THE OLD YEAR.
LAST night, when all the village
Was lying white and still,
With starlight in the valley,
And moonlight on the hill,
I wakened from my dreaming,
And hushed my heart to hear
The old clock in the steeple
Toll out the dying year.
They say that when the angels
The blessed New Year bring,
The souls that wake to listen
Can softly hear them sing
The same melodious anthem
Of peace and love on earth,
That told to Judah's shepherds
The dear Redeemer's birth.
No sound came through the silence,
But waiting there, I thought
Of all the gifts and blessings
The year to me had brought,
And something sang within me,
"0 happy heart, today
Remember all who sorrow,
And wipe their tears away.
"So, in that solemn morning,
When first thy feet shall stand
Where dawn in light unshadowed
The years of God's right hand,
These words of benediction
Thy welcome home shall be,
Thy deeds of love and mercy
Have all been done to Me!"
Selected.