J'i- ■ f" 11 :- ; ■■ -{ ^ /^>^' // /--^w "/ ^ /i>-y -^^^^ V/yix. iverse are re- vealed to the released spirit. Meeting with the spirit of the departed, and their conversation. THE SPIRIT WORLD. BOOK I. How firmly fixed in every human heart Are cheering thoughts of immortality ! When earthly wo has spread a pall around Our cherished joys, the voice of Hope is heard, Charming the mind to peace and tranquil joy ; Then Fancy comes, with pencil dipped in light, To paint the bliss which Time may soon reveal. Where throbs a heart bereaved and sorrowful — 'Mid fields of ice, or in the torrid zone. In desert sands, or on the fertile plain — The blessed power of future life is known. Though sin may stain the soul with crimson guilt, Yet Conscience stands in threatening attitude. With warning finger pointing to the scenes A 10 THE SPIEIT WOPwLD. Of coming wrath. Vainly the sinner strives For ease in crime, with such a monitor. But Fancy, Hope, and Conscience, would not prove A future state, without the Book of God. This is Hope's charter, this gives Fancy power, And this arms Conscience with authority. This partly lifts the veil, which else had hung Before our eyes, concealing from our view The spirit-world. Taught by the sacred page, Our minds behold bright scenes of glory rise For all the good, or Wrath, with open scroll Containing all our sins, his eyes severe Watching the dial for our time to end, That he may strike the blow by Justice named. Oft, too, at midnight's hour, our souls commune With spirits disenthralled from earth and sense. Such visions I rehearse : — a theme unsung 5 Though worthy of the skill of those whose lyres Nations have heard well pleased, and praise decreed. THE SPIRIT WORLD. 11 Yet though an humbler hand attempts to touch With trembling fingers such melodious chords, 'T will find an echo in the soul of man. This thought inspires my heart, impelled to sing By some controlling power which prompts the strain. 'T was on a summer eve j — the setting sun Had cast a brilliant beam upon the clouds, And gilded all the sky j upon the earth The zephyrs scarcely moved the smallest leaf. But all was calm and quiet ; such as when The gentle shepherds watched on Bethlehem's plain. And angels sang, 'mid universal peace, The blessed tidings of " Good will to men." Methought I lay upon the bed of death. Breathing in pain, its cold sweat on my brow. My friends, in silence, clustered round my bed, To whom I gave the farewell charge of love. And bade them meet me in a better world ; a2 12 THE SPIRIT WORLD. For I was joyous, filled with hopes of heaven : — Death has no terrors for the Christian's soul, His sting 's extracted and his mighty dart Was blunted by its task on Calvary. Then soon my voice began to fall away, And life's sustaining current seemed to freeze. My stiffening limbs no more obeyed my will, And with a rattling noise I gasped for breath. My eyes were glazed. My heart refused to beat. My spirit passed the bounds to mortals given. But, as I sank in death, a better life Opened before my soul — a life of love. And bliss divine, eternal, unalloyed. An atmosphere of pure ethereal light Surrounded me, infusing strength and joy. As when a bird, uncaged by friendly hands. Sets forth on vigorous wing, I upward sprang ; And marvellous glories saw, as on I soared. THE SPIRIT WORLD. 13 Earth's sister-train of planetary orbs. And worlds beyond their sphere, as far as light From depths profound can penetrate to man ; — Clusters of stars, by distance much compressed ; And e'en those cloudy spots, whose mystery The power of earthly science tries to solve, But tries in vain(a) ; — revealed themselves to sight, Peopled by thrones, dominions, angel powers. Who spend eternity in praising God. Then to my ear came sounds of music sweet. The golden spheres were full of harmony. In full-toned bass of flaming seraphim. And child-like sounds of innocence and love. Was sung the praise of Heaven's Eternal King. Now glided by, on Mercy's errand bent. Those beauteous forms of purity and love. Who sang loud praises when the earth was made ; And since, in kindly sympathy for man, a3 14 THE SPIRIT WORLD. Have watched his spirit's progress, dried his tears, Defended him from harm, and whispered thoughts Of hope and peace, when sorely tried by sin. These new delights had so entranced my mind, I noticed not that one was by my side. A thrilling touch, with sweet electric power, Directed my regard : but, oh ! no tongue Of mortal eloquence can e'er describe My spirit's rapture, when I saw her form, So dear to memory, and so much beloved; More beautiful than e'er she seemed on earth. Revealed distinctly to my ardent gaze. Her dark eyes beamed with love ; a rosy hue Of health celestial bloomed upon her cheek ; And on her brow sat intellectual light. Like kindred drops, we joined in blest embrace. She then began : " My bliss is perfect now, THE SPIRIT WORLD. 15 Since thou art here. How oft with watchful care I saw thy spirit sorely tried by sin ; And might have feared that thou wouldst fail at last, But for the scroll, by God's foreknowledge penned, For angel minds and spirits saved to read, Which pointed to this hour. Though wounded much In dreadful battles with the hosts of hell, The balm of Gilead made thy spirit whole, And this glad day thy triumph is complete." I thus replied : " VVhen thou wast ta'en away. Afflictions but commenced. My straggling soul Was like a bark by hurricanes assailed In tropic seas. Sudden the storm-cloud burst. And half o'erwhelmed, then whirling round in air. From opposite direction came again, With ten-fold fury ; but my Pilot's skill At length availed to bring me into port. In all these trials, now my spirit's eye a4 16 THE SPIRIT WORLD. Can trace the wisdom and the love of God. My mind was humbled, and inord'nate love Was chastened by the rod in Mercy's hands. On earth, I feared that I should ne'er attain To share with thee the joys of endless life ; Yet now I see thee and commune again. How kind is He, who ruleth all things well. To send thee first to welcome me to bliss !" Again she spake : " Soon as the heavenly place I gained, and heard the sentence of my joy, Thy prayer was offered, that the promise made Between us ere I left, be ratified. My spirit leaped to see th' approving smile, And hear the blest command which sent me here. To minister to all thy spirit's wants. Nor for a moment ever leave thy side, Till thou wast saved from all the power of ill. Not I alone, howe'er ; an angel band, THE SPIRIT WORLD. 17 My blest associates, wait in yonder grove : — Thither wer hasten, ere we wing our flight, Through realms of glory, to the throne of God." I acquiesced, she clasped in hers my hand. And quick as thought, the place appeared in view. END OF BOOK J. A:> THE SPIRIT WORLD BOOK II. a6 ARGUMENT. The spirit introduced to angelic society. The grove. The song of welcome. Work of guardian spirits. The crown of victory. Powers of spirits. Argument for the gradual development of bliss. THE SPIRIT WORLD. BOOK II. A paradise it was, where poets' minds Could banquet on delights, or minds devout Find themes for meditation or for praise. Upon the moss-grown rocks, which towered around. The stately cedar grew, and waved its boughs ; And near the silver stream, which murmuring ran. The beauteous lily raised its modest head, Unconscious of the blast, and spread abroad Its waxen petals to th' admiring gaze. The Amaranth, and Rose of Sharon, here In all their native loveliness were seen. Sweet odors filled the air, while, from the trees. The nightino-ale sent forth his sweetest sono;. DO O The evening star in trembling beauty shone, 22 THE SPIRIT WORLD. Half veiled with light ; for now the full-orbed moon Had fixed her throne high in the vault of heaven. The angel band, who waited our approach, In armour clad of brightly burnished gold j Now thronged around, and welcomed me, with strains Which half o'erwhelmed me with intense delight. They sang : " The cares and woes of earth are gone. And all which can disturb thy peace. The battle 's won. Thy conquering soul can rest at ease ; The toilsome race for endless life is run. Here all is peace and joy j And pleasures never cloy ; An endless prospect 's ours. To grow in knowledge, bliss, and love, And occupy our powers. While heavenly cycles move. THE SPIRIT WORLD. 