";t>' XMi^Xi^ii; ....:iON Maka Gould H\ -*. -V "^v LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. ©I^Hji iujpirtglt ^0* Shelf. 0.8.SSP6 — — ^¥ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. •^v \ POEMS. ^^Tf)e ^' AVosead^^ The Epic of Moses and His Institutions ; AND OUR NATION: A SERIES OF POEMS, WITH HISTORIC, PATRIOTIC AND CHRISTIAN ELEMENTS. THE WHOLE INTERSPERSED , V^IWHcoLVRICS. '"''." ■/■''■^■,,v-'"" " BY REV. MARK GOULD, ^^^1^.? Z^ , Author of ^^ Piciiires of Z ion,'" ^'' Poems for the Times" etc, ILLUSTRATED. BOSTON: James H. Earle, Publisher, 178 washington street. T^3^n^ Copyright, 1S94 By Rev. Mar?c Gould All rights reserved N3' \T. Pilgrimage from Sinai to Kadesh. Death of Miriam, the Sister of Moses, and tribute to her memory . . . • ' =15 \1I. From Kadish to Mount Hor where Aaron died, and the journev thence to the plain of Moab . . . . . . -179 \'III. War with the Midianiles and Amorites. Assignment of Territory to the Tribes. Deuteronomy given. Last days and words of the great Lawgiver. Ilis Death and Funeral . 203 SECTIONAL OUTLINE OF BOOK I. Sec. I. Passage up the stream of Time. Bondage of the Hebrews in Egypt. Murder of their male children by Pharaoh, to prevent their increase. II. Rescue of the infant Moses through the agency of Miriam and Pharaoh's daughter. His training in the wisdom of Egypt, his faith, and sketches of his early history. Moses in Midian. His commission at Sinai. III. Request of Moses refused by Pharaoh. Jehovah encouraging him. The rod of Aaron converted into a serpent, and devouring the serpents of the Egyptian sorcerers. IV. Plague succeeding plague. Persistence of Pharaoh. Warning not to fight against the word and providence of God. V. The locusts and the darkness. The firmness of Moses. Death of the first-born of Egypt. Institution of the Passover. Depart- ure of the Hebrews. Their numbers. VI. Comparisons. Pursuit by Egyptians. The Israelites at the Red Sea. Dividing the waters to give them passage. VII. The Hebrews reach the other s-hore. Devouring of the Egyptians. Triumphal Songs of Moses and Miriam. Reflec- tions. THE MOSEAD, Mil THK PROKIVt. STERNAL Source of life and light, Enthroned in majesty and might, Creator and creatien's King, Whose praise adoring angels sing, Thy presence grant, thine aid impart To him who tempts poetic art. We sing of works and wonders old, In sacred records plainly told ; Of Israel's hardships, wrongs and woes. And glad release from cruel foes ; Of him whom God as chief ordained. Through whom His people freedom gained, And, perils past, that land secured, By promises divine assured. It is our purpose to relate The founding of that Church and State Whose King, Messiah, would appear, His kingdom on the earth to rear: With these a Dispensation new. Its laws and ceremonies, come to view. Prophetic of another still, When Christ should prophecy fulfil. BOOK FIRST. pE take passage on the ship of thought, That up the stream of Time we may be brought To that far theater of fleeting years Where Moses on the stage of life appears. As rapidly, in pensive mood we sail What varied scenes along the shores we hail ! Our thoughts flit by our country's history. And e'en the date of its discovery ; We sail by Europe's populated land, With all her nationalities at hand ; Rome in her splendor greets our wondering eyes, Where near her ancient Greece majestic lies. The primal period of Christianity We view, when Jesus blest humanity ; Then rise to times when David graced a throne. And Israel to lofty state had grown : We pass the sites of Eastern empires by, And to the classic shores of Egypt hie; Around us there a nation we behold Already great in power and growing old, Where Dynasties in turn had seen their day. Had blossomed, borne their fruit and passed away. Long had the groans and cries from Goshen's plains To Him ascended who in Zion reigns : Long years the Hebrews in dire bondage spend BOOK FIRST 15 And fail to see a prospect of an end, While tasks and taskmasters severer grew, And e'en at last their rude oppressors threw Their offspring to the flood. As woes increased The greater was their need to be released ; Like Africans in bonds and misery, Who keenly felt their need of liberty. The great Jehovah heard their piteous cries. Their wrongs were ever open to His eyes ; His gracious promises He ne'er forgot, His purpose and His covenant changed not. When midnight darkness settles o'er the way The night is still precursor of the day. Oppression, though it many years may last, At length shall find its woes and struggles past ; For He is mighty who will undertake The arrogant oppressor's rod to break ; And sweet the cup of liberty for those Who long have tasted of the cup of woes ; Oppression God may let awhile remain That greater freedom the oppressed may gain. The king of Egypt idol gods adored. And thus for him was tribulation stored ; His temples, where he senseless idols served, Has only as a ruin been preserved. The ancient glory from the Delta fled Reminds of peoples and their monarchs dead : The "Field of Zoan" is not what it was. For which the Nile has been a special cause : Great changes Jacob's children underwent. E'en while on Egypt's soil their days were spent ; And great in all their after history. 16 THE MOSEAD As plainly shown in sacred prophecy. So numerous had the Hebrews quickly grown That Egypt's monarch trembled for his throne ; Hence he oppressed them ; but he found at length That tasks, though heavy, did not break their strength. Accordingly he undertook to slay Their sons, the feared revolt to keep away. The Hebrews now required a Chieftain great, To lead them forth and organize a State ; One who should favor find with God and man, And execute a most stupendous plan. But how should such a man be trained Among the Hebrews, while they slaves remained .'' What schools of learning were among them found, To be of such proficiency the ground .-' The rulers of that tyrant-ridden land Held power of life and death at their command ; And often when this sovereign power they used. For selfish purposes they this abused. How many parents' hearts were filled with woe, Whose eyes were caused with tears to overflow The tender hearts of sisters, how they bled To find successively their brothers dead ! Now, if male children should be all destroyed, Who would be left to train, and be employed To set the Hebrew from dire bondage free And lead them to a land of liberty } This obstacle could God alone remove And furnish one who would their leader prove ; For this a course so wonderful He took, Upon it we with admiration look. pj o BOOK FIBST 19 II. A Levite couple had a son That love devoted from them won : Three months the mother hid her babe, And thus the dread destruction stayed; The child she could no longer hide ; Another skilful plan she tried, And made a little fragile bark, Though not so large as Noah's ark, And yet like that designed to save From death and from a watery grave. With slime and pitch she made it tight And placed in it a cargo light, But far more precious than the gold Which e'en the largest ship could hold. Had but some hungry crocodile Beheld that spectacle the while. Or some Egyptian then been nigh. What could the infant do but die ! Afar the sister tenderly Was watching with anxiety What to her brother would be done, If life or death would to him come. Soon Pharaoh's daughter with her train Came down a laving there to gain ; And when the little ark she sees, Its cover she removes with ease, And as she saw the infant weep. She felt compassion o'er her creep. Although she readily divined That this was one to death consigned, 20 THE MOSEAD Yet she resolved the child to save ; The anxious sister leave she gave To call a Hebrew nurse, to take The child and nourish for her sake. The joyful sister quickly goes ; Whom would she call, would you suppose ? The godly mother, certainly Would train her offspring carefully. God's faithful servant he became, Thus early taught to fear His name; But more than this was for him done, For he was treated as the son Of Pharaoh's daughter, as appears. Until he reached maturer years. In all Egyptian wisdom learned He early high distinction earned : God gave him grace His ways to choose, And sinful pleasures to refuse. His steadfast faith, and high resolve, The problem for the Hebrews solve. And one at length is found at hand To lead them to the promised land. Few records of the hero's youth we find ; Some ancient legends here are brought to mind : His military prowess they relate And triumph over Ethiopia's State ; And that he founded great Thermopolis, Commemorating victory by this : The legends say he was inventor too Of useful instruments and engines new. He was a man of prayer, tradition states, BOOK FIRST 21 And often prayed outside the city gates, Consorting doubtless with God's people there, Who for deliverance raised their fervent prayer. The Sacred record also has declared How he by faith for service was prepared, Relinquishing all claim to royalty And much affliction bearing patiently. * At length deliverance was nigh. Behold, The years of thy captivity are told, O Israel ! Thy earnest prayers are heard. And aid omnipotent shall be conferred. Be fearful, Pharaoh, tremble, Egypt's hosts. For wrath is hovering o'er your guilty coasts; Your long continued tyranny shall cease, For those whom you afflict shall find release. In Midian's fields a stranger shepherd roved Far from the land and kindred well beloved. And while sojourning in that foreign land. Of Jethro's daughter he obtained the hand. Full forty years in exile he remained, And was for his great work divinely trained. How oft he mused in meek soliloquy Upon his people's future destiny ! Did not the Lord to Israel foretell That his descendants should in Canaan dwell .? By whom shall their emancipation come ; Through whom as leader shall the work be done ? "Where is the man God's purpose to fulfil .'' Shall I be called to execute his will .-' Was it to lead them from captivity, * Hebrew? xl; 34, 25, 22 THE MOSEAD That I was saved from Pharaoh's decree, To his proud court so marvellously brought And in Egyptian education taught ? Why then have I this exile long endured Without the object of desire assured? Be still my soul, await the will divine ; Let God's intention evermore be mine. Oft did the fervent prayer to heaven ascend That God deliverance would quickly send To Israel, groaning under Pharaoh's hand. With none to lead them to the promised land. But he v/ho rules supreme upon His throne At length to Moses His design made known. While still he bore a humble shepherd's name. To lofty Horeb with his flock he came, When lo ! a burning bush his wonder drev/ And led him to obtain a nearer view. A voice he heard : "No nearer be thou found, Put off thy shoes, for this is holy ground ; I am thy fathers' God." Then Moses feared. His steps restrained and Israel's God revered. That was jio common scene ; the great I AM Had bowed His throne to speak with sinful man ; He who upholds and guides the whirling spheres. Without beginning or an end of years ; Whom all the armies of the skies obey, With glory crowned and clad in dread array ; Who turns to dust the sinful sons of men, And sits as Judge, to pardon or condemn. Designs of mercy brought Him from above ; His words bespeak compassion, wisdom, love ; They mean redemption for a race enslaved, BOOK FIRST 23 Foreshadowing a world redeemed and saved. For when a captive world in sin was bound, And no created arm to save was found, From heaven God sent His well-beloved Son Who broke the chain and full redemption won. "Who is thy servant ?" Moses asks, "to go And speak commandingly to Pharaoh ! No princely power is trusted to my hands. No well-armed warriors wait for my commands ; My speech is slow ; how shall I therefore stand Among the people and enforce command ?" The Lord replied : "Thy steps will I attend. Thy heart to strengthen and thy cause defend, I AM hath sent me," let thy language be, "And wondrous works shall be performed by thee." Then Moses' rod He makes a serpent yield, His hand made leprous, suddenly is healed. By signs and promises all fears suppressed, The prophet yields to God's supreme behest. To aid his speech his brother Aaron takes. With wife and sons a prosperous journey makes ; And when the elders saw the signs he gave. Confiding in Almighty power to save. To Him they bowed in grateful homage low Whose grace and power redemption would bestow. So when the heralds of supernal grace Bear gospel news to captives of our race, Joy fills believing hearts, new hopes arise, And thankful adoration greets the skies. 24 THE MOSEAD III. Now, when, according to the will of Heaven, God's mandate to the haughty king was given His people to release, stern he denies ; With hardened heart he impiously replies : "Who is the Lord, that I should condescend To let them go." Thus he disdained to bend To Him who hurls the tempest on its course. Who arms the mighty thunderbolt with force ; Who speaks, His edict wide creation hears, All heaven obeys and hell is filled with fears. Of Israel's hopes this was the darkest hour; What trust could be reposed in human pov/er ! The faithless Hebrews back to Moses sped And heaped their murmurs on his blameless head. Like birds incaged, that frantically fly, And every opening in their prison try, Long had the sons of Jacob sought in vain Their independent freedom to obtain. Could an available created arm Relieve their gloom and rescue them from harm "i Frail man as soon might hope to sweep away The shades of night, and bring the cheering day, Arrest the avalanche, or still the sea. When on the shore the waves dash angrily. Unnumbered mighty obstacles arose The unexampled effort to oppose ; The power of Egypt's grand ancestral State, Through skill and through equipment, too, was great; It surely would be found unitedly The exit of the Hebrews to deny; BOOK FJUST 25 The Sea and Wilderness were in their path, And hostile nations would arise in wrath. Where was the help that Moses now could gain, By which he could the object wished obtain ? No powerful ally, surely, could be found Among idolaters who dwelt around ; No enginery of war could he command, No opportunity appeared at hand. To Moses was his impotence well known, Yet undismayed he ventures near the throne ; Nor seeks for aid in vain ; heaven's ruling King Attends when faithful men petitions bring. Hear but the answer to the prophet given And doubt no more the kind design of heaven, "Now shall you see, and Pharaoh feel my power In Israel's distrustful, darksome hour ; Your fathers heard my name. Almighty God, But now, Jehovah, let it sound abroad ; My gracious covenant unmoved remains. Let Israel hope for Canaan's happy plains And trust in me ; your Tribe will I redeem With mighty judgments, and an arm unseen • Return and bear the message that I send, I am your Lord, your Guardian, Guide and Friend." Then Moses said "If Israel despised, Will Pharaoh hear from lips uncircumcised ?" "Behold, to Pharaoh thou shalt be a god ; Through Aaron as thy prophet give thy nod ; That signs and wonders may be multiplied. My power by Egypt's king shall be defied ; But Egypt shall percieve my potent hand When Israel issues from her smitten land. 26 THE MOSEAD Now see a wonder; leading greater still, By which the Lord His purpose would fulfil ; The rod of Aaron at the monarch's feet Becomes a frightful serpent, huge and sleek ; In sinuous folds the horrid monster lies, With forked, quivering tongue and fiery eyes. Then sent the king and summoned at his will His sorcerers and all of magic skill ; Obedient they haste to bring their rods, With cunning arts to tempt the God of gods. Of their enchantments such the feeble powers That Aaron's serpent all the rest devours ; Not Troy of old had greater cause to dread, When serpents on their hapless victims fed. The monarch saw, but still unmoved remained, And then began the plagues by heaven ordained. IV. As on the flowing Nile's majestic strand The king was walking with his courtier band, A sudden change came o'er the mighty flood ; The prophet's wand had changed the stream to blood. The fishes died ; but sorcerers plied their art, And still was steeled the monarch's stubborn heart. Now seven long days had run their tedious round, And bondsmen still the chosen Tribes were found ; Then Aaron o'er the waters stretched his hand, And frogs came up infesting all the land : Magicians, with their imitative skill, Again succeeded, to their master's will ; Yet sore afflicted with the grievous scourge. He calls the prophets, his request to urge BOOK FIRST 7H That they would intercede, and pray To have the plague removed without delay. He adds the promise, if they would comply. No more their spurned entreaties to deny. By Moses' potent prayer the scourge removed, The monarch's promise like a shadow proved. How much like this the vow of penitence, Extorted by the fear of recompense ! Oft, when affliction's heavy hand is felt, Those kneel who till that hour had never knelt. And pay their vows to Him who reigns above, No more to fight against redeeming love. No longer disobey, if He will send The wished relief, and all their troubles end : Relief bestowed, their hearts, unchanged forget To pay their vows, on sinful courses set. Successive plagues the king's refusal brings, The dust itself is turned to living things ; Next, flies infest in swarms his whole domain. Except where Goshen spreads her fertile plain ; The boil is sent, afflicting man and beast O'er all the realm, the greatest with the least. Then came the hail and fire in fearful wrath. Dispensing death and terror in their path ! Yet Goshen lay in calm serenity, As mid the Deluge Noah's family, — And Israel heard unscathed the thunders roll/ Nor feared the storm that man could not control. So, when the last tremendous storm shall break. As from the dust the sleeping dead awake. The wicked will that awful storm destroy. While those who served the Lord escape with joy! 28 THE MOSEAD For them a happy land will He prepare, And they shall serve their great Redeemer there. Seven plagues are past, three greater still impend, That bring the drama to its tragic end. While unobeyed the high behests of heaven. And unavailing all the tokens given Of power that mocks the impotence of kings, And on the guilty retribution brings. The plagues foreshadowed other judgments sent Upon the guilty who would not repent. God warns before He slays, and those who heed And turn from sin, are from the ruin freed. Mild chastisements for this may not suffice. And then He oft severer measures tries ; Like skilful teachers in a public school. Who aim to bring their pupils under rule. Had Pharaoh been wise he would have known That he must yield, or else be overthrown. The word and providence of God unite To say, against Him venture not to fight ; For finite power is impotent to stand Against his lifted and almighty hand. The powers of nature God oft summons now* To lead the stubborn will of man to bow ; But if, like Pharaoh, he still refuse. And God's long suffering and grace abuse, If thus the great salvation He neglect, What has he but perdition to expect ! If sinning angels were from heaven driven Shall sinning man, impenitent, reach heaven ? The ways of God are holy, just and good. Though oft by erring man not understood. BOOK FIRST 29 Again obedient to the word of God O'er Egypt Moses stretched his magic rod ; At morn a multitude of locusts rise, Spread o'er the land and darken all the skies 1 Wide waste and ruin follow in their path Like havoc made by armies in their wrath. When, through the prayers of Moses reaching heaven, The locusts to the sea were swiftly driven, The heart of Pharaoh was hardened still. And unsubdued remained his stubborn will. How oft the tree, which bends before the blast. Resumes its place soon as the storm is past ! Next, to the heavens, by God's supreme command, See Moses lift in majesty his hand : He summons from the realms of ancient night Unmingled darkness to prevent the sight ; Except in homes where Jacob's children trod Beneath the benediction of their God : The monarch, obstinate and unsubdued. Drove Moses from him in an angry mood. The firmness of the man of God behold ! When he relentless Pharaoh had told That they their flocks and herds would with them take, And all their sons and daughters too, and make A feast unto the Lord, he said, " Not so. Ye only that are men have leave to go:" He knew, if these were suffered to remain The men would certainly return again. When locusts and thick darkness had been sent. The king, upon his object still intent. Bade Moses take the children too, and serve 30 THE MOSEAD The Lord, but still the flocks and herds reserve. God's servant, knowing what the king designed. Declared, "A hoof shall not be left behind.'' Beginners in the Christian pilgrimage To make no reservation should engage. God now proclaimed, " One other plague I send, To bring your bondage to a speedy end ; At midnight shall be heard a bitter cry. For all the first born of the land shall die, Except the children of the chosen tribes With whom my favor evermore abides." Then Moses, by the King eternal led, To all the elders of his people said, A feast of flesh, and bread unleavened make. The blood of Lambs, with bunch of hyssop take, And mark the posts and lintels of each door That God may pass your first-born children o'er. And this in future years, by God's command, A sacrifice and passover shall stand. At midnight came the threatened, sudden blow, That laid the first-born of proud Egypt low ; Then did the king reluctant deign to say To Moses, " Rise and leave without delay ; Go forth and serve the Lord, as ye have said, And let your flocks and herds be also led." Perhaps he thought this method to employ. The growing Tribes of Israel to destroy. Forthwith the Hebrews hasten to depart. And leave their bondage with a joyful heart ; They borrowed too, of those who did them wrong Such needful things as they could take along ; For some Egyptians were not quite so slow BOOK FIRST 31 To feel compassion move, as Pharaoh : No doubt upon them came the sudden fear, That painful death to them might then be near; Their gold and silver they would freely give, If only they themselves might safely live. So fast the sons of Jacob had increased, That when by power divine, they were released, From Ramases to Succoth journeyed then. About six hundred thousand full grown men. Their families and flocks they take along, Which still to them in servitude belong: Their rulers trusted not in swords and spears, But in the mighty Power that rules the spheres. The Hebrews were a nation soon to be And thus fulfil their lofty destiny. The child the father of the man is found. The tree springs from the seedling in the ground, Like that a nation from beginning grows. Strikes down its roots, abroad its branches throws. VI: How little did the Hebrews know. How faintly realize. What hardships they would undergo Beneath Arabian skies ; So, never can the Christian say, In traveling to heaven. What trials will beset his way E'-€r entrance shall be given. The mariner on ocean wide, Beneath the changing skies. Knows not what winds and storms betide. 32 THE MOSEAD Or foes may round him rise. Had not Jehovah led the band Which rest and refuge sought, How could they through a desert land To Canaan have been brought ? Their faithful Guardian He proved, Their true, almighty Friend ; Before them His Shekinah moved E'en to their journey's end. Some failed to reach the promised rest Provided by their God ; Those only were divinely blest Who wisdom's ways had trod. Lest they should meet the strong Philistine hosts That peopled Palestine's western coasts, God led His people by another route. And with a mighty hand He brought them out. But horsemen swift, and ranks of warriors trained, Pursued the flying band and on them gained ; Before them was the sea ; the mountains rose, On either hand ; how could they escape their foes ! The leader, full of faith, believing yet That God His covenant would not forget. Addressed the people thus : " Fear not, but stand, And see salvation by a mighty Hand ; The proud Egyptians which ye see today. Shall like a specter quickly pass away." Ye who in stories marvellous delight. Or love to contemplate some wondrous sight, Review attentively those works of old. Those scenes which still surprise, though often told ; And ye who all such wondrous works deny. BOOK FIRST S3 Esteeming miracles a specious lie, Without base prejudice consider well, What has been told, and what I now shall tell. Behold another wondrous work of God ! As Moses o'er the sea stretched out his rod, A wall of water rose on either side, To give the Hebrews passage, dry and wide ! The Wind a marvellous exploit performs, Such as has signalized no other storms. For when in all its history beside. Did e'er the sea of Egypt thus divide ? What other pilgrims, as they reached that strand, E'er made their passage on the solid land. Let no one longer fail to recognize The power displayed by Him who rules the skies, Or fail to take this useful lesson too. That what God orders He helps man to do. vn. Upon the wondrous highway made by God, Which human footsteps ne'er before had trod, The Hebrews made an easy passage o'er. And soon they safely reach the other shore. Their enemies presumptuously pursue ; Had not the way been opened to them too .-* O Israel, although the foes are near. Do not their chariots and horsemen fear ; ForHewho listens to His people's prayer. And watches o'er them with a sleepless care. Is mighty also to defeat their foes, Whenever they His purposes oppose. 34 THE MOSEAD. The host of Pharaoh pressed on with ire, But God beheld them from the cloud of fire ; The chariots in the mud now slowly drag, The swiftest horsemen too are seen to lag ; And soon the waves, returning to their place, Arrest the mad pursuers in their race, God had determined in that signal way His majesty and glory to display, And show to distant ages that His power Can save His people in the darkest hour. Resistless, unrestrained, the water's flow, Remediless, complete, the overthrow ! Strewn widely on the shore armed corpses lay Unblest with burial ; as if to say, We thought we could almighty God defeat ; We now receive a retribution meet ! What earthly power shall with the Lord contend ? He can His foes to swift destruction send ; He rides in chariots of living fire, To execute His own supreme desire. What power against Him can successful be, Who rules in earth, in air, in sky and sea ; Who erst the wicked to destruction hurled. Who drowned an army, and e'en drowned a world } The whole emancipated, joyful throng With Moses join in an exultant song. So beautiful, significant, sublime, It sails triumphant down the stream of time. BOOK FIRST. 35 SONG OF TRIUMPH BY MOSES. Exodus XV. "The Lord hath triumphed gloriously, "Drowned horse and rider in the sea, "My strength, salvation and glad song, " My God, to whom does praise belong, "My father's God, the Lord His name, "Through me He shall abode here gain : "The chariots, the mighty host, "And captains, the great monarch's boast, "Are sunk in waters like a stone, "By power of Thy strong hand alone. "Those who to fight Thee didst presume, "Thy wrath, like stubble, didst consume; "Thy blasting breath made floods a heap, "The sea congealed, the liquid deep. "Said Pharaoh, I overtake, " Of plenteous spoil division make ; "My sword I draw, my power employ, "And all their host I will destroy. "But Thou with blast of wind didst blow, " Like lead in waters they sunk low : "Among the gods who is like Thee, "In honor, power and majesty.'' " Great is Thy holiness and praise, " Most wonderful Thy works and ways ! "When Thou in wrath stretched out Thy hand, "Earth swallowed them, none could withstand; "The people are by mercy brought "To find the habitation sought. "Now Palestina's dwellers wail 36 THE MOSEAD. "To find their expectations fail, " And Edom's Dukes amazed shall be "While Moabites hear tremblingly. "The Canaanites will melt with fear "When Thou shalt Israel's tribes bring near; "To guide and plant them is Thy care, "And their possession to prepare." Then Miriam, the honored prophetess, The Lord in grateful song did likewise bless ; While Israel's fair daughters join the strain, With timbrels, dances, and a glad refrain ; Exulting in their great Deliverer, And in their rescue from distressing fear. "Sing to the Lord, Almighty He, "Rejoice, He triumphs gloriously; "The horse and rider, Pharaoh's boast, "Are drowned, and all his mighty host." Such is the triumph those by grace obtain Who trust in God and His salvation gain ; And such the song which oft their voices raise, Of gratitude and undissembled praise. When rescued from the chains of reigning sin, From mighty foes without, and foes within. To enter on the way to heaven, led. Protected and with manna daily fed. More joyful strains ne'er floated on the air Than rang and echoed in Arabia there ; Although no organ's solemn peals were heard. But by the timbrels were emotions stirred. No Mendelssohn, no Handel or Mozart Had elevated music's heavenly art ; No Doane's or Sankey's evangelic strains BOOK FIRST. 37 Inspired devotion on the Asiatic plains ; Yet modern poets, skilled in lyric verse, Could not more fitly wondrous things rehearse Than Miriam and Moses, whom God chose To win a triumph over haughty foes. The world has moved since Israel crossed the sea. But God exists and rules immutably ; And men, by Him created, have been found Possessed of common traits the world around. How oft have Puritan and Huguenot By Him from bonds of tyranny been brought ! How heartfelt was the praise on Plymouth's strand Where Pilgrims entered freedom's happy land ; But warmer notes of praise and triumph rise, And echo through the arches of the skies. When ransomed saints have passed o'er death's dark sea, P'rom inbred sin and earth-born troubles free. To join in songs of triumph, joy and praise. And dwell in cloudless light through endless days. SECTIONAL OUTLINE OF BOOK" IL Sec. I. The victory aud victors. March through S lur and Elim. In the desert of Sin. II. The Manna. Christ symbolized by it. The rock yielding water at R^phidim Joshua's victory over the Amalekites. Moses a type of Christ as Intercessor. III. The wife of Moses and Jethro. His Advice. The Shekinah. Arrival at Sinai. Signs of Jehovah's presence and power. IV. The ten Commandments given. Summary. Their perpetual ob- ligation. Exalted office of Moses. V. The Jewish Institute and Dispensations preparatory. The Feasts appointed. Warnings and promises. Jehovah on His sapphire throne. VI. The priesthood of Aaron. He typified Christ. Priesthood of Aaron's sons and its typical significance. VII. Rebellion and the golden calf. Moses breaks the tables. The sons of Levi come to his assistance. VIII. Cou'-age an"! heroism of Moses. Hii Intercession. New tables made and placed in the ark. Three divine Advents. BOOK SECOND. I. UNPARALLELED the victory Of Israel at the parting Sea. Not by created might obtained, But by the Lord of glory gained ! Yet through obedience, faith and earnest prayer Came such unprecedented triumph there. Behold, collected on the banks, The Hebrews in their various ranks; Those flushed with hope, those pressed with fears, Some strong in youth, some bowed with years, From bonds released, although they little knew What was to come ; what scenes would greet their view. In that emancipated horde Humanity's best hopes were stored : The kings and prophets were unborn. Who Israel's story should adorn ; At length the Sun of righteousness would rise And with resplendent glory gild the skies ! Upon the shore the emigrant oft stands And o'er the ocean looks towards distant lands Not knowing when or how he can obtain The distant home which he desires to gain ; So did the Hebrews contemplate the place To which God was to lead them by his grace. The sea behind prevented their retreat 42 THE MOSEAD. From foes before them which they were to meet. Though freed from bondage, now before them lay The wilds and mountains of Arabia ; Near dwelt the Anakims, foes lurked around, While serpents hissed in that unfruitful ground. But still they had a friendly, mighty Hand, To guard and feed them in that desert land ; And when their journey they again renewed, They were no more by Pharaoh pursued. The Pilgrims march through Shur's uncultured fields, That no refreshing water for them yields. When they at Marah bitter waters met, The leader was with murmurings beset ; To sweeten this a wondrous tree God shows; Thus grace upon His children He bestows. In kindness He the special promise made That if the people His commands obeyed. Diseases that Egyptians oft assail Among them should thenceforth no more prevail. They next encamp on Elim's sunny plain Where trees of Palm and flowing founts they gain ; Thus palms of victory the Lord bestows. And for the thirsty living water flows. At Marah water was so bitter found. It was of sinful murmurings the ground ; But Elim's wells and fair palm trees in sight, Refreshment furnished, thrilling with delight. Thus pain and pleasure in succession rise, As clouds succeed the sunshine in the skies. But bitter waters to the sweet oft turn, From which impressive lessons we may learn. When God in mercy brings from pain relief, BOOK SECOND. 43 Faith and enjoyment spring up from our grief. In Elim longer the twelve Tribes remained, Since strength and confidence they there obtained : Oft earthly pleasure longer lasts than woe, To endlesi) pleasures will the Christian go ; Enjoyments richer in the heavens are found Than e'er spring up on earth's unfruitful ground. When through affliction's vale our feet shall tread, By God's mysterious providences led, Let us consider these by Him employed That moral maladies may be destroyed ; And let us trust that grief will valued be When with unclouded vision we shall see; Though pain and trouble do not spring from chance, The endless joys of heaven they enhance. In earthly pleasures not allowed to stay. Again the Pilgrims entered on their way ; Not long continued had their progress been Before they penetrate the desert, Sin ; For fleshpots now the hungry people sigh, And they with something must be fed or die. But He who condescended them to guide, Failed not to see their pressing wants supplied : By quails at evening were the hungry fed, And in the morning by a kind of bread. So, while for hungry souls the spacious earth Yields only famine and distressing dearth, The Lord upon His people from the skies His grace bestows in plentiful supplies. Whence came the quails it is not ours to say; They were not strangers in Arabia : In their migrations they in flocks oft went, 44 THE MOSEAD. And here they were by their Creator sent. He feeds His people who the ravens feeds, Disposed and able to supply their needs. Was it by chance that this event took place .-' Do we no agency of God here trace .^ Then should no thanks be asked for kindness shown, And no resultant obligation known. But how could God the work of chance foretell .? Could it be certain and by chance as well } That were impossible. God sent those quails, Or the veracity of Scripture fails. Both winds and birds obeyed His high behest In bringing food for those who were distressed : The elemental forces all combine To execute the purposes divine, And prove that He who in the heavens reigns Dominion in this lower world maintains. He who created man gave birds their wing. Taught them His praise in melody to sing; He gives them food, and sometimes bids them feed Elijahs in their undissembled need. n. When Israel hungered what a sight Broke on the people's eyes ! What makes the grounds around so white, What now upon them lies ! Food free and plenteous they found Wherever they were led ; And thus does grace divine abound, By which the saints are fed. BOOK SECOND. 