Page:The Christian Year 1887.djvu/151



O watch and pray ere Advent dawn! For thinner than the subtlest lawn 'Twixt thee and death the veil is drawn. But Love too late can never glow: The scattered fragments Love can glean Refine the dregs, and yield us clean To regions where one thought serene Breathes sweeter than whole years of sacrifice below.


 * He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias . . . And he brought him to Jesus. St. John i. 41, 42.

When brothers part for manhood's race, What gift may most endearing prove To keep fond memory its her place, And certify a brother's love?

'Tis true, bright hours together told, And blissful dreams in secret shared, Serene or solemn, gay or bold, Shall last in fancy unimpaired.

E'en round the death-bed of the good Such dear remembrances will hover, And haunt us with no vexing mood When all the cares of earth are over.

But yet our craving spirits feel, We shall live on, though Fancy die, And seek a surer pledge—a seal Of love to last eternally.

Who art thou, that wouldst grave thy name Thus deeply in a brother's heart? Look on this saint, and learn to frame Thy love-charm with true Christian art.

First seek thy Saviour out, and dwell Beneath this shadow of His roof, Till thou have scanned His features well, And known Him for the Christ by proof;

Such proof as they are sure to find Who spend with Him their happy days,