Poems (Stephens)/The stars
For works with similar titles, see The Stars.
THE STARS.
Oh wondrous stars! six thousand years Those pure unchanging beams of light, Have travell'd through immensity, The crowning glory of the night.
For you were there on that glad morn, When first creations work was done; Tour songs of praise ascended with The shouts of joy then just begun.
And when God bless'd as "very good" The creatures of His mighty hand,Ye had begun your tireless race In grandeur too a matchless band.
While our Eden's perfect bloom, Around that sinless happy pair,Tour calm effulgence gently spread A lustre as divinely fair.
And when was made that fearful plunge From innocence to guilt so vast,That angels wept o'er ruined man, No clouds athwart your beams were cast.
But ye through sure appointment led The path to where the Savior lay; A sacrifice complete for all, A sacred teacher of the Way.
And while within the garden lone He knelt in agonizing prayer; When dear disciples soundly slept, You kept the solemn watches there.
Nor can we doubt, but o'er the Mount Where Christ for sinners did atone; You pierced the awful darkness through, And 'round the cross in glory shone.
So when the angel roll'd the stone Back from the portal of His tomb. Ye were the first, with chasten'd beams, "To enter that sepulchral gloom."
And as He then revealed to man A helper for each trying hour; So ye are ever showing forth Eternal majesty and power.
And bidding us who fear to doubt, Yet long to change our faith for sight; Be faithful and we yet shall find Beyond your spheres a source of light.