Brothers in blood and nurture too, Aliens in heart so oft should prove; One lose, the other keep, Heaven’s clue; One dwell in wrath, and one in love. He only knows—for He can read The mystery of the wicked heart— Why vainly oft our arrows speed When aimed with most unerring art; While from some rude and powerless arm A random shaft in season sent Shall light upon some lurking harm, And work some wonder little meant. Doubt we, how souls so wanton change, Leaving their own experienced rest? Need not around the world to range; One narrow cell may teach us best. Look in, and see Christ’s chosen saint In triumph wear his Christ-like chain; No fear lest he should swerve or faint; “His life is Christ, his death is gain.” Two converts, watching by his side, Alike his love and greetings share; Luke the beloved, the sick soul’s guide, And Demas, named in faltering prayer. Pass a few years—look in once more— The saint is in his bonds again; Save that his hopes more boldly soar, He and his lot unchanged remain. But only Luke is with him now: Alas! that e’en the martyr’s cell, Heaven’s very gate, should scope allow For the false world’s seducing spell. ’Tis sad—but yet ’tis well, be sure, We on the sight should muse awhile, Nor deem our shelter all secure E’en in the Church’s holiest aisle. Vainly before the shrine he bends, Who knows not the true pilgrim’s part: The martyr’s cell no safety lends To him who wants the martyr’s heart. But if there be, who follows Paul As Paul his Lord, in life and death, Where’er an aching heart may call, Ready to speed and take no breath; Whose joy is, to the wandering sheep To tell of the great Shepherd’s love; To learn of mourners while they weep The music that makes mirth above; Who makes the Saviour all his theme, The Gospel all his pride and praise— Approach: for thou canst feel the gleam That round the martyr’s death-bed plays: Thou hast an ear for angels’ songs, A breath the gospel trump to fill, And taught by thee the Church prolongs Her hymns of high thanksgiving still. Ah! dearest mother, since too oft The world yet wins some Demas frail E’en from thine arms, so kind and soft, May thy tried comforts never fail! When faithless ones forsake thy wing, Be it vouchsafed thee still to see Thy true, fond nurslings closer cling, Cling closer to their Lord and thee. St. Simon and St. Jude. That ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. _St. Jude_ 3. SEEST thou, how tearful and alone, And drooping like a wounded dove, The Cross in sight, but Jesus gone, The widowed Church is fain to rove?