SPIRITUAL RICHES
Impov'rished souls, of Earth's best things possessed;
Whose only need it is that ye need naught!
And hearts whose restlessness is born of rest;
And ye, whose hunger 'tis, ye hunger not!
Whose only need it is that ye need naught!
And hearts whose restlessness is born of rest;
And ye, whose hunger 'tis, ye hunger not!
Know this: Earth's consolations e'er defy
Possession of the riches Christ bestows!
Poor hands! Your idleness must satisfy—
'Tis all Earth has to furnish of repose!
Possession of the riches Christ bestows!
Poor hands! Your idleness must satisfy—
'Tis all Earth has to furnish of repose!
And laughter which, unsponsored of the soul,
Rings out sympathyless, think ye that ears—
Grief-strained to hear—such laughter can console,
More than a pictured stream the thirsty cheers?
Rings out sympathyless, think ye that ears—
Grief-strained to hear—such laughter can console,
More than a pictured stream the thirsty cheers?
Nay, nay! Think not such laughter to compare
With that which cradleth peace—incarnate peace,—
Born of the union—priested by Faith's prayer—
Between the soul and Christ's own righteousness.
With that which cradleth peace—incarnate peace,—
Born of the union—priested by Faith's prayer—
Between the soul and Christ's own righteousness.
Ye all your consolation have received,
Who know no wish for things of Heav'nly worth,
Laugh on! By Satan and yourselves deceived,
For Death's rude hand shall shortly check your mirth!
Who know no wish for things of Heav'nly worth,
Laugh on! By Satan and yourselves deceived,
For Death's rude hand shall shortly check your mirth!
Nor think to steal another's happiness
And so increase your own; it may not be!
'Tis only gained by sharing his distress;
By losing of one's Self in ministry.
And so increase your own; it may not be!
'Tis only gained by sharing his distress;
By losing of one's Self in ministry.
65
