With the face of my sleeping darling Hugged close to my lonely breast, I prayed that my neighbor's baby May not catch heaven's roses all, But that some may crown the forehead Of my loved one as they fall. And when I draw the stockings In his limbs, so round and sweet- May God forgive my envy; As they carried it out to-day- The light is fair in the window; That dance on the cottage floor. T WATCH. be in the evening, "I maen the work of the day is done, And you have time to sit in the twilight And watch the sinking sun, While the long, bright day dies slowly And the hour grows quiet and holy • While you hear the village children By the light of the evening star, Let the door be on the latch For it may be through the gloaming "It may be when the midnight And the black waves lying dumbly When the moonless night draws close, And the lights are out in the house; When the fire burns low and red, And the watch is ticking loudly Beside the bed; Though you sleep, tired out, on your couch, Still your heart must wake and watch In the dark room, For it may be that at midnight "It may be in the morning When the sun is bright and strong, And the dew is glittering sharply Over the little lawn; When the waves are laughing loudly And the little birds are singing sweetly About the door; With the long day's work before you, up And the neighbors come in to talk a little Of all that must be done. But remember that I may be the next To come in at the door, To call you from all your busy work Whenever the sun shines brightly, Surely it is the shining of His face!" For I know He is coming shortly To summon me. And whenever a shadow falls across the window Where I am working my appointed task, I lift my head to watch the door and ask And the angel answers sweetly In my home; Only a few more shadows, And He will come." MINISTERING. THAT though your feet are often overweary, WHAT On ceaseless errands sent, And tired shoulders ache and ache so sorely 'Neath heavy burdens bent! Be patient, lest the ones whom you are serving Lest the little wayward feet that you are guiding, Ah, then, no joy would seem so dear and blessed In ceaseless service for the vanished darlings So vainly mourned with tears, But while you have your dear ones still around you, Do not regret your care; Far easier aching feet and arms and shoulders, Than aching hearts to bear. And still beyond your household duties reaching, So many stand in need of loving comfort, All over this wide land; aid to-day, to-morrow Perchance some soul you Some one may go straight from your earthly table To banquet with the King. AFTER THE DARKNESS-LIGHT. A FTER the darkness-light! Out of the evil-good! From foulest wrong, upriseth Right- What tho' the billows roll? What tho' the waves sweep o'er? The tempest, Lord, Thou canst control, O doubting heart, be still! O fainting soul, be brave! By devious ways works He His will, |