 | Three Hundred Sonnets |  |
286
THE LIBERIAN CHURCH.
Not freedom only be Liberia's boast,—Nor chiefly, Africa, thy sons return'd
To those dear palmy plains and tropic coast
For which so long in alien climes they yearn'd:
No!—but a blessing, to be sought the most
Wherever men for truest treasure search,
Shall be thy praise, Liberia!—lo, at length,
As in St. Cyprian's day, a Christian Church
With its Apostle stands in holy strength,
A new-lit beacon set on Ham's dark shore;
And round it now the quickened heathen throng,
While Ethiopia's outstretch'd hands implore
Of thee, Salvation's hallowed gospel song,
And treasuries of joy for evermore.
| Three Hundred Sonnets | |