I do not ask they shall never tread With weary feet the paths of pain. I ask that in the darkest hour They may faithful and true remain. I only ask their lives may be Pure as gems in the gates of pearl, Lives to brighten and bless the world— This I ask for my boy and girl. I ask to clasp their hands again ’Mid the holy hosts of heaven, Enraptured say: “I am here, oh! God, And the children Thou hast given.” THE REFINER’S GOLD. He stood before my heart’s closed door, And asked to enter in; But I had barred the passage o’er By unbelief and sin. He came with nail-prints in his hands, To set my spirit free; With wounded feet he trod a path To come and sup with me. He found me poor and brought me gold, The fire of love had tried, And garments whitened by his blood, My wretchedness to hide. The glare of life had dimmed my eyes, Its glamour was too bright. He came with ointment in his hands To heal my darkened sight. He knew my heart was tempest-tossed, By care and pain oppressed; He whispered to my burdened heart, Come unto me and rest. He found me weary, faint and worn, On barren mountains cold; With love’s constraint he drew me on, To shelter in his fold. Oh! foolish heart, how slow wert thou To welcome thy dear guest, To change thy weariness and care For comfort, peace and rest. Close to his side, oh! may I stay, Just to behold his face, Till I shall wear within my soul The image of his grace. The grace that changes hearts of stone To tenderness and love, And bids us run with willing feet Unto his courts above. A STORY OF THE REBELLION. The treacherous sands had caught our boat, And held it with a strong embrace And death at our imprisoned crew Was sternly looking face to face. With anxious hearts, but failing strength, We strove to push the boat from shore; But all in vain, for there we lay With bated breath and useless oar.