Heralds the

year

of Jubilee proclaim;

Bow every knee at the Redeemer's name;

O'er lands, with darkness, thraldom, guilt o'erspread, In light, joy, freedom, be the Spirit shed;

Speak Thou the word; to Satan's power say " Cease," But to a world of pardon'd sinners, “Peace.” -Thus in thy grace, Lord God, Thyself make known;

Then shall all tongues confess Thee God alone.

THE STRANGER AND HIS FRIEND.

"Ye have done it unto me. Matt. xxv. 40.

A POOR wayfaring Man of grief
Hath often cross'd me on my way,
Who sued so humbly for relief,
That I could never answer "Nay:"
I had not power to ask his name,
Whither he went, or whence he came,
Yet was there something in his eye,
That won my love, I knew not why.

Once, when my scanty meal was spread,

He enter'd;

not a word he spake ;

Just perishing for want of bread;

I

gave

him all; he bless'd it, brake,

And ate,

- but gave me part again;

Mine was an Angel's portion then,
For while I fed with eager haste,

That crust was manna to my taste.

I spied him, where a fountain burst

Clear from the rock; his strength was gone; The heedless water mock'd his thirst,

He heard it, saw it hurrying on :

I ran to raise the sufferer up;

Thrice from the stream he drain'd my cup, Dipt, and return'd it running o'er ;

I drank, and never thirsted more.

'Twas night; the floods were out; it blew

A winter hurricane aloof;

I heard his voice abroad, and flew

To bid him welcome to my roof;

I warm'd, I clothed, I cheer'd my guest,
Laid him on my own couch to rest;

Then made the hearth my bed, and seem'd
In Eden's garden while I dream'd.

Stript, wounded, beaten, nigh to death,
I found him by the highway-side :

I roused his pulse, brought back his breath,
Revived his spirit, and supplied

Wine, oil, refreshment; he was heal'd;
I had myself a wound conceal'd;

But from that hour forgot the smart,
And Peace bound up my broken heart.

In prison I saw him next, condemn'd

To meet a traitor's doom at morn;
The tide of lying tongues I stemm'd,
And honour'd him 'midst shame and scorn :

My friendship's utmost zeal to try,

He ask'd, if I for him would die ;

The flesh was weak, my blood ran chill,

But the free spirit cried "I will."

Then in a moment to my view,
The Stranger darted from disguise;

The tokens in his hands I knew,

My Saviour stood before mine eyes:

He spake; and my poor name He named ;

"Of me thou hast not been ashamed:

These deeds shall thy memorial be;

Fear not, thou didst them unto Me."