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 IMMANUEL 
 
 A POEM.
 
 JimmanurL 
 
 A POEM 
 
 Founded on the Inspired Records. 
 
 And they shall call his name Ijijiaxi el, which being in 
 terprcted, is " Gixl with ns." 
 
 Isaiah Matthew. 
 
 Hail! Son of God, Savionr of Men, thy name 
 Shall be the copious matter of my song. 
 
 Milton. 
 
 CAMBRIDGE: 
 
 Printed and Sold by . $ .7. Goode; 
 
 SOLD ALSO BY BLACK AND SON, TAVISTOCK-STRLET, 
 
 COVENT-GARDEN ; AND CONDER, ST. PAVL's 
 
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 1*17.
 
 Ha 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 JTo Man, possessed of an immortal soul, and richly 
 endowed with all the capacious powers of the hu- 
 man mind, what can be so interesting an object of 
 enquiry, as the nature of that Being to whom he is 
 indebted for existence ? What can be so necessary 
 as a correct knowledge of himself and of his great 
 Creator? With these sentiments he looks into the 
 world around him. He there beholds a wonder- 
 ful display of the wisdom, power, and goodness, 
 of some almighty cause ; the bounteous hands of 
 some unseen benefactor every where scattering- 
 blessings with a magnificent profusion ; and, at the 
 same time, order, design, and harmony prevailing 
 
 y <r\ * > s^.
 
 Tl PREFACE. 
 
 throughout his works. But he turns his eyes upon 
 himself; and here, alas ! he finds nothing but con- 
 fusion and disorder; and the very blessings, com- 
 municated for the purpose of rendering his happi- 
 ness complete, perverted by misuse from their 
 original design, and, in many instances, subservient 
 only to the accumulation of his misery. To his 
 anxious enquiry, Why is it thus? he can obtain 
 no satisfactory reply until he opens the volumes of 
 divine inspiration. There, he is not only furnished 
 with an historical account of his own species from 
 their first formation, and of their fall by sin from 
 that primeval state of happiness in which they were 
 placed ; but his liveliest hopes are excited by the 
 revelation of the will of his Creator, and of his 
 merciful design to repair the ruin of the fall, and 
 to raise his fallen creature Man, to the most sub- 
 lime and mysterious union with Himself. 
 
 How this gracious design has been executed*, 
 and by what methods carried into effect, the holy 
 scriptures have been most explicit in declaring,
 
 PREFACE. vii 
 
 and extracting largely from their sacred contents, 
 the author of the following work, at first for his 
 own instruction and gratification, and now for the 
 perusal of such as may be disposed to favour it 
 with their attention, has exhibited these divine 
 declarations in their present form. Should it not 
 be so interesting to others as to himself, it will not 
 be the fault of the subject he has selected ; which 
 in itself is calculated to excite the strongest emo- 
 tions in the breast of every intelligent being, and 
 sufficiently interesting to cover a multitude of (poe- 
 tical) sins in the writer. 
 
 Conscious indeed of numerous defects in the 
 execution of his work, and not doubting but that, to 
 the critical eye of learning and taste, many more will 
 be apparent, the writer must candidly confess, that 
 to the high character of a poet, a philosopher, or a 
 divine, he prefers no claim; engagements of a diffe- 
 rent kind chiefly occupy his time and attention, and 
 a few hours redeemed from the busy concerns of 
 life have been all that he could devote to the pro-
 
 Till PREFACE. 
 
 sedition of his pleasing task. In its publication, 
 his sole aim is (he humbly trusts), as far as in him 
 lies, to spread the honours of his Redeemer-God, 
 and to promote the present as well as the future 
 and everlasting welfare of his fellow men. How- 
 ever feeble his attempt to accomplish such great 
 objects may be, he is consoled and encouraged by 
 the pious reflection with which our excellent and 
 truly christian poet closes one of the best produc- 
 tions of his muse : 
 
 But all is in His hand whose praise I seek, 
 
 Whose frown can disappoint the proudest strain, 
 Whose approbation prosper even mine.
 
 IMMANUEL. 
 
 PART I.
 
 IMMANUEL. 
 
 Spirit Divine! descend; celestial Dove, 
 "Who o'er the dark abyss of matter void, 
 Andyetunform'd, didst move and straight produce 
 This world so fair; His glory to shew forth, 
 Who spake, and it was done ; whose powerful word 
 CalPd into being the bright worlds above, 
 And fast they stood. Spirit Divine ! descend, 
 Who erst with Man in innocence didst dwell, 
 Imparting to his soul communion sweet, 
 And with his Maker holy intercourse; 
 Nor wholly didst forsake him, when from bliss 
 In Paradise, too lightly priz'd, he fell; 
 B 2
 
 4 IMMANUEL. PART I. 
 
 Under his heavy woe sustain'd hy Thee, 
 
 And solac'd by that cheering promise made 
 
 E'en in the hour of condemnation just, 
 
 That " Woman's seed should bruise the Serpent's head." 
 
 This gracious word accomplish'd whilst I sing 
 
 To Thee would I look up for aid divine ; 
 
 O may Thy glory be my highest care, 
 
 And if not impious the request be deem'd, 
 
 Inspire my tongue to speak in sacred song 
 
 His praise who came into this world to die 
 
 For guilty man, as once Thou didst inspire 
 
 The strains of David or of " 'rapt Isaiah." 
 
 Dwell in my heart, and to my ravish 'd soul 
 
 Deign to reveal those everlasting truths 
 
 Which cannot be discern 'd but by Thine aid. 
 
 Jesus, the Son of God and Man I sing, 
 Who from the bosom of the Father came, 
 The brightness of his glory, and express 
 And perfect image of the Godhead; veil'd 
 In flesh he came, Immanuel, God with us.
 
 PART I. IMMANTJEL. 5 
 
 Long had the Jewish rulers and their priests 
 View'd with malignant eye the wondrous Man ; 
 Their foolish hearts were harden'd, nor discern'd 
 Under his humble guise, that sov 'reign pow'r 
 By which kings reign and princes rule on earth. 
 His wisdom pierc'd the deep disguise they wore; 
 Woe He denounc'd against the hypocrites 
 Who anise tith'd and cummin, but forsook 
 Of law the weightier matters, Justice, Truth, 
 And Mercy mild. Then rage possess'd their breasts 
 And quick stirr'd up their hate impetuous. 
 As Ocean's waves 'gainst solid rocks that dash, 
 When the bleak north wind pours his fury down 
 Billow on billow heaves and threatens Heav'n, 
 So rose their impious rage 'gainst Heaven's eternal 
 King. 
 
 In council soon they met to scan his death, 
 Nor could devise how best to execute 
 The murd'rous thoughts their hearts had long con- 
 ceal'd.
 
 6 IMMANUEL. PART I. 
 
 Slowly at last the hoary Annas rose 
 
 Whose lengthen'd years, and low descending beard 
 
 Respect had claim'd, had not the orphan's tears, 
 
 And widow's sighs for confidence abus'd, 
 
 And trust betray'd, proclaim'd that growth in years 
 
 With him was growth in vice. None better knew 
 
 Than he, the garb of sanctity to wear, 
 
 Or use the same for viler purposes. 
 
 Thus he address'd the council grave. " Ye Priests 
 
 Of God most High, who in His temple serve, 
 
 And rev'rend Elders, say, how long shall we 
 
 Submit to hear God's holy name blasphem'd? 
 
 His temple threaten'd, and his pow'r defied ? 
 
 His sacred day profan'd? At crimes like these 
 
 My soul recoils amaz'd and stands aghast. 
 
 Say, honour'd Elders, and ye learned Scribes, 
 
 Is he belov'd of God, who dares contemn 
 
 His solemn ord'nance of the day of rest; 
 
 That hallow'd seventh day in which to work 
 
 Both man and beast Jehovah hath forbid ? 
 
 No, let the vile wretch die th' accursed death,
 
 PART I. IMMANCEL. 
 
 Who in despite of God's most holy law 
 Bids the lame man take up his bed and walk; 
 Cures by his magic arts the wither'd limb; 
 And to the prince of devils, Beelzebub, 
 United, casts them out from those possess'd, 
 Deceiv'd by hellish arts, the multitude 
 Call him a prophet, and exalt his name. 
 Lest they should be offended it behoves 
 That silently we seize the Nazarene, 
 Bring him before the Roman governor, 
 And charge with treason against Caesar's sway 
 This base pretender to the Jewish throne; 
 Then will the fickle people, ever prone 
 To change th' extreme of love to direst hate, 
 Seeing him bound, accus'd, and in our pow'r. 
 With voices loud demand his instant death. 
 Of late amongst the follow'rs, I've seen, 
 Of this impostor, one whose downcast look* 
 And features sly betray a sordid mind; 
 Him let us aim to win to our just cause 
 By promises or more persuasive gold.
 
 8 IMMANUEL. PART I. 
 
 Informed thus of his most secret haunts, 
 Of trusty servants we may send a guard 
 In midnight's deepest shade to seize the wretch." 
 
 Thus to the council spake the aged priest. 
 Gleams of malicious joy now shot athwart 
 The gloom that hung upon their solemn brows. 
 So may be seen a blue and sulph'rous flame 
 Rise from the embers of some latent fire, 
 And only serve to make more horrible 
 That darkness which before was black as night. 
 Already in their busy thoughts they view'd 
 The object of their cruel hate arraign'd, 
 Condemn'd at Pilate's bar, and crucified. 
 
 " Well hast thou spoken, rev'rend sire," replied 
 The high priest who presided, Caiphas; 
 M Such wisdom ever should proceed from age: 
 "Within thee dwells the Spirit of the High'st, 
 Whose inspiration was vouchsafd to me 
 As late I iniuister'd before the ark,
 
 PART I. IMMANUEL. 9 
 
 Declaring to my secret thoughts that now 
 The time draws near when one man crucified 
 Should save our race ; expedient it is, 
 Nor should we suffer this man's haughty claims 
 T' offend the Roman power and rouse its ire." 
 
 Priests, Scribes, and Elders all with one acclaim 
 Speak their consent, and urge to execute, 
 Without delay, th' unhallow'd murd'rous scheme. 
 
 Meantime, the Saviour of Mankind intent 
 On his great work now hast'ning to a close, 
 With his disciples ate the passover; 
 And knowing all things that should come to pass, 
 Compassionate, he thus prepar'd their minds 
 To meet th' approaching hour of misery 
 The hour of Satan and the pow'rs of 1 1 el I. 
 But first a pattern of humility 
 And Christian love he set before their eyes, 
 To end their wayward folly and their strife, 
 Which should be greatest of his chosen twelve ? 
 c
 
 10 1MMANUEL. PART !. 
 
 He knowing that all pow'r was giv'n to him 
 
 In Heav'n and Earth, hy his Almighty Sire, 
 
 Rising from supper laid aside his vest 
 
 And garments loose ; then cleansing water took 
 
 Their soiled feet to wash. Astonishment 
 
 Seiz'd all ; but chiefly Peter who forbade 
 
 His Lord for him this menial part to act, 
 
 Till Jesus urg'd him with this mild reproof: 
 
 " Peter, my purpose is not known to thee, 
 
 Nor dost thou comprehend what I would teach ; 
 
 Hereafter thou shalt know, at present learn, 
 
 Except I wash thee, thou wilt have with me 
 
 No part." Rous'd by these words he quick replied, 
 
 " Not my feet only, Lord, but hands and head." 
 
 Surprize yet mix'd with grateful joy now fill'd 
 Each breast And thus (his garments first resum'd) 
 With accents mild the Saviour held discourse : 
 " Ye call me Lord and Master, ye do well 
 For such I am behold what I have done 
 If I your Lord have wash'd my servant's feet,
 
 PART I. 
 
 IMMANUEL. 11 
 
 It is that ye should still pursue my steps, 
 And each for other take the kindest care. 
 Princes indeed who rule in Gentile lands, 
 Over their subjects reign with glitt'ring pomp 
 And arbitrary sway ; not so with you, 
 Let him that will be chief amongst you serve 
 With patient toil his meaner brethren's wants, 
 Nor shun the humblest offices of love : 
 So shall ye be my servants and my friends." 
 
 I 
 
 With energy divine these words allay'd 
 Th' aspiring passion rising in their breasts. 
 Shame for the past was quick succeeded by 
 Lowliest humility and meekest love. 
 Into their hearts thus soften'd he now pour'd 
 The balm of consolation. " Ye are they 
 Who in my trials have continued still 
 My faithful friends ; and I appoint to you 
 A kingdom such as unto me is given. 
 Hereafter ye shall sit on thrones to judge 
 Israel's twelve tribes. I speak not of you all, 
 C2
 
 12 IMMANUEL. PART I. 
 
 I know my chosen, and that there is one 
 Of whom the scriptures speak in prophecy, 
 Who though he eateth with me shall lift up 
 His heel against me. And of this, I now 
 Forewarn you all, that when it come to pass 
 Ye may believe that I am he ye trust" 
 
 And well the Saviour knew the treach'rous 
 thoughts 
 With which the heart of Judas then was fdl'd ; 
 Judas Iscariot who held the purse, 
 The common store of all the little flock. 
 Small though it were, yet oft within his breast, 
 He felt the daemon Avarice impel 
 Him to purloin 'en from their scanty stock. 
 Gold was his god, for this he scrupled not 
 To join himself to one despis'd of men ; 
 For he had seen his mighty works, and thought 
 That Christ was he who soon should extricate 
 The Jewish people from the Roman yoke ; 
 And then assuming to himself all pow'r,
 
 PART I. IMMANUEL. 13 
 
 Amongst his followers would divide the realm, 
 Ami thus his darling lust he satisfied. 
 
 But now perceiving from our Lord's discourse 
 That such intent was far from his high aim, 
 With disappointment stung and dire revenge, 
 Satan, who knows the happiest hour to tempt, 
 Presented to his mind a ready way 
 Whereby at once his rage to gratify 
 And lust of gold, e'en to betray his Lord 
 To those who well he knew had sought his life 
 With deadliest hate. Nor could the Saviour view, 
 Without emotion, all the horrid train 
 Of thoughts that pass'd within the traitor's breast. 
 With deep drawn sighs he testified and said, 
 " Verily, verily, I see the hand 
 Extended on the table of that man 
 Who shall betray me." -Who can paint the grief, 
 Surprize, and terror which by turns possess'd 
 The hearts of those who heard. " Lord is it T ?" 
 Their trembling lips scarce speak. To John they 
 turn
 
 14 IMMANUEL. PART I. 
 
 (John the belov'd disciple of the Lord, 
 
 Who next him sate, and on his bosom lean'd;) 
 
 Desiring him to ask the dreadful truth 
 
 They fear'd to know. " Who is it Lord V be said, 
 
 In whisper low; Jesus as low replied, 
 
 " It is the man to whom I give a crust 
 
 Dipt in the sauce of dates, Iscariot." 
 
 Then louder sounded in their ears these words, 
 " The Son of Man indeed must be betray'd, 
 As hath been said of him in holy writ; 
 But dreadful woe awaits the guilty wretch 
 Who shall betray him. Better had it been 
 For that man never to have seen the light, 
 Or that a millstone hung around his neck 
 Had sunk bun into Ocean's deepest caves, 
 Ere crime like this be had consummated." 
 
 Judas determin'd on the treach'rous deed, 
 No warning took from woe so great denounc'd, 
 But headlong rushing into guilt, address'd 
 The Heart Searcher with feigned ignorance ;
 
 PART I. IMMANUEL. 15 
 
 " Lord is it I?"" Thou art," replied the Lord; 
 " Do quickly that thou dost." Inipell'd by fchame 
 And rage Satanic straight his way he took 
 To where the Elders still in council sate, 
 Who gladly listen'd to his proffer'd terms. 
 Of silver thirty pieces was the price 
 At which they valu'd life invaluable. 
 
 The traitor absent, Jesus thus address'd 
 His true disciples : " Now the time is come 
 The Son of Man to glorify, and God 
 In him. My children but a few short hours 
 I shall be with you. Whither I then go 
 Ye cannot come, as late ye heard me speak 
 To Jewish multitude. But mark my words, 
 And the commandment which I now bequeath ; 
 That the same love ye to each other shew 
 Which I have shewn for you. By this shall all 
 Know my disciples; by the love they bear 
 One to another." Here the Saviour paus'd. 
 Peter recalling his mysterious words
 
 16 IMMANUEL. PART I. 
 
 An explanation sought. " Lord cannot I 
 Follow thee where thou goest, e'en to death ? 
 For thy sake I would part with all the joys 
 That life itself imparts. For thy dear sake 
 Cheerful I'll go to prison or to death." 
 
 " O Simon, Simon," thus the Lord replied, 
 " Satan now tempts thee in thy strength to trust, 
 And hath desir'd by fierce assaults to try 
 Thy wav'ring faith, to sift thee e'en as wheat : 
 But I have pray'd that he may not prevail; 
 Then, when thy wand'ring feet again are turn'd, 
 Direct and strengthen thy weak brethren's faith. 
 Before the cock crow, thou shalt thrice deny 
 That me thou know'st." These warning words the ear 
 Of Peter, heedless pass'd, firmly resolv'd 
 To part with all for one he held so dear. 
 
 And now in finishing the paschal meal 
 Jesus took bread, and bless'd, and brake the loaf. 
 Then giving each a portion said, " Take, eat,
 
 PART I. IMMANUEL. 17 
 
 This is my body, broken, bruis'd for you ; 
 Do this in memory of my dying love." 
 
 A cup also he took, fill'd with the juice 
 Of Eschol's grapes ; then with uplifted hands 
 Grateful express'd his filial love and joy. 
 " Father ! I thank thee, Lord of Heav'n and Earth, 
 That Thou hast deign'd to visit guilty man 
 With reconciling grace, and to accept 
 My offerM blood, whereof this cup's the sign. 
 Drink ye all of it, for it is the seal 
 Of the new cov'nant with my Father made. 
 It is my blood for you a ransom shed, 
 And many souls whose sins shall be forgiv'n. 
 But verily I drink no more the juice 
 Of vines, nor taste this hallow'd cup until 
 I meet you in a better world above, 
 The kingdom of my Father; where new wine, 
 Refreshing to the soul's immortal pow'rs 
 With you I will partake." He ceas'd; but still 
 His gracious words resounded in their cars 
 D
 
 18 IMMANUEL. PART I. 
 
 And warm'd their hearts, till breaking forth in song, 
 With sacred melody they hymn'd His praise, 
 Who thus with peace and joy their breasts had fill'd. 
 " Praise to His name," they sung, " who in times past 
 His Israel sav'd from Egypt's cruel bonds ; 
 Then God was known in Judah as their king; 
 Then as he gave his law from Sinai's hill, 
 The mountains at his presence skipp'd like rams, 
 And fled the waters; Jordan's yellow stream 
 Divided, back to it's source retnrn'd. O Sea, 
 Why fleddest thou ? what ailed thee, thou stream ; 
 Ye mountains and ye little hills around ? 
 His pow'r ye knew and presence of your God. 
 Not unto us, O Lord, but to thy name 
 Be glory giv'n. O Isr'el, trust thy God, 
 He is thy Sun and Shield. All ye that fear 
 His holy name, trust him ; for ever trust, 
 Nor dread the fierce assaults of Sin and Hell. 
 What shall we render for his benefits 
 Conferr'd on us unworthy of the least 
 Of all his mercies ? Let us take the cup
 
 PART 1. IMMANUEL. 19 
 
 Of bis salvation, and declare to all, 
 His gracious acts of mercy and of truth, 
 Of mercy which for ever shall endure." 
 
 From hearts sincere, and fired by love divine, 
 Such praise ascended to th' eternal throne 
 Of God most High, who with complacency, 
 (Ever well pleas'd with his beloved Son) 
 Heard them proclaim the glory of His name. 
 
 i) -1
 
 I M MANUEL. 
 
 PART IT.
 
 I M MANUEL. 
 
 Oh for thy pen, inspir'd, beloved John, 
 
 Dipt in the stream that flows hard by the throne 
 
 Of Heaven's eternal King, and life and joy 
 
 Dispenses through the shining ranks above. 
 
 Nor deem it sin if venturous I raise 
 
 My hand to that fair tree of life that grows 
 
 Fed by its living waters, and whose leaves 
 
 Are healing for the nations. I would pluck 
 
 With eager grasp its soul-reviving fruit, 
 
 And with its flow'rs entwin'd, a wreath would form 
 
 To cast before the feet of him that sits 
 
 Upon the throne, the Lamb that once was slain.
 
 24 IMMANUEL. PART II. 
 
 Thy pen alone, seraphic John, records, 
 Sweeter than honey dropping from the comb, 
 The words which fell from our Immanuel's lips, 
 As through the garden of Gethsemane, 
 By Kedron's winding brook he bent his way. 
 The sua declining shed his evening rays 
 Reflected on the heights of Olivet; 
 That mount where oft his gracious words were heard 
 Gently descending like the morning dew. 
 
 Now hush'd was every breeze, no busy sound 
 The silent vale disturb'd. The faithful twelve, 
 Save one, follow'd their Lord, their hearts elate 
 With trust in Him whose praise so late they sung. 
 But soon recalling to their scatter'd thoughts 
 The absent Judas, and mysterious words 
 At supper spoken by their much-lov'd Lord ; 
 Anxious forebodings fill'd their troubled breasts, 
 Which Jesus to dispel thus careful sought. 
 
 " Let not your hearts be troubled, ye believe 
 In God, believe in me. And surely know,
 
 PART II. IMMANUEL. 25 
 
 That in my Father's house, mansions there are 
 Where sorrow enters not, nor sin defiles. 
 There shall ye dwell, because I go to take 
 Possession in your name, that where I am 
 Ye may abide. I am the way the truth ; 
 In me is life eternal, and by me 
 The Father's known. If ye know me aright 
 Ye know my Father also, and henceforth 
 Ye have both known and seen him. Philip saith, 
 ** Shew us the Father, and it doth sulhce 
 Our anxious longing hopes." Jesus replied, 
 " Hast thou not known me, Philip, nor yet seen 
 The Father's pow'r and glory in my works ? 
 Be strong in faith, and greater works than these 
 Shall ye do in my name. Love and obey 
 With active zeal the precepts I have giv'n ; 
 Then will I pray the Father, who shall send 
 The Comforter Spirit of truth and grace 
 Him the world knoweth not, but ye shall know, 
 For he shall dwell in your renewed hearts, 
 Teaching you all things that ye know not now. 
 
 E
 
 20 IMMANCEL. PART IT. 
 
 He that bath my commandments, ami doth keep 
 My words, he loveth me, and hath my love. 
 
 " Let not your heart be troubled nor afraid, 
 Though hence I go, if ye indeed love me, 
 Ye will rejoice tbat I shall soon enjoy 
 My Father's presence in this human form, 
 Who greater is than I allied to flesh. 
 I am the vine my Father cultivates, 
 Ye are the branches. If ye abide in me 
 And I in you, such life and energy 
 My words impart; that ye shall bear much fruit, 
 And keeping my commandments, glorify 
 My heav'nly Father. Then are ye my friends 
 When ye do all that in your ears I've taught. 
 His master's will the servant knoweth not, 
 But ye as friends shall know my secret mind, 
 And all the Father hath declar'd to me. 
 You have I chosen, and ordain'd to go 
 Forth to the world, where ye will fruit produce 
 Which shall remain to latest period;
 
 PART II. IMMANUEL. 27 
 
 \ih1 whatsoever in ray name ye ask 
 My Father heareth, and will ever grant 
 The world will hate you as it hateth me, 
 The gay licentious world, who little think 
 They hate the Father too. My works they've seen 
 (Which plainly have declar'd th' all pow'rfid God) 
 And hated hoth my Father and myself 
 Without a cause ; as was indeed made known 
 By prophets and by lioly men of old ; 
 But fear ye uot their malice nor their hate. 
 The Comforter whom I shall send, e'en he 
 Who from the Father doth proceed, shall bear 
 His pow'rful witness to the sacred truths 
 Ye shall declare. Be not discourag'd then 
 Though from the synagogue cast out with rage 
 Insatiate but wiUi your forfeit life, 
 Which whosoe'er shall take away, will think 
 (So blind is sin) he service doth to God. 
 Your hearts I would not fill with grief, nath'less 
 The truth I speak. It is expedient 
 That hence I go and send the Comforter. 
 2
 
 28 IMMANUEL. PART II. 
 
 The world shall he convince of sin, and shew 
 
 My Truth and Righteousness; for all things that 
 
 The Father hath are mine. A little while 
 
 And hence I go ; again a little while, 
 
 And I return. AVhat though at first the world, 
 
 Mistaken world, rejoice, and ye lament, 
 
 Your sorrow shall be quickly turn'd to joy. 
 
 In me ye shall have peace, though in the world 
 
 Sorrow and tribulation ye endure ; 
 
 But fear ye not, the world I've overcome." 
 
