Sacra Poesis By M. F. T. [i.e. M. F. Tupper] |
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MESSIAH PROMISED TO THE JEWS ON
THEIR RETURN FROM BABYLON. |
 | Sacra Poesis |  |
MESSIAH PROMISED TO THE JEWS ON THEIR RETURN FROM BABYLON.
They wept, but not unheard: a voice on highProclaims the presence of the Deity?
From shore to shore the herald thunder rolls,
From fierce Arabia to the wintry poles;
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Bursts from the realms of everlasting day;
Near a white throne ten thousand saints appear,
And the great God of Sabaoth is here!
Veil'd in a cloud, whose pure effulgent ray
Dimm'd the bright splendours of meridian day,
Breathing forth comfort to the sons of man,
Past, and to come, the Omnipotent began:
“Why do ye weep, my people? hear my voice,
“Hear and believe, receive it and rejoice.
“The vine of David shall sprout forth again,
“And hang its tendrill'd branches o'er the plain;
“Beneath its shadow shall the world repose,
“Its purple clusters soothe all mortal woes;
“And though a scion, tender first and slim,
“All lands, all nations, shall be blest in Him!”
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Fill'd the clear concave with triumphant sound.
In joyous hallelujahs now they raise
Their thousand voices in their Maker's praise:
Earth fear'd, and Sion bow'd her hallow'd head,
And Ocean trembled in his ancient bed;
The universe was blest—all heav'n, all earth,
Rang with the promise of Messiah's birth;
And the glad shouts were heard from shore to shore,
Till wearied Echo could resound no more.
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