A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations Consisting of Choice Passages from the Sacred Poetry of All Ages and Countries, Classified and Arranged, for Facility of Reference, Under Subject Headings; Illustrated by Striking Passages from Scripture, and Forming Altogether a Complete Book of Devotional Poetry. (part 4 of 4)

A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations Consisting of Choice Passages from the Sacred Poetry of All Ages and Countries, Classified and Arranged, for Facility of Reference, Under Subject Headings; Illustrated by Striking Passages from Scripture, and Forming Altogether a Complete Book of Devotional Poetry. (part 4 of 4)

From idle words that restless throng, And haunt our hearts when we would pray, From pride’s false chime, and jarring wrong, Seal Thou my lips, and guard the way: For Thou hast sworn that every ear, Willing, or loth, Thy trump shall hear, And every tongue unchained be, To own no hope, O God, but Thee. Keble.

TREASURE.

Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.--Proverbs, x. 2.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven:

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.--Matthew, vi. 19, 20, 21.

He is a path, if any be misled; He is a robe, if any naked be; If any chance to hunger, He is bread; If any be a bondman, He is free; If any be but weak, how strong is He! To dead men life He is, to sick men health; To blind men sight, and to the needy, wealth-- A pleasure without loss, a treasure without stealth. Giles Fletcher.

Not to understand a treasure’s worth Till time has stolen away the slighted good, Is cause of half the poverty we feel, And makes the world the wilderness it is. Cowper.

Engage this roving treacherous heart, Great God! to choose the better part; To scorn the trifles of a day, For joys that none can take away.

Then let the wildest storms arise, Let tempests mingle earth and skies; No fatal shipwreck shall I fear, But all my treasure with me bear.

If Thou, my Jesus, still art nigh, Cheerful I live, and cheerful die; Secure, when mortal comforts flee, To find ten thousand worlds in Thee. Doddridge.

Think’st thou the man whose mansions hold The worldling’s pomp, and miser’s gold, Obtains a richer prize Than he, who, in his cot at rest, Finds heavenly peace a willing guest, And bears the promise in his breast Of treasure in the skies. Mrs. Sigourney.

What are they?--gold and silver, Or what such ore can buy? The price of silken luxury-- Rich robes of Tyrian dye? Guests that come thronging in With lordly pomp and state? Or thankless liveried serving men, To stand about the gate?

Or are they daintiest meats, Sent up on silver fine? Or golden cups o’er brimm’d With rich Falernian wine? Or parchments, setting forth Broad lands our fathers held? Parks for our deer, ponds for our fish, And woods that may be fell’d?

No, no! they are not these! or else God help the poor man’s need! Then, sitting ’mid his little ones, He would be poor indeed! They are not these--our household wealth Belongs not to degree: It is the love within our souls-- The children at our knee!

My heart o’erfloweth to mine eyes When I see the poor man stand, After his daily work is done, With children by the hand:-- And this he kisseth tenderly, And that sweet names doth call; For I know he has no treasure Like those dear children small!

Oh, children young, I bless ye! Ye keep such love alive! And the home can ne’er be desolate Where love has room to thrive! Oh, precious household treasures, Life’s sweetest, holiest claim-- The Saviour bless’d ye while on earth-- I bless ye in His name! Mary Howitt.

TREE.

The trees of the Lord are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon which He hath planted.--Psalm civ. 16.

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire.--Matthew, iii. 10.

Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.--Matthew, xii. 17.

A tree was first the instrument of strife, When Eve to sin her soul did prostitute; A tree is now the instrument of life, Though ill that trunk, and Christ’s fair body suit; Ah, cursed tree! and yet, oh, blessed fruit! That death to Him, this life to us doth give: Strange is the cure when things past cure revive, And the physician dies to make his patient live. Giles Fletcher.

Like crowded forest trees we stand, And some are marked to fall: The axe shall smite, at God’s command, And soon shall smite us all.

Green as the bay tree, ever green, With its new foliage on, The gay, the thoughtless have I seen; I passed, and they were gone. Cowper.

Of all the trees that in earth’s vineyard grow, And with their clusters tempted man to pull And eat, one tree alone the true Celestial manna bore, which filled the soul. The tree of holiness, of heavenly seed, A native of the skies, though stunted made, And dwarfed by time’s cold, damp, ungenial soil, And chilling winds, yet yielding fruit so pure, So nourishing and sweet, as on his way Refreshed the pilgrim; and begot desire Unquenchable, to climb the arduous path To where her sister plants, in their own clime, Around the fount and by the stream of life, Blooming beneath the sun that never sets, Bear fruit of perfect relish fully ripe. Pollok.

God spake: the hills and plains put on Their robe of freshest green; Dark forest in the valleys wave, And budding trees are seen. The word of His breath clothes the forest with leaves, The high gift of beauty the spring-tide receives. Krummacher.

I heard the language of the trees, In the noons of the early summer; As the leaves were moved like rippling seas By the wind--a constant comer. It came and it went at its wanton will; And evermore loved to dally, With branch and flower, from the cope of the hill To the warm depths of the valley. The sunlight glow’d; the water flow’d; The birds their music chanted, And the words of the trees on my senses fell-- By a spirit of Beauty haunted:-- Said each to each, in mystic speech:-- “The skies our branches nourish;-- The world is good,--the world is fair,-- Let us enjoy and flourish!”

Again I heard the steadfast trees; The wintry winds were blowing; There seem’d a roar as of stormy seas, And of ships to the depths down-going. And ever a moan through the woods was blown, As the branches snapp’d asunder, And the long boughs swung like the frantic arms Of a crowd in affright and wonder, Heavily rattled the driving hail; And storm and flood combining, Laid bare the roots of mighty oaks Under the shingle twining. Said tree to tree, “These tempests free Our sap and strength shall nourish; Though the world be hard--though the world be cold-- We can endure and flourish.” Charles Mackay.

TREMBLING.

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.--Psalm ii. 11.

Fear ye not me? saith the Lord: will ye not tremble at my presence?--Jeremiah, v. 22.

Eternal Lord of light and life; the soul Of nature and the Deity of all, Whose spirit bending o’er the wondrous whole, Suffers unwill’d, no flower or bird to fall: Can the proud eye look upwards to yon dome, Or view the rich array spread forth below, And not feel pledges of a dearer home, That make the bosom leap, the spirit glow, And stretch its hopes far into eternity, Till, like the Patriarch’s dove, it rests, great Lord on Thee.

On Thee, its ark of perfect holiness, With tokens of its everlasting peace, And certainty of fadeless joy to bless It in a higher state when time shall cease, The stars shall burn; those living orbs were fed With pure effulgence from Thy vital ray, To light us deep into Thy essence, shed Abroad through earth and air by night and day: Fill’d with that glory would my spirit soar, And, although trembling, yet exultingly, adore. W. Martin.

Ye trembling souls dismiss your fears, Be mercy all your theme; Mercy, which like a river flows, In one perpetual stream!

Fear not the powers of earth and hell, God will those powers restrain; His arm shall all their rage repel And make their efforts vain!

Fear not that he will e’er forsake, Or leave His work undone; He’s faithful to his promises, And faithful to His Son! Beddome.

TRIAL.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.--Psalm cxxxix. 23.

The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.--I. Peter, i. 7.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.--I. Peter, iv. 12.

Lest our trial, when least sought, May find us both perhaps far less prepared. Milton.

Within our life these sorrows we contain Uncertain days, yet full of certain grief; In number few, yet infinite in pain; O’ercharged with wants, but naked of relief, In ruling it our evil parts are chief; And though our time be not cut short by death, Old age will creep to stop uncertain breath.

Yet to the much affliction of the mind, This of the body is a scant compare, Wherein so many and so much I find, As would astone my spirits to declare-- Trial can only tell us what we are: For we whom custom hath with grief acquainted, By us her sad proportion best is painted. Christopher Lever, 1607.

He bids him glow with unremitting love To all on earth, and to Himself above Condemns the injurious deed, the slanderous tongue, The thought that meditates a brother’s wrong; Brings not alone the more conspicuous part-- His conduct--to the test, but tries his heart. Cowper.

Lord, search my soul, try ev’ry thought; Though my own heart accuse me not Of walking in a false disguise, I beg a trial of Thine eyes.

Doth secret mischief lurk within? Do I indulge some unknown sin? O turn my feet whene’er I stray, And lead me in Thy perfect way. Watts.

TRIBULATION.

In the world ye shall have tribulation.--John, xvi. 33.

We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.--Acts, xiv. 22.

Patient in tribulation.--Romans, xii. 12.

The wisdom of this world is idiotism; Strength, a weak reed; health, sickness’ enemy; (And it at length will have the victory;) Beauty is but a painting; and long life Is a long journey in December gone: Tedious and full of tribulation. Dekkar.

Begone unbelief, my Saviour is near, And for my relief will surely appear; By prayer let me wrestle, and He will perform; With Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm.

His love in time past forbids me to think He’ll leave me at last in trouble to sink; Each sweet Ebenezer I have in review, Confirms His good pleasure to help me quite through.

Why should I complain of want or distress, Temptation or pain? he told me no less! The heirs of salvation, I know from His word, Through much tribulation must follow their Lord. Newton.

Lo! round the throne, a glorious band, The saints, in countless myriads, stand; Of ev’ry tongue, redeem’d to God, Array’d in garments wash’d in blood!

Through tribulation great they came; They bore the cross, despis’d the shame; But now from all their labours rest, In God’s eternal glory bless’d. Duncan.

Thou dost conduct Thy people Through torrents of temptation Nor will we fear, while Thou art near, The fire of tribulation. De Courcey.

TRIUMPH.

Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.--Exodus, xv. 1.

The triumphing of the wicked is short.--Job, xx. 5.

Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ.--II. Corinthians, ii. 14.

Hail, Thou! that on this glorious morn didst burst The bands of death! all hail, incarnate Lord! First-born of heaven, what time the barren grave With wondrous throes gave forth Thy present flesh, In all its incorruptible array Of majesty and light. Triumphant Lord, Who, in Thy rising power, didst captive lead Captivity, and at Thy chariot wheels The vanquished hosts of hell didst with Thee bring! Hail, conquering King! Almighty Prince of Life! First-fruits of those that sleep, in hope assured Of that bright morning, when the trumpet’s sound Shall wake the slumbering dead, when from the tomb Thy quickened saints shall spring to swell Thy strain, Clad in immortal bloom. Thy angel bands Attend Thee up the skies with cheerful notes; We, too, responsive cry “Our God is gone, Is upward gone.” S. Stennet.

Rejoice, believer, in the Lord, Who makes your cause His own; The hope that’s built upon His word, Can ne’er be overthrown!

As surely as He overcame, And triumph’d once for you; So surely you that love His name, Shall triumph in Him too! Newton.

The Lord of Lords has triumphed gloriously. H. H. Milman.

Humility o’er self victorious, Of earthly triumphs the most glorious. William Peter.

TROUBLE.

The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble.--Psalm xx. 1.

In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.--Psalm lxxxvi. 7.

I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication.

I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.--Psalm cxlii. 1, 2.

From out of the depths of misery I cry To Thee O Lord, and that most earnestly, Prayers intermixed with sighs and tears My soul sends up into Thine ears. I pour out all my moan Before Thee, Thee alone, And for relief Show Thee my grief.

Lord, when my troubled spirit could not rest For anguish of my mind, Thou knowest best What way to help me, and did see A path through all to set me free. Thy foes, and mine, do lay Snares for me, in my way One did privily In ambush lie.

I looked on every side, but I could see None who would know, and much less succour me. My friends revolted totally, On whom I used to rely; All ways to ’scape by flight Were stopped, and shut up quite, And none did care My soul to spare.

Thus troubled; laid on wait for; desolate; Enclosed around; and thus disconsolate; I cried to Thee, O Lord, and said, Thou art my hope, my help, my aid, The rock I build upon; My lot, my portion, For this life, and A better land. Joseph Bunyan.

When the heart is sore smitten by sorrow, And the bosom is darksome and drear, And when bright hope no longer may borrow A smile from the future to cheer; And the eye that would gaze on the morrow, Is constrain’d to gaze on through a tear-- Even then there’s a hope that can brighten The soul in its darksome abode, That can dry up its sorrow, and lighten, The weight of its wearisome load: ’Tis the hope which no joy can heighten, That leads it to trust in its God.

Though the world to our griefs may be ever Disdainful, unkind, and unjust; And mankind may be eager to sever The links of our holier trust; And the mighty may daily endeavour To tread our torn hearts in the dust, Still thy presence, Lord, cannot be taken From those that all faithful will be: Then why should our spirits be shaken? And why should we languish to flee? When we know we are never forsaken, In the midst of our troubles, by Thee. W. Martin.

If the nation-feeding corn Thriveth under iced snow; If the small bird on the thorn Useth well its guarded sloe; Bid thy cares thy comforts double, Gather fruit from thorns of trouble. E. Elliot.

In the time of Grief and trouble, Then we call upon the Lord, And he hears our supplication, Ever faithful to his word; But when o’er the trouble passeth, As a cloud that hid the sun, We forget the hand that raised us, Careless of the blessing won. Egone.

TRUST.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.--Psalm xx. 7.

O my God, I trust in Thee: let me not be ashamed.--Psalm xxv. 2.

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.--Psalm xxxvii. 5.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding.--Proverbs, iii. 5.

But, O, the soul that never dies At once it leaves the clay; Ye thoughts pursue it where it flies, And track its wondrous way.

Up to the courts where angels dwell, It mounts triumphant there; Or devils plunge it down to hell, In infinite despair.

And must my body faint and die? And must this soul remove? O for some guardian angel high, To bear it safe above!

Jesus, to Thy dear faithful hand, My naked soul I trust; And my flesh waits for Thy command, To drop into the dust. Watts.

Backsliding Israel, bear the voice Of thy forgiving God; Nor force such goodness to exert The terrors of the rod.

Thus saith the Lord, “My mercy flows, An unexhausted stream; And after all its millions saved, Its sway is still supreme.”

Own but the follies thou hast done, And mourn thy sins in dust, And soon thy trembling heart shall learn To hope, and love, and trust. Doddridge.

Men safelier trust to Heaven than to themselves When least themselves, in the mad whirl of crowds, Where folly is contagious, and, too oft, Even wise men leave their better sense at home, To chide and wonder at them when returned. Coleridge.

Frail children of dust, And feeble as frail, In Thee do we trust, Nor find Thee to fail; Thy mercies how tender, How firm to the end! Our Maker--Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.

O measureless might! Ineffable love! While angels delight To hymn Thee above, The humbler creation, Though feeble their lays, With true adoration, Shall lisp to Thy praise. Sir R. Grant.

Do good, shun evil: live not thou As if at death thy being died, Nor error’s syren voice allow To draw thy steps from truth aside; Look to thy journey’s end--the grave! And trust in Him whose arm can save. Moir.

Then shall, gorgeous as a gem, Shine thy mount, Jerusalem; Then shall in the desert rise Fruits of more than Paradise; Earth by angel feet be trod, One great garden of her God; Till are dried the martyr’s tears Through a glorious thousand years. Now, in hope of Him, we trust Earth to earth, and dust to dust. Croly.

We see no more in Thy pure skies, How soft, O God! the sunset dies: How every coloured hill and wood Seems melting in the golden flood: Yet, by the precious memories won From bright hours, now for ever gone, Father, o’er all Thy works we know Thou still art shedding beauty’s glow; Still touching every cloud and tree With glory, eloquent of Thee; Still feeding all Thy flowers with light, Though man hath barred it from our sight. We know Thou reignest, the unchanging One, All-just! And bless Thee still, with free and boundless trust. Mrs. Hemans.

O let my trembling soul be still, While darkness veils this mortal eye, And wait Thy wise, Thy holy will: Wrapp’d yet in fears and mystery, I cannot, Lord! Thy purpose see! Yet all is ruled--since ruled by Thee.

When mounted on Thy clouded car, Thou send’st Thy darker spirits down, I can discern Thy light afar, Thy light sweet beaming through Thy frown; And should I faint a moment--then I think of Thee--and smile again,

So, trusting in Thy love, I tread The narrow path of duty on; What though some cherished joys are fled! What though some flattering dreams are gone; Yet purer, brighter joys remain, Why should my spirit then complain? Bowring.

For now in truth I find My Father all His promises hath kept; He comforts those who here in sadness wept. Eyes to the blind Thou art, O God! Earth I no longer see, Yet trustfully my spirit looks to Thee. Mrs. Neal.

Oh, yet we trust that, somehow, good Will be the final goal of all, To pangs of nature, sins of will, Defects of doubt and taints of blood;

That nothing walks with aimless feet; That not one life shall be destroy’d, Or cast as rubbish to the void, When God hath made the pile complete.

That not a worm is cloven in vain; That not a moth with vain desire Is shrivell’d in a fruitless fire, Or but subserves another’s gain.

Behold! we know not anything; I can but trust that good shall fall At last, far off, at last to all, And every winter change to spring.

So runs my dream:--but what am I? An infant crying in the night; An infant crying for the light; And with no language but a cry. Tennyson.

In patience, then, possess thy soul, Stand still!--for while the thunders roll, Thy Saviour sees thee through the gloom, And will to thy assistance come; His love and mercy will be shown To those who trust in Him alone. William Allen.

Some in chariots, some in horses, We in God Jehovah trust; And, while He our sure resource is, They are fallen in the dust: Save Jehovah, save and hear us, King of glory, King of might; When we call, be ever near us,-- Even for Thy servants fight. Tupper.

Oft, alas! we make our boast In the strength of armed host: Creatures frail in whom we trust, What are they but ashes--dust? Egone.

TRUTH.

The truth of the Lord endureth for ever.--Psalm cxvii. 2.

Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.--Proverbs, xxiii. 23.

Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour.--Zechariah, viii. 16.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.--John, xiv. 6.

When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.--John, xvi. 13.

It is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.--I. John, v. 6.

Dare to be true; nothing can need a lie, A fault which needs it most, grows two thereby. Herbert.

Truth, in her pure simplicity, wants art To put a feigned blush on. John Ford.

Defend the truth; for that who will not die, A coward is, and gives himself the lie. Thomas Randolph.

These furies fell, which turn the world to ruth, Both Envy, Strife, and Slander, her appear, In dungeon dark they long enclosed Truth, But time at length did loose his daughter dear, And sets aloft that sacred lady bright, Who things long hid reveals and brings to light.

Though Strife wake her, though Envy eat her heart, The innocent though Slander rend and spoil: Yet Time will come, and take this lady’s part, And break her bands and bring her foes to foil. Despair not then, though Truth be hidden oft, Because at length, she shall be set aloft. Whitney.

God hath how sent His living oracle Into the world to teach His final will, And sends His Spirit of truth henceforth to dwell In pious hearts: and inward oracle To all truth requisite for men to know. Milton.

For error and mistake are infinite, But truth has but one way to be i’ th’ right: As numbers may t’ infinity be grown, But never be reduc’d to less than one. Butler.

Marble and recording brass decay, And like the ’graver’s memory, pass away; The works of man inherit, as is just, Their author’s frailty, and return to dust; But truth divine for ever stands secure, Its head is guarded, as its base is sure; Fixed in the rolling flood of endless years, The pillar of the eternal plan appears; The raving storm and dashing wave defies, Built by that Architect who built the skies. Cowper.

But what is Truth? ’Twas Pilate’s question, put To Truth itself, that deigned him no reply. And wherefore? Will not God impart His light To them that ask it? Freely,--’tis His joy, His glory, and His nature, to impart. But to the proud, uncandid, insincere, Our negligent enquirer, not a spark. Cowper.

All truth is precious, if not all divine, And what dilates the powers must needs refine. Cowper.

So many minds did gird their orbs with beams, Though one did fling the fire, Heaven flowed upon the soul in many dreams Of high desire.

Thus truth was multiplied on truth, the world Like one great garden show’d, And thro’ the wreaths of floating dark upcurl’d Rare sunrise flow’d. Tennyson.

Dark, dark, yea, irrecoverably dark, Is the soul’s eye; yet how it strives and battles Through the impenetrable gloom to fix That master light, the secret truth of things, Which is the body of the infinite God. Arthur H. Hallam.

