360

CHRIST'S LOOK TO PETER.

For all God's charge to his high angels may
Guard my foot better? Did I, yesterday,
Wash thy feet, my beloved, that they should run
Quick to deny me 'neath the morning sun?
And do thy kisses like the rest betray?
The cock crows coldly. Go, and manifest
A late contrition, but no bootless fear!
For when thy deadly need is bitterest,
Thou shalt not be denied, I am here.
My voice to God and angels shall attest—
Because I KNOW this man let him be clear.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

The Sabbath Evening Walk.

Did not our hearts burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures ?-ST. LUKE xxiv. 32.

Ir happened, on a solemn eventide,
Soon after He who was our surety, died,
Two bosom friends, each pensively inclined,
The scene of all their sorrows left behind,
Sought their own village, busied as they went,
In musings worthy of the great event:

They spake of him they loved, of him whose life,
Though blameless, had incurred perpetual strife,
Whose deeds had left, despite of hostile arts,
A deep memorial graven on their hearts.
The recollection, like a vein of ore,

The further traced, enriched them still the more;
They thought him, and they justly thought him, one
Sent to do more than he appeared t' have done :
T'exalt a people, and to place them high
Above all else, and wondered he should die.
Ere yet they brought their journey to an end,
A stranger joined them, courteous as a friend,
And asked them, with a kind, engaging air,
What their affliction was, and begged a share.

362

THE SABBATH EVENING WALK.

Informed, he gathered up the broken thread,
And, truth and wisdom gracing all he said,
Explained, illustrated, and searched so well

The tender theme on which they chose to dwell,
That, reaching home, "The night," they said, "is near,
We need not now be parted, sojourn here."
The new acquaintance soon became a guest,
And made so welcome at their simple feast.
He blessed the bread, and vanished at the word,
And left them both exclaiming ""Twas the Lord!
Did not our hearts feel all he deigned to say—
Did they not burn within us by the way?"

William Couper.

Christ Appearing to His Disciples.

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace be unto you!"-ST. JOHN xx. 19.

Joy to all who love to talk

In secret, how He died,

Though with sealed eyes awhile they walk,

Nor see Him at their side;

Most like the faithful pair are they,

Who once to Emmaus took their way,

Half darkling, till their Master shed

His glory on their souls, made known in breaking bread

Thus ever brighter and more bright,

On those he came to save,

The Lord of new-created light

Dawned gradual from the grave:
Till past th' inquiring daylight hour,
And with closed door in silent bower
The Church in anxious musing sate,

As one who for redemption still had long to wait.

364

CHRIST APPEARING TO HIS DISCIPLES.

Then gliding through th' unopening door,
Smooth without step or sound,

"Peace to your souls," He said—no more

They own him, kneeling round.

Eye, ear, and hand, and loving heart,

Body and soul on every part,

Successive made His witnesses that hour.
Cease not in all the world to show his saving power.

Is there on earth a spirit frail,

Who fears to take their word,

Scarce caring through the twilight pale,

To think he sees the Lord?

With eyes too tremblingly awake

To bear with dimness for his sake?
Read, and confess the hand divine
That drew thy likeness here in every line.

For all thy rankling doubts so sore,

Love thou thy Saviour still,

Him for thy Lord and God adore,

And ever do his will.

Though vexing thoughts may seem to last,

Let not thy soul be quite o'ercast ;

Soon will He show thee all His wounds, and say,

'Long have I known thy name-know thou my face

alway."

John Keble.