TUESDAY IN WHITSUN-WEEK. When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them. John x. 4. (Addressed to Candidates for Ordination.) LORD, in thy field I work all day, "I journey, yet no step is won— "Like sailors shipwreck'd in their dreams, What? wearied out with half a life? St. How could'st thou hang upon To whom a weary hour is loss? the cross, Or how the thorns and scourging brook, Yet ere thy craven spirit faints, Hear thine own King, the King of saints; He is th' eternal mirror bright, Early to quit his home on earth, Within the temple's solemn round: Yet in meek duty to abide For many a year at Mary's side, Nor heed, though restless spirits ask, "What? hath the Christ forgot his task ?" Conscious of Deity within, To bow before an heir of sin, With folded arms on humble breast, BY his own servant wash'd and blest : ---- Then full of Heaven, the mystic Dove With hymns of angels in his ears, With not a wish or thought at home: All but Himself to heal and save, Till ripen'd for the cross and grave He to His Father gently yield The breath that our redemption seal'd: Then to unearthly life arise, Yet not at once to seek the skies, Lest on our lonely way we faint; And through the cloud by glimpses shew How bright, in Heaven, the marks will glow Of the true cross, imprinted deep Both on the Shepherd and the sheep: When out of sight, in heart and prayer This is thy pastoral course, O LORD, And yet of Thee from year to year Listen, ye pure white-robed souls, And gird ye for your high emprize N And wheresoe'er, in earth's wide field, TRINITY SUNDAY. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? St. John iii. 12. CREATOR, Saviour, strengthening Guide, Far out of sight we seem to glide. Help us, each hour, with steadier eye To search the deepening mystery, The wonders of Thy sea and sky. The blessed angels look and long |