Searching the skiey depths all night in vain, The starry seer hath known this mystery-- That the sky orb, which over half the sky Hath baulked his chase, and mocked his utmost pain If (haply while the daylight poured amain Into the empty concave of the night) Hath stepped into his glass, as clear to sight As the one tree that stars a glassy plain, So is it known that some secretive Truth, Which Thought and Patience strove in vain to find, Just when Despair and Doubt were swallowing all, Hath dropped into the heart without a call, Conspicuous as a Fire, and sweet as Youth, An everlasting stronghold to the mind. Thomas Burbidge.

Not seldom, clad in radiant vest, Deceitfully goes forth the morn; Not seldom evening, in the west, Sinks smilingly forsworn. The smoothest seas will sometimes prove To the confiding bark untrue; And if she trust the stars above, They can be treacherous too.

The umbrageous oak, in pomp outspread, Full oft, when storms the welkin rend, Draws lightning down upon the head It promised to defend. But Thou art true, incarnate Lord! Who didst vouchsafe for man to die, Thy smile is sure, Thy plighted word No change can falsify. Wordsworth.

That one half creation is to know Luxurious joy, and others only woe, And so go down into the common tomb With none to question their unequal doom? Shall we give credit to a thought so fond? Ah! no--the world beyond--the world beyond! There shall the desolate heart regain its own! There the oppressed shall stand before God’s throne! There, when the tangled web is all explained, Wrong suffered, pain inflicted, grief disdained, Man’s proud, mistaken judgments and false scorn Shall melt, like mists before the uprising morn, And holy truth stand forth, serenely bright, In the rich flood of God’s eternal light! Mrs. Norton.

It is not in the heart of thought Nor in the breast of care, That truth its dwelling-place has sought, For all is sterile there: Nor is it in the mind where gay Delusive visions throng, That chastening truth can find a way Its glittering dreams among: Yet as within the desert far, There are reflections given Of light, so in the heart there are Remembrances of Heaven. W. Anderson.

Oh! truth abideth with Him everywhere; And lovely is her brow, albeit too bright For earthly eye, she veils her aspect fair, Lest bold vain men be blasted with its light, Beneath a diverse visage, now austere, Now lovely, suited to the gazer’s sight. He who upon her naked face might bear To look, would know her heavenly and divine, And Deity itself in her revere-- Thy soul, oh Man! is her especial shrine; There find her, thou unto thyself shalt wake, And to thy God; for heaven is her’s and thine: Seek her in youth, nor yet in age forsake. J. A. Heraud.

Immortal Truth! by inspiration taught, Thou spurn’st the servile chains of human art; In native majesty arrayed, thou shed’st Thy radiant beams through all this vale below; Thy piercing voice resounds through distant climes, By all distinguished, and by all adored. Charles Jenner.

Truth is in each flower As well as in the solemnest things of God. Truth is the voice of Nature and of Time-- Truth is the startling monitor within us-- Nought is without it, it comes from the stars, The golden sun, and every breeze that blows-- Truth, it is God! and God is everywhere! William Thomson Bacon.

UNITY.

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.--Psalm cxxxiii. 1, 2.

Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.--Ephesians, iv. 3.

E’en as the ointment whose sweet odours blended, From Aaron’s head upon his beard descended, And, falling thence, with rich perfume ran o’er The holy garb the prophet wore: So doth the unity that lives with brothers Share its best blessings and its joy with others. Kamphuyzen.

Behold how good it is that brethren dwell In unity together. Sweet it is, As the rich unguent that o’er Aaron fell From head to beard, and even deigned to kiss His garment skirts. ’Tis precious as the dew Distilled on Hermon in fine essences. Yea, it refreshes Zion’s mountains too; For there the blessing of eternal life, The Lord our God shall evermore renew. J. A. Heraud.

The glorious universe around, The heavens with all their train, Sun, moon, and stars are firmly bound In one mysterious chain.

In one fraternal bond of love, One fellowship of mind, The saints below, the saints above, Their bliss and glory find.

Here, in their house of pilgrimage, Thy statutes are their song; There, through one bright eternal age, Thy praises they prolong!

Lord, may our union form a part Of that thrice happy whole, Derive its pulse from Thee, the heart, Its life from Thee, the soul. J. Montgomery.

VALOUR.

Through God we shall do valiantly: for He it is that shall tread down our enemies.--Psalm cviii. 13.

I never saw an angry person valiant: Virtue is never aided by a vice. Ben Jonson.

In the good man’s breast, Justice and piety, with valour reign: He, though the fabric of the shaken world Should burst in thundering ruin o’er his head, Calm and unawed would view the crushing wreck, Nor shudder at destruction; but to brave The wrath of Heaven, or rashly to intrude, Spotted with guilt, into his Maker’s sight; Or lift for mercy a rebellious hand Dyed with a brother’s gore, he justly fears; Yet, in Himself collected, will defy The taunt of malice, or that groundless right The weakest, lightest of mankind assume To brand with infamy his injured name, And scorn the coward, daring to forgive. C. P. Layard.

Who is valiant, tell me who? Is it he who braves all danger, Foremost ever in the field, ’Mid the clash of sword and shield, Where there’s bloodiest work to do, Unto fear a stranger?

Who is valiant, tell me who? He, who where the tempest rages, ’Mid the elemental strife, Boldly risking limb and life, With a dauntless heart and true, In the work engages?

These are valiant, but methinks ’Tis a higher, nobler valour, In a cause that just and right, Bearing scorn, neglect, and slight, With a soul that never shrinks, And a cheek that knows no pallor. Egone.

VANITY.

Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.--Job, xxxv. 13.

Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth: and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity.--Psalm xxxix. 5.

Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.--Psalm cxliv. 4.

Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.--Ecclesiastes, i. 2.

Cast not thy serious wit on idle things, Make not thy free-will slave to vanity. Davies.

What well-devised ear regards What earth can say? Thy words are gold, but thy regards Are painted clay: Thy cunning can but pack the cards, Thou canst not play: Thy game at weakest, still thou vy’st: If seen and then revy’d, deny’st; Thou art not what thou seem’st false world, thou ly’st.

Thy tinsel bosom seems a mint Of new coined treasure: A paradise that hath no stint, No change, no measure, A painted cask, but nothing in it, Nor wealth, nor pleasure, Vain earth! that falsely thus comply’st With man; vain man! that thou rely’st On earth; vain man, thou dot’st, vain earth, thou ly’st.

What mean dull souls, in this high measure To haberdash In earth’s bare wares, whose greatest treasure Is drop and trash? The height of whose enchanting pleasure Is but a flash? Are these the goods that thou supply’st Us mortals with? Are these the highest? Can these bring cordial peace! vain world thou ly’st. Francis Quarles.

The pride And wand’ring vanity, when least was safe, Rejected my forewarning. Milton.

The man we celebrate must find a tomb, And we that worship him, ignoble graves. Nothing is proof against the general curse Of vanity, that seizes all below. Cowper.

How wise a short retreat to steal, The vanity of life to feel, And from its cares to fly: To act one calm, domestic scene, Earth’s bustle and the grave between, Retire, and learn to die! Hannah More.

Lord, let me know mine end, My days, how brief their date, That I may timely comprehend How frail my best estate.

My life is but a span Mine age is nought with Thee; Man, in his highest honour, man Is dust and vanity. James Montgomery.

Art thou puffed with vanity? Hear the preacher, what saith he? Be thy state however great, Lofty though thy station be, Like a shadow, o’er a meadow Swiftly that is seen to flee: Like a morning flower that soon Withers in the eye of noon; Like a gleam, upon a stream, That we but a moment see;-- Such thou art, oh, haughty man, And thy days are but a span; And thy works, however strong, May not have endurance long; And thy thoughts, however high, What are they but vanity? Egone.

VAPOUR.

Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did He in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth.--Psalm cxxxv. 6, 7.

What is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.--James, iv. 14.

Great is the Lord, exalted high, Above all pow’rs and ev’ry throne; Whate’er He please in earth and sea, Or heav’n, or hell, His hand hath done.

At His command the vapours rise, The lightnings flash, the thunders roar; He pours the rain, He brings the wind And tempests from His airy store. Watts.

Life is a span, a fleeting hour! How soon the vapour flies! Man is a tender transient flower, That e’en in blooming dies. Steele.

How gloriously ’neath yon cerulean arch, The vapoury legions hold their stately march; Onward they press, with banners all unroll’d, Like gleaming cohorts, clad in steel and gold; The space they cover is of vast extent, And afar off rise tower and battlement, As of some city bright, with jasper walls, Enclosing, as we deem, wide stately halls, And spacious streets, and temples all inlaid With precious stones, and fit for worship made. ’T is but a dream! behold, comes on the night; The heavens grow black, and blotted from the sight Are those fair shapes, and such the airy schemes Of human pride, all unsubstantial dreams. Vapour and mist enwrap our senses here, Only about God’s throne is all serene and clear. Egone.

VENGEANCE.

O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew Thyself.--Psalm xciv. 1.

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, be strong; fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense.--Isaiah, xxxv. 4.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.--Romans, xii. 19.

From Sinai’s top Jehovah gave the law, Life for obedience, death for every flaw. When the great Sovereign would His will express, He gives a perfect rule, what can He less? And guards it with a sanction as severe As vengeance can inflict, or sinners fear: Else His own glorious rights He would disclaim, And man might safely trifle with His name. Cowper.

Speak not of vengeance! ’t is the right of God. “Vengeance is His.” Who shall usurp the bolt And launch it for Omnipotence? shall man Assume the right of judgment, or prescribe How far the line of mercy shall extend, Or punishment shall stretch its iron rod? In thine own cause to judge, who gave thee right, Presumptuous man! C. P. Layard.

Some deluded minds, Harrowed by penal terrors, in the gulf Of black despair are whelmed. No ray of hope Dispels the involving gloom; a Deity, With all the thunder of dread vengeance round Him, Is ever present to their tortured thoughts. Samuel Hayes.

To vengeance horrible aroused, And clad in tenfold fierceness, shalt thou stand Beside the atheist’s bed; by his who oft, With wit profane, and poignant blasphemy, And specious show of argument, hath scoffed Each awful truth, and ridiculed his God. William Gibson.

VICTORY.

O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.--Psalm xcviii. 1.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ.--I. Corinthians, xv. 55, 57.

This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.--I. John, v. 4.

Ye dead! where can your dwelling be? --The house of all the living;--come and see. O life! what is thy breath? --A vapour lost in death. O death! how ends thy strife? --In everlasting life. O grave! where is thy victory? --Ask Him who rose again from me. J. Montgomery.

Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious, See the “Man of Sorrows” now; From the fight returned victorious, Every knee to Him shall bow! Crown Him! crown Him! Crowns become the victor’s brow.

Sinners in derision crown’d Him, Mocking thus the Saviour’s claim; Saints and angels crowd around Him, Own His title, praise His name: Crown Him! crown Him! Spread abroad the victor’s fame! Kelly.

Millions now before the throne, Lay their trophied offerings down; Clad in robes of purity, Now they sing of victory.

Millions more still onward go, Militant while here below; Soon the shield and sword shall be Laid aside for victory. W. J. Brock.

Beauty;--may that of holiness be mine; May power be given me to o’ercome the world; For pleasure, may I have a hand to pour The oil and wine upon another’s wound! For honour, may I bear my Saviour’s cross; For splendour, light that from His follower beams; And be my glory His approving smile; My fame, the world’s reproaches for His sake; My wealth, a conscience where no rust corrodes-- One that may look into a coming world, As nature shall dissolve, and feel secure; With these to aid me in the mortal strife, May I, the palm of victory o’er the grave, Make my immortal prize! Hannah F. Gould.

Waft not to me the blast of fame, That swells the trump of victory; For to my ear it gives the name Of slaughter and of misery.

Boast not so much of honour’s sword, Wave not so high the victor’s plume; They point me to the bosom gor’d, They point me to the blood-stained tomb.

The boastful shout, the revel loud, That strive to drown the voice of pain; What are they but the fickle crowd, Rejoicing o’er their brethren slain?

And oh, through glory’s fading blaze, I see the cottage taper, pale, Which sheds its faint and feeble rays, Where unprotected orphans wail.

Where the sad widow weeping stands, As if her day of hope was done; Where the wild mother clasps her hands, And asks the victor for her son.

Where, midst that desolated land, The sire lamenting o’er his son, Extends his pale and powerless hand, And finds its only prop is gone.

See, how the bands of war and woe Have rifled sweet domestic bliss; And tell me if your laurels grow, And flourish in a soil like this. Sigourney.

Up to the strife with care, Be thine an oaken heart, Life’s daily contest nobly share, Nor act a craven part; Give murmurs to the coward throng, Be thine the joyous notes of song.

If thrown upon the field, Up to the task once more, ’T is worse than infamy to yield, ’T is childish to deplore; Look stern misfortune in the eye, And breast the billow manfully.

Close in with every foe, As thickly on they come, They can but lay thy body low, And send thy spirit home; Yet may’st thou stand it out and view What giant energy can do.

Soon shall the combat cease, The struggle fierce and long, And thine be true, unbroken peace, And thine the victor’s song; Beyond the clouds will wait for thee. The wreath of immortality. (Rev.) E. C. Jones.

Who shall wear the victor’s wreath In the realms of deathless glory? Those who reaped the fields of death, Heroes of an earthly story? Nay not these, nor such as these, They have won rewards and prizes, Shadowy unrealities, Which the humble saint despises. He the victor’s wreath shall wear, Meekly who the cross could bear. Egone.

VINE.

Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold and visit this vine;

And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest so strong for thyself.--Psalm lxxx. 14, 15.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.--John, xv. 1.

Thanks to Thy sovereign grace, O God, if I Am graffed in that true vine a living shoot, Whose arms embrace the world, and in whose root, Planted by faith, our life must hidden lie. But Thou beholdest how I fade and dry! Choked with a waste of leaf, and void of fruit, Unless Thy spring perennial shall recruit My sapless branch, still wanting fresh supply.

O cleanse me, then, and make me to abide Wholly in Thee, to drink Thy heavenly dew, And, watered daily with my tears to grow. Thou art the truth, thy promise is my guide; Prepare me when Thou comest, Lord, to show Fruits answering to the stock on which I grow. From the Italian of Vittoria Colonna.

Hast Thou not planted with Thy hands A lovely vine in heathen lands? Did not Thy pow’r defend it round, And heav’nly dews enrich the ground?

How did the spreading branches shoot, And bless the nations with the fruit! But now, dear Lord, look down and see Thy mourning vine, that lovely tree.

Why is its beauty thus defac’d? Why hast Thou laid her fences waste? Strangers and foes against her join, And ev’ry beast devours the vine.

Return, Almighty God, return: Nor let Thy bleeding vineyard mourn; Turn us to Thee, Thy love restore; We shall be sav’d and sigh no more. Watts.

VIOLENCE.

Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders.--Isaiah, lx. 18.

Thus saith the Lord, do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow.--Jeremiah, xxii. 3.

And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, and what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man.--Luke, iii. 14.

All the elements At least had gone to wreck, disturbed and torn With violence of this conflict, had not soon Th’ Eternal hung his golden scales. Milton.

Grieved at heart, when looking down He saw The whole earth filled with violence; and all flesh Corrupting each their way. Milton.

The grief of mind is that intestine war That stirs sedition in the state of man; Where, when our passions once commanding are, Our peaceful days are desperate, for then The stir’s more hot than when it first began; For heady passion ’s like an untamed beast, That riots most when we desire it least.

This violence exceeds his virtuous mien, Like swelling tides that overcome their shore, Leaving the awful current of their stream, And break their banks that bounded them before; Yet grief in his great violence is more; For if that reason bound not grief with laws, In our destruction grief will be the cause. Christopher Lever.

First Envy, eldest born of hell, imbrued Her hands in blood, and taught the sons of men To make a death which Nature never made, And God abhorred; with violence rude to break The thread of life ere half its length was run, And rob a wretched brother of his being. Bishop Porteus.

VIRTUE.

Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.--Philippians, iv. 8.

Giving all diligence add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.--II. Peter, i. 5.

Heaven doth with us as we with torches do; Not light them for themselves: for if our virtues Did not go forth of us, ’t were all alike As if we had them not. Shakspere.

Tell faith it’s fled the city; Tell how the country erreth; Tell manhood, shakes of pity; Tell virtue, least preferreth; And if they do reply Spare not to give the lie. Sir W. Raleigh.

--Walls of brass resist not A noble undertaking--nor can vice Raise any bulwark to make good a place Where virtue seeks to enter. Fletcher.

Eternal Spirit! Thou who think’st not scorn To make thyself a lowly habitant In the mean cottage of the human breast When purity has been thy harbinger: Come then, and lead the virtues in Thy train; Allot to each her office; ceaseless guard Still let them bold around this earth-born heart, And watch, with closest glance, its languid pulse. John Hey.

Virtue’s no virtue whiles it lives secure; When difficulty waits on ’t, then ’t is pure. John Quarles.

Yet sometimes nations will decline so low From virtue, which is reason, that no wrong But justice, and some fatal course annexed, Deprives them of their outward liberty, Their inward lost. Milton.

Life swarms with ills; the boldest are afraid; Where, then, is safety for a tender maid? Unfit for conflict, round beset with woes, And man, whom least she fears, her worst of foes; When kind, most cruel; when oblig’d the most, The least obliging; and by favours lost. Cruel by nature, they for kindness hate, And scorn you for those ills themselves create: If on your frame our sex a blot has thrown, ’Twill ever stick, through malice of your own. Most hard! in pleasing your chief glory lies; And yet from pleasing your chief dangers rise: Then please the best; and know, for men of sense, Your strongest charms are native innocence; Arts on the mind, like paint upon the face, Fright him that’s worth your love from your embrace, In simple manners, all the secret lies; Be kind and virtuous, you’ll be blest and wise. Young.

Our hearts ne’er bow but to superior worth, Nor ever fail of their allegiance there; Fools, indeed, drop the man in their account, And vote the mantle into majesty. Shall man be proud to wear his livery, And souls in ermine scorn a soul without? Can place or lessen us, or aggrandise? Pigmies are pigmies still, though perched on hills, And pyramids are pyramids in vales; Each man makes his own stature, builds himself: Virtue alone outlives the pyramids; Her monuments shall last when Egypt’s fall. Young.

I saw the virtuous man contend With life’s unnumbered woes; And he was poor--without a friend, Press’d by a thousand foes.

I saw the passion’s pliant slave In gallant trim, and gay; His course was pleasure’s placid wave, His life a summer’s day.

And I was caught in folly’s snare, And join’d her giddy train, But found her soon the nurse of care And punishment, and pain.

There surely is some guiding pow’r Which rightly suffers wrong, Gives vice to bloom its little hour, But virtue late and long. Camoens.

O Thou! by whose almighty nod the scale Of empire rises, or alternate falls, Send forth the saving virtues round the land In bright patrol: white peace and social love; The tender-looking charity, intent On gentle deeds, and shedding tears through smiles; Undaunted truth, and dignity of mind: Courage composed and keen; sound temperance, Healthful in heart and look; clear chastity, With blushes reddening as she moves along, Disordered at the deep regard she draws; Rough industry; activity untired, With copious life informed, and all awake. Thomson.

Virtue with peculiar charms appears Crowned with the garland of life’s blooming years. Cowper.

While virtue lends a zest to joy, And bliss to rapture warms, Our very tears she turns to smiles, And every pang disarms.

But vice her foul circean cup May medicate in vain: E’en in her mirth some sorrow lurks, In all her pleasures, pain.

Since this, with voice from heav’n, proclaims That He that rules above, Doth on the side of virtue stand, Let fear be lost in love. C. C. Colton.

Know thou this truth, (enough for man to know,) Virtue alone is happiness below. Pope.

Virtue, the strength and beauty of the soul, Is the best gift of heaven: a happiness That e’en above the smiles and frowns of fate Exalts great nature’s favourites; a wealth That ne’er encumbers, nor can be transferred. Riches are oft by guilt and baseness earned, Or dealt by chance to shield a lucky knave; Or throw a cruel sunshine on a fool. But for one end, one much neglected use, Are riches worth your care: for nature’s wants Are few, and without opulence supplied. This noble end is to produce the soul; To show the virtues in their fairest light; To make humanity the minister Of bounteous Providence; and lend the breast That generous luxury the Gods enjoy. Dr. Armstrong.

Virtue in itself commands its happiness, Of every outward object independent. Francis.