23 To all our bliss we welcome theCg Washed in the atoning blood Of Christ, the Lamb of God ; Who now, exalted high, Rules o'er the thrones of light in heaven, And guides the armies of the sky ; His word is given, And fiends of darkness fear and fly. While victory is proclaimed to souls forgiven." The seraph chief, with mien of majesty And gentleness in union sweet combined. Approached me then. — A star-gemmed crown he bore. Whose living light shed radiance around. "Brother," he said, "all hail! in me behold The guardian spirit of thy earthly life, Ureli named. A thousand cherub minds Obey my rule in all that God commands. Since thou wast born, our power has been employed 24 THE SPIRIT WORLD. To guide thy feet in peaceful Virtue's path, And shield from harm ; but not to force thy will ; This could we not, for God has made it free. Our duty now requires that we should show Thy youthful knowledge much that could be known Only in part till now, then guide thy soul To that bright world, the central sphere of all. Where God reveals the glory of his name. But first receive, by His command, the crown Of victory, to patient virtue due." Upon my head he placed the diadem ; And spake again : " Thy powers are much increased, Beyond thy thoughts, ere Death had set thee free From matter's gross, corrupting, sensual form. If wiliest thou, swifter than rays of light Thy spirit flies, or slower wings its way. Thy sight can reach the farthest nebula(a) That shines in space, behold its numerous suns, And planets, too; or, with minuter skill, THE SPIRIT WORLD. 25 Can trace the forms of creatures, smaller far Than earthly science ever showed to man. Thou canst commune with angels of all grades, With righteous souls made perfect through the Lamb ; And act on minds yet shrined in earthly forms, Unseen by them. But thou wilt learn, ere long. By observation, more than I can say." This said, he turned ; my dear companion came. And led me through the quiet beauteous grove. " I need not tell thee, loved one," I began — For spirits pure need not the power of speech. Though often used as means of greater joy ; Each mind reflects the thoughts of those around, Repels the bad, and sweet communion holds With all the good, by strong attraction drawn — " How much surprised I am at all I see j For I had thought no time elapsed between My spirit's freedom from its bonds of clay 26 THE SPIRIT WORLD. \ And perfect bliss close by the throne of God." She thus replied : " While thou wast in the flesh, Thy thoughts were dream-like, vague, and scarcely formed, Respecting things divine, or heavenly joy. As in a mirror dark, the outlines seemed Scarcely defined ; but now the shadowy forms Of truth give place to their reality. Fitting it is that thou shouldst learn of much That once seemed dark, confused, and intricate ; And knowledge only comes by gradual search. He only knows all things, whose essence pure Filleth the wide expanse of universe. Whose will is truth, whose ways are just and good." Conversing thus, we walked in peaceful mood Over the velvet grass, which yielded not Beneath our feet, until the star of eve THE SPIRIT WORLD. 27 Was hid behind the distant mountain-range. Returning then, we found the angel-band Prepared for journey, on some mission bound. Taking our places by Ureli's side, Our flight commenced. Slowly we moved along, Communing oft in strains of holy love. Or chanting praises to the Great Supreme. END OF BOOK IT. THE SPIRIT WORLD. BOOK III. ARGUMENT. The work of angels in carrying out the design of God's provi- dence in the world. A city by moonlight. A band of wicked souls. A pious youth. A rich sinner wooed, and his schemes defeated. THE SPIRIT WORLD. BOOK III. Before our sight, a city soon appeared, Whose domes and spires were frosted o'er with light, Shed by the moon, whose slanting rays revealed The stately palaces, where Riot late. With foul Debauch, had held high festival. The streets were quiet now ; the patrol's foot. Monotonous, made silence more profound. Yet spirit forms, for good or ill intent, Glided along, unseen by mortal man. As on we sped, a wail of deep despair Greeted our ears, more piercing far than hers Who sees her child struck down by sudden death. A seraph band, in golden armor clad, 32 THE SPIRIT WORLD. And armed with darts of forked electric fire, A sinful group conducted to the place Of punishment, by holy Justice made, Where each receives according to his deeds. Of all her finery stripped, the votary Who bowed at Fashion's shrine, and decked herself With ribbands, lace, and rings, and braided hair, And dressed in purple silk, but never cared To decorate her mind, or aught prepare For Death's dread summons to her sinful soul. In nakedness was seen j but oh, how changed ! Instead of rosy, dimpled cheeks, and eyes That rivalled those of Eastern antelopes, Were haggard looks, sallow and wrinkled skin. While o'er her flesh were canc'rous ulcers foul. The mask of innocence had given place To features of despair and anguish keen. With piercing scream of agony, she cried, THE SPIRIT WORLD. 33 " Fool that I was to court the smiles of men, And deck with pride my earthly, mortal part, Though heaven entreated, and though warned of Death ! Now I can see that every effort made To ornament the flesh, with thoughts of pride, The soul corroded, and its powers debased." Aside from her, appeared the form of one Whose rolling eyes and sunken cheeks proclaimed The gnawing pangs of hunger felt within. With trembling steps, he slowly walked along, Cursing the love of gold which filled his soul. And caused neglect through life of better things. Here, too, was seen the man of deepest crime, Who at the cause of truth a dagger aimed. And for concealment wore a saintly garb. None louder talked, or holier seemed than he, 34 THE SPIRIT WORLD. Or prayed with half such noise and blustering zeal. With sanctimonious visage, he would talk Of love to God, and all the human race ; Nor were his own good deeds o'erlooked by him. Yet wisdom knew him, for his piety Was overacted, and his words were vain. I saw him once ; within the church he knelt Among the saints, yet gazed on all around : My glance he caught, then rolled his eyes to heaven, And moved his lips, to show me that he prayed. He now appeared a putrefactive mass Of rottenness, abhorred by fiends themselves. Near him was seen, in wretchedness allied. The usurer, who used his hellish arts T' oppress the poor, and aggrandize himself. In him combined all characters of sin — Deceiver, thief, and hypocrite profound. THE SPIRIT WORLD. 