The Home Circle by Mrs. M. J. Bahler

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 27, 1884

The Home Circle.

By Mrs. M. J. Bahler

BY MRS. M. J. BAHLER.

SEAR and brown the leaves are falling, Dry and withered, float they down; E'en the crimson, gold, and purple, By the winds are tossed and torn.

Clouds are drifting o'er the heavens, Black and dreary, oh so slow, That we sigh to catch the gleaming Of the sunlight; still we know

That the storm-cloud hath its mission, And a blessing rare it brings For the earth, which, parched and thirsting, Has drained low her water springs.

And she needeth much the blessing Which those drear and dark clouds doth hold, Showers enlivening fainting verdure, Bringing life an hundredfold.

So our hearts grow seared and barren, Dust of earth-cares gathers o'er Many efforts which did promise Golden fruits while thoughts did soar

Heavenward hourly, seeking, praying, Help which comes alone from him Who exalted, King eternal Boweth low our love to win.

But the verdure, pale and withered In our hearts, should rouse us each To seek showers of heavenly blessing, Though in sweeping storms they reach

Our poor hearts; they come in mercy And are blessings, rich and rare. May God help us then to treasure Every storm, with thankful prayer—

Thankful that 'tis sent in mercy Ere we were too dead to feel Pain or pleasure, grief or gladness, From its strokes, sent but to heal.

Spring comes with its buds and blossoms, Summer with its waving grain; Autumn garners in rich harvests, Then comes winter's snow and rain.

But though oft upon the flowers, Or the ripening fruit and grain, Come the storms, they never murmur; Though bowed low, they lift again

Faces brighter, thus expressing Thanks they have no voice to speak. May we too, lift faces brightened By the storms which o'er us break.

Oakland, Cal., Nov. 11.