/^ C-^^/^>^?^ — ^6/ /0^^L 'Ksf A POEM ^'^^^ Copy 1 EXHrniTING THE IIREATION OF THE WORLD. TIIK FALL & REDEMPTION OE MAN AND THE FINAL JUDGMENT. ItV AlVDREW S. HEEI^ER. h- PUBLISHED BY REQUEST "Pearch the Scriptures, for in them ye think yc have eternal life; And iliey nrf ihoy whirh testify of me."— Christ, in .lohn v : S9ih. SECOND EDITION. OGDENSBURGH : inTrnnnCK 3j TTLLOTS<>>f, TUTNTKRf Y- Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year 1851, by Andrew S. Keeler, In the Clerk's Office for the Northern District of New-York. POEM. The God of all power, whom Angels adore, Created all things by his word : He speaks, he commands, 'tis done and must stand Deep mystery dwells with the Lord. He form'd the vast globe, so richly enrobed, And says that it shall be destroyed. When first he spake forth the heavens and earth, The earth had no form and was void. The spirit of God, on chaos did brood, And form shone with splendor sublime : Then darkness and light, by wisdom and might, To separate seasons and time. The darkness and light were good in his sight, And what things he then had compos'd ; He darkness named night, and day for the light ; The work of one day was then clos'd. Thus usher'd in Time by Power Divine, And wisdom of infinite claim ; Deep wisdom, vast power, display'd in that hour, When order from chaos first carjie. A firmament then he caus'd to attend, And add to this wonderful scene : The firmament wide the waters divide, And land rose majestic between. Extending on high, and forming the sky. The firmament then he nam'd heaven ; Where firm it remains, still bearing the name, That by its great Author was given. The \vate]'s and land now separate stand,. Large waters he named them seas ; Dry land he called earth, on which he spalie forth, The herbs, plants and grass, a;nd the trees. Each seed was designed to yield of its kind, To decorate earth — and for food ; Like things before made, their Author f.hen said ;. " Behold, they are perfect and good." Let fomitains of light stand forth in my sight. From heaven to cast your bright rays ; As ages roll on for signs to be known. Dividing of seasons and days. Two orbs swiftly fly, and stand in the sky. As servants to earth and the seas : Forever to shine, each orb in its time.. As Infinite Wisdom should please. The greater obeys, as king of the days. Diffusing his beams to delight ; The lesser is seen, like some lonely queen, Retiring 'till silence of night. The stars then appear, like princes to cheer The queen of the night by their aid ; This luminous train, with twinkling liamc, The heavens with splendor arrayed. This canopy bright, adorn'd for the night. As vestures with diamonds, shines ; Like all before made, might justly be said. Perfection and splendor combine. Said Infinity, " Let fish for the sea. And things that in water can live. Come forth at my call, some great and some small. Ye waters, my bounty receive." Then whales of large size, came forth in the seas. And fishes of many a grade. The waters to store, from centre to shore. Which Wisdom ajid Power djsplay'd. 5 " Let fowls for the air, my summons now hcai, With pinions to mount up on high," That checrlul should sing, as swiftly they wing. That music might float in the sky. Then fowls of each hue, and size sprang in view, And warbled their notes on the spray ; This numerous brood were perfect and good. They sprang into life the fifth day. Then four footed beasts, and cattle, increas'd The wonder, already began To graze in the field, which forage should yield, And render submission to man. And creeping things then must close up the scene, And minor creation must end : God said that each kind was good in his mind, And heaven responded — Amen ! When heaven and earth obeyed and came forth. Unfolding such wisdom and power : Some agent must stand to rule o'er the land, And traverse the seas from each shore. Some one must be found to till the rich ground. And nurture the plants as they grow ; Clod then formed man in his image to stand. As lord of creation below. Of dust was he made — in beauty array'd, Endowed with wisdom and skill : Who, first of our race, in Eden was placed, A station important to fill. When Adam was made his Author then said : '' The man I have made, too, is good." The fowls and the beasts from west and the east, All gather'd around him and stood. He named them all, the great and the small, As seem'd to be good in his sight : Dominion was given, o'er all under Heaven, For Adam was just and upright. 