Malvern Hills with Minor Poems, and Essays. By Joseph Cottle. Fourth Edition |
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JOHN THE BAPTIST. |
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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!
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“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!
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“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!”
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