A Dream, or God Knows Best.
55
The world so cursed since the great fall of man.
In a clear, gentle voice, the vision spoke:
"God made man holy, but he fell from grace.
Then sin brought misery, loathsome disease,
And even death into a fair bright world.
Loud lamentations God has heard from earth;
All men complain of a stern cruel fate,
Each thinks his sorrows are a darker hue
Then those of fellow-men. There's none content.
So, now, afflicted ones, lend me your ears,
Take heed! and hear what the Most High decrees!
Bring ye, your troubles, ailments, here at eve,
And with companions change sin's heavy load;
From day to day come all and barter fate,
'Till this fair moon shall wax and wane once more;
Whatever burdens then your soul shall choose
Must e'er be borne while time and life shall last."
The angel paused. A multitude drew nigh,
Bringing myriads of earthly ailments.
Pain, disease, sorrows, all the ills of life,
Were quickly cast at the bright angel's feet,
Forming a mountain reaching to the sky,
On whose lofty summit despair did reign,
For all the woes of life were in that heap.
The vision bade each one to take his choice.
In a clear, gentle voice, the vision spoke:
"God made man holy, but he fell from grace.
Then sin brought misery, loathsome disease,
And even death into a fair bright world.
Loud lamentations God has heard from earth;
All men complain of a stern cruel fate,
Each thinks his sorrows are a darker hue
Then those of fellow-men. There's none content.
So, now, afflicted ones, lend me your ears,
Take heed! and hear what the Most High decrees!
Bring ye, your troubles, ailments, here at eve,
And with companions change sin's heavy load;
From day to day come all and barter fate,
'Till this fair moon shall wax and wane once more;
Whatever burdens then your soul shall choose
Must e'er be borne while time and life shall last."
The angel paused. A multitude drew nigh,
Bringing myriads of earthly ailments.
Pain, disease, sorrows, all the ills of life,
Were quickly cast at the bright angel's feet,
Forming a mountain reaching to the sky,
On whose lofty summit despair did reign,
For all the woes of life were in that heap.
The vision bade each one to take his choice.
