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On the Neglect of Public Worship
“The interruption of public worship may consummate, in the period of a few years, the important work of a national revolution.”—
Gibbon.I.
Worship declines; nor hidden is the cause;'Tis found in pride, and in the greed for gold,
That larger crowds the voice of pleasure draws
Than does the Preacher gather in Christ's fold.
In pleasure's cup would men their sorrows drown.
“Come, let us eat and drink, for soon we die,”
We hear them say; “our heads with roses crown,
Enjoy the present moments as they fly.”
'Twas thus, as history tells, the nations spake
That in their pride have long since passed away;
May we in time its solemn warning take
That pride and luxury go before decay;
Where these prevail pure worship soon must end,
And noblest nations swift to ruin tend.
Worship we need, true worship, not the name;
Within the temples, 'neath the open sky;
Together, or alone, it is the same,
To the lone wanderer his God is nigh.
He heareth not our words, though 'neath the domes
Of costly temples we our voices raise;
Or worship Him apart within our homes,
If we are not his own; and love his praise.
Amid the scenes of Nature we may rove,
Nor see his Power, nor own his guiding Hand;
All Nature teaches of a Father's love,
But oft we fail to know and understand.
Lord, grant thy Spirit, hear our earnest prayer,
That we may praise and worship everywhere.
Within the temples, 'neath the open sky;
Together, or alone, it is the same,
To the lone wanderer his God is nigh.
He heareth not our words, though 'neath the domes
Of costly temples we our voices raise;
Or worship Him apart within our homes,
If we are not his own; and love his praise.
Amid the scenes of Nature we may rove,
472
All Nature teaches of a Father's love,
But oft we fail to know and understand.
Lord, grant thy Spirit, hear our earnest prayer,
That we may praise and worship everywhere.
Poem No. 851; c. 5 September 1874
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