VERBUM DEI, DEO NATUM. He, the Word of God, the fated Son, unmade and uncreated Came from heaven to be with men. John beheld him, touched him truly, Brought him in this gospel newly Back to dwell with us again. Where those early streams were flowing, Purely from pure fountains going, John breaks forth in fuller tides, Pouring for the thirsty nations Those life-giving, sweet libations Which the throne of God provides. Heaven he trod, wherein the golden Sun of truth by him beholden Filled his soul’s most secret space. Dreaming, with his spirit lifted To the seraphim, whose shifted Wings revealed God’s very face. There he heard in circle seated Harpers harp their oft-repeated Praise, with elders near the throne: By the seal of Godhead placing On our very speech the tracing Of the thoughts of God alone. As an eagle, unmolested Where each seer and prophet rested, Far he flies above them all: Never yet was mortal smitten By such secret truths unwritten, Truths which never fail or fall. There the King, in vesture splendid Seen, but yet uncomprehended, Passes to his palace gate; To his bride, from his dominion, He has sent on eagle’s pinion Tidings of that mystic state. Speak thou then her bridegroom’s splendor, Tell of rest most deep and tender, Bear thy message to the bride. Tell what angels’ food resembles, At what feasts all heaven assembles, Where their King shall still abide. Tell again what bread is given, Purchased by that side once riven— Christ’s own bread, himself alone. How that company upraises To the Lamb its lofty praises, When we sing before the throne. SIMPLEX IN ESSENTIA. Single in essential place, But of sevenfold power and grace, May the Spirit shine on us: May the light divinely shown For all gloom of heart atone, And temptations perilous. Law in symbols went before us, Dark with threats of judgment o’er us, Ere we saw the gospel rays: May the spirit of the sages Hidden in their lettered pages Venture forth in open ways! Law, men heard from mountain peaks; Unto few the New Grace speaks Softly, in a room above: Thus the spot itself is teaching Which are best within our reaching— Works of law or words of love. Flame and trumpet sounding loud Thunder through the smoky shroud: Sudden-flashing lightnings—those Strike a terror to the soul; Nourishing no sweet control Which the Spirit’s gift bestows. Thus the sundered Sinai thundered, Fixing law and guilty man. Law most fearful And uncheerful, Crushing sin by rigid plan. But the fathers long selected, And to power divine directed How they loose the bonds of sin! Words refreshing, threats astounding Through new tongues in concord sounding Thus their miracles begin.