THE GARDEN.
"Gardens have been the scenes of the three most stupendous events that have occurred on earth:—the temptation and fall of man—the agony of the Son of God—and his resurrection from the grave"
Notes of the American Editor of "Kebb's Christian Year."
Is't not a holy place, thy Garden's bound,
Peopled with plants and every living leaf
Instinct with thought, to stir the musing mind?
—Where was it that our Mother wandering went,
When 'mid her nursling vines and flowers, she met
The gliding serpent, in his green and gold,
And rashly listened to his glozing tongue,
Till loss of Eden and the wrath of God
Did fade from her remembrance? Was it not
A garden, where this deed of rashness check'd
The stainless blossom of a world unborn?
—Still, tread with trembling. Hast thou nought to fear?
No tempter in thy path, with power to sow
Thy Paradise with thorns, if God permit?
So, hold thy way amid the sweets of earth
With cautious step, and have thy trust above?
—Is't not a holy place, thy Garden's bound,
When at the cool close of the summer's day
Thou lingerest there, indulging sweet discourse
With lips belov'd? Then speak of him who bare
Upon his tortur'd brow, strange dews of blood
For man's redemption.
Bring the thrilling scene
Home to thine inmost soul:—the sufferer's cry,
"Father! if it be possible, this cup
Take thou away.—Yet not my will but thine:"
