The Home Circle by Rev. I. N. Stratton, A. M.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 20, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 12.

The Home Circle.

By Rev. I. N. Stratton, A. M.

THE CLEFT IN THE ROCK.

Two children at home 'mid the mountains, Accustomed to cataracts' roar, Had witnessed the rocks over-hanging, Thunder down to the dark chasm floor.

They had heard the wild storm 'mid the head-lands, And knew, by the bald eagle's scream, That the forces of nature were waking; From cloud-land to dark mountain stream.

One day all was sunny and fragrant, A gem set in Autumn from June; The children gave mother a "good-bye," For the play of the long afternoon.

Along the sharp curves of the railroad, They gathered the chestnuts that fell From the trees on the crags far above them, And measured the ones they would sell.

Tommy prattled, and chatted, and frolicked, And Mary, self-conscious of care, Felt that her caution was needed, Lest accident come to them there.

All at once they were thrown to a flurry, By the roar of the down-coming train, Cranching the miles in a hurry, Lost time by next station to gain.

It howled 'round the tall mountain head-lands, And hung over chasms of foam, Dashing on towards the crags, and the children, Who screamed now for mother and home.

Then Mary seized Tommy, and nestled In the cleft of the tall mountain rock, And shouted, "Hold tight, brother Tommy, Cling close to the cleft of the rock."

So oft in the dread hour of danger, When hope our wild cry seems to mock, We can fly to the Friend of the stranger, And cling to the cleft of the Rock. —Rev. I. N. Stratton, A. M.