His CAPTORS. 289 



Thoughts for the Birth-days of Eternity. 



dressed to him years ago by his elder brother, 

 are, with a slight accommodation, equally ap- 

 propriate now that he has passed the solemn 

 threshold and BIRTH-DAY of a BLESSED ETERNITY ! 



How recollection paints anew 



The times when, in our own dear home, 



We talk of mercies past, and view 

 The heavenly life to come ! 



'Tis just in heaven, thy happy dawn 

 But ah ! how full the mingled scene 



On memory's pictured tablets drawn- 

 Calm now, and all serene : 



Serene because a blessed faith 



Throws o'er each melancholy line 

 That marks affliction's rugged path, 



The gleam of love divine. 



Through all it sees thy Father's form, 



His gracious, guiding hand beholds ; 

 And in the gloomiest of the storm 



Some bright design unfolds. 



Amid the sufferings of years, 



Thou seest thou didst not walk alone ; 

 Where all was agony and tears, 



There most His mercy shone. 



'Twas thus he drew thy buoyant heart 



Up to a holier world above, 

 And bade thee choose that better part, 



A Savior's wondrous love. 



For this our fervent thanks we raise, 



That HE, whose love is wisdom too, 

 Made thee partaker of his grace, 



By trials here below. 



T 



