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Its daughters were happy to hail the returning,
And drink the delights of bright July's green morning.
But, ah! there were hearts cherished far other feelings,
Illumed by the light of prophetic revealings,

Who drank nought from the scenery of beauty but sorrow,
For they knew that their blood would bedew it to-morrow.
'Twas the few faithful ones who with Cameron were lying
Concealed 'mong the mist where the heath-fowl were crying,
For the horsemen of Earlshall around them were hovering,
And their bridle-reins seen through the thin misty covering.
Their faces were pale, and their swords were unsheathed,
But the vengeance that darkened their brow was unbreathed;
With eyes raised to heaven, in meek resignation,

They sang their last song to the God of salvation.
The hills with the deep mournful music were ringing,
The curlew and plover in concert were singing;

But the melody died 'mid derision and laughter,

While the hosts of the ungodly rushed on to the slaughter.
Though in mist, and in darkness, and fire they were shrouded,
Yet the souls of the righteous were calm and unclouded;
Their dark eyes shot lightning, as, proud and unbending,
They stood like the rock which the lightning is rending.
The muskets were flashing, the blue swords were gleaming,
The helmets were cleft, and the red blood was streaming;
The heavens were dark, and the thunder was rolling,
While in Wellwood's dark moorlands the mighty were falling;
When the righteous had fallen, and the combat was ended,
A chariot of fire through the dark cloud descended,
Its attendants were angels, and cherubs of whiteness,
And its burning wheels turned upon axles of brightness;
A seraph unfolded the doors bright and shining,
All dazzling like gold of the seventh refining:

And the souls that came forth out of great tribulation
Have mounted the chariot and steeds of salvation.

On the arch of the rainbow the chariot is gliding,
Through the paths of the thunder the horsemen are riding,
"Glide swiftly, bright spirits, the prize is before

ye,

A crown never fading, a kingdom of glory!"

HISLOP.

THE SONG OF HEAVEN DESIRED BY
SAINTS ON EARTH.

AURORA veils her rosy face,

When brighter Phoebus takes her place;

So, glad will grace resign her room

To glory in the heavenly home.

Happy the company now gone

From cross to crown, from thrall to throne;

How loud they sing upon the shore,

To which they sailed in heart before!

Bless'd are the dead, yea, saith the Word,
That die in Christ, the living Lord,
And on the other side of death,

Thus joyful spend their praising breath.

"Death from all death has set us free,
And will our gain for ever be;
Death loosed the massy chains of woe,
To let the mournful captives go.

Death is to us a sweet repose,

The bud was oped to show the rose ;
The cage was burst to let us fly,
And build our happy nest on high.

Lo! here we do triumphant reign,
And joyful sing in lofty strain,
Lo! here we rest, and love to be,
Enjoying more than faith could see.

The thousandth part we now behold,
By mortal tongues was never told:
We got a taste, but now above
We forage in the fields of love.

Faith once stole down a distant kiss;
Now love cleaves to the cheek of bliss:
Beyond the fears of more mishap,
We gladly rest in glory's lap.

Earth was to us a seat of war;
In thrones of glory now we are.
We longed to see our Jesus dear,

And sought Him there, but find Him here.

We walk in white without annoy,

In glorious galleries of joy;
And crowned with everlasting bays,
We rival cherubs in their praise.

No longer we complain of wants,
We see the glorious King of Saints,'
Amidst His joyful hosts around,
With all the divine glory crown'd.

We
e see Him at His table-head
With living water, living bread,
His cheerful guests incessant load,
With all the plenitude of God.

We see the holy-flaming fires,
Cherubic and seraphic choirs;
And gladly join with those on high
To warble praise eternally.

Glory to God that here we came,
And glory to the glorious Lamb:
Our Light, our Life, our Joy, our all,
Is in our arms, and ever shall.

Our Lord is ours, and we are His,
Yea, now we see Him as He is :
And hence we like unto Him are,
And full His glorious image share.

No darkness now, no dismal night;
No vapour intercepts the light;
We see for ever face to face

The highest Prince in highest place.

This, this does heav'n enough afford,
We are for ever with the Lord;
We want no more, for all is given;
His presence is the heart of heaven."

While thus I laid my listening ear
Close to the door of heaven to hear:
And then the sacred page did view,
Which told me all I heard was true.

Yet showed me that the heavenly song
Surpasses ev'ry mortal tongue,
With such unutterable strains
As none in fett'ring flesh attains:

Then said I, "Oh, to mount away,
And leave this heavy clog of clay!
Let wings of time more quickly fly,
That I may join the songs on high."

ERSKINE.

A QUESTION ANSWERED.

SAY, is the Question on thy heart engraved,
"What shall I do to be for ever saved?"
Lo! here's a living Rock to build upon :
Believe in Jesus, and on Him alone

For righteousness and strength thine anchor drop,
Renouncing all thy former legal hope.

"Believe!" say'st thou; "I can no more believe
Than keep the law of works, 'Do this and live!””
True, and it were thy mercy, didst thou see
Thine utter want of all ability.

New-covenant graces He alone can grant,
Whom God has given to be the Covenant,-
Even Jesus, whom the sacred letters call
Faith's Object, Author, Finisher, and all;
In Him alone, not in thy act of faith,
Thy soul, believing, full salvation hath.

ERSKINE

K

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