Malvern Hills with Minor Poems, and Essays. By Joseph Cottle. Fourth Edition |
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275
JOHN THE BAPTIST.
Scene. John the Baptist in the Wilderness.
O'ER Jordan's wave, and wild Bethabara's plain,
Where rocks o'er rocks in towering grandeur reign;
Dark-shaded forests spread their empire wide,
And raging torrents sweep the mountain's side,
The Baptist wander'd. Borne on faith's strong wings,
He meditates on high and heavenly things;
Tastes the sweet joys which from devotion flow,
And learns the vanity of all below.
Where rocks o'er rocks in towering grandeur reign;
Dark-shaded forests spread their empire wide,
And raging torrents sweep the mountain's side,
The Baptist wander'd. Borne on faith's strong wings,
He meditates on high and heavenly things;
Tastes the sweet joys which from devotion flow,
And learns the vanity of all below.
In this remote and trackless solitude,
Fill'd with stupendous cliffs, and caverns rude;
Where every scene with awe inspires the breast,
And Nature's self in shivering garb is drest;
Where, seldom, life delights the wandering eye,
Which e'en the vulture views, and passes by,
While the eternal cataract, all hoar,
Blends its hoarse murmurs with the forest's roar,
The prophet John, remote from human sight,
Receives the influx of celestial light.
Fill'd with stupendous cliffs, and caverns rude;
Where every scene with awe inspires the breast,
And Nature's self in shivering garb is drest;
Where, seldom, life delights the wandering eye,
Which e'en the vulture views, and passes by,
While the eternal cataract, all hoar,
Blends its hoarse murmurs with the forest's roar,
The prophet John, remote from human sight,
Receives the influx of celestial light.
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Like some unshelter'd tower, on summit drear,
He braved the beating storm, from year to year:
No silken couch, or storied roof he found,
A stone his pillow; and his bed, the ground.
In musings lost, he loved alone to tread
Beside some crag, torn from the mountain's head,
Or waters, plunging, foaming, on their way,
Propell'd from rock to rock, eclipsing day,
The living rain-bow stretch'd athwart their spray.
Where the bleak hill its misty brow uprear'd,
When morn, in all her radiant pomp appear'd,
(The heaven and earth one intermingled blaze,
Rousing a world to join the song of praise,)
He mark'd, entranced, her flaming chariot fly,
Communing with the Father of the sky,
Exploring realms where thought alone might roam,
In which he glimpsed his heritage, and home;—
Whilst, as the evening spread her kindling beam,
Munificent, in loveliness extreme,
He still pursued his own diviner theme.
He braved the beating storm, from year to year:
No silken couch, or storied roof he found,
A stone his pillow; and his bed, the ground.
In musings lost, he loved alone to tread
Beside some crag, torn from the mountain's head,
Or waters, plunging, foaming, on their way,
Propell'd from rock to rock, eclipsing day,
The living rain-bow stretch'd athwart their spray.
Where the bleak hill its misty brow uprear'd,
When morn, in all her radiant pomp appear'd,
(The heaven and earth one intermingled blaze,
Rousing a world to join the song of praise,)
He mark'd, entranced, her flaming chariot fly,
Communing with the Father of the sky,
Exploring realms where thought alone might roam,
In which he glimpsed his heritage, and home;—
Whilst, as the evening spread her kindling beam,
Munificent, in loveliness extreme,
He still pursued his own diviner theme.
Far from mankind, and on the desert cast,
No costly changes lengthen'd his repast;
Yet, ever when the pang of thirst arose,
Clear, by his path, the grateful current flows;
And oft as hunger call'd, with voice severe,
The God of Abraham sent his locusts near;
Screen'd him from harm amid the warring wind,
And, the wild honey, taught him where to find.
No costly changes lengthen'd his repast;
Yet, ever when the pang of thirst arose,
Clear, by his path, the grateful current flows;
And oft as hunger call'd, with voice severe,
The God of Abraham sent his locusts near;
Screen'd him from harm amid the warring wind,
And, the wild honey, taught him where to find.
While thus the bounty of a hand unseen
He hourly tasted, with an awful mien,
Through time he darted a prophetic glance,
And saw, rejoicing, hope's fair dawn advance.
Dead to the scenes of earth, from day to day,
The weight of mightiest thoughts upon him lay:
He knew that the appointed hour drew nigh,
The fulness of the times of prophecy;
And while his spirit bathes in heavenly light,
And all the future crowds upon his sight,
Calmly he waits to mark the day unfold,
Rich in the gleams of sapphire, and of gold,
When God should rescue man from Satan's chain,
And angels, harping, shout Messiah's reign.
He hourly tasted, with an awful mien,
Through time he darted a prophetic glance,
And saw, rejoicing, hope's fair dawn advance.
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The weight of mightiest thoughts upon him lay:
He knew that the appointed hour drew nigh,
The fulness of the times of prophecy;
And while his spirit bathes in heavenly light,
And all the future crowds upon his sight,
Calmly he waits to mark the day unfold,
Rich in the gleams of sapphire, and of gold,
When God should rescue man from Satan's chain,
And angels, harping, shout Messiah's reign.
The hour is come! Hark! from the bursting cloud,
Seraphic envoys, hovering, chant aloud—
“Glory to God! Let peace o'er earth prevail,
“And man, from death redeem'd, salvation, hail!”
Rise, Son of Promise! Great Forerunner, rise!
Exultant, spread the tidings from the skies!
His errand, love, the Son of God appears,
A man of sorrows, in this vale of tears!
Seraphic envoys, hovering, chant aloud—
“Glory to God! Let peace o'er earth prevail,
“And man, from death redeem'd, salvation, hail!”
Rise, Son of Promise! Great Forerunner, rise!
Exultant, spread the tidings from the skies!
His errand, love, the Son of God appears,
A man of sorrows, in this vale of tears!
Roused from his trance, to all the sons of care,
The Saviour's advent, hear him now declare!
Endued with sanctity, the Prophet's name,
Already hath Judea learn'd his fame:
By Jordan's ancient stream, he calls aloud
On sinners to repent, while round him crowd
Inquiring hosts, borne o'er the pathless wild,
The musing parent, and the anxious child;
With joy, surpassing, fill'd, at length, to hear,
That soon the hope of nations should draw near,
Of whom Isaiah, and the seers of old,
With accents, caught from Heaven, enraptured told.
The Saviour's advent, hear him now declare!
Endued with sanctity, the Prophet's name,
Already hath Judea learn'd his fame:
By Jordan's ancient stream, he calls aloud
On sinners to repent, while round him crowd
Inquiring hosts, borne o'er the pathless wild,
The musing parent, and the anxious child;
With joy, surpassing, fill'd, at length, to hear,
That soon the hope of nations should draw near,
Of whom Isaiah, and the seers of old,
With accents, caught from Heaven, enraptured told.
Amid the mountain, wilderness, or plain,
Where'er he wanders, thousands form his train.
The prophet marks, far o'er the lofty hill,
Or from some leafy covert, issuing still,
Fresh crowds advance, impatient, all, to know
Of that New Kingdom, Hell might not o'erthrow.
Where'er he wanders, thousands form his train.
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Or from some leafy covert, issuing still,
Fresh crowds advance, impatient, all, to know
Of that New Kingdom, Hell might not o'erthrow.
In vale remote upon a crag he stood,
Here mountains hoary, there the frowning wood,
No feathery cloud, heaven's azure vault display'd;
No zephyr murmur'd through the sylvan shade:
In gentle flow, the Infant River, clear,
Fresh from his source, meandering, sparkled near;
Now lost, where, dressed in the funereal green,
Trees, reft by tempests, dimm'd the savage scene;
Whilst sheltering caves, and rocks, with ivy strew'd,
Display'd the vast, and wondering multitude.
Here, in these wilds, where man irruption made
On Nature, by the stars alone survey'd,
In sympathy, with camel's hair array'd,
Stately as is the cedar,—all around,
Attention, “palpable!” the hush profound!
John, burden'd with the spirit, waved his hand,
And in the prophet's tones, address'd the listening band.
Here mountains hoary, there the frowning wood,
No feathery cloud, heaven's azure vault display'd;
No zephyr murmur'd through the sylvan shade:
In gentle flow, the Infant River, clear,
Fresh from his source, meandering, sparkled near;
Now lost, where, dressed in the funereal green,
Trees, reft by tempests, dimm'd the savage scene;
Whilst sheltering caves, and rocks, with ivy strew'd,
Display'd the vast, and wondering multitude.
Here, in these wilds, where man irruption made
On Nature, by the stars alone survey'd,
In sympathy, with camel's hair array'd,
Stately as is the cedar,—all around,
Attention, “palpable!” the hush profound!
John, burden'd with the spirit, waved his hand,
And in the prophet's tones, address'd the listening band.
“Men! Brethren! lo! to warn you, I am sent!
“Turn from your ways! I lift the voice—‘Repent!’
“You are the favour'd race, to whom, alone,
“The Law, from smoking Sinai, was made known,
“While God inspired you, (merciful as great!)
“With hopes beyond this transitory state:
“Behold! the morn now trembles in its birth,
“Which gives salvation to this lower earth!
“Turn from your ways! I lift the voice—‘Repent!’
“You are the favour'd race, to whom, alone,
“The Law, from smoking Sinai, was made known,
“While God inspired you, (merciful as great!)
“With hopes beyond this transitory state:
“Behold! the morn now trembles in its birth,
“Which gives salvation to this lower earth!
“There standeth one amongst you, yet unknown,
“Th' Eternal's Son, and partner of his throne!
“Before the world was fashioned into form,
“And, o'er the waste of chaos, swept the storm;
“His thought, the slumbering elements obey!
“He spake, and darkness brighten'd into day!
“The waters move with being! still before!
“Birds, beasts, their Maker, silently adore!
“Aspiring trees from steril clods arise,
“While Eden's richest fragrance fills the skies!—
“And, at the last, creation's work complete!
“(His home, a temple grand! prepared, and meet!)
“Man lifts his head, nor rival, nor compeer,
“And sways the sceptre o'er this lower sphere.
“Th' Eternal's Son, and partner of his throne!
279
“And, o'er the waste of chaos, swept the storm;
“His thought, the slumbering elements obey!
“He spake, and darkness brighten'd into day!
“The waters move with being! still before!
“Birds, beasts, their Maker, silently adore!
“Aspiring trees from steril clods arise,
“While Eden's richest fragrance fills the skies!—
“And, at the last, creation's work complete!
“(His home, a temple grand! prepared, and meet!)
“Man lifts his head, nor rival, nor compeer,
“And sways the sceptre o'er this lower sphere.
“Dread thought! our father in obedience fail'd,
“In evil hour his subtile foe prevail'd!
“Dark! yet eternity a beam will throw,
“O'er this mysterious source of human woe!
“It now befits us, humbly to confess,
“That God is good, and clothed in righteousness:
“Enough to know, from frailty, doubt, and night,
“We soon shall stand, where faith expires in sight.
“Adam, our federal head, Heaven's anger bore,
“And we, the fallen nature, all, deplore!
“But there is balm in Gilead, full, and free!
“Redemption hastens! Glory, Lord! to thee!
“In evil hour his subtile foe prevail'd!
“Dark! yet eternity a beam will throw,
“O'er this mysterious source of human woe!
“It now befits us, humbly to confess,
“That God is good, and clothed in righteousness:
“Enough to know, from frailty, doubt, and night,
“We soon shall stand, where faith expires in sight.
“Adam, our federal head, Heaven's anger bore,
“And we, the fallen nature, all, deplore!
“But there is balm in Gilead, full, and free!
“Redemption hastens! Glory, Lord! to thee!
“Fair is this world, in garb august array'd;
“Where all, in silence, points to Him who made;
“Yet, with ten thousand monitors around,
“Insensate man, debased, in dust is found!
“Wit may prescribe, the sage, his precepts give,
“Yet none, by wisdom, turn to God, and live!
“O'er realms, where Nature's beauties charm the sight,
“The Pagan orgies shed disastrous night!
“The race of man, satanic fetters bind!
“With years, delusions deepen on their mind!
“All, from Jehovah, is defection wide!
“No people whelmed not in corruption's tide!
“Oh! sight of horrors! Creatures, lifting high,—
“Their arm — against the Sovereign of the sky!—
“Baal, and Ashtaroth, on every hill!
“Gods of the groves, usurping homage still!
“Father Omnipotent! haste on the hour,
“When earth shall laud thy sceptre! own thy power!
“Stocks, stones; the sanguine rite; the idol vain,
“Vanish! and Truth, in cloudless lustre, reign!
“Thy tardy chariot wheels are drawing near!
“Their flames I see! Their thundering sounds, I hear!
“Ah! no! they reach the heart, concealed from view;
“A still small voice, that moulds, and forms anew.
“Though Israel, (call'd from all the nations round)
“Her cords has burst, while other lands are bound,
“Symbol, and shadowy type, have still prevail'd;
“Our tribes have long their ritual chain bewail'd:
“Long has the soul in darkness pined away,
“With here, and there, a solitary ray,
“But soon the sun of righteousness shall rise,
“And floods of glory burst upon your eyes!
“Where all, in silence, points to Him who made;
“Yet, with ten thousand monitors around,
“Insensate man, debased, in dust is found!
“Wit may prescribe, the sage, his precepts give,
“Yet none, by wisdom, turn to God, and live!
“O'er realms, where Nature's beauties charm the sight,
“The Pagan orgies shed disastrous night!
280
“With years, delusions deepen on their mind!
“All, from Jehovah, is defection wide!
“No people whelmed not in corruption's tide!
