THE BIBLE by D. M'Court

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 21, 1884

THE BIBLE.

By D. M'Court

BY D. M'COURT.

How well that book of heavenly birth Has triumphed o'er the waste of time; And though dire change convulse the earth, Unchanged it beams with truth sublime; On its inspired all-sacred page How lightly falls the foot of age!

The structures reared by mortal man, The pomp and pride of earthly kings, Survive but for a measured span The crumbling touch the future brings. But truth's undimmed immortal flame Shines on through every age the same.

Unchanged though infidels blaspheme, And haughty critics all deride, Or error's voice triumphant seem To cast its heaven-born page aside. How ill the power of tongue or pen Can still the voice of God to men.

Vain man in science newly born, Proud o'er some weak achievement grown, Proclaims God's word is brought to scorn, And gives th' ambitious world his own. How much men lose in the exchange Of truths long-tried for theories strange.

Conceit and hate have swept earth's fields, And plied the cruel torch and brand; Knowledge and truth were doomed to yield, And darkness shrouded all the land. Love gave again the holy word, And truth and knowledge were restored.

In vain, mortality, thy power To thwart God's purpose all divine; His word undimmed to Heaven shall tower, And o'er its conquests brighter shine. All hate may do, or man may say But speeds it farther on its way.

Chart of the pilgrim on life's sea; The gift of love to mortals given; Blest hope where weary hearts may flee And find the path that leads to Heaven; Love all divine illumines thy page, The guide of youth—the staff of age.

Fort Howard, Wis.