THE WORLD'S PEACE, AND CHRIST'S. TWO REAL INCIDENTS. "Peace I leave you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."- JOHN xiv. 27. A CLOUDLESS sky a laughing summer day – A river gliding noiselessly and deep- Within, two weary travellers asleep. Ha! the boat loosens, and begins to sweep With those strong waters to their headlong fall: The slumberers waken not, nor cry, nor weep; It strikes they start astonied one wild call, One struggle, and the tide rolls onward burying all. A wintry ocean a dark, rock-bound coast, And breakers whitening near- a shatter'd sail www A vessel battling onward, tempest-toss'd: Aboard, quick, hurrying footsteps, and the wail Of women, and brave men in silence pale. One only, with a calm, untroubled eye, Watch'd the wild waters and the wilder galeThe pilot's playful child; and, question'd why, "My father's at the helm," was her untaught reply. Hinton Martell, 1853. THE THRESHOLD OF THINGS UNSEEN. I. THE BABE'S FIRST JOURNEY. [Baby sleeps while the angel soars heavenward, singing.] "My treasure, my blossom, My blessing twice bless'd, Folded close to my bosom, Be still and at rest. Winds and waters were rougher Than wonted at last, But no more shalt thou suffer, Not a sigh, not a sorrow Shall grieve thee to-night, And the dawn of to-morrow Is cloudless delight." [Baby, half-waking, half-sleeping, lisps its first words in the language [Baby catches the first glimpse of heaven, and asks, -] "Oh, what is that glory That shines on thy wings? Brother, tell me a story Of heavenly things." [The angel sings on.] "There joy without measure, There day without night, And rivers of pleasure Shall break on thy sight. There are gold paths transparent With angels, are walking And plucking the fruit, And singing or talking To sound of the lute. No shadows can darken Hush, baby, and hearken The sound of their joy. See, the Lord of the garden So the babe and its warden Pass'd in at the gates, |