182. L. M. 6l. Heber.
The Visible World a Shadow of the Invisible.
1I praised the earth in beauty seen,
With garlands gay of various green;
I praised the sea, whose ample field
Shone glorious as a silver shield;
And earth and ocean seemed to say,
"Our beauties are but for a day."
2I praised the sun, whose chariot rolled
On wheels of amber and of gold;
I praised the moon, whose softer eye
Gleamed sweetly through the summer sky;
And moon and sun in answer said,
"Our years are told when we must fade."
3O God, O, good beyond compare!
If thus thy meaner works are fair,--
If thus thy bounties gild the span
Of sinful earth and mortal man,--
How glorious must thy mansion be
Where thy redeemed shall dwell with thee.