Our Red-Letter Days

My Alpine staff recalls each shining height,
Each pass of grandeur with rejoicing gained,
Carved with a lengthening record, self-explained,
Of mountain-memories sublime and bright.
No valley-life but hath some mountain days,
Bright summits in the retrospective view,
And toil-won passes to glad prospects new,
Fair sunlit memories of joy and praise.

Grave on thy heart each past' red-letter day !'
Forget not all the sunshine of the way
By which the Lord hath led thee : answered prayers
And joys unasked ; strange blessings, lifted cares,
Grand promise-echoes ! Thus thy life shall be
One record of His love and faithfulness to thee.