He claims-and can'st thou still neglect No more a man of sorrows-see A Conquerer now, he calls on thee With songs of thankfulness and praise, CONSOLATION ON THE DEATH OF CHRISTIAN FRIENDS. To those bright realms where sorrows cease, Pursue the path—the narrow way, Though clouds may gather all around, And fright us with their dreadful sound; Though friends depart, and none remain, Yet, doubt not-We shall meet again! Away those tears! no longer weep; Believe on Him-let faith prevail- R. R. B. THE CHRISTIAN'S LIFE-BOAT. BY MISS AGNES STRICKLAND. WHEN guilt's dread delusions and passions controul And assail the frail bark of the tempesttost soul; And pleasure's gay convoy is scattered and gone, And she drifts o'er the wild waves deserted and lone What power can preserve her from wreck, while within She sinks with her burden of sorrow and sin; As the lightnings of conscience reveal her dark path Towards the gulph of destruction and billows of wrath. Nay, fear not, sad vessel! though tempests deform The vexed ocean of life-there's a hope midst the storm; The Life-boat of Mercy, unpurchased and free, An ark of salvation, for lost ones like thee! That Life-boat the love of a Saviour has given, Its passport is faith, and its harbour is Heaven; Where the Christian finds rest from his conflicts and care, And the sinner a refuge from endless despair! CONCLUDING STANZAS. BY BERNARD BARTON. "WE MEET AGAIN!" A sound to love, 'Tis cause of grateful joy to meet 'Twixt frequent showers of rain ; So brief and bright its gladness seems, When here We meet again! |