Seems tund as truly to our hearts As when, twelve weary months ago, 'Twas moaning bleak, so high and low, You would have thought Remorse and Woe Had taught the innocent air their sadly thrilling parts. Is it, Christ's light is too divine, gems the fire of heaven have caught ; Martyrs and saints—each glorious day Dawning in order on our way Remind us, how our darksome clay May keep th' ethereal warmth our Creator brought. new These we have scorn'd, O false and frail ! Of our lost year in heaven is told- With time and hope behind us cast, O watch and pray ere Advent dawn ! But Love too late can never glow : To regions where one thought serene Breathes sweeter than whole years of sacrifice below. ST. ANDREW'S DAY. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias ; and he brought him unto Jesus. St. John i. 42. WHEN brothers part for manhood's race, What gift may most endearing prove And certify a brother's love? 'Tis true, bright hours together told, And blissful dreams in secret shard, Shall last in fancy unimpair'd. Even round the death-bed of the good Such dear remembrances will hover, When all the cares of earth are over. But yet our craving spirits feel, We shall live on, though Fancy die, And seek a surer pledge—a seal Of love to last eternally. Who art thou, that would'st grave thy name Thus deeply in a brother's heart ? Look on this saint, and learn to frame Thy love-charm with true Christian art. First seek thy Saviour out, and dwell, Beneath the shadow of his roof, And known Him for the Christ by proof; Such proof as they are sure to find, Who spend with him their happy days, Clean hands, and a self-ruling mind Ever in tune for love and praise. Then, potent with the spell of heaven, Go, and thine erring brother gain, Entice him home to be forgiven, Till he, too, see his Saviour plain. Or, if before thee in the race, Urge him with thine advancing tread, Till, like twin stars, with even pace Each lucid course be duly sped. No fading frail memorial give To soothe his soul when thou art gone, But wreaths of hope for aye to live, And thoughts of good together done. That so, before the judgment-seat, Though chang'd and glorified each face, Not unremember'd ye may meet For endless ages to embrace. |