Poems (Baldwyn)/The Sabbath Morning
THE SABBATH MORNING.
It is the Sabbath's morn! a deep repose On forests, hills, and streams so calmly rests. The air a momentary music breathes, Faintly and sweetly, wafting the perfume Of trees and flowers, whose sunny leaves are bright After the evening shower. The list'ning ear Perchance may catch the distant rush of waves Mournfully sighing where the forests shade Their gently-flowing waters; yet it bears A sound so soothing, that it lulls to rest Each troubl'd feeling. Peace, like falling dew,From heaven descends, to brighten and refresh. The morning's varied hues that deck the sky Cast o'er the earth the sapphire's golden light; The sun on high, from his majestic throne, Arrays the vale in brightness. Faintest mist, While all is radiance round, obscures the hills; Yet, while that glorious orb above is shining O'er the unclouded heavens, can we heed The distant haze, though beauty far away By its sad veil is hidden? I rejoice, And still will trust in thee, O Lord of good, While the Sun of Righteousness divine Shines grace resplendant, though the way be dark That bounds my vision! Soon the mist is pass'd; Soon, oh soon, will death, which is the veil That hides eternity, be drawn aside, And then will perfect bliss and knowledge be The gift of those who love Thee. Glorious nature! Holy peace is here. Sweet is the Sabbath's rest. Far brighter hues Than e'er deck'd temples in the Eastern clime When Solomon was king, now robe the sky. Harmonies arise, and praise is heard, By ear and spirit, richer than the notes From stringed harps: a spiritual hymn Ascends to heaven. The world's a temple Reared by God's own hands. Our hearts awake To ev'ry holy feeling. Nature calls The spirit to devotion. Let us join The universal anthem! Praise to Thee, To Thee, O God of love, Thy grace inspires. Oh, let no cloud of sin or care obscure The sacred joy Thy presence now hath given; Nor may my heart's submission prove as fleet As yon exhalance of the morning's tears.