 These words he spake, then with uplifted eyes 
 He thus address'd his Father's gracious ear : 
 " Father, the hour is come, now glorify 
 Thy son, that he may glorify thy name: 
 According to the covenant whereby 
 Pow'r and dominion were bestowM on him, 
 That he should life eternal grant to those 
 Whom thou hast given him. And this is Life, 
 To know Thee, the true God, and Jesus Christ 
 Whom thou hast sent Thee have I glorified
 
 PART II. IMMANUEL. 29 
 
 On earth, and shall accomplish all the work 
 Thou gavest me to do. To Thee I come, 
 
 holy Father! keep through thine own name 
 My faithful followers, and them unite, 
 
 Even as we united are in One. 
 
 1 pray for them, I pray not for the world 
 Which hateth them, nor that thou shouldest take 
 Them from the world ; but that thou wilt preserve 
 My chosen from all ill, and sanctify 
 
 Their hearts by Truth ; thy word is lasting Truth. 
 Nor do I pray for these alone, but all 
 Who shall believe their word ; that all may be 
 United ; as, thou Father ! art in me, 
 And I in thee, may they be one in us. 
 Father! I will that they shall ever be 
 With me in heaven above, there to behold 
 That glory which ere Earth's foundations were, 
 Thou didst prepare for me." 
 
 Thus pray'd our Lord, 
 Fervent, effectual, interceding pray'r;
 
 30 IMMANUEL. PART II. 
 
 So doth a shepherd guard his simple flock 
 From the fell wolf who prowling thirsts for blood. 
 So doth the hen gather her little brood 
 Under her fost'ring wings when danger's near. 
 
 Meautime the Hour approach'd, and evening 
 
 shades 
 Gather'd around. The sun in clouds had set, 
 Hoarse munn'ring winds 'gan rise, and shiv'ring 
 
 rain 
 In quick succeeding showers now drizzling fell: 
 When Jesus, knowing all the Father's will 
 His curse denoune'd upon the sinner's head, 
 And vengeful wrath 'gainst sin's defiling pow'r 
 With anguish and amazement view'd the weight, 
 The heavy load of sin he must sustain. 
 What horror fill'd his soul, when o'er the crimes 
 Of guilty man, (a long black catalogue, 
 Fit only for a daemon to record, 
 Though springing from the first great parent sin 
 Of man's departure from the living God)
 
 PART IT. IMMANUIL 31 
 
 Justice lie knew with arm uplifted held 
 Tts blazing sword unsheath'd, prepared to strike 
 The daring rebel down to Hell's dark shades; 
 Where conscience, gnawing worm, doth never die, 
 Nor anguish intermit; where " hope ne'er comes," 
 Where malice, lust, and pride, those fires of hell 
 For ever burning in the sinner's breast, 
 Impel to devlish deeds of furious hate. 
 Such horror thrill'd through every nerve, that scarce 
 Could life retain its seat, nor the heart's blood 
 Flow in its wonted course. Aid from above 
 He sought, then calling Peter, James and John, 
 (Two sons of Zebedee) ** Watch here," h,e saith, 
 " And tarry whilst to yonder grove I go 
 To pout out all my soul in secret pray'r: 
 Danger approaches, and most awful dread 
 O'erwhelms me e'en to death. Watch ye and pray 
 That evil tempt you not" 
 
 Retiring then 
 Within the shady copse, he found retreat,
 
 82 IMMANUEL. PART II. 
 
 Where humbly prostrate on bis knees he fell, 
 And bowing to the ground, his mouth in dust, 
 Weigb'd down with sin's imputed guilt, thus sought 
 His Father's face. " O Abba, Father, hear 
 Thy suppliant son. All things are possible 
 With Thee, and if consistent with thy Truth 
 Eternal, and thy holy will, O spare ! 
 Spare, thy devoted son from this dread hour; 
 But not my will, but thine, O God, be done!" 
 
 This heard the sovereign Arbiter, who sate 
 High on his topless throne of glory bright, 
 (Light inaccessible to mortal eye.) 
 There spirits pure at humble distance stand, 
 And bowing veil their faces with their wings, 
 Filled with heav'nly rapture, whilst they cry 
 " O holy ! holy! holy! Lord our God." 
 He heard, e'en He who loveth them that fear 
 His name on earth, as tender parents love 
 Their infant offspring, and who knows our frame, 
 Remembers we are feeble and but dust.
 
 PART IT. IMMANUEL. 33 
 
 He saw his Son's deep agony Ins own 
 
 Beloved Son, in mortal flesh array'd 
 
 And all its weakness, 'reft of power divine 
 
 That he might bear the curse for guilty man, 
 
 And all the Father mov'd within his breast. 
 
 On either hand his ministers attend, 
 
 Mercy and Justice, Truth and Righteousness, 
 
 Wisdom and Pow'r, these ever guard his throne, 
 
 Direct his counsels, and obey his w ill. 
 
 The Almighty voice they heard o'er heaven's high arch 
 
 Resounding as the noise of many waves : 
 
 " Plead now," it saiih, " the cause of God and Man, 
 
 Shall yonder mine anointed die the death 
 
 For sinful man, and suffer in his stead, 
 
 Or mortal man receive his final doom I 
 
 Behold ye not his anguish and his woe, 
 
 Whilst all the pow'rs of darkness hover round, 
 
 Raging with malice, and instilling dread 
 
 And horror in his breast ? Meanwhile his friends, 
 
 His chosen and beloved, him forsake, 
 
 Or sunk in sleep neglect his thrice made charge 
 
 F
 
 34 IMMANUEL. PART II. 
 
 Nor one short hour can watch and guard their Lord ; 
 
 Though still compassionate he seeks excuse, 
 
 And loves them to the end. Behold ye not 
 
 His hitter agony, in bloody drops 
 
 Distilling from his worn-out mortal frame, 
 
 And falling to the earth in clotted gore? 
 
 Already is the sacrifice begun, 
 
 And his atoning blood already flows. 
 
 Of man's first disobedience now he feels 
 
 The dire effect, strange anguish to the soul 
 
 That sinneth against me, long since decreed. 
 
 But heavier woe ensues, the soul that sins 
 
 Must die th' accursed death, and unsustain'd,. 
 
 Forsaken by its God. Ye spirits pure 
 
 And holy cannot know, the mighty sum 
 
 Of woe cannot compute (though in quick glance 
 
 All numbers short of infinite ye scan) 
 
 That soon must fall on that devoted head, 
 
 Not for his own, but other's sins, who dies. 
 
 Say, flaming angel, what are thy just claims? 
 
 Meantime, my Gabriel, go, sustain the Man,
 
 PART II. IMMANUEL. 35 
 
 Bind up his broken heart, assuage his grief, 
 Reanimate with vigour his whole frame 
 Already sinking into death's cold arms." 
 
 Th' Almighty ceas'd. Before him prostrate fell 
 The heavenly hierarchy adoring. Down flew 
 To earth the ready messenger, more swift 
 Than lightning's speed. 
 
 Justice drew near the throne, 
 Then lowly bending fore the Highest spake : 
 " O Thou, who sit'st enthron'd in dazzling light 
 Of thine own glory, and whose will is law 
 To all whom thou hast made, with pow'rs how great 
 Soever they be formed; just are thy ways, 
 And righteous all thy works; still thou dost deign 
 Thy ways to vindicate, and to explain 
 To creatures of thy pow'r, thy mind and will. 
 On me, O glorious majesty of Heaven, 
 Thou callest to declare abroad my claims 
 Eternal and unchanging as thyself. 
 
 f a
 
 36 IMMANUEL. PART II. 
 
 " Wlienyon fair orb from chaos wild was form'd, 
 I saw the blest creation, heard thy voice 
 Pronounce it good. When o'er its rising hills 
 And sloping vales, with speckled verdure gay, 
 Earth's luminary risen pour'd its light, 
 Displaying to mine eyes thy wondrous work, 
 Only begotten and eternal Son ! 
 Thy servants sang for joy, the morning stars 
 Join'd th' harmonious concert to thy praise, 
 And heaven itself was hll'd with brighter beams. 
 Slowly revolving Earth was seen to move 
 Presenting to my view its varied store 
 Of nature's gifts. But chief I look'd attent 
 On one sequester'd spot, man's happy seat; 
 Where cull'd with choicest care each herb and tree 
 Most grateful to the sight, or smell, or taste 
 Were found. In balmy fragrance breath 'd the air, 
 The sun its gentlest rays imparted here, 
 All nature joyous seem'd, and e'en the brutes 
 Instinctive prais'd their God. Joy still'd the roar 
 Of sinewy lion and the leopard gay,
 
 PART II. IMMANUEL. 37 
 
 Rejoicing in their strength, mild as the lamb 
 Who frisking play'd around and knew not fear. 
 The happy birds here rising wing'd their way, 
 There sailing slow in airy circles niov'd, 
 And then descending, in one chorus join'd, 
 Chirping their Maker's praise. In streams were 
 
 seen 
 Fishes disporting, and their glitt'ring scales 
 Like sunbeams sparkling. Peace and joy here 
 
 reign'd. 
 To Uits abode of Mau full oft I saw 
 The Son of God descend, and hold converse 
 With the then happy pair his pow'r had form'd. 
 Then was his chief delight to dwell with Man, 
 Form'd in his own bright image, and of mind 
 Capacious to receive the nohlest truths 
 A God could teach. God-like, erect, Man stood. 
 And knew no sinful fear when he approach'd 
 The Author of his being, but as man 
 With man holds friendly intercourse, so he 
 With his great Maker daily held discourse.
 
 38 IMMANUEL. PART II. 
 
 The Woman too of gentler mould, and form 
 More lovely fair, would oft (her duty done, 
 Her pleasing duty then t' administer 
 To him for whom she was an helpmate meet) 
 Seek out the shady arbour where was found 
 Thy glorious Son, O God, and the first man 
 Knowledge and truth imbibing from his lips. 
 Delighted would she listen to his voice, 
 Harmonious as the spheres, sweeter than sounds 
 The dulcet minstrelsy of Heav'n thy praise. 
 
 ' O Adam, first of Men, and blest of God, 
 (Thus spake the Son) know thy high destiny 
 And wherefore thou art form'd. Seest thou this 
 
 earth 
 Spontaneous bringing forth whate'er can please 
 The various senses which to thee belong? 
 Seest thou you orb, streaming its flood of light 
 Exhaustless o'er all nature, then retire 
 New beauties to display to thee by night ? 
 The moons pale beams soft falling in the lake,
 
 PART II. IMMANUEL. 39 
 
 A smooth expanse, which to thy wond'ring sight 
 
 Reflects the shining brilliants of the sky ? 
 
 All these were made for thee, and thou for God. 
 
 For thee doth earth upon its axis move, 
 
 For thee the sun doth shine, and moon and stars 
 
 Their courses keep. For thee the beasts and birds, 
 
 Fishes and creeping things display His power 
 
 Who form'd them all. Thou art enthron'd on earth 
 
 Creation's Lord, nor yet in heav'n unknown ; 
 
 For thee shall angels hither bend their wings, 
 
 Pleas'd with thy residence shall here attend, 
 
 Make known to thee their heav'uly mysteries, 
 
 And show their blest employments in that world, 
 
 To which thou mayst aspire, when years mature 
 
 And pow'rs improv'd render thee fit for heav'n. 
 
 Th' Almighty Father will himself make known 
 
 Through th' Eternal Spirit to thy soul, 
 
 Whose pow'rs shall still expand as years roll on. 
 
 With joy and holy rapture shalt thou learn 
 
 His infinite perfections, and adore 
 
 Him who is All in All, who justly claim*
 
 40 IMMANUKL. PART II. 
 
 Homage from all the creatures of his pow'r. 
 And claims thy love, thy heartfelt highest love, 
 Withhold it not. Hear the command of God 
 Which now I give thee as a ready test 
 Of thine obedience. Of all the trees 
 In this fair garden mayst thou freely eat; 
 But to the tree of knowledge, whose sad fruit, 
 Though tempting to thine eye, contains the seeds 
 Of evil and of death, lift not thine hand. 
 Beware thou touch it not, for in the day 
 That thou shalt eat thereof thou surely diest ; 
 And in thy death, thou sbalt destruction bring 
 Oa all of whom the fed'ral head thy God 
 Hath constituted thee. Hear and obey.' 
 Thus spake the Son, then bless'd the happy pair 
 And parting from them heaven's high courts soon 
 gain'd. 
 
 *' Nor was the test refus'd ; Adam with joy, 
 Which ever flows from innocence, began 
 Thus to address the sharer of his bliss:
 
 PART II. IMMANUEL. 41 
 
 O Eve, hast thou not heard the gracious words 
 Of our lov'd Maker? What can we desire 
 That he hath not vouchsafed to bestow ? 
 This fair creation, Earth, and Heav'n are ours, 
 And God will be our God ; whom more to know 
 My spirit almost faints with strong desire, 
 And not in vain ; to us he will display 
 His glorious attributes; His praise shall be 
 Our blest employment in this happy world ; 
 To children's children will we teach his name, 
 (Those scions which in time from thee shall spring 
 And people this vast earth) a num'rous seed 
 To God devote, who still shall offer praise 
 Their daily sacrifice, when we, removed 
 To brighter worlds, shall join th' angelic choir 
 In heav'nly strains. O let the dreadful thought 
 Be banish'd from our minds, that we should e'er 
 Rebel against that God, in whom we live 
 Whose mighty pow'r hath fram'd this universe, 
 A dwelling fit for those he loves that God, 
 Whose smile alone and approbation kind 
 
 G
 
 42 IMMANUEL. PART II. 
 
 Is all our life and joy. Forbid the thought 
 That we should e'er transgress his great command, 
 And pluck yon pois'nous, tempting, deadly fruit. 
 Then need not death ensue, His awful frown 
 Would pierce our very soul his favour lost, 
 Like an o'erwhelming weight would crush our pow'rs, 
 And straight reduce to that orig'nal state 
 Of nothingness, from whence we sprang.' 
 
 ' Thus he, 
 The sire of men, to his fair partner Eve : 
 Whose kindred soul had warm'd to ecstasy, 
 1 Glow'd with one love, with one resentment burn'd,' 
 As still she listen'd to his ardent words. 
 
 O Adam' (then with gentlest grace she spake), 
 ' Thou monarch of the world, be thou to me 
 For God. Show me the way of heav'nly Truth 
 And Wisdom, that shall crowu our happy state ; 
 Then introduce me to those seats above, 
 Where angels, the blest ministers of God,
 
 PART II. IMMANUEL. 4S 
 
 Dwell in his presence ever, and thence draw 
 Fulness of joy and never-failing bliss. 
 Meantime this earth shall be to us a heav'n, 
 Thy manly sense shall still direct my way, 
 And teach me to avoid forbidden paths. 
 Taught by thy God, thou shalt explain to me 
 His wondrous works, and his still brighter name 
 That shines above his works, his attributes 
 Divine, his Justice, Truth, and Holiness. 
 Delighted still with thee I'll range these fields, 
 And spend the happy day or share the night 
 In numb'ring o'er the bounties of our God, 
 Whose praises still shall dwell upon our tongue.' 
 
 "These words the ear of Adam enter'd quick, 
 Nor loiter'd there, but to his heart made way, 
 Seizing by sweet surprize his inmost soul 
 With love intense. ' Dearest of all my joys,' 
 (Said he to the fair mother of mankind) 
 ' Not half so lovely to my ravish'd heart, 
 Are now thy beauteous form thy winning charms, 
 G2
 
 44 IMMANUEL. PART II. 
 
 Thy matchless graces and thine angel face 
 
 Beaming with love and pleasure from thine eyes, 
 
 Though these of earthly good the sum aud crown, 
 
 As are the higher beauties of thy soul 
 
 Thy modest grace, thy pure simplicity 
 
 Thy lowly meekness, and thy pious love, 
 
 That brightest jewel to my charmed eyes. 
 
 Now know I that my Maker hath bestow'd 
 
 All that a God can give, supremest bliss, 
 
 And crown'd my life with never-failing joys, 
 
 Doubled when shar'd with thee in Earth or Heav'n.' 
 
 " Link'd hand in hand, the happy pair then 
 kneel'd, 
 United vows to make, O heavenly King ! 
 To thy great name. ' Ever to be ador'd !' 
 (Thus breath'd they forth the warm impassion d pray'r) 
 ' All bounteous God ! whose mighty pow'r hath 
 
 fram'd 
 This vast creation, and who here hast plac'd 
 Whatever can delight our sense, or raise,
 
 PART II. IMMANUEL. 46 
 
 By Contemplation's noble pow'rs, our souls 
 To Thine own self. Fountain of light and life, 
 Source of eternal joy, deign to accept 
 The solemn pledge we make of endless love 
 And prompt obedience to thy wise commands. 
 T' obey is to enjoy, but to depart 
 Even in thought from Thee, the ever-blest, 
 Is sin and woe. This thy great Son hath taught, 
 And shown us all that dreadful doom denounc'd 
 Upon the man who disobeys thy will. 
 Righteous art thou, O God, in all thy ways : 
 Forewarn'd, no plea can e'er come from our lips, 
 If ever in our thoughts, or words, or deeds, 
 We should transgress thy kind and gracious law. 
 But oh ! our heav'nly Father, now vouchsafe 
 To- bend thine ear to our most solemn vow 
 Of love and duty profler'd to thy name. 
 Thou art our God, in thee we live and move, 
 Thy bounteous hands have crown 'd our joyous 
 
 lives 
 With ev'ry blessing that thy pow'r can give ;
 
 46 IMMANUEL. PART II. 
 
 To thee be sacred all we have ; Be Thou 
 
 Our everlasting portion, and our All.' 
 
 So was the cov'nant seal'd 'tween God and Man." 
 
 Here the recording angel paus'd, as though 
 Reluctant to unfold the page of Truth, 
 Some dire event now labour'd on his tongue. 
 Pause, O my soul ; let Meditation sweet 
 Bear thee awhile as on an angel's wing 
 From these low grounds of sorrow and of sin, 
 To that blest state of Innocence and Peace 
 In which the parents of our race were found. 
 Behold their ev'ry pow'r attun'd to love, 
 Their first and highest love on God, and next 
 Upon each other fix'd. Love is the bliss 
 Of Heav'n, and God th' o'erflowing spring is Love. 
 Plung'd in that sea which knows nor shore nor 
 
 bound, 
 Mayst thou my soul lose ev'ry meaner joy.
 
 IMMANUEL. 
 
 PART III.
 
 IMMANUEL. 
 
 Short interval the Angel made: with look 
 Severe, and brand ishd flaming sword uprais'd, 
 lie quick resum'd, whilst heav'nly spirits round 
 To his impartial record list'ning stood, 
 As thus he spake : " Scarce had the earth 
 Its course round yonder luminar' half run, 
 When thy great trump, O God, in heav'n proclahn'd 
 A solemn act of judgment to be held. 
 Forth came in countless myriads all the host 
 That these celestial plains inhabit wide. 
 Circling around thy throne archangels stood, 
 Each in their order plac'd, a glorious throng. 
 H
 
 50 IMMANUEL. PART III. 
 
 Next Principalities and Pow'rs, Seraph 
 
 And Cherubim, with all the younger sons 
 
 Of Heav'n; spirits in number infinite, 
 
 Expectant, mute, they stood. That solemn sound 
 
 But once before had shook this vast concave 
 
 When th' aspiring rebel angels fell, 
 
 And heard their doom; and shall but once again 
 
 When earth's inhabitants to life or death 
 
 Shall be adjudg'd. Trembling with fear then came 
 
 The Tempter and Accuser of mankind, 
 
 (For so thou didst permit, O heav'nly King) 
 
 And fiendlike thus his accusation made. 
 
 * Behold the man, O God, whom thou has set, 
 
 Over thy works to pay thee tribute due 
 
 Of loyal service to thy sov'reign sway, 
 
 Hath wilfully transgress'd thy known commands, 
 
 And hath partaken of the tree whose fruit 
 
 Knowledge of good and evil doth impart. 
 
 Thou know'st the penalty thou hast affix'd 
 
 To such transgression, guilty man must die/ 
 
 Thus ended Satan ; and thy dreaded frown,
 
 PART III. IMMANUEL. 51 
 
 O Lord omnipotent, from these pure seats 
 Drave th' Accuser to his curs'd abode. 
 
 " In clouds and darkness thou didst then array 
 Thine awful face, whilst all th' heav'nly host 
 Astonied were at man's presumptuous guilt; 
 At length thy voice piercing the clouds was heard, 
 In solemn accents, making known thy will : 
 ' Th* arch enemy no triumph shall obtain, 
 (Thou said'st, Almighty Sovereign of the skies) 
 O'er fallen man, seduc'd by his own wiles. 
 Man shall find mercy ; yet my great decree 
 Must be fulGU'd, and death, eternal death, 
 Sin must attend ; but who amongst the Sons 
 Of Light, the penalty will dare sustain 
 For sinful man V 
 
 "Then silence was in Hcav'n. 
 Surety or intercessor none appear'd. 
 Not one amidst the innumerable host 
 Was found the dreadful punishment to bear. 
 H 2
 
 62 IMMANUEL. PART III. 
 
 Hopeless the lot of man appear'd to all, 
 
 In sad amazement lost. When, lo! a sound, 
 
 A voice was heard from thy heloved Son, 
 
 (On the right hand of Glory ever plac'd); 
 
 * Lo ! now I come to do thy will, O God. 
 
 In me behold man's substitute. On me 
 
 Pour out the treasures of thy wrath laid up 
 
 In store against that day when thou wilt judge 
 
 The guilty rebel man. My life for his 
 
 I freely offer. Let but man find grace, 
 
 O Father, in thy sight.' Then shining beams 
 
 Of mercy from thy throne commingled were 
 
 With clouds and darkness whilst thou made reply, 
 
 ' Only begotten and eternal Son, 
 Bright image of my glory, ever live 
 My sole delight. United shalt thou be 
 B\ birth to man, and wear his human form 
 That thou mayst undergo his doom decreed. 
 Rut as thou hast abas'd thyself to dust, 
 As man I will exalt thee, and commit
 
 PART III. IMMANUEL. 53 
 
 All pow'r into thine hands. Reign thou supreme 
 In heav'n and earth. For man, whoever looks 
 To thee for righteousness, shall cleanse his soul 
 From sin's foul stains, and saving grace obtain; 
 But who with harden'd heart believeth not 
 Thy warning voice, himself shall bear the curse.' 
 Then at thy great command the heav'nly host 
 Worshipp'dtheSon, and tun'd their sounding harps. 
 Whilst his high praises pass'd th' angelic choirs 
 Responsive to the utmost verge of Heav'n. 
 
 '* Nor long the Son delay'd to execute 
 Th' Almighty will, but hast'ning down to earth, 
 Sentence of judgment pass'd upon the man. 
 Alas how chang'd! no longer innocence, 
 Celestial garb, adorn'd his vig'rous form ; 
 But guilt and shame sat low'ring on his brow. 
 And fear his Maker to behold. With him 
 The woman came. First in transgression 
 She was first condemn'd, when that the serpent 
 Had rcceiv'd his doom. To it ; he said,
 
 54 IMMANUEL. PART III. 
 
 * Upon thy belly thou shalt henceforth go, 
 Thy food the dust, cursed art thou above 
 All beasts, and I will put between thy seed 
 And woman's constant enmity. Thou'lt bruise 
 His heel indeed, but he shall bruise thine head.' 
 Unto the woman, ' I will multiply 
 Thy sorrow greatly, and thou shalt bring forth 
 In pain thine offspring.' Then to the first man, 
 ' Because thou'st hearken'd to thy wife, not me; 
 And eaten of the fruit, whereof I said, 
 Thou shalt not eat, curs'd is the ground, and curs'd 
 Its produce. With laborious toil thou shalt 
 Eat brtad until to dust thou dost return.' 
 
 " Man then was hanish'd from his blest abode, 
 Guarded by cherubim, and no access 
 Unto the tree of life was granted him. 
 But first in mercy thine anointed Son 
 Clothed their nakedness with skins of beasts, 
 Which slain, he taught them how to offer up 
 A sacrifice to God acceptable,
 
 PART 111. IMMANUEL. 55 
 
 (Emblem of his own destin'd sacrifice) 
 
 By faith in which they mercy should obtain. 
 
 " Ere long man multiplied upon the earth, 
 And sin dlsplay'd iu his corrupted ways 
 Its mortal venom. Violence and crime 
 Throughout were found. All flesh had gone astray, 
 Except the few thy sov'reign grace had kept 
 As witnesses to man, from Abel down 
 To faithful Noah, preacher of righteousness. 
 With him thy cov'nant thou didst yet confirm, 
 And save him by an ark, though from the earth 
 A mighty deluge swept the sons of men, 
 Guilty of crimes no longer to be borne. 
 From Noah, Shem descended, and thy friend 
 Abra'm, the father of a faithful race. 
 By faith he sojourn'd in a land unknown, 
 And sought a city built by thine own hands. 
 By faith at thy command he ofter'd up 
 Isaac his only son, trusting thy pow'r 
 To raise him from the dead. Nor ceas'd the race :
 
 66 IMMANUEL. PART lit. 
 
 Isaac surviv'd to bless by faith his sons ; 
 
 Jacob believ'd, and Joseph; Moses too, 
 
 By faith, when he was come to years, refus'd 
 
 To be the son of Pharaoh, choosing more 
 
 .A Miction with thy people than to enjoy 
 
 Sin's fading, short-liv'd pleasures ; and by faith 
 
 Esteeming higher the reproach of Christ 
 
 Than Egypt's golden treasures. I might speak 
 
 Of Joshua, Hahab, and of Barak too ; 
 
 Of Sampson, Jephthah ; David who was call'd 
 
 The man of thine own heart ; of Samuel 
 
 And other faithful servants who subdued 
 
 Thepow'r of kings, wrought righteousness, believ'd 
 
 Thy promises, endur'd imprisonments, 
 
 Scourgings, and cruel deaths; but thou, O Lord, 
 
 Dost know that in thy book their names are writ; 
 
 These all have died in faith, but not receiv'd 
 
 As yet the promise. Nor shall faith be vain, 
 
 Thou art not man, O God! that thou shouldst 
 
 lie, 
 Nor son of man that thou shouldst e'er repent."
 
