To M. A. B—, on Her Marriage

MY dear young friend, I wish thee well,
With all my heart: yet who can tell
What hopes and fears, what care and strife,
May yet attend thy married life I
What ups-and-downs thou yet may’st meet,
Before thy weary wayworn feet
Shall climb the everlasting hills
With Him whose praise Creation fills I
Ah, who can tell: but may that God,
Who marks thy way on life’s rough road,
Who holds the waters in His hand,
And rules the waves at His command,
May He thy constant comfort be
In seasons of necessity.
Oh, may’st thou ever feel Him near,
To wipe away the falling tear;
To bid each rising fear dispel,
And sweetly whisper “All is well.”
May the dear partner of thy days
Walk, too, in wisdom’s pleasant ways,
Seek to adorn the Saviour’s name,
And spread abroad His matchless fame;
All earthly gain esteem but loss,
And glory only in the Cross.
If children God should give to thee,
Oh, train them for eternity:
Seek wisdom from on high to rear
Your offspring for a nobler sphere,
Lead them to know a Saviour’s love,
That they may see His face above.
God bless you both, and lead you on,
Through paths to each alike unkown;
Fill you with heavenly joy and peace,
That as your days and years increase,
Each moment as it swiftly flies
May bear you nearer to the skies;
Until at length your journey done,
The battle fought, the victory won,
A joyful greeting shall be given
To you at yonder gate of heaven.