must be constantly attuned-the music of the angels' song:

Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth Peace, goodwill toward men."

The Editor acknowledges with gratitude the kindness of those authors and owners of copyright verses who have so readily allowed them to be used; and also offers very sincere thanks to the various publishers who have given permission for the insertion of poems :-To Messrs. Bell and Daldy, for selections from Miss Procter's poems; to Mr. J. T. Hayes, for three hymns taken from "Hymns of the Eastern Church," by Dr. Neale; to Messrs. Houlston and Sons, for the hymn "Come to me, Lord, when first I wake," in "Lyra Anglicana;" to Mr. Kennedy, for one selection from " Hymns from the Land of Luther;" to Messrs. Longman and Co., for Hymn 100 in "Lyra Germanica;" to Messrs. Morgan and Scott, for two poems by Mrs. Shipton; to Messrs. Parker and Son, for selections from "The Baptistery," "The Child's Christian Year," and "Lyra Innocentium;" to Messrs. Strahan and Co., for four hymns by Miss Waring; and to the Trustees of the Religious Tract Society, for the use of the hymns by Miss Elliott, and for permission to reprint two poems originally published in their magazines.

The Editor has spared no pains in the difficult task of tracing poems to their original source; but has, in many instances, been unsuccessful. She can, there

fore, only apologise if she has unknowingly trespassed on any rights, and offer to acknowledge the same, and to alter any incorrectness of text, in a future edition.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.-ST. JOHN xiv. 27.

We ask for peace, O Lord!
Thy children ask for peace;
Not what the world calls rest,

That care and toil should cease,
That through bright sunny hours
Calm life should fleet away,
And tranquil night should end
In smiling day ;—

It is not for such peace that we would pray.
We ask for peace, O Lord!

Yet not to stand secure,
Girt round with iron pride,
Contented to endure :
Crushing the gentle strings

That human hearts should know,

Untouched by others' joy

Or others' woe ;—

Thou, O dear Lord, wilt never teach us so.

We ask Thy peace, O Lord!

Through storm, and fear, and strife,

To light and guide us on,

Through a long struggling life :

While no success or gain

Shall cheer the desperate fight,

Or nerve, what the world calls

Our wasted might ;—

Yet pressing through the darkness to the light.

It is Thine own, O Lord,

Who toil while others sleep;

Who sow with loving care

What other hands shall reap:

They lean on Thee entranced,
In calm and perfect rest.
Give us that peace, O Lord,

Divine and blest,

Thou keepest for those hearts who love Thee best.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.— 1 ST. JOHN iv. 18.

The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.-ISAIAH Xxxii. 17.

How sweet the closing hour of day,
When all is peaceful and serene;
And the broad sun's retiring ray
Sheds a mild lustre o'er the scene!

Such is the Christian's parting hour,
So peacefully he sinks to rest;
And faith, rekindling all its power,
Lights up the languor of his breast.

There is a radiance in his eye,

A smile upon his wasted cheek,
That seems to tell of glory nigh,

In language that no tongue can speak.

A beam from heaven is sent to cheer
The pilgrim on his gloomy road;
And angels are attending near,

To bear him to their bright abode.

Who would not wish to die like those
Whom God's own Spirit deigns to bless ;
To sink into that soft repose,

Then wake to perfect happiness?

O Lord! that we may thus depart,
Thy joys to share, Thy face to see ;
Impress Thine image on our heart,
And teach us now to walk with Thee.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.-REV. iii. 20.

BEHOLD a stranger at the door!

He gently knocks; has knocked before;
Has waited long; is waiting still:
You use no other friend so ill.

But will He prove a friend indeed?
He will, the very friend you need ;
The Man of Nazareth, 'tis He,
With garments dyed at Calvary.

Oh, lovely attitude! He stands
With melting heart and open hands.
Oh, matchless kindness! and He shows
This matchless kindness to his foes.

Rise, touched with gratitude divine,
Turn out His enemy and thine ;
Turn out the hateful monster, sin,
And let the heavenly Stranger in.

Admit Him, ere His anger burn,
Lest He depart, and ne'er return!
Admit Him, or the hour's at hand,
When, at His door, denied, you'll stand.

Admit Him, for the human breast
Ne'er entertained so kind a guest :
No mortal tongue their joys can tell,
With whom He condescends to dwell.

Yet know, nor of the terms complain,
Where Jesus comes, He comes to reign;
To reign, and with no partial sway :
Thoughts must be slain that disobey.

Sovereign of souls! Thou Prince of Peace!
O may Thy gentle reign increase !
Throw wide the door, each willing mind,
And be His empire all mankind!