Classic Poem

ETERNITY .

Whence sprung this glorious frame? or whence arose
The various forms the universe compose?
From what Almighty Cause, what mystic springs
Shall we derive the origin of things?
Sing, heav'nly Guide! whose all-efficient light
Drew dawning planets from the womb of Night!
Since reason, by thy sacred dictates taught,
Adores a pow'r beyond the reach of thought.
First Cause of causes! Sire supreme of birth!
Sole light of Heav'n! acknowleg'd life of Earth;
Whose Word from nothing call'd this beauteous whole,
This wide expanded all from pole to pole!
Who shall prescribe the boundary to thee,
Or fix the era of eternity?
Should we, deceiv'd by Error's sceptic glass,
Admit the thought absurd — that nothing was!
Thence would this wild, this false conclusion flow,
That nothing rais'd this beauteous all below;
When from disclosing darkness splendour breaks,
Associate atoms move, and matter speaks,
When non-existence bursts its close disguise,
How blind are mortals — not to own the skies!
If one vast void eternal held its place,
Whence started time? or whence expanded space?
What gave the slumb'ring mass to feel a change,
Or bid consenting worlds harmonious range?
Could nothing link the universal chain?
No, 'tis impossible, absurd, and vain!
Here reason its eternal Author finds,
The whole who regulates, unites, and binds,
Enlivens matter, and produces minds!
Inactive Chaos sleeps in dull repose,
Nor knowledge thence, nor free volition flows!
A nobler source those powers ethereal show,
By which we think, design, reflect, and know;
These from a cause superior date their rise,
" Abstract in essence from material ties."
An origin immortal, as supreme,
From whose pure day, celestial rays! they came:
In whom all possible perfections shine,
Eternal, self-existent, and divine!
From this great spring of uncreated might!
This all-resplendent orb of vital light;
Whence all-created beings take their rise,
Which beautify the earth, or paint the skies;
Profusely wide the boundless blessings flow,
Which Heav'n enrich and gladden worlds below!
Which are no less, when properly defin'd,
Than emanations of the' Eternal Mind!
Hence triumphs truth beyond objection clear,
(Let unbelief attend and shrink with fear!)
That what for ever was — must surely be
Beyond commencement, and from period free;
Drawn from himself his native excellence,
His date eternal, and his space immense!
And all of whom that man can comprehend,
Is, that he ne'er began, nor e'er shall end.
In him from whom existence boundless flows,
Let humble faith its sacred trust repose:
Assur'd on his eternity depend,
" Eternal Father! and eternal Friend!"
Within that mystic circle safety seek,
No time can lessen, and no force can break;
And, lost in adoration, breathe his praise,
High Rock of ages, ancient Sire of days!