Enthusiasm and Other Poems

With sincere admiration of his genius as a poet, his virtues as a Christian, and his character as a man, this Volume is most respectfully inscribed, by his obliged servant,
THE AUTHOR.
Reydon, Suffolk, Jan. 1st. 1831.

Oh for the spirit which inspired of old The seer's prophetic song—the voice that spake Through Israel's warrior king. The strains that burst In thrilling tones from Zion's heaven-strung harp, Float down the tide of ages, shedding light On pagan shores and nations far remote: Eternal as the God they celebrate, Their fame shall last when Time's long race is run, And you refulgent eye of this fair world,— Its light and centre,—into darkness shrinks, Eclipsed for ever by the glance of Him Whose rising sheds abroad eternal day. Almighty, uncreated Source of life! To Thee I dedicate my soul and song; In humble adoration bending low Before thy footstool. Thou alone canst stamp A lasting glory on the works of man, Tuning the shepherd's reed, or monarch's harp, To sounds harmonious. Immortality Exists alone in Thee. The proudest strain That ever fired the poet's soul, or drew Melodious breathings from his gifted lyre, Unsanctioned by thy smile, shall die away Like the faint sound which the soft summer breeze Wins from the stately lily's silver bells; A passing murmur, a half-whispered sigh, Heard for a moment in the deep repose Of Nature's midnight rest—then hushed for ever! Parent of genius, bright Enthusiasm! Bold nurse of high resolve and generous thought, 'Tis to thy soul-awakening power we owe The preacher's eloquence, the painter's skill, The poet's lay, the patriot's noble zeal, The warrior's courage, and the sage's lore. Oh! till the soul is quickened by thy breath, Wit, wisdom, eloquence, and beauty, fail To make a just impression on the heart; The tide of life creeps lazily along, Soiled with the stains of earth, and man debased Sinks far below the level of the stream. Alas! that thy bright flame should be confined To passion's maddening vortex; and the soul Waste all its glorious energies on earth!— The world allows its votaries to feel A glowing ardour, an intense delight, On every subject but the one that lifts The soul above its sensual, vain pursuits, And elevates the mind and thoughts to God! Zeal in a sacred cause alone is deemed An aberration of our mental powers. The sons of pleasure cannot bear that light Of heavenly birth which penetrates the souls Of men, who, deeply conscious of their guilt, Mourn o'er their lost, degraded state, and seek, Through faith in Christ's atonement, to regain The glorious liberty of sons of God! Who, as redeemed, account it their chief joy To praise and celebrate the wondrous love That called them out of darkness into light,— Severed the chain which bound them to the dust, Unclosed the silent portals of the grave, And gave Hope wings to soar again to heaven!—