The Pillars of the Choir: St James the Great

One of that chosen three, who found such grace
To be admitted to the secret place
Of His life-giving Presence, from the sight
Of the rude world there lost in radiant light.

Nor know we aught of thee, — the great and good,
The sun of thunder, and baptiz'd in blood, —
Nor thought, nor word, nor deed. 'Tis ever so :
In shadow of his Hand He hides below
Those who His Presence seek; Himself unseen
And His good Angels, in that blissful skreen
He gathers them in silence, to abide
Beneath His shrouding wings and sheltering side.

Tho' visibly beheld 'mid suffering men,
His name is " Secret ; " nor can mortals ken
His Sion's haunts, the mount invisible
Where He 'mid Saints and Angels deigns to dwell.

Whether allow'd to Tabor's secret height,
Or sorrows of Gethsemane, or sight
And solemn chambers of relenting death,
Where Heaven's full power is seen o'er parting breath ;
The world but sees them share His humbling rod
Unto the door ; — then leaves them with their God.