d in heaven to greet?

THE INQUIRY.

Am I a Christian far astray,
And slumb'ring on enchanted ground;
Or did my feet ne'er find the way,
Which Bunyan's humble pilgrim found?

Whence was that strange delight I felt?
Why did the gospel charm my ear?
What caused this stubborn heart to melt?
Why was the Savior's name so dear?

Why was the fountain of his blood,
So precious in my mental eye?
Why did such deep sensations crowd
Around the scene on Calvary?

Why did the Godhead shine so bright?
Why did I love the garb he wore,
Alike, when justice claimed his right,
And when sweet mercy's name he bore?

Did airy phantoms fill my brain?--
Did vain delusions cheat my soul?--
Must those bright hopes prove false and vain?
And must I miss the heavenly goal?

* * * * *

"There is joy in Heaven, in the presence of the angels, over one sinner
that repenteth."--_Scripture_.

What's this that breaks upon my ear?
Music sweet;
From golden harps, methinks I hear
Glorious strains!
"There's joy in Heaven," the angels sing,
"A soul repents and owns our King;"
From Heaven to earth the echoes ring,
Pard'ning love!

JEPHTHAH'S VOW.

The warrior left the battle field,--
Jehovah there had been his shield,--
He heard his solemn vow.
The foe had in confusion fled,
While thousands on the field lay dead,
All, all were vanquish'd now.

Though that brave heart was cased in steel.
Which flashed forth wrath that all might feel,
Who Israel's right oppressed;
Yet, in its sacred chambers rose
As pure a flame as ever glows
Within a parent's breast.

He turned him to that sacred spot,
Where one loved being shared his lot,--
(It was an only child;)
Though long she'd wept and quaked with fear,
When "victory," fell upon her ear,
She wiped her eyes and smiled.

Like as the lark outspreads her wings,
And, while she's soaring, sweetly sings
To charm the listener's ears,
The maiden, springing from her seat,
Flew forth, her coming friend to greet.
Her father now appears.

As her light footsteps pressed the ground,
Melodious music floated round,
Forth gushing from her heart.
"Alas! my child," the father sighed,
"What sent thee here, my love?" he cried,
"To tell that we m