There falls upon us yet the morning light, And if to-day we gladly do our best, Our life itself will be most pure and sweet, For the to-days make up the life complete. The “little things” are pleasing in God’s sight, And humble duties nobly done bring rest. Then, Soul, awaken from thy drowsy sleep! Dream not of past nor yet of future days, But rouse thyself to-day to grander things. The smile, the word, the loving deed take wings To bear thy soul and others up the steep, Where Life Eternal sings its endless praise. DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT. When shadows fall, and earth is gray, Life seems less grand, the heart less gay; The things that vexed in morning light, Have grown to sorrows in the night. When morning dawns, and earth is bright, Life seems so grand, the heart so gay, That Sorrows, nursed all thro’ the night, Wakened by Wisdom, fly away. WITHIN THE GATES. Live not for self, But live for God; Expect on earth No great reward. When life is o’er, Thy Self shall stand Within the gates Of Promised Land. OVER-SIGHT. Earth is not filled with sunshine bright— The rain-drops sometimes fall; And buds that might have seen the light May blight at tempest’s call. Life is not filled with sunshine bright— The tear-drops sometimes fall; And hopes that might have seen the light May blight at sorrow’s call. But God, who sends the rain and tears And knows what things are best, Will also send the faith that cheers And guides us to our rest. GOING HOME. “I am going home,” she whispered,— “Home to mamma and the rest; So I’ll put away my playthings, For I think that home is best. Mamma will be there to meet me, And I’ll sit on papa’s knee; All the others will be waiting With a kiss for little me. Look! it’s getting dark already, But there’s nothing much to fear, For it only takes a minute,— Home, you know, is very near.” So she put away her playthings, While they smoothed her golden curls, And she sweetly smiled in parting To the little boys and girls. * * * * * “I am going Home,” she whispered,— “Home to Jesus and to rest; So I’ll put away my burdens, For I think that Home is best. Loved ones will be there to greet me, I shall see and know them all; There will be a glorious welcome For the little me grown tall. Look! the night is quickly coming, But there’s nothing I can fear, For it only takes a moment,— Home, you know, is very near.” So she put away life’s burdens, While they smoothed her silvery hair, And she sweetly smiled in parting For she found her Saviour there. THE GARDENER.