“Oh! sight of horrors! Creatures, lifting high,—
“Their arm — against the Sovereign of the sky!—
“Baal, and Ashtaroth, on every hill!
“Gods of the groves, usurping homage still!
“Father Omnipotent! haste on the hour,
“When earth shall laud thy sceptre! own thy power!
“Stocks, stones; the sanguine rite; the idol vain,
“Vanish! and Truth, in cloudless lustre, reign!
“Thy tardy chariot wheels are drawing near!
“Their flames I see! Their thundering sounds, I hear!
“Ah! no! they reach the heart, concealed from view;
“A still small voice, that moulds, and forms anew.
“Though Israel, (call'd from all the nations round)
“Her cords has burst, while other lands are bound,
“Symbol, and shadowy type, have still prevail'd;
“Our tribes have long their ritual chain bewail'd:
“Long has the soul in darkness pined away,
“With here, and there, a solitary ray,
“But soon the sun of righteousness shall rise,
“And floods of glory burst upon your eyes!
“Heirs of the faithful! an illustrious train!
“Kings have aspired, this day, to see in vain!
“Your ancient prophets, rich in faith, have told
“What unborn ages, hastening, should unfold;
“This is that age, behold fruition nigh!
“Let every heart rejoice, and tear be dry!
“Men, as High Heaven inspired, successive rose,
“And saw, enwrapt, futurity disclose
“Forms fairer far than morning's gorgeous wing,
“A peaceful haven, an abiding spring!
“But now, confined no longer to a few,
“Each thirsty shrub shall drink the heavenly dew;
“From the rude blast, the wintry storm arise,
“And, with new verdure, hail serener skies!
“Kings have aspired, this day, to see in vain!
“Your ancient prophets, rich in faith, have told
“What unborn ages, hastening, should unfold;
“This is that age, behold fruition nigh!
“Let every heart rejoice, and tear be dry!
“Men, as High Heaven inspired, successive rose,
“And saw, enwrapt, futurity disclose
“Forms fairer far than morning's gorgeous wing,
“A peaceful haven, an abiding spring!
281
“Each thirsty shrub shall drink the heavenly dew;
“From the rude blast, the wintry storm arise,
“And, with new verdure, hail serener skies!
“Of whom I speak, soon shall you see him near;
“No flaming God, to rouse his creatures fear:—
“(Strange to our nature, and its sacred ties,)
“No angel, bright, commissioned from the skies:—
“No potent chief, victorious arms to guide,
“Born to control, and nursed in royal pride;
“But, in the promised seed, with accent mild,
“Your eyes shall greet the spirit of a child.
“Heaven opens! lo! ascending from the stream,
“(His visage kindling with supernal beam!)
“Upon the hope of earth, the sinner's friend,
“I see the spirit, as a dove, descend!
“No flaming God, to rouse his creatures fear:—
“(Strange to our nature, and its sacred ties,)
“No angel, bright, commissioned from the skies:—
“No potent chief, victorious arms to guide,
“Born to control, and nursed in royal pride;
“But, in the promised seed, with accent mild,
“Your eyes shall greet the spirit of a child.
“Heaven opens! lo! ascending from the stream,
“(His visage kindling with supernal beam!)
“Upon the hope of earth, the sinner's friend,
“I see the spirit, as a dove, descend!
“The Flowers that still on Nature's waste may blow;
“Whate'er of excellence is found below,
“Our pure desires, our heaven-directed sighs,
“From God, the fount of Goodness, take their rise.
“This spring of Love; this source of Holy Things,
“Jehovah, Lord of Lords, and King of Kings!
“Hath pour'd a plenitude of grace divine,
“Upon the promised Heir of David's line,
“In whom the God-head, bodily, will shine.
“Whate'er of excellence is found below,
“Our pure desires, our heaven-directed sighs,
“From God, the fount of Goodness, take their rise.
“This spring of Love; this source of Holy Things,
“Jehovah, Lord of Lords, and King of Kings!
“Hath pour'd a plenitude of grace divine,
“Upon the promised Heir of David's line,
“In whom the God-head, bodily, will shine.
“He must increase, and for awhile sustain
“The contumely of sinners; want, and pain!—
“(Visions the dim mysterious image give)—
“Upon the Cross expire, that man might live!
“To usher in this long-expected day,
“Forms the bright cloud that wafts my soul away!
‘He must increase, and bear earth's uproar rude,
“Till all the powers of darkness are subdued:
“But I am hastening to the land of shade!
“Soon will my head upon the turf be laid!
“Soon, (dreary prospects to my sight unfold!)
“A damsel claim it, and a charger hold!
“But, Oh! the future! Faith beholds, afar,
“Her glorious heritage, her morning star!
“When all the ransom'd, in a happier sphere,
“Will lose the memory of their sorrows here!
“The contumely of sinners; want, and pain!—
“(Visions the dim mysterious image give)—
“Upon the Cross expire, that man might live!
“To usher in this long-expected day,
“Forms the bright cloud that wafts my soul away!
282
“Till all the powers of darkness are subdued:
“But I am hastening to the land of shade!
“Soon will my head upon the turf be laid!
“Soon, (dreary prospects to my sight unfold!)
“A damsel claim it, and a charger hold!
“But, Oh! the future! Faith beholds, afar,
“Her glorious heritage, her morning star!
“When all the ransom'd, in a happier sphere,
“Will lose the memory of their sorrows here!
“While peals of harmony Heaven's concave rend,
“Angels rejoice that man hath found a friend!
“The Spirit of the Highest darts a ray
“Which guides benighted souls to endless day.
“Hell, at his tottering empire, shakes his chains
“In horrid dissonance, whilst through his veins
“Blood-boiling rancour flows, and fiercer hate,
“That but his sins, and torments, consummate!
“Vain conflict! God with sovereign might is crown'd,
“And Hell in adamantine fetters bound.
“Angels rejoice that man hath found a friend!
“The Spirit of the Highest darts a ray
“Which guides benighted souls to endless day.
“Hell, at his tottering empire, shakes his chains
“In horrid dissonance, whilst through his veins
“Blood-boiling rancour flows, and fiercer hate,
“That but his sins, and torments, consummate!
“Vain conflict! God with sovereign might is crown'd,
“And Hell in adamantine fetters bound.
“Tear from your hearts each lingering thought that springs
“From courts, and camps, and sceptres; crowns, and kings!
“Not to display the laurels of the great,
“Your Saviour comes, to blaze in regal state;
“Peasants, unwrong'd, inspire with ardour dread,
“To rob some distant peasants of their bread,
“But through the world, to stem ambition's sway;
“To warn mankind, on man, no more to prey;
“To teach humility, bid discord cease,
“And plant the seeds of Universal Peace!
“From courts, and camps, and sceptres; crowns, and kings!
“Not to display the laurels of the great,
“Your Saviour comes, to blaze in regal state;
“Peasants, unwrong'd, inspire with ardour dread,
“To rob some distant peasants of their bread,
“But through the world, to stem ambition's sway;
“To warn mankind, on man, no more to prey;
“To teach humility, bid discord cease,
“And plant the seeds of Universal Peace!
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“Transcendent glories move before my sight!
“I see a cloud of heavenly visions, bright!
“The hour advances when the demon, war,
“No more shall urge his red and fiery car;
“No more provoke the friendless orphan's sigh,
“And swell the tide of human misery.
“In that approaching, and triumphant day,
“Earth shall her pristine purity display,
“The peaceful pruning-hook, of spear, be found;
“The sword, a ploughshare, turn the stubborn ground;
“Concord, like light, extend, and every mind
“Glow with an ardent love for all mankind.
“Shall then his scorpion scourge, oppression rear?—
“The strong, from slaves, and captives, wring the tear?
“With justice, stretching to the farthest isle,
“Man shall not ‘deal in man,’ thro' Mammon vile:—
“Each face shall boast, where'er our eyes recline,
“The clear, bright look of sympathy divine!—
“Pride, passion, envy, vanish like a tale,
“And Charity, that bond of peace! prevail.
“I see a cloud of heavenly visions, bright!
“The hour advances when the demon, war,
“No more shall urge his red and fiery car;
“No more provoke the friendless orphan's sigh,
“And swell the tide of human misery.
“In that approaching, and triumphant day,
“Earth shall her pristine purity display,
“The peaceful pruning-hook, of spear, be found;
“The sword, a ploughshare, turn the stubborn ground;
“Concord, like light, extend, and every mind
“Glow with an ardent love for all mankind.
“Shall then his scorpion scourge, oppression rear?—
“The strong, from slaves, and captives, wring the tear?
“With justice, stretching to the farthest isle,
“Man shall not ‘deal in man,’ thro' Mammon vile:—
“Each face shall boast, where'er our eyes recline,
“The clear, bright look of sympathy divine!—
“Pride, passion, envy, vanish like a tale,
“And Charity, that bond of peace! prevail.
“Satan, ere long, shall feel his power o'erthrown!
“The hour is certain, though the time unknown!
“Not always must a moral twilight reign,
“And earth, for man's offence, the curse sustain!
“When Wisdom Infinite beholds it right,
“The rising sun shall ‘chase’ the shades of night!
“Then shall the knowledge of Jehovah spread,
“Like the vast ocean o'er her cavern'd bed;
“While, as the years increase, new charms shall shine
“Till Holiness unveils her form divine!
“The desert wilderness, with blossoms fair,
“Shall then delight the eye, and scent the air;
“The mountains sing for joy, the forests raise,
“To Heaven, in concert wide, the shout of praise.
“E'en monsters, savage as the wilds they range,
“Shall then their fierce and rugged natures change;
“The lion, like the ox, on grass shall feed,
“And a young child, the wolf, and leopard, lead.—
“Haste, happy days! but, darkness dwells between!
“Mists, gathering still, o'erspread the goodly scene!
“Yet, as before me floats the lapse of years,
“Far, far away, one little cloud appears!
“Onward it rolls, majestic, bright, and fair,—
“Great Saviour of Mankind! I see Thee there!
“The hour is certain, though the time unknown!
“Not always must a moral twilight reign,
“And earth, for man's offence, the curse sustain!
“When Wisdom Infinite beholds it right,
“The rising sun shall ‘chase’ the shades of night!
“Then shall the knowledge of Jehovah spread,
“Like the vast ocean o'er her cavern'd bed;
“While, as the years increase, new charms shall shine
“Till Holiness unveils her form divine!
“The desert wilderness, with blossoms fair,
“Shall then delight the eye, and scent the air;
“The mountains sing for joy, the forests raise,
“To Heaven, in concert wide, the shout of praise.
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“Shall then their fierce and rugged natures change;
“The lion, like the ox, on grass shall feed,
“And a young child, the wolf, and leopard, lead.—
“Haste, happy days! but, darkness dwells between!
“Mists, gathering still, o'erspread the goodly scene!
“Yet, as before me floats the lapse of years,
“Far, far away, one little cloud appears!
“Onward it rolls, majestic, bright, and fair,—
“Great Saviour of Mankind! I see Thee there!
“To God we owe, the source of life and light,
“Favours untold, and blessings infinite.
“Where'er we cast our eye, amazed we stand,
“And trace the work of an almighty hand.
“Glance on the heavens above, the earth beneath,
“See sportive life, in forms unnumber'd breathe!
“Mid noon-day's teeming hour, what myriads fair,
“Charm the mused ear, or wanton through the air!
“What energy of power, beyond our thought,
“This countless train of shapes to being brought!—
“Rejoicing in their rich, though brief repast,
“And with no fears the future to o'ercast?—
“Ordain'd for end, inscrutable, though right,
“Beyond the verge of man's contracted sight.
“Still stretch your view, from insects on the wing,
“To the vast family,—the creeping thing,
“Crowding the shrub, the earth, as summer skies
“Bid them to life, and all its joys arise.
“Who screen'd their head mid Winter's dreary reign?
“What power will guard when Winter rules again?
“By instincts urged, unconscious of their deeds,
“One race withdraws, another now succeeds;
“Unknowing how, or whence! a secret spring
“Wakes the harmonious and responsive string!
“That God, on whom our breath alike depends,
“His humblest creatures, sees, regards, defends;
“Lets not their foes, in final strife, prevail,
“Nor suffers one to minish, one to fail!
“Oh! burst your bonds! on Nature's wonders gaze!
“Steel not your heart to scenes that claim your praise!
“Say, as you pore on Heaven's ethereal space,
“What secret hand supports the feather'd race;
“What feeling heart provides a full supply,
“For each that treads the earth, or cleaves the sky?
“All beings own Creation's common Friend!
“All to His stores, the look imploring send!
“From guiding comets round the orb of day,
“From pointing storms their desolating way,
“His ear regards the hungry raven's call!
“His eye, unsleeping, marks the sparrow fall!
“Favours untold, and blessings infinite.
“Where'er we cast our eye, amazed we stand,
“And trace the work of an almighty hand.
“Glance on the heavens above, the earth beneath,
“See sportive life, in forms unnumber'd breathe!
“Mid noon-day's teeming hour, what myriads fair,
“Charm the mused ear, or wanton through the air!
“What energy of power, beyond our thought,
“This countless train of shapes to being brought!—
“Rejoicing in their rich, though brief repast,
“And with no fears the future to o'ercast?—
“Ordain'd for end, inscrutable, though right,
“Beyond the verge of man's contracted sight.
“Still stretch your view, from insects on the wing,
“To the vast family,—the creeping thing,
“Crowding the shrub, the earth, as summer skies
“Bid them to life, and all its joys arise.
“Who screen'd their head mid Winter's dreary reign?
“What power will guard when Winter rules again?
