Poems (Baldwyn)/The Sabbath Morning

by Augusta Baldwyn

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.