THE HIGH THINGS

The Greatest Day that ever dawned,— It was a Winter's Morn.

The Finest Temple ever built

Was a Shed where a Babe was born.

The Sweetest Robes by woman wrought Were the Swaths by the Baby worn.

And the Fairest Hair the world has seen, -Those Locks that were never shorn.

The Noblest Crown man ever wore,It was the Plaited Thorn.

The Grandest Death man ever died,It was the Death of Scorn.

The Sorest Grief by woman known
Was the Mother-Maid's forlorn.

THE HIGH THINGS (continued)

The Deepest Sorrows e'er endured
Were by The Outcast borne.

The Truest Heart the world e'er broke
Was the Heart by man's sins torn.

THE EMPTY CHAIR

Wherever is an empty chair-
Lord, be Thou there!

And fill it-like an answered prayer-
With grace of fragrant thought, and rare
Sweet memories of him whose place
Thou takest for a little space!—
-With thought of that heroical
Great heart that sprang to Duty's call;
-With thought of all the best in him,
That Time shall have no power to dim;
-With thought of Duty nobly done,
And High Eternal Welfare won.

Think! Would you wish that he had stayed, When all the rest The Call obeyed? -That thought of self had held in thrall His soul, and shrunk it mean and small?

Nay, rather thank the Lord that he
Rose to such height of chivalry;
-That, with the need, his loyal soul
Swung like a needle to its pole;

THE EMPTY CHAIR (continued)

-That, setting duty first, he went
At once, as to a sacrament.

So, Lord, we thank Thee for Thy Grace, And pray Thee fill his vacant place!

ROAD-MATES

From deepest depth, O Lord, I cry to Thee. "My Love runs quick to your necessity."

I am bereft; my soul is sick with loss. "Dear one, I know. My heart broke on the Cross."

What most I loved is gone. I walk alone. "My Love shall more than fill his place, my own."

The burden is too great for me to bear. "Not when I'm here to take an equal share."

The road is long, and very wearisome.
"Just on in front I see the light of home."

The night is black; I fear to go astray. "Hold My hand fast. I'll lead you all the

way."