“By instincts urged, unconscious of their deeds,
“One race withdraws, another now succeeds;
“Unknowing how, or whence! a secret spring
“Wakes the harmonious and responsive string!
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“His humblest creatures, sees, regards, defends;
“Lets not their foes, in final strife, prevail,
“Nor suffers one to minish, one to fail!
“Oh! burst your bonds! on Nature's wonders gaze!
“Steel not your heart to scenes that claim your praise!
“Say, as you pore on Heaven's ethereal space,
“What secret hand supports the feather'd race;
“What feeling heart provides a full supply,
“For each that treads the earth, or cleaves the sky?
“All beings own Creation's common Friend!
“All to His stores, the look imploring send!
“From guiding comets round the orb of day,
“From pointing storms their desolating way,
“His ear regards the hungry raven's call!
“His eye, unsleeping, marks the sparrow fall!
“If Nature's lower works your wonder raise;
“If finite objects claim the creature's praise,
“Exalt your wondering view to realms on high!
“Behold the marshall'd offspring of the sky!
“See rolling spheres, in paths prescribed, abide!
“See countless worlds through Heaven's vast concave glide!
“Stars, ever glorious, blazing on their way,
“Or dimly clad in fancy's doubtful ray;
“And these but atoms of that boundless whole
“Which ether sweeps beyond the visual pole!
“If finite objects claim the creature's praise,
“Exalt your wondering view to realms on high!
“Behold the marshall'd offspring of the sky!
“See rolling spheres, in paths prescribed, abide!
“See countless worlds through Heaven's vast concave glide!
“Stars, ever glorious, blazing on their way,
“Or dimly clad in fancy's doubtful ray;
“And these but atoms of that boundless whole
“Which ether sweeps beyond the visual pole!
“If hostile spirits rise, in dread array,
“Confide in Him who owns the sovereign sway!
“If fears, and dark forebodings, on you rest,
“Look to your God, the Spirit, first and best!
“Will He who for the fowl provides a store,
“Turn the deaf ear to servants who implore?—
“If flowers, that perish ere the sun be set,
“His care receive, will he his sons forget?—
“The Parent, who for foes, the board has spread,
“Neglect his children, when they ask for bread?
“With God, your aim, your end, his word your stay,
“Pass on, nor heed the thorns that strew your way.
“Brief is the conflict, and the victory near!
“A bright inheritance remains to cheer!
“Though clouds your every prospect now o'ercast,
“The joys of Heaven will well repay at last!
“Confide in Him who owns the sovereign sway!
“If fears, and dark forebodings, on you rest,
“Look to your God, the Spirit, first and best!
“Will He who for the fowl provides a store,
“Turn the deaf ear to servants who implore?—
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“His care receive, will he his sons forget?—
“The Parent, who for foes, the board has spread,
“Neglect his children, when they ask for bread?
“With God, your aim, your end, his word your stay,
“Pass on, nor heed the thorns that strew your way.
“Brief is the conflict, and the victory near!
“A bright inheritance remains to cheer!
“Though clouds your every prospect now o'ercast,
“The joys of Heaven will well repay at last!
“But, Oh! if some, who now around me stand,
“Jehovah see not, — nourish'd by his hand!
“Earnest to gain a thousand meaner things—
“But not to please, and serve, the King of Kings!
“Anxious to make the chaff of earth their friend,
“But not, with Him eternity to spend!—
“To stay His thunders, fearful, that impend!—
“The Being who pervades all time and space!
“Whose hand, in all that lives, and moves, we trace!
“Invested with insufferable day!—
“Who speaks, and systems rise, or pass away!
“Shall He behold his laws, subverted, marr'd,
“Himself, the last, and least, in their regard?
“Immortals! trembling o'er the brink of fate!
“List to the voice of mercy, ere too late!
“Before probation, hope, for ever cease,
“Flee from the wrath to come, and be at peace!
“Jehovah see not, — nourish'd by his hand!
“Earnest to gain a thousand meaner things—
“But not to please, and serve, the King of Kings!
“Anxious to make the chaff of earth their friend,
“But not, with Him eternity to spend!—
“To stay His thunders, fearful, that impend!—
“The Being who pervades all time and space!
“Whose hand, in all that lives, and moves, we trace!
“Invested with insufferable day!—
“Who speaks, and systems rise, or pass away!
“Shall He behold his laws, subverted, marr'd,
“Himself, the last, and least, in their regard?
“Immortals! trembling o'er the brink of fate!
“List to the voice of mercy, ere too late!
“Before probation, hope, for ever cease,
“Flee from the wrath to come, and be at peace!
“Know you, O listening tribes, to what you tend?
“Seek you to know where life her race shall end?
“Count you the lingering moments long, that bind
“To earth's low confines man's immortal mind?
“This world is fleeting,—little, though so great!
“A weary passage to a loftier state!
“The joys which now, to time, your spirits chain,
“Compared with joys eternal, are but pain.
“Seek you to know where life her race shall end?
“Count you the lingering moments long, that bind
“To earth's low confines man's immortal mind?
“This world is fleeting,—little, though so great!
“A weary passage to a loftier state!
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“Compared with joys eternal, are but pain.
“Amid the still and solemn hour of night,
“Or when the dawn slow kindles on your sight;
“At noon-day, or when eve, in splendour drest,
“Casts her broad shadows o'er a world at rest;
“Do never in your souls, spontaneous, rise,
“High views of man's unfolding destinies?
“Conceptions, dim descried, of scene on scene,
“Unfolding fast, the veil of flesh between?
“No more to visionary dreams resign'd,
“Truth soon shall burst unclouded on your mind;—
“The fears that on the trembling spirit prey,—
“The shades of doubt and darkness pass away.
“Each soul shall learn, as thus it upward springs,
“Its grandeur in the scale of living things;
“Shoot, like the flash that lights the midnight sky,
“A lucid glance through dark futurity;
“See what a moment life, and time, appear,
“Contrasted with the one eternal year;
“And lift to nobler worlds its vast desires,
“Where fancy flags her wing, and thought expires!
“Or when the dawn slow kindles on your sight;
“At noon-day, or when eve, in splendour drest,
“Casts her broad shadows o'er a world at rest;
“Do never in your souls, spontaneous, rise,
“High views of man's unfolding destinies?
“Conceptions, dim descried, of scene on scene,
“Unfolding fast, the veil of flesh between?
“No more to visionary dreams resign'd,
“Truth soon shall burst unclouded on your mind;—
“The fears that on the trembling spirit prey,—
“The shades of doubt and darkness pass away.
“Each soul shall learn, as thus it upward springs,
“Its grandeur in the scale of living things;
“Shoot, like the flash that lights the midnight sky,
“A lucid glance through dark futurity;
“See what a moment life, and time, appear,
“Contrasted with the one eternal year;
“And lift to nobler worlds its vast desires,
“Where fancy flags her wing, and thought expires!
“Let not the veil of sense your prospects hide,
“Nor Satan's wiles, from Heaven, your hopes divide;
“Ten thousand mortal foes around you roam;
“Ten thousand restless minds who want a home,
“An anchorage for their souls; who love to stray,
“And spurn, thro' pride, the straight and narrow way.
“Nor Satan's wiles, from Heaven, your hopes divide;
“Ten thousand mortal foes around you roam;
“Ten thousand restless minds who want a home,
“An anchorage for their souls; who love to stray,
“And spurn, thro' pride, the straight and narrow way.
“Those who, with enmity to God and man,
“Spend in gross wickedness life's little span,
“Do partial harm. A dread career they run,
“Which all may view, and, viewing, learn to shun;
“The less notorious poison most the mind,
“The vain, the proud, the honour'd of mankind:
“In unsuspected guise these steal away
“Our hearts, too oft, from God, and endless day.
“Spend in gross wickedness life's little span,
“Do partial harm. A dread career they run,
“Which all may view, and, viewing, learn to shun;
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“The vain, the proud, the honour'd of mankind:
“In unsuspected guise these steal away
“Our hearts, too oft, from God, and endless day.
“How few, who an immortal spark possess;
“Minds form'd for boundless woe or happiness,
“Pause — at the thought — that they must all survive
“The wreck of these material things, and live,
“Outcasts from God, or with the saints in light,
“When sun, and moon, and stars, are quench'd in night!
“Minds form'd for boundless woe or happiness,
“Pause — at the thought — that they must all survive
“The wreck of these material things, and live,
“Outcasts from God, or with the saints in light,
“When sun, and moon, and stars, are quench'd in night!
“The boundaries of delusion, who shall trace?
“Wide is the field where folly runs her race.
“Some, who, to Heaven, can never raise their mind,
“With strange idolatry, perverse and blind,
“To Nature all their adorations pay;
“Not Nature's God! These, wandering far away,
“Worship the craggy steep, the noon-tide beam,
“The waving forest, and the gliding stream,
“As if, without th' Almighty's sovereign aid,
“Trees, hills, and streams, were Makers, and not made!
“Some, breathing self-applause, and fill'd with pride,
“See but themselves amid creation wide;
“All other forms conceal their puny head;
“Their mighty shadows veil the earth they tread!
“Their lofty looks dwell, vacant, on the sky,
“While their low brethren pass, unheeded, by:
“Lighter than dust in the Eternal's eyes,
“The creatures he has made, they dare despise!
“Wide is the field where folly runs her race.
“Some, who, to Heaven, can never raise their mind,
“With strange idolatry, perverse and blind,
“To Nature all their adorations pay;
“Not Nature's God! These, wandering far away,
“Worship the craggy steep, the noon-tide beam,
“The waving forest, and the gliding stream,
“As if, without th' Almighty's sovereign aid,
“Trees, hills, and streams, were Makers, and not made!
“Some, breathing self-applause, and fill'd with pride,
“See but themselves amid creation wide;
“All other forms conceal their puny head;
“Their mighty shadows veil the earth they tread!
“Their lofty looks dwell, vacant, on the sky,
“While their low brethren pass, unheeded, by:
“Lighter than dust in the Eternal's eyes,
“The creatures he has made, they dare despise!
“Some waste existence, and consume their days
“In vain pursuit of perishable praise,
“Remembering not that there will come a foe,
“Which lays the flatter'd, and the flatterer, low.
“Some laud their Maker, tho' their hearts the while
“Drink down iniquity, and teem with guile.
“Some mock their God with many a senseless rite;
“Some close their eyes, and then bewail their sight.
“Some follow pleasure, form of varying shapes,
“Which still invites, yet still their grasp escapes:
“These phantoms seek through life's uncertain day,
“And let the only substance pass away.
“Some, whelm'd in sin, through all their mortal road,
“Shoot arrows of defiance at their God!
“Till, roused at Death — before — an endless state!
“They, trembling, see their madness, but too late!
“Others there are, who, in a humble way,
“Might check what maladies on mortals prey;
“Bind up the broken-hearted, anguish cheer,
“And be the angels of their little sphere;
“Yet these, their powers devote, their curious eye,
“To watch the changeful features of the sky;—
“Count Ocean's sands, with anxious visage pale,
“Or poise the straw fast fluttering in the gale;
“As though for this the race of life they ran,
“And naught superior claim'd the thoughts of man;
“As though their years were known, and, when they died,
“All traces past eternal sleep would hide!
“While some pursue, with untired eagerness,
“Objects, whose only fault is their excess;—
“The flower that blooms at morn, at eve declines;
“The bird that twitters, and the gem that shines;
“The gaudy insect, borne from distant clime;
“The speaking block, or crumbling spoils of time:
“These, with a zest of passion, they explore,
“But th' illumined spirit pants for more.
“In vain pursuit of perishable praise,
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“Which lays the flatter'd, and the flatterer, low.
“Some laud their Maker, tho' their hearts the while
“Drink down iniquity, and teem with guile.
“Some mock their God with many a senseless rite;
“Some close their eyes, and then bewail their sight.
“Some follow pleasure, form of varying shapes,
“Which still invites, yet still their grasp escapes:
“These phantoms seek through life's uncertain day,
“And let the only substance pass away.
“Some, whelm'd in sin, through all their mortal road,
“Shoot arrows of defiance at their God!
“Till, roused at Death — before — an endless state!
“They, trembling, see their madness, but too late!
“Others there are, who, in a humble way,
“Might check what maladies on mortals prey;
“Bind up the broken-hearted, anguish cheer,
“And be the angels of their little sphere;
“Yet these, their powers devote, their curious eye,
“To watch the changeful features of the sky;—
“Count Ocean's sands, with anxious visage pale,
“Or poise the straw fast fluttering in the gale;
“As though for this the race of life they ran,
“And naught superior claim'd the thoughts of man;
“As though their years were known, and, when they died,
“All traces past eternal sleep would hide!
“While some pursue, with untired eagerness,
“Objects, whose only fault is their excess;—
“The flower that blooms at morn, at eve declines;
“The bird that twitters, and the gem that shines;
“The gaudy insect, borne from distant clime;
“The speaking block, or crumbling spoils of time:
“These, with a zest of passion, they explore,
“But th' illumined spirit pants for more.
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“If to this state our hopes must be confined,
“While all beyond are phantoms of the mind;
“If nobler worlds our souls must ne'er attain,
“And endless sleep succeed to years of pain;
“Then might we seek our sorrows to beguile,
“And count the hurrying moments with a smile;
“But if, ere long, from little more than night,
“Our souls must take their everlasting flight,
“Launch to some blissful hemisphere afar,
“Beyond the dazzling sun or twinkling star;
“With pure and happy spirits ever dwell,
“And bid to sighs and tears a last farewell!
“Or (foes to God!) heaven's jasper-blazing scene,
“See, with a gulf, impassable, between!
