In health and sickness, happiness and sorrow,
In seasons of distresses, when we fain
From some joy-giving source would borrow
A respite from our present pain,-
"Twill be a joy for me to prove
The changeless nature of the love
Which prompts my heart to promise thee
That it shall be its life to be

Faithful forever!

In all times still the same

The ardor of my love shall burn: If sorrow cometh unto us,

"Twill be forgotten when we turn

Our vision backward to the scenes of bliss
That smile beside the places we have trod.

We have been happy. Let this thought but come
Back fresh to us like truths which come from

God,

And how can we, in view of all the things

Which in the past filled our young hearts with gladness,

Be frightened at the shadows of to-day,
Or weep together in the vale of sadness?

We have been happy!

My soul is grateful for the recollection:
In all times it shall be

A firm, a beautiful, unalterable protection
To my deep love for thee, -

The which in every change of my existence
Shall have a power to keep my soul,

E'en as the needle pointing to the pole,In the very teeth of Fortune's stern resistance, Faithful to thee forever.

Have faith in what I promise :

There may be times when it may seem to thee, -
Seeing but dimly through the twilight's gloom,
When sorrow hath a dwelling in thy heart
And joy seems sleeping in the tomb-
That my affection wavers; yet 'twill be
But seemingly. A sudden blow

May change the current of the surface; but
Unheeding this, the constant underflow
Changeless and strong, ne'er alters. even so
It will be with the current of my love.

The heart that beats within this breast of mine,
In spite of every outward iciness,

Warm in my bosom, shall be unto thine

Faithful forever.

E. A. Darby.

STANZAS TO A FRIEND ON HER MARRIAGE.

"The blessing of the Lord, IT maketh rich; and he addeth no sorrow with it."- PROV. x. 22.

WHAT can I wish thee, gentle friend,
On this eventful day,

With being's onward course to blend,
Thy spirit's strength and stay?
For on this day there needs must be
Full many an earnest wish for thee.

Yet wishes are but idle things,
As all of us well know ;-

While prayers may put on angel wings,
And higher, heavenward go!

Since He, who condescends to care

For ALL, still hears and answers prayer.

But answers it as He deems best,
Not always as we ask ;

For deeply be this truth impressed,
E'en blessings wear a mask!
And we are often blinded still
Unto our REAL good or ill!

I, therefore, would not breathe for thee
A prayer scarce understood;
But rather that thy lot may be
What GOD sees best of good!
Good for thee while a pilgrim here;
Good for thee in a happier sphere.

Be thine the blessings which HIS WORD,
Replete with truths sublime,
Instructs us is to be preferred

To all the things of time;

That blessing which true riches brings,
And addeth none of sorrow's stings!

May this, my gentle friend, be thine,
And his, who shares thy lot;
Then, whether skies above you shine
Or lower, 'twill matter not;

For God can temper joy's bright day,
And smile grief's darkest night away.

May He remain your rich reward,
His presence ever near,

In prosperous hours your hearts to guard,
In adverse ones, to cheer;

So shall you own, in grateful mood,

He can make all things work for good!

Barton.

WIDOW AT HER DAUGHTER'S BRIDAL.

DEAL gently, thou, whose hand hath won
The young bird from its nest away,
Where, careless, 'neath a vernal sun,
She gayly carolled, day by day;
The haunt is lone, the heart must grieve,
From whence her timid wing doth soar;
They pensive list at hush of eve,

Yet hear her gushing song no more.

Deal gently with her: thou art dear,
Beyond what vestal lips have told,
And, like a lamb from fountains clear,
She turns confiding to thy fold;
She round thy sweet domestic bower

The wreath of changeless love shall twine, Watch for thy step at vesper hour,

And blend her holiest prayer with thine.

Deal gently, thou, when, far away,

'Mid stranger scenes her foot shall rove, Nor let thy tender care decay,—

The soul of woman lives in love:
And shouldst thou, wondering, mark a tear,
Unconscious, from her eyelids break,

Be pitiful, and soothe the fear

That man's strong heart may ne'er partake.