Yet have I pined as a bereaved child For kindred bonds,-and felt my heart expand X. 'Twas thus we met, and strong our friendship grew : My heart was changed, we laboured side by side,His very tone was like refreshing dew That sheds its mild and genial influence wide. XI. 'For thou wast unto him as light and life, And sent him forth, thy last one! nor repined. Let not thy heart droop, nor thy faith be dim! XII. 'Thy soul's desire was answered, when he stood, XIII. Man's savage heart was changed where'er he went, And the bleak desert blossomed as a field; For, on their welfare evermore intent, He taught them how the affluent soil would yield Abundant harvests; late and early bent In wearying toil, and with them sowed and tilled,Ay, even when Death had stricken him,-when each day, Drooping and weak, I saw him waste away. XIV. Yet was he not untended,-day and night I gave him back: God sent me there to cheer And with a fervent faith, and truth sincere, Our hearts were bound; and each unto the other In those last days was dearer than a brother. XV. But when his earthly course was well nigh run, Brighter than even it before had done; And then he knew no shriuking fear, nor doubt. XVI. 'Hundreds came down to gaze upon his face, Soothing that sorrow nought else could dispel. Then o'er his solemn features beamed his grace, Which ne'er shall leave the hearts of those who heard. XVII. 'Mothers brought down their children, from his hand Of mourners sought their streaming tears to hide XVIII. 'They saw the strength in which his soul was strong, And he who was their light and hope so long, Meekly they sought to follow;-from despair Confiding faith sprung up, and death was sent, To crown the work in which his life was spent. XIX. 'He died-yet ere he died, he bade me take The Holy Book, a token of his rest, And bid thee not have sorrow for his sake Who, with the righteous dead, is surely blest. Then, childless Mother though thou art! awake From darkling dreams, that have thy soul oppressed; Awake: put on thy glorious robes, and raise Unto thy God, and his, a song of praise!' A PSALM OF PRAISE. [BAXTER.] YE holy angels bright, Which stand before God's throne, And dwell in glorious light, Praise the Lord each one. ye You there so nigh Are much more meet You blessed souls at rest, That see your Saviour's face, With sweet delight All nations of the earth, Extol the world's great King; With melody and mirth, His glorious praises sing. For he still reigns, And will bring low, Sing forth Jehovah's praise, Ye saints that on him call: Magnify him always, His holy churches all: In him rejoice; And there proclaim His holy name, My soul bear thou thy part: Sing thou the songs of love. Whose precious blood He did in love begin, Renewing thee by grace, Forgiving all thy sin, Shew'd thee his pleasing face. He did thee heal, By his Son's merit, In saddest thoughts and grief, In sickness, fears, and pain, I cried for his relief, And it was not in vain. He heard with speed; And still I found In time of need. Let not his praises grow On prosperous heights alone; But in the vales below, Let his great love be known. Let no distress, Curb and controul My winged soul, And praise suppress. |