Classic Poem

And can this bright and heaven descended spark,
— Portion of thine own Immortality, —
In future ages, Father, cease to be?
The spirit's vital fire eclips'd and dark?
No, — by the pure aspirings after Thee,
Which even sin-bound souls at moments feel,
By every high and glorious faculty,
Which thou hast stamp'd with thine Almighty seal,
It shall not perish! — Thou hast breath'd the flame,
And Thou canst purify. Tho' mortal sight
Thro' earth's involving shades behold no light,
The soul's vitality is still the same;
And those whom earth saw grovelling in her dust,
In heaven shall perfect virtue in thy trust.

And can this bright and heaven descended spark,
— Portion of thine own Immortality, —
In future ages, Father, cease to be?
The spirit's vital fire eclips'd and dark?
No, — by the pure aspirings after Thee,
Which even sin-bound souls at moments feel,
By every high and glorious faculty,
Which thou hast stamp'd with thine Almighty seal,
It shall not perish! — Thou hast breath'd the flame,
And Thou canst purify. Tho' mortal sight
Thro' earth's involving shades behold no light,
The soul's vitality is still the same;
And those whom earth saw grovelling in her dust,
In heaven shall perfect virtue in thy trust.