 PART III. IMMANUEL. 57 
 
 Here tbe recording angel ceas'd, prepar'd 
 To execute the will of Heav'n's great King. 
 In tenfold darkness shrouded was his throne, 
 Whilst sounding through the skies these words 
 
 were heard : 
 " Go smite the man, my fellow," saith the Lord, 
 " On him the woe-inflicting vials pour 
 Of my avenging fury, I withdraw 
 The solace of my favour and support, 
 And him resign to Hell, and its dark pow'rs.*' 
 
 He spake, and darkness o'er the heav'ns was 
 spread ; 
 Thick clouds and darkness o'er the universe: 
 One universal blot: as though a God 
 Had been extinct. Creation felt the wound 
 Inflicted on its author, and to ruin 
 Had well nigh sped, shook to its very base. 
 For now the Son of Man betray'd, condemn'd, 
 And crucified, expiring, utter'd loud 
 His agonizing cry: " My God ! my God! 
 i
 
 5fc IMMANUEL. PART III. 
 
 Hast thou forsaken me, when o'er my soul 
 The pow'rs of darkness furious raging stand 
 Ready to seize their prey ? Like rav'ning beasts 
 See how they gape on me with open mouth. 
 As bulls of Bashan they beset me round 
 Pointing their threat'ning fronts ; whilst wicked men 
 As dogs encompass me ; they pierce my hands, 
 And wound my bleeding side, whilst carelessly 
 They part my garments 'mongst them, and cast lots 
 Who shall possess them. Dost thou now, my God, 
 Forsake me, when as water poured forth 
 My spirit ebbs, my heart like wax becomes, 
 My tongue with parching thirst cleaves to my mouth, 
 And all my counted bones start through my skin 1 
 Their utmost rage and malice I'd sustain, 
 Nor men nor devils fear ; but if thou hid'st 
 Thy face, ever 'till now in smiles array'd, 
 I sink, I die. This, this indeed is death." 
 In bitterness of soul he cried, nor was 
 One soothing look, one smile from God vouchsaf'd. 
 Twas darkness all without one glimpse of light
 
 PART III. IMMANUEL. 59 
 
 In Heav'n and Earth, and Hell. Behold and see I 
 Was ever sorrow like to that wherewith 
 The Lord afflicted him in anger fierce ? 
 
 Come sinners here, and shed your hitter tears 
 For sufferings such as these endur'd for you, 
 The price requir'd for your redemption paid. 
 The dcstin'd cup of bitterness was drank 
 Down to its very dregs, nor more remain'd 
 For God's avenging justice to inflict. 
 With loud and solemn voice the victim said, 
 " Tis finished ;" then bow'd his head and died. 
 Earth felt th' expiring pang, and quak'd with more 
 Than mortal fear. From their foundations niov'd, 
 The solid rocks were upward heav'd, then fell 
 In fragments vast. The graves gave up their dead 
 To life restor'd. The temple's vail was rent 
 Disclosing full to view the Mercy-Seat, 
 Holy of Holies, henceforth accessible 
 To all who should partake redeeming love. 
 Gabriel with rapid wing to Heav'n uprose ; 
 I 2
 
 60 IMMANUEL. PART III. 
 
 There first returning light dispers'd the shades. 
 The Deity appeased, again shone forth 
 Clothed in brightness. Joy-inspiring beams 
 Of grace divine proceeded from Heaven's King; 
 Again th' angelic choir with shouts of praise 
 And harps symphonious, ador'd the Highest. 
 
 Nor was the sound unknown to Gabriel's ears, 
 Who as he view'd the pearly gates at hand, 
 Hasten'd the choir to join. Raphael espied 
 The honor'd messenger of God return, 
 And as he entrance gain'd, thus greeted him : 
 " Hail, blessed servant of th' Almighty, hail ! 
 From earth what tidings bring'st thou ? What from 
 
 him, 
 Th' anointed Son now both of God and Man ? 
 Such wond'rous shade ne'er veil'd the heav'ns as now 
 Hath almost hidden from our sight the throne 
 Of God. His praise hath ceas'd, which ne'er 
 
 knew yet 
 Short interval or pause. Gladly we saw
 
 PART III. IMMANUEL. 61 
 
 Again return th' accustom'd light of Heav'n, 
 Its rays diverging from his awful face 
 Whose light is all our life. Thou heardst th' acclaim , 
 1 Blessing and praise and glory to our God."' 
 
 To him thus answer'd th' archangel bright. 
 " O happy fellow-servant of the Highest, 
 Well dost thou to inquire of him on earth 
 Whom late I left extended on the cross. 
 Henceforth be Man our God, nay, start thou not, 
 But patient hear the scenes I shall unfold. 
 Thouknow'st, for thou didst watch the humble birth 
 Of Mary's son, 'mongst feeding oxen found; 
 Thou saw'st his infant growth, his youthful form, 
 His meek subjection to his parent's will, 
 His diligence assiduous to supply 
 By occupation in mechanic arts 
 Their daily wants : his first display of powV, 
 When for the happy pair in Canaan join'd 
 He wine pour'd out for water, fill'd their hearts 
 With food and gladness, bless'd the nuptial bed,
 
 62 IMMANUEL. PART III. 
 
 And bade them live t' enjoy the gifts of God. 
 Thou know'st his love for men, his holy zeal 
 For his great Father's name. Love ever rul'd 
 In all his acts ; the lame he bade to walk ; 
 The blind to see ; the sick he cur'd ; the dead 
 Again restor'd to life, ador'd his pow'r. 
 His meat and drink it was to do the will 
 Of him that sent him forth ; but still with men 
 He shunn'd not converse, ate and drank as they 
 Who thankfully receive their daily bread, 
 And own the gracious hand from whence it comes. 
 To publicans and harlots the most base 
 Compassionate would say, ' Go sin no more ;' 
 Would warn them of the danger of their course, 
 Explain the holy will of God, and lay 
 The axe unto the root of sin, man's heart, 
 From whence proceed all evil thoughts, and foul 
 Adulterous deeds. Twelve witnesses he chose 
 Of humble birth (humble, as men esteem) 
 To teach his doctrines, and record his deeds. 
 To them did he commit his heav'nly truths,
 
 PART III. IMMANUEL. 63 
 
 Truths which receiv'd, would free the captive world 
 From the vile thraldom into which 'tis brought 
 By the seducing wiles of Man's great foe. 
 Thou know'st also the hatred and contempt 
 He bore from those he left this Heav'n to save, 
 How they oft sought his life with deadly rage ; 
 How princes and the rulers of the land, 
 Elders and priests, a proud presumptuous race, 
 Conspir'd against the Lord and his Messiah ; 
 Nor (as I must relate) conspir'd in vain. 
 
 Soon as commission'd by th' Almighty word, 
 I left these courts to attend the wondrous Man, 
 Stretch'd upon earth I found him, almost sunk 
 Into the irrecoverable grasp 
 Of death's cold arms, life's taper just extinct. 
 Excess of woe had quench'd the vital heat, 
 And staid the crimson current in its course, 
 Or forc'd it from its channels, for I saw 
 Around the spot the marks of bloody sweat. 
 By the divine command I rais'd him up,
 
 <J4 IMMANUEL. PART III. 
 
 Bound up his broken heart, and strength infus'd 
 Through all his frame ; grateful to Heav'n he look'd : 
 4 Father ! thy will be done,' was all he spake, 
 Then sought his chosen twelve. Twas midnight's 
 
 hour 
 And sleep had seal'd their eyes. ' Arise,' he said, 
 ' Behold he is at hand that doth betray 
 The Son of Man.' Judas as soon appear'd 
 With armed multitude of men, a band 
 Select of Jews with Roman cohort join'd, 
 Through the dark shades of night their torches 
 
 blay/d, 
 Discovering to the traitor him he sought. 
 With quicken'd step, Judas approach'd his Lord, 
 And with deceitful smile saluted him. 
 This was the signal to his followers 
 Whom they might seize. Jesus with majesty 
 Address'd the multitude. Whom do ye seek?' 
 4 Jesus the Nazarene,' they straight replied; 
 But when he answer'd, ' I am He,' they fell 
 Prostrate upon the earth ; such awe his look
 
 IART 1IT. IMMANUEL; 65 
 
 And voice divine inspir'd. Again they rose, 
 Presumptuous from their fall; again he said, 
 ' Whom do ye seek?' they answer'd as before. 
 The Lord of Men did then surrender make, 
 Himself committed to their hands; but first 
 His faithful followers secur'd from ill. 
 Then as the guard convey'd hiin from the place, 
 Peter with headstrong zeal drew forth his sword, 
 And aim'd a deadly blow at one who seem'd 
 Most active in the traitor's murd'roUs throng; 
 Glancing aside, the blade smote off the ear. 
 Jesus reprov'd the deed; f No sword I need ; 
 Did I entreat my Father, he would send 
 Legions of angels to deliver me; 
 But how must then the Scriptures be fulfill'd ? 
 Shall I not drink the cup my Father gives? 
 His will he done.' Then did he touch the ear 
 With healing pow'r. The captain and the band 
 Now faster bound him as they led him on 
 To Annas' house ; his follow'rs all forsook 
 Their captive Lord, and fled their different ways. 
 I
 
 6<J IMMANUEL. PART III. 
 
 " I saw him brought before the priests and 
 scribes, 
 Who sought for witnesses, but none could find 
 To impeach his spotless life; though many made 
 The vain attempt, whilst Jesus held bis peace, 
 Or look'd on Peter who at distance stood, 
 And thrice denied all knowledge of his Lord. 
 That look o'erwhelm'd with shame the faithless 
 
 man, 
 Who now went forth in bitterness to weep 
 His base ingratitude. The Son of Man 
 Still firm, collected stood, and heeded not 
 His base accusers' arts; when Caipbas 
 Adjur'd him, by the living God, ' Art thou 
 The great Messiah, and the sent of God, 
 Blessed for ever!' ' Thou say'st that I am,' 
 He straight replied. The hypocrite then rent 
 His clothes, as though he blasphemy had heard, 
 And said, * What need we further witnesses, 
 Ye heard his words, what think ye of his crime V 
 The priests and scribes with one consent replied,
 
 PART III. 1MMANUEL. 67 
 
 ' lie guilty is of death.' This sentence heard 
 The Roman guard, and baser men who stood 
 Around the godlike man. Some mock'd, some 
 
 smote 
 Upon his marr'd majestic face, whilst some 
 Contemptuous spat thereon. Others with folds 
 Blinding his eyes, in gay derision said, 
 Prophesy now who smote thee, O thou Christ.' 
 Silent he bore their bufferings and scorn. 
 
 " Meantime the morn drew on, and Pilate sat 
 As Roman governor, dispensing law. 
 To him the priests repair, but entered not 
 The hall of judgment lest they be deGl'd. 
 O blind hypocrisy, well did the Lord 
 Portray in living characters the men, 
 Who straining at a gnat, would anise tithe, 
 Yet swallow'd camels, cruelty, and death, 
 With wide rapacious throat. So hideous 
 Is not the open'd painted sepulchre 
 Repository of corruption foul. 
 k2
 
 68 IMMANUEL. PART III. 
 
 " Pilate no fault could find in him they brought 
 To be condemn'd, as Caesar's foe, to death. 
 He to the truth before the judge still bore 
 His stedfast witness, and confession made : 
 A King he was, but not of this low world. 
 The wav'ring judge now this expedient tried, 
 Now that, to save his prisoner from death ; 
 So much the more the populace impell'd 
 By signs from the chief priests cried out amain, 
 1 Let him be crucified.' To their loud voice 
 Now yielding, Pilate scourg'd the Lord of Life ; 
 Then soldiers cloth'd him in a purple vest, 
 And mock'd the king so gorgeously array'd; 
 Crown'd him with sharpest thorns, and in his hands 
 A reedy sceptre plac'd. With wanton rage 
 They smote upon the crown, whilst blood streara'd 
 
 forth 
 From every fest'ring wound. Patient he bore 
 Their basest insults, and possess'd his soul 
 In godlike meekness. Pilate felt condemn'd ; 
 Behold the Man,' he utter'd with amaze ;
 
 PART III. IMMANUEL. 69 
 
 Know all, that I no fault have found in him.' 
 But still the priests and multitude cried out 
 The more, ' Let him be crucified; his blood 
 On us and ours be charg'd.' The yielding judge 
 Then vainly wash'd his hands, and sentence 
 
 gave, 
 O'ercome by clamour loud drowning the voice 
 Of conscience and of justice in his breast. 
 
 " I saw the Son of God led forth in haste, 
 Bearing his cross, by Golgotha he pass'd 
 To Calvary's mount. Weak, faint with loss of blood 
 Under its weight he panting, groaning, fell, 
 Nor could sustain the load. Compell'd at length 
 One Simon of Cyrene bore a part, 
 And on the sad procession mov'd. Nor did 
 The multitude unmov'd behold the scene ; 
 Women in loudest sobs made known their grief. 
 ' Daughters of Salem,' said the Lord, ' weep not 
 For me, but rather for yourselves, and those 
 Who shall succeed you. Fear an avenging God.
 
 70 1MMANUEL. PART III. 
 
 Behold the days draw nigh when ye shall say, 
 Ye mountains hide us from impending wrath.' 
 
 * Arriv'd at Calvary the cross they rais'd, 
 And there between two malefactors plac'd 
 The Lord of Glory; then with savage joy 
 Into his feet and hands the nails they drove, 
 Whilst looking up to Heav'n he sighing pray'd, 
 ' Father! forgive, they know not what they do.' 
 But of his pains regardless all now join'd, 
 Chief priests and rulers with the multitude, 
 To mock his misery with scornful sneer. 
 1 He saved others, let him save himself;' 
 They said, ' and if he be God's chosen Son, 
 Let him descend from that exalted height, 
 And we will then believe.' Nor fear'd the wretch 
 In dying pangs upon a cross hard by, 
 With his last breath in words as blasphemous, 
 His Maker to reproach. Not so the thief 
 Who, on the other cross condemn'd to lose 
 His forfeit life, with indignation heard
 
 PART HI. IMMANUEL 71 
 
 The Son of God revil'd, and just reproof 
 Unto his harden'd fellow-sufferer 
 Administerd, then turning to the Lord 
 His dying prayer address'd. ' Lord, I believe 
 Thou art the Christ. Though priests and learned 
 
 scribes 
 Insult thy name, to thee would I commit 
 My parting soul. Hemember me, O Lord, 
 When to thy heav'nly kingdom thou dost come.' 
 Nor was the pray'r of faith address'd in vain, 
 The agonies which now Messiah felt 
 Prevented not his gracious, prompt reply. 
 With majesty divine the Saviour said, 
 ' I solemnly assure thee that this day, 
 In Paradise with me thy happy soul 
 Shall soon arrive.' Joyful and full of faith 
 The malefactor patient bore his pangs, 
 Then yielded up his soul unto his God. 
 
 " Weeping beneath the cross stood Magdalene r 
 And Cleopas's wife, and one there stood
 
 72 IMMANUEL. PART III. 
 
 Who nor look'd up nor wept : in silent woe, 
 
 As though a sword through her own soul had pierc'd, 
 
 She felt the dreadful scene, nor heard the words 
 
 Of John, the lov'd disciple, who in vain 
 
 Urg'd her removal from the cruel spot. 
 
 At length the well-known voice of Jesus rous'd 
 
 Her lost attention. Woman, see thy son 
 
 Beside thee stands. O John, behold in her 
 
 Thy mother.' The tender charge he heard, 
 
 Thenceforth resolv'd a son's kind offices 
 
 E'er to perform for her who bore his Lord. 
 
 " Three hours (as men count hours) had now 
 elaps'd, 
 And fever's fiery heat, tormenting thirst, 
 And racking pains with tumult wild assail'd 
 The sufF'ring Lord of Man ; as all o'erwhelin'd 
 With deep distress his spirit strove in vain. 
 Such horrid darkness cover'd all the laud, 
 Whilst pow'rs Satanic, from their hold let loose, 
 Rose from the nether world t' indulge their rage
 
 PART III. IMMANUEL. 73 
 
 Upon til' anointed Son. It was their hour, 
 Granted by him whose sov'reign sway is known. 
 In Heav'n and Earth, and the dark world of Hell. 
 Satan, the prince of devils, foremost stood 
 Amidst the gazing throng. With fiend-like eye, 
 And eager joy he witness'd ev'ry pang; 
 With hellish rapture heard the Son of God 
 In his sharp agony cry out aloud, 
 ' My God! My God! hast thou forsaken rue? 
 And fearless at these words, th' arch enemy 
 Of God and Man, with furious assault, 
 And strong temptations, urg'd the dying Lord. 
 He vainly hop'd, e'en then, to overcome 
 Him who had erst repell'd his dev'lish arts 
 By his own word. But soon his hour was past, 
 Accomplish'd was the great, Redeemer's work, 
 And to his heav'nly Father's hands his soul 
 He solemnly resign'd. Sublime in death, 
 I saw the holy sufl'rer, and first knew 
 Th' extent of Love divine; its height and: length, 
 And breadth and depth immeasurably vast 
 L
 
 74 IMMAKUEL. PART III. 
 
 And infinite as is His Pow'r and Truth. 
 
 Henceforth let us adore a suff 'ring God. 
 
 The Lamb that has been slain shall reign supreme 
 
 On his great Father's throne ; 'tis thus decreed, 
 
 Nor less my highest joy than duty still 
 
 To adore the god-like Man, th' incarnate God." 
 
 Here Gabriel ceas'd; but mark'd his great 
 compeer, 
 With holy indignation, joy, or lve, 
 By turns possess'd, as still the varied scene 
 Of human crime, or love and pow'r divine, 
 He had depicted. Raphael took the word. 
 '* Well hast thou open'd to my wond'ring view, 
 Beloved Gabriel, what on yonder earth 
 So late hath pass'd. Now is the mystery, 
 For ages long conceal'd, to us reveal'd; 
 Now shall the wide creation know th' effect, 
 The dire result of sin. Nor less than God 
 To exterminate, would satiate its rage; 
 And with Him, all that holy is or good.
 
 PART 111. IMNANUEL. 75 
 
 To ruinous destruction ever join'd, 
 
 Sin would the universe o'erwhelm, ami fill 
 
 With horrid discord all its boundless range. 
 
 Nor God, nor man, nor creature would exist, 
 
 If unrestrain'd its pow'r. This knows the great, 
 
 The sov'reign Ruler of these happy realms. 
 
 Righteous are all his works, and just his ways. 
 
 Man he ereated happy, and endowed 
 
 With god-like reason : free to choose the path 
 
 Of good or ill; not free, how rais'd above 
 
 The brutes that have no choice, matter instinct 
 
 With mortal life ; but Man's immortal soul 
 
 Form'd to contain the germ of life divine, 
 
 Through endless ages ever to expand, 
 
 And still to Deity approaching, could not 
 
 A mere machine exist, as angels rul'd 
 
 By choice alone. Constrain'd obedience 
 
 Becomes not our great Maker to accept, 
 
 Nor would it be our happiness to yield. 
 
 But Man through choice has sinn'd; and, wondrous 
 
 love! 
 
 l 2
 
 76 IMMAKUEL. PART III. 
 
 Our God array'd in flesh has died for Man ; 
 Himself the great atonement for Man's crimes. 
 Now let yon guilty world their clamour cease, 
 And ev'ry mouth be stopt, for He shall judge 
 That world in righteousness ; let them accept 
 By faith his pro ffer'd grace, or own him just, 
 (Whose mercy they despise) when o'er their heads 
 The thunders of his vengeance shall be heard 
 Adjudging them to everlasting woe ; 
 Not less of Sin the fatal, sure result 
 Than by his law proclaim'd the penalty. 
 
 " But happier scenes are present to my view. 
 Enlighten'd by the Spirit of all grace, 
 I see that Man by living faith now join'd 
 To the Eternal Son, shall rise to heights 
 Of blessedness unknown; henceforth with him 
 Shall share his glory, and the Father's love. 
 No longer servants, but the sons be deem'd 
 Of th' Almighty Sire. For this he suffer'd, 
 And for this he died. Man shall have life
 
 PART ITT. IMMANUEL. 77 
 
 And more abundant than when first bestoVd. 
 Be ours to witness^ hence with grateful joy 
 His happiness divine, and praise our God, 
 Who by his pow'r almighty, and his grace, 
 From dust terrestrial can raise a worm 
 To his own glory and transcendent bliss." 
 
 On wings of love th' archangelic pair 
 Through HeavVs wide courts, up to the throne of 
 
 God, 
 Their shining way then took. Prostrate they fell 
 Before th' Eternal, who with grace divine, 
 Beaming upon them joy ineffable, 
 The golden sceptre rais'd, the well-known sign 
 Of grace. Rising, their heav'nly harps they seiz'd, 
 Prepar'd to strike in loudest notes the chords, 
 Whilst His high praise they sing with all the choir 
 Angelic, that surround His blissful seat. 
 When lo ! a rapt'rous shout was heard. Heav'n's 
 
 gates 
 Wide open'd : enter'd the Prince of Peace,
 
 78 IMMANUEL. PART IH. 
 
 The mighty Conqueror, the Wonderful, 
 
 The Counseller, the everlasting God. 
 
 In his own majesty array'd, he pass'd 
 
 Th' adoring hosts of angels, and of men 
 
 Whose spirits now made perfect through his blood, 
 
 With angels vied in adoration pure. 
 
 But who's that happy spirit with the Lord, 
 Attending angels bear him on their wings ? 
 Not yet inur'd to scenes of heav'nly joy, 
 He scarce can bear the overwhelming bliss, 
 And in their arms entranc'd, would seek support. 
 All heav'n rejoices. Trophy of sov'reign grace, 
 A sinner sav'd he comes. And now the Son, 
 Ascends the throne paternal (ever One 
 The Father, Son, and Spirit, though diverse 
 In operation to a creature's view), 
 And thus addresses the Almighty Sire, 
 
 " O Father ! see the first fruits of thy lore 
 On me bcstow'd. Behold ! beforo thee stands
 
 FJLRT I IT. IMMANUEI. 79 
 
 One who his forfeit life to justice paid 
 
 Upon a cross, condemn'd by men to die 
 
 For crime outrageous, now redeem'd from sin 
 
 And all its woe. Me he confess'd 'fore men ; 
 
 Strong was his faith when on the cross I bled, 
 
 When enemies revil'd, and friends despairM. 
 
 Now will I him confess before thy face, 
 
 My friend and brother. Come, thou blessed soul, 
 
 And rest secure of joys prepaid for thee 
 
 Ere time begun ; not yet reveal'd indeed, 
 
 But shall be in that day when quick and dead 
 
 To judgment shall arise. Meantime with puro 
 
 And holy spirits that have here arriv'd 
 
 In long succession from th' abodes of men, 
 
 And who by faith receiv'd the promises, 
 
 With Abraham and with Isaac thou shalt dwell. 
 
 The middle heav'n to them allotted is : 
 
 There safe from all th' assaults of Sin and Hell, 
 
 They watch the progress of my grace on Earth, 
 
 And joyfully await the destin'd hour, 
 
 When as the sons of God, they shall appear
 
 80 IMMANUEL. FART III. 
 
 Before assembled worlds when their corrupt 
 And mortal bodies rais'd t' immortal life, 
 Shall put on incorruption, and shall shine 
 Brighter to view than yonder starry orbs." 
 
 Thus spake the Son. Bat who can e'er describe 
 Divine complacency, joy infinite, and love 
 Which fills the breast paternal of a God ? 
 In vain the lab'ring thought aspires so high; 
 Be calm my soul, and 'patient wait that day 
 When through a veil no longer thou shalt see, 
 But it shall be thy bliss supreme to know 
 Even as now thou'rt known ; when God, thy God! 
 Shall to thy renovated pow'rs reveal 
 His glories all divine, though here in clouds 
 And darkness he still hide his awful face. 
 
 Yet heav'nly spirits know th' extatic bliss 
 Of Deity, each in their measure ii 1 1**1 
 With the same holy joy. From the third heav'n, 
 Descending as a river broad and fair
 
 PART III. IMMANUEL. 81 
 
 It waters all the courts of Paradise. 
 There in safe keeping disembodied souls 
 Partake its life and joy-infusing streams. 
 Triumphant there they sing, " Where is thy sting, 
 O Death? and where thy victory, oh Grave? 
 Sin is Death's sting, and to the Grave its pow'r 
 The law hath giv'n ; hut now in victory 
 Lost is the sense of death. Blessing, and praise, 
 And glory everlasting to our God, 
 The Lord Omnipotent doth ever reign."
 
