So from every region, so enter side by side, The strong and faint of spirit, the meek and men of pride, Steps of earth’s greatest, mightiest, between those pillars gray, And prints of little feet, that mark the dust away. And some approach the threshold whose looks are blank with fear, And some whose temples brighten with joy are drawing near, As if they saw dear faces, and caught the gracious eye Of Him, the Sinless Teacher, who came for us to die. I mark the joy, the terrors; yet these, within my heart, Can neither wake the dread nor the longing to depart; And, in the sunshine streaming of quiet wood and lea, I stand and calmly wait until the hinges turn for me. ♦ ‘alloted’ replaced with ‘allotted’ * * * * * “BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN.” O DEEM not they are blest alone Whose lives a peaceful tenor keep; The Power who pities man has shown A blessing for the eyes that weep. The light of smiles shall fill again The lids that overflow with tears; And weary hours of woe and pain Are promises of happier years. There is a day of sunny rest For every dark and troubled night; And grief may bide an evening guest, But joy shall come with early light. And thou, who, o’er thy friend’s low bier, Sheddest the bitter drops like rain, Hope that a brighter, happier sphere Will give him to thy arms again. Nor let the good man’s trust depart, Though life its common gifts deny,―― Though with a pierced and bleeding heart, And spurned of men, he goes to die. For God hath marked each sorrowing day, And numbered every secret tear, And heaven’s long age of bliss shall pay For all his children suffer here. * * * * * THE ANTIQUITY OF FREEDOM.