Sequences, Hymns, and Other Ecclesiastical Verses By the Rev. J. M. Neale |
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 | Sequences, Hymns, and Other Ecclesiastical Verses |  |
25
Sequence
FOR THE TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY AND THE FOLLOWING SUNDAYS TILL ADVENT.
If Death's ministration be so glorious,
If so much of beauty rest on earth—
Autumn's loveliness be so victorious
O'er the sin which gave to Autumn birth,
If so much of beauty rest on earth—
Autumn's loveliness be so victorious
O'er the sin which gave to Autumn birth,
What must that be, Life's true ministration
Fancy cannot paint, nor eye can see,
Theirs, — each kindred, people, tongue, and nation,—
Living Waters and the Living Tree?
Fancy cannot paint, nor eye can see,
Theirs, — each kindred, people, tongue, and nation,—
Living Waters and the Living Tree?
26
Shall the crimson glory of the Forest
Teach us of the Victor-Martyr's gore.
Nor, if telling of his need when sorest,
Also tell his joy for evermore?
Teach us of the Victor-Martyr's gore.
Nor, if telling of his need when sorest,
Also tell his joy for evermore?
When these leaves the autumn winds shall wildly
Hunt through dark wood avenues and glades,
Till the snow, so lovingly and mildly,
In its purity their relics shades;
Hunt through dark wood avenues and glades,
Till the snow, so lovingly and mildly,
In its purity their relics shades;
So, we think, the body of the Martyr,
From the arena dragged in foul disgrace,
Did but go the shame and scars to barter
For the gladness of a better place.
From the arena dragged in foul disgrace,
Did but go the shame and scars to barter
For the gladness of a better place.
Who may not believe the old, old story,
How this saplessness shall flush to green?
Can we not then trust Life's touch of glory,
How it ministers the things unseen?
How this saplessness shall flush to green?
Can we not then trust Life's touch of glory,
How it ministers the things unseen?
| Sequences, Hymns, and Other Ecclesiastical Verses | |