45 That was no common spectacle ; The Hebrews understood That by a constant miracle They were supplied with food. O'er all the earth from year to year Now living creatures find Supplies of nourishment appear, As from God's bounty kind. Said Christ, Of life I am the bread. The hungry soul to feed ; Who eats this bread shall live, though dead ; My blood is drink indeed. By faith alone can we partake Of this divine supply ; Those who the Lord their food will make Shall neither want nor die. Your fathers who upon the manna fed. Said Christ to Jews who stood around, are dead ; But unto him who eateth of the bread from heaven r)y faith in Me, eternal life is given.* The manna came from heaven, so Christ came down, All other gracious gifts of God to crown ; On Hebrews only was the one bestowed. To all believers has the other flowed ; Through all the ages shall this gift descend, To lands and climes remote, till time shall end; Increasing multitudes shall hail the Son, From land to land the joyful song shall run, That Christ the Lord for man was crucified. And gave His life a ransom when He died. * John vi: 49,50 46 THE MOSEAD. From death to life through Him shall many rise, And even dwell with Him above the skies : The Spirit's manna shall to them be given, The foretaste of eternal life in heaven. Six days the manna lay upon the ground, But on the seventh could not there be found; So, not to make upon that day a fast, They gathered on the sixth enough to last. God ordered them some manna to preserve That a memento it might thenceforth serve Of what He did for them, and of the way In which He taught observance of His Day. Rephidim water lacked, and here again The Tribes of their great leader dared complain ; To God he cried in bold, successful prayer, A rock then quickly yielded water there. How oft as mediator did he pray, How many judgments did he keep away, While precious were the blessings thus secured That through unnumbered coming years endured : So Christ as Mediator intercedes, Affording help which man so greatly needs ; He ever lives to manifest His love And plead His merits in the courts above; All who will come to God through Him shall find In Him a Helper, potent, faithful, kind : Nor should we in our thoughtlessness forget Our need of human intercessors yet; As well may vines despise the sturdy tree That gives them their support, as we The intercession of the strong despise, That helps the weak in faith to stand and rise, BOOK SECOND. 47 That they may hold a sure abiding place And in abundance yield the fruits of grace. From Moses' life how plainly it appears That God our earnest prayers for others hears! When Amalek against the Hebrews went, See gallant Joshua against him sent; While Aaron, joined with Hur, till set of sun Held Moses' hand, and victory was won ; He was required memorial to write That God thenceforth with Amalek would fight. When the Omnipotent lifts up His hand What puny mortal can His power withstand ? Through Christ believers conquests gain o'er sin, Assailing from without or from within, And leaders, boldly standing for the right. Require the help of others in the fight. HI. Already had the news to Jethro come Of what the Lord by Moses' hand had done, So he the wife and sons of Moses takes. And through the wilderness a journey makes : The noble priest his son-in-law now meets, His kindred with unfeigned affection greets. And says, "The Lord for your relief be blest, "Who saved your Tribes, by Pharaoh oppressed; " He greater than all other gods is known, "Himself superior to others shown." Meet sacrifice presents the Eastern priest, And joins the elders in a joyful feast. When Jethro by kind observation saw How hard the duties of his son-in-law, 48 THE MOSEAD. While acting ruler and sole judge for all, In cases difficult, both great and small, He readily attained the estimate That this was labor too severely great : His counsel, therefore, he to Moses gave The work to lessen and himself to save. By heeding the good counsel thus received, Of many burdens Moses was relieved. E'en those with wisdom filled have much to learn ; To gain new knowledge why should any spurn .'' What agents numberless has God in reach. By which His willing servants He can teach; If they like Moses are inclined to heed, It will evince that they are wise indeed. See Israel's train by the Shekinah led. By God protected, by His kindness fed ; Above them hovered the great King of kings. As hens protect their chickens with their wings. See those of both the sexes, young and old, The weak and strong, the timid and the bold. Together travel through the wilderness, And towards the region of Mount Sinai press. When they arrived, at once they pitched their tent, While Moses into the high mountain went. The range of Sinai is some three miles long ; Among the peaks which to this range belong, The Northern one is Horeb called to-day. Around whose base, as many writers say, In their encampments all the Tribes remained That by them God's commands might be obtained. Then from the mountain audibly He spake. And told what He had done, what course would take BOOK SECOND. 49 The people Moses was to sanctify ; On the third day to them He would draw nigh. He Moses also bids the mount surround, To keep the people in their proper bound. Now Sinai is involved in smoke and cloud, The mountain quaking, thunders pealing loud. Why flash the lightnings, and why shakes the ground? No storm-cloud rises in the regions round. These chosen signals manifest the power Of Him who spake to mortals in that hour; For He who formed the whole creation's frame, To found a Church and Dispensation came; But not as when, in great humility, He took upon Himself humanity. The Law of God the Gospel antedates, But in the same design participates ; As knowledge of disease a cure precedes, And true repentance to forgiveness leads. The Law God's high and holy claims makes k/iown. Proceeding from His everlasting throne. When He would issue His supreme commands By angels, in a Mediator's hands, A lofty mountain is the place He takes. Where wonderful displays of power He makes ; To show that darkness deep His throne enshrouds, The hidings of His power were in the clouds ; The thunder, fire, and lightning's fearful play. The terrors that attend His law display ; In quaking earth and rending rocks, behold His power to execute His mandates told. In every part of this stupendous scene Especial glimpses of the Lord we glean. 50 THE MOSEAD. How condescending was the great I AM, To visit sinful and apostate man ! The law of God, before in hearts alone, Was now to live on the enduring stone, To be transmitted down in coming time Through every nation, every tribe and clime. IV. The trumpet summons all the tribes to hear The holy law with reverential fear ; A voice divine peals forth divinely now. Which rings in echoes from the mountain's brow. While ten commandments issue from the throne. Inscribed on tablets of substantial stone ; Some told of duties which to God we owe, The others told those due to man below ; Thus ten commandments are reduced to two. Where love to God and man come into view. The duties owed to both are plainly shown, And works forbidden made distinctly known. " Have thou and serve no other God but Me, " Ne'er to a graven image bow the knee ; "Iniquity, (a jealous God am I) "Shall visited on generations lie, "And thousands shall My faithful mercy prove, "Of those who My commandments keep in love; "My holy name in vain thou shalt not take, " For this will those who take it guilty make. "The Sabbath Day which I ordained of yore " Remember, and keep holy evermore. " Six days of labor, one of rest observe. BOOK SECOND. 51 "With all of those who under thee shall serve; " For in six days the spacious heaven and earth, " By My creative fiat had their birth ; " But on the seventh I rested, as 'twas fit, "And with My special blessing hallowed it, "To father and to mother honor give, "That in the land bestowed thou long mayest live; "Foul murder, theft and vile adultery, "All strictly are prohibited by Me. "Against thy neighbor thou shalt never dare "False witness in unrighteousness to bear." The great, supreme Jehovah also saith, "Thou shalt not covet what thy neighbor hath." As all have disobeyed since Adam's fall, Law's penalty has been incurred by all; And guilty all before the law must stand, In every nation and in every land : But through the second Adam, it is plain. Full pardon and redemption we obtain. When we through faith accept the blood-bought prize, To freedom, life and happiness we rise. Distinctly in the ten commands we trace God's fundamental precepts for the race; Eternal and unchangeable they stand, Adapted to all times and every land, Unmoved by antinpmian theories. And all philosophy's autonomies. The law of gravitation was the same Before a Newton knew and gave it name ; And through the rounds of time, we may be wure. The ancient laws of nature will endure ; So shall God's moral law its place preserve. 52 THE MOSEAD. Continuing its purposes to serve. Christ surely honored it in word and deed, Nor from its claims has He His people freed; And though its curse He came to take away, This blessing comes to those who will obey. Says Paul, " Do we make void the law through grace .'' " Nay, we establish it," to hold its place.* Says James, " One precept of the law to break, "Transgression of the entire law will make." Not thus men write of abrogated laws, Nor to obey them is there found a cause. While broken laws to Christ for pardon lead. The Gospel teaches us God's laws to heed. Three forms of law were to the Hebrews given By Him who dominates in earth and heaven: His Moral Laiv, immutable and good, The rule for all mankind is understood, Communicating fundamentally The ethic precepts for humanity, Which in eternal principles subsist, And changeless in all worlds exist. The Ceremonial Law, oft disobeyed, Was for a more especial purpose made ; A preparation was it to begin, And furnish salutary discipline ; As well as give symbolic prophecy Of blessings flowing from Christianity. Shall we esteem it strange that faithless Jews To walk as they were bidden should refuse. When, in the radiant light of Gospel day, Vast multitudes from well known duty stray? ♦Romans 3 :3i BOOK SECOND. 53 Brutes, winds and stars God's laws observe, While sinful men their Maker will not serve. A Civil Law, framed in the court of heaven, Through Moses likewise was to Hebrews given ; For such a national Theocracy, Ruled by commands divine, required to be. Those who God's statutes madly disobeyed Might well of fearful judgments be afraid. Since Jewish laws were by the Lord ordained. Their principles have through all time remained ; Although they specially one nation served, Their teachings should by others be observed. All skilful lawgivers now understand That circumstances changed new laws demand ; Those who a floating ship would safely guide, Must watch, and have regard to wind and tide ; But, notwithstanding, it is always sure That fundamental principles endure ; And that the Lord of nations still is King, To whom should all their highest homage bring. The angels and archangels do His will. Why should not earthly rulers this fulfil ? Some count all human law tyrannical, All civil governments ephemeral : The fiery anarchists against them rail. Rejoicing when their ordinances fail ; But governments divinely were ordained. And therefore should by all be well sustained. God's Laws, the whole creation's harmony, Unite the finite to infinity ; Bring order from confusion, peace from strife, And give to mortals an immortal life, 54 THE MOSEAD. Law rules the heaving ocean's tides and waves, And hides within its dark unfathomed caves ; It guides the flashing lightning in its course, And gives volcanoes their tremendous force; Controls the steamboat, telegraph and car, And ships that bring their freight from lands afar. Law fills the fields in Spring with fragrant flowers. And brings autumnal harvests by its powers ; From year to year attends us on our way, A friend at hand to those who will obey; And yet a foe, to meet which it is hard. When we its requisitions disregard. And what is Law, but what God wills to be Creation's order throughout land and sea } He thus would have His sovereign will obeyed In all the worlds His mighty hands have made. Whatever by ?Iis word did He create. Call it inanimate or animate. Is held beneath His universal sway. Though men, like demons, often disobey ; And when against God's moral government They stand, they justly suffer punishment, Unless in time they seek the remedy For those who fall into iniquity : The Gospel comes, God's pardoning grace to bring, And take away from death itself the sting. V. The Law and Gospel in one plan combine. And will fulfil a grand and wise design. While Moses held in office highest place BOOK' SECOND. 65 Of all the mortals of our fallen race, What other human ruler has been known To fill a place so near the central throne ? The shadows of the Law were chiefly meant To symbolize the Gospel. Christ was sent Example, Teacher and High Priest divine, In whom perfections infinite combine ; And He a glorious kingdom was to found, To rise and spread the entire world around. The Institute of Moses grandly proved As guide to that which should not be removed. Directly do the Law and Gospel tend To one benevolent, essential end ; The ancient prophecies awhile were dumb. And silent waited for the Lord to come. The Jewish Dispensation may appear As burdensome and overcharged with fear ; But is it not true wisdom to admit That God knew what His purposes would fit } Shall streams despise the founts from which they flow. Or plants the seeds from which they spring and grow .'' Since nations do not disregard their rise. Let not the Church her origin despise. The mountain quakes, loud peals of thunder roll, Arouse the conscience and alarm the soul. While others from the mount draw back in fear, The prophet waited God's commands to hear ; To whom Jehovah from the thick cloud spake : The people He forbade false gods to make. But bade them Him adore, their offering On altars made of wood and stone to bring. As Lawgiver supreme He next proceeds 66 THE MOSEAD. To issue His commands concerning deeds; Tiieir principles in all the years unchanged remain, Which legislators should with care retain. Three special Feasts Jehovah institutes, Of Bread Unleavened, and First Harvest Fruits, And then the Feast of the Ingathering, When the last harvest home they joyful bring. The Lord of harvest plainly thus designed To bring His goodness forcibly to mind. When God, to bless a nation, kindly pours Into its granary autumnal stores, How fit that national thanksgivings rise To man's great Benefactor in the skies. To Israel God gave Thanksgiving Day Lest it should not remember thanks to pay. So, when our pious ancestors came o'er. And landed free upon New England's shore, Soon as the cultivated mother earth To a corn harvest gave most welcome birth, They set apart a special Day, to raise Their tribute of true thankfulness and praise; And thus the custom, ever since preserved, As a reminder has the people served. And when the Day arrives let none be slow To bless the Fountain whence all blessings flow, Him whose rich bounty all His creatures feeds. Whose grace supplies the spirit's urgent needs. Now let us note this needed warning given, Proceeding from the gracious King of Heaven. " My angel I before thee send," God said, •' Well guarded to thy place shalt thou be led; BOOK SECOND. 67 "Obey His mandates and of Him beware, "His anger to provoke do not thou dare; "Consider that My name is found in Him, "And that He pardons not organic sin."* Why should we not this pregnant truth believe, That nations punishments as such receive ? In time alone, not in eternity, Received must their meet retribution be. The nations die, though those who form them live, To whom the Lord meet recompense will give : But only in this world can judgments fall On entire nations, whether great or small. To Israel God said, " Shouldst thou obey, "And take due heed to all things that I say, "I'll make your enemies My enemy, " To all your foes will adversary be ; "To Hittites, Amorites and Perizzites, " To Hivites, Jebusites and Canaanites "My guiding angel thee shall bring at length, "And they shall meet destruction through My strength, "Thou shalt not serve their idols, but destroy, "Thy powers thou in my service shalt employ ; "And then thy bread and water I will bless, • "And take from thee dread sickness and distress."! This was a shadow of what was to be In unborn ages of Christianity : The gospel banner should be wide unfurled. And Jesus triumph o'er the heathen world. The people, thinking that themselves they knew, Engaged that they the Lord's commands would do ; The words of God wrote Moses, and there built * Exodus xxiii : 21. t r'xodus xxii : ZZ. 58 THE MOSEAD. An Altar, where for them should blood be spilt ; The sacrificial blood of beasts he takes, And thus a covenant before them makes. A wondrous spectacle must now be told, Which there the elders in surprise behold ; Jehovah seated on His sapphire throne, Who ne'er to mortals had before been shown ! He had good reason, it must be confessed, Thus visibly Himself to manifest ; He would by this their wavering faith confirm. The disobedient from their idols turn. That they with mind and heart might truly bring Due tribute to the everlasting King. This wondrous vision represented well The glory which no mortal tongue can tell, The power and majesty of Him who reigns O'er all the earth and all the heavenly plains ; Before whom angels and archangels fall, And with the ransomed own Him Lord of all. The splendors of His sapphire throne declare The light and holiness residing there ; The thrones of earth are ever insecure. The throne of God forever shall endure : No power can overthrow the King of Heaven ; He cannot from His throne be ever driven. He made His glorious displays abound, Since He would thus His ancient Church well found; For He desired that faithful it might be, And wholly freed from base idolatry : Yet many of the Hebrews, as we find, Possessed an unbelieving, wayward mind. BOOK SECOND. 69 VI. If to the Priests we now attention turn, We many things concerning them may learn, That prove the Dispensations joined in one ; And point to what should afterwards be done When Christ should come, the ancient law fulfil, And make more manifest God's righteous will. Although the types and shadows passed away. The substance stands revealed in our own day. The ceremonies and peculiar dress Of Jewish priests conspicuously express Realities that in Christ's Church we find, Which were for this undoubtedly designed ; They served the Church in which they had a place, And much the Jewish history they grace; They had for us a special service too, Which we in symbols may distinctly view. As Aaron Great High Priest of God was made. He was in garments beautiful arrayed ; And as he was a type of Christ to be. In what he wore we special emiblems see. The robe and coat, in which he was to dress, Expressly symbolized Christ's rightousness ; The girdle, doubly brought around his breast, Official dignity and power expressed. The Ephod set with precious stones behold; With beautiful significance it told Of Tribes which formed the Jewish Church and State, On which the Lord bestowed distinction great. And of the tweive who were Apostles named. Foundation strong on which Christ's Church was framed. 60 THE MOSEAD. The Ephod of the Priests bright jewels wore; As such His flock upon His heart Christ bore. Behold, exalted on His seat above, The Priest, in power, in majesty and love; The " First and Last," the glorious Son of God, Who clothed in human flesh the earth once trod ! Not long could Aaron in his place remain. Which others would successively obtain ; But Christ, our Great High Priest, maintains His place, And everlasting is His saving grace. The golden miter on the High Priest placed. Prefigured well the crown that Jesus graced. The Urim and the Thummim well express The judgment that He gives in righteousness; The High Priest's sacrifice we rightly take As emblem of the one Christ was to make, When hanging on the crucifix, for all ; The great atonement this we well may call. The other priests in office symbolized The m.inisters of Christ now highly prized. These priests was Aaron called to consecrate, And ministers have consecrated state. God's presence which He graciously supplied. The Tabernacle truly sanctified ; Its builders, like church-builders in our time, Depended for success on help divine. Above the ark behold the mercy seat. And thus in Christ see truth and mercy meet. God's ancient servants now in heaven see Of Jewish types the real prophecy. While morning's mists and shades still linger round, How indistinct are distant objects found! BOOK SECOND. 01 But when the king of day mounts up the skies, New revelations greet and cheer our eyes. VII. While Moses in the mountain long remained, And Joshua was likewise there detained, Rebellion was developing below, And soon most baneful fruits began to show. The people ask of Aaron gods to make, That back to Egypt they their way might take. He made of earrings the false god they sought. And on himself and them great sin he brought. Behold them to a golden image bring In senseless worship their vain offering ! Inanimate and senseless was their god, No better than a mute, insensate clod. Some think by this the people merely meant In symbol God himself to represent ; But could a calf a real likeness be Of Him whose presence fills immensity ? Why wonder at them, when in many lands Were then adored the work of human hands; When rites idolatrous are still performed In splendid temples, gorgeously adorned ; Though brighter light than e'en at Sinai shone The Lord has sent from His celestial throne t How slow was vile idolatry to yield. E'en when with might the Saviour took the field. And sent His champions to wield the sword. Quick, two-edged, powerful, His holy Word ! When gospel light had great advancement gained, 62 THE MOSEAD. Vast multitudes in darkness still remained ; And even some who works divine had learned, In after years to idol gods returned. The dew of evening does not come to stay; The morning cloud soon vanishes away. The Lord from His high throne in heaven beheld How quickly His own people had rebelled, And even swift destruction threatened there, But was prevented by His servant's prayer. The prayer of righteous men is swift as light, More potent than an army is its might ; The hand that moves the universe it moves. And God a help omnipotent it proves. As Moses now with Joshua draws near, Loud shouting and rude singing meet their ear; Arrived, the heroes with displeasure see The calf, the dancing and wild revelry ; In anger Moses both the tables breaks, The golden calf which had been worshiped takes. To powder grinds it, and then makes them drink. That they might of their sin and folly think. Then, at the door he boldly takes his stand. And with authority gives this command : "Ye who will choose upon God's side to be, "Arise and draw near quickly unto me." The sons of Levi from the rest divide, And take their stand at the brave hero's side : By God's command he orders them to take Their swords in hand, and with them slaughter make. Thus, in the camp about three thousand men Among the rebels perished by them then. Themselves the Levites nobly consecrate, BOOK SECOND. 63 Obtain high office and distinction great, To show that those who faithful shall remain, God's favor and rich blessing will obtain. VIII. What greater courage has been elsewhere shown, In ancient times, or in more modern known. Than by this Hebrew leader was displayed When he to fight idolatry essayed ? What learned historian can with truth relate Exploits more noble of the brave or great ? And courage could not more successful be At Marathon, or famed Thermopylae : Not bold Elijah, when the priests he slew, A zeal superior for Jehovah knew ; Not Luther, when at Worms he strove, To grace his brow a brighter chaplet wove ; No great apostle ever was more bold. And ne'er of martyr was more courage told. Then honor him to whom is honor due. And honor those whom to himself he drew. Well might those be in God's house called to serve, Who, tempted, would not from their duty swerve ; But were upon the Lord's side faithful found When rank rebellion wildly raged around. Firm in fidelity let us too stand, Amidst iniquity on every hand ; Resist the current and in faith remain, Assured that rich rewards we shall obtain. When Moses cast the tables from his hands On which had been inscribed the ten commands. 64 THE MOSEAD. Though he their sin as very heinous showed, Yet love and kindness in his bosom glowed. 'Twas not enough that they their prayers present, For Moses called upon them to repent ; As their own covenant they madly broke, His broken covenant must God revoke. How earnest was this interceding prayer Which Moses offered for the sinners there! "Forgive them, Father, if Thou wilt; if not, "I pray Thee from Thy book myself to blot." A greater Intercessor pleads above, And by His intercession shows His love. In token of their humble penitence The people cast away their ornaments. What wondrous grace was then by God displayed ! Another covenant He with them made, Again exhibited His glory there. In answer to His servant's earnest prayer. Again God makes His grand shekinah stand Upon the tent of Moses ; gives command To enter newly on their pilgrimage. And deigns His gracious presence to engage. Their love such mercy was designed to win And keep them from the downward paths of sin. In God's great mercy what encouragements Are furnished for believing penitents ! Upon His people Christ bestows a love The warmest love of women far above ; Yet never fails their waywardness to heed, And hate each evil thought and sinful deed. As God another covenant would make, He bids His servant two more tables take, BOOK SECOND. 65 On these the ten commandments to engrave, And in the ark for future service save. This moral Law, diffused through all the lands, Attention and obedience demands ; For Christ appeared not to destroy the Law, But make its holy precepts stronger draw. E'en Jewish ceremonies find therein Their special meaning, and their origin. When dawning light approaching day foreshows, Erelong the morning sun its radiance throws ; And over mountain, hill and flowing stream, Its rays in unobstructed splendor beam : So, heavenly light, and likewise its increase. Through everlasting day shall never cease. DIVINE ADVENTS. The Lord of light from Sinai's height His glory spreads abroad ; The quaking ground, the pealing sound And lightning speak the God. His trumpet loud rings from the cloud, Each soul is filled with awe ; While far around His words resound. That speak His holy Law. The wondrous sight and sounds affright. The people quake with fear ; E'en men of prayer stand trembling there, The mighty God is near ! The Lord again to Israel came, The Magi saw His star; 66 THE MOSEAD. The angels sang, the chorus rang, And news was spread afar. No terrors now are on His brow, The air is filled with love ; For man He dies, and then He flies To take His seat above. The Lord once more, when time is o'er Shall come, while hosts attend ; The trump shall sound and from the ground The dead from dust ascend. Such advents great bring new estate And power divine display ; They faith promote, and raise the hope Of an eternal day. God manifest to man addressed His truth, to make him wise ; But brighter beams and grander scenes, Await him in the skies In realms of light no fears affright. No terrors clothe the brow Of Him who stands at God's right hand, To whom the angels bow. SECTIONAL OUTLINE OF BOOK III. Sec. I. Moses a^ain ascending the mountain. Forty days without nourishment, but receiving divine commun- ication. II, The Lord passing by and proclaiming His name. Terms of a new Covenant. III. God's first temples. A sanctuary to be erected. Moses descend- ing with shining face. IV. Offerings for the Tabernacle. Description of it. Its symbolism, and that of its sacred contents. V. God's presence in His sanctuary. Houses still to be built for God. Freewill offerings of the Princes. VI. The Priests ; their consecration and duties. Typical significance of the blood and oil. VII, The sacrifices at the Feasts and their significance. The Scape- Goat and pardon. VIII. Various particulars relating to the Priests. The Levites and their services. View of the Jewish Ritual. IX. Significance of Ezekiel's river. The Temple destined to displace Tabernacle, and the gospel to displace the Temple. Hymn. 4 1—3 O <1 BOOK "THIRD. ^^EFORE creation was begun, ^^ Or earth's foundations laid, By God the Father with his Son A covenant was made ; Eternal Wisdom was employed On what was future then, And wonderful delights enjoyed Among the sons of men. Long was the preparation made For Christ to come and reign ; Those who in making it obeyed, Rewards divine obtained. Among them Moses was ordained An office high to fill ; Communion with the Lord he gained. And knowledge of His will. There is a place where man can hold Sweet converse with His God ; Though treading not the mountain top The feet of Moses trod ; Upon the holy mount of prayer God shows His smiling face ; To all his faithful servants there He gives surprising grace. 72 THE MOSEAD. God was the Ruler both in Church and State, On whose behests the people were to wait ; While Moses was the honored medium Through which divine instructions were to come. The prophet leaves the people on the plain, Who in a waiting posture there remain ; No golden calf to worship now they make. No act of bold rebellion undertake, But patiently they wait for his return, That they through him the Lord's behests may learn. See him ascend the rugged mountain slope. Sustained by his unfaltering faith and hope ; The clouds around in dark procession sweep. On wings the birds aerial circles keep ; Two tablets occupy again his hands. Which bear the record of the Ten Commands, That fundamental, comprehensive Law, From which all men should rules of action draw. Again does Moses forty days abide Upon the mount, while Israel's faith is tried ; A more especial type of Christ to make. No food or drink was he allowed to take ; But though from earthly food he thus refrained. He was by heavenly nourishment sustained. Frail mortals find the Lord will meet them still When, in obedience to His holy will. From worldly scenes and tumults they retire, And for His presence ardently aspire. The mount of vision is the sacred place Where graciously the Lord unveils His face. When Moses on the mount met God alone, Grand revelations were to him made known ; BOOK THIRD. 73 So, when we in the closet raise our prayer, The Lord is wont to meet and bless us there. Had Moses still remained upon the plain, When called by God the mountain's top to gain. Would he a faithful servant there have been And proved himself an enemy of sin, And would the Lord have words to him addressed That favor and rich promises expressed? To the obedient does He appear And cause them secrets of His will to hear. Those who will not m faith and prayer draw nigh. Does He the matchless privilege deny Of intercourse direct and free with heaven, Which is to willing, faithful servants given : The burning bush and Sinai's lofty height Displays presented wondrous to the sight ! The Lord was tempted in the wilderness ; The presence of the Lord did Moses bless ; So that the Master lower station took Than he whose name was written in His book. Though great the work which was by Moses done, A greater was accomplished by the Son : The holy law indeed by Moses came, But grace and truth by Christ, a nobler name ; The one an earthly mediator shone, The other, one in heaven's court is known. n. The Lord again Himself made manifest To him who was about to be addressed ; The Holy One, descending from on high. 74 THE MOSEAD. Adumbrated, but wonderful, passed by. The prophet, as He passed, heard Him proclaim, "Both merciful and gracious is My name; In goodness and long suffering I abound, As shall by penitents be ever found ; In truth and mercy unto thousands showed. And in forgiveness graciously bestowed. But that the guilty My great name may fear. The unrepentant will I never clear; The fathers' sins their children shall affect, You shall through generations these detect." Thus spake the Lord, and there, within the cloud, In humble adoration Moses bowed. 'Twas not as when some famous heathen shrine Gave dubious oracles, though claimed divine ; The covenant distinct that now was made, Set forth the precepts that must be obeyed ; Engaged that signals should by Him be shown More wondrous than before was ever known ; No covenant with sinners must they make, Their idols and their altars must they break. Their groves and e'en idolaters destroy, Lest these to evil practices decoy. Severe disease strong remedies requires, And powerful means alone quench raging fires. Loud warning in this history is found For rank idolaters, the world around. What thousands would idolaters be known, If idols everywhere were plainly shown .'' Should not the watchmen placed on Zion's walls, Proclaim what doom for sin unpardoned falls .-* God now is just, as in the ancient days. BOOA^ THIRD. 75 His justice too He often now displays. The day of retribution is at hand ; Who shall be able in that day to stand ? Not those who their Creator do not know, But idols make of groveling things below. If aught on earth engage our love supreme, This as our idol we may justly deem, And God with those is angry every day, Who from their idols do not break away. He claims the highest honors we can give, Whate'er our rank, wherever we may live ; Yet countless millions of our race still own As gods the images of wood and stone. While multitudes are devil-worshipers, A truth which scorn as well as pity stirs. What shameful orgies, in the times of old Performed at famed Diana's shrine, are told ! What fearful cruelties are practiced still. As when their mothers infant children kill ! What superstitions infamous disgrace The larger portion of the human race. To show how prone is man to go astray From Him whom all the heavenly hosts obey! We live in an enlightened, Christian land, And ought our duty well to understand; Yet Mammon here is oft an idol made. And selfish choice instead of God obeyed, Though He gives fearful warnings in His word Against idolaters, still to be heard. Our love supreme and homage He demands. And shall we not obey His high commands } His treatment of posterity may prove 76 THE MOSEAD. Who have withheld or given Him their love. III. O Thou who didst at Sinai's base To thine own house descend, Thus all Thy earthly temples grace, To them Thy Spirit send. Build up, Almighty Architect, Thy tabernacles here ; The entire services direct, And let Thine hand appear. In them may holy sacrifice Of prayer and praise be made; May fragrant incense there arise. Thy word be there obeyed. ' Break forth, bright Radiance divine. On man's beclouded state ; On souls emancipaited shine. Their darkness dissipate. Within Thy sacred temples give To multitudes new birth, That they may to Thy glory live And spread Thy truth on earth. Two thousand years, and hundreds more, had passed Since man's creation ; yet from first to last. But what in families was sometimes found, No church was visible, the world around. The patriarchal system had its day, BOOK THIRD. Tl To be with onward progress done away; God now ordained the Jewish church to be, And preparations for it hence we see. In His own church was He thenceforth to dwell, A house for His abode then would be well. The lofty groves at first His temples were, Perfumed with praise and resonant with prayer; Above them were the arches of the sky, Around, the clouds composed their tapestry, Oft decked in fashion beauteous to the sight, With changing tints, reflecting solar light; At night illumined by the heavenly spheres, Whose constellations formed the chandeliers. Rich carpets on their floors were often seen. Of leaves, or moss, or beauteous grasses green. Such temples, built by an Almighty hand, Invited worshipers on every hand. But in them idols oft had been adored, And help from gods that could not hear implored ; Yet, e'en in ages long before the flood Were some who worshiped the eternal God. The Lord accepts the humble sacrifice. Although from piles of stone its incense rise : At length to found the Jewish Church He came. And circumstances were no more the same. The written Law, to be with care observed. Required a place where it might be preserved ; The church now to be formed, to be complete, Its rites must have and ceremonial meet. A sanctuary therefore God desired. And such as He ordained the case required; Its pattern, in the mount to Moses shown, 78 THE MOSEAD. Preserved like precious jewels, well is known. The. place God's honor to maintain below, Expensive and magnifical must show. A holy Priesthood was to be ordained, And sacred services by it maintained. That God's authority might be enshrined. The church and nation were to be combined; The one to grow, a slender, fruitful vine. And one, the tree about which it might twine. Long had the prophet on the mount remained, And there new proof of his commission gained ; His face as he descended brightly shone-. And thus his converse with the Lord was known. The people seeing this were filled with fear. And dared not unto him, indeed, draw near ; He with a veil then hid the radiance, Although unveiled to God he made advance ; So, on a mount, transfigured wondrously. Was Jesus seen by the appointed three ; The heavenly glory of the glorified. Was thus to mortals plainly signified. IV. No sanctuaries, built by human hands, To honor God, were known in any lands ; But now, beneath the open, concave skies, Behold one even in the desert rise For Him who over all the worlds presides, Though in His earthly temples He abides. To build the Tabernacle Israel brings With ready hands abundant offerings : Example this, let it be understood, BOOK THIRD. 79 For all who build for God, exceeding good. Since He desired a place in which to dwell, Its size and fashion it was His to tell. A Tabernacle was it rightly called, Not deeply laid, nor permanently walled, Like temples which in old and recent days Have been erected to Jehovah's praise ; But movable ; because the tribes must take The structure with them, as they journeys make. Yet grand and beautiful the building stood. For all the purposes intended, good. The Holy place an emblem was, to show The state of those who form the church below ; The place Most Holy well did symbolize The holiest of all above the skies. High Priests alone were called to stand therein And offer yearly sacrifice for sin ; But Christ the great High Priest once entered heaven, Through whose rich sacrifice are sins forgiven. The priest each day performed a sacrifice ; From Christians daily praise and prayer should rise. The people in the outer court drew nigh ; For gospel grace may every one apply. Within the ark the two law tables were, Some manna, too, and Aaron's rod were there : Above the ark the Mercy Seat behold, Which of the Mercy Seat in heaven told, From whence the blessings of rich grace proceed, Of which there always is ab-undant need. The angels for their ministry prepared, The cherubim with outstretched wings declared : The Golden Candlestick and lamps in place, 80 THE MOSEAD. The Church prefigured, and resplendent grace. The light divine, to humble hearts conveyed, From sightless eyes at once removes the shade ; Gives peace and hope unrivaled and sublime, Which proves its nature heavenly and divine. The Altar, which for incense they prepare. Was emblematical of earnest prayer : The place Most Holy, hy the Veil concealed, Showed that all heavenly things are not revealed. The Curtains of the Tent bore beauteous hue, But greater beauty in the Church we view ; The Robes which priests were privileged to wear, That holiness befitted them declare. Aholiab and Bezeleel, when tried, As architects were found well qualified, And cunning arts which they in Egypt learned. Were gladly to the Lord's own service turned. When all was finished in the manner taught, To Moses was the Tabernacle brought ; It cost more than ten talents of pure gold ; Of silver were a liundred also told ; Of brass two hundred talents were required, While larger store was brought than was desired. The people richer thus were surely made. Since cheerfully they God's command obeyed ; He therefore will reward the offering Which others shall to do Him service bring. V. In what thus far was done they God obeyed; And next spontaneous offerings were made. The tabernacle were a useless thing, BOOK THIRD. 81 If it were not conveyed in journeying ; To bear for this the requisite expense The princes of the Tribes their gifts dispense : These were six covered wagons, gathered there, With which six yoke of oxen they prepare ; As God directed these were now consigned To Levites who the carrying had in mind. In order also, as J-ehovah taught, The offerings were by the princes brought To dedicate the altar. If we count Their aggregate in full, they will amount, Of silver bowls and chargers, twelve ; of gold In spoons one hundred twenty shekels told. Besides there were additional supplies, Full twenty oxen for the sacrifice ; With these were sixty goats and sixty rams, And e'en to these were added sixty lambs. Thus did the princes of the Hebrews bring, In generous mood, their free-will offering ; Though in the wilderness they had no chance Their limited resources to enhance. Behold the Tabernacle now complete. And God descend. His people there to meet ; On it He makes the cloudy Pillar rest. Thus, with His presence are His people blest. This was the chosen place for them to raise Perpetual tribute of adoring praise ; In accents audible did God dispense In parts the precepts of His Law from thence. The people soon Mount Sinai were to leave, And His instructions there no more receive: But now He had a place for His abode. 82 THE MOSEAD. From which thenceforth communication flowed ; And still will He to earthly temples come, If there His will acceptably is done: From thence great blessings, like large streams proceed, His thirsty vineyard all around to feed ; While rich displays of grace and glory there, Evince the power of truth and fervent prayer. Then let us visit oft the sacred place Where Jesus graciously unveils His face. And there receive the blessings God bestows, The stream which through His truth and Spirit flows. His people must small churches often build, Which may at first be only partly filled : The day of small things let them not despise, To grow in magnitude before their eyes. Though larger buildings they should never see, In them may worship their posterity. Let tabernacles rise on every hand, That God may show His grace in all our land, And let His temples rise on every shore. That man may His Creator there adore. Beloved will be, e'en in the wilderness. The place which God shall with His presence bless; Fresh springs shall rise, the desert blossom round, And like a garden filled with fruits be found. Those who are planted in God's courts below, Shall flourish there and much in grace shall grow ; Their children shall that needful training find Which God has for their benefit designed ; Like plants grown up in youth their sons shall be, To thrive through life and through eternity. BOOK THIRD. 85 VI. A sanctuary with no church therein, Or sacred service, would have useless been; God therefore special ministers ordained. Who sacrifice and worship there maintained. The sons of Aaron highest office filled, In splendid garments clothed, as God had willed; Though not like Jesus Christ exempt from sin, In office they resemblance bore to Him : They unto God within the veil drew near, To make sin-offering once every year. The Great High Priest for all our sinful race Now fills in heaven the Mediator's place. In dress and in official ministry. High Priests were of the Lord a prophecy, An adumbration of good things to come, Of which the great apostle gives the sum. The priestly sons of Aaron, first, were few. Strange fire two offered, whom God therefore slew ; And this perpetually loud warning brings To all who minister in holy things. At length the number of the priests was large, And each had consequently smaller charge, Till into many courses they divide, One week in service at a time to bide. Fire they maintained upon the altar, bright, And kept it always burning, day and night ; Both morn and evening they made .sacrifice, Supplying oil to serve as lamiD-supplies ; Which plainly was designed to signify, That fires devotional should never die. 86 THE MOSEAD. His ministers in office God ordains, Each temple special dedication gains. When He the Sanctuary sanctified, Its furniture and priests were purified ; While all the ceremonies then performed Foreshadowed what has since the Church adorned : In them divine instructions we discern, And from them practicable lessons learn. When great the congregation that had come To witness what should at God's house be done, Anointing oil, as He ordained, was used, And o'er the Tabernacle was diffused. See Moses holy oil on Aaron pour, The altar and the vessels sprinkle o'er ; With blood behold him also consecrate, And with due ceremony dedicate The priests and altar, as designed to show That sacrificial blood for sin must flow. Expressly of that crimson stream it spake. Which holy and accepted man can make. How well by blood and holy oil applied. Were Christ and His good Spirit typified ! The blood from wounds of the Redeemer ran, And brought forgiveness to repentant man ; With this is sanctifying grace combined. And shining virtues ornament the mind. Through the atoning merits of the blood Comes down the Holy Spirit's sacred flood ; Life thus is given, with peace and joy divine. And heavenly light in human hearts to shine. The stream of life which in wide currents glides. Bears multitudes upon its swelling tides. BOOK THIRD. 8*7 While o'er them on its banner well unite The primal type and glorious Antitype. The Lord reveals to human hearts their guilt ; To cleanse the stain Christ's precious blood was spilt. The priesthood of the Jews was typical Of what is found among God's people still : For Christians now are, like the priests, installed, Anointed from on high, to service called ; Born not of blood, nor of the will of man. Or such succession as in Israel ran. But brought by God into their station high, To fill it constantly until they die. The place for every Christian He assigns In executing His supreme designs. The Christian priests from age to age arise, To yield for faithful service fresh supplies; One labors, then another takes his place, Prepared for service by celestial grace. This kingdom of the priests upon the earth, Replenished daily by a heavenly birth. And spreading through the nations far and wide Is destined through all ages to abide. The cloud of incense from heart-altars grows. Devotion's fire with brightening luster glows ; The sacrifice of broken hearts extends O'er land and sea, to earth's remotest ends ; With which are mingled gushing, grateful praise. Thanksgiving, and the earnest prayers they raise To Him who fills the throne, well pleased to know The glory given Him by saints below. THE MOSEAD. VII. In Aaron's yearly sacrifice A guiltless bleeding victim dies, For life must yield and blood be spilt, To expiate the people's guilt ; And blood far richer we can plead, Which expiates and frees indeed. As Aaron, when the year came round, Within the holy place was found ; So, when the time had been fulfilled Christ's blood on Calvary was spilled, And through the riches of His grace Atoned for all the human race. For those who come to God it pleads. And brings supplies for all their needs ; Since He who died now reigns on high. His followers shall never die ; But no such gift should those expect Who His salvation dare neglect. Thus Sinai joins with Calvary In showing that Christianity Provides redemption for the lost. And pointing out the price it costs ; While in this precious price is found Of motives and of hope the ground. Those who free pardon would receive Must in the Sacrifice believe ; Their faith will then to Christ unite, And give unalienable right BOOK THIRD. 89 To share in His peculiar love, And reign in bliss with Him above. Not all the blood of beasts alone Could for a single sin atone; But still they testimony bear That God the Father's grace was there ; Through Christ He free redemption gave, Whose blood e'en then had power to save. The Jewish sacrifices in their day Performed good service, though now done away. We should not deem as vain formalities The ceremonial performances. The infant church appropriate food required, Though other kinds may sometimes be desired. Sin-offerings took cognizance of sin. While signs of pardon we can find therein. Burnt offerings, if only viewed apart, Speak consecration of the mind and heart. Meat offerings in symbol well express True gratitude and heartfelt thankfulness. Peace offerings bespeak what God will give To those who in His service faithful live ; The i^eace v/hich, like a river wide and deep, Will serve through Christ the heart and mind to keep. The festivals together represent The feast enjoyed by every penitent. The scape-goat was adapted to express Sin's transportation to forgetfulness : The fact of pardon was to many taught, Who understood not how it would be bought, But all unraveled was the mystery 90 THE MOSEAD. When Christ poured out His blood upon the tree. The sacred offerings by God ordained, In their grand features were by Him explained ; And so are Christians in the Scriptures taught What holy sacrifices should be brought. A contrite heart the Lord will not despise, But own it an accepted sacrifice. vni. The priests, as teachers, were employed to show What was intended that the Tribes should know; Their silver trumpets they were called to take. To tell the Tribes when they must journeys make. So, preachers now the gospel trumpet sound, Proclaiming how salvation may be found ; And summoning the consecrated host To forward go, led by the Holy Ghost. The priests to services did God ordain, In doing which the people must sustain ; Thus all who faithfully as pastors serve, From people proper competence deserve. The animals that serve us well we feed. Do not our ministers have equal need .-* When priests at length from office work retired, To give them sustenance was still required. How plainly are the churches taught to give To aged ministers the means to live. Anointing oil for the High Priest we find, An emblem of the Spirit was designed : As holy oil was poured upon his head, On Christ in fulness was the Spirit shed ; By other priests, in flowing robes arrayed, BOOK THIRD. 91 Were consecrating sacrifices made. When blood was to such purposes applied, The Saviour's blood it fitly typified ; The symbol most perspicuously told That blood a part significant would hold In that grand scheme of God's redeeming grace Which ancient shadows would at length displace. The Levites, who distinguished favor gained, A special place among the Tribes obtained ; For while they journeyed it became their care The Sanctuary to defend and bear. To Kohathites was given the highest charge ; The Gershonites their duties next discharge ; Merari's sons, who were of ready mind, Well served when heavy burdens were assigned. Whenever into camp the people went, The Levites served as guards, to keep the tent ; That no conspiracy, or secret foe. That sacred Sanctuary might o'erthrow. They also were to wait upon the priests, And aid in sacrifices and in feasts : As teachers they were likewise active found. So that they had in duties to abound ; And when the promised land by them was gained, They cities forty-eight therein obtained. Like priests the Levites, through their entire lives, Could claim their regular, appointed tithes ; Although their greatest duties, it appears. In each case lasted only twenty years. How brief the services of man below ! Soon to another sphere we all must go. Such stations as the Levites were to fill. 92 THE MOSEAD. Are occupied by many classes still ; By deacons and by teachers in their grades, For Christian services have many shades. Musicians in this class may well be placed, Since Levite singers David's kingdom graced ; Some cymbals, harps and psalteries employed, While damsels also timbrels sweet enjoyed. Thus did the Lord the Jewish church instate. With services and ceremonies great : The various parts distinctly were arranged. Not till Christ's coming ever to be changed. The fabric and its elements unique. Their origin divine in truth bespeak ; They bear the impress of the plastic hand Of Him who worlds can form at His command. Let praise and grateful thanks to Him arise. That He that ancient church did organize ; And thus the wondrous plan distinctly drew, Since what was needed at that time He knew; Although when its first purpose was fulfilled, To introduce the Christian Church He willed. When we inspect the Jewish Ritual, We find it plainly educational. God trained the Hebrews in their ignorance By ceremonies, whose significance. Utility, design and highest end They could not very clearly comprehend. The forms of outward service He required Gave signs of what He in the soul desired. In most transactions formal theory Precedes the actual reality. The precepts of the Jewish code are seen BOOh flJlKD. U;i To hold in morals certain place between The Pagan and the Christian practices, As learned from creditable histories. Could Hebrews be expected at a bound To rise to heights which in Christ's Church are found ? Severer penalties and stricter rules we find In Israel, than now God's people bind ; The highly valued "law of liberty" Has j^lace alone in true Christianity. Unruly animals we strongly fence or chain. The well-disposed a greater freedom gain. The lazv ivitJiin the heart if ive fulfil, ' Tis better tJian to serve at^ainst our will. IX. Progression which in all God's works we find, Results from the perfection of His mind. Ezekiel describes the stream of grace That issued from beneath the holy place ; And such a stream still in its richness glides From sanctuaries where the Lord abides. That plenteously enrich the regions round. And there makes fruits of righteousness abound. The prophet saw until the stream enlarged. And finally a river wide discharged, When it had well enriched the wilderness. And fruitage nourished there in plenteousness. Thus from small churches oft a streamlet flows. Which in its coiirse into a river grows ; And then do deserts gardens rich appear. That fruits abundant for God's crarner rear. 94 THE MOSEAD. On banks of that symbolic river stood A multitude of trees, with fruitage good, As emblems of the men whose hearts abound With grace, the product of the Spirit found. Ezekiel's river, wheresoe'er it flowed, The blessing of abundant life bestowed ; Thus bounteous grace that from the Lord's house springs, Eternal life to all believers brings. The bride and Spirit invitation give. Come to the fountain and forever live. The waters onward moved and reached the sea ; Grace flows through time into eternity. Where it to endless glory shall arise, Undimmed by darkness and tempestuous skies. The Temple on the mount cast into shade The tabernacle, in the desert made ; That both of them their purpose answered well, The records of the years suffice to tell. Though differing in form, both served to show The glory of the Lord to men below. When suddenly to His own house Christ came, Through Him it gained a much augmented fame. And out of Zion then the word went forth In power, from East to West, from South to North. The Gospel has displaced the Ritual, And so the Temple was ordained to fall. That simpler worship might to God be given, More like the worship of the saints in heaven. Then Christian temples build on every hand, Let prkise to God be given in every land ; Let all who serve Him bring their offering, Attend His word and bow before their King; BOOK rnJKD. Let them in faith His mercy there implore, And in the Spirit worship and adore ; Preparing thus to celebrate His praise In courts above through everlasting days. EARTHLY AND HEAVENLY WORSHIP. Spring up, celestial Fountain, spring Amid earth's wilderness. Life, health and joy abundant bring, Thy ransomed people bless. Anoint Thy servants from above To preach the living word. That news of Thy redeeming love May through the earth be heard. Thy tabernacles shall resound With tribute to Thy name. And wondrous works of grace abound, To spread abroad Thy fame Soon, like the tuneful Levite trains In David's kingdom known, Shall choirs triumphant tune their songs Before the sapphire throne. There is a house not made with hands Adorned with heavenly grace ; The throne of David's Heir still stands And saints behold His face. SECTIONAL OUTLINE OF BOOK IV- Sec. I. The star of promise. Light of nature. The fathers of early ages spoken to by God. II. Significance of dispensations. Mosaic records genuine. Offices and character of Moses. Utility of the Mosaic history. III. Comparison between the Jewish and Christian Dispensations. Destructive Criticism. Moses and Christ, as well as Aaron ascend- ing to heaven from mountains. IV. Resemblance in respect to time. Revelations attending the com- mencement of the Dispensations. Symbolism of the Jewish Fes- tivals, and the useful purposes they served. V. Analogy between the Jewish and Christian Churches. Likewise between their founders, their ofiicers and their histories. VI. Increasing light. Differences between the Dispensations. Flight of the woman from the Dragon. The house of God exalted above the hills. VII. The principles of the Jewish Dispensation retained in the Chris- tian. Gradation in divine revelations. Comprehensive Hymn. BOOK FOURTH. I. ^^^ISE, star of promise, rise, IKL^ Upon the shades of night, Illume the gloomy skies With thy celestial light ; Prophetic, Oriental star Diffuse thy radiance afar. Rise and prepare the way For Jesus to appear And bring the Gospel day. Humanity to cheer ; Then mingle with the Sun thy rays, To last through everlasting days. The Institute by Moses formed. And Types, good purpose serve ; These ancient times they much adorned, And well our thought deserve ; They bear substantial witness still Of Him who should the Types fulfil. Like ancient, lasting monuments. In all the ages seen ; They are substantial elements Of an unrivalled scene ; In grand proportions they shall stand And testify to every land. 100 THE MOSEAD. The light of nature God to man dispensed When his existence on the earth commenced, Of Him the stars in silence testified ; Men saw the planets in their order ride, The changing moon illuminate the night, The sun pour forth his powerful rays of light. While countless things on earth that God had made, His power and goodness infinite displayed, Man seldom looked through nature up to God, Although amidst His wondrous works he trod : How much was needed, on the world to shine, A revelation from a source divine ! Jehovah to the fathers spake of old. His will to our first parents first He told; Though they by disobedience, we know, Entailed on their descendants death and woe ; Yet in the Garden did the Lord reveal The wicked serpent's hurt and man's bruised heel. How plainly did He talk to guilty Cain, Who murdered, when his sacrifice was vain ; To that of Abel had the Lord respect. Since faith the offerer did well direct. The way of holiness that Enoch trod This testimony gained, that he pleased God ; But soon the angels, like swift chariots, came And took him hence celestial bliss to gain. When Noah was warned a deluge to be near, He built a spacious ark through faith and fear; Behold him on the rising deep pursue The matchless voyage from old world to new! Thus God's prediction was fulfilled, which ran, ♦♦Not always shall my Spirit strive with man." BOOK FOURTH. 101 Let all men hear the monitory sound Which rings through every age the world around. To Abram in the land of Uz God spake, Directing him a pilgrimage to make To that far land in which he should be blest, And which by his descendants was possessed. In Sodom God to Lot a warning gave, That he himself and family might save ; Should not His warnings likewise now be heard, So plainly given in His holy word ? To Isaac and to Jacob speaking too, Did God His former promises renew. The dreams, by Pharaoh not understood. Were meant for Israel's especial good. These dreams could Joseph by God's help explain. And thus protection and high rank obtain. God's people afterwards instruction gained, By wiiich they were for better service trained : They saw the prophets in succession rise. Like morning stars in oriental skies. By whom, in prophecy sublime was told What mortals should in future time behold. They saw Elijah call down fire from heaven Baal's priests to slay, and bands of soldiers even ; And, as the whirlwind took him up to heaven. His mantle was to young Elisha given. They saw the latter wondrous works perform. And David Israel's history adorn ; They heard Isaiah's grand prophetic strain. From which they views of coming years could gain. Heard Jeremiah and Ezekiel, Whose words so many scripture pages fill. 102 THE MOSEAD. While they endured their long captivity There came to them great Daniel's prophecy; The minor prophets lengthened out the tale, Foreshadowing events that should not fail. When many centuries had swiftly flown, In which no seers or prophecies were known, As was foretold the great Forerunner came, By God ordained Christ's coming to proclaim. His record is the marvel of all time, His character and miracles sublime; And when from Olivet to heaven He rose, In glorious triumph over all His foes. Most precious gifts for man did He receive, Descending still to all who will believe ; Both Jews and Gentiles can unite to sing The praise of Him who did salvation bring. XL All Dispensations truly are divine ; Though means are diverse, one is the design ; In methods wise and good alike they tend To one triumphant, predetermined end. The Law, to Israel at first confined, Was for the benefit of all designed. The Types of the Mosaic Institute, Although by many held in low repute, Give lessons so instructive, so divine. That they through every age will brightly shine. Would there not be a sad deficiency If we had not Mosaic history "> How could we otherwise have read, or heard About events that in old times occurred, BOOK FOURTH. 103 While many generations came and went, And centuries successively were spent ? In Moses many offices combine, His prose and poetry both brightly shine ; And Israel no greater teacher knew, But Him who brought the dispensation new: His teachings now with gospel truth combine For the fulfilment of the same design. Great was his meekness, prevalent his prayer, Sublime his faith, his zeal and courage rare: How much the miracles that he performed His ministration and his life adorned ! They furnish ample evidence to all That in his office God did him install, And help him such a history to write As man unaided never could indite. Discoveries are made in eastern lands, Confirming records made by Moses' hands, And handed down from him, that we may see The wonders of primeval history. The rocks on the Euphrates testify That Moses did not furnish us a lie. Those on the Nile, too, unbelief rebuke, And show that truth is in the Pentateuch. By faith we know the world by God was made, And faith is not of infidels afraid. The history of the primeval times Gives light which through all ages brightly shines, Sweeps fables of mythologies away. And shames much speculation of our day. It tells of men who lived before the flood, And who for centuries this footstool trod ; 104 THE MOSEAD. Describes how He destroyed the wicked race, Of which tradition gives extensive trace ; But saved within the ark a cliosen few, Wiio floated over from old world to new, Another race of men to introduce Who should of earthly things make better use. But when Idolatry fast reared its head Its progeny o'er all the world to spread, God in His wisdom faithful Abram chose, That Hope in his descendants might repose. Through Isaac and through Jacob ran the line Through which increasing light was caused to shine, Until the Sun of righteousness should rise, To shed His light on all beneath the skies. A fuller revelation was dispensed When that new Dispensation was commenced, Which is diffused through every Christian land, In language all may read and understand. Man vainly seeks these records to improve; Or from the volume of God's word remove. The shining orbs shall perish from the sky, But truth, just like its Source, shall never die. III. By ancient prophets was the truth divine. Long made in growing brilliancy to shine; Rays by the Sun of righteousness were given, Before He fully on the world had risen. To Israel the Lord was like the dew. While showers of grace we now rejoice to view : Fruits from the dew but limited were found. The Spirit's rain makes righteousness abound: BOOK FOURTH. 105 He came in power, that here He might abide, And scatter richest blessings far and wide. But for His coming was the way prepared By those who in His blessing also shared; Among whom Moses was most eminent, And through him was the Law to nations sent. God's ancient covenant retained its place Till came the richer covenant of grace Which was to be inscribed upon the heart, To which would God abundant grace impart. Rich as the Jewish Dispensation was In revelations, histories and laws. The Gospel Dispensation much excels, As Paul in glowing language plainly tells. Through tJiat of condemnation we may learn, Through tJiis the way of pardon well discern. That had two founders, human and divine, Two natures in one Founder now combine. The glory of the one, we know, was great. The latter had a still more glorious state. Jehovah powerfully shook the earth When He the Jewish Institute gave birth ; But when the Gospel to the world was given, While shaking earth he powerfully shook heaven. The skies are rent, the Lord of life descends, A shining host from heaven's court attends : So greatly He the realm of angels shook, They seek into the works of grace to look. Yet still unshaken gospel truths remain. And constant place in God's designs maintain ; In vain destructive critics strive to prove That they from their foundations these can move. 106 THE MOSEAD. In these two Dispensations likewise trace Resemblances that appertain to place. When God the Jewish Institute would found, See Him Mount Sinai with dark clouds surround; When Christ His Dispensation would begin, See Him descending to the heights of sin. Here towered the Pharisees' hypocrisy, There monstrous forms of vile idolatry. In the Mosaic Dispensation rose Heretical and undermining foes ; Nor has the New from enemies been free, As we are pained on many sides to see. Some build a fabric of Neology, No better than the old Mythology ; They seek from Moses, and from others too. To take the credence and the honor due. Destructive critics e'en the Lord deny. While evidence substantial they defy. Some aim to do away the words of Paul And dig a pit, but into it they fall. They fain would undermine the faith of those Who would the tide of wickedness oppose. But this encouragement we clearly see. Destructive criticisms do not agree ; The arguments their advocates employ, Like warring foes each other would destroy. Take heart then, Christian ; Christ the Lord has come. Who will all adversaries overcome : Although He works in a mysterious way, He ultimately is to win the day. In times long past see German Sceptics dare Mosaic authorship untrue declare ; BOOK FOURTH. 107 With subtle, specious, bold neology Antagonizing true philosophy : What was it but a sheer pretence and boast That they were wiser than the Holy Ghost? Denying Moses what the Scriptures claim, To bring dishonor on his worthy name, They brought dishonor on the Scriptures too, Not owning them historically true ; The faith of many thus they undermined, And nothing less than this had they designed. E'er long, transplanted into England, see This Upas of rank infidelity. With Hume and Bolingbroke beneath its shade, And others in variety of grade ; While France the dire infection likewise knew. Which faith in God's existence overthrew, Enthroned the goddess Reason in His place. And brought upon the nation deep disgrace ; Enrolled among the foremost of the sceptics there Are Robespierre, Rousseau, Renan, Voltaire. The broad Atlantic did not serve to stay The pestilence ; it reached America, And for a time prevailed in virulence. Extending wide its deadly influence. But Truth soon rose her empire to maintain, To Christ and Moses honor came again. Alas ! we now with grief unfeigned behold A fresh revival of the error old, New dressed and bearing quite another name, In character and basis still the same. The work of inspiration criticised, By many is rejected and despised. 108 THE MOSEAD. Yet truth will stand, whoever may attack, And roll the threatening tide of error back ; Shall shine in brighter luster than before, And o'er all lands in matchless splendor pour. Then will with faith and gratitude be read What is of Moses in the Scriptures said ; He will be recognized the brightest sage That e'er adorned an ante-christian age ; Christ's testimony then will be received And Pentateuchal history believed. Pretentious speculations shrink away Before the brightness of resplendent day; The Bible like a rock unshaken stand. And Moses be revered in every land. IV. We live far down the ages, That like swift steam-cars run Through their successive stages. In which are wonders done : From Abram unto David Rolled round a thousand years ; A thousand more had faded. And then the Lord appears. In Israel Judges flourished Till Saul sat on the Throne, By his successors nourished Behold it greatly grown ; They quickly raised the nation, By skillful means employed, To take the highest station That ever it enjoyed. BOOK FOURTH. 109 But soon there came division, And then a downward course ; With manifold collision, Base envy for its source. Though warned by prophets faithful, By providences taught. Rebellious and ungrateful, They were to exile brought. Behold them now returning, Restoring worship too ; They duty had been learning, And towards it fast they drew ; For Ezra, as reformer, And Nehemiah, stood. Each counsellor and warner. To teach them what was good. See Synagogues erected Throughout the holy land, That truth and faith protected And spread on every hand : The Law and Prophets teaching, Men stood in office there. In singing, too, and preaching. Religion was their care. At length the Mediator To His own Temple came, The glorious Creator Of nature's wondrous frame: He came to rear His Kingdom, 110 THE MOSEAD. Diffuse a clearer light. Demolish sin's dominion And manifest His might. Though, like what we the Jewish Church now call, Originating from beginnings small, The Gospel Church fast stretches out her wings, And gentiles to receive her blessings brings. The Holy Tent first stood upon the ground Where God came down His ancient Church to found: To Zion and the Temple's holy place The rising of the Christian Church we trace. At Sinai sacrificial blood was shed, On Calvary the spotless victim bled. See Moses from a mount to heaven ascend, And Aaron find upon Mount Hor his end ; So Christ's career on earth attained its close When He from Olivet to glory rose. Around Mount Sinai, quite on every hand, Extends inhospitable, desert land. Which could not for the Pilgrims' wants provide ; A dreary desert wide the world was too. When God came down to build His Church anew; While demons were like fiery serpents found. And moral desolation spread around. Resemblances in reference to time Are likewise striking, numerous, sublime; Wherein we may one master Mind discern, And lessons to increase our faith can learn. To found His ancient Church the Lord appears To people who had served four hundred years ; While tasks of servitude in hardship grew, BOOK FO UR TH. Ill And that still greater woes might come they knew. Four hundred years had Judah lived again, Whose people without prophets sent remain ; Sin multiplies, calamities increase, Diminishing the prospect of release; 'Neath Syria's hard yoke they lingered long. Till they through Maccabees again were strong; The Roman eagle dissipates their fear, And Herod comes, a Temple grand to rear. Then in His Temple Christ appeared at length. Desired of many nations, Israel's Strength. The Jewish Dispensation was commenced When special revelations God dispensed, And then the Jewish Church received its birth. To hold through centuries its place on earth. When these their circuit had completely run, The Spirit's Dispensation was begun ; Abounding more in light, in life and love. Through Christ in power descending from above : And now a Church of higher type is formed, With sanctifying grace and peace adorned, As built on prophets and apostles known. Though Jesus is Himself chief Corner Stone. Through Moses heathen rites God overthrew. And on their ruin reared a worship true : The kingdom we receive can not be moved. Nor can its institutions be improved. Embraced in the Mosaic Institute The Festivals obtained a high repute ; They justly were esteemed solemnities; They symbols also were, and prophecies. The Sabbath, which had been before ordained, 112 THE MOSEAD. Through every dispensation has remained ; To this a feast of fat things now belongs, Communion sweet, devotion, thankful songs; A feast of truth, of love and joy divine, Of angels' food ; of heavenly bread and wine ! Who would not gladly of this feast partake? Who their own mercies madly will forsake? The ceremonial Festivals we view As having given place to what are new. The Passover was held in honor high, Reminding how God passed the first-born by ; By this were hearts susceptible imbued, With faith in Him, and lively gratitude : Its mystic meaning they could not well know. Which gospel teachings now distinctly show ; For none to whom Christ's blood has been applied, The everlasting death has ever died. The Passover is found to represent In symbol that famed Sacrament, Whereby Christ's death we now commemorate. By which He purchased life and new estate. The Feast of First Fruits, joyfully commenced. Acknowledged gifts on earth, by God dispensed ; But pointing to the "gift unspeakable" 'twas kept. For Christ arose, "first fruits of them that slept." By Easter still the custom is preserved, Although much changed, extensively observed. The feast of Pentecost, when rightly viewed, In mind the Sinaitic scenes renewed. The fifty days from festival First Fruits, Is time which popular opinion suits : When Egypt had thus long been left behind, BOOK FOURTH. 113 The Sinaitic Law proclaimed we find. Both Dispensations, wisely introduced, Great revolutions have in time produced: When rivers are increased upon them floats A fleet of larger, heavier laden boats. Those who from Egypt and oppression came, Their independence greatly joyed to gain ; And when Jehovah deigned to give them laws, Rejoicing had with them still greater cause: So generations now commemorate The founding of America's new State; And people of all ranks, both young and old, Rejoice to hear the grand old story told : While cannons boom, gay banners float on high, And patriots their oratory try. Our Moses, Washington they often call, And those who gained our liberties extol ; Still not forgetting that Almighty Hand By which was freedom granted to our land. It would not be supposed that loyal Jews, To keep their Pentecost would e'er refuse; Through all that Dispensation it remained, And honored place among the feasts retained. The Pentecostal day has e'en become A day remembered by all Christendom, As that great day of good to sinful man. On which the Dispensation New began ; For then came down in power the holy Dove To furnish for believers feasts of love; To bid their hearts when languishing revive, And millions dead in sin to make alive. The feast of Trumpets was memorial, 114 THE MOSEAD. As is supposed, of Sinai's trumpet call ; And likewise of the word Jehovah spoke, When God creation to existence woke. Here, too, behold a symbol of that word. Which like a trumpet would through earth be heard, The nations from their slumber deep to wake, And journey to the heavenly mansions make. The Feast of Tabernacles, when observed, Some useful purposes, we think, well served : It told of grateful thanks the people owed To Him who had their harvest fruits bestowed. V. Atonement Feasts point to the day When Christ would a full ransom pay; Behold, the God incarnate dies, A sin-atoning sacrifice. Trie Jewish sacrificing priest. As well as the atonement feast. And blood on sacred altars shed. Told of the Lamb of God who bled. See earth put on her robes of woe, Rays from the sun forebear to flow. The hills, as if affrighted, shake. The solid rocks asunder break ! The temple's veil, that long had been Preventive of a look within. Is rent in twain ; as if to show The holiest to those below. BOOK FOURTH. 115 Three hours the suffering Saviour hangs, Endures unutterable pangs ; At length He yields His spirit up, And drinks to dregs the bitter cup. Beyond compute the price it cost To bring redemption to the lost : Unbounded joy the Saviour knows That from His crucifixion flows. The Jewish Festivals their purpose served, When with fidelity by Jews observed ; At length, like garments old, they lost their use, For Christ appeared new times to introduce. Some, lik« De Witte and Colenso, taught, Whose views have down the stream of time been brought, That Jewish Festivals were never known Until Josiah sat upon the throne ; And that a certain part were first observed When Ezra and good Nehemiah served : Then would be found in Scripture forgery, A stable ground for infidelity. Did not Hilkiah find the Law, which, brought To king Josiah, God's commandments taught } If naught of Festivals had there been found. Where would have been of these a proper ground ? To keep the Law were not the people slow } Why would they then beyond its precepts go } Let us the Pentateuch's account accept, Within the Ark of testimony kept ; E'en though in Jewish history we find That God's commands were not all kept in mind. Amid the wars and troubles that arose 116 THE MOSEAD. By contact with innumerable foes, Or when the old idolatry came in And led the people into flagrant sin. Because by Ezra was the Law obeyed, Shall we infer its teachings then were made? The Pentateuch, we clearly understand, From God came through the great lawgiver's hand. Analogies, remarkable and clear, Between the old and modern Church appear; These streams, proceeding from one lofty source. Uniting, formed one river in their course. In sacrificial blood both forms were laid, In both was God required to be obeyed : One covenant peculiar each attained, For both abundant blessings were ordained. Through Moses Israel a Church became, The House of Moses therefore was its name : Built on the word and promises divine It was until the Lord should come to shine; Though seasons of oppression it endured. And oft the cloud of sin its light obscured. Through Moses were its forms and precepts given. As taught and ordered by the God of heaven ; Its offices and institutions thus ordained, Throughout that Dispensation fixed remained : It was to stand till Shiloh should appear, A larger and more lasting House to rear. Those teachers surely must mistaken be, Who see no church till the Captivity. In all his House was Moses faithful found, And for a nobler structure laid the ground; The Prophets ornamented it indeed, BOOK FOURTH. 117 And those who dwelt in it they came to feed. When the Messiah to His Temple came, He formed a Church which bore another name; Its laws, its principles and rites He taught, To it new light and offices He brought. On the Apostles was His Spirit shed. By which they more into the truth were led. Thus gifts upon the Jewish Church conferred. Increased when to the Christian Church transferred. These churches both hold an especial place In God's grand system of abounding grace ; As all the shining orbs of heaven fulfil The parts assigned them by His sovereign will : They both the gates of hell have oft withstood, Accomplishing invaluable good. While one was sapling, one a stately tree, In elemental nature they agree : One was to have a temporary sway. The other never was to pass away ; But spread at length to earth's remotest bound, And last till changed to heaven its seat is found. The Christian Church in its improvement chimes With growth in knowledge and progressive times. A difference we very often view Between whate'er is old and what is new; And why should we consider this as strange, When progress always is itself a change.' New dispensations new church-forms require, As ancient customs with new times expire. Each church we should esteem a house well framed. In God's own wisdom built and fitly named ; His being, attributes and will to show 118 THE MOSEAD. Amid the sin and darkness here below. Symbolic ruler we in Moses see ; In Aaron, type of greater Priest than he. As o'er the ancient church Shekinah glowed, The Spirit on the Christian was bestowed : Light shone sublime to guide the pilgrims' way, But brighter is the light of gospel day. As Levites guarded well the sacred tent While resting, or while they on journeys went. So faithful Christians seek the church to serv^e. And from attacks of threatening foes preserve. The Hurs and Aarons,' Calebs, Joshuas, Are often found and honored in our days ; And thus the camp of saints maintains its ground While seen and unseen enemies abound : The host of God still on to Canaan goes. In spite of foreign and domestic foes. Each church, while passing through its infant state, Had trials manifold and dangers great ; Each owed existence to Jehovah's call, And rose upon the ruins of the fall. They were the fruit of rich paternal love And mercy coming from the courts above : The streams, as through these lowly vales they flow, Make glad the city of our God below, VI. God's ancient Church His wonders saw. And heard the precepts of His Law; More highly privileged are they Who hail the light of Gospel day. BOOK ^^OURTH. 119 Moons, planets, stars, illume the night, But when the sun pours forth his light Their offices they all suspend. Or with the solar radiance blend. The shadows of the Jewish types. The service of Mosaic rites. Both disappeared when Jesus came. In earth and heaven the highest name. What kings and prophets long desired Have Christians joyfully acquired ; The substance where was shadow, we In our Christianity can see. What grateful thanks, O Lord, are due For light and progress which we view. For wondrous works of grace performed, By which Thy kingdom is adorned ! From likeness we will now to contrasts turn. For these we unmistakably discern. Though we resemblance in the Churches find, It is with differences great combined : The one made circumcision its chief rite, The baptism of the other differs quite ; The light of one was chiefly made to shine Throughout the regions of fair Palestine ; The other, as we learn from prophecy, Was destined to spread light from sea to sea, And raise the nations from the sleep of sin, The glorious gospel day to usher in. The Christian School attains far higher grade, In which much greater progress can be made. 120 THE MOSEAD. Since Christ brought immortality to light, Now all the path that leads to God is bright; The Spirit, too, descends in greater power. And sheds upon the Church a richer dower, Diminishing the liability To rest in heartless, cold formality. What millions have upon this rock been wrecked, As seen when we church history inspect ; Like vessels on the angry breakers thrown, Their fires extinguished and their masts all gone. A noble vessel, strong and ably manned. Of which the Crucified maintains command. Fanned by the Spirit grandly moves along, With grace for steam, and hope for anchor strong. In kindness, therefore, we advise the Jew To leave the shattered ship and take the new ; Own Christ for Pilot, and His word for chart, And in His gracious favor share a part. How plainly has it been by Paul declared. Salvation for mere works is not prepared ; Excepting Christ no name on earth is known Through which forgiveness can to man be shown. Why trust in Mary .'' why in rite or priest .'' By Christ alone we are from sin released. Through all the Theocratic Church and State The lawgiver had reputation great ; His laws by fathers to their sons were taught. And through successive generations brought ; But higher honor shall to Christ be given Throughout the world and through the highest heaven ; His name shall last till time shall reach an end. While unto Him shall prayer and praise ascend. BOOK FOURTH. 121 And when the ransomed saints in glory meet, They cast their crowns adoring at His feet, While hosts angelic in loud songs proclaim, "The Lamb is worthy who for man was slain." The Jewish church, become effete, decayed, By Christ an organism new was made ; His Church through centuries then grew apace, But soon corrupting influence we trace, Which like a leaven worked and mischief wrought. E'en greater than her pagan foes had brought. On eagles' wings the hunted woman flew To hide herself from the Red Dragon's view; But afterwards she spread her wings again. Her former, and still greater power to gain ; And now we live in highly favored times. When gospel light through many nations shines, And growing millions laws divine obey, Who gladly own the great Messiah's sway. Was not good Moses by the Saviour led. When he with Israel from Egypt fled ? And as he journeyed to the promised land, Was it not Christ that held supreme command ? The prophets tell us that in latter days His house shall God upon the mountains raise; That into it shall all the nations flow, Where they the holy ways of God may know. And shall the lawgiver be quite forgot ; And shall his laws be then regarded not } God saith, From Zion shall go forth, as heard, The Law; and from Jerusiilcm His word: By judgment and rebuke shall nations turn And then no more shall arts of warfare learn. 122 THE MOSEAD. The ten commands were for all time designed, And these must Christians always bear in mind; While ancient ceremonies, by God ordained, As constant testimony have remained. VII. For Christ did Moses offices perform That e'en the Christian Church serve and adorn ! Through Christ were ceremonial types fulfilled When richer grace upon the world distilled. The Christian Church, it is well understood, Retains and keeps alive all former good; For all the principles through Moses taught. Into the Gospel system have been brought. All light that shone upon the ancient Jews, The Scriptures through the Church of Christ diffuse; Combined with which beams from the brighter Sun Now through the nations of the Gentiles run. Each precept in the Law of Ten Commands, On changeless principles forever stands ; The "Law and Prophets" Christ did not destroy, And these His people always should employ. He came the Law and Prophets to fulfil, And thus to do His heavenly Father's will; To cause them in a clearer light to shine. Fulfilling God's original design; And when from earth to heaven He arose, Triumphant over all besetting foes, He sent the Spirit in His fulness down. All other gracious gifts of God to crown. In every Dispensation here below Obedience from faith and love must flow. On these all holy characters arise BOOK FOURTH. 123 Wherever they arc formed beneath the skies. Thus oxygen and nitrogen prepare For all who breathe, the atmospheric air. The faith that Moses and Elijah fired, Apostles and reformers has inspired. The love that living Christian hearts has moved Its potency in ancient worthies proved. Proceeding from these roots has every grace Sprung up and occupied appropriate place. One Spirit dwelt in Moses and in Paul, Upon the Father all his children call. The better land which patriarchs once sought, Is that to which true Christians shall be brought. The youthful sapling and its stately tree In their botanic principles agree. The child is but the father of the man ; So, churches new and old, in God's great plan. In harmony one organism compose. Confronted by one common kind of foes, A kingdom, by God's power and grace evolved, In which the problem of man's life is solved. Enduring buildings of whatever land, Upon foundations deep and steadfast stand ; Thus rose the temple of God's Church below, His matchless wisdom, power and grace to show. P^rom "Mountains of the Moon," as Stanley shows. The Nile's majestic current northward flows; PVom zone to zone the swelling flood proceeds, While stream on stream the flowing river feeds ; And thus the lands that on its borders lie Receive continual and rich supply. So, revelations coming from above 124 THE MOSEAD. Successively display a Saviour's love. As eyes of feeble vision cannot bear The noonday sun, or strong electric glare, The Jewish Tribes, though from their bondage free. Were not prepared the light in full to see. To prophets in succession it was given To teach them in gradation truth from heaven, To gild with rising beams the eastern skies Until the Sun of righteousness should rise And drive the gloomy shades of death away, To usher in the blessed Gospel day : But to the saints shall brighter day be given When they shall be transferred from earth to heaven. THE MOSAIC AND CHRISTIAN CHURCHES. Where Sinai's lofty summits rise Beneath the oriental skies, The Lord came down a Church to found In which His glory should abound. This Church through Moses then He reared, The Christian afterwards appeared ; On better promises it stands. And is to spread through all the lands. No visible Shekinah near God's special presence makes appear, Yet on His Church as His abode The Spirit's blessing is bestowed. He comforts it when in distress, And guides it through the wilderness ; Defends it from its enemies. And cheers it with His promises. BOOK FOURTH. 125 Lord, build Thy Church in every land, In strength and beauty may it stand, Till gathered in the end of days, To shine more glorious to Thy praise. "^ m^ SECTIONAL OUTLINE OF BOOK V. Sec. I. The nation of Israel, as organized through Moses, the Law giver. n. This nation a Theocracy. Some events in its history, illustrating this truth. III. The nation of Israel a type of Christ's kingdom in various respects. IV. This kingdom exposed to enemies internal and external, but under divine protection. The like existing in Christ's kirgdom. V. The arrangement of the Tribes for their journey around the Sanctuary. The leading of the Shekinah prefiguring that of the Holy Spirit. The Trumpets of the Priests and their use ; likewise prefiguring the preaching of the Gospel VI. The reign of Sinai a favorable place for the organization of the nation. Christ's kingdom introduced under favorable circumstances. VII. The Israelites on the march. The hope of the world. VIII. Christ and the Jews of our time testifying to the truth of Mosaic history. Its object not yet fulfilled but in part. Hymn. BOOK FIFTH. I. ?viiOOK back to ancient times and see Jehovah's grand Theocracy, Instructed to obey His laws, Exalt His name, maintain His cause. He reared it by his potent hand. And chose for it a goodly land ; By guidance and protecting care Through Moses safely brought it there. The heathen were thrust out to give A place for Israel to live ; And when strong enemies arose God saved the nation from its foes. Another kingdom has arisen To which are richer blessings given. And he who Israel saved and led Of this great kingdom is the Head. Its citizens in all the lands Obey their heavenly King's commands, While He instructs, protects and feeds. And in the path to glory leads, 132 THE MOSEAD. The nation most remarkable on earth Through Moses had a most peculiar birth, When he the Tribes was led to organize, Obeying clear instruction from the skies, And gave them that grand code of civil law From which the nations principles can draw. Could those who the Mosaic law despised Have for that age a better law devised ? The civil code, indeed, for Jews designed, Does not at present other nations bind, Except in changeless principles that show What nations everywhere should heed and know. In this one school should nations now be taught. And from it guiding principles be brought. New crimes, like new diseases, have arisen, To which express attention should be given. Because saloons were not in Jewish law. Shall we the most absurd conclusion draw. That they should be upheld and patronized, And not as dangerous dens and traps despised.? When a disease lacks the physician's book, Shall he its source and danger overlook } The civil law, enforced, from crimes restrain. That peace and safety may on earth remain. God gave pre-eminence to Moses, great. Among the worthies who have formed a State, For in all history in vain we seek Another nation that was so unique. By ransomed Tribes from Jacob's chosen race The nation first was formed at Sinai's base ; While these were there in proper order placed, By chosen princes were they also graced. BOOK FIFTH, 133 11. What other nation known in history Was like the Jewish grand Theocracy ? To it the holy Oracles first came That taught the people to revere His name ; They saw the wonders He performed of old, While prophets taught and things to come foretold. Jehovah for this nation often fought, And from great perils by His own hand brought. See sun and moon for Joshua stand still; See a death-angel the invaders kill ! When David and his son sat on the throne The nation had to great dimensions grown. But soon its progress had a sudden halt Through Jeroboam's ill-advised revolt ; Divided now it lost its greatest strength. And even its existence ceased at length. Whenever aggravated was their sin, God sent upon the nations discipline ; As last the ten revolted Tribes we see Given up to unrelieved captivity. The kingdom of Judea, which remained, And national existence still maintained. For sin in Babylon served seventy years. Where captives sadly shed repentant tears; Their harps upon the willows silent hung, And songs of Zion were no longer sung. But men among them, by their faith and prayer Obtained a restoration for them there; By God, their Friend, their fervent prayers were heard. By Him the hearts of monarchs, too, were stirred ; With joy the captives to their land returned. 134 THE MOSEAD. And there in serving God fresh honor earned. They soon rebuilt the Sanctuary's walls, Restored the altar and the sacred halls, And heeding neither threatening nor frown, Would not from their important work come down. The temple service now again restored, The Lord was thus as formerly adored ; And many years of varied history The favored nation was ordained to see. It still continued to maintain its ground, While great and hostile empires fell around. See nations of idolaters, God's foes. Go down in just, tremendous overthrows; While Judah proved, against idolatry, A steadfast, though oft-weakened battery, A well-built fort beneath the Lord's command, Against satanic sieges long to stand ; Like some great rock amid old Ocean's waves, Around which Tempest often beats and raves. Which still upon its base maintains its ground, While wrecks abandoned strew the ocean round. Sometimes, indeed, the raging waves swept o'er,- And Judah able seemed to stand no more ; But when the hurricane had disappeared. Her head again in majesty she reared : Some hero, some brave Maccabeus rose, With courage to withstand her fearful foes. The scepter, God declared, should not depart Till Shiloh came. His blessings to impart ; The Jewish Institute God willed to be, Till Israel should its great Messiah see, And on the ruins of the ancient State BOOK FIFTH. 135 Build up a kingdom more sublimely great. Thus have we viewed the nation Moses formed, Whose early history he much adorned ; And as the ages swiftly came and fled, He still was recognized the nation's head ; His law the compass for both Church and State, His influence and fame remaining great. The Lord alone could make him what he was. And give success when difficult his cause ; Give him a faith that would not shrink or swerve. That he successfully his part might serve. When Christ appeared and unbelieving Jews To own Him as their promised King refused. When they to compass e'en His death presumed, God cast them off, and their chief city doomed ; But while His wrath like a tornado swept. His faithful children He in safety kept. HI. Tb^ nation, as described, we now shall show Was type of Christ's own kingdom here below : By this analogy we plainly see How these two kingdoms are in harmony; And how in influence their parts all tend To one sublime and predetermined end ; While their connection gave to Moses fame Which otherwise he never could attain. The gracious promise was to Abram given. His seed should e'en exceed the stars of heaven ; The very land on which the patriarchs trod, To their descendants was ensured by God. All kingdom and dominion under heaven 136 THE MOSEAD. Shall to His people by the Lord be given. They now are going forth with zeal to take The kingdom, their inheritance to make ; And soon Christ's banner shall be wide unfurled O'er all the lands of this enfranchised world : While still a better home remains for those Who Christ's peculiar kingdom here compose, In that blest land to which their footsteps tend, In which their pilgrimage on earth will end. The preparations for both kingdoms made, Divine perfections and designs displayed ; That outstretched arm which Israel made free, Now gives believers gospel liberty. A similarity we likewise name In that they both Theocracies became ; As formed and kept by God's Almighty Hand, And governed by His own revealed command ; Their earthly leaders were by Him ordained. To be instructed, guided and sustained. What fearful judgments on transgressors fell, Who 'gainst the God of Israel dared rebel ! But sorer are the judgments which await The Lord's despisers, in the future state. For founding of the first Theocracy Twelve sons of Jacob were the heads to be ; Through them the nation from the first divides. Like spreading branches, into special Tribes. When to the kingdom of our Lord we turn. Twelve organizers, too, we here discern ; As founders of the glorious kingdom new, Which wide extending in the earth we view ; Twelve great apostles, chosen and ordained, BOOJC FIFTH. 137 Whose honor through the ages has remained. So, in the New Jerusalem we find Twelve angels, with twelve pearly gates combined ; On twelve foundations see the city stand, With gold and precious stones on every hand. For ages in the Jewish Church and State God raised up men whose influence was great ; And often grand achievements they performed, By which the nation highly was adorned. The same, as records show, is likewise true, Pertaining to Christ's church and kingdom new, In which have martyrs and reformers stood, . And many faithful servants done much good ; For such are the ascension gifts Christ gives. Who reigns on high and in His kingdom lives. Both kingdoms have been blest with men inspired With zeal for God, by His own Spirit fired. He made His covenants with Israel, His covenants are with His i^eople still; While better are the promises he gives, And He for their fulfilment ever lives : He still has rules and services ordained. And ordinances which must be sustained. IV. The kingdom formed by Moses had its foes Within, without, who oft against it rose ; And over it sometimes so far prevailed, That courage, faith and patience almost failed. The like has in Christ's kingdom oft occurred, When haters of all righteousness have stirred ; Led on by bold, conspiring powers of hell, 138 THE MOSEAD. Whose subtlety no human tongue can tell. But God, who served to Israel as shield, Will needful help to faithful Christians yield. Judea oft was mightily preserved, When, by God's guidance, there went forth to serve Such champions as Maccabeus was. Emboldened to maintain the nation's cause. What wondrous victories Jehovah gave To chosen heroes He employed, to save The nation from the hosts of mighty foes, That, marshalled to destroy it, oft arose ! He filled with faith and courage Gideon, And led him forth to conquer Midian ; Three hundred men, with pitchers armed, and lamps. E'en dared assail the widely spreading camps ; The mighty host, like frightened sheep retreats, And ne'er again God's chosen people meets. Philistia, weakened by a Samson's strength, By David's hand was overcome at length. When Alexander, flushed with victory. Had hoped Jerusalem his prey would be, Behold a white-robed band go forth to meet The mighty conquerer, and humbly greet ! They trust in God, and not in sword and shield. Great Alexander, vanquished, quits the field ! No earthly power that Satan could employ The nation guarded safely could destroy; Not foes from Egypt or Assyria, Not hosts of Midian or Syria ; Not all the allied forces known below The favorite of heaven could overthrow, TiirShiloh came, fulfilling prophecy, BOOK FIFTH. 139 To whom a greater gathering should be ; Who would a more extensive kingdom found, And sway the scepter all the world around : In light pavilioned He would onward ride, With power protect, and in His wisdom guide. Just as the Jewish kingdom had its foes, Who vainly seeking to subdue it rose, So should Christ's kingdom, guarded by His hand, Unnumbered foes of earth and hell withstand. See pagan Emperors in early days Against the Christians persecutions raise ; See Constantine their champion appear, And bravely for defense his banner rear; See Martel the Mohammedans arrest, When by them Christians had been sorely pressed, And noble Henry of Navarre in France The safety of the Huguenots advance. Behold Elizabeth with courage stand To save from papal enemies her land ; The great Armada was by winds dispersed, And still the tale is gratefully rehearsed. The great Adolphus conquered when he fell, And Protestants rejoice his deeds to tell. In Germany see noble Frederick rise. And with his victories the world surprise. By numerous people of the Jewish race Was Scripture knowledge spread from place to place : From Palestine, through many centuries. They went to lands beyond its boundaries. So that at length their Synagogues were found . In numerous countries of the world around ; In Asia Minor, Greece and Maccdon, 140 77^5' MOSEAD. The easterii rivers and the Nile upon, In northern Africa and e'en in Rome, The Jewish emigrants had found a home; They carried their religion with them there, And teaching of the Gentiles made their care. The number of their proselytes was great In heathen cities, as historians state ; And thus the Jews became a type of those Through whom this Christian nation grandly rose. And likewise of the missionary bands Who go to work for Christ in distant lands. They follow where the traveller explores, And plant the Gospel on the distant shores ; Mid Moslem and old heathen shrines to raise Uncounted temples to the Saviour's praise. As Paul, with Barnabas and others, found Fields opened by the Jews on heathen ground. So in our day have doors been opened wide For those who go on missions, to abide Among the relics of the churches old. Of which in Bible stories we are told. The glorious Messiah's kingdom stands. To spread triumphant over all the lands : The stream which first in Abraham began. And which, augmented, long through Moses ran, Through Christ in deeper channels has enlarged, And still it flows, at length to be discharged Into the boundless and unfathomed sea Of shoreless, unexplored eternity ; The regions of undimmed, unchanging light, Where saints with angels in glad songs unite. BOOK FIFTH, 141 V. Almost a year had Israel possessed One place for training and refreshing rest; This was for progress to be shortly changed, For which the Tribes required to be arranged. The King who marshals all the shining trains That keep their journeys through etherial plains, Orion, Taurus, Arcturus, and all The clusters which we Constellations call. Gave orders how the Hebrew hosts should stand, And make their journeys to the promised land. The Sanctuary and Shekinah graced The center, where the sacred Ark was placed : Around, the Tribes composed a hollow square, Which Aaron helped his brother to prepare • The Levites occupied first space around, Which was these tried defenders' proper ground ; With whom was Moses, and the honored priest, With Aaron's sons, all facing towards the East. Upon the South they placed the Kohathites, And opposite to them the Merarites ; Those that remained, distinguished from the rest. Were Gershonites, who occupied the West; They into four departments now divide The other Tribes, to be arranged outside. Of these four grand divisions Zebulon And Judah, joined with Issachar, made one; The South held Reuben, Simeon and Gad ; West, Ephraim, Benjamin, Manasseh had ; Then Naphthali upon the North side stood. While Dan and Ashcr made the number good. 142 THE MOSEAD. 'Tis said the great encampment covered ground, Which in circumference was twelve miles round. The grand Shekinah in the people's sight, A cloud by day, a shining fire by night. Place on the Tabernacle still maintained. While in the camp their stations they retained ; But when the Pillar rose above the Tent, The Tribes by this directed forward went. The Holy Spirit now God's people guides, Who with them in their pilgrimage abides. The fiery pillar which appeared by night. Bespeaks how in the darkness God gives light; He hovers over them to guard their way. Lest they be overcome, or go astray. The Spirit's presence shall His people bless While they are traversing earth's wilderness. Until their feet shall tread the promised land, And they as conquerors in glory stand. Two silver trumpets were by Moses made, And thus the Lord's commandment he obeyed ; These trumpets must by none but priests be blown, For this was also to God's servant shown. They were for purposes peculiar used. And therefore liable to be abused. When preachers speak with an uncertain sound. They may mislead, and be unfaithful found. The priests had clear instructions as their guide. Obeying which the trumpets they applied ; Whene'er the Hebrews forward were to go, The priests must with their silver trumpets blow. So, those whom God ordains His word to preach, Are shown what doctrines they are called to teach ; BOOK FIFTH. 143 And faithful ministers He uses still, To guide the people who obey His will. The silver trumpets all the Tribes could hear In their encampments, whether far or near : The gospel is ordained aloud to sound, That it may spread through all the nations round. The people were accustomed, one and all, To hear and heed the heaven-directed call ; When ordered, all together forward went. No tribe presuming to remain in tent. While preachers now the gospel trumpet blow, The people forward to their work should go ; And when God calls His Church to make advance, It should improve with gratitude the chance. A warfare must be waged, a race be run, A home obtained, a heavenly kingdom won. A Leader God has to His people given, To guide and guard them' on their way to heaven. Those who go forward in the Spirit's light. Confiding in unchanging, boundless might. Not overcome by fear and unbelief. That often come in darkness like a thief. The King in all His beauty soon shall see. And taste the fruit of life's unwithering tree. VI. The Hebrews were Mount Sinai now to leave, That they might their inheritance receive ; So, Christians, while they tarry here below. Cannot the blessedness of heaven know ; This world at best is but a starlit night. And heaven is hidden from the pilgrim's sight. 144 THE MOSEAD. The Jewish church and nation had been formed, And had not by their enemies been stormed : God led them to a desert mountain, where He could the host for journeying prepare ; Inaugurating both a Church and State, Whose sphere among the nations would be great. Mount Sinai and adjacent regions round, By water bordered on three sides were found ; Egyptians had most signally been checked. Nought better could the Anakims expect ; From Midian, whose people nearest dwelt, The tribes of Israel no danger felt ; Since Jethro proved a true and steadfast friend, Disposed wise counsel cheerfully to lend. The other nations all were far away. And in their own dominions chose to stay. The kings of Canaan probably well knew The object which the Hebrews had in view. But chose on their own ground to make a stand, Instead of fighting in a foreign land ; And hence no foes assailed that grand retreat When God came down His people there to meet. At once to build, 'mid demonstrations great, On firm foundations, His own Church and State. So, when the Saviour on the earth appeared. And here a- better church and kingdom reared. No nation of the world to war arose ; The Romans saw their temple, Janus, close ; Judea, though a mere dependency. Was blest with undisturbed tranquillity. In battles numberless had Jews engaged. The tempests of destruction oft had raged, BOOK FIFTH. 145 But when descends the glorious Prince of peace, The nations all their bloody conflicts cease ! He dies; the day of Pentecost returns, The gathered multitude His exit learns; The Spirit is poured out in plenteous shower, And thousands feel His renovating power; While Christians find from peril a repose. Till persecution in fierce storm arose ; And then, dispersed in all the region round. The gospel trumpet they ceased not to sound; The Spirit working with them mightily, Performing works of grace, seen joyfully. When more than thirteen months had now expii-d Since Jacob's sons from Egypt had retired. Again appeared the sign for them to start, And from Mount Sinai's rocky base depart. The cloud, arising from the sacred tent. Before them for their guidance grandly went ; The priests their silver trumpets loudly sound, To notify the Tribes encamped around, That they must be prepared without delay To take for distant Palestine their way. So, ministers are warnings now to give, And call on multitudes for heaven to live : With great alacrity should all arise And seek the bright abodes beyond the skies. VH. To Hobab Moses had in kindness said, "We to the land of promise now are led ; "Come thou and join our favored company, "That you with us the promised good may see; 146 THE MOSEAD. "That we will do thee good we joyful tell, "For God has promised good to Israel." Arise ye, and depart, God now proclaims, Your rest is not upon these earthly plains ; Like Moses also call upon your friend To share the blessing at the journey's end. Behold the host pursuing now its way, Arranged with leaders in a grand array ; Beneath the spreading oriental sky They move in order grand, with banners high; Divisions standards have ; behold one more, Jehovah's wondrous flag moves on before. How great the privilege to be thus led, With such a banner floating overhead ! And thus the gospel banner goes before. To guide and cheer believers evermore. As on they journey to the land of rest, To be with unimagihed blessings blest ! The young and aged, the diseased and well, All ranks the concourse of the pilgrims swell ; They cannot their inheritance obtain, Till they great dangers face and conquests gain : Of food and raiment to obtain supply. They must on constant miracle rely; While hardships in variety await. And trials unexperienced and great. Yet how ungrounded v/as all faithless fear. With God their Friend and great Redeemer near! Beneath the floating banners there unfurled, Behold the hope of a revolted world ! As when, lone plowing through the mighty deep, Noah's floating ark had its grand charge to keep. BOOK FIFTH. 147 Press on, O Israel ; dismiss your fears ; You bear rich freight for all the coming years, And unborn millions greatly shall rejoice, If faith and faithfulness shall be your choice. The shining pillar which before you goes Means victory for you o'er all your foes. And chasing of idolatry's dark night Before the splendor of advancing light. He who now leads your marshalled pilgrim train, His way prepared by you, shall come again : But not as when He came in darksome cloud. Which served His radiance from view to shroud ; Clothed in a human body shall He come. And wondrous works of mercy shall be done ; Truth like a fountain from His lips shall flow, To lighten all the nations here below. And when He shall from earth to heaven arise, With hosts of holy angels mount the skies, Another Comforter shall Jesus send. And Him shall wondrous grace and power attend. The matchless story shall apostles tell Of Christ, the Lamb, who triumphed when He fell ; And while He conquered all the powers of sin. Atoned for guilt, man's warmest love to win. Against His kingdom shall no foes prevail. Persistent, never shall He faint or fail. Till o'er the entire earth His sway extend. And all its tribes and kingdoms to Him bend. VIII. That Moses did not write the Pentateuch In modern language, we shall not dispute ; 148 THE MOSEAD. When in our language it has been received, The sense remains the same, as is believed. The leaves upon a tree we call not new Because in autumn they have changed their hue. The civil laws of Alfred, called the Great, Still hold their place in England's civic State ; The language has been changed since Alfred reigned. Its meaning, notwithstanding, has remained. The moral Law for all mankind was made, If not unchanged how can it be obeyed } When Moses wrote what long before occurred, Was it at all improper or absurd For him to use, while by the Lord inspired. All former records which the case required, And credible traditions which relate To those events that he was called to state ? That Ezra, as some strangely testify. First wrote the Pentateuch, we must deny; That he arranged the records as received. It may without presumption be believed. What Moses wrote is wisely handed down. His other noble services to crown. While Christ, the great Messiah, he obeyed He deep foundations for Christ's kingdom laid. How many ages now have passed away Since Moses journeyed through Arabia, Engaged in that stupendous enterprise. The hope of man, the wonder of the skies ! But yet the object that God had at heart, Has not been found accomplished, but in part. Though he is leading, as we gladly see. His host from victory to victory, BOOK FIFTH. 149 Yet millions throng the dark and downward road That leads astray from happiness and God. Then, Christians, rise and to your work awake, United onward press, the kingdom take. How long shall heathen nations wait their King } How long e'er they the songs of Zion sing.? Behold brave champions, with banners high, As soldiers of the Lord go forth to die In fighting battles on the fields abroad, Where multitudes are won to serve the Lord. As doves to windows, seeing danger nigh. To Christ see thousands and ten thousands fly ! The day is coming ; let it come apace. When light shall visit all the human i"ace ; When covered with God's glory earth shall be, As now expansive waters fill the sea. The nation that the Lord ordained In ancient times, great power attained When reared by His almighty hand. And planted in a goodly land. Another kingdom we behold. Of which the types and prophets told ; And now we can distinctly see How types and antitypes agree. All servants of the Lord, now lend Your aid this kingdom to extend ; Teach them the glories of your King, And thus into His kingdom bring. Before His hosts His banner goes, Their way through all their journey shows, 150 THE MOSEAD. And soon a countless ransomed train The heights of Zion shall attain. See there a brighter temple stand Than e'er adorned the holy land, Where all the blood-bought, blissful throng Shall swell the everlasting song. SECTIONAL OUTLINE OF BOOK VI. Sec. I. New movements. Circumstances of their march from Sinai. Appointment of the seventy elders. That pilgrimage for us. Firing of tents because of murmuring. Present signs of the camping ground. II. Troubles at Hazeroth. Eldad and Medad. God's address to Aaron and Miriam because of their complaints. The twelve spies and their report. III. A great mutiny. Intercession of Moses. The result of the intercession. Lessons for the Church of our times. The world to be possessed for Christ. Perseverance required. IV. Fruitless attempts to enter Canaan without divine assistance. Destruction of Korah and his company. The plague. Budding of Aaron's rod. Journeyings of the Tribes. V. Reflections upon the death of those who fell in the wilderness. Death of Miriam at Kadesh. Tribute to her memory. The per- petuity of her influence. Lyric. BOOK SIXTH. HEN Israel's Tribes instructions gained Through their great leader's hand ; Inspiring motives they obtained To seek the promised land : In order they were formed at length, By chosen Princes led ; And with them was the Ark of strength, God's pillar overhead. So, when Christ's followers received, Through His abounding grace. The word which they in truth believed. His Church began its race; The gospel banner they unfurled. They counted all things loss. That they might bring the ransomed world Submissive to His cross. Church of our God, still militant. What wonders hast thou done ! Well mayest thou now be jubilant. For conquest thou hast won ! But not alone the world below Shall as a prize be given ; The Lord will on His Church bestow The heritage of heaven. 156 THE MOSEAD. A march magnificent the Pilgrims took As Sinai's wondrous scenes they now forsook : Almost as many people journeyed there, As dwelling in the Provinces there were When they this Federal Republic formed, To be with light and liberty adorned. The Hebrews were ordained to make one State, Whose influence and record would be great ; Our nation rose from Pilgrims too, we know. Whom God protected and taught where to go ; And though as subjects they awhile remained. They broke the yoke and independence gained. Above the Tribes then spread the concave skies, As now they look to our accustomed eyes : The Sun that marches forth to bless the day Then every morning scattered shades away ; The moon in changing forms illumed the night, While stars and planets shed their lesser light ; The solid earth, on which the Pilgrims trod, Still keeps its orbit by the power of God ; The Sea, near which they slowly passed along, Yet throws its waves and pours its dirge-like song ; Though tribes and nations since have passed away. Completing like a hireling their brief day. For us those Hebrews made their pilgrimage, They therefore should our gratitude engage, Although by ignorance and unbelief They often brought upon themselves much grief. Remember then the sires and mothers there. Remember, too, the children of their care ; Young men and maidens whose unfolding years Were passing midst conflicting hopes and fears, BOOK SIXTH. 157 The sick and feeble who must close their days And take their exit midst those desert ways. They journeyed, and we travellers are too, Though devious the ways we now pursue; And soon we reach the transient journey's end, To which our weary pilgrimages tend. Three days they travel towards the promised land. And then they make a temporary stand. Behold some tents mysteriously fired ! Provoking wrath divine what has transpired .-' The wicked murmurings the Lord had heard, That greatly had His indignation stirred. Then Moses, the bold intercessor, prayed. And thus the scathing fire was quickly stayed. But soon they hanker for Egyptian fish. For cucumbers, for leeks and melons wish, And other dainties upon which they fed Before they to Arabia were led. God's holy anger was aroused thereby ; But when for mercy Moses raised a cry, The Lord in special kindness ordered then : " Bring to the Tabernacle seventy men, "The elders, who in office there shall stand "As your assistants, and hold up your hand." God promised of the Spirit Moses had, To take, and on them for their service shed ; And since the people longed for flesh to eat, He promised even such desires to meet. This might impossible appear to be. But soon were quails brought from the distant sea, That fell about the camp for miles around And in the morning were abundant found. 158 THE MGSEAD. Alas ! when they began the flesh to chew, Jehovah with a plague large numbers slew. How often when we things desired obtain, More injury than good from them we gain ; How oft we murmur, as men murmured there, Though like them under God's peculiar care. That fire so ruinous loud warning gives, To last while man upon this planet lives ; Those quails that flew from yonder Southern sea, To satiate a sordid gluttony, Came on the wind not for the Tribes alone ; To us instruction thus is also shown : The fire, extinguished when God answered prayer. Still shows how powerful petitions are When used by persons walking in the light. On whom the Lord looks down with true delight. Great is the privilege that God has given, To gain rich blessings for our friends from heaven. A fire is burning ; 'tis the fire of wrath, Which sweeps away frail mortals in its path : Let fervent supplications therefore rise To the great Ruler in the earth and skies. What multitudes in former days have prayed, And thus have judgments threatening been stayed ; While those who for such intercessions sought, Have to the promised land been kindly brought. Where Hebrew Pilgrims had their camping ground, As travellers inform us, signs are found, That have throughout the centuries survived, By which their memory is much revived. How clear the evidence thus brought to view That Moses wrote memorials quite true. BOOK SIXTH. 159 What other ancient or more recent train So great, e'er camped on that extensive plain ? Old relics always tell a truthful tale, Though man may cheat and memory may fail. Egyptian secrets on the stone will last, Chaldean tablets still reveal the past ; Old shells on mountains, boulders on the plain, Mementoes of events long past contain, And ruins where majestic cities stood. Of their existence give assurance good ; So, relics found in Paran now unfold A chapter that reveals events of old, Of which we read, and which should thought enlist So long as man shall on this earth exist. II. Again the Pilgrims, by Jehovah led, By Him defended, and with manna fed, On like a splendid panorama moved. And thus their orderly arrangement proved. At Hazeroth they next make their abode. Where wisdom great and meekness Moses showed In conquering troubles that he had to bear. Which came to him from his own kindred there. From jealousy in some had envy risen. Because of gifts to seventy worthies given. When Eldad and good Medad prophesied, As in their camps they peacefully abide, E'en Joshua requests they silenced be By Moses, through His great authority. Displeased, the prophet readily discerns The signs of envy, and reply returns : 160 THE MOSEAD. "Would God the people all might prophesy, "And that His Spirit on them all might lie." No gift is envied from the Lord above, When we our neighbors love with proper love. The brother and the sister make complaints The honored leader of the host against : His wife in Midian indeed he found, Of which they made of loud complaint a ground ; By carping questions was their envy shown : " Does God indeed by Moses speak alone } "To speak through us has He not chosen, too .^ " The meaning of these words the Lord well knew. To Aaron and his sister then He spake. And gave a lesson He would have them take : "To prophets is by dreams and visions shown "Whatever God to mortals would make known ; "To Moses face to face it shall be told, "And God's similitude shall he behold." * Distinction great for Moses here we view, Above all other prophets earth e'er knew : It gave good claim to be observed as chief, And heard with full, unqualified belief. The cloud departs ; God's anger great to show, Behold a leprosy as white as snow ! The judgment was as public as the sin, God's hatred of all evil shines therein. When mercy was for Miriam implored. She was to former healthfulness restored. As melts the snow when balmy Spring commands. As vanish mists when Morning paints the land ; As fled diseases when Christ's voice was heard, And demons yielded to His potent word, * Numbers xii : 7, 8, l^OOK SIXTH. lUl So, quickly passed the leprosy away, When righteous Moses dared for this to pray ! These truths thus taught us let us all believe. These lessons with docility receive ; That when the Lord would have work special done, To do it He employs a special one ; That He the faithful servant will stand by, And all assistance which he needs supply : Where highest gifts are by His grace bestowed, The highest honor should be likewise showed. If ever cruel envy should creep in. By God 'twill always be condemned as sin ; Yet grace divine can stains of sin remove From those who will the day of grace improve. As prayer for Miriam could healing gain, So, richest blessings it can still obtain : The prayer of righteous men availeth much, How highly should be valued prayers of such. Twelve chosen men to Israel were sent ; To view the land they then through Canaan went. Its people, products and large towns to see. And learn how strong the Canaanites might be. At length they cautiously to Hebron came. And of its giants ascertained the name ; They also learned of nations and of tribes Which dwelt upon the plains and mountain sides. Returning, a large bunch of grapes they bear. With figs and sweet pomegranates gathered there. This fruit they to the congregation showed, And said the land with milk and honey flowed ; That strong the people and their towns appeared. And Anakims were greatly to be feared ; 162 THE MOSEAD. That in the South dwelt Amalek the bold ; Of Hittites, Jebusites, the mountains told, Where also would be found strong Amorites, While on the coast abode the Canaanites. Yet Caleb boldly recommends advance, Assured the land was their inheritance. His faith and hope awakened ardent zeal, Enabling him to make a strong appeal ; The others, save the hero, Joshua, Advised from giant foes to stay away : They trusted not in that Almighty arm That can God's people save from every harm. The people now are filled with anxious fear ; Against their rulers fresh complaints appear : "Would God in Egypt we had died," they said, "Or in the wilderness whence we were led." Hear them as they to one another spake : " Let us a captain to conduct us make, " That back to Egypt we may take our way, "Lest we and our descendants be a prey." Like many now who have no faith in God, By whom the path of duty is not trod. HI. Such glaring signs of rankest mutiny Were Moses and his friends much pained to see; And on their faces suddenly they fell. Displeasure and distress expressing well. But Joshua, the noble son of Nun, And Caleb, good Jephunneh's worthy son, With garments rent the multitude addressed. And better thoughts and sentiments expressed. BOOK SIXTH. 103 They wished the people well to understand The country promised was a goodly land. "If God shall take delight in us," they said, "We shall by Him to that fair land be led; " Do not ungrateful rebels then appear, " Nor ignominiously give up to fear ; "Defense is gone from those you dread, we know, "The Lord is with us; undismayed then go." These men the congregation bids to stone. Blind unbelief to rank rebellion grown ! Good men have oft, through blank fatuity, Been victims of a wild mobocracy. Behold, that great Jehovah might be feared, His cloud now at the sacred tent appeared ; These trenchant words He then to Moses spoke : " How long will they My righteous wrath provoke? "How long before this people will believe "My signals manifold which they receive.'' "Behold, I smite them with a pestilence, "And take away their rich inheritance; "And then a nation greater, mightier too, "To serve me shall originate from you." * Had selfishness but reigned in Moses' heart, Or fell revenge performed a ruling part, This offer, though it were not strongly pressed. Accepted would have been by him with zest. Perhaps the prophet it was meant to try, And show how well they could on him rely. At once he hastens with the Lord to plead. And urgently for pardon intercede : "Egyptians then would hear the tale and tell " The people who around us scattered dwell ; * Numbers xiv : 1 1 , 12. 184 THE MOSEAD. "The nations will believe they understand "That, since Jehovah could not bring to land "This people, as he had designed to do, "Their Tribes He in this dreary desert slew." In former times had his requests not failed, So now his intercession much availed. Think not Jehovah thus reversed His plan, As if as mutable as mortal man : The end He from beginning ever sees, Unchanged and firm are all His great decrees. Hear Him declare it His unaltered will, With His own glory all the world to fill ; And though the full amount of punishment Would not at once be on the rebels sent, They ne'er should that inheritance behold, Of which so often He before had told. Those over twenty years of age who came From Egypt, land of their distress and shame, Before they entered Canaan all should die ; Their corpses in the wilderness should lie, And those who they had said a prey would be, The promised country happily should see ; While those in honor should before Him stand, Who said they could with ease obtain the land. How clearly has Jehovah thus made known That justice sits with mercy on His throne! He knows to patience when an end to bring. Though He is gracious and long-suffering. He looked upon the heart, perceiving then Who were to conquer Canaan proper men ; The children, under Moses better trained, At length the needed preparation gained. BOOK SIXTH. 1G5 In those still young let us with care instill The truth, to mould the mind and guide the will ; To unbelievers warning is addressed, "Ye shall not enter My eternal rest." I. God has issued his commands Calling those in Christian lands Into heathen lands to go, Satan's reign to overthrow. This some wisely undertake, For they justly estimate That they have a power with them, Able all their foes to stem. Others in their unbelief. Fearing to be brought to grief Should they undertake such work, Chose like Israel's spies to shirk. While they thus remain at ease, Greatly they the Lord displease, And the conquest never win O'er the lands enslaved by sin. Men like Swartz and Livingston Glorious victories have won ; God is with His people still When they seek to do His will. II. Christians from your slumbers wake, Speedily the kingdom take, Spread the truth through every land. Conquests make on every hand. 166 THE MOSEAD. Christ, the mighty Saviour leads, Who your cause in heaven pleads ; He will bid the floods retreat, Conquering the foes you meet. Difficulties never dread, With Christ's banner overhead ; To His people shall be given All dominion under heaven. Richer is the heritage Which to gain you now engage. Than before the Hebrews lay, Travelling through Arabia. Onward move unitedly, Till complete your victory; All the lands to Jesus bring. Bid all nations own their King. IV. God made it most distinctly understood That what He wills He surely will make good; For all the spies who had the land decried. Attacked with plague in great dishonor died. The people now perceiving their mistake, Essayed another course at once to take ; Without receiving a divine command. They rashly undertook to gain the land. Though Moses warned them they could not succeed. Since God no help would grant which they would need. Presumptuously they to the highlands go^ And there receive disastrous overthrow ; Pursued, to Hormah, now, dismayed they ran, BOOK SIXTH. 167 Where soon rebellion still more rank began. Two hundred fifty of the leaders rose, Both Moses and his brother to oppose ; These Korah, Dathan and Abiram led, On whom there quickly came a judgment dread. Said Moses, " If these men like others die, "That God has chosen me you may deny ; "But if the earth shall open and devour, "Rebuking them will God display His power." ^ He spake ; beneath them widely clave the ground ; They sank, and all the people fled around ! Fire comes from God the princes to consume, Since to contend with Him they dared presume. The sins of some to judgment go before, They follow to the judgment many more. Of Moses and the Priest the Tribes complain That they the people of the Lord had slain ; As though they had the power to rend the earth And give to fire from heaven a sudden birth. Then God to Moses, from within the cloud That veiled the Tabernacle, spake aloud : " Now from this congregation separate, "That I may visit with destruction great." When Moses saw a fearful plague begun, He bade his brother with a censer run ; The merciful direction he obeyed. And for the people thus atonement made : Between the living and the dead he stood. Of Christ a signal type well understood. For Moses had a miracle been wrought, Another Aaron's high commission taught: A rod for every tribe must Moses take, 168 THE MOSEAD. That from among them God a choice might make ; To cause the people their complaints to cease, And give His servants from their fears release. All image worship superstition feeds ; To gross idolatry it ever leads. Of reigning sin how great must be the curse, When, unsubdued, it grows from bad to worse ; As physical disease, unchecked, extends Until in death it ultimately ends. God had good reasons why He should delay To bring the Hebrews from Arabia, And justice, mercy, wisdom, equally, In all His treatment of the Tribes we see. He had His holy name to vindicate, That none could properly exceptions take, Or show that in His moral character The perfect virtues unconnected are. Would it not be absurd to say that those Who oft His government had dared oppose ; Who in rank unbelief had madly risen To fight not only with good men, but heaven, Could justly claim to have an equal share In Canaan, or indeed to enter there. With those who under God had Moses served, And from the path of duty had not swerved } Of human governments if we should speak, Would you not deem a course like that as weak ? If, therefore man more just than God were found, Should we not have of unbelief a ground ? And how could we the Scripture doctrine scan, That God should rather be obeyed than man } But mercy joined with justice we behold, BOOK SIXTH. 169 And how it clearly shone must now be told. To give the younger and less guilty class The chance into the promised land to pass, Although their parents had rebellious been. And with the light had persevered in sin, Was mercy most conspicuous and great To them, and to the entire Jewish state; While all the world has reason to rejoice That God made them His own peculiar choice. In this proceeding wisdom likewise shines, And with the other attributes combines. The aged and rebellious multitude Were not with strength and virtue so imbued, That they were qualified in war to stand. Their foes to overcome, and take the land : No more is heaven the fitting place for those Who in this life God's government oppose. Of rank rebellion great must be the cost. When rebel angels seats in heaven lost ! As southward now the Tribes pursued their way Towards where the Desert wild of Ethan lay, Proud Amalek, though still residing near, Desisted from attacking them through fear : Undoubtedly he well remembered yet The great defeat which he aforetime met. When station after station had been passed, See them arriving near the place at last Where God in glorious power and majesty Had given them passage safely through the sea. What food for sad reflection now they find In pregnant memories that filled each mind ! While they God's anger had provoked by sin, 170 THE MOSEAD. How painful their experience had been ; Since they had failed to reach the promised land Where nature smiled and plenty filled the hand ! V. When next the Hebrews journeying renewed, Their way through Paran eastward they pursued, And onward through successive stations went, While months and even tedious years were spent. Large numbers of them for their sins there fell, Of whom no monumental pillars tell. They passed away as pass the mists of morn. No sculptured stones their lonely graves adorn ; By unbelief they had Jehovah grieved, And their predicted doom had they received. Those who the endless bliss of heaven would gain, Must in the faith immovably remain. The ways of Zion with wrecked hopes are strown. Fair prospects blighted, cherished hopes o'erthrown ; The blessed land beyond the river lost. Though bought and offered at amazing cost ! How many lives appear like that of those Who trod the desert drear until life's close; Who left no honorable records there. No praises floating on the desert air: Unheralded they sank from human sight, In unrelieved oblivion's dismal night ; Although a record true was kept on high, Where still is one preserved for those who die. To Ezion-gaber now the Pilgrims came. Upon the Gulf which Akabar they name ; Then northward journeyed by the Lord's command, BOOK SIXTH. 171 Along beside the sons of Esau's land. At length the wilderness of Zin they gain, And then in Kadesh for a time remain, Where Miriam, beloved and honored, died, Since none can always on the earth abide. Long life she had, adorned with usefulness, Though often knowing care and sore distress. The earthly Canaan she did not attain ; To reach the heavenly was far richer gain. How short the journey from this earth to heaven, When once the brittle thread of life is riven ! IN MEMORIAM. We honor the great prophetess, Her virtues laud, her memory bless, And on the roll exalted high Her brilliant name shall never die. How well she watched the favored child. As in the ark it wept and smiled ! The hope of Israel centered there. Suspended on her faithful care ; Her tender love protection gave To him who was the Tribes to save. Thy record through all ages known, To distant nations shall be shown ; Thy sisters honored thee alive. Though dead thy fame shall still survive. Thine was the greatest family In early Jewish history ; Thy mother noble children reared. Who their Creator loved and feared. By her they were so wisely trained 1*72 THE MOSEAD. That they the seeds of virtue gained ; These yielded fruit that multiplied, Through countless ages to abide. How brightly her example shines For all the mothers of our times ! Those who their children rightly train For stations high, great honor gain ; And in the nursery is found For useful work most fruitful ground. In that good daughter Miriam, When we her record rightly scan. We find that youthful womanhood Can work perform both great and good, And leave an honorable name Through many ages to remain. We likewise in her history Can see that God will gracious be To all His children, when they turn, And seek forgiving grace to earn. Though Miriam her work had done, Her influence had long course to run : Her song of triumph at the sea Remembered through all time shall be. But greater triumph will she gain, And honor brighter still attain. When all the glorified shall stand In shining robes at God's right hand, With holiness complete adorned. Their pilgrimages all performed, Their foes and trials overcome. Their labors on the earth all done. That voice which triumphed at the sea BOOK SIXTH. 173 And raised the shout of victory, Its song with thrilling notes shall raise, Attuned to more exultant praise ; And while eternal ages roll Shall holy rapture fill that soul. The sainted priests and prophets all Shall at the throne adoring fall, And celebrate the wondrous grace Which brought them to that glorious place, Where they their Saviour's face behold, And dwell in light and bliss untold. LYRIC. There is rest around the throne For the saints on high, Where in blessedness unknown They shall never die. Struggling pilgrim, lift your eyes. Ever onward go, Towards that home beyond the skies. Through the vales below. Tread the path your Saviour trod, Trusting in His grace ; He will bring you home to God When you end the race. Ye who have not yet begun In the heavenly way, You have yet the race to run Would you win the day. 1"^^ THE MOSEAD. Multitudes have gone before To their heavenly rest ; You they beckon to that shore, With them to be blest. SECTIONAL OUTLINE OF BOOK VIL Sec. I. Moses, at the divine command, smiting the rock at Kadesh to bring water ; as faith secures the blessing of the Spirit. Moses offends. Death of Aaron, the High Priest. II. Overthrow of king Arad. The fiery serpents, and the image erected. Destruction of the Amorites. Conquest of Israel over Og, king of Bashan. Assignment of territory. III. Arrival at the plains of Moab near Jericho. Alliance between Moab and Midian. Conference between Balak and Balaam. Scene on the top of Pisgah. IV. Mount Peor, and the prophecies of Balaam. Practical reflec- tions. V. Victories of Israel compared with those of Christ and His king- dom. Some of the Israelites seduced to idolatry. The plague sent upon them stayed by Phineas, the Priest. Midian chastised. Census of the Israelites. VI. Moses to appoint a successor. Christ appointing the Twelve. The promised land of the Church. Verses relating to the inau- guration of JoshuJ. BOOK SEVENTH. I. 'HEN a Moses smites the rock Water from it flows, Gushing in abundant stock Which the Lord bestows ; Though the stroke is with a slender rod, The effect is by the power of God. Faith, the rod the Christian takes, Living water brings ; 'Tis the fount the Spirit makes, With His gushing springs ; Courage, strength and joy are thus obtained, And essential preparation gained. Ye, who tread earth's wilderness, Needy, famishing. Why remain in your distress ? Strike the living Spring : Christ a fountain opened when He fell, He your thirsty souls can furnish well. When the Saviour to His crown Took His upward flight, Soon He sent the Spirit down And displayed His might : In the Pentecostal overflow Christians find their graces always grow. ISO TJIE MUSE AD. Oft when spirits droop and faint, Earnest is the cry ; God then hears the sad complaint, Sending rich supply ; Soon His vineyard looks as flourishing As the landscape in the time of Spring. Ye whose faith has found the stream, Your thank-offerings raise ; Do not unbelieving seem, And withhold your praise ; Grateful, yield to God the glory due, Lest some evil also come to you. The wandering Tribes of Israel had been In long experience of discipline. But discontent had never yet been cured. Nor were their faith and faithfulness assured : When wanting water they complained again, And e'en from mutiny did not refrain. Then Moses, following the Lord's command, Collects the people, takes his rod in hand And smites ; the water gushes from the rock, To which the people and their cattle flock. This is a symbol. Hear the Saviour say, "To Me approach and drink without delay; "The living water that proceeds from Me, "In him a springing well shall ever be." Those who the virtues of this well have tried Have found their thirst abundantly supplied. A traveller in Alexandria Beheld a native of Arabia Stand with a water-bag like those of old, BOOK SEVENTH, 181 Well filled with water, given away, not sold : Some one had purchased it ; so he could stand And offer it to all with liberal hand. The Spirit's cleansing and refreshing flood Comes through the merits of the Saviour's blood ; Those who accept of it shall never die. Since for them all there is a full supply. Two strokes had Moses given with his rod ; By this excess he had offended God ; And likewise so he spake as if by man, Not by a power divine the water ran : Because the Lord was not thus sanctified It was to Moses and the Priest denied To be with superadded honor blest. In bringing Israel to the promised rest. How frequently God's people loss sustain, And fail some valued gift divine to gain, By rashness, leading to some special sin Which they ingloriously are taken in ! A messenger from Kadesh Moses sent, Who to the reigning King of Edom went And said, "What has occurred to us ye know, " We through your territory wish to go ; "If you will let us tread the king's highway "We promise from it not to go astray." But this request the monarch in his pride With threats and signs of violence denied. So, when the host of Edom sallied out To keep the Tribes from their intended route, They turned away from that forbidden ground. To make a long and weary circuit round. The sword of God on Idumea came, 182 THE MOSEAD. To show the world that righteous is His name. In vain her people should in rocks reside, For who can wrath omnipotent abide? What nation can the power of Him withstand Who has all forces under His command? Awhile may justice sleep; it never dies ; Against it let no puny mortal rise. The Tribes now to a lofty mountain came, Near Edom's boundaries, Mount Hor by name ; Soon Aaron, guided by divine command, Ascends and dimly views the promised land ; He dies upon the mount, is buried there. His office Eleazar was to wear : The congregation, into sorrow cast. Make mourning for him thirty days to last. When men, in office and in honor high. Are like the rest of mortals called to die, The sorrow multitudes of hearts affects. Who show by fitting tributes their respects. Within the Jewish Church peculiar place, Unique, sublime, was Aaron called to grace : The first of all the line of Priests he stood, His office sacred and his service good ; And very signally he typified Him who for man's redemption bled and died. Anointed Priest of God, when thou didst rise To take thy seat above these lower skies. With Him who was thy Antitype to be When He should come to bless humanity, How couldst thou loathe to leave this world of sin, A spotless crown in heavenly courts to win ? Though splendid garments thou on earth didst wear, B OK SE FEN TIL 183 More splendidly arrayed thou shinest there. Though imperfections marked thy pathway here, Where thou hast gone they never shall appear: To that most holy place admitted now, Thou, freed from sin, before the throne dost bow. Great was thy joy successively to greet Those of thy race by grace divine made meet To be partakers of the saints in light, And in the golden streets to walk in white. Not one of all that host shall fail to know Thy high distinction in the Church below. Thy service here was brief, thy honor long, But longer shall they be amid the throng Where those of all the ages congregate. And on the King of kings as servants wait, Him who was made for sin an offering, That He eternal life to man might bring. n. Now comes king Arad with bold Canaanites ; Against the Pilgrims foolishly he fights ; The Lord to swift destruction gives them o'er. In field or city they are found no more. The Tribes around the coast of Edom move. But there their wicked discontent they prove: Their diet was not such as they desired. Of "bread of heaven" had they become quite tired ; The fiery serpents were employed in wrath. And fearful danger lurked in every path. Then great and terrible the people's fright. For death attended on the serpents' bite ! Him whom they oft abused they asked to pray 184 THE MOSEAD. Th;it God would take the deadly pests away; And as they humbiy now their sins confess, With means of safety God vouchsafes to bless. Behold a brazen serpent on a pole ; The wounded look and quickly are made whole ! And as they, looking on the image, live, So life does God still to believers give. Behold upon the cross Christ lifted high ; Why need repentant sinners now to die .<* Look up to Him, ye perishing, and live, For He alone eternal life can give. When through the intervening space they passed The Tribes beyond the Arnon pitched at last ; To Beer coming there they dug a well. Of which a lyric still survives to tell. Emerging gladly from the wilderness, From stage to stage they slowly onward press ; And after they had traversed Bamoth's ground, The mountain, Nebo, they encamped around. Here messengers to Sihon Israel sent, Who to this Amorite directly went. And asked permission through his land to go. With promise that no damage they would show. But Sihon proudly spurned the mild request, An army gathered and to Jahaz pressed ; A battle soon he there with Israel fought; But on him such discomfiture was brought. That, of his people, as the Lord ordained. No remnant, to molest the tribes, remained. So Israel, by these foes no more distressed, Beyond the Arnon all their land possessed. From Moab this had Amorites acquired, B OK SE I 'ENTII. 185 When larger territory they desired ; And therefore was composed this heathen song, Which here is given because it is not long : "Come unto Heshbon, conquerors now come, "For Sihon's city let a work be done; "A flame has Heshbon's palaces illumed, "And Ar of Moab is with fire consumed. " Now Arnon's lords find their high places gone ; "Woe unto thee, O Moab, quite undone! "Ye men of Chemosh, all your children see "To Sihon carried in captivity. "We shot, with ruin Heshbon's streets disgraced, " To Dibon and to Nophah laid them waste." * These conquerors were conquered by the Lord, For they His holy name had not adored : In vain idolaters essayed to stand, When God His people sent to take their land ; Through Him the nations into being came, They can through Him alone their place maintain. To Bashan next the tribes of Israel went, And Og against them his large army sent ; The giant, famous for his size and strength. Whose iron bedstead was of wondrous length. Who sixty cities had at his command. All in the country north of Sihon's land, To vanquish Israel entirely failed. Since numbers, strength and prestige naught availed : He fell, and all his host at Edrai, So vainly did he dare the Lord defy. His territory and half Gilead Manasseh for possession thenceforth had. On Gad and Reuben was the south bestowed, * Numbers xxi : 27. 186 THE MOSEAD. To where the Arnon through the country flowed ; E'en from this river to Mount Hermon grand, The Hebrews conquered and possessed the land ; While Moses still in chief command survived, Of office and of honor not deprived. This part of Palestine was his to tread, Before his resting place was with the dead : By victories he full assurance gained That all the promised land would be obtained. in. Again the Tribes, encouraged, onward go ; In Moab's plains they camp, near Jericho. Although the Moabites had sprung from Lot, The God who rescued him they worshiped not ; Disowning Him as their divinity, He gave them over to idolatry. The king of Moab, in extreme alarm, To guard his people from impending harm With Midian alliance quickly made. In hopes that the invaders might be slayed. To Balaam, Seer of Pethor, too, he sent ; The messengers appointed straightway went. Rewards of divination in their hand, That they his services might thus command. They said : "Behold, from Egypt hence has come "A people who my country overrun ; " Come, curse me now this hated race, I pray, "That I may conquer them and drive away; "For whom thou blessest is assuredly blest, "And whom thou cursest is with curse distressed." Here superstition an expression found ; BOOK SE VENTH. 187 We need not undertake to show its ground. God spake to Balaam : " Do not with them go, "Curse not the people ; I will bless them, know." The princes to king Balak then returned, And told how Balaam their petition spurned. Then Balak princes sent more numerous And honorable, gifts more generous : Again he for a curse on Israel prayed ; The prophet till the morn reply delayed, And then he with the Moab princes went, It is not certain what was his intent. An angel in his way now took his stand. Whom soon the beast discerned, with sword in hand. And turned aside ; but Balaam drove it back : Betwixt two walls was now the narrow track. Three times in anger Balaam smote the beast. It fell when it had not advanced the least. By miracle God gave the dumb beast speech, That He might thus the maddened prophet teach ; And then He likewise opened Balaam's eyes. Who suddenly beholds, with great surprise. The threatening angel right before him stand, To guard the passage, with drawn sword in hand. The angel said : "Behold, I thee withstood, "Because before me was thy way not good." When Balaam would retrace his way again The angel instantly bade him refrain, And charged him naught to utter but the word Which should through him from God Himself be hcaid. E'er Balaam's journey is entirely done. Together Balak and the prophet come. And on the morrow they pursue the trail 188 THE MOSEAD. That led to where the people worshipped BaaV And there they could with vision clear espy A part of Israel's army camping nigh. As Balak stands by his burnt offering, The prophet speaks this parable: "The king "Of Moab from my eastern home brought me, "That I might Jacob curse defiantly; "If God has cursed him not say how shall I? " Whom He defies not how shall I defy ? "I can discover from these lofty rocks "His people like innumerable fiocks ; " And lo, this people shall abide alone, " Distinct from all the other nations known. "Let me the death of righteous men obtain, "And have such exit as they always gain." Then Balak, not attaining what he sought, The prophet to the top of Pisgah brought : By his request were seven altars built, On which much sacrificial blood was spilt. The prophet thereupon his silence broke. And this the trenchant parable he spoke : " To me now listen, Balak, Zippor's son,* "When God has spoken shall it not be done.? " He is not man that He should liar be, " Not like unstable mortals changes He. "Command to bless I cannot now reverse, "Jehovah hath not Israel found perverse ; "God's presence is with him and regal shout, "With strength of unicorns from Egypt out. "Of Jacob shall be said. What hath God wrought."* "Against him is there no enchantment brought. "Behold the people like adion rise; * Numbers xxiii : 18. BOOK- SE VENTH. 189 "To eat the prey and drink the blood she lies." Then Balak answered, "Neither curse nor bless." But Balaam still declared, "Not more nor less "Than what the Lord directeth will I do, " As I repeatedly have said to you." IV. The prophet next was to Mount Peor brought, Seven altars soon were built upon that spot. When Balaam knew it pleased the Lord to bless His people, looking towards the wilderness Enchantments he forsook, and there espied The quiet Tribes of Israel scattered wide. The Spirit of the Lord upon him comes, And his prophetic parable thus runs : " He who awake into a trance was led, "And heard God's words, hath very plainly said, "Thy tents, O Jacob, truly blessed are, "As gardens by the streams thy valleys fair; "And as lign-aloes by God planted seen, " As cedar trees by waters kept in green ; "His seed shall near to many waters go, "And plenteous water from his buckets flow; "His king shall higher than great Agag be, "His kingdom be increased abundantly. "Brought forth from Egypt and endued with strength, "The adverse nations shall he break at length. "While like a lion crouched his prey to take, "And like a lioness, who can him wake."* " Who blesseth thee assuredly blest shall be, "And cursed whosoever dares curse thee." But Balak then his hands together smote, 190 THE MOSEAD. His anger towards Balaam to denote ; Bade him return to his accustomed place, Receiving not his favor, but disgrace. E'er he departs does Balaam dare foretell The judgment which at length on nations fell, Whose people in their haughtiness arose Against God's chosen, as His impious foes. A Star should rise, a Scepter come in might, And all the corners of proud Moab smite ; Though Amalek to great estate had grown. He should at length be wholly overthrown ; For Israel should do wonders valiantly. And Seir and Edom a possession be ; By foes the Kenite should be wasted quite, Assyrians be put in captive plight ; To Asshur and to Eber Chittim send His ships, and cause their boasted power to end : But Chittim, likewise, the great western foe, Himself should meet a fearful overthrow. Thus, long before Isaiah prophesied, Or Daniel, what the nations should betide, This man of Pethor could in truth divine Things comprehended in the Lord's design. The march of nations and their rise and fall. The punishments to be inflicted, all Had been beforehand by the Lord ordained. Who through all time has o'er the nations reigned. Ye who would God and His designs withstand. In this or any less progressive land, Consider what tremendous doom befell The nations that confronted Israel, And know that God upon His lofty throne BOOK SEl 'EA 'TIL 191 In majesty forever rules alone ; The nations drops of buckets in His hands, Shall be to ruin hurled when He commands;* Their rulers may together counsel take, Whom with a rod of iron He shall break. Then God with fear and holy trembling serve, Avoid His judgments and His laws observe. By judgments of His hand in times of old The principles that guide His acts are told. And these through every age unchanged remain ; From this we may this inference obtain That nations which stand out against His will Are doomed to ultimate destruction still. A greater Conqueror than Moses leads. Whose uncreated power all power exceeds ; The mightiest empires that resist His sway Shall yet submit, or else shall pass away. If Sihons, Ogs and Balaks should arise Against the Ruler of the earth and skies, Let them from history distinctly know That they will meet disastrous overthrow. How many mighty empires of the world Have been to unrelieved destruction hurled ! In all such past events we plainly see Revealed an unmistaken prophecy That what God purposed shall be surely done, To give the kingdom to His first-born Son. Though Satan and his entire host conspire To cause defeat, and thwart His heart's desire, His power is adequate, His purpose firm. And from it surely He will never turn. 192 THE MOSEAD. V. What victories our eyes behold, More than of ancient Israel told ; The army of the Lord of hosts Of fast-increasing conquests boasts ! See kings and princes own His sway, And empires His commands obey; See heathen lands His law receive, His cause uphold, His word believe. Sharp are thine arrows, King of kings. With which the Church her conquests wins! She gains a double victory O'er those who thus submit to Thee ; By Thee both slain and made alive, When weak, through grace in strength they thrive ; While they to serve their King delight, He gives them freedom, wealth and might. Gird on Thy sword in majesty, Because of truth ride prosperously, Till nations see in all the world The banner of the Cross unfurled. Great are the conquests Thou hast won, Nor wilt Thou fail till all are done. And Thine exalted throne shall stand Immovable in every land. In verdant meadows while the Tribes abode, Near where the famous river Jordan flowed, They soon began to worship Chemosh there. And then in very heavy judgments share. The sword and plague upon the guilty fell, BOOK SElllXTH. 103 God's just abhorrence of their sin to tell ; And more than twenty thousand were destroyed, By whom the people were no more annoyed ; While Phineas, good Plleazar's son, Obtained rich promise for what he had done. He caused the dread death-dealing plague to stay, And turned the wakened wrath of God away; His priestly office should unchanged remain. And his posterity their place retain. Thus righteousness fit recompense obtains. While evil retribution likewise gains. God bade His servant vindicate the right, And even Midian chastise and smite ; Who had a flood of wickedness brought in. By strong temptations to corrupting sin. To tempt each other let us then avoid. Lest with the tempted we should be destroyed ; For God is still as truly just as when He anciently destroyed ungodly men. That they the land might properly divide, And in its place each severed tribe abide, God orders Moses and the priest in charge, To take the census of the host at large, And count those over twenty years of age Who in expected warfare could engage. Some tribes had more than at the former count, While others had a somewhat less amount : Upon the whole they had not held their own. For now two thousand less the sum was known. The Levites were among these reckoned not, Since cities only were to be their lot. With measured suburbs in the circuit round, 194 THE MOSEAD. Where they might have in gardens cultured ground. Idolaters the Levites had not been, Or joined with others in presumptuous sin. The earth belongs to God, and in it still He chooses dwellings when and where He will, For every nation, family and class, Where each their transient life on earth may pass. The time appointed by the Lord drew nigh For Moses to resign his office high : On Nebo his departure was to be. For he could there the land of Canaan see. VI. A forty-years miracle wondrously great, Historic, authentic, we have to relate; What Hebrews had worn when from Egypt they came Remained through their pilgrimage ever the same. No spinning, no weaving or sewing is there. No mantua-makers new dresses prepare ; No makers of coats or of shoes are employed, The garments from Egypt are daily enjoyed. If any should query how all this could be. It must be acknowledged a great mystery ; But mysteries numberless always we find When works of omnipotence enter the mind. Throughout all the world should the story be told Of raiment still useful when forty years old; And well by all people should be understood That God the Creator is mighty and good. BOOK SEVENTH. 195 Symbolical this, as we plainly perceive, Of grace in the heart that believers receive ; For garments of righteousness never decay Though year after year of man's life rolls away. Faith, love and humility flourish in green When vigor departs and locks hoary are seen ; For grace is supplied from a bountiful source, And constantly keeps like a river its course. The garments that Hebrews so faithfully served Could not through all subsequent time be preserved; But those shall continue when death bears us o'er, To join the blest throng on eternity's shore. And there, for the promise is faithful and sure, The spirit's adorning shall ever endure, And richer, more beautiful shall the robe be, As roll on the ages perpetually. In fair robes of righteousness, spotless, divine. The ransomed in glory forever shall shine ; Ascribing it wholly to Christ crucified, Who wrought it in mercy for them when He died. To Moses still there was a season given Before departing to find rest in heaven. To finish what the Lord gave him to do. And one appoint who should his steps pursue. Thus David, e'er he had to heaven gone. Bestowed the regal crown on Solomon ; The Lord of life, e'er He to glory goes, Upon the Twelve official gifts bestows. Who were His stricken followers to lead. And give them the instruction they would need, lOG THE MOSEAD. That they might overcome the power of sin, And darkened heathen to His kingdom win. When Moses from the leadership withdrew, In all the parts of Palestine, he knew, Were hostile forces which would take their stand To hinder the possession of the land ; So when the Lord His special gifts bestowed Upon the Twelve e'er He to glory rode, . The fortresses of sin towered all around. And superstition occupied the ground Where His disciples must their conquests make, Would they the kingdom for the Saviour take. Upon them soon the Holy Spirit came. With rushing sound and brilliant tongues of flame; The Comforter, descending to abide. Almighty Helper, omnipresent Guide : From victory to victory God's servants went. To take the kingdom for the Lord intent. And what is for the Church the promised land. On which God's conquering host at length shall stand .'' O'er all the regions of this spacious world The banner of the Cross shall be unfurled ; It floats in triumph now o'er land and sea, The Holy Spirit giving victory : So that more conquered nations we behold, Than were of Joshua's grand army told. Before the Spirit stands no Jericho Which He cannot with power divine o'erthrow. This Moses forward sent the rolling stone. By which should hostile kingdoms be o'erthrown ; That over all the world might Jesus reign. And well His glory and His rights maintain ; BOOK SEVENTH. 197 Bestowing a grand kingdom, rich and free, On those who should His true disciples be; A kingdom that shall never be removed. Whose permanence already has been proved, INAUGURATION OF JOSHUA. The land of Canaan must be won By men not weak, or dead ; The mighty work could not be done Unless the host was led. So, when the great lawgiver knew That he must soon depart, The good of Israel in his view He opened thus his heart : "Thou sayest, Lord, that I must go " And not the conquest see ; "Then let the congregation know "Who shall their leader be." The Lord to Moses gives command, " The son of Nun now take, "And on this hero lay thy hand, "A leader thus to make. "Before the congregation large, "Before the High Priest's face " Inaugurate him with a charge, "And honor on him place. "Thus shall he this distinction gain, " Before the priest to stand, "With Urim judgment to obtain, " And know the Lord's command. 198 THE MOSEAD. "So he as leader shall be heard " By those who follow thee, "And all the people to his word "Obedient shall be." Thus Moses did ; and Joshua Became a signal type Of Him who guides the Church to-day, The Spirit, great in might. He gives God's people victory. O'er sin and death and hell, Preparing them His face to see, And in His presence dwell. a SECTIONAL OUTLINE OF BOOK VIIL Sec. I. Israel on the borders of Canaan. The believer in like circum- stance. Midian makes alliance with the Amorites against God's people, by whom they were defeated and spoiled. II. Territories assigned to the Tribes in severalty. Review and charge to Israel by Moses. III. Deuteronomy given by Moses. The blessings and cursings. Dying charge and farewell address of the Lawgiver. IV. Remarkable Song. Moses blessing the Tribes. His parting and prophetic words concerning Israel. V. Death appointed to all. Moses ascends Mount Pisgah to die. He takes a glimpse at the regions beyond Jordan to he possessed. He dies upon the mountain. Israel mourning for Moses. VI. Great peculiarity of the funeral. His enduring fame and influ- ence. Conflict of Satan with Michael for his body- Fame of Moses. Death of Moses contemplated. His apperfiing wiili Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration. Song of M)ses and the Lamb. BOOK EIGHTH. I. ^ROM the weary pilgrimage To the promised heritage Israel stood upon the strand, In the borders of the land : Canaan's hills could now be seen, But the Jordan rolled between : While the journey had been long, Hope was bright and faith was strong. Those who to the end endured Had possessions well ensured ; Jordan back would roll its flood, Safe its channel should be trod ; City walls and powerful foes Vainly their advance oppose ; Through the Lord was certainty Of triumphant victory. The believer, on his way To the realms of endless day. Trials, conflicts, toils attend E'er he reach his journey's end; But the promises are sure If he to the end endure ; None can rob him of h'is rest, Or of bliss to be possessed. 204 THE MOSEAD. Standing on the river's brink, Why to cross it should he shrink ? From it he shall quickly rise To his home beyond the skies : He shall more than conqueror be, Zion's glories he shall see; There his victories shall tell. And with God forever dwell. Because a generation had arisen Since God His law had at Mount Sinai given, He now repeats some general commands, And likewise adds particular demands. Thus did His people line on line receive, That all might in Jehovah's name believe. Now Midian against the Lord conspires. And Israel's discomfiture desires. Seeks into base idolatry to lead. And rank licentiousness in very deed ; Alliance forming with the Amorites Against God's people furiously fights. Then Moses from each tribe a thousand sent, Who bravely to the fierce encounter went ; As waves beat vainly on the rock-bound shore. These enemies were soon to fight no more. Such wonderful success the war attends, Though numbers were unequal, when it ends Five hostile kings lie dead among the slain. And of the men opposing none remain ! With enemies of Israel allied, The prophet Balaam in the conflict died ; The women and their children captives were, BOOh' EIGHTH. 205 The host strongholds and cities did not spare ; The entire spoil is brought to swell The treasures then possesed by Israel ; The jewels were laid up, thenceforth to be A fit memorial for posterity. Thus justice to those vile idolaters Was mercy to God's faithful worshippers, A mighty conflict, as the Lord commands, Is prosecuted now in many lands ; While countless conquests are achieved, And bountiful rewards through grace received. The truth is spread to earth's remotest ends, The lost are found, and grateful praise ascends ; The prospect brightens, truth and righteousness Fly on the winds the distant lands to bless. II. The Tribe of Reuben now desired to dwell Where Gilead's fields would feed their cattle well ; But Moses, thinking it their true design Their place among the fighters to resign, Did not at once grant them encouragement, But on the contrary expressed dissent ; They therefore promised with their arms to aid. When homes for families and flocks were made. The leader his objections deigned to waive, And his permission willingly now gave. So all the country of the Amorites, And territories of famed Bashanites, With cities built and fertile lands around, Inheritance for Reubenites were found. And with them there was room for heirs of Gad : 206 THE MOSEAD. Manasseh also with them portion had. In cities built by hands of every tribe, The families could peacefully abide. Three Tribes had thus inheritance decreed; Assignments for the rest there still was need, And God proceeded the extent to tell Of the whole country where the Tribes should dwell ; Appointing princes to select and name From each tribe one, who should divide the same. But not until they had subdued the land, Was to be executed this command. By Levites territories like the rest For their inheritance were not possessed; Yet must they places have for their abode, So on them many cities were bestowed : Indeed the privilege they had was great. Their granted cities numbered forty-eight, Besides the suburbs on all sides around, Which made for cultured gardens proper ground. Since God the innocent designed to spare. Among these cities six for refuge were : Far better refuge still in Christ we see. To whom the guilty may for safety flee ; That neither present, nor eternal wrath. May overtake them in their checkered path. To let the rising generation know What special blessings from obedience flow. E'en in this world, now Moses gives account Of gifts bestowed since they had left the mount. Where God addressed them midst the cloud and flame And called them to revere His holy name. Thus spake the sage : " God's high commands obey. BOOK EIGHTH. 207 " And never from His statutes seek to stray ; "Your covenant with Him ne'er dare to break, "No graven image or vain idol make, " Lest ye excluded be from that good land " Which God is giving by His mighty hand." He failed not likewise to recall to mind How with their fathers God made covenant kind, And said that sins of their posterity, When truly penitent, should pardoned be. He charged them to remember all the way In which the Lord had led them till that day; Such memory a stimulus would prove To faith and courage, gratitude and love. How wonderfully they were fed he told, And how their long-worn garments waxed not old ; From dire oppression they had been brought out, And water had they found in midst of drought : He fain would influence them God to serve, And never from obedience to swerve. God constantly conducts his people still, As anciently his favored Israel ; With heavenly food He feeds them evermore From his munificent, exhaustless store. While to the heavenly hills they lift their eyes Their bounteous Shepherd every want supplies: A robe of righteousness does God bestow, To wear through all their pilgrimage below. Which never waxes old by being worn. And cannot by rude foes away be torn. There is a river which their thirst supplies Still flowing from the Spring that never dries : Their enemy pursues them but to find 208 THE MOSEAD. Them well protected by their Shepherd kind. Though once in bonds for liberty they sighed, By sin and not by Pharaoh denied, Now graciously, with inward freedom blest, They journey to the land of endless rest, Soon on the heavenly hills their songs to raise In grateful, holy, beatific praise. III. The ten Commandments Moses next rehearsed That in them all the people might be versed. Told midst what wonders they had been received, That their true origin might be believed. Then he proceeded fully to recount Divine directions in their large amount. The book where this long record you may see Is called in Scripture Deuteronomy. We from the record plainly understand That it was given under Moses' hand. A monument the people were to rear. When they beyond the Jordan should appear. And on Mount Ebal's stony altars draw In characters distinct God's holy Law. When they should gain possession of the land Six tribes on Gerizim to bless must stand, While six must on Mount Ebal speak the curse. And blessings with the cursings priests rehearse. Whene'er the Levites curses should pronounce. With their amen the people must denounce. Though Joshua the mandate well obeyed,* The people often from their duty strayed. Forgetful, and ungrateful, hard of heart, * Joshua viii: 31-32. BOOK EIGHTH. 209 From God their Benefactor to depart ! The noble lawgiver proceeds to say, That they should blessed be should they obey; In city and in field should they abound In fruit of body and in fruit of ground : And when against them enemies should rise, Defeat unmeasured should awake surprise ; The Lord should open His grand treasury, And pour down rain from heaven plenteously. If they should not His high commandments break, Then at the head they should their station take. But merely earthly blessings were not all That on the pure in heart and life should fall: The blessing of the SjDirit should descend, And with all other blessings richly blend ; While endless glory should await above. The product of divine, redeeming love. How loud the warnings which Jehovah gave, Designed from rank apostasy to save ! Distinct the prophecies that Moses wrote, And God's foreknowledge plainly they denote : The end from the beginning well He sees ; More firm than solid rocks are His decrees. The evils on the Hebrews to be sent In after years, as righteous punishment. Were by Jehovah in those days of old Made known to Moses, and by him foretold ; Of past events God gave to him a view. And of the future gave him knowledge too : Great mercy came to those who kept the Law, While justice for the rebels he foresaw. How faithful, how sublime his dying charge, 210 THE MOSEAD. Recorded in the history at large ! The books he wrote for them he wrote for us ; With chosen words he recommends them thus : "The Lord's commandment this day given by me " Is not far off, nor is it hid from thee ; "'Tis not in heaven that thou shouldst have to say, "Who brings it down to us that hear we may; "The sea rears not its waves 'twixt it and you, "That one must help you both to hear and do ; " But nigh thee, in thy heart and mouth, the word " Which thou through me hast from Jehovah heard. " Of life and good, of sin and death, behold, " Have I this day in words emphatic told : "Choose therefore what is good, that thou may'st live, "Upon the land that God designed to give." By Moses was the Law of God's commands Committed to the priest's and elder's hands. And ordered read on every seventh year. While all the people were required to hear ; That with their children they might fear God's name So long as they should on the land remain. Now hear the prophet to the people say, "A hundred and a score am I this day." Although his checkered life prolonged had been, To Canaan he could not now enter in. "O'er Jordan go," to Israel he said, " By God sustained by Joshua be led ; " Be strong and fearless, noble courage take, "The Lord shall be with thee and not forsake." By God and Moses, likewise, on that day A special charge was given Joshua. The duties of a leader on him came; BOOK EIGHTH. 211 He was divinely fitted for the same. IV. A song significant next Moses spake, Well knowing how they God's commands would break ; A part of it, alone, as seemeth meet, I here, imperfectly arranged, repeat. He said, "To what I speak, ye heavens, give ear,* " O earth, the words I utter likewise hear ; "My doctrine as the rain shall drop on you, "My speech distil as falls the gentle dew; "Because I publish God's most holy name, "His greatness with much reverence proclaim. "His way is perfect and the Rock is He, "True, righteous and without iniquity. "But they, corrupt, have not His children's spot, "A holy generation they are not. "O foolish people, wondrously unwise, "Do ye requite the Lord thus, and despise.' " Is He thy Father, has He not bought thee, "Established, and made thee a nation free.''" He bade them recollect the days of old. The things by fathers and by elders told ; How in the howling desert they were found, Instructed, guarded and conducted round; How God had given their inheritance, And chosen them a goodly residence ; Just as an eagle spreadeth out her wings. And beareth up her brood as tender things. Their gross idolatry the Lord provokes. And brings upon them recompensing strokes. * Deut. xxxii : 2. 212 THE MOSEAD. " Draws near the day of great adversity, "The coming evils will come speedily, •'When they no longer shall their power retain, "And of them shall none shut, or left remain, "Where are their idols? sternly shall He say, "The rock they foolishly have made their stay, " Which eat as they their sacrifices brought, "And drank their offerings, as they have thought ! "Let them arise and now assist you here, " For your protection let your gods appear. " Behold that I, yes, even I am He, " There surely is no other god with me ; " I kill, and likewise I can make alive, " I wound, and also wounded ones revive ; "Against Me other powers can never stand, "None can deliver from My mighty hand. " For I lift up My hand to heaven and say, "I live throughout an everlasting day. " If I My glittering sword indeed should whet, "And if on judgment My right hand should get, " To foes I direful vengeance will dispense, "And them that hate Me thus will recompense; "Mine arrows drunk with blood will I employ, "My sword shall flesh abundantly destroy. "Rejoice, ye nations; in the Lord rejoice, "And with His chosen people raise your voice; "For blood will He a righteous vengeance take, "And for His land an expiation make." For words like these we good occasion see By looking into Jewish history ; From which should other people warning take Jehovah's laws not foolishly to break ; BOOK eighth: 213 And not to rise against almighty strength, Which, though it slumber, shall appear at length. The stirring language of this prophecy Was given in grand words of poetry. The earthly race of Moses was now run. His work accomplished and his trials done ; His character and deeds exalt his name To occupy the highest niche of fame. In parting Moses blessing was to give To those who were in Palestine to live. He spake of God's announcing fiery law, When smoke and flame they on Mount Sinai saw ; Of love which He to His own people bore, Who seated at His feet fed from His store ; Of the inheritance bestowed by grace, Soon to be occupied by Jacob's race. He now proceeded all the Tribes to bless, His loving heart permitting nothing less : The things he could divine the prophet spake, Their meaning from the record let us take. While Reuben, life, and Judah, strength obtains, While Levi in obedience remains, To Benjamin would God protection give. And Joseph in a rich domain should live; Manasseh, and the horns of Ephraim's power. Should people push in peril's fearful hour ; And Zebulon with Issacher should bring Unto the mountain their rich offering ; The treasures of the waters should command. And likewise those concealed beneath the sand. He likens Gad to a fierce lioness, Which, tearing prey, the first part should possess. 214 THE MOSEAD. A lion's whelp is Dan, they hear him say, From Bashan leaping to obtain his prey ; While Naphthali with favor shall be blest, Who shall inhabit both the South and West, And Asher shall with children much abound, And by his brethren much esteemed be found ; Supplied with oil, with steel and iron strong, His strength be great as shall his days be long. Now came the dying words of this great sage, Which well deserve attention to engage ; Pertaining to the Hebrews as a whole. Exhibiting a noble, steadfast soul. "Like God, O Jeshurun, is no one known, " Who rides upon the heavens, thy help alone ; "Thy dwelling place is the eternal God, "Beneath, arms everlasting spread abroad. "Before thee thrust He out the enemy, " Commandment gave that they destroyed should be ; "So Israel shall safely dwell alone, "His land possessed, a land of plenty known ; " The heavens the dew shall drop down from above, "O Israel, happy art thou in His love ! "Who is like thee, saved by the mighty Lord, "Thy guarding shield, thy excellency's sword ! " V. The river, whatsoe'er its source, Though long and devious its course, At length into the ocean flows ; And so the longest life must close : Wherever man on earth may roam He never finds a lasting home. BOOK EIGHTH. 215 Trees fall before the tempest's might, The blasts of death the strong shall smite. How soon man ends his earthly race, And his successors take his place ! The rich and poor, the high and low From all earth's scenes must shortly go. Although the work by Moses done Was next to Christ's beneath the sun, The trusted leader here no more. He takes his exit to that shore Where toils and tribulation cease In rich rewards and changeless peace. The shafts of death, how swift they fly ; What heaps of slain in silence lie ! The peasant and the prince alike Death's fatal arrow soon will strike ; To shun it vain is the attempt, No age or station is exempt. The child must leave its mother's arms, When corrie the conqueror's alarms ; The youth must leave his revelries. The diligent their industries, The Judge his court, the King his throne And exit take to realms unknown. Some suddenly are called to die. As lightnings flash across the sky ; While others linger on the shore, Then vanish, to be here no more! How blessed they who saved shall stand Among the hosts at God's right hand ! 216 THE MOSEAD. See Moses now forsake the camp and host, Required on Pisgah to give up the ghost ; His strength not weakened and his eye not dim, Though six-score fleeting years had passed o'er him, In meek submission he makes no complaint While leaving office by divine constraint. Why should a sinful man e'er dare complain, When he can not upon the earth remain ? When God takes life that He has given away JFrom storm on storm that beats upon the way, And gives an everlasting life on high, Where storms ne'er come, and saints will never die ? To all the sin at Meribah was known, God's great displeasure must to all be shown : A lofty station furnished no excuse. But rather aggravated the abuse. All living beings on this earthly ball By death's inevitable stroke must fall. Our hero having done the work assigned, 'Twas fit that he his final rest should find. And be from earthly burdens wholly freed. As God in wisdom infinite decreed ; Although remarkable his exit seem To us, as we contemplate now the scene. But e'er he wakes to glorious scenes in heaven, A glimpse of Canaan graciously is given. His eyes surveyed the spacious landscape o'er From Gilead's hills to the indented shore, Where spread the far-extending inland sea And merchants waited for each argosy ; Upon whose shores that kingdom was to spread, Of which the great Messiah was the Head. BOOK EIGHTH. 217 Near stretched the valley of famed Jericho, And Jordan flowed, o'er which the Tribes must go ; Of lake Tiberius he sees the form, Where Jesus was to walk and still the storm ; Beyond lone Hermon its grand summit reared, Where Christ transfigured gloriously appeared. The Mount of Olives also met his eyes. Where Christ with angels would ascend the skies ; While snow-white peaks of distant Lebanon Like ocean sails far in the distance shone. When towards the North he looked, then met his eye The hills of Gilead and Naphthali, That stretched to Dan's still more remote domains ; And southward Arnon's vale and Zoar's plains. The land of Ephraim he, too, could see. And Christ's selected home, famed Galilee. Across the Sea and almost under feet. His eyes the goodly land of Judah greet; Near this was Benjamin's appointed space, Between, Jerusalem would have a place. Said God, "This land which you now see outspread, " Is that which I to your forefathers said, "This will I surely on your seed bestow ; "But thither I permit not thee to go." How far extended his prophetic ken, What visions of futurity he then Was favored with, have we not been informed ; But at the prospect must his heart have warmed. His faith been strengthened and his hope confirmed. As towards the future contemplation turned, Did he not see a mightier kingdom rise Than any other known beneath the skies ; 218 THE MOSEAD. Before which, governed by the Lord of all. Should other kingdoms and dominions fall? Christ would appear, the Holy Spirit send, And then the Jewish Dispensation end ; The types and shadows, too, would pass away, And be succeeded by the gospel day. Which, as predicted, spread the nations o'er. To grow in brightness till earth stands no more. Like his may ours the priceless blessing be. When on life's verge, the heavenly rest to see ; As well as view the prospects bright that rise Before God's people while beneath the skies. And now, in manner wonderful and strange, Came o'er this prince of men a sudden change ! No pestilential vapor quenched his breath, No bloody anarchist there sought his death : It came like lightning from a cloudless sky. For thus the prophet was ordained to die. Mourn, Israel, with deep affliction mourn For him who thus is from your presence torn : He led you, taught you, gave you wholesome law, In him an intercessor kind ye saw, A special type and striking prophecy, Of Him who our Emmanuel should be; Who would deliver Hebrews not alone, But all who Him as their Redeemer own. The history of Moses was sublime, Beyond all traced upon the sands of time. Save that of the Messiah, Lord of all. Whom Saviour of the world we rightly call ; Unique his office, grand his long career, His title to peculiar honor clear. BOOK EIGHTH. 219 VI. A funeral service grand beyond compare, Was on the mountain held. Though there No wife, beloved child, or kindred dear, As mourners in that wondrous scene appear, Down from the skies descends a retinue, Unrivalled, yet concealed from human view ; The lifeless body of the saint they bear, And bury, none on earth can tell us where ; Except that in a vale 'neath Pisgah's crest, Bethpeor near, the hero went to rest. No sceptered monarch e'er such honor gained, Apostles such distinction ne'er attained. It was, that pilgrimage should not be made. To stain the spot where Moses should be laid. That rites idolatrous should not disgrace His peerless name and hallowed resting place. When other conquerors and heroes die. Grand monumental pillars are raised high ; But sculptured stone or brass men never raise, For him who merited far higher praise : And yet the story of his deeds is sure Through all the future ages to endure. In him all highest offices combine, All graces, all exalted virtues shine. Though dead he loudly speaks in history. And in results of his grand ministry ; Through these he still will speak till time is past, And through all ages shall his influence last ; While Jews and Gentiles, with unfeigned delight. To honor and extol him shall unite. When Moses' body Satan would attain. 220 THE MOSEAD. He cunning arts employed, his cause to gain. Now, Michael, he says, you will admit My claim is good, my requisition fit : Upon this mountain have not I command? Have not I long been ruler of this land ? The nations all around have built their shrines, And rites performed that suited my designs ; Should not one buried then in my domain, In my own keeping evermore remain ? Avaunt, says Michael ; be not so bold, Do you not know ; has not to you been told, That the Creator rules with power supreme O'er all the regions which as yours you deem ? The devil answers : But consider well How to the honor of the sage 'twill tell. To have a monument to Moses raised. That he through coming ages may be praised ; That Jews and Gentiles, knowing his great fame, May worship him, and magnify his name. Indeed, says Michael, you thus have shown Good reason, which is quite enough alone. Why I should not accede to your request, And why to hide the body is the best ; The tribes from such idolatry to save. We bury Moses in an unknown grave. The fallen angel of his object failed, And Michael, not Satan, there prevailed ; That body, buried on the mountain's side, There was not destined always to abide; And some, whose judgment we respect, suppose At Christ's transfiguration it arose : That spirit, often by afflictions tried, BOOK EIGHTH. 221 By which like silver it was purified. On angel pinions soared to courts above, The blest abode of endless light and love. He suffered great affliction for a time, Preferring sinful pleasures to resign : While others faltered, faithful he remained, And bright the crown of glory he obtained. He first of human revelators came, While John, the great Apostle, last we name ; The revelations were themselves divine, Though coming by the men of Adam's line. Prophetic gifts to Moses too were given Attesting him a favorite of heaven. Far down the vista of futurity He could with telescopic vision see, Illumined with the rays of heavenly light That brought events of distant years to sight ; As through the wonder-working telescope A glimpse is gained of suns and worlds remote. If aided eyes can distant objects see, Shall not the aided mind, futurity } Imagination doubtless reached to more Than Moses by perception could explore ; As when we gaze upon the star-lit sky And muse on worlds invisible, that lie In realms of wide unfathomable space. Whose orbit and location none can trace. The Law complete was first by Moses given. Assisted, guided by the Lord in heaven : To represent the matter otherwise Is plainly Scripture teachings to despise. As well attempt to quench the stars of heaven 222 THE MOSEAD. As blot out books by inspiration given. Those who the work of Christ would rightly view Must understand the work of Moses too ; From types and ceremonies we can see How Law and Gospel are in harmony. The Law indeed is weak and cannot save, But Christ appeared, Himself a ransom gave, Fulfilled the Law and broke death's iron chain That sinful man redemption might obtain. In Abraham the rolling stone began That was to crush the wrong and rescue man ; Through Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, too, A constant progress in its course we view. Through prophets, priests and kings it rolled, As by a hand omnipotent controlled. When the appointed lawgiver had reared Those institutions where the truth appeared, Then He descends who first cut out the stone. While Pharisees refused his work to own, And scribes and rulers sought to stay its course, It onward rolled with an increasing force : Apostles, martyrs and reformers bold Impelled it onward, growing as it rolled. Unnumbered Jewish Synagogues were found In Palestine and in the regions round: The Jews had been a migratory race, In many cities had they found a place : While idols of the heathen were disdained The worship of Jehovah they maintained. With missionary zeal the heathen taught. And from idolatry they thousands brought. Idolatry was tottering on its base BOOK EIGHTH. 223 Before was known the Saviour's matchless grace. And wondrously had God prepared the way For bringing in the glorious Gospel day. So, when Apostles with their message went, By Christ, the Captain of salvation sent, They found in Jews and proselytes a field. Through Moses well prepared first fruits to yield; The handful by them on the mountain sown Ere long had to a wondrous harvest grown. The Spirit in the rolling stone abides. The Prince of Peace in triumph with it rides ; Before it systems, idols, empires, all Opposing powers must ultimately fall. The Luthers, Cromwells, Lincolns, in God's hand, Can earthly and satanic power withstand. If in the Pentateuch we do not see The hand of Moses, then its history We falsify, the gospel undermine And make the Scriptures mythic, not divine. Are we not told, the words that Moses gave The Hebrew parents were with care to save, Teach them their children, and of them to talk At home and when they in the way should walk ? Upon their door-posts they were these to write. And on their gates preserve them in their sight.* He gave direction, when they reached the land, And should as conquerors upon it stand, Which was to come to pass, as well he knew, And could contemplate with a cheering view, An altar built of stone, and plastered o'er, Should thenceforth keep his written law in store.f ♦ Deut. Ti :6-9. t Deut. xxvii : 2-5. 224 THE MOSEAD. And this, as annals of the conquest say, Was truly done by faithful Joshua.* If Moses' Law, as some presume to say, Was never written until Ezra's day, How could the priest Hilkiah find the book That had the Law in writing, which he took To king Josiah ? This must have been made Before : those precepts were to be obeyed. If he no threatenings found, do you suppose The pious monarch would have rent his clothes .?| Would Huldah, too, the gentle prophetess, Have brought a solace to his deep distress For threatened ill, by giving him to know. That he should not partake of Israel's woe } John testified, the Law by Moses came ; The Prophets and the Lord attest the same ; \ If we their testimony disbelieve, Should we one risen from the dead believe } Historian, prophet, leader, lawgiver, Type, intercessor and deliverer, In growing honor shall endure thy name, And none succeed in robbing thee of fame ; Linked with the name of Christ it cannot fade, Though temporarily put in the shade. The elements shall be dissolved, the light Of planets, suns and systems quenched in night, Thy works, thy worth, thy heroism shall be Through time remembered, and eternity. The Law had oft been broken, but to say That it had not been given till Ezra's day, * Joshua viii: 30-32. t II Kings 22 : 11-14. } Luke 24 : 44. BOOK EIGHTH. 225 Those who the sacred records trust must deem As false, and e'en absurdity extreme. Despisers of the Law, your strife is vain, There comes a King the victory to gain. How grandly is His banner now unfurled, As on He rides to conquest o'er the world ! Ye ransomed of the Lord, break forth in song, Angelic choirs the rapturous strain prolong ; Praise Him who executes the wondrous plan Of bringing His redeeming grace to man ! MOSES ON PISGAH AND ON THE MOUNT OF TRANSFIG- URATION. The hero stands and views the lands To Israel given by God ; He looks around on that fair ground Where Abraham once trod. His work was done, and he had come Upon life's verge to stand ; His eyes espied before he died The fair, long-promised land. On Pisgah's height he had a sight By faith of scenes on high ; His eyelids close, he straightway goes To joys that never die. Thus do we find that mercy kind With judgment will unite; Amid our pains it still remains That God does what is right. 226 THE MOSEAD. II. When Christ was here His throne to rear And manifest His love, To Him came then two favored men E'en from the courts above. We have account that on the mount They met in converse high ; A prelude this of perfect bliss In realms beyond the sky. The saints above in joy and love Greet those whom here they knew; It must be sweet for them to meet And intercourse renew. In this is shown what well is known, God's uniform design : His work shall stand in every land, His Churches are divine. III. The sons of God who early trod The earth we tenant now, Were saved from sin and entered in. Before His throne to bow. The saints unite in realms of light In perfect harmony, Their leaders own before the throne, And praise the Trinity. With joy they sing and tribute bring To Christ and Moses there ; By one as Son were wonders done, By one, as servant rare. BOOK EIGHTH. 227 Who will ascend when life shall end And join the heavenly choirs ? To sing that song with wishes strong Each holy heart aspires. I'AL L kL\ LkL S klDL OUR NATION. A series of Poems relating to its Origin, Progress, Peculiar- ities, Prospects, Needs and Dangers ; with several Lyrics inter- spersed, and including notices of practical duties connected with most valuable privileges. PRKKATORY RKIVIARKS. Our Nation occupies a conspicuous position in the history of the world. Its superiority to contemporary na- tions resembles that of ancient Israel only in a less degree. This renders easy and natural the passage from the history connected with the Life of Moses, to a cursory view of the origin, character and condition of our own nation. A com- parison between these two nations brings out some striking resemblances. The almighty Founder and Protector of Israel has also founded and protected this Nation, and it has a special place to occupy and part to fulfil, connected with the Kingdom of God. Patriotism is a meet associate and development of Christianity. Historical, patriotic and [Christian elements harmoniously combine in the series of j^oems relating to these United States, which is offered to the public. Brief as they are, they cover much ground, and suggest far more than they express on a subject which should interest every citizen of this Republic. CONTENTS. I, A National Retrospect .... g II. The Discovery of America Providential - 13 III. Genesis of our Nation Compared with That of Israel - - - - - 21 IV. Outline Picture of our Country as it is 27 V. Our Ship of State and Its Perils - - 36 VI. National Emancipation of Slaves - - 40 VII. Church and State in Mutual Relations - 44 Vlil. Sabpath Observance Required - - - 46 IX. Popery and our Country . - - - X. Safety of our Land through the Gospel XI. Youthful Patriotism - - - - - 57 XII. Patriotism of our Imprisoned Soldiers - 58 XIII. National Evangelization - - - - 64 XIV. The Nation's Defender - - - - 69 XV. Independence Ode ----- 70 XVI. Praise and Prayer for Naiional Blessings 72 49 53 OUR NATION. I. A NATIONAL RETROSPECT; UNNUMBERED kingdoms of the earth Ij^jp Rose, flourished and then passed away Before this Union had its birth, Or science reached America. Where is old Egypt's monarchy? Where Persia, where Chaldea's State? Where Israel's Theocracy, And other ancient nations great ? How often cruel tyrants reigned, Their power by various methods won ; And when dominion they attained What deeds of wickedness were done ! Long was a safe asylum sought From tyranny and torture dire, From fearful dread of being brought To tortures and the martyr's fire, When noble Cranmer's death was known, When Ridley suffered at the stake. And others to the flames were thrown, A sacred holocaust to make. 10 OUB NATION For us they thus transmitted good: They sent a message down the years, If only it were understood, That each enlightened freeman hears. Long lay uncivilized the lands Where States enlightened now are seen, And buffalos in roving bands Fed freely on the prairies green. Five thousand years and more had passed Since Adam from fair Eden went ; How long did pagan darkness last ' E'er gospel light was hither sent ! Dark forests frowned on every side Where cities hum with industries ; Where cultured families abide Wild Indians held their revelries. From Him who reared creation's fame, Who formed the land and spread the seas. Through progress this great nation came, The ripened fruit of centuries. While mighty empires rose and fell ; In science, art, discovery, They have advancement great to tell. And in the true philosophy. Thus splendid structures to complete Must millions labor in God's hands ; Uncounted elements must meet. And coalesce in many lands. To Canaan Abram must be called. The holy Law through Moses given ; A NATIONAL RETROSPECT. ^^ High Priests and Prophets be installed, And God's own Son come down from heaven. The Holy Spirit must descend, And kindle apostolic fire, The heralds of the Cross attend, And multitudes of hearts inspire. The gospel Church must rise and spread. As spread the glowing rays of morn. To mighty works and conquests led, That greatly history adorn. Through waves of never ceasing change, The wheels of progress on have moved ; Reforms and revolutions strange Have God's ideal clearly proved. For us has martyrs' blood been shed, By ages past have we been taught ; Through fields of battle strown with dead Have we to high estate been brought. Not persecutions manifold. Nor even medieval night ; Not tyranny nor error bold Could stop the rising of the light. Rich and resplendent gems are met, Which with unwonted luster shine In this great nation's coronet, And prove its origin divine. From Humanism and Renaissance, Discoveries, inventions made, The Reformation's great advance, Research of every kind and grade ; 12 OUR nation: From study, genius, skillful art, And all the vast improvements gained. All sources which their aid impart, Our land has benefits obtained. Yet have we cause to be afraid In growth of immorality, In progress on the downward grade. And spreading of the upas tree. Though Europe sends much refuse stock, And countless elements conspire The wheels of progress here to block, And keep from us what we desire, Still in the name of Him we trust Who launched our ship upon the wave. The wise, the mighty, good and just. This land to nourish, bless and save. DISCOVERY OF ^iMERICA PROVIDENTIAL. 13 II. DISCOVERY OF AMERICA PROVIDENTIAL. ffipHO settled first this Continent, Where, whence and by what means they went, Rests in the bosom of the past, And there through all the years may last. That they were heathen we believe. From such accounts as we receive. Yet sailors sent by Solomon, As some maintain, distinction won By having had a joyful view Of golden treasures in Peru. By Aristotle, we are told That Carthaginians of old West Indies and New Spain explored, Though this by others is ignored. Then Pythias of Marseilles, some say. Before Christ, reached America, And from the New World carried o'er Some natives to the other shore. Philosophers, it would appear. Believed the earth to be a sphere ; But proof of this was not so shown That it was generally known. Some told of Islands in the seas Beyond the Gates of Hercules. From mere tradition now we turn, The facts of history to learn. 'Twas in nine hundred seventy-four, That Erik sailed from Norway's shore 14 OUR NATION. And Greenland reached, with verdure dressed, Which Norsemen very soon possessed. The son of Erik, Leif by name. With others on adventure came, And landed on this Continent, To which a Colony was sent, That, for three centuries or more, Dwelt somewhere near its eastern shore, And long with Greenland commerce had. But was at length among the dead. It vanished, and its very place In vain the curious would trace : Like clouds, slow flitting through the sky. Like meteors, falling from on high. Like ships at sea, or birds on wing, Still flying while they gayly sing, They left no well-marked trace behind Which their successors here can find. From Vineland they all passed away, We know not where it was to-day ; And we, like them, will disappear. From all our walks and dwellings here. Why did not God allow to stand That Colony, and hold the land } This good His wisdom did not deem, For then the Pope had been supreme. And Puritans no refuge found When by oppression's millstone ground. The Plague, or War, prepared the way For them in safety here to stay, And build a State, of greater power Than Israel in its palmiest hour. DISCO VER Y OF A MERICA PRO VIDENTIAL. 15 The sovereign Ruler, well we know, With care protects His Church below. The time for progress now had come; For this great exploits must be clone. Adventurers from Europe's shore Sought unknown regions to explore. Without a navigator's chart, Or pilot who could light impart. They difficulties overcame Too numerous for us to name. The treasures of the Spanish Queen Brought gallantry upon the scene. Columbus, Pinzon, and the rest. Set sail from Palos to the West ; Their destination not then shown. Though well in heaven's counsels known. Behold them on the surging deep. As passing on their course they keep, While danger comes of mutiny Because the land they do not see. Waft, waft, ye winds, the squadron o'er, That it may reach the distant shore, And open to humanity A wondrous world across the sea ! Three fragile barks midst doubt and fear Pursue their course, until appear Some signs of land ; at length a light- Bursts cheerful on the hero's sight : Soon land appears ; all fear departs, Joy fills their late desponding hearts ! As to the shore they gladly came The land San Salvador they name. 16 OUR NATION. All hail, ye heralds of the morn ! Your records history adorn ; Hail, glorious Freedom's morning star. Like Phospher shining from afar. The hero's fourth Centennial His work of faith shall grateful tell; Chicago's great Columbian Fair Now crowns it with a glory rare. As thither, from these rising States, To which a horde still emigrates. In countless multitude they flow. Who fruits of art and toil there show. Joined by large throngs from all the East, Japan's not found ar^ong the least. Had not Columbus persevered When his companions greatly feared. And had not Pinzon onward sailed When courage with their comrades failed, Where could a refuge have been sought For Puritan and Huguenot ? When would the Gospel have been sent To bless this spacious Continent ? The Christian banner here unfurled. An Era dawned upon the world ! Successive navigators came These western regions to reclaim : The Cabots sailed along the lands Where our enlightened nation stands. God was preparing here a place For rich displays of saving grace. And for the growth of liberty Beyond the barrier of the Sea. DISCOVERY OF AMERICA PROVIDENTIAL. 17 Here cities populous have grown Beneath no haughty monarch's throne; Here science wonderfully thrives, And education has its hives. How great the contrast we behold When of the darkness we are told That over these wide regions reigned, And of- the splendid light since gained ! How bright the prospect, too, we see, That knowledge and Christianity, Here so resplendently unfurled, Will swiftly spread o'er all the world; And man, from bonds released, no more Refuse his Maker to adore ; No longer walk in dismal night. But rise to tread the paths of light. GENESIS OF Tins A' A TION. 21 III. GENESIS OF THIS NATION, AND SUGGEST- IVE COMPARISONS. ^HE history of times remote Reveals our iiation's pedigree; The Magjia Charta struck the note Of modern civil liberty; Reverberating loudly still, Two Continents its echoes fill. When Wickliff, Luther, Calvin spoke, And Cromwell led his Ironsides, The Church to liberty awoke. Which, spreading widely, still abides ; And as it spreads it deeper grows, Like trees resisting overthrows. Good Puritans from England came. And worthy Huguenots from France; More Protestants, of various name. The flocks of emigrants enhance; And thus, as it is well agreed, Was planted here a goodly seed. Should we not deem that birth divine In which the Spirit's agency And man's, harmoniously combine In a mysterious unity } As once the Spirit's {X)wer gave birth To Christ, a virgin's Son on earth. 22 OUR NATION. II. If we comparisons pursue, They will remarkable be found : The Hebrews had departures two, Before they occupied their ground. When Abram was to Canaan sent. He on his journey straightway went. The Puritan and Huguenot, By pope and prelacy oppressed, In Holland an asylum sought. And found a temporary rest : But in so limited a place They would not rear their rising race. From Egypt to the promised land Their way the sons of Jacob take ; From Europe to the distant strand The emigrants their journey make: The Star of empire westward went, To shine upon this continent. See Israel in the wilderness. The grand Shekinah overhead. In midst of danger and distress From place to place by stages led : So Puritans, through wind and wave, Had Christ at hand to guide and save. Not in a single company, As Israel crossed Arabia, The early .settlers crossed the sea, And landed in America ; From lands where martyrs oft had bled In hope of better homes they fled. GENESIS OF Tins XA TION. 23 Some on Manhattan Island land, And others in Virginia; A part in Massachusetts stand, And some in Pennsylvania; Soon come like birds of passage more, Pre-empting the inviting shore. The wilderness for them was glad. The desert blossomed as the rose; By Christians services were had Mid summer heats and winter snows; They trod the way of holiness, Though oft mid hardship and distress. III. The Hebrews could not take the land And hold for their inheritance, Till they obeyed the Lord's command To make victorious advance ; Here victory was also gained E'er independence was obtained. See Israel's leaders, men of might, Through faith obtaining victory; E'en stars of heaven for them fight ! Noise makes the Midian host to flee; While Samson's bone, and David's sling, Defeat to brave Philistines brins: ! When God Almighty came to save. At Lexington and Concord, see, As He heroic leaders gave, The genesis of victory ; Through faith rich blessings came to us. By means almost miraculous ! 24 OUR NATION. From Boston was the P'leet soon driven By Washington's wise strategy ; God saved the land from being given To foes through Arnold's treachery : At length through help from France obtained The Colonies their freedom gained. They having borne oppression long, Like Israel had their Pharaoh ; At length, becoming bold and strong, Off from their necks the yoke they throw ; Although the Lords of England still To keep them subject had the will. When Moses led the captives out They soon escaped their enemies : Brave patriots, too, put to rout Those who oppressed the Colonies ; And when the hosts at Yorktown stood, They witnessed the retiring flood. IV. See God from Sinai Law dispense, To govern the Theocracy ; See 'this Republic draw from thence Its principles and policy : Upon the same foundations rest The pillars of the East and West. What our inheritance has cost Through every age should stimulate To vigilance, lest it be lost. Inheritors of such estate ; A treasure, great beyond compare, God has intrusted to our care. GENESIS OF THIS NATION. 25 What is the stirring sound we hear That comes from Independence Hall? The Puritan and Cavah'er, With others joining in the call, Britannia's galling yoke to break, And thus a nation new to make ! Fair Freedom's voice again was heard, And Slavery's chains from millions fell, When Lincoln's Proclamation stirred Unnumbered tongues God's praise to tell, And called from shining hosts above New songs of gratitude and love ! These trumpet blasts of Liberty Will down the track of ages ring; As they adorn our history What songs the future bards shall sing ! They mark grand stages of advance, And hope of future good enhance. Supernal wisdom, power and grace. That brightly shone in Israel, In our past history we trace. And would to unborn millions tell : We see God's changeless purpose still, Wiih His own glory earth to fill. From numerous lands are gathered here The tenants of our growing State; At first they different appear. But they should soon amalgamate; 26 OUR NATION. The Lord should have supreme control, And love to union mould each soul. Thus shall this nation grandly rise In all that makes prosperity; The wonder of the earth and skies, Hope of the world's futurity : Christ's kingdom then shall firmly stand, And conquer every distant land. A LYRIC. I. Out of unseen depths arise, Western, unknown Hemisphere; To the oriental eyes Like a new-made world appear! Let Thy people, Lord, at last. Find the reign of terror past. Landscapes 'neath extending sky. Cities dressed in splendid sheen. Snow-capped mountains, soaring high. Fertile valleys clothed in green. All that to the eyes appear Loud proclaim that God is here. Now let ignorance depart. Superstition take its flight, Grace divine affect the heart, Eyes be cheered with heavenly light ; Here may Protestants have chance More in wisdom to advance. OUTLINE PICTURE OE OUR COUNTRY AS IT IS. 27 II. While the Southern Continent Pines and groans through papacy, May the Northern be content Only with the better way ; Let it evermore rejoice In a wiser, nobler choice. To descendants may we show Paths of duty, light and love ; Here may Christian churches grow, Crowned with blessings from above; Through all nations may we send Benedictions, to the end. Far the Gospel heralds go To the Moslem minarets. To where worshipped rivers flow. And the sun o'er idols sets : See the Saviour's kingdom rise, Glory of the earth and skies ! IV. OUTLINE PICTURE OF OUR COUNTRY AS IT IS. ?HE richness of our heritage May our attention well engage. Extend your view from shore to shore, Our States and Territories o'er; From Maine to California, 28 OUR NATION. From Canada to Florida : In latitude and longitude How vast the country they include ! What Lakes and Rivers meet our eyes, What lofty mountains kiss the skies ; What fertile plains and forests grand, Display themselves on every hand ! Propitious skies upon us smile And pour refreshing showers the while; A goodly land is our abode, Reserved, and in due time bestowed. God chose a place for Israel, He gave this nation one as well ; No other land beneath the skies Can boast such varied, rich supplies. How many cultured fields appear, What bounteous harvests crown the year ! And when our eyes inspect the roads The Steam-cars groan beneath their loads. Below the surface and the soil Are treasured stores of coal and oil. And, though deep hid beneath the ground, Exhaustless precious ores are found. Our gardens much like Eden bloom And spread around their sweet perfume ; Our pastures throng with flocks and herds, Onr groves resound with songs of birds. What countless streams in courses grand Has God sent flowing through our land. Where factories with engines run. And untold useful works are done. OUTLINE PICTURE OF OUK COUNTRY AS IT IS. 29 Around, on almost every side, Are seas where ships and squadrons ride ; While from the Deep great fish we take, That oft our tables richer make. II. The Northerners, from ice and snow. Can to a southern region go, And there a balmy clime attain, But still in their own land remain. The homes for families are seen Midst hills and vales, on prairies green ; Like ocean waves, in ceaseless flow. Does emigration westward go. The Garden of the world behold ! See mountains rich with shining gold, Grand forests, waving to the breeze. And multifarious orchard trees : And when we view the works of man. Our wondrous progress also scan. Shall it not be assuredly felt That with us God has kindly dealt "i The traveller on distant shores Famed curiosities explores ; Sees monuments of Greece and Rome, Forgetting many nearer home In mounds and wondrous structures old, Of which no history is told; But which, in all who go to see. Excite great curiosity. 