Gather the children in.
Copyrighted, 1861, in Golden Chain, by W. B. Bradbury;
used by permission of Biglow & Main.
Guard.—Angel of Love, fairest daughter of the skies, thy smile is radiant with blessing, and thy coming is ever a benediction. Without thee, this world would be a wilderness, drear and cold, where naught but cruelty and sorrow would abound. Truly thou art welcome. Let thy voice be heard and thy power be felt among us. Bind our hearts together with a threefold cord which cannot be broken, and may the glory of thy presence surround us ever as with a halo; but to thee, as to all who have preceded thee, I am compelled to say, thy place is not upon the throne, as the ruling angel of the Sunday-school. Guard (leads her to the left, beside the Angel of Literature; the boy and girl during the singing having thrown off their ragged garments, take their places one on each side of her).
The Angel of the Word of God (comes up the aisle, carrying a Bible in her arms, and advancing toward the Guard, addresses him as follows):
I am the Angel of the Word of God; Order is indispensible, Literature is needed, Music is to be desired, Love must ever abide. Each has her place and her work, but higher than all, and the inspirer of all, is the Bible. I come as the lamp of truth to a benighted world; the bearer of intelligence from the throne of God—a revelation to men of duty and destiny. I come as the chart and compass to guide men safely over the
sea of life to the desired haven. My mission is to instruct both adults and children in the way of holiness that leads to heaven. I teach the sublime truths of faith and salvation—of God and immortality.
Wherever I go, the wilderness and solitary places are glad for me, and the deserts rejoice and blossom as the rose.
If all would heed my words and partake of my spirit, the whole world would soon recover the charms of Eden.
Instead of sin and misery, there would be everywhere purity and bliss. I come to train these children and youth in the ways of piety, and develop in them the elements of true manhood and womanhood; to qualify them for usefulness here, and blessedness hereafter. I wish to be crowned the angel of the Sunday-school.
Guard.—Angel of the Word of God, All Hail! A thousand welcomes. For thee we have waited long and rejoice in thy coming. Thou hast said well—Order is indispensible. Literature is needed. Music is to be desired. Love must ever abide. These are thy handmaids and shall remain with us, but thou shalt be supreme. Ascend the throne (she takes her place on the throne). On thy head I put this crown. In thy hand I place this scepter. Rule thou over us. Fill our minds with thy wisdom, our hearts with thy spirit, that our lives may show forth the praise of Him who created us, and redeemed us by the blood of His Son. Order, Literature, Music, Love, these shall assist thee, and our School shall be a Bible School. Thou art the Angel of the Sunday-school!