I SAW thee once, and nought discerned A serious aspect, but it burned Again I saw, and I confessed Thy speech was rare and high; And yet it vexed my burdened breast, And scared, I knew not why. I saw once more, and awe-struck gazed God's living glory round thee blazed A Saint a Saint was there! d. LVIII. I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not. I DREAMED that, with a passionate complaint, I wished me born amid God's deeds of might; And envied those who saw the presence bright Of gifted Prophet and strong hearted saint, Whom my heart loves, and fancy strives to paint. I turned, when straight a stranger met my sight, Came as my guest, and did awhile unite His lot with mine, and lived without restraint. Courteous he was and grave,-so meek in mien, It seemed untrue, or told a purpose weak; Yet in the mood, he could with aptness speak, Or with stern force, or show of feelings keen, Marking deep craft, methought, or hidden pride Then came a voice-" St. Paul is at thy side!" LIGHTING OF LAMPS. LIX. "And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps he shall burn incense upon it. And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it; a perpetual incense before the Lord, throughout your generations." Now the stars are lit in heaven, We must light our lamps on earth : From the God of our new birth : Every lamp an answer faint, Like the prayer of mortal Saint. Mark the hour, and turn this way, Open, watching day and night, With sweet oil-drops in His hour Pledg'd to faithful Israelites, Watchers of the sacred flame, Should th' unhallowed enter here; Keen His fires, should recreants dare Breathe the pure and fragrant air. There is One will bless your toil- LX. "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." FULL many an eve, and many a morn, Age after age have witness borne To Faith that on a lingering Saviour cried. "At evening time there shall be light”— 'Twas said of old-'tis wrought to day : Now, with the stoled Priest in sight, The perfumed embers quivering bright, Ere yet the ceiling's spangled height The glory catch of the new-kindled ray ! A voice not loud, but thrilling clear, Nor waning eve, nor changing year, The Light of Life is their's: pure Light of Life divine!" Y. |