Are hovering, on noiseless wing,
The spirits of the dead.

2 It is a faith sublime and sure,
When ended our career,
That it will be our ministry
To watch o'er others here;

3 To bid the mourners cease to mourn,
The trembling be forgiven,
To bear away from ills of clay
The deathless soul to heaven.

357. C. M. Jane Taylor.

The Unseen World.

1 There is a state unknown, unseen,
Where parted souls must be;
And but a step doth lie between
That world of souls and me.

2 I see no light, I hear no sound,
When midnight shades are spread;
Yet angels pitch their tents around,
And guard my quiet bed.

3 The things unseen, O God, reveal;
My spirit's vision clear,
Till I shall feel, and see, and know,
That those I love are near.

4 Impart the faith that soars on high,
Beyond this earthly strife;
That holds sweet converse with the sky,
And lives eternal life.

358. P. M. Anonymous.

Ministering Angels.

1 Brother, the angels say,
Peace to thy heart!
We, too, O brother, have
Been as thou art,--
Hope-lifted, doubt-depressed,
Seeing in part,
Tried, troubled, tempted,
Sustained, as thou art.

2 Brother, they softly say,
Be our thoughts one;
Bend thou with us and pray,
"Thy will be done!"
Our God is thy God;
He willeth the best;
Trust Him as we trusted--
Rest as we rest!

3 Ye, too, they gently say,
Shall angels be;
Ye, too, O brothers,
From earth shall be free:
Yet in earth's loved ones
Ye still shall have part,
Bearing God's strength and love
To the torn heart.

4 Thus when the spirit, tried
Tempted and worn,
Finding no earthly aid,
Heavenward doth turn,--
Come these sweet angel-tones,
Falling like balm,
And on the troubled heart
Steals a deep calm.

359. C. M. Mrs. Miles.

Foretaste of Heaven.

1 When, on devotion's seraph wing,
The spirit soars above,
And feels Thy presence, Father, Friend,
God of eternal love!
The joys of earth, how swift they fade