SUNDAY MORNING. But Christ yet brighter shone, When first the world sprang forth, And bathed in streams of purest light, But, oh, what love! when Christ, Was by th' Eternal Father raised His new-created world The mighty Maker viewed, With thousand lovely tints adorned, But, oh, much more He joyed Washed in the Lamb's all-saving Blood From its impurity. Nature each day renews Her beauty evermore ; Whence to God's hidden Majesty The soul is taught to soar. 89 But Christ, the Light of all, Blest Trinity, vouchsafe That, to thy guidance true, What Thou forbiddest we may shun; What Thou commandest, do. CASWALL. THE ASCENSION. WHY is thy face so lit with smiles, And wherefore is thy beaming look From out thine overflowing eyes Mother, how canst thou smile to-day? When He, thy Life, thy Love, thine All, THE ASCENSION. His rising form on Olivet. A summer's shadow cast; And as He rose, with all his train Down stooped a silver cloud from heaven, The Eternal Spirit's car, And on the lessening vision went, Like some receding star. The silver cloud hath sailed away, The Feet which Thou hast kissed so oft, He loved the Flesh thou gavest Him, He loved it, for it gave Him power 91 That flesh with its five witness Wounds Unto His throne He bore, For God to love, and spirits blest Yes! He hath left thee, Mother dear; His throne is far above; How canst thou be so full of joy Oh, surely earth's poor sunshine now Why do not thy sweet hands detain Ah, no! thy love is rightful love, The change that is such gain to Him Can be no loss to thee. 'Tis sweet to feel our Saviour's love, To feel His presence near Yet loyal love His glory holds A thousand times more dear. |