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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b067996 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #53816 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/53816) diff --git a/old/53816-0.txt b/old/53816-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index c411848..0000000 --- a/old/53816-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3912 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Book of Christian Sonnets, by William Allen - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: A Book of Christian Sonnets - -Author: William Allen - -Release Date: December 27, 2016 [EBook #53816] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A BOOK OF CHRISTIAN SONNETS *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Hulse, Daniel Lowe and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - -A BOOK OF CHRISTIAN SONNETS. - -BY WILLIAM ALLEN, D. D., - -Late President of Bowdoin College; Author of the American Biographical -Dictionary, and of Wunnissoo or the Vale of Hoosatunnuk a Poem. - - NORTHAMPTON: - PUBLISHED BY BRIDGMAN & CHILDS. - 1860. - - - - - Metcalf & Company, Printers, - Northampton. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -For some remarks on the nature and history of the _Sonnet_ and its -peculiar excellence, as exemplified by Milton, the reader is referred -to the Notes at the close of this book. The Author regards it as by -its fixed laws and its structure the very best form of poetry for one -short, complete, meditative lesson. A collection of such distinct, -separate little poems,――mostly written within a recent period,――and not -mingled with other forms of poetry,――constitutes this little volume. - -The notes annexed are historical and illustrative, elucidatory of -what from the necessary brevity of the verse might be otherwise left -obscure, or such as seemed to be required by the unevasible claims and -the infinite worth of the revealed Christian truth, which makes the -texture of these sonnets. - -While Petrarch, the inventor of the _Sonetto_, Spenser, Shakespeare, -Wordsworth, and other foreign poets have written a multitude of -sonnets, it is to the author a matter of surprise, that not more than -half a dozen sonnets――within his knowledge――have ever been sent forth -by any one of our poets; so that this may be regarded as the first book -of American Sonnets ever published. - -An old man, the tenant for a year past of a sick chamber, who from -early life has been a student and cultivator of poetry, has found not -a little pleasure in such musings, as he now offers to the public. -His meditations, it may well be supposed, have not been of fictitious -scenes. Aware of his liableness at any moment to be summoned away from -this world,――which to his eye is filled with beauty mingled indeed with -deformity,――into a world of undefaced loveliness and eternal glory, -he could not have excused himself, if he had employed the precarious -time lent to him in drawing idle, uninstructive, unprofitable pictures; -but his mind has been filled with intense thoughts on God's pure, -unchanging, soul-saving Truth; and he has endeavored to give true -sketches, however faint and feeble, of divine and eternal realities not -unworthy of the contemplation nor unfit to awaken the affections of -rational, immortal men. The uninterrupted study of God's Word for 50 -or 60 years may be his apology for declaring what in his judgment are -plainly and indubitably some of the great truths of that Word. But he -earnestly asks the reader to search the Scriptures with his own eyes. -What God has said is true. - - Northampton, Dec. 19, 1859 - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - Sonnet Page - - 1. On Washington, 9 - 2. The Stars, 10 - 3. Last Wish of Wm. H. Prescott, 10 - 4. On War, 11 - 5. Truth's Testimony of Christ, 11 - 6. Corrupted Youth, 12 - 7. Penitence, 12 - 8. God's Omnipresence. Psalm 139, 13 - 9. The Prometheus Chained of Aeschylus, 13 - 10. On Tyndale, the Martyr, 14 - 11. Miserable Old Age, 14 - 12. Idols. Psalm 135, 15 - 13. To four Presidents alive. 1826, 15 - 14. The Way of Salvation, 16 - 15. The Overthrow of Popery, 16 - 16. The Fall of Babylon, 17 - 17. The Scoffers at the Bible, 17 - 18. Prayer, 18 - 19. Christ's Table, 18 - 20. Death. Job 14, 19 - 21. The Storm on the Lake, 19 - 22. On Jacques Balmat, 20 - 23. Controversy, 20 - 24. The Sabbath, 21 - 25. The Widow's Son Raised, 21 - 26. Thanksgiving-Day, 1859, 22 - 27. The Lord my Shepherd, 22 - 28. Christ's Resurrection, 23 - 29. Darkness until Heavenly Light, 23 - 30. Maria Malleville Allen, 24 - 31. Prayer for Mercy, 24 - 32. The Lost Child, 25 - 33. Mexican Idol, 25 - 34. God our Safety. Psalm 91, 26 - 35. The Believer Encouraged, 26 - 36. On Rev. Dr. John Codman, 27 - 37. Northampton Grave-Yard, 27 - 38. The Lord's Prayer, 28 - 39. Praise to God. Ps. 148, 28 - 40. On my Father, Rev. T. Allen, 29 - 41. Time's End. Rev. 10, 29 - 42. Written in a Thunder-Storm, 30 - 43. Impiety, 30 - 44. On the Death of my Daughter, 31 - 45. The Last Day of the Year, 31 - 46. Transfiguration of Christ, 32 - 47. Sleepers in the Grave-Yard, 32 - 48. Song of the Redeemed. Rev. 7, 33 - 49. Nature Reproved, 33 - 50. Removal of Severe Illness, 34 - 51. God Man's All-Sufficient Good, 34 - 52. The Death of Rev. Dr. I. Nichols, 35 - 53. The Voice of Nature to Poets, 35 - 54. The Cross and Crown, 36 - 55. Dying I am Blest, 36 - 56. Compact on Board the Mayflower, 37 - 57. To Jesus Christ, God's Son, 37 - 58. To Dr. Thomson, Missionary, 38 - 59. Happy Old Age, 38 - 60. Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock, 39 - 61. No Sorrow in Death, 39 - 62. On John Robinson, 40 - 63. Sudden Sickness. 1845, 40 - 64. On Truth, 41 - 65. Two Views of Death, 41 - 66. God's Marvellous Works. Ps. 104, 42 - 67. The last Words of a Minister, 42 - 68. Plymouth Monument laid, 1859, 43 - 69. Effect of Death on Man, 43 - 70. Christmas, 44 - 71. New Year's Day, 1859, 44 - 72. Donati's Comet, 1858, 45 - 73. Execution for Murder, 1630, 45 - 74. Oneness with God. John 17, 46 - 75. My Birth Day, Jan. 2, 1859, 46 - 76. God and his Son, 47 - 77. On Martyrs, 47 - 78. To Rev. Dr. Spring, New York, 48 - 79. Perseverance in Christ's Service, 48 - 80. Glorying in the Cross, 49 - 81. Man without Revelation, 49 - 82. God is One, 50 - 83. What is it to die? 50 - 84. Churches of Piedmont, 51 - 85. The Lord's Supper, 51 - 86. Occom, the Indian Preacher, 52 - 87. My Sermon, July, 1851, 52 - 88. National Convulsions, 53 - 89. Psalm VIII., 53 - 90. To my Native Town, 54 - 91. To Sarah Anna Hopkins, 54 - 92. To Mrs. Douglass in jail, 55 - 93. Ready for Either, 55 - 94. To Miss Hannah Lyman, Montreal, 56 - 95. Visit to Pontoosuc or Pittsfield, 56 - 96. Company of Old Men, 57 - 97. Joy in a Dying Hour, 57 - 98. Niagara Falls, 58 - 99. Justification by Faith, 58 - 100. Universal Triumph of the Gospel, 59 - - - - -A BOOK OF CHRISTIAN SONNETS. - - -1. ON WASHINGTON. - - Great WASHINGTON! Mount Vernon's shade were naught, - Except as close allied to thine own name; - And what but noblest virtues without blame - Have all the lustre of thy glory wrought? - Our country's chief in freedom's battle fought, - Thy sword laid down in triumph's loud acclaim; - Then "First in peace," our nation's good thine aim, - To Rulers many a lesson thou hast taught. - The model patriot thou, thy life unstain'd; - A rev'rent worshipper of God, we see - Thine end was peace; one noble act remain'd,―― - Thy dying voice said to thy slaves, "Be Free!"―― - With no dear son, each Freeman is thy Son, - And thou his Father lov'd, Great WASHINGTON! - - -2. THE STARS. - - In the sweet silence of a cloudless night - The glory-studded firmament on high - With wonder overwhelms my gazing eye, - Lost in the wilderness of worlds of light. - Around these suns do systems wheel their flight, - All pure and spotless as the crystal sky, - Th' abodes of bliss serene without a sigh, - Where mists and clouds ne'er rise nor storms affright? - O, for an angel's wings to fly away - From this low world of sin, and woe, and care, - And gain those orbs of purity and love! - Wish not for angel's wings: thy God obey, - And soon his grace thy ransom'd soul will bear - Up to his own more glorious throne above! - - -3. LAST WISH OF WM. H. PRESCOTT. - - Still beautiful in this thy rest so deep, - Thy final wish fulfill'd, we see thy face - Calm as in life, with not a marring trace - Of the swift blow, which calls thy friends to weep. - What hosts of mighty dead around thee keep - On these rich-loaded shelves their silent place?―― - "Farewell, companions lov'd; like your's my race - Is run; tomorrow in the ground I sleep."―― - What would he teach us, living, by this scene?―― - Books! books! are earth's invaluable lights; - Treasures of truth, the richest gifts terrene, - Left by fled spirits in their upward flights! - And what does man demand, in age and youth, - But heav'n-descended, heav'nward-guiding TRUTH? - - -4. ON WAR. - - "Thou shalt not kill,"――the Almighty God hath said. - Then, Mighty Kings! who glory in your shame - And swim in blood to gain a hero's name, - What awful doom――with all your greatness fled―― - When, rising with your subjects from the dead, - Ye stand in judgment? What will then be fame? - And will not fiery courage be quite tame;―― - On ev'ry side th' Almighty's terrors spread? - O, Living Monarchs! within reach of grace, - Of love and mercy from the throne of God, - Forgiveness may ye find, and faith t' embrace - The offer'd pardon through redeeming blood; - Then to the world great Benefactors prove, - Your pride exchang'd for happy subjects' love! - - -5. TRUTH'S TESTIMONY OF CHRIST. - - Truth to the earth came down from heav'n above, - Cloth'd in celestial beauty to the eye, - Willing to see; man's guide to God on high. - Her voice is voice of sweetness and of love, - Of pow'r all feelings of the soul to move. - When she but speaks, all wild'ring phantoms fly, - Each cheat, and fraud, and vile, illusive lie, - Which in our murky air around thick rove. - She speaks of Him, who ere the earth was made - Was God's own Son in heav'nly glory bright; - Yet dwelt with man in mortal flesh array'd, - Redeemer blest! of this dark world the light;―― - Whose death by cruel nails our life has won, - Whose cross for us a bright, immortal crown. - - -6. CORRUPTED YOUTH. - - I've seen the morning sweet, serene, and bright, - Cheer'd by th' effulgence of the orb of day, - And ev'ry object drest in pure array; - But soon the splendor chang'd to dismal night. - Dark clouds and raging storms spread round affright, - While lightnings gleam, and thunders bring dismay. - And such too oft is Youth: thoughtless and gay, - With ev'ry charm to bless th' admiring sight. - But soon how chang'd! The face is mark'd with care, - The furious passions cast away control, - And outrag'd conscience shakes a glist'ning dart. - Poor Youth! Would'st thou the marred scene repair, - The sway of holy laws must guide thy soul, - And love, and hope, and faith must fill thy heart. - - -7. PENITENCE. - - Heard ye the anguish of that broken sigh, - Bursting from wretched sinner's smitten heart? - Or did ye mark the contrite tears, which start - In pearly drops from that uplifted eye? - Blest is that groan; 'tis heard by him on high, - Whose grace from prostrate soul will ne'er depart, - Whose tender love will soothe the mental smart, - And to Himself bring humble aliens nigh. - Blest are those tears;――with brighter ray they shine, - Than costliest gem, which tyrant's crown adorns, - When beaming on the gaze of subject throngs. - The grief of penitence wakes bliss divine - Before His throne, who bore the crown of thorns, - And Angels' harps resound with rapt'rous songs! - - -8. God's omnipresence. Psalm 139. - - O, whither from thy Spirit shall I go? - Or whither from thine eye shall I repair? - Thou, Lord, if I ascend to heav'n, art there; - And there, if I lie down in grave below: - Or if the wings of morning on me grow, - And with the speed of light I pierce the air - And find the shores, which India's billows wear,―― - Ev'n there thy presence will around me flow.―― - If I should say,――"night's veil will me conceal;" - Yet in thy view the darkness shall be light, - And deepest gloom will shine like flood of day.―― - Thy presence, Lord, then let me ever feel - Each budding, sinful aim and thought to blight, - And urge to deeds of holy, blest array. - - -9. THE PROMETHEUS CHAINED OF AESCHYLUS. - - 'Tis piteous tale, in Grecian numbers told,―― - Prometheus chain'd by Vulcan to a rock; - Expos'd aloft to ev'ry tempest's shock, - To burning sun, and winter's shiv'ring cold: - And all his woe, as minstrel doth unfold, - From love to man, whom other gods would mock. - For man his hands Jove's treasury unlock; - The stolen fire he breathes on man's dull mould. - O, could this Bard have liv'd in Christian days, - And seen our blessed Lord nail'd to the tree, - Expos'd, from love to man, to scorn and woe; - He would have sung of JESUS; and his lays - Would shame our empty, soulless minstrelsy, - Whose strains in praise of JESUS never flow! - - -10. ON TYNDALE, THE MARTYR. - - Tyndale! Blest martyr to the truth and right, - Who in thy zeal didst cause, with labor long, - God's word to shine out in thy native tongue, - In killing thee the men, who to the light - Darkness prefer, would shroud the world in night. - Vain hope! for on the day of this great wrong - The sun of truth arose on England's throng - With not a cloud t' obscure its splendor bright. - What though the men of Rome did strangle thee, - Then burn thy body at the stake? Thy name - Is honor'd in the earth, while infamy - Attends thy foes, and bigots blush with shame. - But more than this: in the last day God's Son - Will give the glorious crown, which thou hast won! - - -11. MISERABLE OLD AGE. - - 'Tis weary through the race of life to run, - Expos'd to noon-tide heat and chilly night, - Mid storms, that well the boldest may affright, - When clouds with lightnings arm'd obscure the sun. - Our cares are vain; the good is never won; - Sweet joys are fleeting as the meteor's light; - Unfix'd as shadows are our hopes most bright; - And toil of years is toil but just begun. - Backward from long ascent we turn the eye, - If haply the review may cheer the heart: - The graves of those we love heave through the way. - Forward we gaze: thick mists obstruct the sky, - But precipice is near, from which we start; - Yet naught remains but down to slide and die! - - -12. Idols. Psalm 135. - - The heathen gods are gods of yellow gold, - Of shining silver, or perchance of wood,―― - Moulded in various shapes, as moulder would, - And for large sums to godless sinners sold. - These gods have mouths, but speak not;――that were bold:―― - Eyes have they, but they see not――as eyes should;―― - Ears have they, but they hear not――yet are wooed; - They breathe not through their throat――may it be told? - Nor eyes, nor ears, nor thought, nor sense have they, - Who to these idol-gods their homage give, - And pray for succor to a stubborn block. - We pity such strange folly――as we may;―― - But if we worship idols, though they live, - Do we not, too, the one Jehovah mock? - - -13. TO 4 PRESIDENTS ALIVE. 1826. - - Ye've run a race of glory here below, - Such as no rolls of hist'ry can display;―― - Have held o'er Freedom's land a gentle sway, - Have seen its prosp'rous tide unceasing flow, - And now, retir'd, a welcome peace ye know. - Methinks ye calmly smile,――as well ye may,―― - At those, who mingle in the public fray, - O'erwhelm'd by cares, that no repose allow. - Ye've run your race of honor, and full soon - The darkness of the grave will close the scene; - And after death your Judge will weigh your ways. - My heart desires for you the blessed boon, - That, ransom'd by the blood outpour'd for sin, - Ye run th' immortal race of heav'nly praise! - - -14. THE WAY OF SALVATION. - - If we with conscious guilt and humble shame - Our sins confess to God and deep deplore, - Resolv'd his holy laws to break no more, - For pardon trusting in his Son's great name, - Whose wondrous love brought him to bear our blame; - Then let a rush of troubles whelm us o'er, - As stormful billows dash upon the shore,―― - E'n dying, we in peace may each exclaim,―― - "My spirit into life doth die away, - And my poor body shall now rest in hope, - Awaiting with the sav'd the rising day, - When at the trumpet's blast each grave shall ope, - And in the likeness of Christ's body I - Shall share in glory endless in the sky!" - - -15. THE OVERTHROW OF POPERY. - - An angel rais'd a stone as millstone great, - And cast it in the sea, and loudly cried―― - "Thus shall great Bab'lon perish in her pride, - No fragment left of her once glorious state!" - Down sank the stone beneath the wave; when straight - The earth, by guilt o'erburden'd, heav'd her side, - And down the city fell in ruin wide, - And naught was seen of walls, that tower'd so late. - "Alas, that city great!" Cry mighty kings, - Whose sceptres had sustain'd her bigot sway, - While she by sorc'ries propp'd their tyrant throne. - While swells her smoke, as of burnt-offerings, - Standing afar, through fear, they mournful say―― - "Alas! that mighty city, BABYLON!" - - -16. THE FALL OF BABYLON. - - Her shorn, and cowl'd, and mitred merchants weep, - Since perishes with her their gainful trade - Of long indulgencies, for silver weigh'd, - Pledg'd from sad purgatory souls to keep,―― - Of holy water, oil, and relics cheap, - As blood, tears, rags, and bones in grave-yard laid, - Of crosses, roods, and forms for Mary made, - Of beads and bulls, and various wares a heap; - Of idols, masses, pray'rs, and souls of men, - By sale of which they liv'd in indolence, - And laugh'd while their poor cred'lous dupes did groan. - Seeing her smoke afar, they cry again,―― - "Alas for all her lost magnificence! - Fall'n is that proud, great city, BABYLON!" - - -17. THE SCOFFERS AT THE BIBLE. - - If God is holy Governor supreme, - And star-born, earth-born subjects must obey, - Or bear the Judge's sentence as they may;―― - If they, endow'd with intellect's bright gleam, - Free-will, and conscience, see God's Truth outstream, - Yet scoff, instead of trembling with dismay, - And infidels defiant prove; the day - Is nigh, when Christ will say――(it is no dream, - They'll hear the trumpet's blast, no soothing lyre――) - Unto the devil's proud, poor dupes ensnar'd, - No longer bold against God's Son t' conspire, - Their sin and all its damage unrepair'd,―― - "Depart, ye cursed, into endless fire, - For Satan and his angel-hosts prepar'd!" - - -18. PRAYER. - - The humble peasant on the mountain's side - May feel th' oppressor's gripe, and seem his prey; - But in compacted state, of just array, - His country's arm will be to his allied. - Though trampled on, and justice be denied, - Yet let him in his Sov'reign's ear display - His wrongs, and quick a just and mighty sway - Shall lift him up, and check the spoiler's pride.―― - The ear of God is open to our cry: - Though high his throne, beyond our feeble sight, - He hears from this far world each humble sigh; - And swift to do his will, in squadrons bright, - From heav'n to earth his mighty angels fly, - Outstripping in their course the speed of light. - - -19. CHRIST'S TABLE. - - The monarch's table, grac'd with golden plate, - With viands loaded, brought from ev'ry clime, - Garnish'd with beauty, cheer'd with minstrel's chime, - Is poor, compar'd with that, at which I sate. - The humble feast outvied all royal state;―― - The bread from far beyond where sun doth climb, - The wine more ancient than the birth of time,―― - Present the King of Kings o'er worlds elate; - The guests in purity of heart array'd, - Their songs the glad emotions of the soul, - Their faces beaming with celestial love.―― - Like this no table e'er shall be display'd - Till o'er the earth the car of fate shall roll, - And bear the worthy to the feast above. - - -20. DEATH. Job 14. - - Poor man, of woman born, is child of woe; - His days are few and fill'd with bitter grief, - With cares and pains, from which is no relief, - Till scythe of death shall lay his blossoms low. - The gen'rous tree cut down will once more grow, - And spread its branches after ruin brief - Loaded with fruits almost beyond belief;―― - Such pow'r have living roots, that creep below. - But man decays, and wastes away, and dies, - His noble frame dissolving in the ground, - His spirit fled――ah, whither who can say? - Beneath the valley's clod in sleep profound - He rests, and there the sleeper quiet lies, - Till earth shall burn and heav'ns shall flee away. - - -21. THE STORM ON THE LAKE. - - The vessel floated on the inland sea, - And Jesus found repose to nature dear, - When straight the angry storm comes wing'd with fear, - And heaving billows roll tumultuously. - Asleep in undisturb'd tranquillity, - The voice of terror breaks upon his ear, - "Master! now save us, or we perish here;―― - We sink, unless deliv'rance comes from Thee!" - He rose and said――"Ye tempests! cease to blow; - Ye billows! be ye calm as infant's sleep:"―― - When lo, the winds are hush'd and smooth the waves. - Ye toss'd and tempted souls! to Jesus go; - In him your faith and trust unshaken keep, - And ye shall be secure, for JESUS saves! - - -22. ON JACQUES BALMAT. - - Mont Blanc! That he first gain'd thy snow-built height - Was his great pride and boast. Yet crevice deep - Became his sudden grave, where he doth sleep, - Slid in some icy chasm with wild affright, - Shut out from human reach and human sight. - Of man's strange pride, for which the angels weep, - From this a useful lesson let man reap, - Whatever point he gains by struggling might. - First scholar, artist, genius of the age, - First with the sword or with the tongue's debate, - Poet strong-wing'd or philosophic sage,―― - However loud the trump, that calls thee great,―― - Proud, boasting worm! just think of poor Balmat, - In ice-chink plung'd from all his high eclat! - - -23. CONTROVERSY. - - I've struck the milk-white quartz with gentle blow, - And split with hammer fragment from the rock, - When lo, unquarried by the shiv'ring shock, - The precious Em'rald's crystal beauties glow! - Thus from the mine of thought, obscure and low, - Does force of argument the gem unlock, - Whose charms the beams of star-born diamond mock;―― - That gem is _Truth_――the truth, which angels know! - Delve patient; make the stubborn barriers fly; - Though long the toil, let hope assuage thy care; - Each blow the glad and glist'ning beams may wake. - With zeal contend; the inquisition ply; - Yet in debate this needful caution bear―― - Be gentle, or the crystal thou mayst break! - - -24. THE SABBATH. - - Sweet is the dawn of tranquil holy day, - Hallow'd, e'en from the birth of time, to rest, - To purest joys, and contemplations blest;―― - The cares of this vain world put far away. - God said, "Let there be light:" and straight the play - Of varied hues all nature did invest: - Creation ended,――this was God's behest;―― - "Let Sabbath peace return, while earth shall stay." - Once more, near thrice the hundred thousandth time, - The blessed light upon the world is spread, - And wakes an heav'nly flame in many an eye:―― - Just emblem of that Sabbath day sublime, - Whose beams in heav'n on ransom'd souls are shed - In glorious brightness through eternity! - - -25. THE WIDOW'S SON RAISED. - - No company of revellers is here, - But sad procession solemn moves and slow, - While sobs are heard, and tears of anguish flow;―― - A widow's only son is on the bier. - But now the mighty Son of God comes near, - And stops the moving spectacle of woe, - And says――"Young man, I tell thee, rise!" When lo - The dead man lives, and speaks in accents clear! - O, what a tide of ecstasy was thine, - Blest widow, kissing that son's face once more, - Then falling at _His_ feet, who wak'd the dead! - So, at another day, that voice divine - Shall reach all caverns of the grave with power, - And rapture through innum'rous hearts shall spread. - - -26. THANKSGIVING-DAY, 1859. - - Thanks be to God on this Thanksgiving-Day - For all his wondrous goodness to our Land; - To mine, and me. Ah, who can understand - The myst'ries of his love? To Him I pray, - With millions whom his truth and spirit sway, - That all our people may discern his hand - In their rich blessings and in one great band - Serve Him, whom all the hosts of heav'n obey.―― - Yet what is now our pride is but our shame―― - "Our Country's FREEDOM!" 'Tis not known by all, - Though loud we cry, 'tis man's most rightful claim. - Methinks I hear in thunder tones heav'n's call,―― - "Ye glorying States, that boast of LIBERTY, - Look on four million SLAVES and make them FREE!" - - -27. THE LORD MY SHEPHERD. - - The Lord my Shepherd is――the Psalmist said―― - In pastures green he gives me soft repose, - And leads where living water gently flows; - Thus ev'ry want is by his bounty fed. - When from his paths I err, by pride misled, - My soul his kind restoring mercy knows; - He brings me joy, and saves from direful woes; - Then let my tongue his praises ever spread. - Yea, though I walk through death's most dreary vale, - Where unshap'd shadows glide and bring affright, - Since thou art with me naught shall wake my fear. - The path, tho' dark and fill'd with mis'ry's wail, - Guides to yon distant, growing, glorious light, - Gleaming from throne of God in heav'ns most clear. - - -28. CHRIST'S RESURRECTION. - - Welcome, O Day, in dazzling glory bright, - Emblem of yet another day most blest, - When all Christ's friends with him in heav'n shall rest; - For on this day, in his recover'd might, - The sleeper wak'd to see this morning's light;―― - "The Son of God!" glad angel-hosts attest: - So, when alive, most fully shown, confest, - For on this day he took his heav'n-ward flight. - When therefore our glad eyes this morning's sun - See rising on the earth, we'll lift our thought - To Him, who by his death our life hath bought, - And victor-king for us a crown hath won. - It e'er shall be a day of sweetest joy, - Till we shall see our Lord in yonder sky! - - -29. DARKNESS UNTIL HEAVENLY LIGHT. - - Dark is the soul of man all hist'ry shows, - Until outshines God's pure and heav'nly light; - Till then delusions play upon his sight―― - Misleading ev'ry step, as on he goes, - Each vile imposture working him great woes, - Each cheat and lie, sprung up in murky night, - Withstanding ever what is true and right, - And love of gain all honesty o'erthrows.―― - Reason, a flick'ring taper, is but dim, - While pride and ev'ry passion keep their sway. - Where then can help be found except in Him, - Who spake at first, and night was turn'd to day?―― - God's only Son! Shine thou on us in love; - Then shall we dwell with thee in light above! - - -30. MARIA MALLEVILLE ALLEN. - - My MALLEVILLE! mature like fruitful vine - About my house, while flourishing most fair - Thou'rt smitten to the ground. Sighs fill the air, - And here no longer can I call thee mine. - But how can I against God's will repine? - He will restore thee, and my loss repair, - Sweet, growing, endless joys with thee to share, - And with the holy who in glory shine! - E'en now thy spirit lives, and joins the song, - Which breaks like torrent from the harps of gold - Resounding through heav'n's arches by the throng - Of ransom'd sinners and with joys untold,―― - "Let Wisdom, Honor, Pow'r in highest strain - To thee, O LAMB, be paid, for Thou wast slain!" - - -31. PRAYER FOR MERCY. - - I dare not, Lord, claim aught of good from thee - As in reward of virtue my just right; - Up to thy throne on high, all-glorious, bright, - I dare not lift my eyes. Humility - Befits the child of sin and misery: - Repenting tears may well bedim his sight. - Yes, Savior, on my guilty breast I smite, - And "Mercy! Mercy!" this is all my cry. - 'Twas mercy, in thy vast, amazing love, - Awaking wonder in th' angelic throng, - That brought thee down from God's right hand above, - Upon the cross to die, t' atone for wrong. - Then wilt thou not my sad petition hear, - And give me peace and hope, instead of fear? - - -32. THE LOST CHILD. - - Two days had pass'd; the anxious search was vain - The wilder'd child in forest wide to find; - But pity call'd once more the neighbors kind - Each darksome nook t' explore with care and pain. - In far-stretch'd rank, like fleet upon the main, - Well rang'd by wisdom are their toils combin'd,―― - With law――"If dead, a single horn shall wind:―― - Alive, let gun and horn ring merry strain!"―― - "Hark!"――as the Father lay with ear to ground, - He cried;――"Alas, my wife, the single horn!―― - Oh no! Gun, horn, and shout the forest shake!"―― - So, when the wilder'd, sinning man is found, - By grace recover'd and to goodness born, - From angel hosts the shouts of joy outbreak. - - -33. MEXICAN IDOL. - - Of giant height, carv'd from basaltic block, - Two snakes the monster bears for arms and hands; - On either side a vulture's wing expands; - The noble face of man its features mock. - Beneath, the fangs of Rattlesnake unlock; - On Tiger's claws the fearful idol stands; - Men's hearts and skull do make his necklace bands;―― - Meet ornaments, that ev'ry gazer shock! - Here is the form of true idolatry! - Worship of serpent――vulture――tiger god,―― - Curst Lucifer, the rebel flung to hell! - Can Christians to such idol bow the knee? - The idol WAR is such; thus cloth'd, thus shod, - Inwreath'd with skulls, hissing with malice fell! - - -34. GOD OUR SAFETY. Psalm 91. - - Who in the Most High's secret place doth dwell, - Beneath th' Almighty's shadow shall abide. - God is my refuge, where I safe may hide,―― - My fortress strong and inaccessible. - From thee the noisome plague he will repel, - And safe from fowler's snare, with skill applied; - Although a thousand fall down at thy side, - No evil shall approach thy house or cell. - His kind, protecting wings o'er thee shall spread; - His truth shall be to thee a brazen shield, - His promise stronger than a tow'r on high; - Of nightly terror be not then afraid, - Nor of the day's swift arrow: 'tis reveal'd, - Thy God, thy trust, shall lift thee to the sky! - - -35. THE BELIEVER ENCOURAGED. - - Pilgrim! do thickest clouds of grief and woe - Shut from thine eye that sweet and heav'nly light, - So lately spread upon thy pathway bright? - Is a dark wing outstretch'd o'er all below? - Fear not: more glorious beams shall surely flow - From fount perennial on thy gladden'd sight. - Thy God is faithful. In his love and might - Thou'rt safe; and naught thy bliss can overthrow. - Gaze now upon the wondrous cross. There hung,―― - Victim for sins, which claim'd avenging hell,―― - God's own beloved Son in agony: - Then hear the strains in heav'nly arches sung. - Can He, who gave the gift unspeakable, - Deny thee strength, and hope, and light, and joy? - - -36. ON REV. DR. JOHN CODMAN. - - CODMAN, in early paths of life my friend, - When we together walk'd the flow'ry way - Of science, nor from virtue went astray, - Where Charles's stream by Harvard's walls doth wend; - Then woven were the ties, no force can rend―― - The ties of Christian love; from day to day - Our constant aim, our constant, firm essay, - God's Truth first known, its dictates to attend.―― - Through many a year and many a changing scene - Our early bond unbroken, when at last, - As all thy earthly prospects were o'ercast, - I bid farewell to thee with anguish keen, - Then did'st thou say,――"We meet again above―― - This faith I have――where sits ETERNAL LOVE!" - - -37. NORTHAMPTON GRAVE-YARD. - - Thick are the branches of o'ershad'wing trees, - Of deep, unfading green: does this proclaim, - That many a sleeper here hath deathless name, - Immortal glory by God's just decrees? - These monumental stones no eye that sees―― - Of whitest marble as for purest fame, - Recording deeds of high and holy aim―― - But must their forms approve. Each passing breeze - Bears richest odors from these graves, where rest - The fathers and their children; men of prayer, - Of faith, and love, and ev'ry virtue blest.―― - For the great rising day be it our care - To be ourselves companions of the wise; - With them to meet our Savior in the skies. - - -38. THE LORD'S PRAYER. - - Our heav'nly Father, whom we fear and love, - Hallow'd by all thy children be thy name; - Thy kingdom come――an empire without blame; - Let men obey thee, like the blest above. - Give us this day our daily bread; remove - Our guilt, as we forgive a brother's shame; - Let not temptation urge its mighty claim, - Nor web of evil be around us wove; - For thine the kingdom is, and thine the praise; - And thine the pow'r, which no resistance knows: - To thee, O God, be endless glory given.―― - Thus will I pray, while heart within me plays, - Or tongue is free my feelings to disclose, - Till I shall join the choral song in heaven. - - -39. PRAISE TO GOD. Psalm 148. - - Praise ye the Lord. Ye Angels, give him praise - And all his hosts throughout the heav'ns on high; - Both sun and moon, and stars that fill the sky, - For his command made all your lights to blaze. - Let all earth's hosts their voices loud upraise; - Ye mountains proud that human feet defy, - And dragons which in ocean-deeps do lie; - Fire, hail, and vapors, tempests that amaze - The seaman in his barque; the drifting snow; - All lofty cedars and each fruitful tree; - The fowl that fly, and beasts that creep below; - All kings and people, old and young, come ye, - And praise God's name, all glorious, good, and great,―― - God's name, in majesty o'er all elate! - - -40. ON MY FATHER, REV. T. ALLEN. - - I give thee thanks and praise, Great God above! - That though one half a hundred years be fled - Since my dear earthly father join'd the dead, - He lives within my heart. His faith, his love, - His zeal for right, the thoughts that him did move - The foes of truth t' encounter without dread,―― - All foes of Him who on the cross once bled,―― - Such things for him a web of honor wove. - My years are more than his: O, could I say, - My virtues are but equal; and that, when - I reach the closing hour of my life's day, - My God would give me his strong faith; for then, - As told he could not live, he made reply―― - "I'm going to _live_ forever in the sky!" - - -41. TIME'S END. Rev. 10. - - Cloth'd with a cloud an angel-form I see; - A beaming rainbow decks his glorious brow; - Like dazzling noon-tide sun his features glow; - One blazing foot is planted in the sea, - The other on the earth, like burning tree; - He cried aloud, as lion, roaring slow; - Seven angry thunders mutter'd their echo; - His red right arm he lifted high and free; - Then with an oath, that shook heav'ns mighty arch, - He sware by Him, that made the sea and earth, - And scattered far abroad the worlds of light,―― - Whose years proceed in never-ending march, - That Time, which ow'd to his decree its birth, - Should cease fore'er to wing its rapid flight. - - -42. WRITTEN IN A THUNDER-STORM. - - In that loud voice, that shakes the earth and skies, - The ancient pagan heard Jove's angry tone, - Speaking to mortals from the clouds, his throne; - In that keen light, which rapid bursts and flies, - And darts to earth, and dazzles mortal eyes, - The pagan saw Jove's vengeful jav'lin thrown, - To check man's pride, and cast presumption down, - And vindicate the god as strong and wise. - But now, since Franklin drew a spark from cloud, - And prov'd it merely electricity,―― - Though, God! thou speak in thunders e'er so loud, - Our empty science makes us deaf to Thee; - And though thy lightnings glare, yet we are proud, - And blind to Thy most glorious majesty! - - -43. IMPIETY. - - The pagan pays his worship to a block, - Or lifts his homage to the glorious sun, - Who, like a giant, in his race doth run;―― - Such folly well our thinking sense may shock. - But what if Christian nam'd his God should mock, - Or wrapp'd in web, by atheist's fingers spun, - All nature's brightness seem obscure and dun, - Not deem'd His work, who guides the starry flock? - Is there not here a guilt of deeper dye, - A mind less cheer'd by rays of truth divine, - A heart more cold, enchain'd by Greenland frost? - Ah! can the wretch e'er dwell in purest sky, - Where God's perfections all in glory shine? - Is he not blinded, cheated, wilder'd, lost? - - -44. ON THE DEATH OF MY DAUGHTER. - - Poor man, who name of Father dost not know, - Nor e'er hast felt that bond of sweetest might, - Which binds thee to thy child; on whose glad sight - That fairest image on the earth below,―― - In beauty like heav'n's various-tinted bow,―― - Her Mother's picture, lovely daughter bright - Ne'er shone;――thou hast not seen joy's earthly height!―― - All this I've seen, and lost to my huge woe! - And yet I do not need thy pity, friend; - For though the flow'r of seventeen summers' bloom - Was smitten, still it blossoms without end - In garden, where ne'er falls a blighting doom. - A ransom'd sinner did my Daughter die, - In Christian hope, with glory in her eye! - - -45. THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR. - - This day another year of life is fled, - With ev'ry change; its gloom and beaming light, - Its woes and joys all vanish'd from the sight: - Yet deeds of good and evil are not dead. - If ill, their record we shall see with dread - O'erwhelming to our sight and wild affright, - Unless through Christ our conscience is set right - And his atoning blood our peace hath bred. - If good our deeds, and Christ through faith our friend, - Then gladly may we hail life's final day,―― - The heirs of glory we when time shall end.―― - In the new year be our's the bliss to say, - Each truly,――"Lord, in thee my hope is strong - Of thee, the Lamb, to sing heav'n's ceaseless song!" - - -46. TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST. - - Nature's idolater the mount ascends - To gaze around: Jesus went up to pray; - And as he pray'd, there beam'd a tenfold day, - And brightness, that all earthly light transcends. - What company is this, that Him attends? - Celestial forms appear in pure array, - And speak of suff'rings at a future day, - His certain death, which shame and anguish blends. - But soon the light recedes; there comes a cloud, - Dark and terrific in th' apostles' eyes, - And spreads its curtains round, beneath, above; - And from that gloom a voice is heard most loud―― - "This is my Son, who came from upper skies, - My Son beloved, hear ye Him and love!" - - -47. SLEEPERS IN THE GRAVE-YARD. - - In this fair grove of thick-branch'd evergreen - How many sleepers wide are scatter'd round, - Having their quiet rest beneath the ground, - On ev'ry side their marble tablets seen? - Their sleep, now quiet, will not be, I ween, - When the archangel's trumpet loud shall sound: - Not one of all will then be heedless found - But all will spring to life; a mingled scene - Of grief, despair, and sweet and high delight. - I speak not of the bad; but sure a throng - Of loving friends will meet the judge's sight, - Skill'd in the notes of ransom'd sinners' song.―― - Shall we be with these sleepers as they rise? - Say, shall we join them in yon blessed skies? - - -48. SONG OF THE REDEEMED. Rev. 7. - - Behold, before the Lamb, before God's throne - In robes of white a countless multitude, - All bearing palms, in glorious order stood, - From ev'ry tribe and tongue by goodness won; - Their voices high are join'd, as if but one; - All cry aloud――Salvation to our God, - And to the glorious Lamb, whose precious blood - For all our deepest sins did once atone! - Then fell the angels prostrate, and they said―― - While with enraptur'd hearts they God adore, - And to the Lamb of sacrifice they bend―― - "Let honor, glory, blessing, thanks be paid, - All might, and wisdom, majesty, and power - Unto our God for ages without end!" - - -49. NATURE REPROVED. - - For ages worshipp'd by the Minstrel throng, - By rippling brook, in air, and field, and wood, - On mountain top, and ridge of billowy flood, - Nature! thou dost thy Maker mighty wrong. - Hast thou no speech to check the erring song? - Glows not thy beauteous cheek with mantling blood - Thyself to take His praise, "FIRST FAIR, FIRST GOOD?" - Wilt thou this wild delusion still prolong? - Vain Idol! this thy folly thou shalt rue: - A voice is swelling on the mountain breeze, - And echoes loud from yonder azure sky―― - "Thy beauty's light shall turn to deadly hue; - On all thy charms the kindling flames shall seize, - And worshipper and god in ashes lie!" - - -50. REMOVAL OF SEVERE ILLNESS. - - Short seem'd the step down to the awful grave, - Where ev'ry vig'rous limb all stiffen'd lies, - And greedy worms in us hold revelries, - While weeds and grasses o'er my bed shall wave. - This world of ours, built up so beauteous, brave, - Must it be faded ever from my eyes? - Shall my dull ear hear no sweet symphonies? - And from this dreaded doom can naught me save? - Naught sav'd me but thy pow'r, O God of love! - I live again: to Thee be all the praise; - And let me live with heart on things above, - As one, in all things whom thy Spirit sways; - So serving Christ, as sure to me 'tis given - To see him in a brighter world――in heaven! - - -51. GOD MAN'S ALL-SUFFICIENT GOOD. - - Although no blossom'd fig tree deck the field, - Nor fruit hangs clust'ring on the joyful vine, - To give, when press'd, the spirit-cheering wine, - Nor cultur'd ground the needful food doth yield; - Although the flocks the fold no longer shield, - Nor sheep and goats from rav'nous wolves confine; - Although no grazing herds, as once, are mine, - And all my gold to robbers is reveal'd; - Yet in Jehovah will my soul rejoice, - The God of my salvation; songs shall rise - To him, whose favor is my treasur'd gold. - His bounty forces on my better choice - The ever-gladd'ning fruits of paradise, - And heav'n's unmeasur'd good, and joys untold. - - -52. THE DEATH OF REV. DR. I. NICHOLS. - - In boyhood's prime our four years' course being done - In band of numbers unsurpass'd before, - All said,――as richest gems we counted o'er,―― - "The highest rank Thou, youngest, yet hast won." - Again, when now brief interval was run, - Our toils renew'd as long a time once more - In Harvard's walls, t' acquire the honey'd store.―― - Since then just fifty years our lives have spun.―― - A few days past I hail'd my birth-day light; - Alas, it was thy day of death, my friend, - When thy keen eyes were clos'd in deepest night: - Yet 'twas thy birth to life without an end! - Thy trust be mine――is now my sick-bed pray'r―― - In God's own Son, who came our sins to bear. - - -53. THE VOICE OF NATURE TO POETS. - - Your homage has been paid me much too long, - Withheld from him, who made me fair and good, - His image to reflect from earth and flood, - And wake for him the Bard's sublimest song.―― - No eagle, mounting on his pinions strong, - Nor sweetly-warbling Nightingale in wood, - No humble flow'r with tint of sky or blood, - Nor scaly fish, nor murm'ring insect throng; - No shaggy beast beneath the forest wide, - No crystal gleaming in its rocky bed, - Nor glossy shell beneath the em'rald sea; - No rippling brook, nor stream of swollen pride, - No golden cloud, nor star in silence led, - FATHER OF ALL! but speaks aloud of Thee! - - -54. THE CROSS AND CROWN. - - Bright symbols, which a daughter's hand hath wove, - What more significant before mine eyes - Or showing forth sublimer mysteries,―― - The color'd Cross the suff'ring Savior's love, - The Crown of green his Father's gift above?―― - Why bear these autumn leaves such crimson dyes, - Save to express his death, his agonies, - Whose hand outspread each decorated grove? - If all be, then, the purchase of his blood,―― - All who repent, and love, believe, obey, - Who, now redeem'd, walk in the upward way, - Cheer'd with the hope of heav'n's eternal good,―― - Let me not boast of all within my thought, - Save in Christ's CROSS, by which my CROWN was bought. - - -55. DYING I AM BLEST. - - Great kings must leave their thrones and rule unjust, - Philosophers forget their idle schemes, - Beauty her form, and poets too their dreams, - And rich men mingle with the worthless dust. - Alas, what is the earth to poor man's trust? - How fleeting all earth's joys, like rushing streams! - Yet 'tis not dark to me: I see bright gleams, - Which from my God on high on me outburst,―― - Visions of good eternal in the skies:―― - My sins effac'd by blood,――redeeming love,―― - God's Son, once on the cross, enthroned above,―― - My long-lost ones again before my eyes, - With all the good.――I cry, "Death brings me rest; - Through thee, O Jesus, DYING I AM BLEST!" - - -56. COMPACT ON BOARD THE MAYFLOWER. - - The wondrous "Mayflow'r," floating on the sea, - Wafting the noble Pilgrims to the west, - As yet had found no circling shore for rest, - Though land was near; 'tis now her Company - To guard against disorders, which might be, - And firm foundation lay for empire blest, - Their "Solemn Compact" made, that none might wrest, - Each pledg'd the Rule to follow cheerfully. - Freedom and Law are bound in union sweet; - For all have equal pow'r till common vote - Authority confer, to which all bow, - Its exercise restrain'd, as is most meet, - To Public Good. No acts of their's denote - A thought their Chief could private int'rest know. - - -57. TO JESUS CHRIST, GOD'S SON. - - O, blessed, first-born Son of God most high, - By whom the sun and all the worlds of light - Were summon'd from the gloom of deepest night, - While this low earth was shap'd before thine eye,―― - Didst Thou earth's ills in human form defy, - Leaving thy glorious, heav'nly mansion bright, - To save lost man, and vindicate God's right, - And on the cross, nail'd hands and feet, didst die?―― - O, wondrous truth, beyond all truths we know! - With love our trembling lips pronounce thy name; - With speechless gratitude our hearts o'erflow! - But Thou didst rise from thy sad doom of shame, - And, while angelic hosts hail Thee and greet, - At God's right hand didst find thine ancient seat. - - -58. TO DR. THOMSON, MISSIONARY. - - Old WARRIOR, two decades of years and more - Have sped, since thou didst arm thee for the fight, - Since thou didst wield thy sword with hero's might, - Warring just where apostles fought of yore. - 'Twas Charity, which o'er two oceans bore - Thee and thy fellows from this land of light - To seek God's ancient mount in error's night - And Zion's long-lost glory to restore. - Thy warfare is to last while thou hast breath; - Sure is the vict'ry which to Christ is given; - Earth shall yet bear the sun-light stamp of heaven. - And when at last thine eye shall close in death, - Thy life, we know, through Christ's atoning blood, - Shall be where God outbeams light's endless flood. - - -59. HAPPY OLD AGE. - - 'Tis good our destin'd course in life to run, - New forms of beauty bursting on the sight, - The clouds soon gone, that bring a feeble night, - Still holding on our way, like glorious sun. - What noble prize has sluggishness e'er won? - 'Tis toil of day, that brings sweet rest at night, - And mingled joys make e'en our sorrows light: - The bliss we taste is bliss but just begun. - From height of age we gaze on years gone by; - The fruits of many a deed of good appear, - From which new plants are waving to the eye. - Forward we look; no terrors we descry, - But all is light, and peace, and pleasures dear: - One step will gain the glories of the sky! - - -60. PILGRIMS ON PLYMOUTH ROCK. - - The "Mayflow'r"'s anchor'd in the wintry bay; - And now the crowded boat with busy oar - Glides onward to the solitary shore, - Where, just emerging from the wave, there lay - A Rock, which trusting feet would not betray. - On this the Pilgrims land, to float no more - On angry billows, as they ceaseless roar;―― - But here to fix their dwelling-place for aye.―― - This scene may well the future good unfold, - Which o'er th' Atlantic wave their feet had sought―― - THE LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE, prize untold, - Each shackle broke which bigotry had wrought―― - Symbol, which sure our eyes do not bemock, - Of FREEDOM'S Empire, founded on a Rock! - - -61. NO SORROW IN DEATH. - - As now, methinks, my fated hour draws nigh, - With all its scenes before my vision clear, - Why must I take my flight without a tear - To dim the lustre of my heav'n-lift eye? - Why leave I sweetest joys without a sigh, - As though to my blest soul not rich and dear? - Is all my love to lov'd ones insincere, - That I am calm while other spirits cry? - Oh no! I love them; but love others more―― - Our common SAVIOR, victim on the tree―― - Their Mother and their Sister gone before - To heav'n, there ready now to welcome me. - Harvests of glorious Good about to reap,―― - Dying to enter LIFE,――how can I weep? - - -62. ON JOHN ROBINSON. - - I see thee, outcast from thy native shore, - Exile from England lov'd, to toil and die; - And ne'er didst thou behold our western sky;―― - Yet in both lands what name is honor'd more - Than thine, O ROBINSON? We hence adore - That Providence, which thus uplifts on high - The worthy from their deep humility, - And makes them stars to shine forevermore. - The Truth thou didst discern and didst maintain―― - Freedom to worship God――with courage bold, - Unaw'd by foes in pow'r and pride arrayed. - This claim the world will ne'er forget again, - Nor thee forget, its champion of old, - But breathe thy noble spirit undismayed. - - -63. SUDDEN SICKNESS. 1845. - - As city, near volcanic mountain's brow, - When heav'd by earthquake in its strongest wall, - Trembles, and seems just tott'ring to its fall; - Such seem'd my frame of clay beneath the blow. - 'Twas Wisdom's way to make the suff'rer know - The lesson oft forgot, needful for all, - That fleeting life soon flies beyond recall,―― - That heav'nly bliss is nigh or endless woe. - One day death's gloom seem'd settling on my head; - The next I joyful felt God's arm of might, - And rose as one recover'd from the dead. - To whom then now belongs my life of right? - Thee, Lord, I praise, whose mercies overflow; - Thee will I serve with angel's zeal below! - - -64. ON TRUTH. - - Of intellectual worlds Truth is the sun, - Outpouring on the mind heav'n's purest light, - Before which quickly fly all shades of night. - And as his daily course the Truth doth run, - He sheds a vivifying heat. This done, - Each plant of virtue grows up in our sight; - But ev'ry vile imposture feels a blight.―― - With thee has truth, God's truth, the vict'ry won? - Alas! by ev'ry cheat and wicked lie - Man is misled, deluded to his woe; - And o'er him Satan holds dominion high, - Reigning o'er all the wretched race below, - Till God doth interpose in wondrous love, - On man his Spirit pouring from above. - - -65. TWO VIEWS OF DEATH. - - O death, how dreadful is thy certain doom, - The beautiful all hidden from my eye - In the dark pit, where their stiff bodies lie! - And must I join them in the loathsome tomb? - Yet sure the spring-flow'r does not fail to bloom, - When wintry frosts give way to genial sky. - For body's happy change we need not sigh; - Nor for the spirit's flight from all earth's gloom. - Then, Death, thy presence brings me no affright, - But wakes my loud, exulting voice through grace, - A shout of glorious victor in the fight, - Or of the winner in the struggling race. - Death is quick transfer of the soul to heaven, - A boon to all Christ's friends in mercy given. - - -66. GOD'S MARVELLOUS WORKS. Ps. 104. - - 'Tis God, who made and heav'n and earth sustains: - We render homage due.――When floods arose, - The Lord did quell them to a quick repose.―― - He made all springs for mountains and for plains. - T' enrich the earth he gives his plenteous rains; - The herb for man and grass for cattle grows.―― - The moon for seasons made, the sun too knows - His going down, when thickest darkness reigns; - Then forest beasts creep forth, who shun the light. - To God young lions for their meat do cry; - The sun ariseth,――down in their dens they lie: - But man unto his work goes out till night.―― - Thy works, O Lord, how manifold and great! - In searchless wisdom didst thou all create! - - -67. THE LAST WORDS OF A MINISTER. - - CHRIST and redeeming mercy,――these alone - His themes, as soon his life would cease to move; - Then hear as if his voice still with you strove:―― - "My Friends! whom I would meet before Christ's throne, - And welcome where all ransom'd souls are one, - The Son of God from his high throne above - Came down to this low world in boundless love - By anguish of the cross our guilt t' atone, - Immortal life by rising bring to light, - For the deprav'd God's Spirit to procure, - For weakest Christian all his promis'd might, - And thus the failing hope to re-assure:―― - Compar'd with Christ count all things then but loss, - Nor glory save in Christ and in his cross!" - - -68. PLYMOUTH MONUMENT LAID 1859. - - This upbuilt monument, though broad and high - As tow'ring pyramid on Egypt's plain, - Our Pilgrim-Fathers' rarest worth in vain - Attempts to show forth to the kindled eye. - They said――"We'll seek a land of Liberty; - No child of ours shall wear a galling chain!"