5.
“They have washed their robes, and made them white in
the Blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne
of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple.”
Thence the white robes of all-prevailing prayer,
Through all her courts shall to His Church descend,
Multiplied at her shrines unto the end.—
Numberless as the stars on the dark air
Come forth, and the departed sun-light share.
That robe a silent language doth attend,
It speechless intercession seems to wear,
As representing Him Who stood our Friend
Before the king of terrors. At that day,
In plenitude of His Almighty sway,
Whate'er things Him approach'd, hate, jest, or chance,
Put on themselves divine significance;
E'en as the setting sun, of clouds brought nigh,
Makes to himself a glorious pageantry.
