The Comforter

106 IMPROVEMENT ERA. Stranger and sojourner as I am in the land — though for me no social hearth may blaze, no hospitable roof throw open its doors, nor the warm grasp of friendship welcome me at the threshold — yet I feel the influence of the season beaming into my soul from the happy looks of those around me. Surely happiness is reflective, like the light of heaven; and every countenance bright with smiles, and glowing with innocent enjoyment, is a mirror transmitting to others the rays of a supreme and ever-shining benevolence. He who can turn churlishly away from contemplating the felicity of his fellow beings, and can sit down darkling and repining in his loneliness when all around is joyful, may have his moments of strong excitement and selfish gratification, but he wants the genial and social sympathies which constitute the charm of a merry Christmas. THE COMFORTER. What was it, when my soul was crushed, My senses ceased their striving, When grief my very heart had hushed, That roused me into living? The Comforter. What was it, when I gazed upon Loved forms so cold in death, That to me whispered, "cease to mourn, And upward glance in faith?" The Comforter. What, when I groaned in anguish deep, All earthly friends forsaking, That bade my spirit cease to weep Sweet holy thoughts awaking? The Comforter.

THE COMFORTER. 107 When 'neath the evil sland'rer's tongue, My aspirations blighted, When every hope seemed from me wrung, What beacon my path lighted? The Comforter. What was it, when I saw the one Sweet friend I loved on earth depart To foriegn lands, God's word to bear, That warmed and cheered my aching heart? The Comforter. What bade me hope and struggle on With patience, e'en in striving; And bids me e'er the tempter shun, And gives me joy in living? The Comforter. It doth enrich me hour by hour, In wisdom, light and glory, And aid me by its silent power, To sweeten my life's story. Blest Comforter! Annie G. Lauritzen.