If a large love of the whole human race, <br /> With charity that hopeth a meet cure <br />For life’s worst evils, indicates the grace <br /> Of goodness, thine is such as will endure. <br /> And if pure prayers to stablish what is pure <br />Waste not away in the dim voids of space, <br />But, Godward rising, pierce heaven’s starry face, <br /> Thine have been heard and thy reward is sure. <br />Farewell! This people might be well content <br /> To part with much beside, if so it might <br />Keep burning through its mortal glooms, unblent <br /> With earthlier ardours, perilous, though bright, <br />Thy eloquent fervour, kindling wise intent— <br /> Thy steady flame of purpose in the right. <br /> <br /><br /><br />Charles Harpur<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-the-rev-john-saunders-on-his-departure-for-en/