35 In friendship's guise, he sought the tradesman poor, And urged him on his ventures to increase, That he might reap the profit of the whole. As spiders foul their silken meshes weave T' entrap the fly, so labored he on earth. His end was gained ; wealth, fame, and bliss secured ] When Death's strong hand his guilty spirit seized. And punished him with torments complicate. Around these wretched souls a troop of fiends Mimicked their groans of wo, with horrid glee. One I observed — whose form was terrible Beyond what poets feign of harpies foul — Drag to the usurer a human soul, The victim of his wiles: — " Know'st thou this man, The wretched suicide, whom thou didst send, By robbery and fraud, to our dark den ? Co-laborer of hell, we welcome thee !" Thus spake the fiend ; — another held a glass 36 THE SPIRIT WORLD. Before her face who followed Fashion's laws ; And others mocked the miser's pain with gold. This group passed by; we progressed through the streets, Resarding not the mansions of the o-reat, Where pampered slaves of luxury reside ; Yet soon we stopped before a mean abode, Where dwelt a youth, to modest virtue known. His aims were pure to benefit his kind; Though small his means, and much confined his sphere. Yet hoped he still, that future circumstance, By God ordained, his usefulness would aid. Before his door an evil spirit lurked, Watching his time, temptations to suggest, And lead the soul astray in paths of sin. As we approached, reluctantly he fled, Fearing the sight and power of spirits blest. THE SPIRIT WORLD. 37 The youth we found in peaceful slumbers wrapt, Reclining on his couch ; his parted locks Revealed a brow as alabaster fair, The throne of thoughts sublime, which filled his soul With burning zeal, and love the most intense. Our leader then, with powers which angels use. To dreams of future life his fancy moved. , Within a crowded hall he seemed to stand, With voice uplifted in the cause of truth. All eyes were fixed on him, and every thought Responded to his own. Like gentle dew. His words descending, influenced every mind To holier thouo;hts of God and human rio-hts. The scene then changed. He looked upon the earth, And misery beheld in league with sin ; Then penned his thoughts in earnest, truthful words. Which won their way to every human heart. And waked the nations from their sensual dreams 38 THE SPIRIT WORLD. Of mad ambition, slavery, and fraud. Another change revealed his own reward. On earth — neglect, and poverty, and pain. Half-friends estranged, and even true friends cold, And usefulness delayed till after death. In heaven — a bright, unfading crown of joy. The youth awoke, and, kneeling by his couch. He prayed for strength divine, to bear the toil Of patient effort in the work of love. One of our band we left to aid his thoughts ; And journeyed thence. A rich man's palace door Delayed our steps ; for there a spirit stood. With air of sadness, waiting our approach. " Within these walls," he said, " resides my charge, Whose soul is steeped in sensuality. No power, alas ! have I to rouse his will, Since he has given himself to hell's control. E'en now a band of fiends his chamber fills, THE SPIRIT WORLD. 39 Leading his spirit further from his God. To acts of violence they urge him on Against his poor but virtuous tenantry. Numbered among them is the wife of one, Who, while he lived, a pattern was to all That saw his deeds of modest, humble worth. Through imperfection great of human law, The tyrant has at length advantage gained. And seeks t' improve, assisted still from hell." Grieved at his words we stood. Ureli then Passed with him through the door. The fiends stood back, Not risking to contest the seraph's power, While he, with better thoughts, opposed their plan. 'T was all in vain. With sadness he returned. And seemed to muse. Calling a spirit forth. He bade him hasten to the abode of one Whose generous works of charity were known To lead his footsteps toward the widow's home. 40 THE SPIRIT WORLD. And prompt him to relieve in time of need. Thus Providence, by angel hands, supplies The humble poor, subverts the schemes of hell, And comforts most when earthly hope has failed. END OF BOOK III, THE SPIEIT WORLD BOOK IV. AEGUMENT. The subject continued. Sabbath morning. Sunday school children. A fiend of darkness. The pulpit guarded. Preparation for flight. The hymn of praise. THE SPIRIT WORLD. BOOK IV. But now the morning sun had tinged the sky With beauteous light. The clouds which near him slept Were edged with gold, while those which further strayed. Were clothed in purple, or with crimson blazed. 'T was Sabbath morn, which holy peace distils Upon the earth, and leads to thoughts of heaven. Passing along, we heard the chime of bells. Calling the children to the house of prayer. For kind instruction in the word of life. Group after group we passed, whose little hearts Knew not the source of thoughts which filled them then. 44 THE vSPIRlT WORLD. But only knew they tended to their good. A tiny form among them was accompanied By one who loved and nurtured him on earth : A mother's sainted spirit led her boy, With joyous speed, to seek the shrine of love, To learn of God, his duty, and of heaven. Next we surprised a potentate of hell, With giant strides approaching near the church. Whither his band, with hasty steps, had gone. In warlike attitude, each angel stood, While each bright falchion gleamed with heavenly light. Ureli's eyes flashed fire ; and I began To look for battle fierce. The fiend stood still. As some stupendous pine, which rears its head. Though scarr'd with lightning, in the face of heaven, And spreads abroad its haughty arms, he stood. His height was vast ; his form yet bore the stamp Of majesty and grace, but fallen far THE SPIRIT WORLD. 45 Below th' original ; upon his head Was placed an helmet, dark with sable plumes ; And in his hand he held a mighty spear. With haughty, dark, malignant look, he gazed Awhile on our array, then quailed, and spake : " Ureli," thus he said, " I know your strength. And angel purity, nor will I now Contend, where contest would be all in vain. Your God permits that we should tempt the good 3 So stay me not, lest ye be found t' oppose His holy will." The seraph answered him : " False fiend, thy sophistry will not avail. For well thou know'st our power is e'er employed To thwart the schemes, and crush the strength of hell. Plead'st thou the will divine, found in revolt Against thy God and Ruler 1 Rebel proud ! E'en now thou plottest to resist his word. Within the hallowed precincts of his house. Though many souls may now thy counsel hear, B 46 THE SPIRIT WORLD. Yet learn, foul spirit, that thy time is short. Thou and thy peers, in chains of darkness bound, Within the pit of fire confined, shall lie For thousand ages. Then your power shall cease j And Earth, redeemed, shall hymn the praise of God. We loose thee now 5 but know, the sacred desk Employs our care ; should ye approach, expect To feel the force of our celestial arms." With sullen wrath, he moved. Within the church We entered then, and round the pulpit flocked. To guard the spirit of the man of God From hell's attacks, while he proclaimed the plan Of sovereign mercy through the blood of Christ. Faithful he was, and urged the plea divine With winged words, and holy, burning zeal. Not fruitless was his aim ; his arguments Were fixed that day in many minds ; and hearts Which never owned submission, bowed to God. THE SPIRIT WORLD. 