,god1 ,we hail ye1 one and all1 ,as when our fathers walked abroad1 ,freed from their twelvemonth's thrall4 ,how joyful from the imprisoning ark ,on the green earth they spring6 ,not blither1 after showers1 the lark ,mounts up with glistening wing4 ,so home-bound sailors spring to shore1 ,two oceans safely past2 ,so happy souls1 when life is o'er1 ,plunge in this empyreal vast4 ,what wins their first and fondest gaze ,in all the blissful field1 ,and keeps it through a thousand days8 ,love face to face revealed3 ,love imaged in that cordial look ,our ,lord in ,eden bends ,on souls that sin and earth forsook ,in time to die ,his friends4 ,and what most welcome and serene ,dawns on the ,patriarch's eye1 ,in all the emerging hills so green1 ,in all the brightening sky8 ,what but the gentle rainbow's gleam1 ,soothing the wearied sight1 ,that cannot bear the solar beam1 ,with soft undazzling light8 ,lord1 if our fathers turned to ,thee ,with such adoring gaze1 ,wondering frail man ,thy light should see ,without ,thy scorching blaze2 ,where is our love1 and where our hearts1 ,we who have seen ,thy ,son1 ,have tried ,thy ,spirit's winning arts1 ,and yet we are not won8 ,the ,son of ,god in radiance beamed ,too bright for us to scan1 ,but we may face the rays that streamed ,from the mild ,son of ,man4 ,there1 parted into rainbow hues1 ,in sweet harmonious strife ,we see celestial love diffuse ,its light o'er ,jesus' life4 ,god1 by ,his bow1 vouchsafes to write ,this truth in ,heaven above3 ,as every lovely hue is ,light1 ,so every grace is ,love4 ,ash ,wednesday4 ,when thou fastest1 anoint thine head1 and wash thy face2 that thou appear not unto men to fast1 but unto thy ,father which is in secret4 ,st4 ,matthew vi4 #ag1 #ah4 8,,yes--deep within and deeper yet ,the rankling shaft of conscience hide1 ,quick let the swelling eye forget ,the tears that in the heart abide4 ,calm be the voice1 the aspect bold1 ,no shuddering pass o'er lip or brow1 ,for why should ,innocence be told ,the pangs that guilty spirits bow8 8,the loving eye that watches thine ,close as the air that wraps thee round-- ,why in thy sorrow should it pine1 ,since never of thy sin it found8 ,and wherefore should the heathen see ,what chains of darkness thee enslave1 ,and mocking say1 #8,lo1 this is he ,who owned a ,god that could not save'80 ,thus oft the mourner's wayward heart ,tempts him to hide his grief and die1 ,too feeble for ,confession's smart1 ,too proud to bear a pitying eye2 ,how sweet1 in that dark hour1 to fall ,on bosoms waiting to receive ,our sighs1 and gently whisper all6 ,they love us--will not ,god forgive8 ,else let us keep our fast within1 ,till ,heaven and we are quite alone1 ,then let the grief1 the shame1 the sin1 ,before the mercy-seat be thrown4 ,between the porch and altar weep1 ,unworthy of the holiest place1 ,yet hoping near the shrine to keep ,one lowly cell in sight of grace4 ,nor fear lest sympathy should fail-- ,hast thou not seen1 in night hours drear1 ,when racking thoughts the heart assail1 ,the glimmering stars by turns appear1 ,and from the eternal house above ,with silent news of mercy steal8 ,so ,angels pause on tasks of love1 ,to look where sorrowing sinners kneel4 ,or if no ,angel pass that way1 ,he who in secret sees1 perchance ,may bid ,his own heart-warming ray ,toward thee stream with kindlier glance1 ,as when upon ,his drooping head ,his ,father's light was poured from ,heaven1 ,what time1 unsheltered and unfed1 ,far in the wild ,his steps were driven4 ,high thoughts were with ,him in that hour1 ,untold1 unspeakable on earth-- ,and who can stay the soaring power ,of spirits weaned from worldly mirth1 ,while far beyond the sound of praise ,with upward eye they float serene1 ,and learn to bear their ,saviour's blaze ,when ,judgment shall undraw the screen8 ,first ,sunday in ,lent4 ,haste thee1 escape thither3 for ,i cannot do any thing till thou be come thither4 ,therefore the name of the city was called ,zoar4 ,genesis xix4 #bb4 8,,angel of wrath6 why linger in mid-air1 ,while the devoted city's cry ,louder and louder swells8 and canst thou spare1 ,thy full-charged vial standing by80 ,thus1 with stern voice1 unsparing ,justice pleads3 ,he hears her not--with softened gaze ,his eye is following where sweet ,mercy leads1 ,and till she give the sign1 his fury stays4 ,guided by her1 along the mountain road1 ,far through the twilight of the morn1 ,with hurried footsteps from the accursed abode ,he sees the holy household borne2 ,angels1 or more1 on either hand are nigh1 ,to speed them o'er the tempting plain1 ,lingering in heart1 and with frail sidelong eye ,seeking how near they may unharmed remain4 8,ah6 wherefore gleam those upland slopes so fair8 ,and why1 through every woodland arch1 ,swells yon bright vale1 as ,eden rich and rare1 ,where ,jordan winds his stately march2 ,if all must be forsaken1 ruined all1 ,if ,god have planted but to burn8-- ,surely not yet the avenging shower will fall1 ,though to my home for one last look ,i turn40 ,thus while they waver1 surely long ago ,they had provoked the withering blast1 ,but that the merciful ,avengers know ,their frailty well1 and hold them fast4 8,haste1 for thy life escape1 nor look behind0-- ,ever in thrilling sounds like these ,they check the wandering eye1 severely kind1 ,nor let the sinner lose his soul at ease4 ,and when1 o'erwearied with the steep ascent1 ,we for a nearer refuge crave1 ,one little spot of ground in mercy lent1 ,one hour of home before the grave1 ,oft in ,his pity o'er ,his children weak1 ,his hand withdraws the penal fire1 ,and where we fondly cling1 forbears to wreak ,full vengeance1 till our hearts are weaned entire4 ,thus1 by the merits of one righteous man1 ,the ,church1 our ,zoar1 shall abide1 ,till she abuse1 so sore1 her lengthened span1 ,e'en ,mercy's self her face must hide4 ,then1 onward yet a step1 thou hard-won soul2 ,though in the ,church thou know thy place1 ,the mountain farther lies--there seek thy goal1 ,there breathe at large1 o'erpast thy dangerous race4 ,sweet is the smile of home2 the mutual look ,when hearts are of each other sure2 ,sweet all the joys that crowd the household nook1 ,the haunt of all affections pure2 ,yet in the world e'en these abide1 and we ,above the world our calling boast2 ,once gain the mountain-top1 and thou art free3 ,till then1 who rest1 presume2 who turn to look1 are lost4 ,second ,sunday in ,lent4 ,and when ,esau heard the words of his father1 he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry1 and said unto his father1 ,bless me1 even me also1 ,o my father4 ,genesis xxvii4 #cd4 7,compare ,hebrews xii4 #ag4 ,he found no place of repentance1 though he sought it carefully with tears47 8,,and is there in ,god's world so drear a place ,where the loud bitter cry is raised in vain8 ,where tears of penance come too late for grace1 ,as on the uprooted flower the genial rain80 ',tis even so3 the sovereign ,lord of souls ,stores in the dungeon of ,his boundless realm ,each bolt that o'er the sinner vainly rolls1 ,with gathered wrath the reprobate to whelm4 ,will the storm hear the sailor's piteous cry1 ,taught so mistrust1 too late1 the tempting wave1 ,when all around he sees but sea and sky1 ,a ,god in anger1 a self-chosen grave8 ,or will the thorns1 that strew intemperance' bed1 ,turn with a wish to down8 will late remorse ,recall the shaft the murderer's hand has sped1 ,or from the guiltless bosom turn its course8 ,then may the unbodied soul in safety fleet ,through the dark curtains of the world above1 ,fresh from the stain of crime2 nor fear to meet ,the ,god whom here she would not learn to love2 ,then is there hope for such as die unblest1 ,that angel wings may waft them to the shore1 ,nor need the unready virgin strike her breast1 ,nor wait desponding round the bridegroom's door4 ,but where is then the stay of contrite hearts8 ,of old they leaned on ,thy eternal word1 ,but with the sinner's fear their hope departs1 ,fast linked as ,thy great ,name to ,thee1 ,o ,lord3 ,that ,name1 by which ,thy faithful oath is past1 ,that we should endless be1 for joy or woe3-- ,and if the treasures of ,thy wrath could waste1 ,thy lovers must their promised ,heaven forego4 ,but ask of elder days1 earth's vernal hour1 ,when in familiar talk ,god's voice was heard1 ,when at the ,patriarch's call the fiery shower ,propitious o'er the turf-built shrine appeared4 ,watch by our father ,isaac's pastoral door-- ,the birthright sold1 the blessing lost and won2 ,tell1 ,heaven has wrath that can relent no more2 ,the ,grave1 dark deeds that cannot be undone4 ,we barter life for pottage2 sell true bliss ,for wealth or power1 for pleasure or renown2 ,thus1 ,esau-like1 our ,father's blessing miss1 ,then wash with fruitless tears our faded crown4 ,our faded crown1 despised and flung aside1 ,shall on some brother's brow immortal bloom2 ,no partial hand the blessing may misguide1 ,no flattering fancy change our ,monarch's doom3 ,his righteous doom1 that meek true-hearted ,love ,the everlasting birthright should receive1 ,the softest dews drop on her from above1 ,the richest green her mountain garland weave3 ,her brethren1 mightiest1 wisest1 eldest-born1 ,bow to her sway1 and move at her behest2 ,isaac's fond blessing may not fall on scorn1 ,nor ,balaam's curse on ,love1 which ,god hath blest4 ,third ,sunday in ,lent4 ,when a strong man armed keepeth his place1 his goods are in peace2 but when a stronger than he shall come upon him1 and overcome him1 he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted1 and divideth his spoils4 ,st4 ,luke xi4 #ba1 #bb4 ,,see ,lucifer like lightning fall1 ,dashed from his throne of pride2 ,while1 answering ,thy victorious call1 ,the ,saints his spoils divide2 ,this world of ,thine1 by him usurped too long1 ,now opening all her stores to heal ,thy servants' wrong4 ,so when the first-born of ,thy foes ,dead in the darkness lay1 ,when ,thy redeemed at midnight rose ,and cast their bonds away1 ,the orphaned realm threw wide her gates1 and told ,into freed ,israel's lap her jewels and her gold4 ,and when their wondrous march was o'er1 ,and they had won their homes1 ,where ,abraham fed his flock of yore1 ,among their fathers' tombs2-- ,a land that drinks the rain of ,heaven at will1 ,whose waters kiss the feet of many a vine-clad hill2-- ,oft as they watched1 at thoughtful eve1 ,a gale from bowers of balm ,sweep o'er the billowy corn1 and heave ,the tresses of the palm1 ,just as the lingering ,sun had touched with gold1 ,far o'er the cedar shade1 some tower of giants old2 ,it was a fearful joy1 ,i ween1 ,to trace the ,heathen's toil1 ,the limpid wells1 the orchards green1 ,left ready for the spoil1 ,the household stores untouched1 the roses bright ,wreathed o'er the cottage walls in garlands of delight4 ,and now another ,canaan yields ,to ,thine all-conquering ark3-- ,fly from the 8old poetic0 fields1 ,ye ,paynim shadows dark6 ,immortal ,greece1 dear land of glorious lays1 ,lo6 here the 8unknown ,god0 of thy unconscious praise4 ,the olive-wreath1 the ivied wand1 8,the sword in myrtles drest10 ,each legend of the shadowy strand ,now wakes a vision blest2 ,as little children lisp1 and tell of ,heaven1 ,so thoughts beyond their thought to those high ,bards were given4 ,and these are ours3 ,thy partial grace ,the tempting treasure lends3 ,these relies of a guilty race ,are forfeit to ,thy friends2 ,what seemed an idol hymn1 now breathes of ,thee1 ,tuned by ,faith's ear to some celestial melody4 ,there's not a strain to ,memory dear1 ,nor flower in classic grove1 ,there's not a sweet note warbled here1 ,but minds us of ,thy ,love4 ,o ,lord1 our ,lord1 and spoiler of our foes1 ,there is no light but ,thine3 with ,thee all beauty glows4 ,fourth ,sunday in ,lent4 ,joseph made haste2 for his bowels did yearn upon his brother2 and he sought where to weep1 and he entered into his chamber and wept there4 ,genesis xliii4 #cj4 ,there stood no man with him1 while ,joseph made himself known unto his brethren4 ,genesis xlv4 #a4 ,,when ,nature tries her finest touch1 ,weaving her vernal wreath1 ,mark ye1 how close she veils her round1 ,not to be traced by sight or sound1 ,nor soiled by ruder breath8 ,who ever saw the earliest rose ,first open her sweet breast8 ,or1 when the summer sun goes down1 ,the first soft star in evening's crown ,light up her gleaming crest8 ,fondly we seek the dawning bloom ,on features wan and fair1 ,the gazing eye no change can trace1 ,but look away a little space1 ,then turn1 and lo6 'tis there4 ,but there's a sweeter flower than e'er ,blushed on the rosy spray-- ,a brighter star1 a richer bloom ,than e'er did western heaven illume ,at close of summer day4 ',tis ,love1 the last best gift of ,heaven2 ,love gentle1 holy1 pure2 ,but tenderer than a dove's soft eye1 ,the searching sun1 the open sky1 ,she never could endure4 ,e'en human ,love will shrink from sight ,here in the coarse rude earth3 ,how then should rash intruding glance ,break in upon her sacred trance ,who boasts a heavenly birth8 ,so still and secret is her growth1 ,ever the truest heart1 ,where deepest strikes her kindly root ,for hope or joy1 for flower or fruit1 ,least knows its happy part4 ,god only1 and good angels1 look ,behind the blissful screen-- ,as when1 triumphant o'er ,his woes1 ,the ,son of ,god by moonlight rose1 ,by all but ,heaven unseen3 ,as when the holy ,maid beheld ,her risen ,son and ,lord3 ,thought has not colours half so fair ,that she to paint that hour may dare1 ,in silence best adored4 ,the gracious ,dove1 that brought from ,heaven ,the earnest of our bliss1 ,of many a chosen witness telling1 ,on many a happy vision dwelling1 ,sings not a note of this4 ,so1 truest image of the ,christ1 ,old ,israel's long-lost son1 ,what time1 with sweet forgiving cheer1 ,he called his conscious brethren near1 ,would weep with them alone4 ,he could not trust his melting soul ,but in his ,maker's sight-- ,then why should gentle hearts and true ,bare to the rude world's withering view ,their treasure of delight6 ,no--let the dainty rose awhile ,her bashful fragrance hide-- ,rend not her silken veil too soon1 ,but leave her1 in her own soft noon1 ,to flourish and abide4 ,fifth ,sunday in ,lent4 ,and ,moses said1 ,i will now turn aside1 and see this great sight1 why the bush is not burnt4 ,exodus iii4 #c4 ,,the historic ,muse1 from age to age1 ,through many a waste heart-sickening page ,hath traced the works of ,man3 ,but a celestial call to-day ,stays her1 like ,moses1 on her way1 ,the works of ,god to scan4 ,far seen across the sandy wild1 ,where1 like a solitary child1 ,he thoughtless roamed and free1 ,one towering thorn was wrapt in flame-- ,bright without blaze it went and came3 ,who would not turn and see8 ,along the mountain ledges green ,the scattered sheep at will may glean ,the ,desert's spicy stores3 ,the while1 with undivided heart1 ,the shepherd talks with ,god apart1 ,and1 as he talks1 adores4 ,ye too1 who tend ,christ's wildering flock1 ,well may ye gather round the rock ,that once was ,sion's hill3 ,to watch the fire upon the mount ,still blazing1 like the solar fount1 ,yet unconsuming still4 ,caught from that blaze by wrath ,divine1 ,lost branches of the once-loved vine1 ,now withered1 spent1 and sere1 ,see ,israel's sons1 like glowing brands1 ,tossed wildly o'er a thousand lands ,for twice a thousand year4 ,god will not quench nor slay them quite1 ,but lifts them like a beacon-light ,the apostate ,church to scare2 ,or like pale ghosts that darkling roam1 ,hovering around their ancient home1 ,but find no refuge there4 ,ye blessd ,angels6 if of you ,there be1 who love the ways to view ,of ,kings and ,kingdoms here2 7,and sure1 'tis worth an ,angel's gaze1 ,to see1 throughout that dreary maze1 ,god teaching love and fear37 ,oh say1 in all the bleak expanse ,is there a spot to win your glance1 ,so bright1 so dark as this8 ,a hopeless faith1 a homeless race1 ,yet seeking the most holy place1 ,and owning the true bliss6 ,salted with fire they seem1 to show ,how spirits lost in endless woe ,may undecaying live4 ,oh1 sickening thought6 yet hold it fast ,long as this glittering world shall last1 ,or sin at heart survive4 ,and hark6 amid the flashing fire1 ,mingling with tones of fear and ire1 ,soft ,mercy's undersong-- ',tis ,abraham's ,god who speaks so loud1 ,his people's cries have pierced the cloud1 ,he sees1 ,he sees their wrong2 ,he is come down to break their chain2 ,though nevermore on ,sion's fane ,his visible ensign wave2 ',tis ,sion1 wheresoe'er they dwell1 ,who1 with ,his own true ,israel1 ,shall own ,him strong to save4 ,he shall redeem them one by one1 ,where'er the world-encircling sun ,shall see them meekly kneel3 ,all that ,he asks on ,israel's part1 ,is only that the captive heart ,its woe and burthen feel4 ,gentiles6 with fixed yet awful eye ,turn ye this page of mystery1 ,nor slight the warning sound3 8,put off thy shoes from off thy feet-- ,the place where man his ,god shall meet1 ,be sure1 is holy ground40 ,palm ,sunday4 ,and ,he answered and said unto them1 ,i tell you that1 if these should hold their peace1 the stones would immediately cry out4 ,st4 ,luke xix4 #dj4 ,,ye whose hearts are beating high ,with the pulse of ,poesy1 ,heirs of more than royal race1 ,framed by ,heaven's peculiar grace1 ,god's own work to do on earth1 7,if the word be not too bold17 ,giving virtue a new birth1 ,and a life that ne'er grows old-- ,sovereign masters of all hearts6 ,know ye1 who hath set your parts8 ,he who gave you breath to sing1 ,by whose strength ye sweep the string1 ,he hath chosen you1 to lead ,his ,hosannas here below2-- ,mount1 and claim your glorious meed2 ,linger not with sin and woe4 ,but if ye should hold your peace1 ,deem not that the song would cease-- ,angels round ,his glory-throne1 ,stars1 ,his guiding hand that own1 ,flowers1 that grow beneath our feet1 ,stones in earth's dark womb that rest1 ,high and low in choir shall meet1 ,ere ,his ,name shall be unblest4 ,lord1 by every minstrel tongue ,be ,thy praise so duly sung1 ,that ,thine angels' harps may ne'er ,fail to find fit echoing here3 ,we the while1 of meaner birth1 ,who in that divinest spell ,dare not hope to join on earth1 ,give us grace to listen well4 ,but should thankless silence seal ,lips that might half ,heaven reveal1 ,should bards in idol-hymns profane ,the sacred soul-enthralling strain1 7,as in this bad world below ,noblest things find vilest using17 ,then1 ,thy power and mercy show1 ,in vile things noble breath infusing2 ,then waken into sound divine ,the very pavement of ,thy shrine1 ,till we1 like ,heaven's star-sprinkled floor1 ,faintly give back what we adore3 ,childlike though the voices be1 ,and untunable the parts1 ,thou wilt own the minstrelsy ,if it flow from childlike hearts4 ,monday before ,easter4 ,doubtless ,thou art our ,father1 though ,abraham be ignorant of us1 and ,israel acknowledge us not4 ,isaiah lxiii4 #af4 8,,father to me thou art and mother dear1 ,and brother too1 kind husband of my heart0-- ,so speaks ,andromache in boding fear1 ,ere from her last embrace her hero part-- ,so evermore1 by ,faith's undying glow1 ,we own the ,crucified in weal or woe4 ,strange to our ears the church-bells of our home1 ,this fragrance of our old paternal fields ,may be forgotten2 and the time may come ,when the babe's kiss no sense of pleasure yields ,e'en to the doting mother3 but ,thine own ,thou never canst forget1 nor leave alone4 ,there are who sigh that no fond heart is theirs1 ,none loves them best--,o vain and selfish sigh6 ,out of the bosom of ,his love ,he spares-- ,the ,father spares the ,son1 for thee to die3 ,for thee ,he died--for thee ,he lives again3 ,o'er thee ,he watches in ,his boundless reign4 ,thou art as much ,his care1 as if beside ,nor man nor angel lived in ,heaven or earth3 ,thus sunbeams pour alike their glorious tide ,to light up worlds1 or wake an insect's mirth3 ,they shine and shine with unexhausted store-- ,thou art thy ,saviour's darling--seek no more4 ,on thee and thine1 thy warfare and thine end1 ,e'en in ,his hour of agony ,he thought1 ,when1 ere the final pang ,his soul should rend1 ,the ransomed spirits one by one were brought ,to ,his mind's eye--two silent nights and days ,in calmness for ,his far-seen hour ,he stays4 ,ye vaulted cells1 where martyred seers of old ,far in the rocky walls of ,sion sleep1 ,green terraces and archd fountains cold1 ,where lies the cypress shade so still and deep1 ,dear sacred haunts of glory and of woe1 ,help us1 one hour1 to trace ,his musings high and low3 ,one heart-ennobling hour6 ,it may not be3 ,the unearthly thoughts have passed from earth away1 ,and fast as evening sunbeams from the sea ,thy footsteps all in ,sion's deep decay ,were blotted from the holy ground3 yet dear ,is every stone of hers2 for ,thou want surely here4 ,there is a spot within this sacred dale ,that felt ,thee kneeling--touched ,thy prostrate brow3 ,one ,angel knows it4 ,o might prayer avail ,to win that knowledge6 sure each holy vow ,less quickly from the unstable soul would fade1 ,offered where ,christ in agony was laid4 ,might tear of ours once mingle with the blood ,that from ,his aching brow by moonlight fell1 ,over the mournful joy our thoughts would brood1 ,till they had framed within a guardian spell ,to chase repining fancies1 as they rise1 ,like birds of evil wing1 to mar our sacrifice4 ,so dreams the heart self-flattering1 fondly dreams2-- ,else wherefore1 when the bitter waves o'erflow1 ,miss we the light1 ,gethsemane1 that streams ,from thy dear name1 where in ,his page of woe ,it shines1 a pale kind star in winter's sky8 ,who vainly reads it there1 in vain had seen ,him die4 ,tuesday before ,easter4 ,they gave ,him to drink wine mingled with myrrh3 but ,he received in not4 ,st4 ,mark xv4 #bc4 8,,fill high the bowl1 and spice it well1 and pour ,the dews oblivious3 for the ,cross is sharp1 ,the ,cross is sharp1 and ,he ,is tenderer than a lamb4 8,he wept by ,lazarus' grave--how will ,he bear ,this bed of anguish8 and ,his pale weak form ,is worn with many a watch ,of sorrow and unrest4 8,his sweat last night was as great drops of blood1 ,and the sad burthen pressed ,him so to earth1 ,the very torturers paused ,to help ,him on ,his way4 8,fill high the bowl1 benumb ,his aching sense ,with medicined sleep40--,o awful in ,thy woe6 ,the parching thirst of death ,is on ,thee1 and ,thou triest ,the slumb'rous potion bland1 and wilt not drink3 ,not sullen1 nor in scorn1 like haughty man ,with suicidal hand ,putting his solace by3 ,but as at first ,thine all-pervading look ,saw from ,thy ,father's bosom to the abyss ,measuring in calm presage ,the infinite descent2 ,so to the end1 though now of mortal pangs ,made heir1 and emptied of ,thy glory1 awhile1 ,with unaverted eye ,thou meetest all the storm4 ,thou wilt feel all1 that ,thou mayst pity all2 ,and rather wouldst ,thou wreathe with strong pain1 ,than overcloud ,thy soul1 ,so clear in agony1 ,or lose one glimpse of ,heaven before the time ,o most entire and perfect sacrifice1 ,renewed in every pulse ,that on the tedious ,cross ,told the long hours of death1 as1 one by one1 ,the life-strings of that tender heart gave way2 ,e'en sinners1 taught by ,thee1 ,look ,sorrow in the face1 ,and bid her freely welcome1 unbeguiled ,by false kind solaces1 and spells of earth3-- ,and yet not all unsoothed2 ,for when was ,joy so dear1 ,as the deep calm that breathed1 8,father1 forgive10 ,or1 8,be with ,me in ,paradise to-day80 ,and1 though the strife be sore1 ,yet in ,his parting breath ,love masters ,agony2 the soul that seemed ,forsaken1 feels her present ,god again1 ,and in her ,father's arms ,contented dies away4 ,wednesday before ,easter4 ,saying1 ,father1 if ,thou be willing1 remove this cup from ,me2 nevertheless not ,my will1 but ,thine1 be done4 ,st4 ,luke xxii4 #db4 ,o ,,lord my ,god1 do thou ,thy holy will-- ,i will lie still-- ,i will not stir1 lest ,i forsake ,thine arm1 ,and break the charm ,which lulls me1 clinging to my ,father's breast1 ,in perfect rest4 ,wild fancy1 peace6 thou must not me beguile ,with thy false smile3 ,i know thy flatteries and thy cheating ways2 ,be silent1 ,praise1 ,blind guide with siren voice1 and blinding all ,that hear thy call4 ,come1 ,self-devotion1 high and pure1 ,thoughts that in thankfulness endure1 ,though dearest hopes are faithless found1 ,and dearest hearts are bursting round4 ,come1 ,resignation1 spirit meek1 ,and let me kiss thy placid cheek1 ,and read in thy pale eye serene ,their blessing1 who by faith can wean ,their hearts from sense1 and learn to love ,god only1 and the joys above4 ,they say1 who know the life divine1 ,and upward gaze with eagle eyne1 ,that by each golden crown on high1 ,rich with celestial jewelry1 ,which for our ,lord's redeemed is set1 ,there hangs a radiant coronet1 ,all gemmed with pure and living light1 ,too dazzling for a sinner's sight1 ,prepared for virgin souls1 and them ,who seek the martyr's diadem4 ,nor deem1 who to that bliss aspire1 ,must win their way through blood and fire4 ,the writhings of a wounded heart ,are fiercer than a foeman's dart4 ,oft in ,life's stillest shade reclining1 ,in ,desolation unrepining1 ,without a hope on earth to find ,a mirror in an answering mind1 ,meek souls there are1 who little dream ,their daily strife an ,angel's theme1 ,or that the rod they take so calm ,shall prove in ,heaven a martyr's palm4 ,and there are souls that seem to dwell ,above this earth--so rich a spell ,floats round their steps1 where'er they move1 ,from hopes fulfilled and mutual love4 ,such1 if on high their thoughts are set1 ,nor in the stream the source forget1 ,if prompt to quit the bliss they know1 ,following the ,lamb where'er ,he go1 ,by purest pleasures unbeguiled ,to idolise or wife or child2 ,such wedded souls our ,god shall own ,for faultless virgins round ,his throne4 ,thus everywhere we find our suffering ,god1 ,and where ,he trod ,may set our