Full thrice seven years I've shared your home and name, Nor yet extinguished is affection's flame: By reason tempered, now with steady heat, It brighter glows, fed by endearments sweet. Hail then the day, that made us one on earth, Yet not with pipe, and song, and foolish mirth; Bather to God let us our vows repay With hearts united;--at His footstool say "We will be Thine; call us Thy love, Thy bride, And let us shelter in Thy bleeding side." So when dissolved the matrimonial chain, We die, to live; and live, to meet again. Transporting thought! through our Redeemer's love, We have the promise of a house above; Death disappears, with all his sable train, And light, and life, and love for ever reign. Come then, my love, let us together rise, Forget the things behind, and seek the prize; By fervency of spirit daily show We pilgrims are, and sojourners below: And should some storm of fierce affliction come, Portending shipwreck in the sight of home; In Jesus anchored, strength shall be supplied, Till we the fury of the storm outride; And reach the haven of serene repose, Where all our sorrows shall for ever close. Amen, so be it, let our hearts reply,-- In Christ made one,--in Him to live and die; In life, our happiness united be, In death, divided not,--eternally. "I have given my husband a copy of these lines this morning, proposing that we devote one hour for the special purpose of dedicating ourselves to the Lord. May we do it with unfeigned hearts. I feel humbled on account of the past; resolved at the present; and encouraged for the future.--Having occasion to administer reproof, I spoke with greater severity than the circumstances required. O when shall I possess that self-government, which tempers every word and action. Though suffering from indisposition, my mind is kept in peace. Unworthy as I am, Christ is precious." ADDRESSED TO MY LITTLE JOHN, THIS DAY SEVEN YEARS OLD. Linked with the memories of the day, Your name the first appears; "A little stranger," did they say, "A transient visit comes to pay," And still we hail your longer stay Though now 'tis full seven years. My lovely boy, your sojourn here, Awakens anxious care; Your tender mind aright to rear; Your steps to guard from danger near; Oh! might the God of mercy hear, And bless a mother's prayer. Know then, my child, God speaks to-day, "My son, give me thy heart." Oh! will you not without delay, In secret go to God and pray, That he would take your sins away, And His pure love impart? I'm sure He loves to hear you pray; To-day then, do begin; He'll hearken unto what you say, And never turn His ear away, But answer you from day to day, If you will give up sin.