The Poetical Writings of Fitz-Greene Halleck/Religion
RELIGION.
WRITTEN ON A BLANK LEAF OF MY PRAYER-BOOK.
hen Misery’s tear and Sorrow’s sigh
Oppress the feeling mind,
Say—where for refuge shall we fly?
And where a refuge find?
The morn of life may open fair,
And charm the view awhile;
The world around us then may wear
A universal smile;
But Life’s a transitory scene,
Its prospects all are vain;
The bosom that now beats serene,
Too soon may throb with pain.
Though Pleasure Youth’s gay hours adorn,
The wayward heart to please,
’Tis fleeting as the dew of morn,
’Tis fickle as the breeze.
Uncertain is our mortal breath,
On swiftest wings it flies;
And soon the iron hand of death
Shall close our dying eyes.
Such is our state—then, tell me, where,
Oppressed with care and grief,
The anxious bosom can repair,
To seek and find relief?
To mild Religion—heavenly maid!
Belongs the power alone,
To dissipate the deepest shade,
That shrouds the dark unknown.
She gives the glad inquiring mind
This solemn truth to know:
“The soul of man is not confined
To this short space below.”
Then cherish well the hopes she gives,
To banish all our fears:
“The disembodied spirit lives
Beyond the vale of tears.
“Though want, contempt, and scorn, attend
The virtuous here below,
Their future bliss shall far transcend
Their present pain and woe.
“In realms of everlasting rest,
Where cares and sorrows cease,
The sainted spirits of the blest
Shall find eternal peace.”
Then be to Heaven’s will resigned,
And own Religion’s power,
For there a sure resource we find,
In sorrow’s darkest hour.
1810.