6 The tiger and fawn, the vulture and swan, United in sport through the day ; The dove and the deer were strangers to fear ; No enemy sought them for prey. God saw it not good, that man, so endow'd, Should dwell on the earth thus alone ; And caus'd him to sleep insensibly deep, And took from his side a rib-bone. And that from his side transform'd to a bride, When Adam awoke with surprise ; Then Eve, at command presented her hand, And Adam rejoiced in the prize. This bone of his bone, by Adam was known As help-meet bestow'd from above ; To strengthen their peace and heighten their bliss, Their hearts were cemented with love. A mj'stery shown ; they twain became one, United in heart and desire ; A union bestow'd ; design'd for their good. Which gratitude deep should inspire. It may be implied, since Adam's fair bride Sprang not from the crown of his head. His province to reign continued the same, And this their Creator decreed. Nor yet from his feet was Adam's help-meet Extracted by goodness divine ; To show us again, should not be disdain'd, Nor should she be treated unkind. But near to his heart, which friendship imparts, And under the shield of his arm, Which also implies, should not be despis'd But guarded from peril and harm. Creation thus clos'd, stood calm and compos'd. For harmony reign'd through the whole ; The lofty Three One, He spake, it was done ; His will must forever control. Though man was ordaiii'd all flesh to command, And rule on the earth and the sea ; Yet he must adore the God of all power ; His law he was bound to obey. Nor should he repine that God should enjoin Obedience to his command ; His law being pure and just, to secure His glory, from angels and man. A garden was planted, which beauty presented ; Made pleasant by rivers and shades ; A river of Eden which waterd the garden, Then parted and formed four heads. With fruit rich and fair was Eden prepar'd ; To Adam this garden was given, To keep and to dress, and he should be blest, Unless he should sin against Heaven. His Maker proclaims: " Now while you remain Submissive to what I require. You never shall know of pain or of woe ; I give all your heart should desire. " Partake of my food refreshing and good, And feast on the fruit of the tree : From all you behold one tree I withhold ; That fruit is reserved for me. "But if yon refuse, my goodness abuse, And pluck that fair fruit and do eat, That day shalt thou die ! Be assured that I Will render thy ruin complete." Why should he complain that God should retain Thus much of the fruit of the field ? . When through him alone, b}'^ Adam was known, The earth her rich harvest must yield. Or think him unjust, affixing a curse, Though death be the wages of sin ; When he was left free to eat of the tree, Or if he should choose, to refrain. As well might a star with Heaven wage war, For lack of bright rays to diffase ; Or angels complain at Heaven's mild reign, And Infinite Goodness abuse. And while they obey'd they dwelt in the shade. And ate the good fruit of the trees : And from the rich vine they press'd the sweet wine, Rejoicing their Maker to please. All creatures began to welcome the man As lord of the sea and the land ; And ever rejoic'd to hear his mild voice. And meekly obey'd his command. The stars of the morning the twilight adorning. Together with melody sang ; As 't echoed abroad, these children of God, Then shouted for joy as it rang. In morning's cool shade, ere dewdrops had fled, Mid odors from Eden's perfume. Unconscious of guile, enraptured thej"^ smiled, And with their Creator communed. Prom morn until even, rich blessings from Heaven Descended like showers of rain ; While tributes of praise they joyfully raised Like incense to Heaven again. Both heaven and earth combin'd to shed forth Their treasures and honors on man ; No discord on earth, from South unto North The rivers of harmony ran. No honor compares with such as was theirs. While they to His will were resign'd ; Though angels above in harmony move, Nor happiness sweeter can find. No sighing nor tears, no trembling with fears, While meekly their God they obey ; And would have remained enjoying the same. Had thev never fallen astray. 