GOD NEITHER KNOWN NOR LOVED BY THE WORLD. YE linnets, let us try, beneath this grove, Which shall be loudest in our Maker's praise! In quest of some forlorn retreat I rove, [ways. For all the world is blind, and wanders from his That God alone should prop the sinking soul, Fills them with rage against his empire now : I traverse earth in vain from pole to pole, To seek one simple heart, set free from all below. They speak of love, yet little feel its sway, While in their bosoms many an idol lurks; Their base desires, well satisfied, obey, Leave the Creator's hand, and lean upon his works. 'Tis therefore I can dwell with man no more; Your fellowship, ye warblers! suits me best: Pure love has lost its price, though prized of yore, Profaned by modern tongues, and slighted as a jest. My God, who form'd you for his praise alone, Beholds his purpose well fulfill'd in you; Come, let us join the choir before his throne, Partaking in his praise with spirits just and true! Yes, I will always love; and, as I ought, Tune to the praise of Love my ceaseless voice; Preferring Love too vast for human thought, In spite of erring men, who cavil at my choice. Why have I not a thousand thousand hearts, Lord of my soul! that they might all be thine ? If thou approve,-the zeal thy smile imparts, How should it ever fail! can such a fire decline? Love pure and holy, is a deathless fire; Its object heavenly, it must ever blaze : Eternal love a God must needs inspire, [praise. When once he wins the heart, and fits it for his Self-love dismiss'd,-'tis then we live indeed, In her embrace, death, only death is found: Come, then, one noble effort, and succeed, [bound! [own! Dear to your inmost souls, and make him all your They hear me not.-Alas! how fond to rove In endless chase of folly's specious lure; 'Tis here alone, beneath this shady grove, I taste the sweets of truth,-here only am secure. THE SWALLOW. I AM fond of the swallow ;-I learn from her flight, It is on the wing that she takes her repose, She comes in the spring, all the summer she stays, It is dangerous food that we find upon earth: The fruit of this world is beset with a snare, In itself it is hurtful, as vile in its birth. 'Tis rarely, if ever, she settles below, And only when building a nest for her young; Were it not for her brood, she would never bestow A thought upon any thing filthy as dung. Let us leave it ourselves ('tis a mortal abode) To bask every moment in infinite Love; Let us fly the dark winter, and follow the road That leads to the dayspring appearing above. THE TRIUMFH OF HEAVENLY LOVE DESIRED. Ан! reign, wherever man is found, When every human heart is thine. A FIGURATIVE DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURE OF DIVINE LOVE, IN BRINGING A SOUL TO THE POINT OF SELF-RENUNCI ATION AND ABSOLUTE ACQUIESCENCE. 'Twas my purpose on a day, To embark and sail away; Come," he said, "ascend! make haste, Launch into the boundless waste." Many mariners were there, They that row'd us held their eyes On the briny wave I lay, No:-" My soul," I cried, "be still! Next he hasten'd to convey Still, however, life was safe; 66 Friend," he cried, "adieu! lie low, While the wintry storms shall blow; When the spring has calm'd the main, You shall rise and float again." Soon I saw him, with dismay, How I trembled then and fear'd, See me subject to thy will! Frown with wrath, or smile with grace, Only let me see thy face! Evil I have none to fear, All is good, if Thou art near. Yet he leaves me,-cruel fate! All is right that thou wilt do. This was just what Love intended, Love return'd to me and smiled: Never strife shall more betide "Twixt the Bridegroom and his bride. A CHILD OF GOD LONGING TO SEE HIM BELOVED. THERE's not an echo round me, The rocks receive less proudly |