―― - Such purpose bore them o'er the stormy main: - Here was their home, and here their bodies lie. - We'll build their noble virtues in our hearts,―― - The love of Truth, the love of Good and Right, - The Faith which sees beyond our earthly sight, - The Zeal which love to God and man imparts:―― - SUCH MONUMENT we will not fail to raise, - When rock-built piles shall fall to bear their praise! - - -69. EFFECT OF DEATH ON MAN. - - How vast the change by death in man's estate? - How silent now the orator's proud tongue, - On which so many thousands often hung? - How fled the concord of sweet sounds, which late - Drew to the songstress admiration great? - How heedless now the monarch to the throng - Of worshippers? Alas, to whom doth now belong - The rich man's gold, which yielding to his fate - He leaves behind?――Whate'er on earth ye love - Ye soon must lose; then seek with earnest heart - The proffer'd blessings near Christ's throne above: - Once gain'd, there's naught can them and you dispart - While you shall live; nor shall one joy be gone - While endless centuries of bliss roll on! - - -70. CHRISTMAS. - - This is the day of all earth's days the best;―― - This is the bright, and wondrous, glorious morn, - On which the Son of God from heav'n was born, - First offer'd to his mother's vision blest. - Think not the harps of angel-hosts could rest, - Louder than warring notes of trump and horn; - The universe was glad at that day's dawn, - For Mercy beam'd on sinners lost, unblest. - Christ dwelt as man upon this globe he built, - And, having taught the world Truth pure and bright, - Died as a sacrifice for man's great guilt, - But rose again to fill all heav'n with light! - We hail the glad return of this glad day; - Sing, O ye heav'ns; in joy sing on for aye! - - -71. NEW YEAR'S DAY, 1859. - - Hail to the day I am allow'd to see, - Though helpless on the bed of sickness laid,―― - Another year's return! All undismay'd, - I've daily thought, to me it might not be. - It has not been to millions now set free, - And this year millions more, to death betray'd, - Will reach their doom. For them I've earnest pray'd, - "Lord, give them faith in thy salvation free!" - Three quarter-centuries of years my own - Will end their flight this day in winter's cold: - Praise to my God for joys and hopes not flown! - Hasten, O Lord, the year by thee foretold, - When thou wilt all the fallen nations raise, - And earth shall be one temple to thy praise! - - -72. DONATI'S COMET, 1858. - - Strange Comet, with thy long, curv'd tail so bright, - Hast thou before e'er visited our sphere? - From what dark depths of space dost thou draw near? - What is thy aim thus blazing on our sight? - Hast thou a charge with pestilence to smite? - Full many an eye now looks on thee with fear; - But unknown good may spring from thy career - And nigh approach to the great fount of light. - From guiding hand of God, enthron'd above, - Thou art not free; thou comest at his will, - Either to work the counsels of his love, - Or judgment on the wicked to fulfil. - Perchance on thee some, doom'd to woe, may dwell,―― - Some demon-spirits, whose abode is hell! - - -73. EXECUTION FOR MURDER, 1630. - - Alas, among the Pilgrims came there one - Not of their church nor of their heart and mind, - Who ne'er unruly passions knew to bind, - Nor ever learn'd a heav'nly race to run. - At last a brother's blood he shed, and won - A retribution just; nor could he find - A charity misguided, and so blind, - As not to see fit doom for deed he'd done. - Instructed from above, by reason led, - The Pilgrim Company disclos'd their plan:―― - Intent to give to life security - Without revenge, with purpose stern they said―― - As law had said e'er since the world began―― - "Whoso shall shed man's blood, by man shall die!" - - -74. ONENESS WITH GOD. John 17. - - Friends of the Son of God! How blest are ye, - That when his fated hour he saw was near, - This prayer he lifted to his Father dear,―― - "O let them all be one, as thou in me - And I in thee, so give them unity."―― - He meant a Oneness in the Truth, 'tis clear, - For as God's Word he low descended here - To teach the truth to all; to me and thee;―― - Next, oneness of design and holy love, - Oneness of soul, of spirit, and of mind;―― - For thus his friends will dwell with him above, - While never-ending ages shall unwind. - Lord! on our souls each grace and virtue trace, - So shall we see God's glory in thy face! - - -75. ON MY BIRTH-DAY. Written Jan. 2, 1859. - - While fourscore years wanting but five have fled, - The author of my frame hath it sustain'd. - This morning's light my waiting vision gain'd - With thankful joy. What multitudes are dead,―― - The earth twice emptied,――since on infant's bed - My blood began to run in circuits train'd?―― - Destroying angel who but God restrain'd? - The past how doom'd hereafter will be read: - I pray the Lord from heav'n, for me who died, - Me to assist the future so to spend - Becoming one to Him by faith allied;―― - So when, as He shall order, life shall end, - A new and glorious life will then begin - With God in heav'n, eternal, without sin! - - -76. GOD AND HIS SON. - - There is a God the universe doth show, - By whom were form'd the countless stars on high, - Which glitter in the wide, o'erarching sky; - All angel forms above and men below. - There is a God, who reigns supreme, we know; - Yet is he not alone; his presence nigh, - In glory streaming on th' uplifted eye, - Sits one, to whom all holy angels bow. - Lo, near God's heav'nly throne, at his right hand - His only Son,――God's image true and bright,―― - With various gifts divine endow'd, doth stand - To execute his Father's will with might. - By him God made and rules all worlds above; - By him unfolds to man his wondrous love. - - -77. ON MARTYRS. - - There's no man great like him, who dares to die; - Die for the truth, reveal'd from God's own throne. - Weak is the soul of man, when left alone, - Unaided by the Spirit from on high; - But when the God of grace and pow'r is nigh, - Weakness is strength and at the stake, alone, - Taunted by madden'd foes, yet not a groan, - When kindling flames wrap him in agony, - Breaks from the lips of martyr, as he died. - John Huss, and Jerome, and a noble host - A vict'ry gain'd.――Not in the hero's pride, - But in such men,――of God sustain'd,――we boast. - Ye Bigots! When the martyrs take their crown, - Shall ye not meet with God's terrific frown? - - -78. TO REV. DR. SPRING, NEW YORK. - - Old Soldier of the Son of God, the Lord! - For half a cent'ry hast thou kept the field, - And never didst thou to the foe yet yield; - Thine arms divine, the Spirit and the Word; - Truth, faith, and pray'r, these all in sweet accord. - Nor have thy wondrous vict'ries been conceal'd; - Some to thy Master's glory are reveal'd, - E'en now th' achievements of his flaming sword. - Be thou, my friend, yet faithful unto death; - Then, when the blood-stain'd heroes too must die, - And proudest despots yield their fleeting breath, - And all shall meet before the throne on high, - While justice drives the lost ones down to hell, - Thine endless song will just begin to swell! - - -79. PERSEVERANCE IN CHRIST'S SERVICE. - - My friends, be firm and faithful to the last, - That ye in Christian peace and hope may die, - Redeem'd by Him who died in agony. - Then as ye hear the trumpet's awful blast, - Ye will not with the wicked be downcast - Into unfathom'd depths of misery, - There in despair, beyond all hope to lie, - While ages never counted shall be past; - But ye shall see your great Redeemer blest, - Array'd in form most gladd'ning to your sight, - And he shall say, in majesty most bright, - "Come, my disciples, enter into rest!" - Then shall the Savior, whom ye serve and love, - Transport you to his throne, near God's, above! - - -80. GLORYING IN THE CROSS. - - Let it not be, that e'er my soul in aught - Should glory touching on delight or pride, - Save in the wondrous cross of HIM, who died - A sacrifice of worth beyond all thought, - With inf'nite blessings to the guilty fraught. - Give me faith's vision――let who will deride―― - O blessed JESUS! of thy pierced side: - I boast of thee and what thy love has wrought. - Beauty, and wealth, fame, dignity, and might, - A victor army dress'd in splendid show, - A throne and rev'rent crowds around that bow,―― - Say, what is all that dazzles human sight, - Compar'd with glories, which in thee, God's Son, - My eyes shall see while endless years roll on? - - -81. MAN WITHOUT REVELATION. - - Poor man without God's heav'nly glorious light - By ev'ry lie is cheated to his woe,―― - As hist'ry of the world doth fully show,―― - His reason shrouded in the thickest night. - But when the Truth beams on his purged sight, - Instant are fled all wild'ring shapes below, - Whose terrors waken'd all his spirit's throe: - Thus chang'd the scene where shines the Gospel bright. - Alas, my brother, art thou then so wise, - Thou know'st the Gospel false? And dost thou choose - To put to hazard yon, blue, blessed skies, - And all, that God can give, wilt madly lose? - Keen voice from one, now lost among the dead, - I hear,――"Ah! whither has thy Reason fled?" - - -82. GOD IS ONE. - - That God is One by all his works is shown, - Which unity of kind design display. - Behold the distant, glorious orb of day; - Behold the moon, and stars so thickly strown; - God's goodness by their harmony is known: - One Mind, most wise and good, bears boundless sway. - Yet man deprav'd refuses to obey, - Nor gains without electing love the crown. - Thanks be to God for his redeeming love, - Announc'd by Him, who hung upon the tree,―― - His Son, who left his glorious seat above - Our guilt t' atone; but who from death set free - Lives on his throne. Then let us all adore - The Father and the Lamb forevermore! - - -83. WHAT IS IT TO DIE? - - The when and how we know not, but to die - Is but one fix'd and common, mortal lot; - Yet death is wondrous to our human thought! - We quit this earth and far away we fly―― - But whither? Is it to the Sun on high, - Our central light, that our freed soul is brought, - If worthy of such place, without a blot; - Or to more distant orb in yon blue sky, - To some scarce-seen but faintly-twinkling star, - Whose rays have travell'd journeys to our sight, - Unmeasur'd by our leagues, they come so far? - Yet sure at last to dwell in heav'n's own light,―― - Our bodies rais'd from dust by Christ, our friend, - In his own likeness,――ages without end! - - -84. CHURCHES OF PIEDMONT, 1851. - - Long since it was th' unrivall'd poet's prayer, - That God, who governs all things here below, - The ashes of his slaughter'd saints would sow - O'er all the fields of Italy, so fair - To sight, but desolate of truth and bare.―― - But centuries with God may onward flow, - Ere man his ripen'd purposes can know: - We see the op'ning bud: the Alpine air - Not now is fill'd with moans but praise of God; - And peaceful churches meet in open day, - Where once the vallies were all red with blood. - With hopeful faith we will not cease to pray, - That from its Alpine fount truth's mighty stream - May flow, o'er all th' Italian fields to gleam! - - -85. THE LORD'S SUPPER. - - "This do," said CHRIST, "in memory of me." - Yes: I will drink the wine and eat the bread, - The heav'nly gift, which vivifies the dead; - Mindful of thine unequall'd charity. - No thrall, who drops his chain, and walks forth free, - From dungeon to his home and fireside led, - E'er felt through all his frame such rapture spread, - As I do feel, O CHRIST, redeem'd by thee! - And thou wilt yet still greater bliss bestow, - When from the prison――barriers of the grave - My captive dust in heav'nly form shall rise. - Then shall I taste the joys, which angels know, - In regions calm, where tempests never rave, - Nor clouds e'er float across the crystal skies. - - -86. THE INDIAN PREACHER. - - Mohegan OCCOM!――not a chieftain's son,―― - Yet chieftain's soul hadst thou, for thou didst say, - Thy God should have thy toil from day to day, - Till heav'nly life and glory thou hadst won. - So in thy youth thou didst begin to run - The race of Christian goodness, and to pray - In humble faith and love to God alway, - Utt'ring, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done."―― - To preach the gospel to thy Brethren dear - And guide their wand'ring steps to heav'n above - Was e'er thy soul's delight――though work of fear―― - For close to their's thy heart was knit in love. - O blessed sight, if thou at last shalt see - The ransom'd ones the Lord hath giv'n to thee! - - -87. SERMON IN MY NATIVE PLACE. 1851. - - Of swift-wing'd years how rapid is the flight? - For half a hundred, on this day, save three - Have fled since God in his great love to me - Allow'd me to put on the armor bright, - By him supplied to fit me for the fight, - The ceaseless contest for true liberty;―― - For truth alone can set the sinner free, - And bring the blind from darkness into light. - Alas, how chang'd the scene? For then were here - Full many a form of loveliness now fled,―― - Father and Mother, Brothers, Sisters dear, - And many friends,――all sleeping with the dead. - What were I now, did not God's truth divine - With bright-hued hopes upon my vision shine? - - -88. NATIONAL CONVULSIONS, 1849. - - The tempest rages through the earth around, - Tossing the ocean into mountain waves: - Thrones shake and totter, as the storm-wind raves, - And mightiest empires tremble at the sound: - Man has no structure on the solid ground, - Which bides the tumult, or its fury braves: - The sev'n-hill'd City, which the Tiber laves, - Though call'd eternal, shakes and is astound: - E'en its proud chief and priest, in sad affright, - Flees for his safety to a distant shore, - Lest falling temples on his head alight: - What is there stable 'mid this wild uproar?―― - The CHURCH heeds not the angry billows' shock;―― - THY CHURCH, O LORD, is founded on a rock! - - -89. PSALM VIII. - - In all the earth, O Lord, thy name how great, - How glorious in the heavens doth it shine! - Sun, moon, and stars, which thou hast made, are thine, - And o'er all worlds, in majesty elate, - Thou reignest king. Then what is man's estate, - How low,――in which through pride he doth repine? - Yet thou didst give him rank almost divine, - When him with pow'r to rule thou didst create―― - (Only a step beneath the angels high――) - O'er oxen, sheep, and beasts wild roving wide, - O'er all the fowl that in the air do fly, - And fish, that in the ocean-depths do glide. - O, God! who dost all praise and glory claim, - In all the earth how excellent thy name! - - -90. TO MY NATIVE TOWN. - - PITTSFIELD, my native town, how chang'd art thou, - Since first, in childhood's years, thy streets I trod, - And in thy single temple worshipp'd God, - My father then thine only teacher!――Now - On ev'ry side the rival temples grow, - As though upspringing from prolific sod, - With tow'r, or spire high-tap'ring to a rod; - And num'rous teachers now heav'n's pathway show: - But Truth is one, unchang'd, always the same,―― - Its sempiternal source with God on high, - Whence God's own Son in wondrous mercy came, - Pure light to pour on man's dark, wild'ring eye. - May all thy pastors guide their flocks aright, - And lead them to the heav'nly pastures bright. - - -91. TO SARAH ANNA HOPKINS. - - SARAH, my much-lov'd grandchild, thou dost bear - An ancient name of honor; on this day, - Which marks just sixteen years, quick fled away - Since first thou didst draw in the vital air; - No greeting need I give thee, but my prayer, - Utter'd with all the fervency I may, - That of her "faith in God" the pow'rful sway, - Like ancient Sarah, thou wilt keep with care. - So shall thy future years, of unknown count, - Be years of honor, usefulness, and joy, - For thou wilt drink at Christian joy's pure fount, - And hopes, like these, will thy best thoughts employ―― - 'A glad exchange to me will sure be given,―― - For death new life, for earth a glorious heaven!' - - -92. TO MRS. DOUGLASS, IN JAIL. - - Lady, who late didst teach the blinded slave, - And hidden truth didst open to his sight, - God's minister of his own heav'nly light,―― - I honor thee, most noble, good, and brave. - Let despots of the "Old Dominion" rave, - And for this, in their chivalry and might, - A woman shut in prison! This poor spite - From dark forgetfulness thy name shall save. - So Galileo was in dungeon deep - By bigots thrust, because he dar'd to say, - Our system's centre is the orb of day, - And earth revolves by laws that never sleep. - Though him they silenc'd, still the earth turns round: - Though thee they bind, God's light shall not be bound! - - -93. "READY FOR EITHER." - - Fit emblem of Christ's servant,――him whose love - Has borne him to his distant heathen field, - Which, if not by him reach'd, can nothing yield - But crimes, that shut men out from heav'n above: - There, heedless of fatigue, his footsteps move - In ceaseless toil; nor from his view conceal'd - Lies hid the peril, when God's truth reveal'd - The worshipper is sham'd in idol's grove. - Brave man! toil on; thou shalt not toil in vain: - Thy master's promise trust; the good seed sow; - A glorious harvest thou wilt help to gain. - And should the madmen's dagger lay thee low, - Yet from thy outpour'd blood may spring the truth, - Life's nutriment to Old men and to Youth! - - -94. TO MISS HANNAH LYMAN, MONTREAL. - - I owe thee many thanks, my distant friend, - That on the broad Canadian river's shore - Thy home being gain'd with joyfulness once more - Thou didst remember me, and to me send - These clust'ring Grapes, which now on me attend - To soothe a sick man's taste. From God's rich store - They came,――from where the northern tempests roar,―― - His bounty wide, his mercy without end! - They speak to faith of greater sweetness far - Denoted by the wine that Jesus gave, - The Son of God, who came from heav'n to save,―― - The Blood of Him, the framer of each star, - Which purchases our life, salvation free, - High glory, honor, immortality! - - -95. VISIT TO PONTOOSUC OR PITTSFIELD. - - PITTSFIELD, so nam'd from British statesman bold, - Who dar'd command the struggles of the free, - What time men forg'd the chains for liberty; - How dear art thou to my pain'd vision old? - And many a scene now past dost thou unfold, - And many a wither'd joy, as well might be, - For years have fall'n, as leaves from autumn tree, - Since first thy light I saw and bliss untold. - Swift as the shadow of a flying cloud - All earthly good departs; but as a rock, - Which heeds not ocean's waves nor tempest loud, - My faith in Jesus, Savior, bides the shock:―― - The same I held, when first in early youth - I here proclaim'd the heav'n-descended truth. - - -96. COMPANY OF OLD MEN. - - "Hail, OLD MEN! Quite a goodly Company!"―― - True, we are old; this day assembled here - In this new mansion to partake this cheer, - Of ancient friend to wake the memory.―― - Though old, yet have we undimm'd eyes to see - And ears that fail not yet the truths to hear, - Once taught by our deceased pastor dear, - Which some in life's fair morn cannot descry, - Sin's thick, delusive veil spread o'er their sight. - We see time's speed, and death to be no cheat; - To us the Sun of Righteousness shines bright, - And bright yon heav'ns, up where we hope to meet. - We see the worth of Truth, of Faith, of Love,―― - Our certain guides to ENDLESS LIFE above. - - -97. JOY IN A DYING HOUR. - - To change for good alone my mingled state - In this brief life, and what I have to hold - By God's firm word while endless years unfold,―― - This wakens joy; and this will be my fate, - When soon shall come my final, worldly date.―― - Now hear I this――"O, chosen one, behold - Wonders of love divine, by Christ unroll'd;―― - Come, share our bliss unmeasurably great!"―― - Not one is toss'd by tempest, all at rest;―― - Not one is conscience-smitten of the throng;―― - Not one a suff'rer, all I see are blest;―― - All know God's truth, all lift th' eternal song.―― - Thus hearing calls from ev'ry heav'nly voice―― - These scenes in vision――DYING I REJOICE! - - -98. NIAGARA FALLS. - - Great are the works of God, which meet our sight. - Proud, sinful man! thyself above all fear - Of him who made the earth, come, stand but here, - And here be taught his majesty and might. - This stream from western lakes how broad and bright? - But now its waves in froth and rage appear, - And as they plunge down deep, their voice we hear, - Like thunders bursting from the clouds of night. - This river from his hand doth God outpour: - Then say, O sinner! hast thou naught to dread - From Majesty Divine, whom thou each hour - Dost treat with scorn, though soon to join the dead? - Pause in thy guilty path:――consider well―― - God's wrathful flood may plunge thee down to hell! - - -99. JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH. - - How can a sinning man with God be just? - This grand inquiry all men need to make, - For all are guilty; and they well may quake - For flagrant evil deeds or secret lust, - For which God's law smites down their prideful trust. - Ye sleepers on the brink of woe! awake - And to the Gospel listen:――that can break - The fetters binding all the lost unjust. - Justice and love in wonderful display, - Mercy and truth in union sweet combine, - And shine forth glorious in the scheme divine. - The word reveal'd unfolds to us the way, - By which we, sinners, can be just with God;―― - It is by FAITH in Christ's atoning blood. - - -100. TRIUMPH OF THE GOSPEL. - - O, blessed day, when through the world below - JESUS shall reign the prince of love and peace, - For then shall men their angry contests cease, - And never more appear in hostile show;―― - The sword transform'd into th' unbloody plow - And spear to pruning hook for thriving trees. - The kid lies down with leopard at his ease, - And grizzly bear feeds harmless with the cow. - The wolf and lamb together peaceful dwell, - The calf with the young lion too are led - By hand of little child. Ah, who can tell - How chang'd the scene, when, fiery passions fled, - No stain is seen on human hand of blood, - But all men live in holy Brotherhood? - - - - -REMARKS ON THE NATURE AND HISTORY OF THE SONNET. - - -In the judgment of some of the greatest poets and literary men the -_Sonnet_ is a form of poetry of very high value; in its structure a -precious gem. It is of Italian origin and was invented by _Petrarch_ in -the 14th century. In his retreat at Vaucluse near Avignon he wrote the -greater part of his sonnets, all devoted to the idolatry of woman――to -the praise of Laura: 227 of them were written while she was living; and -he continued to extol her in 90 sonnets after her death. - -The laws of the sonnet are these. It has one leading subject and should -end with some striking thought, or must bring to a beautiful conclusion -or point the images and musings of the first lines and greater part -of the poem. It has always 14 lines, falling into two unequal lobes, -one of two quatrains, the other of two triplets; or in other words it -is composed of four stanzas, the two first of four lines each and the -two last of three lines each. Then as to the rhymes,――the first eight -lines have only two rhymes, and they always in the same place,――the -first, fourth, fifth and eighth lines rhyming; so also the other four. -The last six lines admit of a little change, and may have either two or -three rhymes; usually the four first lines have alternate rhymes, and -the two last are a couplet; but even in this case the triplet form is -to be preserved. - -The distinction of the stanzas is made, not by a separation from each -other by wider spaces, but while printed compactly by the lines 1, -5, 9, and 12, projecting to the left; as in Milton's sonnets and in -the Venice edition of Petrarch in 1764. Various poets however have -unwisely disregarded this rule: and have variously placed their rhymes -and their lines at their pleasure. Campbell has translated a few of -Petrarch's sonnets, reducing the 14 lines to 12, composed of three -similar quatrains, the first and last lines of which rhyme together. -But this is destroying the Sonnet. - -Our admiration of Petrarch should perhaps be a little moderated; for he -is full of affected turns and paradoxes and smart antitheses. Speaking -of love he says, "O viva morte, O dilettoso male,"――O living death, O -most beloved evil! Speaking also of its effect he says in four lines of -rhyme, which may be thus translated――without rhyme―― - - "I find no peace, and am not the subject of war; - I fear, and hope, and also burn, and freeze; - I fly above the heavens, and walk on the earth; - I grasp nothing, and hold the universe in my arms." - -Addressing a river, in which Laura washed her face, he says, - - "Thou hast no rock beneath thy waves, which does not burn with the - same fires, that are kindled in me." He also said, "O earth, thou art - not worthy to be trodden by her feet. She deserves to adorn heaven!" - -His curious stanza repeating the word _dolce_, sweet, 9 or 10 times may -be thus translated: - - "Sweet sorrow, and sweet joy, and then sweet pain, - Sweet torture, zephyr, fire, and next sweet wounds; - Sweet word, which in my ear most sweetly sounds, - Sweet anger, and sweet rage, and sweet disdain." - -The sonnet in the use of Petrarch did not attain its highest dignity, -for it was wholly appropriated to the praise of Laura, his love for -whom whether real or fictitious has not yet been settled by the -literary world. He died in 1374, aged 70.――The eminent English poet -Spenser followed him after an interval of more than 200 years dying -in 1598: he published 87 sonnets. Then Shakespeare, who died in 1616, -published 154 sonnets; all of which by these two poets are devoted to -love, but with a change of the Italian rhyme and form. - -The following shows the sonnet's structure by _Spenser_. - - "Men call you fair, and you do credit it, - For that your self ye daily such do see, - But the true fair, that is, the gentle wit - And virtuous mind is much more prais'd of me; - For all the rest, however fair it be, - Shall turn to naught, and lose that glorious hue; - But only that is permanent and free - From frail corruption, that doth flesh ensew: - That is true beauty; that doth argue you - To be divine, and born of heav'nly seed, - Deriv'd from that fair Spirit from whom all true - And perfect beauty did at first proceed: - He only fair, and what he fair hath made; - All other fair, like flow'rs, untimely fade." - -It will be observed, that the last couplet is always a rhyme, which is -not the fixed rule of Petrarch; and then he has changed the places of -the rhymes and confused them by abolishing the stanzas. - -The following is a sonnet of _Shakespeare_. - - "O, how much more doth beauty beauteous seem - By that sweet ornament which truth doth give! - The rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem - For that sweet odor which doth in it live. - The canker-blooms have full as deep a dye, - As the perfumed tincture of the roses; - Hang on such thorns, and play as wantonly, - When summer's breath their masked buds discloses: - But for their virtue only is their show; - They live unwoo'd, and unrespected fade; - Die to themselves. Sweet roses do not so; - Of their sweet deaths are sweetest odors made: - And so of you, beauteous and lovely youth; - When that shall fade, my verse distils your truth." - -Here also is an injurious change in the sonnet of Petrarch: the last -couplet is always a rhyme, and it is separated in print from the 12 -lines, which are very simple, composing three stanzas of distinct, -alternate rhymes, much easier to compose than Spenser's or the Italian. - -_Milton_ wrote 5 sonnets in Italian, which were translated by Cowper. -In them he followed Petrarch in his subject. It was in his 18 English -sonnets, that he has given to this form of poetry its true elevation -and dignity. Instead of applying it, like his predecessors, to love -meditations, expressive of fictitious or real affection, he made it the -instrument of conveying most important moral, patriotic, and religious -sentiments. - -The following is a sonnet of Milton, who died in 1675. It was addressed -to - -A VIRTUOUS YOUNG LADY. - - "Lady, that in the prime of earliest youth - Wisely hast shunn'd the broad way and the green, - And with those few art eminently seen, - That labor up the hill of heav'nly truth, - The better part with Mary and with Ruth - Chosen thou hast; and they, that overween, - And at thy growing virtues fret their spleen, - No anger find in thee, but pity and ruth. - Thy care is fix'd, and zealously attends - To fill thy od'rous lamp with deeds of light, - And hope that reaps not shame. Therefore be sure - Thou, when the bridegroom with his feastful friends - Passes to bliss at the mid hour of night, - Hast gain'd thy entrance, Virgin wise and pure." - -It will be seen, that he combined with his rhymes much of the freedom -and force of blank verse. He never allows the absence of good strong -sense nor the presence of unmeaning or useless words in order to make -out the rhyme. - -By printing his sonnets compactly without separating the stanzas from -each other Milton carried on his sentences, as he found desirable, from -stanza to stanza, frequently without any close at the end of a stanza, -sometimes just beginning near the end. In this case the separation of -the stanzas by spaces would evidently be absurd. Read the last five -lines of his sonnet to Cromwell:―― - - "Peace hath her victories - No less renown'd than war: new foes arise - Threat'ning to bind our souls with sec'lar chains.―― - Help us to save free conscience from the paw - Of hireling wolves, whose gospel is their maw." - -Here, in the method of separating the stanzas by wider spaces in -printing, the phrase "new foes arise" would have been separated from -the line which follows, with which it is so intimately connected,――the -head line of the last triplet. - -The author may here be allowed to say, that in his judgment in the -whole compass of English poetry there are no sonnets equal to a few of -Milton's, numbered 8, 9, 14, 15, 18, 19, 22 and 23. If any one would -know, whether Milton's meditations brought out sentiments worthy of -utterance, and whether he knew how to utter them with the melody of -rhyme and at the same time with the unshackled freedom and energy of -blank verse, I leave with him for his refreshment the following lines -from his sonnet on his own Blindness:―― - - "Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?" - I fondly ask: But Patience, to prevent - That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need - Either man's work, or his own gifts; who best - Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best: his state - Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed, - And post o'er land and ocean without rest: - They also serve, who only stand and wait." - -More recently _Wordsworth_, who died in 1850, aged 80, has followed -Milton in his application of this form of poetry to higher subjects -than that to which it was applied by Petrarch. A very great fault -however is his abolishing Milton's method of designating the stanzas -and thus showing the places of the rhymes, the pleasures of which are -gone if their places are not easily found. He wrote 282 sonnets: he -wrote too many; and they are often diffuse and languid. The following -is one of his sonnets: it is on the Pastoral Character. - - "A genial hearth, a hospitable board, - And a refined rusticity belong - To the neat mansion, where, his Flock among, - The learned Pastor dwells, their watchful Lord. - Though meek and patient as a sheathed sword, - Though pride's least lurking thought appear a wrong - To human kind; though peace be on his tongue, - Gentleness in his heart; can earth afford - Such genuine state, pre-eminence so free, - As when, array'd in Christ's authority, - He from the pulpit lifts his awful hand; - Conjures, implores, and labors all he can - For re-subjecting to divine command - The stubborn spirit of rebellious man?" - -The readers of poetry ought to feel much indebted to Mr. Wordsworth for -his remarks in regard to the language of poetry, and in regard to the -value of enkindled emotions. In his judgment, there ought not to be -a distinct poetic diction, separate from the language of good prose; -the poet should aim at good sense and intelligible diction, using the -language of men, abandoning "a large portion of phrases and figures of -speech, which from father to son have long been regarded as the common -inheritance of poets," and even abstaining from many good expressions, -which bad poets have so foolishly and perpetually repeated, as to -render them disgusting. As illustrating his meaning, he quotes from a -sonnet of _Gray_;―― - - "In vain to me the smiling mornings shine, - And reddening Phœbus lifts his golden fire: - The birds in vain their amorous descants join, - Or cheerful fields resume their green attire: - These ears, alas! for other notes repine." - -Here this false diction destroys the value of every line. - -The other remark of Mr. Wordsworth is this;――"all good poetry is the -spontaneous overflow of good feelings." Perhaps it might be also said, -that in addition to sensibility and impassioned expression there should -be chosen, for the highest poetry, subjects of moral dignity and -religious interest, having a close bearing on human welfare not only -for a moment but for perpetuity. - - - - -NOTES. - - -_Sonnet 1._ The name of WASHINGTON is in the heart of all Americans. -Fifty years ago, that is in 1809, in the first edition of the American -Biographical Dictionary, I devoted nearly 20 pages to a memoir of -Washington. It may be a convenience to the reader of this little book -to have here collected the dates as to the leading events of his -life.――He was born at Bridges Creek, Westmoreland county, Virginia, -Feb. 22, 1732; and died suddenly, after an illness of one day by an -inflammation of the windpipe, Dec. 14, 1799, nearly 68 years old. He -was in early life a major and colonel of the Virginia troops employed -against the French on the Ohio in 1754 and 1755; and was subsequently -commander in chief. About 1758 he married Mrs. Custis, a wealthy widow, -whom he greatly loved. As a planter he had 9,000 acres of land under -his management, and nearly 1,000 slaves in his employment, living -at Mount Vernon, which was the estate of his deceased older brother -Lawrence: his father's name was Augustine: his great grandfather came -from the north of England about 1657.――He was appointed by congress -commander in chief at the commencement of the war in 1775; and at the -close resigned his commission Dec. 1783. - -In 1789 he was chosen the first president of the United States for 4 -years and then re-chosen, continuing in office till 1797, when he was -succeeded by John Adams. By his last will he directed, that on the -death of Mrs. Washington (who died May 22, 1802,) his slaves should -be emancipated. As the ladies of Virginia, with the aid of ladies of -other States, have purchased Mount Vernon in reverence to the name of -Washington, will they not honor him if they manage it without obtruding -upon it any slave labor?――Gen. Washington was a constant attendant on -public worship in an episcopal church, which he principally supported. -It is believed, that he every day had his hour of retirement for -private devotion. - - -_Sonnet 2._ In looking from my eastern window a few evenings since -(Dec. 12th,) I was struck with the magnificent appearance of the -heavens,――the moon just rising in full effulgence, preceded a few -degrees by the splendid planet Jupiter, while still higher and more at -the south was the unequalled constellation Orion, with an uncounted -multitude of stars planted thick in the sky. Jupiter is 1400 times -larger than the earth, being 90,000 miles in diameter: he revolves on -his axis in ten hours, so that a body on his surface flies around at -the rate of 27,000 miles per hour, or 27 times faster than a body on -the earth. It has four satellites. Can it be imagined, that this huge -planet is not furnished with rational inhabitants, like this diminutive -earth? And what reason can be assigned why all the planets and all -the stars should not be inhabited by rational beings? Who can fix the -limits to God's creation? As light flies 192,000 miles every second, -who can say, that the light from the most distant star has yet reached -the earth since the star was created? With what reverence and awe, with -what love and trust and spirit of obedience should Almighty God, the -Creator of the universe, be regarded? - - -_Sonnet 3._ Wm. H. Prescott, the distinguished historian, died at -Boston of the paralysis after a few hours' illness Jan. 28, 1859, aged -62 years. Knowing that he was about to die, it was his remarkable -request, that in his coffin he might lie for a time with his face -uncovered in his library, surrounded by his cherished Books. From his -library he was carried to his grave Jan. 31st. The next evening the -Historical Society of Massachusetts held a meeting in honor of his -memory. Mr. Winthrop, the president, Mr. Ticknor who introduced some -resolutions, and others made speeches on the occasion, which were -published. As a humble associate member of the society I would not -neglect to mention the following apposite and interesting fact, that -_Petrarch_, the inventor of the Italian _sonetto_, was found dead in -his library with his head _resting on a book_. He died of apoplexy July -18, 1374, aged 74.――Milton's memorable words in relation to books ought -never to be forgotten:――"Many a man lives a burden to the earth; but _a -good book_ is the precious life-blood of a master-spirit, imbalmed and -treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life."――But the book of books -is God's Book, which infinitely transcends all others in value, except -as they borrow truth from its pages, for it reveals to man his pathway -to a blessed immortality. Never should the words of Mr. Chillingworth -be forgotten: "The BIBLE, I say, the BIBLE only is the Religion of -Protestants." - - -_Sonnet 4._ In the city of Paris, ten years ago, I was one of a large -company of hundreds of the Friends of Peace from different nations. We -presented to the Emperor,――then only a President,――an Address against -War. In the present year by his inroad into Italy and conflict with -Austria he has fixed upon his soul the unmeasurable guilt of several -tens of thousands of murders. - - -_Sonnet 5._ After the existence of one God there is no truth so -astonishing and holding such a power over the human heart, as the death -of the Son of God on the cross for the sins of men. For who was the Son -of God? He was indeed in the form of a man, born of the virgin Mary; -but he came down from heaven to tabernacle in human flesh. Let us raise -our eyes from the earth to the worlds above us, of enormous magnitude -compared with this little globe of ours. Suppose now the glorious sun -is inhabited by a race of intelligent beings as much exalted above -man, as the sun is greater and more resplendent than the earth. If the -highest of the sun's inhabitants had come to this low world and dwelt -in human flesh――it might have been a most amazing event in our eyes; -yet he would not have been the Son of God. Suppose among the countless -worlds of light there is one world vastly transcending all others and -the dwellers on it transcending in their faculties and endowments -all other world-dwellers; and the first among them had come to dwell -in man's form; yet he would not have been the Son of God. We read of -angels and archangels in heaven――in the place of God's more especial -abode. Suppose the brightest archangel had descended to this ball of -earth and animated a human form, and appeared as a man; yet he would -not have been the Son of God. For the Son of God is he, by whom God -created the sun and moon and stars of light, with all the intelligent -dwellers upon them and the dwellers in the heavenly mansions. It was -this Son of God inconceivably exalted and glorious, who came down -from heaven and appeared as the Son of Mary. And not only so; but he -actually was subject to the evils, which man suffers; he could feel -pain, and anguish, and the agonies of the cross,――and did encounter -them,――if the plain language of scripture is no delusion,――in order to -atone for our sins and to achieve the work of our redemption. Now, did -we believe this: did this most sublime and wonderful truth plant itself -in our inmost persuasion,――unalloyed and unweakened or not destroyed in -its influence by any of our speculative theories;――were we deeply and -thoroughly convinced of this great fact;――then who of us could fail to -exclaim,――"God forbid, that I should glory, save in the cross of our -Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto -the world?" - - -_Sonnet 10._ John Tyndale, born in 1484, and educated at Oxford. -Determined to translate the Bible for England, as he could not do it -safely in London he fled to the continent. At Cologne he published -the English New Testament about 1525. England was filled with light. -The popish priests sent over a traitor, by whose means Tyndale was -seized and martyred near Antwerp Friday, Oct. 6, 1536, being strangled -at the stake and burnt. His translation of the New Testament was the -foundation of our present one. - - -_Sonnet 13._ The four following ex-presidents were all living, when -this sonnet was written in March, 1826.――_John Adams_ died July 4, -1826, aged 90; president from 1797 to 1801.――_Thomas Jefferson_ died -on the same day with Mr. Adams, July 4, 1826, aged 83; president from -1801 to 1809. As a member of congress he drew up the declaration of -Independence in 1776.――_James Madison_ died in 1836, aged 85; president -from 1809 to 1817.――_James Monroe_ died July 4, 1831, aged 83; -president from 1817 to 1825. - - -_Sonnet 16._ In a sonnet Mr. _Wordsworth_ does not lament the -protestant hurricane, which scattered wide - - "The trumpery, that ascends in bare display, - Bulls, pardons, relics, cowls, black, white, and grey, - Upwhirl'd――and flying o'er th' ethereal plain - Fast bound for Limbo lake." - - -_Sonnet 17._ Christ's own clear, ample, minute, most decisive -instruction concerning the Day of Judgment is in Matt. 25th, and ends -with the words, "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: -but the righteous into life eternal." He also said of the unbeliever, -in John 3d, "he shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on -him:" he also said, Matt. 18, "It is better for thee to enter into life -with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire." - - -_Sonnet 20._ Shakespeare in a sonnet says,―― - - "When to the sessions of sweet, silent thought - I summon up remembrance of things past, - I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought, - And with old woes new wail my dear time's waste: - Then can I drown an eye, unus'd to flow, - For precious friends hid in death's dateless night," - - -_Sonnet 22._ Ten years ago, in 1849, I had the satisfaction of visiting -the valley of Chamouni in Switzerland at the foot of Mont Blanc, the -highest point in Europe, 15,600 or 15,673 feet or nearly 3 miles in -height above the sea. Here once lived Jacques Balmat, who, having -discovered a way to the top of the mountain, in his gratitude to Dr. -Paccard, the physician of the village, apprized him of his discovery, -and undertook to conduct him to the summit. After two days' toil the -exploit was accomplished Aug. 8, 1786. The next ascent was by De -Saussure, the elder, of Geneva, accompanied by his servant, by Balmat, -and 17 other guides, Aug. 3, 1787. In 1808 Balmat conducted to the top -15 of the people of Chamouni, one of whom was a woman, Maria Parodis. -Ascents were made by men of different countries in 1802, 1812, and -1818. Two Americans accomplished this ascent in 1819, Dr. Wm. Howard -of Baltimore and Dr. Van Rensselaer, with 9 guides. They reached the -top Monday, July 12th. Remaining more than an hour on the summit, they -reached Chamouni in safety after an absence of 53 hours only.――Capt. -Underhill of England made the ascent in the same year. The lives of -three guides were lost in the attempt of Dr. Hamel in 1820. Since then -there were 27 ascents, to the year 1851, when Albert Smith and other -Englishmen went up with 16 guides Aug. 13th. - - -_Sonnet 23._ The Christian theologian has this ground of controversy, -that the Bible is a revelation from God, which book therefore -contains no error, but is filled with eternal, infallible truth. No -contradiction in doctrine can possibly exist in holy scripture; and -nothing can reconcile the reason, bestowed upon us, with what is -absurd or impossible. If controversialists may gather some expressions, -which seem to conflict with each other, some patience and diligence -of inquiry may be requisite in order to bring them into harmony; a -knowledge of the ancient languages, in which the scriptures were -written, may prove useful, as may also an acquaintance with eastern -customs and manners, and an attention to the circumstances and design -of the utterance which is under consideration. - - -_Sonnet 24._ In a sonnet _Wordsworth_ speaks of the new churches in -England, in which the Truth of God might be taught:―― - - "The wished-for Temples rise! - I hear their Sabbath bell's harmonious chime - Float on the breeze――the heavenliest of all sounds - That hill or vale prolongs or multiplies." - - -_Sonnet 26._ In the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, the -Thirteen United States said unanimously――"We hold these truths to be -self-evident:――that all men are created equal; that they are endowed -by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are -life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." - -In his last will Washington ordered the emancipation of his slaves; so -also did John Randolph. Patrick Henry declared, that the principle of -slavery is "as repugnant to humanity, as it is inconsistent with the -Bible, and destructive to liberty." Mr. Jefferson said in his Notes -on Virginia, in reference to the holding of slaves, "I tremble for my -country, when I remember, that God is just!" If the leading minds of -the South should adopt the sentiments of these illustrious Virginians, -it will next be their proper business to devise and execute the best -method for giving to their slaves the blessings of freedom. - - -_Sonnet 27._ Dr. Cotton Mather of Boston, published in Boston 141 years -ago a new Version of the Psalms from the Hebrew into English blank -verse,――so called from the absence of rhyme,――the measure of the lines -being adapted to the music in vogue. Melancthon said of the Psalms, -"It is the most elegant work extant in the world." Jewell wrote to -Peter Martyr in 1560, that 6,000 people sung the Psalms together at St. -Paul's Cross in London. The following is his version of the 23d Psalm: - - "1. My shepherd is the Eternal God; - I shall not be in (any) want: - 2. In pastures of a tender grass - He (ever) makes me to lie down: - To waters of tranquillities - He gently carries me (along.) - 3. My _feeble and my wandering_ soul - He (kindly) does fetch back again; - In the plain paths of righteousness - He does lead (and guide) me along. - Because of the regard He has - (Ever) unto his glorious name. - 4. Yea when I shall walk in the vale - Of the dark (dismal) shade of Death, - I'll of no evil be afraid, - Because thou (ever) art with me. - Thy rod and thy staff, these are what - Yield (constant) comfort unto me. - 5. A table thou dost furnish out - Richly (for me) before my face. - 'Tis in view of mine enemies; - (And then) my head thou dost anoint - With fatt'ning and perfuming oil; - My cup it (ever) overflows. - 6. Most certainly the thing that is - Good, with (most kind) benignity, - This all the days, that I do live, - Shall (still and ever) follow me; - Yea I shall dwell and Sabbatize - Even to (unknown) length of days, - _Lodg'd_ in the house which does belong - To him who's the Eternal God." - - -_Sonnet 29._ As Christians we are under inexpressible obligations to -God for his book of revealed truth, proved to be divine by the voice -of prophecy, by the wonders of miracles, by the sublimity of its -doctrines, and by the approval of conscience. Every man, who can read, -is bound to examine this book for himself; for otherwise his faith will -rest on a human not a divine teacher.――According to Mr. Chillingworth, -what God requires of us is "to believe the Scripture to be God's word, -to endeavor to find the true sense of it, and to live according to it." -He also says――"I see plainly and with mine own eyes, that there are -popes against popes, Councils against Councils, some Fathers against -others, the same Fathers against themselves, a Consent of Fathers of -one age against a Consent of Fathers of another age, the Church of -one age against the Church of another age. Traditive interpretations -of Scripture are pretended, but there are few or none to be found. -No tradition, but only of Scripture, can derive itself from the -fountain."――"Propose me any thing out of this book, and require -whether I believe it or no; and seem it never so incomprehensible to -human reason, I will subscribe it with hand and heart: As knowing no -demonstration can be stronger than this; God hath said so, therefore it -is true." But then we ought to be well assured, that God hath said what -we attribute to him; that we understand the import of the divine word; -and that no prepossession, or prejudice, or passion, or mental bondage -leads us into an inexcusable misapprehension. - - -_Sonnet 30._ My wife, MARIA MALLEVILLE, who died very suddenly at -Brunswick in Maine June 3, 1828, aged 40 years, was the only daughter -and child of Dr. John Wheelock, the president of Dartmouth College. -She was of Huguenot descent by her mother, Maria Suhm, the daughter of -Christian Suhm, the Danish commandant and governor of the island of -St. Thomas: he died in 1759, aged 40, being a native of Copenhagen. -Mrs. Suhm's descent was from Thomas Bourdeau of the south or west of -France, a protestant martyr after the revocation of the edict of Nantes -in 1685, as follows. He sent his only daughter Maria at the age of -ten years for safety to the island of St. Thomas. In the same vessel -was a protestant emigrant from the same place, Mr. La Salle, whom she -at the age of 15 married. Their daughter Maria La Salle married John -Malleville of St. Thomas: their daughter, Maria Malleville, married in -1751 governor Suhm, who after his death was succeeded by her brother, -Gov. Thomas Malleville. Her second marriage was to Lucas Von Beverhoudt -of Beverwyck in Parsippany, New Jersey, where she was accustomed to -receive Washington at her house. Their daughter, Adriana, married T. -Boudinot, the descendant of another Huguenot family from France.――She -died in 1798. Her daughter, Maria Suhm, married, as has been mentioned, -president Wheelock.――My wife, whom I married Jan. 28, 1813, was the -mother of 8 children. - - -_Sonnet 32._ About 50 years ago, when the neighborhood of Sackett's -Harbor was a wilderness, a little child of one of the new settlers aged -4 years was lost in the woods. The father's house was 6 miles from the -Harbor. All possible aid in the search was of course called together -under the regulation and with the success described in this sonnet. - - -_Sonnet 35._ As Spenser says of the Lamb;―― - - "His sceptre is the rod of righteousness, - With which he bruiseth all his foes to dust, - And the great Dragon strongly doth repress - Under the rigor of his judgment just; - His seat is Truth, to which the faithful trust, - From whence proceed her beams so pure and bright, - That all about him sheddeth glorious light." - - -_Sonnet 36._ Dr. John Codman died at Dorchester, where he was long -the pastor of a church, Dec. 23, 1847, aged 65. Graduating at Harvard -college in 1802, he pursued his theological studies in Edinburgh from -1805 to 1808, in which year he was ordained. His subsequent life was -devoted to the faithful preaching of the gospel. Among his last words -he said,――"I am willing to be in God's hands." His Memoirs and Sermons -were published in 1853. - - -_Sonnet 37._ The grave-yard of Northampton, laid out in 1661, is one -of peculiar beauty and rich in the deposit of the dead disciples of -Christ; among whom were my own ancestors of several generations. Four -of the earlier and eminent ministers sleep here; Eleazer Mather, -who died in 1669, aged 32; Solomon Stoddard, died 1729, aged 85; -John Hooker, died 1777, aged 48; Solomon Williams, died 1834, aged -82. Another tenant of this grave-yard is Rev. David Brainerd, the -missionary, who died Oct. 9, 1747, aged 29.