9 But Eve, the man's bride, at length drew aside, To walk in the garden alone : She pass'd through the bowers admiring the flowers, Which in the rich garden had grown : But dark was the cloud which soon must enshroud The picture thus faintly portray'd ; The glory described of man and his bride, Was soon to be cast to the shades. Two dialogues then brought ruin on man, Which wisdom bids often review ; Some converse like this in Eden was pass'd, And sad was the scene that ensued : Which warns us beware of Satan's vile snare, Nor parley' with sin that seems small ; With purpose of heart, bid Satan depart. And watch unto prayer lest we fall. A serpent drew near, Eve listened to hear, Admiring the tones of his voice ; With evil in view his errand pursues. Affirming that she might rejoice : In accents that charm'd, declar'd it no harm To eat the fair fruit she pass'd by. Eve trembled and said, " I'm surely afraid, By eating, this day I should die." In melodious strain he told her again, " For eating you'll not surely die ; So banish your fears, and dry up your tears, And pluck the fair fruit yon pass by." Eve said in reply, " God said I shall die, The dny I partake of that fruit : Why should I transgress, and forfeit my peace ; Why seek for my ruin so great ?" " I wish you no harm, be not so alarm'd ; And do not my counsel despise ; Believe me thj- friend ; my counsel attend, You then shall be honor'd and wise." 2 10 Then with her fair hand she broke the command, She pluck'dthe fair fruit and did eat. By eating she found the fruit to abound With flavors delightful and sweet. Then quickly she ran in search of the man, Presenting the fruit she'd procured. Said Adam, " I fear much evil is near ; That fruit is the Lord's and not ours." " Alas ! have you been enticed to sin, Against our Creator and friend : Here's much that is good he gave us for food. Why should we transgress his command ?" Then Eve stood amaz'd, as on him she gaz'd, And saw that his soul v/as oppress'd ; Intent to beguile, affecting a smile, Said, " Adam, be not thou distress'd. " That fruit it is sweet, so take it and eat ; You then shall be honor'd and wise ; I know it is food, both pleasant and good, And strangely will open thine eyes." To please the fair bride, transform'd from his side, He put forth his hand to comply ; His heart being paih'd he paused again, And said, " If I eat I shall die." Then Eve was afraid and wept, as she said, " Why are you thus troubled in mind 1 I beg and entreat to take it and eat, Such honor and wisdom you'll find.'' Then Adam complied, and ate with his bride, And broke the first mandate of heaven : A sin so unkind impresses the mind. Could never be justly forgiven. Had they but refrain'd, no anguisli or pain Had visited them or their race ; But sorrows and death now stand in their path, To sadden and shorten their days. 11 The law that was broke could not be revok'd, The wages of sin must be given : Who will not confess transgression like this, Would banish an angel from Heaven ? The tiger soon growled, the wolf madly prowled, The hawk sought the dove for its prey : Past harmony ceas'd with fowls and the beasts ; The stronger the weaker would slay. The timid and weak affrighted, would seek, A refuge from Adam by flight ; The stronger and bold withstood his control, Disorder then banish'd delight. Now listen and hear, the Lord soon appear'd, And walk'd through the garden with shades ; But him the Lord plac'd, to keep it well drest, Had sinned, forsook it and fled. The willows did weep, the lillies they droop'd. The violets faded and fell ; How chang'd the whole scene, lo ! what does this mean Ah, Adam thus blest had rebelled. The Lord was aggrieved that Adam and Eve Had fled this fair field of delight ; And earnestly said, " to where have you stray'd. Or fled to escape from my sight ?" His voice it was heard, which fill'd them with fear. But Adam then answer'd and said, " Our vision is clear, we naked appear, And hid, being sadly afraid." The Lord then replies, as if in surprise, " Why are you thus sorely dismayed ? Who told you of this, here in Paradise ? Have you eat of the fruit I forbade ?'' Said Adam, " the bride thou form'd^from my side, Entic'd me to break the command ; I have not obey'd, enticed I stray'd :" Thus answer'd the criminal man. 12 " The serpent," said Eve, " made me to believe To eat of the fruit thou forbade, Would do me no harm, and by his sweet charm, Beguil'd me, and lo ! I have stray'd." Thus Adam and Eve, attempt to deceive, Excusing the guilt of their souls : But vain was their plea. Omniscience could see, That each might their actions control. How solemnly sure, no good is secur'd, In cov'ring our sins by deceit ; His All-Seeing Eye, our hearts will survey. And spurn the unhallow'd retreat. For, then