12 SEPTEMBER 1896, Page 16

BLINDNESS.

DARKEN'D the world ! Each day the glory fades,.

All the bright sunshine lost in endless shades.

First a dim twilight, then the day and night Lost in one shadow, curtain'd from the light.

Never to see the earth Thou mad'st so fair !

Never to see the sun reflected there !

Never in Love's fond thoughtfulness to trace An answering smile upon a loved one's face.'

To wait in darkness for the Light of Life, To grope thro' endless years of earthly strife; To bear with patience such a burden laid Till all earth's darkness sink into the shade ; And passed the night, Heav'n's glory pierce the skies, Shining more perfect to the sightless eyes. H. Ct.