Blind unbelief is sure to err, A LITTLE BIRD I AM MADAME GUYON (Written in the Bastille) Translated by Prof. T. C. Upham A little bird I am, Shut in from fields of air, I sing the whole day long; Doth listen to my song; He caught and bound my wandering wing, And still he bends to hear me sing. Thou hast an ear to hear, A heart to love and bless; And though my notes were e'er so rude, Because thou knowest as they fall, That love, sweet love, inspires them all. My cage confines me round, Abroad I cannot fly; But though my wing is closely bound, My heart's at liberty; My prison walls cannot control The flight, the freedom of the soul. Oh, it is good to soar, These bolts and bars above, TO GOD ROBERT HERRICK Lord, I am like to mistletoe, But if that tree should fall and die, THE FLYING WHEEL KATHARINE TYNAN HINKSON When I was young the days were long, Now I grow old Time flies, alas! There is no time to take one's ease, Yet still it turns so giddily, So fast the years and seasons fly, I stay myself on Him who stays O'er whom Eternity will pass To whom a million years are nought,- I stay myself on the great Quiet Oh, wheel of Time, turn round apace! THE INCOMPREHENSIBLE ISAAC WATTS Far in the Heavens my God retires: When He descends within my view, He charms my reason to pursue, But leaves it tired and fainting in th' unequal chase. Or if I reach unusual height Till near His presence brought, There floods of glory check my flight, Cramp the bold pinions of my wit, Plunged in a sea of light I roll, Where wisdom, justice, mercy, shines; Beat thick confusion on my sight, and overwhelm my soul. Great God! behold my reason lies Faith shall direct her humble flight, GOD MAKES A PATH ROGER WILLIAMS God makes a path, provides a guide, His glorious name, while breath remains, Lost many a time, I have had no guide, In stormy winter night no fire, No food, no company; In Him I found a house, a bed, A table, company; No cup so bitter but's made sweet, b. MODERN FAITH THE DOUBTER'S PRAYER ANNE BRONTË Eternal Power, of earth and air! Then hear me now, while kneeling here, Then, cold and dark, my spirit sinks, What shall I do if all my love, My hopes, my toil, are cast away, And if there be no God above, To hear and bless me while I pray? If this be vain delusion all, If death be an eternal sleep And none can hear my secret call, |