was his voice, which ma,de them rejoice. In innocent virtue array'cl, Quick chang'd to a tone, which caus'd them to moan. And rue the sad day they were made. Instead of that peace, which daily increas'd. Since first they receiv'd their breath. Dark billows of wrath, now roll in their path, ' Commencing the pangs of their death. In Scripture we're told, the death of the soul. Is ever and ever in djing : When man hath once sinn'd, communion doth end, Then follows sorrow and sighing. Thus Adam and Eve, began to receive The penalty due to their crime ; Nor could they atone, the injury done, Abusing such goodness divine. And soon were they bidden, depart from fair Eden, Their food with fatigue to procure ; And earth was accursed, how sad the reverse ! Which they for transgression endur'd. Enshrouued in gloom, their prospects become, Condemned by themselves for their sin ; What render'd it worse, expos'd to a curse, Which ever, forever remains. 13 How long they remain'd ere mercy was nam'd, In Scripture it hath not been penn'd : It seems for awhile, dread silence prevail'd, That justice and mercy might blend. The mountains might quake, the rallies might shake, The sea cast her billows on high ; But what finite mind, could ever divine. How Adam might not surely die ? From this may be seen, how blinded by sin, Are those who can heedlessly stand ; Since this is the state, of small and the great, That ever have broke a command. For now the same voice, proclaims to our race, In accents which pierce through the sky, The law still remains, and shall be maintain'd, " The soul that doth sin it shall die." Commandments of God arc fearfully broad, Extending to thoughts and to deeds : Love God with the heart, and kindness impart, To all as we see them have need. Pure love in the soul, here centres the whole. And those who love none but themselves. Are vessels of wrath, expos'd to that death,' Which Adam incurr'd when he fell. And God hath said " none doth good, no not one, Lo, all have gone out of the way — Are morally blind, to evil inclin'd. And willfully, wickedly stray." " From him they withdraw, none keep the whole law, But all are included in sin ; Condemned to death, abiding in wrath. Unable himself to redeem." No deluging flood, or rivers of blood, From creatures for sacrifice slain ; Nor mountains of gold, nor rivers of oil, Can ransom one soul that hath sinn'd.' 14 But as we return to Scriptui c, we learn, What angels nor m<\ i could devise ; An ocean of love breaks forili from above, Mysterious, gracious and wise. Though Adam was driven, by justice of Heaven, From Eden where first he was placed ; Most w^elcome relief was found for his grief, Through rich and astonishing grace. The Lord in rich grace, his mercy displays. While justice receives its demand ; Both attributes shine, through wisdom divine, When thus he proclaims unto man : " Thou shalt undergo, with sweat on thy brow, To toil for the bread that you eat ; And thistles and thorns spring up in the morn, To choke both the vines and the wheat." " Yea, sorrow and care, through life you must bear, But hope still remains in thy case : Behold the glad sound, a ransom is found ! My Son he hath taken thy place." " Though I was your friend, against me you sinn'd, Have broken my law th;it is good. But Christ, my dear Son, will lay his life down. And shed for thy sake his heart's blood." "Now if you relent, in sorrow repent. Confess the deep guilt of thy sin. Acknowledge me just, pronouncing the curse. And feel that you justly are slain ;" " And look to my Son, for redemption alone, And trust in his fullness and grace ; Then will I forgive, the wrong I receiv'd, Yet not for thy sake, but for His." From Scripture we hear, four thousand long years, Fulfilling this promise delay'd. But prophet's inspir'd, beheld and admir'd, And ardently long'd for the day. 15 Though heaven decay, and earth pass away, His word not one tittle could pass : This must be fulfilled, and wise men beheld, And followed a star to the place. And on that blest night, sublime was the sight, As shepherds sat on the cold ground ; And watching their flocks, with dew on their locks, An angel from heaven came down ; And from the high throne, bright glory then shone, The angel breaks silence and says : " From heaven's high King good tidings I bring. All people shall speak forth his praise. " For lost and forlorn, a Savior is born, This day in the city of David : So dismal their fate, he pitied their state, And came that lost man might be saved."