47 The service o'er, we hastened from the place, And left the church and city far behind. Now on a hill, with ample verdure clad, Our steps were stayed. There other spirits walked. In active thought, ready our flight to join. Some, with inquiring eye, the essence sought Of vegetable life ; while others marked Th' effects of light, and heat, and subtle force Of fire electric, or traced out with skill The curious mechanism of each flower. To me Ureli spake : " My brother, thou. By observation, know'st of angel power Employed on earth, among the sons of men ; But now to other worlds my presence guides Thy spirit's progress, where the power of sin Is all unfeared — unknown, save by report Of passing angels ; — Yet, before we leave, b2 48 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 'T is fitting we should join in praise to God." Then to the rest he turned, and bade them sing. With silvery lyres, and trumpet's louder notes, Each voice was joined in perfect harmony. But ne'er to man, still burdened with the flesh, And chained to earth, such thrilling sounds may come. Compared with these, the oratorio, Majestic and sublime, and melodies Deemed soft and sweet, are harshest discord all. The sentiments were these, though feebly told : " Eternal Father, God of truth and light. Enthroned on high, 'mid blazing glory bright ; And thou, co-equal Son, and Holy Ghost, Adored by all the blest angelic host, And men redeemed, who give thee constant praise. Accept the humble tribute of our lays. THE SPIRIT WORLD. 49 " Before the sapphire sky was decked with spheres, And ere began the stream of rolling years, Before a seraph glowed around thy throne, Thy power unbounded, and thy glories shone. And thou shalt live, enshrined in wondrous light. When earthly beauties end in darkest night. " When rude disorder ruled, and chaos vast Had o'er the universe deep shadows cast, Thy spirit's powerful word dispelled the gloom. And bade the wonders of Creation bloom. Then light ethereal shone, and scenes sublime Ushered the birth of man, and flight of time. " Though man, ungrateful, spurned thy gentle sway, And ceased thy mild and righteous laws t' obeyj Though no created arm availed to save. Thy power can rescue from the soul's dark grave. b3 50 THE SPIRIT WORLD. Through Jesus' love, the adamantine chain Of sin may broken be, and rebels reign. " Thou art alone, Lord, the source of bliss, And all our spirit's powers, and heavenly peace, Are gifts from thee. Help us to render still Our ready service, and perform thy will. To thy great name be endless blessings given. By all thou hast on earth, and all in heaven." END OF BOOK IV. THE SPIRIT WORLD BOOK V. ARGUMENT. The employmenl of spirits in other worlds. Glories of the firmament. A binary system of stars. Halt on one of its planets. The inhabitants. Their city and temple. History of the earth, and the plan of redemption communicated to them. The ancestor of the race. The flight resumed. THE SPIRIT WORLD. BOOK V. The song being o'er, we soared from earth away, Above the fluid air, through ether thin ; Our course directing to another sphere, Without an effort more than power of will. Unnumbered stars, invisible on earth, Like glittering dust, adorned the firmament. Which else, through infinite extent, was dark. Some of them shone with white and vivid rays. And others blazed with purple, green, or gold. All hues of light were here displayed by suns, In groups, and systems, complicate and vast. With one accord, each spirit swept the lyre. 54 THE SPIRIT WORLD. And raised the voice, through ecstasy intense. We sang : " How great and marvellous, Lord, Are all thy works ! In wisdom, thou hast made The universe, whose beauties all proclaim Thy power and skill divine, who wast, and art, And shalt be still, unchangeably the same." With more than lightning speed, we swiftly flew. Till earth had vanished, and the glorious sun Diminished to a star, whose slender beam Was scarcely noticed 'mid the countless throng. Another system occupied our thoughts, Where two bright suns dispensed a colored light,(6) Crimson and blue, and tinged the sky around With purple splendor. On a beauteous world Which owned their sway, we stayed our rapid flight. There mountains stand of crystal amethyst, THE SPIRIT WORLD. 55 Which changed to sapphire, or to jasper red, As either sun or both appeared on high. The landscape varied, too, and every change More lovely seemed, and ministered to bliss. Upon a fertile plain, beside a lake, A splendid city stood. Not Babylon, Nor Thebes, in all their glory, showed such wealth, Or architecture vast, or ornament. Marble propylse, sapphire arches, walls Of jacinth bright, capacious domes, we saw ; The work of vigorous hands and thoughtful minds. The blest inhabitants, of stature tall. And graceful form and mien, were all employed In cheerful thought, searching the laws divine On matter stamped, or in the powers of mind. The city entered, all our band repaired Within a temple large, whose walls were built 56 " THE SPIRIT WORLD. With spotless marble, and its ample dome Of golden topaz, whose transparent light Shed brilliant lustre round. Simple and chaste The whole appeared. No gaudy tinsel show Regard attracted, or divided thought. A single stand of polished emerald Was all the furniture within the walls, Though ornaments profuse were seen without. A herald spirit from the band was sent To call the multitude. With buoyant step. And pleasant countenance, they thronged the hall. Expecting to receive new cause for joy. Ureli then directed me to speak Respecting Earth, and saving grace to man. With willing zeal I rose, and thus began : " Ye happy ones, in whose abodes of bliss No sin is found, or pain, or want, or care, TPIE SPIRIT WORLD. 57 Whose days are spent in innocent employ, And nights in peaceful slumber, how can I Unfold to you the wretchedness and crime In which my own unhappy race are found 1 Or how can I explain the love divine Which rescues us from wo, and bids us reign As kings and priests with Christ, the Lamb of God ? Both are beyond my skill ; yet much I may Reveal as cause for wonder and for praise. " Tempted by him who discord sowed in heaven, 'Mid angel bands, the first of human kind Fell from his state of innocence and bliss. And tainted all his sons. " Long time has sin Ruled o'er the hearts of men, and cursed the earth With misery profound. With guilt came pain, Sorrow, and want, and toil, followed by Death. The god-like human form has wasted been. 58 THE SPIRIT WORLD. And human life has dwindled to a span. Murder, and Fraud, and Lust, have sat as kings Upon the earth, and marshalled warlike hosts In dreadful battle, till the world became One wide Golgotha, and its verdure rank Nourished with human blood and wet with tears. Men against men have warred with deadly hate ; And not content with quick and bloody strife, Have cruelty refined. With tortures slow, The stronger tyrants crush the energies Of those subdued. Thus Slavery began, Which withers, like a blight, each fertile land Where it is found. Yet not to these alone Has sin been e'er confined : — in daring high The crimes of men have never known a bound. Th' Eternal One has been himself denied ; And chance, or fate, or idols, in his stead, Have worshipped been. " Yet men were often warned. THE SPIRIT WORLD. 