DESPAIR, AND ITS REMEDY. "Having no hope, and without God in the world."Ephesians ii. 12. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head, there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores."-Isaiah i. 5 6. "Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there?"-Jeremiah viii. 22. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."-Isaiah i, 18. "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."-Matthew xi. 28. HOPE! there is none for me, not one bright ray Of blessed hope to cheer my spirit's sadness; No golden gleam of an eternal day, A state of sinless joy and heavenly gladness! On it comes, the sweeping blast, But the proud ship bears it well; Though the spray bedew her mast As the raging billows swell; For her sails are furled and ready, All her seamen brave and steady. Christian sailor, fear the calm, Dread the smooth, unruffled sea, Though it seem a false alarm, There is danger nigh to thee. Close the portholes, watch and pray, Keep a look-out night and day. Now the tempest's furious sweep Righted now, she floats again O'er the rough and stormy main. Jesus is thy pilot wise, Christian, fear not, He is near; PAUL THE AGED. "YET for love's sake I rather bescech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ."-Philemon, ver. 9. SEE in yon lonely prison cell An aged man, his white hairs tell Who sought to slay the saints of God Who, breathing slaughter as a flame, Brought death and woe where'er he came? Of Jesu's name in glowing lays. He breathes the words of peace and love, Blest martyr! now thy course is run The battle fought, the victory won; For thee a crown of glory waits, And heaven unfolds her golden gates. THE DYING GIRL. "AND it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom."Luke xvi. 22. "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation."Heb. i. 14. "LOOSEN thy hold, sweet mother, let me go, And leave this land-this mournful land of woe; I long to flee away, and be at rest To lay my weary head on Jesu's breast; |