The Christian Scholar By the Author of "The Cathedral" [i.e. Isaac Williams] |
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| HEATHEN ORACLES CONFESSING CHRIST. |
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 | The Christian Scholar |  |
30
HEATHEN ORACLES CONFESSING CHRIST.
“MAGNA CURIOSITATE ET MAJORE LONGE MEMORIA OPUS EST AD
STUDENDUM, SI QUIS VELIT EX LITERIS REOEPTISSIMIS QUIBUBQUE
PHILOSOPHORUM, VEL POETARUM, VEL QUORUMLIBET DOCTRINÆ AC
SAPIRNTI(AB) SEOULARIS MAOISTRORUM TESTIMONIA EXCERPERE
CHRISTIANÆ VERITATIS.”
Tertullian, De Test. Animæ.
“AMISSA DRACHMA REGIO
RECONDITA EST ÆRARIO;
ET GEMMA, DETERSO LUTO,
NITORE VINCIT SIDERA.”
Rom. Brev. Mar. Mag.
RECONDITA EST ÆRARIO;
ET GEMMA, DETERSO LUTO,
NITORE VINCIT SIDERA.”
Rom. Brev. Mar. Mag.
32
“PRIMUS SAPIENTIÆ GRADUS EST. FALSA INTELLIGERE
SEOUNDUS, VERA REOOGNOSOERE.”
Lactantius, De fals. Rel., lib. i. cap. xxiii.
SEOUNDUS, VERA REOOGNOSOERE.”
Lactantius, De fals. Rel., lib. i. cap. xxiii.
33
I.
“------της αγαν γαρ εστι που σιγης βαρος
.”
Soph. Antig. 1256.
Soph. Antig. 1256.
When human words are found too weak
Some dreadful weight of woe to speak,
The poet drops his oar and sail,
And Silence bids to tell the tale.
Some dreadful weight of woe to speak,
The poet drops his oar and sail,
And Silence bids to tell the tale.
Dido, Jocasta, Creon's wife
Entangled in a mortal strife,
In silence hide the desperate will,
And in a thunder-cloud are still.
Entangled in a mortal strife,
In silence hide the desperate will,
And in a thunder-cloud are still.
“I held my tongue, and spake nothing: I kept silence.”
Ps. xxxix. 3.
Ps. xxxix. 3.
The loudest thunder hath no tongue
More dread than is this stillness long,
Which seems to wrap all nature round,
Awaiting the last Trumpet's sound.
More dread than is this stillness long,
Which seems to wrap all nature round,
Awaiting the last Trumpet's sound.
Such noiseless foot-falls, stillness-shod,
Which seem to mark the ways of God,
Sound deeper than the outward sense,
With a strange awful eloquence.
Which seem to mark the ways of God,
Sound deeper than the outward sense,
With a strange awful eloquence.
34
II.
“Ποθος και κακων αρ' ην τις.
και γαρ ο μηδαμα δη φιλον, ην φιλον:
οποτε γε και τον εν χεροιν κατειχον .”
Œd. Col. 1693.
και γαρ ο μηδαμα δη φιλον, ην φιλον:
οποτε γε και τον εν χεροιν κατειχον .”
Œd. Col. 1693.
Antigone, that gentle guide
By her blind father's aged side,
Guiding his feeble steps aright,
Like morning star with sable night.
By her blind father's aged side,
Guiding his feeble steps aright,
Like morning star with sable night.
That tragic page, affection's child,
Her Presence lights, serene and mild;
In duteous love she found repose,
And thus spoke sweetly at its close.
Her Presence lights, serene and mild;
In duteous love she found repose,
And thus spoke sweetly at its close.
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities. . . .in distresses
for Christ's sake.”
2 Cor. xii 10.
For them who on the steps of time
Shall with the “Man of Sorrows” climb,
Affection's light the cloud shall line,
And paint its edge with hues divine.
Shall with the “Man of Sorrows” climb,
Affection's light the cloud shall line,
And paint its edge with hues divine.
Thus they who walk this vale of woe
With Christ, nor duty's hand let go,
Safe on their Father's breast erewhile
Shall on the past look back, and smile.
With Christ, nor duty's hand let go,
Safe on their Father's breast erewhile
Shall on the past look back, and smile.
35
III.
“Πολιτειας δε εστιν ειδη τρια. Τουτων δε βελτιστη μεν η
βασιλεια
.”
Arist. Eth. lib. viii. c. x.
The powers of Father, Patriarch, King,
Are shadows of the Eternal's wing,
Fostering in her obedient ways,
Where Piety gives length of days.
Are shadows of the Eternal's wing,
Fostering in her obedient ways,
Where Piety gives length of days.
Such is the school of love divine,
In varied forms of discipline,
God teaches thus His hand to see,
Whose service is true liberty.
In varied forms of discipline,
God teaches thus His hand to see,
Whose service is true liberty.
“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of
our Lord, and of His Christ.”
Rev. xi. 15.
What men call freedom here on earth
I ever thought of little worth;
The Angels with their King above
Know of no liberty but love.
I ever thought of little worth;
The Angels with their King above
Know of no liberty but love.
Kings' rule is nature's own behest,
God's own vicegerence manifest;
Which all around a people brings
The anointing of the King of kings.
God's own vicegerence manifest;
Which all around a people brings
The anointing of the King of kings.
36
IV.
“Diis te minorem quod geris, imperas
.”
Hor. Od iii. 6.
Why in the shades of ancient Rome
Did Empire make her wondrous home,
So deep her strong foundations cast,
With power that lingers to the last?
Did Empire make her wondrous home,
So deep her strong foundations cast,
With power that lingers to the last?
It is that to the Roman tongue
A mystic word there did belong,
Which changeful Greece could ne'er supply,
That word of power is “Piety.”
A mystic word there did belong,
Which changeful Greece could ne'er supply,
That word of power is “Piety.”
“Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand
riches and honour.”
Prov. iii. 16.
The kingdom of the imperial Czar
Now seems to issue from afar,
And o'er the ages yet to be
To rise in tranquil majesty.
Now seems to issue from afar,
And o'er the ages yet to be
To rise in tranquil majesty.
Her strength she builds o'er sea and land
Upon Mount Sinai's fifth command,
Which casts its shadow long before,
And hath the length of days in store.
Upon Mount Sinai's fifth command,
Which casts its shadow long before,
And hath the length of days in store.
37
V.
“------ο μεγας δε κινδ-
νος αναλκιν ου φω-
τα λαμβανει. ”
Pind. Ol. i. 129
νος αναλκιν ου φω-
τα λαμβανει. ”
Pind. Ol. i. 129
How is it that stern fortitude,
A mailèd form of heathen mood,
Hath power mad multitudes to stay,
And hold the upheaving world at bay?
A mailèd form of heathen mood,
Hath power mad multitudes to stay,
And hold the upheaving world at bay?