59 God's mercy left them not, but spared them still, And sent them messengers of peace and love, Wooing them ever to receive his grace. Sometimes his justice, that they might beware. Made strong expression of his righteous wrath. Witness the flood, which covered all the heights, And drowned the world ; one family alone Was saved, to populate the earth once more. Again, the cities of the plain became A spectacle of vengeance for their crimes. Consumed by sulph'rous flames. " Not all in vain Were these examples and these efforts made. Some of the race were found in every age To flee from sin, and, trusting to the word Of gracious promise, that the Great All-wise Would find a ransom for the soul of man Rested in hope. «* At length, as long foretold, 60 THE SPIRIT WOULD. The glorious time arrived, and Christ appeared — The Deity in man — to die for sin, That man might be redeemed. His precious blood Was shed with suffering great. On him was laid The sinfulness of all. Thus wrath divine Was intercepted ; Holiness and Love In concord sweet were joined; pardon and peace Secured to all who seek with penitence, And humbly trust the mercy of their God. " Yet many spurn the offer of his love. Or slight his calls, unwilling to be saved. For such there is no hope. The only plea Which can avail for sin, if laid aside. Nothing remains but fierce and burning wrath. But others ask, with humble, contrite souls, His pardoning grace, and hear the voice of love. Which whispers peace within their troubled hearts, Inspiring confidence and holy joy. THE SPIRIT WORLD. 61 A short probation then completes the work, And they are brought to realms of endless bliss. " Thus, from the depths of misery and sin, My soul was saved. O wondrous power of love ! Ye blessed ones, assist my grateful song ; For I am lost in great astonishment. The strong emotions of my raptured mind. Too big for utterance, forbid my words, O join my praise, with joyful heart and lip, And sounding lyre ! Yet when your sweetest notes Are joined with all the melodies of heaven, They all unworthy are the glorious theme." O'erwhelmed with joy, I ceased ; and there was poured A tide of harmony from every tongue. Not the loud organ, pealing through the aisles Of some cathedral vast, with swelling tones. And diapasons sweet, could equal be. c 62 THE SPIRIT WORLD. This o'er, we left the hall, and converse held With one who seemed the parent of the race, Thouorh ao-e had touched him not. Immortal life D O Feels not the effect of time. Yet knowledge vast. And influence, had given an air of thought And energy superior to the rest. With many questions, he pursued the themes On which I dwelt, till satisfied, at length. He left our company, wonder and praise Expressing at the love Divine, which saves Rebellious man. The seraph chieftain then Directing, we resumed our onward flight. END OF BOOK V. THE SPIRIT WORLD. BOOK VI. c2 AEGUMENT. The place of punishment. In sight of heavenly glory. A solitary globe of fire. Various characters of sin and sorts of torment. Eternal Death and his ministers; Despair, Remorse and "Wrath. Justice of punishment shown from the universal knowledge of duty. This seen even among savages. THE SPIRIT WORLD. BOOK VI. Now the bright centre of the universe' With vivid glory gleamed. On earth its light Is brightest of Night's train of brilliant stars, And in that ancient land where flows the Nile Was Sirius named, and worshipped as Divine(c). Perhaps their minds retained'some knowledge dim Of its true character, as source of light And influence through all the realms of space. Before our path appeared a lurid globe Of liquid fire, which rose in mountain waves. Boiling intensely ; casting up a scum Of hardened lava, piled in awful hills ; To be again submerged by furious storms. c3 66 THE SPIRIT WORLD. Such was the place prepared by Justice stern, To be th' abode of those who spurn His love. There sight, and sound, and every faculty Of mind or body, is an inlet made Of pain severe. No sun illumes the day. Yet as the globe slow on its axis turns The guilty damned behold the distant rays Of heavenly glory shine, reminding them of what Was offered, spurned, or bartered for the joys Of momentary sin. Now through the years Of spirit-life, which ne'er can be destroyed. Their solitary world of misery Shall roll, without a gleam of hope or joy — Example great to all created minds. Within this prison-house of guilt, we saw Most wretched spirits, punished for their crimes. Haunted by keen Remorse, who chased their flight THE SPIRIT WORLD. 67 With whips of steel, poisoned with conscious guilt, They sought relief by plunging in the flood, But sought in vain. Here Judas howled With agony intense ; for memory of his sin Clung to his soul in lowest depths of hell, And proved his fierce tormenter in the flame. Here Cain was seen, who raised a murderous hand Against his brother's life. His sons in crime — Nimrod the hunter, who, in pride of strength, Usurped dominion o'er his fellow men. And many kings, though conquerors named on earth. Who murdered men in wholesale butchery, Called war and glory by a sinful race — Partook of punishment alike in kind, Though difl?ering in degree, as each had sinned. Retaining still each feeling of the soul Which prompted them to hate with bitterness 68 THE SPIRIT WORLD. Their more successful rivals, here they strove In conflict fierce, with horrid oaths and cries, Till all were covered in the fiery lake. All characters of sin ; the lewd, profane, And covetous, robbers^ and slanderers. False priests, and hypocrites j were here descried In torments various. Some of these souls In caves of lava tried to hide from pain. By fiends or men pursued ; but sorrows new Greeted them there. The bellowing storm of wrath Which lashed the burning waves, each crevice found ; And roaring loud, with human voice, proclaimed. In mournful tones, the secret sins of life ; Or else reproached their stubbornness of will, Which would not yield to overtures of love. Here, too, were harpies seen, which screamed aloud ; THE SPIRIT WORLD. 69 Foul Hate and Fury, who with strong talons seized Each guilty soul, and tore with anguish fresh. Upon the plain, a company of men Had just arrived, laden with all their sins ; When lo ! appeared an awful shadowy form, In darkness clothed — his name Eternal Death. Sovereign of Hell he was, by God decreed j His ministers Despair, Remorse, and Wrath. Strange trembling seized each soul, and horrid fear, While he, with hollow voice, declared their doom. Then Wrath with darts of fire their spirits pierced, Kemorse applied the lash, and dark Despair Followed their flight, and screamed " Eternity ! No hope for sinners here ! Mercy has fled !" As fast they sped across the burning crust, The fiery flood broke through, and bore away Upon its dreadful billows all the group, 70 THE SPIRIT WORLD. Whose cries of anguish filled the air, and rose Above the surge's roar and angry winds. With silent flight, we hastened from the place, Each mind reflecting on th' effect of crime. We felt the wrath was just, although severe ; For sin denies the sovereignty of God, Usurps supremacy, and would destroy The universal harmony of all Created things, breaking the chain of love Which binds all subjects to the throne of power. Nor can the sinner plead that he but erred ; For he was wooed, and warned. Duty was known. The darkest souls on earth have heavenly light. Though ignorance, and sin, and want, combined, Oft blunt the mental sense, degrade the soul. Shut up the book of life, and bind the heart With superstitious ties j yet none are found Unconscious of the right. The law of God, THE SPIRIT WORLD. 