Virtue Stands like the sun, and all which rolls around Drinks life, and light, and glory, from her aspect. Byron.

The discipline of slavery is unknown Among us,--hence the more do we require The discipline of virtue; order else Cannot subsist, nor confidence, nor peace-- Thus duties rising out of good possest, And prudent caution needful to avert Impending evil, equally require, That the whole people should be taught and trained. So shall licentiousness and black resolve Be rooted out, and virtuous habits take Their place; and genuine piety descend Like an inheritance, from age to age. Wordsworth.

VISIONS.

And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night.--Genesis, xlvi. 2.

Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little thereof.

In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men.--Job, iv. 12, 13.

Our revels now are ended: these our actors, As I foretold you, were all spirits, and Are melted into air, into thin air; And, like the baseless fabric of this vision, The cloud-capt towers, the gorgeous palaces, The solemn temples, the great globe itself, Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve; And, like this insubstantial pageant faded Leave not a rack behind! Shakspere.

Visions and inspirations some expect Their course here to direct. Like senseless chemists, their own wealth destroy, Imaginary gold to enjoy. So stars appear to drop to us from the sky, And gild the passage as they fly; But when they fall, and meet the opposing ground, What but a sordid slime is found! Cowley.

The days of old, in vision, Bring vanish’d bliss to view, The years of lost fruition Their joys in pangs renew: Remember’d songs of gladness, Through night’s lone silence brought Strike notes of deeper sadness And stir desponding thought. J. Montgomery.

Such castles we build too, on life’s ocean rising Frail phantoms of wishes the future disguising-- They meet us at eve when vague fancies are flowing, But melt in thin air when the daylight is glowing, Alas! could such visions indeed be our own, When approached and possessed, they would cease to delight-- But so long as they skirt the horizon’s dim zone, They e’er seem enticing, empurpled, and bright! W. H. Leatham.

VOICE.

The voice of the Lord is upon the waters, the God of glory thundereth.

The voice of the Lord is powerful: the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.--Psalm xxix. 3, 4.

A fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.--Ecclesiastes, v. 3.

The Lord shall cause his glorious voice to be heard.--Isaiah, xxx. 30.

Let me Thy voice betimes i’ the morning hear! Call, and I’ll come; say Thou the when and where: Draw me but first, and after Thee I’ll run, And halt not once until my race be done. Herrick.

There seems a voice in every gale, A tongue in every opening flower, Which tells, O God, the wondrous tale Of Thy indulgence, love, and power: The birds, that rise on quivering wing, Appear to hymn their Maker’s praise, And all the mingling sounds of Spring To Thee a general anthem raise. Mrs. Opie.

There is a tongue in every leaf,-- A voice in every rill;-- A voice that speaketh everywhere, In flood and fire, through earth and air! A tongue that’s never still!

’Tis the Great Spirit, wide diffused Through every thing we see, That with our spirits communeth, Of things mysterious--life and death, Time and eternity. Miss Bowles.

The voice of the Lord on the ocean is known, The God of eternity thundereth abroad; The voice of the Lord from the depth of his throne Is terror and power;--all nature is awed.

The voice of the Lord through the calm of the wood Awakens its echoes, strikes light through its caves; The Lord sitteth King on the turbulent flood, The winds are his servants, his servants the waves. J. Montgomery.

WAITING.

Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.--Psalm xxv. 5.

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.--Psalm xxvii. 14.

The Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.--Isaiah, xxx. 18.

The Lord direct your heart into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.--II. Thessalonians, iii. 5.

They also serve who only stand and wait. Milton.

How difficult the task to wait For promises to be fulfilled, To stand, and watch, and hope, though late The coming glory be revealed.

To feel and know the sun will rise, And patiently endure the night, With eye of faith, through gloomy skies, To see afar the dawning light.

Full many a fiery soul would dare The scorn of man, the martyr’s stake, Whose eager spirit could not bear, Humbly to wait for Jesu’s sake.

We ask for some great thing to do, Some mighty, herculean task, And always doubt that God is true, Because he grants not what we ask.

We sow, and look to see the grain Bend with its weight the golden ears; We pray, and deem our prayers are vain, Because in heaven no sign appears.

Oh, give to me the christian’s mind, Neither depressed, nor yet elate, If active service be assigned, Or patiently to watch and wait, And still a patient joy to find, Whatever be my earthly state. Egone.

WALKING.

Enoch walked with God.--Genesis, v. 24.

I will walk before God in the land of the living.--Psalm cxvi. 9.

He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.--Proverbs, x. 9.

Can two walk together, except they be agreed!--Amos, iii. 3.

O for a closer walk with God, A calm and heavenly frame, A light to shine upon the road That leads me to the Lamb.

Where is the blessedness I knew When first I saw the Lord? Where is the soul-refreshing view Of Jesus and his word?

Return, O holy Dove! return, Sweet messenger of rest! I hate the sins that made thee mourn, And drove thee from my breast.

The dearest idol I have known, Whate’er that idol be, Help me to tear it from thy throne, And worship only thee.

So shall my walk be close with God, Calm and serene my frame; So purer light shall mark the road That leads me to the Lamb. Cowper.

Delightful record! Enoch walked with God: How great his happiness sublime and pure! Here all is excellence--all solid bliss, And all of heaven that can be found below. O, while I dwell a sojourner on earth, With steadfast purpose may I walk with God! And though I cannot shun the gates of death, I soon shall triumph in immortal peace. Joseph Jones.

WANDER.

Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?--Psalm lvi. 8.

Thus saith the Lord unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the Lord doth not accept them.--Jeremiah, xiv. 10.

The rolling planets, and the glorious sun, Still keep that order which they first begun; They their first lesson constantly repeat, Which their Creator, as a law, did set, Above, below, exactly all obey: But wretched men have found another way. Knowledge of good and evil as at first (That vain persuasion) keeps them still accurst. The sacred word refusing as a guide, Slaves they become to luxury and pride, As clocks remaining in the skilful hand Of some great master, at the figure stand, But, when abroad, neglected they do go, At random strike, and the false hour do show; So from our Maker wandering we stray, Like birds that know not to their nests the way. In Him we dwelt before our exile here, And may, returning, find contentment there, True joy may find, perfection of delight, Behold His face, and shun eternal night. Waller.

O Lord, my God, I wandered have As one that runs astray, And have in thought, and word, and deed, In idleness and play, Offended sore Thy Majesty In heaping sin to sin, And yet Thy mercy hath me spared, So gracious hast Thou been! O Lord, my faults I now confess, And sorry am therefore; But not so much as fain I would: O Lord, what wilt Thou more? Wm. Hunnis.

WANT.

For want and famine they were solitary.--Job, xxx. 3.

That which is wanting cannot be numbered.--Ecclesiastes, i. 15.

Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.--Daniel, v. 27.

Want is a bitter and hateful good, Because its virtues are not understood. Yet many things, impossible to thought, Have been, by need, to full perfection brought. Sharpness of wit, and active diligence; Prudence at once, and fortitude it gives, And, if in patience taken, mends our lives; For even that indigence that brings me low, Makes me myself, and Him above, to know. Dryden.

Lord, grant, oh grant me thy compassion, For I in thee my trust have placed; Display thy wings for my salvation, Until my griefs are overpast. To thee I sue, oh God most high, To thee that canst all want supply. George Wither.

On God for all events depend; You cannot want when God’s your friend. Weigh well your part, and do your best; Leave to your Maker all the rest. The hand which formed thee in the womb, Guides from the cradle to the tomb. Cotton.

Father, ’tis thine each day to yield Thy children’s wants a fresh supply; Thou cloth’st the lilies of the field, And hearest the young ravens cry; On thee we cast our care, we live Through thee, who know’st our every need, O feed us with thy grace, and give Our souls this day the living bread! J. Wesley.

WAR.

Come behold the works of the Lord:

He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.--Psalm xlvi. 8, 9.

They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.--Isaiah, ii. 4.

From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?--James, iv. 1.

O war, thou son of hell, Whom angry heavens do make their minister! Shakspere.

O, shame to men, devil with devil damned Firm concord holds, men only disagree Of creatures rational, though under hope Of heavenly grace, and God proclaiming peace, Yet live in hatred, enmity, and strife Among themselves, and levy cruel wars, Wasting the earth, each other to destroy; As if, (which might induce us to accord,) Man had not hellish foes enough besides, That day and night for his destruction wait. Milton.

Rash, fruitless war, from wanton glory wag’d Is only splendid murder. Thomson.

O war!--what, what art thou? At once the proof and scourge of man’s fall’n state? After the brightest conquest, what appears Of all thy glories? for the vanquish’d chains! For the proud victors, what? alas! to reign O’er desolated nations! Hannah More.

War, horrid war! oh! would ye understand That direful word--that scourge of every land, Oh! then peruse the well-known leaves that time Himself hath traced in characters sublime: Consult the archives of many a vast domain Where pomp, and power, and crime once held their reign, And view with retrospective eye Th’ Imperial States whose awful destiny It was to fade, decay, and disappear, With scarce a trace to say “We once were here!” Yet wars and battles mark’d their passing day With strife tumultuous, and wild affray. Count Frederick Von Erlach.

The Son of God goes forth to war, A kingly crown to gain; His blood red banner streams afar,-- Who follows in his train?

Who best can drink his cup of woe, Triumphant over pain; Who patient bears his cross below, He follows in his train.

The martyr first, whose eagle eye Could pierce beyond the grave; Who saw his Master in the sky, And called on Him to save.

Like him, with pardon on his tongue, In midst of mortal pain, He prayed for them who did the wrong,-- Who follows in his train?

A glorious band, the chosen few On whom the Spirit came! Twelve valiant saints, their hopes they knew, And mocked the cross and flame.

They met the tyrant’s brandished steel, The lion’s gory mane; They bow’d their necks the death to feel,-- Who follows in their train?

A noble army--men and boys, The matron and the maid, Around their Saviour’s throne rejoice, In robes of light array’d,

They climbed the steep ascent of Heaven, Through peril, toil, and pain; O God, to us may grace be given, To follow in their train! Bishop Heber.

Secure from actual warfare, we have loved To swell the war-whoop, passionate for war! Alas! for ages ignorant of all Its ghastlier workings, famine, or blue plague, Battle or siege, or flight through wintry snows! We, this whole people, have been clamorous For war and bloodshed; animating sports, The which we pay for as a thing to talk of; Spectators and not combatants! No guess Anticipative of a wrong unfelt, No speculation or contingency, However dim and vague, too vague and dim To yield a justifying cause; and forth, Stuffed out with big preamble, holy names And adjurations of the God in heaven, We send our mandates for the certain death Of thousands and ten thousands! Boys and girls, And women that would groan to see a child Pull off an insect’s leg, all read of war, The best amusement for our morning’s meal! The poor wretch who has learnt his only prayer From curses, who knows scarcely words enough To ask a blessing from his heavenly Father, Becomes a fluent phraseman, absolute And technical in victories and defeats, And all our dainty terms for fratricide; Terms which we trundle smoothly o’er our tongues Like mere abstractions, empty sounds, to which We join no feeling, and attach no form! As if the soldier died without a wound; As if the fibres of this godlike frame Were gored without a pang; as if the wretch Who fell in battle, doing bloody deeds, Passed off to heaven, translated, and not killed; As though he had no wife to pine for him, No God to judge him. Coleridge.

Of all the murderous trades by mortals plied, ’Tis war alone that never violates The hallowed day by simulate respect-- By hypocritic rest; no, no, the work proceeds, From sacred pinnacles are hung the flags That give the sign to slip the leash for slaughter, The bells whose knoll a holy calmness poured Into the good man’s breast, whose sound consoled The sick, the poor, the old--perversion dire! Pealing with sulphurous tongue, speak death-fraught words. From morn to eve destruction revels frenzied, Till at the hour when peaceful vesper chimes Were wont to sooth the ear, the trumpet sounds Pursuit, and flight altern; and for the song Of larks descending to their grass-bowered homes, The croak of flesh-gorged ravens, as they slake Their thirst in hoof-prints filled with gore, disturbs The stupor of the dying man; while death Triumphantly sails down the ensanguined stream, On corses, throned and crowned with shivered boughs, That erst hung imaged in the crystal tide. Grahame.

When war the demon lifts his banner high And loud artillery rends the affrighted sky; Swords clash with swords, on horses horses rush, Man tramples man, and nations nations crush, Death his vast scythe with sweep enormous wields; And shuddering pity quits the ensanguined fields. Dr. Darwin.

How like a fiend may man be made, Plying the foul and monstrous trade Whose harvest-field is human life, Whose sickle is the reeking sword! Quenching, with reckless hands in blood, Sparks kindled by the breath of God. J. G. Whittier.

Such is war! O heavens! when will the spiritual Sun arise, And with His beams effulgent, drive away The mists of error that so long have hung Their dark, unnatural drapery o’er the mind, That broods o’er human carnage! when will man Turn from the path of Cain, and learn to see A brother without hating? Rufus Dawes.

WATCHING.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.--Matthew, xxvi. 41.

What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.--Mark, xiii. 37.

If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.--Rev. iii. 3.

The towers of heaven are filled With armed watch, that render all access Impregnable. Milton.

Faithful soul, pray always; pray, And still in God confide; He thy feeble step shall stay, Nor suffer thee to slide; Lean on thy Redeemer’s breast; He thy quiet spirit keeps, Rest in him, securely rest; Thy Watchman never sleeps.

Neither sin, nor earth, nor hell, Thy keeper can surprise; Careless slumbers cannot steal On his all-seeing eyes; He is Israel’s sure defence; Israel all his care shall prove, Kept by watchful providence, And ever-wakeful love. C. Wesley.

Watch o’er my lips, and guard them, Lord, From ev’ry rash and heedless word; Nor let my feet incline to tread The guilty path where sinners lead. Watts.

In time of tribulation, Hear, Lord, my feeble cries; With humble supplication, To thee my spirit flies; My heart with grief is breaking, Scarce can my voice complain: Mine eyes, with tears kept waking, Still watch and weep in vain. J. Montgomery.

WATER.

He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.--Job, xxvi. 10.

Thus saith the Lord, when thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee.--Isaiah, xliii. 1, 2.

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.--Isaiah, lv. 1.

Ho! every one that thirsts, draw nigh, (’Tis God invites a fallen race;) Mercy and free salvation buy; Buy wine, and milk, and gospel grace.

Come to the living waters, come! Sinners, obey your Maker’s call; Return, ye weary wanderers home, And find my grace is free for all.

See from the Rock a fountain rise, For you, in healing streams, it rolls; Money ye need not bring, nor price, Ye labouring, burden’d, sin-sick souls. C. Wesley.

Come hither ye that thirst, Come to the waters free, With a blithesome bound and a joyful burst, Like a bird in its liberty.

Drink at this holy spring, That flows for ever bright, Oh, hasten in faith! make wing, make wing, ’Tis a well of sweet delight.

This living water flows Not heedlessly, nor vain; Drink, it a fountain of life bestows, Ye never can thirst again.

Man’s heart, that barren place, Shall blossom like the rose, Grow fertile in love, and abound in grace, Wherever that water flows.

And every plant shall show Clusters of goodly fruit, While all who gaze, in delight may know, That Christ is at its root.

What fruit each plant may bring, Is his, and only his; For He the lovely and constant spring Of living water is. W. Martin.

Come let me view the wonder! Let me look On nature in her grandeur and her power; Reading the fairer portions of her book, I may have missed her in her solemn hour, Searching fresh beauty in each wildling flower, And melody in every woodland song; I have not seen her when her features lower, Or known the terrors that to God belong, Not viewing, in his might, the terrible, the strong!

Come, let me look into the vast abyss, See the great rush, the whirlwind and the storms; Hear the “vast hell” where oceans “howl” and “hiss,” And fell destruction loveliness deforms. Where is the horror which so much alarms, At which alike timid and strong turn back? I hear no howls. I see no horrid forms; Nor dream of nations or of nature’s wrack, I see a mighty, but a lovely cataract.

No terrors sit upon its smiling brow, There sunshine plays upon the waters clear; And as it pours its mighty flood below, Sunshine and glory make their dwelling there: I wonder and admire, but cannot fear, All is so lovely and so beautiful. See! the blessed bow of many tints is here, A seven-fold bow of promised safety full, Spanning the glorious whole, each rising fear to lull.

Pour on for ever, thou mighty flood, Thy stream of goodness thus. For ever flow, Unchanging emblem of infinitude, Nor deem thy bounty needs a course more slow, Unmeasured fountains pour their wealth below, Where diamond wells in deep concealment lie; And constant streams that never ebb can know, For ever flowing, bring their rich supply, Fed by eternal streams--springs which can never dry. W. F. Rock.

WAVES.

Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed.--Job, xxxviii. 11.

Fear ye not me? saith the Lord: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?--Jeremiah, v. 22.

Deep calleth unto deep. And what are we, That hear the question of that voice sublime? O, what are all the notes that ever rung From war’s vain trumpet, by thy thundering side! Yea, what is all the riot man can make In his short life, to thy unceasing roar! And yet, bold babbler, what art thou to Him Who drowned a world, and heaped the waters far Above its loftiest mountains?--a light wave, That breaks, and whispers of its Maker’s might. J. G. C. Brainard.

Thou, Thou alone, with whom, enthroned on high, Sits co-essential wisdom, bad’st subside The valleys, and the mountains, from amidst Th’ o’erwhelming moisture, heave their brow sublime. The liquid troops, obedient to Thy voice, Fled to the appointed station. Thou a bound Hast set, they cannot pass; nor ever spread Their flowing mantle o’er th’ invested earth: Thou to the sea sayest,--Hitherto advance, And here thy proud licentious waves be stayed. George Bally.

How oft the ruddy cheek will pale To leave the earth behind! How oft the glowing heart will quail Before the tempest wind! We fear the billow’s dash, but why? There’s One to guard and save; There’s One whose wide and watchful eye Sleeps not above the wave. Eliza Cook.

WAY.

Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.--Psalm xxv. 4.

Jesus saith I am the way, the truth, and the life.--John, xiv. 6.

The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord.--Proverbs, xv. 9.

Thou canst accomplish all things, Lord of might! And every thought is naked to Thy sight. But O, Thy ways are wonderful, and lie Beyond the deepest reach of mortal eye. Young.

To me, O Lord, be Thou “The Way,” To me be Thou “The Truth;” To me, my Saviour, be “The Life,” Thou Guardian of my youth!

So shall that Way be my delight, That Truth shall make me free; That Life shall raise me from the dead, And then I’ll live to thee. Leigh Richmond.

Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life-- And hearts that, with presumption rife, Would seek through other means to gain Light, Truth, and Life, but toil in vain: Thy hand alone controls our way, Thy Truth bids darkness turn to day; And they Eternal Life have gained Whose names are written on Thy Hand. S. D. Patterson.

Know well, my soul, God’s hand controls Whate’er thou fearest; Round Him, in calmest music, rolls Whate’er thou hearest.

What to thee is shadow, to Him is day, And the end He knoweth; And not on a blind and aimless way The Spirit goeth. J. G. Whittier.

WEAKNESS.

It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.--Romans, xiv. 21.

Comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak.--I. Thessalonians, v. 14.

What weaker breast, Since Adam’s armour failed, dares warrant his? That, made by God of all his creatures best, Straight made himself the worst of all the rest: If any strength we have, it is to ill; But all the good is God’s, both power and will; The dead man cannot rise, though he himself may kill. Giles Fletcher.

Ah! what are we, but lumps of walking clay? Why should we swell? Whence should our spirits rise? Are not the beasts as strong, and birds as gay, Trees longer lived, and creeping things as wise? Only our souls were left an inward light, To feel our weakness, and confess Thy might. Sir H. Wotton.

Still let us, Lord, with grace be blest, Who in thy guardian mercy rest, Extend thy mercy’s arms to me, The weakest soul that trusts in Thee; And never let me lose thy love, ’Till I, even I, am crowned above. Dryden.

Oft have I heard of Thine Almighty power, But never saw thee till this dreadful hour. O’erwhelmed with shame, the Lord of life I see, Abhor myself, and give my soul to Thee. Nor shall my weakness tempt Thine anger more: Man was not made to question, but adore. Young.

And though sometimes Thou seem’st Thy face to hide, As one that had withdrawn his love from me, ’Tis that my faith may to the full be tried, And that I may thereby the better see How weak I am, when not upheld by Thee! Thomas Ellwood.

