Classic Poem

O change that strain with man's best hopes at strife,
A recreant strain that wrongs the steadfast soul!
Vainly against that bark the billows roll,
Which bears within the Eternal Lord of Life.

Bright sparks ay glitter, — flames may mount on high
In quick warm hearts, yet faithless, — then expire:
But God can kindle in the soul a fire
Of force t'outlive yon Sun that lights the sky.

Can he be meet to dwell with Saints above,
And gaze upon his Saviour face to face,
Who might, were life prolonged, abandon grace,
And madly trample on redeeming love?

Does God bind some to that bright heav'nly shore,
Who here on earth might wander from His way;
And banish others from Eternal Day,
Who might return to paths of peace once more?

Does Heav'n decide our fate for weal or woe,
Not we ourselves by choice of good or ill;
Unfailing choice, persistency of will,
In Christ to live, or sink with fiends below?

Just heav'n forefend! Eternal joys or pains,
These wait on man by man's own changeless choice:
And God proclaims with no uncertain voice
His Sons are they in whom His seed remains .

The Saviour knows the saved; — those sheep discerns
Who ne'er shall wander from His careful hand;
He knows the sp'rits that shall for ever stand,
The calm bright cells where fire perpetual burns!

Then, gentle Harmonist, that strain forebear;
Oh! cast not out from joy the faithful heart!
Firmly they choose who gain the better part,
And ev'n in time eternal blessings share.

Heav'n even here surrounds the filial breast,
Even here our earthly cares and troubles cease.
And what were heav'n without a settled peace, —
Has He not promised His beloved rest?