22
poems.
Hear, hear the words that sweetly publish peace,
Impartial love, and mercy, to mankind!
Oh, hear, and let not doubt its shadow cast
Upon that hope which Heaven has given to man!
Oh, for an angel's voice to sing the song
Of bliss my spirit feels!—my praise is vain.
Well might celestial beings from above
Descend to shout the anthems of glad joy,—
To celebrate with praise to God the birth
Of Him ordain'd "the way, the truth, the life,"
The Saviour of the lost. It well became
The heavenly host to speak those rapturous words,
As the bright future which the gospel brings
Was all reveal'd! In harmony they said,
"Glory in the highest to our God,
Peace on earth, good-will to all mankind!"
The flag's triumphant folds, as years pass on,
Are slowly drooping, and then all the world
In sacred amity will soon be join'd.
Knowledge, rich treasure, lights the mind obscur'd,
Bringing sweet happiness, with hope, to man;
It points to God as father, and reveals
His love, his wisdom; and we learn to trust
In him, the Almighty Ruler, and our hearts,
O'erflowing with grateful praise, are nearer bound
To all around us. Light and joy and peace
Impartial love, and mercy, to mankind!
Oh, hear, and let not doubt its shadow cast
Upon that hope which Heaven has given to man!
Oh, for an angel's voice to sing the song
Of bliss my spirit feels!—my praise is vain.
Well might celestial beings from above
Descend to shout the anthems of glad joy,—
To celebrate with praise to God the birth
Of Him ordain'd "the way, the truth, the life,"
The Saviour of the lost. It well became
The heavenly host to speak those rapturous words,
As the bright future which the gospel brings
Was all reveal'd! In harmony they said,
"Glory in the highest to our God,
Peace on earth, good-will to all mankind!"
The flag's triumphant folds, as years pass on,
Are slowly drooping, and then all the world
In sacred amity will soon be join'd.
Knowledge, rich treasure, lights the mind obscur'd,
Bringing sweet happiness, with hope, to man;
It points to God as father, and reveals
His love, his wisdom; and we learn to trust
In him, the Almighty Ruler, and our hearts,
O'erflowing with grateful praise, are nearer bound
To all around us. Light and joy and peace
