They snatched her infant; next, they dashed it in the flame. The mother’s spirit quailed to see this deed of shame. Though not herself, to save her infant, she’d bow down. But lo! a miracle! The babe cried: “Let alone! Uninjured am I here. Come in. Be not dismayed. ’Tis cool and pleasant. Cease to feel of fire afraid;— Mere blinding bandage to the eyes;--naught but a veil. God’s mercy’s here revealed,--made manifest. All hail! 55 Come in, my mother, dear. The truth thou shalt record. Thou’lt here perceive how saints hold converse with the Lord. Come in; and witness water blazing high, as fire. This is a world where flame like water is;--not dire. Come. Look on miracles for blessed Abr’am wrought;[128] Whose furnace changed to gardens, out of firewood brought. Death then I underwent, when I was born of thee. The fear of death swept o’er me, ere my eyes could see. With birth I ’scaped from prison, narrow, dark, and drear; Emerging to a world, vast, radiant, bright, and clear. 60 Alas! that world, you see, is but a second womb. Joy, comfort, happiness, are found beyond the tomb. Within this fire a realm of wonders lies around; Each atom’s here a Jesus;--balm to heal each wound. This world I’m in’s reality;--not merely form. The scene I’ve left’s all vanity;--food for the worm. Come in, my mother; quick! Seize this auspicious hour. Come in! Let opportunity not ’scape thy pow’r. Come in; come in; in name of parent’s tenderness. Come in! This fire has no devouring ruthlessness. 65 Come in! Thou’st witnessed all that Jewish dog can move. Come in! The grace and power of God Almighty prove. ’Tis from my love for thee I thus so much insist; From pleasure felt by me, for thee I’ve fear dismissed. Come in; come in! And others call, to follow thee. The Great King here His bounteous table’s spread for me. Come in; come in! All of you, saints of God, elect! Resigned ones![129] Faith’s cup of martyrdom select! Come in! Flock in; in crowds; as moths around a light! This year has tens of thousands springs; but not one night.” 70 Thus loudly cried the infant from its bed of flame. Th’ assembled crowds all heard it. All were seized with shame. A sudden holy impulse urged them to obey. In crowds those men and women cast their lives away. No force was needed;--no compulsion;--all was love; For bitterness is sweet to all whom love doth move. To such a point it came that guards and soldiers, all, Were fain to cry: “Withhold! The fire is more than full!”