“If this the fix'd alternative must be,—
“Of all, — the rude, the learn'd, the bond, the free!
“If through thee, Life! this fatal verge we tread,
“If such distinctions hang upon thy thread,
“Far other thoughts the pilgrim's heart should sway,
“And souls immortal nobler calls obey!
“But senseless man, to weak deception prone,
“Fancies all lives uncertain, but his own,
“Or, still more wild, pursues delusion's tide,
“Owns the great truth, but casts its cares aside.
“While all beyond are phantoms of the mind;
“If nobler worlds our souls must ne'er attain,
“And endless sleep succeed to years of pain;
“Then might we seek our sorrows to beguile,
“And count the hurrying moments with a smile;
“But if, ere long, from little more than night,
“Our souls must take their everlasting flight,
“Launch to some blissful hemisphere afar,
“Beyond the dazzling sun or twinkling star;
“With pure and happy spirits ever dwell,
“And bid to sighs and tears a last farewell!
“Or (foes to God!) heaven's jasper-blazing scene,
“See, with a gulf, impassable, between!
“If this the fix'd alternative must be,—
“Of all, — the rude, the learn'd, the bond, the free!
“If through thee, Life! this fatal verge we tread,
“If such distinctions hang upon thy thread,
“Far other thoughts the pilgrim's heart should sway,
“And souls immortal nobler calls obey!
“But senseless man, to weak deception prone,
“Fancies all lives uncertain, but his own,
“Or, still more wild, pursues delusion's tide,
“Owns the great truth, but casts its cares aside.
“O all ye listening tribes, who, me to hear,
“Have cross'd the Jordan wide, and desert drear,
“Think, when a few revolving years have fled,
“On what cold pillow each shall lay his head!
“When the scared Spirit, hovering o'er the tomb,
“On distant shores awaits her final doom!
“Forced on the foaming surge to launch alone,
“The vain hope faded, and the stout heart flown!
“The bleak winds howling, and the bark untried!
“The ocean stormy, and the passage wide!—
“No moon, serene, on high, to banish fear;
“No friendly star the shuddering heart to cheer;
“But, sounds, appalling, from the unseen wave!
“And shadows, like the blackness of the grave!
“Let others, to despair, their souls resign;
“Hope, on our midnight, sheds a gleam divine!
“O'er the dark billows, ocean, vex'd, and wide,
“Messiah, safe, our trembling barks shall guide!
“Have cross'd the Jordan wide, and desert drear,
“Think, when a few revolving years have fled,
“On what cold pillow each shall lay his head!
“When the scared Spirit, hovering o'er the tomb,
“On distant shores awaits her final doom!
“Forced on the foaming surge to launch alone,
“The vain hope faded, and the stout heart flown!
“The bleak winds howling, and the bark untried!
“The ocean stormy, and the passage wide!—
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“No friendly star the shuddering heart to cheer;
“But, sounds, appalling, from the unseen wave!
“And shadows, like the blackness of the grave!
“Let others, to despair, their souls resign;
“Hope, on our midnight, sheds a gleam divine!
“O'er the dark billows, ocean, vex'd, and wide,
“Messiah, safe, our trembling barks shall guide!
“Oh! what the bounds of love! — its ardent flight,
“When he who loves, in love, is infinite!
“Though rebels who have sought our own o'erthrow,
“We, of this love, have tasted here below!
“By night, to shepherds, on our mountains wild,
“Angels declared of Bethlehem's new-born child!
“They chanted symphonies! Good News, they sang!
“Still on their chorus, sweet, our memories hang!
“And while the tidings vibrate on our ear,
“The meek and lowly Jesus draweth near!
“What though your Prince in humble state be born?
“What though no crown the Saviour's head adorn?
“For fallen man he lays his sceptre by!
“For your redemption, leaves his native sky!
“When he who loves, in love, is infinite!
“Though rebels who have sought our own o'erthrow,
“We, of this love, have tasted here below!
“By night, to shepherds, on our mountains wild,
“Angels declared of Bethlehem's new-born child!
“They chanted symphonies! Good News, they sang!
“Still on their chorus, sweet, our memories hang!
“And while the tidings vibrate on our ear,
“The meek and lowly Jesus draweth near!
“What though your Prince in humble state be born?
“What though no crown the Saviour's head adorn?
“For fallen man he lays his sceptre by!
“For your redemption, leaves his native sky!
“No more shall Death, the King of Terrors, reign,
“And o'er creation cast the icy chain!
“Despair no longer to his darkness fly,
“And Hope, revolting, cloud th' expiring eye,
“But, Faith, descending from her realms of light,
“Scatter your fears, and dissipate your night;
“Lead you, through him, whose mission I proclaim,
“From man's applause, to seek eternal fame;
“To shun the passing shadows of a day;
“To call from earth your wandering thoughts away;
“To see beyond the dreary vale of time,
“A prospect opening, cloudless and sublime;
“Where the freed spirit shall, unshackled, grow,
“Where pain no more the ransom'd soul shall know,
“Where joys substantial, lasting, and refined,
“Shall feast the senses, and transport the mind,
“Beyond what eye hath seen, or heart conceived,
“Prophet foretold, or patriarch believed!
“Where God shall cleanse the heart, no more to sigh,
“And wipe the final tear from every eye!
“And o'er creation cast the icy chain!
“Despair no longer to his darkness fly,
“And Hope, revolting, cloud th' expiring eye,
“But, Faith, descending from her realms of light,
“Scatter your fears, and dissipate your night;
“Lead you, through him, whose mission I proclaim,
“From man's applause, to seek eternal fame;
“To shun the passing shadows of a day;
“To call from earth your wandering thoughts away;
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“A prospect opening, cloudless and sublime;
“Where the freed spirit shall, unshackled, grow,
“Where pain no more the ransom'd soul shall know,
“Where joys substantial, lasting, and refined,
“Shall feast the senses, and transport the mind,
“Beyond what eye hath seen, or heart conceived,
“Prophet foretold, or patriarch believed!
“Where God shall cleanse the heart, no more to sigh,
“And wipe the final tear from every eye!
“From Hell's dominion, captives to release,
“Behold the Lamb of God! — the Prince of Peace!
“Soon shall your black horizon gleam with day,
“Nor death, o'er all things, cast a sickly ray!
“Soon shall your mental darkness take its flight,
“And Immortality be brought to light!”
“Behold the Lamb of God! — the Prince of Peace!
“Soon shall your black horizon gleam with day,
“Nor death, o'er all things, cast a sickly ray!
“Soon shall your mental darkness take its flight,
“And Immortality be brought to light!”
ADDRESS TO THE MISSIONARIES.
WHILE some the song to chiefs and patriots raise,
With nobler zeal, I loftier spirits praise;
Men, who, to please their Maker, and proclaim
To nations sunk in night, a Saviour's name,
Have left the land where pleasure sits and smiles;
Joyous have left e'en Britain, Queen of Isles:
Friends, home, contentment, all that life endears,
Freely renounced, for anguish, toil, and tears;
Endured the scorching waste, the raging flood,
While fearless on the Rock of Faith they stood.
With nobler zeal, I loftier spirits praise;
Men, who, to please their Maker, and proclaim
To nations sunk in night, a Saviour's name,
Have left the land where pleasure sits and smiles;
Joyous have left e'en Britain, Queen of Isles:
Friends, home, contentment, all that life endears,
Freely renounced, for anguish, toil, and tears;
Endured the scorching waste, the raging flood,
While fearless on the Rock of Faith they stood.
Must each be launch'd ere long on death's cold stream;
Each pass away — like a forgotten dream!
Oh! higher thought, and fearful, doth there wait
For all the sons of men, an endless state!
You have believed, and for the deluge wide,
Prepared your ark that, safe, the storm shall ride.
You know there does. While others, till they die,
Deem all things serious, but Eternity;
You, better taught, a future empire raise,
And spend, for God, your few, and fleeting days.
Each pass away — like a forgotten dream!
Oh! higher thought, and fearful, doth there wait
For all the sons of men, an endless state!
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Prepared your ark that, safe, the storm shall ride.
You know there does. While others, till they die,
Deem all things serious, but Eternity;
You, better taught, a future empire raise,
And spend, for God, your few, and fleeting days.
Like your great Master, you, your ease disdain,
And combat with the scoffer, want, and pain;
Instructed in th' inestimable worth
Of that great treasure, Heaven bestow'd on earth;
That precious boon, that Book of Life, and Light,
Which sheds refulgence o'er a world of night,
You your “exceeding” joy would not disguise,
And brood with sordid pleasure o'er your prize.
Truth, noble, generous, longing to impart,
Conveys a genial influence to the heart;
Its element — is to dispense all good;
It feels, for distant nations, brotherhood;
Embraces, with one ardent grasp of soul,
Men of all climes, from Ganges to the pole!
Religion, true, with an Ithuriel touch,
May find the miser, but ne'er left him such.
And combat with the scoffer, want, and pain;
Instructed in th' inestimable worth
Of that great treasure, Heaven bestow'd on earth;
That precious boon, that Book of Life, and Light,
Which sheds refulgence o'er a world of night,
You your “exceeding” joy would not disguise,
And brood with sordid pleasure o'er your prize.
Truth, noble, generous, longing to impart,
Conveys a genial influence to the heart;
Its element — is to dispense all good;
It feels, for distant nations, brotherhood;
Embraces, with one ardent grasp of soul,
Men of all climes, from Ganges to the pole!
Religion, true, with an Ithuriel touch,
May find the miser, but ne'er left him such.
Oh! had the Vision call'd, in that deep dream,
Paul eastward to have borne his Sacred Theme;
With Heaven's rich gifts, to feed the Tartar wild,
And not the Macedonian, Europe's child:
Had no kind Spirit, casting fears behind,
Bless'd with a pulse that beat for all mankind,
(Whose breast the light contain'd) once thoughtful stood,
Framing luxurious schemes for human good;
Beheld where Albion's stately clifts appear'd,
And boldly to the barbarous Briton steer'd;
How had our savage faith its strength maintain'd,
And what e'en here the night that now had reign'd!
Paul eastward to have borne his Sacred Theme;
With Heaven's rich gifts, to feed the Tartar wild,
And not the Macedonian, Europe's child:
Had no kind Spirit, casting fears behind,
Bless'd with a pulse that beat for all mankind,
(Whose breast the light contain'd) once thoughtful stood,
Framing luxurious schemes for human good;
Beheld where Albion's stately clifts appear'd,
And boldly to the barbarous Briton steer'd;
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And what e'en here the night that now had reign'd!
Kingdoms, for arts and science once renown'd,
As time roll'd on, have plunged in shades profound!
While lands, to ten-fold darkness long resign'd,
Have burst their bonds, and led the sons of mind;
Haply! (Oh, Heaven avert the curse severe!)
Again the Pagan Rite may triumph here!
And regions, now, where men to idols bend,
The Altar reverence, and the Ark defend!
What might so soon God's sleeping wrath awake,
And, o'er our Isle, tempt him his scourge to shake,
His lamp remove, his heritage forsake,
As languor, to extend the Gospel Sound,
The Bread of Life, to starving nations round!—
As that disastrous, graceless, spirit chill,
Which scorns to work, and frustrates those who will!
Soft as the far-off murmuring of the sea;
Sweet as at morn the bird's clear melody,
(Amid the shout of orgies vile) I hear
The still small voice of penitence and prayer!
Sunk as they were in guilt, abased, depraved,
Ten righteous men had once a people saved;
Hope, yet is ours! Though crowds on every side,
Their Maker's Laws disdain, his Threats deride,
England may yet recount her righteous few,
Salt of our land! and not the least, in you.
As time roll'd on, have plunged in shades profound!
While lands, to ten-fold darkness long resign'd,
Have burst their bonds, and led the sons of mind;
Haply! (Oh, Heaven avert the curse severe!)
Again the Pagan Rite may triumph here!
And regions, now, where men to idols bend,
The Altar reverence, and the Ark defend!
What might so soon God's sleeping wrath awake,
And, o'er our Isle, tempt him his scourge to shake,
His lamp remove, his heritage forsake,
As languor, to extend the Gospel Sound,
The Bread of Life, to starving nations round!—
As that disastrous, graceless, spirit chill,
Which scorns to work, and frustrates those who will!
Soft as the far-off murmuring of the sea;
Sweet as at morn the bird's clear melody,
(Amid the shout of orgies vile) I hear
The still small voice of penitence and prayer!
Sunk as they were in guilt, abased, depraved,
Ten righteous men had once a people saved;
Hope, yet is ours! Though crowds on every side,
Their Maker's Laws disdain, his Threats deride,
England may yet recount her righteous few,
Salt of our land! and not the least, in you.
How will the future sons of sires, who now,
In climes remote, to stocks and statues bow —
(Oh, fearful depth of folly and of crime!
Man, even man! endued with powers sublime,
Disclaims his rank, to basest things that be,
Lifts th' adoring eye, and bends the knee!)
How will such, brought to their maturer sense,
Read with delight the page of Providence!
How will such hail (without one faint alloy,)
Their happier state; then, with seraphic joy,
Gaze backward far upon the men revered,
Who first their tribes with songs of Sion cheer'd;
Brought them the Truth; the Book of Knowledge spread,
And, o'er the future, beams refulgent shed!
What gratulations, what transcendent praise
Their hearts to you will breathe, their voices raise,
When, basking in the light, a glance they cast
O'er the dark vale, the dreary desert past!
As, on their race of storms, their night of woe,
Safe, from the Mount of God, they look below!
