Who save thee, O God, knoweth the human heart? Pity me, for thy rod is
heavy. My earthly hopes are all torn and crushed,--oh, may they turn
heaven-ward and there find support and nourishment. This is Father's
discipline, shall I murmur? Nay, but rather rejoice that he does not
leave me to myself but deals with me as a child--chastening, rebuking,
scourging and refining: preparing me by all these afflictions for the
"rest that remaineth for the people of God." And sweet the rest will
be after such a weary journey! How I shall fold my hands upon the
bosom that shall never again be troubled, and say in all sincerity: I
thank thee, O God, for the sweet that was mingled in my earthly cup,
but more do I thank thee for the bitter.




THE PROMISE.


"In early life I'm called to part
With all I hold so dear;
Strong tendrils bind my yearning heart,
But cannot keep me here.

"I am resigned; yet tears will fall,
Sad thoughts steal over me;
And dost thou know that with them all
Are mingling thoughts of thee?

"We have been friends in hopes and fears
In joys and griefs the same--