It is that such of iron nerve,
That takes its post and will not swerve,
Shadows that Faith whose fearless form
Walks on the waves and treads the storm.
That takes its post and will not swerve,
Shadows that Faith whose fearless form
Walks on the waves and treads the storm.
“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest
observe to do according to all the Law.”
Josh i 7.
Give me the spirit brave and bold
The stormy kingdom's helm to hold,
The praise of man behind him cast
Who looks right onward to the last.
The stormy kingdom's helm to hold,
The praise of man behind him cast
Who looks right onward to the last.
Who, train'd by Christ in Wisdom's school,
Is by the world esteem'd a fool:
Set at the helm this statesman true,
And I the storm would brave with you.
Is by the world esteem'd a fool:
Set at the helm this statesman true,
And I the storm would brave with you.
38
VI.
“Εχθρος γαρ μοι κεινος ομως Αιδαο πυλησιν,
Ος χ' ετερον μεν κευθη ενι φρεσιν, αλλο δε ειπη .”
Hom. Il. ix. 312.
Ος χ' ετερον μεν κευθη ενι φρεσιν, αλλο δε ειπη .”
Hom. Il. ix. 312.
So spake Achilles,—'twas a gem
The brightest in his diadem,
To whom the Poet had assign'd
Noble divinity of mind.
The brightest in his diadem,
To whom the Poet had assign'd
Noble divinity of mind.
Falsehood is mark of his disguise
Who is the father of all lies,
Though oft its craven wing may brood
Beneath a warlike attitude.
Who is the father of all lies,
Though oft its craven wing may brood
Beneath a warlike attitude.
“All liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with
fire and brimstone.”
Rev. xxi. 8.
The mirror of all youthful grace
Is seen in the transparent face,
Ere sin hath touch'd the open breast,
And hid therein its viper nest.
Is seen in the transparent face,
Ere sin hath touch'd the open breast,
And hid therein its viper nest.
And 'twas a wisdom deep and true,
More than that ancient Poet knew,
When thus he made the liar dwell
Beside the very gates of hell.
More than that ancient Poet knew,
When thus he made the liar dwell
Beside the very gates of hell.
39
VII.
“Nil dictu fœdum visuve hæc limina tangat
Intra quæ puer est .”
Juv. Sat. xiv. 44.
Intra quæ puer est .”
Juv. Sat. xiv. 44.
O unseen Angels guard around,—
For nothing earthly can be found
To keep and shelter undefil'd
'Mid toils of youth a guileless child.
For nothing earthly can be found
To keep and shelter undefil'd
'Mid toils of youth a guileless child.
'Mid heathen haunts O keep his soul
From every vision dark and foul;—
Thou only canst, all-saving Name,
Walk with Thy children in the flame.
From every vision dark and foul;—
Thou only canst, all-saving Name,
Walk with Thy children in the flame.
“Whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe
in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged
about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the
sea.”
S. Mat. xviii. 6.
A father would his son should be
Swallowed in the unfathom'd sea
Rather than harbour thoughts unclean,
As they who walk this worldly scene.
Swallowed in the unfathom'd sea
Rather than harbour thoughts unclean,
As they who walk this worldly scene.
Or, if by passing from this sphere
He might to Christ be brought more near,
Then would he die to keep him pure,
If father's love might that secure.
He might to Christ be brought more near,
Then would he die to keep him pure,
If father's love might that secure.
40
VIII.
“------Μελαντειχεα νυν δομον
Φερσεφονας ιθι, Αχοι.”
Pind. Ol. xiv. 28.
Φερσεφονας ιθι, Αχοι.”
Pind. Ol. xiv. 28.
Thus spake the Theban bard divine,—
“To black-wall'd house of Proserpine,
Sweet nymph that dwell'st in airy cell,
Echo, go forth, the tidings tell.
“To black-wall'd house of Proserpine,
Sweet nymph that dwell'st in airy cell,
Echo, go forth, the tidings tell.
“There Cleodamus shalt thou meet,
And bid him know, in Pisa's seat
His son is crown'd, and stands on high,
Clad with the wings of victory.”
And bid him know, in Pisa's seat
His son is crown'd, and stands on high,
Clad with the wings of victory.”
“Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.”
S. Luke xv. 7.
It is an Echo now no more
That passes to the eternal shore,
But in the ever-living Word
The Truth itself is stilly heard.
That passes to the eternal shore,
But in the ever-living Word
The Truth itself is stilly heard.
Such deep communion in their Head
Combines the living with the dead;
They know and feel the better choice,
And o'er the quick the dead rejoice.
Combines the living with the dead;
They know and feel the better choice,
And o'er the quick the dead rejoice.
41
IX.
“------πλειων χρονος
ον δει μ' αρεσκειν τοις κατω, των ενθαδε.
εκει γαρ αει κεισομαι.”
Soph. Antig. 74
ον δει μ' αρεσκειν τοις κατω, των ενθαδε.
εκει γαρ αει κεισομαι.”
Soph. Antig. 74
“'Tis more avail to please the dead
Than those 'mong whom this life is led;
'Tis better far to keep a friend
Where there is life that hath no end.”
Than those 'mong whom this life is led;
'Tis better far to keep a friend
Where there is life that hath no end.”
When death on friendship sets his seal,
Past good and ill we trembling feel,
They come forth and before us stand
As written by an Angel's hand.
Past good and ill we trembling feel,
They come forth and before us stand
As written by an Angel's hand.
“They shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob,
in the kingdom of heaven.”
S. Matt viii. 11
When we have hence departed, then
We shall be with our fellow-men,
Which now conceal'd behind the veil
Watch this our life and being frail.
We shall be with our fellow-men,
Which now conceal'd behind the veil
Watch this our life and being frail.
No better wisdom can we learn
Than their unfailing love to earn,
And look on all things with the eyes
Of those unearthly companies.
Than their unfailing love to earn,
And look on all things with the eyes
Of those unearthly companies.
42
X.
“Trophonius and Agamedes, having built a shrine at Delphi,
requested of Apollo their reward, and he said he would give it
them on the seventh day; and on that day they died.”
Plutarch apud Stob.
The Epitaph of Biton and Cleobis.
“Their mother's car themselves they drew
To this her shrine in all men's view;
The people bless'd her thus convey'd,
And she for them her Goddess prayed,—
To this her shrine in all men's view;
The people bless'd her thus convey'd,
And she for them her Goddess prayed,—
“On these her sons that there might rest
Some gift the highest and the best;
She prayed—they died;—the God thus shews
Death is the best which Heaven bestows.”
Some gift the highest and the best;
She prayed—they died;—the God thus shews
Death is the best which Heaven bestows.”
“I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, From
henceforth blessed are the dead which die in the Lord; for
they rest from their labours, and their works do follow them.”
Rev. xiv. 13
So death, our nature's worst distress,
Itself is highest blessedness,
If it be register'd on high
In deeds of duteous piety.
