July 1

He brought me forth also into a large place.

IN youth, when once again I had set out To find Thee, Lord, my life, my liberty, A window now and then, clouds all about, Would open into heaven: my heart forlorn First all would tremble with a solemn glee, Then, whelmed in peace, rest like a man outworn That sees the dawn slow part the closed lids of the morn.

Now I grow old, and the soft-gathered years Have calmed, yea dulled the heart's swift fluttering beat; But a quiet hope that keeps its household seat Is better than recurrent glories fleet. To know thee, Lord, is worth a many tears; And when this mildew, age, has dried away, My heart will beat again as young and strong and gay,

Stronger and gayer tenfold!—but, O friends, Not for itself, nor any hoarded bliss. I see but vaguely whither my being tends, All vaguely spy a glory shadow-blent, Vaguely desire the "individual kiss"; But when I think of God, a large content Fills the dull air of my grey cloudy tent.

GEORGE MAC DONALD, Diary of an Old Soul

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