――In this year, 1859, some -unknown person has erected a handsome marble monument to Rev. E. -Mather, who died 190 years ago. - - -_Sonnet 39._ Spenser in his Hymn on heavenly beauty says;―― - - "For far above these heav'ns, which here we see, - Be others far exceeding these in light, - Not bounded, not corrupt, as these same be, - But infiniteness in largeness and in height, - Unmoving, uncorrupt, and spotless bright, - That need no sun t' illuminate their spheres, - But their own native light far passing theirs." - - -_Sonnet 40._ The record of the first minister of a flourishing American -town and a brave patriot of the revolution is a matter of interest. -Thomas Allen was born in Northampton and was a descendant of Samuel, -one of the first settlers, whose father――dying at Windsor in 1648――is -supposed to have come over from the west of England with the Dorchester -people in the ship Mary and John in 1630.――His grandfather, named also -Samuel, was an unswerving friend of Jonathan Edwards and a deacon -in his church. Mr. Allen graduated at Harvard college in 1762 in a -distinguished class, among whose members were Gov. Gerry, Judge F. -Dana, and Drs. Eliot and Belknap. He was ordained at Pittsfield in -Berkshire county, Mass., April 18, 1764, and here passed the remainder -of his life; he died after a ministry of 45 years Feb. 11, 1810, aged -67 years: I was ordained his successor Oct. 10, 1810.――He was not -only a faithful and eloquent minister; but a patriot, and a chaplain -in the army, and on one occasion he played the part of a soldier. He -marched Aug. 15, 1777 with a company of his own people in a three days' -campaign to Bennington to check the advance of Burgoyne:――the next -day he shared in the assault and the victory;――and the third day he -returned home to preach the gospel to his rejoicing people Aug. 18th. -His trophies often delighted my eyes in subsequent years,――two large, -square, white flint-glass bottles, which he captured with a Hessian -surgeon's horse, and gave the wine to the wounded. - -His wife was Elizabeth, the daughter of Rev. Jonathan Lee, the first -minister of Salisbury, Conn.; she was descended from Gov. Bradford of -Plymouth; she died in 1830, aged 82. Of their 12 children the writer -of this is the only survivor.――On the death of his eldest daughter, -Mrs. White in London, he went to England in 1799 in order to bring his -little grand-child to his house: in London he became acquainted with -the eminent ministers Newton, Haweis, Rowland Hill, and Bogue, and -from them caught a pious zeal for the promotion of foreign missions. -He published sermons on the death of his daughter, E. White, 1798; of -Moses Allen, 1801; of his son Thomas, 1806; Massachusetts election -sermon, 1808. - - -_Sonnet 41._ The sublime passage of scripture, which is here versified, -may admonish us, that we are travelling rapidly to the end of time in -respect to its being our period of probation for eternity. It is the -solemn voice of the Gospel,――"Behold, now is the accepted time! Behold, -now is the day of salvation!" - - -_Sonnet 42._ Paul teaches us, that "the wrath of God is revealed -from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men," and -that "the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are -clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his -eternal power and Godhead." All men therefore, whose "foolish heart is -darkened," are "without excuse." - - -_Sonnet 43._ In the words of Spenser,―― - - "Ah! wretched World! the den of wickedness, - Deform'd with filth and foul iniquity; - Ah! wretched World! the house of heaviness, - Fill'd with the wrecks of mortal misery; - Ah! wretched World! and all that is therein, - The vassals of God's wrath and slaves of sin." - - -_Sonnet 44._ My eldest daughter, Maria Malleville Allen, died Jan. 30, -1833, aged 17. Through God's great goodness this is the only instance -of death, which has occurred among my children; and through his grace -and infinite mercy she died in the hope of immortal life in heaven -through the mediation of her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. What -greater blessing can I supplicate for all my descendants, than that God -will give them at the hour of their death her Christian faith and hope? - - -_Sonnet 47._ On a church-yard Mr. Wordsworth has the following lines:―― - - "Encincture small, - But infinite its grasp of joy and woe! - Hopes, fears, in never-ending ebb and flow―― - The spousal trembling――and the "dust to dust"―― - The prayers――the contrite struggle――and the trust, - That to the Almighty Father looks through all!" - - -_Sonnet 49._ Even Beattie addresses Nature as follows;―― - - "O Nature, how in every charm supreme! - Whose votaries feast on raptures ever new! - O for the voice and fire of seraphim - To sing thy glories with devotion due!" - - -_Sonnet 50._ As it is a year since this sonnet was written, my present -very ill state of health teaches me and may teach others, that a -recovery from illness, though most gratefully to be acknowledged, may -be a transient blessing. While I was sick, others have fallen around -me. Living or dying, it is my prayer, that I may acquiesce in God's -will, and that I may participate with all penitent believers in the -salvation purchased by the blood of his Son. - - -_Sonnet 51._ One all-important method of God's communicating good to -man is described by Milton; - - "God hath now sent his living oracle - Into the world to teach his final will, - And sends his Spirit of Truth henceforth to dwell - In pious hearts an inward oracle - To all truth requisite for men to know." - - -_Sonnet 52._ Our class, which graduated at Harvard college in 1802, was -larger than any previous class,――consisting of 60 members, an unusual -number of whom became men of distinction, and one quarter part of whom -after 57 years are still living. To my esteemed surviving Brothers -I bid farewell, wishing them faith in the Son of God, who is "the -resurrection and the life." - - -_Sonnet 53._ From a Sonnet by Montgomery, on Nature praising God: - - "The fountain purling, and the river strong, - The rocks, the trees, the mountains raise one song; - "Glory to God!" re-echoes in mine ear:―― - Faithless were I, in willful error blind, - Did I not Him in all his creatures find, - His voice through heav'n, and earth, and ocean hear." - - -_Sonnet 56._ The Compact, entered into by the Pilgrims, was signed on -board the Mayflower Nov. 11, 1620; on which day they anchored in Cape -Cod harbor. More than a month afterwards they landed at Plymouth. They -had in view "the glory of God and the advancement of the christian -faith." Forty-one men signed the paper, forming themselves into "a -civil body-politic," in order to enact, constitute, and frame "just and -equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices." - - -_Sonnet 57._ When Jesus said, John 10, "I and my Father are one," -the Jews accused him of blasphemy, for making himself "God." He -replied, "If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and -the scripture cannot be broken; say ye of him whom the Father hath -sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest, because I said, I -am the Son of God?" - - -_Sonnet 58._ In the providence of God I am the oldest living member in -Massachusetts of the American Board for Foreign Missions, which was -established by a vote of its General Association in 1810, the year of -my settlement in the ministry. Multitudes of missionaries have died; -and the missionaries living, scattered over the world, are 170 with 230 -assistants: native laborers are 500, of whom 222 are preachers: in all -900. The churches 153, and members 23,500; free schools 313. - - -_Sonnet 59._ Milton, in a sonnet, speaks of submission to God in his -blindness, when of three years' continuance:―― - - "Yet I argue not - Against Heav'n's hand or will, nor bate a jot - Of heart or hope; but still bear up and steer - Right onward." - - -_Sonnet 62._ Mr. Robinson, born in England in 1585 and educated at -Cambridge, becoming a protestant minister, was driven by persecution -with his people into Holland. His church at Leyden consisted of 300 -communicants. He zealously promoted the emigration under elder Brewster -to Plymouth in 1620, intending to follow; but he died in 1625. It was -his memorable remark――"I am very confident the Lord has more truth yet -to break forth out of his holy word." - - -_Sonnet 64._ When Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life," -he announced to us the infinite value of truth as the path-way to -immortal life. Truth is immutable and eternal; it is most pure and -purifying, the source of joy and the foundation of hope; and the denial -of truth is more or less perilous and implies more or less of guilt. -All falsehood is injurious. As the Bible reveals to us divine truth, -how can we doubt, whether we are bound to study it with our own eyes? -For otherwise we must accept for the teachings of the holy word the -faith of some one of the authors of a hundred different creeds; and we -may perchance have for our great teacher and master some bewildered -lunatic, or some hungry impostor, or some proud and boastful promoter -of the purposes of the father of lies. - -The catholic may use the term _mystery_ as a cover for absurdity and -contempt of reason, or in support of a contradiction, and as an excuse -for idolatry; but surely God's Bible contains nothing but truth, and -that revealed in a manner adapted to the human understanding. But -what says archbishop Fenelon in defending transubstantiation or the -imagined change of the bread in the sacrament into the body of Christ? -He says of the doctrine――"in believing its mysteries one immolates -his ideas [or sacrifices his common sense] out of respect to eternal -truth." Thus his blunder, his misunderstanding of Christ's words, "this -is my body," he represents as "eternal truth." So Bourdaloue says――"I -make to God a sacrifice of the most noble part of myself, which is my -reason:" and he professes to believe a mystery "although it seems to be -directly repugnant to my reason;"――or one "which shocks reason itself -and contradicts all its lights," referring to the received doctrine -concerning God's nature. Massillon thinks it is "necessary to believe -certain apparent contradictions:" he says, "it is faith and not reason, -which makes us Christians." All this in my view is a pernicious error: -for _reason_ is the intellectual power, which discerns truth. God -himself is perfect reason, pure intellect, infinite understanding. -To him the universe is all light. But our reason is restricted: man -may grow in knowledge forever; yet he never will know an absurdity or -contradiction to be true. To us one great source of truth is God's -testimony or revelation. _Faith_ is the belief of God's testimony. As -to the word _mystery_, the common meaning of it in scripture, is not -something unintelligible, but a _doctrine, once hidden or secret, which -is now revealed and intelligible_. Thus in teaching the resurrection -Paul says, "Behold, I _shew_ you a mystery; we shall not all sleep," -&c. 1 Cor. 15:51. See also Rom. 16:25. - -It is clear beyond a question, that there cannot be two contradictory -truths; for truth is one; it is but an expression of the reality of -things. But some metaphysicians have lent their aid to the catholic -theologians by asserting that, there are contradictory truths in -philosophy; but the instances adduced are all fallacious, as Achilles -walking 20 times as fast as the turtle, but never able to overtake him. - -A lately deceased philosopher of Scotland, Sir W. Hamilton, seems -to concur in the catholic notion of the contradiction of faith and -reason. He lays down a certain new, strange, unproved, incredible -principle, called "the law of the conditioned," that "the conceivable -always lies between two contradictory extremes;" and then concludes -as "the one true and only orthodox inference" that we must believe -in the infinity of God, which by us cannot be comprehended or -conceived. "Faith,――Belief,――is the organ, by which we apprehend -what is beyond our knowledge." But how can this be correct? When we -exercise _faith_ in God's testimony,――when we exercise _belief_ in -his word,――when we receive the very truth, which he presents to our -understanding or reason and brings to our knowledge,――do we not _know_ -it? Do we thus apprehend any thing "beyond our knowledge?" When Christ -prayed――"sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth;"――did he -not refer to truth _known_? What God reveals must be revealed to our -belief, to our reason. Although we pretend not to comprehend perfectly -the attributes and ways of the infinite God; yet what he has disclosed -we may know; and we may know the meaning of right and wrong, of truth -and falsehood, of faith and unbelief, of reason and contradiction or -absurdity. It cannot then be a right inference――if the author had such -a meaning――that any doctrine concerning the nature of God may be true, -although not _conceivable_, because God is _infinite_. - -God's scheme of mercy towards sinful man is accomplished by the -wide-spread power and triumphs of Truth. But what are the Truths, -that bear intimately on human welfare? Surely it is not a matter of -indifference what is received for truth; men are not safe, because -they think they are so. No bigoted despotism; no boasted liberalism; -no banded relationships of interest or honor; no infidel companionship -or self-applauses can convert error into truth or render it harmless. -Whatever monstrous or astounding notions, whatever wild, fanatical, -profligate, misleading doctrine may be sent forth, no glozing words can -render it otherwise, than that error and falsehood are God's abhorrence -and a delusion of the devil. - -As I have in other notes dwelt upon the character and offices of the -Son of God, the Mediator and Redeemer, I desire now to advert to the -all-important divine teaching concerning God's Spirit, grace, and power -in renewing and sanctifying the depraved and lost soul of man. "God -hath mercy on whom he will have mercy." Rom. 9th. Christ taught, John -3d, the necessity of being "born of the Spirit" in order to salvation. -John the Baptist predicted of Christ, that he should baptize men "with -the Holy Spirit;" and thus his coming was signalized by "the Spirit -like a dove descending upon him," and God's voice from heaven said, -"Thou art my beloved Son." All the powers therefore, prophetical, -miraculous, renovating, and sanctifying, implied in the full endowment -of the Holy Spirit, were possessed by Christ. - -The primitive meaning of the word Spirit is air or breath. Some of its -meanings in scripture are wind; the living soul in man and animals; -the mind, or man's intelligent part and also its various faculties and -powers; an intelligent spirit, simple, superior to man's, not allied -to matter; it is applied to angels good and evil; and also to God, -as we read, "God is a spirit." It means also the divine power, given -to Christ, by which he wrought miracles and fulfilled God's purposes -on the earth, as Matt. 12:28, "if I cast out devils by the spirit of -God," compared with Luke 11:20, "if I with the finger of God cast out -devils." In the same sense is "holy spirit," with which Jesus was -filled used, Luke 4:1.――"The holy spirit" and "spirit" alone relating -to the same matter are found in Mark 12:36, and Matt. 22:43: "doth -David _in spirit_ call him Lord;" that is, David was under divine -_inspiration_ is the one meaning of the two expressions. - -In our inquiry concerning the import of the phrase, "the holy spirit," -in scripture it may be of some consequence to bear in mind, that there -is one peculiarity in our English Bible, which distinguishes it from -other modern European translations; that while the Greek testament -has but one word for Spirit, which is translated by one word,――in -German by Geist, in Dutch by Geest, in French by Esprit,――the same is -rendered by our translators into English by two words at their option, -namely, _Spirit_ and _Ghost_. And in what cases did they choose the -latter word? It would seem that they translated by Holy Ghost and not -by holy spirit whenever they supposed the phrase had reference to -an intelligent, divine Being and not to a gift, endowment, or power -received from God. Thus it is, that the phrase has got an established -meaning; which shows indeed the judgment of our old translators 250 -years ago, but proves nothing as to the true meaning. It might then -be well, if the old word Ghost were laid aside. Indeed they have not -chosen to say, Gala. 4:6, "the Ghost of his Son," nor in v. 27, "born -after the Ghost," but have used the word "Spirit." If one should take -up his New Testament and read in English in Matthew's first chapter -concerning Mary,――"she was found with child of the _Holy Ghost_," and -then again, "that which is conceived of her is of the _Holy Ghost_," -he would be likely to attach a meaning to the scripture, which he -reads, different from the truth. For as the Testament was written in -Greek, we may learn from that language, the translation should not -have been "the Holy Ghost," and not even "_the_ Holy Spirit," but "_a_ -holy spirit," for here the word for spirit has no article before it in -the Greek, as would be requisite if "_the_ Spirit" were meant; and the -meaning is, as learned critics have showed, simply, "a divine energy -or power." Just so in Mark 1:8 and Luke 1:35, the same Greek phrase -has no article; and the apostles do not allude to a great personage -or supposed well known, mighty Being, called "_the_ Holy Ghost," but -refer only to God's miraculous power in respect to the birth of Christ. -The verse in Luke 1, proves this――"a holy spirit shall come upon thee -and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee,"――both phrases -referring to the same energy of almighty God. - -The English translators, although they have employed the phrase, "the -Holy Ghost" about 90 times in scripture, have not once in the Old -Testament, although they have three times there used "the holy spirit" -relating to God's gift, or endowment, or power bestowed: Ps. 51:1. -Isa. 63:10, 11. The same phrase, meaning God's gift to believers, is -in the New Testament: Luke 11:13. Eph. 1:13-4:30. 1st Thess. 4:8. God -gave "his spirit without measure" to Christ; John 3:34; and he also -gave "the spirit of his Son," "the holy spirit," to believers: Gal. -4:6. The "gifts of the Holy Ghost," in Heb. 2:4, should have been, -"distributions of _a_ holy spirit or divine power;" for the phrase has -no article in the Greek, so that the verse might properly read, "God -bearing them witness both with signs, and wonders, and with divers -miracles, and distributions of a divine power." In like manner there -is no article in Acts 11:16, and 24, and other passages, translated -"the Holy Ghost." The meaning is plain, v. 24, "a good man, and full -of a divine power and of faith,"――Yet for the purpose of emphasis the -article is often used. - -The importance of the doctrine concerning the spirit or the holy spirit -in the gospel scheme, importing God's holy influence on the soul, is -evident by the injunction of Christ as to baptism in the faith of it: -"teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of -the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, &c." - -Matt. 28:19, does not indeed present a form of words to be used, -nor does it relate to the authority, by which baptism is to be -administered, for the Greek preposition is not _en_, "_in_ the name," -but _eis_, _into_; which is the same as "to baptize _into_ Christ," -Rom. 6:3, i.e. into a profession of faith in Christ, as taught by -bishop Pearce. That he had himself all authority was first asserted by -Christ; then he enjoined baptism under a profession of belief in the -three great points of his teaching,――as to the one God of Israel,――as -to himself, God's Son from heaven,――and as to the Spirit, which "God -gave to him without measure,"――giving it also to his disciples,――making -him indeed the great teacher and Savior of the world. He finally -commanded his apostles, not only thus to baptize, but also to teach -all nations to observe whatever he had enjoined. A passage of similar -import is at the close of II Corinth., where Paul wishes his brethren -may experience the grace of Christ, and the love of God, and might -have a common participation of the holy spirit, of the miraculous and -sanctifying divine power. - -It is worthy of remark, that while Paul begins each of his Epistles, -written to brethren of very different nations on the earth, with -asserting, that his authority as an apostle was derived from God and -from his Son, or with wishing his brethren grace, mercy and peace from -God the Father, and from his Son, by whom he created, and governs, and -will judge the world; yet he never in this manner connects "the holy -spirit" with the name of God and of his Son our Lord Jesus Christ: no -prayer is thus addressed to a holy spirit or to the holy spirit, or -Holy Ghost, although we find the translation "the Holy Ghost," nearly -100 times. This is called a gift of God, and God is prayed to for it; -and it is declared, that God anointed Jesus with the holy spirit, that -is, with the wonderful powers expressed by the phrase. A multitude -of passages speak of the Spirit as a divine power and a divine gift: -the following are some of the expressions used――"the Spirit of your -Father;"――"the Spirit of God;"――"God hath sent forth the Spirit of his -Son into your hearts;"――"how much more shall your heavenly Father give -the Holy Spirit to them that ask him;"――"he shall give you another -Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;"――"renewing of the Holy -Ghost (or of a holy spirit or the divine power) which he shed on us -abundantly;"――"how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost -and with power;"――"upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending -and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy -Ghost: John 1:33." Therefore one plain meaning of the holy spirit is -a miraculous and wonderful power, communicated by God from heaven -to Jesus Christ when he appeared on the earth in the form of a man, -designating him to be the promised Messiah. - - -Concerning the Holy Spirit the creed of the ancient Council of Nice, -A. D. 325, says nothing except "we believe in the Holy Spirit." Of -Christ it declares, that he was "the Son of God, the only begotten -of the Father, God of God,――begotten, not made, &c." Soon after that -council a learned father, _Eunomius_, who was made bishop of Cyzicum -A. D. 360, advanced the doctrine, that after God had created his Son -before the universe was formed, giving him divine dignity and creative -power, he next created the Holy Spirit, the first and greatest of all -spirits, by his own power indeed but by the immediate agency also -of his Son, giving him power to sanctify and teach. Afterwards he -created all things in heaven and earth. More modern creeds, which adopt -much the same faith with Eunomius, use the word "proceed" instead of -"create," as the New England Confession of Faith of 1680, which says, -"the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son." But -Milton, in his learned Treatise on the Christian doctrine, has shewn -that "proceedeth" in John 15:26, relates to the mission,――the sending -from God to the earth, not to the nature, of the Spirit: yet his own -faith was, that "the Holy Spirit, inasmuch as he is a minister of God, -and therefore a creature, was created or produced of the substance of -God, not by a natural necessity, but by the free will of the agent, -probably before the foundations of the world were laid, but later than -the Son, and far inferior to him." Dr. Samuel Clarke of England has -taught the same doctrine.――But the reader is requested to form his -opinion on the chief subject of this note, not from any human creed or -learned man's teaching, but from his own study of the Bible with his -own endowment of reason. The practical application of the doctrine of -the Holy Spirit has claims to our earnest attention. - -In the judgment of Dr. Cotton Mather it is through the Spirit of God, -that Christians find such affections as the following working in their -minds:――a flaming love towards God and men; a lively faith in God and -in the Savior, the Mediator; a longing desire and hope of spiritual -blessings; a mighty hatred of sin; a bitter sorrow for sin and its -miseries; a noble courage; a total despair of help in creatures; a fear -of the judgments of wickedness; a triumphant joy in God and in his -Christ; a rapturous admiration of the Maker and Ruler of the world and -of his glories. "All true piety," he says, "is begun by the enkindling -of these affections in the soul:" and the Spirit, enkindling them, -should be sought from God in the constancy of prayer. - - -_Sonnet 68._ The monument to the pilgrim forefathers, whose corner -was laid Aug. 2d, is designed to consist of a pedestal 80 feet high, -supporting a colossal female figure of Faith; her feet rest on Plymouth -rock, her left hand is to hold an open Bible, and her right points to -heaven. On the pedestal are to be Morality, Education, Law, and Liberty. - - -_Sonnet 72._ Since this sonnet has passed through the press, I have -been glad to read a description of Donati's comet and to see a -telescopic view of it in the Family Christian Almanac for 1860. The -comet is named after Donati, the discoverer, who first saw it at -Florence, June 2, 1858. It was seen several months in great splendor -in our country until about Oct. 20th, when it disappeared. When first -observed, it was 200 millions of miles distant from the sun. Its curved -train extended 60 degrees or 51 millions of miles. When nearest the -earth it was 52 millions of miles distant, moving at the rate of 123 -thousand miles an hour. Its greatest distance from the sun is supposed -to be 143 thousand millions of miles; and astronomers have calculated -its period of revolution at nearly 2,000 years, so that its last -previous visit to the earth was before the Christian era. Yet from the -extreme point of its journey to the nearest fixed star who can measure -the distance? Who will not say, "Great and marvellous are thy works, -Lord God Almighty?" - -It is worthy of remark, that in respect to the inhabitants of the -various worlds, with which our skies are filled, the revealed word -of God, communicated to man upon the earth, gives us no information. -If beyond a doubt the sun, the moon, the stars, and the comets are -inhabited by intelligent beings; yet of what rank and in what condition -we know nothing. But as we are taught, that there is a world of "fire," -prepared "for the devil and his angels," it may be that comets are the -destined abodes of the wicked and lost. - - -_Sonnet 73._ It is a false and pernicious charity, of which some men -boast, that for no crime would they touch the life of man. But God is -smiting every day the life of guilty man by a thousand diseases; and -in his revealed word he has commanded, that the murderer shall be put -to death in the administration of public law. In this way not only the -divine justice but the divine wisdom is manifested by this protecting -shield of terror spread over man's life. - - -_Sonnet 77._ The name of John Hooper will ever be held in the -highest honor in England. Born in 1495, and educated at Oxford, he -was appointed bishop of Gloucester; but was a martyr to the truth -under the popish reign of queen Mary in 1555 at the age of 60. With -most wonderful fortitude he endured the flames at the stake for -three-quarters of an hour. - - -_Sonnet 78._ To an old man the recollection of a youthful brother -preacher in the far-back period of fifty or more years, who still -preaches the gospel, is replete with interest. It is attended with the -memory of men, who at that period were the fathers in the ministry,――as -Rogers, Livingston, Mason, and Miller of New York; Dwight of New Haven; -and S. Spring, Morse, Eckley, and Griffin of Massachusetts. - - -_Sonnet 80._ The leading truth of the gospel, dear to my heart since I -first began to preach it 56 years ago, is that Jesus Christ was the Son -of God, by whom God made the worlds, and who came down from heaven and -in human flesh was himself the sufferer on the cross for the sins of -men. I use language as men of reason should use it. I dare not, on the -peril of my soul, explain it away by saying, that the Son of God from -heaven united himself to another spirit or intelligent being, which -latter spirit or mind bore the suffering, ascribed to the Son from -heaven. That Christ had two spirits is the teaching of human theory but -not of divine scripture. - -Every man is conscious, that he is one,――one existence, one intelligent -being, one human being, or an intellect or mind now dwelling in a human -body; and he acknowledges every other man to be a similar being. He -also regards every angel, that comes to his knowledge by revelation, -as one being. God, the Creator of the universe, we view necessarily as -one being. The idea of a duplicate intellectual being is beyond our -thought; it is inconceivable, an absurdity, a contradiction. Jesus -Christ then was either man or the one Son of God in the form of a man. - -That there is "one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man -Christ Jesus" is Paul's teaching. The reason of calling Christ _man_ -is, that "God sent his son in the _likeness_ of sinful flesh," Rom. -8:3. The Son's intelligent spirit was enough to be the tenant of one -human body without a co-tenancy with a human spirit, and enough to -suffer for the sins of the world. - -When Paul speaks of Christ as being once "in the form of God," he did -not mean, that he was God himself, in whose form or likeness he was, -Phil. 2:6. Then in the next verses, by his being "in the form of a -servant," "in the likeness of men," "in fashion as a man," he could not -mean, that Christ was a real, perfect man. But did he first live in -heaven, and thence come to the earth to tabernacle in human flesh and -to offer himself as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of the race of -men? - -In the first chapter of John's gospel we are taught, that Christ or the -Son of God, called the Word, existed in the beginning with God and that -all things were made by him. At the very commencement of all created -existences in the universe, he existed with God, and by him all created -things in the universe were created. Here then was a high and glorious -dignity in heaven, the Son of God, before he dwelt in human flesh. - -In the third chapter of John we read, that Christ said to -Nicodemus,――"If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not; -how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man -hath ascended up to heaven, but he, that came down from heaven, even -the Son of Man, which is in heaven." The express contrast of the -words――"ascended up to heaven, came down from heaven," seems to fix -the meaning beyond any possible doubt.――In the 6th chapter of John -Christ said, as we read, "I came down from heaven, not to do mine -own will, but the will of him, that sent me."――"Moses gave you not -that bread from heaven, but my Father giveth you the true bread from -heaven. For the bread of God is he, which cometh from heaven, and -giveth life unto the world." When the Jews murmured at his discourse, -because he said, "I am the bread, which came down from heaven," Jesus -repeated his plain teaching――"I am the living bread, which came down -from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: -and the bread, that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for -the life of the world." That is, he who came down from God in heaven -would give his flesh, his human body to the agonies of crucifixion for -the salvation of men. Many of his disciples said, "this is an hard -saying: who can hear it?" What was the reply of Christ? It was this: -"does this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of Man ascend -up where he was before?" In the 16th chapter of John we read Christ's -words――"The Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and -have believed, that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father -and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the -Father." Here again the contrast of expressions shows the meaning of -the phrase, "I am come into the world." I will adduce only one other -passage:――In Ephesians 4th we read――"Now that he ascended, what is it -but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?" -"He that descended is the same also, that ascended up far above all -heavens, that he might fill all things." I think it thus most clearly -and amply established in scripture, that the Lamb of God came down to -the earth from the presence of God and laying aside his high dignity -dwelt in a human body, as a man dwells in a body, and died in agony on -the cross. There may be various high inquiries, which may here spring -up. But surely no theory can be true, which contradicts and overthrows -the divine teaching. No scheme of theology can be true, which denies, -that he, who came down from heaven, could die and did die as a lamb of -sacrifice to God for the sins of the world,――for this is a denial of -the great doctrine of the atonement, and thus withers up all the hopes -of sinful men. Who can prove, that God could not have a Son derived -from Him before time began, by whom he created the universe, and who in -his most amazing love to us abased himself to man's condition and died -in our stead on this little globe of his own creation? If we find in -the Bible any plain, intelligible teaching of God, will it do to set -up our reason against the teaching of Him, who is infinite reason and -infinite wisdom? - -If any truth is plain in the Bible, is it not that Jesus Christ, the -Son of God, in human flesh or in fashion as a man by his sufferings -on the cross _made_ atonement for the sins of the world? Paul says, -Rom. 5:11;――"We joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we -have received the atonement; and that God hath translated us into the -kingdom of his dear Son, in whom we have redemption through his blood, -even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God:" -Coloss. 1:13.――Peter says, that his brethren were "redeemed with the -precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without -spot." Other expressions are these, Christ "after he had offered one -sacrifice for sins forever, [that is, for perpetuity,] sat down on -the right hand of God:" Heb. 10:12, "Whom God hath set forth to be a -propitiation through faith in his blood:" Rom. 3:25, "Unto him, that -loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood:" Rev. 1:5.――That -the Son of God, who came down from heaven, was himself a sufferer and -sacrifice on the cross for our sins is every where taught in scripture. -Without believing this how can we regard Christ as a Redeemer and -Savior? - - -_Sonnet 81._ In order that revealed truths may beam upon the mind -of man and produce their proper effect it is necessary, that God's -revelation be understood and not misapprehended. If two men attach a -different and contradictory meaning to the same passage of scripture, -one of them is in error and fault; and if the error relates to the -character of God and to some very important doctrine, it may be -perilous. - -For instance, two of our theologians have taught a contradictory -doctrine, drawn as they thought from scripture, as follows; Jonathan -Edwards maintained, that sin was "not the fruit of any positive agency -or influence of the Most High;"――"it would be a reproach and blasphemy -to suppose God to be the author of sin" in the sense of the agent, -actor, or doer of a wicked thing. But Dr. Emmons maintained, that God -"produced all the free, voluntary, moral exercises" of man; that God -"creates evil when and where the good of the universe requires;" that -"Satan placed certain motives before man's mind, which by a certain -divine energy took hold of his heart and led him into sin." This -teaching seems blasphemous, and contradictory to all notions of free, -voluntary agency, as well as to the tenor of scripture. He relies for -scripture proof on Exodus 4:21, where God says in respect to Pharaoh, -"I will harden his heart." But this, rightly understood, is only a -prediction of a certain event, that Pharaoh would harden his own heart -as it is declared he did in ch. 9:34. So in respect to other quoted -passages, it might be shown, that they were misunderstood and perverted -from their proper meaning. We all know by common sense, by reason, and -conscience, that we are free agents; therefore justly accountable to a -holy, sin-hating God. But if God made, created, produced all our wicked -volitions and acts; how can we regard him as just in punishing us for -the very acts, which he produced? And what can such passages as James -1:13, mean, "God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any -man?" - - -_Sonnet 82._ The following seem to be clear and prominent points of -instruction in the divine Word. - -1. There is ONE GOD, eternal, infinite, all-wise, perfect in goodness, -the creator of the universe. Hence all the gods and idols of the -heathen are vanity and a lie.――"There is one God the Father of all, who -is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephes. 2:5.――"The Lord -our God is one Lord."――"God is one."――"One God and one Mediator." Mark -12:29. Galatians 3:20. I Tim. 2:5. Thus throughout the whole scripture -the unity of God is asserted or implied. The name of God occurs 500 -or 600 times in the Bible. "God is one;" one conscious, intelligent -being and voluntary agent. No man in the exercise of his reason has any -doubts as to his own oneness, or as to the oneness of any brother man -or of any angel, of whom he may think or speak. If I am conscious, that -I am a single intellectual being, and necessarily regard every other -man as such; then it cannot enter my thoughts, that the one God is a -compound being. - -2. God has a SON in heaven, by whom he made the worlds, and whom he -sent from heaven to earth, to tabernacle for a while in human flesh, -voluntarily abased in his powers to the condition of a man, to be a -Mediator and Savior. In John, chapter 1, Jesus Christ is called "the -Son of God," "the only-begotten of the Father," "the Lamb of God," who -was "in the beginning with God," and "by whom all things were made." - -3. That the Son of God is a being distinct from God is most obvious -from the whole New Testament. In Phil. I, Paul prays for grace and -peace "from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ." He adds, "I -thank my God upon every remembrance of you." So throughout his epistle -God and Jesus Christ are most plainly distinct beings. He says, that -Christ condescended to come in fashion "as a man," on which account God -highly exalted him: here are two beings: and Christ will be extolled -at last to "the glory of God the Father."――He "worshipped God in the -spirit and rejoiced in Christ Jesus."――Here are again two beings. Near -the close of the epistle he says――"my God shall supply all your need -according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." How strange to Paul -must have been the doctrine, that Christ was one of several beings -making up one God? - -But the same distinction is clearly and fully set forth by Paul in -all his other epistles as well as in that to the Philippians. He -begins most of them with a prayer like that in the epistle to the -Romans,――"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord -Jesus Christ." Then he "thanks God through Jesus Christ for them all;" -the God, whom he serves "in the gospel of his Son." Read also,――"the -righteousness of God by faith of Jesus Christ;"――"we have peace with -God through our Lord Jesus Christ;"――"we were reconciled to God by the -death of his Son;"――"the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus -Christ our Lord;"――nothing can "separate us from the love of God which -is in Christ Jesus our Lord;"――Paul prays, that his brethren may -"glorify God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ;"――and after more -of similar language he ends this epistle,――"To God only wise be glory -through Jesus Christ forever. Amen." - -If it be asked, in what sense is Christ God's "_Son_, whom he hath -appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds?" I -answer, the word doubtless means, that he was derived from God, that -he sprung from God, that he received his being from God before the -creation of the universe. He is called God's "first-begotten" and -"only-begotten." It is unnecessary and may be useless for us to enter -into any inquiries and discussions concerning hypostasis, person, -nature, being, essence, substance, and other logical and metaphysical -terms employed by theologians, which do not afford a particle of light; -but we must believe, that Christ was derived from God and possesses -the very attributes and endured the sufferings, ascribed to him in -the scriptures. If we ascribe to him a nature not ascribed to him in -the Bible, one incapable of suffering, and then deny the sufferings, -which are ascribed to him; what do we but contradict the word of God -and reject the doctrine of the Atonement by the sufferings of Christ, -which is the foundation of the sinner's hope? If a learned doctor -should assert, that if Christ was the agent of God in the creation of -the universe, and is his agent in its government, then he could not be -derived from God; the learned man puts forth only the words of folly. -As derived from God, why might not the Son be as much superior to the -highest angel, as man is superior in knowledge and powers to the beetle -under our foot? Why could he not derive from God and exercise under God -the powers of creation? - -"He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every -creature; for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and -that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or -dominions, or principalities or powers: all things were created by him -and for him:"――"it pleased the father, that in him should all fullness -dwell." Col. 1:15, 16. So in Heb. 1:3, Christ is called "the express -image of God's person;" where the Greek word, translated person, means -nature, essence, or being, and the assertion is, that Christ is "a -clear and strong image of the essence or nature of the divine majesty." -It may be, that for this reason the title of god is given to him; and -with very obvious propriety may we ascribe to him divinity or call him -a divine being, without contending for the impossibility that he is -the very being, whose image he is, or that his own is the very nature, -person, hypostasis, or substance, of which he stands the express -character. - -According to our English Bible the Son of God under the name of the -Word seems to be called God by the apostle John, ch. 1, v. 1. But it -was not the purpose of John to represent the Word as the infinite, -supreme, almighty God. ORIGEN, who wrote in Greek, in the third -century, and understood the language better than any modern critic, -says, that John's assertion is that, "the _logos_, or word, was _a -god_," using the word god in its inferior, well-known sense, as is -proved by his omission of the article. If he had inserted the article, -he would have said, that "the logos was _the_ God, the supreme God, -Jehovah." The plain teaching is, there is one God. With him was the -_logos_ in the beginning, an exalted, glorious being; a second, -inferior God; a being derived from God; and in this sense a divine -being.――Besides Origen, Philo and several other fathers of the three -first centuries speak of John's omission of the article here as a proof -that by the word god he did not mean the Supreme God. Consider also, -that if the logos existed "_with_ God," then he was not the very God, -with whom he existed.――On the other hand, it is a matter of no weight -that when the supreme God is meant, yet the article is often omitted; -for it is an established principle that it may be omitted when the -name of God is sufficiently definite without it. In John 1:6,――"a man -sent from God:" here is an omission of it as unnecessary. So v. 12, -13, 18. Origen again says,――"Angels are called gods because they are -divine; but we are not commanded to worship them in the place of God, -and hence they are not really gods." He says, the article is withheld, -when what is called god is a being different "from the self-existent -God, having a communicated divinity, being a divine person." Such also -was the opinion of Clemens Alexandrinus and Eusebius; and they were -men more competent to decide a matter concerning the construction of -the Greek language than any modern critic.――In several of the first -centuries it was the judgment of such Fathers as Justin, Athenagoras, -Tatian, Theophilus, Clemens, Origen, &c., that the word god as applied -to Christ denoted a celestial nature, superior to all creatures, but -inferior to the Supreme God. But the authority of Christ himself -is more decisive,――"My Father is greater than I:" and the whole of -scripture shows, that the one perfect God and his Son are two distinct -intelligent Beings. As the word in Greek, Acts 28:6, has no article -our translators have very properly said "a god." If any one will -look at 2 Thess. 2:4, he will see, that the word God occurs four -times and undistinguished in the English Testament, but in the Greek -the word for God appears once――"in the temple of God"――_with_ the -article, showing that the true Supreme God is meant,――and three times -_without_ the article, showing, that the word is used in an inferior -sense, that a false god was intended. Dr. Macknight's translation is -as follows,――"above every one, who is called _a god_ or an object of -worship. So that he, in the temple of GOD, as _a god_ sitteth, openly -shewing himself, that he is _a god_." It is thus, that the Word in John -1st is called a god, and not God the Supreme, the Almighty Jehovah. - -When _Tatian_, about A. D. 165 speaks of "a god, who was born in the -form of man" and of "the suffering God," he certainly did not mean, -that Christ was the Supreme God, incapable of suffering. It was the -doctrine of Apollinaris, two hundred years later, that Christ assumed -a human body with a sentient soul like that of the inferior animals, -but not assuming an intelligent or rational human spirit. He could -see no reason why Christ should have two intelligent natures and two -free wills. In his judgment the Son of God, who came down from heaven, -was the only rational tenant of his human body, and the only rational -sufferer on the cross, making a real atonement for sin. For scriptural -proof he rested on John 1:14, "the Word was made flesh." His doctrine -was doubtless this,――that the Son of God in his high spiritual nature, -in which he came down from heaven in order to suffer, was the real -sufferer on the cross: not that he was God incapable of suffering, and -incapable of making any atonement. - -On the distinction between Almighty God and his Son, derived from -him before the creation, the Creed of the Church of England is very -explicit:――"I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven -and earth, and of all things visible and invisible: and in one Lord -Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father -before all worlds, &c."――"Who for us men and for our salvation came -down from heaven, &c." - -The doctrine of the New England Synod at Boston in 1680 was the same: -"The Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding; the Son is -eternally begotten of the Father." If many of our American theologians -at the present day reject the doctrine of the derivation of the Son -from God, they are not responsible to the Synod's Confession or Creed, -but certainly they are to holy Scripture and to Reason. - - -_Sonnet 84._ In a sonnet Milton speaks of the popish massacre in -Piedmont: - - "Their moans - The vales redoubled to the hills, and they - To Heav'n. Their martyr'd blood and ashes sow - O'er all th' Italian fields, where still doth sway - The triple tyrant; that from these may grow - A hundred fold, who having learned the way - Early may fly the Babylonian woe." - - -_Sonnet 86._ Occom was a distinguished Indian preacher, the first who -visited England. Born at Mohegan near Norwich, Conn., he was educated 4 -years in Wheelock's Indian School at Lebanon, and was himself a school -teacher of the Montauk Indians 10 or 12 years. In 1759, at the age -of 36, he was ordained by a presbytery. He preached in Great Britain -in 1766, 1767, and 1768, between 300 and 400 sermons, employed by -Mr. Wheelock. For the remaining 24 years of his life he continued to -preach; and he died at New Stockbridge, near Utica, in July 1792, aged -69. The author has prepared for the press a Memoir of Occom, drawn from -the papers of Dr. Wheelock which are in his hands and from Occom's own -manuscript journals. - - -_Sonnet 93._ As an old medal had on it for a device a bullock -standing between a plough and an altar, with the inscription, _Ready -for Either_, the device was thought very appropriate to express the -disposition of the true Christian missionary, ready for toil and ready -also to be a sacrifice, if called to die in his master's service, "not -holding his life dear unto himself." - - -_Sonnet 96._ Sickness prevented me from visiting my nephew and meeting -with his guests on an interesting occasion. The old house, the home -of my childhood and my dwelling for seven years of my ministry,――the -house built by my father, the first minister of Pittsfield, in the -wilderness,――was superseded by an elegant mansion, built by his -grandson bearing his own name, Thomas Allen. The event was commemorated -by a select and happy company of aged men. - - -_Sonnet 98._ I first visited Niagara Falls 56 years ago. Having just -been licensed by the ministers of Berkshire county to preach the -gospel, I mounted my horse in Aug. 1804 and rode out more than 400 -miles through the western wilderness of New York as far as Lake Erie -and Niagara river, preaching in various places to little assemblies -in log cabins. Buffalo, now a great city, was then a village of 19 -houses. Three miles below there was the ferry at Black Rock; and -there I saw the famous Indian chief, Red Jacket, attending his little -grand-daughter as from a rock she threw her hook into the great stream. -Thence I rode down on the Canada side 15 miles to the wondrous Falls. - -Besides the lesson of solemn warning and terror another of a character -acceptable and gladdening was offered to my thoughts, as I stood on the -river's bank at the Falls; for I beheld a rainbow of a full semi-circle -or more, the ends almost under my feet, stretching over the awful -chasm, deepest in color low down at each extremity, where the turmoil -of mist was the thickest. This lesson I here put in rhyme, and with it, -in accordance with the sentiment of the hundredth sonnet which a few -days ago passed through the press, I now close this little book. - -If the reader will consider, that my threatening illness has now had -a continuance of many months and that to-day closes seventy-six years -of my life, he will find reason to conclude, that my thoughts here -expressed, although in verse, are utterances in the sincerity of faith -and the honesty of truth: and so I bid him farewell, wishing him "a -happy New Year" and a blessed Eternity! - -Jan. 1, 1860. - - -NEW YEAR'S DAY, 1860. - - I praise thee, God of love! for this Day's light, - Which leads the train of days in this new year,―― - For months not seeming destin'd to me here, - But ah instead thereof a darksome night - In the low grave, of all earth's joys the blight.