Poems (Edwards)/Pulpit Eloquence
For works with similar titles, see Pulpit Eloquence.
PULPIT ELOQUENCE.[A memory of the Rev. L******* R*****, of the Virginia Conference.]
Soft as the distant murmur of a rill,In rich deep music from his glowing lips,Fell words of burning eloquence. Now low,Like the faint whisper of a zephyr's breath, So still, so deep, so holy, that it seemedLike the sweet echo of an angel's luteAround us gently stealing. Then again,His rich full voice came pealing, like the tonesSwept from a thousand harp-strings, bringing thoughtsOf wild unearthly beauty, clothed in wordsOf thrilling power. Like gems of lightAnd precious jewels from the bending skies.They fell in sparkling showers upon our hearts,And waked ten thousand glowing visions upThat long had slumbered there. O! I have thoughtThat the sacred eloquence which stoleAround us then, re-echoed through the skies,In all their shining courts and glittering domes,Until it reached the very throne of God,And brought from thence a blessing on the flockWho waited to receive it.Go on, go on, thou holy man of God!For thee there is a crown,—a rich rewardLaid up in Heaven. So walk that thou may'st winLife everlasting in that better land, Where comes no pain nor parting. Oh! be strong,Resist the world. Turn,—from its homage turn.Its honours seek not. To thy God belongsAll might and glory. Be thou stayed on Him,And when before Him thou art called to hearThe final sentence, mayest thou feel and say,"I was not vainly gifted."