He, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. _Acts_ vii. 55 AS rays around the source of light Stream upward ere he glow in sight, And watching by his future flight Set the clear heavens on fire; So on the King of Martyrs wait Three chosen bands, in royal state, And all earth owns, of good and great, Is gather’d in that choir. One presses on, and welcomes death: One calmly yields his willing breath, Nor slow, nor hurrying, but in faith Content to die or live: And some, the darlings of their Lord, Play smiling with the flame and sword, And, ere they speak, to His sure word Unconscious witness give. Foremost and nearest to His throne, By perfect robes of triumph known, And likest Him in look and tone, The holy Stephen kneels, With stedfast gaze, as when the sky Flew open to his fainting eye, Which, like a fading lamp, flash’d high, Seeing what death conceals. Well might you guess what vision bright Was present to his raptured sight, E’en as reflected streams of light Their solar source betray— The glory which our God surrounds, The Son of Man, the atoning wounds— He sees them all; and earth’s dull bounds Are melting fast away. He sees them all—no other view Could stamp the Saviour’s likeness true, Or with His love so deep embrue Man’s sullen heart and gross— “Jesus, do Thou my soul receive: Jesu, do Thou my foes forgive;” He who would learn that prayer must live Under the holy Cross. He, though he seem on earth to move, Must glide in air like gentle dove, From yon unclouded depths above Must draw his purer breath; Till men behold his angel face All radiant with celestial grace, Martyr all o’er, and meet to trace The lines of Jesus’ death. St. John’s Day. Peter seeing him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me. _St. John_ xxi. 21, 22. “LORD, and what shall this man do?” Ask’st thou, Christian, for thy friend? If his love for Christ be true, Christ hath told thee of his end: This is he whom God approves, This is he whom Jesus loves. Ask not of him more than this, Leave it in his Saviour’s breast, Whether, early called to bliss, He in youth shall find his rest, Or armèd in his station wait Till his Lord be at the gate: Whether in his lonely course (Lonely, not forlorn) he stay, Or with Love’s supporting force Cheat the toil, and cheer the way: Leave it all in His high hand, Who doth hearts as streams command.