the most exquisite pleasure, or of enduring the most excruciating pain, these all unite in one general proclamation of the eternal truth that there is a Being, infinite in wisdom, who reigns over all, undivided and supreme, the fountain of all life, source of all light, from whom all blessings flow, and in whom all happiness centres. ANONYMOUS 131 THERE IS NO GOD There is no God! If one should stand at noon Where the glow rests, and the warm sunlight plays; Where earth is gladdened by the cordial rays And blossoms answering,-where the calm lagoon Gives back the brightness of the heart of June, 66 And he should say: There is no sun"-the day's Fair show still round him,-should we lose the blaze And warmth, and weep that day has gone so soon? Nay, there would be one word, one only thought, 66 The man is blind! " and throbs of pitying scorn Would rouse the heart, and stir the wondering mind. We feel, and see, and therefore know,—the morn With blush of youth ne'er left us till it brought Promise of full-grown day. "The man is blind.” SOPHIE M. ALMON-HENSLEY 287 THERE IS A GOD 132 THERE IS A GOD The one who says there is no God From worlds in space, down to our sod Look at the earth-see how plants grow Out of a little seed; If one would only wish to know His God, this he would heed; Let him who doth his God deny They're made and moved by certain laws Year after year, from west to east, Who made the laws which govern space? Who gives each starry world its place, 'Tis God, the King of earth and sky, MARTIN LEHMAYER 133 THE HYMN OF NATURE The heavenly spheres to Thee, O God! Unnumbered systems, suns, and worlds, Unite to worship Thee; While Thy majestic greatness fills Space, time, eternity. Nature, a temple worthy Thee, Beams with Thy light and love, That rise along the shore; Whose anthems, the sublime accord Of storm and ocean roar. PRAISE TO NATURE'S GOD Her song of gratitude is sung By Spring's awakening hours; 289 SIR JOHN BOWRING 134 PRAISE TO NATURE'S GOD Lauded be Thy name forever, God of evening's peaceful ray, Thine the flaming sphere of light, JAMES HOGG 135 ABOU BEN ADHEM Abou Ben Adhem-may his tribe increase!- Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, “What writest Thou?" The vision raised its head, And with a look all made of sweet accord, Answered, "The names of those that love the Lord.” The angel wrote and vanished. The next night It came again with a great wakening light, And showed the names whom love of God had blessed, And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest. LEIGH HUNT |