―― - I live! And in my thoughts old scenes appear. - The mighty Falls, where gazing I stood near - In happy youth, rise up in splendor bright, - When, as I gaz'd, there met my wond'ring eye - Amid the wat'ry strife the beauteous Bow, - As if brought down from its high place, the sky, - And planted deep in the thick mist below;―― - God's bow of promise to the earth beneath,―― - Symbol of Peace 'mid Sin and War and Death! - - - * * * * * - - -TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES - -Punctuation has been standardized. - -Some alternate spellings have been retained. - -This book contained an errata page at the end. The errata have been -applied to the e-text by the transcriber without further note. - -p. 24: "Aud" changed to "And" (And with the holy who in glory shine!) - -p. 71: Missing word inserted: "an" (Remaining more than an hour) - -p. 94: "shewing" changed to "showing" (showing that the true Supreme -God is meant) - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's A Book of Christian Sonnets, by William Allen - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A BOOK OF CHRISTIAN SONNETS *** - -***** This file should be named 53816-0.txt or 53816-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/8/1/53816/ - -Produced by Richard Hulse, Daniel Lowe and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: A Book of Christian Sonnets - -Author: William Allen - -Release Date: December 27, 2016 [EBook #53816] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A BOOK OF CHRISTIAN SONNETS *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Hulse, Daniel Lowe and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Cover" id="coverpage" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="tnote"> - <p class="title">Transcriber's Note</p> - <p> - The cover image was modified to remove a label, - and to add the title and author text. - The modified image is placed in the public domain. - </p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> - -<h1> - <span class="smaller">A</span><br /> - <span class="spaced-out">BOOK</span><br /> - <span class="smaller">OF</span><br /> - <span class="spaced-out">CHRISTIAN SONNETS.</span> -</h1> - -<div class="nobreak byline">BY WILLIAM ALLEN, D. D.,</div> - -<div class="center"> -Late President of Bowdoin College; -Author of the American Biographical Dictionary, -and of Wunnissoo or the Vale of Hoosatunnuk a Poem. -</div> - -<div class="vert-spacer"></div> - -<div class="center"> -NORTHAMPTON:<br /> -<span class="spaced-out">PUBLISHED BY BRIDGMAN & CHILDS.</span><br /> -1860. -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p> - -<div class="vert-spacer"></div> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="center"> -Metcalf & Company, Printers,<br /> -Northampton. -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">PREFACE.</h2> - -<p>For some remarks on the nature and history of the <em>Sonnet</em> and -its peculiar excellence, as exemplified by Milton, the reader is -referred to the Notes at the close of this book. The Author regards -it as by its fixed laws and its structure the very best form of poetry -for one short, complete, meditative lesson. A collection of such -distinct, separate little poems,—mostly written within a recent -period,—and not mingled with other forms of poetry,—constitutes -this little volume.</p> - -<p>The notes annexed are historical and illustrative, elucidatory of -what from the necessary brevity of the verse might be otherwise -left obscure, or such as seemed to be required by the unevasible -claims and the infinite worth of the revealed Christian truth, which -makes the texture of these sonnets.</p> - -<p>While Petrarch, the inventor of the <i lang="it" xml:lang="it">Sonetto</i>, Spenser, Shakespeare, -Wordsworth, and other foreign poets have written a -multitude of sonnets, it is to the author a matter of surprise, that not -more than half a dozen sonnets—within his knowledge—have ever -been sent forth by any one of our poets; so that this may be -regarded as the first book of American Sonnets ever published.</p> - -<p>An old man, the tenant for a year past of a sick chamber, who -from early life has been a student and cultivator of poetry, has found -not a little pleasure in such musings, as he now offers to the public. -His meditations, it may well be supposed, have not been of fictitious -scenes. Aware of his liableness at any moment to be summoned<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span> -away from this world,—which to his eye is filled with -beauty mingled indeed with deformity,—into a world of undefaced -loveliness and eternal glory, he could not have excused himself, if -he had employed the precarious time lent to him in drawing idle, -uninstructive, unprofitable pictures; but his mind has been filled -with intense thoughts on God's pure, unchanging, soul-saving -Truth; and he has endeavored to give true sketches, however faint -and feeble, of divine and eternal realities not unworthy of the -contemplation nor unfit to awaken the affections of rational, -immortal men. The uninterrupted study of God's Word for 50 -or 60 years may be his apology for declaring what in his judgment -are plainly and indubitably some of the great truths of that Word. -But he earnestly asks the reader to search the Scriptures with his -own eyes. What God has said is true.</p> - -<p> -Northampton, Dec. 19, 1859<br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CONTENTS.</h2> - -<table summary="Table of Contents"> -<tr><th class="tdl" colspan="2">Sonnet</th><th class="tdr">Page</th></tr> -<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_1">1.</a></td><td class="tdl">On Washington,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_2">2.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Stars,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_3">3.</a></td><td class="tdl">Last Wish of Wm. H. Prescott,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_4">4.</a></td><td class="tdl">On War,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_5">5.</a></td><td class="tdl">Truth's Testimony of Christ,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_6">6.</a></td><td class="tdl">Corrupted Youth,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_7">7.</a></td><td class="tdl">Penitence,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_8">8.</a></td><td class="tdl">God's Omnipresence. Psalm 139,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_9">9.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Prometheus Chained of Aeschylus,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_10">10.</a></td><td class="tdl">On Tyndale, the Martyr,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_11">11.</a></td><td class="tdl">Miserable Old Age,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_12">12.</a></td><td class="tdl">Idols. Psalm 135,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_13">13.</a></td><td class="tdl">To four Presidents alive. 1826,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_14">14.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Way of Salvation,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_15">15.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Overthrow of Popery,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_16">16.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Fall of Babylon,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_17">17.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Scoffers at the Bible,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_18">18.</a></td><td class="tdl">Prayer,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_19">19.</a></td><td class="tdl">Christ's Table,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_20">20.</a></td><td class="tdl">Death. Job 14,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_21">21.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Storm on the Lake,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_22">22.</a></td><td class="tdl">On Jacques Balmat,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_23">23.</a></td><td class="tdl">Controversy,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_24">24.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Sabbath,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_25">25.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Widow's Son Raised,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_26">26.</a></td><td class="tdl">Thanksgiving-Day, 1859,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_22">22</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_27">27.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Lord my Shepherd,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_22">22</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_28">28.</a></td><td class="tdl">Christ's Resurrection,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_29">29.</a></td><td class="tdl">Darkness until Heavenly Light,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_30">30.</a></td><td class="tdl">Maria Malleville Allen,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_31">31.</a></td><td class="tdl">Prayer for Mercy,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_32">32.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Lost Child,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_33">33.</a></td><td class="tdl">Mexican Idol,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_34">34.</a></td><td class="tdl">God our Safety. Psalm 91,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_35">35.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Believer Encouraged,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_36">36.</a></td><td class="tdl">On Rev. Dr. John Codman,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_37">37.</a></td><td class="tdl">Northampton Grave-Yard,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_38">38.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Lord's Prayer,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_39">39.</a></td><td class="tdl">Praise to God. Ps. 148,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_40">40.</a></td><td class="tdl">On my Father, Rev. T. Allen,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_41">41.</a></td><td class="tdl">Time's End. Rev. 10,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_42">42.</a></td><td class="tdl">Written in a Thunder-Storm,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_43">43.</a></td><td class="tdl">Impiety,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_44">44.</a></td><td class="tdl">On the Death of my Daughter,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_45">45.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Last Day of the Year,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_46">46.</a></td><td class="tdl">Transfiguration of Christ,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_32">32</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_47">47.</a></td><td class="tdl">Sleepers in the Grave-Yard,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_32">32</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_48">48.</a></td><td class="tdl">Song of the Redeemed. Rev. 7,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_49">49.</a></td><td class="tdl">Nature Reproved,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_50">50.</a></td><td class="tdl">Removal of Severe Illness,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_51">51.</a></td><td class="tdl">God Man's All-Sufficient Good,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_52">52.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Death of Rev. Dr. I. Nichols,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_53">53.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Voice of Nature to Poets,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_54">54.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Cross and Crown,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_55">55.</a></td><td class="tdl">Dying I am Blest,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_56">56.</a></td><td class="tdl">Compact on Board the Mayflower,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_57">57.</a></td><td class="tdl">To Jesus Christ, God's Son,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_58">58.</a></td><td class="tdl">To Dr. Thomson, Missionary,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_59">59.</a></td><td class="tdl">Happy Old Age,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_60">60.</a></td><td class="tdl">Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_61">61.</a></td><td class="tdl">No Sorrow in Death,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_62">62.</a></td><td class="tdl">On John Robinson,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_63">63.</a></td><td class="tdl">Sudden Sickness. 1845,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_64">64.</a></td><td class="tdl">On Truth,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_41">41</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_65">65.</a></td><td class="tdl">Two Views of Death,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_41">41</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_66">66.</a></td><td class="tdl">God's Marvellous Works. Ps. 104,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_67">67.</a></td><td class="tdl">The last Words of a Minister,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_68">68.</a></td><td class="tdl">Plymouth Monument laid, 1859,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_69">69.</a></td><td class="tdl">Effect of Death on Man,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_70">70.</a></td><td class="tdl">Christmas,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_71">71.</a></td><td class="tdl">New Year's Day, 1859,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_72">72.</a></td><td class="tdl">Donati's Comet, 1858,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_45">45</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_73">73.</a></td><td class="tdl">Execution for Murder, 1630,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_45">45</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_74">74.</a></td><td class="tdl">Oneness with God. John 17,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_46">46</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_75">75.</a></td><td class="tdl">My Birth Day, Jan. 2, 1859,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_46">46</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_76">76.</a></td><td class="tdl">God and his Son,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_77">77.</a></td><td class="tdl">On Martyrs,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_78">78.</a></td><td class="tdl">To Rev. Dr. Spring, New York,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_79">79.</a></td><td class="tdl">Perseverance in Christ's Service,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_80">80.</a></td><td class="tdl">Glorying in the Cross,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_81">81.</a></td><td class="tdl">Man without Revelation,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_82">82.</a></td><td class="tdl">God is One,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_83">83.</a></td><td class="tdl">What is it to die?</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_84">84.</a></td><td class="tdl">Churches of Piedmont,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_51">51</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_85">85.</a></td><td class="tdl">The Lord's Supper,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_51">51</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_86">86.</a></td><td class="tdl">Occom, the Indian Preacher,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_52">52</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_87">87.</a></td><td class="tdl">My Sermon, July, 1851,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_52">52</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_88">88.</a></td><td class="tdl">National Convulsions,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_53">53</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_89">89.</a></td><td class="tdl">Psalm <span class="smcap">VIII.,</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_53">53</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_90">90.</a></td><td class="tdl">To my Native Town,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_54">54</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_91">91.</a></td><td class="tdl">To Sarah Anna Hopkins,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_54">54</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_92">92.</a></td><td class="tdl">To Mrs. Douglass in jail,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_93">93.</a></td><td class="tdl">Ready for Either,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_94">94.</a></td><td class="tdl">To Miss Hannah Lyman, Montreal,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_95">95.</a></td><td class="tdl">Visit to Pontoosuc or Pittsfield,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_96">96.</a></td><td class="tdl">Company of Old Men,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_57">57</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_97">97.</a></td><td class="tdl">Joy in a Dying Hour,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_57">57</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_98">98.</a></td><td class="tdl">Niagara Falls,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_99">99.</a></td><td class="tdl">Justification by Faith,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#Sonnet_100">100.</a></td><td class="tdl">Universal Triumph of the Gospel,</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_59">59</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">A BOOK OF CHRISTIAN SONNETS.</h2> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_1" id="Sonnet_1"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">1. ON WASHINGTON. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_1">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Great <span class="smcap">Washington</span>! Mount Vernon's shade were naught,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Except as close allied to thine own name;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And what but noblest virtues without blame</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Have all the lustre of thy glory wrought?</div> - <div class="verse">Our country's chief in freedom's battle fought,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thy sword laid down in triumph's loud acclaim;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then "First in peace," our nation's good thine aim,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To Rulers many a lesson thou hast taught.</div> - <div class="verse">The model patriot thou, thy life unstain'd;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A rev'rent worshipper of God, we see</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thine end was peace; one noble act remain'd,—</div> - <div class="verse">Thy dying voice said to thy slaves, "Be Free!"—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With no dear son, each Freeman is thy Son,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And thou his Father lov'd, Great <span class="smcap">Washington</span>!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_2" id="Sonnet_2"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">2. THE STARS. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_2">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">In the sweet silence of a cloudless night</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The glory-studded firmament on high</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With wonder overwhelms my gazing eye,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Lost in the wilderness of worlds of light.</div> - <div class="verse">Around these suns do systems wheel their flight,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">All pure and spotless as the crystal sky,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Th' abodes of bliss serene without a sigh,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Where mists and clouds ne'er rise nor storms affright?</div> - <div class="verse">O, for an angel's wings to fly away</div> - <div class="verse indent1">From this low world of sin, and woe, and care,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And gain those orbs of purity and love!</div> - <div class="verse">Wish not for angel's wings: thy God obey,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And soon his grace thy ransom'd soul will bear</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Up to his own more glorious throne above!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_3" id="Sonnet_3"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">3. LAST WISH OF WM. H. PRESCOTT. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_3">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Still beautiful in this thy rest so deep,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thy final wish fulfill'd, we see thy face</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Calm as in life, with not a marring trace</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of the swift blow, which calls thy friends to weep.</div> - <div class="verse">What hosts of mighty dead around thee keep</div> - <div class="verse indent1">On these rich-loaded shelves their silent place?—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"Farewell, companions lov'd; like your's my race</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Is run; tomorrow in the ground I sleep."—</div> - <div class="verse">What would he teach us, living, by this scene?—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Books! books! are earth's invaluable lights;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Treasures of truth, the richest gifts terrene,</div> - <div class="verse">Left by fled spirits in their upward flights!</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And what does man demand, in age and youth,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But heav'n-descended, heav'nward-guiding <span class="smcap">Truth</span>?</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_4" id="Sonnet_4"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">4. ON WAR. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_4">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"Thou shalt not kill,"—the Almighty God hath said.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then, Mighty Kings! who glory in your shame</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And swim in blood to gain a hero's name,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">What awful doom—with all your greatness fled—</div> - <div class="verse">When, rising with your subjects from the dead,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Ye stand in judgment? What will then be fame?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And will not fiery courage be quite tame;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">On ev'ry side th' Almighty's terrors spread?</div> - <div class="verse">O, Living Monarchs! within reach of grace,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of love and mercy from the throne of God,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Forgiveness may ye find, and faith t' embrace</div> - <div class="verse">The offer'd pardon through redeeming blood;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then to the world great Benefactors prove,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Your pride exchang'd for happy subjects' love!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_5" id="Sonnet_5"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">5. TRUTH'S TESTIMONY OF CHRIST. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_5">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Truth to the earth came down from heav'n above,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Cloth'd in celestial beauty to the eye,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Willing to see; man's guide to God on high.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Her voice is voice of sweetness and of love,</div> - <div class="verse">Of pow'r all feelings of the soul to move.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When she but speaks, all wild'ring phantoms fly,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Each cheat, and fraud, and vile, illusive lie,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Which in our murky air around thick rove.</div> - <div class="verse">She speaks of Him, who ere the earth was made</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Was God's own Son in heav'nly glory bright;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yet dwelt with man in mortal flesh array'd,</div> - <div class="verse">Redeemer blest! of this dark world the light;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Whose death by cruel nails our life has won,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Whose cross for us a bright, immortal crown.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_6" id="Sonnet_6"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">6. CORRUPTED YOUTH.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">I've seen the morning sweet, serene, and bright,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Cheer'd by th' effulgence of the orb of day,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And ev'ry object drest in pure array;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But soon the splendor chang'd to dismal night.</div> - <div class="verse">Dark clouds and raging storms spread round affright,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">While lightnings gleam, and thunders bring dismay.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And such too oft is Youth: thoughtless and gay,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With ev'ry charm to bless th' admiring sight.</div> - <div class="verse">But soon how chang'd! The face is mark'd with care,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The furious passions cast away control,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And outrag'd conscience shakes a glist'ning dart.</div> - <div class="verse">Poor Youth! Would'st thou the marred scene repair,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The sway of holy laws must guide thy soul,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And love, and hope, and faith must fill thy heart.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_7" id="Sonnet_7"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">7. PENITENCE.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Heard ye the anguish of that broken sigh,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Bursting from wretched sinner's smitten heart?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Or did ye mark the contrite tears, which start</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In pearly drops from that uplifted eye?</div> - <div class="verse">Blest is that groan; 'tis heard by him on high,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Whose grace from prostrate soul will ne'er depart,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Whose tender love will soothe the mental smart,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And to Himself bring humble aliens nigh.</div> - <div class="verse">Blest are those tears;—with brighter ray they shine,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Than costliest gem, which tyrant's crown adorns,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When beaming on the gaze of subject throngs.</div> - <div class="verse">The grief of penitence wakes bliss divine</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Before His throne, who bore the crown of thorns,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And Angels' harps resound with rapt'rous songs!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_8" id="Sonnet_8"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">8. God's omnipresence. Psalm 139.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">O, whither from thy Spirit shall I go?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Or whither from thine eye shall I repair?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thou, Lord, if I ascend to heav'n, art there;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And there, if I lie down in grave below:</div> - <div class="verse">Or if the wings of morning on me grow,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And with the speed of light I pierce the air</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And find the shores, which India's billows wear,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Ev'n there thy presence will around me flow.—</div> - <div class="verse">If I should say,—"night's veil will me conceal;"</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yet in thy view the darkness shall be light,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And deepest gloom will shine like flood of day.—</div> - <div class="verse">Thy presence, Lord, then let me ever feel</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Each budding, sinful aim and thought to blight,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And urge to deeds of holy, blest array.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_9" id="Sonnet_9"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">9. THE PROMETHEUS CHAINED OF AESCHYLUS.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">'Tis piteous tale, in Grecian numbers told,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Prometheus chain'd by Vulcan to a rock;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Expos'd aloft to ev'ry tempest's shock,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To burning sun, and winter's shiv'ring cold:</div> - <div class="verse">And all his woe, as minstrel doth unfold,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">From love to man, whom other gods would mock.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For man his hands Jove's treasury unlock;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The stolen fire he breathes on man's dull mould.</div> - <div class="verse">O, could this Bard have liv'd in Christian days,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And seen our blessed Lord nail'd to the tree,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Expos'd, from love to man, to scorn and woe;</div> - <div class="verse">He would have sung of <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>; and his lays</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Would shame our empty, soulless minstrelsy,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Whose strains in praise of <span class="smcap">Jesus</span> never flow!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_10" id="Sonnet_10"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">10. ON TYNDALE, THE MARTYR. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_10">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Tyndale! Blest martyr to the truth and right,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Who in thy zeal didst cause, with labor long,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">God's word to shine out in thy native tongue,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In killing thee the men, who to the light</div> - <div class="verse">Darkness prefer, would shroud the world in night.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Vain hope! for on the day of this great wrong</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The sun of truth arose on England's throng</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With not a cloud t' obscure its splendor bright.</div> - <div class="verse">What though the men of Rome did strangle thee,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then burn thy body at the stake? Thy name</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Is honor'd in the earth, while infamy</div> - <div class="verse">Attends thy foes, and bigots blush with shame.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But more than this: in the last day God's Son</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Will give the glorious crown, which thou hast won!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_11" id="Sonnet_11"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">11. MISERABLE OLD AGE.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">'Tis weary through the race of life to run,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Expos'd to noon-tide heat and chilly night,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Mid storms, that well the boldest may affright,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When clouds with lightnings arm'd obscure the sun.</div> - <div class="verse">Our cares are vain; the good is never won;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Sweet joys are fleeting as the meteor's light;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Unfix'd as shadows are our hopes most bright;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And toil of years is toil but just begun.</div> - <div class="verse">Backward from long ascent we turn the eye,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">If haply the review may cheer the heart:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The graves of those we love heave through the way.</div> - <div class="verse">Forward we gaze: thick mists obstruct the sky,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But precipice is near, from which we start;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yet naught remains but down to slide and die!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_12" id="Sonnet_12"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">12. Idols. Psalm 135.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">The heathen gods are gods of yellow gold,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of shining silver, or perchance of wood,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Moulded in various shapes, as moulder would,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And for large sums to godless sinners sold.</div> - <div class="verse">These gods have mouths, but speak not;—that were bold:—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Eyes have they, but they see not—as eyes should;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Ears have they, but they hear not—yet are wooed;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">They breathe not through their throat—may it be told?</div> - <div class="verse">Nor eyes, nor ears, nor thought, nor sense have they,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Who to these idol-gods their homage give,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And pray for succor to a stubborn block.</div> - <div class="verse">We pity such strange folly—as we may;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But if we worship idols, though they live,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Do we not, too, the one Jehovah mock?</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_13" id="Sonnet_13"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">13. TO 4 PRESIDENTS ALIVE. 1826. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_13">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Ye've run a race of glory here below,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Such as no rolls of hist'ry can display;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Have held o'er Freedom's land a gentle sway,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Have seen its prosp'rous tide unceasing flow,</div> - <div class="verse">And now, retir'd, a welcome peace ye know.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Methinks ye calmly smile,—as well ye may,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">At those, who mingle in the public fray,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">O'erwhelm'd by cares, that no repose allow.</div> - <div class="verse">Ye've run your race of honor, and full soon</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The darkness of the grave will close the scene;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And after death your Judge will weigh your ways.</div> - <div class="verse">My heart desires for you the blessed boon,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That, ransom'd by the blood outpour'd for sin,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Ye run th' immortal race of heav'nly praise!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_14" id="Sonnet_14"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">14. THE WAY OF SALVATION.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">If we with conscious guilt and humble shame</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Our sins confess to God and deep deplore,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Resolv'd his holy laws to break no more,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For pardon trusting in his Son's great name,</div> - <div class="verse">Whose wondrous love brought him to bear our blame;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then let a rush of troubles whelm us o'er,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As stormful billows dash upon the shore,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">E'n dying, we in peace may each exclaim,—</div> - <div class="verse">"My spirit into life doth die away,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And my poor body shall now rest in hope,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Awaiting with the sav'd the rising day,</div> - <div class="verse">When at the trumpet's blast each grave shall ope,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And in the likeness of Christ's body I</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Shall share in glory endless in the sky!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_15" id="Sonnet_15"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">15. THE OVERTHROW OF POPERY.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">An angel rais'd a stone as millstone great,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And cast it in the sea, and loudly cried—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"Thus shall great Bab'lon perish in her pride,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">No fragment left of her once glorious state!"</div> - <div class="verse">Down sank the stone beneath the wave; when straight</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The earth, by guilt o'erburden'd, heav'd her side,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And down the city fell in ruin wide,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And naught was seen of walls, that tower'd so late.</div> - <div class="verse">"Alas, that city great!" Cry mighty kings,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Whose sceptres had sustain'd her bigot sway,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">While she by sorc'ries propp'd their tyrant throne.</div> - <div class="verse">While swells her smoke, as of burnt-offerings,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Standing afar, through fear, they mournful say—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"Alas! that mighty city, <span class="smcap">Babylon</span>!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_16" id="Sonnet_16"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">16. THE FALL OF BABYLON. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_16">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Her shorn, and cowl'd, and mitred merchants weep,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Since perishes with her their gainful trade</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of long indulgencies, for silver weigh'd,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Pledg'd from sad purgatory souls to keep,—</div> - <div class="verse">Of holy water, oil, and relics cheap,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As blood, tears, rags, and bones in grave-yard laid,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of crosses, roods, and forms for Mary made,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of beads and bulls, and various wares a heap;</div> - <div class="verse">Of idols, masses, pray'rs, and souls of men,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">By sale of which they liv'd in indolence,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And laugh'd while their poor cred'lous dupes did groan.</div> - <div class="verse">Seeing her smoke afar, they cry again,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"Alas for all her lost magnificence!</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Fall'n is that proud, great city, <span class="smcap">Babylon</span>!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_17" id="Sonnet_17"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">17. THE SCOFFERS AT THE BIBLE. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_17">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">If God is holy Governor supreme,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And star-born, earth-born subjects must obey,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Or bear the Judge's sentence as they may;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">If they, endow'd with intellect's bright gleam,</div> - <div class="verse">Free-will, and conscience, see God's Truth outstream,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yet scoff, instead of trembling with dismay,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And infidels defiant prove; the day</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Is nigh, when Christ will say—(it is no dream,</div> - <div class="verse">They'll hear the trumpet's blast, no soothing lyre—)</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Unto the devil's proud, poor dupes ensnar'd,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">No longer bold against God's Son t' conspire,</div> - <div class="verse">Their sin and all its damage unrepair'd,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"Depart, ye cursed, into endless fire,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For Satan and his angel-hosts prepar'd!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_18" id="Sonnet_18"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">18. PRAYER.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">The humble peasant on the mountain's side</div> - <div class="verse indent1">May feel th' oppressor's gripe, and seem his prey;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But in compacted state, of just array,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His country's arm will be to his allied.</div> - <div class="verse">Though trampled on, and justice be denied,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yet let him in his Sov'reign's ear display</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His wrongs, and quick a just and mighty sway</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Shall lift him up, and check the spoiler's pride.—</div> - <div class="verse">The ear of God is open to our cry:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Though high his throne, beyond our feeble sight,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">He hears from this far world each humble sigh;</div> - <div class="verse">And swift to do his will, in squadrons bright,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">From heav'n to earth his mighty angels fly,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Outstripping in their course the speed of light.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_19" id="Sonnet_19"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">19. CHRIST'S TABLE.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">The monarch's table, grac'd with golden plate,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With viands loaded, brought from ev'ry clime,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Garnish'd with beauty, cheer'd with minstrel's chime,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Is poor, compar'd with that, at which I sate.</div> - <div class="verse">The humble feast outvied all royal state;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The bread from far beyond where sun doth climb,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The wine more ancient than the birth of time,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Present the King of Kings o'er worlds elate;</div> - <div class="verse">The guests in purity of heart array'd,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Their songs the glad emotions of the soul,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Their faces beaming with celestial love.—</div> - <div class="verse">Like this no table e'er shall be display'd</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Till o'er the earth the car of fate shall roll,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And bear the worthy to the feast above.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_20" id="Sonnet_20"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">20. DEATH. Job 14. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_20">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Poor man, of woman born, is child of woe;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His days are few and fill'd with bitter grief,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With cares and pains, from which is no relief,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Till scythe of death shall lay his blossoms low.</div> - <div class="verse">The gen'rous tree cut down will once more grow,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And spread its branches after ruin brief</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Loaded with fruits almost beyond belief;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Such pow'r have living roots, that creep below.</div> - <div class="verse">But man decays, and wastes away, and dies,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His noble frame dissolving in the ground,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His spirit fled—ah, whither who can say?</div> - <div class="verse">Beneath the valley's clod in sleep profound</div> - <div class="verse indent1">He rests, and there the sleeper quiet lies,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Till earth shall burn and heav'ns shall flee away.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_21" id="Sonnet_21"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">21. THE STORM ON THE LAKE.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">The vessel floated on the inland sea,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And Jesus found repose to nature dear,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When straight the angry storm comes wing'd with fear,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And heaving billows roll tumultuously.</div> - <div class="verse">Asleep in undisturb'd tranquillity,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The voice of terror breaks upon his ear,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"Master! now save us, or we perish here;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">We sink, unless deliv'rance comes from Thee!"</div> - <div class="verse">He rose and said—"Ye tempests! cease to blow;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Ye billows! be ye calm as infant's sleep:"—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When lo, the winds are hush'd and smooth the waves.</div> - <div class="verse">Ye toss'd and tempted souls! to Jesus go;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In him your faith and trust unshaken keep,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And ye shall be secure, for <span class="smcap">Jesus</span> saves!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_22" id="Sonnet_22"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">22. <span class="smcap">On Jacques Balmat.</span> - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_22">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Mont Blanc! That he first gain'd thy snow-built height</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Was his great pride and boast. Yet crevice deep</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Became his sudden grave, where he doth sleep,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Slid in some icy chasm with wild affright,</div> - <div class="verse">Shut out from human reach and human sight.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of man's strange pride, for which the angels weep,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">From this a useful lesson let man reap,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Whatever point he gains by struggling might.</div> - <div class="verse">First scholar, artist, genius of the age,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">First with the sword or with the tongue's debate,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Poet strong-wing'd or philosophic sage,—</div> - <div class="verse">However loud the trump, that calls thee great,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Proud, boasting worm! just think of poor Balmat,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In ice-chink plung'd from all his high eclat!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_23" id="Sonnet_23"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">23. CONTROVERSY. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_23">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">I've struck the milk-white quartz with gentle blow,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And split with hammer fragment from the rock,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When lo, unquarried by the shiv'ring shock,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The precious Em'rald's crystal beauties glow!</div> - <div class="verse">Thus from the mine of thought, obscure and low,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Does force of argument the gem unlock,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Whose charms the beams of star-born diamond mock;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That gem is <em>Truth</em>—the truth, which angels know!</div> - <div class="verse">Delve patient; make the stubborn barriers fly;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Though long the toil, let hope assuage thy care;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Each blow the glad and glist'ning beams may wake.</div> - <div class="verse">With zeal contend; the inquisition ply;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yet in debate this needful caution bear—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Be gentle, or the crystal thou mayst break!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_24" id="Sonnet_24"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">24. THE SABBATH. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_24">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Sweet is the dawn of tranquil holy day,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Hallow'd, e'en from the birth of time, to rest,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To purest joys, and contemplations blest;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The cares of this vain world put far away.</div> - <div class="verse">God said, "Let there be light:" and straight the play</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of varied hues all nature did invest:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Creation ended,—this was God's behest;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"Let Sabbath peace return, while earth shall stay."</div> - <div class="verse">Once more, near thrice the hundred thousandth time,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The blessed light upon the world is spread,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And wakes an heav'nly flame in many an eye:—</div> - <div class="verse">Just emblem of that Sabbath day sublime,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Whose beams in heav'n on ransom'd souls are shed</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In glorious brightness through eternity!