conduct of this mighty and faithful Friend: "Cast ing all your care upon him; for he careth for you."* As life declines, let his preciousness increase; as the associations of earth gradually lessen, cling more closely and confidingly to him. preparing a place for you in the Think of him as heavenly mansions, and as coming to receive you unto himself, that where he is there you may be also. And if, while now you see him not, you can rejoice in him with joy that is unspeakable and full of glory, what will be the rapture of your emancipated spirit when you are admitted to full and uninterrupted communion with him! If now, while you only behold him as through a glass darkly, he is in your apprehension the fairest among ten thousand and the altogether lovely, how will your admiration be increased when you behold him face to face! If now, while you know him but in part, your acquaintance with him is the source of purest and inexpressible pleasure, who shall estimate the happiness and the delight which shall result from your knowing even as you are known? * 1 Peter v. 7. The Sympathy of Jesus. PAUL GERHARDT. I REST upon the ground For 'tis through him that I have found Naught have I of my own, Naught in the life I lead; What Christ hath given me, that alone Is worth all love indeed. His Spirit in me dwells, O'er all my mind he reigns, All care and sadness he dispels, And soothes away all pains. He prospers day by day His work within my heart, Till I have strength and faith to say, When weakness on me lies He speaketh words and utters sighs Thou, God, canst hear and see, He whispers in my breast How he who seeks in God his rest How God hath built above A city fair and new, Where eye and heart shall see and What faith has counted true. There is prepared on high My heritage, my lot; prove Though here on earth I fall and die, My heart for gladness springs, For every joy it laughs and sings, Stored up for us above. The Friend Unseen. CHARLOTTE ELLIOT. O HOLY SAVIOUR, Friend unseen, The faint, the weak on thee may lean; Help me, throughout life's varying scene, Blest with communion so divine, Take what thou wilt; shall I repine, Far from her home, fatigued, opprest, While she can cling to thee! Without a murmur I dismiss My former dreams of earthly bliss; My joy, my recompense be this, Each hour to cling to thee! |