steps3 the ,cross on ,calvary ,uplifted high ,beams on the martyr host1 a beacon light ,in open fight4 ,to the still wrestlings of the lonely heart ,he doth impart ,the virtue of his midnight agony1 ,when none was nigh1 ,save ,god and one good angel1 to assuage ,the tempest's rage4 ,mortal6 if life smile on thee1 and thou find ,all to thy mind1 ,think1 who did once from ,heaven to ,hell descend1 ,thee to befriend3 ,so shalt thou dare forego1 at ,his dear call1 ,thy best1 thine all4 8,o ,father6 not ,my will1 but ,thine be done0-- ,so spake the ,son4 ,be this our charm1 mellowing ,earth's ruder noise ,of griefs and joys3 ,that we may cling for ever to ,thy breast ,in perfect rest6 ,thursday before ,easter4 ,as the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth1 and ,i am come to shew thee2 for thou art greatly beloved3 therefore understand the matter1 and consider the vision4 ,daniel ix4 #bc4 8,o ,,holy mountain of my ,god1 ,how do thy towers in ruin lie1 ,how art thou riven and strewn abroad1 ,under the rude and wasteful sky60 ',twas thus upon his fasting-day ,the 8,man of ,loves0 was fain to pray1 ,his lattice open toward his darling west1 ,mourning the ruined home he still must love the best4 ,oh6 for a love like ,daniel's now1 ,to wing to ,heaven but one strong prayer ,for ,,god',s new ,israel1 sunk as low1 ,yet flourishing to sight as fair1 ,as ,sion in her height of pride1 ,with queens for handmaids at her side1 ,with kings her nursing-fathers1 thrond high1 ,and compassed with the world's too tempting blazonry4 ',tis true1 nor winter stays thy growth1 ,nor torrid summer's sickly smile2 ,the flashing billows of the south ,break not upon so lone an isle1 ,but thou1 rich vine1 art grafted there1 ,the fruit of death or life to bear1 ,yielding a surer witness every day1 ,to thine ,almighty ,author and ,his steadfast sway4 ,oh6 grief to think1 that grapes of gall ,should cluster round thine healthiest shoot6 ,god's herald prove a heartless thrall1 ,who1 if he dared1 would fain be mute6 ,e'en such is this bad world we see1 ,which self-condemned in owning ,thee1 ,yet dares not open farewell of ,thee take1 ,for very pride1 and her high-boasted ,reason's sake4 ,what do we then8 if far and wide ,men kneel to ,,christ1 the pure and meek1 ,yet rage with passion1 swell with pride1 ,have we not still our faith to seek8 ,nay--but in steadfast humbleness ,kneel on to ,him1 who loves to bless ,the prayer that waits for him2 and trembling strive ,to keep the lingering flame in thine own breast alive4 ,dark frowned the future e'en on him1 ,the loving and belovd ,seer1 ,what time he saw1 through shadows dim1 ,the boundary of th' eternal year2 ,he only of the sons of men ,named to be heir of glory then4 ,else had it bruised too sore his tender heart ,to see ,,god',s ransomed world in wrath and flame depart ,then look no more3 or closer watch ,thy course in ,earth's bewildering ways1 ,for every glimpse thine eye can catch ,of what shall be in those dread days3 ,so when th' ,archangel's word is spoken1 ,and ,death's deep trance for ever broken1 ,in mercy thou mayst feel the heavenly hand1 ,and in thy lot unharmed before thy ,savour stand4 ,good ,friday4 ,he is despised and rejected of men4 ,isaiah liii4 #c4 ,,is it not strange1 the darkest hour ,that ever dawned on sinful earth ,should touch the heart with softer power ,for comfort than an angel's mirth8 ,that to the ,cross the mourner's eye should turn ,sooner than where the stars of ,christmas burn8 ,sooner than where the ,easter sun ,shines glorious on yon open grave1 ,and to and fro the tidings run1 8,who died to heal1 is risen to save80 ,sooner than where upon the ,saviour's friends ,the very ,comforter in light and love descends8 ,yet so it is3 for duly there ,the bitter herbs of earth are set1 ,till tempered by the ,saviour's prayer1 ,and with the ,saviour's life-blood wet1 ,they turn to sweetness1 and drop holy balm1 ,soft as imprisoned martyr's deathbed calm4 ,all turn to sweet--but most of all ,that bitterest to the lip of pride1 ,when hopes presumptuous fade and fall1 ,or ,friendship scorns us1 duly tried1 ,or ,love1 the flower that closes up for fear ,when rude and selfish spirits breathe too near4 ,then like a long-forgotten strain ,comes sweeping o'er the heart forlorn ,what sunshine hours had taught in vain ,of ,,jesus suffering shame and scorn1 ,as in all lowly hearts he suffers still1 ,while we triumphant ride and have the world at will4 ,his piercd hands in vain would hide ,his face from rude reproachful gaze1 ,his ears are open to abide ,the wildest storm the tongue can raise1 ,he who with one rough word1 some early day1 ,their idol world and them shall sweep for aye away4 ,but we by ,fancy may assuage ,the festering sore by ,fancy made1 ,down in some lonely hermitage ,like wounded pilgrims safely laid1 ,where gentlest breezes whisper souls distressed1 ,that ,love yet lives1 and ,patience shall find rest4 ,o6 shame beyond the bitterest thought ,that evil spirit ever framed1 ,that sinners know what ,jesus wrought1 ,yet feel their haughty hearts untamed-- ,that souls in refuge1 holding by the ,cross1 ,should wince and fret at this world's little loss4 ,lord of my heart1 by ,thy last cry1 ,let not ,thy blood on earth be spent-- ,lo1 at ,thy feet ,i fainting lie1 ,mine eyes upon ,thy wounds are bent1 ,upon ,thy streaming wounds my weary eyes ,wait like the parchd earth on ,april skies4 ,wash me1 and dry these bitter tears1 ,o let my heart no further roam1 ',tis ,thine by vows1 and hopes1 and fears4 ,long since--,o call ,thy wanderer home2 ,to that dear home1 safe in ,thy wounded side1 ,where only broken hearts their sin and shame may hide4 ,easter ,eve4 ,as for thee also1 by the blood of thy covenant ,i have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water4 ,zechariah ix4 #aa4 ,,at length the worst is o'er1 and ,thou art laid ,deep in ,thy darksome bed2 ,all still and cold beneath yon dreary stone ,thy sacred form is gone2 ,around those lips where power and mercy hung1 ,the dews of deaths have clung2 ,the dull earth o'er ,thee1 and ,thy foes around1 ,thou sleep'st a silent corse1 in funeral fetters wound4 ,sleep'st ,thou indeed8 or is ,thy spirit fled1 ,at large among the dead8 ,whether in ,eden bowers ,thy welcome voice ,wake ,abraham to rejoice1 ,or in some drearier scene ,thine eye controls ,the thronging band of souls2 ,that1 as ,thy blood won earth1 ,thine agony ,might set the shadowy realm from sin and sorrow free4 ,where'er ,thou roam'st1 one happy soul1 we know1 ,seen at ,thy side in woe1 ,waits on ,thy triumphs--even as all the blest ,with him and ,thee shall rest4 ,each on his cross2 by ,thee we hang a while1 ,watching ,thy patient smile1 ,till we have learned to say1 8',tis justly done1 ,only in glory1 ,,lord1 ,thy sinful servant own40 ,soon wilt ,thou take us to ,thy tranquil bower ,to rest one little hour1 ,till ,thine elect are numbered1 and the grave ,call ,thee to come and save3 ,then on ,thy bosom borne shall we descend ,again with earth to blend1 ,earth all refined with bright supernal fires1 ,tinctured with holy blood1 and winged with pure desires4 ,meanwhile with every son and saint of ,thine ,along the glorious line1 ,sitting by turns beneath ,thy sacred feet ,we'll hold communion sweet1 ,know them by look and voice1 and thank them all ,for helping us in thrall1 ,for words of hope1 and bright examples given ,to show through moonless skies that there is light in ,heaven4 ,o come that day1 when in this restless heart ,earth shall resign her part1 ,when in the grave with ,thee my limbs shall rest1 ,my soul with ,thee be blest6 ,but stay1 presumptuous--,,christ with ,thee abides ,in the rock's dreary sides3 ,he from this stone will wring ,celestial dew ,if but this prisoner's heart he faithful found and true4 ,when tears are spent1 and then art left alone ,with ghosts of blessings gone1 ,think thou art taken from the cross1 and laid ,in ,,jesus' burial shade2 ,take ,moses' rod1 the rod of prayer1 and call ,out of the rocky wall ,the fount of holy blood2 and lift on high ,thy grovelling soul that feels so desolate and dry4 ,prisoner of ,hope thou art--look up and sing ,in hope of promised spring4 ,as in the pit his father's darling lay ,beside the desert way1 ,and knew not how1 but knew his ,,god would save ,e'en from that living grave1 ,so1 buried with our ,,lord1 we'll chose our eyes ,to the decaying world1 till ,angels bid us rise4 ,easter ,day4 ,and as they were afraid1 and bowed down their faces to the earth1 they said unto them1 ,why seek ye the living among the dead8 ,he is not here1 but is risen4 ,st4 ,luke xxiv4 #e1 #f4 ,,oh6 day of days6 shall hearts set free ,no 8minstrel rapture0 find for thee8 ,thou art this ,sun of other days1 ,they shine by giving back thy rays3 ,enthrond in thy sovereign sphere1 ,thou shedd'st thy light on all the year2 ,sundays by thee more glorious break1 ,an ,easter ,day in every week3 ,and week days1 following in their train1 ,the fulness of thy blessing gain1 ,till all1 both resting soil employ1 ,be one ,lord's day of holy joy4 ,then wake1 my soul1 to high desires1 ,and earlier light thine altar fires3 ,the ,world some hours is on her way1 ,nor thinks on thee1 thou blessd day3 ,or1 if she think1 it is in scorn3 ,the vernal light of ,easter morn ,to her dark gaze no brighter seems ,than ,reason's or the ,law's pale beams4 8,where is your ,lord80 she scornful asks3 8,where is ,his hire8 we know his tasks2 ,sons of a ,king ye boast to be3 ,let us your crowns and treasures see40 ,we in the words of ,truth reply1 7,an angel brought them from this sky17 8,our crown1 our treasure is not here1 ',tis stored above the highest sphere3 8,methinks your wisdom guides amiss1 ,to seek on earth a ,christian's bliss2 ,we watch not now the lifeless stone2 ,our only ,lord is risen and gone40 ,yet e'en the lifeless stone is dear ,for thoughts of ,him who late lay here2 ,and the base world1 now ,christ hath died1 ,ennobled is and glorified4 ,no more a charnel-house1 to fence ,the relics of lost innocence1 ,a vault of ruin and decay2 ,th' imprisoning stone is rolled away3 ',tis now a cell1 where angels use ,to come and go with heavenly news1 ,and in the ears of mourners say1 8,come1 see the place where ,jesus lay30 ',tis now a fane1 where ,love can find ,christ everywhere embalmed and shined3 ,aye gathering up memorials sweet1 ,where'er she sets her duteous feet4 ,oh6 joy to ,mary first allowed1 ,when roused from weeping o'er ,his shroud1 ,by ,his own calm1 soul-soothing tone1 ,breathing her name1 as still ,his own6 ,joy to the faithful ,three renewed1 ,as their glad errand they pursued6 ,happy1 who so ,christ's word convey1 ,that he may meet them on their way6 ,so is it still3 to holy tears1 ,in lonely hours1 ,christ risen appears3 ,in social hours1 who ,christ would see ,must turn all tasks to ,charity4 ,monday in ,easter ,week4 ,of a truth ,i perceive that ,god is no respecter of persons3 but in every nation he that feareth ,him1 and worketh righteousness1 is accepted with ,him4 ,acts x4 #cd1 #ce4 ,,go up and watch the new-born rill ,just trickling from its mossy bed1 ,streaking the heath-clad hill ,with a bright emerald thread4 ,canst thou her bold career foretell1 ,what rocks she shall o'erleap or rend1 ,how far in ,ocean's swell ,her freshening billows send8 ,perchance that little brook shall flow ,the bulwark of some mighty realm1 ,bear navies to and fro ,with monarchs at their helm4 ,or canst thou guess1 how far away ,some sister nymph1 beside her urn ,reclining night and day1 ',mid reeds and mountain fern1 ,nurses her store1 with thine to blend ,when many a moor and glen are past1 ,then in the wide sea end ,their spotless lives at last8 ,e'en so1 the course of prayer who knows8 ,it springs in silence where it will1 ,springs out of sight1 and flows ,at first a lonely rill3 ,but streams shall meet it by and by ,from thousand sympathetic hearts1 ,together swelling high ,their chant of many parts4 ,unheard by all but angel ears ,the good ,cornelius knelt alone1 ,nor dreamed his prayers and tears ,would help a world undone4 ,the while upon his terraced roof ,the loved ,apostle to his ,lord ,in silent thought aloof ,for heavenly vision soared4 ,far o'er the glowing western main ,his wistful brow was upward raised1 ,where1 like an angel's train1 ,the burnished water blazed4 ,the saint beside the ocean prayed1 ,this soldier in his chosen bower1 ,where all his eye surveyed ,seemed sacred in that hour4 ,to each unknown his brother's prayer1 ,yet brethren true in dearest love ,were they--and now they share ,fraternal joys above4 ,there daily through ,christ's open gate ,they see the ,gentile spirits press1 ,brightening their high estate ,with dearer happiness4 ,what civic wreath for comrades saved ,shone ever with such deathless gleam1 ,or when did perils braved ,so sweet to veterans seem8 ,tuesday in ,easter ,week4 ,and they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy1 and did run to bring ,his disciples word4 ,st4 ,matthew xxviii4 #h4 ,,to ,,the ,,snowdrop4 ,,thou first-born of the year's delight1 ,pride of the dewy glade1 ,in vernal green and virgin white1 ,thy vestal robes1 arrayed3 ',tis not because thy drooping form ,sinks graceful on its nest1 ,when chilly shades from gathering storm ,affright thy tender breast2 ,nor for yon river islet wild ,beneath the willow spray1 ,where1 like the ringlets of a child1 ,thou weav'st thy circle gay2 ',tis not for these ,i love thee dear-- ,thy shy averted smiles ,to ,fancy bode a joyous year1 ,one of ,life's fairy isles4 ,they twinkle to the wintry moon1 ,and cheer th' ungenial day1 ,and tell us1 all will glisten soon ,as green and bright as they4 ,is there a heart that loves the spring1 ,their witness can refuse8 ,yet mortals doubt1 when angels bring ,from ,heaven their ,easter news3 ,when holy maids and matrons speak ,of ,christ's forsaken bed1 ,and voices1 that forbid to seek ,the hiving 'mid the dead1 ,and when they say1 8,turn1 wandering heart1 ,thy ,lord is ris'n indeed1 ,let ,pleasure go1 put ,care apart1 ,and to ,his presence speed20 ,we smile in scorn3 and yet we know ,they early sought the tomb1 ,their hearts1 that now so freshly glow1 ,lost in desponding gloom4 ,they who have sought1 nor hope to find1 ,wear not so bright a glance3 ,they1 who have won their earthly mind1 ,lees reverently advance4 ,but where in gentle spirits1 fear ,and joy so duly meet1 ,these sure have seen the angels near1 ,and kissed the ,saviour's feet4 ,nor let the ,pastor's thankful eye ,their faltering tale disdain1 ,as on their lowly couch they lie1 ,prisoners of want and pain4 ,o guide us1 when our faithless hearts ,from ,thee would start aloof1 ,where ,patience her sweet skill imparts ,beneath some cottage roof3 ,revive our dying fires1 to burn ,high as her anthems soar1 ,and of our scholars let us learn ,our own forgotten lore4 ,first ,sunday after ,easter4 ,seemeth it but a small thing unto you1 that the ,god of ,israel hath separated you from the congregation of ,israel1 to bring you near to ,himself8 ,numbers xvi4 #i4 ,,first ,father of the holy seed1 ,if yet1 invoked in hour of need1 ,thou count me for ,thine own ,not quite an outcast if ,i prove1 7,thou joy'st in miracles of love71 ,hear1 from ,thy mercy-throne6 ,upon ,thine altar's horn of gold ,help me to lay my trembling hold1 ,though stained with ,christian gore2-- ,the blood of souls by ,thee redeemed1 ,but1 while ,i roved or idly dreamed1 ,lost to be found no more4 ,for oft1 when summer leaves were bright1 ,and every flower was bathed in light1 ,in sunshine moments past1 ,my wilful heart would burst away ,from where the holy shadow lay1 ,where heaven my lot had cast4 ,i thought it scorn with ,thee to dwell1 ,a ,hermit in a silent cell1 ,while1 gaily sweeping by1 ,wild ,fancy blew his bugle strain1 ,and marshalled all his gallant train ,in the world's wondering eye4 ,i would have joined him--but as oft ,thy whispered warnings1 kind and soft1 ,my better soul confessed4 8,my servant1 let the world alone-- ,safe on the steps of ,jesus' throne ,be tranquil and be blest40 8,seems it to thee a niggard hand ,that nearest ,heaven has bade thee stand1 ,the ark to touch and bear1 ,with incense of pure heart's desire ,to heap the censer's sacred fire1 ,the snow-white ,ephod wear80 ,why should we crave the worldling's wreath1 ,on whom the ,savour deigned to breathe1 ,to whom ,his keys were given1 ,who lead the choir where angels meet1 ,with angels' food our brethren greet1 ,and pour the drink of ,heaven8 ,when sorrow all our heart would ask1 ,we need not shun our daily task1 ,and hide ourselves for calm2 ,the herbs we seek to heal our woe ,familiar by our pathway grow1 ,our common air is balm4 ,around each pure domestic shrine ,bright flowers of ,eden bloom and twine1 ,our hearths are altars all2 ,the prayers of hungry souls and poor1 ,like armd angels at the door1 ,our unseen foes appal4 ,alms all around and hymns within-- ,what evil eye can entrance win ,where guards like these abound8 ,if chance some heedless heart should roam1 ,sure1 thought of these will lure it home ,ere lost in ,folly's round4 ,o joys1 that sweetest in decay1 ,fall not1 like withered leaves1 away1 ,but with the silent breath ,of violets drooping one by one1 ,soon as their fragrant task is done1 ,are wafted high in death6 ,second ,sunday after ,easter4 ,he hath said1 which heard the words of ,god1 and knew the knowledge of the ,most ,high1 which saw the vision of the ,almighty1 falling into a trance1 but having his eyes open3 ,i shall see ,him1 but not now2 ,i shall behold ,him1 but not nigh2 there shall come a ,star out at ,jacob1 and a ,sceptre shall rise out of ,israel1 and shall smite the corners of ,moab1 and destroy all the children at ,sheth4 ,numbers xxiv4 #af1 #ag4 ,o ,,for a sculptor's hand1 ,that thou might'st take thy stand1 ,thy wild hair floating on the eastern breeze1 ,thy tranced yet open gaze ,fixed on the desert haze1 ,as one who deep in heaven some airy pageant sees4 ,in outline dim and vast ,their fearful shadows cast ,this giant forms of empires on their way ,to ruin3 one by one ,they tower and they are gone1 ,yet in the ,prophet's soul the dreams of avarice stay4 ,no sun or star so bright ,in all the world of light ,that they should draw to ,heaven his downward eye3 ,he hears th' ,almighty's word1 ,he sees the angel's sword1 ,yet low upon the earth his heart and treasure lie4 ,lo6 from you argent field1 ,to him and us revealed1 ,one gentle ,star glides down1 on earth to dwell4 ,chained as they are below ,our eyes may see it glow1 ,and as it mounts again1 may track its brightness well4 ,to him it glared afar1 ,a token of wild war1 ,the banner of his ,lord's victorious wrath3 ,but close to us it gleams1 ,its soothing lustre streams ,around our home's green walls1 and on our church-way path4 ,we in the tents abide ,which he at distance eyed ,like goodly cedars by the waters spread1 ,while seven red altar-fires ,rose up in wavy spires1 ,where on the mount he watched his sorceries dark and dread4 ,he watched till morning's ray ,on lake and meadow lay1 ,and willow-shaded streams that silent sweep ,around the bannered lines1 ,where by their several signs ,the desert-wearied tribes in sight of ,canaan sleep4 ,he watched till knowledge came ,upon his soul like flame1 ,not of those magic fires at random caught3 ,but true ,prophetic light ,flashed o'er him1 high and bright1 ,flashed once1 and died away1 and left his darkened thought4 ,and can he choose but fear1 ,who feels his ,,god so near1 ,that when he fain would curse1 his powerless tongue ,in blessing only moves8-- ,alas6 the world he loves ,too close around his heart her tangling veil hath flung4 ,sceptre and ,star divine1 ,who in ,thine inmost shrine ,hash made us worshippers1 ,o claim ,thine own2 ,more than ,thy seers we know-- ,o teach our love to grow ,up to ,thy heavenly light1 and reap what ,thou hast sown4 ,third ,sunday after ,easter4 ,a woman when she is in travail hath sorrow1 because her hour is come2 but as soon as she is delivered of the child1 she remembereth no more the anguish1 for joy that a man is born into the world4 ,st4 ,john xvi4 #ba4 ,,well may ,i guess and feel ,why ,autumn should be sad2 ,but vernal airs should sorrow heal1 ,spring should be gay and glad3 ,yet as along this violet bank ,i rove1 ,the languid sweetness seems to choke my breath1 ,i sit me down beside the hazel grove1 ,and sigh1 and half could wish my weariness were death4 ,like a bright veering cloud ,grey blossoms twinkle there1 ,warbles around a busy crowd ,of larks in purest air4 ,shame on the heart that dreams of blessings gone1 ,or wakes the spectral forms of woe and crime1 ,when nature sings of joy and hope alone1 ,reading her cheerful lesson in her own sweet time4 ,nor let the proud heart say1 ,in her self-torturing hour1 ,the travail pangs must have their way1 ,the aching brow must lower4 ,to us long since the glorious ,child is born ,our throes should be forgot1 or only seem ,like a sad vision told for joy at morn1 ,for joy that we have waked and found it but a dream4 ,mysterious to all thought ,a mother's prime of bliss1 ,when to her eager lips is brought ,her infant's thrilling kiss4 ,o never shall it set1 the sacred light ,which dawns that moment on her tender gaze1 ,in the eternal distance blending bright ,her darling's hope and hers1 for love and joy and praise4 ,no need for her to weep ,like ,thracian wives of yore1 ,save when in rapture still and deep ,her thankful heart runs o'er4 ,they mourned to trust their treasure on the main1 ,sure of the storm1 unknowing of their guide3 ,welcome to her the peril and the pain1 ,for well she knows the bonus where they may safely hide4 ,she joys that one is born ,into a world forgiven1 ,her ,father's household to adorn1 ,and dwell with her in ,heaven4 ,so have ,i seen1 in ,spring's bewitching hour1 ,when the glad ,earth is offering all her best1 ,some gentle maid bend o'er a cherished flower1 ,and wish it worthier on a ,parent's heart to rest4 ,fourth ,sunday after ,easter4 ,nevertheless ,i tell you the truth2 ,it is expedient for you that ,i go away3 for if ,i go not away1 the ,comforter will not come unto you2 but if ,i depart1 ,i will send ,him unto you4 ,st4 ,john xvi #g4 ,,my ,saviour1 can it ever be ,that ,i should gain by losing ,thee8 ,the watchful mother tarries nigh1 ,though sleep have closed her infant's eye2 ,for should he wake1 and find her gone4 ,she knows she could not bear his moan4 ,but ,i am weaker than a child1 ,and ,thou art more than mother dear2 ,without ,thee ,heaven were but a wild2 ,how can ,i live without ,thee here6 8',tis good for you1 that ,i should go1 8,you lingering yet awhile below20-- ',tis ,thine own gracious promise1 ,lord6 ,thy saints have proved the faithful word1 ,when heaven's bright boundless avenue ,far opened on their eager view1 ,and homeward to ,thy ,father's throne1 ,still lessening1 brightening on their sight1 ,thy shadowy car went soaring on2 ,they tracked ,thee up th' abyss of light4 ,thou bidd'st rejoice2 they dare not mourn1 ,but to their home in gladness turn1 ,their home and ,god's1 that favoured place1 ,where still ,he shines on ,abraham's race1 ,in prayers and blessings there to wait ,like suppliants at their ,monarch's gate1 ,who bent with bounty rare to aid ,the splendours of ,his crowning day1 ,keeps back awhile ,his largess1 made ,more welcome for that brief delay3 ,in doubt they wait1 but not unblest2 ,they doubt not of their ,master's rest1 ,nor of the gracious will of ,heaven-- ,who gave ,his ,son1 sure all has given-- ,but in ecstatic awe they muse ,what course the genial stream may choose1 ,and far and wide their fancies rove1 ,and to their height of wonder strain1 ,what secret miracle of love ,should make their ,saviour's going gain4 ,the days of hope and prayer are past1 ,the day of comfort dawns at last1 ,the everlasting gates again ,roll back1 and1 lo6 a royal train-- ,from the far depth of light once more ,the floods of glory earthward pour3 ,they part like shower-drops in mid air1 ,but ne'er so soft fell noon-tide shower1 ,nor evening rainbow gleamed so fair ,to weary swains in parchd bower4 ,swiftly and straight each tongue of flame ,through cloud and breeze unwavering came1 ,and darted to its place of rest ,on some meek brow of ,jesus blest4 ,nor fades it yet1 that living gleam1 ,and still those lambent lightnings stream2 ,where'er the ,lord is1 there are they2 ,in every heart that gives them room1 ,they light ,his altar every day1 ,zeal to inflame1 and vice consume4 ,soft as the plumes of ,jesus' ,dove ,they nurse the soul to heavenly love2 ,the struggling spark of good within1 ,just smothered in the strife of sin1 ,they quicken to a timely glow1 ,the pure flame spreading high and low4 ,said ,i1 that prayer and hope were o'er8 ,nay1 blessd ,spirit6 but by ,thee ,the ,church's prayer finds wings to soar1 ,the ,church's hope finds eyes to see4 ,then1 fainting soul1 arise and sing2 ,mount1 but be sober on the wing2 ,mount up1 for ,heaven is won by prayer1 ,be sober1 for thou art not there2 ,till ,death the weary spirit free1 ,thy ,god hath said1 ',tis good for thee ,to walk by faith and not by sight3 ,take it on trust a little while2 ,soon shalt thou read the mystery right ,in the full sunshine of ,his smile4 ,or if thou yet more knowledge crave1 ,ask thine own heart1 that willing slave ,to all that works thee woe or harm ,shouldst thou not need some mighty charm ,to win thee to thy ,saviour's side1 ,though ,he had deigned with thee to bide8 ,the ,spirit must stir the darkling deep1 ,the ,dove must settle on the ,cross1 ,else we should all sin on or sleep ,with ,christ in sight1 turning our gain to loss4 ,fifth ,sunday ,after ,easter4 ,,rogation ,,sunday4 ,and the ,lord was very angry with ,aaron to have destroyed him3 and ,i prayed for ,aaron also the same time4 ,deuteronomy ix4 #bj4 ,,now is there solemn pause in earth