290 THE WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 



then, his cheerfulness seemed to suffer a tem- 

 porary eclipse, it was only like the sun drifting 

 through vapours that scattered as fast as they 

 gathered, and it was but a moment before we 

 would see again, through some open cloud-rift, 

 the clear beams of his sunny face. 



" If a sweet social temper, gushing love 



For kindred and for kind, spirits for ever 



Sparkling and buoyant as a spring's light bubbles : 



Mirth, candour, frankness, and a love to give 



Pleasure to friends, and good to every one ; 



And, more than all, true love for Christ and souls 



If these be traits that make a blessing man, 



Beloved and form'd to bless, through God's rich grace 



OUR CHERISH'D BROTHER WAS THAT HAPPY MAN. 



"No more the tender offices of love 

 We pay him here on earth, but all his virtues 

 Still we cherish ; and that radiant face, 

 From its calm sphere within the spirit world, 

 Like a bright star shall still look down and cheer 

 Our life's sojournings, till at length we come 

 Where he the promises, through patient faith, 

 Inherits, and enjoys the rest of heaven!" 



It is all well with him now ; and though I 

 had fondly hoped to have seen him yet once 

 more in the flesh, and to have knelt again in 

 prayer with that blessed brother, and it would 

 have been so comforting, if God's will, to have 