Itself is highest blessedness,
If it be register'd on high
In deeds of duteous piety.
To that state nearest they draw nigh
In self-denying deeds who die;
Of earthly pleasures dispossess'd
When mortified they are at rest.
In self-denying deeds who die;
Of earthly pleasures dispossess'd
When mortified they are at rest.
43
XI.
“Τις δ' οιδεν ει ζην τουθ', ο κεκληται θανειν,
Το ζην δε θνησκειν εστι .”
Eurip. apud Stob
Το ζην δε θνησκειν εστι .”
Eurip. apud Stob
When stars were thronging heaven's blue arch
On their serene majestic march,
Then gazing on Night's face severe
The heathen heard this voice of fear,—
On their serene majestic march,
Then gazing on Night's face severe
The heathen heard this voice of fear,—
If all those beauteous orbs of light
Are brought to view by silent Night,
The light of life may from our eyes
Hide greater things that fill the skies.
Are brought to view by silent Night,
The light of life may from our eyes
Hide greater things that fill the skies.
“When I was a child . . I understood as a child . . . For
now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face.”
1 Cor. xiii. 11, 12.
Mysterious Childhood, on thy ways
With wonder and with awe we gaze,
So small the horizon which around
Doth all thy little knowledge bound.
With wonder and with awe we gaze,
So small the horizon which around
Doth all thy little knowledge bound.
Thou art a mirror here below,
Compar'd with what the wisest know,
Of what this scene of night and day
Shall be to those that leave this clay.
Compar'd with what the wisest know,
Of what this scene of night and day
Shall be to those that leave this clay.
44
XII.
“Οσσα δε μη πεφιληκε
Ζευς, ατυζονται βοαν
Πιεριδων αιοντα.”
Pind. Pyth. 1. 24,
Ζευς, ατυζονται βοαν
Πιεριδων αιοντα.”
Pind. Pyth. 1. 24,
Sweet and entrancing was that song
Which Pindar paints the heavens among;
Which held the gods in ecstasy,
And clos'd in sleep the eagle's eye.
Which Pindar paints the heavens among;
Which held the gods in ecstasy,
And clos'd in sleep the eagle's eye.
“That melody whose sound to hear
Fills every guilty soul with fear,
Whom the great Father doth not love,
Through earth, sea, hell, or skies above.”
Fills every guilty soul with fear,
Whom the great Father doth not love,
Through earth, sea, hell, or skies above.”
“And I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
and they sung as it were a new song before the throne.”
Rev xiv 2. 3.
Oh, that with me the blissful spell,
That soul of music, might indwell,
Which sets all strife and sin afar,
And in its orbit holds each star!
That soul of music, might indwell,
Which sets all strife and sin afar,
And in its orbit holds each star!
For what is music but, to sense
Express'd in wondrous eloquence,
That peace no heart can tell below,
And which the wicked ne'er shall know.
Express'd in wondrous eloquence,
That peace no heart can tell below,
And which the wicked ne'er shall know.
45
XIII.
“Η δε μεθωδηγησεν, απο στερνων προφερουσα
Μαζον, τον λιμου ρυτορα και θανατου.”
Epigr. Leon. Alex.
Μαζον, τον λιμου ρυτορα και θανατου.”
Epigr. Leon. Alex.
As on the cliff her infant steals
No sound a mother's heart reveals;
He on the verge that looks from high
Creeps in unconscious infancy.
No sound a mother's heart reveals;
He on the verge that looks from high
Creeps in unconscious infancy.
Yet still no voice, no sound is heard,
She utters not one warning word,
But drawing near, and watching there,
She leans, and lays her bosom bare.
She utters not one warning word,
But drawing near, and watching there,
She leans, and lays her bosom bare.
“Can a woman forget her sucking child?. . . .Yea, they
may forget, yet will I not forget thee.”
Is. xlix. 15.
How tender, Lord, Thy ways of love!
Thy very Silence doth reprove,
And to Thy breast Thy child recall
Trembling o'er an eternal fall.
Thy very Silence doth reprove,
And to Thy breast Thy child recall
Trembling o'er an eternal fall.
What long forbearance hath been Thine,
More than maternal, love divine,
Whose gifts Thy very heart disclose,
And there invite him to repose!
More than maternal, love divine,
Whose gifts Thy very heart disclose,
And there invite him to repose!
46
XIV.
“Τα λεγομενα αγαθα παντα φθειρει και αποσπα, καλλος, και
πλουτος, και ισχυς σωματος, και ξυγγενεια ερρωμενη εν πολει, και
παντα τα τουτων οικεια
.”
Plato. De Rep. lib. vi.
Such sayings come from East and West,
And in Christ's kingdom find their rest;
Such wisdom speaks in Gentile lands,
And to Christ's truth a witness stands;—
And in Christ's kingdom find their rest;
Such wisdom speaks in Gentile lands,
And to Christ's truth a witness stands;—
Like that Centurion's voice they come,—
While mid the darkness and the gloom
Beneath the Cross his watch he trod,—
“This is indeed the Son of God.”
While mid the darkness and the gloom
Beneath the Cross his watch he trod,—
“This is indeed the Son of God.”
“Those things which are commonly called goods, such as beauty, riches, strength of body, powerful state-connections, and the like, deprave the soul.”
“All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the
lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father.”
1 John ii. 16.
For well we know whatever shines
Where the Sun rises and declines,
Is like the bower of Paradise,
Wherein a painted serpent lies.
Where the Sun rises and declines,
Is like the bower of Paradise,
Wherein a painted serpent lies.
When Christ to death His head bowed low,
The sweat of Blood upon His brow
With good men's suffering blends, to bless
Their sweat in this the wilderness.
The sweat of Blood upon His brow
With good men's suffering blends, to bless
Their sweat in this the wilderness.
47
XV.
“Ταγαθον δε οικειον τι και δυσαφαιρετον ειναι μαντευομεθα
.”
Arist. Eth. lib. i. ch. v.
That great, essential, only Good,
For ever sought, ne'er understood,
For which man's nature ever pines,
Of which within his heart divines;—
For ever sought, ne'er understood,
For which man's nature ever pines,
Of which within his heart divines;—
Divines aright, howe'er possess'd,
That it must be our perfect rest,
True and intrinsic, which alone
Can ne'er be lost, our very own.
That it must be our perfect rest,
True and intrinsic, which alone
Can ne'er be lost, our very own.
“The soul within us divines that the Chief Good must be something quite our own, and which cannot be taken from us.”
“There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord,
lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us.”
Ps iv. 6
We know not where that Good may dwell;
Where it doth not we know full well:
We know not, for we know not God,
Who is Himself the soul's abode.
Where it doth not we know full well:
We know not, for we know not God,
Who is Himself the soul's abode.
Yet deem'd that Grecian school aright
It is from that heart-gladdening light
Which in all virtue on the soul
Breaks from the everlasting goal.