When waning age on age hath roll'd away,
Since you with earth have mix'd your honour'd clay,
While myriads on oblivion's tide are seen,
Borne downward, lost, as though they ne'er had been,
Still shall your memories flourish, fresh and green;
Of you, the lisping child shall learn to speak,
As the warm tear steals down the mother's cheek:
Yet nobler thoughts than these your hearts beguile;—
Conscience' sweet voice, and Heaven's approving smile.
In climes remote, to stocks and statues bow —
(Oh, fearful depth of folly and of crime!
Man, even man! endued with powers sublime,
Disclaims his rank, to basest things that be,
Lifts th' adoring eye, and bends the knee!)
295
Read with delight the page of Providence!
How will such hail (without one faint alloy,)
Their happier state; then, with seraphic joy,
Gaze backward far upon the men revered,
Who first their tribes with songs of Sion cheer'd;
Brought them the Truth; the Book of Knowledge spread,
And, o'er the future, beams refulgent shed!
What gratulations, what transcendent praise
Their hearts to you will breathe, their voices raise,
When, basking in the light, a glance they cast
O'er the dark vale, the dreary desert past!
As, on their race of storms, their night of woe,
Safe, from the Mount of God, they look below!
When waning age on age hath roll'd away,
Since you with earth have mix'd your honour'd clay,
While myriads on oblivion's tide are seen,
Borne downward, lost, as though they ne'er had been,
Still shall your memories flourish, fresh and green;
Of you, the lisping child shall learn to speak,
As the warm tear steals down the mother's cheek:
Yet nobler thoughts than these your hearts beguile;—
Conscience' sweet voice, and Heaven's approving smile.
Ye Great of Earth, arise! — at once appear
Cæsars and Pompeys, men estranged from fear;
Whose warlike feats the porphyry column bears;
Who view'd the world, and proudly call'd it theirs;
Who lived to tread the steep, to build the name,
Whilst slaughter'd thousands track'd their road to fame:
What grateful heart, slow from the dying bed,
E'er call'd to heaven for blessings on their head?
Crowds, rather, in their pangs, with death in sight,
Deplored the hour that gave them to the light.
These are not Great! Illustrious men and wise!
You are the Great, whose deeds to glory rise!
You, distant realms have sought, with untold pains,
Not to explore fresh marts, or count new gains,
But, with benign delight, your joys to share;
To free the captive, smooth the brow of care,
Throw back the veil, the Star of Hope display,
And guide benighted souls to endless day.
Cæsars and Pompeys, men estranged from fear;
Whose warlike feats the porphyry column bears;
Who view'd the world, and proudly call'd it theirs;
Who lived to tread the steep, to build the name,
Whilst slaughter'd thousands track'd their road to fame:
What grateful heart, slow from the dying bed,
E'er call'd to heaven for blessings on their head?
Crowds, rather, in their pangs, with death in sight,
Deplored the hour that gave them to the light.
296
You are the Great, whose deeds to glory rise!
You, distant realms have sought, with untold pains,
Not to explore fresh marts, or count new gains,
But, with benign delight, your joys to share;
To free the captive, smooth the brow of care,
Throw back the veil, the Star of Hope display,
And guide benighted souls to endless day.
Such once was Brainerd, whose ambition, high,
Aspired to teach the Indian “how to die.”
Such Schwartz was found, who, 'mong the heathen, long
Despairing roam'd, yet lived to hear the song,
From the wide Banian's sylvan altar, own,
In concords loud, Jehovah, Lord alone!
Such Wesley, Whitfield were; both labourers tried,
Who find, above, the peace which Earth denied.
Such Trowt, and Chamberlain, who, (truly wise!)
Fought the good fight, and early gain'd the prize!
And such was Vanderkempt, (his ransom paid,)
Who now looks down, nor mourns the choice he made:
But, at the name of Martyn, every eye
Glistens, and turns, instinctive, to the sky!
Aspired to teach the Indian “how to die.”
Such Schwartz was found, who, 'mong the heathen, long
Despairing roam'd, yet lived to hear the song,
From the wide Banian's sylvan altar, own,
In concords loud, Jehovah, Lord alone!
Such Wesley, Whitfield were; both labourers tried,
Who find, above, the peace which Earth denied.
Such Trowt, and Chamberlain, who, (truly wise!)
Fought the good fight, and early gain'd the prize!
And such was Vanderkempt, (his ransom paid,)
Who now looks down, nor mourns the choice he made:
But, at the name of Martyn, every eye
Glistens, and turns, instinctive, to the sky!
(Far back, excursive vision loves to gaze
On one, associate of my younger days,
A sainted spirit, Pierce! who long'd in vain,
The Missionary Martyr's crown to gain;
With one, just pass'd to the celestial sphere,
Urguhart, of kindred mould, for whom, the tear
Uncurb'd, unbought, will long and pungent flow,
Who left no loftier, holier soul below!
Both still promote the cause that fired their mind—
They left their efficacious prayers behind!
On one, associate of my younger days,
A sainted spirit, Pierce! who long'd in vain,
The Missionary Martyr's crown to gain;
With one, just pass'd to the celestial sphere,
Urguhart, of kindred mould, for whom, the tear
Uncurb'd, unbought, will long and pungent flow,
Who left no loftier, holier soul below!
Both still promote the cause that fired their mind—
They left their efficacious prayers behind!
297
Though these to Heaven have soar'd, (a glorious band!)
In the same cause, new heroes forward stand:
Aspirants march to conquest, all endued
With unction from above, zeal, fortitude.
In long perspective galaxy, I trace
Spirits, the glory of our age and race!
Jowett, and Coultart, Holbeck, Richter, Shaw,
Whom Love divine to dangerous realms could draw;
Fox, Carver, Ousely, known and praised afar,
With Morrison, so long a radiant star;
Hartley, and Wolff, instructing on that shore,
Where once the Lord that bought them, taught before!
While Carey, Marshman, Ward, that veteran train,
Show, in their turn, what victories Faith may gain.
And if remembrance of the host beside
Here find no place, who equal toils divide,
On nobler records such serene rely,
Theirs is the grand memorial in the sky.
In the same cause, new heroes forward stand:
Aspirants march to conquest, all endued
With unction from above, zeal, fortitude.
In long perspective galaxy, I trace
Spirits, the glory of our age and race!
Jowett, and Coultart, Holbeck, Richter, Shaw,
Whom Love divine to dangerous realms could draw;
Fox, Carver, Ousely, known and praised afar,
With Morrison, so long a radiant star;
Hartley, and Wolff, instructing on that shore,
Where once the Lord that bought them, taught before!
While Carey, Marshman, Ward, that veteran train,
Show, in their turn, what victories Faith may gain.
And if remembrance of the host beside
Here find no place, who equal toils divide,
On nobler records such serene rely,
Theirs is the grand memorial in the sky.
Their post, by dangers compass'd, now may be
Where no observant eye, but God's, can see,—
Around steep Caucasus, or on the shore
Of ice-bound Greenland, or bleak Labrador;
Or in Columbian Isles; 'mid Afric's land,
Warring with dews of death, and burning sand;
In Palestine, (where soon the Crescent foe
May see, once more, the Rose of Sharon blow)
Or where, mid India's tribes, like some vast sea,
Soul-bondage reigns, till Christ the slave shall free:
Nor must we lightly deem those spirits, brave,
Who, o'er the wide Pacific, souls to save,
Have sail'd, with richer freight, and costlier aid,
Than, from Potosi, ever bark convey'd:
Whose triumphs, (which each day and hour appear)
Silence the scoffer, while the just they cheer:
And thus shall Idols vanish, like a dream,
As Truth, o'er earth, extends her healing beam.
Where no observant eye, but God's, can see,—
Around steep Caucasus, or on the shore
Of ice-bound Greenland, or bleak Labrador;
Or in Columbian Isles; 'mid Afric's land,
Warring with dews of death, and burning sand;
In Palestine, (where soon the Crescent foe
May see, once more, the Rose of Sharon blow)
Or where, mid India's tribes, like some vast sea,
Soul-bondage reigns, till Christ the slave shall free:
Nor must we lightly deem those spirits, brave,
Who, o'er the wide Pacific, souls to save,
Have sail'd, with richer freight, and costlier aid,
Than, from Potosi, ever bark convey'd:
Whose triumphs, (which each day and hour appear)
Silence the scoffer, while the just they cheer:
298
As Truth, o'er earth, extends her healing beam.
New scenes, like spring, with flow'ry wreaths advance;
New prospects rise, no cloud to overcast.
Religion, who so long “on tiptoe stood,”
Hath past, indeed, o'er the Atlantic flood.
Our Brethren of the West, for greatness born,
Whom fools defame, and then affect to scorn,
With step, intrepid, send their worthies forth
To cleanse and fructify the moral earth.
May offspring of one Parent, favour'd, free,
Display the sight of “Brethren who agree:”
And, hence, one rivalry pervade their breast,—
Who most shall honour God, and serve him best!
New prospects rise, no cloud to overcast.
Religion, who so long “on tiptoe stood,”
Hath past, indeed, o'er the Atlantic flood.
Our Brethren of the West, for greatness born,
Whom fools defame, and then affect to scorn,
With step, intrepid, send their worthies forth
To cleanse and fructify the moral earth.
May offspring of one Parent, favour'd, free,
Display the sight of “Brethren who agree:”
And, hence, one rivalry pervade their breast,—
Who most shall honour God, and serve him best!
If, sometimes, while through distant lands you roam,
You cast a lingering look toward friends and home,
Restrain the tear! Behold the blissful state!
The palms, the crowns, which for the pilgrim wait.
Should pain assault you, still in God believe;
Should sorrow reach, Oh, think for whom you grieve!
Should want, in lonely climes, your steps pursue,
Dwell on his Name who suffer'd more for you.
Guiding the Gospel Plough, gird up your mind!
Heed not the chaff which you have left behind!
Look forward, courage take, behold the end!
What can your heart deplore with God your Friend!
You seek not earth's reward, nor man's applause;
You all are champions in your Maker's cause;
And round your arduous path, though sad, the while,
Crowds of admiring angels watch and smile.
You cast a lingering look toward friends and home,
Restrain the tear! Behold the blissful state!
The palms, the crowns, which for the pilgrim wait.
Should pain assault you, still in God believe;
Should sorrow reach, Oh, think for whom you grieve!
Should want, in lonely climes, your steps pursue,
Dwell on his Name who suffer'd more for you.
Guiding the Gospel Plough, gird up your mind!
Heed not the chaff which you have left behind!
Look forward, courage take, behold the end!
What can your heart deplore with God your Friend!
You seek not earth's reward, nor man's applause;
You all are champions in your Maker's cause;
And round your arduous path, though sad, the while,
Crowds of admiring angels watch and smile.
The hour must come, perchance it draweth nigh,
The fast unfolding dawn of prophecy,
When the first-born to Zion shall return,
And look on Him whom they have pierced, and mourn;
When o'er earth's verdant fields, one flock shall stray,
One Shepherd lead, and all his voice obey:
When holiest love shall every heart inflame,
And every tongue confess Immanuel's name!
Warm'd with such hopes, though vain to feeble sense,
Be Heaven's eternal word your confidence!
With zeal, around, your glorious mission spread,
And make your Father's will your daily bread.
May He, in every hour of need provide,
In sickness cheer you, and through dangers guide:
Make smooth and plain your path, where'er you go;
Whilst you, like Paul, the Gospel Trumpet blow,
Who, with a crown in sight, a heaven, a home,
All things could bear, stripes, bonds, and martyrdom.
The fast unfolding dawn of prophecy,
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And look on Him whom they have pierced, and mourn;
When o'er earth's verdant fields, one flock shall stray,
One Shepherd lead, and all his voice obey:
When holiest love shall every heart inflame,
And every tongue confess Immanuel's name!
Warm'd with such hopes, though vain to feeble sense,
Be Heaven's eternal word your confidence!
With zeal, around, your glorious mission spread,
And make your Father's will your daily bread.
May He, in every hour of need provide,
In sickness cheer you, and through dangers guide:
Make smooth and plain your path, where'er you go;
Whilst you, like Paul, the Gospel Trumpet blow,
Who, with a crown in sight, a heaven, a home,
All things could bear, stripes, bonds, and martyrdom.
Not o'er a sea, unruffled, calm, and clear,
Must you your venturous bark expect to steer;
The sun sometimes may soothe, your fears subside,
And soft, and sweet, the tide of feeling glide;
When, like th' alternate changes of the deep,
Tempests and storms, the lowering skies may sweep;
Expect, nor be deceived: alike prepare
Hardships or ease to meet, the soldier's fare.
If friends protect, on God the praise bestow;
If foes assail, with meekness bear the blow;
Nor hope to root out errors, save with toil
Resembling his, who, patient, tills the soil.
Hell, roused from slumber, in his dread array,
Ere long, in rage, may rise to meet the fray;
Call up foul spirits, to himself allied,
And yield, with mortal throe, his empire wide;
But he who leads you forth, for your defence,
Will screen you with his own Omnipotence.
Must you your venturous bark expect to steer;
The sun sometimes may soothe, your fears subside,
And soft, and sweet, the tide of feeling glide;
When, like th' alternate changes of the deep,
Tempests and storms, the lowering skies may sweep;
Expect, nor be deceived: alike prepare
Hardships or ease to meet, the soldier's fare.
If friends protect, on God the praise bestow;
If foes assail, with meekness bear the blow;
Nor hope to root out errors, save with toil
Resembling his, who, patient, tills the soil.
Hell, roused from slumber, in his dread array,
Ere long, in rage, may rise to meet the fray;
Call up foul spirits, to himself allied,
And yield, with mortal throe, his empire wide;
But he who leads you forth, for your defence,
Will screen you with his own Omnipotence.
