So teach us on thy shrine to lay And as each mild and winning note (Like pulses that round harp-strings float, When the full strain is o'er) Left lingering on his inward ear Music, that taught, as death drew near, Love's lesson more and more: So, as we walk our earthly round, Be in our memory stor❜d: "Christians! behold your happy state : "Christ is in these, who round you wait; "Make much of your dear Lord!" THE PURIFICATION. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. St. Matthew v. 8. BLESS'D are the pure in heart, The secret of the Lord is theirs, Might mortal thought presume Such are the notes that echo through Such the triumphal hymns On Sion's Prince that wait, In high procession passing on Towards His temple-gate. Give ear, ye kings-bow down Ye rulers of the earth This, this is He; your Priest by grace, Your God and King by birth. No pomp of earthly guards And all-defying, dauntless look, Yet are there more with Him Than all that are with youThe armies of the highest Heaven, All righteous, good, and true. Spotless their robes and pure, That hides the unapproached shrine His throne, thy bosom blest, O Mother undefil'd That throne, if aught beneath the skies, Beseems the sinless Child. Lost in high thoughts, "whose son "The wondrous Babe might prove," Her guileless husband walks beside, Bearing the hallow'd dove; Meet emblem of His vow, His dove-like soul-best sacrifice Did on God's altar lay. But who is he, by years Bow'd, but erect in heart, Whose prayers are struggling with his tears? "Lord, let me now depart. ""Tis time that I depart in peace, Yet swells the pomp: one more Full fourscore years, meek widow, she She who to earthly joys So long had given farewell, Now sees, unlook'd for, Heaven on earth, Christ in His Israel. Wide open from that hour And still the saints rejoicing there The holy Child have met. Now count His train to-day, And who may meet Him, learn : Him child-like sires, meek maidens find, Where pride can nought discern. Still to the lowly soul He doth Himself impart, And for His cradle and His throne |