That we may cling for ever to Thy breast
In perfect rest!



THURSDAY BEFORE EASTER



As the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth,
and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved:
therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. Daniel
ix. 23.

"O Holy mountain of my God,
How do thy towers in ruin lie,
How art thou riven and strewn abroad,
Under the rude and wasteful sky!"
'Twas thus upon his fasting-day
The "Man of Loves" was fain to pray,
His lattice open toward his darling west,
Mourning the ruined home he still must love the best.

Oh! for a love like Daniel's now,
To wing to Heaven but one strong prayer
For GOD'S new Israel, sunk as low,
Yet flourishing to sight as fair,
As Sion in her height of pride,
With queens for handmaids at her side,
With kings her nursing-fathers, throned high,