It is from that heart-gladdening light
Which in all virtue on the soul
Breaks from the everlasting goal.
48
XVI.
“Οστις ουν μη διδωσι δικην, αδικων, τουτω προσηκειν αθλιω
ειναι διαφεροντως των αλλων ανθρωπων
.”
Socrates in Plato's Gorgias.
So spake the Sage, whose eagle ken
Was cleans'd beyond all heathen men;
Who laid his hand upon the key
Which opes divine philosophy.
Was cleans'd beyond all heathen men;
Who laid his hand upon the key
Which opes divine philosophy.
He saw that while an Ocean strife
Coils and embroils this nether life,
A golden net upon each hand
Was drawing to a heavenly strand.
Coils and embroils this nether life,
A golden net upon each hand
Was drawing to a heavenly strand.
“I say that those who commit wrong are of all men the most miserable: but less so if they suffer for it.”
“He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.”
1 Pet. iv. 1.
Yet knew he not that mystic Sign
Which suffering clothes with strength divine;—
That Sign which through all nature reigns,
In all things great and small remains.
Which suffering clothes with strength divine;—
That Sign which through all nature reigns,
In all things great and small remains.
That Tree puts forth its healing leaves,
While 'neath its shade all nature grieves,
Till by its hallow'd touch restor'd
United to a suffering Lord.
While 'neath its shade all nature grieves,
Till by its hallow'd touch restor'd
United to a suffering Lord.
49
XVII.
“Οιμαι δε και τους πολλους ειναι τουτων των παραδειγματων
τους εκ τυραννων και βασιλεων και δυναστων.”
Plato, Gorgias.
When classic sage or bard are led
To paint the places of the dead,
They make the rich and great to be
Chief sufferers in eternity.
To paint the places of the dead,
They make the rich and great to be
Chief sufferers in eternity.
Nor is this mere the impress given
From that old democratic leaven,
To which unquict Greece gave birth
Against the princes of the earth.
From that old democratic leaven,
To which unquict Greece gave birth
Against the princes of the earth.
“Thou in thy life receivedst thy good things, and likewise
Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou art
tormented.”
S. Luke xvi 25.
No; in Christ's kingdom, where alone
Freedom and envy are unknown,
On mighty men of earth there lie
Dark shadows of futurity.
Freedom and envy are unknown,
On mighty men of earth there lie
Dark shadows of futurity.
For wealth and power and ampler space
Tempt all too much our fallen race;
But amid want and shame and pains
The healing Cross its power sustains.
Tempt all too much our fallen race;
But amid want and shame and pains
The healing Cross its power sustains.
50
XVIII.
“Delirant reges, plectuntur Achivi
.”
Hor.
The sins of kings their people bear,
As the primeval curse we share:
And haply God through evil kings
His judgments on a people brings.
As the primeval curse we share:
And haply God through evil kings
His judgments on a people brings.
By one another's sins around
Mysteriously we are thus bound;
And there descends throughout all time
A chain of penalty and crime.
Mysteriously we are thus bound;
And there descends throughout all time
A chain of penalty and crime.
“As by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by
the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”
Rom. v. 19.
Such complication on us lies
Of endless sympathetic ties,
All are in Adam dead on earth,
All are in Christ of heavenly birth.
Of endless sympathetic ties,
All are in Adam dead on earth,
All are in Christ of heavenly birth.
Thus Adam's sin below we bear
To make us one in mutual care;
Christ's righteousness we share above
To make us one in mutual love.
To make us one in mutual care;
Christ's righteousness we share above
To make us one in mutual love.
51
XIX.
“Tum Africanus . . Si tibi parva (ut est) ita videtur, hæc
cœlestia semper spectato
.”
The Dream of Scipio.
Thus Roman conquerors could climb
Above the things of earth and time,
Forgetting human hopes and fears
Amid the music of the spheres:—
Above the things of earth and time,
Forgetting human hopes and fears
Amid the music of the spheres:—
Advancing into converse high
Of goodness, truth, and piety,
And of a place to spirits given
In Plato's tranquil seats of heaven.
Of goodness, truth, and piety,
And of a place to spirits given
In Plato's tranquil seats of heaven.
“If earth, the abode of mankind, now appears to thee so small, as indeed it is, ever look thou to these heavenly things.”
“Not many mighty, not many noble are called.”
1 Cor i. 26
How is it now the worldly great,
Men of renown and high estate,
Turn from the soul-ennobling theme
Of which e'en heathens loved to dream?
Men of renown and high estate,
Turn from the soul-ennobling theme
Of which e'en heathens loved to dream?
Is it that truth appears so mean
Where Christ the only door is seen?
Or that we to the dregs descend
As the world verges to its end?
Where Christ the only door is seen?
Or that we to the dregs descend
As the world verges to its end?
52
XX.
“------Pauci quos æquus amavit
Jupiter, aut ardens evexit ad æthera virtus .”
Virg. Æn. vi. 129
Jupiter, aut ardens evexit ad æthera virtus .”
Virg. Æn. vi. 129
The sparks ascend, and one by one
Extinguish'd are in smoke and gone:
In stedfast course a few arise
Borne upward to congenial skies.
Extinguish'd are in smoke and gone:
In stedfast course a few arise
Borne upward to congenial skies.
Mid paynim nations some were seen,
With strong presentiment serene,
Heavenward to hold a tranquil light,
Till they had pass'd from human sight.
With strong presentiment serene,
Heavenward to hold a tranquil light,
Till they had pass'd from human sight.
“Knowledge shall be increased. . . . But none of the wicked
shall understand.”
Dan. xii. 4, 10.
Christ's shadow now on us remains,
And covers o'er the Gentile's stains,
The world His fourfold Robes divides,
And 'neath their shelt'ring skirt abides.
And covers o'er the Gentile's stains,
The world His fourfold Robes divides,
And 'neath their shelt'ring skirt abides.
With one alone of all the four
The inner Raiment is in store,
When by the lot of heaven's decree
The heart is clothed with charity.
The inner Raiment is in store,
When by the lot of heaven's decree
The heart is clothed with charity.
53
XXI.
“Rari quippe boni, numero vix sunt totidem quot
Thebarum portæ, vel divitis ostia Nili .”
Juv. xiii. 27.
Thebarum portæ, vel divitis ostia Nili .”
Juv. xiii. 27.
When mid those friends we cherish'd long
We find the world at heart is strong,
With heavy sickness at the soul
We doubt if aught attains the goal.
We find the world at heart is strong,
With heavy sickness at the soul
We doubt if aught attains the goal.
A remnant in all times and few
Are they who walk with heaven in view;
In the dark vale few gleams appear,
Thus hope is purified by fear.
Are they who walk with heaven in view;
In the dark vale few gleams appear,
Thus hope is purified by fear.
“Many are called, but few are chosen.”
S. Matt. xxii. 14
'Tis dark, and stars like living eyes
Look from their houses with surprise,
While rippling of unnumber'd waves
Bears us all onward to our graves.
