SONGS OF THE SOUL. And is there Care in Heaven? and is there Love? AND is there care in heaven? and is there love In heavenly spirits to these creatures base, That may compassion of their evils move? There is ; else much more wretched were the case Of men than beasts. But oh! the exceeding grace Of highest God! that loves his creatures so, And all his works with mercy doth embrace, That blessed angels he sends to and fro, To serve to wicked man, to serve his wicked foe. How oft do they their silver bowers leave To come to succour us that succour want! How oft do they with golden pinions cleave The flitting skies, like flying pursuivant, Against foul fiends to aid us militant! They for us fight, they watch and duly ward, B And their bright squadrons round about us plant; And all for love, and nothing for reward: Oh! why should heavenly God to man have such regard? EDMUND SPENSER. Awake, sweet Harp of Judah, Wake! Re-tune thy strings for Jesu's sake; When God's right arm is bared for war, 'Tis He, the Lamb, to Him we fly, Thus, while we dwell in this low scene, While yet we sojourn here below, |