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_25" id="Sonnet_25"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">25. THE WIDOW'S SON RAISED.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">No company of revellers is here,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But sad procession solemn moves and slow,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">While sobs are heard, and tears of anguish flow;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A widow's only son is on the bier.</div> - <div class="verse">But now the mighty Son of God comes near,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And stops the moving spectacle of woe,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And says—"Young man, I tell thee, rise!" When lo</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The dead man lives, and speaks in accents clear!</div> - <div class="verse">O, what a tide of ecstasy was thine,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Blest widow, kissing that son's face once more,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then falling at <em>His</em> feet, who wak'd the dead!</div> - <div class="verse">So, at another day, that voice divine</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Shall reach all caverns of the grave with power,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And rapture through innum'rous hearts shall spread.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_26" id="Sonnet_26"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">26. THANKSGIVING-DAY, 1859. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_26">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Thanks be to God on this Thanksgiving-Day</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For all his wondrous goodness to our Land;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To mine, and me. Ah, who can understand</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The myst'ries of his love? To Him I pray,</div> - <div class="verse">With millions whom his truth and spirit sway,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That all our people may discern his hand</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In their rich blessings and in one great band</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Serve Him, whom all the hosts of heav'n obey.—</div> - <div class="verse">Yet what is now our pride is but our shame—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"Our Country's <span class="smcap">Freedom</span>!" 'Tis not known by all,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Though loud we cry, 'tis man's most rightful claim.</div> - <div class="verse">Methinks I hear in thunder tones heav'n's call,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"Ye glorying States, that boast of <span class="smcap">Liberty</span>,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Look on four million <span class="smcap">Slaves</span> and make them <span class="smcap">FREE</span>!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_27" id="Sonnet_27"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">27. THE LORD MY SHEPHERD. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_27">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">The Lord my Shepherd is—the Psalmist said—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In pastures green he gives me soft repose,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And leads where living water gently flows;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thus ev'ry want is by his bounty fed.</div> - <div class="verse">When from his paths I err, by pride misled,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">My soul his kind restoring mercy knows;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">He brings me joy, and saves from direful woes;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then let my tongue his praises ever spread.</div> - <div class="verse">Yea, though I walk through death's most dreary vale,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Where unshap'd shadows glide and bring affright,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Since thou art with me naught shall wake my fear.</div> - <div class="verse">The path, tho' dark and fill'd with mis'ry's wail,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Guides to yon distant, growing, glorious light,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Gleaming from throne of God in heav'ns most clear.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_28" id="Sonnet_28"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">28. CHRIST'S RESURRECTION.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Welcome, O Day, in dazzling glory bright,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Emblem of yet another day most blest,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When all Christ's friends with him in heav'n shall rest;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For on this day, in his recover'd might,</div> - <div class="verse">The sleeper wak'd to see this morning's light;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"The Son of God!" glad angel-hosts attest:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">So, when alive, most fully shown, confest,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For on this day he took his heav'n-ward flight.</div> - <div class="verse">When therefore our glad eyes this morning's sun</div> - <div class="verse indent1">See rising on the earth, we'll lift our thought</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To Him, who by his death our life hath bought,</div> - <div class="verse">And victor-king for us a crown hath won.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">It e'er shall be a day of sweetest joy,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Till we shall see our Lord in yonder sky!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_29" id="Sonnet_29"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">29. DARKNESS UNTIL HEAVENLY LIGHT. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_29">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Dark is the soul of man all hist'ry shows,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Until outshines God's pure and heav'nly light;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Till then delusions play upon his sight—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Misleading ev'ry step, as on he goes,</div> - <div class="verse">Each vile imposture working him great woes,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Each cheat and lie, sprung up in murky night,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Withstanding ever what is true and right,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And love of gain all honesty o'erthrows.—</div> - <div class="verse">Reason, a flick'ring taper, is but dim,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">While pride and ev'ry passion keep their sway.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Where then can help be found except in Him,</div> - <div class="verse">Who spake at first, and night was turn'd to day?—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">God's only Son! Shine thou on us in love;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then shall we dwell with thee in light above!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_30" id="Sonnet_30"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">30. MARIA MALLEVILLE ALLEN. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_30">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">My <span class="smcap">Malleville</span>! mature like fruitful vine</div> - <div class="verse indent1">About my house, while flourishing most fair</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thou'rt smitten to the ground. Sighs fill the air,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And here no longer can I call thee mine.</div> - <div class="verse">But how can I against God's will repine?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">He will restore thee, and my loss repair,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Sweet, growing, endless joys with thee to share,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And with the holy who in glory shine!</div> - <div class="verse">E'en now thy spirit lives, and joins the song,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Which breaks like torrent from the harps of gold</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Resounding through heav'n's arches by the throng</div> - <div class="verse">Of ransom'd sinners and with joys untold,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"Let Wisdom, Honor, Pow'r in highest strain</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To thee, <span class="smcap">O Lamb</span>, be paid, for Thou wast slain!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_31" id="Sonnet_31"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">31. PRAYER FOR MERCY.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">I dare not, Lord, claim aught of good from thee</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As in reward of virtue my just right;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Up to thy throne on high, all-glorious, bright,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">I dare not lift my eyes. Humility</div> - <div class="verse">Befits the child of sin and misery:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Repenting tears may well bedim his sight.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yes, Savior, on my guilty breast I smite,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And "Mercy! Mercy!" this is all my cry.</div> - <div class="verse">'Twas mercy, in thy vast, amazing love,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Awaking wonder in th' angelic throng,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That brought thee down from God's right hand above,</div> - <div class="verse">Upon the cross to die, t' atone for wrong.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then wilt thou not my sad petition hear,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And give me peace and hope, instead of fear?</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_32" id="Sonnet_32"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">32. THE LOST CHILD. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_32">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Two days had pass'd; the anxious search was vain</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The wilder'd child in forest wide to find;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But pity call'd once more the neighbors kind</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Each darksome nook t' explore with care and pain.</div> - <div class="verse">In far-stretch'd rank, like fleet upon the main,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Well rang'd by wisdom are their toils combin'd,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With law—"If dead, a single horn shall wind:—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Alive, let gun and horn ring merry strain!"—</div> - <div class="verse">"Hark!"—as the Father lay with ear to ground,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">He cried;—"Alas, my wife, the single horn!—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Oh no! Gun, horn, and shout the forest shake!"—</div> - <div class="verse">So, when the wilder'd, sinning man is found,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">By grace recover'd and to goodness born,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">From angel hosts the shouts of joy outbreak.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_33" id="Sonnet_33"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">33. MEXICAN IDOL.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Of giant height, carv'd from basaltic block,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Two snakes the monster bears for arms and hands;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">On either side a vulture's wing expands;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The noble face of man its features mock.</div> - <div class="verse">Beneath, the fangs of Rattlesnake unlock;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">On Tiger's claws the fearful idol stands;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Men's hearts and skull do make his necklace bands;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Meet ornaments, that ev'ry gazer shock!</div> - <div class="verse">Here is the form of true idolatry!</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Worship of serpent—vulture—tiger god,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Curst Lucifer, the rebel flung to hell!</div> - <div class="verse">Can Christians to such idol bow the knee?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The idol <span class="smcap">War</span> is such; thus cloth'd, thus shod,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Inwreath'd with skulls, hissing with malice fell!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_34" id="Sonnet_34"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">34. GOD OUR SAFETY. Psalm 91.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Who in the Most High's secret place doth dwell,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Beneath th' Almighty's shadow shall abide.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">God is my refuge, where I safe may hide,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">My fortress strong and inaccessible.</div> - <div class="verse">From thee the noisome plague he will repel,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And safe from fowler's snare, with skill applied;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Although a thousand fall down at thy side,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">No evil shall approach thy house or cell.</div> - <div class="verse">His kind, protecting wings o'er thee shall spread;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His truth shall be to thee a brazen shield,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His promise stronger than a tow'r on high;</div> - <div class="verse">Of nightly terror be not then afraid,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor of the day's swift arrow: 'tis reveal'd,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thy God, thy trust, shall lift thee to the sky!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_35" id="Sonnet_35"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">35. THE BELIEVER ENCOURAGED. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_35">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Pilgrim! do thickest clouds of grief and woe</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Shut from thine eye that sweet and heav'nly light,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">So lately spread upon thy pathway bright?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Is a dark wing outstretch'd o'er all below?</div> - <div class="verse">Fear not: more glorious beams shall surely flow</div> - <div class="verse indent1">From fount perennial on thy gladden'd sight.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thy God is faithful. In his love and might</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thou'rt safe; and naught thy bliss can overthrow.</div> - <div class="verse">Gaze now upon the wondrous cross. There hung,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Victim for sins, which claim'd avenging hell,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">God's own beloved Son in agony:</div> - <div class="verse">Then hear the strains in heav'nly arches sung.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Can He, who gave the gift unspeakable,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Deny thee strength, and hope, and light, and joy?</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_36" id="Sonnet_36"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">36. ON REV. DR. JOHN CODMAN. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_36">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse"><span class="smcap">Codman</span>, in early paths of life my friend,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When we together walk'd the flow'ry way</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of science, nor from virtue went astray,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Where Charles's stream by Harvard's walls doth wend;</div> - <div class="verse">Then woven were the ties, no force can rend—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The ties of Christian love; from day to day</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Our constant aim, our constant, firm essay,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">God's Truth first known, its dictates to attend.—</div> - <div class="verse">Through many a year and many a changing scene</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Our early bond unbroken, when at last,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As all thy earthly prospects were o'ercast,</div> - <div class="verse">I bid farewell to thee with anguish keen,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then did'st thou say,—"We meet again above—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">This faith I have—where sits <span class="smcap">Eternal Love</span>!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_37" id="Sonnet_37"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">37. NORTHAMPTON GRAVE-YARD. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_37">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Thick are the branches of o'ershad'wing trees,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of deep, unfading green: does this proclaim,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That many a sleeper here hath deathless name,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Immortal glory by God's just decrees?</div> - <div class="verse">These monumental stones no eye that sees—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of whitest marble as for purest fame,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Recording deeds of high and holy aim—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But must their forms approve. Each passing breeze</div> - <div class="verse">Bears richest odors from these graves, where rest</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The fathers and their children; men of prayer,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of faith, and love, and ev'ry virtue blest.—</div> - <div class="verse">For the great rising day be it our care</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To be ourselves companions of the wise;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With them to meet our Savior in the skies.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_38" id="Sonnet_38"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">38. THE LORD'S PRAYER.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Our heav'nly Father, whom we fear and love,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Hallow'd by all thy children be thy name;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thy kingdom come—an empire without blame;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Let men obey thee, like the blest above.</div> - <div class="verse">Give us this day our daily bread; remove</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Our guilt, as we forgive a brother's shame;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Let not temptation urge its mighty claim,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor web of evil be around us wove;</div> - <div class="verse">For thine the kingdom is, and thine the praise;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And thine the pow'r, which no resistance knows:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To thee, O God, be endless glory given.—</div> - <div class="verse">Thus will I pray, while heart within me plays,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Or tongue is free my feelings to disclose,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Till I shall join the choral song in heaven.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_39" id="Sonnet_39"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">39. PRAISE TO GOD. Psalm 148. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_39">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Praise ye the Lord. Ye Angels, give him praise</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And all his hosts throughout the heav'ns on high;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Both sun and moon, and stars that fill the sky,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For his command made all your lights to blaze.</div> - <div class="verse">Let all earth's hosts their voices loud upraise;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Ye mountains proud that human feet defy,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And dragons which in ocean-deeps do lie;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Fire, hail, and vapors, tempests that amaze</div> - <div class="verse">The seaman in his barque; the drifting snow;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">All lofty cedars and each fruitful tree;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The fowl that fly, and beasts that creep below;</div> - <div class="verse">All kings and people, old and young, come ye,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And praise God's name, all glorious, good, and great,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">God's name, in majesty o'er all elate!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_40" id="Sonnet_40"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">40. ON MY FATHER, REV. T. ALLEN. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_40">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">I give thee thanks and praise, Great God above!</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That though one half a hundred years be fled</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Since my dear earthly father join'd the dead,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">He lives within my heart. His faith, his love,</div> - <div class="verse">His zeal for right, the thoughts that him did move</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The foes of truth t' encounter without dread,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">All foes of Him who on the cross once bled,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Such things for him a web of honor wove.</div> - <div class="verse">My years are more than his: O, could I say,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">My virtues are but equal; and that, when</div> - <div class="verse indent1">I reach the closing hour of my life's day,</div> - <div class="verse">My God would give me his strong faith; for then,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As told he could not live, he made reply—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"I'm going to <em>live</em> forever in the sky!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_41" id="Sonnet_41"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">41. TIME'S END. Rev. 10. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_41">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Cloth'd with a cloud an angel-form I see;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A beaming rainbow decks his glorious brow;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Like dazzling noon-tide sun his features glow;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">One blazing foot is planted in the sea,</div> - <div class="verse">The other on the earth, like burning tree;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">He cried aloud, as lion, roaring slow;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Seven angry thunders mutter'd their echo;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His red right arm he lifted high and free;</div> - <div class="verse">Then with an oath, that shook heav'ns mighty arch,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">He sware by Him, that made the sea and earth,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And scattered far abroad the worlds of light,—</div> - <div class="verse">Whose years proceed in never-ending march,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That Time, which ow'd to his decree its birth,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Should cease fore'er to wing its rapid flight.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_42" id="Sonnet_42"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">42. WRITTEN IN A THUNDER-STORM. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_42">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">In that loud voice, that shakes the earth and skies,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The ancient pagan heard Jove's angry tone,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Speaking to mortals from the clouds, his throne;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In that keen light, which rapid bursts and flies,</div> - <div class="verse">And darts to earth, and dazzles mortal eyes,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The pagan saw Jove's vengeful jav'lin thrown,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To check man's pride, and cast presumption down,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And vindicate the god as strong and wise.</div> - <div class="verse">But now, since Franklin drew a spark from cloud,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And prov'd it merely electricity,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Though, God! thou speak in thunders e'er so loud,</div> - <div class="verse">Our empty science makes us deaf to Thee;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And though thy lightnings glare, yet we are proud,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And blind to Thy most glorious majesty!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_43" id="Sonnet_43"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">43. IMPIETY. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_43">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">The pagan pays his worship to a block,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Or lifts his homage to the glorious sun,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Who, like a giant, in his race doth run;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Such folly well our thinking sense may shock.</div> - <div class="verse">But what if Christian nam'd his God should mock,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Or wrapp'd in web, by atheist's fingers spun,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">All nature's brightness seem obscure and dun,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Not deem'd His work, who guides the starry flock?</div> - <div class="verse">Is there not here a guilt of deeper dye,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A mind less cheer'd by rays of truth divine,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A heart more cold, enchain'd by Greenland frost?</div> - <div class="verse">Ah! can the wretch e'er dwell in purest sky,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Where God's perfections all in glory shine?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Is he not blinded, cheated, wilder'd, lost?</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_44" id="Sonnet_44"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">44. ON THE DEATH OF MY DAUGHTER. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_44">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Poor man, who name of Father dost not know,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor e'er hast felt that bond of sweetest might,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Which binds thee to thy child; on whose glad sight</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That fairest image on the earth below,—</div> - <div class="verse">In beauty like heav'n's various-tinted bow,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Her Mother's picture, lovely daughter bright</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Ne'er shone;—thou hast not seen joy's earthly height!—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">All this I've seen, and lost to my huge woe!</div> - <div class="verse">And yet I do not need thy pity, friend;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For though the flow'r of seventeen summers' bloom</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Was smitten, still it blossoms without end</div> - <div class="verse">In garden, where ne'er falls a blighting doom.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A ransom'd sinner did my Daughter die,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In Christian hope, with glory in her eye!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_45" id="Sonnet_45"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">45. THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">This day another year of life is fled,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With ev'ry change; its gloom and beaming light,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Its woes and joys all vanish'd from the sight:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yet deeds of good and evil are not dead.</div> - <div class="verse">If ill, their record we shall see with dread</div> - <div class="verse indent1">O'erwhelming to our sight and wild affright,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Unless through Christ our conscience is set right</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And his atoning blood our peace hath bred.</div> - <div class="verse">If good our deeds, and Christ through faith our friend,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then gladly may we hail life's final day,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The heirs of glory we when time shall end.—</div> - <div class="verse">In the new year be our's the bliss to say,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Each truly,—"Lord, in thee my hope is strong</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of thee, the Lamb, to sing heav'n's ceaseless song!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_46" id="Sonnet_46"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">46. TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Nature's idolater the mount ascends</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To gaze around: Jesus went up to pray;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And as he pray'd, there beam'd a tenfold day,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And brightness, that all earthly light transcends.</div> - <div class="verse">What company is this, that Him attends?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Celestial forms appear in pure array,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And speak of suff'rings at a future day,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His certain death, which shame and anguish blends.</div> - <div class="verse">But soon the light recedes; there comes a cloud,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Dark and terrific in th' apostles' eyes,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And spreads its curtains round, beneath, above;</div> - <div class="verse">And from that gloom a voice is heard most loud—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"This is my Son, who came from upper skies,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">My Son beloved, hear ye Him and love!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_47" id="Sonnet_47"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">47. SLEEPERS IN THE GRAVE-YARD. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_47">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">In this fair grove of thick-branch'd evergreen</div> - <div class="verse indent1">How many sleepers wide are scatter'd round,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Having their quiet rest beneath the ground,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">On ev'ry side their marble tablets seen?</div> - <div class="verse">Their sleep, now quiet, will not be, I ween,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When the archangel's trumpet loud shall sound:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Not one of all will then be heedless found</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But all will spring to life; a mingled scene</div> - <div class="verse">Of grief, despair, and sweet and high delight.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">I speak not of the bad; but sure a throng</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of loving friends will meet the judge's sight,</div> - <div class="verse">Skill'd in the notes of ransom'd sinners' song.—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Shall we be with these sleepers as they rise?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Say, shall we join them in yon blessed skies?</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_48" id="Sonnet_48"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">48. SONG OF THE REDEEMED. Rev. 7.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Behold, before the Lamb, before God's throne</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In robes of white a countless multitude,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">All bearing palms, in glorious order stood,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">From ev'ry tribe and tongue by goodness won;</div> - <div class="verse">Their voices high are join'd, as if but one;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">All cry aloud—Salvation to our God,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And to the glorious Lamb, whose precious blood</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For all our deepest sins did once atone!</div> - <div class="verse">Then fell the angels prostrate, and they said—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">While with enraptur'd hearts they God adore,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And to the Lamb of sacrifice they bend—</div> - <div class="verse">"Let honor, glory, blessing, thanks be paid,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">All might, and wisdom, majesty, and power</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Unto our God for ages without end!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_49" id="Sonnet_49"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">49. NATURE REPROVED. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_49">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">For ages worshipp'd by the Minstrel throng,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">By rippling brook, in air, and field, and wood,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">On mountain top, and ridge of billowy flood,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nature! thou dost thy Maker mighty wrong.</div> - <div class="verse">Hast thou no speech to check the erring song?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Glows not thy beauteous cheek with mantling blood</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thyself to take His praise, "<span class="smcap">First Fair, First Good</span>?"</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Wilt thou this wild delusion still prolong?</div> - <div class="verse">Vain Idol! this thy folly thou shalt rue:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A voice is swelling on the mountain breeze,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And echoes loud from yonder azure sky—</div> - <div class="verse">"Thy beauty's light shall turn to deadly hue;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">On all thy charms the kindling flames shall seize,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And worshipper and god in ashes lie!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_50" id="Sonnet_50"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">50. REMOVAL OF SEVERE ILLNESS. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_50">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Short seem'd the step down to the awful grave,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Where ev'ry vig'rous limb all stiffen'd lies,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And greedy worms in us hold revelries,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">While weeds and grasses o'er my bed shall wave.</div> - <div class="verse">This world of ours, built up so beauteous, brave,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Must it be faded ever from my eyes?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Shall my dull ear hear no sweet symphonies?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And from this dreaded doom can naught me save?</div> - <div class="verse">Naught sav'd me but thy pow'r, O God of love!</div> - <div class="verse indent1">I live again: to Thee be all the praise;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And let me live with heart on things above,</div> - <div class="verse">As one, in all things whom thy Spirit sways;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">So serving Christ, as sure to me 'tis given</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To see him in a brighter world—in heaven!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_51" id="Sonnet_51"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">51. GOD MAN'S ALL-SUFFICIENT GOOD. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_51">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Although no blossom'd fig tree deck the field,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor fruit hangs clust'ring on the joyful vine,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To give, when press'd, the spirit-cheering wine,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor cultur'd ground the needful food doth yield;</div> - <div class="verse">Although the flocks the fold no longer shield,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor sheep and goats from rav'nous wolves confine;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Although no grazing herds, as once, are mine,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And all my gold to robbers is reveal'd;</div> - <div class="verse">Yet in Jehovah will my soul rejoice,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The God of my salvation; songs shall rise</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To him, whose favor is my treasur'd gold.</div> - <div class="verse">His bounty forces on my better choice</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The ever-gladd'ning fruits of paradise,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And heav'n's unmeasur'd good, and joys untold.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_52" id="Sonnet_52"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">52. THE DEATH OF REV. DR. I. NICHOLS. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_52">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">In boyhood's prime our four years' course being done</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In band of numbers unsurpass'd before,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">All said,—as richest gems we counted o'er,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"The highest rank Thou, youngest, yet hast won."</div> - <div class="verse">Again, when now brief interval was run,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Our toils renew'd as long a time once more</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In Harvard's walls, t' acquire the honey'd store.—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Since then just fifty years our lives have spun.—</div> - <div class="verse">A few days past I hail'd my birth-day light;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Alas, it was thy day of death, my friend,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When thy keen eyes were clos'd in deepest night:</div> - <div class="verse">Yet 'twas thy birth to life without an end!</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thy trust be mine—is now my sick-bed pray'r—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In God's own Son, who came our sins to bear.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_53" id="Sonnet_53"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">53. THE VOICE OF NATURE TO POETS. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_53">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Your homage has been paid me much too long,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Withheld from him, who made me fair and good,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His image to reflect from earth and flood,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And wake for him the Bard's sublimest song.—</div> - <div class="verse">No eagle, mounting on his pinions strong,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor sweetly-warbling Nightingale in wood,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">No humble flow'r with tint of sky or blood,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor scaly fish, nor murm'ring insect throng;</div> - <div class="verse">No shaggy beast beneath the forest wide,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">No crystal gleaming in its rocky bed,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor glossy shell beneath the em'rald sea;</div> - <div class="verse">No rippling brook, nor stream of swollen pride,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">No golden cloud, nor star in silence led,</div> - <div class="verse indent1"><span class="smcap">Father of all!</span> but speaks aloud of Thee!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_54" id="Sonnet_54"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">54. THE CROSS AND CROWN.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Bright symbols, which a daughter's hand hath wove,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">What more significant before mine eyes</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Or showing forth sublimer mysteries,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The color'd Cross the suff'ring Savior's love,</div> - <div class="verse">The Crown of green his Father's gift above?—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Why bear these autumn leaves such crimson dyes,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Save to express his death, his agonies,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Whose hand outspread each decorated grove?</div> - <div class="verse">If all be, then, the purchase of his blood,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">All who repent, and love, believe, obey,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Who, now redeem'd, walk in the upward way,</div> - <div class="verse">Cheer'd with the hope of heav'n's eternal good,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Let me not boast of all within my thought,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Save in Christ's <span class="smcap">Cross</span>, by which my <span class="smcap">Crown</span> was bought.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_55" id="Sonnet_55"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">55. DYING I AM BLEST.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Great kings must leave their thrones and rule unjust,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Philosophers forget their idle schemes,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Beauty her form, and poets too their dreams,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And rich men mingle with the worthless dust.</div> - <div class="verse">Alas, what is the earth to poor man's trust?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">How fleeting all earth's joys, like rushing streams!</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yet 'tis not dark to me: I see bright gleams,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Which from my God on high on me outburst,—</div> - <div class="verse">Visions of good eternal in the skies:—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">My sins effac'd by blood,—redeeming love,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">God's Son, once on the cross, enthroned above,—</div> - <div class="verse">My long-lost ones again before my eyes,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With all the good.—I cry, "Death brings me rest;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Through thee, O Jesus, <span class="smcap">Dying I am Blest</span>!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_56" id="Sonnet_56"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">56. <span class="smcap">Compact on board the Mayflower.</span> - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_56">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">The wondrous "Mayflow'r," floating on the sea,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Wafting the noble Pilgrims to the west,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As yet had found no circling shore for rest,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Though land was near; 'tis now her Company</div> - <div class="verse">To guard against disorders, which might be,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And firm foundation lay for empire blest,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Their "Solemn Compact" made, that none might wrest,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Each pledg'd the Rule to follow cheerfully.</div> - <div class="verse">Freedom and Law are bound in union sweet;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For all have equal pow'r till common vote</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Authority confer, to which all bow,</div> - <div class="verse">Its exercise restrain'd, as is most meet,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To Public Good. No acts of their's denote</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A thought their Chief could private int'rest know.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_57" id="Sonnet_57"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">57. TO JESUS CHRIST, GOD'S SON. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_57">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">O, blessed, first-born Son of God most high,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">By whom the sun and all the worlds of light</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Were summon'd from the gloom of deepest night,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">While this low earth was shap'd before thine eye,—</div> - <div class="verse">Didst Thou earth's ills in human form defy,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Leaving thy glorious, heav'nly mansion bright,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To save lost man, and vindicate God's right,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And on the cross, nail'd hands and feet, didst die?—</div> - <div class="verse">O, wondrous truth, beyond all truths we know!</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With love our trembling lips pronounce thy name;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With speechless gratitude our hearts o'erflow!</div> - <div class="verse">But Thou didst rise from thy sad doom of shame,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And, while angelic hosts hail Thee and greet,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">At God's right hand didst find thine ancient seat.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_58" id="Sonnet_58"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">58. TO DR. THOMSON, MISSIONARY. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_58">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Old <span class="smcap">Warrior</span>, two decades of years and more</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Have sped, since thou didst arm thee for the fight,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Since thou didst wield thy sword with hero's might,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Warring just where apostles fought of yore.</div> - <div class="verse">'Twas Charity, which o'er two oceans bore</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thee and thy fellows from this land of light</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To seek God's ancient mount in error's night</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And Zion's long-lost glory to restore.</div> - <div class="verse">Thy warfare is to last while thou hast breath;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Sure is the vict'ry which to Christ is given;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Earth shall yet bear the sun-light stamp of heaven.</div> - <div class="verse">And when at last thine eye shall close in death,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thy life, we know, through Christ's atoning blood,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Shall be where God outbeams light's endless flood.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_59" id="Sonnet_59"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">59. HAPPY OLD AGE. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_59">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">'Tis good our destin'd course in life to run,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">New forms of beauty bursting on the sight,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The clouds soon gone, that bring a feeble night,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Still holding on our way, like glorious sun.</div> - <div class="verse">What noble prize has sluggishness e'er won?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">'Tis toil of day, that brings sweet rest at night,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And mingled joys make e'en our sorrows light:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The bliss we taste is bliss but just begun.</div> - <div class="verse">From height of age we gaze on years gone by;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The fruits of many a deed of good appear,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">From which new plants are waving to the eye.</div> - <div class="verse">Forward we look; no terrors we descry,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But all is light, and peace, and pleasures dear:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">One step will gain the glories of the sky!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_60" id="Sonnet_60"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">60. PILGRIMS ON PLYMOUTH ROCK.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">The "Mayflow'r"'s anchor'd in the wintry bay;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And now the crowded boat with busy oar</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Glides onward to the solitary shore,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Where, just emerging from the wave, there lay</div> - <div class="verse">A Rock, which trusting feet would not betray.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">On this the Pilgrims land, to float no more</div> - <div class="verse indent1">On angry billows, as they ceaseless roar;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But here to fix their dwelling-place for aye.