30 OUR NATION. The medieval castles stand Deserted in the father-land : We buildings have of later date, In size and splendor quite as great ; Our many storied structures rise, And tower majestic toward the skies; Designed by scientific art, They pleasure to the eye impart. III. The Alpine mountains, crowned with snow, Sublime in all their grandeur glow ; But surely not more grand are they Than numbers in America. Where are such wide-spread prairies found As ours, the entire world around t What Park in all the earth is known Comparable to Yellowstone } This, recently unknown to fame, The National we fitly name : Here Canons wonderful are seen, Steep banks and mountains grand between : The Geysers, from the depths below. Great floods of boiling water throw In intermittent streams that rise Two hundred feet into the skies ! Hot Springs on every hand abound And spread their seething vapors round ; While on them, as they wide diffuse, Shine Rainbows with their beauteous hues. The river in its boldness leaps OUTLINE PICTURE Of OUR COUNTRY AS IT IS. 31 Three hundred feet into the deeps, And other marvels manifold Delighted travellers behold. Great cities have large Parks, we know, Which on the public they bestow ; What other nation do we find That has, to give a Park, the mind, In territorial bounds so great As to be equal to a State ? Where are the views in any land So varied, beautiful and grand ? IV. Beneath and in our soil is wealth ; The land yields medicine for health ; Our cities grow and multiply. Our ships by steam and canvas hie To traffic with unnumbered lands. Where Commerce opens wide her hands : Our varied Manufactures thrive. And employees, like bees in hive. A combination here we find In products of the human mind ; Our presses on our vision pour Their mingled light from Europe's shore, The history of other lands And of our own come to our hands ; The ripened fruit of numerous years In arts and sciences appears. We drink from wells of other days And see by aid of gathered rays ; 32 OUR NATION. Our heroes in bronze statues stand In parks and cities of our land, With Statesmen, sages, presidents, Well known on distant Continents ; Like guardian angels, looking down On wanderers from right to frown. Our galleries the genius tell Of Phidias and Raphael ; Antonio and Angelo, Demosthenes and Cicero ; And other lights from distant days Pour on us still their brilliant rays ; As in the West the sunbeams play, Like those that gleam in early day. V. We boast great Universities, And richly furnished Libraries, Strong iron-clads and steamboats grand, While railroads permeate the land. We send our products o'er the deep, But for ourselves a plenty keep ; Though penury goes begging round, And prisons populous are found. Our Capitols great statesmen throng. Our Halls are resonant with song ; We forms of Education choose. Such as our judgment bids us use. Enriched by Greek and Roman lore, Or brought from other countries o'er; Improved are our philosophy. Belles-lettres and cosmology. OUTLINE PICTURE OF OUR COUNTRY AS IT IS. 33 Our buildings in their styles reflect The fruit of Grecian intellect, While German, Roman, Florentine, And other foreign types are seen. Yet, mixed with what is foreign here, Domestic elements appear ; In which we progress plainly see, As well as great variety. Contrasted North and Southern air To invalids give changes rare ; Our Missionaries go abroad ; Some work where ancient prophets trod, And teach where great Apostles taught ; By some the Gospel has been brought To lands and peoples far removed From those whom knowledge had improved. VI. With statesmen, poets, orators, With scholars, authors, editors ; With teachers and philosophers, Inventors, bankers, officers ; With merchants, artists, scientists. Professionals and novelists, Our great Republic so abounds. That far abroad its fame resounds. Then let it be by all confessed How much this nation has been blest In what we call material. And what is intellectual ; In what is Christian too is found 34 OUR NATION. Of gratitude and praise the ground. If we such exaltation show, How great would be our overthrow ! Unnumbered causes of alarm Are threatening the nation's harm; E'en treason oft awakens fear; Emboldened anarchists appear! Has Mormonism hid its head ? Are mobs and plotting discord dead ? Amid the elemental strife What shall preserve the nation's life? VII. Was perfect harmony attained When joyful we reunion gained ? Do all in principles agree, And universal liberty ? Are demagogues not in the land, And parties striving for command? Is not the most presuming man Still, plotting in the Vatican ? Race prejudice extensive reigns. Which law or justice scarce restrains; Whole States free suffrage still refuse. And wink when mobs their tortures use ; Illiteracy wide prevails, And enterprise still sadly fails Of raising the down-trodden race, To hold its known and proper place. OUTLINE PICTURE OF OUR COUNTRY AS IT IS. ?,:^ Of all good things by man possessed The Word and Spirit are the best. Look back to Salem and behold The Temple radiant with gold ; While Synagogues both far and near For Jewish worshippers appear ; Then see, wide scattered o'er our land, The Houses built for worship stand. More saintly crowds these Houses fill Than thronged the shrines of Israel, While ministers of various name. The cause of righteousness maintain : Our orchestras with David's vie. And raise their songs and praises high ; Our supplications, too, we raise, Like incense rising with our praise. VIII. Our Sabbath Schools are multiplied, And schemes of doing good are tried ; The channels' of benevolence. Unparalleled munificence. The organized Endeavorers, The faithful Christian laborers. Reforms and movements various. Show progress, to distinguish us. Societies, Conventions grand. With enterprise on every hand ; And Pentecostal showers of grace, Whose benefits we joy to trace. Combine with many other signs 36 OUR XATION. To show that here light brightly shines, And prove that God designed to raise This nation to exalt His praise. He by His Spirit is with us Or we should not be favored thus: We have a precious heritage Which should our gratitude engage : Our exaltation now is great, What then would be our fallen state? O may we not the grace disown, And be like others overthrown ! V. OUR SHIP OF STATE, AND ITS PERILS. Written on the four hundredth Anniversary of the landing of Columbus in the Western world. I. I^OLUMBUS on untraversed seas ^^ Unfurled his banners to the breeze, And sailed the broad Atlantic o'er That he might land unknown explore. So has this nation started out On an unprecedented route ; Was it not destined thus to find The plan of the eternal Mind ? Think you the bold explorer knew The scenes that here would rise to view.^ No more could our forefathers see What revolutions there would be. OUR SHIP OF STA TE, AND ITS PERILS. 87 Our country's splendid ship of State Has sailed sublime through perils great, Through bloody wars and civic strife, Endangering the nation's life. And now her banner grandly flies To cheer the occidental skies ; Though frequent clouds the sun obscure, And disappointments we endure. As in Italian annals old Of Guelfs and Ghibellines is told. Whose actions, ensigns, heraldry, Kept up the signs of enmity. So, diverse parties in our land Display their flags on every hand. And seldom do the factions cease To interrupt the people's peace. And other perils still await The heaven-directed Ship of State ; Tornado, reef and waterspout, Will terror cause upon the route ; But let not faith or courage fail, Though dangers rise and foes assail, He who has brought through wind and wave Will present be to guide and save. II. Through guidance of our Washington What wonderful success was won ! O'er stormy seas the port he sought, And thither soon the Ship was brought. 38 OUR NATION. When Southern tempests rose and raged, Our Lincohi at the helm engaged In efforts that preserved the State From rupture and disasters great ! That Moses might the Hebrews save. The Priests and Levites succor gave ; Now in the Church and Ministry The State's efficient aid we see. Loud warnings are to nations given Through empires to destruction driven ; And God the nation will preserve Which His protection shall deserve. His law applies to nations now, He blesses those who to Him bow; Him as your Sovereign obey, And trust in Him, America. While by the Christian chart we sail No raging tempest shall avail To drive us on the breakers, where Our hope shall change to fell despair. For He who reigns o'er land and sea Will always our Protector be ; His mighty overruling power Shall rescue us in peril's hour. III. A Star of promise is our guide, As through the stormy seas we ride ; By this let us direct our way. For this alone must be our stay. OUR SHIP OF STATE, AND ITS PERILS. 39 Columbus persevered, and thus Have freedom's blessings come to us : Let us our country's flag defend And keep it flying to the end ; Let righteousness and freedom reign, And all their inborn rights attain ; May peace and progress cheer our way While sailing to millennial day. America no tyrant owns, Submits to no despotic thrones ; And many distant nations now To despotism refuse to bow. Intelligence asserts its rights And often for them bravely fights ; The ships of State become a fleet, Upon the sea of time to meet. France, which our freedom helped to gain, Could not a monarchy remain ; And now behold it grandly ride. Our gallant leading craft beside. Japan and Belgium of late Have introduced reforms of State ; Of southern nations need I tell. Who into line with us soon fell ? IV. Progression is the Maker's law, From which we this conclusion draw, That progress which long since begun Through future ages still shall run. 40 OUR NATION. The thirteen States to forty grown, The grandest Union ever known, Have prospects of what yet shall rise, . Unparalleled beneath the skies. The brightest Constellation known In any continent or zone, Will in augmenting luster shine, To show its origin divine, Unless some rude internal strife Should seize upon the nation's life. And place it with dead empires old, Of which in story we are told. The people came from various lands, But here must clasp each other's hands, And keep as brothers side by side, That this Republic may abide. We thus shall grandly execute The plan of God without dispute, And all humanity be blest Through this free nation of the West. VI. NATIONAL EMANCIPATION OF SLAVES. I. |HOSE who much rejoice to be Through emancipation free. Could about three millions tell, Like freed tribes of Israel ; EMANCIPA TION. 41 Or the thirteen Colonies Who obtained their liberties. When in bonds, from Africa, They first trod America, They had not this country sought, But with violence were brought : Not from dire oppression free, But deprived of liberty. Satan overreached himself. When, for power and sordid peif, Holders of the slaves arose. Freedom's lovers to oppose : Though they slavery sought to save. This brought freedom to the slave ; For emancipation then Came through strokes of Lincoln's pen ! Well was matched the Jubilee Of the Hebrews at the Sea. Who the rapturous joy can tell Which the hearts of millions swell ! That a new year was indeed. When so many slaves were freed ; Years of bondage had been long. Long shall rise the joyful song, ** Happy, happy people we, "God and Lincoln set us free!" By two wars has freedom found Full possession of the ground ; Let us one and all rejoice 42 OUR NATION. For the country of our choice. That we in our nation see Universal liberty. Sumner, Seward, Greeley, then. Were indeed most happy men ; What sublime emotions stir Garrison and Whittier ! Through wide realms flow waves of joy, Which unnumbered tongues employ ! Martyrs, passed beyond our sphere. Found fresh cause of rapture here ; Lovejoy, Torrey, many more, Having reached the other shore, As the tale in heaven is told. Strike anew their harps of gold ! II. Rise, emancipated train, Gifts of freedom to obtain ; All your privilege improve. Wicked prejudice remove : Free without, be free within, Both from ignorance and sin. Join with courage in the strife To preserve the nation's life ; Break the chains of Alcohol, Let them not enslave us all : Thousands upon thousands slain. Warn inebriates that remain. Every nationality Has its victims that we see ; EMANCIPA TION. ' 43 Opened wide the tempter's room, Luring myriads to their doom ; High and low, the rich and poor. Enter the inebriates' door. If we would preserve the State, Let us slaves emancipate ; Banish the saloon, and cause That the land have righteous laws : Let the wheels of progress move, As impelled by power above. III. Who are now enslavers found ? By whom are rum-captives bound ? Lo! the vender and the still Bind their chains around the will ; Scatter firebrands, arrows, death Wide around their fearful path ! Preachers pleaded, poets sung ; Halls with grand orations rung ; Great reformers have arisen. Worked and prayed, then gone to heaven. Yet the monster evils gain. Still we mourn for thousands slain ! Soldiers of the Cross, arise; Hear ye not the piteous cries Of uncounted families In their untold miseries ? Bondsmen, cast away your chains While the chance for you remains. 44 OUR NATION. Land of freedom, brave men's home, Higher rear your nation's dome ; Hear humanity's loud calls Fight the monster till he falls, Let emancipation be Greater than when blacks were free. VH. CHURCH AND STATE IN MUTUAL RELATION. ^N our fair land the Church and State, ^^ As organized are separate ; Unlike the old Theocracy, Unlike the Russian Monarchy, Unlike the States controlled by Rome, And those where Mosques display their dome ; Somewhat unlike what still is found Of Prelacy on English ground : The two here, still, though separate. Have mutual dependence great. The State upon the Church depends, But to it much assistance lends : Two neighbors separate may live, Yet mutual assistance give ; Two trees, whose branches interlock, May stand against the tempest shock, When, if they quite apart had grown. They both would have been overthrown. Without the Church the State would die. Without the State the Church would sigh For safety and for quietness. CHURCH AND STATE jN MUTUAL RELATION. 45 And often meet with sore distress. The Pope still claims supremacy O'er every land from sea to sea ; The Protestants his claims oppose, And hence this great Republic rose, Based on a free Christianity And hatred of all tyranny. No other land so rich is found In Christian fruits the world around; And of progression we can tell Which has on earth no parallel ! If we to principle are true And paths of righteousness pursue, Two massive temples will be seen, With harmony and peace between : The temple of the State will rise Unrivalled both in kind and size ; The temple of the Church will be The glory of humanity. Who will not be with ardor filled These noble temples here to build ? On one foundation they must rest, By one divine Protector blest. For framing them God formed the plan, Employing for the purpose man. At Babel was the race dispersed, But now the process is reversed ; From various portions of the earth Those came who gave this nation birth : Still others come ; they should unite, One common tongue to fepeak and write. In one community to be 46 OUR NATION. Beneath the shade of Hberty. We deprecate mere party zeal That cares not for the people's weal ; And fear the demagogue whose schemes Are often unsubstantial dreams. We ask for legislators true, For magistrates who right pursue ; For righteous men and wholesome laws, That safe may be the nation's cause. Great God, these gifts to us impart, And with them all a grateful heart : High praise shall then redound to Thee, And glory through eternity. VIII. SABBATH OBSERVANCE REQUIRED. I. |HE Sabbath trodden under feet And made a weekly holiday, Will bring upon us judgments meet. And richest blessings keep away. Saith God, " If thou thy foot shalt turn, And trample on My day no more, Nor seek indulgences to earn, But give unlawful pleasures o'er, ** If thou the Sabbath Day shalt praise, And thine own words choose not to speak, But turn thy feet from sinful ways, And paths of duty always seek, SABBA TH OBSER VANCE REQ UIRED. 47 " If thou shalt in My day rejoice, And holy to the Lord shalt deem, If keeping it shalt be thy choice, And it shall not a burden seem, "Then shalt thou in the Lord delight, And I thy seed will richly bless ; Thou shalt, exalted in My sight, High places of the earth possess. " For thus I solemnly engage, And true the promise thou shalt find ; I'll feed thee with the heritage, For Jacob's progeny designed." II. In this our day of gospel grace, More precious gifts has God to give To those who truly seek His face, And in His holy precepts live, Than e'er descended on the Jews Who lived before the Saviour came ; E'en those who did not blindly choose To desecrate His day and name. Oft, on the day He calls His own. The Lord has to His house come down, The riches of His love has shown. All other gifts below to crown ! Let Law and Gospel so combine, That kept intact this Day may be ; Then Church and State alike shall shine, Based on a pure Christianity. 48 OUR NATION. III. The Sabbath was at first announced When earth's creation was complete; His blessing on it God pronounced, And made it a memorial meet. Upon man's nature He impressed. To make the correspondence plain, Necessity of weekly rest, Through all the ages to remain. When He himself inscribed on stone His fundamental law for man. Again it was distinctly shown That sacred rest was in His plan. "For man," said Christ, "was Sabbath made," Not for a portion of the race; And when its law has been obeyed, Has been conferred especial grace. Changed to the day when He arose, Redemption it commemorates, And this unparalleled it shows, As the Creator estimates. IV. Behold great numbers kept away From that good land where Israel dwelt ! For trampling on God's holy Day Sore was the judgment which they felt,* And shall this highly-favored land. Raised up by God His praise to show, Escape the judgment of His hand. If it the Sabbath overthrow .-' ♦ Ezekiel XX : 13-15. POPERY AND OUR COUNTRY. 49 The second Covenant contains The pledge of law within the heart, The Fourth Commandment thus remains, Divine instruction to impart, V. The Sabbath and its memories Around each Christian heart entwine. Its sacred rites and services To fill with hope and joy combine. Great pillar of both Church and State, Thee will we cherish and defend ; So shalt thou stand in honor great, And serve thy purpose to the end ; Memorial of the work performed When wide creation rose to view, And of the work which souls transformed, God's glorious redemption, too. Ne'er shall this institution fall By human, or satanic hands ; 'Tis needed for the good of all In every age, in all the lands. IX. POPERY AND OUR COUNTRY. I. ||HE glorious Reformation Brought light and liberty, Their faithful propagation We much rejoice to see ; 50 OUR NATION. Shall retrogression come again, And superstition's gloomy reign ? Let Protestants remember How Pilgrims came of yore, And landed in December On Plymouth's rock-bound shore ; And let them stand for liberty, Not yielding to the Papacy. Rome's Hierarch with envious eyes Surveys the world's advance, And seeks to make a compromise With us, as well as France : The wheels of progress, as they move, His impotence to stay them prove. To save from superstition Adherents of the Pope Requires the free admission Of kindness, light and hope ; And since they come-to dwell with us, Let us in wisdom treat them thus. The truth we see advancing. Its light is spreading fast ; Though error be enchanting It cannot always last ; False systems, in the mind intrenched. Shall from it by the truth be wrenched. II. Let Protestants consider That they are freedom 's heirs ; POPERY AND OUR COUNTRY. gi And shall they not deliver Those caught in slavish snares? They have important work to do, Then let them wisdom's path pursue. We want no persecution, No rude abuse of power ; Those in an old delusion We pity, not devour ; Religious wars we deprecate And tyranny in Church or State. Although the famed Waldenses For faith were often slain ; Though blood of Albigenses Impressed a lasting stain, Let us not imitate the deed. But rather Gospel teachings heed. Though Huguenots were slaughtered, Or driven from their seats ; Though Puritans were tortured, Or sought remote retreats, Let us enlightened from above, Be governed by the law of love. Although we see progression Within the Papal ranks. We also see aggression That should evoke no thanks ! Is not the Pope still seeking power. And thus foreboding peril's hour,!* This land of freedom offers To him the greatest chance 52 OUR NATION. To fill his church and coffers, His kingdom to enhance : Why should he not republics choose When more he has to gain than lose ? III. Ye who are known God's servants. On you the duty lies To stem the adverse currents, And watch with open eyes ; When Leo abdicates his throne We will his reformation own. Parochial schools here nourish The Papal principles, Which in them rather flourish Than God's own oracles ; Yet in America we see That parents claim authority. Satolli has power plenary. To fill the place of Pope; With skill he works machinery To strengthen papal hope ; Let freemen liberty defend And they shall triumph in the end. Upon the true foundation Our noble structure stands, The most exalted nation, The glory of all lands ; Let no incoming floods destroy, That hostile forces may employ. SAFETY OF OUR LAND TIJ ROUGH THE GOSPEL. 53 God this great nation founded, And will He not defend ? E'en when with foes surrounded Will He not succor send ? He surely must fulfill His will With His own glory earth to fill.* X. SAFETY OF OUR LAND THROUGH THE GOSPEL. NCOUNTED parties, sects and clans In this wide land exist. That with antagonistic plans Each other oft resist. While such a Babel here is found, Such wide divergences, Distrust and jealousy abound, And fearful enmities. Our cities multiply and grow Like mushrooms in the night ; There often throng to them, we know, Those hating truth and right. How many trusting in good works Thus lean on broken reeds ! While infidelity still lurks, Which many vices feeds. * Numbers xiv: 21. 54 OUR NATION. Rome has designs upon the State, And leads by cunning arts A horde of willing emigrants That throng our streets and marts. Rome's Hierarch, we ask you why Your representative You hither send, except to try To make your projects live? Your own aggrandizement you seek, And thus you us provoke ; Vast numbers show that they are weak By putting on your yoke. An Autocrat, republican ? That were impossible : But he can work upon a plan, Deep and sophistical. Americans, on freedom bent, With truth guard well your home, Your Churches, Schools and Government, From error, fraud and Rome. II. An unsubjected appetite Works mischief wide and great, Opposing reason, law and right. Endangering the State. Great cities whose long streets are lined With tempting, vile saloons. Have rules of government designed To bolster up poltroons. SAFETY OF OUR LAND THROUGH THE GOSPEL. 55 The word of life should Christians use, To stay the swelling tide ; Reforming influence diffuse In streams fast flowing wide. What but the everlasting Rock, Firm standing for the right, Is proof against the tempest shock Of greed and appetite ? When Gospel principles bear sway They cure ebriety, Drive demons of the Still away And foster charity. Here is the balm for party strife And rash sectarian zeal ; This gives society new life. And saves the nation's weal. III. The law of love, that inward grace, Will solve the questions, all, Of labor, property and race. That problems hard we call. The North and South, the East and West, Would cease their rivalry. If by this Christian love possessed, And live in harmony. No chieftain bold would dare essay, By snatching at the helm. To take the ship of State away And rights to overwhelm. 56 OUR nation: A river smooth, serene and clear, The nation's life would flow, To scatter blessings far and near Through countless vales below, IV. "Thy Word is truth," said Christ Himself, Who this will dare deny ? Shall it be laid upon the shelf And there neglected lie ? Should reason revelation spurn, As full of errancy ? The teachings of God's reason learn In our Christianity, He reasons thus : Sins' scarlet hue. As snow will I make white ; Though red like crimson to the view, They shall like wool be quite. Wide let the Gospel be proclaimed In all its purity ; False reasonings be all disdained. That nourish heresy. No poison should be introduced. No mobocratic strife, A fatal sickness to produce And take the nation's life. YOUTHFUL PATRIOTISM. 57 XI. YOUTHFUL PATRIOTISM. I. ^jpjpE who are children in these days ^^ip Expect good times to see, When we shall vote and banners raise, Rejoicing to be free. Ye fathers, keep the ship afloat, Spread wide the spacious sail ; Use vigilance, with courage vote, And let not patience fail. Have you not long the sweets enjoyed Of heaven-born liberty ! Allow it not to be destroyed By thoughtless apathy. We follow where your footsteps lead, Your precepts, too, obey ; If we should your instructions heed Shall we be led astray .'' Transmit to us what you enjoy. Untarnished and improved, And then our care will we employ That it be not removed. Give not this land to tyranny That burdens other lands. Or to ungoverned anarchy Which spurns the law's demands. Your sacred trust do not betray, Let faith and hope be strong ; All threatening evils keep away Lest we should suffer wrong. 58 OUR NATION. Full well we know your children too Should not their duty shirk ; In early life 'tis ours to do Preparatory work. We soon shall be where you now stand, Like saplings grown to trees ; May we be guardians of the land When cyclone follows breeze, Then those succeeding us shall rise To bless our memory ; And in the realms above the skies We trust our home shall be. XII. PATRIOTISM OF OUR IMPRISONED SOLDIERS; ^UR nation's patriotism is known, So often in its history shown ; From Lexington to Yorktown seen, And ever kept in memory green. What thousands on the battle-field, Preferring there to die than yield, Have shown a spirit that demands Commemoration at our hands ! Our country's Father stands confessed Of patriots among the best ; Nor was less gratitude deserved By him through whom it was preserved. Our Jackson, Scott and Harrison, Our Taylor, Grant and others, won Such honor as shall never die, In blank oblivion to lie. GEORGE WASHINGTON. PATRIOTISM OF OUR IMPRISONED SOLDIERS. 61 But there are those less known to fame Who well deserve the patriot's name ; To such I now attention call, That tears of sympathy may fall : No patriot record is complete Where no account of these we meet. There has been here a scene of strife That almost took the nation's life ; But this contention has been found, As now well known the world around, To make the sons of Afric free From dire, prolonged captivity : A nation was not to be known With slavery for its corner-stone. The North and South together fought As if they never had been brought To form a Union, never knew There was a legal bond that drew Them into one with force so great That it should be inviolate. A rope of sand one of them deemed The Union ; different esteemed The other what the fathers framed. And which United States they named : So, like two storm-clouds in the sky. That swiftly to each other fly To make the Tempest, did these foes In furious encounter close ! A hurricane of such a kind A track of ruin leaves behind ; Some fell in war, some captives made. To prisons had to be conveyed ; 62 OUR NATION. And Southern pens were soon supplied With thousands who in misery died, Or sufferings worse than death endured, That never were completely cured. Large numbers went as volunteers And left their families in tears ; The husband left his partner dear, And children filled with grief and fear; The farmer left his cultured field Accustomed annual crops to yield ; The tradesman quit his store of goods, The chopper working in the woods ; Mechanics left their shops and went. On fighting for the land intent ; While students laid their studies by To do, and if need be to die. See now imprisoned, suffering men Enclosed within an open pen ; The dread death-angel hovering o'er, Obtaining victims by the score ! How could a fifteen-acre field Twelve thousand prisoners comfort yield ? The pen was foul ; the noxious air, The want of proper food and care. Of shelter from the storms and heat That on them in succession beat. Created fearful misery. Diseases and mortality ! Engaged in unremitted strife There Death had better chance than Life ! Within and near the high stockade A dead-line permanent was made. PATRIOTISM OF OUR IMPRISONED SOLDIERS. 03 And when a prisoner ventured near, His life became the forfeit dear ; And if one made attempts to flee, And gain sweet home and liberty, Or join the ranks in blue to fight Again for union, law and right, The hounds were quickly on his track To make him sure to be brought back! One hit upon a chance to fly By feigning really to die, And was by comrades carried out ; He doubtless started on the route To lines of Federals, and what From this resulted we know not. An offer was indeed received By which might captives be relieved; If they would work at any trade That would Confederates give aid, They should no longer be confined Where troubles numerous combined. But not a man would take the baits Presented by Confederates : They all preferred to pine and die. And in uncoffined graves to lie. To serving in such base employ Those who the nation would destroy ! We have referred to what was done And sufferings at Anderson : At Florence too was suffering rife And thousands also lost their life. Recruits in prison there were sought. But few to yield consent were brought ; 64 OUR NATION. And these had purpose in the mind, Deserting, freedom thus to find ; While most refused the oath to take, And duty's open path forsake. Heroic men ! Your names shall live, And honor to them we will give : Although in unknown graves ye lie, Your deeds and fame shall never die ; Like martyrs of the olden time Ye had a strength of faith sublime. The soil where ye endured and died. With truth and liberty allied, Shall generations yet unborn. Enlightened and made free adorn. The heroes of those times shall be Embalmed in tender memory Of unborn millions, yet to rise And dwell beneath these western skies. XIII. NATIONAL EVANGELIZATION. I. |OVE of country, of our kind. Of the Crucified, Motives potent, intertwined. With true faith allied. Now call for work on every hand To spread the gospel o'er the land. Westward emigrations flow. Over hill and plain, Following, God's servants go, Saving truth proclaim ; w NATIONAL EVANGELIZATION. 61 Raise temples of the triune God Where wild beasts roamed and Indians trod. 'Mid the Rocky Mountains grand, Soaring to the skies ; In the vales on every hand, Stately temples rise ; And o'er the long Pacific shores. The tide of gospel blessing pours. Vales 'mid Apalachian hills, Though neglected long, Truth divine with gladness fills. And triumphant song ; The sable Africians are taught How life and liberty are sought. Cities thronged with multitudes, Some from lands afar. Some from rural solitudes, Hail the morning Star; The cheering evangelic sound Spreads light and gladness all around. II. In unnumbered quarters still Sin and crime abide, Felons streets and alleys fill. Or in darkness hide; Distress and drunkenness abound, And Law is trampled to the ground. Great responsibility On the Church now falls, Low debased humanity In our cities calls OUR NATION. For prayer, for work and sacrifice; While at our doors the duty lies. Were not Africans released From their bondage dire, That our efforts might increase Still to raise them higher? Old Europe sends its hordes untrained, That Christian culture may be gained. III. Throngs unchristian, pouring in, Often congregate, Live in ignorance and sin. Making peril great ; To shipwrecked mariners in grief. Should we not kindly give relief? Haste, then, heralds of the cross. With the remedy ; Guard your countrymen from loss And catastrophe ; All Christians, too, have motives great To labor both for Church and State. Grandest hope of all the world Centers in this land ; Freedom's flag is here unfurled That the truth may stand : Then hold the fort and spread the light For God, humanity and right. Let not infidelity Rob you of your crown, Or a rank hierarchy Drag your banner down ; THE NATION'S DEFENDER. 69 But freely give and work and pray. And surely you shall win the day XIV. THE NATION'S DEFENDER. I. I^HE perils that attend the State So frequent, manifold and great ; To wise observers still appear More ominous from year to year. As swelling rivers in their course Attain accumulating force, So do the powers of evil grow. And even threaten overthrow. The aid of more than mortal power Must be invoked in peril's hour : 'Twas God who saved fair freedom's land Through Washington and Lincoln's hand. He nerved the heroes for the fight ; Whereby He exercised His might ; Thus oft has He subdued His foes, Though in great multitudes they rose. Those who would help divine obtain And safety thus in danger gain, Must favor and protection win By turning from the paths of sin. II. When Israel by foes assailed In Egypt sought for help she failed ; 70 OUR NATION. But when she on the Lord relied, Her foes she with success defied. See Midian's invading camps Besieged with pitchers and with lamps, When God had set through Gideon The handful of the warriors on ! III. The storms may rage, the tempests roar, The breakers dash upon the shore ; Above them all He sits serene, And fearless views the wrathful scene. Those who the nation's life would save Are met with difficulties grave ; The Spirit evermore must be The bond of peace and unity. In Thee we trust, great King of kings : Beneath the shelter of Thy wings Through calms and tempests may we hide, And in security abide. XV. INDEPENDENCE ODE. ir^AIL to the celebration Of that memorial day, When this gigantic nation Launched on the deep away, A bark upon the shifting tide, Through stormy seas to sail in pride ! Before this world's creation, God formed the wondrous plan INDEPENDENCE ODE. 71 To organize this nation For elevating man ; And none could take from Him the will This undertaking to fulfil. A government despotic, Not well administered, The spirit patriotic In many hearts had stirred ; For Colonists had crossed the sea That they might gain their liberty. By birth and immigration Their numbers multiplied. Through federal relation They were with strength supplied ; And then they rose with zeal to fight For freedom as an inborn right. They called to their assistance A powerful allied fleet, And fired with great persistence Made bold the foe to meet ; By help divine they soon secured That liberty which has endured. Glad songs of exultation, Unitedly we raise, And pour our heart's oblation Of gratitude and praise ; Long may this favored, happy land, In freedom, light and glory stand. 12 OUR NATION. XV. PRAISE AND PRAYER FOR NATIONAL BLESS- INGS {LYRICAL). I. eING praises to the glorious name Of Him who built creation's frame, And in His providence and grace Fixed on this globe our nation's place. Praise Him who sent our fathers o'er, On broad Atlantic's western shore To build a fabric that should rise And spread beneath propitious skies ! New States are formed from year to year, Grand institutions flourish here, While Schools and Churches multiply, And showers of blessing from on high. Trade, commerce, science, useful art, To progress helpful aid impart ; Those who conspire against the State Find their presumptuous task too great. II. Praise God for spreading light and love, With rich refreshings from above ; He gives to multitudes new life, And quells to peace unholy strife. Behold the growth of charity. And increase of activity ; As populations wider spread. With gospel manna they are fed. PRAISE AND PR A YER FOR NA TIONAL BLESSINGS. Praise God that from this country goes Good influence in overflows • And that the tree of liberty Is now in bloom beyond the sea. To prsaise the Lord with heart and voice Shall be our undissembled choice ; His favors claim our highest praise ; Loud hallelujahs let us raise ! III. While praise with heart and voice is given To Him who rules in earth and heaven, We would our warm petitions raise In unison with grateful praise. O Lord, may pure Christianity Abolish infidelity, Far hence all heartless forms remove, That we Thy holy will may prove. May Education planted here Grand and increasing fruitage rear ; Art, science, useful industries, Produce their rich annuities. May peace prolong her cheerful reign ; But should fell war return again, With Thy almighty arm defend, And quickly cause the strife to end. Rome fell through that barbaric horde Which from the North upon it poured ; May emigrants that we employ Our splendid nation not destroy. 74 OUR NATION. IV. May freedom's banner ever float O'er every State near and remote ; May laws and customs be improved, And blots and blemishes removed. Should Anarchy in fiery flood Attempt to fill the land with blood. Ambition, bigotry or strife Endanger this great nation's life, Whatever tempest may arise, Lord, grant protection from the skies ; Our nation save from overthrow By conquering each deadly foe. Then, as our bark shall grandly ride O'er Time's increasing,. rolling tide. Shall louder sound the grateful strain, From Eastern to the Western main. The generations yet unborn That will these spacious States adorn. Shall in augmenting numbers raise Exultant and unceasing praise.