71 Of old proclaimed, has been declared to all. Tradition teaches, where no written word Is known. No plea is found which can excuse The crimes of men. God's spirit strives with all. Even the savage, as abroad he roams, Chasing the roe-buck, feels his spirit warm With thoughts of love ; and oft, when storms arise, When lightnings flash and awful thunders roar. Rending the air, he hears the voice of God Angry at sin 3 if then his stubborn will Refuses virtue, he deserves his doom. But greater punishment belongs to him Who scoffs at sacred things, or slights the word Of sovereign grace, revealed with mighty deeds, Stamping authority on every line. END OF BOOK VI, THE SPIRIT WORLD. BOOK YII. ARGUMENT. Heaven. Welcomed by a company of friends. The beautiful landscape. Patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs seen. The New Jerusalem. The throne of light. The angels resign their charge. The conclusion. THE SPIRIT WORLD. BOOK VII. Nearing at length the place of joy supreme ; A beauteous band, arrayed in flowing robes Of spotless white, approached with songs To welcome us. Among them many friends Once loved on earth appeared 5 and some whose souls Were pointed to the Lamb by feeble words Dropped from my lips, O ne'er can I express The bliss I felt as each bright form I saw ! With silvery notes they sang, " Welcome to joy Which never endsj our brother, and our friend! Victor through Jesus' love thy soul is crowned !" In conversation sweet, we mingled then Until we landed on the wide-spread plain. 76 THE SPIRIT WORLD. Whose ever blooming verdure, bathed in light, Is watered by the stream of Life j whose trees Are ever laden with delightful fruit, And blossoms bright. A garden wide it is; Varied with hill and dale, which knows no curse. And needs no toil; where nectarous vines entwine In blissful bowers, with flowers of beauty strewn. Here dwell the good of every age and clime; With seraphim in flaming splendor clothed. And cherubim of purity and love ; Conversing oft on providence, and grace, And power divine throughout the universe. Thus Enoch walked ; retaining still the flesh. Though glorified, in which he preached to men Before the flood. With him was seen the man, Who faithful stood in a degenerate age, And boldly spake the word of God's command, THE SPIRIT WORLD. / To that vile monarch ; worst of Israel's race ; Who sought his life. He, without death, was brought In chariots of fire to heavenly bliss. Here Abraham beholds his numerous sonsj Not of the flesh alone, children of faith. For faith pre-eminent was found in himj Though sorely tried, when by Divine command He bound his Isaac for a sacrifice, And raised the knife to slay his only son: — - God was well-pleased, nor further proof required, But spared the father's tears, and saved the lad. Moses beholds again that glory shine, Which once on. Horeb's mount, partly displayed, Dazzled his sight ; and caused his face to shine, That Israel could not look without a veil On tho^ familiar features, David here, 78 THE SPIRIT WORLD. And rapt Isaiah, sing in lofter strains Than those they uttered, when with souls on fire, By Inspiration kindled, they proclaimed Messiah's advent, and his glorious reign. With these, apostles join in songs of praise To Christ, their King, Here zealous Paul beholds The fruit of all his toil j millions redeemed From foul idolatry, and reason vain. The martyrs too, of every land, are seenj Who kept the faith through sufferings severe j By fire, and flood, and bloody torture tried. In mountain caves, in vales, or in the deep. Their bodies rest} their souls enrobed with light, Await the blessed time, when Jesus' voice Shall wake the dead; and make their joy com- plete. THE SPIRIT WORLD. 79 Now in our view appeared a snowy mount Of alabaster; blazing on its top, A city shone; the New Jerusalem. Its walls of jasper clear, were great and high ; But higher than these walls rose palaces And towers sublime, all built with virgin gold. Twelve gates it had, each gate a single pearl Of bright prismatic hue. Through one of these Entering, we saw its spacious streets of gold. As crystal clear; which opened to a throne Of light intense, which angel eyes behold With awe profound. Their faces covering As they approach ; they, " Holy, holy," cry ; "0, Lord of Hosts! How just are all thy ways, Thou King of saints ! We magnify thy name !" Before the throne extends a sea of glass Mingled with fire ; there blessed harpers stand, Singing the song of Moses and the Lamb, d2 80 THE SPIPaX WORLD. Whose burden is the praise of holiness Displayed in every age by grace Divine. In adoration bowed, the angel guide His charge resigned j and gained approving smiles From Christ; who there appeared, in human flesh, Radiant with light ; the Sovereign Lord of Heaven. What joy I felt, as I beheld his face Of love ; his hands and feet once pierced ^ And heard his accents sweet proclaim, "W#Bl done!" Must rest unsung. No power of earthly words Can e'er express the rapture of my soul. In speechless awe ; and wondering gratitude ; I fell before his feet, and worshipped Him. Thus have I sung, the visions of my mind, Respecting things yet vaguely known on earth ; And oft by men unworthily conceived; THE SPIRIT WORLD. 81 Though science points to distant starry worlds; And Inspiration tells of future bliss, Or dark unending wo, for all our race. O Thou, whose Spirit prompts each virtuous thought, Impart thy blessing to my feeble lays ; For if unblessed by thee, my work is vain. O may thy wisdom guide my trembling steps, Through earthly dangers, till I reach the goal Of my desires; and, glorified, I stand A miracle of love, in that bright world Of holiness and peace, where Jesus reigns. Then shall my song of gratitude and praise Burn with celestial fire ; and join the strain Of joyful melody which rolls through heaven. END OF THE SPIRIT WORLD. d3 NOTES TO THE SPIRIT WORLD, (a) These " cloudy spots," or nebulae, are among the most mysterious objects known to astronomical science. They present to telescopic observation an appearance similar to the Milky Way as seen by the naked eye. Sir W. Herschell con- ceived them to be the material of which stars and planets are composed ; and he has been followed by many astronomers. This opinion is known by the name of "the nebular hypo- thesis." Since the foregoing lines were written, the great telescope of the Earl of Rosse has demonstrated that they are merely clusters of stars, at such immense distances that their light reaches us confusedly blended together, as is the case with the Milky "Way. (5) " All the fixed stars are supposed to be centres, or suns, of complete planetary systems." Many of the stars are found in double, triple, quadruple, and multuple systems, or groups, having various periods of revolution. " Many of the double stars are likewise observed to have different colors; as, for example, that of Bootes, one of which is a light red, whilst that of the other is a fine blue ; and the period of the latter's revolution was discovered to be 1681 years! That of NOTES TO THE SPIRIT WORLD. 