THOU COMPASSEST ME ON EVERY SIDE." O GOD unseen, but not unknown, Throughout this universe of space For flight of time, and change of place, Parents I had, but where are they? Friends whom I knew, I know no more; Companions once that cheered my way, Have dropt behind or gone before. Now I am one amidst the crowd Of life and action hurrying round; Now left alone-for like a cloud They came, they went, and are not found. Even from myself sometimes I part, To prompt my pulse, inspire my breath. Of all that I have done or said How little can I now recal! Forgotten things to me are dead; With Thee they live, Thou know'st them all. Thou hast been with me from the womb, The moment comes, when strength must fail, When health, and hope, and comfort flown, I must go down into the vale And shade of death, with Thee alone. Alone with Thee;-in that dread strife, Exchanged for immortality. Then, when the unbodied spirit lands Of Thee, my Saviour, and my God ; Be mine eternal portion this, Since Thou wert always here with me, That I may view Thy face in bliss, And be for evermore with Thee. "THERE REMAINETH A REST." OH! where shall rest be found, "Twere vain the ocean-depths to sound, Or pierce to either pole : The bliss for which we sigh; Beyond this vale of tears, Unmeasured by the flight of years; And all that life is love :- O'what eternal horrors hang |