"I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also."-John xiv. 2, 3. HERE is there no repose for me; here, never rest from care: When shall I reach the place, O Lord, Thou dost for me prepare ; Where, into Thee I shall be led, far out of Time and Space? In Heaven itself, Thou only art my Soul's Abiding-Place. "I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine Own Name those whom Thou hast given Me; that they may be one, as We are."-John xvii. II. LORD, we are given to Thee; and by Thine own last Supplication Thou wouldest keep us Thine. O may our love grow never cold! Let us be ever one; still clinging fast to Thee in spirit : Let us be ever one; imprisoned close in Love's firm hold! "Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith; Who, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of God."-Hebrews xii. 2. RENOUNCE with calm contentment all the poor delights of earth-life : Despise contempt and shame; and bear thy daily burden on : Soon will it all be ended;-only fix thy gaze for ever On Jesus' present Glory, and the work He here hath done. "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places, in Christ Jesus."—Ephesians ii. 6. TRANSPLANTED must I be. Through gifts and messages appealing, With coming and with going hence, Love may not thrive full well. Ah, Jesus, take me Home! Thou, Thou alone canst give me healing : Planted in Heavenly soil, with Thee for ever let me dwell! DETACHED "FLOWERS.” GOOD COURAGE. O SOUL, be of good courage! What avails thy troubled mood? To love, to love, to love, is all God asketh of the heart. Thou say'st "I am so evil!"-but I tell thee, God is Good! O cast thyself on Him, and He shall bid thy fears depart! GOLD IS TRIED IN THE FIRE. MAN thinks he loveth God full well; but hath not yet been tried: He tasteth this and that-and thinks his love will fast abide. But he who neither comfort, gifts, nor God's own Hand can see ; And still can love Him well;-his love must true and faithful be. "THOU ART CAPTIVE." LOVE binds us fast. Man, doth thy heart in longing go WHEN thou would'st undertake a work, first lay thy heart Open to God's clear Light, all passive, bare, and still. Thine own heart's impulse curb;-'twill bring but pain and smart. Do thou thy work in God:-then need'st thou fear no ill. ENTIRE RESIGNATION. LIKE to a leaf, light floating, would my spirit move, "WHERE IS GOD?" REASON saith, "Where is God ?"-and gazeth at the stars; A TROUBLED SOUL. O SOUL, give up lamenting; Give Him thy heart and will: "STAY AT HOME." THY heart so often calls for God, and yet it loves to roam; Thus, when He comes to visit thee, He finds thee not at home. |