Down the dark future, through long generations, The sounds of war grow fainter, and then cease; And like a bell with solemn, sweet vibrations, I hear once more the voice of Christ say, “Peace!” 2 Peace! and no longer, from its brazen portals, The blast of war’s great organ shakes the skies; But beautiful as songs of the immortals, The holy melodies of love arise. 974 11s & 10s. Peace on earth. Peace, peace on earth! the heart of man for ever, Through all these weary strifes, foretells the day; Blesséd be God, the hope forsakes him never, That war shall end, and swords be sheathed for aye. 2 Peace, peace on earth! for men shall love each other; Hosts shall go forth to bless, and not destroy; For man shall see in every man a brother, And peace on earth fulfill the angels’ joy. 975 10s. Restore such a one in the spirit, etc. Gal. 6:1. Breathe thoughts of pity o’er a brother’s fall, But dwell not with stern anger on his fault: The grace of God alone holds thee, holds all; Were that withdrawn, thou too wouldst swerve and halt. 2 Send back the wanderer to the Saviour’s fold— That were an action worthy of a saint; But not in malice let the crime be told, Nor publish to the world the evil taint. 3 The Saviour suffers when his children slide; Then is his holy name by men blasphemed! And he afresh is mocked and crucified, Even by those his bitter death redeemed. 4 Rebuke the sin, and yet in love rebuke; Feel as one member in another’s pain; Win back the soul that his fair path forsook, And mighty and eternal is thy gain. 976 8s & 5s. Work on, hope on. Every day hath toil and trouble, Every heart hath care; Meekly bear thine own full measure, And thy brother’s share, Fear not, shrink not, though the burden Heavy to thee prove; God shall fill thy mouth with gladness, And thy heart with love. 2 Patiently enduring, ever Let thy spirit be Bound, by links that can not sever, To humanity. Labor, wait! thy master labored Till his task was done; Count not lost thy fleeting moments— Life hath but begun. 3 Labor! wait! though midnight shadows Gather round thee here, And the storm above thee lowering Fill thy heart with fear— Wait in hope! the morning dawneth When the night is gone, And a peaceful rest awaits thee When thy work is done. PRIVATE DEVOTIONS. 977 L. M. Far from my thoughts, vain world, begone.