Till selfish paffion, ftrife, and wrong O Thou Eternal Word! Rev. S. Longfellow. PEACE ON EARTH. FOR the coming of the end, The last long Sabbath day of time, When peace from heaven fhall descend, Like light on every clime. For men in fhips far off at sea Shall hear the happy nations raise Mankind fhall be one brotherhood; CHRIST THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. THOU great Friend to all the sons of men, Who once appeared in humbleft guise below, Sin to rebuke, to break the captive's chain, And call thy brethren forth from want and woe, We look to thee! thy truth is ftill the Light Which guides the nations, groping on their way, Stumbling and falling in disaftrous night, Yet hoping ever for the perfect day. Yes; thou art ftill the Life, thou art the Way And they who dearest hope and deepest pray Toil by the Light, Life, Way, which thou haft given. Rev. Theodore Parker. THE POWER OF JESUS. TRONG-SOULED Reformer, whose far-seeing faith ST Of lifted cry and tumult had no need, Who stayedst the lightnings of thy holy wrath Thy living word sprang from the heart of man Fearless thou gav'ft it to the winds again; 'T was Manhood's native tongue, and could not die. To thy dear brotherhood life's pulses leap; And wakening ages answer, deep to deep. Rev. S. Johnson. AFFLICTION. BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN. FRT hearts oppreffed and torn, ROM lips divine, like healing balm To The heavenly consolation fell, "Bleffed are they that mourn.' Unto the hopes by sorrow crushed And life, by trials furrowed, bears The fruit of loving deeds. How rich, how sweet, how full of strength, Our human spirits are, Baptized into the sanctities Of suffering and of prayer! Yes, heavenly wisdom, love divine, Breathed through the lips which said, "O bleffed are the hearts that mourn; They fhall be comforted." THE GUIDING HAND. "Caft thy burden upon the Lord." - PSALM lv. 22. S this the way, my Father? 'Tis, my child. Thou must pass through this tangled, dreary wild, If thou wouldst reach the city, undefiled, Thy peaceful home above. But enemies are round! Yes, child, I know Only seek ftrength above. My Father, it is dark! Child, take my hand, Cling close to me; I'll lead thee through the land; Truft my all-seeing care; so fhalt thou ftand 'Midft glory bright above. My footsteps seem to flide! Child, only raise O Father, I am weary! Child, lean thy head my love that spread "Reft, reft for aye, above." |