and heaven2 ,the ,conqueror now ,his bonds hath riven1 ,and ,angels wonder why ,he stays below3 ,yet hath not man his lesson learned1 ,how endless love should be returned4 ,deep is the silence as of summer noon1 ,when a soft shower ,will trickle soon1 ,a gracious rain1 freshening the weary bower-- ,o sweetly then far off is heard ,the clear note of some lonely bird4 ,so let ,thy turtle-dove's sad call arise ,in doubt and fear ,through darkening skies1 ,and pierce1 ,o ,lord1 ,thy justly-seald ear1 ,where on the house-top1 all night long ,she trills her widowed1 faltering song4 ,teach her to know and love her hour of prayer1 ,and evermore1 ,as faith grows rare1 ,unlock her heart1 and offer all its store ,in holier love and humbler vows1 ,as suits a lost returning spouse4 ,not as at first1 but with intenser cry1 ,upon the mount ,she now must lie1 ,till ,thy dear love to blot the sad account ,of her rebellious race be won1 ,pitying the mother in the son4 ,but chiefly 7for she knows ,thee angered worst ,by holiest things ,profaned and curst71 ,chiefly for ,aaron's seed she spreads her wings1 ,if but one leaf she may from ,thee ,win of the reconciling tree4 ,for what shall heal1 when holy water banes6 ,or who may guide ,o'er desert plains ,thy loved yet sinful people wandering wide1 ,if ,aaron's hand unshrinking mould ,an idol form of earthly gold8 ,therefore her tears are bitter1 and as deep ,her boding sigh1 ,as1 while men sleep1 ,sad-hearted mothers heave1 that wakeful lie1 ,to muse upon some darling child ,roaming in youth's uncertain wild4 ,therefore on fearful dreams her inward sight ,is fain to dwell-- ,what lurid light ,shall the last darkness of the world dispel1 ,the ,mediator in ,his wrath ,descending down the lightning's path4 ,yet1 yet awhile1 offended ,saviour1 pause1 ,in act to break ,thine outraged laws1 ,o spare ,thy rebels for ,thine own dear sake2 ,withdraw ,thine hand1 nor dash to earth ,the covenant of our second birth4 ',tis forfeit like the first--we own it all-- ,yet for love's sake ,let it not fall2 ,but at ,thy touch let veild hearts awake1 ,that nearest to ,thine altar lie1 ,yet least of holy things descry4 ,teacher of teachers6 ,priest of priests6 from ,thee ,the sweet strong prayer ,must rise1 to free ,first ,levi1 then all ,israel1 from the snare4 ,thou art our ,moses out of sight-- ,speak for us1 or we perish quite4 ,ascension ,day4 ,why stand ye gazing up into ,heaven8 this same ,jesus1 which is taken up from you into ,heaven1 shall so come in like manner as ye have seen ,him go into ,heaven4 ,acts i4 #aa ,,soft cloud1 that while the breeze of ,may ,chants her glad matins in the leafy arch1 ,draw'st thy bright veil across the heavenly way ,meet pavement for an angel's glorious march3 ,my soul is envious of mine eye1 ,that it should soar and glide with thee so fast1 ,the while my grovelling thoughts half buried lie1 ,or lawless roam around this earthly waste4 ,chains of my heart1 avaunt ,i say-- ,i will arise1 and in the strength of love ,pursue the bright track ere it fade away1 ,my ,saviour's pathway to ,his home above4 ,sure1 when ,i reach the point where earth ,melts into nothing from th' uncumbered sight1 ,heaven will o'ercome th' attraction of my birth4 ,and ,i shall sink in yonder sea of light3 ,till resting by th' incarnate ,,lord1 ,once bleeding1 now triumphant for my sake1 ,i mark ,him1 how by seraph hosts adored1 ,he to earth's lowest cares is still awake4 ,the sun and every vassal star1 ,all space1 beyond the soar of angel wings1 ,wait on ,his word3 and yet ,he stays ,his car ,for every sigh a contrite suppliant brings4 ,he listens to the silent tear ,for all the anthems of the boundless sky-- ,and shall our dreams of music bar our ear ,to ,his soul-piercing voice for ever nigh8 ,nay1 gracious ,saviour--but as now ,our thoughts have traced ,thee to ,thy glory-throne ,so help us evermore with thee to bow ,where human sorrow breathes her lowly moan4 ,we must not stand to gaze too long1 ,though on unfolding ,heaven our gaze we bend ,where lost behind the bright angelic throng ,we see ,,christ',s entering triumph slow ascend4 ,no fear but we shall soon behold1 ,faster than now it fades1 that gleam revive1 ,when issuing from his cloud of fiery gold ,our wasted frames feel the true sun1 and live4 ,then shall we see ,thee as ,thou art1 ,for ever fixed in no unfruitful gaze1 ,but such as lifts the new-created heart1 ,age after age1 in worthier love and praise4 ,sunday after ,ascension4 ,as every man hath received the gift1 even so minister the same one to another1 as good stewards of the manifold grace of ,god4 #a ,st4 ,peter iv4 #aj4 ,,the ,earth that in her genial breast ,makes for the down a kindly nest1 ,where wafted by the warm south-west ,it floats at pleasure1 ,yields1 thankful1 of her very best1 ,to nurse her treasure3 ,true to her trust1 tree1 herb1 or reed1 ,she renders for each scattered seed1 ,and to her ,lord with duteous heed ,gives large increase3 ,thus year by year she works unfeed1 ,and will not cease4 ,woe worth these barren hearts of ours1 ,where ,thou hast set celestial flowers1 ,and watered with more balmy showers ,than e'er distilled ,in ,eden1 on th' ambrosial bowers-- ,yet nought we yield4 ,largely ,thou givest1 gracious ,lord1 ,largely ,thy gifts should be restored2 ,freely ,thou givest1 and ,thy word ,is1 8,freely give40 ,he only1 who forgets to hoard1 ,has learned to live4 ,wisely ,thou givest--all around ,thine equal rays are resting found1 ,yet varying so on various ground ,they pierce and strike1 ,that not two roseate cups are crowned ,with drew alike3 ,e'en so1 in silence1 likest ,thee1 ,steals on soft-handed ,charity1 ,tempering her gifts1 that seem so free1 ,by time and place1 ,till not a woe the bleak world see1 ,but finds her grace3 ,eyes to the blind1 and to the lame ,feet1 and to sinners wholesome blame1 ,to starving bodies food and flame1 ,by turns she brings2 ,to humbled souls1 that sink for shame1 ,lends heaven-ward wings3 ,leads them the way our ,saviour went1 ,and shows ,love's treasure yet unspent2 ,as when th' unclouded heavens were rent4 ,opening ,his road1 ,nor yet ,his ,holy ,spirit sent ,to our abode4 ,ten days th' eternal doors displayed ,were wondering 7so th' ,almighty bade7 ,whom ,love enthroned would send1 in aid ,of souls that mourn1 ,left orphans in ,earth's dreary shade ,as noon as born4 ,open they stand1 that prayers in throngs ,may rise on high1 and holy songs1 ,such incense as of right belongs ,to the true shrine1 ,where stands the ,healer of all wrongs ,in light divine2 ,the golden censer in ,his hand1 ,he offers hearts from every land1 ,tied to ,his own by gentlest band ,of silent ,love3 ,about ,him wingd blessings stand ,in act to move4 ,a little while1 and they shall fleet ,from ,heaven to ,earth1 attendants meet ,on the life-giving ,paraclete ,speeding ,his flight1 ,with all that sacred is and sweet1 ,on saints to light4 ,apostles1 ,prophets1 ,pastors1 all ,shall feel the shower of ,mercy fall1 ,and startling at th' ,almighty's call1 ,give what ,he gave1 ,till their high deeds the world appal1 ,and sinners save4 ,whitsunday4 ,and suddenly there came a sound from ,heaven as of a rushing mighty wind1 and it filled all the house where they were sitting4 ,and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire1 and it sat upon each of them4 ,and they were all filled with the ,holy ,ghost4 ,acts ii4 #b-d ,,when ,god of old came down from ,heaven1 ,in power and wrath ,he came2 ,before ,his feet the clouds were riven1 ,half darkness and half flame3 ,around the trembling mountain's base ,the prostrate people lay2 ,a day of wrath and not of grace2 ,a dim and dreadful day4 ,but when he came the second time1 ,he came in power and love1 ,softer than gale at morning prime ,hovered ,his holy ,dove4 ,the fires that rushed on ,sinai down ,in sudden torrents dread1 ,now gently light1 a glorious crown1 ,on every sainted head4 ,like arrows went those lightnings forth ,winged with the sinner's doom1 ,but these1 like tongues1 o'er all the earth ,proclaiming life to come3 ,and as on ,israel's awe-struck ear ,the voice exceeding loud1 ,the trump1 that angels quake to hear1 ,thrilled from the deep1 dark cloud2 ,so1 when the ,spirit of our ,god ,came down ,his flock to find1 ,a voice from ,heaven was heard abroad1 ,a rushing1 mighty wind4 ,nor doth the outward ear alone ,at that high warning start2 ,conscience gives back th' appalling tone2 ',tis echoed in the heart4 ,it fills the ,church of ,god2 it fills ,the sinful world around2 ,only in stubborn hearts and wills ,no place for it is found4 ,to other strains our souls are set3 ,a giddy whirl of sin ,fills ear and brain1 and will not let ,heaven's harmonies come in4 ,come ,lord1 ,come ,wisdom1 ,love1 and ,power1 ,open our ears to hear2 ,let us not miss th' accepted hour2 ,save1 ,lord1 by ,love or ,fear4 ,monday in ,whitsun-week4 ,so the ,lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth2 and they left off to build the city4 ,genesis xi4 #h ,,since all that is not ,heaven must fade1 ,light be the hand of ,ruin laid ,upon the home ,i love3 ,with lulling spell let soft ,decay ,steal on1 and spare the giant sway1 ,the crash of tower and grove4 ,far opening down some woodland deep ,in their own quiet glade should sleep ,the relics dear to thought1 ,and wild-flower wreaths from side to side ,their waving tracery hang1 to hide ,what ruthless ,time has wrought4 ,such are the visions green and sweet ,that o'er the wistful fancy fleet ,in ,asia's sea-like plain1 ,where slowly1 round his isles of sand1 ,euphrates through the lonely land ,winds toward the pearly main4 ,slumber is there1 but not of rest2 ,there her forlorn and weary nest ,the famished hawk has found1 ,the wild dog howls at fall of night1 ,the serpent's rustling coils affright ,the traveller on his round4 ,what shapeless form1 half lost on high1 ,half seen against the evening sky1 ,seems like a ghost to glide1 ,and watch1 from ,babel's crumbling heap1 ,where in her shadow1 fast asleep1 ,lies fallen imperial ,pride8 ,with half-closed eye a lion there ,is basking in his noontide lair1 ,or prowls in twilight gloom4 ,the golden city's king he seems1 ,such as in old prophetic dreams ,sprang from rough ocean's womb4 ,but where are now his eagle wings1 ,that sheltered erst a thousand kings1 ,hiding the glorious sky ,from half the nations1 till they own ,no holier name1 no mightier throne8 ,that vision is gone by4 ,quenched is the golden statue's ray1 ,the breath of heaven has blown away ,what toiling earth had piled1 ,scattering wise heart and crafty hand1 ,as breezes strew on ocean's sand ,the fabrics of a child4 ,divided thence through every age ,thy rebels1 ,lord1 their warfare wage1 ,and hoarse and jarring all ,mount up their heaven-assailing cries ,to ,thy bright watchmen in the skies ,from ,babel's shattered wall4 ,thrice only since1 with blended might ,the nations on that haughty height ,have met to scale the ,heaven3 ,thrice only might a ,seraph's look ,a moment's shade of sadness brook-- ,such power to guilt was given4 ,now the fierce bear and leopard keen ,are perished as they ne'er had been1 ,oblivion is their home3 ,ambition's boldest dream and last ,must melt before the clarion blast ,that sounds the dirge of ,rome4 ,heroes and kings1 obey the charm1 ,withdraw the proud high-reaching arm1 ,there is an oath on high3 ,that ne'er on brow of mortal birth ,shall blend again the crowns of earth1 ,nor in according cry ,her many voices mingling own ,one tyrant ,lord1 one idol throne3 ,but to ,his triumphs soon ,he shall descend1 who rules above1 ,and the pure language of ,his love1 ,all tongues of men shall tune4 ,nor let ,ambition heartless mourn2 ,when ,babel's very ruins burn1 ,her high desires may breathe2-- ,o'ercome thyself1 and thou mayst share ,with ,christ ,his ,father's throne1 and wear ,the world's imperial wreath4 ,tuesday in ,whitsun-week4 ,when ,he putteth forth ,his own sheep1 ,he goeth before them4 ,st4 ,john x4 #d4 7,addressed to ,candidates for ,ordination47 8,,lord1 in ,thy field ,i work all day1 ,i read1 ,i teach1 ,i warn1 ,i pray1 ,and yet these wilful wandering sheep ,within ,thy fold ,i cannot keep4 8,i journey1 yet no step is won-- ,alas6 the weary course ,i run6 ,like sailors shipwrecked in their dreams1 ,all powerless and benighted seems40 ,what8 wearied out with half a life8 ,scared with this smooth unbloody strife8 ,think where thy coward hopes had flown ,had ,heaven held out the martyr's crown4 ,how couldst thou hang upon the cross1 ,to whom a weary hour is loss8 ,or how the thorns and scourging brook ,who shrinkest from a scornful look8 ,yet ere thy craven spirit faints1 ,hear thine own ,king1 the ,king of ,saints2 ,though thou wert toiling in the grave1 ',tis ,he can cheer thee1 ,he can save4 ,he is th' eternal mirror bright1 ,where ,angels view the ,,father',s light1 ,and yet in ,him the simplest swain ,may read his homely lesson plain4 ,early to quit ,his home on earth1 ,and claim ,his high celestial birth1 ,alone with ,his true ,father found ,within the temple's solemn round3-- ,yet in meek duty to abide ,for many a year at ,mary's side1 ,nor heed1 though restless spirits ask1 8,what1 hath the ,christ forgot ,his task80 ,conscious of ,deity within1 ,to bow before an heir of sin1 ,with folded arms on humble breast1 ,by ,his own servant washed and blest3-- ,then full of ,heaven1 the mystic ,dove ,hovering ,his gracious brow above1 ,to shun the voice and eye of praise1 ,and in the wild ,his trophies raise3-- ,with hymns of angels in ,his ears1 ,back to ,his task of woe and tears1 ,unmurmuring through the world to roam ,with not a wish or thought at home3-- ,all but ,himself to heal and save1 ,till ripened for the cross and grave1 ,he to ,his ,father gently yield ,the breath that our redemption sealed3-- ,then to unearthly life arise1 ,yet not at once to seek the skies1 ,but glide awhile from saint to saint1 ,lest on our lonely way we faint2 ,and through the cloud by glimpses show ,how bright1 in ,heaven1 the marks will glow ,of the true cross1 imprinted deep ,both on the ,shepherd and the sheep3-- ,when out of sight1 in heart and prayer1 ,thy chosen people still to bear1 ,and from behind ,thy glorious veil1 ,shed light that cannot change or fail3-- ,this is ,thy pastoral course1 ,o ,,lord1 ,till we be saved1 and ,thou adored2-- ,thy course and ours--but who are they ,who follow on the narrow way8 ,and yet of ,thee from year to year ,the ,church's solemn chant we hear1 ,as from ,thy cradle to ,thy throne ,she swells her high heart-cheering tone4 ,listen1 ye pure white-robd souls1 ,whom in her list she now enrolls1 ,and gird ye for your high emprize ,by these her thrilling minstrelsies4 ,and wheresoe'er in earth's wide field1 ,ye lift1 for ,him1 the red-cross shield1 ,be this your song1 your joy and pride-- 8,our ,champion went before and died40 ,trinity ,sunday4 ,if ,i have told you earthly things1 and ye believe not1 how shall ye believe if ,i tell you of heavenly things8 ,st4 ,john iii4 #ab ,,creator1 ,saviour1 strengthening ,guide1 ,now on ,thy mercy's ocean wide ,far out of sight we seem to glide4 ,help us1 each hour1 with steadier eye ,to search the deepening mystery1 ,the wonders of ,thy sea and sky4 ,the blessd ,angels look and long ,to praise ,thee with a worthier song1 ,and yet our silence does ,thee wrong4-- ,along the ,church's central space ,the sacred weeks1 with unfelt pace1 ,hath borne us on from grace to grace4 ,as travellers on some woodland height1 ,when wintry suns are gleaming bright1 ,lose in arched glades their tangled sight2-- ,by glimpses such as dreamers love ,through her grey veil the leafless grove ,shows where the distant shadows rove2-- ,such trembling joy the soul o'er-awes ,as nearer to ,thy shrine she draws3-- ,and now before the choir we pause4 ,the door is closed--but soft and deep ,around the awful arches sweep1 ,such airs as soothe a hermit's sleep4 ,from each carved nook and fretted bend ,cornice and gallery seem to send ,tones that with seraphs hymns might blend4 ,three solemn parts together twine ,in harmony's mysterious line2 ,three solemn aisles approach the shrine3 ,yet all are ,one--together all1 ,in thoughts that awe but not appal1 ,teach the adoring heart to fall4 ,within these walls each fluttering guest ,is gently lured to one safe nest-- ,without1 'tis moaning and unrest4 ,the busy world a thousand ways ,is hurrying by1 nor ever stays ,to catch a note of ,thy dear praise4 ,why tarries not her chariot wheel1 ,that o'er her with no vain appeal ,one gust of heavenly song might steal8 ,alas6 for her ,thy opening flowers ,unheeded breathe to summer showers1 ,unheard the music of ,thy bowers4 ,what echoes from the sacred dome ,the selfish spirit may o'ercome ,that will not hear of love or home6 ,the heart that scorned a father's care1 ,how can it rise in filial prayer8 ,how an all-seeing ,guardian bear8 ,or how shall envious brethren own ,a ,brother on the eternal throne1 ,their ,father's joy1 their hops alone8 ,how shall ,thy ,spirit's gracious wile ,the sullen brow of gloom beguile1 ,that frowns on sweet ,affection's smile8 ,eternal ,one1 ,almighty ,trine6 7,since ,thou art ours1 and we are ,thine17 ,by all ,thy love did once resign1 ,by all the grace ,thy heavens still hide1 ,we pray ,thee1 keep us at ,thy side1 ,creator1 ,saviour1 strengthening ,guide6 ,first ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,so ,joshua smote all the country1 4 4 4 and all their kings2 he left none remaining4 ,joshua x4 #dj4 ,,where is the land with milk and honey flowing1 ,the promise of our ,god1 our fancy's theme8 ,here over shattered walls dank weeds are growing1 ,and blood and fire have run in mingled stream2 ,like oaks and cedars all around ,the giant corses strew the ground1 ,and haughty ,jericho's cloud-piercing wall ,lies where it sank at ,joshua's trumpet call4 ,these are not scenes for pastoral dance at even1 ,for moonlight rovings in the fragrant glades1 ,soft slumbers in the open eye of ,heaven1 ,and all the listless joy of summer shades4 ,we in the midst of ruins live1 ,which every hour dread warning give1 ,nor may our household vine or fig-tree hide ,the broken arches of old ,canaan's pride4 ,where is the sweet repose of hearts repenting1 ,the deep calm sky1 the sunshine of the soul1 ,now ,heaven and earth are to our bliss consenting1 ,and all the ,godhead joins to make us whole4 ,the triple crown of mercy now ,is ready for the suppliant's brow1 ,by the ,almighty ,three for ever planned1 ,and from behind the cloud held out by ,jesus' hand4 8,now1 ,christians1 hold your own--the land before ye ,is open--win your way1 and take your rest40 ,so sounds our war-note2 but our path of glory ,by many a cloud is darkened and unblest3 ,and daily as we downward glide1 ,life's ebbing stream on either side ,shows at each turn some mouldering hope or joy1 ,the ,man seems following still the funeral of the ,boy4 ,open our eyes1 ,thou ,sun of life and gladness1 ,that we may see that glorious world of ,thine6 ,it shines for us in vain1 while drooping sadness ,enfolds us here like mist3 come ,power benign1 ,touch our chilled hearts with vernal smile1 ,our wintry course do ,thou beguile1 ,nor by the wayside ruins let us mourn1 ,who have th' eternal towers for our appointed bourne4 ,second ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,marvel not1 my brethren1 if the world hate you4 ,we know that we have passed from death unto life1 because we love the brethren4 #a ,st4 ,john iii4 #ac1 #ad4 ,,the clouds that wrap the setting sun ,when ,autumn's softest gleams are ending1 ,where all bright hues together run ,in sweet confusion blending3-- ,why1 as we watch their floating wreath ,seem they the breath of life to breathe8 ,to ,fancy's eye their motions prove ,they mantle round the ,sun for love4 ,when up some woodland dale we catch ,the many-twinkling smile of ocean1 ,or with pleased ear bewildered watch ,his chime of restless motion2 ,still as the surging waves retire ,they seem to gasp with strong desire1 ,such signs of love old ,ocean gives1 ,we cannot choose but think he lives4 ,wouldst thou the life of souls discern8 ,nor human wisdom nor divine ,helps thee by aught beside to learn2 ,love is life's only sign4 ,the spring of the regenerate heart1 ,the pulse1 the glow of every part1 ,is the true love of ,christ our ,lord1 ,as man embraced1 as ,god adored4 ,but he1 whose heart will bound to mark ,the full bright burst of summer morn1 ,loves too each little dewy spark1 ,by leaf or flow'ret worn3 ,cheap forms1 and common hues1 'tis true1 ,through the bright shower-drop' meet his view2 ,the colouring may be of this earth2 ,the lustre comes of heavenly birth4 ,e'en so1 who loves the ,lord aright1 ,no soul of man can worthless find2 ,all will be precious in his sight1 ,since ,christ on all hath shined3 ,but chiefly ,christian souls2 for they1 ,though worn and soiled with sinful clay1 ,are yet1 to eyes that see them true1 ,all glistening with baptismal dew4 ,then marvel not1 if such as bask ,in purest light of innocence1 ,hope against mope1 in love's dear task1 ,spite of all dark offence4 ,if they who hate the trespass most1 ,yet1 when all other love is lost1 ,love the poor sinner1 marvel not2 ,christ's mark outwears the rankest blot4 ,no distance breaks this tie of blood2 ,brothers are brothers evermore2 ,nor wrong1 nor wrath of deadliest mood1 ,that magic may o'erpower2 ,oft1 ere the common source be known1 ,the kindred drops will claim their own1 ,and throbbing pulses silently ,move heart towards heart by sympathy4 ,so it is with true ,christian hearts2 ,their mutual share in ,jesus' blood ,an everlasting bond imparts ,of holiest brotherhood3 ,oh6 might we all our lineage prove1 ,give and forgive1 do good and love1 ,by soft endearments in kind strife ,lightening the load of daily life4 ,there is much need2 for not as yet ,are we in shelter or repose1 ,the holy house is still beset ,with leaguer of stern foes2 ,wild thoughts within1 bad men without1 ,all evil spirits round about1 ,are banded in unblest device1 ,to spoil ,love's earthly paradise4 ,then draw we nearer day by day1 ,each to his brethren1 all to ,god2 ,let the world take us as she may1 ,we must not change our road2 ,not wondering1 though in grief1 to find ,the martyr's foe still keep her mind2 ,but fixed to hold ,love's banner fast1 ,and by submission win at last4 ,third ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,there is joy in the presence of the angels of ,god over one sinner that repenteth4 ,st4 ,luke xv4 #aj4 ,o ,,hateful spell of ,sin6 when friends are nigh1 ,to make stern ,memory tell her tale unsought1 ,and raise accusing shades of hours gone by1 ,to come between us and all kindly thought6 ,chilled at her touch1 the self-reproaching soul ,flies from the heart and home she dearest loves1 ,to where lone mountains tower1 or billows roll1 ,or to your endless depth1 ye solemn groves4 ,in vain3 the averted cheek in loneliest dell ,is conscious of a gaze it cannot bear1 ,the leaves that rustle near us seem to tell ,our heart's sad secret to the silent air4 ,nor is the dream untrue2 for all around ,the heavens are watching with their thousand eyes1 ,we cannot pass our guardian angel's bound1 ,resigned or sullen1 he will hear our sighs4 ,he in the mazes of the budding wood ,is near1 and mourns to see our thankless glance ,dwell coldly1 where the fresh green earth is strewed ,with the first flowers that lead the vernal dance4 ,in wasteful bounty showered1 they smile unseen1 ,unseen by man--but what if purer sprights ,by moonlight o'er their dewy bosoms lean ,to adore the ,father of all gentle lights8 ,if such there be1 ,o grief and shame to think ,that sight of thee should overcloud their joy1 ,a new-born soul1 just waiting on the brink ,of endless life1 yet wrapt in earth's annoy6 ,o turn1 and be thou turned6 the selfish tear1 ,in bitter thoughts of low-born care begun1 ,let it flow on1 but flow refined and clear1 ,the turbid waters brightening as they run4 ,let it flow on1 till all thine earthly heart ,in penitential drops have ebbed away1 ,then fearless turn where ,heaven hath set thy part1 ,nor shudder at the ,eye that saw thee stray4 ,o lost and found6 all gentle souls below ,their dearest welcome shall prepare1 and prove ,such joy o'er thee1 as raptured seraphs know1 ,who learn their lesson at the ,throne of ,love4 ,fourth ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,for the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of ,god4 ,for the creature was made subject to vanity1 not willingly1 but by the reason of ,him who hath subjected the same in hope1 because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of ,god4 ,for we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now4 ,romans viii #ai-bb4 ,,it was not then a poet's dream1 ,an idle vaunt of song1 ,such as beneath the moon's soft gleam ,on vacant fancies throng2 ,which bids us see in heaven and earth1 ,in all fair things around1 ,strong yearnings for a blest new birth ,with sinless glories crowned2 ,which bids us hear1 at each sweet pause ,from care and want and toil1 ,when dewy eve her curtain draws ,over the day's turmoil1 ,in the low chant of wakeful birds1 ,in the deep weltering flood1 ,in whispering leaves1 these solemn words-- 8,god made us all for good40 ,all true1 all faultless1 all in tune ,creation's wondrous choir1 ,opened in mystic unison ,to last till time expire4 ,and still it lasts2 by day and night1 ,with one consenting voice1 ,all hymn ,thy glory1 ,lord1 aright1 ,all worship and rejoice4 ,man only mars the sweet accord ,o'erpowering with 8harsh din0 ,the music of ,thy works and word1 ,ill matched with grief and sin4 ,sin is with man at morning break1 ,and through the livelong day ,deafens the ear that fain would wake ,to ,nature's simple lay4 ,but when eve's silent footfall steals ,along the eastern sky1 ,and one by one to earth reveals ,those purer fires on high1 ,when one by one each human sound ,dies on the awful ear1 ,then ,nature's voice no more is drowned1 ,she speaks1 and we must hear4 ,then pours she on the ,christian heart ,that warning still and deep1 ,at which high spirits of old would start ,e'en from their ,pagan sleep4 ,just guessing1 through their murky blind ,few1 faint1 and baffling sight1 ,streaks of a brighter heaven behind1 ,a cloudless depth of light4 ,such thoughts1 the wreck of ,paradise1 ,through many a dreary age1 ,upbore whate'er of good and wise ,yet lived in bard or sage3 ,they marked what agonizing throes ,shook the great mother's womb3 ,but ,reason's spells might not disclose ,the gracious birth to come3 ,nor could the enchantress ,hope forecast ,god's secret love and power2 ,the travail pangs of ,earth must last ,till her appointed hour4 ,the hour that saw from opening heaven ,redeeming glory stream1 ,beyond the summer hues of even1 ,beyond the mid-day beam4 ,thenceforth1 to eyes of high desire1 ,the meanest thing below1 ,as with a seraph's robe of fire ,invested1 burn and glow3 ,the rod of ,heaven has touched them all1 ,the word from ,heaven is spoken3 8,rise1 shine1 and sing1 thou captive thrall2 ,are not thy fetters broken8 8,the ,god ,who hallowed thee and blest1 ,pronouncing thee all good-- ,hath ,he not all thy wrongs redrest1 ,and all thy bliss renewed8 8,why mourn'st thou still as one bereft1 ,now that th' eternal ,son ,his blessd home in ,heaven hath left ,to make thee all ,his own80 ,thou mourn'st because sin lingers still ,in ,christ's new heaven and earth2 ,because our rebel works and will ,stain our immortal birth3 ,because1 as ,love and ,prayer grow cold1 ,the ,saviour hides ,his face1 ,and worldlings blot the temple's gold ,with uses vile and base4 ,hence all thy groans and travail pains1 ,hence1 till thy ,god return1 ,in ,wisdom's ear thy blithest strains1 ,oh ,nature1 seem to mourn4 ,fifth ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,and ,simon answering said unto ,him1 ,master1 we have toiled all the night1 and have taken nothing2 nevertheless at ,thy word ,i will let down the net4 ,and when they had this done1 they inclosed a great multitude of fishes3 and their net brake4 ,st4 ,luke v4 #e1 #f4 8,the livelong night we've toiled in vain1 ,but at ,thy gracious word ,i will let down the net again3-- ,do ,thou ,thy will1 ,o ,lord60 ,so spake the weary fisher1 spent ,with bootless darkling toil1 ,yet on his ,master's bidding bent ,for love and not for spoil4 ,so day by day and week by week1 ,in sad and weary thought1 ,they muse1 whom ,god hath set to seek ,the souls ,his ,christ hath bought4 ,for not upon a tranquil lake ,our pleasant task we ply1 ,where all along our glistening wake ,the softest moonbeams lie2 ,where rippling wave and dashing oar ,our midnight chant attend1 ,or whispering palm-leaves from the shore ,with midnight silence blend4 ,sweet thoughts of peace1 ye may not last3 ,too soon some ruder sound ,calls us from where ye soar so fast ,back to our earthly round4 ,for wildest storms our ocean sweep3-- ,no anchor but the ,cross ,might hold3 and oft the thankless deep ,turns all our toil to loss4 ,full many a dreary anxious hour ,we watch our nets alone ,in drenching spray1 and driving shower1 ,and hear the night-bird's moan3 ,at morn we look1 and nought is there2 ,sad dawn of cheerless day6 ,who then from pining and despair ,the sickening heart can stay8 ,there is a stay--and we are strong2 ,our ,master is at hand1 ,to cheer our solitary song1 ,and guide us to the strand4 ,in ,his own time2 but yet a while ,our bark at sea must ride2 ,cast after cast1 by force or guile ,all waters must be tried3 ,by blameless guile or gentle force1 ,as when ,he deigned to teach 7,the lode-star of our ,christian course7 ,upon this sacred beach4 ,should e'er thy wonder-working grace ,triumph by our weak arm1 ,let not our sinful fancy trace ,aught human in the charm3 ,to our own nets ne'er bow we down1 ,lest on the eternal shore ,the angels1 while oar draught they own1 ,reject us evermore3 ,or1 if for our unworthiness ,toil1 prayer1 and watching fail1 ,in disappointment ,thou canst bless1 ,so love at heart prevail4 ,sixth ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,david said unto ,nathan1 ,i have sinned against the ,lord4 ,and ,nathan said unto ,david1 ,the ,lord also hath put away thy sin2 thou shalt not die4 #b ,samuel xii4 #ac4 ,,when bitter thoughts1 of conscience born1 ,with sinners wake at morn1 ,when from our restless couch we start1 ,with fevered lips and withered heart1 ,where is the spell to charm those mists away1 ,and make new morning in that darksome day8 ,one draught of spring's delicious air1 ,one steadfast thought1 that ,,god is there4 ,these are ,thy wonders1 hourly wrought1 ,thou ,lord of time and thought1 ,lifting and lowering souls at will1 ,crowding a world of good or ill ,into a moment's vision2 e'en as light ,mounts o'er a cloudy ridge1 and all is bright1 ,from west to east one thrilling ray ,turning a wintry world to ,may4 ,would'st thou the pangs of guilt assuage8 ,lo6 here an open page1 ,where heavenly mercy shines as free ,written in balm1 sad heart1 for thee4 ,never so fast1 in silent ,april shower1 ,flushed into green the dry and leafless bower1 ,as ,israel's crownd mourner felt ,the dull hard stone within him melt4 ,the absolver saw the mighty grief1 ,and hastened with relief2-- 8,the ,lord forgives2 thou shalt not die30 ',twas gently spoke1 yet heard on high1 ,and all the band of angels1 used to sing ,in heaven1 accordant to his raptured string1 ,who many a month had turned away ,with veild eyes1 nor owned his lay1 ,now spread their wings1 and throng around ,to the glad mournful sound1 ,and welcome1 with bright open face1 ,the broken heart to love's embrace4 ,the rock is smitten1 and to future years ,springs ever fresh the tide of holy tears ,and holy music1 whispering peace ,till time and sin together cease4 ,there drink3 and when ye are at rest1 ,with that free ,spirit blest1 ,who to the contrite can dispense1 ,the princely heart of innocence1 ,if ever1 floating from faint earthly lyre1 ,was wafted to your soul one high desire1 ,by all the trembling hope ye feel1 ,think on the minstrel as ye kneel3 ,think on the shame1 that dreadful hour ,when tears shall have no power1 ,should his own lay th' accuser prove1 ,cold while he kindled others' love3 ,and let your prayer for charity arise1 ,that his own heart may hear his melodies1 ,and a true voice to him may cry1 8,thy ,,god forgives--thou shalt not die40 ,seventh ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,from whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness8 ,st4 ,mark viii4 #d4 ,,go not away1 thou weary soul3 ,heaven has in store a precious dole ,here on ,bethsaida's cold and darksome height1 ,where over rocks and sands arise ,proud ,sirion in the northern skies1 ,and ,tabor's lonely peak1 'twixt thee and noonday light4 ,and far below1 ,gennesaret's main ,spreads many a mile of liquid plain1 7,though all seem gathered in one eager bound17 ,then narrowing cleaves you palmy lea1 ,towards that deep sulphureous sea1 ,where five proud cities lie1 by one dire sentence drowned4 ,landscape of fear6 yet1 weary heart1 ,thou need'st not in thy gloom depart1 ,nor fainting turn to seek thy distant home3 ,sweetly thy sickening throbs are eyed ,by the kind ,saviour at thy side2 ,for healing and for balm e'en now thine hour is come4 ,no fiery wing is seen to glide1 ,no cates ambrosial are supplied1 ,but one poor fisher's rude and scanty store ,is all ,he asks 7and more than needs7 ,who men and angels daily feeds1 ,and stills the wailing sea-bird on the hungry shore4 ,the feast is o'er1 the guests are gone1 ,and over all that upland lone ,the breeze of eve sweeps wildly as of old-- ,but far unlike the former dreams1 ,the heart's sweet moonlight softly gleams ,upon life's varied view1 so joyless erst and cold4 ,as mountain travellers in the night1 ,when heaven by fits is dark and bright1 ,pause listening on the silent heath1 and hear ,nor trampling hoof nor tinkling bell1 ,then bolder scale the rugged fell1 ,conscious the more of ,one1 ne'er seen1 yet ever near3 ,so when the tones of rapture gay ,on the lorn ear1 die quite away1 ,the lonely world seems lifted nearer heaven2 ,seen daily1 yet unmarked before1 ,earth's common paths are strewn all o'er ,with flowers of pensive hope1 the wreath of man forgiven4 ,the low sweet tones of ,nature's lyre ,no more on listless ears expire1 ,nor vainly smiles along the shady way ,the primrose in her vernal nest1 ,nor unlamented sink to rest ,sweet roses one by one1 nor autumn leaves decay4 ,there's not a star the heaven can show1 ,there's not a cottage-hearth below1 ,but feeds with solace kind the willing soul-- ,men love us1 or they need our love2 ,freely they own1 or heedless prove ,the curse of lawless hearts1 the joy of self-control4 ,then rouse thee from desponding sleep1 ,nor by the wayside lingering weep1 ,nor fear to seek ,him farther in the wild1 ,whose love can turn earth's worst and least ,into a conqueror's royal feast3 ,thou wilt not be untrue1 thou shalt not be beguiled4 ,eight ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,it is the man of ,god1 who was disobedient unto the word of the ,lord4 #a ,king xiii4 #bf4 ,,prophet of ,god1 arise and take ,with thee the words of wrath divine1 ,the scourge of ,heaven1 to shake ,o'er yon apostate shrine4 ,where ,angels down the lucid stair ,came hovering to our sainted sires ,now1 in the twilight1 glare ,the heathen's wizard fires4 ,go1 with thy voice the altar rend1 ,scatter the ashes1 be the arm1 ,that idols would befriend1 ,shrunk at thy withering charm4 ,then turn thee1 for thy time is short1 ,but trace not o'er the former way1 ,lest idol pleasures court ,thy heedless soul astray4 ,thou know'st how hard to hurry by1 ,where on the lonely woodland road ,beneath the moonlight sky ,the festal warblings flowed2 ,where maidens to the ,queen of ,heaven ,wove the gay dance round oak or palm1 ,or breathed their vows at even ,in hymns as soft as balm4 ,or thee1 perchance1 a darker spell ,enthralls3 the smooth stones of the flood1 ,by mountain grot or fell1 ,pollute with infant's blood2 ,the giant altar on the rock1 ,the cavern whence the timbrel's call ,affrights the wandering flock3-- ,thou long'st to search them all4 ,trust not the dangerous path again-- ,o forward step and lingering will6 ,o loved and warned in vain6 ,and wilt thou perish still8 ,thy message given1 thine home in sight1 ,to the forbidden feast return8 ,yield to the false delight ,thy better soul could spurn8 ,alas1 my brother6 round thy tomb ,in sorrow kneeling1 and in fear1 ,we read the ,pastor's doom ,who speaks and will not hear4 ,the grey-haired saint may fail at last1 ,the surest guide a wanderer prove2 ,death only binds us fast ,to the bright shore of love4 ,ninth ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,and after the earthquake a fire2 but the ,lord was not in the fire3 and after the fire a still small voice4 #a ,kings xix4 #ab4 ,,in troublous days of anguish and rebuke1 ,while sadly round them ,israel's children look1 ,and their eyes fail for waiting on their ,lord3 ,while underneath each awful arch of green1 ,on every mountain-top1 ,god's chosen scene1 ,of pure heart-worship1 ,baal is adored3 ',tis well1 true hearts should for a time retire ,to holy ground1 in quiet to aspire ,towards promised regions of serener grace2 ,on ,horeb1 with ,elijah1 let us lie1 ,where all around on mountain1 sand1 and sky1 ,god's chariot wheels have left distinctest trace2 ,there1 if in jealousy and strong disdain ,we to the sinner's ,god of sin complain1 ,untimely seeking here the peace of ,heaven-- 8,it is enough4 ,o ,lord6 now let me die ,e'en as my fathers did3 for what am ,i ,that ,i should stand where they have vainly striven80-- ,perhaps our ,god may of our conscience ask1 8,what doest thou here frail wanderer from thy task8 ,where hast thou left those few sheep in the wild80 ,then should we plead our heart's consuming pain1 ,at sight of ruined altars1 prophets slain1 ,and ,god's own ark with blood of souls defiled2 ,he on the rock may bid us stand1 and see ,the outskirts of ,his march of mystery1 ,his endless warfare with man's wilful heart2 ,first1 ,his great ,power ,he to the sinner shows ,lo6 at ,his angry blast the rocks unclose1 ,and to their base the trembling mountains part ,yet the ,lord is not here3 ',tis not by ,power ,he will be known--but darker tempests lower2 ,still1 sullen heavings vex the labouring ground3 ,perhaps ,his ,presence thro' all depth and height1 ,best of all gems that deck ,his crown of light1 ,the haughty eye may dazzle and confound4 ,god is not in the earthquake2 but behold ,from ,sinai's caves are bursting1 as of old1 ,the flames of ,his consuming jealous ire4 ,woe to the sinner should stern ,justice prove ,his chosen attribute2--but ,he in love ,hastes to proclaim1 8,god is not in the fire40 ,the storm is o'er--and hark6 a still small voice ,steals on the ear1 to say1 ,jehovah's choice ,is ever with the soft1 meek1 tender soul2 ,by soft1 meek1 tender ways ,he loves to draw ,the sinner1 startled by ,his ways of awe3 ,here is our ,lord1 and not where thunders roll4 ,back1 then1 complainer2 loath thy life no more1 ,nor deem thyself upon a desert shore1 ,because the rocks the nearer prospect close4 ,yet in fallen ,israel are there hearts and eyes ,that day by day in prayer like thine arise2 ,thou know'st them not1 but their ,creator knows4 ,go1 to the world return1 nor fear to cast ,thy bread upon the waters1 sure at last ,in joy to find it after many days4 ,the work be thine1 the fruit thy children's part3 ,choose to believe1 not see3 sight tempts the heart ,from sober walking in true ,gospel ways4 ,tenth ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,and when ,he was come near1 ,he beheld the city1 and wept over it4 ,st4 ,luke xix4 #da4 ,,why doth my ,saviour weep ,at sight of ,sion's bowers8 ,shows it not fair from yonder steep1 ,her gorgeous crown of towers8 ,mark well ,his holy pains3 ',tis not in pride or scorn1 ,that ,israel's ,king with sorrow stains ,his own triumphal morn4 ,it is not that ,his soul ,is wandering sadly on1 ,in thought how soon at death's dark goal ,their course will all be run1 ,who now are shouting round ,hosanna to their chief2 ,no thought like this in ,him is found1 ,this were a ,conquerer's grief4 ,or doth ,he feel the ,cross ,already in ,his heart1 ,the pain1 the shame1 the scorn1 the loss8 ,feel e'en ,his ,god depart8 ,no3 though ,he knew full well ,the grief that then shall be-- ,the grief that angels cannot tell-- ,our ,god in agony4 ,it is not thus ,he mourns2 ,such might be martyr's tears1 ,when his last lingering look he turns ,on human hopes and fears2 ,but hero ne'er or saint ,the secret load might know1 ,with which ,his spirit waxeth faint2 ,his is a ,saviour's woe4 8,if thou had'st known1 e'en thou1 ,at least in this thy day1 ,the message of thy peace6 but now ',tis passed for aye away3 ,now foes shall trench thee round1 ,and lay thee even with earth1 ,and dash thy children to the ground1 ,thy glory and thy mirth40 ,and doth the ,saviour weep ,over ,his people's sin1 ,because we will not let ,him keep ,the souls ,he died to win8 ,ye hearts1 that love the ,lord1 ,if at this1 sight ye burn1 ,see that in thought1 in deed1 in word1 ,ye hate what made ,him mourn4 ,eleventh ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,is it a time to receive money1 and to receive garments1 and oliveyards1 and vineyards1 and sheep1 and oxen1 and menservants1 and maidservants8 #b ,kings v4 #bf4 ,,is this a time to plant and build1 ,add house to house1 and field to field1 ,when round our walls the battle lowers1 ,when mines are hid beneath our towers1 ,and watchful foes are stealing round ,to search and spoil the holy ground8 ,is this a time for moonlight dreams ,of love and home by mazy streams1 ,for ,fancy with her shadowy toys1 ,arial hopes and pensive joys1 ,while souls are wandering far and wide1 ,and curses swarm on every side8 ,no--rather steel thy melting heart ,to act the martyr's sternest part1 ,to watch1 with firm unshrinking eye1 ,thy darling visions as thy die1 ,till all bright hopes1 and hues of day1 ,have faded into twilight gray4 ,yes--let them pass without a sigh1 ,and if the world seem dull and dry1 ,if long and sad thy lonely hours1 ,and winds have rent thy sheltering bowers1 ,bethink thee what thou art and where1 ,a sinner in a life of care4 ,the fire of ,god is soon to fall 7,thou know'st it7 on this earthly ball2 ,full many a soul1 the price of blood1 ,marked by th' ,almighty's hand for good1 ,to utter death that hour shall sweep-- ,and will the saints in ,heaven dare weep8 ,then in ,his wrath shall ,,god uproot ,the trees ,he set1 for lack of fruit1 ,and drown in rude tempestuous blaze ,the towers ,his hand had deigned to raise2 ,in silence1 ere that storm begin1 ,count o'er ,his mercies and thy sin4 ,pray only that thine aching heart1 ,from visions vain content to part1 ,strong for ,love's sake its woe to hide ,may cheerful wait the ,cross beside1 ,too happy if1 that dreadful day1 ,thy life be given thee for a prey4 ,snatched sudden from th' avenging rod1 ,safe in the bosom of thy ,,god1 ,how wilt thou then look back1 and smile ,on thoughts that bitterest seemed erewhile1 ,and bless the pangs that made thee see ,this was no world of rest for thee6 ,twelfth ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,and looking up to heaven1 ,he sighed1 and saith unto him1 ,ephphatha1 that is1 ,be opened4 ,st4 ,mark vii4 #cd4 ,,the ,son of ,god in doing good ,was fain to look to ,heaven and sigh3 ,and shall the heirs of sinful blood ,seek joy unmixed in charity8 ,god will not let ,love's work impart ,full solace1 lest it steal the heart2 ,be thou content in tears to sow1 ,blessing1 like ,jesus1 in thy woe3 ,he looked to ,heaven1 and sadly sighed-- ,what saw my gracious ,saviour there1 8,with fear and anguish to divide ,the joy of ,heaven-accepted prayer8 ,so o'er the bed where ,lazarus slept ,he to ,his ,father groaned and wept3 ,what saw ,he mournful in that grave1 ,knowing ,himself so strong to save80 ,o'erwhelming thoughts of pain and grief ,over ,his sinking spirit sweep2-- ,what boots it gathering one lost leaf ,out of yon sere and withered heap1 ,where souls and bodies1 hopes and joys1 ,all that earth owns or sin destroys1 ,under the spurning hoof are cast1 ,or tossing in th' autumnal blast8 ,the deaf may hear the ,saviour's voice1 ,the fettered tongue its chain may break2 ,but the deaf heart1 the dumb by choice1 ,the laggard soul1 that will not wake1 ,the guilt that scorns to be forgiven2-- ,these baffle e'en the spells of ,heaven2 ,in thought of these1 ,his brows benign ,not e'en in healing cloudless shine4 ,no eye but ,his might ever bear ,to gaze all down that drear abyss1 ,because none ever saw so clear ,the shore beyond of endless bliss3 ,the giddy waves so restless hurled1 ,the vexed pulse of this feverish world1 ,he views and counts with steady sight1 ,used to behold the ,infinite4 ,but that in such communion high ,he hath a fount of strength within1 ,sure ,his meek heart would break and die1 ,o'erburthened by ,his brethren's sin2 ,weak eyes on darkness dare not gaze1 ,it dazzles like the noonday blaze2 ,but ,he who sees ,god's face may brook ,on the true face of ,sin to look4 ,what then shall wretched sinners do1 ,when in their last1 their hopeless day1 ,sin1 as it is1 shall meet their view1 ,god turn ,his face for aye away8 ,lord1 by ,thy sad and earnest eye1 ,when ,thou didst look to ,heaven and sigh3 ,thy voice1 that with a word could chase ,the dumb1 deaf spirit from his place2 ,as ,thou hast touched our ears1 and taught ,our tongues to speak ,thy praises plain1 ,quell ,thou each thankless godless thought ,that would make fast our bonds again4 ,from worldly strife1 from mirth unblest1 ,drowning ,thy music in the breast1 ,from foul reproach1 from thrilling fears1 ,preserve1 good ,lord1 ,thy servants' ears4 ,from idle words1 that restless throng ,and haunt our hearts when we would pray1 ,from ,pride's false chime1 and jarring wrong1 ,seal ,thou my lips1 and guard the way3 ,for ,thou hast sworn1 that every ear1 ,willing or loth1 ,thy trump shall hear1 ,and every tongue unchaind be ,to own no hope1 no ,god1 but ,thee4 ,thirteenth ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,and ,he turned ,him onto ,his disciples1 and said privately1 ,blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see3 for ,i tell you1 that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see1 and have not seen them3 and to hear those things which ye hear1 and have not heard them4 ,st4 ,luke x4 #bc1 #bd4 ,,on ,sinai's top1 in prayer and trance1 ,full forty nights and forty days ,the ,prophet watched for one dear glance ,of thee and of ,thy ways3 ,fasting he watched and all alone1 ,wrapt in a still1 dark1 solid cloud1 ,the curtain of the ,holy ,one ,drawn round him like a shroud3 ,so1 separate from the world1 his breast ,might duly take and strongly keep ,the print of ,heaven1 to be expressed ,ere long on ,sion's steep4 ,there one by one his spirit saw ,of things divine the shadows bright1 ,the pageant of ,god's perfect law2 ,yet felt not full delight4 ,through gold and gems1 a dazzling maze1 ,from veil to veil the vision led1 ,and ended1 where unearthly rays ,from o'er the ark were shed4 ,yet not that gorgeous place1 nor aught ,of human or angelic frame1 ,could half appease his craving thought2 ,the void was still the same4 8,show me ,thy glory1 gracious ,lord6 ',tis ,thee10 he cries1 8not ,thine1 ,i seek40 ,na1 start not at so bold a word ,from man1 frail worm and weak3 ,the spark of his first deathless fire ,yet buoys him up1 and high above ,the holiest creature1 dares aspire ,to the ,creator's love4 ,the eye in smiles may wander round1 ,caught by earth's shadows as they fleet2 ,but for the soul no help is found1 ,save ,him who made it1 meet4 ,spite of yourselves1 ye witness this1 ,who blindly self or sense adore2 ,else wherefore leaving your own bliss ,still restless ask ye more8 ,this witness bore the saints of old ,when highest rapt and favoured most1 ,still seeking precious things untold1 ,not in fruition lost4 ,canaan was theirs2 and in it all ,the proudest hope of kings dare claim3 ,sion was theirs2 and at their call ,fire from ,jehovah came4 ,yet monarchs walked as pilgrims still ,in their own land1 earth's pride and grace3 ,and seers would mourn on ,sion's hill ,their ,lord's averted face4 ,vainly they tried the deeps to sound ,e'en of their own prophetic thought1 ,when of ,christ crucified and crowned ,his ,spirit in them taught3 ,but ,he their aching gaze repressed1 ,which sought behind the veil to see1 ,for not without us fully blest ,or perfect might they be4 ,the rays of the ,almighty's face ,no sinner's eye might then receive2 ,only the meekest man found grace ,to see ,his skirts and live4 ,but we as in a glass espy ,the glory of ,his countenance1 ,not in a whirlwind hurrying by ,the too presumptuous glance1 ,but with mild radiance every hour1 ,from our dear ,saviour's face benign ,bent on us with transforming power1 ,till we1 too1 faintly shine4 ,sprinkled with ,his atoning blood ,safely before our ,god we stand1 ,as on the rock the ,prophet stood1 ,beneath ,his shadowing hand4-- ,blessed eyes1 which see the things we see6 ,and yet this tree of life hath proved ,to many a soul a poison tree1 ,beheld1 and not beloved4 ,so like an angel's is our bliss 7,oh6 thought to comfort and appal7 ,it needs must bring1 if used amiss1 ,an angel's hopeless fall4 ,fourteenth ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,and ,jesus answering said1 ,were there not ten cleansed8 but where are the nine8 ,there are not found that returned to give glory to ,god1 save this stranger4 ,st4 ,luke xvii4 #ag1 #ah4 ,,ten cleansed1 and only one remain6 ,who would have thought our nature's stain ,was dyed so foul1 so deep in grain8 ,e'en ,he who reads the heart-- ,knows what ,he gave and what we lost1 ,sin's forfeit1 and redemption's cost1-- ,by a short pang of wonder crossed ,seems at the sight to start3 ,yet 'twas not wonder1 but ,his love ,our wavering spirits would reprove1 ,that heavenward seem so free to move ,when earth can yield no more ,then from afar on ,god we cry1 ,but should the mist of woe roll by1 ,not showers across an ,april sky ,drift1 when the storm is o'er1 ,faster than those false drops and few ,fleet from the heart1 a worthless dew4 ,what sadder scene can angels view ,than self-deceiving tears1 ,poured idly over some dark page ,of earlier life1 though pride or rage1 ,the record of to-day engage1 ,a woe for future years8 ,spirits1 that round the sick man's bed ,watched1 noting down each prayer he made1 ,were your unerring roll displayed1 ,his pride of health to abase2 ,or1 when1 soft showers in season fall ,answering a famished nation's call1 ,should unseen fingers on the wall ,our vows forgotten trace3 ,how should we gaze in trance of fear6 ,yet shines the light as thrilling clear ,from ,heaven upon that scroll severe1 8,ten cleansed and one remain60 ,nor surer would the blessing prove ,of humbled hearts1 that own ,thy love1 ,should choral welcome from above ,visit our senses plain3 ,than by ,thy placid voice and brow1 ,with healing first1 with comfort now1 ,turned upon him1 who hastes to bow ,before ,thee1 heart and knee2 8,oh6 thou1 who only wouldst be blest1 ,on thee alone ,my blessing rest6 ,rise1 go thy way in peace1 possessed ,for evermore of ,me40 ,fifteenth ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,consider the lilies of the field1 how they grow4 ,st4 ,matthew1 vi4 #bh4 ,,sweet nurslings of the vernal skies1 ,bathed in soft airs1 and fed with dew1 ,what more than magic in you lies1 ,to fill the heart's fond view8 ,in childhood's sports1 companions gay1 ,in sorrow1 on ,life's downward way1 ,how soothing6 in our last decay ,memorials prompt and true4 ,relics ye are of ,eden's bowers1 ,as pure1 as fragrant1 and as fair1 ,as when ye crowned the sunshine hours ,of happy wanderers there4 ,fall'n all beside--the world of life1 ,how is it stained with fear and strife6 ,in ,reason's world what storms are rife1 ,what passions range and glare6 ,but cheerful and unchanged the while ,your first and perfect form ye show1 ,the same that won ,eve's matron smile ,in the world's opening glow4 ,the stars of heaven a course are taught ,too high above our human thought3 ,ye may be found if ye are sought1 ,and as we gaze1 we know4 ,ye dwell beside our paths and homes1 ,our paths of sin1 our homes of sorrow1 ,and guilty man where'er he roams1 ,your innocent mirth may borrow4 ,the birds of air before us fleet1 ,they cannot brook our shame to meet-- ,but we may taste your solace sweet ,and come again to-morrow4 ,ye fearless in your nests abide-- ,nor may we scorn1 too proudly wise1 ,your silent lessons1 undescried ,by all but lowly eyes3 ,for ye could draw th' admiring gaze ,of ,him who worlds and hearts surveys3 ,your order wild1 your fragrant maze1 ,he taught us how to prize4 ,ye felt your ,maker's smile that hour1 ,as when ,he paused and owned you good2 ,his blessing on earth's primal bower1 ,ye felt it all renewed4 ,what care ye now1 if winter's storm ,sweep ruthless o'er each silken form8 ,christ's blessing at your heart is warm1 ,ye fear no vexing mood4 ,alas6 of thousand bosoms kind1 ,that daily court you and caress1 ,how few the happy secret find ,of your calm loveliness6 8,live for to-day6 to-morrow's light ,to-morrow's cares shall bring to sight1 ,go sleep like closing flowers at night1 ,and ,heaven thy morn will bless40 ,sixteenth ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,i desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you1 which is your glory4 ,ephesians iii4 #ac4 ,,wish not1 dear friends1 my pain away-- ,wish me a wise and thankful heart1 ,with ,,god1 in all my griefs1 to stay1 ,nor from ,his loved correction start4 ,the dearest offering ,he can crave ,his portion in our souls to prove1 ,what is it to the gift ,he gave1 ,the only ,son of ,his dear love8 ,but we1 like vexed unquiet sprights1 ,will still be hovering o'er the tomb1 ,where buried lie our vain delights1 ,nor sweetly take a sinner's doom4 ,in ,life's long sickness evermore ,our thoughts are tossing to and fro3 ,we change our posture o'er and o'er1 ,but cannot rest1 nor cheat our woe4 ,were it not better to lie still1 ,let ,him strike home and bless the rod1 ,never so safe as when our will ,yields undiscerned by all but ,god8 ,thy precious things1 whate'er they be1 ,that haunt and vex thee1 heart and brain1 ,look to the ,cross and thou shalt see ,how thou mayst turn them all to gain4 ,lovest thou praise8 the ,cross is shame3 ,or ease8 the ,cross is bitter grief3 ,more pangs than tongue or heart can frame ,were suffered there without relief4 ,we of that ,altar would partake1 ,but cannot quit the cost--no throne ,is ours1 to leave for ,thy dear sake-- ,we cannot do as ,thou hast done4 ,we cannot part with ,heaven for ,thee-- ,yet guide us in ,thy track of love3 ,let us gaze on where light should be1 ,though not a beam the clouds remove4 ,so wanderers ever fond and true ,look homeward through the evening sky1 ,without a streak of heaven's soft blue ,to aid ,affection's dreaming eye4 ,the wanderer seeks his native bower1 ,and we will look and long for ,thee1 ,and thank ,thee for each trying hour1 ,wishing1 not struggling1 to be free4 ,seventeenth ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,every man of the house of ,israel that setteth up his idols in his heart1 and putteth the stumbling-block of his iniquity before his face1 and cometh to the prophet2 ,i the ,lord will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols4 ,ezekiel xiv4 #d4 ,,stately thy walls1 and holy are the prayers ,which day and night before thine altars rise3 ,not statelier1 towering o'er her marble stairs1 ,flashed ,sion's gilded dome to summer skies1 ,not holier1 while around him angels bowed1 ,from ,aaron's censer steamed the spicy cloud1 ,before the mercy-seat4 ,o ,mother dear1 ,wilt thou forgive thy son one boding sigh8 ,forgive1 if round thy towers he walk in fear1 ,and tell thy jewels o'er with jealous eye8 ,mindful of that sad vision1 which in thought ,from ,chebar's plains the captive prophet brought4 ,to see lost ,sion's shame4 ',twas morning prime1 ,and like a ,queen new seated on her throne1 ,,god',s crownd mountain1 as in happier time1 ,seemed to rejoice in sunshine all her own3 ,so bright1 while all in shade around her lay1 ,her northern pinnacles had caught th' emerging ray4 ,the dazzling lines of her majestic roof ,crossed with as free a span the vault of heaven1 ,as when twelve tribes knelt silently aloof ,ere ,,god ,his answer to their king had given1 ,ere yet upon the new-built altar fell ,the glory of the ,,lord1 the ,lord of ,israel4 ,all seems the same3 but enter in and see ,what idol shapes are on the wall portrayed3 ,and watch their shameless and unholy glee1 ,who worship there in ,aaron's robes arrayed3 ,hear ,judah's maids the dirge to ,thammuz pour1 ,and mark her chiefs yon orient sun adore4 ,yet turn thee1 son of man--for worse than these ,thou must behold3 thy loathing were but lost ,on dead men's crimes1 and ,jews' idolatries-- ,come1 learn to tell aright thine own sins' cost1-- ,and sure their sin as far from equals thine1 ,as earthly hopes abused are less than hopes divine4 ,what if within ,his world1 ,his ,church1 our ,,lord ,have entered thee1 as in some temple gate1 ,where1 looking round1 each glance might thee afford ,some glorious earnest of thine high estate1 ,and thou1 false heart and frail1 hast turned from all ,to worship pleasure's shadow on the wall8 ,if1 when the ,,lord of ,glory was in sight1 ,thou turn thy back upon that fountain clear1 ,to bow before the 8little drop of light10 ,which dim-eyed men call praise and glory here2 ,what dost thou1 but adore the sun1 and scorn ,him at whose only word both sun and stars were born8 ,if1 while around thee gales from ,eden breathe1 ,thou hide thine eyes1 to make thy peevish moan ,over some broken reed of earth beneath1 ,some darling of blind fancy dead and gone1 ,as wisely might'st thou in ,,jehovah',s fane ,offer thy love and tears to ,thammuz slain4 ,turn thee from these1 or dare not to inquire ,of ,him whose name is ,jealous1 lest in wrath ,he hear and answer thine unblest desire3 ,far better we should cross ,his lightning's path ,than be according to our idols beard1 ,and ,god should take us at our own vain word4 ,thou who hast deigned the ,christian's heart to call ,thy ,church and ,shrine2 whene'er our rebel will ,would in that chosen home of ,thine instal ,belial or ,mammon1 grant us not the ill ,we blindly ask2 in very love refuse ,whate'er ,thou knowest our weakness would abuse4 ,or rather help us1 ,,lord1 to choose the good1 ,to pray for nought1 to seek to none1 but ,thee1 ,nor by 8our daily bread0 mean common food1 ,nor say1 8,from this world's evil set us free20 ,teach us to love1 with ,,christ1 our sole true bliss1 ,else1 though in ,,christ',s own words1 we surely pray amiss4 ,eighteenth ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,i will bring you into the wilderness of the people1 and there will ,i plead with you face to face4 ,like as pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of ,egypt1 so will ,i plead with you1 saith the ,lord ,god4 ,ezekiel xx4 #ce1 #cf4 ,,it is so--ope thine eyes1 and see-- ,what viewest thou all around8 ,a desert1 where iniquity ,and knowledge both abound4 ,in the waste howling wilderness ,the ,church is wandering still1 ,because we would not onward press ,when close to ,sion's hill4 ,back to the world we faithless turned1 ,and far along the wild1 ,with labour lost and sorrow earned1 ,our steps have been beguiled4 ,yet full before us1 all the while1 ,the shadowing pillar stays1 ,the living waters brightly smile1 ,the eternal turrets blaze1 ,yet ,heaven is raining angels' bread ,to be our daily food1 ,and fresh1 as when it first was shed1 ,springs forth the ,,saviour',s blood4 ,from every region1 race1 and speech1 ,believing myriads throng1 ,till1 far as sin and sorrow reach1 ,thy grace is spread along2 ,till sweetest nature1 brightest art1 ,their votive incense bring1 ,and every voice and every heart ,own ,thee their ,god and ,king4 ,all own2 but few1 alas6 will love2 ,too like the recreant band ,that with ,thy patient spirit strove ,upon the ,red-sea strand4 ,o ,father of long-suffering grace1 ,thou who hast sworn to stay ,pleading with sinners face to face ,through all their devious way3 ,how shall we speak to ,thee1 ,o ,,lord1 ,or how in silence lie8 ,look on us1 and we are abhorred1 ,turn from us1 and we die4 ,thy guardian fire1 ,thy guiding cloud1 ,still let them gild our wall1 ,nor be our foes and ,thine allowed ,to see us faint and fall4 ,too oft1 within this camp of ,thine1 ,rebellions murmurs rise2 ,sin cannot bear to see ,thee shine ,so awful to her eyes4 ,fain would our lawless hearts escape1 ,and with the heathen be1 ,to worship every monstrous shape ,in fancied darkness free4 ,vain thought1 that shall not be at all6 ,refuse we or obey1 ,our ears have heard the ,almighty's call1 ,we cannot be as they4 ,we cannot hope the heathen's doom ,to whom ,,god',s ,son is given1 ,whose eyes have seen beyond the tomb1 ,who have the key of ,heaven4 ,weak tremblers on the edge of woe1 ,yet shrinking from true bliss1 ,our rest must be 8no rest below10 ,and let our prayer be this3 8,,lord1 wave again ,thy chastening rod1 ,till every idol throne ,crumble to dust1 and ,thou1 ,o ,,god1 ,reign in our hearts alone4 8,bring all our wandering fancies home1 ,for ,thou hast every spell1 ,and 'mid the heathen where they roam1 ,thou knowest1 ,,lord1 too well4 8,thou know'st our service sad and hard1 ,thou know'st us fond and frail2 ,win us to be loved and spared ,when all the world shall fail4 8,so when at last our weary days ,are well-nigh wasted here1 ,and we can trace ,thy wondrous ways ,in distance calm and clear1 8,when in ,thy love and ,israel's sin ,we read our story true1 ,we may not1 all too late1 begin ,to wish our hopes were new4 8,long loved1 long tried1 long spared as they1 ,unlike in this alone1 ,that1 by ,thy grace1 our hearts shall stay ,for evermore ,thine own40 ,nineteenth ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,then ,nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished1 and rose up in haste1 and spake1 and said unto his counsellors1 ,did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire8 ,they answered and said unto the king1 ,true1 ,o king4 ,he answered and said1 ,lo1 ,i see four men loose1 walking in the midst of the fire1 and they have no hurt2 and the form of the fourth is like the ,son of ,god4 ,daniel iii4 #bd1 #be4 ,,when ,persecution's torrent blaze ,wraps the unshrinking ,martyr's head2 ,when fade all earthly flowers and bays1 ,when summer friends are gone and fled1 ,is he alone in that dark hour ,who owns the ,lord of love and power8 ,or waves there not around his brow ,a wand no human arm may wield1 ,fraught with a spell no angels know1 ,his steps to guide1 his soul to shield8 ,thou1 ,saviour1 art his ,charmd ,bower1 ,his ,magic ,ring1 his ,rock1 his ,tower4 ,and when the wicked ones behold ,thy favourites walking in ,thy light1 ,just as1 in fancy triumph bold1 ,they deemed them lost in deadly night1 ,amazed they cry1 8,what spell is this1 ,which turns their sufferings all to bliss8 8,how are they free whom we had bound8 ,upright1 whom in the gulf we cast8 ,what wondrous helper have they found ,to screen them from the scorching blast8 ,three were they--who hath made them four8 ,and sure a form divine he wore1 8,e'en like the ,son of ,god40 ,so cried ,the ,tyrant1 when in one fierce flame ,the ,martyrs lived1 the murderers died3 ,yet knew he not what angel came ,to make the rushing fire-flood seem ,like summer breeze by woodland stream4 ,he knew not1 but there are who know3 ,the ,matron1 who alone hath stood1 ,when not a prop seemed left below1 ,the first lorn hour of widowhood1 ,yet cheered and cheering all1 the while1 ,with sad but unaffected smile2-- ,the ,father1 who his vigil keeps ,by the sad couch whence hope hath flown1 ,watching the eye where reason sleeps1 ,yet in his heart can mercy own1 ,still sweetly yielding to the rod1 ,still loving man1 still thanking ,,god2-- ,the ,christian ,pastor1 bowed to earth ,with thankless toil1 and vile esteemed1 ,still travailing in second birth ,of souls that will not be redeemed3 ,yet stedfast set to do his part1 ,and fearing most his own vain heart2-- ,these know3 on these look long and well1 ,cleansing thy sight by prayer and faith1 ,and thou shalt know what secret spell ,preserves them in their living death3 ,through sevenfold flames thine eye shall see ,the ,saviour walking with ,his faithful ,three4 ,twentieth ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,hear ye1 ,o mountains1 the ,lord's controversy1 and ye strong foundations of the earth4 ,micah vi4 #b4 ,,where is ,thy favoured haunt1 eternal ,voice1 ,the region of ,thy choice1 ,where1 undisturbed by sin and earth1 the soul ,owns ,thy entire control8-- ',tis on the mountain's summit dark and high1 ,when storms are hurrying by3 ',tis 'mid the strong foundations of the earth1 ,where torrents have their birth4 ,no sounds of worldly toil ascending there1 ,mar the full burst of prayer2 ,lone ,nature feels that she may freely breathe1 ,and round us and beneath ,are heard her sacred tones3 the fitful sweep ,of winds across the steep ,through withered bents--romantic note and clear1 ,meet for a hermit's ear1-- ,the wheeling kite's wild solitary cry1 ,and1 scarcely heard so high1 ,the dashing waters when the air is still ,from many a torrent rill ,that winds unseen beneath the shaggy fell1 ,tracked by the blue mist well3 ,such sounds as make deep silence in the heart ,for ,thought to do her part4 ',tis then we hear the voice of ,,god within1 ,pleading with care and sin3 8,child of ,my love6 how have ,i wearied thee8 ,why wilt thou err from ,me8 ,have ,i not brought thee from the house of slaves1 ,parted the drowning waves1 ,and set ,my saints before thee in the way1 ,lest thou shouldst faint or stray8 8,what6 was the promise made to thee alone8 ,art thou the excepted one8 ,an heir of glory without grief or pain8 ,o vision false and vain6 ,there lies thy cross2 beneath it meekly bow2 ,it fits thy stature now3 ,who scornful pass it with averted eye1 ',twill crush them by-and-by4 8,raise thy repining eyes1 and take true measure ,of thine eternal treasure2 ,the ,father of thy ,lord can grudge thee nought1 ,the world for thee was bought2 ,and as this landscape broad--earth1 sea1 and sky1-- ,all centres in thine eye1 ,so all ,god does1 if rightly understood1 ,shall work thy final good40 ,twenty-first ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,the vision is yet for an appointed time1 but at the end it shall speak1 and not lie3 though it tarry1 wait for it1 because it will surely come1 it will not tarry4 ,habakkuk ii4 #c4 ,,the morning mist is cleared away1 ,yet still the face of ,heaven is grey1 ,nor yet this autumnal breeze has stirred the grove1 ,faded yet full1 a paler green ,skirts soberly the tranquil scene1 ,the red-breast warbles round this leafy cove4 ,sweet messenger of 8calm decay10 ,saluting sorrow as you may1 ,as one still bent to find or make the best1 ,in thee1 and in this quiet mead1 ,the lesson of sweet peace ,i read1 ,rather in all to be resigned than blest4 ',tis a low chant1 according well ,with the soft solitary knell1 ,as homeward from some grave beloved we turn1 ,or by some holy death-bed dear1 ,most welcome to the chastened ear ,of her whom ,heaven is teaching how to mourn4 ,o cheerful tender strain6 the heart ,that duly bears with you its part1 ,singing so thankful to the dreary blast1 ,though gone and spent its joyous prime1 ,and on the world's autumnal time1 ',mid withered hues and sere1 its lot be cast3 ,that is the heart for thoughtful seer1 ,watching1 in trance nor dark nor clear1 ,th' appalling ,future as it nearer draws3 ,his spirit calmed the storm to meet1 ,feeling the rock beneath his feet1 ,and tracing through the cloud th' eternal ,cause4 ,that is the heart for watchman true ,waiting to see what ,,god will do1 ,as o'er the ,church the gathering twilight falls ,no more he strains his wistful eye1 ,if chance the golden hours be nigh1 ,by youthful ,hope seen beaming round her walls4 ,forced from his shadowy paradise1 ,his thoughts to ,heaven the steadier rise3 ,there seek his answer when the world reproves3 ,contented in his darkling round1 ,if only he be faithful found1 ,when from the east the eternal morning moves4 ,note3 ,the expression1 8calm delay10 is borrowed from a friend1 by whose kind permission the following stanzas are here inserted4 ,,to ,,the ,,red-,,breast4 ,unheard in summer's flaring ray1 ,pour forth thy notes1 sweet singer1 ,wooing the stillness of the autumn day3 ,bid it a moment linger1 ,nor fly ,too soon from winter's scowling eye4 ,the blackbird's song at even-tide1 ,and hers1 who gay ascends1 ,filling the heavens far and wide1 ,are sweet4 ,but none so blends1 ,as thine1 ,with calm decay1 and peace divine4 ,twenty-,second ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,lord1 how oft shall my brother sin against me1 and ,i forgive him8 ,matthew xviii4 #ba4 ,,what liberty so glad and gay1 ,as where the mountain boy1 ,reckless of regions far away1 ,a prisoner lives in joy8 ,the dreary sounds of crowded earth1 ,the cries of camp or town1 ,never untuned his lonely mirth1 ,nor drew his visions down4 ,the snow-clad peaks of rosy light ,that meet his morning view1 ,the thwarting cliffs that bound his sight1 ,they bound his fancy too4 ,two ways alone his roving eye ,for aye may onward go1 ,or in the azure deep on high1 ,or darksome mere below4 ,o blest restraint6 more blessd range6 ,too soon the happy child ,his nook of homely thought will change ,for life's seducing wild3 ,too soon his altered day-dreams show ,this earth a boundless space1 ,with sun-bright pleasures to and fro ,sporting in joyous race3 ,while of his narrowing heart each year1 ,heaven less and less will fill1 ,less keenly1 thorough his grosser ear1 ,the tones of mercy thrill4 ,it must be so3 else wherefore falls ,the ,saviour's voice unheard1 ,while from ,his pard'ning ,cross ,he calls1 8,o spare as ,i have spared80 ,by our own niggard rule we try ,the hope to suppliants given6 ,we mete out love1 as if our eye ,saw to the end of ,heaven4 ,yes1 ransomed sinner6 wouldst thou know ,how often to forgive1 ,how dearly to embrace thy foe1 ,look where thou hop'st to live2-- ,when thou hast told those isles of light1 ,and fancied all beyond1 ,whatever owns1 in depth or height1 ,creation's wondrous bond2 ,then in their solemn pageant learn ,sweet mercy's praise to see3 ,their ,lord resigned them all1 to earn ,the bliss of pardoning thee4 ,twenty-third ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,who shall change our vile body1 that it may be fashioned like unto ,his glorious body1 according to the working whereby ,he is able even to subdue all things onto ,himself4 ,philippians iii4 #ba4 ,,red o'er the forest peers the setting sun1 ,the line of yellow light dies fast away ,that crowned the eastern copse3 and chill and dun ,falls on the moor the brief ,november day4 ,now the tired hunter winds a parting note1 ,and ,echo hide good-night from every glade2 ,yet wait awhile1 and see the calm heaves float ,each to his rest beneath their parent shade4 ,how like decaying life they seem to glide6 ,and yet no second spring have they in store1 ,but where they fall1 forgotten to abide ,is all their portion1 and they ask no more4 ,soon o'er their heads blithe ,april airs shall sing1 ,a thousand wild-flowers round them shall unfold1 ,the green buds glisten in the dews of ,spring1 ,and all be vernal rapture as of old4 ,unconscious they in waste oblivion lie1 ,in all the world of busy life around ,no thought of them2 in all the bounteous sky1 ,no drop1 for them1 of kindly influence found4 ,man's portion is to die and rise again-- ,yet he complains1 while these unmurmuring part ,with their sweet lives1 as pure from sin and stain1 ,as his when ,eden held his virgin heart4 ,and haply half unblamed his murmuring voice ,might sound in ,heaven1 were all his second life ,only the first renewed--the heathen's choice1 ,a round of listless joy and weary strife4 ,for dreary were this earth1 if earth were all1 ,tho' brightened oft by dear ,affection's kiss2-- ,who for the spangles wears the funeral pall8 ,but catch a gleam beyond it1 and 'tis bliss4 ,heavy and dull this frame of limbs and heart1 ,whether slow creeping on cold earth1 or borne ,on lofty steed1 or loftier prow1 we dart ,o'er wave or field3 yet breezes laugh to scorn ,our puny speed1 and birds1 and clouds in heaven1 ,and fish1 living shafts that pierce the main1 ,and stars that shoot through freezing air at even-- ,who but would follow1 might he break his chain8 ,and thou shalt break it soon2 the grovelling worm ,shall find his wings1 and soar as fast and free ,as his transfigured ,lord with lightning form ,and snowy vest--such grace ,he won for thee1 ,when from the grave ,he sprang at dawn of morn1 ,and led through boundless air thy conquering road1 ,leaving a glorious track1 where saints1 new-born1 ,might fearless follow to their blest abode4 ,but first1 by many a stern and fiery blast ,the world's rude furnace must thy blood refine1 ,and many a gale of keenest woe be passed1 ,till every pulse beat true to airs divine1 ,till every limb obey the mounting soul1 ,the mounting soul1 the call by ,jesus given4 ,he who the stormy heart can so control1 ,the laggard body soon will waft to ,heaven4 ,twenty-fourth ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,the heart knoweth his own bitterness3 and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy4 ,proverbs xiv4 #aj4 ,,why should we faint and fear to live alone1 ,since all alone1 so ,heaven has willed1 we die1 ,nor e'en the tenderest heart1 and next our own1 ,knows half the reasons why we smile and sigh8 ,each in his hidden sphere of joy or woe ,our hermit spirits dwell1 and range apart1 ,our eyes see all around in gloom or glow-- ,hues of their own1 fresh borrowed from the heart4 ,and well it is for us our ,,god should feel ,alone our secret throbbings3 so our prayer ,may readier spring to ,heaven1 nor spend its zeal ,on cloud-born idols of this lower air4 ,for if one heart in perfect sympathy ,beat with another1 answering love for love1 ,weak mortals1 all entranced1 on earth would lie1 ,nor listen for those purer strains above4 ,or what if ,heaven for once its searching light ,lent to some partial eye1 disclosing all ,the rude bad thoughts1 that in our bosom's night ,wander at large1 nor heed ,love's gentle thrall8 ,who would not shun the dreary uncouth place8 ,as if1 fond leaning where her infant slept1 ,a mother's arm a serpent should embrace3 ,so might we friendless live1 and die unwept4 ,then keep the softening veil in mercy drawn1 ,thou who canst love us1 thro' ,thou read us true2 ,as on the bosom of th' arial lawn ,melts in dim haze each coarse ungentle hue4 ,so too may soothing ,hope ,thy heave enjoy ,sweet visions of long-severed hearts to frame3 ,though absence may impair1 or cares annoy1 ,some constant mind may draw us still the same4 ,we in dark dreams are tossing to and fro1 ,pine with regret1 or sicken with despair1 ,the while she bathes us in her own chaste glow1 ,and with our memory wings her own fond prayer4 ,o bliss of child-like innocence1 and love ,tried to old age6 creative power to win1 ,and raise new worlds1 where happy fancies rove1 ,forgetting quite this grosser world of sin4 ,bright are their dreams1 because their thoughts are clear1 ,their memory cheering3 but th' earth-stained spright1 ,whose wakeful musings are of guilt and fear1 ,must hover nearer earth1 and less in light4 ,farewell1 for her1 th' ideal scenes so fair-- ,yet not farewell her hope1 since thou hast deigned1 ,creator of all hearts6 to own and share ,the woe of what ,thou mad'st1 and we have stained4 ,thou knowst our bitterness--our joys are ,thine-- ,no stranger ,thou to all our wanderings wild3 ,nor could we bear to think1 how every line ,of us1 ,thy darkened likeness and defiled1 ,stands in full sunshine of ,thy piercing eye1 ,but that ,thou call'st us ,brethren3 sweet repose ,is in that word--the ,,lord who dwells on high ,knows all1 yet loves us better than ,he knows4 ,twenty-fifth ,sunday after ,trinity4 ,the hoary head is a crown of glory1 if it be found in the way of righteousness4 ,proverbs xvi4 #ca4 ,,the bright-haired morn is glowing ,o'er emerald meadows gay1 ,with many a clear gem strewing ,the early shepherd's way4 ,ye gentle elves1 by ,fancy seen ,stealing away with night ,to slumber in your leafy screen1 ,tread more than airy light4 ,and see what joyous greeting ,the sun through heaven has shed1 ,though fast yon shower be fleeting1 ,his beams have faster sped4 ,for lo6 above the western haze ,high towers the rainbow arch ,in solid span of purest rays3 ,how stately is its march6 ,pride of the dewy morning6 ,the swain's experienced eye ,from thee takes timely warning1 ,nor trusts the gorgeous sky4 ,for well he knows1 such dawnings gay ,bring noons of storm and shower1 ,and travellers linger on the way ,beside the sheltering bower4 ,e'en so1 in hope and trembling ,should watchful shepherd view ,his little lambs assembling1 ,with glance both kind and true2 ',tis not the eye of keenest blaze1 ,nor the quick-swelling breast1 ,that soonest thrills at touch of praise-- ,these do not please him best4 ,but voices low and gentle1 ,and timid glances