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Title: English Church History
Author: Bill o'th' Hoylus End [
More Titles by Bill o'th' Hoylus End]
Most respectfully dedicated to the Rev. F. D. CREMER,
St. ANDREW'S, Keighley, Oct. 25th, 1889.
Dear reverend sir, excuse your humble servant,
Whose heart you've made this very night to glow;
I thank you kindly, and my prayers most fervent
Will ever be, dear reverend sir, for you.
My ideas lacked for want of information,
And glad am I to glean a little more,
About the Churches of our mighty nation,
Whose chimes are heard on many a far-off shore.
My heart was moved, for I was much astounded,
To view the many Churches of our land;
The life-like pictures of the saints who founded
These ruins old, so wonderful and grand.
For oft I've wished, and often have I pondered,
And longed to learn the history of our kirk;
How it was handed down to us I've wondered,
And who were they that did this mighty work.
The veil's removed, and now my sight is clearer,
Upon the sacred history of our isle;
For while I view these scenes it brings me nearer
Unto the Church on which the angels smile.
Who would not shuffle off his worldly pleasures,
For one short hour to bring before his sight,
The pictures of the great and mighty treasures--
Our English Church, which brought the world to light.
Great Men dive deep down into wisdom's river--
The poet, philosopher, and sage--
For wisdom's pearls, which showeth forth for ever,
Nor waste their sweetness or grow dull with age.
Who would not walk through ruins old and hoary,
And make each relic and persue his search?
Who would not listen and applaud each story,
Told of an ancient good and English Church?
Each view so grand, mixed up with sacred singing,
Of that old Church--I humbly call it mine,
For still my heart to it is ever clinging,
And He who died for me in ancient Palestine.
[The end]
Bill o'th' Hoylus End's poem: English Church History
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