83 Hercules, being double, presents the larger of the two of a beautiful blueish-white, while the smaller is a rich ash-color." — Nichols' Architecture of the Heavens, Note p. 139. (c) Sir W. Herschell judged, from the motions of the fixed stars, that our solar system performed a revolution through space around a distant centre. Since his time, much attention has been paid to this subject; and recently, Dr. Maedler, director of the Dorpat Observatory, has announced, as his opinion, that the Pleiades are in the centre of that group to which our sun belongs. The reasons which induce the author to consider Sirius as the grand central sun, are, its immense distance and vast magnitude. It is reasonable to presume that the central sphere must be larger than those which revolve around it, as the sun is larger than all the planets combined. Now, although the parallax of some of the stars has been determined, (that of 61 Cygni, for instance, proving it to be more than sixty-two billions of miles distant,) the distance of Sirius eludes the power of the most perfect instruments. Yet it is the largest and brightest of the visible fixed stars, proving its immense magnitude and great brilliancy. It remains for future discovery to confirm or disprove the supposition, as in the present state of astronomical science it is impossible to fix with certainty the point in question. SCENES FROM THE LIFE OF CHRIST. THE NATIVITY. Calm was the night. The moon, with slender arms Of silvery light, embraced a darkened sphere. Like heavenly Love, which woos a sinful world To light and joy. The beauteous stars of night. With sparkling eyes, looked down on Palestine, Sleeping in peace. The winds laid down to rest In groves of palm, and hushed their minstrelsy : When gentle shepherds watched their slumbering flocks On Bethlehem's plain. Their souls were touched with grief, Which Nature's beauties had no power to soothe ; For they had seen their nation homage pay To Roman power, till but a shade remained 88 THE NATIVITY. Of sovereign rule ; yet still Messiah's reign Seemed long delayed. In sad communion joined, They sought relief in chanting olden psalms By prophets penned. With sound of plaintive flute, And dulcimer accompanied, thus they sang : '*= Shepherd of Israel, hear ! O God of Hosts ! Turn us again, and cause thy face to shine ) From Egypt thou didst bring thy favorite vine. And planted it within a fertile land ; Like cedars strong, its branches spread abroad. Till all the hills were covered with its shade. But now behold ! its hedges broken down, Invite each passenger to pluck its fruit. While savage beasts devour and tread it down. Return, O God of Hosts ! Look down from heaven ! Visit thy vine. Let thine Anointed come!" THE NATIVITY. The strain concluded, each one felt serene, Stronger in hope ; when lo ! before their sight An angel stood, blazing with glorious light. " Fear not," said he ; " Behold, I bring to you Tidings of joy, which all the world may share. For unto you is born, in David's town, Th' Anointed Lord and Saviour of the earth. Within the manger, wrapped in swaddling bands, The babe is seen!" Then suddenly appeared A numerous band descending from the skies, With joyful melody. Such music sweet Never before had greeted human ears. " Glory to God," they sang, " and highest praise ! For peace on earth, good will to men is found !" Now in the town the caravansery Quiet appeared, but from its stable shone A ray of golden light, and o'er the place 89 90 CHRIST WITH THE DOCTORS. A brilliant star was seen, which guided there The Eastern magi, who with gifts approached. Thither the shepherds came, with joyful steps. And with the grandees, bowed before the child, Whose gospel suits the wants of all our race, The rich and poor, the freeman and the slave. CHRIST WITH THE DOCTORS Now in the temple see the holy child. With flaxen ringlets clustering o'er his brow. In beauty standing 'mid a wondering crowd Of learned men. With heavenly wisdom filled, And strong in spirit, he inquires of them The meaning of traditions handed down By ancient rabbis. All perplexed they stand. And cannot answer. Again he asks of them. Christ's baptism. 91 If customs interfere not with the law By God proclaimed from Sinai's burning mount. The gloomy scowl which sits on every brow Reveals the depths of sin and selfish pride Within each soul, which would, in after years, Refuse his message, and doom him to death. CHRIST'S BAPTISM. By Jordan's banks, where groves of tamarisks And oleanders, interspersed with palms. And willows green afford a pleasant shade, A multitude were seen, from Jericho, Jerusalem, and distant Galilee, A motley group : The Pharisee was here, With look austere, and broad phylactery ; 92 Christ's baptism. And learned scribes, with air of conscious worth. And lip of scorn ; peasants, and citizens. With dark-eyed maids, and sober matrons grave, Were seen in groups reclining on the sward. With eager eyes attracted towards a man Who stood beneath a tree, with outstretched hands Preaching aloud, " Repent, the day is nigh So long desired. Messiah's reign is near!" Arrayed in camel's hair, with brow severe, He showed contempt of luxury and pomp. Fit messenger of Him whose kingdom rules O'er human hearts by power of grace alone. Those who believed his words of trumpet tone Were then baptised. Among them one appeared^ Whose form was fairest of the sons of men. The bank descending, on the golden sand He meekly knelt; but John forbade the rite. " Com'st thou to me," he said, " not worthy to unloose Christ's baptism. 93 Thy sandal's latch ?" « Suffer it thus to be," Jesus replied ; "I must fulfil the law In every point." Directed thus, he poured The limpid stream upon his sacred head. Then Jesus prayed ) and heavenly glory shone From parted skies with undulating light. Dove-like upon him the blest spirit stayed, Which once on chaos brooded ; and a voice Was heard aloud, that all around might hear, " This is my well beloved Son, in whom Well pleased I am," Thus set apart he was. Sealed from above, his mission to declare. 94 THE LEPER. THE LEPEK Within the desert waste, which stretches far Southward from Jericho — along the shore Of that dark sea, whose monumental waves. With sluggish motion, dash o'er palaces By God destroyed, when lustful Sodom dared Defy Omnipotence— a leper walked. For months he wandered, till his foul disease Had covered all his skin, and filled his frame With agony. By ceremonial law Pronounced unclean, he left his home and friends, A solitary, doomed, unhappy man. With sackcloth clothed, and on his head and lip A covering of ashes, when he heard A passing footstep, he was forced to cry THE LEPER. 95 Aloud " Unclean ! unclean !" that those who heard Might flee from taint. Nor could he quench his thirst From running stream, lest the infection spread. Most glad was he , oppressed with sultry heat At summer noon, to find a stagnant pool, Left by the rain, where he could bathe his brow, And wet his parched lips. Yet there was one Whose heart clung to him still. A dark-haired girl. His early love. She nightly stole away Beneath a grove of palms to give him food. And whisper hope to ease his bitter wo ; For she had heard of Jesus and his power And trusted in him as the Shiloh, sent Of God. Long time her words were all in vain. The stubborn will, encased in prejudice, e2 96 THE LEPER. Refused to own Messiah in the poor Despised Nazarene. Melted at last Before her pleading, eloquent and pure, He sought the place where Jesus preached his word j There, falling at his feet, he worshipped Him. " Lord, if thou wilt," he said, while tear-drops fell, Which proved sincerity, " thou canst restore My perfect health." Promptly the answer came : " I will ! Be clean !" what a change appeared! His leprous scales fell off — his altered blood Coursed with delicious coolness through his veins ; His flesh restored, pure as a child's became ; And hope came back of usefulness and peace. He started to his feet, but joyful praise Had bound his tongue : he could not speak his thanks, But grateful tears proclaimed his happiness. THE widow's son RAISED. 