Poems

<h4><SPAN name="A_HYMN_FOR_THE_CHURCH_MILITANT" id="A_HYMN_FOR_THE_CHURCH_MILITANT"></SPAN>A HYMN FOR THE CHURCH MILITANT</h4> <p>Great God, that bowest sky and star,<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Bow down our towering thoughts to thee,</span><br/> And grant us in a faltering war<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">The firm feet of humility.</span><br/> <br/> Lord, we that snatch the swords of flame,<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lord, we that cry about Thy car.</span><br/> We too are weak with pride and shame,<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">We too are as our foemen are.</span><br/> <br/> Yea, we are mad as they are mad,<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Yea, we are blind as they are blind,</span><br/> Yea, we are very sick and sad<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Who bring good news to all mankind.</span><br/> <br/> The dreadful joy Thy Son has sent<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Is heavier than any care;</span><br/> We find, as Cain his punishment,<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Our pardon more than we can bear.</span><br/> <br/> Lord, when we cry Thee far and near<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">And thunder through all lands unknown</span><br/> The gospel into every ear,<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lord, let us not forget our own.</span><br/> <br/> Cleanse us from ire of creed or class,<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">The anger of the idle tings;</span><br/> Sow in our souls, like living grass,<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">The laughter of all lowly things.</span><br/> <br/><br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />