The strong and sovran links that bind <br />The sympathizing mind with mind, <br />Were moulded in the courts above; <br />And kind design of Heavenly love, <br />For wondrous workings to be done, <br />By mingling many hearts in one. <br />In one! That holy unity <br />Which in God's purposes we see, <br />Doth all in one communion blend; <br />Love is their origin and end, <br />While the best fruits of love we bless, <br />In peace, and truth, and happiness. <br /> <br /> <br />If any thought could make us blest, <br />And put all doubts, all fears at rest, <br />'Tis this-that God, who all controls, <br />Shepherd and Saviour of our souls, <br />Has unto us the promise given, <br />And made us sons and heirs of heaven. <br />And while our eyes, around us glancing, <br />Streams, fountains, plains, and forests see <br />Unchanged, while man is still advancing, <br />Immutable his destiny. <br /> <br /> <br />And what his fathers saw of old, <br />He and his children will behold; <br />The seasons, in their wonted bounds <br />Still following their eternal rounds. <br />While man is marching-marching on, <br />Until his earthly race is done; <br />And other generations will <br />Follow his course-progressive still, <br />In that divine and upward path, <br />Which neither end nor limit hath. <br /> <br /> <br />'Tis in this forward march that man <br />To man is most allied, and can <br />So best promote that brotherhood <br />Which, being better understood, <br />Will most extend the field of good; <br />And be a mighty talisman, <br />Working its wondrous mission out, <br />In spite of weakness, fear, and doubt.<br /><br />John Bowring<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/brotherly-love-2/