 IMMANUEL. 
 
 PART IV. 
 
 M 2
 
 IMMANUEL. 
 
 ^h, how shall he who in the mount of God, 
 
 The highest heav'ns, so late hath tuu'd his harp, 
 
 (Its feehle sounds lost in the vain attempt 
 
 To vibrate with celestial harmony) 
 
 Oh, how shall he descend to Earth to Hell 
 
 To Hell, the drear abode of demons foul? 
 
 No longer rapt in silence shall he muse 
 
 In holy contemplation, nor the bliss 
 
 Supreme of Deity stretch ev'ry thought; 
 
 But sighs, and tears, and groans, and dismal yell, 
 
 Arising from the conscience-stricken souls 
 
 Of God-contemning creatures wound his ear.
 
 86 IMMANUEL. PART IV. 
 
 Ah ! whence that dreadful sound of bitter woe 
 On Abr'am, calling for one cooling drop 
 T' assuage tormenting thirst? In vain he calls. 
 Dives, the rich, regardless of a God 
 On earth had liv'd, though sumptuously he far'd, 
 And harp, and timbrel, and the mazy dance 
 Within his spacious mansion oft were found. 
 Lull'd in the soft, luxurious, wanton lap 
 Of sensuality, he squander'd life; 
 And put far off the thought that it must close. 
 Pity within his breast had found no place 
 For others' woes, nor love to God nor Man. 
 Dismay'd he heard the messenger of fate 
 Announce its summons, and require his soul; 
 Which frantic with despair he yielded up 
 Compell'd by death's keen dart. Demons convey 'd 
 The wretched spirit to their fell abode, 
 Consign'd him to Remorse's scorpion sting, 
 And endless torment in the burning lake 
 Of fire unquenchable. Now first to Heav'n 
 He casts his eager eyes, and there beholds,
 
 PART IV. IMMANUEL. 87 
 
 Fresh source of torture to his troubled breast, 
 A beggar, whom he once had scorn'd, convey'd 
 By angels to the side of Abraham; 
 For he the son of Abraham by faith, 
 On earth had prov'd himself. To Abr'am's God 
 Had still pour'd forth his daily, fervent pray'r, 
 As through affliction's thorny maze he trod 
 His heav'n-directed way. In vain he calls ; 
 No, Dives, thou hast had thy fill on earth, 
 All that thine heart desir'd ; thou didst not seek 
 Eternal life, but with contempt didst spurn 
 Thy Maker's proffer'd gifts. Thine hour is past, 
 Thy day of grace. A gulf impassable 
 Henceforth doth sever thee from all the blest; 
 Nor can thy parched tongue one drop receive 
 Of those pure waters whose refreshing streams 
 Make glad the happy city of our God. 
 
 But see, a soul now enters the wide gates 
 Of these dark regions of eternal woe. 
 At his approach all Hell is mov'd to meet,
 
 88 IMMANUEL. PART IV. 
 
 With bitter welcome, th' apostate wretch. 
 Mammon the foremost of the hellish crew 
 Greets the condemned spirit, and with joy 
 Malign (the joy of devils,) thus accosts 
 The traitor of his Lord. " Enter, my son, 
 My best belov'd, these mansions of thy choice. 
 For thee, these fires shall more intensely glow, 
 And Sodom and Gomorrah's hapless lot 
 Be ecstacy to thine. Won by my lures 
 I claim thee as my prey, and thy torment 
 Some pastime shall afford, some devlish sport, 
 In this our curs'd abode. The lowest Hell 
 For thee is destin'd; thither 111 conduct 
 Thy sordid soul." 
 
 He said, and instant seiz'd 
 The horror-stricken Judas with firm grasp ; 
 Legions of devils follow'd as they pass'd 
 Through the infernal deep. On either side, 
 Illimitable regions of the damn'd 
 Present themselves to view. And first, they pass'd
 
 PART IV. IMMANUEL. 89 
 
 Th' abode of those unhappy sons of Cain 
 
 Who fill'd the earth with violence and strife. 
 
 Long had they surfeited on Nature's gifts : 
 
 In firmest health and strength their lengthen'd lives 
 
 Had pass'd, and nought but black ingratitude 
 
 To their Creator had they e'er repaid. 
 
 Unmindful of His claims, they us'd their strength 
 
 In cruelty and lust, and heeded not 
 
 The faithful warnings of the son of Seth: 
 
 Until at length the sweeping deluge came 
 
 Nor left of the unfaithful race on earth 
 
 One soul. Then was thy rav'nous maw, O Death, 
 
 Filled, if ever, to satiety: 
 
 And Hell itself were full ; but that no bounds 
 
 Limit tlie dread abyss. Craving as Death 
 
 It seeks enlargement, and can ne'er o'erflow. 
 
 Then came in view the builders of that tow'r 
 Whose top to Heav'n should reach, and Heaven's 
 
 great king 
 Assail, perhaps dethrone. Discordant jar, 
 
 N
 
 90 IMMANUEL. PART TV. 
 
 And sounds uncouth still tire the troubled ear, 
 And speak his might, whose pow'r restrains their 
 
 tongues 
 From mutual converse, sweet allay to woe. 
 Then Sodom and Gomorrah's fiercer flames 
 They pass'd, with hasty feet, and shunn'd the sight. 
 Next, the Egyptian host and harden'd King 
 In a tumultuous fiery sea still rag'd 
 Against th' Omnipotent ; untaught by plagues, 
 Worse than on earth they felt, t' adore his pow'r. 
 Oh! who can e'er recount the scenes of woe, 
 Weeping, and wailing, and dire gnash of teeth, 
 Which now on either hand present themselves 
 To the Apostate's view, almost arrest 
 Uis own sharp pangs, and for a time 
 Make him forgetful of the gnawing worm 
 Which in him feeds, and ever there shall live. 
 Mammon in triumph leads his guilty soul 
 Through thickest concourse of the damn'd, the 
 
 sands 
 On ocean's shore out-numb Ymg, they appear
 
 PART IV. 1MMANUEL. 01 
 
 A vast and troubled sea, smoth'ring the flames 
 
 Which from beneath do ever and anon 
 
 Break forth in dreadful glare. For here were 
 
 met 
 All that on earth against true reason's light, 
 And the still voice of conscience whisp'ring soft, 
 Had bow'd themselves in vile idolatry 
 To worship stocks, and stones, and senseless things. 
 Here still their orgies lewd, and cruel rites 
 They held ; from bad to worse proceeding still. 
 Far, far beneath the grov'ling brutes they sink, 
 Lost to all reason or the sense of shame. 
 Here Violence and Strife perpetual hold 
 Their loud obstreperous sway, and aggravate 
 Their wretched woe. Just recompence of sin. 
 They us'd not or abus'd the light they had, 
 Tis uow withdrawn. Reason o'ercome retreats 
 From Passion's lawless tyranny. Conscience 
 Into a scorpion chang'd remonstrates not, 
 But deep inflicts her deadly anguish'd sting, 
 And life is but the endurance of all ill. 
 N 2
 
 92 IMMANUEL. PART IV. 
 
 Through the innumerable throng they press'd, 
 Who ghastly smil'd to see another soul 
 By Mammon lur'd, and than themselves more vile 
 Through sordid lust of gold. Hell's centre now 
 The fiend approaches with his captive prey ; 
 Here Satan, the arch-enemy of God, 
 Holds his confused court, all order lost, 
 No demon owns a pow'r superior; 
 Nor but by force constrain'd will e'er submit 
 His will to what is deem'd the gen'ral voice. 
 Hence endless contest for supremacy, 
 And Satan wears indeed a crown of thorns. 
 His voice they heard piercing the vast abyss, 
 So shrilly laughs th' hyaena o'er its prey, 
 With feigned joy proclaiming jubilee, 
 Or dev'lish revel. 
 
 " Spirits of Hell, arise," 
 Triumphant thus, he cried, " the work is done, 
 The end of all our labours now is come. 
 Now is the earth our own, and Men shall fear 
 Nought but our mighty pow'r, destin'd henceforth
 
 PART TV. IMMANUEL. 93 
 
 To reign supreme o'er all the human race. 
 
 Now let us wreak our vengeance on the works 
 
 Of that Almighty Tyrant whom we hate, 
 
 Almighty now no more. By patient toil 
 
 We've foil'd him in his Son ; for well I know 
 
 His pow'r and god-head rested in the Man 
 
 Whom late I left extended on a cross. 
 
 See Mammon comes with trophy in his hand, 
 
 Proof of his pow'r o'er ev'ry human heart : 
 
 For like a nohle lion he hath seiz'd, 
 
 (Spite of the guardian shepherd) from the flock 
 
 His prey, now ready to he ofler'd up 
 
 A victim to our rage. Hence, hear the wretch 
 
 To lowest depth of Hell, where Mammon seeks 
 
 Insatiable his gold. There let him toil 
 
 In endless drudgery, till weary, faint ; 
 
 For his refreshment pour the fiery ore 
 
 Down his thin airy vitals. Shew him then 
 
 The joys he once had known, the high flown hopes 
 
 Of immortality and endless bliss, 
 
 Falsely so call'd, and when he seeks for death
 
 94 1MMANUEL. PART IV. 
 
 To end his woes, then laugh the fool to scorn, 
 And teach him that in Hell the worm ne'er 
 dies, 
 
 " Meantime, ye spirits of the mighty deep, 
 Prepare your songs of triumph. Christ the Son, 
 Whose pow'r we once resistless thought, within 
 The deep-laid snare our cunning hath prepar'd 
 At length is ta'en. Forsaken of his God, 
 I heard him breathe his suflfring spirit forth. 
 He who so oft hath put our force to flight, 
 By his inherent pow'r, at length submits 
 To human machinations, and ere this 
 Hath own'd on earth our pow'r to be supreme. 
 Now shall no limits to our wrath be set ; 
 Vengeance, awake, draw forth thy thirsty sword; 
 Malice, arouse thy latent energy, 
 And call to aid thy sister Cruelty ; 
 Furies begin your bloody march on earth, 
 Compel each human spirit to blaspheme 
 The God we hate, and curse the bitter day
 
 PART IV. IMMANUEL. 95 
 
 In which he first saw light. Havoc and War, 
 Let loose your hell-hounds through the peopled 
 
 world 
 Till Desolation follow in your course ; 
 And when ye respite need, let minor pow'rs 
 Of this our thriving empire speed the work. 
 Let Vanity inflate the human heart ; 
 Let Pride instil contempt for all around ; 
 Let Avarice use its ever-grasping paw 
 To petrify the wretch who feels its pow'r, 
 Till than a stone more hard he listen not 
 To the most piercing tale of others' woe. 
 Let Falsehood sow suspicion in each breast; 
 Let Sensuality hold out its bait, best lure 
 To draw the soul within perdition's gulf, 
 And spoil it of its worth. Demons proceed, 
 The contest ne'er give o'er till ye have made 
 That Earth a Hell. So shall wc recompense 
 Him who hath cast us out from highest heav'n, 
 And teach him that revenge we will pursue, 
 Nor yield to base-born fear."
 
 96 IMMANUEL. PART IV. 
 
 Thus roar'd th' arch fiend 
 With howl articulate. Responsive yell'd 
 Th' infernals, who for once their envy lost, 
 (Their fury turn'd 'gainst earth's inhabitants) 
 And prais'd their leader as their mighty God. 
 Like Etna's or Vesuvius' burning height, 
 A throne they rais'd of dark combustibles 
 (Such only were at hand) whereon to seat 
 The pride-swoln serpent. He with haughty gaze, 
 And crest erect, receiv'd th' unwonted boon, 
 The homage of the diabolic crew. 
 "When lo ! a blaze of heav'nly light, the verge 
 Of Hell illumines. Satan starts with fear, 
 And feels his hour is come. Trembling he shrinks, 
 And strives to hide from view his scaly form ; 
 But strives in vain. Swift as the solar beam 
 Darts through the universe its joyous ray, 
 So swift o'ertakes the fiend the form he dreads. 
 
 The Son of God, array'd in glorious pomp, 
 With twenty thousand chariots, and a host
 
 PART IV. IMMANUEL. 87 
 
 (Ten thousand times ten thousand spirits pure,) 
 Enters the iron gates, and instantly 
 With his almighty pow'r o'ertakes the Prince 
 Of Darkness, who now feels his wonted strength 
 Forsake his writhing frame. Compell'd he is 
 By word alone, the fiat of a God, 
 To fix his hideous length beneath the wheels 
 Of the triumphant chariot of the Lord. 
 All Hell beheld their chief a captive led ; 
 With horror smit, they view the dread approach 
 Of tli* almighty Son, and supplicate 
 Destruction to o'erwhelm them. Ou he drives, 
 In speed outstripping the infernal host, 
 Though on the wings of fear they rapid fly. 
 The heavenly guard, entering the gates of Hell, 
 Arrest their steps ; with sacred joy they view 
 The mighty conqueror triumphant lead 
 Captivity a captive. From his car, 
 Thick darting flames transfix the monster's head 
 With worse than mortal pangs. Bellowing with rage 
 And pain (first-born of Hell) he strives to quit 
 o
 
 98 IMMANUEL. PART IV. 
 
 Th' inflicted torment; but by pow'r divine, 
 Constrain'd to bear th' avenging wrath of God, 
 At length is brought unto a precipice 
 Tremendous, form'd of over-hanging rocks, 
 From whence a pit opaque and fathomless 
 Presents itself to view. There headlong down, 
 In whirling motion coil'd, the dragon fell; 
 There to await in chains his final doom, 
 When God to sov'reign judgment shall arise ; 
 Or loosen'd only, when to try the faith 
 And patience of the chosen of their God, 
 He shall permitted be to range the earth. 
 For faith and patience brightest shine in fires 
 Of strong temptation, and each Christian grace 
 But more illustrious is from fierce attacks 
 Of the arch-enemy. Hence shall arise, 
 Whilst Admiration tracks their glorious course, 
 All conqu'ring Faith, enduring, patient Hope, 
 And fervent Charity, which though earth-born 
 Shall never fail ; but through eternal rounds 
 Dwell in the presence of her Father God.
 
 PART IV. IMMANUEL. 99 
 
 Now back returns the conqu'ring Prince of Life 
 And joins th' angelic bands. Joyful they rise 
 Once more to realms of light, and wing their way 
 Through the blue ether to the blissful seats 
 Of peace and love. There loudly they proclaim, 
 In sounds harmonious, the victor's praise. 
 His presence fills, with happiness divine, 
 The heavenly host, enraptur'd whilst they sing, 
 " Worthy the Lamb who died for sinful Man 
 To be exalted on his Father's throne. 
 Blessing, and praise, and glory on His name 
 For ever rest, who conquer'd when He fell; 
 Who bruis'd the Serpent's head, and overthrew 
 The pow'rs of Hell. 5 ' Join'd in the chorus then, 
 The spirits of the just soon as they heard 
 Th' angelic minstrelsy. " Worthy the Lamb," 
 They echo through the skies, " for he was slain, 
 Us to redeem from Satan's tyranny, 
 And bring us near to God. Worthy the Lamb, 
 All honour, glory, blessing to receive, 
 Who gave his life a ransom for our sins ; 
 o2
 
 100 TMMANUEL. PART IT. 
 
 Who on the cross expir'd, a spectacle 
 To men and wond'ring angels. Ever praise 
 His glorious name, who love divine hath shewn 
 For sinful rebel Man, and stoop'd to gain 
 O'er Death and Hell a lasting victory." 
 
 Thus sang the happy spirits, and again 
 Tun'd their loud harps symphonious to His praise 
 Who fills all Heav'n with light, and life, and joy.
 
 IMMANUEL 
 
 PART V.
 
 IMMANUEL. 
 
 11 ail heav'n-born Mind ! thy rapid glance can pass 
 
 Throughout material Nature. Thou canst rise 
 
 Beyond these lower elements, and soar 
 
 Far, far above the circumscribed bounds 
 
 Of time and space. Effluence of Deity, 
 
 Thine is eternity to come, and thine 
 
 To know the self-existent All in All, 
 
 From whom thou art deriv'd. Upborne by thee, 
 
 With angels and archangels I have wing'd 
 
 My vent'rous flight from earth to highest heav'n ; 
 
 Have heard the anthems of the bless'd above, 
 
 Praising the Victor who from Death reueem'd
 
 104 IMMANUEL. PART V. 
 
 Their captive souls; have seen the Lamb become 
 The Lion of his tribe, with his almighty arm 
 Scattering the pow'rs of darkness, and their Prince 
 Hurl into lowest Hell. Or rather Thee, 
 Eternal Spirit! who at sundry times, 
 By methods diverse, hast reveal'd to Man 
 Thy heavenly grace, and in these latter days, 
 Hast by tlie Son made known the path of life 
 That leads to Heav'n and God. Still may the page 
 Of thy recorded truth direct my way ; 
 Grateful to Thee my praises shall arise 
 "Whilst through thy cheering promises I rove, 
 Or read the kinder warnings of thy word, 
 And taste thy love display'd in ev'ry line. 
 
 Say, for Thou know'st, what sorrow fill'd the 
 breasts 
 Of those who lov'd their Lord, when death's pale hue 
 Stole o'er his bleeding corse. Though all hope fled. 
 They linger'd near the cross, nor could withdraw 
 Their eyes from that sad spectacle. That tongue.
 
 JPART V. IMMANUEL. 105 
 
 Now still in death, which ever wont to cheer 
 Their drooping hearts. Their friend, their guide, 
 
 now lost; 
 Their Lord and Master, whom they once had thought, 
 Was he that should redeem the chosen tribes, 
 Now by his cruel enemies o'ercorne, 
 IteviFd, insulted, and condemn'd to die 
 An ignominious death. And then that cry, 
 " My God! my God! hast thou forsaken me?" 
 In bitterness of soul pronounc'd. Had God 
 In very deed deserted his own Son? 
 Him whom, when rising out from Jordan's stream. 
 They heard a voice from Heav'n aloud proclaim, 
 His Son belov'd ? Twas mystery all. Suspense, 
 Not want of faith, now held their minds confus'd, 
 With sorrow overwhelm'd. But one appear'd 
 Still strong in faith. He to the Governor 
 Urg'd his bold suit that he might safe inter 
 The body of the Lord ; Joseph the rich, 
 The generous, and the just; a senator, 
 Who in the council his consent withheld
 
 106 IMMANUEL. PART V. 
 
 From the unjust and murd'rous sentence past 
 Upon the Sou of God. With leave obtain'd, 
 Th' Arimatben his pious task commenc'd, 
 And linen of Damascus brought, wherewith 
 To shroud the dear remains of his lov'd Lord. 
 And Nicodemus too with tender care 
 (He who by night had sought the truth to learn) 
 Brought largely myrrh and aloes to preserve 
 The body from corruption's taint. In folds 
 Oft multiplied, and spice thick strew'd in each, 
 They wrapp'd the stifPning limbs, whilst frequent dropt 
 The gushing tear. That mouth which ever spake 
 In language simple the subliinest truths ; 
 Those eyes that beam'd with majesty and love; 
 Those ears that listen'd to the tale of woe, 
 And audience gave to every suppliant's pray'r, 
 Now clos'd in death, draw forth their anguish'd sighs. 
 
 In silent sorrow they at length convey 
 Their precious burden to a tomb new hewn, 
 Which Joseph for himself had late prepar'd.
 
 PART V. IMMANUEL. 107 
 
 There safe interr'd, they take a sad farewell, 
 
 And mourning seek their homes. To God they cry, 
 
 The God of consolation and all grace. 
 
 Each one in secret pours forth all his heart, 
 
 And casts his heavy burden on the Lord. 
 
 The God of Jacob hears (who never said 
 
 To Jacob's race, my face ye seek in vain), 
 
 And to each breast gives calm and holy trust 
 
 In his almighty pow'r, though not to trace 
 
 His dark mysterious way, his footsteps in the deep. 
 
 Not so the priests and elders pass'd the night; 
 In vain they sought repose ; their troubled thoughts 
 To them allow'd no rest. Conscience awake, 
 (At midnight hour her voice is loudest heard) 
 Set forth in black array the past day's crimes, 
 Andharrow'd up their souls. Sometimes they saw, 
 With retrospective eye, tbe holy man 
 Before the pontiff stand, with innocence 
 And truth begirt; whilst silently he heard 
 The self-confounding accusatious brought 
 P 2
 
 108 JMMANUEL. PART V. 
 
 By wretches they suborn'd. Sometimes they heard 
 Again sound in their ears the solemn words 
 He utter'd when adjnr'd by Caiphas, 
 " I am the Christ, hereafter thou shaft see 
 The Son of Man on the right hand of powY, 
 And coming in the majesty of God 
 To take dire vengeance on his enemies." 
 No longer blasphemy, but dreadful truth 
 They deem'd the good confession he then made. 
 Then busy Mem'ry plied their throbbing breasts 
 With the base insults and indignities 
 They cast upon th' anointed Son of God, 
 Whilst as a lamb to slaughter he was led ; 
 And as the patient sheep when shorn is dumb, 
 He open'd not his mouth. Sometimes they saw 
 Barabbas' murd'rous hand against them rais'd, 
 And shunn'd th' uplifted dagger. This the wretch 
 They would prefer before the Lord of Life, 
 When Pilate had with anxious care declar'd 
 " I find no fault in him ye bring to me 
 To be condemn'd upon a cross to end
 
 PART V. IMMANUEL. 109 
 
 His holy, spotless life." Sometimes the words 
 Upon the tree inscrib'd, before their eyes 
 In well-known characters appealed. They saw, 
 " Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews," 
 Display'd above his stretch'd-out tortur'd frame. 
 And trembled at the cry they utter'd then, 
 " His blood on us and on our children be." 
 Awful forebodings of the wrath of God 
 Oppress'd their troubled minds. The shaking earth 
 And more than midnight darkness fill'd their hearts 
 With terror and dismay ; what time the Son 
 Finish'd his work, and yielded up the ghost. 
 The temple's vail then rent, an omen seem'd 
 That God had quite forsaken his abode, 
 And left his chosen people in his wrath. 
 Still did these signs and mighty wonders pass 
 In sad review ; again they smote their breasts, 
 And sighing said, " This was the Son of God." 
 But still they hated him, nor could submit 
 Unto the righteousness which is by faith 
 In him, the Saviour of a ruin'd world.
 
 110 IMMANUEL. PART V. 
 
 They lov'd their own hearts' lusts, and wilfully 
 
 Endur'd sin's iron bondage. Pomp and pow'r, 
 
 And to be called Rabbi they e'er sought ; 
 
 To gain these ends would compass earth and sea, 
 
 And perpetrate all crime. They shunn'd the light 
 
 Of Truth divine. Stung with the keen reproach 
 
 Which he who is the everlasting Truth 
 
 Had cast upon their vile hypocrisy, 
 
 They sought his life with fierce vindictive rage, 
 
 And ne'er gave o'er their constant fell pursuit, 
 
 Till on the cross they saw his streaming blood. 
 
 Then did remorse and fear by turns possess 
 
 Their troubled breasts, and sleepless made the night. 
 
 Or if perchance their wearied nature sunk 
 
 In fev'rish slumber, rest was yet denied. 
 
 Imagination's ever active pow'rs 
 
 Presented to their view the crimson stream 
 
 From Calvary flowing, which with speed o'ertakes 
 
 Their flying steps, calling aloud to God 
 
 For vengeance on their guilty murd'rous heads. 
 
 Then all around the gath'riug blackness lours,
 
 PART V. IMMANUEL. Ill 
 
 And vivid lightnings dart across the skies; 
 The trembling earth in heaving throes is rock'd, 
 Then opens Tore their eyes. They see th'abyss of Hell. 
 The heav'ns descend in one tremendous fall, 
 Hailstones and coals of fire ; whilst thunders loud 
 Proclaim impending wrath. Starting they wake. 
 
 Ah ! had they known the value of that blood 
 Whose wondrous pow'r would from their hands 
 
 remove 
 The murd'rous stain; would cleanse their spotted 
 
 souls 
 And bring them near to God ; they then had heard 
 No cry for vengeance ; (as when Abel slain 
 Receiv'd his death-wound from a brother's arm) 
 But gracious offers from a pard'ning God 
 Of mercy and forgiveness. They had known 
 The Lamb of God, whose ofFer'd sacrifice 
 Would from a guilty world remove its sin. 
 But this the way of peace they would not know. 
 Their ears they stopp'd, when with abounding grace
 
 112 IMMANUEL. PART V. 
 
 The Son of God would oft communicate 
 His messages of love. Their eyes they clos'd, 
 When all the pow'r of Godhead he display'd 
 In miracles divine; and steel'd their hearts 
 Against conviction's force. Full oft he wept, 
 As the extended city he survey 'd, 
 And sigh'd, "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! 
 Thou that hast slain the prophets whom I sent 
 To warn thee of thy crimes, and all the ills 
 That would attend thy base ingratitude; 
 Still would I gather thee within these arms 
 E'en as a hen shelters her little brood 
 Beneath her fost'ring wings, and ye will not; 
 But now your house must desolate be made 
 And Justice overtake whom Mercy cannot save." 
 