300
Truth's Harbingers! receive from one unknown,
Passing advice, that springs from love alone,
Be not, at aught, too joyous, or too pain'd,
Fear must be check'd, and Hope herself restrain'd.
Our sight is but a point, our life — a day!
Grief soon subsides, and pleasures, where are they?
Though with our own dear schemes our bosoms swell,
What might be best, at last, we cannot tell;
The clouds that rise so fair, may waft distress,
The tear, the pang, the cross, be sent to bless.
That Sovereign power, to whose pervading eye,
All times, the past, the future, naked lie;
Whether he walk conspicuous, clothed in light,
Or, round his footsteps, cast the robe of night,
Still carries on (though Folly oft repines,)
His wise, but his inscrutable designs.
Passing advice, that springs from love alone,
Be not, at aught, too joyous, or too pain'd,
Fear must be check'd, and Hope herself restrain'd.
Our sight is but a point, our life — a day!
Grief soon subsides, and pleasures, where are they?
Though with our own dear schemes our bosoms swell,
What might be best, at last, we cannot tell;
The clouds that rise so fair, may waft distress,
The tear, the pang, the cross, be sent to bless.
That Sovereign power, to whose pervading eye,
All times, the past, the future, naked lie;
Whether he walk conspicuous, clothed in light,
Or, round his footsteps, cast the robe of night,
Still carries on (though Folly oft repines,)
His wise, but his inscrutable designs.
As on you go, declaring as you can,
Redemption for the captive race of man;
Freedom that breaks the fetters of the mind;
Ears to the deaf, and vision to the blind,
Should hosts, with bounding heart, your tidings hail,
Should Satan's kingdom fall, and Truth prevail;
Converts from heathenish night your footsteps throng,
Acknowledge Him to whom all hearts belong;
Yet, should but here and there a blade be found,
While weeds, in rank luxuriance, wave around;
Should they be foes to you, who were before
Foes to the God whom you unseen adore,
Let not Egyptian gloom your souls dismay,
Faint is the dawn that ushers in the day:
But should no consecrated fruits ascend,
O'er the wide scene should naught but tares extend;
Let faith, unshaken, still support your feet,
Heedless, though torrents roar, and tempests beat.
What though no wreath, victorious, crown your race,
And scarce one flower beside your path you trace,
Seed, sown by you, long 'neath the ground may lie,
Water'd of God, unmark'd by human eye,
Ordain'd, in the appointed hour, to rise,
And with majestic verdure fill the skies.
Witness Taheite whose shades have pass'd away,
So long where fiends maintain'd unbridled sway;
Her Idols to the Bats disdainful hurl'd,
The prelude to a renovated world!
Redemption for the captive race of man;
Freedom that breaks the fetters of the mind;
Ears to the deaf, and vision to the blind,
Should hosts, with bounding heart, your tidings hail,
Should Satan's kingdom fall, and Truth prevail;
Converts from heathenish night your footsteps throng,
Acknowledge Him to whom all hearts belong;
Yet, should but here and there a blade be found,
While weeds, in rank luxuriance, wave around;
Should they be foes to you, who were before
Foes to the God whom you unseen adore,
Let not Egyptian gloom your souls dismay,
Faint is the dawn that ushers in the day:
But should no consecrated fruits ascend,
O'er the wide scene should naught but tares extend;
Let faith, unshaken, still support your feet,
Heedless, though torrents roar, and tempests beat.
301
And scarce one flower beside your path you trace,
Seed, sown by you, long 'neath the ground may lie,
Water'd of God, unmark'd by human eye,
Ordain'd, in the appointed hour, to rise,
And with majestic verdure fill the skies.
Witness Taheite whose shades have pass'd away,
So long where fiends maintain'd unbridled sway;
Her Idols to the Bats disdainful hurl'd,
The prelude to a renovated world!
Soul reverenced men! receive th' applauding strain,
Which kings and conquerors might desire in vain.
To you, a distant brother leads the song,
Which thousands join, in chorus loud, and long.
Mid climes that never heard Messiah's praise,
Aspire the standard of the Cross to raise,
With new delight, proclaim their ransom near;
Go, and a Temple to your Maker rear!
Whilst there are lands, and tribes, that countless be,
Who never joy'd to hear our jubilee,
Who never knew the Christian's rich repast,
Pardon and Peace, and hope of Heaven at last,
Strive in the glorious conflict undismay'd,
March boldly, in supernal strength array'd;
Still fearless on the Word of Promise rest,
And trust the more, for doubts that haunt your breast.
Which kings and conquerors might desire in vain.
To you, a distant brother leads the song,
Which thousands join, in chorus loud, and long.
Mid climes that never heard Messiah's praise,
Aspire the standard of the Cross to raise,
With new delight, proclaim their ransom near;
Go, and a Temple to your Maker rear!
Whilst there are lands, and tribes, that countless be,
Who never joy'd to hear our jubilee,
Who never knew the Christian's rich repast,
Pardon and Peace, and hope of Heaven at last,
Strive in the glorious conflict undismay'd,
March boldly, in supernal strength array'd;
Still fearless on the Word of Promise rest,
And trust the more, for doubts that haunt your breast.
Where is the generous fire, the spirit gone,
That once in Cranmer glow'd, in Luther shone?
Shall petty sights alone attract our eye,
The rise and fall of mortal majesty —
Kingdoms and men, that, in perpetual round,
Blaze and expire? shall these our prospects bound,
And not your cause — the glory of your age,
(Grandest of all which human thoughts engage!)
Awake our highest interests, hopes and fears,
The heart that vibrates, and the tongue that cheers?
Those who, beyond the present, see combined,
The mighty Future, trampling time behind,
Feel, with still kindling warmth, in every vein,
Ardour to burst the heathen's mental chain —
To waft to them our pearl of matchless price,
And wider throw the Gates of Paradise.
Where is this Spirit? Lo! she lives and reigns!
Now we behold her, not mid ravaged plains,
Where Demons scream for blood, but on thy shore,
Oh! Albion, dear, my country, evermore
Loftiest of nations! With proud garlands crown'd,
Sending the Truth wherever man is found.
Go on, triumphant! spreading Life and Light!
Check not the courser with the goal in sight!
May you, who wage the warfare with the foe;
May you, who nobly of your wealth bestow;
May you, whose hearts implore that Heaven would shield
The tender germ from storms, and increase yield,
Strive in your different ways, more prayerful be;
Not fainting, you secure the victory.
That once in Cranmer glow'd, in Luther shone?
Shall petty sights alone attract our eye,
The rise and fall of mortal majesty —
Kingdoms and men, that, in perpetual round,
Blaze and expire? shall these our prospects bound,
302
(Grandest of all which human thoughts engage!)
Awake our highest interests, hopes and fears,
The heart that vibrates, and the tongue that cheers?
Those who, beyond the present, see combined,
The mighty Future, trampling time behind,
Feel, with still kindling warmth, in every vein,
Ardour to burst the heathen's mental chain —
To waft to them our pearl of matchless price,
And wider throw the Gates of Paradise.
Where is this Spirit? Lo! she lives and reigns!
Now we behold her, not mid ravaged plains,
Where Demons scream for blood, but on thy shore,
Oh! Albion, dear, my country, evermore
Loftiest of nations! With proud garlands crown'd,
Sending the Truth wherever man is found.
Go on, triumphant! spreading Life and Light!
Check not the courser with the goal in sight!
May you, who wage the warfare with the foe;
May you, who nobly of your wealth bestow;
May you, whose hearts implore that Heaven would shield
The tender germ from storms, and increase yield,
Strive in your different ways, more prayerful be;
Not fainting, you secure the victory.
Once more, from sickening scenes that strike my view,
Good men, and great, refresh'd, I turn to you.
The Star of Bethlehem, from night profound,
Emerges fair, with sun-like splendours crown'd;
Vision, on vision kindling, I survey,
Till with o'erpowering beam it dies away.
And can it be that who the brunt sustain
Should call aloud for aid, yet call in vain?
Bent by the weight, you arduous burdens bear,
The field is vast, but labourers few are there.
Amazed, the Powers of Darkness stand and feel
Their temples tottering, while their idols reel,
And shall the valiant strive, and only hear
Voices from friends far off that feebly cheer?
With such a prize in view, in such a fight,
May kindred souls spontaneous spring to light,
Sent, and endued with graces from above,
Wise as the serpent, harmless as the dove,
Proud to support your hands, and to extend
O'er boisterous seas, to earth's remotest end,
Salvation, tidings of the Sinner's Friend.
Good men, and great, refresh'd, I turn to you.
The Star of Bethlehem, from night profound,
Emerges fair, with sun-like splendours crown'd;
Vision, on vision kindling, I survey,
Till with o'erpowering beam it dies away.
And can it be that who the brunt sustain
Should call aloud for aid, yet call in vain?
Bent by the weight, you arduous burdens bear,
The field is vast, but labourers few are there.
303
Their temples tottering, while their idols reel,
And shall the valiant strive, and only hear
Voices from friends far off that feebly cheer?
With such a prize in view, in such a fight,
May kindred souls spontaneous spring to light,
Sent, and endued with graces from above,
Wise as the serpent, harmless as the dove,
Proud to support your hands, and to extend
O'er boisterous seas, to earth's remotest end,
Salvation, tidings of the Sinner's Friend.
Again, farewell! and, Oh! while thus you preach
Of Faith, and Righteousness, in every speech,
And your whole walk confirms the truths you teach,
Fearless, the path pursue, though men revile,
On which th' Almighty smiles, and still will smile.
Confusion them shall follow, whilst our eyes
Shall see the Tree of God's own planting rise;
Wide shall it spread, and adverse storms disdain,
Fed by Heaven's dew, and nourish'd with his rain;
And let all cry — Wherever shines the Sun,
Thy Kingdom come, O Lord! thy will be done!
Of Faith, and Righteousness, in every speech,
And your whole walk confirms the truths you teach,
Fearless, the path pursue, though men revile,
On which th' Almighty smiles, and still will smile.
Confusion them shall follow, whilst our eyes
Shall see the Tree of God's own planting rise;
Wide shall it spread, and adverse storms disdain,
Fed by Heaven's dew, and nourish'd with his rain;
And let all cry — Wherever shines the Sun,
Thy Kingdom come, O Lord! thy will be done!
“AND THE RUIN OF THAT HOUSE WAS GREAT.”
Luke vi. 49.
1
BEHOLD yon tower its head uprear,Whose strength with adamant may vie;
The stablest forms that round appear
Shall perish ere it prostrate lie:
Its battlements shall see the day
When temples proud have pass'd away.
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2
The woods, that everlasting seem,The hills, that storms assault in vain;
The living sward, the stately stream,
The rocks, that ocean's self can chain,
All these, their ruins wide shall spread,
Before yon Tower shall bow its head.
3
Still loftier its presumptions rise,Smiling at each inferior boast,
It shall survive the azure skies,
Sun, moon, and all the starry host;
To fix it from mutation free,
The Highest uttered, “Let it be!”
4
Grand destinations to fulfil,This tower — is Man's immortal Mind!
Endued with powers, expanding still,
That leave the labouring thought behind!
Its home, eternity! — that flame
Burning, and yet to burn, the same!
5
How dread, to hazard such a state!A tower, so firm, at last to fall!
Were not its fearful ruins “great!”
If blasted by the Lord of all!
Long suffering still, O Father, spare!
And, for thyself, our souls prepare!
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TIME IS SHORT.
1
NARROW is th' appointed spaceFor mankind to run their race!
Small the interval allow'd
Between the cradle and the shroud;
Scarce from slumber we arise,
Ere the longest liver dies!
2
The very tree may now be laid,From which our coffin will be made!
Haply, now the web is spun
To wrap us, when our race is run!
And the spade, when we are dead,
May wait to form our lowly bed!
3
Have we, with our days so few,In a little, much to do?
Let us not, regardless, spend
Moments, which so soon must end!
Life is frail! a warning sound
Comes from every form around!
4
When our own hand's-breadth we scan,We the measure see of man!
When we mark the clouds on high;
When we view the shuttle fly;
Whispers reach us, soft, and clear,
Time is short, and death is near!
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5
Are we to a point confined?Have we an immortal mind?
After this uncertain state,
Does an endless world await?
Lord! endue us with thy grace,
Well to run our mortal race!
6
Heaven before us, let us giveOur thoughts to God, while here we live,
Nor partake the fool's repast,
Which will sorrow yield, at last:
Since anon we pass away,
Let us wisely spend to-day!
7
May we still the Saviour prize,Till the day-star in us rise!
May we walk by faith, and bear
More and more, his image here!
That the mansions in the sky
May receive us when we die!
BENEFICENCE
1
OH! have we never seen an eye,Pure as the infant's at its birth;
The look of some superior sky,
Allied to heaven, though found on earth?
307
2
A rich, a soul-subduing gleam,That with the blush of angels shone;
Brief as the moon-beam on the stream!
A glance, that thrill'd us, and was gone?
3
These are the dim precursors kind,That, in mysterious symbols, tell
Of realms, enduring and refined,
Where soon the pure in heart will dwell.
4
This gleam of sunshine after storm,This look benign, this eye of love,
Just emblem, in their faintest form,
The pleasures of the world above!
THE CHRISTIAN.
1
HOW peaceful is the Christian's breast,By no distracting fears oppress'd,
His prospects ever shine!
Whilst others, rankling sorrows wound,
Whose minds, the ways of life confound;
Whilst others, view confusion round,
He sees the Hand Divine.
