Night is the time to muse: Then from the eye the soul Takes flight, and with expanding views Descries athwart the abyss of night, The dawn of uncreated light. Night is the time to pray : Our Saviour oft withdrew Steal from the throng to haunts untrod, Night is the time for death! When all around is peace; From sin and suffering cease: Think of heaven's bliss, and give the sign JAMES MONTGOMERY. DEATH'S SEASONS. LEAVES have their time to fall, And flowers to wither at the North-wind's breath, And stars to set-but all, Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death! Day is for mortal care, Eve for glad meetings round the joyous hearth, Night for the dreams of sleep, the voice of prayer; But all for thee, thou Mightiest of the Earth! The banquet hath its hour, Its feverish hour of mirth, and song, and wine; Youth and the opening rose May look like things too glorious for decay, And smile at thee !-but thou art not of those That wait the ripened bloom to seize their prey! Leaves have their time to fall, And flowers to wither at the North-wind's breath, Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death! We know when moons shall wane, When summer-birds from far shall cross the sea, When autumn's hue shall tinge the golden grain; But who shall teach us when to look for thee? Is it when spring's first gale Comes forth to whisper where the violets lie? Thou art where billows foam, Thou art where music melts upon the air; Thou art where friend meets friend, Beneath the shadow of the elm to rest; Thou art where foe meets foe, and trumpets rend The skies, and swords beat down the princely crest. Leaves have their time to fall, And flowers to wither at the North-wind's breath, Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death! MRS. HEMANS. PRAYER AT EARLY MORN. WHEN first thine eyes unveil, give thy soul leave Walk with thy fellow-creatures; note the hush And oak doth know I AM :-canst thou not sing? Serve God before the world; let him not go When the world's up, and every swarm abroad, Keep well thy temper-mix not with each day; Despatch necessities; life hath a load Which must be carried on, and safely may : Yet keep those cares without thee; let the heart Be God's alone, and choose the better part. HENRY VAUGHAN. TO ONE BROKEN IN HEART. Hear what comfort He hath spoken; "Ye who wander here below, Heavy laden as you go, Come, with grief, with sin oppress'd, Lamb of Jesus' blood-bought flock, Broken-hearted, weep no more! BISHOP DOANE. |