But now, in the loveliest bloom of the soul,
While thy heart yet was pangless, and true, and unstain'd;
Ere the world one vain wish by its witcheries stole,
What it could not confer, thou for ever hast gain'd
Like a dew-drop, kiss'd off by the sun's morning beam,
A brief, but a beauteous existence was given;
Thy soul seem'd to come down to earth, in a dream,
And only to wake, when ascended to heaven!
CHURCH FELLOWSHIP.
By James Montgomery.
People of the living God!
I have sought the world around,
Paths of sin and Sorrow trod,
Peace and comfort no where found;
Now to you my spirit turns,
Turns,—a fugitive unblest;
Brethren! where your altar burns,
O receive me to your rest.
Lonely I no longer roam
Like the cloud, the wind, the wave,
Where you dwell shall be my home,
Where you die shall be my grave,
Mine the God whom you adore,
Your Redeemer shall be mine;
Earth can fill my soul no more,
Every idol I resign.
Tell me not of gain and loss,
Ease, enjoyment, pomp, and power,
Welcome poverty, and cross,
Shame, reproach, affliction's hour!
—"Follow me!"—I know thy voice,
Jesus, Lord! thy steps I see;
Now I take thy yoke by choice,
Light thy burthen now to me.