WEALTH.

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, Wealth and riches shall be in his house.--Psalm cxii. 1, 3.

Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.--Proverbs, xiii. 11.

Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.--I. Corinthians, x. 24.

I have no guide those honours to obtain, Which men might heretofore by virtue gain; Nor have I wit if wealth were given me, To think bought place or title honoured me; I yet have no belief that they are wise, Who for base ends can basely temporize; Or that it will at length be all for me, That I lived poor to keep my spirit free.

* * * * *

I should on God alone so much depend, That I should need nor wealth nor other friend. Wither.

Wide-wasting pest! that rages unconfined, And crowds with crimes the records of mankind; For gold, his sword the hireling ruffian draws; For gold, the hireling judge distorts the laws; Wealth heaped on wealth, nor truth nor safety buys, The dangers gather as the treasures rise. Dr. Johnson.

Glittering stones, and golden things, Wealth and honours that have wings, Ever fluttering to be gone, I could never call my own: Riches that the world bestows, She can take, and I can lose; But the treasures that are mine Lie afar beyond her line, When I view my spacious soul, And survey myself a whole, And enjoy myself alone, I’m a kingdom of my own. Watts.

WEARINESS.

The people shall weary themselves for very vanity.--Habakkuk, ii. 13.

Consider him that endureth such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.--Hebrews, xii. 3.

Let us not be weary in well doing.--Galatians, vi. 9.

Poor worldling! stay thy vain pursuit of peace In empty vanities: no good can live In all the gilded charms that mock thee: cease Thy hold on these; loose every cord, and hear The word of God: “Come ye that weary are! Ye heavy-laden, come, and I will give You rest.” O, heed that call! in holy fear, In deep humility, bow down: the star Of hope shall rise, and joy shall speak thy soul’s release. Isaac F. Shepard.

O, I am weary of this sinful life! Weary of error, and yet erring still, Knowing, yet doing not Thy holy will, O, I am weary of this endless strife!

I ask not that Thou take me from the earth, But keep me from its evils--guide my feet, And give me strength its many cares to meet-- To act all worthy of my heavenly birth. Mary J. Reed.

Weariness will follow those Who touch upon their journey’s close But as the sun, though setting, burns Still brightly, and to glory turns The very clouds that round him roll; So, even so, do thou my soul, With in-born radiance, more and more, Illume the shades of Sixty-four.

Nay, let a yet diviner power Glorify thy latter hour: Too long faithless and forlorn Earthly image thou hast borne; Now that heavenly impress seek, Which, when flesh is frail and weak, Gives the soul new power to soar Eagle-winged, at Sixty-four. Bernard Barton.

WEEPING.

Thou shalt weep no more.--Isaiah, xxx. 19.

Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.--Luke, vi. 21.

Jesus wept.--John, xi. 35.

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.--Romans, xii. 15.

Though woe to joy! And though, at morn thou weep, And though the midnight find thee weeping still, Good cheer! good cheer! The Shepherd loves his sheep-- Resign thee to the watchful Father’s will. Rosegarten.

Oh! glorious miracle of heavenly love! Oh! wondrous spectacle of saving grace! Oh! sympathy divine with human woe! He who had conquered death did condescend To weep over a grave where others wept! How deep the lesson--and how marvellous The meaning of such sorrow!

Said it not; Thy grief offends me not, if it be meek, Trustful, and humble. I forbid not tears, When they flow patiently. I would not close The springs of sympathy. I made ye thus To cling one to the other, and to feel Each for his neighbour, both in joy and woe; Yet teach your sorrow reverence; and believe That he who smites you is the Lord your God. Miss Pardoe.

Thou who hearest plaintive music, Or sweet songs of other days; Heaven-revealing organs pealing, Or clear voices hymning praise, And would’st weep, thou know’st not wherefore, Though thy soul is steeped in joy; And the world looks kindly on thee; And thy bliss hath no alloy-- Weep, nor seek for consolation, Let the heaven-sent droplets flow, They are hints of mighty secrets; We are wiser than we know. Charles Mackay.

WELL.

Men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.--Psalm xlix. 18.

Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him.--Isaiah, iii. 10.

If when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.--I. Peter, ii. 20.

Such music! Before was never made, But when of old the sons of morning sung Whilst the Creator great His constellations set, And the well-balanced world on hinges hung. Milton.

To pray, without devotion, is to prate; And hearing is but half our exercise: We ought not, therefore, to regard alone How often, but how well, the work be done. George Wither.

Circles are prais’d, not that abound In largeness, but th’ exalted round: So life we praise that does excel Not in much time, but acting well. Waller.

Am I doing well or ill? Soul, a solemn question this! Am I seeking to fulfil God’s most high and holy will, Bending all mine efforts still To attain eternal bliss?

Am I doing well or ill? Ask the world, and it will say-- Well, for gold thy coffers fill; Thou hast learning, thou hast skill, Thou hast climbed up fortune’s hill, And helped others on the way.

Am I doing well or ill? Still recurs the solemn quest; Worldly wealth, and men’s good will, Cannot satisfy, nor still Anxious doubts, and fears that fill Thee with sadness and unrest. Egone.

WIFE.

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.--Proverbs, xviii. 22.

A prudent wife is from the Lord.--Proverbs, xix. 14.

Seek a good wife of thy God, for she is the best gift of His Providence; Yet ask not in bold confidence that which He hath not promised: Thou knowest not His good will:--be thy prayer then submissive thereunto. And leave thy petition to His mercy, assured that He will deal well with thee. If thou art to have a wife of thy youth, she is now living on the earth, Therefore think of her, and pray for her weal; yea, though thou hast not seen her. They that love early become like-minded, and the tempter toucheth them not: They grow up leaning on each other, as the olive and the vine. Martin F. Tupper.

True wife! fond wife! let us together lean, Like trees with intertwining boughs, that so Brave angry skies, whatever winds may blow: And, though there interpose a cloudy screen, Lift up their heads towards the blue serene From whence the sunbeams, and the rain-drops flow, By which they gather strength, and taller grow, And keep their shoots and saplings fresh and green. True wife! fond wife! we have together stood, Through years of trial, each supporting each, Ever unto the infinite and good, Thy thoughts than mine have higher, wider reached; And I have felt how true the wise one’s word; Thou art indeed a gift, a favour from the Lord! Egone.

My wife! how fondly shall thy memory Be shrined within the chamber of my heart! Thy virtuous worth was only known to me, And I can feel how hard it is to part. C. L. Chester.

WILL--WILLING.

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God.--Psalm cxliii. 10.

Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.--Matthew, vi. 10.

The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.--I. John, ii. 17.

“Thy will be done.” And is’t not ever done? But, as in heaven, it must be made our own. His will must all our inclinations sway, Whom nature, and the universe obey. Happy the man, whose longings are confined To what has been eternally designed; Referring all to His paternal care, To whom more dear than to ourselves we are! Waller.

Half mankind maintain a churlish strife With Him, the Donor of eternal life, Because the deed, by which His love confirms The largess He bestows, prescribes the terms. Compliance with His will your lot ensures, Accept it only, and the boon is yours. And sure it is as kind to smile and give, As with a frown to say, Do this and live. Cowper.

Thou Power Supreme, whose mighty scheme These woes of mine fulfil, Here, firm, I rest, they must be best, Because they are Thy Will! Then all I want, (O, do Thou grant This one request of mine,) Since to enjoy Thou dost deny, Assist me to resign. Burns.

Lord, I submit. Complete Thy gracious will, For, if Thou slay me, I will trust Thee still. O, be my will so swallowed up in Thine, That I may do Thy will, in doing mine? Hannah More.

Subdued and instructed, I bow to Thy will; My hopes and my longings to Thee I resign; O give me the heart that can wait and be still, Nor know of a wish or a pleasure but thine! Sir R. Grant.

My God and Father, while I stray Far from my home, on life’s rough way, O teach me from the heart to say, “Thy will be done!”

If thou shouldst call me to resign What most I prize, it ne’er was mine; I only yield Thee what was Thine; “Thy will be done!”

Renew my will from day to day, Blend it with thine, and take away All that now makes it hard to say, “Thy will be done!”

Then, when on earth, I breathe no more The prayer, oft mix’d with tears before, I’ll sing upon a happier shore, “Thy will be done!” Elliott.

“O Father! not my will, but Thine be done!” So spake the Son. Be this our charm, mellowing earth’s ruder noise Of griefs and joys-- That we may cling for ever to Thy breast, In perfect rest! Keble.

But now, see where He lies On the cold ground, exposed to thick, dank air, And all the fury of the maddening skies! See how each nerve and vein Trembles and throbs with torture! how His eyes Start from their seat with anguish and despair! What drops of sanguine sweat roll down amain From His fair limbs! “O Father, O remove, If possible, this cup, yet not My will, But Thine be done!” O agonizing love! James Scott.

Perchance he gives his thousands to the poor-- He well may give what he can use no more. What willing charity! gives, dares he say? He gives, but not till Heaven has snatched away. Thomas Ward.

He sendeth sun, He sendeth shower, Alike they’re needful to the flower; And joys and tears alike are sent To give the soul fit nourishment. As comes to me or cloud or sun, Father! Thy will, not mine be done.

Oh, ne’er will I at life repine, Enough that Thou hast made it mine. Where falls the shadow cold of death, I yet will sing with parting breath, As comes to me or shade or sun, Father! Thy will, not mine be done. Sarah Flower Adams.

It is a short and simple prayer, But ’tis the Christian’s stay Through every varied scene of care, Until his dying day. As through the wilderness of life Calmly he wanders on, His prayer in every time of strife Is still “Thy will be done!” Mary Anne Brown.

By scale and method works the Will Supreme, Nor clouds, nor waves, without a limit stream; And all the floods that daylight never saw, The rayless tide of ruin, owns a law.

O’er all confusions marring earth and air, O’er all the shuddering hours of man’s despair, Still reigns one fixed decree of peace and love, And still, though dim below, ’tis bright above. John Sterling.

Leaning on Him, make with reverent meekness, His own, thy will; And with strength from Him shall thy utter weakness Life’s task fulfil;

And that cloud itself, which now before thee Lies dark in view, Shall, with beams of light, for the inner glory, Be stricken through. J. G. Whittier.

WIND.

Stormy wind fulfilling His word.--Psalm cxlviii. 8.

The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north, it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.--Ecclesiastes, i. 6.

He that createth the wind, the Lord, the God of Hosts is His name.--Amos, iv. 13.

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the spirit.--John, iii. 8.

Winds, whence and whither do ye blow? --Ye must be born again to know. J. Montgomery.

God of the chainless winds that wildly wreck, The moaning forest, and the ancient oak Rend like a sapling spray,--and sweep the sand O’er the lost caravan,--that trod with pride Of tinkling bells, and camel’s arching neck, The burning desert,--a dense host at morn, At eve, a bubble, on the trackless waste. God of the winds!--canst Thou not rule the heart, And gather back its passions, when Thou wilt, Bidding them, “Peace--be still!” Mrs. Sigourney.

We come! we come! and ye feel our might, And we’re hastening on in our boundless flight, And over the mountains, and over the deep Our broad invisible pinions sweep, Like the spirit of liberty, wild and free! And ye look on our works, and own ’tis we, Ye call us the winds; but can ye tell Whither we go, or where we dwell?

Ye mark, as we vary our forms of power, And fell the forest, or fan the flower, When the harebell moves, and the rush is bent, When the tower’s o’erthrown, and the oak is rent, As we waft the bark o’er the slumbering wave, Or hurry its crew to a watery grave: And ye say it is we! but can ye trace The wandering winds to their secret place?

And whether our breath be loud and high, Or come in a soft and balmy sigh, Our threatenings fill the soul with fear, Or our gentle whisperings woo the ear, With music aerial, still ’tis we. And ye list, and ye look; but what do ye see? Can ye hush one sound of our voice to peace, Or waken one note, when our numbers cease?

Our dwelling is in the Almighty’s hand; We come and we go at His command: Though joy or sorrow may mark our track, His will is our guide, and we look not back: And if, in our wrath, ye would turn us away Or win us in gentlest air to play, Then lift up your hearts to Him who binds, Or frees as he will, the obedient winds. Miss Gould.

Ye viewless minstrels of the sky! I marvel not on times gone by That ye were deified: For even on this later day, To me oft has your power or play, Unearthly thoughts supplied.

Ye restless, homeless, shapeless things! Who mock all our imaginings, Like spirits in a dream; What epithet can words supply, Unto the bard, who takes so high Unmanageable theme?

But one:--to me, when fancy stirs My thoughts, ye seem heaven’s messengers, Who leave no path untrod; And when, as now, at midnight hour, I hear your voice in all its power, It seems the voice of God. Bernard Barton.

The wind breathes low, the withering leaf Scarce whispers from the tree; So gently flows the parting breath When good men cease to be. W. P. O. Peabody.

WISDOM.

The fear of the Lord that is wisdom.--Job, xxviii. 28.

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.--Psalm xc. 12.

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.--Proverbs, iv. 7.

How much better is it to get wisdom than gold.--Proverbs, xvi. 16.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not: and it shall be given him.--James, i. 5.

The wise, I here observe, Are wise towards God, in whose great service still, More than in that of kings, themselves they serve. Sir W. Davenant.

He that is of reason’s skill bereft, And wants the staff of wisdom him to stay, Is like a ship in midst of tempest left, Withouten helm or pilot her to sway; Full sad and dreadful is that ship’s event: So is the man that wants intendiment. Spenser.

Wisdom, the antidote of sad despair, Makes sharp afflictions seem not as they are, Through patient sufferance; and doth apprehend, Not as they seeming are, but as they end. Francis Quarles.

Wisdom’s self Oft seeks so sweet, retired solitude; Where, with her best nurse--contemplation-- She plumes her feathers, and lets go her wings, That in the various bustle of resort Were all too muffled, and sometimes impaired. Milton.

All is best, though we oft doubt What the unsearchable dispose Of highest wisdom brings about; And ever best found in the close. Milton.

So teach us, Lord, to count our days, And eye their constant race, To measure what we want in time, By wisdom and by grace. Christopher Pitt.

Wisdom smiles when humble mortals weep. When sorrow wounds the breast, as ploughs the glebe, And hearts obdurate feel the softening shower, Her seeds celestial then glad wisdom sows, Her golden harvest triumphs in the soil. Young.

The weak have remedies, the wise have joys: Superior wisdom is superior bliss. Young.

When knowledge, at her Father’s dread command, Resigned to Israel’s king her golden key, O, to have joined the frequent auditors In wonder and delight, that whilom heard Great Solomon descanting on the brutes; O, how sublimely glorious to apply To God’s own honour, and good-will to man, That wisdom he alone, of man, possessed In plenitude so rich, and cope so rare. Smart.

Knowledge and wisdom, far from being one, Have oft-times no connexion, knowledge dwells In heads replete with thoughts of other men; Wisdom in minds attentive to their own. Knowledge, a rude unprofitable mass, The mere materials with which wisdom builds, Till smooth’d and squared, and fitted to its place, Does but encumber whom it seems t’ enrich. Knowledge is proud that he has learn’d so much, Wisdom is humble that he knows no more. Cowper.

Thus wisdom’s words discover Thy glory and Thy grace, Thou everlasting Lover Of our unworthy race! Thy gracious eye surveyed us Ere stars were seen above; In wisdom Thou hast made us, And died for us in love. Cowper.

When did wisdom covet length of days? Or seek its bliss in pleasure, wealth, or praise? No:--wisdom views with an indifferent eye All finite things, as blessings born to die. Hannah More.

Wisdom is humble, said the voice of God, ’Tis proud, the world replied. Wisdom, said God, Forgives, forbears, and suffers, not for fear Of man, but God. Wisdom revenges, said The world; is quick and deadly of resentment, Thrusts at the very shadow of affront, And hastes, by death, to wipe its honour clean. Wisdom, said God, loves enemies, entreats, Solicits, begs for peace. Wisdom, replied, The world, hates enemies, will not ask peace, Conditions spurns, and triumphs in their fall. Wisdom mistrusts itself, and leans on Heaven, Said God. It trusts and leans upon itself, The world replied. Wisdom retires, said God, And counts it bravery to bear reproach, And shame, and lowly poverty, upright; And weeps with all who have just cause to weep. Wisdom, replied the world, struts forth to gaze, Treads the broad stage with clamorous foot, Attracts all praises, counts it bravery Alone to wield the sword, and rush on death; And never weeps, but for its own disgrace. Wisdom, said God, is highest, when it stoops Lowest before the Holy Throne; throws down Its crown, abased; forgets itself, admires, And breathes adoring praise. There wisdom stoops Indeed, the world replied; there stoops, because It must, but stoops with dignity; and thinks And meditates, the while, of inward worth. Pollok.

Come to my aid, celestial Wisdom, come; From my dark soul dispel the doubtful gloom; My passions still, my purer breast inflame, To sing that God from whom existence came. Boyse.

See! full of hope, thou trustest to the earth The golden seed, and waitest till the Spring Summons the buried to a happier birth; But, in Time’s furrow duly scattering, Think’st thou how deeds, by wisdom sown, may be Silently ripen’d for eternity? Schiller.

Up! ’tis no dreaming time! Awake! Awake! For He who sits on the high Judge’s seat, Doth in His record mark each wasted hour, Each idle word. Take heed thy shrinking soul Find not their weight too heavy, when it stands At that dread bar from whence is no appeal. Lo, while ye trifle, the light sand steals on, Leaving the hour-glass empty, and thy life Glideth away;--stamp wisdom on its hours. Mrs. Sigourney.

Few and precious are the words which the lips of wisdom utter; To what shall their rarity be likened? what price shall count their worth? Perfect and much to be desired, and giving joy with riches, No lovely thing on earth can picture all their beauty. They be chance pearls, flung among the rocks by the sullen waters of oblivion, Which diligence loveth to gather, and hang round the neck of memory; They be white-winged seeds of happiness, wafted from the islands of the blessed, Which thought carefully tendeth, in the kindly garden of the heart; They be sproutings of an harvest for eternity, bursting through the tilth of time, Green promise of the golden wheat, that yieldeth angel’s food; They be drops of the crystal dew, which the wings of seraphs scatter, When on some brighter sabbath, their plumes quiver most with delight: Such, and so precious, are the words which the lips of wisdom utter. Martin F. Tupper.

Faith and hope Will teach me how to bear my lot! To think Almighty Wisdom best, To bow my head, and murmur not. The chast’ning hand of One above Falls heavy, but I kiss the rod, He gives the wound, and I must trust Its healing to the self-same God. Eliza Cook.

WITNESS.

A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.--Proverbs, xiv. 5.

If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself.--I. John, v. 9, 10.

In ocean’s wide domains, Half buried in the sands, Like skeletons in chains With shackled feet and hands.

Beyond the fall of dews, Deeper than plummet lies, Float ships, with all their crews, No more to sink or rise.

There the black slave-ship swims Freighted with human forms, Those fettered, fleshless limbs Are not the sport of storms.

These are the bones of slaves: They gleam from the abyss; They cry from yawning waves, “We are the Witnesses!”

Within earth’s wide domains Are markets for men’s lives; Their necks are galled with chains, Their wrists are cramped with gyves.

Dead bodies, that the kite In deserts makes its prey; Murders, that with affright Scare school-boys from their play.

All evil thoughts and deeds; Anger, and lust, and pride; The foulest, rankest weeds, That choke life’s groaning tide!

These are the woes of slaves; They glare from the abyss; They cry, from unknown graves-- “We are the Witnesses!” Longfellow.

WOE.

Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them. --Isaiah, v. 11.

Woe unto us, that we have sinned.--Lamentations, v. 16.

Venomous thornes that are so sharpe and kene, Bear flowers we see full fresh and fayre of hue, Poyson is also put in medicine, And unto man his health doth oft renew. The fire that all things eke consumeth clene May hurt and heale; then if this be true, I trust sometime my harm may be my healthe, Since every woe is joined with some wealth! Wyatt.

Though life seem one uncomfortable void, Guilt at thy heels, before thy face despair; Yet, gay this scene, and light this load of woe, Compared with thy hereafter. Bishop Porteus.

