Alone with Jesus! earth grows dim,—
I even see my friends through him;
Time, space, all things below, above,
Reveal to me one Life, one Love,—
That One in whom all glories shine,
All beauties meet—that One is mine!
THE LOST BABE.
There was a bower that love had reared
And beautified with care;
One day a messenger appeared
And asked admission there.
He was not welcome to the bower,
For something in his face,
Where'er he went, had always power
To cloud the brightest place.
Love barred the door, and cried, "Forbear,
Thou art no bidden guest";
Then gathered up her jewels rare
And hid them in her breast.
Still louder knocked he than before,
And still he was denied;
Then, laughing at the well-barred door,
He threw it open wide.
"I come from Paradise above,"
The messenger began:
"Oh, not in anger but in love
God worketh out his plan.
"Sent from the King's eternal throne
My mission to fulfill,
I ask one jewel of thine own,—
It is the Master's will:
"One birdling from the parent nest,
One lamb from out thy fold,
To nestle in the Saviour's breast
As did the babes of old.
"How safe! Her resting-place how sweet!
But thou wilt sadly miss
The busy hands, the dancing feet,
The prattle and the kiss.