Who will not count it true that Love, Blessing, not cursing, rules above, And that in it we live and move. And one thing further make him know, That to believe these things are so, This firm faith never to forego,— Despite of all which seems at strife With blessing, and with curses rife,— That this is blessing, this is life. DIFFERENT MINDS. Some murmur when their sky is clear, And wholly bright to view, If one small speck of dark appear In their great heaven of blue. One ray of God's good mercy, gild In palaces are hearts that ask, Who will not count it true that Love, Blessing, not cursing, rules above, And that in it we live and move. And one thing further make him know, Despite of all which seems at strife DIFFERENT MINDS. Some murmur when their sky is clear, And wholly bright to view, If one small speck of dark appear In their great heaven of blue. And some with thankful love are filled, One ray of God's good mercy, gild In palaces are hearts that ask, Such rich provision made. THE EFFECTS OF PRAYER. Lord, what a change within us one short hour wrong, Or others, that we are not always strong; That we are ever overborne with care, That we should ever weak or heartless be, Anxious or troubled, when with us is prayer, And joy, and strength, and courage are with Thee? COUPLETS. When thou hast thanked thy God for every bless ing sent, What time will then remain for murmurs or lament? When God afflicts thee, think He hews a rugged stone, Which must be shaped, or else aside as useless thrown. Thomas Miller. 1808-1874. EVENING SONG. How many days with mute adieu The village-bells, with silver chime, A listening awe pervades the air; And in this hushed and breathless close, Which speaks alone, great God, of Thee. |