The Thirteenth, Greatest of CenturiesWalsh, James J. (James Joseph)
History
The Thirteenth, Greatest of Centuries
Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)
Civilization, Medieval -- 13th century; Universities and colleges -- History
"We enter. The triple breadth of Nave and Aisles, the triple height
of Pier arch, Triforium, and Clerestory, the triple length of Choir,
Transepts, and Nave, again set forth the HOLY TRINITY. And what
besides is there that does not tell of our Blessed SAVIOUR? that
does not point out "HIM First" in the two-fold western door; "HIM
Last" in the distant altar; "HIM Midst," in the great Rood; "HIM
Without End," in the monogram carved on boss and corbel, in the Holy
Lamb, in the Lion of the tribe of Judah, in the Mystic Fish? Close
by us is the font; for by regeneration we enter the Church; it is
deep and capacious; for we are buried in Baptism with CHRIST; it is
of stone, for HE is the Rock; and its spiry cover teaches us, if we
be indeed risen from its waters with HIM, to seek those things which
are above. Before us in long-drawn vista are the massy piers, which
are the Apostles and Prophets--they are each of many members, for
many are the Graces in every Saint, there is beautifully delicate
foliage round the head of all; for all were plentiful in good works.
Beneath our feet are the badges of worldly pomp and glory, the
graves of Kings and Nobles and Knights; all in the Presence of God
as dross and worthlessness. Over us swells the vast valley of the
high pitched roof; from the crossing and interlacing of its curious
rafters hang fadeless flowers and fruits which are not of earth;
from its hammer-beams project wreaths and stars such as adorn
heavenly beings; in its center stands the LAMB as it has been slain;
from around HIM the celestial Host, Cherubim and Seraphim, Thrones,
Principalities, and Powers, look down peacefully on the worshipers
below. Harpers there are among them harping with their harps; for
one is the song of the Church in earth and in Heaven. Through the
walls wind the narrow cloister galleries; emblems of the path by
which holy hermits and anchorets whose conflicts were known only to
their GOD, have reached their Home. And we are compassed about with
a mighty cloud of witnesses; the rich deep glass of the windows
teems {119} with saintly forms, each in its own fair niche, all
invested with the same holy repose; there is the glorious company of
the Apostles; the goodly fellowship of the Prophets; the noble army
of Martyrs; the shining band of Confessors; the jubilant chorus of
the Virgins; there are Kings, who have long since changed an earthly
for an heavenly crown; and Bishops who have given in a glad account
to the Shepherd and Bishop of souls. But on none of these things do
we rest; piers, arch behind arch, windows, light behind light,
arcades, shaft behind shaft, the roof, bay behind bay, the Saints
around us, the Heavenly Hierarchy above with dignity of preeminence
still increasing eastward, each and all, lead on eye and soul and
thought to the Image of the Crucified Saviour as displayed on the
great East window.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account