ARGUMENT The aim of this poem is to point out those manifestations of the Divine Mind and those impulsions from human enterprise which have contributed in all ages to the progress of the race toward perfection. Thus it deals not only with man's origin and destiny, with earth's creation, redemption, and ultimate glorification, but with events and epochs leading up to and having those greater ends as their decreed consummation. The Christ theme, in its heavenly and earthly phases, is supplemented by the sacred and secular history of man upon both hemispheres. God's direct dealings through prophets, apostles, and other inspired agents, and His indirect dealings through poets, painters, philosophers, inventors, discoverers, statesmen, kings, conquerors and the like, are indicated, and the experiences of the Church of Christ in various dispensations portrayed. The title "Elias," signifying restoration and preparation,--the lesser going before the greater with those objects in view,--is used to denote and personify the Genius of Progress, whose beneficent workings, under the guidance of the Infinite Spirit, through the aeons and the ages, behind the scenes and upon the stage of human action, are the warp and woof of the entire poem. The medial point is the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times, the era of restitution, when the House of God is to be set in order, and all things in Christ are to be gathered into one. CONTENTS Prelude--The Author's Purpose Canto One--As From a Dream Canto Two--The Soul of Song Canto Three--Elect of Elohim Canto Four--Night and the Wilderness Canto Five--The Messenger of Morn Canto Six--From Out the Dust Canto Seven--The Arcana of the Infinite Canto Eight--The Lifted Ensign Canto Nine--Upon the Shoulders of the Philistine Canto Ten--The Parted Veil Epilogue--The Angel Ascendant Notes PRELUDE (SEE NOTE.) The work for Him I asked and aimed to do, Ere death should claim my dust, my spirit free,-- That, looking down from where the wise and true Inherit glory, gracious eyes might see A spark I kindled beaming endlessly, And lighting other wanderers to the goal Where blends the life that is with life to be;-- Now done, or well or ill, the lettered scroll Of what is writ on heart and mind I here unroll. CANTO ONE As From a Dream[1] Youth's morn was breaking, when I dreamed a dream, Splendid as springtime's weft of wonders rare; Idyllic vision, beauteous, bright romance, Glory of love and glamor of renown. I dreamed that fame held all of happiness, Save the sweet charm that lurked in woman's smile.