The North Aisle: The Lord's Prayer X

Thus hallow'd in Thy house of Prayer
Each change, else leading to despair,
Doth, like a pillar, heav'nward rise,
On which are built our destinies.

I thank Thee, oft as we are there
And stand on the celestial stair,
Thy words the key-note still return,
Lest all too bold our fancies burn.
As " Holiness " on Aaron's head,
Which o'er his purple garments shed
That felt but untold sanctity
Of him who bears the Priestly key,
O'ershadowing with awe profound
Unto his tuneful skirts around.

Or as on Aaron's holier breast
The glorious constellations rest,
Enfolding "Light and Truth" from high,
The voice of God in mystery.
Thus o'er each worship here below,
A light divine that Prayer doth throw.

If 'neath the Church's parent shade
'Tis thus transform'd to meet our aid,
How shall it not abide the proof
For every want 'neath mortal roof!
O thought too high for mortal sense,
The lowliness, the confidence,
Reposing love, retiring fear,
Unspeakably combining there !
Within the wayside leaf, or flower,
Is hid a temple of strange power,
Of order fair a very world
Beneath a vein'd envelope curl'd,
All wondrous hid in viewless bars,
Like a blue night of silver stars.
'Tis thus where'er Thy hand hath been,
Tho' oft by none but Angels seen :
And here, conceal'd from careless eyes,
In sheltering veils there folded lies,
Within that Heaven-made prayer enroll'd,
Simplicity most manifold !

Forms which surround Truth's secret throne
By varied name to mortals known,

Are here united all in one ;
The Eight that hold the heavenly door,
Beatitudes of Gospel lore ;
The number'd Graces which all lie
In bosom of true Charity ;
The Fruits which round the branches twine,
And gather o'er the mystic Vine,
Like fairest shapes, unchang'd above,

Yet altering their mien and air,
Throw varying shadows as they move

O'er sunny earth and waters fair.
Within this Prayer come from on high,
Their embryo forms in secret lie, —
Here are the roots which all supply.
Like that dread image from the skies,
Before and after having eyes ; —
Or like a cloud, with lustre sown,
Where stars of the celestial zone
Blend in a bright communion.

O hidden wisdom, ever nigh,
Then let me school mine ear and eye
To unwind all thy harmony.
'Tis ever thus in holy things,
The more we seek the sacred springs,
More fresh and deep their bounty flows,
More calm beneath the skies repose.
Oft'ner we turn, more love we learn,
And loving more, more thither turn.
For Prayer doth feeble Faith repair,
And Faith repair'd doth kindle Prayer ;
Like Angel forms on either hand,
They hold the Pilgrim thro' life's strand,
From strength to strength both leading on
In holy wondrous union.
Thus lifting up our thoughts on high,
We nearer bring the starry sky, —
E'en thus for ever newly born
Advancing into Heavenly morn.