Page:Pleasant Memories of Pleasant Lands.djvu/60

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DIVINE SERVICE. 35

performances are acts of memory, which is doubtless rendered more retentive by the concentrativeness of thought that blindness promotes. The noble asylum for these sightless worshippers is well patronized. Their church is adorned with two large paintings, and a transparency ; and was filled by a respectable audi ence. The seats for the objects of the Institution are in the gallery. Sweet and heaven-born is that Charity which, if she may not, like her Master, open the blind eye to the works of nature, pours upon the afflicted mind the light of knowledge, and lifts up the soul to the " clear shining of the Sun of Righteousness."

��One day, the ocean s might to dare, While the lone ship with rushing prow

Adventurous cuts her doubtful way, With clouds above and waves below,

One day, the booming surge to hear, Mid wrecking winds impetuous roar,

And press the next with speechless joy Our mother Albion s verdant shore,

To list her Sabbath s sacred chime, To kneel amid her kneeling train,

Seems like the pageant of a dream

That weaves its mockery round the brain,

�� �