Part 11 — JACOB’S DREAM.

WITH AN ENGRAVING.

The Patriarch slept—and dreaming there appeared,

In the deep watches of the silent night,

A ladder, high from earth to heaven upreared,

Steadfast and firm, to his astonished sight:

And seraph angels thronged that thoroughfare,

Descending from the glorious realms above,

And thence returning, their bright robes to wear

In the pure presence of the God of love.

The Patriarch listened—and his Maker’s voice

Broke with soft music on his raptured ear.

Quelling his fears and bidding him rejoice

In the abundance of a Father’s care.

Wide as the earth shall Israel’s power extend,

Countless as ocean’s sands his issue be,

While all the nations to his rule shall bend,

And in his seed a rich salvation see.

The Patriarch from his wondrous dream awoke,

And knew that the Almighty Lord was there—

And where the Maker to the creature spoke,

Built him an altar sanctified with prayer.

So, when the Lord with tender care imparts

Unnumbered blessings to us, let us raise,

Like Israel’s Patriarch, in believing hearts,

Altars of love and thankfulness and praise.