—</div> - <div class="verse">This scene may well the future good unfold,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Which o'er th' Atlantic wave their feet had sought—</div> - <div class="verse indent1"><span class="smcap">The Liberty of Conscience</span>, prize untold,</div> - <div class="verse">Each shackle broke which bigotry had wrought—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Symbol, which sure our eyes do not bemock,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of <span class="smcap">Freedom's</span> Empire, founded on a Rock!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_61" id="Sonnet_61"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">61. NO SORROW IN DEATH.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">As now, methinks, my fated hour draws nigh,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With all its scenes before my vision clear,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Why must I take my flight without a tear</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To dim the lustre of my heav'n-lift eye?</div> - <div class="verse">Why leave I sweetest joys without a sigh,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As though to my blest soul not rich and dear?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Is all my love to lov'd ones insincere,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That I am calm while other spirits cry?</div> - <div class="verse">Oh no! I love them; but love others more—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Our common <span class="smcap">Savior</span>, victim on the tree—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Their Mother and their Sister gone before</div> - <div class="verse">To heav'n, there ready now to welcome me.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Harvests of glorious Good about to reap,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Dying to enter <span class="smcap">Life</span>,—how can I weep?</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_62" id="Sonnet_62"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">62. ON JOHN ROBINSON. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_62">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">I see thee, outcast from thy native shore,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Exile from England lov'd, to toil and die;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And ne'er didst thou behold our western sky;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yet in both lands what name is honor'd more</div> - <div class="verse">Than thine, <span class="smcap">O Robinson</span>? We hence adore</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That Providence, which thus uplifts on high</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The worthy from their deep humility,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And makes them stars to shine forevermore.</div> - <div class="verse">The Truth thou didst discern and didst maintain—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Freedom to worship God—with courage bold,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Unaw'd by foes in pow'r and pride arrayed.</div> - <div class="verse">This claim the world will ne'er forget again,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor thee forget, its champion of old,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But breathe thy noble spirit undismayed.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_63" id="Sonnet_63"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">63. SUDDEN SICKNESS. 1845.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">As city, near volcanic mountain's brow,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When heav'd by earthquake in its strongest wall,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Trembles, and seems just tott'ring to its fall;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Such seem'd my frame of clay beneath the blow.</div> - <div class="verse">'Twas Wisdom's way to make the suff'rer know</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The lesson oft forgot, needful for all,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That fleeting life soon flies beyond recall,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That heav'nly bliss is nigh or endless woe.</div> - <div class="verse">One day death's gloom seem'd settling on my head;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The next I joyful felt God's arm of might,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And rose as one recover'd from the dead.</div> - <div class="verse">To whom then now belongs my life of right?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thee, Lord, I praise, whose mercies overflow;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thee will I serve with angel's zeal below!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_64" id="Sonnet_64"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">64. ON TRUTH. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_64">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Of intellectual worlds Truth is the sun,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Outpouring on the mind heav'n's purest light,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Before which quickly fly all shades of night.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And as his daily course the Truth doth run,</div> - <div class="verse">He sheds a vivifying heat. This done,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Each plant of virtue grows up in our sight;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But ev'ry vile imposture feels a blight.—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With thee has truth, God's truth, the vict'ry won?</div> - <div class="verse">Alas! by ev'ry cheat and wicked lie</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Man is misled, deluded to his woe;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And o'er him Satan holds dominion high,</div> - <div class="verse">Reigning o'er all the wretched race below,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Till God doth interpose in wondrous love,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">On man his Spirit pouring from above.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_65" id="Sonnet_65"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">65. TWO VIEWS OF DEATH.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">O death, how dreadful is thy certain doom,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The beautiful all hidden from my eye</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In the dark pit, where their stiff bodies lie!</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And must I join them in the loathsome tomb?</div> - <div class="verse">Yet sure the spring-flow'r does not fail to bloom,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When wintry frosts give way to genial sky.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For body's happy change we need not sigh;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor for the spirit's flight from all earth's gloom.</div> - <div class="verse">Then, Death, thy presence brings me no affright,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But wakes my loud, exulting voice through grace,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A shout of glorious victor in the fight,</div> - <div class="verse">Or of the winner in the struggling race.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Death is quick transfer of the soul to heaven,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A boon to all Christ's friends in mercy given.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_66" id="Sonnet_66"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">66. GOD'S MARVELLOUS WORKS. Ps. 104.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">'Tis God, who made and heav'n and earth sustains:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">We render homage due.—When floods arose,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The Lord did quell them to a quick repose.—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">He made all springs for mountains and for plains.</div> - <div class="verse">T' enrich the earth he gives his plenteous rains;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The herb for man and grass for cattle grows.—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The moon for seasons made, the sun too knows</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His going down, when thickest darkness reigns;</div> - <div class="verse">Then forest beasts creep forth, who shun the light.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To God young lions for their meat do cry;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The sun ariseth,—down in their dens they lie:</div> - <div class="verse">But man unto his work goes out till night.—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thy works, O Lord, how manifold and great!</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In searchless wisdom didst thou all create!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_67" id="Sonnet_67"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">67. THE LAST WORDS OF A MINISTER.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse"><span class="smcap">Christ</span> and redeeming mercy,—these alone</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His themes, as soon his life would cease to move;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then hear as if his voice still with you strove:—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"My Friends! whom I would meet before Christ's throne,</div> - <div class="verse">And welcome where all ransom'd souls are one,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The Son of God from his high throne above</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Came down to this low world in boundless love</div> - <div class="verse indent1">By anguish of the cross our guilt t' atone,</div> - <div class="verse">Immortal life by rising bring to light,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For the deprav'd God's Spirit to procure,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For weakest Christian all his promis'd might,</div> - <div class="verse">And thus the failing hope to re-assure:—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Compar'd with Christ count all things then but loss,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor glory save in Christ and in his cross!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_68" id="Sonnet_68"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">68. PLYMOUTH MONUMENT LAID 1859. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_68">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">This upbuilt monument, though broad and high</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As tow'ring pyramid on Egypt's plain,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Our Pilgrim-Fathers' rarest worth in vain</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Attempts to show forth to the kindled eye.</div> - <div class="verse">They said—"We'll seek a land of Liberty;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">No child of ours shall wear a galling chain!"—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Such purpose bore them o'er the stormy main:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Here was their home, and here their bodies lie.</div> - <div class="verse">We'll build their noble virtues in our hearts,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The love of Truth, the love of Good and Right,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The Faith which sees beyond our earthly sight,</div> - <div class="verse">The Zeal which love to God and man imparts:—</div> - <div class="verse indent1"><span class="smcap">Such Monument</span> we will not fail to raise,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When rock-built piles shall fall to bear their praise!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_69" id="Sonnet_69"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">69. EFFECT OF DEATH ON MAN.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">How vast the change by death in man's estate?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">How silent now the orator's proud tongue,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">On which so many thousands often hung?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">How fled the concord of sweet sounds, which late</div> - <div class="verse">Drew to the songstress admiration great?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">How heedless now the monarch to the throng</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of worshippers? Alas, to whom doth now belong</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The rich man's gold, which yielding to his fate</div> - <div class="verse">He leaves behind?—Whate'er on earth ye love</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Ye soon must lose; then seek with earnest heart</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The proffer'd blessings near Christ's throne above:</div> - <div class="verse">Once gain'd, there's naught can them and you dispart</div> - <div class="verse indent1">While you shall live; nor shall one joy be gone</div> - <div class="verse indent1">While endless centuries of bliss roll on!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_70" id="Sonnet_70"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">70. CHRISTMAS.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">This is the day of all earth's days the best;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">This is the bright, and wondrous, glorious morn,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">On which the Son of God from heav'n was born,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">First offer'd to his mother's vision blest.</div> - <div class="verse">Think not the harps of angel-hosts could rest,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Louder than warring notes of trump and horn;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The universe was glad at that day's dawn,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For Mercy beam'd on sinners lost, unblest.</div> - <div class="verse">Christ dwelt as man upon this globe he built,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And, having taught the world Truth pure and bright,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Died as a sacrifice for man's great guilt,</div> - <div class="verse">But rose again to fill all heav'n with light!</div> - <div class="verse indent1">We hail the glad return of this glad day;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Sing, O ye heav'ns; in joy sing on for aye!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_71" id="Sonnet_71"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">71. NEW YEAR'S DAY, 1859.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Hail to the day I am allow'd to see,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Though helpless on the bed of sickness laid,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Another year's return! All undismay'd,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">I've daily thought, to me it might not be.</div> - <div class="verse">It has not been to millions now set free,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And this year millions more, to death betray'd,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Will reach their doom. For them I've earnest pray'd,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"Lord, give them faith in thy salvation free!"</div> - <div class="verse">Three quarter-centuries of years my own</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Will end their flight this day in winter's cold:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Praise to my God for joys and hopes not flown!</div> - <div class="verse">Hasten, O Lord, the year by thee foretold,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When thou wilt all the fallen nations raise,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And earth shall be one temple to thy praise!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_72" id="Sonnet_72"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">72. DONATI'S COMET, 1858. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_72">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Strange Comet, with thy long, curv'd tail so bright,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Hast thou before e'er visited our sphere?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">From what dark depths of space dost thou draw near?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">What is thy aim thus blazing on our sight?</div> - <div class="verse">Hast thou a charge with pestilence to smite?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Full many an eye now looks on thee with fear;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But unknown good may spring from thy career</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And nigh approach to the great fount of light.</div> - <div class="verse">From guiding hand of God, enthron'd above,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thou art not free; thou comest at his will,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Either to work the counsels of his love,</div> - <div class="verse">Or judgment on the wicked to fulfil.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Perchance on thee some, doom'd to woe, may dwell,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Some demon-spirits, whose abode is hell!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_73" id="Sonnet_73"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">73. EXECUTION FOR MURDER, 1630. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_73">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Alas, among the Pilgrims came there one</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Not of their church nor of their heart and mind,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Who ne'er unruly passions knew to bind,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor ever learn'd a heav'nly race to run.</div> - <div class="verse">At last a brother's blood he shed, and won</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A retribution just; nor could he find</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A charity misguided, and so blind,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As not to see fit doom for deed he'd done.</div> - <div class="verse">Instructed from above, by reason led,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The Pilgrim Company disclos'd their plan:—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Intent to give to life security</div> - <div class="verse">Without revenge, with purpose stern they said—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As law had said e'er since the world began—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"Whoso shall shed man's blood, by man shall die!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_74" id="Sonnet_74"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">74. ONENESS WITH GOD. John 17.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Friends of the Son of God! How blest are ye,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That when his fated hour he saw was near,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">This prayer he lifted to his Father dear,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"O let them all be one, as thou in me</div> - <div class="verse">And I in thee, so give them unity."—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">He meant a Oneness in the Truth, 'tis clear,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For as God's Word he low descended here</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To teach the truth to all; to me and thee;—</div> - <div class="verse">Next, oneness of design and holy love,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Oneness of soul, of spirit, and of mind;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For thus his friends will dwell with him above,</div> - <div class="verse">While never-ending ages shall unwind.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Lord! on our souls each grace and virtue trace,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">So shall we see God's glory in thy face!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_75" id="Sonnet_75"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">75. ON MY BIRTH-DAY. Written Jan. 2, 1859.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">While fourscore years wanting but five have fled,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The author of my frame hath it sustain'd.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">This morning's light my waiting vision gain'd</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With thankful joy. What multitudes are dead,—</div> - <div class="verse">The earth twice emptied,—since on infant's bed</div> - <div class="verse indent1">My blood began to run in circuits train'd?—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Destroying angel who but God restrain'd?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The past how doom'd hereafter will be read:</div> - <div class="verse">I pray the Lord from heav'n, for me who died,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Me to assist the future so to spend</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Becoming one to Him by faith allied;—</div> - <div class="verse">So when, as He shall order, life shall end,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A new and glorious life will then begin</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With God in heav'n, eternal, without sin!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_76" id="Sonnet_76"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">76. GOD AND HIS SON.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">There is a God the universe doth show,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">By whom were form'd the countless stars on high,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Which glitter in the wide, o'erarching sky;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">All angel forms above and men below.</div> - <div class="verse">There is a God, who reigns supreme, we know;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yet is he not alone; his presence nigh,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In glory streaming on th' uplifted eye,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Sits one, to whom all holy angels bow.</div> - <div class="verse">Lo, near God's heav'nly throne, at his right hand</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His only Son,—God's image true and bright,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With various gifts divine endow'd, doth stand</div> - <div class="verse">To execute his Father's will with might.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">By him God made and rules all worlds above;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">By him unfolds to man his wondrous love.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_77" id="Sonnet_77"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">77. ON MARTYRS. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_77">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">There's no man great like him, who dares to die;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Die for the truth, reveal'd from God's own throne.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Weak is the soul of man, when left alone,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Unaided by the Spirit from on high;</div> - <div class="verse">But when the God of grace and pow'r is nigh,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Weakness is strength and at the stake, alone,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Taunted by madden'd foes, yet not a groan,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When kindling flames wrap him in agony,</div> - <div class="verse">Breaks from the lips of martyr, as he died.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">John Huss, and Jerome, and a noble host</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A vict'ry gain'd.—Not in the hero's pride,</div> - <div class="verse">But in such men,—of God sustain'd,—we boast.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Ye Bigots! When the martyrs take their crown,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Shall ye not meet with God's terrific frown?</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_78" id="Sonnet_78"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">78. TO REV. DR. SPRING, NEW YORK. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_78">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Old Soldier of the Son of God, the Lord!</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For half a cent'ry hast thou kept the field,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And never didst thou to the foe yet yield;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thine arms divine, the Spirit and the Word;</div> - <div class="verse">Truth, faith, and pray'r, these all in sweet accord.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor have thy wondrous vict'ries been conceal'd;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Some to thy Master's glory are reveal'd,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">E'en now th' achievements of his flaming sword.</div> - <div class="verse">Be thou, my friend, yet faithful unto death;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then, when the blood-stain'd heroes too must die,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And proudest despots yield their fleeting breath,</div> - <div class="verse">And all shall meet before the throne on high,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">While justice drives the lost ones down to hell,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thine endless song will just begin to swell!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_79" id="Sonnet_79"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">79. PERSEVERANCE IN CHRIST'S SERVICE.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">My friends, be firm and faithful to the last,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That ye in Christian peace and hope may die,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Redeem'd by Him who died in agony.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then as ye hear the trumpet's awful blast,</div> - <div class="verse">Ye will not with the wicked be downcast</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Into unfathom'd depths of misery,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">There in despair, beyond all hope to lie,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">While ages never counted shall be past;</div> - <div class="verse">But ye shall see your great Redeemer blest,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Array'd in form most gladd'ning to your sight,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And he shall say, in majesty most bright,</div> - <div class="verse">"Come, my disciples, enter into rest!"</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then shall the Savior, whom ye serve and love,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Transport you to his throne, near God's, above!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_80" id="Sonnet_80"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">80. GLORYING IN THE CROSS. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_80">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Let it not be, that e'er my soul in aught</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Should glory touching on delight or pride,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Save in the wondrous cross of <span class="smcap">Him</span>, who died</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A sacrifice of worth beyond all thought,</div> - <div class="verse">With inf'nite blessings to the guilty fraught.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Give me faith's vision—let who will deride—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">O blessed <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>! of thy pierced side:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">I boast of thee and what thy love has wrought.</div> - <div class="verse">Beauty, and wealth, fame, dignity, and might,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A victor army dress'd in splendid show,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A throne and rev'rent crowds around that bow,—</div> - <div class="verse">Say, what is all that dazzles human sight,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Compar'd with glories, which in thee, God's Son,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">My eyes shall see while endless years roll on?</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_81" id="Sonnet_81"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">81. MAN WITHOUT REVELATION. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_81">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Poor man without God's heav'nly glorious light</div> - <div class="verse indent1">By ev'ry lie is cheated to his woe,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As hist'ry of the world doth fully show,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His reason shrouded in the thickest night.</div> - <div class="verse">But when the Truth beams on his purged sight,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Instant are fled all wild'ring shapes below,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Whose terrors waken'd all his spirit's throe:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thus chang'd the scene where shines the Gospel bright.</div> - <div class="verse">Alas, my brother, art thou then so wise,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thou know'st the Gospel false? And dost thou choose</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To put to hazard yon, blue, blessed skies,</div> - <div class="verse">And all, that God can give, wilt madly lose?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Keen voice from one, now lost among the dead,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">I hear,—"Ah! whither has thy Reason fled?"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_82" id="Sonnet_82"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">82. GOD IS ONE.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">That God is One by all his works is shown,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Which unity of kind design display.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Behold the distant, glorious orb of day;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Behold the moon, and stars so thickly strown;</div> - <div class="verse">God's goodness by their harmony is known:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">One Mind, most wise and good, bears boundless sway.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yet man deprav'd refuses to obey,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor gains without electing love the crown.</div> - <div class="verse">Thanks be to God for his redeeming love,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Announc'd by Him, who hung upon the tree,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His Son, who left his glorious seat above</div> - <div class="verse">Our guilt t' atone; but who from death set free</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Lives on his throne. Then let us all adore</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The Father and the Lamb forevermore!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_83" id="Sonnet_83"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">83. WHAT IS IT TO DIE?</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">The when and how we know not, but to die</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Is but one fix'd and common, mortal lot;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yet death is wondrous to our human thought!</div> - <div class="verse indent1">We quit this earth and far away we fly—</div> - <div class="verse">But whither? Is it to the Sun on high,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Our central light, that our freed soul is brought,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">If worthy of such place, without a blot;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Or to more distant orb in yon blue sky,</div> - <div class="verse">To some scarce-seen but faintly-twinkling star,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Whose rays have travell'd journeys to our sight,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Unmeasur'd by our leagues, they come so far?</div> - <div class="verse">Yet sure at last to dwell in heav'n's own light,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Our bodies rais'd from dust by Christ, our friend,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In his own likeness,—ages without end!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_84" id="Sonnet_84"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">84. CHURCHES OF PIEDMONT, 1851. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_84">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Long since it was th' unrivall'd poet's prayer,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That God, who governs all things here below,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The ashes of his slaughter'd saints would sow</div> - <div class="verse indent1">O'er all the fields of Italy, so fair</div> - <div class="verse">To sight, but desolate of truth and bare.—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But centuries with God may onward flow,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Ere man his ripen'd purposes can know:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">We see the op'ning bud: the Alpine air</div> - <div class="verse">Not now is fill'd with moans but praise of God;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And peaceful churches meet in open day,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Where once the vallies were all red with blood.</div> - <div class="verse">With hopeful faith we will not cease to pray,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That from its Alpine fount truth's mighty stream</div> - <div class="verse indent1">May flow, o'er all th' Italian fields to gleam!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_85" id="Sonnet_85"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">85. THE LORD'S SUPPER.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"This do," said <span class="smcap">Christ</span>, "in memory of me."</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yes: I will drink the wine and eat the bread,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The heav'nly gift, which vivifies the dead;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Mindful of thine unequall'd charity.</div> - <div class="verse">No thrall, who drops his chain, and walks forth free,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">From dungeon to his home and fireside led,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">E'er felt through all his frame such rapture spread,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As I do feel, O <span class="smcap">Christ</span>, redeem'd by thee!</div> - <div class="verse">And thou wilt yet still greater bliss bestow,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When from the prison—barriers of the grave</div> - <div class="verse indent1">My captive dust in heav'nly form shall rise.</div> - <div class="verse">Then shall I taste the joys, which angels know,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In regions calm, where tempests never rave,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor clouds e'er float across the crystal skies.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_86" id="Sonnet_86"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">86. THE INDIAN PREACHER. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_86">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Mohegan <span class="smcap">Occom</span>!—not a chieftain's son,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yet chieftain's soul hadst thou, for thou didst say,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thy God should have thy toil from day to day,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Till heav'nly life and glory thou hadst won.</div> - <div class="verse">So in thy youth thou didst begin to run</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The race of Christian goodness, and to pray</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In humble faith and love to God alway,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Utt'ring, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done."—</div> - <div class="verse">To preach the gospel to thy Brethren dear</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And guide their wand'ring steps to heav'n above</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Was e'er thy soul's delight—though work of fear—</div> - <div class="verse">For close to their's thy heart was knit in love.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">O blessed sight, if thou at last shalt see</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The ransom'd ones the Lord hath giv'n to thee!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_87" id="Sonnet_87"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">87. SERMON IN MY NATIVE PLACE. 1851.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Of swift-wing'd years how rapid is the flight?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For half a hundred, on this day, save three</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Have fled since God in his great love to me</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Allow'd me to put on the armor bright,</div> - <div class="verse">By him supplied to fit me for the fight,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The ceaseless contest for true liberty;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For truth alone can set the sinner free,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And bring the blind from darkness into light.</div> - <div class="verse">Alas, how chang'd the scene? For then were here</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Full many a form of loveliness now fled,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Father and Mother, Brothers, Sisters dear,</div> - <div class="verse">And many friends,—all sleeping with the dead.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">What were I now, did not God's truth divine</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With bright-hued hopes upon my vision shine?</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_88" id="Sonnet_88"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">88. NATIONAL CONVULSIONS, 1849.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">The tempest rages through the earth around,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Tossing the ocean into mountain waves:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thrones shake and totter, as the storm-wind raves,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And mightiest empires tremble at the sound:</div> - <div class="verse">Man has no structure on the solid ground,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Which bides the tumult, or its fury braves:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The sev'n-hill'd City, which the Tiber laves,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Though call'd eternal, shakes and is astound:</div> - <div class="verse">E'en its proud chief and priest, in sad affright,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Flees for his safety to a distant shore,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Lest falling temples on his head alight:</div> - <div class="verse">What is there stable 'mid this wild uproar?—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The <span class="smcap">Church</span> heeds not the angry billows' shock;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1"><span class="smcap">Thy Church</span>, <span class="smcap">O Lord</span>, is founded on a rock!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_89" id="Sonnet_89"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">89. PSALM VIII.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">In all the earth, O Lord, thy name how great,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">How glorious in the heavens doth it shine!</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Sun, moon, and stars, which thou hast made, are thine,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And o'er all worlds, in majesty elate,</div> - <div class="verse">Thou reignest king. Then what is man's estate,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">How low,—in which through pride he doth repine?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yet thou didst give him rank almost divine,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When him with pow'r to rule thou didst create—</div> - <div class="verse">(Only a step beneath the angels high—)</div> - <div class="verse indent1">O'er oxen, sheep, and beasts wild roving wide,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">O'er all the fowl that in the air do fly,</div> - <div class="verse">And fish, that in the ocean-depths do glide.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">O, God! who dost all praise and glory claim,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In all the earth how excellent thy name!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_90" id="Sonnet_90"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">90. TO MY NATIVE TOWN.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse"><span class="smcap">Pittsfield</span>, my native town, how chang'd art thou,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Since first, in childhood's years, thy streets I trod,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And in thy single temple worshipp'd God,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">My father then thine only teacher!—Now</div> - <div class="verse">On ev'ry side the rival temples grow,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As though upspringing from prolific sod,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With tow'r, or spire high-tap'ring to a rod;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And num'rous teachers now heav'n's pathway show:</div> - <div class="verse">But Truth is one, unchang'd, always the same,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Its sempiternal source with God on high,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Whence God's own Son in wondrous mercy came,</div> - <div class="verse">Pure light to pour on man's dark, wild'ring eye.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">May all thy pastors guide their flocks aright,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And lead them to the heav'nly pastures bright.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_91" id="Sonnet_91"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">91. TO SARAH ANNA HOPKINS.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse"><span class="smcap">Sarah</span>, my much-lov'd grandchild, thou dost bear</div> - <div class="verse indent1">An ancient name of honor; on this day,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Which marks just sixteen years, quick fled away</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Since first thou didst draw in the vital air;</div> - <div class="verse">No greeting need I give thee, but my prayer,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Utter'd with all the fervency I may,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That of her "faith in God" the pow'rful sway,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Like ancient Sarah, thou wilt keep with care.</div> - <div class="verse">So shall thy future years, of unknown count,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Be years of honor, usefulness, and joy,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For thou wilt drink at Christian joy's pure fount,</div> - <div class="verse">And hopes, like these, will thy best thoughts employ—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">'A glad exchange to me will sure be given,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For death new life, for earth a glorious heaven!'</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_92" id="Sonnet_92"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">92. TO MRS. DOUGLASS, IN JAIL.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Lady, who late didst teach the blinded slave,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And hidden truth didst open to his sight,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">God's minister of his own heav'nly light,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">I honor thee, most noble, good, and brave.</div> - <div class="verse">Let despots of the "Old Dominion" rave,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And for this, in their chivalry and might,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A woman shut in prison! This poor spite</div> - <div class="verse indent1">From dark forgetfulness thy name shall save.</div> - <div class="verse">So Galileo was in dungeon deep</div> - <div class="verse indent1">By bigots thrust, because he dar'd to say,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Our system's centre is the orb of day,</div> - <div class="verse">And earth revolves by laws that never sleep.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Though him they silenc'd, still the earth turns round:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Though thee they bind, God's light shall not be bound!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_93" id="Sonnet_93"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">93. "READY FOR EITHER." - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_93">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Fit emblem of Christ's servant,—him whose love</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Has borne him to his distant heathen field,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Which, if not by him reach'd, can nothing yield</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But crimes, that shut men out from heav'n above:</div> - <div class="verse">There, heedless of fatigue, his footsteps move</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In ceaseless toil; nor from his view conceal'd</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Lies hid the peril, when God's truth reveal'd</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The worshipper is sham'd in idol's grove.</div> - <div class="verse">Brave man! toil on; thou shalt not toil in vain:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thy master's promise trust; the good seed sow;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A glorious harvest thou wilt help to gain.</div> - <div class="verse">And should the madmen's dagger lay thee low,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yet from thy outpour'd blood may spring the truth,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Life's nutriment to Old men and to Youth!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_94" id="Sonnet_94"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">94. TO MISS HANNAH LYMAN, MONTREAL.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">I owe thee many thanks, my distant friend,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That on the broad Canadian river's shore</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thy home being gain'd with joyfulness once more</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thou didst remember me, and to me send</div> - <div class="verse">These clust'ring Grapes, which now on me attend</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To soothe a sick man's taste. From God's rich store</div> - <div class="verse indent1">They came,—from where the northern tempests roar,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His bounty wide, his mercy without end!</div> - <div class="verse">They speak to faith of greater sweetness far</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Denoted by the wine that Jesus gave,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The Son of God, who came from heav'n to save,—</div> - <div class="verse">The Blood of Him, the framer of each star,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Which purchases our life, salvation free,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">High glory, honor, immortality!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_95" id="Sonnet_95"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">95. VISIT TO PONTOOSUC OR PITTSFIELD.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse"><span class="smcap">Pittsfield</span>, so nam'd from British statesman bold,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Who dar'd command the struggles of the free,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">What time men forg'd the chains for liberty;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">How dear art thou to my pain'd vision old?</div> - <div class="verse">And many a scene now past dost thou unfold,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And many a wither'd joy, as well might be,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For years have fall'n, as leaves from autumn tree,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Since first thy light I saw and bliss untold.</div> - <div class="verse">Swift as the shadow of a flying cloud</div> - <div class="verse indent1">All earthly good departs; but as a rock,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Which heeds not ocean's waves nor tempest loud,</div> - <div class="verse">My faith in Jesus, Savior, bides the shock:—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The same I held, when first in early youth</div> - <div class="verse indent1">I here proclaim'd the heav'n-descended truth.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_96" id="Sonnet_96"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">96. COMPANY OF OLD MEN. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_96">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"Hail, <span class="smcap">Old Men</span>! Quite a goodly Company!"—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">True, we are old; this day assembled here</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In this new mansion to partake this cheer,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of ancient friend to wake the memory.—</div> - <div class="verse">Though old, yet have we undimm'd eyes to see</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And ears that fail not yet the truths to hear,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Once taught by our deceased pastor dear,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Which some in life's fair morn cannot descry,</div> - <div class="verse">Sin's thick, delusive veil spread o'er their sight.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">We see time's speed, and death to be no cheat;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To us the Sun of Righteousness shines bright,</div> - <div class="verse">And bright yon heav'ns, up where we hope to meet.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">We see the worth of Truth, of Faith, of Love,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Our certain guides to <span class="smcap">Endless Life</span> above.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_97" id="Sonnet_97"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">97. JOY IN A DYING HOUR.