Volume Ii Part 12 (1/2)

Calm on the listening ear of night Come heaven's melodious strains, Where wild Judea stretches far Her silver-mantled plains.

Celestial choirs from courts above Shed sacred glories there; And angels, with their sparkling lyres, Make music on the air.

The answering hills of Palestine Send back the glad reply; And greet, from all their holy heights, The Dayspring from on high.

O'er the blue depths of Galilee There comes a holier calm, And Sharon waves in solemn praise Her silent groves of palm.

”Glory to G.o.d!” the sounding skies Loud with their anthems ring, ”Peace to the earth, good-will to men, From heaven's eternal King!”

Light on thy hills, Jerusalem!

The Savior now is born!

And bright on Bethlehem's joyous plains Breaks the first Christmas morn.

EDMUND H. SEARS.

WHEN WILT THOU SAVE THE PEOPLE?

When wilt Thou save the people?

O G.o.d of mercy, when?

Not kings and lords, but nations!

Not thrones and crowns, but men!

Flowers of Thy heart, O G.o.d, are they; Let them not pa.s.s, like weeds, away, Their heritage, a sunless day.

G.o.d, save the people!

Shall crime bring crime forever, Strength aiding still the strong?

Is it Thy will, O Father, That man shall toil for wrong?

No, say Thy mountains; No, Thy skies; Man's clouded sun shall brightly rise, And songs ascend, instead of sighs.

G.o.d, save the people!

When wilt Thou save the people?

O G.o.d of mercy, when?

The people, Lord, the people, Not thrones and crowns, but men!

G.o.d save the people; Thine they are, Thy children, as Thine angels fair.

From vice, oppression, and despair, G.o.d, save the people!

EBENEZER ELLIOTT.

THE LAND OF SONG: BOOK II.