The Kings and Queens of England with Other Poems | Page 4

tell him all thy need,?Entreat his pity, he's a friend indeed;?Lay hold by faith on Him, and he will succor thee.?Oh, do not live for this dull world alone,?When with the Angels thou mayst find a home.
Jan. 1853.
THE EVENING OF LIFE.
As the shadows of evening around me are falling,?With its dark sombre curtain outspread,?And night's just at hand, chilly night so appalling,?And day's brilliant sunshine hath fled,
It is e'en so with me, for the eve of my day?Has arrived, yet I scarcely know how;?Bright morn hath departed, and noon passed away,?And 'tis evening, pale eve with me now.
Oh! where are the friends who in life's early morn,?With me did their journey commence;?Some are estranged, while some few still remain,?And others departed long since.
And when I too, like them, shall be summoned away,?And the shadows of death on me fall,?Be thou the Great Shepherd of Israel but near,?My Saviour, my God, and my all.
And though the "dark valley" we all must pass through,?Yet surely no evil can harm?The sheep, when the Shepherd is walking there too,?And supports them by his mighty arm.
Oh! my Redeemer, wilt thou be with me then,?And food for my journey provide,?Divide the dark waters of Jordan again,?And safe in thy bosom me hide.
Though wild beasts of the desert may roar long and loud,?And the billows of ocean rise high,?With thy rod and thy staff for my strength and support,?I shall pass them in safety all by.
And having crossed Jordan, on Canaan's bright shore?With what joy shall I take a survey,?And reflect that the dangers of life are all o'er,?And with unclouded vision enjoy evermore?The bright sun of an endless day.
Weston, Feb. 4, 1852.
AN ACROSTIC.
Merry, merry little child,?Active, playful, sometimes wild;?Rosy cheeks, and ringlets rare,?Glossy black, with eyes compare.?All, all these belong to thee,?Right pleasant little Margerie.?Every good, dear child, be given?Thee on earth, and rest in heaven.?But who thy future lot can see??All, every page is hid from me;?Xtended through eternity,?Thy life so late begun will be.?Earnest seek to know the truth,?Remember God in early youth;?When in his sacred courts thou art,?Engage in worship thy whole heart;?Listen to what the preacher says,?Listen to prayers, and list to praise,?In nothing see thou dost offend,?Nor fail the Sabbath well to spend.?Give to thy parents honor due,?Thy sisters love, and brothers too;?Oh! good and happy mayst thou be,?Now and ever, Margerie.
AN ACROSTIC.
Cannot happiness perfect be found on this earth??How absurd to expect it--sin comes with our birth.?As soon from spring bitter, sweet water procure,?Rich clusters of grapes from the thorn;?Look for figs upon thistles, when seeking for food,?Or bread from the cold flinty stone.?The wealth of the Indies, true peace can't bestow,?The Crown Royal oft presses an aching brow,?E'en in laughter there's madness--mirth coupled with woe.
As true peace in this world, then, can never be found,?Until deep in the heart Christian graces abound,?Give diligent heed to the keeping thy heart;?Unwearied in effort, repel every dart?So dextrously pointed by Satan's black art.?True peace is from Heaven--a child of the skies,?And feeble exertions secure not the prize.
Never falter in duty, but trust in that power?Engaged to support you in each trying hour;?When sinking like Peter amidst the dark wave,?Ever look unto Jesus, almighty to save.?Look to_ him, live _like him, be strong in his might,?Lay thy burden_ on him, and thy _cross he'll make light.
WRITTEN UPON RECEIVING A NEW YEAR'S GIFT.
I have a little Grandchild dear,?Who sends to me on each new year
A valuable present:?Not costly gift from store-house bought,?But one that her own hands have wrought,
Therefore to me more pleasant.
Accept, dear child, the wish sincere,?For you much happiness this year,
And length of days be given;?Here may you act well your part,?Serving the Lord with all your heart,
And find your rest in heaven.
Jan. 1852.
LINES
TO THE MEMORY OF PATRICK KELLEY, WHO BY HIS MANY GOOD QUALITIES DURING SOME YEARS' RESIDENCE IN MY FAMILY, GREATLY ENDEARED HIMSELF TO ME AND MINE.
From Erin's fair Isle to this country he came,?And found brothers and sisters to welcome him here;?Though then but a youth, yet robust seemed his frame,?And life promised fair for many a long year.
A place was soon found where around the same board,?He with two of his sisters did constantly meet;?And when his day's work had all been performed,?At the same fireside he found a third seat.
His faithfulness such, so true-hearted was he,?That love in return could not be denied;?As one of the family--he soon ceased to be?The stranger, who lately for work had applied.
Youth passed into manhood, and with it there came?New duties to fill, new plans to pursue;?But a fatal disease now seizes his frame,?And with health is his strength fast leaving him too.
From his home in the country to the city he went,?Where kind brothers procured him good medical aid;?But all was in vain--Death commissioned was sent,?And soon his remains in