wherein seriousness and solemnity are put on for the occasion, and texts of holy Scripture are ostentatiously paraded to the eye, rather than lovingly commended to the heart; but chastened, mature, and experienced epistles of Christian piety, setting forth faithfully solemn Scriptural truths, as well as promises of Divine consolation, showing, with the desire to minister to the comfort of the perishing body, a yet greater anxiety for the welfare of the undying soul. Here, then, was the link uniting earthly with heavenly things, and pressing on my consideration the goodness of God, even in the lesser events of life. I was just in the frame of mind to enable me to get good from books and letters. Again I say, that the closer we connect our earthly objects with our heavenly hopes, the greater will be our peace; and the clearer we discern the hand of our heavenly Father in our daily concerns, the more shall we reverence him, love him, and live to his glory. Oh, the unspeakable consolation of the presence of God in seasons of affliction! Well may we pray that "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding," may "keep" our "hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." In such seasons, with an humble, broken, contrite, and grateful spirit, we call to mind our mercies, and our language is, "Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies," Psa. ciii. 1—4. The kindness of our friends may be regarded as a brook by the way, to comfort us in our pilgrim course; whose stream becomes the more refreshing when we believe that the fountain whence it flows is the love of our heavenly Father, who gave his Son to die for sinners; and it is no trifling alleviation to know, in the midst of our afflictions, that they proceed from the same Almighty source of goodness and mercy, and are sent for our advantage. Whether, then, we enjoy or suffer, "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost," should be the subject of our daily thoughts, thus uniting our passing interests with our everlasting expectations. Help me, O Lord, in all my infirmities; forgive all my transgressions; and abundantly increase my love and knowledge of Him, whom to know is eternal life. My grovelling spirit, in thy mercy raise; Let holy objects to my heart be given, That faith may mingled be with prayer and praise, T TO LADY B ON HER BIRTHDAY, February, 17, 1850.* How fleet the winged moments run, Though yet is heard the wintry blast, An aged harper, worn with years, And now a goodly band of guests The gay and young are mid the throng, And she, from Compton's Manor grey, Who sang "The Dame of Rotherhaye." *Lady B. entered on her everlasting rest while this work was passing through the press. But chief amid that circle fair, Is one in sable clad; She mourns her lord-by all deplored; Though birthday smiles a joy impart, The hoary harper sees her pain, To soothe her grief, and give relief He strikes his harp, while thus he sings, "Oh listen, listen, lady dear, Nor thus thy lord deplore; This thought so bless'd, may calm thy breast, 'Not lost, but gone before.' He saw the bridal jubilee, Then onward went, to wait for thee. “Oh, would that man could grateful prove One truth so bright for sorrow's night, E'en when our sky looks cold and drear, “Yes, lady dear, thy lord is gone; And lo! thine eyes with sweet surprise, Thy friend, protector, guardian, guide; Immortal, sainted, glorified. |