The bells and circles on the waves, From leaping of the trout; The salmon from their creels and caves O sure it were a seemly thing, The praise of God to play and sing, All laborers draw home at even, And can to others say: "Thanks to the gracious God of Heaven, John Milton. 1608-1674. ON HIS BLINDNESS. When I consider how my light is spent, Ere half my days in this dark world and wide, And that one talent, which is death to hide, Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent To serve therewith my Maker, and present 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." HAIL, HOLY LIGHT. From "Paradise Lost," Book III. Hail, holy Light, offspring of Heaven first-born! Or of the Eternal coëternal beam, May I express thee unblamed? since God is light, Dwelt from eternity-dwelt then in thee, The rising world of waters dark and deep, For wonderful indeed are all His works. Their number, or the wisdom infinite That brought them forth, but hid their causes deep? I saw when at His word the formless mass, Robert Leighton. 1611-1684. DUTY. I reach a duty, yet I do it not, And therefore see no higher; but, if done, My view is brighten'd and another spot Seen on my moral sun. For, be the duty high as angels' flight, And thus it is, the purest most deplore Were it not wisdom, then, to close our eyes enry Dangban. 1621-1695. THE RAINBOW. Still young and fine, but what is still in view new. How bright wert thou, when Shem's admiring eye Thy burnish'd, flaming arch did first descry! Forms turn to music, clouds to smiles and air : Bright pledge of peace and sunshine! the sure Of thy Lord's hand, the object of His eye! Richard Barter. 1615-1691. RESIGNATION. Lord, it belongs not to my care, To love and serve Thee is my share, If short, yet why should I be sad Christ leads me through no darker rooms Than He went through before; He that into God's kingdom comes Must enter by His door. Come, Lord, when grace has made me meet Thy blessed face to see ; For if Thy work on earth be sweet, What will Thy glory be? |