Watchman And Observer

Poetry.

For the Watchman and Observer

ADVICE TO CHRISTIANS.

Communicated by a minister, who says it is "the composition of a lady, a member of his church, and possesses no little merit."

I've seen a little timid bird
From some low clustering foliage scared
Flutter with trembling weary wing,
Then to the higher branches cling
Again, some fearful sound would come
To fright him from his new found home;
With each new terror upward springing,
Starting, trembling, soaring, clinging,
With watchful eye and throbbing breast
Seeking some higher, safer rest.
To each broad branch he trembling clings,
Then starts again, then upward springs;
Till on the topmost branch secure,
Pluming his wings to soar once more—
High through the realms of cloudless day
Pursues his bright, unfettered way,
Till in the glory of the skies.
His plumage fade from mortal eyes.
Thus when this sad and weary earth,
Gives some new sorrow daily birth,
When cares distract or sins distress,
When friends desert or foes oppress,
When grief or terror racks the breast,
And fear despoils the soul of rest,
When death with broad and blackening wings
His shadows o'er the hearthstone flings,
And one loved form is torn away,
Another hastens to decay;
And grief, and fear, and sorrow roll
Their floods of anguish o'er thy soul—
Then, christian, on thy troubled way,
Seek ever seek some higher stay;
Like that poor bird still upward spring,
To each broad branch of promise cling—
Now rest thy worn and weary feet
On some rich limb of comfort sweet;
Then start again, and soaring higher,
To brighter views and hopes aspire;
Nor rest till soaring faith hath gained
The highest branch by man attained.
There fixed secure, with patient heart,
Perform thy well appointed part,
Till the last messenger shall come
To call thee from thy earthly home;
Then, like that bird, with plumage bright',
Stretch thy glad pinions to the light,
On wings of hope and faith arise
To brighter mansions in the skies.

L. A. B.