Blessed home lights! May they ever Shine for you and shine for me, In the shadows of earth’s journey And through all Eternity. CLOUDS AND COMFORT. Tho’ clouds arise, in fairest skies, And sunlight glories steal away; Tho’ snow-flakes fall, on roof and wall, Till all the world is chill and gray; Yet why complain? The earth shall gain An added glory from on high, For rain and snow that fall below Will bring more sunshine by and by. Tho’ doubts we find, within the mind, And hope and pleasure steal away; Tho’ trials fall, to one and all, Till life itself looks cold and gray; Yet why despair? God has a care, And He will comfort while we sigh, For griefs and tears, within the years, Will bring more blessings by and by. ACTION. Action is the golden key That unlocks doors to set us free; Thro’ which the trusting heart that sings Shall find it’s way to better things. “FOR YOU I AM PRAYING.” When the hush of early morning Ushers in the sunbeams fair, And another day is dawning, ’Tis for you, I breathe a prayer. Somewhere—all my love confessing Ere the busy day is here— You will need the morning blessing, While the angels hover near. Tho’ I hear not what you’re saying, And I know not where you are, Yet for you I shall be praying, While the sunbeams fade the star. When the moon-beams softly stealing Thro’ my windows come to play, And in robe of white I’m kneeling, ’Tis for you I fondly pray. Somewhere—all my love confessing Ere I close my eyes in sleep— You will need the evening blessing, While the angels guard and keep. Tho’ I may not share your pleasure, And I may not know your care, Yet while God’s great love of treasure, I shall breathe your name in prayer. SINCERITY. To self and to God be loyal and true, Fear not what others may say or may do, But what at best you appear; Gird on your armor and stand for the right, Honest in purpose and earnest in might, Then shall your soul be sincere. Banish each doubt and deception and dream, Be the real saint that to others you seem, Dare to face tempters alone; Lift up your banner and fear not the foe, Valiant in service wherever you go, Sincerity claimeth her own. THE VEILED FUTURE. A baby played beside a covered well, And peeping thro’ he saw the waters clear; He clapped his hands, enchanted by the spell, And knew not that the Reaper hovered near. The sunlight flooded all the summer sky, A little bird sang sweetly from her nest; While troubled waters hushed his piteous cry The baby soul had found it’s perfect rest.