A dusky figure, as in prayer, My thoughts turu backward, as I gaze, A transformation slowly steals And from the wrists, the bands. And all around the central head, A halo bright, is bent, And in its radiance, Lo! I see, OUR MARTYRED PRESIDENT ! CHAPTER III. OUR SAVIOR'S BAPTISM. In far Judea's wilderness, Where flows the Jordan to its sea, A plain man in a plainer dress, Bespoke most wondrous things to be. "Repent ye!" was his stern command "Messiah's kingdom is at hand! Prepare a way, make His path straight!" 'Twas of this man Esaias spake. That plainly man, of saintly voice, "Repent and be baptized-prepare ! For after me, there cometh One "With water I indeed baptize, And Jordan's region, round about,- A hush fell on the waiting throng, A potent influence filled the air, The birds had ceased their choral song, Expectant hearts were quivering there; Yet none knew why, till from the press, A manly form of sweet address The herald sought, to meekly crave The baptism he the people gave. "O Son of God! why comest thou To be this day baptized of me? More fitting far, that I should bow 66 To earth, and be baptized of Thee!"''Tis He-Messiah! He is come!" In thrilling whispers breathed each one; And hearts, awe-stricken, bent in prayer : The gates of Heaven had opened there. But Christ replied-for it was He; "Nay, suffer it to be so now! Since in this way fulfilled may be All righteousness, therefore I bow!" And Jordan gained new honor that day, Though He'd no sins to wash away ; Hence sacred is that stream to those Who in His promises repose. But if amazed at first, the throng, As panting on His breast it lay, "This is My Son, beloved and true! In Him I am well pleased!"—and then There rose one solemn, deep AMEN!That hour the Son of Righteousness Went forth the waiting World to bless. MOTHER, HOME, HEAVEN. In beatific strains, these three My Mother! how that holy name, Which I have placed between ; Comes to me on the morning air, |