While darkness quickly intervenes,
And swallows up my joys again.
4 But shall I murmur at relief ?
Though short, it was a precious view.
Sent to control my unbelief,
And prove that what I read was true,
5 The lightning s flash did not create
The opening prospect it reveal d ;
But only showed the real state
Of what the darkness had conceal d.
6 Just so, we by a glimpse discern
The glorious things within the veil,
That, when in darkness, we may learn
To live by faith till light prevail.
7 The Lord s great day will soon advance,
Dispersing all the shades of night ;
Then we no more shall need a glance,
But see by an eternal light.
85.
On the Eclipse of the Moon. July 30, 1776.
1 ,THE moon in silver glory shone,
And not a cloud in sight,
When suddenly a shade begun
To intercept her light
2 How fast across her orb it spread !
How fast her light withdrew ! ,
A circle, tinged with languid red,
Was all appear d in view.
3 While many, with unmeaning eye,
Gaze on thy works in vain,
Assist me, Lord, that I may try
Instruction to obtain.
4 Fain would my thankful heart and lips
Unite in praise of thee,
And meditate on thy eclipse
In sad Gethsemane.
