Christian pilgrim, Zion-ward, Thou hast heard a voice within ; Let that voice attention win ; Doubt not, fear not, self abhorr'd, Follow on to know the Lord. At his bidding sacrifice More than country's, kindred's ties ; These may still be spared to thee, Let thy heart thy Master's be. Daily, hourly, labour there, Then thy calling shall be sure, THE WILL ACCEPTED FOR THE DEED. "And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My : father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood; but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”— Genesis, xxii. 7. BRIEF colloquy, yet more sublime, Than all the boast of classic time, But He whose ever watchful eye Saw every pang, mark'd every sigh Which Abraham's bosom rent, And, when his servant's faith was tried, His mercy, and his tender love Remain unalter'd still, As prompt to recompence as prove Obedience to his will; And where true faithfulness is shown To own it for itself alone. JACOB'S DREAM. "And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.”—Genesis, xxviii. 12. WHY are such splendid glimpses given no more, Such dreams by night, such visitants by day, As blest the patriarchs and the seers of yore, Cheering the pilgrim on his heaven-ward way? Oh! were our eye anointed and unseal'd What though bright glimpses of angelic things At times might grace the old world's early prime, Not then had risen, with healing on its wings, The Sun of Righteousness in light sublime. Our day and dispensation would make known Surpassing all the holy patriarch dream'd To such the house of God, the gate of heaven, At Bethel, or at Marah proof is given Their Lord is with them when they know it not. JACOB WRESTLING. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me."Genesis, xxxii. 26. LET me go, thy hope is vain, No, the patriarch answer'd, No! I will never let thee go 'Till thou deign to bless me. Noble words, heroic vow, Meet to waken, even now Holy emulation. Seed of Jacob! you who share Wrestle thus, in fervent prayer, Prayer, surpassing human might, Prayer, Heaven's holy portress, Prayer, the saint's supreme delight, Prayer and faith can hope impart, |