Our course is onward, onward into light: What though the darkness gathereth amain, Yet to return or tarry, both are vain. How tarry, when around us is thick night? Whither return? what flower yet ever might, In days of gloom, and cold, and stormy rain, Enclose itself in its green bud again, Hiding from wrath of tempest out of sight? Courage!--we travel through a darksome cave; But still, as nearer to the light we draw, Fresh gales will reach us from the upper air, And wholesome dews of heaven our foreheads lave, The darkness lighten more, till full of awe We stand in the open sunshine--unaware. --_Richard Chenevix Trench._ REST AT EVENING. When the weariness of Life is ended, And the task of our long day is done, And the props, on which our hearts depended, All have failed or broken, one by one: Evening and our Sorrow's shadow blended, Telling us that peace is now begun. How far back will seem the sun's first dawning And those early mists so cold and gray! Half forgotten even the toil of morning, And the heat and burden of the day. Flowers that we were tending, and weeds scorning, All alike are withered and cast away. Vain will seem the impatient heart which waited, Toils that gathered but too quickly round; And the childish joy, so soon elated At the path we thought none else had found; And the foolish ardor soon abated By the storm which cast us to the ground. Vain those pauses on the road, each seeming As our final home and resting-place; And the leaving them, while tears were streaming Of eternal sorrow down our face; And the hands we held, fond folly dreaming That no future could their touch efface. All will then be faded:--night will borrow Stars of light to crown our perfect rest; And the dim vague memory of faint sorrow Just remain to show us all was best, Then melt into a divine to-morrow:-- O how poor a day to be so blest! --_Adelaide Procter._ Now the day is over, Night is drawing nigh, Shadows of the evening Steal across the sky. Now the darkness gathers, Stars begin to peep, Birds, and beasts, and flowers, Soon will be asleep. JESU, give the weary Calm and sweet repose; With Thy tenderest blessing May mine eyelids close. Grant to little children Visions bright of Thee; Guard the sailors tossing On the deep blue sea. Comfort every sufferer Watching late in pain; Those who plan some evil From their sin restrain. Through the long night watches May Thine Angels spread Their white wings above me, Watching round my bed. When the morning wakens, Then may I arise Pure, and fresh, and sinless In Thy Holy Eyes. Glory to the FATHER, Glory to the SON, And to Thee, Blest SPIRIT, Whilst all ages run. --_Unidentified._ THE LAND OF LIGHT.