Page:The Christian Year 1887.djvu/37



Art thou a child of tears, Cradled in care and woe? And seems it hard, thy vernal years Few vernal joys can show?

And fall the sounds of mirth Sad on thy lonely heart, From all the hopes and charms of earth Untimely called to part?

Look here, and hold thy peace: The Giver of all good E'en from the womb takes no release From suffering, tears, and blood.

If thou would'st reap in love, First sow in holy fear: So life a winter's morn may prove To a bright endless year.


 * When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. Isaiah, xli. 17.

And wilt thou hear the fevered heart To Thee in silence cry? And as th' inconstant wildfires dart Out of the restless eye, Wilt thou forgive the wayward though By kindly woes yet half untaught A Saviours right, so dearly bought, That Hope should never die?

Thou wilt: for many a languid prayer Has reached Thee from the wild, Since the lorn mother, wandering there, Cast down her fainting child, Then stole apart to weep and die, Nor knew an angel form was nigh, To show soft waters gushing by, And dewy shadows mild.