7

THE VISITATION

I look for a city which hands have not piled,

I pant for a country by sin undefiled. The thorn and the thistle around me may grow,

I would not lie down upon roses below; I ask not my portion, I seek not a rest, Till I find them for ever on Jesus his breast.

Amictions may damp me, they cannot destroy;

One glimpse of his love turns them all into joy;

And the bitterest tears, if he smile but on them,

Like dew in the sunshine, grow diamond and gem.

Let trial and danger my progress oppose, They only make heaven more sweet at the close;

Come joy or come sorrow, whate'er may

befall,

A home with my God will make up for it all.

A scrip on my back, and a staff in my

hand,

I march on in haste through an enemy's land;

The road may be rough, but it cannot be long,

And I smooth it with hope, and I cheer it with song.( 9)

465 My God, I thank thee, who

The earth so bright;

So full of splendour and of joy, Beauty and light;

So many glorious things are here, Noble and right.

I thank thee too that thou hast made Joy to abound;

30 many gentle thoughts and deeds Circling us round,

That in the darkest spot of earth Some love is found.

I thank thee more that all our joy Is touch'd with pain;

That shadows fall on brightest hours; That thorns remain;

Bo that earth's bliss may be our guide,

And not our chain.

For thou, who knowest, Lord, how soon Our weak heart clings,

Hast given us joys, tender and true, Yet all with wings;

So that we see, gleaming on high, Diviner things.

I thank thee, Lord, that thou hast kept The est in store;

We have enough, yet not too much

To long for more:

A yearning for a deeper peace,

Not known before.

I thank thee, Lord, that here our souls, Though amply biest,

OF THE SICK.

Can never find, although they seek, A perfect rest ,­

Nor ever shall, until they lean On Jesus' breast.

466 FATHER, I know that all my

Is portion'd out for me;

And the changes that are sure to come I do not fear to see:

But I ask thee for a present mind, Intent on pleasing thee.

I ask thee for a thoughtful love, Through constant watching wise, To meet the glad with joyful smiles, And wipe the weeping eyes; And a heart at leisure from itself To soothe and sympathize.

I would not have the restless will That hurries to and fro, Seeking for some great thing to do, I would be treated as a child, Or secret thing to know; And guided where I go. Wherever in the world I am, In whatsoe'er estate,

I have a fellowship with hearts And a work of holy love to do To keep and cultivate;

For the Lord on whom I wait. So I ask thee for the daily strength, To none that ask denied,

And a mind to blend with outward life While keeping at thy side; Content to fill a little space, If thou be glorified.

And if some things I do not ask

In my cup of blessing be;

I would have my spirit fill'd the more With grateful love to thee;

More careful,-not to serve thee much, But to please thee perfectly. There are briars besetting every path That call for patient care, There is a cross in every lot,

And an earnest need for prayer; But a lowly heart that leans on thee Is happy anywhere.

In a service which thy love appoints There are no bonds for me,

For my inmost heart is taught the truth That makes thy children free. And a life of self- renouncing love Is a life of liberty.

467 THY way, not mine, O Lord,

However dark it be: Lead me by thine own hand, Choose out the path for me. Smooth let it be or rough,

It will be still the best; Winding or straight, it leads Right onward to thy rest.

I dare not choose my lot; I would not, if I might; Choose thou for me, my God; So shall I walk aright.