Yes, if the intensities of hope and fear Attract us still, and passionate exercise Of lofty thoughts, the way before us lies Distinct with signs, through which in set career,[287] As through a zodiac, moves the ritual year[288] 5 Of England's Church; stupendous mysteries! Which whoso travels in her bosom eyes, As he approaches them, with solemn cheer. Upon that circle traced from sacred story We only dare to cast a transient glance, 10 Trusting in hope that Others may advance With mind intent upon the King of Glory,[289] From his mild advent till his countenance Shall dissipate the seas and mountains hoary.[290] FOOTNOTES: [287] 1837 ... fixed career, 1822. [288] Compare _The Christian Year_, by Keble, _passim_.--ED. [289] 1845. Enough for us to cast a transient glance The circle through; relinquishing its story For those whom Heaven hath fitted to advance And, harp in hand, rehearse the King of Glory-- 1822. Enough for us to cast no careless glance Upon that circle, leaving Christian story To those ... has ... C. (Or) Here let us cast a more than Transient glance, And harp in hand endeavour to advance, With mind intent ... C. [290] See _The Revelation of St. John_, chapter xx. v. II.--ED. XX BAPTISM Published 1827 Dear[291] be the Church, that, watching o'er the needs Of Infancy, provides a timely shower Whose virtue changes to a Christian Flower A Growth from sinful Nature's bed of weeds!--[292] Fitliest beneath the sacred roof proceeds 5 The ministration; while parental Love Looks on, and Grace descendeth from above As the high service pledges now, now pleads. There, should vain thoughts outspread their wings and fly To meet the coming hours of festal mirth, 10 The tombs--which hear and answer that brief cry, The Infant's notice of his second birth-- Recal the wandering Soul to sympathy With what man hopes from Heaven, yet fears from Earth. FOOTNOTES: [291] 1845. Blest ... 1827. [292] 1832. The sinful product of a bed of Weeds! 1827. XXI SPONSORS Published 1832