--Celia Thaxter.

DO AND BE BLEST

Dare to think, though others frown;
Dare in words your thoughts express;
Dare to rise, though oft cast down;
Dare the wronged and scorned to bless.

Dare from custom to depart;
Dare the priceless pearl possess;
Dare to wear it next your heart;
Dare, when others curse, to bless.

Dare forsake what you deem wrong;
Dare to walk in wisdom's way,
Dare to give where gifts belong,
Dare God's precepts to obey.

Do what conscience says is right,
Do what reason says is best,
Do with all your mind and might;
Do your duty and be blest.

A PLACE WITH HIM

O tired worker, faltering on life's rugged way,
With faithful hands so full they may not rest,
Forget not that the weak of earth have one sure stay,
And humblest ones by God himself are blest,
Who work for Him!

Then courage take, faint heart! and though the path be long
God's simple rule thy steps will safely guide:--
"Love Him, thy neighbor as thyself, and do no wrong";
In calm content they all shall surely bide
Who walk with Him!

So banish every fear, each daily task take up,
God's grace thy failing strength shall build anew;
His mercy, in thy sorrows, stay the flowing cup:
And His great love keep for thy spirit true
A place with him!

--J. D. Seabury.

GOD A FORTRESS

A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing:
Our Helper, he, amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right man on our side,
The man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth is his name,
From age to age the same,
And he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of darkness grim--
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers--