And wheresoe'er, in earth's wide field, TRINITY SUNDAY. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? St. John iil. 12. CREATOR, Saviour, strengthening Guide, Help us, each hour, with steadier eye The blessed angels look and long Along the Church's central space As travellers on some woodland height, When wintry suns are gleaming bright, Lose in arch'd glades their tangled sight; By glimpses such as dreamers love Through her grey veil the leafless grove Shows where the distant shadows rove; Such trembling joy the soul o'er-awes The door is clos'd-but soft and deep Such airs as soothe a hermit's sleep. From each carv'd nook and fretted bend Cornice and gallery seem to send Tones that with seraph hymns might blend. Three solemn parts together twine In harmony's mysterious line; Three solemn aisles approach the shrine: Yet all are One-together all, In thoughts that awe but not appal, Within these walls each fluttering guest Is gently lur'd to one safe nestWithout, 'tis moaning and unrest. The busy world a thousand ways Why tarries not her chariot wheel, Alas! for her Thy opening flowers Unheeded breathe to summer showers, Unheard the music of Thy bowers. What echoes from the sacred dome The heart that scorn'd a father's care, How can it rise in filial prayer? How an all-seeing Guardian bear? Or how shall envious brethren own How shall thy Spirit's gracious wile That frowns on sweet Affection's smile? Eternal One, Almighty Trine! (Since Thou art ours, and we are Thine,) By all thy love did once resign, By all the grace thy heavens still hide, We pray Thee, keep us at thy side, Creator, Saviour, strengthening Guide! |