THE TEAR OF PENITENCE.

'Joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth.'

WHAT sparkles bright,

In the pale moonlight,

On the lonely captive's chain?

Is it a gleam

Of the pure star-beam?

Or a drop of drifting rain?

Is it the light

Of the lamp of night,

That falls through the wasted grate?

Or a taper's ray,

That finds its way

To a scene so desolate?

No! 'tis the tear

To Heaven so dear,

The tear that the angels love,

That awakens joy

Without alloy,

In the city of saints above.

"Tis the tear of grief

That brings relief

To a spirit that weeps for sin

That opens the gate

Of a better state,

To let the wanderer in.

Through the gloom of night

A hand of might

Carries that tear-drop hence.

In the crown of love

It is set above,

That jewel of Penitence!

The smile of the gay

Is bright as day,

ADVICE TO A YOUNG CHRISTIAN.

'Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.'

WORK! thy mission is not slumber;
Sleep beseemeth not the Soul.

Sins and sorrows, without number,

Stand between thee and the goal.

Tremble! lest thy foot should stumble;
Death pursues on fleetest steed.
Strive with courage, yet be humble;
Be the wings of Prayer thy speed!

Fear! lest pleasure should entice thee
To forget the holy prize.

Fear! lest Riches should advise thee

Heavenly treasures to despise.

Tremble! for the Heart within thee.

Tremble! for the World without.

Fear! lest Sin or sorrow win thee

Once to droop, despond, or doubt.

Work! and rend each galling fetter
Satan would impose on thee.

Rest not-either worse, or better,
Every day thy Soul must be.

Fearing, trembling, striving, praying,
Onward, like yon rolling river!

Man's delaying proves decaying;
Soul immortal resteth never.

Rest celestial is not slumber;
Glory's pathway climbs to God!
Seraphs, spirits without number,

Tread that ever-rising road.

Ever up to Godhead soaring,

"Tis their glory still to soar,

'Mid eternal bliss adoring,

Heaven behind, around, before!