Look from their houses with surprise,
While rippling of unnumber'd waves
Bears us all onward to our graves.
One only point—one polar star—
One point of safety from afar;
Who to that haven would prevail
Must use untir'd both oar and sail.
One point of safety from afar;
Who to that haven would prevail
Must use untir'd both oar and sail.
54
XXII.
“Θεος, επιτροπος ε-
ων, τεαισι μηδεται,
Εχων τουτο κηδος, Ιερων
Μεριμναισιν.”
Pind Ol. i 173
ων, τεαισι μηδεται,
Εχων τουτο κηδος, Ιερων
Μεριμναισιν.”
Pind Ol. i 173
“A God keeps watch o'er thee alone,
And makes thy cares to be His own,
As kindred watch o'er kindred dear;”—
Thus Pindar spake in kingly ear.
And makes thy cares to be His own,
As kindred watch o'er kindred dear;”—
Thus Pindar spake in kingly ear.
“Carior est illis homo quam sibi.”
Juv. x. 350.
Still brighter did this golden theme
Upon Rome's later poet gleam,
That “dearer to the gods is he
Than man unto himself can be.”
Upon Rome's later poet gleam,
That “dearer to the gods is he
Than man unto himself can be.”
“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.”
1 Pet v 7.
Thus mid the ruin sin hath wrought
In things without and inward thought,
Through this dark world of sin and pain
Some shiver'd fragments still remain—
In things without and inward thought,
Through this dark world of sin and pain
Some shiver'd fragments still remain—
Some fragments which to heathen sight
Present that vision of true light,
Which in the Christian's sky above
Shines like the Sun, that—“God is Love.”
Present that vision of true light,
Which in the Christian's sky above
Shines like the Sun, that—“God is Love.”
55
XXIII.
“Δοξειε δ' αν ο τοιουτος ειναι φιλαυτος: απονεμει γαρ εαυτω
τα καλλιστα και μαλιστα αγαθα, και χαριζεται εαυτου τω κυριωτατω
.”
Arist Eth. ix. 8.
Who going forth from his own door
Opes wide his hand unto the poor,
He mercy shews to his own soul,
He loves true life—his being whole.
Opes wide his hand unto the poor,
He mercy shews to his own soul,
He loves true life—his being whole.
He who his lower self denies
His higher life doth mostly prize;
And no one to himself is kind
Who harbours an unfeeling mind.
His higher life doth mostly prize;
And no one to himself is kind
Who harbours an unfeeling mind.
“The good man is properly a lover of self; for to himself he affords what is truly good, and gratifles the highest part of his nature.
“Whosoever will save his life, shall lose it: and whosoever
will lose his life for My sake shall find it.”
S. Matt. xvi. 25.
Thus he himself doth mostly love
Who mostly loveth God above;
At home begins that charity
Which reaches to the boundless sky.
Who mostly loveth God above;
At home begins that charity
Which reaches to the boundless sky.
Then he whoe'er would find true rest
Above the clouds must build his nest;
True love is only understood
Which rests in everlasting good.
Above the clouds must build his nest;
True love is only understood
Which rests in everlasting good.
56
XXIV.
“Οι δ' ευεργεται τους ευεργετηθεντας δοκουσι μαλλον φιλειν,
η οι ευ παθοντες τους δρασαντας.”
Arist Eth. ix. 7.
The Sage of that Socratic school
Who laid out Wisdom's chart by rule,
Said, by its deeds Love forms and grows;
Thus Love back to its fountain flows.
Who laid out Wisdom's chart by rule,
Said, by its deeds Love forms and grows;
Thus Love back to its fountain flows.
“Proprium odisse quem læseris.”
Tac. Agric. 42.
The Historian stern of Rome's decay
Survey'd the dregs of that dark day,
And reason'd well—that deeds of ill
Their parent breast with hatred fill.
Survey'd the dregs of that dark day,
And reason'd well—that deeds of ill
Their parent breast with hatred fill.
“You, that were enemies in your mind by wicked works,
yet now hath He reconciled.”
Col. i. 21.
To sin 'gainst God and then to hate,
O death of deaths most desolate,—
That in ourselves by evil deeds
We quench the source whence Love proceeds!
O death of deaths most desolate,—
That in ourselves by evil deeds
We quench the source whence Love proceeds!
But how dost Thou in Thy dear Son
Make evil deeds to be undone?
Obedience is Love's mystery,
Which lives by learning first to die.
Make evil deeds to be undone?
Obedience is Love's mystery,
Which lives by learning first to die.
57
XXV.
“Novissimâ in luce desideravere aliquid oculi tui
.”
Tac. Agric. 45.
More than he meant his sorrows spoke,—
Of one 'neath death's bereaving stroke
Whose eyes in love's last longings stray
To seek those dearer far away.
Of one 'neath death's bereaving stroke
Whose eyes in love's last longings stray
To seek those dearer far away.
From all it sees the mind will turn
For something unbeheld to yearn,
Familiar objects all explore,
Then seem to ask for something more.
For something unbeheld to yearn,
Familiar objects all explore,
Then seem to ask for something more.
“The eye is not satisfied with seeing.”
Eccl. i. 8.
The infant's and the old man's gaze,
And eyes death's shadow overlays,
Seem looking into vacancy,
As seeking those man cannot see.
And eyes death's shadow overlays,
Seem looking into vacancy,
As seeking those man cannot see.
Each human heart, each human sense
Search all they can embrace, and thence
Turns to its God the aching breast,
In Whom Alone the soul can rest.
Search all they can embrace, and thence
Turns to its God the aching breast,
In Whom Alone the soul can rest.
58
XXVI.
“Εμοι δε αι σαι μεγαλαι ευτυχιαι ουκ αρεσκουσι, το θειον
επισταμενω ως εστι φθονερον
.”
Herod b iii. 40.
From age to age the Heathen saw
One ever fix'd unvaried law,
'Mid change and chance to man allow'd,
That God doth overthrow the proud.
One ever fix'd unvaried law,
'Mid change and chance to man allow'd,
That God doth overthrow the proud.
They saw the effect, knew not the cause,
For God from sight His hand withdraws,
Assigning love's unfathom'd plan
To envy as of sinful man.
For God from sight His hand withdraws,
Assigning love's unfathom'd plan
To envy as of sinful man.
“God resisteth the proud.”
1 Pet. v. 5.
The Cross mysterious unlocks all,—
That God, Who loves both great and small,
Yet nearer brings unto His throne
In Christ each favour'd little one.
That God, Who loves both great and small,
Yet nearer brings unto His throne
In Christ each favour'd little one.
But when in men grown high and bold
Christ's Image He doth not behold,
In Christ no more He hears their call,
He turns His countenance, and they fall.
Christ's Image He doth not behold,
In Christ no more He hears their call,
He turns His countenance, and they fall.
59
XXVII.