97 THE WIDOW'S SON RAISED. 'T was morn. The radiant sun dispelled the mists From Tabor's brow, and cast a purple glow O'er oaks and shrubs which mantled all the mount. Kishon's bright stream glanced gaily in the light, And sweetly sang the birds in Jezreel's plain. But there was one in Naiu who heeded not The light of day : darkness was on her soul. Her widowed heart had lost its early friend Long since, the husband of her early love ; And now her only son was dead, she felt Each earthly prop was gone. Her boy had been A source of pride. She saw him climb the steep Of honorable fame with much success. What joy she felt when others spoke his praise, e3 98 THE widow's son raised. Mothers alone may know. But now 't was o'er ; She saw him breathe his last. His comrades wept, She did not mourn alone. That day his corpse Was followed by a crowd of weeping friends. Slowly they moved, while passers-by stood still, And shook their heads, to think how fair a flower Had been cut down. Now near the city gate Jesus approached, and saw the mother's tears. His tender heart was touched with sympathy. " Weep not," said he, and came and touched the bier. The bearers stood : — Then with a voice of power, He cried, " Young man, I say to thee, arise !" The sheeted dead sat up. The gathered crowd Looked on with awe. The mother's heart was healed. THE TEMPEST CALMED. 99 THE TEMPEST CALMED. Within the vessel see the God-man lie, In peaceful slumber wrapt. The burning sun, Which all day long had parched the land with heat. Had sunk to rest beneath the western sea. Gennesareth was calm ; its glassy top, Broken alone by Jordan's rapid flow, Mirrored the stars which brightly shone above. But soon the southeast wind began to blow A sudden hurricane. The curling waves The current met, and broke above the ship With all their force. Then his disciples came, With trembling hearts, and cried, " Lord, save ! we 're lost !" Calmly he rose ; rebuked their fear ; then stood In god-like majesty erect, and said. 100 THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN. To wind and water^ " Peace ! Be still !" And lo ! The winds were hushed — the raging billows calmed. THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN The last sad feast was o'er, and Jesus' words Of parting counsel cast an air of gloom O'er all who heard. All his disciples felt Presentiment of wo. With weeping eyes, And sorrowing hearts, they passed the eastern gate, Which leads to Olivet, seeking the place Frequented oft for musing and for prayer. Dark clouds swept o'er the sky, though moonlight beamed With fitful lustre o'er the olive grove. The winds went by with melancholy moan. THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN. 101 And Kedron murmured rough and sullenly. All Nature seemed to mourn, as if oppressed By sense of coming wrath. A spirit's eye Might there have seen dark fiends, which thronged the air Above the city, and the sacred spot Where Jesus came. This was the hour of hell ; And powers of darkness came to crush the strength Of heavenly love. Gethsemane became The place of conflict fierce. With holy zeal. Determined to redeem our sinful race, On that arena stood our blessed Lord, Contending still, though bruised with grief intense. Behold him now, his followers fast asleep, O'erpowered with weakness. Stretched upon the ground. He prays in agony. "If possible, 102 THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN. Father ! let this cup of bitter wo Pass by. But still Thy blessed will be done !" He groans in spirit, till great drops of blood Ooze from his veins, with perspiration mixed, And wet the ground. Then came on wing of light A sympathizing angel, and communed. Strengthened he rose, and sought his sleeping ones j Mildly reproved, and bade them " Watch and pray !" Now with a band, by flaming torches led. The traitor comes, and apprehends his Lord ; Who willingly resigned himself to death. E'en as a lamb to slaughter led away. THE CRUCIFIXION. 103 THE CEUCIFIXION. Now, stretched upon the cross, see Jesus hang Amid his foes ! Golgotha's eminence Is covered with a band of soldiery, With oaths uncouth, his garments parting there. Around the hill, the scowling Pharisees, With scribes, and citizens, deride his groans. Hell claps its hands triumphant, and on earth Is heard the taunting cry, " Others he saved. But cannot save himself." How meekly then The sufferer looked ! Tears mingled with the blood Which trickled down his cheeks from thorny wounds. With lifted eyes, he prayed, " Father, forgive ! They know not what they do !" But now his soul, 104 THE CRUCIFIXION. Oppressed with inward pain, sees Justice stand, Grasping, with outstretched hand, the spear of Wrath, Claiming his death as sacrifice for sin. The iron entered, and he bowed his head ; Then cried, " 'Tis finished now ! The work is done ! Fatlier, to thee my spirit I commend!" And calmly died. The sun which rose that morn With lurid beams, struggling through tears of mist, Started aghast, and veiled his face of light With darkness thick. The earth reeled to and fro With sudden fright. The rocks asunder rent. The newly dead awoke ; and skeletons. Which long had rusted in the gloomy vaults, Were clothed with flesh, and walked again on earth. The God of Nature showed his wrath severe Against the crimes of men, and set his seal. By signs in heaven and earth, on Jesus' death. THE RESURRECTION. 105 THE RESURRECTION. Two nights the Roman sentinels had paced Beneath the moon, before the tomb of Christ, Which seemed secure. Th' enormous stone remained With seal unbroken. 'Twas the dawn of day. A single streak of rosy light appeared, Far in the east j when lo ! an earthquake shook The vaulted rock, and brake the seal in twain. Then, on swift wing, a flaming seraph came, And rolled away the stone. His lightning glance. And garb of purity, o'erwhelraed with fear The hardy men who never quailed before. Though tried in many a field of bloody war. Trembling they fell, and fainted on the ground. 106 THE RESURRECTION. Now from the cave, in majesty sublime, The Saviour came, triumphant over death. His flesh refined, ethereal, and above Material laws, could no more suffer pain. That day the harps of heaven were tuned to joy, And myriad voices sang loud jubilee O'er man redeemed. The scheme was all complete, And Jesus' sacrifice the Father owned. Justice was pleased j her thirsty spear had drunk His holy blood, in whom was seen enshrined The Deity. Now Love could walk abroad With Holiness, wooing the sons of men. And there was joy on earth. The little band Who owned him Lord, soon heard the glorious news j And some beheld that day his well-known form. And heard his blessed voice pronouncing peace. THE END. - / LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 018 604 266 9 -t -1- ) i 1 ( '■■■■ ■ I ^ i