Jacob's Well. The disciples marveled that he talked with the woman.—ST. JOHN iv. 27. HERE, after Jacob parted from his brother, His daughters linger'd round this well, new made; Here, seventeen centuries after, came another, And talked with JESUS, wondering and afraid. And Jacob's race grew strong for many an hour, Has crumbled like these shafts and stones away; Come up, as ever, to the light of day; And those few words of truth first uttered here, Dark creeds and ancient mysteries depart; 316 JACOB'S WELL. The hour for God's true worshipers draws near; Then mourn not o'er the wrecks of earthly art; Kingdoms may fall, and human works decay, Nature moves on unchanged-Truths never pass away. James Freeman Clarke. The Miraculous Draught. Now, when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught." And Simon, answering, said unto him, "Master we have toiled all the night and have taken nothing; nevertheless at thy word, I will let down the net."-ST. LUKE V. 4, 5. How long o'er the lake hung the shadows of night All bootless their toil, and their sigh filled the gale, But who on that shore moves majestic along? How calmed are the billows! how stilled is the breeze! Earth, water, and winds, him their Sovereign confess; E'en the birds hush their chorus amidst the tall trees, And the children of sorrow forget their distress. 318 THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT. None lose by the Saviour; once more at thy word The nets are extended beneath the blue sea; The tribes of the wide weltering waves own their Lord, And hasten to pay their allegiance to thee. C. East. The Paal of Bethesda. Jesus saith unto him, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed and walked.—ST. JOHN v. 8, 9. PALE, weary watcher by Bethesda's pool, Listen! and thou shalt hear the unearthly tread At his approach, once more the troubled wave Ah! then his spirits feel a deeper grief, His wasted limbs experience no relief; No help he knows! |