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">To change for good alone my mingled state</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In this brief life, and what I have to hold</div> - <div class="verse indent1">By God's firm word while endless years unfold,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">This wakens joy; and this will be my fate,</div> - <div class="verse">When soon shall come my final, worldly date.—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Now hear I this—"O, chosen one, behold</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Wonders of love divine, by Christ unroll'd;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Come, share our bliss unmeasurably great!"—</div> - <div class="verse">Not one is toss'd by tempest, all at rest;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Not one is conscience-smitten of the throng;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Not one a suff'rer, all I see are blest;—</div> - <div class="verse">All know God's truth, all lift th' eternal song.—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Thus hearing calls from ev'ry heav'nly voice—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">These scenes in vision—<span class="smcap">Dying I rejoice</span>!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_98" id="Sonnet_98"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">98. NIAGARA FALLS. - <small><em><a href="#Sonnet_Note_98">(notes)</a></em></small> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Great are the works of God, which meet our sight.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Proud, sinful man! thyself above all fear</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of him who made the earth, come, stand but here,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And here be taught his majesty and might.</div> - <div class="verse">This stream from western lakes how broad and bright?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But now its waves in froth and rage appear,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And as they plunge down deep, their voice we hear,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Like thunders bursting from the clouds of night.</div> - <div class="verse">This river from his hand doth God outpour:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then say, O sinner! hast thou naught to dread</div> - <div class="verse indent1">From Majesty Divine, whom thou each hour</div> - <div class="verse">Dost treat with scorn, though soon to join the dead?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Pause in thy guilty path:—consider well—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">God's wrathful flood may plunge thee down to hell!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_99" id="Sonnet_99"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">99. JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">How can a sinning man with God be just?</div> - <div class="verse indent1">This grand inquiry all men need to make,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For all are guilty; and they well may quake</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For flagrant evil deeds or secret lust,</div> - <div class="verse">For which God's law smites down their prideful trust.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Ye sleepers on the brink of woe! awake</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And to the Gospel listen:—that can break</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The fetters binding all the lost unjust.</div> - <div class="verse">Justice and love in wonderful display,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Mercy and truth in union sweet combine,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And shine forth glorious in the scheme divine.</div> - <div class="verse">The word reveal'd unfolds to us the way,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">By which we, sinners, can be just with God;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">It is by <span class="smcap">Faith</span> in Christ's atoning blood.</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p> - -<div class="section"><a name="Sonnet_100" id="Sonnet_100"></a></div> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">100. TRIUMPH OF THE GOSPEL.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">O, blessed day, when through the world below</div> - <div class="verse indent1"><span class="smcap">Jesus</span> shall reign the prince of love and peace,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For then shall men their angry contests cease,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And never more appear in hostile show;—</div> - <div class="verse">The sword transform'd into th' unbloody plow</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And spear to pruning hook for thriving trees.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The kid lies down with leopard at his ease,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And grizzly bear feeds harmless with the cow.</div> - <div class="verse">The wolf and lamb together peaceful dwell,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The calf with the young lion too are led</div> - <div class="verse indent1">By hand of little child. Ah, who can tell</div> - <div class="verse">How chang'd the scene, when, fiery passions fled,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">No stain is seen on human hand of blood,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But all men live in holy Brotherhood?</div> - </div> - </div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">REMARKS ON THE NATURE AND HISTORY OF THE SONNET.</h2> - -<p>In the judgment of some of the greatest poets and literary men -the <em>Sonnet</em> is a form of poetry of very high value; in its structure -a precious gem. It is of Italian origin and was invented by -<i>Petrarch</i> in the 14th century. In his retreat at Vaucluse near -Avignon he wrote the greater part of his sonnets, all devoted to -the idolatry of woman—to the praise of Laura: 227 of them were -written while she was living; and he continued to extol her in -90 sonnets after her death.</p> - -<p>The laws of the sonnet are these. It has one leading subject -and should end with some striking thought, or must bring to a -beautiful conclusion or point the images and musings of the first -lines and greater part of the poem. It has always 14 lines, falling -into two unequal lobes, one of two quatrains, the other of two -triplets; or in other words it is composed of four stanzas, the two -first of four lines each and the two last of three lines each. Then -as to the rhymes,—the first eight lines have only two rhymes, and -they always in the same place,—the first, fourth, fifth and eighth -lines rhyming; so also the other four. The last six lines admit of -a little change, and may have either two or three rhymes; usually -the four first lines have alternate rhymes, and the two last are a -couplet; but even in this case the triplet form is to be preserved.</p> - -<p>The distinction of the stanzas is made, not by a separation from -each other by wider spaces, but while printed compactly by the -lines 1, 5, 9, and 12, projecting to the left; as in Milton's sonnets -and in the Venice edition of Petrarch in 1764. Various poets<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> -however have unwisely disregarded this rule: and have variously -placed their rhymes and their lines at their pleasure. Campbell -has translated a few of Petrarch's sonnets, reducing the 14 lines to -12, composed of three similar quatrains, the first and last lines of -which rhyme together. But this is destroying the Sonnet.</p> - -<p>Our admiration of Petrarch should perhaps be a little moderated; -for he is full of affected turns and paradoxes and smart antitheses. -Speaking of love he says, "O viva morte, O dilettoso male,"—O -living death, O most beloved evil! Speaking also of its effect -he says in four lines of rhyme, which may be thus translated—without -rhyme—</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"I find no peace, and am not the subject of war;</div> - <div class="verse">I fear, and hope, and also burn, and freeze;</div> - <div class="verse">I fly above the heavens, and walk on the earth;</div> - <div class="verse">I grasp nothing, and hold the universe in my arms."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p>Addressing a river, in which Laura washed her face, he says,</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>"Thou hast no rock beneath thy waves, which does not burn with the same -fires, that are kindled in me." He also said, "O earth, thou art not worthy to -be trodden by her feet. She deserves to adorn heaven!"</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>His curious stanza repeating the word <i lang="it" xml:lang="it">dolce</i>, sweet, 9 or 10 -times may be thus translated:</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"Sweet sorrow, and sweet joy, and then sweet pain,</div> - <div class="verse">Sweet torture, zephyr, fire, and next sweet wounds;</div> - <div class="verse">Sweet word, which in my ear most sweetly sounds,</div> - <div class="verse">Sweet anger, and sweet rage, and sweet disdain."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p>The sonnet in the use of Petrarch did not attain its highest -dignity, for it was wholly appropriated to the praise of Laura, his -love for whom whether real or fictitious has not yet been settled -by the literary world. He died in 1374, aged 70.—The eminent -English poet Spenser followed him after an interval of more than -200 years dying in 1598: he published 87 sonnets. Then Shakespeare, -who died in 1616, published 154 sonnets; all of which by -these two poets are devoted to love, but with a change of the -Italian rhyme and form.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p> - -<p>The following shows the sonnet's structure by <i>Spenser</i>.</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"Men call you fair, and you do credit it,</div> - <div class="verse">For that your self ye daily such do see,</div> - <div class="verse">But the true fair, that is, the gentle wit</div> - <div class="verse">And virtuous mind is much more prais'd of me;</div> - <div class="verse">For all the rest, however fair it be,</div> - <div class="verse">Shall turn to naught, and lose that glorious hue;</div> - <div class="verse">But only that is permanent and free</div> - <div class="verse">From frail corruption, that doth flesh ensew:</div> - <div class="verse">That is true beauty; that doth argue you</div> - <div class="verse">To be divine, and born of heav'nly seed,</div> - <div class="verse">Deriv'd from that fair Spirit from whom all true</div> - <div class="verse">And perfect beauty did at first proceed:</div> - <div class="verse">He only fair, and what he fair hath made;</div> - <div class="verse">All other fair, like flow'rs, untimely fade."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p>It will be observed, that the last couplet is always a rhyme, -which is not the fixed rule of Petrarch; and then he has changed -the places of the rhymes and confused them by abolishing the -stanzas.</p> - -<p>The following is a sonnet of <i>Shakespeare</i>.</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"O, how much more doth beauty beauteous seem</div> - <div class="verse">By that sweet ornament which truth doth give!</div> - <div class="verse">The rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem</div> - <div class="verse">For that sweet odor which doth in it live.</div> - <div class="verse">The canker-blooms have full as deep a dye,</div> - <div class="verse">As the perfumed tincture of the roses;</div> - <div class="verse">Hang on such thorns, and play as wantonly,</div> - <div class="verse">When summer's breath their masked buds discloses:</div> - <div class="verse">But for their virtue only is their show;</div> - <div class="verse">They live unwoo'd, and unrespected fade;</div> - <div class="verse">Die to themselves. Sweet roses do not so;</div> - <div class="verse">Of their sweet deaths are sweetest odors made:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And so of you, beauteous and lovely youth;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">When that shall fade, my verse distils your truth."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p>Here also is an injurious change in the sonnet of Petrarch: the -last couplet is always a rhyme, and it is separated in print from the -12 lines, which are very simple, composing three stanzas of distinct, -alternate rhymes, much easier to compose than Spenser's or -the Italian.</p> - -<p><i>Milton</i> wrote 5 sonnets in Italian, which were translated by -Cowper. In them he followed Petrarch in his subject. It was in -his 18 English sonnets, that he has given to this form of poetry its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> -true elevation and dignity. Instead of applying it, like his predecessors, -to love meditations, expressive of fictitious or real affection, -he made it the instrument of conveying most important -moral, patriotic, and religious sentiments.</p> - -<p>The following is a sonnet of Milton, who died in 1675. It was -addressed to</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">A VIRTUOUS YOUNG LADY.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"Lady, that in the prime of earliest youth</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Wisely hast shunn'd the broad way and the green,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And with those few art eminently seen,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That labor up the hill of heav'nly truth,</div> - <div class="verse">The better part with Mary and with Ruth</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Chosen thou hast; and they, that overween,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And at thy growing virtues fret their spleen,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">No anger find in thee, but pity and ruth.</div> - <div class="verse">Thy care is fix'd, and zealously attends</div> - <div class="verse indent1">To fill thy od'rous lamp with deeds of light,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And hope that reaps not shame. Therefore be sure</div> - <div class="verse">Thou, when the bridegroom with his feastful friends</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Passes to bliss at the mid hour of night,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Hast gain'd thy entrance, Virgin wise and pure."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p>It will be seen, that he combined with his rhymes much of the -freedom and force of blank verse. He never allows the absence of -good strong sense nor the presence of unmeaning or useless words -in order to make out the rhyme.</p> - -<p>By printing his sonnets compactly without separating the stanzas -from each other Milton carried on his sentences, as he found -desirable, from stanza to stanza, frequently without any close at -the end of a stanza, sometimes just beginning near the end. In -this case the separation of the stanzas by spaces would evidently -be absurd. Read the last five lines of his sonnet to Cromwell:—</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent9">"Peace hath her victories</div> - <div class="verse indent1">No less renown'd than war: new foes arise</div> - <div class="verse">Threat'ning to bind our souls with sec'lar chains.—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Help us to save free conscience from the paw</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of hireling wolves, whose gospel is their maw."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p>Here, in the method of separating the stanzas by wider spaces -in printing, the phrase "new foes arise" would have been separated -from the line which follows, with which it is so intimately -connected,—the head line of the last triplet.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p> - -<p>The author may here be allowed to say, that in his judgment in -the whole compass of English poetry there are no sonnets equal to -a few of Milton's, numbered 8, 9, 14, 15, 18, 19, 22 and 23. If -any one would know, whether Milton's meditations brought out -sentiments worthy of utterance, and whether he knew how to utter -them with the melody of rhyme and at the same time with the -unshackled freedom and energy of blank verse, I leave with him -for his refreshment the following lines from his sonnet on his own -Blindness:—</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent1">"Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?"</div> - <div class="verse indent1">I fondly ask: But Patience, to prevent</div> - <div class="verse">That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Either man's work, or his own gifts; who best</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best: his state</div> - <div class="verse">Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And post o'er land and ocean without rest:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">They also serve, who only stand and wait."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p>More recently <i>Wordsworth</i>, who died in 1850, aged 80, has followed Milton in his application of this form of poetry to higher -subjects than that to which it was applied by Petrarch. A very -great fault however is his abolishing Milton's method of designating -the stanzas and thus showing the places of the rhymes, the -pleasures of which are gone if their places are not easily found. -He wrote 282 sonnets: he wrote too many; and they are often -diffuse and languid. The following is one of his sonnets: it is on -the Pastoral Character.</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"A genial hearth, a hospitable board,</div> - <div class="verse">And a refined rusticity belong</div> - <div class="verse">To the neat mansion, where, his Flock among,</div> - <div class="verse">The learned Pastor dwells, their watchful Lord.</div> - <div class="verse">Though meek and patient as a sheathed sword,</div> - <div class="verse">Though pride's least lurking thought appear a wrong</div> - <div class="verse">To human kind; though peace be on his tongue,</div> - <div class="verse">Gentleness in his heart; can earth afford</div> - <div class="verse">Such genuine state, pre-eminence so free,</div> - <div class="verse">As when, array'd in Christ's authority,</div> - <div class="verse">He from the pulpit lifts his awful hand;</div> - <div class="verse">Conjures, implores, and labors all he can</div> - <div class="verse">For re-subjecting to divine command</div> - <div class="verse">The stubborn spirit of rebellious man?"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p> - -<p>The readers of poetry ought to feel much indebted to Mr. Wordsworth -for his remarks in regard to the language of poetry, and in -regard to the value of enkindled emotions. In his judgment, there -ought not to be a distinct poetic diction, separate from the language -of good prose; the poet should aim at good sense and -intelligible diction, using the language of men, abandoning "a -large portion of phrases and figures of speech, which from father to -son have long been regarded as the common inheritance of poets," -and even abstaining from many good expressions, which bad poets -have so foolishly and perpetually repeated, as to render them disgusting. -As illustrating his meaning, he quotes from a sonnet of -<i>Gray;</i>—</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"In vain to me the smiling mornings shine,</div> - <div class="verse">And reddening Phœbus lifts his golden fire:</div> - <div class="verse">The birds in vain their amorous descants join,</div> - <div class="verse">Or cheerful fields resume their green attire:</div> - <div class="verse">These ears, alas! for other notes repine."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p>Here this false diction destroys the value of every line.</p> - -<p>The other remark of Mr. Wordsworth is this;—"all good poetry -is the spontaneous overflow of good feelings." Perhaps it might -be also said, that in addition to sensibility and impassioned -expression there should be chosen, for the highest poetry, subjects -of moral dignity and religious interest, having a close bearing on -human welfare not only for a moment but for perpetuity.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">NOTES.</h2> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_1" id="Sonnet_Note_1"></a><a href="#Sonnet_1"><i>Sonnet 1.</i></a> The name of <span class="smcap">Washington</span> is in the heart of all -Americans. Fifty years ago, that is in 1809, in the first edition of -the American Biographical Dictionary, I devoted nearly 20 pages -to a memoir of Washington. It may be a convenience to the -reader of this little book to have here collected the dates as to the -leading events of his life.—He was born at Bridges Creek, Westmoreland -county, Virginia, Feb. 22, 1732; and died suddenly, after -an illness of one day by an inflammation of the windpipe, Dec. 14, -1799, nearly 68 years old. He was in early life a major and colonel -of the Virginia troops employed against the French on the Ohio in -1754 and 1755; and was subsequently commander in chief. About -1758 he married Mrs. Custis, a wealthy widow, whom he greatly -loved. As a planter he had 9,000 acres of land under his management, -and nearly 1,000 slaves in his employment, living at Mount -Vernon, which was the estate of his deceased older brother Lawrence: -his father's name was Augustine: his great grandfather -came from the north of England about 1657.—He was appointed -by congress commander in chief at the commencement of the war -in 1775; and at the close resigned his commission Dec. 1783.</p> - -<p>In 1789 he was chosen the first president of the United States -for 4 years and then re-chosen, continuing in office till 1797, when -he was succeeded by John Adams. By his last will he directed, -that on the death of Mrs. Washington (who died May 22, 1802,) -his slaves should be emancipated. As the ladies of Virginia, with -the aid of ladies of other States, have purchased Mount Vernon in -reverence to the name of Washington, will they not honor him if -they manage it without obtruding upon it any slave labor?—Gen. -Washington was a constant attendant on public worship in an -episcopal church, which he principally supported. It is believed, -that he every day had his hour of retirement for private devotion.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_2" id="Sonnet_Note_2"></a><a href="#Sonnet_2"><i>Sonnet 2.</i></a> In looking from my eastern window a few evenings -since (Dec. 12th,) I was struck with the magnificent appearance of -the heavens,—the moon just rising in full effulgence, preceded a -few degrees by the splendid planet Jupiter, while still higher and -more at the south was the unequalled constellation Orion, with an -uncounted multitude of stars planted thick in the sky. Jupiter is -1400 times larger than the earth, being 90,000 miles in diameter: -he revolves on his axis in ten hours, so that a body on his surface -flies around at the rate of 27,000 miles per hour, or 27 times faster -than a body on the earth. It has four satellites. Can it be -imagined, that this huge planet is not furnished with rational -inhabitants, like this diminutive earth? And what reason can be -assigned why all the planets and all the stars should not be inhabited -by rational beings? Who can fix the limits to God's creation? -As light flies 192,000 miles every second, who can say, that -the light from the most distant star has yet reached the earth since -the star was created? With what reverence and awe, with what -love and trust and spirit of obedience should Almighty God, the -Creator of the universe, be regarded?</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_3" id="Sonnet_Note_3"></a><a href="#Sonnet_3"><i>Sonnet 3.</i></a> Wm. H. Prescott, the distinguished historian, died at -Boston of the paralysis after a few hours' illness Jan. 28, 1859, -aged 62 years. Knowing that he was about to die, it was his -remarkable request, that in his coffin he might lie for a time with -his face uncovered in his library, surrounded by his cherished -Books. From his library he was carried to his grave Jan. 31st. -The next evening the Historical Society of Massachusetts held a -meeting in honor of his memory. Mr. Winthrop, the president, -Mr. Ticknor who introduced some resolutions, and others made -speeches on the occasion, which were published. As a humble -associate member of the society I would not neglect to mention -the following apposite and interesting fact, that <i>Petrarch</i>, the -inventor of the Italian <i lang="it" xml:lang="it">sonetto</i>, was found dead in his library with -his head <em>resting on a book</em>. He died of apoplexy July 18, 1374, -aged 74.—Milton's memorable words in relation to books ought -never to be forgotten:—"Many a man lives a burden to the earth; -but <em>a good book</em> is the precious life-blood of a master-spirit, imbalmed -and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life."—But -the book of books is God's Book, which infinitely transcends all -others in value, except as they borrow truth from its pages, for it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> -reveals to man his pathway to a blessed immortality. Never should -the words of Mr. Chillingworth be forgotten: "The <span class="smcap">Bible</span>, I say, -the <span class="smcap">Bible</span> only is the Religion of Protestants."</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_4" id="Sonnet_Note_4"></a><a href="#Sonnet_4"><i>Sonnet 4.</i></a> In the city of Paris, ten years ago, I was one of a large -company of hundreds of the Friends of Peace from different nations. -We presented to the Emperor,—then only a President,—an Address -against War. In the present year by his inroad into Italy and -conflict with Austria he has fixed upon his soul the unmeasurable -guilt of several tens of thousands of murders.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_5" id="Sonnet_Note_5"></a><a href="#Sonnet_5"><i>Sonnet 5.</i></a> After the existence of one God there is no truth so -astonishing and holding such a power over the human heart, as the -death of the Son of God on the cross for the sins of men. For -who was the Son of God? He was indeed in the form of a man, -born of the virgin Mary; but he came down from heaven to tabernacle -in human flesh. Let us raise our eyes from the earth to -the worlds above us, of enormous magnitude compared with this -little globe of ours. Suppose now the glorious sun is inhabited by -a race of intelligent beings as much exalted above man, as the sun -is greater and more resplendent than the earth. If the highest of -the sun's inhabitants had come to this low world and dwelt in -human flesh—it might have been a most amazing event in our -eyes; yet he would not have been the Son of God. Suppose -among the countless worlds of light there is one world vastly -transcending all others and the dwellers on it transcending in their -faculties and endowments all other world-dwellers; and the first -among them had come to dwell in man's form; yet he would not -have been the Son of God. We read of angels and archangels in -heaven—in the place of God's more especial abode. Suppose the -brightest archangel had descended to this ball of earth and animated -a human form, and appeared as a man; yet he would not -have been the Son of God. For the Son of God is he, by whom -God created the sun and moon and stars of light, with all the -intelligent dwellers upon them and the dwellers in the heavenly -mansions. It was this Son of God inconceivably exalted and glorious, -who came down from heaven and appeared as the Son of -Mary. And not only so; but he actually was subject to the evils, -which man suffers; he could feel pain, and anguish, and the -agonies of the cross,—and did encounter them,—if the plain language<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> -of scripture is no delusion,—in order to atone for our sins -and to achieve the work of our redemption. Now, did we believe -this: did this most sublime and wonderful truth plant itself in our -inmost persuasion,—unalloyed and unweakened or not destroyed -in its influence by any of our speculative theories;—were we -deeply and thoroughly convinced of this great fact;—then who of -us could fail to exclaim,—"God forbid, that I should glory, save in -the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified -unto me and I unto the world?"</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_10" id="Sonnet_Note_10"></a><a href="#Sonnet_10"><i>Sonnet 10.</i></a> John Tyndale, born in 1484, and educated at Oxford. -Determined to translate the Bible for England, as he could not do -it safely in London he fled to the continent. At Cologne he published -the English New Testament about 1525. England was -filled with light. The popish priests sent over a traitor, by whose -means Tyndale was seized and martyred near Antwerp Friday, -Oct. 6, 1536, being strangled at the stake and burnt. His translation -of the New Testament was the foundation of our present one.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_13" id="Sonnet_Note_13"></a><a href="#Sonnet_13"><i>Sonnet 13.</i></a> The four following ex-presidents were all living, -when this sonnet was written in March, 1826.—<i>John Adams</i> died -July 4, 1826, aged 90; president from 1797 to 1801.—<i>Thomas -Jefferson</i> died on the same day with Mr. Adams, July 4, 1826, aged -83; president from 1801 to 1809. As a member of congress he -drew up the declaration of Independence in 1776.—<i>James Madison</i> -died in 1836, aged 85; president from 1809 to 1817.—<i>James Monroe</i> -died July 4, 1831, aged 83; president from 1817 to 1825.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_16" id="Sonnet_Note_16"></a><a href="#Sonnet_16"><i>Sonnet 16.</i></a> In a sonnet Mr. <i>Wordsworth</i> does not lament the -protestant hurricane, which scattered wide</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"The trumpery, that ascends in bare display,</div> - <div class="verse">Bulls, pardons, relics, cowls, black, white, and grey,</div> - <div class="verse">Upwhirl'd—and flying o'er th' ethereal plain</div> - <div class="verse">Fast bound for Limbo lake."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_17" id="Sonnet_Note_17"></a><a href="#Sonnet_17"><i>Sonnet 17.</i></a> Christ's own clear, ample, minute, most decisive -instruction concerning the Day of Judgment is in Matt. 25th, and -ends with the words, "And these shall go away into everlasting -punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." He also said of -the unbeliever, in John 3d, "he shall not see life; but the wrath<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> -of God abideth on him:" he also said, Matt. 18, "It is better for -thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to -be cast into hell fire."</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_20" id="Sonnet_Note_20"></a><a href="#Sonnet_20"><i>Sonnet 20.</i></a> Shakespeare in a sonnet says,—</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"When to the sessions of sweet, silent thought</div> - <div class="verse">I summon up remembrance of things past,</div> - <div class="verse">I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought,</div> - <div class="verse">And with old woes new wail my dear time's waste:</div> - <div class="verse">Then can I drown an eye, unus'd to flow,</div> - <div class="verse">For precious friends hid in death's dateless night,"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_22" id="Sonnet_Note_22"></a><a href="#Sonnet_22"><i>Sonnet 22.</i></a> Ten years ago, in 1849, I had the satisfaction of -visiting the valley of Chamouni in Switzerland at the foot of Mont -Blanc, the highest point in Europe, 15,600 or 15,673 feet or nearly -3 miles in height above the sea. Here once lived Jacques Balmat, -who, having discovered a way to the top of the mountain, in his -gratitude to Dr. Paccard, the physician of the village, apprized -him of his discovery, and undertook to conduct him to the summit. -After two days' toil the exploit was accomplished Aug. 8, 1786. -The next ascent was by De Saussure, the elder, of Geneva, accompanied -by his servant, by Balmat, and 17 other guides, Aug. 3, -1787. In 1808 Balmat conducted to the top 15 of the people of -Chamouni, one of whom was a woman, Maria Parodis. Ascents -were made by men of different countries in 1802, 1812, and 1818. -Two Americans accomplished this ascent in 1819, Dr. Wm. Howard -of Baltimore and Dr. Van Rensselaer, with 9 guides. They -reached the top Monday, July 12th. Remaining more than an hour -on the summit, they reached Chamouni in safety after an absence -of 53 hours only.—Capt. Underhill of England made the ascent in -the same year. The lives of three guides were lost in the attempt -of Dr. Hamel in 1820. Since then there were 27 ascents, to the -year 1851, when Albert Smith and other Englishmen went up with -16 guides Aug. 13th.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_23" id="Sonnet_Note_23"></a><a href="#Sonnet_23"><i>Sonnet 23.</i></a> The Christian theologian has this ground of controversy, -that the Bible is a revelation from God, which book therefore -contains no error, but is filled with eternal, infallible truth. -No contradiction in doctrine can possibly exist in holy scripture; -and nothing can reconcile the reason, bestowed upon us, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> -what is absurd or impossible. If controversialists may gather -some expressions, which seem to conflict with each other, some -patience and diligence of inquiry may be requisite in order to -bring them into harmony; a knowledge of the ancient languages, -in which the scriptures were written, may prove useful, as may -also an acquaintance with eastern customs and manners, and an -attention to the circumstances and design of the utterance which -is under consideration.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_24" id="Sonnet_Note_24"></a><a href="#Sonnet_24"><i>Sonnet 24.</i></a> In a sonnet <i>Wordsworth</i> speaks of the new churches -in England, in which the Truth of God might be taught:—</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent4">"The wished-for Temples rise!</div> - <div class="verse">I hear their Sabbath bell's harmonious chime</div> - <div class="verse">Float on the breeze—the heavenliest of all sounds</div> - <div class="verse">That hill or vale prolongs or multiplies."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_26" id="Sonnet_Note_26"></a><a href="#Sonnet_26"><i>Sonnet 26.</i></a> In the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, -the Thirteen United States said unanimously—"We hold these -truths to be self-evident:—that all men are created equal; that -they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; -that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."</p> - -<p>In his last will Washington ordered the emancipation of his -slaves; so also did John Randolph. Patrick Henry declared, that -the principle of slavery is "as repugnant to humanity, as it is -inconsistent with the Bible, and destructive to liberty." Mr. Jefferson -said in his Notes on Virginia, in reference to the holding of -slaves, "I tremble for my country, when I remember, that God is -just!" If the leading minds of the South should adopt the sentiments -of these illustrious Virginians, it will next be their proper -business to devise and execute the best method for giving to their -slaves the blessings of freedom.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_27" id="Sonnet_Note_27"></a><a href="#Sonnet_27"><i>Sonnet 27.</i></a> Dr. Cotton Mather of Boston, published in Boston -141 years ago a new Version of the Psalms from the Hebrew into -English blank verse,—so called from the absence of rhyme,—the -measure of the lines being adapted to the music in vogue. Melancthon -said of the Psalms, "It is the most elegant work extant in the -world." Jewell wrote to Peter Martyr in 1560, that 6,000 people -sung the Psalms together at St. Paul's Cross in London. The -following is his version of the 23d Psalm:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">"1.</span>My shepherd is the Eternal God;</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>I shall not be in (any) want:</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">2.</span>In pastures of a tender grass</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>He (ever) makes me to lie down:</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>To waters of tranquillities</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>He gently carries me (along.)</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">3.</span>My <em>feeble and my wandering</em> soul</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>He (kindly) does fetch back again;</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>In the plain paths of righteousness</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>He does lead (and guide) me along.</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>Because of the regard He has</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>(Ever) unto his glorious name.</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">4.</span>Yea when I shall walk in the vale</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>Of the dark (dismal) shade of Death,</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>I'll of no evil be afraid,</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>Because thou (ever) art with me.</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>Thy rod and thy staff, these are what</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>Yield (constant) comfort unto me.</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">5.</span>A table thou dost furnish out</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>Richly (for me) before my face.</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>'Tis in view of mine enemies;</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>(And then) my head thou dost anoint</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>With fatt'ning and perfuming oil;</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>My cup it (ever) overflows.</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">6.</span>Most certainly the thing that is</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>Good, with (most kind) benignity,</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>This all the days, that I do live,</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>Shall (still and ever) follow me;</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>Yea I shall dwell and Sabbatize</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>Even to (unknown) length of days,</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span><em>Lodg'd</em> in the house which does belong</div> - <div class="verse"><span class="verse-number">​</span>To him who's the Eternal God."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_29" id="Sonnet_Note_29"></a><a href="#Sonnet_29"><i>Sonnet 29.</i></a> As Christians we are under inexpressible obligations -to God for his book of revealed truth, proved to be divine by the -voice of prophecy, by the wonders of miracles, by the sublimity of -its doctrines, and by the approval of conscience. Every man, who -can read, is bound to examine this book for himself; for otherwise -his faith will rest on a human not a divine teacher.—According to -Mr. Chillingworth, what God requires of us is "to believe the -Scripture to be God's word, to endeavor to find the true sense of -it, and to live according to it." He also says—"I see plainly and -with mine own eyes, that there are popes against popes, Councils -against Councils, some Fathers against others, the same Fathers -against themselves, a Consent of Fathers of one age against a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> -Consent of Fathers of another age, the Church of one age against -the Church of another age. Traditive interpretations of Scripture -are pretended, but there are few or none to be found. No tradition, -but only of Scripture, can derive itself from the fountain."—"Propose -me any thing out of this book, and require whether I -believe it or no; and seem it never so incomprehensible to human -reason, I will subscribe it with hand and heart: As knowing no -demonstration can be stronger than this; God hath said so, therefore -it is true." But then we ought to be well assured, that God -hath said what we attribute to him; that we understand the import -of the divine word; and that no prepossession, or prejudice, or -passion, or mental bondage leads us into an inexcusable misapprehension.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_30" id="Sonnet_Note_30"></a><a href="#Sonnet_30"><i>Sonnet 30.</i></a> My wife, <span class="smcap">Maria Malleville</span>, who died very suddenly -at Brunswick in Maine June 3, 1828, aged 40 years, was the -only daughter and child of Dr. John Wheelock, the president of -Dartmouth College. She was of Huguenot descent by her mother, -Maria Suhm, the daughter of Christian Suhm, the Danish commandant -and governor of the island of St. Thomas: he died in -1759, aged 40, being a native of Copenhagen. Mrs. Suhm's descent -was from Thomas Bourdeau of the south or west of France, -a protestant martyr after the revocation of the edict of Nantes in -1685, as follows. He sent his only daughter Maria at the age of -ten years for safety to the island of St. Thomas. In the same -vessel was a protestant emigrant from the same place, Mr. La Salle, -whom she at the age of 15 married. Their daughter Maria La Salle -married John Malleville of St. Thomas: their daughter, Maria -Malleville, married in 1751 governor Suhm, who after his death -was succeeded by her brother, Gov. Thomas Malleville. Her second -marriage was to Lucas Von Beverhoudt of Beverwyck in -Parsippany, New Jersey, where she was accustomed to receive -Washington at her house. Their daughter, Adriana, married -T. Boudinot, the descendant of another Huguenot family from -France.—She died in 1798. Her daughter, Maria Suhm, married, -as has been mentioned, president Wheelock.—My wife, whom I -married Jan. 28, 1813, was the mother of 8 children.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_32" id="Sonnet_Note_32"></a><a href="#Sonnet_32"><i>Sonnet 32.</i></a> About 50 years ago, when the neighborhood of -Sackett's Harbor was a wilderness, a little child of one of the new -settlers aged 4 years was lost in the woods. The father's house<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> -was 6 miles from the Harbor. All possible aid in the search was -of course called together under the regulation and with the success -described in this sonnet.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_35" id="Sonnet_Note_35"></a><a href="#Sonnet_35"><i>Sonnet 35.</i></a> As Spenser says of the Lamb;—</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"His sceptre is the rod of righteousness,</div> - <div class="verse">With which he bruiseth all his foes to dust,</div> - <div class="verse">And the great Dragon strongly doth repress</div> - <div class="verse">Under the rigor of his judgment just;</div> - <div class="verse">His seat is Truth, to which the faithful trust,</div> - <div class="verse">From whence proceed her beams so pure and bright,</div> - <div class="verse">That all about him sheddeth glorious light."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_36" id="Sonnet_Note_36"></a><a href="#Sonnet_36"><i>Sonnet 36.</i></a> Dr. John Codman died at Dorchester, where he was -long the pastor of a church, Dec. 23, 1847, aged 65. Graduating -at Harvard college in 1802, he pursued his theological studies in -Edinburgh from 1805 to 1808, in which year he was ordained. His -subsequent life was devoted to the faithful preaching of the gospel. -Among his last words he said,—"I am willing to be in God's -hands." His Memoirs and Sermons were published in 1853.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_37" id="Sonnet_Note_37"></a><a href="#Sonnet_37"><i>Sonnet 37.</i></a> The grave-yard of Northampton, laid out in 1661, is -one of peculiar beauty and rich in the deposit of the dead disciples -of Christ; among whom were my own ancestors of several generations. -Four of the earlier and eminent ministers sleep here; -Eleazer Mather, who died in 1669, aged 32; Solomon Stoddard, -died 1729, aged 85; John Hooker, died 1777, aged 48; Solomon -Williams, died 1834, aged 82. Another tenant of this grave-yard -is Rev. David Brainerd, the missionary, who died Oct. 9, 1747, -aged 29.—In this year, 1859, some unknown person has erected a -handsome marble monument to Rev. E. Mather, who died 190 -years ago.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_39" id="Sonnet_Note_39"></a><a href="#Sonnet_39"><i>Sonnet 39.</i></a> Spenser in his Hymn on heavenly beauty says;—</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"For far above these heav'ns, which here we see,</div> - <div class="verse">Be others far exceeding these in light,</div> - <div class="verse">Not bounded, not corrupt, as these same be,</div> - <div class="verse">But infiniteness in largeness and in height,</div> - <div class="verse">Unmoving, uncorrupt, and spotless bright,</div> - <div class="verse">That need no sun t' illuminate their spheres,</div> - <div class="verse">But their own native light far passing theirs."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span></p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_40" id="Sonnet_Note_40"></a><a href="#Sonnet_40"><i>Sonnet 40.</i></a> The record of the first minister of a flourishing -American town and a brave patriot of the revolution is a matter of -interest. Thomas Allen was born in Northampton and was a -descendant of Samuel, one of the first settlers, whose father—dying -at Windsor in 1648—is supposed to have come over from the west -of England with the Dorchester people in the ship Mary and John -in 1630.—His grandfather, named also Samuel, was an unswerving -friend of Jonathan Edwards and a deacon in his church. Mr. Allen -graduated at Harvard college in 1762 in a distinguished class, -among whose members were Gov. Gerry, Judge F. Dana, and -Drs. Eliot and Belknap. He was ordained at Pittsfield in Berkshire -county, Mass., April 18, 1764, and here passed the remainder -of his life; he died after a ministry of 45 years Feb. 11, 1810, aged -67 years: I was ordained his successor Oct. 10, 1810.—He was not -only a faithful and eloquent minister; but a patriot, and a chaplain -in the army, and on one occasion he played the part of a soldier. -He marched Aug. 15, 1777 with a company of his own people in a -three days' campaign to Bennington to check the advance of -Burgoyne:—the next day he shared in the assault and the victory;—and -the third day he returned home to preach the gospel to his -rejoicing people Aug. 18th. His trophies often delighted my eyes -in subsequent years,—two large, square, white flint-glass bottles, -which he captured with a Hessian surgeon's horse, and gave the -wine to the wounded.</p> - -<p>His wife was Elizabeth, the daughter of Rev. Jonathan Lee, the -first minister of Salisbury, Conn.; she was descended from Gov. -Bradford of Plymouth; she died in 1830, aged 82. Of their 12 -children the writer of this is the only survivor.—On the death of -his eldest daughter, Mrs. White in London, he went to England -in 1799 in order to bring his little grand-child to his house: in -London he became acquainted with the eminent ministers Newton, -Haweis, Rowland Hill, and Bogue, and from them caught a pious -zeal for the promotion of foreign missions. He published sermons -on the death of his daughter, E. White, 1798; of Moses Allen, -1801; of his son Thomas, 1806; Massachusetts election sermon, -1808.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_41" id="Sonnet_Note_41"></a><a href="#Sonnet_41"><i>Sonnet 41.</i></a> The sublime passage of scripture, which is here versified, -may admonish us, that we are travelling rapidly to the end -of time in respect to its being our period of probation for eternity. -It is the solemn voice of the Gospel,—"Behold, now is the accepted -time! Behold, now is the day of salvation!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_42" id="Sonnet_Note_42"></a><a href="#Sonnet_42"><i>Sonnet 42.</i></a> Paul teaches us, that "the wrath of God is revealed -from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men," -and that "the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world -are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, -even his eternal power and Godhead." All men therefore, whose -"foolish heart is darkened," are "without excuse."</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_43" id="Sonnet_Note_43"></a><a href="#Sonnet_43"><i>Sonnet 43.</i></a> In the words of Spenser,—</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"Ah! wretched World! the den of wickedness,</div> - <div class="verse">Deform'd with filth and foul iniquity;</div> - <div class="verse">Ah! wretched World! the house of heaviness,</div> - <div class="verse">Fill'd with the wrecks of mortal misery;</div> - <div class="verse">Ah! wretched World! and all that is therein,</div> - <div class="verse">The vassals of God's wrath and slaves of sin."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_44" id="Sonnet_Note_44"></a><a href="#Sonnet_44"><i>Sonnet 44.</i></a> My eldest daughter, Maria Malleville Allen, died -Jan. 30, 1833, aged 17. Through God's great goodness this is the only -instance of death, which has occurred among my children; and -through his grace and infinite mercy she died in the hope of -immortal life in heaven through the mediation of her Savior, the -Lord Jesus Christ. What greater blessing can I supplicate for all -my descendants, than that God will give them at the hour of their -death her Christian faith and hope?</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_47" id="Sonnet_Note_47"></a><a href="#Sonnet_47"><i>Sonnet 47.</i></a> On a church-yard Mr. Wordsworth has the following -lines:—</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent10">"Encincture small,</div> - <div class="verse">But infinite its grasp of joy and woe!</div> - <div class="verse">Hopes, fears, in never-ending ebb and flow—</div> - <div class="verse">The spousal trembling—and the "dust to dust"—</div> - <div class="verse">The prayers—the contrite struggle—and the trust,</div> - <div class="verse">That to the Almighty Father looks through all!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_49" id="Sonnet_Note_49"></a><a href="#Sonnet_49"><i>Sonnet 49.</i></a> Even Beattie addresses Nature as follows;—</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"O Nature, how in every charm supreme!</div> - <div class="verse">Whose votaries feast on raptures ever new!</div> - <div class="verse">O for the voice and fire of seraphim</div> - <div class="verse">To sing thy glories with devotion due!"</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_50" id="Sonnet_Note_50"></a><a href="#Sonnet_50"><i>Sonnet 50.</i></a> As it is a year since this sonnet was written, my -present very ill state of health teaches me and may teach others, -that a recovery from illness, though most gratefully to be acknowledged,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> -may be a transient blessing. While I was sick, others have -fallen around me. Living or dying, it is my prayer, that I may -acquiesce in God's will, and that I may participate with all penitent -believers in the salvation purchased by the blood of his Son.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_51" id="Sonnet_Note_51"></a><a href="#Sonnet_51"><i>Sonnet 51.</i></a> One all-important method of God's communicating -good to man is described by Milton;</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"God hath now sent his living oracle</div> - <div class="verse">Into the world to teach his final will,</div> - <div class="verse">And sends his Spirit of Truth henceforth to dwell</div> - <div class="verse">In pious hearts an inward oracle</div> - <div class="verse">To all truth requisite for men to know."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_52" id="Sonnet_Note_52"></a><a href="#Sonnet_52"><i>Sonnet 52.