But, God be thanked! there are moments, when Man, subdued by nature’s mightiest powers, Thinks even his purer self the sport of waves. In such like moments ’tis the Godhead shows us The distance ’twixt itself and us,--chastises Man’s vain audacity to equal it, And casts him back to nothingness and woe. In such like moments, even the wisest sinks Unto the dust: he, too, is formed of dust; But soon again he rises purified By Fate’s worst blast, and thus the Eternal’s will Declares and proves its own omnipotence. Herder.

But dreadful is their doom whom doubt has driven To censure fate, and pious hope forego: Like yonder blasted boughs, by lightning riven, Perfection, beauty, life, they never know, But frown on all that pass, a monument of woe. Beattie.

Woe unto those that with the morning sun Rise to drink wine, and set till he have done His weary course; not ceasing, until night Have quenched their understanding with the light. Bishop King.

The Son of God, in doing good, Was fain to look to Heaven, and sigh; And shall the heirs of sinful blood Seek joy unmixed in charity? God will not let love’s work impart Full solace, lest it steal the heart; Be thou content in tears to sow, Blessing, like Jesus, in thy woe. Keble.

Væ vobis, ye whose lip doth lave So deeply in the sparkling wine, Regardless though that passion wave Shut from the soul heaven’s light divine; Væ vobis!--heed the trumpet blast, Fly ere the leprous taint is deep, Fly!--ere the hour of hope be past, And pitying angels cease to weep.

Væ vobis, ye who fail to read, That name which glows where’er ye tread, The Alpha of an infant creed, The Omega of the sainted dead; ’Tis written where the pencill’d flowers Their tablet to the desert show, And where the mountain’s rocky towers Frown darkly on the vale below;

Where roll the wondrous orbs on high, In glorious order strong and fair, In every letter of the sky That midnight graves--’tis there--’tis there! It gleams on ocean’s wrinkled brow, And in the shell that gems its shore, And where the solemn forests bow Væ vobis, ye, who scorn the lore. L. H. Sigourney.

WOMAN.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

A woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.--Proverbs, xxxi. 10, 30.

Nevertheless, neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man in the Lord.--I. Corinthians, xi. 11.

Well I understand, in the prime end Of nature, her th’ inferior in the mind And inward faculties, which most excel In outward; also her resembling less His image who made both, and less expressing The character of that dominion given O’er other creatures; yet, when I approach Her loveliness, so absolute she seems, And in herself complete; so well to know Her own, that what she wills to do or say, Seems wisest, virtuousest, discreetest, best; All higher knowledge in her presence falls Degraded! wisdom in discourse with her Loses, discount’nanc’d, and like folly shows. Authority and reason on her wait, As one intended first, not after made Occasionally; and to consummate all. Greatness of mind and nobleness their seat Build in her, loveliest, and create an awe About her, as a guard angelic placed. Milton.

So woman, born to dignify retreat Unknown to flourish, and unseen be great, To give domestic life its sweetest charm, With softness polish, and with virtue warm: Fearful of fame, unwilling to be known, Should seek but Heaven’s applauses and her own; Should dread no blame but that which crimes impart, The censures of a self-condemning heart. Hannah More.

For woman is not undevelopt man, But diverse: could we make her as the man, Sweet love were slain, whose dearest bond is this Not like to like, but like in difference: Yet in the long years liker must they grow; The man be more of woman, she of man; He gain in sweetness and in moral height, Nor lose the wrestling thews that throw the world; She mental breadth, nor fail in childward care: More as the double-natured Poet, each: Till at the last she set herself to man, Like perfect music unto noble words; And so these twain upon the skirts of Time, Sit side by side, full-summ’d in all their powers, Dispensing harvest, sowing the To-be, Self-reverent each, and reverencing each, Distinct in individualities, But like each other ev’n as those we love. Then comes the statelier Eden back to men, Then reign the world’s great bridals, chaste and calm; Then springs the crowning race of humankind! Tennyson.

What highest prize hath woman won In science or in art? What mightiest work by woman done, Boasts city, field, or mart? “She hath no Raphael,” Painting saith; “No Newton,” Learning cries; Show us her Steam-ship! her Macbeth, Her thought-won victories!

Hail boastful man! though worthy are Thy deeds when thou art true, Things worthier still and holier far, Our sister yet will do; For this the worth of woman shows, On every peopled shore, That still as man in wisdom grows, He honours her the more.

Oh! not for wealth, or fame, or pow’r, Hath man’s weak angel striven, But silent as the growing flower, To make of earth a heav’n! And in her garden of the sun, Heaven’s brightest rose shall bloom; For woman’s best is unbegun! Her advent yet to come. Ebenezer Elliot.

WORD.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.--Psalm cxix. 105.

For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether.--Psalm cxxxix. 4.

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.--Isaiah, xl. 8.

Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.--Matthew, xii. 36.

Ill deeds are doubled with an evil word. Shakspere.

Almighty Lord! the sun shall fail, The moon forget her nightly tale, And deepest silence bush on high The radiant chorus of the sky; But fixed for everlasting years, Unmoved amid the wreck of spheres, Thy word shall shine in cloudless day, When heaven and earth have passed away. Sir R. Grant.

Not words alone it cost the Lord, To purchase pardon for His own; Nor will a soul by grace restored, Return the Saviour’s words alone. Easy indeed it were to reach A mansion in the courts above, If swelling words and fluent speech, Might serve instead of faith and love. But none shall gain the blissful place, Or God’s unclouded glory see, Who talks of free and sovereign grace, Unless that grace has made him free. Cowper.

O happy they who know the Lord, With whom be deigns to dwell, He feeds and cheers them by His word, His arm supports them well.

He helped His saints in ancient days, Who trusted in His name; And we can witness to His praise, His love is still the same.

His presence sweetens all our cares, And makes our burdens light; A word from Him dispels our fears, And gilds the gloom of night. Newton.

There is a stream whose gentle flow Supplies the city of our God; Life, love, and joy, still gliding thro’, And wat’ring our divine abode.

That sacred stream, Thy holy word, That all our raging fear controls; Sweet peace Thy promises afford, And give new strength to fainting souls. Watts.

When quiet in my house I sit, Thy book be my companion still, My joy Thy sayings to repeat, Talk o’er the records of Thy will, And search the oracles divine Till every heart-felt word be mine.

O may the gracious words divine Subject of all my converse be; So will the Lord His follower join, And walk and talk himself with me; So shall my heart His presence prove, And burn with everlasting love.

Oft as I lay me down to rest, O may Thy reconciling word Sweetly compose my weary breast! While, in the bosom of my Lord, I sink in blissful dreams away, And visions of eternal day.

Rising to sing my Saviour’s praise, Thee may I publish all day long; And let Thy precious word of grace Flow from my heart, and fill my tongue, Fill all my life with purest love, And join me to the church above. C. Wesley.

Where deeds pull down, words can repair no faith. Chapman.

A voice to light gave being: To Time, and man his earth-born chronicler; A voice shall finish doubt and dim foreseeing, And sweep away life’s visionary stir; The trumpet, (we intoxicate with pride, Arm at its blast for deadly wars,) To archangelic lips applied, The grave shall open, quench the stars. O silence! are men’s noisy years No more than moments of thy life? Is harmony, blest queen of smiles and tears, With her smooth tones and discords just, Tempered into rapturous strife, Thy destined bond-slave? No! though earth be dust And vanish, though the Heavens dissolve, her stay Is in the word, that shall not pass away. Wordsworth.

Why, thou never-setting light, Is thy brightness veil’d from me? Why does this unusual night Cloud thy best benignity? I am lost without thy ray, Guide my wandering footsteps, Lord! Light my dark and erring way To the noontide of thy word. Bowring, from the Russian.

I saw one man, armed simply with God’s Word, Enter the souls of many fellow-men, And pierce them sharply as a two-edged sword, While conscience echoed back his words again; Till, even as showers of fertilizing rain Sink through the bosom of the valley clod, So their hearts opened to the wholesome pain, And hundreds knelt upon the flowery sod, One good man’s earnest prayer, the link ’twixt them and God. Mrs. Norton.

WORKS--WORK.

Unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy; for thou renderest to every man according to his work.--Psalm lxii. 12.

The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.--Psalm cxi. 2.

Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field: and afterwards build thine house.--Proverbs, xxiv. 27.

These are Thy glorious works, Parent of Good, Almighty, Thine this universal frame, Thus wondrous fair; Thyself how wondrous then! Unspeakable, who sitt’st above the Heavens To us invisible, or dimly seen In these thy lowest works; yet these declare Thy goodness beyond thought and power divine. Speak ye who best can tell, ye sons of light, Angels; for ye behold Him, and with songs And choral symphonies, day without night, Circle his throne rejoicing! ye in Heaven, On Earth, join all ye creatures to extol Him first, him last, him midst, and without end. Milton.

If faith produce no works; I see That faith is not a living tree. Thus faith and works together grow, No separate life they e’er can know: They’re soul and body, hand and heart,-- What God hath joined, let no man part. Hannah More.

O, how unlike the complex works of man, Heaven’s easy, artless, unencumbered plan! No meretricious graces to beguile, No clustering ornaments to clog the pile; From ostentation, as from weakness free, It stands, like the cerulean arch we see, Majestic in its own simplicity. Inscribed above the portal, from afar Conspicuous as the brightness of a star, Legible only by the light they give, Stand the soul-quickening words: Believe and live! Cowper.

Oh how I love with melted soul to leave The house of prayer, and wander in the fields Alone! what though the opening air be chill! Although the lark, checked in his airy path, Eke out his song, perched on the fallow clod That still o’ertops the blade; although no branch Have spread its foliage, save the willow wand That dips its pale leaves in the swollen stream. What though the clouds oft lower; their threats but end In summer showers, that scarcely fill the folds Of moss-couched violets, or interrupt The merle’s dulcet pipe--melodious bird! He hid behind the milk-white sloe-thorn spray, (Whose early flowers anticipate the leaf,) Welcomes the time of buds, the infant year. Sweet is the sunny nook to which my steps Have brought me, hardly conscious where I roamed, Unheeding where--so lovely all around, The works of God arrayed in vernal smile. Grahame.

How manifold Thy works, O Lord, In wisdom, power, and goodness wrought! The earth is with Thy riches stored, And ocean with Thy wonders fraught: Unfathom’d caves beneath the deep For Thee their hidden treasures keep. J. Montgomery.

Wherever in the world I am, In whatsoe’er estate, I have a fellowship with hearts To keep and cultivate; And a work of lowly love to do For the Lord on whom I wait. A. L. Waring.

Fellow-workers are we; hour by hour, Human tools are shaping Heaven’s great schemes, Till we see no limit to man’s power, And reality outstrips old dreams. Toil and struggle, therefore, work and weep, In God’s care ye shall calmly sleep, When the night cometh. Mrs. Embury.

Lord of all Being! where can fancy fly, To what far realms, unmeasured by thine eye? Where can he hide beneath Thy blazing sun, Where dwell’st Thou not, the boundless, viewless One? Shall guilt couch down within the cavern’s gloom, And quivering, groaning, meditate her doom? Or scale the mountains, where the whirlwinds rest, And in the night-blast cool her fiery breast? Within the cavern-gloom Thine eye can see, The sky-clad mountains lift their heads to Thee! Thy spirit rides upon the thunder storms, Darkening the sky with their terrific forms! Beams in the lightning, rocks upon the seas, Roars in the blast, and whispers in the breeze; In calms, in storm, in Heaven, in earth, Thou art! Trace but Thy works, they bring Thee to the heart. R. Montgomery.

The blackbird early leaves its rest To meet the smiling morn, And gather fragments for its nest From upland, wood, and lawn. The busy bee that wings its way ’Mid sweets of varied hue, At every flower would seem to say-- “There’s work enough to do.”

The cowslip and the spreading vine, The daisy in the grass, The snowdrop and the eglantine, Preach sermons as we pass. The ant within its cavern deep, Would bid us labour too, And writes upon its tiny heap, “There’s work enough to do.”

The planets, at their Maker’s will, Move onward in their cars, For Nature’s wheel is never still-- Progressive as the stars! The leaves that flutter in the air, And summer breezes woo, One solemn truth to man declare-- “There’s work enough to do.” J. Burbidge.

WORLD.

The Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king:

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom.--Jeremiah, x. 10, 12.

What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?--Mark, viii. 36.

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.--John, xv. 18, 19.

Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.--Romans, xii. 2.

The friendship of the world is enmity with God: whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God.--James, iv. 4.

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.--I. John, ii. 17.

The weary mariner so fast not flies An howling tempest, harbour to attain; Nor shepherd hastes, when frays of wolves arise, So fast to fold, to save his bleating train! As I, wing’d with contempt and just disdain, Now fly the world and what it most doth prize, And sanctuary seek, free to remain From wounds of abject times, and envy’s eyes: To me this world did once seem sweet and fair, While sense’s light mind’s perspective kept blind; Now like imagin’d landscapes in the air, And weeping rainbows, her best joys I find; Or if aught here is had that praise should have, It is an obscure life and silent grave. William Drummond.

Of this fair volume which we “world” do name, If we the sheets and leaves could turn with care, Of him who it corrects and did it frame, We clear might read the art and wisdom rare, Find out his power, which wildest powers doth tame, His providence extending everywhere, His justice, which proud rebels doth not spare, In every page--no period of the same. But silly we, like foolish children, rest Well pleas’d with colour’d vellum, leaves of gold, Fair dangling ribbands--leaving what is best; On the great writer’s sense ne’er taking hold; Or if by chance we stay our minds on aught, It is some picture on the margin wrought. William Drummond.

Seek well another world; who studies this, Travels in clouds, seeks manna where none is. Henry Vaughan.

Lord, mail my heart with faith, and be my shield, And if a world confront me, I’ll not yield. Francis Quarles.

To tremble, (as the creatures of an hour Ought,) at the view of an Almighty power Before His presence, at whose awful throne All tremble in all worlds except our own; To supplicate His mercy, love His ways, And prize them above pleasure, wealth, or praise; Though common sense, allowed a casting voice, And free from bias, must approve the choice; Convicts a man fanatic in the extreme, And wild as madness in the world’s esteem. Cowper.

The joy that vain amusements give, O, sad conclusion that it brings, The honey of a crowded hive Defended by a thousand stings. ’Tis thus the world rewards the fools That live upon her treacherous smiles; She leads them blindfold, by her rules, And ruins all whom she beguiles. Cowper.

What is this world? What but a spacious burial-field unwalled, Strewed with death’s spoils, the spoils of animals, Savage and tame, and full of dead men’s bones? The very turf on which we tread once lived, And we that live must lend our carcases, To cover our own offspring: in their turns, They too must cover theirs. Blair.

Unthinking, idle, wild, and young, I laughed and danced, I talked and sung, And proud of health, of freedom vain, Dreamed not of sorrow, care, nor pain: Oh! then in those light hours of glee, I thought the world was made for me.

But when the hour of trial came, And sickness shook my feeble frame, And folly’s gay pursuits were o’er, And I could sing and dance no more, Oh! then I thought bow sad ’twould be Were only this world made for me. Princess Amelia.

Virtue, for ever frail as fair below, Her tender nature suffers in the crowd, Nor touches on the world without a stain; The world’s infectious. Young.

The world’s a school Of wrong, and what proficients swarm around We must or imitate or disapprove; Must ’list as their accomplices or foes; That stains our innocence, this wounds our peace. Young.

Thrice happy world, where gilded toys No more disturb our thoughts, no more pollute our joys! There light or shade no more succeed by turns, There reigns the eternal sun with an unclouded ray, There all is calm as night, yet all immortal day, And truth for ever shines, and love for ever burns. Isaac Watts.

The flower that smiles to-day, To-morrow dies; All that we wish to stay, Tempts, and then flies: What is this world’s delight? Lightning, that mocks the night, Brief even as bright. Shelley.

Dreams cannot picture a world so fair-- Sorrow and death may not enter there; Time doth not breathe on its fadeless bloom, For beyond the clouds, and beyond the tomb, It is there, it is there, my child! Mrs. Hemans.

Thou art, O God, the life and light Of all this wondrous world we see; Its glow by day, its smile by night, Are but reflections caught from Thee; Where’er we turn, Thy glories shine, And all things fair and bright are Thine. Thomas Moore.

O world! how little do thy joys Concern a soul that knows Itself not made for such low toys As thy poor hand bestows!

Then take away thy tinsel wares, That dazzle here our eyes; Let us go up above the stars, Where all our treasure lies.

The way we know: our dearest Lord Himself has gone before: And has engaged His faithful word, To open us the door. Hicks.

The world is too much with us; late and soon, Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers. Wordsworth.

Pass on, relentless world! I grieve No more for all that thou hast riven; Pass on, in God’s name, only leave The things thou never yet hast given-- A heart at ease, a mind at home, Affections fixed above thy sway, Faith set upon a world to come, And patience through life’s little day. George Lunt.

WORSHIP.

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.--Psalm xcvi. 9.

In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.--Mark, vii. 7.

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.--John, iv. 23.

First worship God; he that forgets to pray Bids not himself good-morrow nor good-day: Let thy first labour be to purge thy sin, And serve Him first, whence all things did begin. Thomas Randolph.

There is a joy which angels well might prize: To see, and hear, and aid God’s worship, when Unnumbered tongues--a host of Christian men, Youths, matrons, maidens, join. Their sounds arise “Like many waters;” now glad symphonies Of thanks and glory to our God, and then, Seal of the social prayer, the loud Amen. Faith’s common pledge, contrition’s mingled cries. Thus when the church of Christ was hale and young, She call’d on God, one spirit and one voice; Thus from corruption cleansed, with health new strung, Her son she nurtured. Oh! be theirs by choice, What duty bids, to worship, heart and tongue, At once to pray, at once in God rejoice! Bishop Mant.

The cheerfu’ supper done, wi’ serious face, They, round the ingle, form a circle wide; The sire turns o’er, wi’ patriarchal grace, The big ha’-bible, ance his father’s pride; His bonnet rev’rently is laid aside, His lyart haffets wearing thin and bare; Those strains that ance did sweet in Zion glide, He wales a portion with judicious care; And “Let us worship God!” he says, with solemn air. Burns.

Not always he Hath holiest heart, whose worship is most loud, And that is purest prayer, where one alone is bowed. G. H. Colton.

Sweet is the solemn voice that calls The christian to the house of prayer! I love to stand within its walls, For Thou, O Lord, art present there!

I love to tread the hallowed courts, Where two or three for worship meet; For thither Christ himself resorts, And makes the little band complete. Lyte.

The earth is one great temple, made For worship everywhere; And its flowers are the bells, in glen and glade, That ring the heart to prayer. A solemn preacher is the breeze; At noon or twilight dim, The ancient trees give homilies-- The river hath a hymn. For the city bell takes seven days To reach the townsman’s ear, But he who kneels in nature’s ways, Hath sabbath all the year. T. K. Hervey.

Give to the sceptic gain and gaud; The Christian envies not his lot, Who, while his fellow-men applaud, Is by his outraged God forgot. More blest is he, who, ’mid the cares Of this world’s loud and busy mart, The melody of worship bears For ever, in his inmost heart. Miss Pardoe.

The God who reigns on high The great archangels sing; And “Holy, holy, holy,” cry, “Almighty King! Who was and is the same, And evermore shall be; Jehovah, Father, Great I am, We worship Thee.” T. Olivers.

WORTHY.

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.--Revelation, iv. 11.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.--Revelation, v. 12.

Come, let us join our cheerful songs, With angels round the throne, Ten thousand thousand are their tongues, But all their joys are one.

“Worthy the Lamb that died,” they cry, “To be exalted thus!” “Worthy the Lamb,” our lips reply, “For He was slain for us.”

Jesus is worthy to receive Honour and power divine, And blessings more than we can give, Be Lord for ever Thine! Watts.

Worthy, O Lord, art Thou, That every knee should bow, Every tongue to Thee confess; Universal nature join, Strong and mighty, Thee to bless, Gracious, merciful, benign.

Wisdom is due to Thee, And might and majesty; Thee in mercy rich we prove, Glory, honour, praise receive; Worthy thou of all our love, More than all we pant to give. C. Wesley.

Sing we the song of those who stand, Around the eternal throne, Of every kindred, clime, and land, A multitude unknown.

“Worthy the Lamb for sinners slain,” Cry the redeem’d above, “Blessing and honour to obtain, And everlasting love.” J. Montgomery.

WOUND.

Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God.

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.--Psalm cxlvii. 1, 3.

