VI.

Oh, seize this solemn interval of calm !

Two voices call-two pages are unrolled:
But each would lead thee to that healing balm
Which heaven hath purchased with a price un-
told,

That thou might'st freely take-Oh! hear, and
live!

While mercy warns, invites, and would forgive!
Hear, while the Saviour stands, and at thy door
Asks for admission sought so oft in vain before!

XXXIX.

GENTLENESS.

"Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ."-2 Cor. x. 1.

A gentle lamb doth image Him who came
For man to sorrow on the earth, and die;
O'er Him the Spirit hovered, when the name
Of Son beloved' was uttered from on high,
As a meek dove descended from the sky;
Peace at his birth the angels did proclaim;
And at his death peace was his legacy :-
Oh, rightly prize and love then-ye who aim
Freely to reap what He would freely give-
The peace He left, the gentleness He showed;
Fruit of the love which in his bosom glowed;
And be it yours, by help divine to live,

As ye in spirit and in truth would prove
Worthy the name ye bear-children of peace and

love.

XL.

THE RACE SET BEFORE US.

"Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race which is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."-Heb. xii. 1, 2.

I.

LITTLE they know, I ween, the Christian race, Who deem the eternal prize with ease is won : Their feet are rather in the eager chase

For bright but withering crowns of earth-they

run

For flowery wreaths, which, if they once embrace,
That instant fade; as in the summer sun
The painted butterfly the child has grasped,
And marred and mangled as he fondly clasped.

II.

They have not tried themselves the narrow course, With many watching them, but few to cheer; And where their sudden fall would be the source

To godless men around of heartless jeer; Unconscious of their bosom's keen remorse,

And reckless of their secret prayer and tearAh! no-they run amidst a gazing crowd That ever cheer them on, and often shout aloud.

III.

True Christian hearts can scarce be so deceived: They know the prize is precious, and the toil To win it great, even though oft relieved

With consciousness of high approving smile ;And much they mourn to think how they have grieved

The heavenly dweller in their breast the while He urged them onward to the destined goal, And strengthened for the task their weary fainting

soul.

IV.

The prize is precious!-oh, that every heart
That knows not here the rest it pants to find,
Would practise well the high and sacred art

Of soaring oft, this poor earth left behind,
To where a balm is found for every smart,

And tenderest skill the broken heart to bind! One look of faith in yonder peaceful home Would chase the bitter tear, and gladness give for

gloom.

V.

We do not soar enough-we creep below;
As if the soul were wingless as the frame;
And hence we see not-nay, we do not know

What heaven holds out above for mortal aim: Content to hear that fruits immortal grow,

Our wishes are but weak, our efforts tameOh! would we learn to rise, our fall* might teach, 'Tis through the gazing eye the bosom pants to reach.

*"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat."Gen. iii. 6.