- " His name, it is Christ, the Lord of the skies, And this shall a sign be to you ; The babe you shall find, in a stall for the kine, In swadling cloths wrapt, go and view." The angel then paus'd, when suddenly was A throng of the heavenly hosts ; [raising, Their God they were praising, loud notes were they Like this was the theme that they chose : " To God in the highest, let glory arise To him doth the glory belong ; Despair may now cease, on earth shall be peace, And heaven breaks forth in a song : " Good will toward man — good will toward man 1 To God let the glory remain ; Amen ! alleluiah ! amen ! alleluiah ! Alleluiah forever, amen !" When the angels were gone, and the shepherds alone. With wonder they mus'd o'er the scene, Surprise being over, said " let us discover. What thing this strange message can mean." 16 They rose up in haste, and went to the place, The inn being filled with strangers. They look'd and behold, as the angel had told, They found the babe wrapp'd, in a manger. Sure that was the Son, from Heaven come down, Was made flesh and blood and a child ; He spent his whole life untarnish'd by strife, His lips he refrained from guile : He healed the sick, he strengthen'd the weak. The blind he restored to sight ; He raised the dead, he wept and he pray'd, And brought life immortal to light. With love in his heart, he came to impart Salvation, to Jevrs and Gentiles ; But Jews sought his life, and bitter their strife, To pierce him with grief for his smiles. When life must soon end, he warned his friends, Of trials their faith must soon bear ; His foes would still live, his friends to aggrieve, But counsel'd them not to despair. Though he must them leave, said " be not aggriev'd, 1 leave you a place to prepare ; That whither I am, ye also may come ;" His Father's and his, should be theirs. Then pray'd to his Father that they might be gather'd With him to a manison above, Forever to share that glory prepar'd By grace through his sufferings and love. Then he was betray'd, against him array'd, False witnesses seeking his death ; Condemned to die, the judge knew not why, Then scourg'd him and mock'd with their breath. His love never fail'd, to a cross was he nail'd, His side was pierced through with a spear, But prayed on the cross, for man that was lost, And gave up the ghost and expir'd. 17 Thus was the Son slain, an off 'ring for sin, That all who repent and believe, Though dark are their crimes, through mercy divine, May full and free pardon receive. So shocking the scene, when man was redeem'd, The rocks Avere convulsed and rent. The fountains of light stood veil'd from the sight, And open burst graves of the saints. What more could be done, by him on the throne, Than suffer his Son to be slain ? What monarch would give his son, to reprieve A rebel, against his domain 1 Though infidel Jevv's and scoffers refuse, To flee to this " refuge" for man, Through ages unknown, on this " corner stone," The Church being founded shall stand. The saints should adore, the change in that hour, In twain was the temple's veil rent ; For them to behold, and enter in bold, Where none but high priests ever went. Each, hence maj embrace, a throne of rich grace, And plead in the name of the Son ; And banish all fear, their prayer shall be heard. What's asked in his name shall be done. When Christ had been slain, in a tomb was he lain, Made fast v\^ith a pillar of stone ; And guarded with care, lest it be declared He'd risen again and was gone. But death and the tomb were both overcome, Which strengthens the faith of the saints : An angel came down, and roU'd back the stone, And He rose in triumph from thence. So strange to believe, that he again liv'd, His followers heard with surprise ; Their doubt he upbraids, and unto them said, " Why slow to tfelieve I should rise ?" 