PART I.

ORIGINAL HYMNS AND POEMS.

THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE.

THE CHOIRS OF HEAVEN.

“Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."

The music of the heavenly spheres
Is not like that which strikes our ears
In this our poor abode,

But richer finer harmonies

The spirits sing in Paradise

Before the throne of God:

Yet from the heart of earthly saint
Sounds of sweet music, though but faint,
As from some lowly shrine,

May mingle with the melody
Of Heaven's angelic company,
Pleasing the ear divine;

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If only God, who liketh well Within the humble heart to dwell, Will set the chords aright,

That this poor broken instrument May sound a sweet accomp'niment Meet for the sons of light.

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HOLY MATRIMONY.

What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."

Rejoice, ye nuptial twain,

Bound by a mystic chain,

Fair is the marriage love

Which God has sealed above.

Daughter, who now art wed
To this thy lord and head,
Let not the serpent's guile
Thy simple mind defile.

Son, in God's image made,
Love thou this holy maid,
And be the strength and guide
Of her, thy chosen bride.