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity: but a wounded spirit who can bear?--Proverbs, xviii. 14.

He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.--Isaiah, liii. 5.

No wounds like those a wounded spirit feels, No cure for such, till God, who makes them, heals. And thou, sad sufferer under nameless ill, That yields not to the touch of human skill, Improve the kind occasion, understand A Father’s frown, and kiss His chastening hand. Cowper.

Come! said Jesus’ sacred voice, Come, and make my ways your choice: I will guide you to your home; Weary pilgrim, hither come.

Ye, by fiercest anguish torn, In strong remorse for guilt, who mourn; Here repose your heavy care: A wounded spirit who can bear? Mrs. Barbauld.

Saviour! all the stone remove From my flinty, frozen heart; Thaw it with the beams of love, Pierce it with Thy mercy’s dart: Wound the heart that wounded Thee; Break it in Gethsemane! Hart.

Angels rejoice in Jesu’s grace, And vie with man’s more favoured race, The blood that did for us atone, Conferred on them some gift unknown; Their joy through Jesu’s pains abounds, They triumph by his glorious wounds. C. Wesley.

WRATH.

O Lord rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in Thy hot displeasure.--Psalm xxxviii. 1.

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.--Proverbs, xiv. 29.

O Lord, in wrath remember mercy.--Habakkuk, iii. 2.

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand.--Revelation, vi. 17.

O throw away Thy rod, O throw away Thy wrath! My gracious Saviour and my God, O take the gentle path!

Thou seest my heart’s desire Still unto Thee is bent; Still does my longing soul aspire To an entire consent.

Not even a word or look Do I approve or own, But by the model of Thy book, Thy sacred book alone.

Although I fail, I weep; Although I halt in pace, Yet still with trembling steps I creep Unto the throne of grace.

O then, let wrath remove! For love will do the deed: Love will the conquest gain; with love E’en stony hearts will bleed.

O throw away Thy rod! What though man frailties hath! Thou my Saviour and my God, O throw away Thy wrath! Herbert.

Awake! Thou who shalt wake when the creation sleeps; When, like a taper, all these suns expire; When Time, like him of Gaza in his wrath, Plucking the pillars that support the world, In Nature’s ample ruins lies intombed; And midnight, universal midnight reigns! Young.

Dreadful attempt! Just reeking from self-slaughter, in a rage To push into the presence of our Judge! As if we challenged Him to do His worst, And mattered not His wrath. Blair.

O day of wrath! that dreadful day, When earth in dust shall pass away! What dread shall strike the sinner dumb, When the Almighty Judge shall come, Every bidden sin to sum! When the wondrous trumpet’s tone, Ringing through each cavern lone, Calls the dead before the Throne-- When cruel death himself shall die, And, freed from dark mortality, The creature to his Judge reply: What shall then that creature say? What power shall be the sinner’s stay, When the just are in dismay? Lord of all power and majesty, Pure fountain of all piety, Save us when we cry to Thee! O thou whose vengeance waits on sin, Cleanse our souls from guilt within, Ere the day of wrath begin! With suppliant heart and bended knee, Low stooping in the dust to Thee, Lord! save us in extremity! That day of wrath, that dreadful day, When man to judgment wakes from clay-- Be thou the trembling sinner’s stay, When heaven and earth shall pass away. From the Latin, R. P.

The day of wrath, that dreadful day, Shall all the world in ashes lay, The last loud trumpet’s mighty sound Shall wake the nations under ground. Thou Great Creator of mankind, Let guilty souls now favour find; My God, my Saviour, and my Friend, Do not forsake me in the end. Roscommon.

YEAR.

When a few years are come, then I shall go the way whence I shall not return.--Job, xvi. 22.

Thou crownest the year with thy goodness, thy paths drop fatness.--Psalm lxv. 11.

For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.

The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.--Psalm xc. 4, 9, 10.

If a man live many years and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness for they shall be many.--Ecclesiastes, xi. 8.

Another year of time has passed away, And long eternity is drawing near: Another year--perhaps another day, And man and all his works, may disappear, Time’s but a courser, and his fleet career May end before he reach another round; Or, should he chance to run another year, He lays a thousand dead at every bound! Why longer trust to future years in store? Why hang our hopes upon a spider’s thread? Begin the work of life, and, sleep no more, A flower late planted ne’er may raise its head; Or choked by weeds neglected in the soil, May never, never bloom, nor shed a cheerful smile. Peter Still.

Eternal source of every joy, Well may Thy praise our lips employ, While in Thy temple we appear To hail Thee sovereign of the year.

Wide as the wheels of nature roll Thy hand supports and guides the whole! The sun is taught by Thee to rise, And darkness when to veil the skies.

The flowery spring at Thy command, Perfumes the air and paints the land; The summer rays with vigour shine To raise the corn and cheer the vine.

Thy hand, in Autumn, richly pours Through all our coasts redundant stores; And winters softened by thy care, No more the face of horror wear.

Seasons, and months, and weeks, and days, Demand successive songs of praise; And be the grateful homage paid, With morning light and evening shade.

Here in thy house let incense rise, And circling sabbaths bless our eyes, Till to those lofty heights we soar, Where days and years revolve no more. Doddridge.

The middle watch is past! Another year Dawns on the human race with hope and fear. The last has gone, with mingl’d sigh and song, To join for ever its ancestral throng; And Time reveals, As past it steals, The potent hand of God, the Everlasting, Guiding the Sun, with all his blazing peers, And filling up the measure of our years, Until Messiah, Prince, to judgment hasting, Shall roll the darkness from this world of sin, And bid a bright eternity begin.

The years fly faster than they did whilom-- With greater speed they go, with greater come, Has time renewed its youth? or fearing age, Perspiring, pants it to fulfil its stage? Perhaps men’s fears, And falling tears, Oiling its wheels has caused this rapid rolling; Or, urged along by old Creation’s groans, And sympathizing with its piteous moans, It flies to set their massive death-bell tolling; When blooming Paradise shall clothe the earth, And angels shout to heaven its second birth.

All years are like, yet no one like another; Sons of one sire, yet no one like his brother; All use one language, yet the tales they tell Speak now of earth, anon of heaven and hell. They all are sent, With kind intent, The messengers of God, the loving Father, To tell his weeping children, that his eye Watches their sorrows from his world on high, Where, near himself, he means them all to gather; Yet when they reach this cloud-environ’d globe, These messengers assume a sable robe.

On then, ye years! accelerate your flight; Ye’ll sooner cross the realm of murky night, On, on, unresting! till your pinions, riven, Drop down exhausted in the vault of heaven! And thou, O Time, The sage sublime, Nobly obedient to the King Eternal, Shalt lay thy silver’d head to peaceful rest, Close by the mansions of the ransom’d blest, Who on thy breast were borne to joys supernal. Then shall the memory of thy faithful flight Be set to music in the realms of light! W. Leask.

Awake, ye saints, and raise your eyes, And raise your voices high: Awake, and praise that sov’reign love, That shows salvation nigh!

On all the wings of time it flies; Each moment brings it near; Then welcome each declining day! Welcome each closing year. Doddridge.

Old time has turn’d another page Of eternity and truth; He reads with a warning voice to age, And whispers a lesson to youth. A year has fled o’er heart and head Since last the yule-log burnt; And we have a task to closely ask, What the bosom and brain have learnt? Oh! let us hope that our souls have run With wisdom’s precious grains; Oh! may we find that our hands have done Some work of glorious pains. Then a welcome and cheer to the merry new year, While the holly gleams above us; With a pardon for the foes who hate, And a prayer for those who love us.

We may have seen some loved ones pass To the land of hallow’d rest; We may miss the glow of an honest brow And the warmth of a friendly breast: But if we nursed them while on earth, With hearts all true and kind, Will their spirits blame the sinless mirth Of those true hearts left behind? No no! it were not well or wise To mourn with endless pain; There’s a better world beyond the skies, Where the good shall meet again. Then a welcome and cheer to the merry new year, While the holly gleams above us; With a pardon for the foes who hate, And a prayer for those who love us.

Have our days rolled on serenely free From sorrow’s dim alloy? Do we still possess the gifts that bless And fill our souls with joy? Are the creatures dear still clinging near? Do we hear loved voices come? Do we gaze on eyes whose glances shed A halo round our home? Oh, if we do, let thanks be pour’d To Him who hath spared and given, And forget not o’er the festive board The mercies held from heaven. Then a welcome and cheer to the merry new year, While the holly gleams above us; With a pardon for the foes who hate, And a prayer for those who love us. Eliza Cook.

YOUTH.

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy word.--Psalm cxix. 9.

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.--Proverbs, viii. 17.

Rejoice O young man in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.--Ecclesiastes, xi. 9.

Thrice happy he whose downy age had been Reclaimed by scourges from the prime of sin; And, early seasoned with the taste of truth, Remembers his Creator in his youth. Francis Quarles.

Something of youth I in old age approve, But more the marks of age in youth I love. Who this observes, may in his body find Decrepit age, but never in his mind. Denham.

Youth lost in dissipation,--we deplore Through life’s sad remnant, what no sighs restore; Our years, a fruitless loss without a prize, Too many--yet too few to make us wise. Cowper.

Grace is a plant, where’er it grows, Of pure and heavenly root; But fairest in the youngest shows, And yields the sweetest fruit. Cowper.

Youth’s a soft scene, but trust her not; Her airy minutes swift as thought, Slide off the slippery sphere; Moons with their months make hasty rounds, The sun has passed his vernal bounds, And wheels about his year. Watts.

For pleasures, vanities, and hates, The compact we renew, And Judas rises in our hearts-- We sell our Saviour too. How, for some moments’ vain delights, We will embitter years, And in our youth lay up for age Only remorse and tears. Miss Landon.

Days of my youth! ye have glided away; Hairs of my youth! ye are frosted and gray; Eyes of my youth! your keen sight is no more; Cheeks of my youth! ye are furrow’d all o’er; Strength of my youth! all your vigour is gone; Thoughts of my youth! your gay visions are flown.

Days of my youth! I wish not your recall; Hairs of my youth! I’m content you should fall; Eyes of my youth! ye much evil have seen; Cheeks of my youth! bathed in tears have you been; Thoughts of my youth! ye have led me astray! Strength of my youth! why lament your decay?

Days of my age! ye will shortly be past; Pains of my age! but awhile can ye last; Joys of my age! in true wisdom delight; Eyes of my age! be religion your light; Thoughts of my age! dread not the cold sod; Hopes of my age! be ye fixed on your God! C. Tucker.

Come, while the blossoms of thy years are brightest, Thou youthful wanderer in a flowery maze; Come, while the restless heart is bounding lightest, And joy’s pure sunbeams tremble in thy ways; Come while sweet buds, like summer flowers unfolding, Waken rich feelings in the careless breast; While yet thy hand the ephemeral wreath is holding, Come--and secure interminable rest!

Come, while the morning of thy life is glowing, Ere the dim phantoms thou art chasing die; Ere the gay spell which earth is round thee throwing, Fades like the crimson from a sunset sky; Life hath but shadows, save a promise given, Which lights the future with a fadeless ray; O, touch the sceptre, win a hope in Heaven; Come, turn thy spirit from the world away! Willis G. Clark.

Live that thy young and glowing breast Can think of death without a sigh, And be assured that life is best Which finds us least afraid to die. Eliza Cook.

ZEAL.

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.--Romans, x. 2.

It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing.--Galatians, iv. 18.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous, therefore, and repent.--Revelation, iii. 19.

Farewell to earth; my life of sense is o’er; My heart is changed, I feel my bonds untied; And casting every thought impure aside, My guilty course abandon and deplore. Fallacious leaders I obey no more; I follow thee, refuse all other guide; And ne’er did shipwrecked bark with broken side Loose from the shelves more anxious for a shore. And since I spent with risk of mortal harm, My life and dearest hours, nor gathered thence Profit or fruit, I crowd my sail to thee. Lord, I am turned! now let thy gracious arm Sustain me: and my future service be With zeal proportioned to my past offence. From the Italian of Gabriel Fiamma.

Zeal is that pure and heavenly flame The fire of love supplies; While that which often bears the name, Is self in a disguise.

True zeal is merciful and mild, Can pity and forbear; The false is headstrong, fierce, and wild; And breathes revenge and war.

While zeal for truth the Christian warms, He knows the worth of peace; But self contends for names and forms, Its party to increase.

Zeal has attained its highest aim, Its end is satisfied, If sinners love the Saviour’s name, Nor seeks it ought beside. Newton.

If, gracious God, in life’s green, ardent year, A thousand times thy patient love I tried; With reckless heart, with conscience hard and sere, Thy gifts perverted, and thy power defied: O grant me, now that wintry snows appear Around my brow, and youth’s bright promise hide. Grant me with reverential awe to hear Thy holy voice, and in thy word confide! Blot from my book of life its early stain! Since days misspent will never more return, My future path do thou in mercy trace; So cause my soul with pious zeal to burn, That all the trust which in thy name I place, Frail as I am, may not prove wholly vain. From the Italian of Pietro Bembo.

With zeal we watch, And weigh the doctrine, while the spirit ’scapes; And in the carving of our cummin-seeds, Our metaphysical hair-splitting, fail To note the orbit of that star of love Which never sets. Mrs. Sigourney.

It is well to be zealous for the truth, God loveth not those who are lukewarm; Fear not the reproach of the world; Hide not thy light under a bushel; Tell thy neighbour, or those in high places, Of the sin which thou see’st them committing, Yet not roughly, nor rudely, though firmly, But temper thy zeal with discretion.

It is well to be zealous, for so were Of old those who bore God’s commission; Their hearts burned like coals from the altar, And they pressed towards the mark of their calling. So do thou, in thy sphere and station, Spread the truth as it dwelleth in Jesus; In season and out be thou instant; Let thy zeal be according to knowledge. Egone.

ZION.

Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.--Psalm l. 2.

For the Lord hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for His habitation.--Psalm cxxxii. 13.

Behold I lay in Zion a stumbling-stone and rock of offence; and whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.--Romans, ix. 33.

Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God! He, whose word cannot be broken, Formed thee for His own abode.

On the rock of ages founded, What can shake Thy sure repose? With salvation’s walls surrounded, Thou may’st smile at all Thy foes.

Saviour, if of Zion’s city I through grace a member am, Let the world deride or pity, I will glory in the name.

Fading is the worldling’s pleasure, All his boasted pomp and show; Solid joys, and lasting treasure, None but Zion’s children know. Newton.

Keep thou Zion-ward thy face, Ask in faith the aid of grace, Use the strength which grace shall give, Die to self, in Christ to live. Bernard Barton.

Go, walk about Zion and measure the length, Her walls and her bulwarks mark well; Contemplate her palaces, glorious in strength, Her towers and their pinnacles tell.

Then say to your children:--“Our stronghold is tried, This God is our God to the end; His people for ever his counsels shall guide, His arm shall for ever defend.” James Montgomery.

By Babylon’s proud stream we sate, And tears gushed quick from every eye, When our own Zion’s fallen state Came rushing to our memory; And there, the willow-groves among, Sorrowing, our silent harps we hung.

For there our tyrants in their pride, Bade Judah raise the exulting strain, And our remorseless spoilers cried, “Come breathe your native hymns again.” Oh, how in stranger climes can we Pour forth Jehovah’s melody?

When thou, loved Zion, art forgot, Let this unworthy hand decay; When Salem is remembered not, Mute be these guilty lips for aye! Yea, if in transport’s livelier thrill, Thou, Zion, art not dearer still! Thomas Dale.

He who slumbereth not, nor sleepeth, His ancient watch around us keepeth; Still sent from His creating hand, New witnesses for truth shall stand-- New instruments to sound abroad The Gospel of a risen Lord; To gather to the fold once more The desolate and gone astray, The scattered of a cloudy day, And Zion’s broken walls restore. J. G. Whittier.

The Lord shall comfort Zion, Her places waste restore, And, of her silent wilderness, Make Eden bloom once more; His garden she shall then become, And worthy of His choice, Gladness and thanks in all her smiles, And music in her voice. W. G. Simms.

INDEX OF AUTHORS’ NAMES.

ADAMS, JOHN JAY, (American.) Page 459.

ADAMS, SARAH FLOWER, (American.) 308 669.

ADDISON, JOSEPH. Born 1672, Died 1719. 90 175 204 271 304 536 561 572 598.

AKENSIDE, MARK. Born 1721, Died 1770. 141 375 383 561.

ALCIPHRON, (Greek.) 2nd. century A. C. 284.

ALDRICH, REV. HENRY, D. D. Born 1647, Died 1710. 389.

ALEXANDER, A. 316 374 485.

ALEXANDER, J. 574.

ALFORD, HENRY. 532.

ALLEN, WILLIAM. 626.

ALLMANN, GEORGE J. O. 186.

AMELIA, PRINCESS. Born 1783, Died 1810. 689.

ANAXANDRIDES, (Greek.) 4th. century, B. C. 21.

ANDERSON, WILLIAM. 296 630.

ANGELO, MICHAEL--Michael Angelo Buonarotti, (Italian.) Born 1474, Died 1563. 157 368 483.

ANONYMOUS. 9 17 18 30 31 54 60 119 130 135 138 141 143 146 153 164 219 222 242 243 248 253 272 277 279 292 304 309 319 323 334 342 362 380 444 461 466 512 534 559 577 611.

ARBUTHNOT, DR. JOHN. Died 1735. 90.

ARMSTRONG, DR. JOHN. Born 1709, Died 1779. 221 645.

BACON, WILLIAM THOMSON. 288 566 630.

BAILLIE, JOANNA. Born 1762, Died 1851. 112 122 124 196 392 485 575.

BALLY, GEORGE, (American.) 27 45 239 340 428 446 470 477 493 659.

BARBAULD, ANN LETITIA. Born 1763, Died 1825. 38 136 165 397 413 446 493 522 694.

BARNARD, MORDAUNT. 347.

BARRETT, ELIZABETH, (Mrs. Browning.) 35 40 179 185 204 270 473 539 590.

BARRINGTON. 89.

BARTON, BERNARD. Born 1786, Died 1849. 211 241 282 288 361 368 433 438 443 454 457 496 508 526 545 549 566 591 663 671 705.

BATES, DAVID. 412 500 564.

BAXTER. 112.

BAYLY. 413.

BEATTIE, DR. JAMES. Born 1735, Died 1803. 106 188 267 575 601 677.

BEATTIE, DR. W. 285 394.

BEAUMONT, SIR JOHN. Born 1582, Died 1628. 181 445.

BEAUMONT, FRANCIS, Born 1585, Died 1616, and FLETCHER, JOHN. Born 1576, Died 1625. 161 182 537.

BECKFORD, WILLIAM. Born about 1761, Died 1844. 586.

BEDDOME. 47 50 617.

BELLAMY, JACOB. 376.

BEMBO, PIETRO, (Italian.) Born 1476, Died 1554. 704.

BETHUNE, ALEXANDER. 106 411 417 495.

BLACKLOCK, THOMAS. Born 1721, Died 1791. 453.

BLACKMORE, SIR RICHARD. Born about 1650, Died 1729. 169 224 542.

BLAIR, ROBERT. Born 1699, Died 1746. 44 171 216 258 264 317 435 542 688 696.

BLAND. 284.

BLOOMFIELD, ROBERT. Born 1776, Died 1823. 529.

BOGART, ELIZABETH. 411 460.

BOLLAND, WILLIAM, (American.) 34 36 250 391 478.

BOWDLER. 522.

BOWLES, CAROLINE, (Mrs. Southey.) 149 350 508 647.

BOWLES, WILLIAM LISLE. Born 1762, Died 1850. 63 78 228 306 478.

BOWRING, DR. JOHN. Born 1792. 58 94 129 301 437 625 683.

BOYSE. 43 478 482 674.

BRADSTREET, MRS. ANNE. 608.

BRADY AND TATE. 175 187 586.

BRAINARD, JOHN GARDNER CALKINS, (American.) Born 1796, Died 1828. 659.

BRANDON. 446.

BRETANO CLEMENT, (Italian.) 253.

BRETON, NICHOLAS. Born 1555, Died 1624. 261 359 421 490 533.

BROCK, W. J. 77 82 93 213 242 301 334 381 429 591 637.

BROOKE, ARTHUR, (John Chalk Claris.) 266.

BROOKE, LORD, (Sir Falke Greville.) Born 1554, Died 1628. 383.