 Soon as the sun 'gan chase the shades of night 
 And " twilight glimmer'd in the purple east," 
 With falt'ring gait, and feeble, worn out frame 
 The aged Annas from his couch descends; 
 Eager to fly from his perturbed self
 
 PART V. JMMANUEL. 113 
 
 He seeks the temple's porch : not there to find 
 The God of Abraham, but to unfold 
 To priests and elders who might there be met 
 His dark suspicious fears. Assembled there, 
 The chief priests with the learned scribes he found, 
 And Pharisees a host. A haggard form 
 Address'd them : horrid black despair was seen 
 In ev'ry feature, whilst his eye-balls roll'd 
 In rapid motion starting from the head ; 
 With one clench'd fist he smote his heaving breast, 
 The other cast a bag in phrenzy wild 
 Amongst the flying crowd. " Take, take ye back 
 The wages of iniquity," he said, 
 " The cause of all my woe. I have betray'd 
 The Innocent, and ye, curs'd fiends, have brought 
 His blood upon my head. I knew your rage, 
 Fiercer than Tophet's flames against the Lord. 
 No rest,, no peace on earth for me remains ! 
 Whither, oh whither, shall I wretched flee? 
 Come, Death, and rid me of these agonies, 
 Or rather bear me to that Hell which now 
 Q
 
 114 1MMANUBL. *ART V. 
 
 Already opens to receive my soul." 
 He said, and hurried on with rapid step 
 To where a rock's projecting height was seen : 
 Thence in the view of all with headlong force 
 Falling, his bowels gush'd, and in loud shrieks 
 He went to his own place. 
 
 " So perish all 
 Thine enemies, O Lord V with eyes uprais'd, 
 The hypocritic Annas loud exclaim'd ; 
 " So let the men who trust in lying lips, 
 And magic's cursed arts, for ever close 
 Their wicked course. Now listen, rev'rend priests ; 
 Full well I know the followers of him, 
 Who for his blasphemy hath paid his life, 
 Are crafty, subtle, and with malice stung, 
 Will plan some new device to cause his nam 
 In honour to be held. We know he said, 
 (The arch-deceiver to the gazing throng) 
 Destroy this body, yet ere three days run 
 Their hasty flight, I from the dead will rise-,
 
 PART V. IMMANUEL. 115 
 
 And all mine enemies confound. And now, 
 Be wise. To Pilate straight apply. A guard 
 Of men, robust and vigilant, be plac'd 
 Around the lonely spot where safe he lies." 
 
 This counsel all held good, and eager sought 
 Tbe Roman governor : permission gain'd, 
 They march'd a trusty band upon the rock, 
 Whose excavated side contain'd the corpse. 
 A massive stone they found had clos'd the mouth 
 Sepulchral, which the guard with hardy strength 
 Remov'd, to satisfy the doubtful minds 
 Of priests and Pharisees ; then quick replac'd. 
 Adjusted to the tomb's hewn sides the stone 
 With nicest care appear'd ; then melted ore 
 They pour'd out largely o'er the interstices, 
 And fix'd their sacred seal. Strict charge they gave 
 The sentinels, that none within the spot 
 Presume to enter, much less to disturb 
 The sealed sepulchre : their forfeit lives should pay 
 For disobedience to their high commands. 
 2 2
 
 116 IMMANUEL. PART V. 
 
 This done, they judg'd their murd'rous work com- 
 plete: 
 Somewhat allay'd, the tumult in their breast 
 Subsided to a calm. They hop'd henceforth 
 Securely to pursue their wicked course, 
 And no reprover fear. 
 
 Ah ! sinful men, 
 They knew not Zion's mighty king, nor him 
 Who sitteth in the heavens, and who laughs, 
 Scorning their vain attempt. Let kings combine, 
 And rulers join their pow'rs against the Lord, 
 And his Anointed : yet his Son he'll place 
 On Zion's holy hill ; will give to him 
 The Heathen for his heritage, and earth 
 For his possession. Then be wise, O kings, 
 And learn, ye princes, e'er to serve the Lord 
 With lowliest fear. Love and obey the Son, 
 Lest in his wrath, though but a little rais'd, 
 Ye perish from the way. Blessed are all 
 Who put their trust in Him, the mighty God.
 
 I If MANUEL. 
 
 PART VI.
 
 IMMANUEL. 
 
 T ith heavy hearts and sorrow overcome, 
 Sleep's leaden wings had yielded sweet repose, 
 And shorten'd the sad hours to those who mourn'd 
 Their now departed Lord ; but light return'd 
 And wak'd them to their woes. John, the Belov'd, 
 At early dawn arose ; as soon awoke 
 The Mother of his Lord. His house contain'd 
 A room where oft the friends of Jesus met 
 And held sweet converse. Thither by consent 
 Each turn'd his hasty step, whilst slumber held 
 In chains lethargic the vast city's throng. 
 Peter and James with sorrowing hearts appcar'd ;
 
 120 IMMANUEL. PART VI. 
 
 Then Philip came ; Andrew and Thomas join'd 
 
 Their townsmen (in Bethsaida's city born, 
 
 Where once the lake employ'd their spreading nets;) 
 
 The other James, and Jude, Alpheus' sons, 
 
 With Matthew and Bartholomew arriv'd ; 
 
 Then Luke, physician skill'd, and Cleopas, 
 
 Accompanied by Mary Magdalene ; 
 
 The Mother too of James, and Salome ; 
 
 Laz'rus twice born, and sisters lov'd of Christ ; 
 
 Joanna, and of women not a few, 
 
 Who long with patient zeal had ever served 
 
 Their much-lov'd Lord, had witness'd his great 
 
 works, 
 ,Pursu'd his weary steps, and minister'd 
 To all his daily wants. These early met 
 And hop'd by sweet communion to assuage 
 Each other's grief. But as the little flock 
 FilPd the conventicle, increasing woe 
 Their hearts o'erwhelm'd as each another viewed. 
 Nor utt'rance found their sorrow to express. 
 In overflowing tears they sought relief,
 
 PART VI. IMMANUEL. 121 
 
 And long indulg'd " the melancholy joy." 
 
 At length, tumultuous sorrow somewhat ceas'd; 
 
 And he, whom Jesus lov'd, assay'd to speak. 
 
 " Friends of my heart, how mournful is this 
 hour; 
 This hallow'd day of rest to us will be 
 A sad memorial of our dying hopes: 
 And e'en the sacred temple will awake 
 Our grief, its glory gone. For us remains 
 Nought but to wait with patient faith the time, 
 "When death shall take us from this wretched world, 
 And bear us to those blissful seats above, 
 Where the dread mystery we shall unfold, 
 Which darkens all our hopes. Who that hath seen 
 His godlike works, hath heard his solemn truths, 
 Hath known his zeal for God, his love for man, 
 Display 'd in ev'ry mighty word and deed, 
 Can once deny he was the Son of God ? 
 What though our priests and elders hare to death, 
 To crucifixion, doom'd the man we lore, 

 
 122 IMMANUEL. PART VI. 
 
 Yet can they not destroy our faith or hope. 
 Still let us cherish ev'ry fond idea 
 We form'd when by his heav'nly presence blest. 
 Let all his words and acts be deep impress'd 
 On mem'ry's page, and written in our hearts. 
 For me, I well remember the blest hour, 
 When the great Baptist (whose severe rebukes 
 I long had heard, and deep repentance felt) 
 With joy transported, cried, ' Behold the Lamb, 
 The Lamb of God who takes away all sin. 
 For this is he, of whom I oft have spake, 
 Who is preferr'd before me, and whose feet 
 I am not worthy to stoop down, and loose 
 Their soiled sandals.' With such energy 
 He spake these words, that Andrew straight with me 
 Follow'd the Lord ; yet dreading to approach 
 Too near his person, and at distance walk'd ; 
 With grace divine, benignantly he turn'd, 
 By greeting kind assur'd our fearful hearts, 
 And confidence inspired : then led the way 
 To his own lowly roof, and bade us spend
 
 PART VI. 1MMANUEL. 123 
 
 With him the closing day. How our hearts hurn'd 
 Within us, as we heard the gracious, words 
 His lips pour'd forth. Such majesty divine, 
 Such truth, and love, ne'er met my ravish'd ears, 
 As when the holy will of God he sought 
 To render clear to our benighted minds. 
 It was as if our eyes then first beheld 
 The glorious dawn of day, whose star then first 
 Arose upon our hearts. Night swiftly sped, 
 And morn still found us list'ning to the voice 
 Ofi^ur great teacher; who at length address'd 
 His heav'ft*Jh4ifljher in a filial pray'r, 
 Implor'd his blessiny^^^HNftJt^^Wt^ 
 Drawn. by resistless pow'r; I found my heart. 
 My life, my soul all all, were His! I sought 
 Permission to attend his steps, to view 
 His wondrous works, and hear his heav'nly truths. 
 This freely granted, I've from that blest hour 
 Kept near his sacred person, and have seen 
 Such proofs of pow'r almighty in his acts, 
 Such love divine in all he spake and wrought, 
 R 2
 
 124 IMMANUEL. PART VI. 
 
 As will admit no doubt within my breast 
 He was indeed the Christ the Sent of God. 
 
 " Ye too can witness, and Salome thou, 
 When to thy marriage-feast thou didst invite 
 The holy man, how condescendingly 
 He join'd the festive throng ; with look benign, 
 View'd all the happy sports of frolic youth, 
 (Thy younger relatives who to the sounds 
 Of cheerful music mov'd their active limbs) ; 
 And when thy num'rous guests had shar'd thy 
 
 store, 
 Thy little store, of strength-recruiting wine, 
 How by his word alone, the brimming jars 
 With water fill'd, pour'd forth the vine's rich juice. 
 His presence, whilst it made each heart to beat 
 With more than mortal joy, check'd all excess, 
 And caus'd th' exhilarating mirth to leave 
 No sting of sad remorse. With grateful tongues 
 We sang the praises of th' all-bounteous God, 
 Whose tender mercies are o'er all his works.
 
 .PART VI. IMMANUEL. 125 
 
 " Plow shall I e'er relate the varied scene 
 Of miracles, which he with ease perform'd, 
 That sbow'd the mighty Godhead dwelt within. 
 "When lowing oxen, and the bleating sheep 
 Within the temple's spacious courts enclos'd ; 
 The multitude of those who bought and sold ; 
 The money-changers, with their massive boards 
 Groaning beneath the weight of glitt'ring ore; 
 All felt his pow'r divine, and shunn'd the lash 
 Of his small whip of cords : with noisy rout, 
 They hasten'd through the portals, men and beasts, 
 In wild disorder, whilst the pavement strew'd 
 With gold and silver mark'd their rapid flight. 
 * My Father's house should be an house of pray'r/ 
 With solemn voice he said, ' but ye have made 
 This sacred house a den of sordid thieves.' 
 
 " When at Bethesda's pool the impotent, 
 Whom eight -and- thirty suns had seen to wait 
 Beside the troubled waters, and no friend 
 Was hap'ly near to make him first descend ;
 
 128 IMMANUEL. PART VI. 
 
 He (as the sun who shines- with healing heams) 
 Invigorated ev'rv listless limb, 
 Bade him arise, take up his bed, and walk; 
 Though caviling priests gainsaid, and Pharisees 
 Forbade the man to use his strength restor'd, 
 Lest he should break their solemn, sacred day. 
 
 " "When o'er the glassy sea of Galilee 
 He pass'd, and on a mountain's cooling height 
 Survey'd with pitying eye the multitude ; 
 (In number counted they five thousand men 
 With women and their children) then five loaves, 
 And two small fishes multiplied at will 
 Refresh'd their fainting strength. Tho fragments 
 
 fill'd 
 Twelve baskets, and remain'd a wondrous proof 
 Of pow'r divine. A king be might have been 
 By gen'ral suffrage ; but he shunn'd the voice 
 Of popular applause, and sought the shades, 
 To pray in secret, and the night to spend 
 In converse with the Almighty. Wc with haste
 
 PART VI. HHMANUEL. 127 
 
 Made sail to gain our homes; but storms arose 
 And toss'd our little bark. The raging winds 
 Blew adverse, and in vain we toil'd to reach 
 The other coast : when lo ! upon the sea, 
 Whose waves uprose like mountains, there was seen 
 A form majestic marching o'er their tops. 
 It was the Lord. The sight inspir'd each breast 
 With awful dread, whilst He approach'd our ship, 
 Dispell'd our fears, and entering in, he bade 
 The furious winds to cease their boistrous rage. 
 The obedient winds were hush'd, and all was calm. 
 We then ador'd the wondrous godlike man, 
 Who to the troubled ocean's mighty waves 
 Thus spake with sov'reign pow'r ; when instantly 
 Capernaum's city rose upon our view ; 
 The adverse land appear'd, and drawing near, 
 We moor'd the vessel, and came safe to shore. 
 
 " When in the temple from the rage of priests, 
 Who sought with stones to silence his reproofs, 
 He fearless pass'd, the threat'uing multitude
 
 128 IMMANUEL. PART VI. 
 
 Found their uplifted inurd'rous hands restraint: 
 No anger filPd his breast, his pitying eye 
 Beheld a man who from his mother's womb 
 Had ne'er perceiv'd the cheerful light of day ; 
 Some soften'd clay upon his darken'd orbs 
 He plac'd with tender touch, then bade the blind 
 To leave his darkness in Siloa's fount : 
 Joyful he thither went, and straightway saw, 
 "With wond'ring eyes, the busy scenes around. 
 
 ** But the pure water blushing into wine; 
 The money changers struck with panic fear; 
 The impotent restor'd to healthful pow'rs ; 
 The multitude refresh'd ; th' obedient waves 
 And winds that own'd his voice ; the rage of priests 
 B^estrain'd by pow'r divine ; the man born blind 
 Blest with the pow'rs of vision, speak His might, 
 In whom we trust, with fainter voice than thou, 
 O Lazarus, when rising from the tomb 
 Thou heardst the almighty sounds, " Come forth." 
 What though
 
 PART vr. JMMANUEL. 129 
 
 Thy putrefying limbs had lain four days 
 Within the darksome vault, whilst friends around 
 Bewail'd thine early death. What, tho' fair hope 
 Had fled the breast of Martha much belov'd, 
 And Mary all disconsolate remain'd, 
 Our Jesus came with sov'reign pow'r and grace, 
 He wept, He pray'd, then prov'd He was indeed 
 The resurrection, and the very life 
 Of mortal man. Thou didst indeed come forth, 
 EnWrapp'd in grave clothes, and bound hand and foot, 
 Which straight we loosen'd : many then believ'd 
 On him we ever lov'd ; though from that hour 
 The priests with ceaseless rage have sought his life. 
 Oh ! mayst thou long remain a monument 
 Of pow'r almighty, and thy sight forbid 
 The entrance of despair ! Shall not the Lord 
 Of Life and Glory burst the bars of death, 
 And shortly rise victorious from the tomb ? 
 Dry up thy tears, my mother, and behold 
 The Spirit of thy glorious Son ascend 
 To the bright throne of God. From thence he looks 
 s
 
 130 IMMAKUEL. PART TI. 
 
 Compassionate on all our heavy woes, 
 
 And calms our fearful hearts. Methinks, I hear 
 
 His voice, addressing us in accents soft : 
 
 ' Fear not, my little flock, it is my will 
 
 That to my kingdom ye should still he heirs, 
 
 And as my tribulation ye partake, 
 
 Ye too shall share my glory ; ye shall soon 
 
 Be with me where I am, no more to feel 
 
 The hitter malice of a sinful world ; 
 
 But heav'nly joys to prove and bliss supreme/ 
 
 Thus spake the lov'd disciple ; but no heart 
 Responded to his cheering words. In vain 
 He sought their sorrow to remove. They felt 
 Their brightest hopes extinguish'd. Tears and sighs. 
 Afresh were mingled ; scarcely articulate 
 The Mother of the Lord utter'd these words. 
 
 ** Oh, whither now, my son, would thy warm heart 
 Transport thy better judgment ? Thou well know'st, 
 He who was dearer than my own life's blood
 
 PART VI. IMMANUEL. 131 
 
 Lies in the silent tomb, a mangled corse. 
 
 As though forsaken of his God, in pain 
 
 Beyond the pow'r of mortal to sustain, 
 
 In woe unspeakable, he quitted life. 
 
 I niark'd each changing feature, heard each groan, 
 
 And saw his mental agony severe, 
 
 In ev'ry lineament of his divine, 
 
 And godlike countenance. No more I saw 
 
 No more I heard no more I felt till here, 
 
 Beneath thy hospitable roof, I found 
 
 Thy filial care had brought my helpless frame. 
 
 " Oh ! that I ne'er had heard the greeting voice 
 Of that bright messenger from Heav'n's high courts. 
 Angelic Gabriel. He call'd me blest, 
 And highly favour'd ; said, I should conceive 
 And bear a Son the Saviour; who would be 
 The Son of the most High; who shonld ascend 
 His father David's throne, and o'er the race 
 Of Jacob reign with everlastiug sway. 
 Sure 'twas not all delusion, and vain dream 
 12
 
 132 IMMANUEL. PART VI. 
 
 Of a weak -woman's brain ? The word he spake 
 Was soon fulfill'd. A virgin I conceiv'd, 
 And bore at Bethlehem my first-born son. 
 There shepherds who had watch'd their Hocks by 
 
 night, 
 Directed by angelic visions, came 
 To see the royal babe : for they had heard 
 A heav'nly messenger proclaim, ' Behold, 
 I bring to all glad tidings of great joy ; 
 To you is born this day the Saviour, Christ, 
 In David's city, wrapp'd in swaddling clothes, 
 His couch a manger, and the straw his bed.' 
 Then as he ended, there appear'd around 
 Celestial spirits, in sweet choruses, 
 Chanting their sacred song, ' Glory to God 
 Tn highest heav'ns be given, and on this earth 
 Henceforth be peace, and evermore good will 
 To sinful man.' These things the shepherds told, 
 AdorM the wondrous child ; then sought their flocks, 
 Wand'ring far off. And when the days were pass'd 
 By Moses' law requir'd, we took the babe
 
 PART VI. IMMANUEL. 133 
 
 Up to the temple, there to sacrifice 
 Our humble offering 1 , and to present 
 Our first-born 'fore the Lord : when lo ! we saw 
 The aged Simeon, holy and devout, 
 FilPd with the Spirit, (who to him reveal'd, 
 That, ere he died, his eyes should once behold 
 The Lord's Anointed and his Israel's hope.) 
 He coming, as we enter'd, took the child 
 Within his wither'd arms, and bless'd his God. 
 'Now Lord,' he said, ' in peace dismiss my soul, 
 Mine eyes have seen all that I long have sought, 
 And waited for, since first I knew thy name ; 
 Thy great salvation, which thou hast prepar'd 
 To bless the Gentile lands with heavenly light. 
 And glorify thy people Israel.' 
 ' Happy art thou, O Joseph,' then he said, 
 ' And thou his virgin Mother ; to whose care 
 God hath committed this his precious charge ; 
 But know, this child shall be the rise and fall 
 Of many in our land, shall be a mark 
 For contradiction and for vile reproach;
 
 184 IMMANUEL. PART VI. 
 
 Yea, through thy tender heart, a sword shall pierce, 
 "When all the ill that dwells within the breast 
 Of sinful man, shall through him be disclos'd.' 
 Whilst these mysterious words employ'd our 
 
 thoughts, 
 The holy man return'd the smiling babe ; 
 Then sank before our eyes. Calm and serene 
 His spirit took its joyful happy flight. 
 
 " Mysterious words ! my heart a sword has pierc'd, 
 Has made a breach which nothing here can heal. 
 The murd'rous thoughts of men liare been dis- 
 clos'd, 
 And I have known too well their deadly hate 
 'Gainst Truth and Innocence. Witness, ye babes, 
 In Bethlehem slaiu, and its adjoining coasts ; 
 Whilst mothers suffer'd more than mortal pangs, 
 Your cruel deaths beholding. Hamuli's streets 
 Then heard a doleful voice, weeping and woe ; 
 Her Rachaels mourning, bitterly bewail'd 
 Their darlings lost, and comfort still refus'd.
 
 PART IV. IMMANUEL. 135 
 
 " Such Herod's cruel rage, when from the East, 
 Led by a shining star, some sages came 
 To worship the meek babe, and offer gold 
 And frankincense. A tribute due, they said, 
 To Him whose boundless empire should extend 
 O'er distant Sheba, and the farthest isles ; 
 Whilst the fam'd ships of Tarshish from afar 
 Should bring his servants, laden with rich spoils, 
 To glorify the king of Israel ; 
 From Midian and from Ephah there should com* 
 Th' enduring camel and swift-footed beasts, 
 Bearing their offerings to the Holy One. 
 Kedar's inhabitants, and Nebaioth 
 Should minister to Him ; and as a cloud 
 Darkening the sky doth move, shifter than dove* 
 Returning to their well-known place of rest, 
 Should fly to Him all peoples and all tongues. 
 
 " They then departed, and waro'd by our God, 
 We took the child to Egypt's fruitful plains 
 Escaping Herod's murderous design ;
 
 136 , IMMANUEL. PART VI, 
 
 There gaily-innocent, his little sports 
 BeguiFd the tedious hours. Patient, I watch'd 
 The dawn of reason rising in his soul, 
 And, still delighted, view'd the union sweet 
 Of infancy and meekness all divine. 
 Simplicity and Truth were ever his, 
 Ready obedience to our known commands, 
 And quiet resignation to the ills 
 Which in our pilgrimage we underwent. 
 
 " But Herod was cut off, and we return'd, 
 Bearing our lovely charge to Nazareth. 
 There as he grew in stature, he increas'd 
 In heav'nly wisdom and in holy grace, 
 And grew in favour both with God and Man. 
 
 " Ah ! halcyon days, but they're forever fled, 
 Days when our humble dwelling did contain 
 AH that my heart desir'd ; when morning light 
 Awoke my much lov'd Joseph to his toil, 
 And Jesus by his side would then be seen,
 
 PART VI. IMMANUEL. 137 
 
 "With hands to useful labour still inur'd, 
 Earning our daily bread. Contentment prov'd 
 Our greatest blessing; whilst no wealth we sought, 
 But such as God bestow'd, firm health, and strength, 
 And hearts to him devote. The day we clos'd, 
 With fervent thanks for all his bounteous gifts, 
 And slept secure in his almighty love. 
 
 " Swift flew the happy minutes till twelve suns 
 Had run their annual course. Then to the feast, 
 The passover, we took the growing youth, 
 And told him all the wonders God had wrought, 
 When from Egyptian bondage he brought forth 
 His chosen tribes. Joyful he heard the tale; 
 And oft inquir'd with scrutinizing eye, 
 Why had not Israel to their Saviour held 
 With stedfast trust ? Why had they e'er forsook 
 His cov'nant, and his law ? We answer'd not, 
 But to the learned Rabbis led our son, 
 Wbo in the temple grave discussion held 
 On dark events foretold, and divers laws 
 
 T
 
 138 IMMANUEL. PART VI. 
 
 Which from tradition were of old received. 
 
 Docile he listen'd to their learned lore, 
 
 And much he questioned; whilst amaz'd they 
 
 heard 
 Such words of deep enquiry from his tongue. 
 
 " We with our friends, a num'rous company, 
 Pursu'd our journey home ; suppos'd our child 
 Was in the train ; hut when three days were past, 
 And we return'd to seek him, still we found, 
 Within the temple's sacred courts the youth 
 Surrounded by the doctors, and a throng, 
 Who with transporting wonder heard his words. 
 
 " My Son, I said, thy father and myself 
 Have sought thee sorrowing. Wherefore hast thou 
 
 thus 
 Repaid our anxious care V " Ah ! knew ye not 
 About my Father's business I must be," 
 He said with meek reply. And where should he 
 But in his lather's temple still be found ?
 
 PART VI. IMMANI7EL. 139 
 
 His heart, his soul, were evermore with God; 
 With God he pass'd the long laborious day, 
 With hiin he shar'd the night. And when to rest 
 Myself and younger children had retir'd, 
 Full oft we heard his fervent pray'r ascend 
 In sweet communion with his Father God. 
 Pray'r was his breath of life. Morning and eve, 
 And at noon-day, he pray'd ; and still with God 
 Held hourly converse. We with awe beheld 
 Such wondrous sanctity, yet tempered so 
 With charity benign as won all hearts. 
 