3 18 And shew to his friends his coming and end, The prophets and Moses foretold ; Their hearts within burned while from him they learn'd As he doth the scriptures unfold. All men being lost, must hear of the cross, His name be proclaim'd through all lands, As mighty to save, from death and the grave, Then gave his disciples command : — " My gospel go preach, and in my name teach, Both faith and repentance defend" — " Though men shall upbraid, be not ye afraid, I'm with you alway, to the end." " Begin and proclaim in Jerusalem, To those who have slain their best friend, If they will repent, to them ye are sent, To mercy and pardon extend." " Then go and beseech, to all the world preach, And also baptize in the name Of Father, and Son, and Spirit three — one, Bearing record in Heaven the same." " Preach, he that believes, baptized, shall receive Salvation provided for man ; Nor be it forgot, he who believes not And sinneth, shall surely be damn'd." Then on a bright cloud to Heaven he rode. And seen as he pass'd through the skies ; When time shall have pass'd, the trumpet's loud blast Shall waken the dead to arise. At Heav'n's command an angel shall stand, His feet on the land and the sea ; And loud shall declare, yea, solemnly swear That " time shall no longer then be." Probation then clos'd, Christ's friends and his foes, To judgment the angel bids come ; Though saints will rejoice to hear his loud voice, The sinners will quake at their doom. 19 The saints shall first rise for solemn assize, And Christ with his angels appear ; Then they shall ascend to meet their best friend — What praising and shoutings then heard ! Then those who remain on earth, shall be changed In the twinkling of an eye shall be changed, And caught up on high, to meet in the sky The Lord, and with him shall remain. No planets revolve — they then are dissolv'd, The elements melting with heat ; The earth wrapt in flames, no refuge remains. All nations for judgment must meet. Deep tones of despair, when Christ shall appear, The wicked are wailing in woe ; To weep and to wail then cannot avail. To judgment the sinner must go. The dead small and great, for judgment then met, The Judge with the books shall appear, With shame and deep fear shall many then hear, Their thoughts and their deeds written there. There, on a white throne, as judge shall be known. The Son so abused below ; With crowns for those friends, his honor defends, But saying " depart," to his foes. Some kindred and friends may separate stand. And never to mingle again ; Some praises may sing, to Heaven's high King, While others are weeping in pain. Some fathers and mothers, fond sisters and brothers May take an eternal adieu : Though painful the thought, yet some may be brought A trial like this to pass through. The judgment then seal'd, the sinner must yield, His worm it shall gnaw and not die : His sorrows ne'er end, their smoke shall ascend, The day that's so solemn, draws nigh ! 20 Loud anthems of praise, the saints will then raise, "All glory and honor" exclaim, " To him on the throne, who came to atone, And offer'd himself as a lamb." No eye hath discern'd, no heart hath yet learn'd, The blessings reserv'd for the saints ; Nor can it be told, no language unfold, The height and the depth of the grace. " All troubling suppress'd, the weary find rest All tears shall be wiped from their eyes ;" Their souls fill'd w^ith joy, no sin to annoy, And ever united to Christ. Forever to reign with him who w^as slain, To purchase their freedom from sin. With angels combine, whose voices shall join, And shout " Al-le-lu-iah, a-men !" CONCLUSION. Though some will despise submission to Christ, Kind warnings, entreaties, disdain ; Though conscience accuse, its chiding abuse, In bondage to sin will remain. To those who won't hear, but turn a deaf ear, No promise of pardon is given ; Forgiveness is shown, through Jesus alone. And none other name under Heaven. All glorified saints, will Heaven attain. Through faith in the blood of the Lamb ; And ever will sing, rich grace to their King, Who purchas'd salvation for man. "While those who are lost, in darkness are cast. With " gnashing of teeth" shall bewail ; When Mercy was shown, their hearts like a " stone,'* Hath caus'd them of Heaven to fail. Since pardon and peace, for all of our race. Was purchas'd with blood on the cross ; Ungrateful and vain are those who remain, In love with their sins and are lost. Christ still as a friend, invites us attend The offers of mercy now given, The spirit doth say, " come listen to-day, And lay up a treasure in Heaven." Why sport on this brink ! why not pause and think I From death and destruction now flee ! While God as our friend, his mercy extends, And offers salvation so free ? 22 Come aged or youth, neglecting this truth. Cease slighting such wonderful love, Forbear to reject, despise, or neglect, And strive for a treasure above. Cease now the vain strife, and flee for thy life, To him who is able to save : Accept of his grace, ere mercy shall cease ! No pardon is found in the grave. LIBRARY OF CONGRE^<: ilMMimm 016 117 784 2 I \ 'ikm/^^f^Y CpA/G ,^.fss 11? ?84