BROOKS, MARIA A., (American.) 27.

BROWN, DR. R. 20 537.

BROWNE, MARY ANN. 131 266 277 669.

BROWNLEE, W. H. 127 506.

BRYANT, WILLIAM CULLEN, (American.) Born 1794. 104 154 174 201 258 271 340 369 401 429 503 594.

BRYDGES, SIR EGERTON. 388 416.

BUNYAN, JOHN. Born 1628, Died 1688. 114 310 621.

BURBIDGE, JOHN. Born 1826. 32 63 83 213 330 444 559 686.

BURBIDGE, THOMAS. 424 628.

BURLEIGH, W. H. 45 49 362.

BURNS, ROBERT. Born 1751, Died 1796. 40 62 146 233 283 295 312 406 493 667 691.

BUTLER, SAMUEL. Born 1612, Died 1680. 627.

BYRON, (Lord) GEORGE GORDON. Born 1788, Died 1824. 185 273 388 645.

CALDERON, PEDRO, DE LA BARCA, (Spanish.) Born 1600, Died 1687. 364.

CAMOENS, LUIZ DE, (Portuguese.) Born 1524, Died 1579. 643.

CAMPBELL, CALDER. 191 256.

CAMPBELL, THOMAS. Born 1777, Died 1844. 153 306.

CAMPION. 446.

CAREW, LADY ELIZABETH. 17th. century. 501.

CARRERA. 195.

CARRINGTON, N. T. 428.

CARRION, R. DE, (Spanish.) 169.

CARTER, MRS. ELIZABETH. Born 1717, Died 1806. 262 384.

CASE, REV. E. 131 496.

CAUNTER, DR. JOHN HOBART. 335.

CAWOOD. 30 73 120.

CENNICK. 6.

CHAPMAN, GEORGE. Born 1557, Died 1634. 336 470 530 541 574 683.

CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH, (Mrs. Pelham, and Mrs. Tinna.) Born 1790. 223 235.

CHATELAIN, ANNA, H. V. LE, (French.) 291.

CHATTERTON, THOMAS. Born 1752, Died 1770. 361 518.

CHAUCER, GEOFFRY. Born 1328, Died 1400. 430.

CHEEVER, G. B., (America.) 19.

CHENEDOLLE. 525.

CHESTER, C. L., AND J. L., (American.) 122 466 558 666.

CHURCHILLA, CHARLES. Born 1741, Died 1764. 145 156.

CHURCHYARD, THOMAS. 272.

CLARE, JOHN. Born 1793. 449.

CLARK, WILLIS GAYFORD, (American.) Born 1810, Died 1841. 24 496 588 702.

CLAUDIAN--CLAUDIANUS, (Latin.) About 390 B. C. 428.

CLINCH, J. H. 316 332.

COBBIN. 323.

COCKBURN. 597.

COLERIDGE, SAMUEL TAYLOR. Born 1772, Died 1834. 40 50 119 160 173 189 212 222 239 247 273 347 367 405 429 464 562 607 624 654.

COLLING, MARY MARIA. Born 1805. 398.

COLONNA, VITTORIA, (Italian.) Born about 1490, Died 1547. 69 640.

COLTON, GEORGE H., (American.) 173 691.

COLTON, C. C. 17 55 188 208 217 256 292 414 458 644 651.

CONDER, JOSIAH. 59 88 323.

CONGREVE, WILLIAM. Born 1672, Died 1729. 48 547 600.

COOK, ELIZA. 20 126 262 279 428 459 463 508 659 675 699 702.

COOKE, MRS. F. H. 427.

COTTA, GIOVANNI, (Italian.) 39.

COTTON, CHARLES. Born 1630, Died 1687. 504 611.

COWLEY, ABRAHAM. Born 1618, Died 1667. 476 610 646.

COWPER, WILLIAM. Born 1731, Died 1800. 8 10 15 23 35 39 61 81 108 113 119 140 159 161 163 230 238 241 258 259 261 262 275 276 306 313 331 343 354 356 364 378 407 410 415 445 448 457 460 462 464 465 468 484 485 504 505 518 528 533 548 606 612 613 615 618 628 634 636 644 649 667 673 681 684 688 694 701.

COXE, ARTHUR C. 117.

CRABBE, GEORGE. Born 1754, Died 1832. 85 171 383 443 587.

CRAWSHAW, RICHARD. Died about 1650. 158 586.

CROLY, GEORGE. 324 451 479 569 624.

CROSSWELL, WILLIAM. 335.

CUMBERLAND, RICHARD. Born 1732, Died 1811. 198.

CUNNINGHAM, ALLAN. Born 1784, Died 1842. 100 103 228 532.

CURRY, OTWAY M. 203.

DA COSTA. 511.

DALE, THOMAS. 308 391 461 543 706.

DANA, MATILDA F. (American.) 50.

DANA, RICHARD HENRY, (American.) Born 1787. 312.

DANIEL, SAMUEL. Born 1562, Died 1619. 232 267 540.

DARWIN, DR. ERASMUS. Born 1721, Died 1802. 655.

DAVENANT, SIR WILLIAM. Born 1605, Died 1668. 139 150 168 559 672.

DAVENPORT, R. 342.

DE COURCEY. 281 516 619.

DEKKER, THOMAS. Died about 1638. 619.

DAVIS, ELNATHAN. 95.

DAVIES, SIR JOHN. Born 1570, Died 1626. 286 373 530 559 633.

DAWES, RUFUS, (American.) Born 1803. 404 655.

DENHAM, SIR JOHN. Born 1615, Died 1668. 183 249 321 533 701.

DI CEO, VIOLANTE, (Italian.) 436.

DENNIES, ANNA PEYRE, (American.) 308.

DOANE, BISHOP, (George Washington, American.) Born 1799. 156 535.

DODDRIDGE, DR. Born 1702, Died 1751. 46 84 134 236 263 324 329 365 431 495 504 554 613 623 697 699.

DODSLEY, ROBERT. Born 1703, Died 1764. 593.

DONNE, DR. JOHN. Born 1573, Died 1631. 33 119 491.

DORSET, EARL OF, (Charles Sackville.) Born 1637, Died 1706. 140.

DRAYTON, MICHAEL. Born 1563, Died 1631. 449.

DREXELIUS. 491.

DRUMMOND, WILLIAM. Born 1585, Died 1649. 68 200 327 453 541 687 688.

DRYDEN JOHN. Born 1630, Died 1700. 41 61 72 87 90 114 121 180 202 232 289 298 317 318 402 460 472 476 491 500 541 542 565 593 651 661.

DUICK, JOHN. 523.

DUNCAN. 619.

DYER, JOHN. Born 1700, Died 1758. 146.

EAMES, E. J. 511.

EASTBURN, JAMES WALLIS, (American.) 564.

EDMESTON, JAMES. 98 234 369 457 510.

EGONE. 71 77 79 82 97 99 101 104 129 147 161 176 178 197 202 208 218 220 223 230 268 283 294 298 309 316 321 332 344 353 372 386 404 422 438 471 483 502 503 506 507 553 595 597 602 622 626 632 634 635 639 648 665 666 704.

ELLIOTT, EBENEZER. Born 1781, Died 1849. 89 591 622 668 680.

ELLIS, G. 609.

ELIZABETH, QUEEN. Born 1533, Died 1602. 144.

ELLWOOD, THOMAS. Born 1639, Died 1713. 251 287 661.

EMBURY, MRS. EMMA C., (American.) Born about 1807. 685.

ERLACH, COUNT FREDERICK VON, (German.) 652.

EVANS, J. 43 224.

EVEREST, CHARLES W. (American.) 335.

EVERETT, EDWARD, (American.) Born 1794. 488.

FABER, FREDERICK WILLIAM. 116 338 426.

FARQUHARSON, STUART. 120 301.

FAWCETT. 8 321 486.

FELTON, JOHN BROOKS. 603.

FIAMMA, GABRIEL, (Italian.) Born 1533, Died 1585. 148 354 589 703.

FIELDS, JAMES T., (American.) 228.

FLATMAN, THOMAS. Born about 1635, Died about 1688. 419.

FLECKNOE. 539.

FLETCHER, GILES. 16th. century. 80 92 118 140 151 315 317 382 514 516 578 613 615 661.

FLETCHER, PHINEAS. Born 1584, Died 1650. 144 447 535.

FLETCHER, T. 52.

FLINDERS, ANN. 424.

FORD, JOHN. Born 1586, Died 1639. 396 456 627.

FRANCIS. 645.

FREILIGRATH, FERDINAND, (German.) Born 1810. 67 566.

FRENCH, FROM THE. 70 239 291 507 545 570 580 589.

FROWDE. 501.

FRY, CAROLINE. 212.

GALLAGHER, W. D. 207 416.

GARTH, SIR SAMUEL. Died 1718. 173.

GASCOIGNE, GEORGE. Born about 1540, Died about 1578. 152 497.

GAY, JOHN. Born 1688, Died 1732. 171 199 255 277.

GERMAN, FROM THE. 56 67 118 227 288 290 317 451 483 566 616 652 674 677.

GIBBONS. 233.

GIBSON, WILLIAM. 142 324 636.

GILMAN, CAROLINE. 24.

GISBORNE. 210 436.

GLASSFORD, JAMES. 523.

GLYN. 39 110 268 274 294.

GOETHE, JOHANN WOLFGANG, (German.) Born 1749, Died 1832. 56.

GOLDSMITH, OLIVER. Born 1730, Died 1774. 133 432 579.

GOMERSALL, ROBERT. Born 1600. 180.

GOODE. 387.

GOSTICK, JOSEPH. 31 290 342 357 370 437 474 517 566 573 599 602.

GOULD, HANNAH F., (American.) Born about 1792. 38 377 411 414 585 638 679.

GRAHAME, JAMES. Born 1765, Died 1811. 98 400 431 455 499 654 685.

GRANT, SIR ROBERT. 14 131 254 407 596 624 667 681.

GRAY, THOMAS. Born 1716, Died 1771. 17 251.

GRAY, MISS. 399.

GREEK, FROM THE. 21 208 284 452.

GRENFIELD, THOMAS. 512.

GREVILLE, SIR FALKE, (Lord Brooke.) Born 1554, Died 1628. 440.

GURNEY, ARCHER. 57.

HABBINGTON, WILLIAM. Born 1605, Died 1654. 560.

HALE, SARAH JOSEPHA, (American.) 191 403.

HALLAM, ARTHUR HENRY. Born 1824, Died 1850. 628.

HAMILTON, W. 347.

HAMLEY, REV. E. 285.

HAMMOND. 531.

HANCOX. 89.

HANKINSON. 300.

HART. 212 694.

HAVARD. 221 302.

HAYES, SAMUEL, (American.) 7 42 60 64 149 239 273 292 304 314 331 351 376 385 400 408 479 482 485 544 571 577 582 636.

HAYLEY, WILLIAM. Born 1745, Died 1820. 71.

HEBER, BISHOP REGINALD. Born 1783, Died 1826. 16 88 160 172 192 218 232 278 306 337 364 378 387 399 422 528 538 607 653.

HEMANS, FELICIA DOROTHEA. Born 1793, Died 1835. 66 70 172 245 253 297 299 315 367 410 449 462 499 509 525 568 573 590 625 690.

HERAUD, JOHN A. 72 100 128 138 191 196 210 251 293 314 320 326 349 365 379 421 465 468 557 595 630 631.

HERBERT, GEORGE. Born 1592, Died 1633. 49 65 98 123 209 255 262 452 497 498 542 560 579 627 695.

HERBERT, HON. AND REV. WILLIAM. 27.

HERDER, JOHANN GOTTFRIED, (German.) Born 1744, Died 1803. 451 677.

HERRICK, ROBERT. Born 1591. 82 132 188 310 647.

HERVEY, T. K. Born about 1804. 102 692.

HEGINBOTHAM. 187.

HETHERINGTON, REV. W. M. 268.

HEY, JOHN. 271 482 567 642.

HICKS. 690.

HILL, AARON. 199 216.

HILLHOUSE, JAMES A., (American.) Born 1789, Died 1841. 400.

HIRST, H. B. 320 419.

HOADLEY, BISHOP BENJAMIN. Born 1676. 109.

HODSON, WILLIAM. Born 1745, Died 1851. 164 331 544 594.

HOFFMAN, CHARLES FENNO, (American.) Born 1806. 362.

HOGG, JAMES. Born 1772. Died 1835. 75.

HOLMES, OLIVER WENDELL, (American.) Born 1809. 534.

HOMER, (Greek.) About 500 B. C. 208.

HOOD, THOMAS. Born 1789. Died 1845. 115 408.

HOOPER, LUCY, (American.) 570.

HORACE--QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS. (Latin.) Born 65 B. C., Died 2 A. D. 169 268.

HORNE, BISHOP GEORGE. Born 1730, Died 1792. 171 352.

HORNE, RICHARD H. 450.

HOUSMAN, R. F. 296.

HOWELL, JAMES. Born about 1596, Died 1666. 169.

HOWES. 611.

HOWITT, MARY. 76 117 213 229 506 614.

HOWITT, RICHARD. 126.

HOYLE, CHARLES. 400 413 556.

HUGHES, THOMAS. 38 226 567.

HUMPHREYS. 475.

HUNNIS, WILLIAM. 650.

HUNT, LEIGH. Born 1784. 110 247 450.

HUNTINGDON, C. 115.

HURD, BISHOP RICHARD. Born 1720, Died 1808. 147.

HURDIS. 87.

HUTTON. 467.

INGELGREN, (Swedish.) 206.

ITALIAN, FROM THE. 14 39 157 188 200 354 355 356 368 436 455 483 576 589 640 703 704.

JAMES, I., KING. Born 1566. Died 1625. 587.

JAMES, G. P. R. Born about 1800. 213.

JAMI, ABD ALRHAMEN EBN ACHMED, (Persian.) Born 1414, Died 1494. 252.

JENNER, CHARLES, (American.) 33 34 431 477 567 630.

JENYNS, SOAME. Born 1704, Died 1787. 216.

JEWSBURY, MISS. 365.

JOHNSON, C. H. 16 51 52 387.

JOHNSON, DR. SAMUEL. Born 1709, Died 1784. 252 255 276 289 340 396 456 610 662.

JONES, REV. E. C. AND JOSEPH. 639 649.

JONSON, BEN. Born 1576, Died 1637. 121 139 168 339 632.

JUVENAL, DECIMUS JUNIUS, (Latin.) Died 128. 139.

KAMPHUYZEN. 137 631.

KEBLE. 4 33 34 76 86 116 162 166 192 249 251 286 288 300 316 379 399 401 431 442 448 493 494 567 585 590 612 668 678.

KELLY. 4 86 385 637.

KEMBLE, FRANCES ANN, (Mrs. Butler.) 23 589.

KEN, BISHOP. 46 150 291 410.

KING, BISHOP HENRY, (Reign of James I.) 44 446 534 541 551 678.

KINGTON, J. B. 229.

KNOWLES, JAMES SHERIDAN. Born 1784. 377.

KNOX, WILLIAM, (American.) 10 24 40 155 244 303 606.

KORNER, THEODORE, (German.) Born 1788, Died 1842. 552.

KRUMMACHER, (German.) 317 616.

LAMB, CHARLES. Born about 1775, Died 1834. 40 249 426 510.

LAMARTINE, ALPHONSE DE, (French.) Born 1790. 70 239 507 545 570 580 589.

LANDON, LETITIA ELIZABETH. (Mrs. Mc Lean.) Born 1802, Died 1838. 59 134 181 204 315 368 394 479 580 584 587 603 701.

LANDOR, WALTER SAVAGE. Born 1775. 270.

LATIN, FROM THE. 169 215 268 428 452 611 696.

LAYARD, C. P. 109 117 263 501 588 632 636.

LEASK, WILLIAM. 698.

LEATHAM, WILLIAM HENRY. Born 1815. 646.

LEE, D. K. 342.

LEON, LUIS PONCE DE, (Spanish.) Born 1528, Died 1591. 178 535 546.

LETHAM, ALEXANDER. 417.

LEVER, CHRISTOPHER. Born 1607. 618 641.

LEYDEN, DR. JOHN. Born 1775, Died 1811. 512.

LILLO, WILLIAM. Born 1693, Died 1739. 269 299 464.

LINDEN, JOHN. 77.

LITTLE, MRS. 353 431.

LOGAN, JOHN. Born 1748, Died 1788. 26 83 405 510 558.

LONGFELLOW, HENRY WADSWORTH, (American.) Born 1807. 3 204 265 358 436 676.

LOUD, MRS. ST. LEON. 24.

LOWELL, JAMES RUSSELL, (American.) Born 1819. 48 142 189 214.

LOWTH, BISHOP ROBERT. Born 1710, Died 1787. 163 237 273 383 513.

LUNT, GEORGE. 690.

LUTHER, MARTIN, (German.) Born 1483, Died 1546. 118.

LYNCH, ANN C. 389.

LYTE. 283 692.

LYTTON, SIR EDWARD BULWER. Born 1803. 45 109 125 166 174 211 212 258 264 441 491.

MACKAY, CHARLES, L. L. D. Born 1812. 60 96 258 616 664.

MADAN. 36 395.

MAGNO, CELIO, (Italian.) Born 1536. 455.

MANT, BISHOP. 29 34 75 124 155 187 269 298 309 336 347 378 494 495 511 529 571 691.

MANZONI, (Italian.) 576.

MARLOWE, CHRISTOPHER. Born 1562, Died 1592. 293.

MARMYON, SHAKERLEY. 271 541.

MARRIOTT. 517.

MARSDEN, JOSIAH. 607.

MARSTON, JOHN. Died 1634. 530.

MARTIN, WILLIAM. 115 231 489 513 531 617 622 657.

MARVELL, ANDREW. Born 1620, Died 1678. 170 184 245 339.

MASON, WILLIAM. Born 1725, Died 1797. 141 182 320 357 471.

MASSINGER, PHILIP. Born about 1585, Died 1639. 183 250 351.

MASTER. 487.

MAY, THOMAS. Born 1595, Died 1650. 319.

MAYNE, JOHN. Born 1761, Died 1836. 115.

M’ CARTEE, MRS. 552.

M’ CARTHY. 364.

MC’ KELLAR, THOMAS. 448 501.

MC’ LEOD, C. D. 43.

MC’ NEILL, HECTOR. 142.

MEDICI, LORENZO DE, (Italian.) Born 1448, Died 1492. 14.

MEDLEY. 341.

MENDOZA, LOPEZ DE, (Spanish.) 274.

MERVICK, JAMES. Born 1720, Died 1767. 463.

MERRITT, THOMAS LIGHT. Born 1794. 57 185.

METASTASIO, PIETRO, (Italian.) Born 1698, Died 1782. 188.

MICKLE, WILLIAM JULIUS. Born 1734, Died 1788. 102 141 159.

MIDDLETON, THOMAS. Born 1570, Died 1627. 32.

MILMAN, HENRY HART. Born 1791. 16 338 368 385 391 410 557 562 620.

MILNER, MARY. Born 1796. 110 263 265.

MILTON, JOHN. Born 1608, Died 1674. 5 7 9 11 15 22 25 28 41 49 51 59 60 72 78 92 97 107 113 121 129 135 137 138 143 148 154 162 165 169 176 178 182 183 189 205 208 216 223 224 225 236 238 250 251 252 257 261 293 312 322 337 359 360 374 386 389 409 420 421 424 426 432 434 445 453 472 475 502 503 520 521 524 544 554 557 565 568 573 576 593 596 605 618 627 634 641 642 648 652 656 665 672 679 684.

MITCHELL, J. K. 265 492 512.

MOILE, NICHOLAS THORNING. 601.

MOIR, D. M., (Delta.) Died 1851. 561 624.

MONTAGUE, E. L. 181.

MONTGOMERY, JAMES. Born 1771, Died 1854. 2 5 12 20 43 49 53 64 74 76 87 90 92 96 100 111 125 128 135 142 153 177 180 185 187 204 225 226 229 235 242 243 246 254 285 311 319 322 337 360 393 396 405 408 417 425 439 458 467 473 488 505 515 524 536 545 549 558 563 570 597 631 634 637 646 647 656 670 685 686 693 705.