2
Though not released from mortal care,Yet, he has learn'd his cross to bear,
A lesson truly wise!
308
Thy will be done! his heart can say,
Remembering, in eternal day
His better portion lies.
3
Though trouble will not wholly cease,Until he reach the world of peace,
Of this he ne'er complains;
The glorious hope which faith bestows,
That hope the Christian only knows,
Which from a bleeding Saviour flows,
His spirit well sustains.
4
Compell'd through life's dark vale to stray,And hastening to the realms of day,
Where crowns immortal wait;
He, journeying, does not seek to find
A flattering calm, whose charms might bind
To earth, his bold aspiring mind,
From joys divinely great.
5
He knows in heaven there lives a friend,(Which, when the rounds of time shall end,
And Nature's reign be o'er;)
Whose smiles the weary soul shall share,
Whose love shall crown the faithful there,
Nor aught of conflict or of care,
Disturb his passions more.
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6
Whilst seeking this divine abode,Are there, who tire amid the road,
By earth's low cares oppress'd?—
The Tempter's subtle wiles despise!
From bondage, and from slumber, rise!
Press onward to the glorious prize —
To your eternal rest!
7
No common object claims your zeal,No common interest should you feel,
You have a Heaven in view:
The time is short that waits you here,
The hours recede, and death is near,
Then think where you will soon appear,
And plume your wings anew.
8
Forsake the things, of time and sense,Hold commune with Omnipotence,
Make God your chief delight;
Till he shall beckon you away,
Through Earth, like weary pilgrims, stray;
And though afflictions mark your way,
Still keep the end in sight.
9
For you, beyond Death's frowning gate,Ten thousand happy Spirits wait,
Heaven's portals wide to spread;
There, patriarchs their hands extend,
There, Saints and Seraphs call you friend,
And you eternity shall spend
With Christ, your Living Head.
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CHRISTMAS HYMN.
1
THE night is fair! The planets, glorious,In silent pomp their rule maintain;
The shepherds, on the hills of Judah,
Behold, with awe, the starry train,
And worship, bending low the head,
Him, who through heaven such wonders spread.
2
What voice is that? — Symphonious numbers,Aloft in air, are faintly heard!
And now they nearer draw, and nearer!
Cherubs are seen! — The liquid word,
Entrancing, steals, like zephyr, forth,
“Good-will to man, and peace on earth!”
3
While now, enraged, the Powers of Darkness,For conflict rally round their king,
The Son of God, from heaven descending,
Comes, borne upon the Seraph's wing!
Lo! countless guards, (in concord sweet,)
“Glory to God!” aloud, repeat!
4
Love, undeserved, our thought surpassing!(How full the fount from which it flows!)
The Prince of Peace assumes our nature,
To rescue man from endless woes!
He comes, with mercy, full and free,
To sound the sinner's jubilee!
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5
The Lord of Life, so long predicted,In all his Father's might appears!
Ye righteous! rich in consolation,
Glad tidings now salute your ears!
See, Prophecy her page unfold!
The Vision of the Lamb, behold!
6
What royal birth-place Him must welcome?What sumptuous palace? — garb of state?
What monarchs, proud of their obeisance,
Must bend around a guest so great?
All costly robes of Tyrian dye
Before the Lord of Life must lie!
7
Ah, no! His palace was a stable!No guards, obsequious homage pay!
His royal birth-place was a manger,
And straw, the couch on which he lay!
Humility for ever crown'd!
Here was the Heir of all things found!
8
Well might the breasts of happy spiritsExperience high and strange delight!
Well might such spectacle of mercy,
From heaven, angelic hosts invite,
To witness, till that hour unknown,
Such grace to man, rebellious, shown!
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9
Saviour! accept our spirits' incense —That thou, to earth, didst cast thine eye!
That thou, thyself, didst freely offer,
That we, in hope, might live and die!
We give thee praise! we bend our knee!
We consecrate our hearts to thee!
GOOD FRIDAY.
1
THIS is the morn, of old predicted,When Christ, himself an offering made!
This is the hour, with love surpassing,
When he the sinner's ransom paid!
Oh, Earth! the Lord of Glory, see!
Expiring, now, on Calvary!
2
Scenes, which the Saviour's death preceded,Once more arise! we view! we hear!
The garden of Gethsemane;
The crowd, the swords, the staves, appear!
The bloody sweat! the pang untold!
The traitor, who his master sold!
3
We hear thee, O Divine Redeemer!For sinners, with thy Father plead!
We see thy late so faithful followers
Desert thee in thy hour of need!
With not one true disciple near,
To soothe thy woe, or wipe thy tear!
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4
We see thee at the bar of Pilate!We, Peter hear his Lord deny!
And, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
Thy scoffing foes, infuriate, cry!
“Be this man's blood!” we hear it said,
“On us, and on our children's head!”
5
Calm as the sheep before her shearer,We view thee by no threat deterr'd!
We mark thee, smitten! spit upon!
A murderer to thyself preferr'd!
The scarlet robe we see thee wear!
And that contemptuous “hail!” we hear!
6
We view thee set at naught of Herod,And his imperious men of war!
We see thy brow by thorns encircled,
With many a deep, and bleeding scar!
While some rejoice, and others mourn,
To Calvary we view thee borne!
7
We see thee on the cross extended!Deriders, and revilers, round!
We view the cruel spear that pierced thee!
Thy life's-blood streaming to the ground!
The nails that fix'd thee to the tree!
The vinegar and gall we see!
8
Amid thy unimagined sufferings,“Father, forgive!” we hear thee cry!
314
And on that word, for heaven, rely!—
Behold — the porch, the temple, rent!
While darkness clothes the firmament!
9
Here, in this sin-distemper'd region,Thou trod'st the wine-press all alone;
But now, from earth to heaven ascended,
Thou interced'st before the throne!
Hell, from his pinnacle, is hurl'd!
And thy reward, — a Ransomed World!
THE CAPTIVE ISRAELITE.
“We hanged our harps upon the willows.” Psalm cxxxvii.
1
“HOW shall we our grief express,“When no Zion's towers we see!
“We, our harps, in heaviness,
“Hang upon the willow tree!
2
“Lords of Babylon, depart!“Insults not on injuries heap!
“Pangs, untold, oppress our heart,
“When, at morn, we wake to weep!
3
“Ask us not for Israel's song!“Ill becomes the sportive strain,
“When, to us, and ours, belong
“Sorrow, and the captive's chain!
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4
“Strangers, in a foreign land,“Now oppress'd, who once were free;
“We, our harps, by breezes fann'd,
“Hang upon the willow tree!
5
“Let the whispering winds awake,“Airs that, but for them, might sleep;
“We will not the stillness break;
“We will solemn silence keep!
6
“Yet, the thought will sometimes rise,“Sweet by Kedron's brook it were,
“At the morning sacrifice;
“At the evening hour of prayer;
7
“While Jehovah we adore,(“In his ways, the great profound!)
“Our divinest notes to pour,
“With responding thousands round!
8
“Days of mourning we fulfil;“Oh! that we the end might see!
“Sad, — her harp shall Israel still,
“Hang upon the willow tree!”
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PERSECUTION.
ADDRESSED TO THE PURITANS: (WRITTEN AFTER READING NEALE.)
THE feeling heart a sigh bestows,
When Humblest Merit droops his head;
But, o'er Transcendent Virtue's woes,
Our warm, and holiest tears, are shed.
When Humblest Merit droops his head;
But, o'er Transcendent Virtue's woes,
Our warm, and holiest tears, are shed.
317
We walk, in confidence sedate,
O'er thornless path, and flowery mead;
While now on Truth, fair hand-maids wait,
With none to threaten or impede;
O'er thornless path, and flowery mead;
While now on Truth, fair hand-maids wait,
With none to threaten or impede;
318
But what dismays, in dreariest form,
Our firm, and valiant fathers, bore;
That we, defended from the storm,
Might, unconstrain'd, our God adore!
Our firm, and valiant fathers, bore;
That we, defended from the storm,
Might, unconstrain'd, our God adore!
319
Once, furious spirits, sons of night!
In many a rude, vindictive band;
By hatred urged, and cruel spite,
Like locusts, spread o'er all our land:
In many a rude, vindictive band;
By hatred urged, and cruel spite,
Like locusts, spread o'er all our land:
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Where now the peaceful haunts are seen,
Oppression, anguish, dread, prevail'd;
Base serviles, ermine-clad, or mean,
The Wise, and Good, to Judgment hail'd.
Oppression, anguish, dread, prevail'd;
Base serviles, ermine-clad, or mean,
The Wise, and Good, to Judgment hail'd.
They all were track'd, by night and day,
No earthly refuge, home, or friend;
Compell'd to flee, while, forced to stay,
That they might break, who would not bend.
No earthly refuge, home, or friend;
Compell'd to flee, while, forced to stay,
That they might break, who would not bend.
Soul-reverenced men! your choice we hail!
You smiled, from prison-grate, and tower,
Conscience, suspended in one scale,
And, in the other, Wealth and Power!
You smiled, from prison-grate, and tower,
Conscience, suspended in one scale,
And, in the other, Wealth and Power!
Hosts, whom the Lawn could not enslave,
Were with the dungeon-fetters bound;
Till, in the cold and silent grave,
Their weary heads a refuge found!
Were with the dungeon-fetters bound;
Till, in the cold and silent grave,
Their weary heads a refuge found!
The weeping wife, the orphan train,
The hand upraised, th' imploring eye,
These wasters turn'd from, with disdain,
And rush'd to deeds of sabler dye.
The hand upraised, th' imploring eye,
These wasters turn'd from, with disdain,
And rush'd to deeds of sabler dye.
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How should they heed the hardest lot,
(While Hate and Rage, their bosoms fan,)
Who could extinguish, as a blot,
All sympathy for suffering man!
(While Hate and Rage, their bosoms fan,)
Who could extinguish, as a blot,
All sympathy for suffering man!
Arm'd with their High-Commission'd Might,
(Oh! curse of Britain! foul disgrace!)
They were the sovereign Judge of Right,
And they must think for all their race!
(Oh! curse of Britain! foul disgrace!)
They were the sovereign Judge of Right,
And they must think for all their race!
Thanks to our God, who rules the heart!
Or, at this hour, whom demons urge,
Some fiercer Bancroft might up start,
Or, prouder Laud, oppress, and scourge.
Or, at this hour, whom demons urge,
Some fiercer Bancroft might up start,
Or, prouder Laud, oppress, and scourge.
The purest forms of human worth,
Half to superior worlds allied,
To death, they dragg'd, remorseless forth,
And sang the requiem, as they died!
Half to superior worlds allied,
To death, they dragg'd, remorseless forth,
And sang the requiem, as they died!
There is a realm, where Justice reigns!
Where record dwells of their complaints!
And there are flames, and fiery chains —
That wait the Ravagers of Saints!
Where record dwells of their complaints!
And there are flames, and fiery chains —
That wait the Ravagers of Saints!
Compassion, (wont in Heaven to dwell,)
That sometimes deign'd to sojourn here,
Mistook our rancorous world for Hell,
And fled, where Pity still was dear.
That sometimes deign'd to sojourn here,
Mistook our rancorous world for Hell,
And fled, where Pity still was dear.
What were our sires' mis-doings, strange,
Which thus to brutes could men transform?
The human eye, to marble, change,
And hearts, to ice, that once were warm?
Which thus to brutes could men transform?
The human eye, to marble, change,
And hearts, to ice, that once were warm?
322
And, what the Covenanters brave,
Those worthies! suffering royally!
Our glory, hurried to their grave,
By spirits of the darkest dye!
Those worthies! suffering royally!
Our glory, hurried to their grave,
By spirits of the darkest dye!
Were these Contemners of their Lord!—
Vicegerents, from beneath, enthrall'd?
Monsters, by all that lives, abhorr'd,
Who, for earth's sweeping vengeance call'd?
Vicegerents, from beneath, enthrall'd?
Monsters, by all that lives, abhorr'd,
Who, for earth's sweeping vengeance call'd?
Their crime was, — love to human-kind!
While crouching thousands bent the knee,
They spurn'd the Tyranny of Mind!
And through their darings, we are free!
While crouching thousands bent the knee,
They spurn'd the Tyranny of Mind!
And through their darings, we are free!
Yes, hallow'd spirits! to your throes, —
The blood you shed, your valour high;
This moment, every Briton owes,
His Charter'd Rights and Liberty!
The blood you shed, your valour high;
This moment, every Briton owes,
His Charter'd Rights and Liberty!
Still costlier Freedom, first and best!—
To worship God, with God our Guide,
This was the jewel in your breast,
For which you barter'd all beside.
To worship God, with God our Guide,
This was the jewel in your breast,
For which you barter'd all beside.
Illustrious men! who bravely fought,
To shield us from o'erwhelming woe;
Oft, in the pensive hour of thought,
For you, our tenderest tears shall flow!
To shield us from o'erwhelming woe;
Oft, in the pensive hour of thought,
For you, our tenderest tears shall flow!
While Hierarchs Proud, who wrong'd, reviled,
Now lie inglorious in their shame!
You are the Great, the “Undefiled,”
And bear th' Imperishable Name!
Now lie inglorious in their shame!
You are the Great, the “Undefiled,”
And bear th' Imperishable Name!
323
Do you not still conspicuous shine,
Surpass'd not by our mightiest dead?
Does not the amaranth entwine,
Its brightest glories round your head?
Surpass'd not by our mightiest dead?
Does not the amaranth entwine,
Its brightest glories round your head?
When Popery, like a midnight flood,
Burst onward, scattering wide dismay!
