VII. Lessons of Nature.

1.

VERNAL MIRTH.

"Behold the fig-tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye sec

and know of your own selves, that summer is now nigh at hand."

WHAT is the joy the young lambs know

When vernal breezes blow?

Why carol out so blithe and free

The little birds from every leafless tree?

Why bound so high the boys at play
On grass so green and gay ?

From nursing arms, his proper throne,

Why rings so clear yon infant's joyous tone?

2.

THE BIRD'S NEST.

"As an eagle stirreth up her nest, so the Lord alone did lead him "

BEHOLD the treasure of the nest,

The winged mother's hope and pride: See how they court her downy breast, How soft they slumber, side by side.

Strong is the life that nestles there,
But into motion and delight
It may not burst, till soft as air

It feel Love's brooding, timely might.

Even such a blissful nest I deem

The cradle of the Lord's new-born,

Where deeply lurks the living beam
Lit in the glad baptismal morn.

But into keen enduring flame

It may not burst, till heavenly Love

Have o'er it spread, in Christ's dear Name, The pinions of His brooding Dove.

Now steal once more across the lawn, Stoop gently through the cypress bough, And mark which way life's feeble dawn Works in their little hearts, and how.

Still close and closer, as you pry,

They nestle 'neath their mother's plume,

Or with a faint forlorn half-cry,

Shivering bewail her empty room.

Or haply, as the branches wave,
The little round of tender bills
Is raised, the due repast to crave
Of her who all their memory fills.

Hast thou no wisdom here to learn,
Thou nestling of the Holy Dove,
How hearts that with the true life burn

Live by the pulse of filial love?

When sorrow comes to thy calm nest,
Early or late, as come it will,

Think of yon brood, yon downy breast,
And hide thee deep in JESUS' will.

By morning and by evening moan,
As doves beneath the cedar spray,
Make thou thy fearful longings known
To Him who is not far away.

Him Cherub-borne in royal state,
The food of His Elect to be,

With eager lip do thou await,

And veiled brow, and trembling knee.

So underneath the warm bright wing,
The hidden grace of thy new birth
Shall gather might to soar and sing,

Where'er He bids, in heaven or earth.