Classic Poem

The open vision ceases from the land,
God's word becomes more rare, and yet more rare;
Eli, thine eyes wax dim! although thou stand
In God's own house, thou dost not see him there!
He speaks! list, Eli, to the precious word!
Alas, that word is not for such as thee;
Thy sealed ears no voice of God have heard, —
Thy sluggard eyes no open vision see.
Wherefore should not the lamp of God burn out?
The seer of God is blind, and nothing sees!
Who shall light Israel through her clouds of doubt?
Whom shall God call upon in nights like these?
The priest dreams still of earth. Lo! God has smiled,
And called on one like heaven, — a ministering child.