[Poems by Cary in] The psalms of life A Compilation of psalms, hymns, chants, anthems, &c. embodying the spiritual, progressive and reformatory sentiment of the present age |
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 | [Poems by Cary in] The psalms of life |  |
69
God's Dealings
1
When our dear father's nearest mostOur weak complaints we raise,
Lacking the wisdom to perceive
The mystery of his ways.
2
For, when drawn closest to himself,Then least his love we mark;
The very wings that shelter us
From peril, make it dark.
3
Sometimes he takes his hands from us,When storms the loudest blow,
That we may learn how weak alone,
How strong in him, we grow.
4
The fashion of his providenceOur way is so above,
We serve him most who take the most
Of his exhaustless love.
5
He has no need of our poor aidHis purpose to pursue,
'Tis for our pleasure, not for his,
That we his work must do.
6
Not ceasing when temptations come—'Tis right it thus should be—
If we were perfect in ourselves
What were we less than he?
133
Honor to whom Honor is Due
1
Honor him whose hands are sowingSeed for harvest in their time—
Reverence those whose thoughts are growing
Up to ultimates sublime.
2
All the progress of the agesMay be traced back to their hands—
All the illuminated pages
Of the books, into their plans.
3
Lo, the humble flower that's lyingIn your pathway, may contain
Some elixir, which the dying
Generation sought in vain.
4
In the stone that waits the turningOf some curious hand, from sight.
Fiery atoms may be burning,
That would fill the world with light.
5
Let us then, in reverence bowing,Honor most of all mankind.
Such as keep their great thoughts plowing
Deepest in the field of mind.
135
Progress.
1
Toiling in the earthly vineyardMany bands have found a place!
Some are nearing to the summit—
Some are at the mountain's base.
2
Progress is the stirring watchword,Cheers them upward to the height;
Canst thou pause and play the laggard,
With its glories full in sight?
3
Who shall tell what bound or barrierTo improvement heaven designed?
Who shall dare to fix the limits
To the onward march of mind?
4
Only he, who into beingCalled th'unfathom'd human soul,
He for whom the hymn of Progress
Through eternity shall roll!
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