TO MAGGIE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2362, 1 June 1899, Page 58

TO MAGGIE.

Three fair little babes in heaven, Who went safe home at their birth, Left their parents' iearts soie aching Fora child beside them on earth. Oh, they were pure as the Known 1 a Ices, They -never knew sin or sb&ujp, When they passed through Death's dread poptale, To meet them the angels came. Their eyes first opened in heaven, Softly cradled in their arms, As they bore them swiftly homeward, Far beyond all earthly harm. Three fail little babes rejoicing And singing in paradise, While prone on the earth lies weeping Their mother with hopeless eyes. Oh, why were their babes all taken While others around were spared? Oh, why has their God forsaken, That He answers not their prayers? For we blind, suffering mortalsSee not the mercies ooncealecl, Tho' He may sore chide and chasten, Pass under the rod He wields; And tho' sore the wounds and sickening, Bear nobly 'the cross He gives, And show to poor erring mortals Tour faith in the God that lives, Anjl He will send help and strengthen Yon the heavy cross to lift, Do not dread its burden of sorrow, 'Tis for you His loving gift. Three pure little babes in heaven, To draw you with thoughts of love Closer still to Christ your Saviour, And fit you for realms above; And tho 1 you may grieve and "wonder, Do not doubt His way is best, You 1 will learn His love and kindness

"When you enter the land of rest. Oh, poor mother! whose heart is acHing, ' Whose arms are bo empty still, No babe on. your bosom T«clin,ine, Your heart with pure joy to fill; Weep fr«ely, for 'tia God hath given Human patuxa an 3 its lore, He will join th« cords H» h»th riven In the z*alms of bliss abort.