shy1 ,that seem for aid parental ,to sue all wistfully1 ,still pressing1 longing to be right1 ,yet fearing to be wrong1-- ,in these the ,pastor dares delight1 ,a lamb-like1 ,christ-like throng4 ,these in ,life's distant even ,shall shine serenely bright1 ,as in th' autumnal heaven ,mild rainbow tints at night1 ,when the last shower is stealing down1 ,and ere they sink to rest1 ,the sun-beams weave a parting crown ,for some sweet woodland nest4 ,the promise of the morrow ,is glorious on that eve1 ,dear as the holy sorrow ,when good men cease to live4 ,when brightening ere it die away ,mounts up their altar flame1 ,still tending with intenser ray ,to ,heaven whence first it came4 ,say not it dies1 that glory1 ',tis caught unquenched on high1 ,those saintlike brows so hoary ,shall wear it in the sky4 ,no smile is like the smile of death1 ,when all good musings past ,rise wafted with the parting breath1 ,the sweetest thought the last4 ,sunday next before ,advent4 ,gather up the fragments that remain1 that nothing be lost4 ,st4 ,john vi4 #ab4 ,,will ,god indeed with fragments bear1 ,snatched late from the decaying year8 ,or can the ,saviour's blood endear ,the dregs of a polluted life8 ,when down th' o'erwhelming current tossed ,just ere he sink for ever lost1 ,the sailor's untried arms are crossed ,in agonizing prayer1 will ,ocean cease her strife8 ,sighs that exhaust but not relieve ,heart-rending sighs1 ,o spare to heave ,a bosom freshly taught to grieve ,for lavished hours and love misspent6 ,now through her round of holy thought ,the ,church our annual steps has brought1 ,but we no holy fire have caught-- ,back on the gaudy world our wilful eyes were bent4 ,too soon th' ennobling carols1 poured ,to hymn the birth-night of the ,,lord1 ,which duteous ,memory should have stored ,for thankful echoing all the year-- ,too soon those airs have passed away2 ,nor long within the heart would stay ,the silence of ,,christ',s dying day1 ,profaned by worldly mirth1 or scared by worldly fear4 ,some strain of hope and victory ,on ,easter wings might lift us high ,a little while we sought the sky3 ,and when the ,,spirit',s beacon fires ,on every hill began to blare1 ,lightening the world with glad amaze1 ,who but must kindle while they gaze8 ,but faster than she soars1 our earth-bound ,fancy tires4 ,nor yet for these1 nor all the rites1 ,by which our ,mother's voice invites ,our ,,god to bless our home delights1 ,and sweeten every secret tear3-- ,the funeral dirge1 the marriage vow1 ,the hollowed font where parents bow1 ,and now elate and trembling now ,to the ,redeemer's feet their new-found treasures bear3-- ,not for this ,pastor's gracious arm ,stretched out to bless--a ,christian charm ,to dull the shafts of worldly harm3-- ,nor1 sweetest1 holiest1 best of all ,for the dear feast of ,,jesus dying1 ,upon that altar ever lying1 ,where souls with sacred hunger sighing ,are called to sit and eat1 while angels prostrate fall3-- ,no1 not for each and all of these1 ,have our frail spirits found their ease4 ,the gale that stirs the autumnal trees ,seems tuned as truly to our hearts ,as when1 twelve weary months ago1 ',twas moaning bleak1 so high and low1 ,you would have thought ,remorse and ,woe ,had taught the innocent air their sadly thrilling parts4 ,is it1 ,,christ',s light is too divine1 ,we dare not hope like ,him to shine8 ,but see1 around ,his dazzling shrine ,earths gems the fire of ,heaven have caught2 ,martyrs and saints--each glorious day ,dawning in order on our way-- ,remind us1 how our darksome clay ,may keep th' ethereal warmth our new ,creator brought4 ,these we have scorned1 ,o false and frail6 ,and now once more th' appalling tale1 ,how love divine may woo and fail1 ,of our lost year in ,heaven is told-- ,what if as far our life were past1 ,our weeks all numbered to the last1 ,with time and hope behind us cast1 ,and all our work to do with palsied hands and cold8 ,o watch and pray ere ,advent dawn6 ,for thinner than the subtlest lawn ',twixt thee and death the veil is drawn4 ,but ,love too late can never glow3 ,the scattered fragments ,love can glean ,refine the dregs1 and yield us clean ,to regions where one thought serene ,breathes sweeter than whole years of sacrifice below4 ,st4 ,andrew's ,day ,he first findeth his own brother ,simon1 and saith unto him1 ,we have found the ,messias 4 4 4 ,and he brought him to ,jesus4 ,st4 ,john i4 #da1 #db4 ,,when brothers part for manhood's race1 ,what gift may most endearing prove ,to keep fond memory its her place1 ,and certify a brother's love8 ',tis true1 bright hours together told1 ,and blissful dreams in secret shared1 ,serene or solemn1 gay or bold1 ,shall last in fancy unimpaired4 ,e'en round the death-bed of the good ,such dear remembrances will hover1 ,and haunt us with no vexing mood ,when all the cares of earth are over4 ,but yet our craving spirits feel1 ,we shall live on1 though ,fancy die1 ,and seek a surer pledge--a seal ,of love to last eternally4 ,who art thou1 that wouldst grave thy name ,thus deeply in a brother's heart8 ,look on this saint1 and learn to frame ,thy love-charm with true ,christian art4 ,first seek thy ,saviour out1 and dwell ,beneath this shadow of ,his roof1 ,till thou have scanned ,his features well1 ,and known ,him for the ,christ by proof2 ,such proof as they are sure to find ,who spend with ,him their happy days1 ,clean hands1 and a self-ruling mind ,ever in tune for love and praise4 ,then1 potent with the spell of ,heaven1 ,go1 and thine erring brother gain1 ,entice him home to be forgiven1 ,till he1 too1 see his ,saviour plain4 ,or1 if before thee in the race1 ,urge him with thine advancing tread1 ,till1 like twin stars1 with even pace1 ,each lucid course be duly aped4 ,no fading frail memorial give ,to soothe his soul when thou art gone1 ,but wreaths of hope for aye to live1 ,and thoughts of good together done4 ,that so1 before the judgment-seat1 ,though changed and glorified each face1 ,not unremembered ye may meet ,for endless ages to embrace4 ,st4 ,thomas' ,day4 ,thomas1 because thou hast seen ,me1 thou hast believed2 blessed are they that have not seen1 and yet have believed4 ,st4 ,john xx4 #bi4 ,,we were not by when ,jesus came1 ,but round us1 far and near1 ,we see ,his trophies1 and ,his name ,in choral echoes hear4 ,in a fair ground our lot is cast1 ,as in the solemn week that past1 ,while some might doubt1 but all adored1 ,ere the whole widowed ,church had seen her risen ,lord4 ,slowly1 as then1 ,his bounteous hand ,the golden chain unwinds1 ,drawing to ,heaven with gentlest band ,wise hearts and loving minds4 ,love sought ,him first--at dawn of morn ,from her sad couch she sprang forlorn1 ,she sought to weep with ,thee alone1 ,and saw ,thine open grave1 and knew that thou wert gone4 ,reason and ,faith at once set out ,to search the ,,saviour',s tomb2 ,faith faster runs1 but waits without1 ,as fearing to presume1 ,till ,reason enter in1 and trace ,christ's relics round the holy place-- 8,here lay ,his limbs1 and here ,his sacred head1 ,and who was by1 to make ,his new-forsaken bed80 ,both wonder1 one believes--but while ,they muse on all at home1 ,no thought can tender ,love beguile ,from ,jesus' grave to roam4 ,weeping she stays till ,he appear-- ,her witness first the ,church must hear-- ,all joy to souls that can rejoice ,with her at earliest call of ,his dear gracious voice4 ,joy too to those1 who love to talk ,in secret how ,he died1 ,though with sealed eyes awhile they walk1 ,nor see him at their side3 ,most like the faithful pair are they1 ,who once to ,emmaus took their way1 ,half darkling1 till their ,master shied ,his glory on their souls1 made known in breaking bread4 ,thus1 ever brighter and more bright1 ,on those ,he came to save ,the ,lord of new-created light ,dawned gradual from the grave2 ,till passed th' enquiring day-light hour1 ,and with closed door in silent bower ,the ,church in anxious musing sate1 ,as one who for redemption still had long to wait4 ,then1 gliding through th' unopening door1 ,smooth without step or sound1 8,peace to your souls10 ,he said--no more-- ,they own ,him1 kneeling round4 ,eye1 ear1 and hand1 and loving heart1 ,body and soul in every part1 ,successive made ,his witnesses that hour1 ,cease not in all the world to show ,his saving power4 ,is there1 on earth1 a spirit frail1 ,who fears to take their word1 ,scarce daring1 through the twilight pale1 ,to think he sees the ,lord8 ,with eyes too tremblingly awake ,to bear with dimness for ,his sake8 ,read and confess the ,hand ,divine ,that drew thy likeness here so true in every line4 ,for all thy rankling doubts so sore1 ,love thou thy ,saviour still1 ,him for thy ,lord and ,god adore1 ,and ever do ,his will4 ,though vexing thoughts may seem to last1 ,let not thy soul be quite o'ercast2-- ,soon will ,he show thee all ,his wounds1 and say1 8,long have ,i known ,thy name--know thou ,my face alway40 ,the ,conversion of ,st4 ,paul4 ,and he fell to the earth1 and heard a voice saying unto him1 ,saul1 ,saul1 why persecutest thou ,me8 ,and he said1 ,who art ,thou1 ,lord8 ,and the ,lord said1 ,i am ,jesus whom thou persecutest4 ,acts ix4 #d1 #e4 ,,the mid-day sun1 with fiercest glare1 ,broods o'er the hazy twinkling air3 ,along the level sand ,the palm-tree's shade unwavering lies1 ,just as thy towers1 ,damascus1 rise ,to greet you wearied band4 ,the leader of that martial crew ,seems bent some mighty deed to do1 ,so steadily he speeds1 ,with lips firm closed and fixd eye1 ,like warrior when the fight is night1 ,nor talk nor landscape heeds4 ,what sudden blaze is round him poured1 ,as though all ,heaven's refulgent hoard ,in one rich glory shone8 ,one moment--and to earth he falls3 ,what voice his inmost heart appalls8-- ,voice heard by him alone4 ,for to the rest both words and form ,seem lost in lightning and in storm1 ,while ,saul1 in wakeful trance1 ,sees deep within that dazzling field ,his persecuted ,lord revealed1 ,with keen yet pitying glance3 ,and hears time meek upbraiding call ,as gently on his spirit fall1 ,as if th' ,almighty ,son ,were prisoner yet in this dark earth1 ,nor had proclaimed ,his royal birth1 ,nor ,his great power begun4 8,ah6 wherefore persecut'st thou ,me80 ,he heard and saw1 and sought to free ,his strained eyes from the sight3 ,but ,heaven's high magic bound it there1 ,still gazing1 though untaught to bear ,th' insufferable light4 8,who art ,thou1 ,lord80 he falters forth3-- ,so shall ,sin ask of heaven and earth ,at the last awful day4 8,when did we see ,thee suffering nigh1 ,and passed ,thee with unheeding eye8 ,great ,god of judgment1 say60 ,ah6 little dream our listless eyes ,what glorious presence they despise1 ,while1 in our noon of life1 ,to power or fame we rudely press4-- ,christ is at hand1 to scorn or bless1 ,christ suffers in our strife4 ,and though heaven's gate long since have closed1 ,and our dear ,lord in bliss reposed1 ,high above mortal ken1 ,to every ear in every land 7,thought meek ears only understand7 ,he speaks as he did then4 8,ah6 wherefore persecute ye ,me8 ',tis hard1 ye so in love should be ,with your own endless woe4 ,know1 though at ,god's right hand ,i live1 ,i feel each wound ye reckless give ,to the least saint below4 8,i in your care ,my brethren left1 ,not willing ye should be bereft ,of waiting on your ,lord4 ,the meanest offering ye can make-- ,a drop of water--for love's sake1 ,in ,heaven1 be sure1 is stored40 ,o by those gentle tones and dear1 ,when thou hast stayed our wild career1 ,thou only hope of souls1 ,ne'er let us cast one look behind1 ,but in the thought of ,jesus find ,what every thought controls4 ,as to ,thy last ,apostle's heart ,thy lightning glance did then impart ,zeal's never-dying fire1 ,so teach us on ,thy shrine to lay ,our hearts1 and let them day by day ,intenser blaze and higher4 ,and as each mild and winning note 7,like pulses that round harp-strings float ,when the full strain is o'er7 ,left lingering on his inward ear ,music1 that taught1 as death drew near1 ,love's lesson more and more3 ,so1 as we walk our earthly round1 ,still may the echo of that sound ,be in our memory stored 8,christians6 behold your happy state3 ,christ is in these1 who round you wait2 ,make much of your dear ,lord60 ,the ,purification4 ,blessed are the pure in heart3 for they shall see ,god4 ,st4 ,matthew v4 #h4 ,,bless',d are the pure in heart1 ,for they shall see our ,god1 ,the secret of the ,lord is theirs1 ,their soul is ,christ's abode4 ,might mortal thought presume ,to guess an angel's lay1 ,such are the notes that echo through ,the courts of ,heaven to-day4 ,such the triumphal hymns ,on ,sion's ,prince that wait1 ,in high procession passing on ,towards ,his temple-gate4 ,give ear1 ye kings--bow down1 ,ye rulers of the earth-- ,this1 this is ,he3 your ,priest by grace1 ,your ,god and ,king by birth4 ,no pomp of earthly guards ,attends with sword and spear1 ,and all-defying1 dauntless look1 ,their monarch's way to clear2 ,yet are there more with ,him ,than all that are with you-- ,the armies of the highest ,heaven1 ,all righteous1 good1 and true4 ,spotless their robes and pure1 ,dipped in the sea of light1 ,that hides the unapproachd shrine ,from men's and angels' sight4 ,his throne1 thy bosom blest1 ,o mother undefiled-- ,that throne1 if aught beneath the skies1 ,beseems the sinless child4 ,lost in high thoughts1 8whose son ,the wondrous ,babe might prove10 ,her guileless husband walks beside1 ,bearing the hallowed dove2 ,meet emblem of ,his vow1 ,who1 on this happy day1 ,his dove-like soul--best sacrifice-- ,did on ,god's altar lay4 ,but who is he1 by years ,bowed1 but erect in heart1 ,whose prayers are struggling with his tears8 8,lord1 let me now depart4 8,now hath ,thy servant seen ,thy saving health1 ,o ,lord2 ',tis time that ,i depart in peace1 ,according to ,thy word40 ,yet swells this pomp3 one more ,comes forth to bless her ,god2 ,full fourscore years1 meek widow1 she ,her heaven-ward way hath troth4 ,she who to earthly joys ,so long had given farewell1 ,now sees1 unlooked for1 ,heaven on earth1 ,christ in ,his ,israel4 ,wide open from that hour ,the temple-gates are set1 ,and still the saints rejoicing there ,the holy ,child have met4 ,now count ,his train to-day1 ,auth who may meet ,him1 learn3 ,him child-like sires1 meek maidens find1 ,where pride can nought discern4 ,still to the lowly soul ,he doth ,himself impart1 ,and for ,his cradle and ,his throne ,chooseth the pure in heart4 ,st4 ,matthias' ,day4 ,wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the ,lord ,jesus went in and out among us1 beginning from the baptism of ,john1 unto the same day that ,he was taken up from us1 must one be ordained to be a witness with us of ,his resurrection4 ,acts i4 #ba1 #bb4 ,,who is ,god's chosen priest8 ,he1 who on ,christ stands waiting day and night1 ,who traceth ,his holy steps1 nor ever ceased1 ,from ,jordan banks to ,bethphage height3 ,who hath learned lowliness ,from his ,lord's cradle1 patience from ,his ,cross2 ,whom poor men's eyes and hearts consent to bless2 ,to whom1 for ,christ1 the world is loss2 ,who both in agony ,hath seen ,him and in glory2 and in both ,owned ,him divine1 and yielded1 nothing loth1 ,body and soul1 to live and die1 ,in witness of his ,lord1 ,in humble following of his ,saviour dear3 ,this is the man to wield th' unearthly sword1 ,warring unharmed with sin and fear4 ,but who can o'er suffice-- ,what mortal--for this more than angels' task1 ,winning or losing souls1 ,thy life-blood's price8 ,the gift were too divine to ask4 ,but ,thou hast made it sure ,by ,thy dear promise to thy ,church and ,bride1 ,that ,thou1 on earth1 wouldst aye with her endure1 ,till earth to ,heaven be purified4 ,thou art her only spouse1 ,whose arm supports her1 on ,whose faithful breast ,her persecuted head she meekly bows1 ,sure pledge of her eternal rest4 ,thou1 her unerring guide1 ,stayest her fainting steps along the wild2 ,thy merit is on the bowers of lust and pride1 ,that she may pass them undefiled4 ,who then1 uncalled by ,thee1 ,dare touch ,thy spouse1 ,thy very self below8 ,or who dare count him summoned worthily1 ,except ,thine hand and seal he show8 ,where can ,thy seal be found1 ,but on thou chosen seed1 from age to age ,by thine anointed heralds duly crowned1 ,as kings and priests ,thy war to wage8 ,then fearless walk we forth1 ,yet full of trembling1 ,messengers of ,god3 ,our warrant sure1 but doubting of our worth1 ,by our own shame alike and glory awed4 ,dread ,searcher of the hearts1 ,thou who didst seal by ,thy descending ,dove ,thy servant's choice1 ,o help us in our parts1 ,else helpless found1 to learn and teach ,thy love4 ,the ,annunciation of the ,blessed ,virgin ,mary4 ,and the ,angel came in unto her1 and said1 ,hail1 thou that art highly favoured1 the ,lord is with thee3 blessed art thou among women4 ,st4 ,luke i4 #bh4 ,,oh6 ,thou who deign'st to sympathise ,with all our frail and fleshly ties1 ,maker yet ,brother dear1 ,forgive the too presumptuous thought1 ,if1 calming wayward grief1 ,i sought ,to gaze on ,thee too near4 ,yet sure 'twas not presumption1 ,lord1 ',twas ,thine own comfortable word ,that made the lesson known3 ,of all the dearest bonds we prove1 ,thou countest sons and mothers' love ,most sacred1 most ,thine own4 ,when wandering here a little span1 ,thou took'st on ,thee to rescue man1 ,thou had'st no earthly sire3 ,that wedded love we prize so dear1 ,as if our heaven and home were here1 ,it lit in ,thee no fire4 ,on no sweet sister's faithful breast ,wouldst ,thou ,thine aching forehead rest1 ,on no kind brother lean3 ,but who1 ,o perfect filial heart1 ,e'er did like ,thee a true son's part1 ,endearing1 firm1 serene8 ,thou wept'st1 meek maiden1 mother mild1 ,thou wept'st upon thy sinless ,child1 ,thy very heart was riven3 ,and yet1 what mourning matron here ,would deem thy sorrows bought too dear ,by all on this side ,heaven8 ,a ,son that never did amiss1 ,that never shamed ,his ,mother's kiss1 ,nor crossed her fondest prayer3 ,e'en from the tree ,he deigned to bow1 ,for her ,his agonised brow1 ,her1 ,his sole earthly care4 ,ave ,maria6 blessd ,maid6 ,lily of ,eden's fragrant shade1 ,who can express the love ,that nurtured thee so pure and sweet1 ,making thy heart a shelter meet ,for ,jesus' holy dove8 ,ave ,maria6 ,mother blest1 ,to whom1 caressing and caressed1 ,clings the eternal ,child2 ,favoured beyond ,archangels' dream1 ,when first on ,thee with tenderest gleam ,thy new-born ,saviour smiled3-- ,ave ,maria6 thou whose name ,all but adoring love may claim1 ,yet may we reach thy shrine2 ,for ,he1 thy ,son and ,saviour1 vows ,to crown all lowly lofty brows ,with love and joy like thine4 ,blessed is the womb that bare ,him--blessed ,the bosom where ,his lips were pressed1 ,but rather blessed are they ,who hear ,his word and keep it well1 ,the living homes where ,christ shall dwell1 ,and never pass away4 ,st4 ,mark's ,day4 ,and the contention was so sharp between them1 that they departed asunder one from the other4 ,acts xv4 #cj4 ,compare #b ,tim4 iv4 #aa4 ,take ,mark1 and bring him with thee3 for he is profitable to me for the ministry4 ,,oh6 who shall dare in this frail scene ,on holiest happiest thoughts to lean1 ,on ,friendship1 ,kindred1 or on ,love8 ,since not ,apostles' hands can clasp ,each other in so firm a grasp ,but they shall change and variance prove4 ,yet deem not1 on such parting sad ,shall dawn no welcome dear and glad3 ,divided in their earthly race1 ,together at the glorious goal1 ,each leading many a rescued soul1 ,the faithful champions shall embrace4 ,for e'en as those mysterious ,four1 ,who the bright whirling wheels upbore ,by ,chebar in the fiery blast4 ,so1 on their tasks of love and praise ,this saints of ,god their several ways ,right onward speed1 yet join at last4 ,and sometimes e'en beneath the moon ,the ,saviour gives a gracious boon1 ,when reconcild ,christians meet1 ,and face to face1 and heart to heart1 ,high thoughts of holy love impart ,in silence meek1 or converse sweet4 ,companion of the ,saints6 'twas thine ,to taste that drop of peace divine1 ,when the great soldier of thy ,lord ,called thee to take his last farewell1 ,teaching the ,church with joy to tell ,the story of your love restored4 ,o then the glory and the bliss1 ,when all that pained or seemed amiss ,shall melt with earth and sin away6 ,when saints beneath their ,saviour's eye1 ,filled with each other's company1 ,shall spend in love th' eternal day6 ,st4 ,philip and ,st4 ,james4 ,let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted3 but the rich in that he is made low4 ,st4 ,james i4 #i4 #aj4 ,,dear is the morning gale of spring1 ,and dear th' autumnal eve2 ,but few delights can summer bring ,a ,poet's crown to weave4 ,her bowers are mute1 her fountains dry1 ,and ever ,fancy's wing ,speed's from beneath her cloudless sky ,to autumn or to spring4 ,sweet is the infant's waking smile1 ,and sweet the old man's rest-- ,but middle age by no fond wile1 ,no soothing calm is blest4 ,still in the world's hot restless gleam ,she plies her weary task1 ,while vainly for some pleasant dream ,her wandering glances ask4-- ,o shame upon thee1 listless heart1 ,so sad a sigh to heave1 ,as if thy ,,saviour had no part ,in thoughts1 that make thee grieve4 ,as if along ,his lonesome way ,he had not borne for thee ,sad languors through the summer day1 ,storms on the wintry sea4 ,youth's lightning flash of joy secure ,passed seldom o'er ,his spright1-- ,a well of serious thought and pure4 ,too deep for earthly light4 ,no spring was ,his--no fairy gleam-- ,for ,he by trial knew ,how cold and bare what mortals dream1 ,to worlds where all is true4 ,then grudge not thou the anguish keen ,which makes thee like thy ,,lord1 ,and learn to quit with eye serene ,thy youth's ideal hoard4 ,thy treasured hopes and raptures high-- ,unmurmuring let them go1 ,nor grieve the bliss should quickly fly ,which ,,christ disdained to know4 ,thou shalt have joy in sadness soon2 ,the pure1 calm hope be thine1 ,which brightens1 like the eastern moon1 ,as day's wild lights decline4 ,thus souls1 by nature pitched too high1 ,by sufferings plunged too low1 ,meet in the ,church's middle sky1 ,half way 'twixt joy and woe1 ,to practise there the soothing lay ,that sorrow best relieves2 ,thankful for all ,god takes away1 ,humbled by all ,he glass4 ,st4 ,barnabas4 ,the sea of consolation1 a ,levite4 ,acts iv4 #cf4 ,,the world's a room of sickness1 where each heart ,knows its own anguish and unrest2 ,the truest wisdom there1 and noblest art1 ,is his1 who skills of comfort best2 ,whom by the softest step and gentlest tone ,enfeebled spirits own1 ,and love to raise the languid eye1 ,when1 like an angel's wing1 they feel him fleeting by3-- ,feel only--for in silence gently gliding ,fain would he shun both ear and sight1 ',twixt ,prayer and watchful ,love his heart dividing1 ,a nursing-father day and night4 ,such were the tender arms1 where cradled lay1 ,in her sweet natal day1 ,the ,church of ,,jesus2 such the love ,he to ,his chosen taught for ,his dear widowed ,dove4 ,warmed underneath the ,comforter's safe wing ,they spread th' endearing warmth around3 ,mourners1 speed here your broken hearts to bring1 ,here healing dews and balms abound3 ,here are soft hands that cannot bless in vain1 ,by trial taught your pain3 ,here loving hearts1 that daily know ,the heavenly consolations they on you bestow4 ,sweet thoughts are theirs1 that breathe serenest calms1 ,of holy offerings timely paid1 ,of fire from heaven to bless their votive alms ,and passions on ,,god',s altar laid4 ,the world to them is closed1 and now they shine ,with rays of love divine1 ,through darkest nooks of this dull earth ,pouring1 in showery times1 their glow of 8quiet mirth40 ,new hearts before their ,saviour's feet to lay1 ,this is their first1 their dearest joy3 ,their next from heart to heart to clear the way ,for mutual love without alloy3 ,never so blest as when in ,,jesus' roll ,they write some hero-soul1 ,more pleased upon his brightening road ,to wait1 than if their own with all his radiance glowed4 ,o happy spirits1 marked by ,god and man ,their messages of love to bear1 ,what though long since in ,heaven your brows began1 ,the genial amarant wreath to wear1 ,and in th' eternal leisure of calm love ,ye banquet there above2 ,yet in your sympathetic heart ,we and our earthly griefs may ask and hope a part4 ,comfort's true sons6 amid the thoughts of down ,that strew your pillow of repose1 ,sure 'tis one joy to muse1 how ye unknown ,by sweet remembrance soothe our woes2 ,and how the spark ye lit1 of heavenly cheer1 ,lives in our embers here1 ,where'er the cross is borne with smiles1 ,or lightened secretly by ,love's endearing wiles3 ,where'er one ,levite in the temple keeps ,the watch-fire of his midnight prayer1 ,or issuing thence1 the eyes of mourners steeps ,in heavenly balm1 fresh gathered there2 ,thus saints1 that seem to die in earth's rude strife1 ,only win double life3 ,they have but left our weary ways ,to live in memory here1 in ,heaven by love and praise4 ,st4 ,john ,baptist's ,day4 ,behold1 ,i will send you ,elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the ,lord3 and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children1 and the heart of the children to their fathers4 ,malachi iv4 #e1 #f4 ,,twice in her season of decay ,the fallen ,church hath felt ,elijah's eye ,dart from the wild its piercing ray3 ,not keener burns1 in the chill morning sky1 ,the herald star1 ,whose torch afar ,shadows and boding night-birds fly4 ,methinks we need him once again1 ,that favoured seer--but where shall he be found8 ,by ,cherith's side we seek in vain1 ,in vain on ,carmel's green and lonely mound3 ,angels no more ,from ,sinai soar1 ,on his celestial errands bound4 ,but wafted to her glorious place ,by harmless fire1 among the ethereal thrones1 ,his spirit with a dear embrace ,thee the loved harbinger of ,jesus owns1 ,well-pleased to view ,her likeness true1 ,and trace1 in thine1 her own deep tones4 ,deathless himself1 he joys with thee ,to commune how a faithful martyr dies1 ,and in the blest could envy be1 ,he would behold thy wounds with envious eyes1 ,star of our morn1 ,who yet unborn ,didst guide our hope1 where ,christ should rise4 ,now resting from your jealous care ,for sinners1 such as ,eden cannot know1 ,ye pour for us your mingled prayer1 ,no anxious fear to damp ,affection's glow1 ,love draws a cloud ,from you to shroud ,rebellion's mystery here below4 ,and since we see1 and not afar1 ,the twilight of the great and dreadful day1 ,why linger1 till ,elijah's car ,stoop from the clouds8 ,why sheep ye8 ,rise and pray1 ,ye heralds sealed ,in camp or field ,your ,saviour's banner to display4 ,where is the lore the ,baptist taught1 ,the soul unswerving and the fearless tongue8 ,the much-enduring wisdom1 sought ,by lonely prayer the haunted rocks among8 ,who counts it gain ,his light should wane1 ,so the whole world to ,jesus throng8 ,thou ,spirit1 who the ,church didst lend ,her eagle wings1 to shelter in the wild1 ,we pray ,thee1 ere the ,judge descend1 ,with flames like these1 all bright and undefiled1 ,her watch-fires light1 ,to guide aright ,our weary souls by earth beguiled4 ,so glorious let thy ,pastors shine1 ,that by their speaking lives the world may learn ,first filial duty1 then divine1 ,that sons to parents1 all to ,thee may turn2 ,and ready prove ,in fires of love1 ,at sight of ,thee1 for aye to burn4 ,st4 ,peter's ,day4 ,when ,herod would have brought him forth1 the same night ,peter was sleeping4 ,acts xii4 #bf4 ,,thou thrice denied1 yet thrice beloved1 ,watch by ,thine own forgiven friend2 ,in sharpest perils faithful proved1 ,let his soul love ,thee to the end4 ,the prayer is heard--else why so deep ,his slumber on the eve of death8 ,and wherefore smiles he in his sleep ,as one who drew celestial breath8 ,he loves and is beloved again-- ,can his soul choose but be at rest8 ,sorrow hath fled away1 and ,pain ,dares not invade the guarded nest4 ,he dearly loves1 and not alone3 ,for his winged thoughts are soaring high ,where never yet frail heart was known ,to breathe its vain ,affection's sigh4 ,he loves and weeps--but more than tears ,have sealed ,thy welcome and his love-- ,one look lives in him1 and endears ,crosses and wrongs where'er he rove3 ,that gracious chiding look1 ,thy call ,to win him to himself and ,thee1 ,sweetening the sorrow of his fall ,which else were rued too bitterly4 ,e'en through the veil of sheep it shines1 ,the memory of that kindly glance2-- ,the ,angel watching by1 divines ,and spares awhile his blissful trance4 ,or haply to his native lake ,his vision wafts him back1 to talk ,with ,,jesus1 ere ,his flight ,he take1 ,as in that solemn evening walk1 ,when to the bosom of ,his friend1 ,the ,shepherd1 ,he whose name is ,good4 ,did ,his dear lambs and sheep commend1 ,both bought and nourished with ,his blood3 ,then laid on him th' inverted tree1 ,which firm embraced with heart and arm1 ,might cast o'er hope and memory1 ,o'er life and death1 its awful charm4 ,with brightening heart he bears it on1 ,his passport through this eternal gates1 ,to his sweet home--so nearly won1 ,he seems1 as by the door he waits1 ,the unexpressive notes to hear ,of angel song and angel motion1 ,rising and falling on the ear ,like waves in ,joy's unbounded ocean4-- ,his dream is changed--the ,tyrant's voice ,calls to that last of glorious deeds-- ,but as he rises to rejoice1 ,not ,herod but an ,angel leads4 ,he dreams he sees a lamp flash bright1 ,glancing around his prison room-- ,but 'tis a gleam of heavenly light ,that fills up all the ample gloom4 ,the flame1 that in a few short years ,deep through the chambers of the dead ,shall pierce1 and dry the fount of tears1 ,is waving o'er his dungeon-bed4 ,touched he upstarts--his chains unbind-- ,through darksome vault1 up massy stair1 ,his dizzy1 doubting footsteps wind ,to freedom and cool moonlight air4 ,then all himself1 all joy and calm1 ,though for a while his hand forego1 ,just as it touched1 the martyr's palm1 ,he turns him to his task below2 ,the pastoral staff1 the keys of ,heaven1 ,to wield a while in grey-haired might1 ,then from his cross to spring forgiven1 ,and follow ,,jesus out of sight4 ,st4 ,james's ,day4 ,ye shall drink indeed of ,my cup1 and be baptised with the baptism that ,i am baptised with3 but to sit on ,my right hand1 and on ,my left1 is not ,mine to give1 but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of ,my ,father4 ,st4 ,matthew xx4 #bc4 ,,sit down and take thy fill of joy ,at ,god's right hand1 a bidden guest1 ,drink of the cup that cannot cloy1 ,eat of the bread that cannot waste4 ,o great ,apostle6 rightly now ,thou readest all thy ,saviour meant1 ,what time ,his grave yet gentle brow ,in sweet reproof on thee was bent4 8,seek ye to sit enthroned by me8 ,alas6 ye know not what ye ask1 ,the first in shame and agony1 ,the lowest in the meanest task-- ,this can ye be8 and came ye drink ,the cup that ,i in tears must steep1 ,nor from the 'whelming waters shrink ,that o'er ,me roll so dark and deep80 8,we can--,thine are we1 dearest ,lord1 ,in glory and in agony1 ,to do and suffer all ,thy word2 ,only be ,thou for ever nigh40-- 8,then be it so--,my cup receive1 ,and of ,my woes baptismal taste3 ,but for the crown1 that angels weave ,for those next ,me in glory placed1 8,i give it not by partial love2 ,but in ,my ,father's book are writ ,what names on earth shall lowliest prove1 ,that they in ,heaven may highest sit40 ,take up the lesson1 ,o my heart2 ,thou ,lord of meekness1 write it there1 ,thine own meek self to me impart1 ,thy lofty hope1 thy lowly prayer4 ,if ever on the mount with ,thee ,i seem to soar in vision bright1 ,with thoughts of coming agony1 ,stay ,thou the too presumptuous flight3 ,gently along the vale of tears ,lead me from ,tabor's sunbright steep1 ,let me not grudge a few short years ,with thee t'ward ,heaven to walk and weep3 ,too happy1 on my silent path1 ,if now and then allowed1 with ,thee ,watching some placid holy death1 ,thy secret work of love to see2 ,but1 oh6 most happy1 should ,thy call1 ,thy welcome call1 at last be given-- 8,come where thou long hast storeth thy all ,come see thy place prepared in ,heaven40 ,st4 ,bartholomew4 ,jesus answered and said unto him1 ,because ,i said unto thee1 ,i saw the under the fig-tree1 believest thou8 ,thou shalt see greater things than these4 ,st4 ,john i4 #ej4 ,,hold up thy mirror to the sun1 ,and thou shalt need an eagle's gaze1 ,so perfectly the polished stone ,gives back the glory of his rays3 ,turn it1 and it shall paint as true ,the soft green of the vernal earth1 ,and each small flower of bashful hue1 ,that closest hides its lowly birth4 ,our mirror is a blessd book1 ,where out from each illumined page ,we see one glorious ,image look ,all eyes to dazzle and engage1 ,the ,son of ,god3 and that indeed ,we see ,him as ,he is1 we know1 ,since in the same bright glass we read ,the very life of things below4-- ,eye of ,god's word6 where'er we turn ,ever upon us6 thy keen gaze ,can all the depths of sin discern1 ,unravel every bosom's maze3 ,who that has felt thy glance of dread ,thrill through his heart's remotest cells1 ,about his path1 about his bed1 ,can doubt what spirit in thee dwells8 8,what word is this8 ,whence know'st thou me80 ,all wondering cries the humbled heart1 ,to hear thee that deep mystery1 ,the knowledge of itself1 impart4 ,the veil is raised2 who runs may read1 ,by its own light the truth is seen1 ,and soon the ,israelite indeed ,bows down t' adore the ,nazarene4 ,so did ,nathanael1 guileless man1 ,at once1 not shame-faced or afraid1 ,owning ,him ,god1 who so could scan ,his musings in the lonely shade2 ,in his own pleasant fig-tree's shade1 ,which by his household fountain grew1 ,where at noon-day his prayer he made ,to know ,god better than he knew4 ,oh6 happy hours of heavenward thought6 ,how richly crowned6 how well improved6 ,in musing o'er the ,law he taught1 ,in waiting for the ,lord he loved4 ,we must not mar with earthly praise ,what ,god's approving word hath sealed3 ,enough1 if might our feeble lays ,take up the promise ,he revealed2 8,the child-like faith1 that asks not sight1 ,waits not for wonder or for sign1 ,believes1 because it loves1 aright-- ,shall see things greater1 things divine4 8,heaven to that gaze shall open wide1 ,and brightest angels to and fro ,on messages of love shall glide ',twixt ,god above and ,christ below40 ,so still the guileless man is blest1 ,to him all crooked paths are straight1 ,him on his way to endless rest ,fresh1 ever-growing strengths await4 ,god's witnesses1 a glorious host1 ,compass him daily like a cloud2 ,martyrs and seers1 the saved and lost1 ,mercies and judgments cry aloud4 ,yet shall to him the still small voice1 ,that first into his bosom found ,a way1 and fixed his wavering choice1 ,nearest and dearest ever sound4 ,st4 ,matthew4 ,and after these things ,he went forth1 and saw a publican1 named ,levi1 sitting at the receipt of custom3 and ,he said unto him1 ,follow ,me4 ,and he left all1 rose up1 and followed ,him4 ,st4 ,luke v4 #bg1 #bh4 ,,ye hermits blest1 ye holy maids1 ,the nearest ,heaven on earth1 ,who talk with ,god in shadowy glades1 ,free from rude care and mirth2 ,to whom some viewless teacher brings ,the secret lore of rural things1 ,the moral of each fleeting cloud and gale1 ,the whispers from above1 that haunt the twilight vale3 ,say1 when in pity ye have gazed ,on the wreathed smoke afar1 ,that o'er some town1 like mist upraised1 ,hung hiding sun and star1 ,then as ye turned your weary eye ,to the green earth and open sky1 ,were ye not fain to doubt how ,faith could dwell ,amid that dreary glare1 in this world's citadel8 ,but ,love's a flower that will not die ,for lack of leafy screen1 ,and ,christian ,hope can cheer the eye ,that ne'er saw vernal green2 ,then be ye sure that ,love can bless ,e'en in this crowded loneliness1 ,where ever-moving myriads seem to say1 ,go--thou art naught to us1 nor we to thee--away6 ,there are in this loud stunning tide ,of human care and crime1 ,with whom the melodies abide ,of th' everlasting chime2 ,who carry music in their heart ,through dusky lane and wrangling mart1 ,plying their daily task with busier feet1 ,because their secret souls a holy strain repeat4 ,how sweet to them1 in such brief rest ,as thronging cares afford1 ,in thought to wander1 fancy-blest1 ,to where their gracious ,lord1 ,in vain1 to win proud ,pharisees1 ,spake1 and was heard by fell disease-- ,but not in vain1 beside yon breezy lake1 ,bade the meek ,publican his gainful seat forsake3 ,at once he rose1 and left his gold2 ,his treasure and his heart ,transferred1 where he shall safe behold ,earth and her idols part2 ,while he beside his endless store ,shall sit1 and floods unceasing pour ,of ,christ's true riches o'er all time and space1 ,first angel of ,his ,church1 first steward of ,his ,grace4 ,nor can ye not delight to think ,where ,he vouchsafed to eat1 ,how the ,most ,holy did not shrink ,from touch of sinner's meat2 ,what worldly hearts and hearts impure ,went with ,him through the rich man's door1 ,that we might learn of ,him lost souls to love1 ,and view ,his least and worst with hope to meet above4 ,these gracious lines shed ,gospel light ,on ,mammon's gloomiest cells1 ,as on some city's cheerless night ,the tide of sunrise swells1 ,till tower1 and dome1 and bridge-way proud ,are mantled with a golden cloud1 ,and to wise hearts this certain hope us given2 8,no mist that man may raise1 shall hide the eye of ,heaven40 ,and oh6 if e'en on ,babel shine ,such gleams of ,paradise1 ,should not their peace be peace divine1 ,who day by day arise ,to look on clearer heavens1 and scan ,the work of ,god untouch'd by man8 ,shame on us1 who about us ,babel bear1 ,and live in ,paradise1 as if ,god was not there6 ,st4 ,michael and ,all ,angels4 ,are they not all ministering spirits1 sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation8 ,hebrews i4 #ad4 ,,ye stars that round the ,sun of righteousness ,in glorious order roll1 ,with harps for ever strung1 ready to bless ,god for each rescued soul1 ,ye eagle spirits1 that build in light divine1 ,oh6 think of us to-day1 ,faint warblers of this earth1 that would combine ,our trembling notes with your accepted lay4 ,your amarant wreaths were earned2 and homeward all1 ,flush'd with victorious might1 ,ye might have sped to keep high festival1 ,and revel in the light2 ,but meeting us1 weak worldlings1 on our way1 ,tired ere the fight begun1 ,ye turned to help us in th' unequal fray1 ,remembering ,whose we were1 how dearly won3 ,remembering ,bethlehem1 and that glorious night ,when ye1 who used to soar ,diverse along all space in fiery flight1 ,came thronging to adore ,your ,god new-born1 and made a sinner's child2 ,as if the stars should leave ,their stations in the far ethereal wild1 ,and round the sun a radiant circle weave4 ,nor less your lay of triumph greeted fair ,our ,champion and your ,king1 ,in that first strife1 whence ,satan in despair ,sunk down on scathd wing3 ,abuse ,he fasted1 and alone ,he fought2 ,but when ,his toils were o'er1 ,ye to the sacred ,hermit duteous brought ,banquet and hymn1 your ,eden's festal store4 ,ye too1 when lowest in th' abyss of woe ,he plunged to save ,his sheep1 ,were leaning from your golden thrones to know ,the secrets of that deep3 ,but clouds were on ,his sorrow3 one alone ,his agonising call ,summoned from ,heaven1 to still that bitterest groan1 ,and comfort ,him1 the ,comforter of all4 ,oh6 highest favoured of all ,spirits create 7,if right of thee we deem71 ,how didst thou glide on brightening wing elate ,to meet th' unclouded beam ,of ,jesus from the couch of darkness rising6 ,how swelled thine anthem's sound1 ,with fear and mightier joy weak hearts surprising1 8,your ,god is risen1 and may not here be found60 ,pass a few days1 and this dull darkling globe ,must yield ,him from her sight2-- ,brighter and brighter streams ,his glory-robe1 ,and ,he is lost in light4 ,then1 when through yonder everlasting arch1 ,ye in innumerous choir ,poured1 heralding ,messiah's conquering march1 ,lingered around ,his skirts two forms of fire3 ,with us they stayed1 high warning to impart2 8,the ,christ shall come again ,e'en as ,he goes2 with the same human heart1 ,with the same godlike train40-- ,oh6 jealous ,god6 how could a sinner dare ,think on that dreadful day1 ,but that with all ,thy wounds ,thou wilt be there1 ,and all our angel friends to bring ,thee on ,thy way8 ,since to ,thy little ones is given such grace1 ,that they who nearest stand ,alway to ,god in ,heaven1 and see ,his face1 ,go forth at ,his command1 ,to wait around our path in weal or woe1 ,as erst upon our ,king1 ,set ,thy baptismal seal upon our brow1 ,and waft us heavenward with enfolding wing3 ,grant4 ,lord1 that when around th' expiring world ,our seraph guardians wait1 ,while on her death-bed1 ere to ruin hurled1 ,she owns ,thee1 all too late1 ,they to their charge may turn1 and thankful see ,thy mark upon us still2 ,then all together rise1 and reign with ,thee1 ,and all their holy joy o'er contrite hearts fulfil6 ,st4 ,luke4 ,luke1 the beloved physician1 and ,demas1 greet you4 ,colossians iv4 #ad4 ,demas hath forsaken me1 having loved this present world 4 4 4 ,only ,luke is with me4 #b ,timothy iv4 #aj1 #aa4 ,,two clouds before the summer gale ,in equal race fleet o'er the sky3 ,two flowers1 when wintry blasts assail1 ,together pins1 together die4 ,but two capricious human hearts-- ,no sage's rod may track their ways4 ,no eye pursue their lawless starts ,along their wild self-chosen maze4 ,he only1 by whose sovereign hand ,e'en sinners for the evil day ,were made--who rules the world ,he planned1 ,turning our worst ,his own good way2 ,he only can the cause reveal1 ,why1 at the same fond bosom fed1 ,taught in the self-same lap to kneel ,till the same prayer were duly said1 ,brothers in blood and nurture too1 ,aliens in heart so oft should prove2 ,one lose1 the other keep1 ,heaven's clue2 ,one dwell in wrath1 and one in love4 ,he only knows--for ,he can read ,the mystery of the wicked heart-- ,why vainly oft our arrows speed ,when aimed with most unerring art2 ,while from some rude and powerless arm ,a random shaft in season sent ,shall light upon some lurking harm1 ,and work some wonder little meant4 ,doubt we1 how souls so wanton change1 ,leaving their own experienced rest8 ,need not around the world to range2 ,one narrow cell may teach us best4 ,look in1 and see ,christ's chosen saint ,in triumph wear his ,christ-like chain2 ,no fear lest he should swerve or faint2 8,his life is ,christ1 his death is gain40 ,two converts1 watching by his side1 ,alike his love and greetings share2 ,luke the beloved1 the sick soul's guide1 ,and ,demas1 named in faltering prayer4 ,pass a few years--look in once more-- ,the saint is in his bonds again2 ,save that his hopes more boldly soar1 ,he and his lot unchanged remain4 ,but only ,luke is with him now3 ,alas6 that e'en the martyr's cell1 ,heaven's very gate1 should scope allow ,for the false world's seducing spell4 ',tis sad--but yet 'tis well1 be sure1 ,we on the sight should muse awhile1 ,nor deem our shelter all secure ,e'en in the ,church's holiest aisle4 ,vainly before the shrine he bends1 ,who knows not the true pilgrim's part3 ,the martyr's cell no safety lends ,to him who wants the martyr's heart4 ,but if there be1 who follows ,paul ,as ,paul his ,lord1 in life and death1 ,where'er an aching heart may call1 ,ready to speed and take no breath2 ,whose joy is1 to the wandering sheep ,to tell of the great ,shepherd's love2 ,to learn of mourners while they weep ,the music that makes mirth above2 ,who makes the ,saviour all his theme1 ,the ,gospel all his pride and praise-- ,approach3 for thou canst feel the gleam ,that round the martyr's death-bed plays3 ,thou hast an ear for angels' songs1 ,a breath the gospel trump to fill1 ,and taught by thee the ,church prolongs ,her hymns of high thanksgiving still4 ,ah6 dearest mother1 since too oft ,the world yet wins some ,demas frail ,e'en from thine arms1 so kind and soft1 ,may thy tried comforts never fail6 ,when faithless ones forsake thy wing1 ,be it vouchsafed thee still to see ,thy true1 fond nurslings closer cling1 ,cling closer to their ,lord and thee4 ,st4 ,simon and ,st4 ,jude4 ,that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints4 ,st4 ,jude #c4 ,,seest thou1 how tearful and alone1 ,and drooping like a wounded dove1 ,the ,cross in sight1 but ,jesus gone1 ,the widowed ,church is fain to rove8 ,who is at hand that loves the ,lord8 ,make haste1 and take her home1 and bring ,thine household choir1 in true accord ,their soothing hymns for her to sing4 ,soft on her fluttering heart shall breathe ,the fragrance of that genial isle1 ,there she may weave her funeral wreath1 ,and to her own sad music smile4 ,the ,spirit of the dying ,son ,is there1 and fills the holy place ,with records sweet of duties done1 ,of pardoned foes1 and cherished grace4 ,and as of old by two and two ,his herald saints the ,saviour sent ,to soften hearts like morning dew1 ,where he to shine in mercy meant2 ,so evermore ,he deems ,his name ,best honoured and his way prepared1 ,when watching by his altar-flame ,he sees ,his servants duly paired4 ,he loves when age and youth are met1 ,fervent old age and youth serene1 ,their high and low in concord set ,for sacred song1 ,joy's golden mean4 ,he loves when some clear soaring mind ,is drawn by mutual piety ,to simple souls and unrefined1 ,who in life's shadiest covert lie4 ,or if perchance a saddened heart ,that once was gay and felt the spring1 ,cons slowly o'er its altered part1 ,in sorrow and remorse to sing1 ,thy gracious care will send that way ,some spirit full of glee1 yet taught ,to bear the sight of dull decay1 ,and nurse it with all-pitying thought2 ,cheerful as soaring lark1 and mild ,as evening blackbird's full-toned lay1 ,when the relenting sun has smiled ,bright through a whole ,december day4 ,these are the tones to brace and cheer ,the lonely watcher of the fold1 ,when nights are dark1 and foeman near1 ,when visions fade and hearts grow cold4 ,how timely then a comrade's song ,comes floating on the mountain air1 ,and bids thee yet be bold and strong-- ,fancy may die1 but ,faith is there4 ,all ,saints' ,day4 ,hurt not the earth1 neither the sea1 nor the trees1 till we have sealed the servants of our ,god in their foreheads4 ,revelation vii4 #c4 ,,why blow'st thou not1 thou wintry wind1 ,now every leaf is brown and sere1 ,and idly droops1 to thee resigned1 ,the fading chaplet of the year8 ,yet wears the pure arial sky ,her summer veil1 half drawn on high1 ,of silvery haze1 and dark and still ,the shadows sleep on every slanting hill4 ,how quiet shows the woodland scene6 ,each flower and tree1 its duty done1 ,reposing in decay serene1 ,like weary men when age is won1 ,such calm old age as conscience pure ,and self-commanding hearts ensure1 ,waiting their summons to the sky1 ,content to live1 but not afraid to die4 ,sure if our eyes were purged to trace ,god's unseen armies hovering round1 ,we should behold by angels' grace ,the four strong winds of ,heaven fast bound1 ,their downward sweep a moment stayed ,on ocean cove and forest glade1 ,till the last flower of autumn shed ,her funeral odours on her dying bed4 ,so in ,thine awful armoury1 ,lord1 ,the lightnings of the judgment-day ,pause yet awhile1 in mercy stored1 ,till willing hearts wear quite away ,their earthly stains2 and spotless shine ,on every brow in light divine ,the ,cross by angel hands impressed1 ,the seal of glory won and pledge of promised ,little they dream1 those haughty souls ,whom empires own with bended knee1 ,what lowly fate their own controls1 ,together linked by ,heaven's decree2-- ,as bloodhounds hush their baying wild ,to wanton with some fearless child1 ,so ,famine waits1 and ,war with greedy eyes1 ,till some repenting heart be ready for the skies4 ,think ye the spires that glow so bright ,in front of yonder setting sun1 ,stand by their own unshaken might8 ,no--where th' upholding grace is won1 ,we dare not ask1 nor ,heaven would tell1 ,but sure from many a hidden dell1 ,from many a rural nook unthought of there1 ,rises for that proud world the saints' prevailing prayer4 ,on1 ,champions blest1 in ,jesus' name1 ,short be your strife1 your triumph full1 ,till every heart have caught your flame1 ,and1 lightened of the world's misrule1 ,ye soar those elder saints to meet ,gathered long since at ,jesus' feet1 ,no world of passions to destroy1 ,your prayers and struggles o'er1 your task all praise and joy4 ,holy ,communion4 ,o ,,god of ,mercy1 ,god of ,might1 ,how should pale sinners bear the sight1 ,if1 as ,thy power in surely here1 ,thine open glory should appear8 ,for now ,thy people are allowed ,to scale the mount and pierce the cloud1 ,and ,faith may feed her eager view ,with wonders ,sinai never knew4 ,fresh from th' atoning sacrifice ,the world's ,creator bleeding lies4 ,that man1 ,his foe1 by whom ,he bled1 ,may take ,him for his daily bread4 ,o agony of wavering thought ,when sinners first so near are brought6 8,it is my ,maker--dare ,i stay8 ,my ,saviour--dare ,i turn away80 ,thus while the storm is high within ',twixt love of ,christ and fear of sin1 ,who can express the soothing charm1 ,to feel ,thy kind upholding arm1 ,my mother ,church8 and hear thee tell ,of a world lost1 yet loved so well1 ,that ,he1 by whom the angels live1 ,his only ,son for her would give8 ,and doubt we yet8 ,thou call'st again2 ,a lower still1 a sweeter strain2 ,a voice from ,mercy's inmost shrine1 ,this very breath of ,love divine4 ,whispering it says to each apart1 8,come unto ,me1 thou trembling heart20 ,and we must hope1 so sweet the tone1 ,the precious words are all our own4 ,hear them1 kind ,saviour--hear ,thy ,spouse ,low at ,thy feet renew her vows2 ,thine own dear promise she would plead ,for us her true though fallen seed4 ,she pleads by all ,thy mercies1 told ,thy chosen witnesses of old1 ,love's heralds sent to man forgiven1 ,one from the ,cross1 and one from ,heaven4 ,this1 of true penitents the chief1 ,to the lost spirit brings relief1 ,lifting on high th' adord ,name3-- 8,sinners to save1 ,christ1 ,jesus came40 ,that1 dearest of ,thy bosom ,friends1 ,into the wavering heart descends3-- 8,what8 fallen again8 yet cheerful rise4 ,thine ,intercessor never dies40 ,the eye of ,faith1 that waxes bright ,each moment by thine altar's light1 ,sees them e'en now3 they still abide ,in mystery kneeling at our side3 ,and with them every spirit blest1 ,from realms of triumph or of rest1 ,from ,him who saw creation's morn1 ,of all ,thine angels eldest born1 ,to the poor babe1 who died to-day1 ,take part in our thanksgiving lay1 ,watching the tearful joy and calm1 ,while sinners taste ,thine heavenly balm4 ,sweet awful hour6 the only sound ,one gentle footstep gliding round1 ,offering by turns on ,jesus' part ,the ,cross to every hand and heart4 ,refresh us1 ,lord1 to hold it fast2 ,and when ,thy veil is drawn at last1 ,let us depart where shadows cease1 ,with words of blessing and of peace4 ,holy ,baptism4 ,,where is it mothers learn their love8-- ,in every ,church a fountain springs ,o'er which th' ,eternal ,dove ,hovers out softest wings4 ,what sparkles in that lucid flood ,is water1 by gross mortals eyed3 ,but seen by ,faith1 'tis blood ,out of a dear ,friend's side4 ,a few calm words of faith and prayer1 ,a few bright drops of holy dew1 ,shall work a wonder there ,earth's charmers never knew4 ,o happy arms1 where cradled lies1 ,and ready for the ,lord's embrace1 ,that precious sacrifice1 ,the darling of ,his grace6 ,blest eyes1 that see the smiling gleam ,upon the slumbering features glow1 ,when the life-giving stream ,touches the tender brow6 ,or when the holy