LXVI.

THE SPIRIT'S THIRST.

Witness this one fair lake, upon whose side
So oft, at even, 'tis my joy to roam,—
Gazing upon a thousand things that hide
Their beauties, till the heart doth feel at home
With nature's self beneath her open dome,-
That I do love the waters and the woods,
And simple flowers that bloom in solitudes,
And the green meadows, and the soft blue skies,
And mountains with their ever-changeful dyes;
And that I praise with no feigned melodies:
Yet, did the fairest scene that ever beamed
On my rapt gaze-the loveliest morn or even
Beneath whose spell I ever stood and dreamed,
Leave but a deeper thirst-this spirit needs a heaven!

LXVII.

TRUE GREATNESS.

I.

ART thou ambitious?-be ambitious still :

Pant for the loftiest place, and toil, and strive : Esteem no post too high for thee to fill:

Some cedars best upon the summits thrive.

II.

Only-be careful that thou see aright:

Soar through the mists before thou gaze around: Down in the valley what thou deem'st a height, Viewed from the skies, may seem a depth pro

found.

III.

What is it forms true greatness? Shall we join Rank, fortune, friends, and stored and cultured

mind,

With purity of heart, the gift divine,

Which absent, all were poor, though all combined?

IV.

Then aim at these-on all beside look down:

And choose of these the highest-Oh, aspire To win and wear an everlasting crown

Of glory in the skies!-thou canst no higher.

V.

And think but little of a glittering store

Of earthly wealth: however great thine hoard, Count it as dross-seek better wealth and more; "Riches unsearchable of Christ" the Lord.

VI.

For friends choose thou the noblest of the earth, And angels from the skies: let thine abode Open its doors to all of heavenly birth

Give loving welcome to the friends of God.

VII.

Far above all, make God himself thy friend : Like Enoch walk with Him in faith and love; Admiring grace divine that can descend

To admit even thee to fellowship above.

VIII.

Nor deem enough the lore of Greece and Rome,
With aught beside that earthly sages teach:
Prize first and last the sacred priceless tome,
To which all else is childhood's lisping speech.

IX.

And oh! for purity of life and heart

Hunger and thirst, and watch and pray—be sure Thou never here from loftiest aim depart : Strive to be pure as God himself is pure.

X.

Thus vent the ardour of thy mounting soul:
Check not ambition-be ambitious still :

Only aright its fervid course control

And Heaven ere long thy craving heart shall fill.

LXVIII.

HEAVENLY REST.

"There remaineth, therefore, a rest to the people of God." HEB. IV. 9.

1.

MAN in the morning to his work goes forth,
And rests at even:

Christian, remember, labour is for earth,
Repose for heaven.

II.

Who now sows precious seed, tho' it may be
Too oft with weeping,

Shall, if he patiently await it, see

A joyous reaping.