 " His younger brethren would he oft instruct 
 In wisdom's ways, and lead their youthful minds, 
 By contemplation of his works and word, 
 To know their great Creator, love his name, 
 And seek his pard'ning grace: and when, alas ! 
 .By dire disease I. lost my mate belov'd, 
 The pious Joseph; all a father's care 
 I found supplied by him, and all a son 
 Is call'd by fdial duty to perform. 
 T 2
 
 140 IMMANUEL. PART VI. 
 
 " But time pursu'd his course with hasty flight, 
 And thirty years were number'd since I first 
 Had call'd him by his heav'n-appointed name. 
 To manly stature grown, with soul matur'd, 
 And fraught with heav'nly wisdom, he appear'd 
 Fairer than men ; whilst I with ecstasy 
 And all a mother's heart (what could I less) 
 Beheld his form divine. Whate'er he spake, 
 Where'er he mov'd, or whatsoe'er he wrought, 
 ' Seem'd wisest, virtuosest, discreetest, best.' 
 Folly abash'd, before his presence sunk, 
 And Sin in all its forms would hide itself 
 From his convincing glance. And now cominenc'd 
 His publick course. He left our peaceful home, 
 And with an energy divine pursued 
 His great career : alas ! how soon to close. 
 
 " Ah ! why should I recount his mighty deeds ; 
 His zeal to prosecute his Father's work, 
 His days and nights depriv'd of soft repose, 
 Till Nature quite exhausted sank to rest :
 
 FART VI. IMMANUKL. 141 
 
 His daily food forgot, that he might do 
 The will of Him who sent him ; and bestow 
 On wretched mortals, health-restoring gifts, 
 And sanctifying grace. Ye all have seen 
 His wondrous works, his meek and lowly gait, 
 His tenderness of heart for those who mourn'd 
 Their sinful courses, whilst his stern reproof 
 Unmask'd the hypocrites to all around. 
 
 " But still the evil of man's heart appear'd. 
 Witness the country of the Gadarenes 
 When swine-feeders so earnestly besought 
 Him (whom a dev'lish legion had obey'd) 
 To quit their coasts, preferring filthy gain 
 To all his life-inspiring words and works. 
 Witness the city where we dwelt. He came, 
 And on the sabbath, as his custom was, 
 Enter'd the synagogue ; the sacred books 
 Within his hands the rev'rend elder plac'd ; 
 The volume he unroll'd, and found the words 
 Recorded by Isaiah, holy seer.
 
 142 IMMANUEL. PART VI. 
 
 * On me the Spirit of the Lord is shed, 
 Because he hath anointed me to preach 
 The Gospel to the poor, to heal the hearts 
 By sorrow broken, freedom to proclaim 
 To wretched captives, and recovery 
 
 Of sight to them who now in darkness sit; 
 To preach the welcome year of jubilee.' 
 The book he clos'd, and whilst all eyes were fix'd 
 In eager, mute attention he began. 
 
 * This very hour this scripture is fulfill'd ; 
 For I am he the prophet has foretold, 
 Who shall declare the purposes of grace, 
 And mercy of the everlasting God.' 
 
 " Whilst all appear'd astonish'd at his words, 
 A murmur through the great assembly rau, 
 ' Is not this Joseph's son ? the carpenter ! 
 Amongst us born ? how then can one so mean 
 Presume to speak thus highly of himself?' 
 And when (as well he knew their inmost thoughts,) 
 lie sought to prove their pride without excuse ;
 
 PART VI. IMMANUEL. 143 
 
 Enrag'd they thrust him from the synagogue ; 
 And to the mountain's brow whereon was built 
 The tow'ring city, hastily they brought 
 The passive victim of their cruel wrath 
 Thence headlong to cast down. Th'o'erhangingrock 
 Frown'd on the depth below, and threaten'd fate ; 
 But suddenly their hands let go their hold, 
 Restrain'd by pow'r divine, whilst he pass'd through 
 The gazing multitude, and went his way. 
 
 " And still whene'er he sought his glorious truths 
 divine 
 To fix upon their dark, benighted minds, 
 They hated him, and ever shunn'd the light, 
 "Which as from Heav'n with brightest splendor shone. 
 When at his mighty word the blind and dumb 
 Both spake and saw; when daemons heard, and fled 
 The wretched bodies they had long possess'd, 
 With harden'd folly they ascribed his works 
 To Beelzebub, the prince of Hell's dark pow'rs. 
 What could withstand such prejudice perverse ?
 
 144 IMMANUEL. PART VI. 
 
 He sigh'd in spirit for their wickedness, 
 And by strong arguments would fain convince 
 Their blinded minds of folly and of sin ; 
 Then solemnly forewarn'd them that the man 
 Who should blaspheme the Spirit's mighty pow'r 
 Hath ne'er forgiveness ; but eternal woe 
 Awaits his wretched soul. Yet all in vain, 
 His godlike works, his messages of peace, 
 His awful warnings, all in vain to men, 
 Who to the voice of wisdom and of truth, 
 Though ne'er before so sweetly charming heard, 
 No willing ear would lend, as adders deaf. 
 Inspir'd by hellish rage they songht his life, 
 And now by wicked hands have crucified 
 The son of David and th' Anointed King." 
 
 Again the sword of sorrow pierc'd her heart, 
 And Mary's voice expir'd in deepest sighs.
 
 IMMANUEL. 
 
 PART VII.
 
 IMMANUEL. 
 
 V h EN a beloved relative has sunk 
 In Death's cold arms, and left these earthly scenes ; 
 No hope, no comfort to our sorrowing breasts, 
 On this side the dark portal then appears. 
 With them we wish to gain a happier clime, 
 Where friends ne'er part, and sorrow never comes. 
 But should the tender hand of Sympathy 
 Our tears remove, whilst with her soothing voice 
 She speaks the virtues of the friend we mourn ; 
 Our hearts are mov'd, we listen to the tale, 
 Live o'er again the happy, blissful time 
 We once had known when by their presence blest; 
 U 2
 
 148 IMMANUEL. PART VII. 
 
 And fancy that we see our eye's desire 
 Again before us stand. 
 
 So did the friends 
 Of Jesus find some solace, whilst they heard 
 The virgin mother or her foster-son 
 Record his glorious works, and gracious words. 
 All, save the wretched Peter. He with groans, 
 And deepest grief, receiv'd each cheering word. 
 " Oh! what to me the history of his deeds?" 
 He sighing said ; " each word inflicts a wound 
 In my perturbed conscience. I forsook 
 My Lord and Master in his utmost need, 
 Denied with oaths and curses him I lov'd, 
 Whilst with a pitying look he scarce reproach'd 
 My base ingratitude. Not half so keen, 
 A dagger to my wretched heart had been, 
 As that majestic, mercy-beaming eye, 
 Which then from Pilate's bar arrested mine. 
 For I had seen his wonder-working pow'r, 
 When on the Galilean lake we toil'd.
 
 PART VII. IMMANUEL. 149 
 
 Ye sons of Zebedee, and Andrew too 
 (My brother and my ever constant friend), 
 Ye help'd to bring the burden'd net to shore. 
 And then with me forsook our gainful toil, 
 To follow our lov'd Lord. 
 
 " For I had known 
 His heart compassionate for those distress'd ; 
 When the sick mother of my dear Kezia 
 Was to her couch confined by fever's rage ; 
 How with a voice divine the plague he stay'd, 
 And health infus'd through every beating vein, 
 So that she instantly arose, and serv'd 
 With ready active limbs and grateful heart. 
 
 . " And I had witness'd the o'erpow'ring scene, 
 When Tabor's mount became the mount of God 
 As thither he retir'd apart to pray. 
 How with refulgent lustre he appear'd, 
 Than lightning more resplendent, whilst his robes 
 Shone white and dazzling, such as ne'er on earth
 
 150 IMMANUEL. PART VII. 
 
 The fuller's art would strive to imitate. 
 
 More glorious than the sun in noon-day strength, 
 
 His countenance with heav'nly brightness beam'd. 
 
 Two other forms we saw in radiant robes, 
 
 "With whom he held long converse, as they spake 
 
 Of his decease, which at Jerusalem 
 
 He shortly should accomplish. Moses one, 
 
 "Who led his people out from Egypt's land, 
 
 And Pharaoh's cruel bondage. He who gave 
 
 The law to Israel ; and with him stood 
 
 He who restor'd the long neglected law, 
 
 Elijah, zealous for the Lord his God. 
 
 And whilst they spake we felt a heav'nly calm, 
 
 (Ye, James and John, were witnesses with me) 
 
 A peace of mind possess'd our ev'ry pow'r, 
 
 Which the world knows not, and can ne'er bestow. 
 
 * Lord it is good here evermore to dwell; 
 
 O let us make,' we said, commodious tents 
 
 For thee and these great prophets.' This we spake 
 
 Not knowing what to say or how address 
 
 The glorious form then present to our view.
 
 PART VII. IMMANUEL. 151 
 
 But as we spake a bright, overshadowing cloud 
 From Heaven descended and envelop'd us, 
 Whilst we astonish'd, heard a voice proclaim 
 From out the midst: ' Behold, my son belov'd, 
 In whom my soul delighteth ! Hear ye him/ 
 O'erwhelm'd with awful dread we prostrate fell. 
 Th' Almighty words resounded in our ears, 
 And GlTd our hearts with terror and dismay. 
 Our spirits sank within us, till the Lord 
 With gentle voice recall'd our scatter'd thoughts, 
 And bade us fear not whilst by him sustain'd. 
 Around we cast our eyes and saw none near, 
 Save Jesus in his customary garb. 
 
 " Oh how could I neglect his warning words. 
 When with a rash, intemp'rate zeal, I cried, 
 Though all men should deny thee I will not. 
 With his prophetic spirit he foresaw 
 Ere the cock crew I should deny him thrice ; 
 That Satan soon would sift my wav'ring faith, 
 And find me wanting, * But I'll pray for thee,
 
 152 IMMANUEL. PART VII. 
 
 (With love divine, be said) that thy weak faitli 
 
 Be strengthen'd by thy fall.' Oh, how can T 
 
 In Heav'n, or earth, e'er meet my Lord again ? 
 
 With Judas the curs'd traitor, I deserve 
 
 To have my wretched lot. O let me weep, 
 
 Till in forgetfulness I lose my woe. 
 
 Break, break, my heart; dissolve my very soul, 
 
 Nor dare to think of him thou hast denied." 
 
 Thus Simon bitterly bewail'd his crime, 
 
 Till sorrow chok'd his utterance, and he ceas'd 
 
 To speak his mighty grief. 
 
 But now a voice, 
 In accents scarcely human, fast arrests 
 The hush'd assembly's rais'd attentive ears. 
 Lazarus of pallid hue, and look serene, 
 (Who to the world of spirits seem'd allied, 
 Though in this lower ^sphere he still remain'd) 
 With heav'nly grace and dignity arose, 
 And thus pour'd forth, in tones celestial, 
 The warm emotions of his faithful heart.
 
 PART VII. IMMANUEL. 153 
 
 " Followers of Jesus ! at that sacred name, 
 Let hopeless sorrow cease to agonize 
 Your troubled breasts. Let lively hope disperse 
 Your sad desponding fears. What, though'the tomb 
 In its dark mansion hold His dear remains ; 
 In Heaven He lives and reigns. He fills all space, 
 And with his energy divine pervades 
 The vast creation. This to me was shewn, 
 When from this frame corporeal I was call'd, 
 To taste the pure delights of souls in Heaveu; 
 Nor, till this moment, have I e'er reveal'd, 
 (For so was I enjoin'd) the glorious truths 
 To my enraptur'd spirit then made known; 
 But now the time is come, when in your ears, 
 I am permitted to recount the scenes 
 (To mortal pow'rs o'erwhelining) I pass'd through, 
 In my short sojourn to the world of bliss. 
 
 *' Scarce had my body, worn by sore disease, 
 Its final, quiv'ring, struggle made with death, 
 x
 
 > 
 
 154 IMMANUEL. PART VII. 
 
 Ere half dislodg'd, my soul no longer felt 
 
 Its sympathy with pain, from snfPring freed ; 
 
 But when its full escape from flesh was made, 
 
 I felt new powers, new energies commence, 
 
 New being, and a latent, conscious glow 
 
 Of spiritual life. All eye, all ear, 
 
 All intellect, I cast a glauce around ; 
 
 Saw my beloved sisters o'er my corpse 
 
 Their lamentations pouring, and with tears 
 
 Bedewing the still form : heard them complain, 
 
 Oh, why did Jesus tarry ? had he come 
 
 Their brother had not died ; and when I sought 
 
 Some consolation to administer 
 
 To their afflicted minds, surprized, I found 
 
 My words upon their ears no sound would leave. 
 
 But whilst in short suspense my soul was held 
 
 What course it should pursue, a lovely form 
 
 Clear as the dew-drops sparkling in the sun, 
 
 In robes of light and heavenly splendor dress'd, 
 
 Approach'd my new-born spirit, and with grac 
 
 Unknown 'mongst mortals, thus accosted me."
 
 PART VII. IMMANUEL. 155 
 
 ' O Lazarus ! beloved of thy God, 
 I welcome thee into this better world. 
 No stranger am I to the pious course 
 Thou hast through life pursued ; thy pray'rs and alms 
 Have been accepted at the throne of grace, 
 And shall remain a sweet memorial 
 Of thy strong faith, till that dread, solemn day, 
 When quick and dead to judgment shall arise. 
 Thy guardian angel, I, have watch'd thy growth 
 From tender infancy to years mature; 
 Have oft suppress'd the vain desires of youth, 
 Restrain'd its wild career, and led thee safe 
 Through shoals, and quicksands, and thehidden rocks, 
 "Which in the stream of life are ever found. 
 Rejoic'd, I saw thee lay aside the weight 
 Of earthly cares, and put thy trust in Him 
 Who careth for thee, and hath well supplied 
 Thine ev'ry want ; hath crown'd thy life with good, 
 And giv'n thee now to taste His love divine. 
 O happy JLazarus ! with whom the Lord, 
 The great Messiah, oft hath held converse, 
 X2
 
 15 TMMANUEL. PART VII. 
 
 And all a brother's love hath shewn to thee. 
 By him commission'd, I must still attend 
 Thy sep'rate spirit, and accompany 
 Thy disembodied being in its range 
 From scenes terrene, to that bright seat of bliss 
 Where all the faithful dwell; whence thou indeed 
 Must, ere five suns encompass this dark earth, 
 Return, and for a stated period dwell 
 With man again, thy mortal form assume, 
 And live a monument of pow'r divine.' 
 
 " Bless'd angel, I replied, to whose kind care 
 Committed from my birth, mj' wand'ring soul 
 Owes its return to paths of peace and joy, 
 Accept my grateful thanks for all thy love. 
 And still be thou my guide; conduct my feet 
 (No longer to this lower sphere confin'd) 
 Where'er thou art appointed. What He wills, 
 Who did commission thee, is ever best 
 But if consistent with his gracious mind, 
 O take me where I may behold his face,
 
 PART Til. IMMANUEL. 167 
 
 Admire bis wond'rous acts of love and poVr, 
 And Lear his words of everlasting truth." 
 
 'Well dost thou speak,' he said, 'but know, 
 O Man, 
 That not to human form confin'd, the Sou 
 Of the most High dwells not ou earth alone; 
 He fdls all nature, but peculiarly 
 In faithful breasts takes up bis residence. 
 Such as in ages past have been discharg'd 
 From the great conflict waged with Sin and Death, 
 And victors through his own almighty pow'r. 
 Are seated in the happy realms above. 
 
 ' Know, that as yonder glorious orb of day, 
 In its circumference of light and heat, 
 Embodied meets thine eye, and in that space 
 Appears confin'd ; but darts its quick'ning beams 
 And life-inspiring warmth through circling worlds, 
 Whilst evVy atom owns its kindly pow'r, 
 And each revolving system feels its sway :
 
 158 IMMANUEL. PART VII. 
 
 So doth the Sun of Righteousness impart 
 
 To the whole universe its life and bliss. 
 
 This whirling planet, and yon rolling spheres 
 
 In various order moving, speak His might 
 
 Who all sustains ; shines in the solar blaze ; 
 
 " Tempests tbe ocean ;" calms the surging waves ; 
 
 With his loud thunders shakes the solid earth ; 
 
 Or in a milder form betrays his pow'r, 
 
 Where vegetation to thy charmed eye 
 
 Reveals the high-wrought workmanship of God. 
 
 But chief his wisdom, and his glory shine 
 
 In being intellectual, whereof Man 
 
 Doth most display his attributes divine. 
 
 His gracious dealings with offending Man 
 
 Angels still search into, but fathom not ; 
 
 Still they adore the mystery of God, 
 
 And to the heritors of heav'nly grace, 
 
 Daily administer. On thee I wait, 
 
 First to conduct thee through these lower spheres, 
 
 Inform thee of some further truths conceal'd 
 
 From those who still in mortal flesh remain,
 
 fART VII. IMMANUEL. 159 
 
 Then up to Heav'n's high courts to lead thy feet; 
 Where for a time permitted thou wilt he 
 To gaze in ecstasy, and lose thyself 
 In uncreated bliss.' 
 
 " Angelic lore 
 Beam'd from his face of hue celestial. 
 As thus he spake, and o'er my spirit cast 
 A shining robe of colours ' dipt in heav'n.' 
 He then for flight prepar'd his pendent wings, 
 And bade me follow in his airy course. 
 I rose, and found no obstacle from beams 
 Or rafterM roof. My buoyant spirit mov'd 
 Where'er my will directed, and my guide 
 Resplendent led me on. Lov'd Bethany 
 We left, and o'er Jerusalem's strong tow'rs 
 In a short moment pass'd. The temple rose 
 In solemn earthly grandeur 'fore our eyes. 
 * Here let us stay awhile,' the angel said, 
 ' And view the busy scene. See, yonder sit 
 Some learned Rabbis, conning o'er the law, 
 And rend'ring vain its penalties and force
 
 160 1MMANUEL. PART VII. 
 
 By their traditions, laying heavy weights 
 
 On others' shoulders, whilst themselves hear not 
 
 The smallest hurden : their whole aim to know 
 
 The art of making men subservient 
 
 To their low interests, and selfish views. 
 
 ' Behold that Pharisee with solemn gait, 
 Approaching the interior holy place. 
 Hear his proud boast of services perform'd, 
 Of fasts, and tithes, and freedom from all crime. 
 No hard extortioner, nor e'er unjust ; 
 From foul adultery free, he ne'er has sinn'd 
 Like yonder publican, who sighing stands 
 At humble distance, smiting on his breast, 
 And all his pray'r, O God, be merciful 
 To me a sinner vile. See how that suit 
 Acceptance finds, wafted to Heav'n's high courts 
 By yon angelic spirit, whilst the man 
 Who boasts his righteousness, no grace attends; 
 But on his proud presumptuous heart recoils. 
 Without Heav'n's blessing, the vain sacrifice 
 Of base hypocrisy.
 
 PART VII. IMMANUEL. 161 
 
 ' Now mark the place, 
 The treasury call'd, where many rich men cast 
 Their ostentatious gifts. The heavy gold 
 Falls on the shining heap, and sounding, draws 
 The rous'd attention of the passers-by. 
 But here comes one with feeble gait, and slow, 
 Leaning upon her staff, and scarcely finds 
 Admittance through the pressing, busding throng : 
 At length the steps she gains, and cheerfully 
 Casts in two mites, the pittance she had earn'd 
 By a day's labour of her aged hands. 
 Tis all her littie store, and well content 
 The day without her daily food to pass, 
 So that she may devote to Him she lov'd 
 A token of her humble gratitude. 
 Her God, her Saviour, graciously accepts 
 The offering of her heart, and marks the gift 
 With his divine regard. 
 
 ' But now the priests 
 With busy hands prepare a sacrifice, 
 
 Y
 
 162 IMMANUEL. |ART VII| 
 
 That morning offer'd 'fore the temple's porch. 
 Unconscious of its fate, the rampant beast 
 Receives its death-wound, and the gushing life 
 Flows out apace. The quiv'ring limbs, 
 And reeking inwards in due order plac'd, 
 Upon the sacred altar are consum'd 
 By hallow'd fire. The multitude around, 
 Without the fear of God, by custom rul'd, 
 Offer the vain oblation. Angels stand 
 To watch if any contrite heart be found, 
 And bear its humble breathings to the throne 
 Of him, who ever hears the pray'r of faith, 
 And watch almost in vain. The Publican 
 With penitential tears alone appear'd, 
 Whilst Scribes and Pharisees with harden'd hearts 
 Trusting in their own merits find no grace.' 
 
 " My guide then led me from the temple's walls : 
 Through the mid air we pass'd the city's din, 
 And steer'd our course, beyond where Jordan rolls 
 Its yellow streams, to Bethabara's town.
 
 PART VII. IMMANUEL. IG'.i 
 
 There Jesus taught, and ye, my much-lov'd friends, 
 With pleasure listen'd to his heav'nly truths. 
 When suddenly intelligence arriv'd 
 Of my decease. We saw, as we approach'd, 
 Your sympathising tears, and heard the Lord 
 Declare his firm resolve to brave all risk 
 Of danger from the foes who sought his life 
 That he might go to Bethany and wake 
 His sleeping friend. Devoted Thomas too 
 We heard address his faithful brethren, 
 ' Let us, to death, accompany our Lord t 
 But whilst the charming appellation " Friend" 
 Pronounc'd hy Jesus, thrilPd my very soul, 
 And your devoted love rejoic'd my heart, 
 Oh ! how shall I describe th' amazing scene 
 Which to my spiritual sight appear'd. 
 In human form the Deity I saw 
 Resplendent heaming in diverging rays 
 Around the godlike man ; compar'd with whom 
 Yon sun that sheds its light o'er distant worlds 
 Sinks into shade, and darkness self becomes. ' 
 
 Y 2
 
 164 IMMANUEL. *ART VII. 
 
 I lov'd, and yet ador'd, and prostrate fell 
 Before his glorious presence. At his word, 
 My bright conductor his assistance gave, 
 And strengthen^ me to stand before his face. 
 Nor let me e'er forget the kind embrace 
 With which he then receiv'd my trembling soul. 
 My friend and brother he still call'd himself. 
 Confirm'd his love divine, and fill'd my soul 
 And all its pow'rs with ecstacy of joy. 
 
 1 Now take thy flight to yonder heav'ns/ he said, 
 ' And view the mansions of eternal bliss ; 
 Then back to earth return, and a few days 
 Sojourn in flesh again ; but hide these things 
 Within thy breast, until the Son of Man 
 Beneath the silent tomb shall be interr*d.' 
 I comprehended not this mystery, 
 But to his word obedient, prepaid 
 With my angelic guide to seek Heav'n's gates. 
 We travers'd sea and land, and in our course 
 Full oft we met departing human soul*
 
 PART VII. IMMANUEL. 105 
 
 Who (save a few) sad lamentation made 
 
 For sins committed in their short career. 
 
 And fearful looking-for of fiery wrath. 
 
 We heard, almost dismay 'd, blaspheming tongues 
 
 Cursing the pow'r that into being brought 
 
 Their wretched souls, themselves exculpating ; 
 
 Though deaf to all the forcible appeals 
 
 Of reason, truth, and conscience, they had sinn'd. 
 
 Angels of darkness hurried them away 
 
 From this fair earth to regions of the damn'd. 
 
 Where they await the solemn judgment day. 
 
 But to the seat of th' heav'nly paradise 
 At length arriv'd, we gladly now beheld 
 A long successive train of spirits pur 
 Who sought admittance to that blest abode. 
 Some from all people, nations, kindreds, tongues, 
 From East, and West, and North, and Southern 
 
 climes, 
 Who trusting in th' Almighty Father's grace, 
 Had strength received to work out righteousness.
 
 166 IMMANUEL. PART VII. 
 
 But chiefly infant souls increas'd the throng, 
 Releas'd from their probation, ere begun 
 Their conflict with temptation. Angels led 
 The happy young immortals to the gates 
 Glittering with orient gems. No flaming sword 
 Appear'd to guard the ready op'ning doors; 
 But narrow was the portal, and we pass'd 
 In silent order through the finite bound 
 Of hoary Time, and instantly commenced 
 Our entrance on a blest Infinity. 
 Pure was the region : bath'd in heav'nly bliss, 
 My soul acquir'd a vigour ne'er conceiv'd 
 By mortal man; else had astonishment 
 Seiz'd ev'ry faculty, and render'd vain 
 Tbe wondrous grace of our Redeemer God. 
 
 " A far extended plain first met our view, 
 Boundless on either hand ; whilst in the midst 
 Arose a city, tow'ring high, and built 
 On firm foundations, which proclaim'd around 
 Its maker and its architect divine.
 
 part vii. niMwrn, 107 
 
 Each quarter fronted with a wall secure, 
 Three gates presented form'd of silvVy pearl. 
 The city's height, and tar continuous length, 
 And spreading breadth were equal. Mansions high, 
 Reaching from midmost to the highest heav'ns, 
 (Twelve thousand furlongs by an angel's reed) 
 Form'd streets celestial. Jasper and gold 
 Clearer than glassy chrystal ; precious stones, 
 Sapphire, and emerald, and amethyst ; 
 Sardonix, chrysolite, and sardius 
 In rich abundance shed their living light 
 Throughout the place, in beauteous order rang'd. 
 Nor light of suu was needed, nor of moon 
 Reflecting his bright beams ; for there did shine 
 The brightness of the glory of the Lord, 
 Surpassing all created light, as Heav'n 
 Surpasses earth. The blest inhabitants, 
 For ever freed from sorrow and from sin, 
 Secure from all assault of adverse pow'rs, 
 Still in increasing rapture pass'd the hours.
 