“Ο Κροισος πεμπων τας πεδας επι του νηου τον ουδον
.”
Herod. b. i. ch 90.
“If Crœsus pass the Halys, know
He shall an empire overthrow.”
He pass'd the Halys, lost his throne,
And found that empire was his own.
He shall an empire overthrow.”
He pass'd the Halys, lost his throne,
And found that empire was his own.
Sought with much gold at Delphi's cell
So spake the guileful oracle;—
Thus fiends will truth with falschood blend
To lead men to some evil end.
So spake the guileful oracle;—
Thus fiends will truth with falschood blend
To lead men to some evil end.
“Crœsus,” now a prisoner, “sent Lydians to Delphi, and commanded them to lay his chains on the threshold of the shrine.”
“For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that
they should believe a lie.”
2 Thess. ii. 11.
Those shrines are silent, yet again
They thus deceive 'mid ways of men,
With harmful truth they prophesy,
The promise keep, but hope belie.
They thus deceive 'mid ways of men,
With harmful truth they prophesy,
The promise keep, but hope belie.
Pleasure or power or wealth they give
To those who sacrifice and strive,
But giving blend the curse of sin,
Blooming without but death within.
To those who sacrifice and strive,
But giving blend the curse of sin,
Blooming without but death within.
60
XXVIII.
“Ηλυθε, και πιεν αιμα κελαινεφες: αυτικα δ' εγνω
.”
Hom Od xi, 152.
Hom Od xi, 152.
The dead in Hades' dark domain
Flock'd round the hero, but in vain,
Weak, senseless shadows, dead in soul,
Without all power, or life's controul:—
Flock'd round the hero, but in vain,
Weak, senseless shadows, dead in soul,
Without all power, or life's controul:—
Till there was given mysterious food
The taste of sacrifice and blood,
The wandering shade was then made strong,
Restor'd to thought, and sight, and tongue.
The taste of sacrifice and blood,
The wandering shade was then made strong,
Restor'd to thought, and sight, and tongue.
“As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent
forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.”
Zech. ix 11.
“Would I,” said Job, “could find His place,
That I might meet Him face to face,
He strength would give me in that need,
That I with Him my cause might plead.”
That I might meet Him face to face,
He strength would give me in that need,
That I with Him my cause might plead.”
The soul thus in her solitude
Augurs of that life-giving Blood,
That it may drink, and not in vain,
But in that hour may life sustain.
Augurs of that life-giving Blood,
That it may drink, and not in vain,
But in that hour may life sustain.
61
XXIX.
“Και Τιτυον ειδον, Γαιης ερικυδεος υιον,
κειμενον εν δαπεδω. ο δ' επ' εννεα κειτο πελεθρα .”
Hom. Od. xi. 575.
κειμενον εν δαπεδω. ο δ' επ' εννεα κειτο πελεθρα .”
Hom. Od. xi. 575.
Plato in realms beyond the tomb
Speaks of a dread Tartarean gloom,
And bodies of the suffering dead
Together bound, hands, feet and head.
Speaks of a dread Tartarean gloom,
And bodies of the suffering dead
Together bound, hands, feet and head.
And Homer paints in Stygian chains
Tantalian and Sisyphian pains;
And Tityus on nine acres laid,
While vultures on his liver prey'd.
Tantalian and Sisyphian pains;
And Tityus on nine acres laid,
While vultures on his liver prey'd.
“Αδυνατον γαρ τους μη προτερον παρα των ειδοτων μεμαθηκοτας τα ουτω μεγαλα και θεια πρηγματα γινωσκειν.” Just. Mar Ad. Græc 3.
“Send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water
and cool my tongue.”
S. Luke xvi. 24.
Bodies surviving with the dead!
Was it from some primeval creed
In their Egyptian pilgrimage
Glean'd by the poet and the sage?
Was it from some primeval creed
In their Egyptian pilgrimage
Glean'd by the poet and the sage?
Or that, 'mid wreck and waste of sin,
The yearnings of the heart within
Somehow, as from a living shrine,
Unconsciously of truth divine?
The yearnings of the heart within
Somehow, as from a living shrine,
Unconsciously of truth divine?
62
XXX.
“Ζευς παντων αυτος φαρμακα μουνος εχει
.”
Simonides
Simonides
Such was the rest, Simonides,
Wherein thy tender heart found ease;
A heart which most feels human woes,
Mostly beneath them finds repose:—
Wherein thy tender heart found ease;
A heart which most feels human woes,
Mostly beneath them finds repose:—
That 'mid the ways by sorrow trod
Healing of all ills is with God;—
And haply by some power to save,
A remedy beyond the grave.
Healing of all ills is with God;—
And haply by some power to save,
A remedy beyond the grave.
“Thou hast destroyed thyself, but in Me is thine help.”
Hos xiii. 9.
For all the pains the body shake,
For all the woes the spirit break,
For all the lesser ills of life,—
The loss—the sorrow—and the strife,—
For all the woes the spirit break,
For all the lesser ills of life,—
The loss—the sorrow—and the strife,—
For worst of all the deep heart-aches,
When to itself the Conscience wakes,
Man's sole self-refuge still must prove
His rest upon mysterious love.
When to itself the Conscience wakes,
Man's sole self-refuge still must prove
His rest upon mysterious love.
63
XXXI.
“Ελπεσθαι χρη παντ', επει ουκ εστ' ουδεν αελπτον.
Π(αδια παντα θεω τελεσαι, και ανηνυτον ουδεν.”
Linus.
Π(αδια παντα θεω τελεσαι, και ανηνυτον ουδεν.”
Linus.
“All things 'tis right for man to hope,
“Nothing beyond hope's boundless scope,
“For all the God can do full well,
“Nothing to Him impossible.”
“Nothing beyond hope's boundless scope,
“For all the God can do full well,
“Nothing to Him impossible.”
Linus, to whom such words were given,
Well might they feign thee born of Heaven;
Son of Urania, Goddess bright,
Or of Apollo, God of light.
Well might they feign thee born of Heaven;
Son of Urania, Goddess bright,
Or of Apollo, God of light.
“If ye have faith..... nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
S. Matt. xvii. 20.
From fear to hope, from hope to fear,
God to Himself through faith draws near,
And even 'mid the things of sense
Gives something of omnipotence.
God to Himself through faith draws near,
And even 'mid the things of sense
Gives something of omnipotence.
It is a secret of the good,
The first perceiv'd—last understood;
Taught by His grace and by His rod,
Till we ourselves are lost in God.
The first perceiv'd—last understood;
Taught by His grace and by His rod,
Till we ourselves are lost in God.
64
XXXII.
“Nulla dies sine lineâ.”
Vetus Prov
Wondrous the things of giant birth
That range the sea—the air—the earth;
But mightier powers for ill or good
Work by an insect multitude.
That range the sea—the air—the earth;
But mightier powers for ill or good
Work by an insect multitude.
