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SO broad, so deep, so generous, the light we have to-day; So full of warmth and sweetness, to help us on our way; So full of joyous messages, so charmingly at hand That with pleasure do we wander, with flocks throughout the land. Our light may come from others, our noble men and grand Have left their volumes for us, as footprints in the sand, Which we may follow over, by the river, down the vale, Which may broaden, likewise deepen, but the Light will never fail. It lifts the darkest shadows, and, annihilates the gloom; The intellect illumines, for its great work, pretty soon; Noteworthy is its teaching, so much opposed to shade That the ray which beams upon us has our vineyards better made. This illuminating factor, which we fail to fully grasp And weave it in our heartstrings, forever hold it fast Ere the time of dissolution, when the tide of life recedes And rest comes o'er the sleeper; and our graves are strewn with reeds. This joy, this light, this substance, its definition Life-- Probation's state, a stepping-stone, we may not pass it twice; As on and on these messengers, may wisely hope to go Distinct in that identity, the boat in which we row. If seeming shipwreck should annul this little lease of life, And what may seem our house goes down mid elements of strife, A stream of light, the Character, has on its mission fled With dove-like plumage to the Ark, across the ocean's bed. |