IX. THE BIRDS OF THE AIR. "And behold the birds of the air." Ye too, the free and fearless Birds of air, Were charg'd that hour, on missionary wing, The same bright lesson o'er the seas to bear, Faith to imbibe deep wisdom from your lay. E'en than the first, within th' awaken'd mind; While sweetly, joyously, they tell of life, That knows no doubts, no questionings, no strife, But hangs upon its God, unconsciously resigned. X. THE RAISING OF THE WIDOW'S SON. "And he that was dead sat up and began to speak." He that was dead rose up and spoke—He spoke ! Those words, which first the bier's dread silence broke, Were the far cities of the nations gone, The solemn halls of consciousness or sleep, For man uncurtain'd by that spirit lone, Back from their portal summon'd o'er the deep? Be hush'd, my soul! the veil of darkness lay Still drawn :-thy Lord call'd back the voice departed, To spread his truth, to comfort his weak-hearted, Not to reveal the mysteries of its way. Oh ! take that lesson home in silent faith, Put on submissive strength to meet, not question, death ! XI. THE OLIVE TREE. The Palm-the Vine-the Cedar-each hath power And each quick glistening of the Laurel bower But thou, pale Olive !—in thy branches lie Far deeper spells than prophet-grove of old Might e'er enshrine:-I could not hear thee sigh Trembled, perchance, within thy trembling shade. XII. THE DARKNESS OF THE CRUCIFIXION. On Judah's hills a weight of darkness hung, By the great shadow of that death was flung. O Saviour! O Atoner! thou that fain Wouldst make thy temple in each human breast, Ne'er may thy presence from its depths depart, Oh! turn not thou away, The bright and morning star, my guide to perfect day! XIII. PLACES OF WORSHIP. "God is a Spirit." Spirit! whose life-sustaining presence fills Yet must the thoughtful soul of man invest |