Page:The Christian Year 1887.djvu/75

 E'en such is this bad world we see, Which self-condemned in owning Thee, Yet dares not open farewell of Thee take, For very pride, and her high-boasted Reason's sake.

What do we then? if far and wide Men kneel to CHRIST, the pure and meek, Yet rage with passion, swell with pride, Have we not still our faith to seek? Nay—but in steadfast humbleness Kneel on to Him, who loves to bless The prayer that waits for him; and trembling strive To keep the lingering flame in thine own breast alive.

Dark frowned the future e'en on him, The loving and beloved Seer, What time he saw, through shadows dim, The boundary of th' eternal year; He only of the sons of men Named to be heir of glory then. Else had it bruised too sore his tender heart To see GOD'S ransomed world in wrath and flame depart

Then look no more: or closer watch Thy course in Earth's bewildering ways, For every glimpse thine eye can catch Of what shall be in those dread days: So when th' Archangel's word is spoken, And Death's deep trance for ever broken, In mercy thou mayst feel the heavenly hand, And in thy lot unharmed before thy Savour stand.


 * He is despised and rejected of men. Isaiah liii. 3.

Is it not strange, the darkest hour That ever dawned on sinful earth Should touch the heart with softer power For comfort than an angel's mirth? That to the Cross the mourner's eye should turn Sooner than where the stars of Christmas burn?

Sooner than where the Easter sun Shines glorious on yon open grave,