The Things Prepared of God
By Helen Chauncey
"Eye hath not seen the things prepared of God."
No plants that spring from this terrestrial sod,
Nor trees that wave upon the summer air,
Nor azure skies, nor forms of beauty rare,
Can symbolize the treasures laid away
Within the regions of celestial day. "Ear hath not heard." The voice of melody
Floating across the solemn midnight sea,
The tender tones of love, the organ peal
That fills the minster as the people kneel,
The carols of the birds, the sighing breeze —
God has prepared far better things than these. "Neither has entered into the heart of man"
The faintest shadow of the wondrous plan,
The rainbow's tinted hopes that lure the soul,
Yet still, with baffled pinions, miss their goal —
All lovely dreams, all visions of delight,
Are to the things prepared as dark to light. Of that fair city where the ransomed dwell
No pen can write, no mortal tongue can tell;
But those who find an entrance shall abide
Forevermore, completely satisfied.
No dread of loss shall cause disturbing fears,
And God's own hand shall wipe away all tears.
— Helen Chauncey.