MONTGOMERY, ROBERT. 23 30 43 55 116 126 217 298 301 320 340 376 380 384 419 438 451 481 492 500 502 526 570 572 597 609.

MOORE, THOMAS. Born 1780, Died 1852. 71 162 204 214 283 291 357 361 491 529 690.

MORE, HANNAH. Born 1745, Died 1833. 103 150 241 357 561 593 634 652 667 673 679 684.

MORE, DR. HENRY. Born 1614, Died 1687. 325.

MOREHEAD. 226.

MORRIS, GEORGE P., (American.) Born 1800. 67 385.

MOXON, EDWARD. 357.

NEAL, MRS. 125 625.

NEEDHAM. 48 176 222 473.

NEELE, HENRY. Born 1798, Died 1828. 375.

NEWTON, JOHN. 3 179 186 474 619 620 681 703 705.

NICHOLAS, ALEXANDER. 145.

NICOL, ROBERT. Born 1814, Died 1837. 174 302 524 588.

NORRIS. 577.

NORTON, CAROLINE ELIZABETH SARAH. Born about 1806. 79 93 96 174 258 379 384 410 461 574 629 683.

OGILVIE. 197.

OLDYS. 537.

OLIVER. 177 272 692.

OPIE, AMELIA. Born 1771. 343 443 647.

PARDOE, MISS. 664 692.

PARK, BENJAMIN, (American.) Born 1809. 45 181.

PARNELL, THOMAS. Born 1679, Died 1718. 18 42 125 160 172 203 276 277 360 367 419 454 494 542.

PATTERSON, S. D. 112 395 404 660.

PEABODY, WILLIAM B. O., (American.) Born 1799. 207 260 455 671.

PEARSON. 522.

PEELE, GEORGE. Died about 1598. 163.

PEERS, CHARLES. 314.

PEMBROKE, COUNTESS OF. 345.

PERRONET. 263 412.

PERSIAN, FROM THE. 232 252.

PERSEUS--AULUS PERSIUS FLACCUS, (Latin.) Born 32, Died 62. 611.

PETER, W. 371 463 620.

PHELAN. 555.

PIERPONT, JOHN, (American.) Born 1785. 594.

PITT, CHRISTOPHER. 672.

PLAY, OLD. 25 540.

POE, EDGAR ALLAN, (American.) Born 1811, Died 1829. 539.

POLLOK, ROBERT. Born 1799, Died 1827. 42 62 122 193 199 217 256 288 313 354 464 480 522 553 566 609 612 615 674.

POOLE, JOSHUA. 249.

POMFRET, JOHN. Born 1667, Died 1703. 77 172.

POPE, ALEXANDER. Born 1688, Died 1744. 90 208 216 232 238 253 383 387 409 416 434 453 547 589 594 645.

PORTEUS, BISHOP BEILBY. Born 1731, Died 1808. 533 554 641 677.

PORTUGUESE, FROM THE. 643.

PRAED, WENTHROP MACKWORTH. 485.

PRATT, ANN. 574.

PRINGLE, THOMAS. Born 1788, Died 1834. 393.

PRIOR, MATTHEW. Born 1664, Died 1721. 97 107 165 172 290 317 389 416.

PRUDENTIUS AURELIUS CLEMENS, (Latin.) 4th. century. 452.

PULLING, WILLIAM. 239 404 487 507 545 570 580.

QUARLES, FRANCIS. Born 1592, Died 1642. 19 84 140 148 156 157 193 287 289 355 374 383 432 456 540 555 598 633 672 688 701.

QUARLES, JOHN. 642.

RAFFLES. 92.

RALEIGH, SIR WALTER. Born 1552, Died 1618. 151 198 236 442 521 600 642.

RANDOLPH, THOMAS. Born 1605, Died 1634. 257 427 553 564 600 627 691.

REDDELL, CONSTANTIA LOUISA. 280 307 333 370 433 439 486.

REED, MARY J. 663.

RICHMOND, LEIGH. 173 264 660.

ROBINSON, E. 423 475.

ROCK, WILLIAM F. 658.

ROGERS, SAMUEL. Born 1762. 30 258 499 510 592 601.

ROSCOE, WILLIAM. Born 1753, Died 1831. 35.

ROSCOMMON, EARL OF. Born 1633, Died 1684. 160 696.

ROSEGARTEN. 160 664.

ROWE, NICHOLAS. Born 1673, Died 1718. 169 257 371.

ROWLEY. 501.

RUSSIAN, FROM THE. 423 440 558 683.

RYLAND. 236.

SACKVILLE, CHARLES, (Earl of Dorset.) Born 1637, Died 1706. 21 189 215 392.

SANAZZARO. 356.

SANDYS, GEORGE. Born 1577, Died 1643. 11 175 317 505 547.

SCHILLER, FRIEDRICK, (German.) Born 1759, Died 1800. 227 288 674.

SCOTT, JAMES. 37 513 543 668.

SCOTT, SIR WALTER. Born 1771, Died 1832. 61 166 172 360 513 606.

SHAKSPERE, WILLIAM. Born 1564, Died 1616. 19 33 44 80 85 90 120 135 144 165 167 181 182 190 215 223 224 240 257 261 289 293 313 314 339 343 382 408 409 420 430 464 490 533 539 547 551 560 598 600 604 642 646 652 681.

SAEA, JOHN A. 525.

SHELLEY, PERCY BYSSHE. Born 1792, Died 1822. 180 549 689.

SHEPARD, ISAAC F. 512 663.

SHEPHERD. 520.

SHERBURNE, SIR E. 140.

SHIRLEY, GEORGE E. 73.

SHIRLEY, JAMES. Born 1594, Died 1656. 132 168 250 289 290.

SIDNEY, SIR PHILIP. Born 1554, Died 1586. 180 221 551.

SIGOURNEY, LYDIA HUNTLEY, (American.) Born about 1797. 1 58 116 179 244 260 377 384 395 402 403 407 435 474 488 525 539 562 575 578 585 602 613 638 670 675 678 704.

SIMMS, WILLIAM GILMORE, (American.) 706.

SLADDEN, DILNOT. Born 1814, Died 1839. 218.

SMALL, PETER. 17th. century. 605.

SMART, CHRISTOPHER. Born 1722, Died 1770. 25 74 123 183 203 228 288 390 409 441 673.

SMITH, CHARLOTTE. 13 333.

SMITH, HORACE. Died 1849. 312 485 588.

SOMERVILLE, WILLIAM. Born 1682, Died 1742. 376.

SOUTHERN, THOMAS. Born 1659, Died 1746. 472.

SOUTHEY, MRS., (Caroline Bowles.) 117 137 367 506.

SOUTHEY, ROBERT. Born 1774, Died 1843. 149 237 381 572 580.

SOUTHWELL, ROBERT. Born 1560, Died about 1596. 7 144 198 310 456.

SPANISH, FROM THE. 169 178 204 274 364 452 535 546.

SPEAR, T. G. 442.

SPENSER, BISHOP. 519.

SPENSER, EDMUND. Born 1553, Died 1599. 28 44 87 137 183 198 203 305 339 472 505 565 672.

SPRAGUE, CHARLES, (American.) Born 1791. 254 526.

STARKEY, D. P. 294.

STEELE. 26 81 274 330 414 522 635.

STEELE, MRS. 311.

STENNETT. 101 371 599 620.

STERLING, JOHN. 114 173 212 462 492 539 562 563 570 669.

STERNHOLD. 16th. century. 113.

STILLINGFLEET, BISHOP EDWARD. Born 1636, Died 1699. 346.

STILL, PETER. 697.

STORY, ROBERT. 57.

STREET, ALFRED B., (American.) Born 1811. 266.

SWAIN, CHARLES. 20 220 369.

SYME, J. B. 94.

SYMMONS. 215.

SYNESIUS. 452.

TALFOURD, THOMAS NOON. Born 1795, Died 1854. 223 408.

TAPPAN, W. B. 481 523.

TARSIA, (Lord of Belmont--Italian.) 15th. century. 200.

TASSO, TORQUATO, (Italian.) Born 1544, Died 1595. 355.

TATHAM, EMMA. 94.

TAYLOR, EMILY. 403.

TAYLOR, GEORGE. 186.

TAYLOR, HENRY. 197.

TAYLOR, JANE. 211.

TAYLOR, JOHN. 17th. century. 136.

TENNYSON, ALFRED. Born about 1810. 53 176 206 273 348 552 626 628 679.

THOMPSON, CHARLES WEST, (American.) 69.

THOMSON, JAMES. Born 1700, Died 1748. 29 58 69 91 205 360 415 436 440 441 449 491 527 579 587 644 652.

TICKELL, THOMAS. Born 1686, Died 1740. 168 251.

TOPLADY. 47 277 507.

TOWNSHEND. 381.

TUCKER C. 702.

TUPPER, MARTIN FARQUHAR. Born 1811. 201 280 310 348 349 351 459 515 626 666 675.

VAUGHAN, HENRY. Born 1614, Died 1695. 91 152 170 397 435 509 688.

VAUX, LORD. Died 1560. 281 600.

VIRGIL--PUBLIUS VIRGILIUS MARO, (Latin.) Born about 70, Died about 19 B.C. 215.

VOGELWEIDE, WALTER VON DER, (German.) Born 1170, Died 1227. 290.

VONDEL. 379.

WALKER. 251.

WALLER, EDMUND. Born 1605, Died 1687. 23 61 118 344 366 374 409 484 650 665 667.

WARD, THOMAS. 45 196 300 433 506 668.

WARDLAW, DR. 489.

WARE, HENRY, (American.) Born 1794. 104 117 136 266 377 398 418 435 475.

WARING, ANN L. 202 239 272 326 372 446 685.

WATKYNS. 541.

WATTS, DR. ISAAC. Born 1674, Died 1748. 2 4 6 8 9 14 77 81 101 161 165 177 182 194 237 242 243 253 269 295 297 304 325 330 333 334 350 383 386 388 401 413 456 467 473 479 503 518 519 520 532 554 577 618 623 635 640 656 662 682 689 693 701.

WEBSTER, JOHN. Died about 1638. 19 408 428.

WEIR. 399.

WELBY, AMELIA, (American.) Born about 1821. 350.

WELD, H. H. 117 155 376 448 466 556 584.

WESLEY, CHARLES AND JOHN. Charles Born 1708, Died 1788. John Born 1703, Died 1791. 3 6 36 83 84 111 133 192 219 330 462 466 499 519 555 580 651 656 657 682 693 694.

WHITE, HENRY KIRKE. Born 1785, Died 1806. 53 93 105 146 190 210 298 353 410 498.

WHITNEY. 627.

WHITTIER, JOHN GREENLEAF, (American.) Born 1880. 42 125 213 214 308 369 429 502 513 552 655 660 669 706.

WHYTE. 558.

WILCOX, CHARLES, (American.) Born 1794, Died 1827. 58.

WILLIS, NATHANIEL PARKER, (American.) Born 1807. 234 332.

WILSON, PROFESSOR JOHN, (Christopher North.) Born 1788, Died 1854. 64 130 174.

WINSLOW, B. D. 45 160.

WITHER, GEORGE. Born 1588, Died 1667. 133 221 227 509 651 662 665.

WOOD, W. SPICER. 486.

WOODBRIDGE, MISS A. D. 283.

WORDSWORTH, WILLIAM. Born 1770, Died 1850. 13 65 75 99 105 108 147 191 200 227 341 346 368 372 388 417 419 430 454 464 477 504 511 534 548 579 585 598 601 612 629 645 683 690.

WOTTON, SIR HENRY. Born 1568, Died 1639. 15 80 138 145 261 275 340 448 661.

WYATT, SIR THOMAS. Born 1503, Died 1541. 677.

WYTHES, JOSEPH H. 67.

YOUNG, EDWARD. Born 1681, Died 1765. 22 27 29 37 42 44 97 121 141 158 159 170 183 190 194 206 208 217 231 240 241 257 287 305 318 321 333 355 356 366 375 390 412 413 416 418 428 432 445 454 470 476 477 480 484 498 504 515 521 527 561 601 605 606 610 643 660 661 673 689 695.

ZOUCH. 17th. century. 584.

INDEX OF SUBJECTS.

Aaron, 1

Abel, 2

Abhorrence, 3

Abide--Abode, 4

Abound--Abundance, 5

Above, 6

Abraham, 7

Absence, 8

Acceptance, 9

Acquaintance, 10

Adam and Eve, 11

Admonition, 13

Adoration, 14

Advent, 15

Adversity, 17

Affection, 18

Affliction, 19

Age, 21

Almighty, 25

Ambition, 27

Angels, 28

Anger, 31

Apostles, 33

Ascension, 37

Atheism, 39

Atonement, 41

Avarice, 44

Awake--Arise, 46

Awe, 48

Baptism, 49

Baptist, John the, 51

Beautiful, 53

Belief--Unbelief, 55

Bells, 56

Beneficence--Benevolence, 58

Benefit, 59

Benignity, 60

Bible, The, 61

Birds--Fowls, 68

Birth--Born, 72

Blessing--Blessedness--Bless, 74

Blindness, 78

Blood, 80

Blossom, 82

Boldness, 83

Bondage, 84

Book, 85

Bounty, 87

Bread, 88

Break--Breaking, 90

Breath--Breathing, 91

Brightness, 92

Brotherhood, 93

Calamity, 97

Calmness, 98

Calvary, 100

Canaan, 101

Captivity, 102

Care--Careful, 103

Change, 105

Charity, 107

Charge, 111

Chastening, 112

Cherub--Seraph, 113

Childhood--Infancy, 114

Christ--Christmas, 118

Christianity, 121

Church, 123

City, 127

Clothes, 129

Clouds, 130

Comfort, 132

Command--Commandment, 135

Compassion, 136

Concord, 137

Conquest, 138

Conscience, 139

Consolation, 143

Content, 144

Contrition, 148

Courage, 150

Court, 151

Covenant--Rainbow, 152

Creation, 154

Crown, 156

Cross--Crucifixion, 157

Danger, 161

Darkness, 162

David, 163

Day, 165

Death, 167

Defence, 175

Delight, 176

Deliverance, 177

Delusions, 178

Denial, 179

Desire--Desires, 180

Desolation, 181

Destruction, 182

Devotion--Devout, 183

Dew, 184

Distress, 187

Doubt, 188

Dread--Dreadful, 189

Dust, 190

Duty, 191

Dwell--Dwelling, 192

Earth, 193

Elements, 197

Envy, 198

Error, 200

Estate, 202

Eternity, 203

Evening, 205

Example, 208

Faith, 209

Fall, 214

Fame, 215

Farewell, 218

Father, 219

Fear, 221

Fellowship, 223

Finished, 224

Flood, 225

Flowers, 227

Folly, 230

Forgetfulness, 231

Forgiveness, 232

Foundation, 235

Fountain, 236

Frailty, 237

Freedom, 238

Friendship, 240

Gain, 243

Garden--Eden--Gethsemane, 244

Gentleness, 247

Giving, 249

Glory, 250

God, 252

Gold, 255

Goodness, 257

Gospel, 259

Grace, 261

Grave--Tomb, 264

Greatness, 267

Grief, 269

Guidance, 271

Guilt, 273

Happiness, 275

Harvest, 279

Hatred, 280

Head, 281

Healing, 282

Health, 284

Hearing, 286

Heart, 287

Heaven--Heavens, 289

Hell, 293

Help, 295

Hills, 296

Holiness, 298

Home, 299

Honesty, 302

Honour, 303

Hope, 305

House, 309

Humility, 310

Hymn, 312

Hypocrisy, 313

Idolatry, 315

Image, 317

Immortality, 318

Inspiration, 321

Instruction, 322

Intercession, 323

Israel, 324

Jehovah, 325

Jerusalem, 327

Jesus, 329

Jews, 331

Jordan, 332

Joy, 333

Judah, 335

Judge--Judgment, 336

Justice, 339

Kindness, 341

King, 343

Kingdom, 344

Knowledge, 345

Labour, 349

Land, 350

Law, 351

Leaf, 352

Learning, 353

Liberty, 354

Life, 355

Light, 359

Lord, 363

Love, 366

Lowliness, 372

Man, 373

Marriage, 377

Martyrdom, 378

Meekness, 380

Meeting, 381

Mercy, 382

Message, 386

Messiah, 387

Mind, 388

Ministry, 389

Miracles, 390

Misery, 392

Missionaries, 393

Moment--Minute, 396

Morning, 397

Moses, 400

Mother, 402

Mountain, 405

Mourning, 406

Murder, 408

Music, 409

Mystery, 412

Name, 413

Nature, 415

Night, 418

Obedience--Disobedience, 420

Offering, 422

One, 423

Paradise, 424

Pardon, 426

Parents, 427

Passions, 428

Past, 429

Pastor, 430

Patience, 432

Peace, 434

Perfection, 438

Pestilence--Plague, 439

Philosophy, 440

Pilgrimage, 442

Pity, 444

Pleasing--Pleasure, 445

Poverty, 447

Power, 449

Praise, 452

Prayer, 456

Preaching, 460

Preparation, 461

Presence--Omnipresence, 462

Pride, 464

Priest, 465

Prison, 466

Promise, 467

Prophecy--Prophets, 468

Prosperity, 470

Psalm, 471

Punishment, 472

Purity, 473

Quiet, 474

Ransom, 475

Reason--Reasons, 476

Redeemer, 478

Redemption, 480

Refuge, 483

Religion, 484

Remembrance, 488

Repentance, 490

Resignation, 493

Rest, 494

Resurrection--Rising, 497

Revelation, 500

Revenge, 501

Reverence, 502

Reward, 503

Riches, 504

Righteousness, 505

Rivers, 506

Rock, 507

Rod, 508

Sabbath, 509

Sacrifice, 513

Safety--Saving, 514

Saint, 516

Salvation, 518

Satan, 520

Saviour, 521

Scorn, 524

Sea, 525

Seasons, 527

Seeing--Sight, 530

Seeking, 531

Sepulchre--Tomb, 532

Service, 533

Shade--Shadow, 534

Sheep--Shepherd, 535

Shortness, 537

Sickness, 538

Silence, 539

Sin, 540

Sinai, 544

Singing--Song, 545

Sky, 546

Slander, 547

Slavery, 548

Sleep, 551

Sloth, 553

Snare, 554

Soldiers, 555

Solomon, 556

Son, 557

Sorrow, 558

Soul, 559

Sowing, 563

Speech, 564

Spirit, 565

Stars, 568

Stillness, 571

Storm, 572

Stranger, 573

Stream, 574

Strength, 575

Strife, 576

Submission, 577

Suffering, 578

Sun, 579

Superstition, 582

Supper, The Lord’s, 583

Supplication, 586

Teaching, 587

Tears, 589

Temperance, 593

Temple, 594

Temptation, 596

Thankfulness, 598

Thought, 600

Tidings, 603

Time, 604

To-day--To-morrow, 610

Tongue, 612

Treasure, 613

Tree, 615

Trembling, 617

Trial, 618

Tribulation, 619

Triumph, 620

Trouble, 621

Trust, 623

Truth, 627

Unity, 631

Valour, 632

Vanity, 633

Vapour, 635

Vengeance, 636

Victory, 637

Vine, 640

Violence, 641

Virtue, 642

Visions, 646

Voice, 647

Waiting, 648

Walking, 649

Wander, 650

Want, 651

War, 652

Watching, 656

Water, 657

Waves, 659

Way, 660

Weakness, 661

Wealth, 662

Weariness, 663

Weeping, 664

Well, 665

Wife, 666

Will--Willing, 667

Wind, 670

Wisdom, 672

Witness, 676

Woe, 677

Woman, 679

Word, 681

Works--Work, 684

World, 687

Worship, 691

Worthy, 693

Wound, 694

Wrath, 695

Year, 697

Youth, 701

Zeal, 703

Zion, 704

LONDON: GROOMBRIDGE AND SONS.

Transcriber’s Note:

1. Obvious spelling, printers’ and punctuation errors have been silently corrected.

2. Hyphenated and non-hyphenated versions of the same words have been retained as in the original.

3. Italics are shown as xxx.

4. In the original, words in the quotations that relate to the topic of the section are printed in italics, marked in this version with underscores. However, the first words of quotations are printed in small caps, which are not represented in this text version. Where the first word should be both italic and small caps, the original only has small caps, possibly because italic small caps were not available to the printer. In this version, those words are marked with underscores, like other italic words.

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