Poems (Frances Elizabeth Browne)/Lines to a friend
For works with similar titles, see Lines to a friend.
LINES TO A FRIEND,
ON HIS COMPLAINING OF THE INSUFFICIENCY OF PHILOSOPHY AS A SUPPORT TO THE MIND UNDER AFFLICTION, AND THAT HE MEANT TO SEEK THAT SUPPORT IN RELIGION AND THE SCRIPTURES.
O, search the bright record,—let nothing restrain thee,—
The earnest pursuit shall be crowned with success!
Let not earth, with its varied temptations, enchain thee,
Seek Him who alone can life's pilgrimage bless!
The earnest pursuit shall be crowned with success!
Let not earth, with its varied temptations, enchain thee,
Seek Him who alone can life's pilgrimage bless!
Can Science true happiness ever bestow?
Will Philosophy prove from fate's arrows a shield,
Or blunt the barbed shafts of affliction? Ah, no!
Its impotent arm in the conflict must yield.
Will Philosophy prove from fate's arrows a shield,
Or blunt the barbed shafts of affliction? Ah, no!
Its impotent arm in the conflict must yield.
Religion alone can the armor supply;
The shield must be faith, and the spirit the sword,
The breastplate of righteousness,—these may defy
The world, in the name of a crucified Lord!
The shield must be faith, and the spirit the sword,
The breastplate of righteousness,—these may defy
The world, in the name of a crucified Lord!
O, seek then that armor,—prayer ever obtains it,—
The Saviour has promised, "Ask, it shall be given";
That promise how sacred! the Bible contains it;
He reigns who has made it in earth and in heaven.
The Saviour has promised, "Ask, it shall be given";
That promise how sacred! the Bible contains it;
He reigns who has made it in earth and in heaven.
O, seek it in faith, with humility crave
That wisdom which science can never supply,
That comfort and peace which the world cannot give,
Nor with which the world's treasures in value can vie.
That wisdom which science can never supply,
That comfort and peace which the world cannot give,
Nor with which the world's treasures in value can vie.