</i></a> Our class, which graduated at Harvard college in -1802, was larger than any previous class,—consisting of 60 members, -an unusual number of whom became men of distinction, and -one quarter part of whom after 57 years are still living. To my -esteemed surviving Brothers I bid farewell, wishing them faith in -the Son of God, who is "the resurrection and the life."</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_53" id="Sonnet_Note_53"></a><a href="#Sonnet_53"><i>Sonnet 53.</i></a> From a Sonnet by Montgomery, on Nature praising -God:</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"The fountain purling, and the river strong,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The rocks, the trees, the mountains raise one song;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">"Glory to God!" re-echoes in mine ear:—</div> - <div class="verse">Faithless were I, in willful error blind,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Did I not Him in all his creatures find,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His voice through heav'n, and earth, and ocean hear."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_56" id="Sonnet_Note_56"></a><a href="#Sonnet_56"><i>Sonnet 56.</i></a> The Compact, entered into by the Pilgrims, was -signed on board the Mayflower Nov. 11, 1620; on which day they -anchored in Cape Cod harbor. More than a month afterwards they -landed at Plymouth. They had in view "the glory of God and the -advancement of the christian faith." Forty-one men signed the -paper, forming themselves into "a civil body-politic," in order to -enact, constitute, and frame "just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, -constitutions, and offices."</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_57" id="Sonnet_Note_57"></a><a href="#Sonnet_57"><i>Sonnet 57.</i></a> When Jesus said, John 10, "I and my Father are -one," the Jews accused him of blasphemy, for making himself -"God." He replied, "If he called them gods, unto whom the -word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; say ye of -him whom the Father hath sanctified and sent into the world, -Thou blasphemest, because I said, I am the Son of God?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_58" id="Sonnet_Note_58"></a><a href="#Sonnet_58"><i>Sonnet 58.</i></a> In the providence of God I am the oldest living -member in Massachusetts of the American Board for Foreign Missions, -which was established by a vote of its General Association -in 1810, the year of my settlement in the ministry. Multitudes of -missionaries have died; and the missionaries living, scattered over -the world, are 170 with 230 assistants: native laborers are 500, of -whom 222 are preachers: in all 900. The churches 153, and members -23,500; free schools 313.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_59" id="Sonnet_Note_59"></a><a href="#Sonnet_59"><i>Sonnet 59.</i></a> Milton, in a sonnet, speaks of submission to God in -his blindness, when of three years' continuance:—</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent11">"Yet I argue not</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Against Heav'n's hand or will, nor bate a jot</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of heart or hope; but still bear up and steer</div> - <div class="verse">Right onward."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_62" id="Sonnet_Note_62"></a><a href="#Sonnet_62"><i>Sonnet 62.</i></a> Mr. Robinson, born in England in 1585 and educated -at Cambridge, becoming a protestant minister, was driven by -persecution with his people into Holland. His church at Leyden -consisted of 300 communicants. He zealously promoted the emigration -under elder Brewster to Plymouth in 1620, intending to -follow; but he died in 1625. It was his memorable remark—"I -am very confident the Lord has more truth yet to break forth out of -his holy word."</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_64" id="Sonnet_Note_64"></a><a href="#Sonnet_64"><i>Sonnet 64.</i></a> When Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and -the Life," he announced to us the infinite value of truth as the -path-way to immortal life. Truth is immutable and eternal; it is -most pure and purifying, the source of joy and the foundation of -hope; and the denial of truth is more or less perilous and implies -more or less of guilt. All falsehood is injurious. As the Bible -reveals to us divine truth, how can we doubt, whether we are -bound to study it with our own eyes? For otherwise we must -accept for the teachings of the holy word the faith of some one of -the authors of a hundred different creeds; and we may perchance -have for our great teacher and master some bewildered lunatic, or -some hungry impostor, or some proud and boastful promoter of the -purposes of the father of lies.</p> - -<p>The catholic may use the term <em>mystery</em> as a cover for absurdity -and contempt of reason, or in support of a contradiction, and as -an excuse for idolatry; but surely God's Bible contains nothing -but truth, and that revealed in a manner adapted to the human<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> -understanding. But what says archbishop Fenelon in defending -transubstantiation or the imagined change of the bread in the -sacrament into the body of Christ? He says of the doctrine—"in -believing its mysteries one immolates his ideas [or sacrifices his -common sense] out of respect to eternal truth." Thus his blunder, -his misunderstanding of Christ's words, "this is my body," he -represents as "eternal truth." So Bourdaloue says—"I make to -God a sacrifice of the most noble part of myself, which is my -reason:" and he professes to believe a mystery "although it seems -to be directly repugnant to my reason;"—or one "which shocks -reason itself and contradicts all its lights," referring to the received -doctrine concerning God's nature. Massillon thinks it is "necessary -to believe certain apparent contradictions:" he says, "it is -faith and not reason, which makes us Christians." All this -in my view is a pernicious error: for <em>reason</em> is the intellectual -power, which discerns truth. God himself is perfect reason, pure -intellect, infinite understanding. To him the universe is all light. -But our reason is restricted: man may grow in knowledge forever; -yet he never will know an absurdity or contradiction to be -true. To us one great source of truth is God's testimony or revelation. -<em>Faith</em> is the belief of God's testimony. As to the word -<em>mystery</em>, the common meaning of it in scripture, is not something -unintelligible, but a <em>doctrine, once hidden or secret, which is now -revealed and intelligible</em>. Thus in teaching the resurrection Paul -says, "Behold, I <em>shew</em> you a mystery; we shall not all sleep," &c. -1 Cor. 15:51. See also Rom. 16:25.</p> - -<p>It is clear beyond a question, that there cannot be two contradictory -truths; for truth is one; it is but an expression of the -reality of things. But some metaphysicians have lent their aid to -the catholic theologians by asserting that, there are contradictory -truths in philosophy; but the instances adduced are all fallacious, -as Achilles walking 20 times as fast as the turtle, but never able to -overtake him.</p> - -<p>A lately deceased philosopher of Scotland, Sir W. Hamilton, -seems to concur in the catholic notion of the contradiction of faith -and reason. He lays down a certain new, strange, unproved, -incredible principle, called "the law of the conditioned," that "the -conceivable always lies between two contradictory extremes;" and -then concludes as "the one true and only orthodox inference" that -we must believe in the infinity of God, which by us cannot be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> -comprehended or conceived. "Faith,—Belief,—is the organ, by -which we apprehend what is beyond our knowledge." But how -can this be correct? When we exercise <em>faith</em> in God's testimony,—when -we exercise <em>belief</em> in his word,—when we receive the very -truth, which he presents to our understanding or reason and brings -to our knowledge,—do we not <em>know</em> it? Do we thus apprehend -any thing "beyond our knowledge?" When Christ prayed—"sanctify -them through thy truth; thy word is truth;"—did he -not refer to truth <em>known?</em> What God reveals must be revealed to -our belief, to our reason. Although we pretend not to comprehend -perfectly the attributes and ways of the infinite God; yet what he -has disclosed we may know; and we may know the meaning of -right and wrong, of truth and falsehood, of faith and unbelief, of -reason and contradiction or absurdity. It cannot then be a right -inference—if the author had such a meaning—that any doctrine -concerning the nature of God may be true, although not <em>conceivable</em>, -because God is <em>infinite</em>.</p> - -<p>God's scheme of mercy towards sinful man is accomplished by -the wide-spread power and triumphs of Truth. But what are the -Truths, that bear intimately on human welfare? Surely it is not -a matter of indifference what is received for truth; men are not -safe, because they think they are so. No bigoted despotism; no -boasted liberalism; no banded relationships of interest or honor; -no infidel companionship or self-applauses can convert error into -truth or render it harmless. Whatever monstrous or astounding -notions, whatever wild, fanatical, profligate, misleading doctrine -may be sent forth, no glozing words can render it otherwise, than -that error and falsehood are God's abhorrence and a delusion of -the devil.</p> - -<p>As I have in other notes dwelt upon the character and offices of -the Son of God, the Mediator and Redeemer, I desire now to advert -to the all-important divine teaching concerning God's Spirit, grace, -and power in renewing and sanctifying the depraved and lost soul -of man. "God hath mercy on whom he will have mercy." Rom. -9th. Christ taught, John 3d, the necessity of being "born of the -Spirit" in order to salvation. John the Baptist predicted of Christ, -that he should baptize men "with the Holy Spirit;" and thus his -coming was signalized by "the Spirit like a dove descending upon -him," and God's voice from heaven said, "Thou art my beloved -Son." All the powers therefore, prophetical, miraculous, renovating,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> -and sanctifying, implied in the full endowment of the Holy Spirit, -were possessed by Christ.</p> - -<p>The primitive meaning of the word Spirit is air or breath. Some -of its meanings in scripture are wind; the living soul in man and -animals; the mind, or man's intelligent part and also its various -faculties and powers; an intelligent spirit, simple, superior to -man's, not allied to matter; it is applied to angels good and evil; -and also to God, as we read, "God is a spirit." It means also the -divine power, given to Christ, by which he wrought miracles and -fulfilled God's purposes on the earth, as Matt. 12:28, "if I cast out -devils by the spirit of God," compared with Luke 11:20, "if I -with the finger of God cast out devils." In the same sense is -"holy spirit," with which Jesus was filled used, Luke 4:1.—"The -holy spirit" and "spirit" alone relating to the same matter are -found in Mark 12:36, and Matt. 22:43: "doth David <em>in spirit</em> call -him Lord;" that is, David was under divine <em>inspiration</em> is the one -meaning of the two expressions.</p> - -<p>In our inquiry concerning the import of the phrase, "the holy -spirit," in scripture it may be of some consequence to bear in -mind, that there is one peculiarity in our English Bible, which -distinguishes it from other modern European translations; that -while the Greek testament has but one word for Spirit, which is -translated by one word,—in German by Geist, in Dutch by Geest, in -French by Esprit,—the same is rendered by our translators into -English by two words at their option, namely, <i>Spirit</i> and <i>Ghost</i>. -And in what cases did they choose the latter word? It would -seem that they translated by Holy Ghost and not by holy spirit -whenever they supposed the phrase had reference to an intelligent, -divine Being and not to a gift, endowment, or power received from -God. Thus it is, that the phrase has got an established meaning; -which shows indeed the judgment of our old translators 250 years -ago, but proves nothing as to the true meaning. It might then be -well, if the old word Ghost were laid aside. Indeed they have not -chosen to say, Gala. 4:6, "the Ghost of his Son," nor in v. 27, -"born after the Ghost," but have used the word "Spirit." If one -should take up his New Testament and read in English in Matthew's -first chapter concerning Mary,—"she was found with child -of the <i>Holy Ghost</i>," and then again, "that which is conceived of -her is of the <i>Holy Ghost</i>," he would be likely to attach a meaning -to the scripture, which he reads, different from the truth. For as -the Testament was written in Greek, we may learn from that language,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> -the translation should not have been "the Holy Ghost," and -not even "<em>the</em> Holy Spirit," but "<em>a</em> holy spirit," for here the word -for spirit has no article before it in the Greek, as would be requisite -if "<em>the</em> Spirit" were meant; and the meaning is, as learned critics -have showed, simply, "a divine energy or power." Just so in Mark -1:8 and Luke 1:35, the same Greek phrase has no article; and -the apostles do not allude to a great personage or supposed well -known, mighty Being, called "<em>the</em> Holy Ghost," but refer only to -God's miraculous power in respect to the birth of Christ. The verse -in Luke 1, proves this—"a holy spirit shall come upon thee and the -power of the Highest shall overshadow thee,"—both phrases -referring to the same energy of almighty God.</p> - -<p>The English translators, although they have employed the phrase, -"the Holy Ghost" about 90 times in scripture, have not once in -the Old Testament, although they have three times there used -"the holy spirit" relating to God's gift, or endowment, or power -bestowed: Ps. 51:1. Isa. 63:10, 11. The same phrase, meaning -God's gift to believers, is in the New Testament: Luke 11:13. -Eph. 1:13-4:30. 1st Thess. 4:8. God gave "his spirit without -measure" to Christ; John 3:34; and he also gave "the spirit of -his Son," "the holy spirit," to believers: Gal. 4:6. The "gifts -of the Holy Ghost," in Heb. 2:4, should have been, "distributions -of <em>a</em> holy spirit or divine power;" for the phrase has no article in -the Greek, so that the verse might properly read, "God bearing -them witness both with signs, and wonders, and with divers -miracles, and distributions of a divine power." In like manner -there is no article in Acts 11:16, and 24, and other passages, -translated "the Holy Ghost." The meaning is plain, v. 24, "a -good man, and full of a divine power and of faith,"—Yet for the -purpose of emphasis the article is often used.</p> - -<p>The importance of the doctrine concerning the spirit or the holy -spirit in the gospel scheme, importing God's holy influence on the -soul, is evident by the injunction of Christ as to baptism in the -faith of it: "teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the -Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, &c."</p> - -<p>Matt. 28:19, does not indeed present a form of words to be -used, nor does it relate to the authority, by which baptism is -to be administered, for the Greek preposition is not <i lang="el" xml:lang="el">en</i>, "<em>in</em> the -name," but <i lang="el" xml:lang="el">eis</i>, <em>into;</em> which is the same as "to baptize <em>into</em> -Christ," Rom. 6:3, i.e. into a profession of faith in Christ, as -taught by bishop Pearce. That he had himself all authority was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> -first asserted by Christ; then he enjoined baptism under a profession -of belief in the three great points of his teaching,—as to -the one God of Israel,—as to himself, God's Son from heaven,—and -as to the Spirit, which "God gave to him without measure,"—giving -it also to his disciples,—making him indeed the great -teacher and Savior of the world. He finally commanded his -apostles, not only thus to baptize, but also to teach all nations to -observe whatever he had enjoined. A passage of similar import is -at the close of II Corinth., where Paul wishes his brethren may -experience the grace of Christ, and the love of God, and might -have a common participation of the holy spirit, of the miraculous -and sanctifying divine power.</p> - -<p>It is worthy of remark, that while Paul begins each of his Epistles, -written to brethren of very different nations on the earth, with -asserting, that his authority as an apostle was derived from God -and from his Son, or with wishing his brethren grace, mercy and -peace from God the Father, and from his Son, by whom he created, -and governs, and will judge the world; yet he never in this manner -connects "the holy spirit" with the name of God and of his -Son our Lord Jesus Christ: no prayer is thus addressed to a holy -spirit or to the holy spirit, or Holy Ghost, although we find -the translation "the Holy Ghost," nearly 100 times. This is -called a gift of God, and God is prayed to for it; and it is -declared, that God anointed Jesus with the holy spirit, that -is, with the wonderful powers expressed by the phrase. A -multitude of passages speak of the Spirit as a divine power -and a divine gift: the following are some of the expressions used—"the -Spirit of your Father;"—"the Spirit of God;"—"God hath -sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts;"—"how much -more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that -ask him;"—"he shall give you another Comforter, that he may -abide with you forever;"—"renewing of the Holy Ghost (or of a -holy spirit or the divine power) which he shed on us abundantly;"—"how -God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and -with power;"—"upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending -and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the -Holy Ghost: John 1:33." Therefore one plain meaning of the -holy spirit is a miraculous and wonderful power, communicated by -God from heaven to Jesus Christ when he appeared on the earth in -the form of a man, designating him to be the promised Messiah.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p> - -<p>Concerning the Holy Spirit the creed of the ancient Council of -Nice, A. D. 325, says nothing except "we believe in the Holy -Spirit." Of Christ it declares, that he was "the Son of God, the only -begotten of the Father, God of God,—begotten, not made, &c." -Soon after that council a learned father, <i>Eunomius</i>, who was made -bishop of Cyzicum A. D. 360, advanced the doctrine, that after -God had created his Son before the universe was formed, giving -him divine dignity and creative power, he next created the Holy -Spirit, the first and greatest of all spirits, by his own power indeed -but by the immediate agency also of his Son, giving him power to -sanctify and teach. Afterwards he created all things in heaven and -earth. More modern creeds, which adopt much the same faith with -Eunomius, use the word "proceed" instead of "create," as the -New England Confession of Faith of 1680, which says, "the Holy -Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son." But -Milton, in his learned Treatise on the Christian doctrine, has -shewn that "proceedeth" in John 15:26, relates to the mission,—the -sending from God to the earth, not to the nature, of the Spirit: -yet his own faith was, that "the Holy Spirit, inasmuch as he is a -minister of God, and therefore a creature, was created or produced -of the substance of God, not by a natural necessity, but by the -free will of the agent, probably before the foundations of the world -were laid, but later than the Son, and far inferior to him." Dr. -Samuel Clarke of England has taught the same doctrine.—But the -reader is requested to form his opinion on the chief subject of this -note, not from any human creed or learned man's teaching, but from -his own study of the Bible with his own endowment of reason. -The practical application of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit has -claims to our earnest attention.</p> - -<p>In the judgment of Dr. Cotton Mather it is through the Spirit of -God, that Christians find such affections as the following working -in their minds:—a flaming love towards God and men; a lively -faith in God and in the Savior, the Mediator; a longing desire and -hope of spiritual blessings; a mighty hatred of sin; a bitter sorrow -for sin and its miseries; a noble courage; a total despair of -help in creatures; a fear of the judgments of wickedness; a triumphant -joy in God and in his Christ; a rapturous admiration of the -Maker and Ruler of the world and of his glories. "All true piety," -he says, "is begun by the enkindling of these affections in the -soul:" and the Spirit, enkindling them, should be sought from God -in the constancy of prayer.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_68" id="Sonnet_Note_68"></a><a href="#Sonnet_68"><i>Sonnet 68.</i></a> The monument to the pilgrim forefathers, whose -corner was laid Aug. 2d, is designed to consist of a pedestal 80 feet -high, supporting a colossal female figure of Faith; her feet rest on -Plymouth rock, her left hand is to hold an open Bible, and her right -points to heaven. On the pedestal are to be Morality, Education, -Law, and Liberty.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_72" id="Sonnet_Note_72"></a><a href="#Sonnet_72"><i>Sonnet 72.</i></a> Since this sonnet has passed through the press, I have -been glad to read a description of Donati's comet and to see a -telescopic view of it in the Family Christian Almanac for 1860. -The comet is named after Donati, the discoverer, who first saw it at -Florence, June 2, 1858. It was seen several months in great splendor -in our country until about Oct. 20th, when it disappeared. -When first observed, it was 200 millions of miles distant from the -sun. Its curved train extended 60 degrees or 51 millions of miles. -When nearest the earth it was 52 millions of miles distant, moving -at the rate of 123 thousand miles an hour. Its greatest distance -from the sun is supposed to be 143 thousand millions of miles; and -astronomers have calculated its period of revolution at nearly 2,000 -years, so that its last previous visit to the earth was before the -Christian era. Yet from the extreme point of its journey to the -nearest fixed star who can measure the distance? Who will not -say, "Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty?"</p> - -<p>It is worthy of remark, that in respect to the inhabitants of the -various worlds, with which our skies are filled, the revealed word of -God, communicated to man upon the earth, gives us no information. -If beyond a doubt the sun, the moon, the stars, and the comets are -inhabited by intelligent beings; yet of what rank and in what -condition we know nothing. But as we are taught, that there is a -world of "fire," prepared "for the devil and his angels," it may be -that comets are the destined abodes of the wicked and lost.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_73" id="Sonnet_Note_73"></a><a href="#Sonnet_73"><i>Sonnet 73.</i></a> It is a false and pernicious charity, of which some -men boast, that for no crime would they touch the life of man. -But God is smiting every day the life of guilty man by a thousand -diseases; and in his revealed word he has commanded, that the -murderer shall be put to death in the administration of public law. -In this way not only the divine justice but the divine wisdom is -manifested by this protecting shield of terror spread over man's life.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_77" id="Sonnet_Note_77"></a><a href="#Sonnet_77"><i>Sonnet 77.</i></a> The name of John Hooper will ever be held in the -highest honor in England. Born in 1495, and educated at Oxford,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> -he was appointed bishop of Gloucester; but was a martyr to the -truth under the popish reign of queen Mary in 1555 at the age of -60. With most wonderful fortitude he endured the flames at the -stake for three-quarters of an hour.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_78" id="Sonnet_Note_78"></a><a href="#Sonnet_78"><i>Sonnet 78.</i></a> To an old man the recollection of a youthful brother -preacher in the far-back period of fifty or more years, who still -preaches the gospel, is replete with interest. It is attended with -the memory of men, who at that period were the fathers in the -ministry,—as Rogers, Livingston, Mason, and Miller of New York; -Dwight of New Haven; and S. Spring, Morse, Eckley, and Griffin -of Massachusetts.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_80" id="Sonnet_Note_80"></a><a href="#Sonnet_80"><i>Sonnet 80.</i></a> The leading truth of the gospel, dear to my heart -since I first began to preach it 56 years ago, is that Jesus Christ -was the Son of God, by whom God made the worlds, and who came -down from heaven and in human flesh was himself the sufferer on -the cross for the sins of men. I use language as men of reason -should use it. I dare not, on the peril of my soul, explain it away -by saying, that the Son of God from heaven united himself to -another spirit or intelligent being, which latter spirit or mind bore -the suffering, ascribed to the Son from heaven. That Christ had -two spirits is the teaching of human theory but not of divine -scripture.</p> - -<p>Every man is conscious, that he is one,—one existence, one -intelligent being, one human being, or an intellect or mind now -dwelling in a human body; and he acknowledges every other man -to be a similar being. He also regards every angel, that comes to -his knowledge by revelation, as one being. God, the Creator of the -universe, we view necessarily as one being. The idea of a duplicate -intellectual being is beyond our thought; it is inconceivable, -an absurdity, a contradiction. Jesus Christ then was either man -or the one Son of God in the form of a man.</p> - -<p>That there is "one God and one Mediator between God and men, -the man Christ Jesus" is Paul's teaching. The reason of calling -Christ <em>man</em> is, that "God sent his son in the <em>likeness</em> of sinful -flesh," Rom. 8:3. The Son's intelligent spirit was enough to be -the tenant of one human body without a co-tenancy with a human -spirit, and enough to suffer for the sins of the world.</p> - -<p>When Paul speaks of Christ as being once "in the form of God," -he did not mean, that he was God himself, in whose form or likeness -he was, Phil. 2:6. Then in the next verses, by his being<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> -"in the form of a servant," "in the likeness of men," "in fashion -as a man," he could not mean, that Christ was a real, perfect man. -But did he first live in heaven, and thence come to the earth to -tabernacle in human flesh and to offer himself as an atoning sacrifice -for the sins of the race of men?</p> - -<p>In the first chapter of John's gospel we are taught, that Christ -or the Son of God, called the Word, existed in the beginning with -God and that all things were made by him. At the very commencement -of all created existences in the universe, he existed with God, -and by him all created things in the universe were created. Here -then was a high and glorious dignity in heaven, the Son of God, -before he dwelt in human flesh.</p> - -<p>In the third chapter of John we read, that Christ said to Nicodemus,—"If -I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not; -how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no -man hath ascended up to heaven, but he, that came down from -heaven, even the Son of Man, which is in heaven." The express -contrast of the words—"ascended up to heaven, came down from -heaven," seems to fix the meaning beyond any possible doubt.—In -the 6th chapter of John Christ said, as we read, "I came down -from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him, that sent -me."—"Moses gave you not that bread from heaven, but my Father -giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is -he, which cometh from heaven, and giveth life unto the world." -When the Jews murmured at his discourse, because he said, "I am -the bread, which came down from heaven," Jesus repeated his plain -teaching—"I am the living bread, which came down from heaven: -if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread, -that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the -world." That is, he who came down from God in heaven would -give his flesh, his human body to the agonies of crucifixion for the -salvation of men. Many of his disciples said, "this is an hard -saying: who can hear it?" What was the reply of Christ? It was -this: "does this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of -Man ascend up where he was before?" In the 16th chapter of -John we read Christ's words—"The Father himself loveth you, -because ye have loved me, and have believed, that I came out from -God. I came forth from the Father and am come into the world: -again, I leave the world, and go to the Father." Here again the -contrast of expressions shows the meaning of the phrase, "I am -come into the world." I will adduce only one other passage:—In -Ephesians 4th we read—"Now that he ascended, what is it but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> -that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?" -"He that descended is the same also, that ascended up far above -all heavens, that he might fill all things." I think it thus most -clearly and amply established in scripture, that the Lamb of God -came down to the earth from the presence of God and laying aside -his high dignity dwelt in a human body, as a man dwells in a body, -and died in agony on the cross. There may be various high -inquiries, which may here spring up. But surely no theory can be -true, which contradicts and overthrows the divine teaching. No -scheme of theology can be true, which denies, that he, who came -down from heaven, could die and did die as a lamb of sacrifice to -God for the sins of the world,—for this is a denial of the great -doctrine of the atonement, and thus withers up all the hopes of -sinful men. Who can prove, that God could not have a Son derived -from Him before time began, by whom he created the universe, and -who in his most amazing love to us abased himself to man's condition -and died in our stead on this little globe of his own creation? -If we find in the Bible any plain, intelligible teaching of God, will -it do to set up our reason against the teaching of Him, who is infinite -reason and infinite wisdom?</p> - -<p>If any truth is plain in the Bible, is it not that Jesus Christ, the -Son of God, in human flesh or in fashion as a man by his sufferings -on the cross <em>made</em> atonement for the sins of the world? Paul -says, Rom. 5:11;—"We joy in God through our Lord Jesus -Christ, by whom we have received the atonement; and that God -hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son, in whom we -have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: -who is the image of the invisible God:" Coloss. 1:13.—Peter says, -that his brethren were "redeemed with the precious blood of Christ -as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." Other expressions -are these, Christ "after he had offered one sacrifice for sins -forever, [that is, for perpetuity,] sat down on the right hand of -God:" Heb. 10:12, "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation -through faith in his blood:" Rom. 3:25, "Unto him, that loved us -and washed us from our sins in his own blood:" Rev. 1:5.—That -the Son of God, who came down from heaven, was himself a -sufferer and sacrifice on the cross for our sins is every where -taught in scripture. Without believing this how can we regard -Christ as a Redeemer and Savior?</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_81" id="Sonnet_Note_81"></a><a href="#Sonnet_81"><i>Sonnet 81.</i></a> In order that revealed truths may beam upon the -mind of man and produce their proper effect it is necessary, that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> -God's revelation be understood and not misapprehended. If two -men attach a different and contradictory meaning to the same -passage of scripture, one of them is in error and fault; and if the -error relates to the character of God and to some very important -doctrine, it may be perilous.</p> - -<p>For instance, two of our theologians have taught a contradictory -doctrine, drawn as they thought from scripture, as follows; Jonathan -Edwards maintained, that sin was "not the fruit of any -positive agency or influence of the Most High;"—"it would be a -reproach and blasphemy to suppose God to be the author of sin" in -the sense of the agent, actor, or doer of a wicked thing. But Dr. -Emmons maintained, that God "produced all the free, voluntary, -moral exercises" of man; that God "creates evil when and where -the good of the universe requires;" that "Satan placed certain -motives before man's mind, which by a certain divine energy took -hold of his heart and led him into sin." This teaching seems -blasphemous, and contradictory to all notions of free, voluntary -agency, as well as to the tenor of scripture. He relies for scripture -proof on Exodus 4:21, where God says in respect to Pharaoh, "I -will harden his heart." But this, rightly understood, is only a -prediction of a certain event, that Pharaoh would harden his own -heart as it is declared he did in ch. 9:34. So in respect to other -quoted passages, it might be shown, that they were misunderstood -and perverted from their proper meaning. We all know by common -sense, by reason, and conscience, that we are free agents; therefore -justly accountable to a holy, sin-hating God. But if God made, -created, produced all our wicked volitions and acts; how can we -regard him as just in punishing us for the very acts, which he -produced? And what can such passages as James 1:13, mean, -"God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man?"</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_82" id="Sonnet_Note_82"></a><a href="#Sonnet_82"><i>Sonnet 82.</i></a> The following seem to be clear and prominent points -of instruction in the divine Word.</p> - -<p>1. There is <span class="smcap">one God</span>, eternal, infinite, all-wise, perfect in goodness, -the creator of the universe. Hence all the gods and idols of -the heathen are vanity and a lie.—"There is one God the Father of -all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephes. -2:5.—"The Lord our God is one Lord."—"God is one."—"One -God and one Mediator." Mark 12:29. Galatians 3:20. I Tim. -2:5. Thus throughout the whole scripture the unity of God is -asserted or implied. The name of God occurs 500 or 600 times in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> -the Bible. "God is one;" one conscious, intelligent being and -voluntary agent. No man in the exercise of his reason has any -doubts as to his own oneness, or as to the oneness of any brother -man or of any angel, of whom he may think or speak. If I am -conscious, that I am a single intellectual being, and necessarily -regard every other man as such; then it cannot enter my thoughts, -that the one God is a compound being.</p> - -<p>2. God has a <span class="smcap">Son</span> in heaven, by whom he made the worlds, and -whom he sent from heaven to earth, to tabernacle for a while in -human flesh, voluntarily abased in his powers to the condition of -a man, to be a Mediator and Savior. In John, chapter 1, Jesus -Christ is called "the Son of God," "the only-begotten of the -Father," "the Lamb of God," who was "in the beginning with -God," and "by whom all things were made."</p> - -<p>3. That the Son of God is a being distinct from God is most -obvious from the whole New Testament. In Phil. I, Paul prays -for grace and peace "from God our Father and from the Lord -Jesus Christ." He adds, "I thank my God upon every remembrance -of you." So throughout his epistle God and Jesus Christ -are most plainly distinct beings. He says, that Christ condescended -to come in fashion "as a man," on which account God highly -exalted him: here are two beings: and Christ will be extolled at last -to "the glory of God the Father."—He "worshipped God in the -spirit and rejoiced in Christ Jesus."—Here are again two beings. -Near the close of the epistle he says—"my God shall supply all -your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." How -strange to Paul must have been the doctrine, that Christ was one -of several beings making up one God?</p> - -<p>But the same distinction is clearly and fully set forth by Paul in -all his other epistles as well as in that to the Philippians. He -begins most of them with a prayer like that in the epistle to the -Romans,—"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the -Lord Jesus Christ." Then he "thanks God through Jesus Christ -for them all;" the God, whom he serves "in the gospel of his Son." -Read also,—"the righteousness of God by faith of Jesus Christ;"—"we -have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;"—"we -were reconciled to God by the death of his Son;"—"the gift of -God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord;"—nothing can -"separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our -Lord;"—Paul prays, that his brethren may "glorify God even the -Father of our Lord Jesus Christ;"—and after more of similar<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> -language he ends this epistle,—"To God only wise be glory -through Jesus Christ forever. Amen."</p> - -<p>If it be asked, in what sense is Christ God's "<em>Son</em>, whom he hath -appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds?" -I answer, the word doubtless means, that he was derived from God, -that he sprung from God, that he received his being from God -before the creation of the universe. He is called God's "first-begotten" -and "only-begotten." It is unnecessary and may be -useless for us to enter into any inquiries and discussions concerning -hypostasis, person, nature, being, essence, substance, and other -logical and metaphysical terms employed by theologians, which do -not afford a particle of light; but we must believe, that Christ was -derived from God and possesses the very attributes and endured -the sufferings, ascribed to him in the scriptures. If we ascribe to -him a nature not ascribed to him in the Bible, one incapable of -suffering, and then deny the sufferings, which are ascribed to him; -what do we but contradict the word of God and reject the doctrine -of the Atonement by the sufferings of Christ, which is the foundation -of the sinner's hope? If a learned doctor should assert, that -if Christ was the agent of God in the creation of the universe, and -is his agent in its government, then he could not be derived from -God; the learned man puts forth only the words of folly. As -derived from God, why might not the Son be as much superior to -the highest angel, as man is superior in knowledge and powers to -the beetle under our foot? Why could he not derive from God and -exercise under God the powers of creation?</p> - -<p>"He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every -creature; for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, -and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, -or dominions, or principalities or powers: all things were created -by him and for him:"—"it pleased the father, that in him should all -fullness dwell." Col. 1:15, 16. So in Heb. 1:3, Christ is called -"the express image of God's person;" where the Greek word, -translated person, means nature, essence, or being, and the assertion -is, that Christ is "a clear and strong image of the essence or -nature of the divine majesty." It may be, that for this reason the -title of god is given to him; and with very obvious propriety may -we ascribe to him divinity or call him a divine being, without -contending for the impossibility that he is the very being, whose -image he is, or that his own is the very nature, person, hypostasis, -or substance, of which he stands the express character.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span></p> - -<p>According to our English Bible the Son of God under the name of -the Word seems to be called God by the apostle John, ch. 1, v. 1. -But it was not the purpose of John to represent the Word as the -infinite, supreme, almighty God. <span class="smcap">Origen</span>, who wrote in Greek, -in the third century, and understood the language better than any -modern critic, says, that John's assertion is that, "the <i lang="el" xml:lang="el">logos</i>, or -word, was <em>a god</em>," using the word god in its inferior, well-known -sense, as is proved by his omission of the article. If he had -inserted the article, he would have said, that "the logos was <em>the</em> -God, the supreme God, Jehovah." The plain teaching is, there is -one God. With him was the <i lang="el" xml:lang="el">logos</i> in the beginning, an exalted, -glorious being; a second, inferior God; a being derived from God; -and in this sense a divine being.—Besides Origen, Philo and -several other fathers of the three first centuries speak of John's -omission of the article here as a proof that by the word god he did -not mean the Supreme God. Consider also, that if the logos -existed "<em>with</em> God," then he was not the very God, with whom he -existed.—On the other hand, it is a matter of no weight that when -the supreme God is meant, yet the article is often omitted; for it is -an established principle that it may be omitted when the name of -God is sufficiently definite without it. In John 1:6,—"a man -sent from God:" here is an omission of it as unnecessary. So v. -12, 13, 18. Origen again says,—"Angels are called gods because -they are divine; but we are not commanded to worship them in the -place of God, and hence they are not really gods." He says, the -article is withheld, when what is called god is a being different -"from the self-existent God, having a communicated divinity, -being a divine person." Such also was the opinion of Clemens -Alexandrinus and Eusebius; and they were men more competent -to decide a matter concerning the construction of the Greek language -than any modern critic.—In several of the first centuries it -was the judgment of such Fathers as Justin, Athenagoras, Tatian, -Theophilus, Clemens, Origen, &c., that the word god as applied to -Christ denoted a celestial nature, superior to all creatures, but -inferior to the Supreme God. But the authority of Christ himself -is more decisive,—"My Father is greater than I:" and the whole -of scripture shows, that the one perfect God and his Son are two -distinct intelligent Beings. As the word in Greek, Acts 28:6, has -no article our translators have very properly said "a god." If any -one will look at 2 Thess. 2:4, he will see, that the word God occurs -four times and undistinguished in the English Testament, but in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> -the Greek the word for God appears once—"in the temple of God"—<em>with</em> -the article, showing that the true Supreme God is meant,—and -three times <em>without</em> the article, showing, that the word is used -in an inferior sense, that a false god was intended. Dr. Macknight's -translation is as follows,—"above every one, who is -called <em>a god</em> or an object of worship. So that he, in the temple of -<span class="smcap">God</span>, as <em>a god</em> sitteth, openly shewing himself, that he is <em>a god</em>." -It is thus, that the Word in John 1st is called a god, and not God -the Supreme, the Almighty Jehovah.</p> - -<p>When <i>Tatian</i>, about A. D. 165 speaks of "a god, who was born -in the form of man" and of "the suffering God," he certainly did -not mean, that Christ was the Supreme God, incapable of suffering. -It was the doctrine of Apollinaris, two hundred years later, that Christ -assumed a human body with a sentient soul like that of the inferior -animals, but not assuming an intelligent or rational human spirit. -He could see no reason why Christ should have two intelligent -natures and two free wills. In his judgment the Son of God, who -came down from heaven, was the only rational tenant of his human -body, and the only rational sufferer on the cross, making a real -atonement for sin. For scriptural proof he rested on John 1:14, -"the Word was made flesh." His doctrine was doubtless this,—that -the Son of God in his high spiritual nature, in which he came -down from heaven in order to suffer, was the real sufferer on the -cross: not that he was God incapable of suffering, and incapable -of making any atonement.</p> - -<p>On the distinction between Almighty God and his Son, derived -from him before the creation, the Creed of the Church of England -is very explicit:—"I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, -Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible: -and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten -of his Father before all worlds, &c."—"Who for us men and -for our salvation came down from heaven, &c."</p> - -<p>The doctrine of the New England Synod at Boston in 1680 was -the same: "The Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding; -the Son is eternally begotten of the Father." If many of our -American theologians at the present day reject the doctrine of the -derivation of the Son from God, they are not responsible to the -Synod's Confession or Creed, but certainly they are to holy Scripture -and to Reason.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_84" id="Sonnet_Note_84"></a><a href="#Sonnet_84"><i>Sonnet 84.</i></a> In a sonnet Milton speaks of the popish massacre in -Piedmont:</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent8">"Their moans</div> - <div class="verse">The vales redoubled to the hills, and they</div> - <div class="verse indent3">To Heav'n. Their martyr'd blood and ashes sow</div> - <div class="verse indent3">O'er all th' Italian fields, where still doth sway</div> - <div class="verse">The triple tyrant; that from these may grow</div> - <div class="verse indent3">A hundred fold, who having learned the way</div> - <div class="verse indent3">Early may fly the Babylonian woe."</div> - </div> - </div> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_86" id="Sonnet_Note_86"></a><a href="#Sonnet_86"><i>Sonnet 86.</i></a> Occom was a distinguished Indian preacher, the first -who visited England. Born at Mohegan near Norwich, Conn., he -was educated 4 years in Wheelock's Indian School at Lebanon, and -was himself a school teacher of the Montauk Indians 10 or 12 years. -In 1759, at the age of 36, he was ordained by a presbytery. He -preached in Great Britain in 1766, 1767, and 1768, between 300 -and 400 sermons, employed by Mr. Wheelock. For the remaining -24 years of his life he continued to preach; and he died at New -Stockbridge, near Utica, in July 1792, aged 69. The author has -prepared for the press a Memoir of Occom, drawn from the papers -of Dr. Wheelock which are in his hands and from Occom's own -manuscript journals.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_93" id="Sonnet_Note_93"></a><a href="#Sonnet_93"><i>Sonnet 93.</i></a> As an old medal had on it for a device a bullock -standing between a plough and an altar, with the inscription, <i>Ready -for Either</i>, the device was thought very appropriate to express the -disposition of the true Christian missionary, ready for toil and ready -also to be a sacrifice, if called to die in his master's service, "not -holding his life dear unto himself."</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_96" id="Sonnet_Note_96"></a><a href="#Sonnet_96"><i>Sonnet 96.</i></a> Sickness prevented me from visiting my nephew and -meeting with his guests on an interesting occasion. The old house, -the home of my childhood and my dwelling for seven years of my -ministry,—the house built by my father, the first minister of -Pittsfield, in the wilderness,—was superseded by an elegant mansion, -built by his grandson bearing his own name, Thomas Allen. -The event was commemorated by a select and happy company -of aged men.</p> - -<p><a name="Sonnet_Note_98" id="Sonnet_Note_98"></a><a href="#Sonnet_98"><i>Sonnet 98.</i></a> I first visited Niagara Falls 56 years ago. Having -just been licensed by the ministers of Berkshire county to preach -the gospel, I mounted my horse in Aug. 1804 and rode out more -than 400 miles through the western wilderness of New York as far<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> -as Lake Erie and Niagara river, preaching in various places to little -assemblies in log cabins. Buffalo, now a great city, was then a -village of 19 houses. Three miles below there was the ferry at -Black Rock; and there I saw the famous Indian chief, Red Jacket, -attending his little grand-daughter as from a rock she threw her -hook into the great stream. Thence I rode down on the Canada -side 15 miles to the wondrous Falls.</p> - -<p>Besides the lesson of solemn warning and terror another of a -character acceptable and gladdening was offered to my thoughts, -as I stood on the river's bank at the Falls; for I beheld a rainbow -of a full semi-circle or more, the ends almost under my feet, -stretching over the awful chasm, deepest in color low down at -each extremity, where the turmoil of mist was the thickest. This -lesson I here put in rhyme, and with it, in accordance with the -sentiment of the hundredth sonnet which a few days ago passed -through the press, I now close this little book.</p> - -<p>If the reader will consider, that my threatening illness has now -had a continuance of many months and that to-day closes seventy-six -years of my life, he will find reason to conclude, that my -thoughts here expressed, although in verse, are utterances in the -sincerity of faith and the honesty of truth: and so I bid him farewell, -wishing him "a happy New Year" and a blessed Eternity!</p> - -<p>Jan. 1, 1860.</p> - - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="title">NEW YEAR'S DAY, 1860.</div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">I praise thee, God of love! for this Day's light,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Which leads the train of days in this new year,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">For months not seeming destin'd to me here,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">But ah instead thereof a darksome night</div> - <div class="verse">In the low grave, of all earth's joys the blight.—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">I live! And in my thoughts old scenes appear.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The mighty Falls, where gazing I stood near</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In happy youth, rise up in splendor bright,</div> - <div class="verse">When, as I gaz'd, there met my wond'ring eye</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Amid the wat'ry strife the beauteous Bow,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As if brought down from its high place, the sky,</div> - <div class="verse">And planted deep in the thick mist below;—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">God's bow of promise to the earth beneath,—</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Symbol of Peace 'mid Sin and War and Death!</div> - </div> - </div> - -<hr style="width: 65%;" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="tnote"> -<p class="title">Transcriber's Notes</p> - -<p>Punctuation has been standardized.</p> - -<p>Some alternate spellings have been retained.</p> - -<p>This book contained an errata page at the end. The errata have been applied to -the e-text by the transcriber without further note.</p> - -<p> -p. 24: "Aud" changed to "And" (And with the holy who in glory shine!) -</p> - -<p> -p. 71: Missing word inserted: "an" (Remaining more than an hour) -</p> - -<p> -p. 94: "shewing" changed to "showing" (showing that the true Supreme God is meant) -</p> - -</div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's A Book of Christian Sonnets, by William Allen - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A BOOK OF CHRISTIAN SONNETS *** - -***** This file should be named 53816-h.htm or 53816-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/8/1/53816/ - -Produced by Richard Hulse, Daniel Lowe and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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