A CHRISTIAN'S PLEADING. 'Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ."-Philemon, 8 and 9. STATESMEN have pleaded-for applause, And some for sordid pelf; The patriot-for his country's cause; The lover-for.himself. But statesman, patriot, lover-ne'er, In passion, or pretence, Appeal'd to heart, or eye, or ear, With deeper eloquence, Than these few simple words make known Whose eyes can see, whose hearts can own What is that source? A heart renew'd Which, govern'd not by studied rules And, for His sake thus bound in chains, With tenderness can greet, Him whom it might command, but deigns So mildly to entreat. Oh ye! who may aspire in thought, To act the pleader's part, Deign by a Christian to be taught The way to touch the heart. THE REWARD OF THE FAITHFUL. "There remaineth therefore a rest for the people of God.”— Hebrews, iv. 9. MEEK follower of a lowly Lord, Are trouble, fear, and sorrow, thine? Art thou of holy grace a child? This world thy rest can never be; But, oh, remember, those alone The pride of self, the power of sin: If thou into His rest wouldst enter, Faith must achieve this high adventure. Faith in the Son of God-who gave His sinless life to ransom thine; Faith in God's gracious will to save, Faith in His Spirit's aid divine; Thine eye by faith that rest beholdeth, And faith its entrance still unfoldeth. Possessing this-thy soul shall be THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE. "But the wisdom that is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy, and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."-James, iii. 17. HAST thou this wisdom from above, Hath grace thy heart so purified, To taint thought's deep and hidden spring? Peaceable, and at peace within; Gentle, and easy of access To all intreaty-not of sin; And full of mercy, prompt to bless ; |