THE CHRISTIAN MOURNER'S PRIVILEGE.

BY BERNARD BARTON.

How sweet to think, in sorrow's hour,

That He who reigns above,
Altho' supreme in sovereign power,
Is as supreme in love!

How sweet to know, when thus the axe
Is to our gourds decreed,

He will not quench the smoking flax,
Nor break the bruised reed.

But that to those who kiss the rod,
By Him in mercy sent,

The staff of comfort from their God
Shall in his love be lent.

Sustain'd thereby, with hopes serene,
Though earth's best joy seem gone,
On this, like Jacob, they shall lean,
And worship Him thereon.

For God, who binds the broken heart,
And dries the mourner's tear,
If faith and patience be their part,
Will unto these be near.

Let such but say, " Thy will be done!
And HE who JESUS rais'd,

Will qualify them, through his Son,

To add, "THY NAME BE PRAIS'D!"