Page:The Christian Year 1887.djvu/107




 * Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.  1 St. John iii. 13, 14.

The clouds that wrap the setting sun When Autumn's softest gleams are ending, Where all bright hues together run In sweet confusion blending: - Why, as we watch their floating wreath Seem they the breath of life to breathe? To Fancy's eye their motions prove They mantle round the Sun for love.

When up some woodland dale we catch The many-twinkling smile of ocean, Or with pleased ear bewildered watch His chime of restless motion; Still as the surging waves retire They seem to gasp with strong desire, Such signs of love old Ocean gives, We cannot choose but think he lives.

Wouldst thou the life of souls discern? Nor human wisdom nor divine Helps thee by aught beside to learn; Love is life's only sign. The spring of the regenerate heart, The pulse, the glow of every part, Is the true love of Christ our Lord, As man embraced, as God adored.

But he, whose heart will bound to mark The full bright burst of summer morn, Loves too each little dewy spark, By leaf or flow'ret worn: Cheap forms, and common hues, 'tis true, Through the bright shower-drop' meet his view; The colouring may be of this earth; The lustre comes of heavenly birth.

E'en so, who loves the Lord aright, No soul of man can worthless find; All will be precious in his sight, Since Christ on all hath shined: But chiefly Christian souls; for they, Though worn and soiled with sinful clay,