 | The miscellaneous writings of Henry Ware |  |
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TO MARY.
Salisbury and Vergennes, September 4 and 5, 1828.
Dear Mary, 'tis the fourteenth day
Since I was parted from your side;
And still upon my lengthening way
In solitude I ride;
But not a word has come to tell
If those I left at home are well.
Since I was parted from your side;
And still upon my lengthening way
In solitude I ride;
But not a word has come to tell
If those I left at home are well.
I am not of an anxious mind,
Nor prone to cherish useless fear;
Yet oft, methinks, the very wind
Is whispering in my ear,
That many an evil may take place
Within a fortnight's narrow space.
Nor prone to cherish useless fear;
Yet oft, methinks, the very wind
Is whispering in my ear,
That many an evil may take place
Within a fortnight's narrow space.
'Tis true, indeed, disease and pain
May all this while have been your lot;
And when I reach my home again,
Death may have marked the spot.
I need but dwell on thoughts like these,
To be as wretched as I please.
May all this while have been your lot;
And when I reach my home again,
Death may have marked the spot.
I need but dwell on thoughts like these,
To be as wretched as I please.
But no,—a happier thought is mine;
The absent like the present scene
Is guided by a Friend divine,
Who bids us wait serene
The issues of that gracious will
Which mingles good with every ill.
The absent like the present scene
314
Who bids us wait serene
The issues of that gracious will
Which mingles good with every ill.
And who should feel this tranquil trust
In that benignant One above,—
Who ne'er forgets that we are dust,
And rules with pitying love,—
Like us, who both have just been led
Back from the confines of the dead?—
In that benignant One above,—
Who ne'er forgets that we are dust,
And rules with pitying love,—
Like us, who both have just been led
Back from the confines of the dead?—
Like us, who, 'mid the various hours
That mark life's changeful wilderness,
Have always found its suns and showers
Alike designed to bless?
Led on and taught as we have been,
Distrust would be indeed a sin.
That mark life's changeful wilderness,
Have always found its suns and showers
Alike designed to bless?
Led on and taught as we have been,
Distrust would be indeed a sin.
Darkness, 'tis true, and death, must come;
But they should bring us no dismay;
They are but guides to lead us home,
And then to pass away.
O, who will keep a troubled mind,
That knows this glory is designed?
But they should bring us no dismay;
They are but guides to lead us home,
And then to pass away.
O, who will keep a troubled mind,
That knows this glory is designed?
Then, dearest, present or apart,
An equal calmness let us wear;
Let steadfast Faith control the heart,
And still its throbs of care.
We may not lean on things of dust;
But Heaven is worthy all our trust.
An equal calmness let us wear;
Let steadfast Faith control the heart,
And still its throbs of care.
We may not lean on things of dust;
But Heaven is worthy all our trust.
| The miscellaneous writings of Henry Ware | |