cross is signed1 ,and the young soldier duly sworn1 ,with true and fearless mind ,to serve the ,virgin-born4 ,but happiest ye1 who sealed and blest ,back to your arms your treasure take1 ,with ,jesus' mark impressed ,to nurse for ,jesus' sake3 ,to whom--as if in hallowed air ,ye knelt before some awful shrine-- ,his innocent gestures wear ,a meaning half divine3 ,by whom ,love's daily touch is seen ,in strengthening form and freshening hue1 ,in the fixed brow serene1 ,the deep yet eager view4-- ,who taught thy pure and even breath ,to come and go with such sweet grace8 ,whence thy reposing ,faith1 ,though in our frail embrace8 ,o tender gem1 and full of ,heaven6 ,not in the twilight stars on high1 ,not in moist flowers at even ,see we our ,god so nigh4 ,sweet one1 make haste and know ,him too1 ,thine own adopting ,father love1 ,that like thine earliest dew ,thy dying sweets may prove4 ,catechism4 ,,oh6 say not1 dream not1 heavenly notes ,to childish ears are vain1 ,that the young mind at random floats1 ,and cannot reach the strain4 ,dim or unheard1 the words may fall1 ,and yet the heaven-taught mind ,may learn the sacred air1 and all ,the harmony unwind4 ,was not our ,lord a little child1 ,taught by degrees to pray1 ,by father dear and mother mild ,instructed day by day8 ,and loved ,he not of ,heaven to talk ,with children in ,his sight1 ,to meet them in ,his daily walk1 ,and to ,his arms invite8 ,what though around ,his throne of fire ,the everlasting chant ,be wafted from the seraph choir ,in glory jubilant8 ,yet stoops ,he1 ever pleased to mark ,our rude essays of love1 ,faint as the pipe of wakening lark1 ,heard by some twilight grove3 ,yet is ,he near us1 to survey ,these bright and ordered files1 ,like spring-flowers in their best array1 ,all silence and all smiles4 ,save that each little voice in turn ,some glorious truth proclaims1 ,what sages would have died to learn1 ,now taught by cottage dames4 ,and if some tones be false or low1 ,what are all prayers beneath ,but cries of babes1 that cannot know ,half the deep thought they breathe8 ,in ,his own words we ,christ adore1 ,but angels1 as we speak1 ,higher above our meaning soar ,than we o'er children weak3 ,and yet ,his words mean more than they1 ,and yet ,he owns their praise3 ,why should we think1 ,he turns away ,from infants' simple lays8 ,confirmation4 ,,the shadow of th' ,almighty's cloud ,calm on this tents of ,israel lay1 ,while drooping paused twelve banners proud1 ,till ,he arise and lead this way4 ,then to the desert breeze unrolled1 ,cheerly the waving pennons fly1 ,lion or eagle--each bright fold ,a lodestar to a warrior's eye4 ,so should ,thy champions1 ere this strife ,by holy hands o'ershadowed kneel1 ,so1 fearless for their charmd life1 ,bear1 to this end1 ,thy ,spirit's seal4 ,steady and pure as stars that beam ,in middle heaven1 all mist above1 ,seen deepest in this frozen stream3-- ,such is their high courageous love4 ,and soft as pure1 and warm as bright1 ,they brood upon life's peaceful hour1 ,as if the ,dove that guides their flight ,shook from her plumes a downy shower4 ,spirit of might and sweetness too6 ,now leading on the wars of ,god1 ,now to green isles of shade and dew ,turning the waste ,thy people trod2 ,draw1 ,holy ,ghost1 ,thy seven-fold veil ,between us and the fires of youth2 ,breathe1 ,holy ,ghost1 ,thy freshening gale1 ,our fevered brow in age to soothe4 ,and oft as sin and sorrow tire1 ,this hallowed hour do ,thou renew1 ,when beckoned up the awful choir ,by pastoral hands1 toward ,thee we drew2 ,when trembling at this sacred rail ,we hid our eyes and held our breath1 ,felt ,thee how strong1 our hearts how frail1 ,and longed to own ,thee to the death4 ,for ever on our souls be traced ,that blessing dear1 that dove-like hand1 ,a sheltering rock in ,memory's waste1 ,o'er-shadowing all the weary land4 ,matrimony4 ,,there is an awe in mortals' joy1 ,a deep mysterious fear ,half of the heart will still employ1 ,as if we drew too near ,to ,eden's portal1 and those fires ,that bicker round in wavy spires1 ,forbidding1 to our frail desires1 ,what cost us once so dear4 ,we cower before th' heart-searching eye ,in rapture as its pain2 ,e'en wedded ,love1 till ,thou be nigh1 ,dares not believe her gain3 ,then in the air she fearless springs1 ,the breath of ,heaven beneath her wings1 ,and leaves her woodnote wild1 and sings ,a tuned and measured strain4 ,ill fare the lay1 though soft as dew ,and free as air it fall1 ,that1 with ,thine altar full in view1 ,thy votaries would enthrall ,to a foul dream1 of heathen night1 ,lifting her torch in ,love's despite1 ,and scaring with base wild-fire light ,the sacred nuptial hall4 ,far other strains1 far other fires1 ,our marriage-offering grace2 ,welcome1 all chaste and kind desires1 ,with even matron pace ,approaching down this hallowed aisle6 ,where should ye seek ,love's perfect smile1 ,but where your prayers were learned erewhile1 ,in her own native place8 ,where1 but on ,his benignest brow1 ,who waits to bless you here8 ,living1 he owned no nuptial vow1 ,no bower to ,fancy dear3 ,love's very self--for ,him no need ,to nurse1 on earth1 the heavenly seed3 ,yet comfort in ,his eye we read ,for bridal joy and fear4 ',tis ,he who clasps the marriage band1 ,and fits the spousal ring1 ,then leaves ye kneeling1 hand in hand1 ,out of ,his stores to bring ,his ,father's dearest blessing1 shed ,of old on ,isaac's nuptial bed1 ,now on the board before ye spread ,of our all-bounteous ,king4 ,all blessings of the breast and womb1 ,of ,heaven and earth beneath1 ,of converse high1 and sacred home1 ,are yours1 in life and death4 ,only kneel on1 nor turn away ,from the pure shrine1 where ,christ to-day ,will store each flower1 ye duteous lay1 ,for an eternal wreath4 ,visitation and ,communion of the ,sick4 ,o ,,youth and ,joy1 your airy tread ,too lightly springs by ,sorrow's bed1 ,your keen eye-glances are too bright1 ,too restless for a sick man's sight4 ,farewell2 for one short life we part3 ,i rather woo the soothing art1 ,which only souls in sufferings tried ,bear to their suffering brethren's side4 ,where may we learn that gentle spell8 ,mother of ,martyrs1 thou canst tell6 ,thou1 who didst watch thy dying ,spouse ,with piercd hands and bleeding brows1 ,whose tears from age to age are shed ,o'er sainted sons untimely dead1 ,if e'er we charm a soul in pain1 ,thine is the key-note of our strain4 ,how sweet with thee to lift the latch1 ,where ,faith has kept her midnight watch1 ,smiling on woe3 with thee to kneel1 ,where fixed1 as if one prayer could heal1 ,she listens1 till her pale eye glow ,with joy1 wild health can never know1 ,and each calm feature1 ere we read1 ,speaks1 silently1 thy glorious ,creed4 ,such have ,i seen3 and while they poured ,their hearts in every contrite word1 ,how have ,i rather longed to kneel ,and ask of them sweet pardon's seal2 ,how blessed the heavenly music brought ,by thee to aid my faltering thought6 8,peace0 ere we kneel1 and when we cease ,to pray1 the farewell word is1 8,peace40 ,i came again3 the place was bright 8,with something of celestial light0-- ,a simple ,altar by the bed ,for high ,communion meetly spread1 ,chalice1 and plate1 and snowy vest4-- ,we ate and drank3 then calmly blest1 ,all mourners1 one with dying breath1 ,we sate and talked of ,jesus' death4 ,once more ,i came3 the silent room ,was veiled in sadly-soothing gloom1 ,and ready for her last abode ,the pale form like a lily showed1 ,by ,virgin fingers duly spread1 ,and prized for love of summer fled4 ,the light from those soft-smiling eyes ,had fleeted to its parent skies4 ,o soothe us1 haunt us1 night and day1 ,ye gentle ,spirits far away1 ,with whom we shared the cup of grace1 ,then parted2 ye to ,christ's embrace1 ,we to this lonesome world again1 ,yet mindful of th' unearthly strain ,practised with you at ,eden's door1 ,to be sung on1 where ,angels soar1 ,with blended voices evermore4 ,burial of the ,dead4 ,and when the ,lord saw her1 ,he had compassion on her1 and said unto her1 ,weep not4 ,and ,he came and touched the bier2 and they that bare him stood still4 ,and ,he said1 ,young man1 ,i say unto thee1 ,arise4--,st4 ,luke vii4 #ac1 #ad4 ,,who says1 the wan autumnal soon ,beams with too faint a smile ,to light up nature's face again1 ,and1 though the year be on this wane1 ,with thoughts of spring the heart beguile8 ,waft him1 thou soft ,september breeze1 ,and gently lay him down ,within some circling woodland wall1 ,where bright leaves1 reddening ere they fall1 ,wave gaily o'er the waters brown4 ,and let some graceful arch be there ,with wreathd mullions proud1 ,with burnished ivy for its screen1 ,and moss1 that glows as fresh and green ,as thought beneath an ,april cloud4-- ,who says the widow's heart must break1 ,the childless mother sink8-- ,a kinder truer voice ,i hear1 ,which e'en beside that mournful bier ,whence parents' eyes would hopeless shrink1 ,bids weep no more--,o heart bereft1 ,how strange1 to thee1 that sound6 ,a widow o'er her only son1 ,feeling more bitterly alone ,for friends that press officious round4 ,yet is the voice of comfort heard1 ,for ,christ hath touched the bier-- ,the bearers wait with wondering eye1 ,the swelling bosom dares not sigh1 ,but all is still1 'twixt hope and fear4 ,e'en such an awful soothing calm ,we sometimes see alight ,on ,christian mourners1 while they wait ,in silence1 by some churchyard gate1 ,their summons to this holy rite4 ,and such the tones of love1 which break ,the stillness of that hour1 ,quelling th' embittered spirit's strife-- 8,the ,resurrection and the ,life ,am ,i3 believe1 and die no more40 ,unchanged that voice--and though not yet ,the dead sit up and speak1 ,answering its call2 we gladlier rest ,our darlings on earth's quiet breast1 ,and our hearts feel they must not break4 ,far better they should sleep awhile ,within the ,church's shade1 ,nor wake1 until new heaven1 new earth1 ,meet for their new immortal birth ,for their abiding-place be made1 ,than wander back to life1 and lean ,on our frail love once more4 ',tis sweet1 as year by year we lose ,friends out of sight1 in faith to muse ,how grows in ,paradise our store4 ,then pass1 ye mourners1 cheerly on1 ,through prayer unto the tomb1 ,still1 as ye watch life's falling leaf1 ,gathering from every loss and grief ,hope of new spring and endless home4 ,then cheerly to your work again ,with hearts new-braced and set ,to run1 untired1 love's blessd race4 ,as meet for those1 who face to face ,over the grave their ,lord have met4 ,churching of ,women4 ,,is there1 in bowers of endless spring1 ,one known from all the seraph band ,by softer voice1 by smile and wing ,more exquisitely bland6 ,here let him speed3 to-day this hallowed air ,is fragrant with a mother's first and fondest prayer4 ,only let ,heaven her fire impart1 ,no richer incense breathes on earth3 8,a spouse with all a daughter's heart10 ,fresh from the perilous birth1 ,to the great ,father lifts her pale glad eye1 ,like a reviving flower when storms are hushed on high4 ,oh1 what a treasure of sweet thought ,is here6 what hope and joy and love ,all in one tender bosom brought1 ,for the all-gracious ,dove ,to brood o'er silently1 and form for ,heaven ,each passionate wish and dream to dear affection given4 ,her fluttering heart1 too keenly blest1 ,would sicken1 but she leans on ,thee1 ,sees ,thee by faith on ,mary's breast1 ,and breathes serene and free4 ,slight tremblings only of her veil declare ,soft answers duly whispered to each soothing prayer4 ,we are too weak1 when ,thou dost bless1 ,to bear the joy--help1 ,virgin-born6 ,by ,thine own mother's first caress1 ,that waked ,thy natal morn6 ,help1 by the unexpressive smile1 that made ,a ,heaven on earth around this couch where ,thou wast laid4 ,commination4 ,the prayers are o'er3 why slumberest thou so long1 ,thou voice of sacred song8 ,why swell'st thou not1 like breeze from mountain cave1 ,high o'er the echoing nave1 ,this white-robed priest1 as otherwhile1 to guide1 ,up to the ,altar's northern side8-- ,a mourner's tale of shame and sad decay ,keeps back our glorious sacrifice to-day3 ,the widow'd ,spouse of ,christ3 with ashes crown'd1 ,her ,christmas robes unbound1 ,she lingers in the porch for grief and fear1 ,keeping her penance drear1-- ,oh1 is it nought to you8 that idly gay1 ,or coldly proud1 ye turn away8 ,but if her warning tears in vain be spent1 ,lo1 to her altered eye this ,law's stern fires are lent4 ,each awful curse1 that on ,mount ,ebal rang1 ,peals with a direr clang ,out of that silver trump1 whose tones of old ,forgiveness only told4 ,and who can blame the mother's fond affright1 ,who sporting on some giddy height ,her infant sees1 and springs with hurried hand ,to snatch the rover from the dangerous strand8 ,but surer than all words the silent spell 7,so ,grecian legends tell7 ,when to her bird1 too early 'scaped the nest1 ,she bares her tender breast1 ,smiling he turns and spreads his little wing1 ,there to glide home1 there safely cling4 ,so yearns our mother o'er each truant son1 ,so softly falls the lay in fear and wrath begun4 ,wayward and spoiled she knows ye3 the keen blast1 ,that braced her youth1 is past3 ,the rod of discipline1 the robe of shame-- ,she bears them in your name3 ,only return and love4 ,but ye perchance ,are deeper plunged in sorrow's trance3 ,your ,god forgives1 but ye no comfort take ,till ye have scourged the sins that in your conscience ache4 ,oh1 heavy laden soul6 kneel down and hear ,thy penance in calm fear3 ,with thine own lips to sentence all thy sin2 ,then1 by the judge within ,absolved1 in thankful sacrifice to part ,for ever with thy sullen heart1 ,nor on remorseful thoughts to brood1 and stain ,this glory of the ,cross1 forgiven and cheereth in vain4 ,forms of ,prayer to be used at ,sea4 ,when thou passest through the waters1 ,i will be with thee4 ,isaiah xliii4 #b4 ,,the shower of moonlight falls as still and clear ,upon this desert main ,as where sweet flowers some pastoral garden cheer ,with fragrance after rain3 ,the wild winds rustle in piping shrouds1 ,as in the quivering trees3 ,like summer fields1 beneath the shadowy clouds ,the yielding waters darken in the breeze4 ,thou too art here with thy soft inland tones1 ,mother of our new birth2 ,the lonely ocean learns thy orisons1 ,and loves thy sacred mirth3 ,when storms are high1 or when the fires of war ,come lightening round our course1 ,thou breath'st a note like music from afar1 ,tempering rude hearts with calm angelic force4 ,far1 far away1 the homesick seaman's hoard1 ,thy fragrant tokens live1 ,like flower-leaves in a previous volume stored1 ,to solace and relieve ,some heart too weary of the restless world2 ,or like thy ,sabbath ,cross1 ,that o'er this brightening billow streams unfurled1 ,whatever gale the labouring vessel toss4 ,oh1 kindly soothing in high ,victory's hour1 ,or when a comrade dies1 ,in whose sweet presence ,sorrow dares not lower1 ,nor ,expectation rise ,too high for earth2 what mother's heart could spare ,to the cold cheerless deep ,her flower and hope8 but ,thou art with him there1 ,pledge of the untired arm and eye that cannot sleep3 ,the eye that watches o'er wild ,ocean's dead1 ,each in his coral cave1 ,fondly as if the green turf wrapt his head ,fast by his father's grave1-- ,one moment1 and the seeds of life shall spring ,out of the waste abyss1 ,and happy warriors triumph with their ,king ,in worlds without a sea1 unchanging orbs of bliss4 ,gunpowder ,treason4 ,a thou hast testified of ,me in ,jerusalem1 so must thou bear witness also at ,rome4 ,acts xxiii4 #aa4 ,,beneath the burning eastern sky ,the ,cross was raised at morn3 ,the widowed ,church to weep stood by1 ,the world1 to hate and scorn4 ,now1 journeying westward1 evermore ,we know the lonely ,spouse ,by the dear mark her ,saviour bore ,traced on her patient brows4 ,at ,rome she wears it1 as of old ,upon th' accursd hill3 ,by monarchs clad in gems and gold1 ,she goes a mourner still4 ,she mourns that tender hearts should bend ,before a meaner shrine1 ,and upon ,saint or ,angel spend ,the love that should be thine4 ,by day and night her sorrows fall ,where miscreant hands and rude ,have stained her pure ethereal pall ,with many a martyr's blood4 ,and yearns not her parental heart1 ,to hear their secret sighs1 ,upon whose doubting way apart ,bewildering shadows rise8 ,who to her side in peace would cling1 ,but fear to wake1 and find ,what they had deemed her genial wing ,was ,error's soothing blind4 ,she treasures up each throbbing prayer3 ,come1 trembler1 come and pour ,into her bosom all thy care1 ,for she has balm in store4 ,her gentle teaching sweetly blends ,with this clear light of ,truth ,the arial gleam that ,fancy lends ,to solemn thoughts in youth4-- ,if thou hast loved1 in hours of gloom1 ,to dream the dead are near1 ,and people all the lonely room ,with guardian spirits dear1 ,dream on the soothing dream at will3 ,the lurid mist is o'er1 ,that showed the righteous suffering still ,upon th' eternal shore4 ,if with thy heart the strains accord1 ,that on ,his altar-throne ,highest exalt thy glorious ,lord1 ,yet leave ,him most thine own2 ,oh1 come to our ,communion ,feast3 ,there present1 in the heart ,as in the hands1 th' eternal ,priest ,will ,his true self impart4-- ,thus1 should thy soul misgiving turn ,back to the enchanted air1 ,solace and warning thou mayst learn ,from all that tempts thee there4 ,and1 oh6 by all the pangs and fears ,fraternal spirits know1 ,when for an elder's shame the tears ,of wakeful anguish flow1 ,speak gently of our sister's fall3 ,who knows but gentle love ,may win her at our patient call ,the surer way to prove8 ,king ,charles the ,martyr4 ,this is thankworthy1 if a man for conscience toward ,god endure grief1 suffering wrongfully4 #a ,st4 ,peter ii4 #ai4 ,,praise to our pardoning ,god6 though silent now ,the thunders of the deep prophetic sky1 ,though in our sight no powers of darkness bow ,before th' ,apostles' glorious company2 ,the ,martyrs' noble army still is ours1 ,far in the ,north our fallen days have seen ,how in her woe this tenderest spirit towers ,for ,jesus' sake in agony serene4 ,praise to our ,god6 not cottage hearths alone1 ,and shades impervious to the proud world's glare1 ,such witness yield2 a monarch from his throne ,springs to his ,cross and finds his glory there4 ,yes3 whereso'er one trace of thee is found1 ,as in the ,sacred ,land1 the shadows fall3 ,with beating hearts we roam the haunted ground1 ,lone battle-field1 or crumbling prison hall4 ,and there are aching solitary breasts1 ,whose widowed walk with thought of thee is cheered ,our own1 our royal ,saint3 thy memory rests ,on many a prayer1 the more for thee endeared4 ,true son of our dear ,mother1 early taught ,with her to worship and for her to die1 ,nursed in her aisles to more than kingly thought1 ,oft in her solemn hours we dream thee nigh4 ,for thou didst love to trace her daily lore1 ,and where we look for comfort or for calm1 ,over the self-same lines to bend1 and pour ,thy heart with hers in some victorious psalm4 ,and well did she thy loyal love repay2 ,when all forsook1 her ,angels still were nigh1 ,chained and bereft1 and on thy funeral way1 ,straight to the ,cross she turned thy dying eye ,and yearly now1 before the ,martyrs' ,king1 ,for thee she offers her maternal tears1 ,calls us1 like thee1 to ,his dear feet to cling1 ,and bury in ,his wounds our earthly fears4 ,the ,angels hear1 and there is mirth in ,heaven1 ,fit prelude of the joy1 when spirits won ,like those to patient ,faith1 shall rise forgiven1 ,and at their ,saviour's knees thy bright example own4 ,the ,restoration of the ,royal ,family4 ,and ,barzillai said unto the ,king1 ,how long have ,i to live1 that ,i should go up with the ,king unto ,jerusalem8 #b ,samuel xix4 #cd4 ,,as when the ,paschal week is o'er1 ,sleeps in the silent aisles no more ,the breath of sacred song1 ,but by the rising ,saviour's light ,awakened soars in airy flight1 ,or deepening rolls along2 ,the while round altar1 niche1 and shrine1 ,the funeral evergreens entwine1 ,and a dark brilliance cast1 ,the brighter for their hues of gloom1 ,tokens of ,him1 who through the tomb ,into high glory passed3 ,such were the lights and such the strains4 ,when proudly streamed o'er ocean plains ,our own returning ,cross2 ,for with that triumph seemed to float ,far on the breeze one dirge-like note ,of orphanhood and loss4 ,father and ,king1 oh where art thou8 ,a greener wreath adorns thy brow1 ,and clearer rays surround2 ,o1 for one hour of prayer like thine1 ,to plead before th' all-ruling shrine ,for ,britain lost and found6 ,and he1 whose mild persuasive voice ,taught us in trials to rejoice1 ,most like a faithful dove1 ,that by some ruined homestead builds1 ,and pours to the forsaken fields ,his wonted lay of love3 ,why comes he not to bear his part1 ,to lift and guide th' exulting heart8-- ,a hand that cannot spars ,lies heavy on his gentle breast3 ,we wish him health2 he sighs for rest1 ,and ,heaven accepts the prayer4 ,yes1 go in peace1 dear placid spright1 ,ill spared2 but would we store aright ,thy serious sweet farewell1 ,we need not grudge thee to the skies1 ,sure after thee in time to rise1 ,with thee for ever dwell4 ,till then1 whene'er with duteous hand1 ,year after year1 my native ,land ,her royal offering brings1 ,upon the ,altar lays the ,crown1 ,and spreads her robes of old renown ,before the ,king of kings4 ,be some kind spirit1 likest thine1 ,ever at hand1 with airs divine ,the wandering heart to seize2 ,whispering1 8,how long hast thou to live1 ,that thou should'st ,hope or ,fancy gave ,to flowers or crowns like these80 ,the ,accession4 ,as ,i was with ,moses1 so ,i will be with thee2 ,i will not fail thee1 nor forsake thee4 ,joshua i4 #e4 ,,the voice that from the glory came ,to tell how ,moses died unseen1 ,and waken ,joshua's spear of flame ,to victory on the mountains green1 ,its trumpet tones are sounding still1 ,when ,kings or ,parents pass away1 ,they greet us with a cheering thrill ,of power and comfort in decay4 ,behind thus soft bright summer cloud ,that makes such haste to melt and die1 ,our wistful gaze is oft allowed ,a glimpse of the unchanging sky3 ,let storm and darkness do their worst2 ,for the lost dream the heart may ache1 ,the heart may ache1 but may not burst2 ,heaven will not leave thee nor forsake4 ,one rock amid the weltering floods1 ,one torch in a tempestuous night1 ,one changeless pine in fading woods3-- ,such is the thought of ,love and ,might1 ,true ,might and ever-present ,love1 ,when death is busy near the throne1 ,auth ,sorrow her keen sting would prove ,on ,monarchs orphaned and alone4 ,in that lorn hour and desolate1 ,who could endure a crown8 but ,he1 ,who singly bore the world's sad weight1 ,is near1 to whisper1 8,lean on ,me3 ,thy days of toil1 thy nights of care1 ,sad lonely dreams in crowded hall1 ,darkness within1 while pageants glare ,around--the ,cross supports them all40 ,oh1 ,promise of undying ,love6 ,while ,monarchs seek thee for repose1 ,far in the nameless mountain cove ,each pastoral heart thy bounty knows4 ,ye1 who in place of shepherds true ,come trembling to their awful trust1 ,lo here the fountain to imbue ,with strength and hope your feeble dust4 ,not upon ,kings or ,priests alone ,the power of that dear word is spent2 ,it chants to all in softest tone ,the lowly lesson of ,content3 ,heaven's light is poured on high and low2 ,to high and low ,heaven's ,angel spake2 8,resign thee to thy weal or woe1 ,i ne'er will leave thee nor forsake40 ,ordination4 ,after this1 the congregation shall be desired1 secretly in their prayers1 to make their humble supplications to ,god for all these things3 for the which prayers there shall be silence kept for a space4 ,after which shall be sung or said by the ,bishop 7the persons to be ordained ,priests all kneeling71 8,veni1 ,creator ,spiritus40 ,rubric in the ,office for ,ordering of ,priests4 ',,twas silence in ,thy temple1 ,lord1 ,when slowly through the hallowed air ,the spreading cloud of incense soared1 ,charged with the breath of ,israel's prayer4 ',twas silence round ,thy throne on high1 ,when the last wondrous seal unclosed1 ,and in this portals of the sky ,thine armies awfully reposed4 ,and this deep pause1 that o'er us now ,is hovering--comes it not of ,thee8 ,is it not like a mother's vow ,when1 with her darling on her knee1 ,she weighs and numbers o'er and o'er ,love's treasure hid in her fond breast1 ,to cull from that exhaustless store ,the dearest blessing and the best8 ,and where shall mother's bosom find1 ,with all its deep love-learnd skill1 ,a prayer so sweetly to her mind1 ,as1 in this sacred hour and still1 ,is wafted from the white-robed choir1 ,ere yet the pure high-breathd lay1 8,come1 ,holy ,ghost1 our souls inspire10 ,rise floating on its dove-like way4 ,and when it comes1 so deep and clear ,the strain1 so soft the melting fall1 ,it seems not to th' entrancd ear ,less than ,thine own heart-cheering call4 ,spirit of ,christ--,thine earnest given ,that these our prayers are heard1 and they1 ,who grasp1 this hour1 the sword of ,heaven1 ,shall feel ,thee on their weary way4 ,oft as at morn or soothing eve ,over the ,holy ,fount they lean1 ,their fading garland freshly weave1 ,or fan them with ,thine airs serene4 ,spirit of ,light and ,truth6 to ,thee ,we trust them in that musing hour1 ,till they1 with open heart and free4 ,teach all ,thy word in all its power4 ,when foemen watch their tents by night1 ,and mists hang wide o'er moor and fell1 ,spirit of ,counsel and of ,might1 ,their pastoral warfare guide ,thou well4 ,and1 oh6 when worn and tired they sigh ,with that more fearful war within1 ,when ,passion's storms are loud and high1 ,and brooding o'er remembered sin ,the heart dies down--oh1 mightiest then1 ,come ever true1 come ever near1 ,and wake their slumbering love again1 ,spirit of ,god's most holy ,fear6