Morning Star

POETRY.

For the Morning Star.

The following lines were suggested on reading the Circular of the Home Mission Society.
B. F. N.

My soul is distressed for the lambs of the flock.
Who wander from Jesus, their Shepherd and Rock;
That tell of his beauty and glory no more
Whom once they could praise and in rapture adore,
In rapture adore.

My soul is distressed for the sheep of the fold
Who stray on bleak mountains, barren and cold,
That once in the pastures, green pastures of love,
Did feed on sweet manna that comes from above,
That comes from above.

My soul is distressed to reflect on the case
Of all such professors as hold to free grace,
And yet are in bondage to sin and the world.
Like ship at her anchor with sails not unfurled,
With sails not unfurled.

O would she unfurl them and give them the wind
How soon would she lessen the objects behind,
And sail o'er the top of the soul-beating wave,
That parts, intervening, the cradle and grave.
The cradle and grave.

From the west and the east, from the south and the north,
See the enemies of Christ in array marching forth;
Infidels and Deists of ev'ry form and name
And prowling wolves* from Europe, at war with the Lamb,
At war with the Lamb.

Wake, Christians, arise, 'tis your Saviour's command.
To your posts, in your station let each take his stand,
The clarion is sounding, the contest begun;
Face the foe, valiant soldier, 'tis cowardly to run,
'Tis cowardly to run.

On. "one shall chase a thousand" and put thousands to flight,
As the monarch of the day drives the stars of the night;
Your foes won in battle will enlist on your side,
And Jesus embrace them, as bridegroom the bride,
As bridegroom the bride.

* Romanists.