Search the material tribes of earth, sea, air, And the fierce SELF that strives and slays is there. What but that SELF do Man and Nature teach? Where the charmed link that binds the all to each? Where the sweet law (doth Nature boast its birth?) — "Good will to man, and charity to earth?" Not in the world without, but that within, The Inspired begins — the onward march is given; To hail the brother where we loathed the foe: Bernard Barton. 1784-1849. THE LAND WHICH NO MORTAL MAY KNOW. THOUGH earth has full many a beautiful spot, Yet more lovely and beautiful, holy and bright, To the hopes of the heart and the spirit's glad sight, Is the land that no mortal may know. There the crystalline stream, bursting forth from the throne, Flows on, and forever will flow; Its waves, as they roll, are with melody rife, And its waters are sparkling with beauty and life, In the land which no mortal And there, may know. on its margin, with leaves ever green, With its fruits healing sickness and woe, The fair tree of life, in its glory and pride, Of the land which no mortal may know. There too are the lost! whom we loved on this earth, Oh! who but must pine in this dark vale of tears, To walk in the light of the glory above, And to share in the peace, and the joy, and the love, Of the land which no mortal may know ! TOO LATE. BITTER the anguish with these two words blended, And winter nigh, while they are gathered not. Yet do Thou, Lord, by Thy supreme conviction, Thy love and mercy own not our restriction, FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY. STILL abide the heaven-born Three, Faith, and Hope, and Charity! Faith to point our heavenly goal, Hope · an anchor to the soul: Faith and Hope must pass away; These to gladden each were given; Love, or Charity for Heaven! For, in brighter realms above, Love to Him, the great I AM! In that pure and perfect love, And when Faith and Hope are mute, Find in endless Love their fruit! SIGNS AND TOKENS. He who watches winds that blow, He who waits lest clouds should rain, Signs and tokens false may prove; And His Spirit's power within. Keep thou Zion-ward thy face, Ask in faith the aid of grace, Use the strength which grace shall give Faith in God, if such be thine, Shall be found thy safest sign, Prove the best of tokens still. FAREWELL. NAY, shrink not from the word "farewell!" Such fears may prove but vain : |