You, fearless, England's Bulwark stood,
And turn'd th' impetuous surge away!
Burst onward, scattering wide dismay!
You, fearless, England's Bulwark stood,
And turn'd th' impetuous surge away!
Our conflicts, you sustain'd alone!
You, to the dust, a Stuart hurl'd!
You placed a Brunswick on our throne!—
And left a lesson to the world!
You, to the dust, a Stuart hurl'd!
You placed a Brunswick on our throne!—
And left a lesson to the world!
Hence, let the haughtiest tyrants learn —
Through every age, till time has waned;
Though they may, fiend-like, rack and burn,
Conscience shall never be constrain'd.
Through every age, till time has waned;
Though they may, fiend-like, rack and burn,
Conscience shall never be constrain'd.
FUNERAL DIRGE.
INTERMENT OF THE AGED SAINT.
THE MOURNERS.
First Voice.WHAT man is he who breathes the air,
And shall not to the tomb descend?
The march of glory ceases there,
And there earth's proudest pageants end!
Response.
Let our hearts with transport glow,
We have a hope, a glorious trust;
Thy worshippers, O Father! know,
That thou wilt raise their sleeping dust.
324
Aged traveller! to the grave,
With many a tear, we bear thee on;
Now, beyond each swelling wave,
Thou, to endless rest, art gone.
Response.
Aged father! aged saint!
Sorrow's cup to thee was given;
But, thou hast breath'd thy last complaint,
Perfected, and call'd to heaven.
First Voice.
Ere his crown, the righteous wears,
In his pilgrimage below,
Many sorrows, many cares,
Must his spirit undergo.
Response.
Ere the oak, in all his power,
Spreads his stately limbs, mature,
Many a sun-shine, many a shower,
Wind and rain, must he endure.
First Voice.
God speaks from his eternal throne,
And flaming hosts, his will perform;
He hath his fearful path, unknown,
In the whirlwind, and the storm.
Response.
Twilight veils our prospects here,
But we haste to perfect day,
Where the doubtful shall be clear,
And the darkness pass away.
325
Behold the upright man, and mark
How he concludes his mortal race,
When every earthly view is dark,
And death draws near with solemn pace.
Response.
Of heaven's unchanging promise sure,
Patient, he waits his soul's release;
And, as his life was calm and pure,
So, when he dies, his end is peace.
Chorus.
May we so pass our time below,
Mercy our hope, and faith our friend,
That, when we leave this world of woe,
Our lives may, like the righteous, end!
THE HERMIT's EVENING SONG.
ON the rough stone I sit, whilst the evening draws nigh,
And the zephyrs their fragrance luxuriously send;
No motion I see, but the birds in the sky,
And the lofty trees, waving, beneath where they lie,
Stretch'd, far as the sight can extend.
And the zephyrs their fragrance luxuriously send;
No motion I see, but the birds in the sky,
And the lofty trees, waving, beneath where they lie,
Stretch'd, far as the sight can extend.
Though my sorrows are great, yet my spirit is calm,
No more, to the winds, I, my anguish will tell;
The breeze playing round, to my soul breathes a balm,
While creation all joins in an audible psalm,
And my heart, the glad anthem shall swell.
No more, to the winds, I, my anguish will tell;
The breeze playing round, to my soul breathes a balm,
While creation all joins in an audible psalm,
And my heart, the glad anthem shall swell.
326
A shelter I have from the wind and the rain,
While the fare of the hermit is still my delight;
I may drink of yon riv'let, again and again,
And when I have done with this body of pain,
I shall dwell with the angels in light.
While the fare of the hermit is still my delight;
I may drink of yon riv'let, again and again,
And when I have done with this body of pain,
I shall dwell with the angels in light.
O why should I part with my noblest desire!
Why barter the crown which awaits me above!
That hope, like an anchor, which bids me aspire,
To join, in yon world, the celestial choir,
Who sing of redemption and love!
Why barter the crown which awaits me above!
That hope, like an anchor, which bids me aspire,
To join, in yon world, the celestial choir,
Who sing of redemption and love!
To all 'neath the stars, I shall soon bid adieu,
The clouds gather fast, my departure is near;
Then, my hopes, and my fears, all I dread, or pursue,
Like the waves of the ocean, will fade from my view,
And Eternity only appear!
The clouds gather fast, my departure is near;
Then, my hopes, and my fears, all I dread, or pursue,
Like the waves of the ocean, will fade from my view,
And Eternity only appear!
Men heed not their Maker, his voice from on high,
May they wake, ere too late, from their perilous dream!
But, when I remember, how soon I must die;
That my life passes on, like a cloud of the sky,
My time I must strive to redeem.
May they wake, ere too late, from their perilous dream!
But, when I remember, how soon I must die;
That my life passes on, like a cloud of the sky,
My time I must strive to redeem.
I have heard of glad tidings, far better than they,
(All brief,) which the sons of prosperity prize;
So, hither I come, to meet heaven half way,
With my own heart to commune, to praise, and to pray,
And my pinion to plume for the skies.
(All brief,) which the sons of prosperity prize;
So, hither I come, to meet heaven half way,
With my own heart to commune, to praise, and to pray,
And my pinion to plume for the skies.
The burdens of earth, I will joyfully bear;
Afflictions are monitors, sent to restore;
A pilgrim I am, as my forefathers were,
My portion is sorrow, my birth-right is care,
But the conflict will shortly be o'er.
Afflictions are monitors, sent to restore;
A pilgrim I am, as my forefathers were,
My portion is sorrow, my birth-right is care,
But the conflict will shortly be o'er.
327
These woods, where I dwell, can instruction supply,
From the grave of the winter, rejoicing, they rise;
While the birds, on their wing, tell me how I should fly,
To lay hold on the prize, which awaits in the sky,
For the steward, who is faithful and wise.
From the grave of the winter, rejoicing, they rise;
While the birds, on their wing, tell me how I should fly,
To lay hold on the prize, which awaits in the sky,
For the steward, who is faithful and wise.
So here will I pour, still at morning and eve,
The song of the heart to the Father of Love;
I will cease, at my sorrows, all fleeting, to grieve,
For soon, with the just, will my spirit receive,
A part, in the mansions above.
The song of the heart to the Father of Love;
I will cease, at my sorrows, all fleeting, to grieve,
For soon, with the just, will my spirit receive,
A part, in the mansions above.
Then let the winds roar, through the cloud-darken'd air,
As onward I haste, from these regions of night;
The road may be rough, but the prospect is fair,
And, the end of my journey, the end of my care,
Will be permanent, calm, and delight.
As onward I haste, from these regions of night;
The road may be rough, but the prospect is fair,
And, the end of my journey, the end of my care,
Will be permanent, calm, and delight.
HYMN TO THE SUPREME BEING.
LORD! thou the dwelling-place hast been,
Of all, who ever fear'd thy name;
Man changes with the changing scene,
But thou art evermore the same.
Of all, who ever fear'd thy name;
Man changes with the changing scene,
But thou art evermore the same.
Sceptres and thrones, the blaze of power,
Yea, all that charms the heart, the eye,
Will wonder raise, their little hour,
And, like a scroll, be passed by.
Yea, all that charms the heart, the eye,
Will wonder raise, their little hour,
And, like a scroll, be passed by.
But thou, unchanged, shalt remain,
Encircled by thy robe of light;
Thou, through perpetual years, shalt reign,
When sun, and stars, are quench'd in night.
Encircled by thy robe of light;
Thou, through perpetual years, shalt reign,
When sun, and stars, are quench'd in night.
328
Whirlwind and blast, thy will perform;
Lightnings receive their course from thee;
Thou rid'st upon the winged storm,
And thou restrain'st the raging sea!
Lightnings receive their course from thee;
Thou rid'st upon the winged storm,
And thou restrain'st the raging sea!
Thou, unconfined by space or time,
Display'st thy power, through endless years;
In every age, in every clime,
The Majesty of God appears.
Display'st thy power, through endless years;
In every age, in every clime,
The Majesty of God appears.
Thy mandate gave all creatures birth,
From chaos, Nature rose divine;
The deep foundations of the earth,
The everlasting hills, are thine.
From chaos, Nature rose divine;
The deep foundations of the earth,
The everlasting hills, are thine.
Perfection marks thy works around,
The great, the small, are one to thee;
The element where thou art found,
Is all alike — Infinity!
The great, the small, are one to thee;
The element where thou art found,
Is all alike — Infinity!
Thy dwelling, deep pavilions hide;
Mists bar access; dark waters frown;
Yet, here and there, the clouds divide,
And bring celestial visions down.
Mists bar access; dark waters frown;
Yet, here and there, the clouds divide,
And bring celestial visions down.
The birds, that joyous stretch their wing,
And wanton in the summer air;
The insect, and the creeping-thing,
Reveal the tokens of thy care.
And wanton in the summer air;
The insect, and the creeping-thing,
Reveal the tokens of thy care.
Mountains, unchanged, from age to age,
Thou, by thy might, hast girded round,
And given to Ocean, in his rage,
The fix'd, and admantine bound.
Thou, by thy might, hast girded round,
And given to Ocean, in his rage,
The fix'd, and admantine bound.
329
Leviathan, and all his train,
Through the wide sea, in myriads spread;
The beasts, that range the wood, or plain,
All, by thy bounteous hand, are fed!
Through the wide sea, in myriads spread;
The beasts, that range the wood, or plain,
All, by thy bounteous hand, are fed!
The shrubs and flowers, in fair array,
The golden corn, the lofty tree;
The fruits, that clustering bend the spray,
Still claim our thanks, and point to thee.
The golden corn, the lofty tree;
The fruits, that clustering bend the spray,
Still claim our thanks, and point to thee.
Thine is the Summer's ample store,
Thee, teeming Autumn owns her King;
Thou shin'st in Winter's mantle hoar,
And thou renew'st the face of Spring.
Thee, teeming Autumn owns her King;
Thou shin'st in Winter's mantle hoar,
And thou renew'st the face of Spring.
On all that is, the Great First Cause,
Stamps his imperishable lines;
Resistless power the spirit awes,
Till, through the awful, mercy shines.
Stamps his imperishable lines;
Resistless power the spirit awes,
Till, through the awful, mercy shines.
Thou, who, above all thought, art high,
The Great Unknown, the Final End,
Dost hear the ravens, when they cry,
And, “goodness,” to the worm, extend.
The Great Unknown, the Final End,
Dost hear the ravens, when they cry,
And, “goodness,” to the worm, extend.
Creation, to her utmost bound,
Regales the ear, and charms the sight;
Beneficence, the earth around,
Moves onward, in her track of light.
Regales the ear, and charms the sight;
Beneficence, the earth around,
Moves onward, in her track of light.
We mark thee in the blush of morn;
We view thee in the glow of eve;
And generations, yet unborn,
Shall drink the transport we receive.
We view thee in the glow of eve;
And generations, yet unborn,
Shall drink the transport we receive.
330
When, to the heavens, we raise our eye,
The grandeur of thy name we see;
We trace, through all the spangled sky,
The finger plain of Deity!
The grandeur of thy name we see;
We trace, through all the spangled sky,
The finger plain of Deity!
Let the whole earth, in chorus wide,
Laud thee, till faith expires in sight;
That thou didst cast the veil aside,
And give to man the starry night.
Laud thee, till faith expires in sight;
That thou didst cast the veil aside,
And give to man the starry night.
That tablet clear, that lucid page,
Whereon is read Jehovah's sway;
And, which the Atheist, in his rage,
To blackest shades, would tear away!
Whereon is read Jehovah's sway;
And, which the Atheist, in his rage,
To blackest shades, would tear away!
There, sphere on sphere, in mystic throng,
Direct to thee their airy lyre;
The daring vision toils along,
Through regions, kindling still with fire.
Direct to thee their airy lyre;
The daring vision toils along,
Through regions, kindling still with fire.
The moon, august, Thou badest shine,
While calm as thought the concave glows,
Thou spak'st, and in one vast design,
Ten thousand beaming worlds arose.
While calm as thought the concave glows,
Thou spak'st, and in one vast design,
Ten thousand beaming worlds arose.
Amid the confluent flood of light,
Sent from Heaven's unimagined bound;
Suns, traversing, harmonious, bright,
The constellated vault profound;
Sent from Heaven's unimagined bound;
Suns, traversing, harmonious, bright,
The constellated vault profound;
Arcturus, stately, passes on,
Conspicuous, through his lapse of years,
Orion, with his triple zone,
Alike, in radiant pomp, appears.
Conspicuous, through his lapse of years,
Orion, with his triple zone,
Alike, in radiant pomp, appears.
331
And there, the Pleiades proclaim
“Dominion!” to the Lord on high!
While all the planets sing the same,
In their procession round the sky.
“Dominion!” to the Lord on high!
While all the planets sing the same,
In their procession round the sky.
Though countless orbs through ether roll,
Yet these are atoms, power confined;
Thou didst create the human soul,
Efflux of thine eternal mind!
Yet these are atoms, power confined;
Thou didst create the human soul,
Efflux of thine eternal mind!
Still higher! the angelic choir,
With all the glorious hosts above,
Sprang from thy fiat, Sovereign Sire!
Great Source of Being! Fount of Love!
With all the glorious hosts above,
Sprang from thy fiat, Sovereign Sire!
Great Source of Being! Fount of Love!
On earth, “Omnipotence!” we hear,
Sent forth from every form and sense;
While heaven, with accent still more clear,
Again repeats, “Omnipotence!”
Sent forth from every form and sense;
While heaven, with accent still more clear,
Again repeats, “Omnipotence!”
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