But above the waves' wild surging He had found a safe retreat, As if God had sent an angel, Just to guide his wandering feet. When the storm had spent its fury, And the sea gave up its dead She was mourning for her loved ones, Lost amid that night of dread. While her head was bowed in anguish, On her ear there fell a voice, Bringing surcease to her sorrow, Bidding all her heart rejoice. "Didn't I tell you true?" said Bennie, And his eyes were full of light, 56 MOTHER'S TREASURES. "When I told you God would help me Through the dark and dreadful night?" And he placed the little darling Safe within his mother's arms, Feeling Christ had been his guardian, 'Mid the dangers and alarms. Oh! for faith so firm and precious, In the darkest, saddest night, Till life's gloom-encircled shadows Fade in everlasting light. And upon the mount of vision We our loved and lost shall greet, With earth's wildest storms behind us, And its cares beneath our feet. MOTHER'S TREASURES. Two little children sit by my side, I call them Lily and Daffodil; I gaze on them with a mother's pride, One is Edna, the other is Will. Both have eyes of starry light, And laughing lips o'er teeth of pearl. MOTHER'S TREASURES. 57 I would not change for a diadem My noble boy and darling girl. To-night my heart o'erflows with joy; I hold them as a sacred trust; I fain would hide them in my heart, Safe from tarnish of moth and rust. What should I ask for my dear boy? The richest gifts of wealth or fame? What for my girl? A loving heart And a fair and a spotless name? What for my boy? That he should stand A pillar of strength to the state? What for my girl? That she should be The friend of the poor and desolate? 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. 58 THE REFINER'S GOLD. 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. THE REFINER'S GOLD. 59