 168 IMMANUEL. PART VII. 
 
 " Forth from the city, through its shining gates, 
 Full oft the thronging multitude would press, 
 And spread o'er all the plain, would seek its heights, 
 Or hide within the groves of heav'nly trees, 
 Yielding sweet umbrage ; to the tuneful sounds 
 Of minstrel harpers, utt'ring songs divine 
 In sweetest praises to redeeming Love, 
 Delighted listen, and with grateful tongues 
 The swelling chorus join. My angel guide 
 With joy, (the joy of spirits and the blest) 
 Conducted me to one of these retreats; 
 Where from a soul of late arriv'd from earth, 
 A company select were met to learn 
 Some tidings of the great Messiah's course. 
 
 1 Behold,' he said, * thine earthly sire, who hears, 
 Transported with parental joy, that oft 
 The Son of God hath visited thine house, 
 And lov'd thee as a friend : then further look , 
 And watch that happy spirit who seems rapt 
 In ecstacy, and pours out thanks to God.
 
 PART VII. IMMANUEL. 1C 
 
 Tis thy beloved Tirzah, she to whom 
 Thy soul was knit in bonds of purest love, 
 Snatch'd from tby dear embrace, and hither brought 
 By grace divine, to taste the bliss of Ileav'n. 
 To her will I now lead thee, and with her 
 Will leave thy joyful spirit. From her lips, 
 More pleas'd wilt thou the grateful knowledge learn 
 Of this blest state. I shortly shall return 
 To guide thee back to earth.' He said, and swift, 
 Conducted by his hand, I flew to meet, 
 With warmest salutation, my belov'd, 
 Who had espied my coming. O'er her form, 
 Bright with celestial beauty, I had gaz'd 
 E'en till this moment, lost in rapt'rous love ; 
 But that my guardian with his voice recall'd 
 My scarce collected thoughts. ' O Tirzah, take,' 
 He smiling said, ' thy much Iov'd Lazarus, 
 And teach him how to tread the courts of Heav'n. 
 For a small interval he is allow'd 
 To traverse these bright regions, then return 
 To yonder earth, and, for a season, dwell 
 z
 
 170 IMMANUEL. PART VII. 
 
 In mortal flesh again; but in due time 
 
 Shall he re-enter this blest paradise, 
 
 And dwell forever in his Saviour's love.' 
 
 Thus spake my guide, then wing'dhis shining course 
 
 To highest heaven, and sought the throne of God." 
 
 Here John with interposing voice address'd 
 The list'ning, mute assembly. '* Friends," he said, 
 " Already is the day far spent, and now 
 Your strength exhausted some refreshment needs. 
 Behold some bread and wine, 'tis all my store. 
 I pray thee, Laz'rus, take thy portion first, 
 And for a moment stay thy wond'rous tale. 
 Then, with recruited pow'rs, thy lov'd discourse 
 Shall be resum'd." He said, and each (with thanks 
 To Him who spread their table with blest food, 
 And still provided for their daily wants) 
 Partook in turn the temperate repast.
 
 
 IMMANUEL. 
 
 PART VIII. 
 
 z2
 
 I31MANUEL. 
 
 iMoR eye hath seen, nor mortal ear hath heard. 
 Nor busy thoughts of man have e'er conceiv'd 
 The joys of that celestial abode, 
 Prepar'd of God for those who love the Son. 
 
 Our earthly habitation must dissolve, 
 Mortal become immortal and divine, 
 Ere we can comprehend the infinite 
 Of Love, surpassing all created ken, 
 And bounded only by Eternity, 
 Reserv'd for rebel Man, reclaimed by Grace.
 
 174 IMMANUEL. PART VIII. 
 
 Yet even here some shining rays have heam'd 
 From those pure regions, seats of heav'nly hliss ; 
 He who from highest Heaven came down, de- 
 clares 
 That in that house built by th' Eternal hands, 
 Are many mansions, where the just reside, 
 Where Abr'am and a num'rous faithful race 
 Securely rest, sever'd by gulf profound 
 (Impassable and fathomless its depth) 
 From the dread pit of endless misery. 
 
 The new Jerusalem in radiant tints, 
 To thy supernal vision once appear'd, 
 Apocalyptic John. Nor yet to thee, 
 Converted Paul, when in thy rapid flight 
 To the third canopy celestial 
 Thou passedst once, caught up by pow'r divine, 
 "Was it denied to see that blest abode ; 
 Which made thee long to quit this mortal state, 
 And be for ever with thy Lord ador'd.
 
 PART VIII. IMMANUEL 175 
 
 Unutterable is the bliss of Heav'n. 
 Nor John, nor Paul, nor Laz'rus could express 
 To mortal ears the sense of joys divine, 
 Which like a sea in waves of pleasure rolls. 
 And lifts each soul to unimagin'd heights 
 Of rapturous ecstacy. But some faint lines 
 (Enlighlen'd by thy beams, eternal Truth !) 
 I fain would trace, and strive to represent. 
 In earthly terms, the heav'nly colloquy, 
 Which Laz'rus with his much lov'd Tirzah held. 
 
 The hasty meal dispatch'd , with anxious looks, 
 Nor yet consol'd, nor quite disconsolate, 
 The sorrowing assembly turn'd to him, 
 The friend of Jesus stil'd. With eye benign 
 He saw the mute request, and thus began. 
 
 " I cannot to your mortal sense describe 
 The heav'nly transports of the blest above. 
 My Tirzab, and my sire rever'd, receiv'd 
 With kindred love my angel-guided soul.
 
 176 IMMANUEL. PART VIII. 
 
 Nor yet to them confin'd, the sacred bliss, 
 (Such as is felt throughout the courts of Heav'n 
 O'er each repentant sinner) fill'd the breasts 
 Of all who sat around, and heard the words 
 Of my conductor. In their fond embrace 
 My sire and Tirzah held me ; till at length 
 These words from Simeon came. Welcome, my 
 
 son, " 
 My Lazarus, in whom a father's heart 
 Hath long since sought its dearest earthly joy ; 
 Welcome to this blest state of heav'nly rest.' 
 Then Tirzah with a voice of sweetest sound, 
 ' And art thou here arriv'd, my friend?' she said, 
 ' Whose converse oft on earth hath rais'd my hopes 
 To this abode of innocence and peace, 
 And made me wish the happy moment near 
 That should release my soul to earth confin'd, 
 And bring me to my God. Yet oh ! how faint, 
 Our highest, best, conceptions when coinpar'd 
 With the bright glories that are here display'd. 
 Behold these happy spirits round thee plac'd ;
 
 PART VIII. IMMANUEL. 177 
 
 With ardent joy, they hail thy late release 
 
 From yonder sinful world, and welcome thee 
 
 Into this blissful state. But that thy fate 
 
 Forbids thee here to rest, they now would learn 
 
 From thee, O highly favour'd Lazarus ! 
 
 The history of our lov'd Immanuel. 
 
 In Him is all our bliss, and Him to know, 
 
 Is our eternal life. Soon shall thy feet 
 
 Revisit these celestial plains. Thy lips 
 
 Shall then recount the wonders thou hast seen. 
 
 But now obedient to the angel's word, 
 
 I will attend tliy steps through these blest courts, 
 
 And shew thee heav'nly joys.' She said, and rais'd 
 
 Her beauteous form above the circling throng. 
 
 Seizing my hand, she led me through the groves 
 
 Of heav'nly trees, distilling sacred sweets, 
 
 And life-inspiring fragrance. In our course, 
 
 Full oft we met some spirit, or from earth, 
 
 Or some remoter world of late arriv'd ; 
 
 But still from earth, in brightness, all excell'd, 
 
 And holy lustre. 
 
 A A
 
 178 IMMANUEL. PART VIII. 
 
 " Whence, my Tirzah, say, 
 Are earth's inhabitants so highly blest? 
 I wond'ring cried. * Oh Lazarus !' she said, 
 The cause of thine astonishment is that 
 Which still in human minds creates surprise, 
 When first they enter this blest paradise. 
 Behold what God hath wrought! and hence- 
 forth know 
 That in the righteousness of Christ array'd, 
 Each soul appears so dazzling in thy sight. 
 No longer servants, but the sons of God, 
 Joint heirs of bliss with his eternal Son, 
 Rescu'd from depths of Hell, and rais'd to sit 
 On everlasting thrones, judging the pow'rs, 
 Who still rebel against his sov'rcign will. 
 
 ' See yonder spirit, happy in his God, 
 (From the huge four-moon'd circling orb he comes) 
 He ne'er has known the bitter pangs of death, 
 The sorrows of a wounded, broken heart,
 
 PART VIII. IMMANUEL. 1*9 
 
 Th' appalling sentence of eternalwoe, 
 Denounc'd by Justice on his guilty head : 
 Nor has he known, what far surpasses all 
 That angels or arch-angels comprehend, 
 The love of God to sinful, guilty Man. 
 For pardon is the least we havB obtain'd ; 
 To heights of holy joy thou niayst aspire, 
 Boundless as is the bliss of Deity: 
 And now to God allied (by grace divine 
 Of Him who bears the curse for guilty man), 
 Nor height, nor depth, nor intervening breadth, 
 Nor pow'rs of earth, or Heav'u, or Hell can part 
 Our happy souls from his all-conq/ring Love. 
 
 ' Then taste and take thy fill at that pure stream, 
 "Which from the throne of God doth ever flow, 
 Perennial joys dispensing through these plains, 
 And raptures, which redeemed souls alone 
 Are privileg'd to know. Thro' these bright scats, 
 And blooming verdant groves it pours its course; 
 A A 2
 
 180 IMMANUEL. PART VIII. 
 
 But yonder city in the midst contains 
 Its vast receptacle, Love infinite 
 Ineffable by tongue of mortal man. 
 Thine eyes shall soon behold the wondrous scene ;' 
 She said, and straight we reach'd the tow'ring wall, 
 Enter'd a pearly gate, and saw around, 
 On either side, a thronging multitude, 
 Such as no man could number of the blest ; 
 Their stedfast eyes beheld the heav'nly light, 
 Reflected in a thousand varied forms, 
 v Which shone with glorious lustre all around : 
 The sacred beams of Majesty, and Truth, 
 And Love, and Holiness, which circling shed 
 From the Shekinah of th' Omnipotent, 
 Tlie great mysterious Three-One, their rays, 
 All glorious as their thought-surpassing source. 
 There they behold, and wonder, and adore ; 
 Whilst each increase in heav'nly bliss prepares 
 Their pow'rs enlarging, to receive new joys 
 In endless, large fruition. Nor to them, 
 Is it denied a grateful intercourse 
 With saints in ages long since hither come.
 
 PART VIII. IMMANUEL. 181 
 
 4 To Adam, first of men, and consort Eve, ' 
 (Thus spake my Tirzah in my list'ning ears); 
 To Abel, niartyr'd by a brother's hands; 
 Enoch, who never felt death's icy grasp, 
 But chang'd his mortal for immortal robes, 
 And with his body gloriOed partakes 
 That high distinction with two other saints : 
 Moses, who gave the Law, and him, the seer 
 So zealous for the glory of his God, 
 Elijah, rapt from earth by flaming steeds. 
 Securely plac'd within a fiery car ; 
 To Noah, who beheld a delug'd world, 
 The first great wreck of nature, yet surviv'd 
 That day of retribution, and of wrath ; 
 To Abraham, name rever'd by all who since 
 Like him have pass'd on earth a pilgrim life, 
 Seeking to gain this city of our God; 
 By faith still guided, and at God's command 
 Forsaking all, and bursting e'en the ties 
 Which strongest twine around the human heart, 
 When with uplifted arm, a fatal stroke
 
 182 1MMANUEL. PART VIII. 
 
 He aim'd at his beloved Isaac's breast; 
 To David, would I lead thy willing feet, 
 Whose heav'nly strains excel his earthly songs, 
 And warm our hearts whilst we th' Eternal praise ; 
 "Whose harp mellifluous sounds o'er all the plain, 
 Harmonious with the high angelic choir; 
 But that his greater Son thou hast so late 
 Seen with thine eyes, and heard his gracious words. 
 
 ' Oh bliss unspeakable ! what joy to know 
 The great Supreme in lowly, human form, 
 Casting aside his awful majesty, , 
 Submitting to be born of Mary's womb, 
 Obedient to an earthly parent's rule, 
 Laborious servant to ungrateful man, 
 The friend of sinners, and a sacrifice 
 For, what his righteous soul abhorreth, Sin. 
 Thou canst but love thy Maker, and thy God : 
 Thy friend, and brother, now he calls himself, 
 And values e'en thy small return of Love. 
 No longer then will I detain thee here,
 
 PART VIII. IMMANUEL. 183 
 
 The brightest glories of these heav'nly courts. 
 AVill fade before the beauties of his face. 
 See, yonder comes thy kind angelic guide, 
 To reconduct thee where thou mayst behold 
 The great Immanuel, imbibe his truths, 
 Grow in his heav'nly grace, and imitate 
 His virtues all divine. Go then, and quit 
 This tow'ring city, whose gem'd palaces 
 Shall be ere long thy blest secure abode. 
 Then shall we never part, but as on earth 
 Our souls by sympathy together join'd, 
 Each other s joys partook ; so will our bliss, 
 United in the bonds of heav'nly love, 
 Inseparable be through endless years.' 
 
 " Thus spake my Tirzah, and her dear adieu 
 Long sounded in mine ears. I quickly pass'd 
 The heav'nly barrier, and enter'd earth, 
 Attended by my guide. To Bethany, 
 Attracted by resistless energy, 
 Swift on the rapid wings of thought I flew.
 
 184 IMMANUEL. PART VIII. 
 
 Ye know the sequel. At the solemn words, 
 JLaz'rus come forth,' my spirit join'd its clay, 
 And rising from the tomb, aloud proclaim'd 
 His energy divine, who call'd me forth. 
 
 " E'er since that hour, my happy lot hath been 
 Still to attend His steps, and note the words 
 Of wisdom infinite, and sov'reign grace. 
 Oh then for ever trust your gracious Lord, 
 And heav'nly joys partake. For me, I go 
 Ere long to find my Saviour, and my God, 
 Where he shall reign supreme, and glorious sit 
 At the right hand of majesty on high. 
 Know that this day of horror, and of woe, 
 Hath rous'd e'en heav'nly spirits, and the souls 
 In paradise (permitted by their God 
 To visit earth,) have view'd the dreadful scene, 
 Our eyes have witness'd.' Midst the blessed throng 
 My Tirzah came, and hath reveal'd to me 
 That ere to-morrow dawn, I shall rejoin 
 The glorious company of saints abovr."
 
 PART VIII. IMMANUEL. 185 
 
 Thus Laz'rus spake, a heav'nly hue o'erspread 
 His raptur'd countenance, his hands he rais'd, 
 As if to Heav'n, then vanish'd from tlieir sight 
 
 The dawn indeed approach'd, 'twas midnight's 
 hour; 
 But heedless of the time, the company 
 Of friends, and follow'rs of The CruciGed, 
 Their eager, mute attention had bestow 'd 
 Upon the wondrous tale. Scarce could they trust 
 Their senses thus surprised, and question'd much, 
 If some illusion had not pass'd their eyes, 
 Or list'ning ears. Faith, Hope, and Fear by turns 
 Possess'd their wav'ring minds. By one consent, 
 At length they bow the knee, whilst John Belov'd 
 Pour'd out before their Father, and their God, 
 Their humble supplications. Now they sought 
 His counsel to direct their doubtful path ; 
 Now they committed all their ways to him, 
 And plac'd their trust in his almighty aid. 
 U B 
 \
 
 186 1MMANUEL. PART VIII. 
 
 He heard their cry, and whilst they sought his 
 face, 
 Infus'd into their souls a heav'nly calm 
 The peace of God which far surpasses all 
 That vain philosophy can e'er bestow. 
 
 Thus comforted, they sought their sev'ral homes, 
 Where they might strength recruit by sweet repose ; 
 All, save the warm-affection'd Magdalene, 
 Who with the other Mary, parent dear 
 Of apostolic James, with Salome, 
 And Chuza's wife (brought up in Herod's court, 
 Yet earthly pomp forsaking for the Lord,) 
 Sought not repose ; but urg'd by ardent love 
 Prepar'd more spices, and, ere dawn appear'd, 
 With eager steps hasten'd where Jesus lay. 
 
 "Ah ! who shall roll away the massy stone ?" 
 They to each other question'd as they went; 
 " In vain our feeble limbs th' attempt shall make. 
 Oh, that some help were nigh; but let us go
 
 PART VIII. IMMANUEL. 107 
 
 And watch around the henceforth sacred spot, 
 lR here rest his dear remains. Peter perchance, 
 Or John Belov'd, may pass ere long this way, 
 And their kind aid afford." Scarce had these words 
 Escap'd the lips of Mary Magdalene, 
 Ere, drawing near the lonely spot, they found 
 The cavern's mouth was open'd, and the stone 
 Pond'rous, and large, roll'd from the hollow'd rock. 
 Hard by, upon the ground, a wretched man, 
 As if with terror struck, lay motionless. 
 A soldier's arms and crested helm he wore, 
 And seem'd a Roman guard : his eyeballs fix'd 
 In stupid glare beheld their near approach, 
 Whilst with an incoherent voice he spake : 
 " Are ye from Heav'n or spectres of the night?" 
 He said, then plac'd before his harrow'd sight, 
 His trembling, palsied hands. " Oh no, not so," 
 The women mildly answer'd ; " but we seek 
 T' embalm the dear remains of one interr'd, 
 Where yonder stone once clos'd the silent tomb. 
 Say, hast not thou with sacrilegious hands, 
 
 B B 2
 
 188 IMMANUEL. PART VIII. 
 
 Disturb 'd the relics of the pious dead? 
 Or what occasions now tliy fearful starts, 
 As though thy horror-stricken sight survey'd 
 Some dreadful form, or daemon from below ?" 
 
 Sooth'd by the voice of female gentleness, 
 (Oh, what cannot that grateful voice achieve 
 "When rais'd to calm the tumults in man's breast,) 
 The panic soldier quick recover'd all 
 His scatter'd senses. Rising from the ground, 
 He ask'd their patient hearing, whilst a tale, 
 Fraught with terrific borror he'd unfold; 
 And thus began : " A band of armed men, 
 Cull'd from the Roman legion, such as ne'er 
 Had turn'd aside from honour's dangerous path, 
 Or safety sought by ignominious flight, 
 When hostile forces aim'd their deadly rage, 
 Was hither order'd to surround yon tomb, 
 And keep inviolate this lonesome spot. 
 All the long day we pass'd in mutual jest, 
 And ridicul'd the childish fears of those,
 
 PART VIII. IMMANUEL. 100 
 
 Who such strong guard would place o'er lifeless 
 
 clay. 
 Midnight came on, and I with fifty more, 
 For valour call'd the bravest of the brave, 
 In turn succeeded to the cautious watch. 
 Time seem'd to stay its ever rapid coarse : 
 No sound disturb'd the silence of the night, 
 Save when the sentinel the watchword gave 
 Or chanticleer proclaim'd the morn's approach. 
 Impatient we 'gan wait for early dawn, 
 And felt a horror never known before : 
 When, through the twilight gloom, a dreadful glare, 
 And vivid as the lightning's rapid flash, 
 Our pow'rs of vision seiz'd. Whiter than snow, 
 A form from Heav'n, borne on expanded wings, 
 With arm of might to heave this earth aside, 
 To yonder tomb descended, and its mouth, 
 Clos'd with this rocky fragment, straightway op'd ; 
 The ground beneath in strange convulsions mov'd. 
 Whilst on the wings of fear the cohort fled. 
 Senseless I fell, nor dai^d to look around 
 Till by your voice arous'd. Oh, then with ma
 
 190 JMMANUEL. PART VIII. 
 
 Fly from this hallow'd spot, and safety seek 
 Within the peopled city's walls." He said, 
 Nor waited their reply, but instant sought 
 Amidst a multitude to lose his fears. 
 
 With hearts, by faith, secur'd from false alarm, 
 The careful women to the sepulchre 
 With hasty feet approach'd, and drawing near 
 A heav'nly form perceiv'd. Upon the stone, 
 Hard by the op'ning tomb, in splendid state, 
 The pow'r angelic rested, and with words 
 Of tender consolation sought t' allay 
 Their rising consternation. " Fear not ye," 
 He mildly said, ** The Crucified ye seek. 
 He is not here, but risen, as he spake 
 Full oft within your ears. Behold the place 
 Where Jesus lay, the ever blessed Lord ; 
 Then quickly go and tell his sorrowing friends 
 That He indeed is risen from the dead, 
 And goetli to the Galilean coast. 
 There shall your eyes behold him ; lo ! I've said." 
 The angel ceas'd, then vanish'd from their sight.
 
 PART VIII. IMMANUEL. 191 
 
 The empty sepulchre they quickly left, 
 And turn'd their feet to Salem's sacred walls, 
 In haste the joyful tidings to reveal 
 To their lov'd friends. Ah now what sound is heard ? 
 Tis Jesus' self meets their astonish'd view, 
 And with " All hail," in accents all divine, 
 Accosts their ravish'd ears. His hallow'd feet 
 They falling prostrate seize, whilst they adore 
 Th' eternal Son. " Dismiss your fears," he said, 
 " And straight inform my brethren that they go 
 Without delay to Galilee, for there 
 
 4 
 
 Shall they behold me." 
 
 Now their joyful course 
 They speed, to seek their mourning, downcast friends, 
 To whom they might communicate the words 
 Of their arisen Lord. But unbelief 
 Denied all consolation, and in vain 
 Did Magdalene declare the great events 
 They just had witness'd : all her words appcar'd 
 As idle tales to Peter and the rest,
 
 192 1MMAM I i PART VIH. 
 
 Who, from their couches risen, sought the path 
 That led where still they deem'd their Jesus lay. 
 
 Oh, Unbelief! the source of all oar woe, 
 How dost thou triumph in the heart of Man. 
 Thy chilling touch doth blight the fondest hopes, 
 Doth turn the fruitful garden to a wild, 
 And all its beauteous produce doth convert 
 To thorns, and thistles, and the pointed briar. 
 Where'er thou reign'st, the dews of heav'n become 
 A pestilential vapour, and in vain 
 Are showers of blessings pour'd upon the ground. 
 Thy sire was Sin, once lov'd of false Self-will ; 
 From such curs'd intercourse she brought thee forth, 
 Adaiir'd thy hideous form and growing strength, 
 And then in pride and stubbornness of heart, 
 She sent thee through die world at large to roam, 
 Pois'ning with baleful influence the source 
 Of joys perennial. What though the Son, 
 Th' anointed of die Father, Heav'n's great King, 
 Had laid aside his robes of majesty,
 
 PART VIII. IMMANUEL. 193 
 
 Concealing from his creatures the full blaze 
 Of his eternal glories; lest o'erwhelm'd, 
 Their hearts should faint within them at the sight. 
 What though in humble, lowly guise he trod 
 His footstool earth, and 'inongst his people dwelt, 
 Displaying wisdom, pow'r, and love divine : 
 What though for them he suffer'd, bled, and died; 
 And, to crown all, again rose from the dead, 
 To justify their faith and make it strong : 
 Yet if thy hard'ning pow'r benumb the heart, 
 More wretched than the devils who believe, 
 And tremble too, thy vot'ry shall become. 
 And these will be th' appalling, damning words, 
 When from the Judge his sentence he shall hear, 
 " That heav'nly light hath visited the earth, 
 But he hath lov'd in darkness to remain, 
 Because his deeds were evil." 
 
 And e'en ye, 
 On whom the Sun of Righteousness hath shone 
 With healing beams ; how oft do ye deplore 
 c c
 
 194 1MMA&UEL. JPABT VIII. 
 
 The intervening clouds of Unbelief 
 
 Your brighest days o'ershadowing. Ob, then drive 
 
 Far, far away, the monster from your breast; 
 
 Recline upon the promise of a God 
 
 Your fondest hopes. Trust Him, for ever trust. 
 
 Ye shall be kept by his almighty pow'r, 
 
 Through faith, unto salvation, and your souls 
 
 Presented faultless, with exceeding joy, 
 
 Before the glories of the Father's face.
 
 IMMANUEL. 
 
 PART IX. 
 
 C C4
 
 
 IMMANUEL. 
 
 Ah ! wherefore through Jerusalem's lov'd gates, 
 Forth-issuing along the travell'd road 
 That leads to thy restoring tepid springs, 
 Emmaus, where full oft the Jewish king, 
 Or tetrarch Herod, sought t' allay the pains, 
 And noisome plague that rag'd in all his frame? 
 Wherefore, in earnest reasoning and discourse, 
 Regardless of the passing throng are seen 
 Two Galileans slowly moving on? 
 Till interrupted by a stranger's voice, 
 Who, drawing near, inquires, with kind concern, 
 " What tidings do ye now communicate
 
 198 IMMANUEL. PART IX. 
 
 Of import sad ; if that I judge aright 
 
 From the deep sorrow on your features mark'd?" 
 
