The Kings And Queens Of England With Other Poems Part 12

But stop--I dare not venture Too far on holy ground; Its _heights_ are too exalted, Its _depths_ are too profound.

Yet may I be permitted, When this brief life is past, The hope in yon bright heaven, To find my home at last.

When cleansed from all pollution, From sin and sorrow free, I, with unclouded vision, My Saviour G.o.d may see.

Brooklyn, May, 1853.

TO MY MISSIONARY FRIENDS,

MR. AND MRS. I.G. BLISS.

Why, dear friends, oh! tell us wherefore You're so anxious to be gone; Is the country late adopted Dearer to you than your own?

Have you found a father, mother, In that distant clime to love, Or a sister, friend, or brother, Better than the long-tried prove?

"Oh, no! believe us, no such motives Prompt us to tempt old ocean's wave; We go among the poor benighted, Perhaps to find an early grave.

"Ah! you know not half our anguish-- Only those who _feel_ can tell-- When we think of the sad parting, And that solemn word--farewell.

"But while lingering, souls are dying, Souls that Jesus came to save; And of such a priceless value, That for them his life he gave.

"Trials great no doubt await us In that distant home of ours; Work requiring so much labor, As to exceed our utmost powers.

"But He who said 'Go preach the gospel,'

All powerful is, to aid, defend; 'Lo I am with you always,' said he, 'And will be even to the end.'

"With such command, and such a promise, Sure our path of duty's plain; Do not then, dear friends, persuade us Longer with _thee_ to remain."

Go then, go! we'll not detain you, We dare not ask your longer stay; And may winds and waves of ocean, Waft you safely on your way.

They who all forsake for Jesus, Father, mother, country, home, Here an hundred fold are promised, And eternal life to come.

Go then, go! but when far distant, Bear us sometimes on your mind; When for others interceding, Forget not those you leave behind.

And when your earthly warfare's ended, And you have laid your armor down, May souls of poor benighted Asia Add _many_ stars to your bright crown.

TO MY HUSBAND.

Just two-and-forty years have pa.s.sed[5]

Since we, a youthful pair, Together at the altar stood, And mutual vows pledged there.

Our lives have been a checkered scene, Since that midsummer's eve; Much good received our hearts to cheer, And much those hearts to grieve.

Children confided to our care, Hath G.o.d in kindness given, Of whom five still on earth remain, And two, we trust, in heaven.

How many friends of early days, Have fallen by our side; Shook by some blast, like autumn leaves They withered, drooped, and died.

But still permitted, hand in hand Our journey we pursue; And when we're weary, cheered by glimpse Of "_better land_" in view.

We may not hope in this low world, Much longer to remain, But oh! there's rapture in the thought, That we may meet again.

[5] July 14, 1853.