XLVIII. NEVER FORSAKEN. Why dread the future, trembling one, Since whatsoe’er the griefs it bring, A Father’s voice pronounced the fate It bears upon its rapid wing? Canst thou not trust thy earthly hopes To Him in whom thy soul confides; Nor cast thy cares upon thy Lord When angels whisper “God provides.” “Why for the morrow take ye thought?” The God of truth and mercy said; His gracious arm supports thee now, His sheltering wing is o’er thee spread; He ne’er forgets His human pangs— The stricken soul, the tortured limb— Nor gives a moment’s needless pain To those who love and trust in Him! What dost thou fear, what dost thou dread? The rushing wind—the billow’s roar? The gale, though rude, by love is sent To speed thy course to Heaven’s shore. More fatal were a death-like calm; The stormy voyage not long can last, The Saviour’s welcome overpays A thousand-fold the perils past. Fear not,—what should God’s children fear? The dreaded clouds may roll away; Unnumbered mercies oft received Should strengthen faith to trust to-day. Enough—without the Lord’s consent None from thy head one hair can sever; Enough—thou art the Almighty’s care; Afflicted, but forsaken never! XLIX. THY FATHER’S FRIEND. Forsake not thou thy father’s friend, Forsake not thou thine own; Though care and grief his form may bow, And frosts of age be on his brow, And like a leafless willow now He stand on earth alone. Forsake not thou thy father’s friend, Revere the hoary head; Thou may’st have little to bestow To lessen want, or lighten woe, But who does not the solace know Which kindly words can shed! Forsake not thou thy father’s friend; So when thy strength is o’er, May’st thou ne’er want a friend in need, Thy age to cheer, thy footsteps lead, But he who is a “Friend indeed” Be thine for evermore! L. FEAR OF GOD AND FEAR OF MAN. The fear of God most high— It is a holy fear; It makes us pass through life as those Who know their Lord is near. The fear of sinful man— ’Tis a debasing fear, Shame will be theirs who dare not brave A censure or a sneer. It was the fear of God By which the Hebrews three Undaunted met the tyrant’s frown— Unmoved the flames could see. It was the fear of man Weak Pilate’s breast within, That stained his hands with guiltless blood, His soul with blackest sin. No courage is like that Which steadfast faith bestows; With God our Friend, we would be safe Were all the world our foes! Faith but the _duty_ sees Where doubt would danger scan; ’Tis through the fear of God alone We crush the fear of man.