1 Thessalonians V. 25. Poem by Mary Anne Browne

Brethren, pray for us.


THE stars upon the darksome sky
Are far and widely scattered,
As if some splendid sun on high
Had been to fragments shattered;
But yet we know each spark afar
Is a complete and perfect star.

God's holy church, divided sun!
Far o'er the earth is spreading;
And as the stars in darkness run,
'Midst gloom and danger treading,
And far apart, her little bands
Are scattered over many lands.

Pray for us, brethren! we from men
Of kindred minds are parted;
We wander on in care and pain,
Oppressed, and weary-hearted;
But yet, rejoicing in the love
And joy that floweth from above.

Pray for us, brethren! we have need
Of many prayers to aid us:
Amidst the thorns of life we bleed,
Yet shall God's power o'ershade us:
Floating amidst this world's cold air,
Our banner spreads, emblazoned— 'Prayer!'

Pray for us, when in prayer ye meet,
And number earthly treasures,—
The gentle friends, the infants sweet,
Who make your life's best pleasures;
We are your friends, most truly vowed,
And weak, as children in the crowd.

Pray for us, brethren! never more
Our eyes may here behold you,
But on another, brighter shore
Our spirits will enfold you;
Yet 't is a blessed thing to know,
Our prayers may mingle ev'n below.