Great deeds of Martyrdom and Grace
As marvels fill all time and space;
But deeds and thoughts of hourly range
Work transformation's endless change.
As marvels fill all time and space;
But deeds and thoughts of hourly range
Work transformation's endless change.
“Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give
account thereof in the day of Judgment.”
S. Matt. xii. 36.
The shadows of eternity
Which on each little action lie,
Enlarge all trifles as they pass,
As mirror'd in a watery glass.
Which on each little action lie,
Enlarge all trifles as they pass,
As mirror'd in a watery glass.
As multitudinous waters' sound
Is heard like voice of God profound,
Thus countless waves that rise and shine
Make up the destiny divine.
Is heard like voice of God profound,
Thus countless waves that rise and shine
Make up the destiny divine.
65
XXXIII.
“Ευ γαρ χρη ειδεναι, ο τι περ αν σωθη τε και γενηται οιον δει
εν τοιαυτη καταστασει πολιτειων, θεου μοιραν αυτο σωσαι λεγων,
ου κακως ερεις
.”
Plato, De Rep, lib. vi.
Thus ever struggling with their fear,
And nigh o'erwhelm'd the good appear,
Beyond all human aid they stand,
And see and own a heavenly hand.
And nigh o'erwhelm'd the good appear,
Beyond all human aid they stand,
And see and own a heavenly hand.
It was so amid them of old;
Though better hopes have made us bold,
Yet even now as then of yore
We are at sea and not on shore.
Though better hopes have made us bold,
Yet even now as then of yore
We are at sea and not on shore.
“Be assured that in whatever respect a man may be saved, and become what he ought, in such a condition of public affairs, it is the Divine aid that saves him
“Be not afraid: for the Lord thy God is with thee.”
Jos i. 9
Foes of the Church would seize her helm,
And strive Christ's witness to o'erwhelm,
Corrupting her and bent on ill,
Yet onward is she labouring still.
And strive Christ's witness to o'erwhelm,
Corrupting her and bent on ill,
Yet onward is she labouring still.
Though powers of evil fill the gale,
The tempest raise, well nigh prevail;
Yet Christ, though in the hold He sleeps,
On edge of death His people keeps.
The tempest raise, well nigh prevail;
Yet Christ, though in the hold He sleeps,
On edge of death His people keeps.
66
XXXIV.
“Οταν παραδοξον η, και μη προς την εμπροσθεν δοξαν, ωσπερ
εν τοις γελοιοις
.”
Arist Rhet, lib. iii. 11.
The laugh to man alone is given,
For differences of earth and heaven
Are found alone in man's estate,
So little yet withal so great.
For differences of earth and heaven
Are found alone in man's estate,
So little yet withal so great.
Angels above, and beasts below
Ne'er in themselves such contrasts know;
For nought doth in their natures dwell
Incongruous, unsuitable.
Ne'er in themselves such contrasts know;
For nought doth in their natures dwell
Incongruous, unsuitable.
“Wherefore did Sarah laugh?”
Gen. xviii. 13.
Their mother's laugh—it is indeed
The name of the accepted seed,
So beyond thought the mighty change,
In that salvation new and strange.
The name of the accepted seed,
So beyond thought the mighty change,
In that salvation new and strange.
They on their way who walk and weep
Shall laugh ,on wak'ning from their sleep,
When they in glad surprise have found
The everlasting arms around.
Shall laugh ,on wak'ning from their sleep,
When they in glad surprise have found
The everlasting arms around.
67
XXXV. COINCIDENCES.
“Teste David cum Sibyllâ.”
“Paucis mutatis verbis atque sententiis Christiani fierent.”
Ang. De Ver. Rel. iv.
Is it as stars and blue profound
Are imag'd in the ground,
Where waters lie beneath our feet,
Or gather in the street ,
That truths of Heaven their shadows find
In man's reflective mind?
Are imag'd in the ground,
Where waters lie beneath our feet,
Or gather in the street ,
That truths of Heaven their shadows find
In man's reflective mind?
68
Or is it that the voice of God
Is in the multitude,
In stillness like a casual word
'Mid broken ruins heard,
That Faith that walks the heavenly span
Her echo hears in man?
Is in the multitude,
In stillness like a casual word
'Mid broken ruins heard,
That Faith that walks the heavenly span
Her echo hears in man?
Or where above the glassy Sea
Stands everlastingly,
Some drops in secret reach the cells
Of subterranean wells,
And bear to every clime of earth
The traces of their birth?
Stands everlastingly,
Some drops in secret reach the cells
Of subterranean wells,
And bear to every clime of earth
The traces of their birth?
Or that the four-fold streams below
From ancient Eden flow,
And as they gather stains abroad,
Diverging on their road,
Yet still retain beneath all skies
Something of Paradise?
From ancient Eden flow,
And as they gather stains abroad,
Diverging on their road,
Yet still retain beneath all skies
Something of Paradise?
Or as some simultaneous throe
Through nature seems to go,
When birds appear divinely wise
Beyond their destinies,
And all untaught in every clime
Respond to varied time?
Through nature seems to go,
When birds appear divinely wise
Beyond their destinies,
And all untaught in every clime
Respond to varied time?
69
Or as by some celestial art
With friends that are apart,
Associate feelings will awake,
Or thoughts responsive break:
As if some spirit of the skies
Convey'd their sympathies?
With friends that are apart,
Associate feelings will awake,
Or thoughts responsive break:
As if some spirit of the skies
Convey'd their sympathies?
Moves there 'mid minds some unseen power,
Like bee from flower to flower?
With intermingling of their kinds
From each to each it winds,
The seed, or dust, or honey brings
On loaded thigh or wings.
Like bee from flower to flower?
With intermingling of their kinds
From each to each it winds,
The seed, or dust, or honey brings
On loaded thigh or wings.
Or is it in man's nature deep
Truth's embryo forms may sleep,
As trees which high-embow'ring shoot
In fibres of the root;
Their miniatures there seem to lie,
Which ne'er saw sun or sky?
Truth's embryo forms may sleep,
As trees which high-embow'ring shoot
In fibres of the root;
Their miniatures there seem to lie,
Which ne'er saw sun or sky?
Or as when 'neath the vengeful skies
Ruin'd and buried lies
Some ancient City, not in vain
The relics yet remain,
And mystic pillars long may stand
Upon Oblivion's strand?
Ruin'd and buried lies
Some ancient City, not in vain
The relics yet remain,
And mystic pillars long may stand
Upon Oblivion's strand?
70
Or is the wisdom of the wise
The pedestal which lies
Beneath the feet of Christian Truth,
Which there in endless youth
Reflected sees her form divine
In pavement of her shrine?
The pedestal which lies
Beneath the feet of Christian Truth,
Which there in endless youth
Reflected sees her form divine
In pavement of her shrine?
Or as the strains which through the gloom
Slumber in Memnon's tomb,
Till on them morning sunbeams fall,
And thence their echoes call,
In golden radiance forth are shed
Harmonies of the dead?