 The traveller's voice stole soft upon their ear ; 
 
 It was the voice of friendship and of love ; 
 
 His manner too, though meek, yet dignified. 
 
 Denoted not vain curiosity. 
 
 Attracted by a secret sympathy, 
 
 James and Cleopas, so the two were nam'd, 
 
 Straight to the stranger open'd all their hearts. 
 
 " Hast thou not known," they said, u the won- 
 drous things 
 Which in these days so lately came to pass ? 
 How Jesus, him of Nazareth we mean, 
 A prophet mighty both in word and deed, 
 As all the people well can testify, 
 Hath been deliver'd to the Roman pow'r, 
 By priests and rulers, and condemn'd to doath? 
 Art thou a stranger from far distant lands, 
 And hast not heard how they have crucified 
 Him who we trusted, was rais'd up by God,
 
 PART IX. IMMANCEL. 199 
 
 His Israel to redeem from all their foes? 
 
 But now three days are pass'd, and we, forlorn, 
 
 Have parted from our company to seek 
 
 Some safe retreat. Tidings indeed were brought, 
 
 By pious women who had follow'd long 
 
 The steps of him we lov'd, and who this morn 
 
 Had visited the sepulchre, and found 
 
 His body was not there, that they had seen 
 
 Two angels in a vision, who declar'd 
 
 He whom they sought was risen from the dead ; 
 
 But Him they saw not Now perplex'd we go, 
 
 To wait at Emm'uz, trusting that our God 
 
 Will yet raise up a great deliverer 
 
 For Abraham's chosen seed." 
 
 " Oh ! foolish men. 
 And slow of heart," the stranger quick replied. 
 With seeming warmth, " do ye not yet believe 
 All that the prophets have long since foretold ? 
 Ought not the Christ to suffer and to die, 
 And then to enter on that glorious state
 
 200 IMMANUEL. PART IX. 
 
 Which is appointed hiin ? Have ye ne'er read 
 The writings of your ancient lawgiver, 
 And other holy men inspired of old, 
 In dark prophetic vision to foretell 
 A suffering Messiah, on whose heel 
 The serpent should inflict its venom'd sting, 
 Ere on its head the deadly blow return'd T 
 How, when on ass's colt to yonder vine, 
 The Shiloh to his Israel should come, 
 Hosannas should resound on ev'ry hand, 
 Yet he should tread the winepress all alone, 
 And dye his garments in the crimson tide ? 
 
 u How did the psalmist strike his sounding lyre, 
 When joyfully he sung, ' Thou wilt not leave 
 My soul in Hell, nor let thine Holy One 
 Corruption see; though wicked, cruel men 
 Like bulls of Bashan have encompass'd me, 
 Like rav'ning beasts have roar'd around their prey, 
 Have pour'd me forth as water in their rage, 
 Whilst all my bones, disjointed, start and stare
 
 PART IX. IMMANUEL. 201 
 
 From out my wasted flesh. My heart like wax, 
 My strength dried up, my parched tongue, declare 
 My bitter torments; whilst my hands and feet 
 They pierce with bloody nails.' Thus sang the King 
 And Patriarch, David ; but ye know, my friends, 
 His sepulchre remains until this day 
 In Bethlehem's city, where he lies interr'd. 
 Know then, that thus he spake in prophecy 
 Of him, whom God had promis'd with an oath 
 Should from his loins proceed, anointed King, 
 On David's throne to sit. As saith the seer, 
 Prophetic, rapt Isaiah, ' For unto us 
 A child is born, a son belov'd is giv'n, 
 Th' insignia of government shall be 
 Upon his shoulder, and he shall be call'd 
 The Mighty God, the Everlasting Sire, 
 The Prince of Peace ; whose still increasing rule, 
 With justice and with judgment order'd well, 
 On his great Father's throne, shall know no end. 
 Yet shall he first be made a sacrifice 
 For sin, and as a tender plant, or root 
 D D
 
 202 TMMANUEL. PART IX. 
 
 That Iacketh moisture, shall he then appear, 
 
 And with no beauteous form, or comeliness, 
 
 To be desir'd. Despis'd, by men cast off; 
 
 A mourner all his days; they still shall hide 
 
 Their faces from him, shall esteem him vile, 
 
 Of God forsaken, stricken, and cast down. 
 
 Though for our sins he dies, and bears our griefs. 
 
 Afflicted and oppress'd, he opens not 
 
 His mouth in sad complaints ; but as a lamb, 
 
 Is led to slaughter, or the patient sheep 
 
 Is shorn beneath the spoiler's hands, is dumb.' 
 
 Thus spake Isaiah, and thus holy bards 
 
 In their inspired pages all have writ ; 
 
 And ought not Christ to suffer and to die, 
 
 And from the travail of his soul behold 
 
 A numerous seed arise, his joy and crown V 
 
 In such discourse the stranger had beguil'd 
 The devious way : when lo ! the town appear'd, 
 And to a friendly dwelling they had come, 
 Ere half their journey scem'd to them fulfilPd.
 
 FART IX. 4MMANUEL. 
 
 " Oh, rest thee here," they to the stranger said, 
 Who fain would quit them, and his way pursue, 
 Beyond the precincts of Emmaus' town. 
 " Oh, rest thee here, the day declines apace, 
 The evening star arises, and the shades 
 Of night are gath'ring in the cloudy west. 
 Oh, rest thee here, and to our list'ning ears 
 Repeat thy lov'd discourse. Our hearts arc warm'd, 
 Whilst thou unfoldest the dark mysteries, 
 Which till this hour have never heeu reveal'd 
 To our benighted minds." 
 
 The stranger heard 
 Their kind entreaties, urg'd with gentle force, 
 And ent'ring beneath the lowly roof, 
 A temperate repast with them partook. 
 Theu bread he brake, and giving thanks to God 
 For this fresh token of his bounteous grace, 
 To each their portion, in a form well known, 
 Presented. With surprise, the two beheld 
 Their risen Lord, and falling at his feet 
 D D 2
 
 204 IMMANUEL. PART IX. 
 
 Now sought to pay the homage of their hearts ; 
 But ere the words escap'd their joyful lips, 
 He quick withdrew from their admiring eyes, 
 And vanish'd, as the rainbow's beauteous tints 
 Melt in the falling show'r. With haste, tliey now 
 Quit their neglected meal, and straight return 
 To seek their company, which soon they find 
 Assembled in the oft frequented room 
 Of John Belov'd, and list'ning to his words. 
 " The Lord is risen, (thus he aloud declar'd) 
 And hath appear'd to Simon, who now here 
 Will vouch the wondrous fact" 
 
 " O friends, (the two, 
 James and Cleopas then took up the word) 
 The Lord indeed is risen, as we know, 
 And was reveal'd to us at Emmaus, 
 As bread he took, and brake, and gave to us. 
 Along the road whilst yet we knew him not, 
 His gracious words had cheer'd our sinking hearts, 
 And rous'd our slumb'ring faith. But scarce our eyes.
 
 PART IX. IMMANUEL. 205 
 
 Were open'd to discern our Lord belov'd, 
 Ere in a mode incomprehensible, 
 He vanish'd from our sight" 
 
 Joy and surprise, 
 With doubts and fears still mingling in their breasts, 
 Now fill'd each heart, and oft renew'd, they hear 
 From Peter, and tbe favour'd two their tale ; 
 Whilst oft they question'd each particular, 
 And circumstance narrated. Still perplex'd, 
 Their minds in ling'ring, slow suspense are held. 
 
 Thus pass'd their time th' eleven : when lo ! a 
 twelfth 
 Is added to their number, though clos'd doors, 
 Still clos'd remain'd, and op'ning none appear'd, 
 Whereby a stranger might admittance gain. 
 Their Lord they saw, and heard his greeting kind, 
 " All peace and happiness be yours, my friends." 
 Affright and terror seiz'd on every pow'r, 
 And conjur'd up in their fantastic forms,
 
 IMMANUEL. PART IX. 
 
 The vain chimeras of a panic dread ; 
 Till Jesus thus address'd them. 
 
 " Why do thoughts 
 Of sad dismay arise within your hearts? 
 Behold my hands and feet, whose healed wound* 
 Declare my presence in corporeal form, 
 And not in spirit merely, as your fears 
 Vainly imagine. Handle me and see. 
 A spirit hath not flesh and bones like these. 
 Reach hither now thy finger, (thus he spake 
 To unbelieving Thomas who refus'd 
 All evidence, save that of his own touch) 
 And mark full well the jagged, widening rent 
 Along the palm now closing; then thy hand 
 Place on my pierced side, and doubt no more." 
 
 Conviction seiz'd the harden'd heart so long 
 Clos'd against truth. Thomas, on bended knees, 
 Transported with astonishment and joy, 
 Cried out in ecstacy, " My Lord! my Godl
 
 PART IX. IMMANUEl. 207 
 
 Thee I confess th' incarnate Deity, 
 And worship thee, the great Iinmanuel." 
 
 "With mild rehuke, the Saviour then replied, 
 " Thou hast indeed heliev'd, because thou'st seen. 
 And I have given thee all thy doubting heart 
 Required of evidence, that might dispel 
 Thine unbelief; but blessed shall they be, 
 Who in my name believing, shall rejoice 
 With humble hope, and when no more I'm seen. 
 Shall trust my saving pow'r, and love my grace. 
 For you, my friends, may sacred peace attend 
 Your future steps. Behold, I send you forth. 
 My witnesses to men. As thus I breathe 
 Upon you now in token of the gift, 
 Receive the Holy Spirit. He shall work 
 With mighty pow'r within you, and direct 
 Your hearts into all truth. Whose sins soe'er 
 Ye shall remit, they are to them forgiv'n; 
 But whose unpardon'd sins ye shall retain 
 Tor indignation and the day of wrath,
 
 208 JMMANUEL. PART IX. 
 
 They are retain'd, as that o'erwhelming day 
 Shall surely shew. Blest are the faithful souls, 
 Who shall believe your words, and earnest cry 
 For pardon through my blood ; but woe awaits 
 The workers of iniquity who shun 
 The light of heav'nly truth. 
 
 With sacred joy, 
 And wonder at his sov'reign pow'r and grace, 
 The hearts of all were fill'd as thus he spake; 
 Whilst, condescending to remove all doubt, 
 He ask'd for meat, and of a broiled fish, 
 With honey of the honeycomb partook, 
 And ate before them. Then, whilst they prepaid 
 To utter some expression of their love 
 And grateful adoration, he withdrew. 
 
 With faith confirm'd,they seek their several homes 
 And heav'nly peace dispels each anxious doubt. 
 Yet oft they meet to speak of Him they love, 
 And oft his presence find : whether for food,
 
 PART IX. I M MANUEL. 209 
 
 In honest occupation, on the sea, 
 Tiberias nain'd, they cast the circling net 
 Without success, till at his bidding thrown, 
 When the strain'd, bursting cords, and sinking ship, 
 Fill'd with the finny prey, declare his pow'r; 
 Or whether, seated at the genial board, 
 His kind and gracious doctrine they attend. 
 Then, Peter, didst thou hear the searching words 
 Repeated thrice : " O Simon, Jona's son, 
 Lovest thou me ?" for thrice thou hadst denied 
 Thy Lord forsaken ; now thou canst appeal, 
 " O thou who knowest all things, know'st my heart, 
 My inmost, secret, thoughts ; thou know'st the love 
 I bear thee." " Feed my sheep," the Saviour said; 
 " And nurse for me the young and tender lambs," 
 He added who ne'er breaks the bruised reed, 
 Nor quenches the least spark of sacred love, 
 That first is kindled in the youthful breast. 
 
 Or whether to the Galilean mount 
 They bend their course, obedient to their Lord, 
 e E
 
 '210 HVf MANUEL. PART IX. 
 
 Who had appointed there to meet once more 
 His faithful followers. Lo ! he appears, 
 As on the road with cheerful feet they pass, 
 (Thus he still deigns to bless obedient hearts 
 With his all-gracious presence) and they hear, 
 With sacred joy, the words his lips pronounce. 
 When all had reach'd the destin'd hill, and view'd 
 Tiberias's waves beneath their feet, 
 More than five hundred faithful souls were found, 
 Who prostrate worshipp'd their Redeemer God; 
 Though some indeed had doubted ere they heard 
 His peace-inspiring truths. " Behold," he said, 
 " Thus it is written, thus did it behove, 
 The Sent of God should suffer and should die, 
 And the third day rise from tbe slumb'ring tomb, 
 That in his name repentance might be preach'd, 
 And promises of pardon far and wide 
 Proclaim'd. amongst all nations. Let the sound 
 First in Jerusalem be heard, and there, 
 Let those who shed my blood, first know my grace* 
 All pow'r in heaven is mine, and on this earth
 
 FART IX. IMMANUEL. 211 
 
 Tis mine to reign. This henceforth shall ye know, 
 
 And testify to men. Behold! I send 
 
 Ere long the promise of my Father's love. 
 
 For John indeed with water did baptize; 
 
 But on your heads, the Spirit shall descend 
 
 With quick'uing pow'r, and sanctifying grace. 
 
 Meantime remain in yon devoted town 
 
 Until ye be endu'd with pow'r from hcav'n. 
 
 Then go to all the world and preach my grace, 
 
 Teaching all nations, and baptizing them 
 
 In the adorable, united name 
 
 Of the Almighty Father, and the Son, 
 
 And the Eternal Spirit of all Truth. 
 
 He that believes your word, and is baptiz'd, 
 
 He shall be sav'd ; but who with harden'd heart 
 
 Believeth not, damnation shall o'ertake. 
 
 " My pow'r shall still accompany your word, 
 Which all shall know, who joyfully receive, 
 With cordial faith, the truths ye will declare. 
 Such, in my name, the devils shall comraajul 
 E E 2
 
 212 IMMANUEL. PART IX. 
 
 To quit the bodies they Lave Jong possess'd, 
 And devils shall obey with trembling awe. 
 In unknown tongues with ready pow'r to speak, 
 My Spirit shall endow them. They shall seize 
 Unhurt, the deadly asp, or drink the juice 
 From baleful herbs in pois'nous drops distill'd : 
 Their healing ouch shall from the sick couch 
 
 raise 
 The languid frame, and feeble, palsied limbs; 
 And all shall see that pow'r divine, and grace. 
 Attend the tidings ye shall then make known." 
 
 Thus spake the Saviour, and his words inspir'd 
 A sacred peace and all-subduing faith. 
 To Salwn's gates they turn their joyful feet, 
 And patient wait the promis'd, heav'nly boon. 
 
 Its fortieth course the flaming orb of day 
 Had counted, since on Calvary's cruel mount 
 It view'd its author stretched upon the cross, 
 And shrunk abash'd, in solemn darkness veil'd.
 
 PART IX. IMMANUEL. 21S 
 
 Now like a bridegroom drest in bright array, 
 Rejoicing in his strength, prepar'd to run 
 His heav'nly circuit, o'er the hills he rides 
 And ushers in the morn. A sacred joy 
 Transports all nature, woods and hills rejoice; 
 The valleys smile in richest verdure gay, 
 "Whilst lowing herds and bleating flocks resound. 
 Is it to greet the source of light and heat, 
 As from the chambers of the east he pours 
 His joy-inspiring rays o'er distant worlds ? 
 No, at the foot of Olivet behold 
 The world's great Maker, Man's Redeemer, comes. 
 The mount ascending, with slow measur'd steps, 
 Surrounded by his faithful followers. 
 
 Th' extremest hill they seek, where Bethany 
 Just rises to the view, the boundary 
 Of that lov'd town and district, where full oft 
 The Saviour had display'd his wondrous pow'r, 
 And still the ties of friendship bound his heart. 
 Where the lov'd sisters of his Lazarus
 
 14 JMMANUEL. PART IX. 
 
 Yet peaceful dwelt. The furthest verge they reach. 
 Adoring, all now view the godlike Man, 
 Array'd in heav'nly Majesty and Grace, 
 Meekness, and sacred Truth, and Righteousness, 
 And Mercy all divine. He seem'd as though 
 Some wondrous act he were about to shew 
 To their admiring eyes. And thus they spake, 
 "Whilst their hearts bounded with exulting hope : 
 *' Lord, wilt thou now to Israel restore * 
 
 Her ancient glory and her government, 
 As erst, when o'er her enemies she rul'd, 
 And God was known on earth as Judah's king?'' 
 
 Alas ! they little knew the glorious pow'r 
 Of God's eternal kingdom, far beyond 
 The pomp and pageantry of earthly lords, 
 And all their gayest splendours. When they spake 
 The Saviour thus replied. " Tis not for you 
 To know the times and seasons, which your God 
 Reserves in secret council, and alone 
 Doth order in his universal sway.
 
 *ART IX. 1MMANUEL. 215 
 
 My kingdom *hall indeed proceed on earth, 
 And reign triumphant over every foe, 
 And ye shall reign with me. But now await 
 The promise of my Father. Ye shall soon, 
 Baptiz'd by sacred influence from above, 
 Receive the Holy Spirit. He shall guide 
 Your minds into all truth, arm you with might 
 To overcome the pow'rs of Earth and Hell, 
 And safe conduct you to your heav'nly rest." 
 Then stretching forth his hands, whilst mercy beam'd 
 Around his sacred form, " Bless'd, bless'd are ye, 
 My friends," he said. " Fear not the Tempter's rage, 
 But trust my pow'r, and boldly preach my name 
 Throughout Jerusalem and all Judea; 
 Then to Samaria's towns direct your feet, 
 Nor stay your course till through the earth is spread- 
 The gospel of my kingdom. Be ye true, 
 And faithful unto death. I will bestow 
 Crowns of immortal life, and endless joy, 
 On your devoted heads ; and ye shall sit 
 Exalted on my throne, even as I
 
 21tf IMMANUEL. PART IX. 
 
 Have overcome, and go to the right hand 
 Of my almighty, heav'nly Father's throne." 
 Thus saying, upwards from the earth he rose, 
 Majestic pass'd before their wond'ring eyes, 
 And a bright cloud receiv'd him from their sight. 
 
 All Heav'n was bow'd to meet the conq ? ring King 
 In his triumphant chariot borne aloft. 
 Angels, authorities, and powers descend, 
 With Cherubim, and Seraph, and the host 
 Of Spirits who before the throne of God, 
 Praise without ceasing the almighty name. 
 On either side the glorious Son they range 
 Their marshall'd ranks, bright as the solar orb, 
 Fair as the lucid moon, and terrible 
 As a victorious army to their foes. 
 
 Heav'n was unpeopled, and the majesty 
 Of the eternal Father was discern'd, 
 O'ershadowing the mighty Conqueror; 
 Whilst the blest Spirit shed abroad his grace,
 
 PART IX. 1MMANUEL. 217 
 
 Mildly altemp'ring each too dazzling ray, 
 Which from the Filial presence bcam'd around. 
 
 Soon as the heav'nly gates on high appear, 
 These words resounded through th' innum'rous host, 
 " Lift up your heads, ye everlasting doors, 
 And let the King of Glory enter in." 
 Responsive then a choir cherubic sang, 
 " Who is the King of Glory? even He, 
 The Lord of Hosts, who by his mighty pow'r, 
 Hath conquer'd in the battle, and subdued 
 By his own strength, the pow'rs of Sin and Hell." 
 Then o'er the heav'ns resounded yet again 
 One universal anthem, " Ope your gates, 
 Ye everlasting bounds, behold your King, 
 The sov'reign Lord of Glory enters in." 
 
 Now through the arch of Heav'n high-rais'd, 
 the host 
 Accompany the mighty Prince of Peace, 
 Who passing upward to the throne of God, 
 
 F F
 
 218 IMJtfANUEL. PART IX. 
 
 On the right hand of Glory plac'd himself. 
 
 Adoring, all the hierarchy of Heav'n 
 
 Cast at his feet their crowns, and worship Him, 
 
 Prostrate before the throne, whilst joy, and praise 
 
 And sacred rapture spread o'er all the plains. 
 
 In alleluias sweet they chaunt their diss, 
 
 And still in song melodious breathe their joys. 
 
 Oh ! let the sound from Heav'n toEarth descend, 
 And Man, for whom He died, attune his voice 
 To sing his wondrous grace. Nor thou, my soul, 
 Forget his benefits ; but ever praise 
 And magnify His name, who hath redeem'd, 
 By his own blood flowing on Calvary's mount, 
 Thee, lost and ruin'd, from the depths of Hell;. 
 Hath shewn thee His salvation, and to thee 
 Reveal'd His love divine. O ever raise 
 To Him thy feeble voice in grateful lays. 
 Too blest, should he behold with gracious smile 
 Thy vain attempt to speak his boundless praise. 
 Too blest, when he shall condescend to own
 
 PART IX. JMMANUEL. 210 
 
 The work his Spirit wrought upou thy heart. 
 O, may the sacred flame for ever hum 
 Within thy breast new energies impart 
 To all thy pow'rs and love to Him ne'er cease 
 But with thy being. May thy life on earth, 
 Be Christ in thee be one, continuous act 
 Of cheerful homage to thy Father's will. 
 And when from thy probation thou art call'd, 
 Mayst thou be found in Him ; not having on 
 Thy righteousness, which not deserves the name, 
 And a defiled garment would appear 
 Before the spotless sanctity of Heav'n; 
 But that resplendent robe thy Saviour wrought, 
 Which is of God by faith in his own Son. 
 Theu through eternal ages shall thy song 
 Ne'er cease to praise thy great Redeemer's name. 
 
 Let all who love the Son, in patience wait 
 That glorious day, when he shall so descend, 
 As he hath once ascended ; when with pow'r 
 Almighty to destroy his enemies, 
 F F 2
 
 220 IMMANUEL. PART IX. 
 
 And sov'reign grace for those who trust his name, 
 And look for his appearing, He shall come, 
 To be adniir'd in all his saints ; whilst foes, 
 Who would not know the mercy of their God, 
 In vain shall seek for shelter from his wrath. 
 Then, when these elements shall quick dissolve 
 In fervent heat; when earth's corrupted soil. 
 Struck by the lightning of almighty wrath, 
 To ruin hurl'd, shall blaze a holocaust ; 
 When men and devils dread impending doom ; 
 Lift up your heads, ye saints, in joyful faith, 
 And know that your redemption draweth nigh. 
 Your slumb'ring dust, rous'd by the trumpet's sound, 
 Shall wake to life immortal, and be form'd 
 Like to the glorious body of your Lord. 
 Whilst far beneath your bounding feet ye see 
 This world in flames, the Judge on high appears 
 In all his glory, seated on his throne 
 Of dazzling purity. Angelic myriads 
 Around him stand, or move at his command, 
 Obedient to his nod. On either hand
 
 PART IX. IMMANUEL. 211 
 
 They range the countless multitude of men ; 
 
 The good and bad divided, e'en as sheep 
 
 From goats are mark'd beneath the shepherd's eye ; 
 
 And thus, before assembled worlds is heard 
 
 The voice of him who died for guilty man: 
 
 " Depart, ye cursed, into flames prepar'd 
 
 (Of fire unquenchable) for all the host 
 
 Of Satan and his legions; with them dwell, 
 
 Nor see my face for ever. I was faint 
 
 For lack of food, no meat did yp bestow, 
 
 Nor drink to cool my thirst. Ye cloth'd me not, 
 
 Though pinch'd with winter's cold. In prison cast, 
 
 Wasting with pining sickness, ye ne'er came 
 
 T' administer to my necessity; 
 
 For inasmuch as ye have never done 
 
 These things to them who follow'd me on earth, 
 
 To me ye have not done them. Hence, depart 
 
 To everlasting shame and base contempt. 
 
 Then to the chosen on his right hand plac'd, 
 M Come now, ye blessed of my Father's grace,
 
 222 IMMANUEL. PART 1\. 
 
 Inherit all that kingdom long prepar'd 
 
 For your reception ere the worlds were made. 
 
 For I was naked, and ye clothed me, 
 
 Hungry and thirsty, and ye gave me food, 
 
 Sick and in prison, and ye kindly came 
 
 To seek me out with gen'rous, constant care; 
 
 For whatsoever for the least ye've done 
 
 Of these, my brethren, ye have done for me; 
 
 Enter and dwell for ever with your Lord."
 
 POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 It may, perhaps, by some be thought necessary 
 to observe, that in the foregoing work, in which 
 certainly the author does not particularly aim at 
 originality of conception, the following expressions 
 and lines are adopted from other writers; there 
 may also be found similar instances which hare 
 not immediately occurred to his recollection : 
 
 P. 1. line 1 celestial Dove. Watts. 
 
 38. 2 form more lovely fair. Milton. 
 
 43. 11. And spend the happy day, or share the night, 
 In numb' ring o'er the bounties of our God. Wntt.i. 
 42. 11. Glow'd with one love, with one resentment burn'd. 
 112. 17. And twilight glimmer'd in the purple east. 
 
 121, 1 the melancholy joy. 
 
 1 10. 10. Secm'd wisest, virtuousest, discrcetest, best 
 
 JRtm. 
 199, 7 dipt iu lieav'n.
 
 E. & J. Goode, Printers, Bridgc-Strctt, 
 Cam bridge.
 
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