aside their character, uttering only the voice of sorrowful entreaty." "She called them a goodly passing knell," said Ross: "and seeing that I both understood and felt her meaning, she added, All, all is peace: full pardon, full salvation, joy unspeakable, and full of glory." "But the flag," said Magrath. 66 6 'Aye," rejoined M'Alister, we waved our flag, the signal of distress, and reeled beneath its weight. She gazed upon its crimson folds, and, in a tone of holy triumph ejaculated, Jehovah-nissi! In thy name, O Lord, we first set our banners: for thy name's sake, put to thy hand, hear, behold, and save.' It was then that Browning's vessel ran aground, and every shout from the enemy, every cry from the walls, seemed to infuse new energy into her prayers. Life was ebbing fast away; I gave her my support, and strove to join her fervent supplications; for never did so fearful a darkness overspread my soul, as during that season of suspense." "It was not yourself only, Mr. Bryan," said Magrath. "Every man's face was changed, and blackened as if by a spell. Such looks were never seen among living men, as we beheld this day." "And did she rally again?" asked Murray, whose interest appeared intense. "Yes: when the ship gave that successful broadside, she raised her head in earnest expectation; and then the shout, the clamorous joy, that told its result, 2 came pealing on our ears; our comrades on the battery exclaimed, she floats! she floats!' and I raised my dying charge, and bore her to the point from whence she might descry the stately vessels bearing down in unimpeded approach. She uttered a sound of joy, and spreading abroad her hands, exclaimed, Lord, I have lived to pray-I come to praise thee!" She sunk back, breathed the name of Jesus, and departed to abide with him for ever." A Prayer for every May, and all Day long. KINDLY PRESENTED BY THE AUTHOR FOR INSERTION IN IN the morning hear my voice, Through the duties of the day, Knowing "Thou, God, seest me." When the evening sky displays, When the round of care is run, Thus with Thee, my God, my friend, Like the flowers of the grass. GENTLY, dear mother, here The bridge is broken near thee, and below Gently, and do not fear. Lean on me, mother; plant thy staff before thee, For she who loves thee most is watching o'er thee. The green leaves, as we pass, Lay their light finger on thee unaware, And by thy side the hazels cluster fair, Grows green and lovely where the woodpaths wind, Alas, for thee, dear mother, thou art blind! And nature is all bright; And the faint grey and crimson of the dawn, Quivers in tremulous softness on the sky,— The moon's new silver shell Trembles above thee, and the stars float up And the swift birds on brilliant pinions flee,- And the kind looks of friends Peruse the sad expressions in thy face, Low to thine ear, with duty unforgot, Alas, dear mother, that thou seest them not! May richly in a human tone be pour'd, And while I speak thou knowest if I smile, Yes thou canst hear! and He Who on thy sightless eye its darkness hung, And 'tis a lesson in our hearts to know, How Pleasant is the opening Year! How pleasant is the opening year! And bluer grows the arched sky; "Christian! direct thy thoughts on high." |