Slumber in Memnon's tomb,
Till on them morning sunbeams fall,
And thence their echoes call,
In golden radiance forth are shed
Harmonies of the dead?
Or like as when our shadows gleam
On some deep glassy stream;
Kingdoms of nature and of grace
Thus answer face to face;
Though right and left revers'd we find,
No substance true behind?
On some deep glassy stream;
Kingdoms of nature and of grace
Thus answer face to face;
Though right and left revers'd we find,
No substance true behind?
Or that the Father, from Whose home
They wander'd forth in gloom,
Still darkly with His children walk'd,
And with their spirit talk'd,
And dimly left in every place
The footmarks of His grace?
They wander'd forth in gloom,
Still darkly with His children walk'd,
And with their spirit talk'd,
71
The footmarks of His grace?
Or that the glorious orb of light
Had baffled their weak sight;
And when their back on Him was turn'd
Who is in Christ discern'd;
They in the creatures manifold
His Image still behold?
Had baffled their weak sight;
And when their back on Him was turn'd
Who is in Christ discern'd;
They in the creatures manifold
His Image still behold?
Or is it as God's wondrous hand
Through air, and sea, and land,
In herb, and beast, and bird is seen,
And poisonous snakes unclean;
So 'mid the nations in each place
His Wisdom leaves a trace?
Through air, and sea, and land,
In herb, and beast, and bird is seen,
And poisonous snakes unclean;
So 'mid the nations in each place
His Wisdom leaves a trace?
Or while naught hideth from His heat
Who makes the sun His seat,
As day to day with tongue of flames
His kingdom wide proclaims,
So night to night where shadows dwell
May of His knowledge tell?
Who makes the sun His seat,
As day to day with tongue of flames
His kingdom wide proclaims,
So night to night where shadows dwell
May of His knowledge tell?
Or is it as dark shores of Nile
Once cradled Christ awhile,
And infant Moses safe could sleep
On that Egyptian deep,
The Law and Gospel thus were laid
Beneath a pagan shade?
Once cradled Christ awhile,
And infant Moses safe could sleep
On that Egyptian deep,
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Beneath a pagan shade?
Or is it as when Israel's God
Was seen in Moses' rod,
The shadow of the power of Heaven
Was to magicians given,
Till they, surpass'd in their own strife,
Should own the Prince of Life?
Was seen in Moses' rod,
The shadow of the power of Heaven
Was to magicians given,
Till they, surpass'd in their own strife,
Should own the Prince of Life?
Or as to the Chaldean Seer
Searching the starry sphere,
Tho' other his design and thought,
And more than all he sought,
Appear'd the glorious Bethlehem's star
To lead him from afar?
Searching the starry sphere,
Tho' other his design and thought,
And more than all he sought,
Appear'd the glorious Bethlehem's star
To lead him from afar?
Or is it as 'mong Prophets old
Who of things sacred told,
Before us Saul, and Caiaphas,
And wicked Balaam pass;
Who while the good they set aside
Christ's kingdom prophesied?
Who of things sacred told,
Before us Saul, and Caiaphas,
And wicked Balaam pass;
Who while the good they set aside
Christ's kingdom prophesied?
Or as through that Divine command
Which guided Pilate's hand,
All nations on that hallow'd spot,
Although they knew it not,
Their King on Sion's hill enthron'd
In Greek and Latin own'd?
Which guided Pilate's hand,
All nations on that hallow'd spot,
Although they knew it not,
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In Greek and Latin own'd?
Or that where Christ, a hidden guest,
Hath by His Presence blest,
Although His hour be “not yet come,”
To make the world His home,
Nature hath caught a ray Divine,
And water turns to wine?
Hath by His Presence blest,
Although His hour be “not yet come,”
To make the world His home,
Nature hath caught a ray Divine,
And water turns to wine?
Or is it as when Christ appear'd,
The devils saw and fear'd?
'Neath some mysterious power unknown
The Lord of life they own,
Although to them no leave was given
To own the God of Heaven.
The devils saw and fear'd?
'Neath some mysterious power unknown
The Lord of life they own,
Although to them no leave was given
To own the God of Heaven.
Or is it, though a veil of clouds
Christ's going ever shrouds,
Where He hath pass'd upon the night
There is a track of light,
And 'mid the dark-blue vault serene
A lucid gleam is seen?
Christ's going ever shrouds,
Where He hath pass'd upon the night
There is a track of light,
And 'mid the dark-blue vault serene
A lucid gleam is seen?
Or is it as on Tabor's height,
When broke forth wondrous light,
Frail sons of men in nearness brought,
The glorious radiance caught,
Thus in the Gospel's light Divine
E'en heathen sages shine?
When broke forth wondrous light,
Frail sons of men in nearness brought,
The glorious radiance caught,
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E'en heathen sages shine?
Or is it thus the wilderness,
Forgetting her distress,
Can bloom like garden of the Lord,
Like Eden fruits afford:
The fountain in the desert flows,
The thistle bears the rose?
Forgetting her distress,
Can bloom like garden of the Lord,
Like Eden fruits afford:
The fountain in the desert flows,
The thistle bears the rose?
Or is it that the seas profound
With goodly pearls abound,
Wherein the merchant spent his toil
Through that long night's turmoil,
The pearl of endless price to gain
Still seeking though in vain?
With goodly pearls abound,
Wherein the merchant spent his toil
Through that long night's turmoil,
The pearl of endless price to gain
Still seeking though in vain?
Or is it as the gleams that fall
On the lost Prodigal,
On his disfigur'd face appear
His homeward course to cheer,
The Father hastening from His place
With His preventing grace?
On the lost Prodigal,
On his disfigur'd face appear
His homeward course to cheer,
The Father hastening from His place
With His preventing grace?
Or is it as 'mid deserts dry
The solitary cry
Of the lost sheep, when heard aright
In stillness of the night,
By the good Shepherd from of old
Heard in the distant fold?
The solitary cry
Of the lost sheep, when heard aright
In stillness of the night,
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Heard in the distant fold?
Or is it that the mystic race
Was symbol of His grace,
When the torch went from hand to hand
Through Greece's festal band;
Thus age to age pass'd on the fire,
Nor let it all expire?
Was symbol of His grace,
When the torch went from hand to hand
Through Greece's festal band;
Thus age to age pass'd on the fire,
Nor let it all expire?
It is that the true God of Heaven,
By fruitful seasons given,
Ne'er of His light mankind bereft,
Nor without witness left;
But as in nature's course around
His voices did abound,
So was His witness heard within,
Pleading with man and sin,
And ever blending precepts high,
Which never more shall die.
By fruitful seasons given,
Ne'er of His light mankind bereft,
Nor without witness left;
But as in nature's course around
His voices did abound,
So was His witness heard within,
Pleading with man and sin,
And ever blending precepts high,
Which never more shall die.
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