THE POWER OF RELIGION.
Reading edition
SUGGESTED BY A PICTURE ENTITLED “THE BLESSING.”
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BY MISS A. C. PRATT.
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How potent is its spell! With mystic chain,
Of adamantine strength, it binds to things
Beyond, invisible; reveals a world
Of such transcendance, that this lower sphere
Loses its brightness, and recedes to naught
But a dim shadow; while life’s thousand charms
Are made to vanish like the beauteous stars
In morning’s fervid rays!
Yet, radiant light
It sheds upon the dreariness of earth,
And softens down its woes; ’mid fiercest storms,
Dispenses sunshine; on the darkest cloud,
Paints a refulgent bow; aye, takes the dregs
From sorrow’s bitter fount, and brings to view,
O’er sin’s sad ruins, rising walls and towers!
With lightning’s speed, temptation’s fiery darts
Fall powerless beneath its mighty shield!
Thus, more than victor, girt anew with strength,
The soul may triumph o’er its deadliest foe!
It penetrates the dungeon’s massive walls,
And pours in floods of such celestial rays,
That they in chains sing joyous notes of praise;
Makes dismal dens and caverns to resound
With strains melodious; writes most precious words
On all around, to stay the sinking soul
When danger threatens; shuts the lion’s mouth,
Subdues the raging fire, and lends a charm
E’en to the martyr’s fagot and his stake.
A soothing cordial to disease it brings—
And ’mid the strife of earth’s rude elements,
Peace, like a gentle rill. Yea, more than all,
Irradiates the tomb, and scatters flowers
Upon its pathway; bears from death its sting;
Throws open wide the “everlasting doors,”
As earth recedes, and such an antepast
Of endless glory gives, the pinioned one
Scarce lingers for the severing of the chain,
But panting, flutt’ring, seems to strive to flee!
Smiles on the dying lip, light in the eye,
And gentleness of that last sigh which frees
Th’ exulting spirit, speak the matchless worth
And lasting solace of this gift divine—
Sure antidote for sinful, ruined man,
Star only that can light his devious way,
Blest, golden wing! on which with eagle flight,
From deepest vales of sin, and death, and wo,
He soars to heights of purity, and peace!