50

THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

I.

WHAT if the way be rough for thy

small feet?

I'll lull thee low,

And carry thee where pleasant waters meet
So tender, slow;

Come close, my love, my little one, my sweet,
Nor tremble so.'

It was a moorland way, and very long;

Two little stars or more

Had risen, throbbing like a voiceless song
Against the heaven-door.

One little face, blue-eyed, was lifted faint;
And then soft, glad blue eyes—
Blue, tired eyes, yet with no sorrow taint-
Closed, faint, against the skies.

And 'neath these lids, an almost baby cheek
Against one warm, kind breast,

Lay dimpled into smiles, which could not speak Their own delicious rest.

'O sleep, O sleep, my little folded one; There comes no fear, no harm, Unto thee, nestling,-storm, nor wind, nor

Thus the Good Shepherd found the little lamb Out in the night;

And thus, with many a soft caress, began The road to light.

Far through the foggy fen, and cross the moor, And o'er the sea,

And O, His arm was strong, His step was sure, His love was free!

Still deep, the tender touch of that strong hand A cradle made

So warm, and safe the child crossed all the land, Yet not afraid;

For when the harshest voices sounded near, He listened low,

And heard the Shepherd whisper in his ear, 'I love, I know."

The voice was full of calm, so gentle, strong, The child close leant,

And with soft half-shut eyelids breathed a song Of low content.

And thus, o'er many a strange and rugged scar,
He still was borne,

Until, upon his soul, there broke from far
Heaven's early morn.

And opening wide his joyful, wondering eyes,
He heard One say-

'Dear child, behold the gate of Paradise! I am the Way.'

"Twas the Good Shepherd that had borne him thus,

52

on a Friday afternoon; on the following Monday, four individuals expressed their willingness to go, and offered themselves for the good work.

These persons were two young men, and the two young women to whom they were engaged to be married.

Mr Jackson, one of the young men, is twenty-seven years of age, and so light complexioned as hardly to appear coloured. He has had a varied life, as a slave, a soldier, a teacher, and student. He has earned and saved nearly £200 as a teacher; while at the same time aiding in the support of an aged grandmother. He entered the University in 1869. His wife (elect) was Miss Ella M. Hildridge, one of the Jubilee Singers.

Mr Miller, the other young missionary, is very dark, a coloured man indeed. He entered the University with a view to becoming a minister, and was to have graduated in May. He, also, by teaching, has earned and saved about £160, while pursuing his studies. His wife (to be) was Miss Ada J. Roberts, who entered the University in 1872.

Both the ladies have been teachers, and Mrs Jackson is a fine musician. These four students were among the oldest and best in that noble school, and were accepted on the commendation of the professors, who knew them thoroughly.

Within a fortnight from the time they first heard the request read out, their preparations were all made; and they were ordained, married, and on the way to the land of their fathers, carrying Eastward with them that blessed gospel of peace which came to them through the curse of slavery.

On Sabbath, February 17th, the ordination took place; and the solemn services were conducted by a goodly number of prominent ministers, missionaries, and professors.

Much deep religious enthusiasm was evinced at the various farewell meetings, held both in Nashville and in New York. The influences of the Spirit were felt, and its fruits largely manifested. Many

thought it is good to be here'; and were reminded of the sailing of Judson and his companions sixty years ago; for, the simple, child-like faith of these freed men and women of America was uttered in nearly the same words as were used by Judson, Mills, and Harriet Newell, in connection with that great movement which had its origin in the Mission Park at Williamstown, Massachusetts, among the Berkshire hills.

Africa is a vast field, with a great future before it; and its own sable sons and daughters, thus trained and equipped, would seem, under the blessing of God, to be the most fitting instruments for Christianising it. Let all who would aid so good and great a work, put their shoulders to the wheel.

Of these missionaries, the venerable S. S. Jocelyn said:-'I am perfectly satisfied that God has called them to go. He will go with them.'

Dr. Baird declared:-We intend to have many more such missionary meetings, as these institutions which are among us will furnish us many more. We intend to make a move in Africa all along the line.'

At the farewell meeting of the students of Fisk University, the following resolution was adopted:

'In consideration of the call of God of our brethren to labour in Africa, and in consideration of the many hours spent together in Christian communion,— Resolved, That we devote a portion of cach Sabbath morning to prayer, especially for them in their labours on the African shores, that they may be abundantly blessed, both spiritually and physically, and enabled to do good work for the Master.'

Before sailing from New York, at an informal meeting of the committee and friends of African missions, each of the missionaries told the simple and touching story of God's call to engage in this work; and when the Rev. Mr Halliday, in his prayer, made use of the expression, Lord, Thou knowest that we love them,' every heart said, Amen!

A. J. 8.