November 20

"Did not I see thee in the garden with him?" John 18:26.

WHILE within my garden roving,

And my senses all are fed,

Rising from these loved attractions,

I'm to nobler subjects fed:

Other gardens

Here, in musings, oft I tread.

First I enter Eden's garden,

Yielding pain and profit too;

Adam here, while sinless standing,

Naught of fear or sorrow knew:

But what changes

Did from his offence ensue!

Then, with hope and joy reviving,

To Gethsemane I go;

And approach, in that dread garden,

Jesus, bearing all my woe:

From his anguish

All my ease and safety flow.

In the garden where they laid lam,

With the Marys there I sit.

Weeping, till I see him rising,

And embrace his pierced feet:

King of terrors,

Now I can thy frownings meet.

In the church, the Saviour's garden

Trees and plants and flowers I see,

Guarded, watered, trained, and cherished,

Blooming immortality;

All transplanted

From thy soil, O Calvary.