Richard Watson Gilder

Against the darkness outer
God's light his likeness takes,
And he from the mighty doubter
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Against the darkness outer
God's light his likeness takes,
And he from the mighty doubter
The great believer makes.

Since ancient Time began,
Ever on some great soul God laid an infinite burden--
The weight of read more

Since ancient Time began,
Ever on some great soul God laid an infinite burden--
The weight of all this world, the hopes of man,
Conflict and pain, and fame immortal are his guerdon.

We lean on Faith; and some less wise have cried,
"Behold the butterfly, the see that's cast!"
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We lean on Faith; and some less wise have cried,
"Behold the butterfly, the see that's cast!"
Vain hopes that fall like flowers before the blast!
What man can look on Death unterrified?

What babe new born is this that in a manger cries?
Near on her lowly bed his happy mother read more

What babe new born is this that in a manger cries?
Near on her lowly bed his happy mother lies.
Oh, see the air is shaken with white and heavenly wings--
This is the Lord of all the earth, this is the King of Kings.

I am the spirit of the morning sea,
I am the awakening and the glad surprise.

I am the spirit of the morning sea,
I am the awakening and the glad surprise.