What echoes from the sacred dome That will not hear of love or home? The heart that scorn'd a father's care, Or how shall envious brethren own How shall thy Spirit's gracious wile That frowns on sweet affection's smile? Eternal One, Almighty Trine! (Since Thou art ours, and we are Thine) By all thy love did once resign, By all the grace thy heavens still hide, We pray thee, keep us at thy side, Creator, Saviour, strengthening Guide! FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. So Joshua smote all the country, and all their kings; he left none remaining. Joshua x. 40. WHERE is the land with milk and honey flowing, The promise of our God, our fancy's theme? Here over shatter'd walls dank weeds are growing, And blood and fire have run in mingled stream; Like oaks and cedars all around The giant corses strew the ground, And haughty Jericho's cloud-piercing wall These are not scenes for pastoral dance at even, Soft slumbers in the open eye of heaven, We in the midst of ruins live, Which every hour dread warning give, Nor may our household vine or figtree hide Where is the sweet repose of hearts repenting, Is ready for the suppliant's brow, By the Almighty Three for ever plann'd, And from behind the cloud held out by Jesus' hand. "Now, Christians, hold your own--the land before ye Life's ebbing stream on either side Shews at each turn some mouldering hope or joy, Open our eyes, thou Sun of life and gladness, Touch our chill'd hearts with vernal smile, Our wintry course do Thou beguile, Nor by the wayside ruins let us mourn, Who have th' eternal towers for our appointed bourne. SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. 1 St. John iii. 13. THE clouds that wrap the setting sun When Autumn's softest gleams are ending, In sweet confusion blending : : Why, as we watch their floating wreath, When up some woodland dale we catch a Eschyl. Prom. 89. Or with pleas'd ear bewilder'd watch His chime of restless motion; Still as the surging waves retire Wouldst thou the life of souls discern? The spring of the regenerate heart, But he, whose heart will bound to mark By leaf or flow'ret worn: Cheap forms, and common hues, 'tis true, Through the bright shower-drop meet his view; The colouring may be of this earth; The lustre comes of heavenly birth. |