How oft have hope's visions
Deceived the fond-hearted.
Like the rainbow they shone—
Like the rainbow departed—
When their light, that once sparkled,
Is darkened and gone;
See! the rainbow that fades not,
It arches God's throne! Earth's grounds, oh, how tempting
Their flowers and their fruit,
How we love their sweet shadow;
But a worm's at the root!
When thy gourd, that once sheltered,
Is withered away,
Be the shadow of JESUS
Thy shelter and stay! As the Dove, when of old,
From the ark it went forth,
Some green spot to rest on,
To seek through the earth;
When it found that the deluge,
So deep and so dark,
Left no green spot uncovered,
Returned to the ark,— So when floods of affliction
Have deluged all round,
And no green spot of gladness,
No hope-branch is found,
Then flee to the SAVIOUR,
The true ark of rest!
Oh, there's no place of shelter
Like His pitying breast! From Him thine own SAVIOUR,
Whate'er may betide thee,
No distance can sever,
No sorrow divide thee:
Earth's friends may forsake—
But He'll forsake—never;
Earth's loved ones may die,—
But He lives—forever.—Sel.