benry A. Cobb.

1834.

"FATHER, TAKE MY HAND."

The way is dark, my Father! Cloud on cloud
Is gathering thickly o'er my head, and loud

The thunders roar above me.
See, I stand
Like one bewildered! Father, take my hand,
And through the gloom
Lead safely home
Thy child!

The day goes fast, my Father! and the night
Is drawing darkly down. My faithless sight
Sees ghostly visions. Fears, a spectral band,
Encompass me. O Father! take my hand,
And from the night
Lead up to light
Thy child!

The way is long, my Father! and my soul
Longs for the rest and quiet of the goal;

While yet I journey through this weary land,
Keep me from wandering. Father, take my hand;
Quickly and straight

Lead to heaven's gate
Thy child!

The path is rough, my Father! Many a thorn Has pierced me and my weary feet, all torn,

And bleeding, mark the way.

Yet thy command

Bids me press forward. Father, take my hand:

Then safe and blest,

Lead up to rest

Thy child!

The throng is great, my Father! Many a doubt
And fear and danger compass me about;
And foes oppress me sore. I cannot stand
Or go alone. O Father! take my hand,
And through the throng
Lead safe along
Thy child!

The cross is heavy, Father! I have borne
It long, and still do bear it. Let my worn
And fainting spirit rise to that blest land
Where crowns are given. Father, take my hand,
And reaching down,

Lead to the crown

Thy child!

THE GRACIOUS ANSWER.

The way is dark, my child! but leads to light.
I would not always have thee walk by sight.
My dealings now thou canst not understand.
I meant it so; but I will take thy hand,

And through the gloom

Lead safely home

My child!

The day goes fast, my child! But is the night
Darker to me than day? In me is light!
Keep close to me, and every spectral band
Of fears shall vanish. I will take thy hand,
And through the night

Lead up to light

My child!

The way is long, my child!

But it shall be

Not one step longer than is best for thee;

And thou shalt know, at last, when thou shalt stand

Safe at the goal, how I did take thy hand,

And quick and straight

Lead to heaven's gate

My child!

The path is rough, my child! But oh! how

sweet

Will be the rest, for weary pilgrims meet,

When thou shalt reach the borders of that land To which I lead thee, as I take thy hand,

And safe and blest

With me shall rest
My child!

The throng is great, my child! But at thy side
Thy Father walks; then be not terrified,
For I am with thee; will thy foes command
To let thee freely pass; will take thy hand,

And through the throng
Lead safe along

My child!

The cross is heavy, child! Yet there was One

Who bore a heavier for thee: my Son,

My Well-beloved.

stand

For Him bear thine; and

With Him at last; and, from thy Father's hand, The cross laid down,

Receive a crown,

My child!

barriet McEwen kimball.
1834.

ALL 'S WELL.

The day is ended. Ere I sink to sleep,
My weary spirit seeks repose in Thine;
Father! forgive my trespasses, and keep
This little life of mine.

With loving-kindness curtain thou my bed,
And cool in rest my burning pilgrim feet;
Thy pardon be the pillow for my head,-
So shall my sleep be sweet.

At peace with all the world, dear Lord, and Thee,
No fears my soul's unwavering faith can shake;
All's well, whichever side the grave for me
The morning light may break!

Margaret 3. Preston.

ABOUT 1835.

READY.

I would be ready, Lord,

My house in order set,

None of the work Thou gavest me
To do, unfinished yet.

I would be watching, Lord,

With lamp, well trimmed and clear, Quick to throw open wide the door, What time Thou drawest near.

I would be waiting, Lord,
Because I cannot know

If in the night or morning watch
I may be called to go.

I would be working, Lord,

Each day, each hour, for Thee; Assured that thus I wait Thee well, Whene'er Thy coming be.

I would be living, Lord,

As ever in Thine eye;

For whoso lives the nearest Thee
The fittest is to die.