ADDRESSED TO MY LITTLE JOHN, THIS DAY SEVEN YEARS OLD.
Linked with the memories of the day,
Your name the first appears;
"A little stranger," did they say,
"A transient visit comes to pay,"
And still we hail your longer stay
Though now 'tis full seven years.
My lovely boy, your sojourn here,
Awakens anxious care;
Your tender mind aright to rear;
Your steps to guard from danger near;
Oh! might the God of mercy hear,
And bless a mother's prayer.
Know then, my child, God speaks to-day,
"My son, give me thy heart."
Oh! will you not without delay,
In secret go to God and pray,
That he would take your sins away,
And His pure love impart?
I'm sure He loves to hear you pray;
To-day then, do begin;
He'll hearken unto what you say,
And never turn His ear away,
But answer you from day to day,
If you will give up sin.
I love you, John, you know I do;
God loves you more than I;
As once on Samuel, now on you
He calls, O may you answer too;
"Speak, Lord," Thy servant's heart renew,
For at Thy feet I lie.
Good children ever are inclined
Obediently to live;
Humble, and teachable, and kind,
They wish to know the Saviour's mind,
And often seek that they may find,
What God alone can give.
"As I went to meet my class it was suggested, as it was also the last time, 'Who hath reaquired this at your hands?' Is it from an enemy? or am I in a wrong position? The people seem to prosper, and the Lord gives me liberty among them; but often has a cloud gathered over my spirit when I have been going to meet them. O Lord, remove my doubts, and guide me by Thy counsel. I wish to sink into Thy will; use me or lay me aside; only let Thy will be done.—The last week has been to many a season of high enjoyment; but for myself, although I rejoice in the success of missions, my soul has not yet learned to preserve its centre in the midst of the excitement, which on such occasions often falls to my lot. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac were with us from Monday till Wednesday; and on Friday afternoon, the Yorkshire bard, James Montgomery, Esq., with several other friends, was with us at tea. My mind was kept in peace, and during singing and prayer I found it profitable. Mr. Montgomery presided at the Missionary Meeting, which by some is pronounced the best they ever attended. Surely it was the presence of the Great Head of the Church, which made it so.—We had a blessed season at the class. Afterwards I went to Albion Street School. A class of girls retired with me into the little room, for the purpose of conversation and prayer: while they listened the tears started in their eyes. I feel deeply concerned for their salvation. The work is Thine; these souls are Thine; help me, Lord, to do Thy work faithfully; that success may follow. This morning I was much exercised."
Afflictions sanctified
Are blessings kindly given;
They, who the fiery test abide,
Receive an inward heaven.
That Kingdom, Lord, be mine,
Just as Thy goodness wills;
A heart renewed, a will resigned,
A soul, that Jesus fills.