Fore-runners for their Lord, must work and pray

For the incoming of the perfect day.

"Join we in this sweet service; cherish still

The trust that gives you courage for the fight;

Your 'peaceful war' on all that's base and ill,

Your patient battle for the pure, the right.

Let us press on and mount the hills of light."

The ocean murmur fell upon their ears

Sweeter than bird-song or the voice of mirth,

As beamed her answering smile, thro' grateful tears,

While her lips whispered only "Peace on earth."

"Peace! peace!"—the evening zephyrs caught the strain,

The wavelets sent the word across the sea;

Exultant Nature trilled the glad refrain;—

"Peace! peace! The Christ is come, and peace shall be!"

[Pg 14]

[Pg 14]

 AT THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR

Neighbor, neighbor, prithee stay;

Wherefore hasten on thy way?

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