Los Angeles Daily Herald

SUNDAY READING.

THE BIRTH RECORD.

Sitting to-night in my old arm-chair,
With my Bible on my knee,
I read from its record page of birth
The names of children three;
And, written neatly, in the same strong hand,
Jam!,
while the heart was breaking with pain,
"The Lord hath given and taken away,"
But "blessed be His name."

With two, the record of life was short,
Like summer's day of joy;
I can see them now, with these dim old eyes.
My lingering boy;
And I thank our God when I read those words
In another book, which saith,
"They were lovely and pleasant in their lives,
And in their death were not divided."

For the other--"my baby" I call him still--
Though he grew to manhood tall.
When they told me God had taken him,
It fit he had taken my all;
And long-harished rebellious thoughts
Is foretold I learn to say,
"Blessed be the Lord." 'Twas He that gave,
'Tis He that hath taken away.

But when I take my old Bible book,
Where a loving hand writ his will,
I can write in place of my children's names,
LSWhat: I know, "He'll be still!"
And the dear, dear hand that wrote those names
(Giras. s nine in trust and love:
"Dear wife, their names are also writ
In the Book of Life above!"

-Christian Union.