Poems. The Mõsead; or, The epic of Moses and his institutions; and Our nation: a series of poems

Front matter

XMi^Xi^ii;

Maka Gould

H\

Book First

pE take passage on the ship of thought,

That up the stream of Time we may be brought To that far theater of fleeting years

Where Moses on the stage of life appears.

As rapidly, in pensive mood we sail

What varied scenes along the shores we hail !

Our thoughts flit by our country's history.

And e'en the date of its discovery ;

We sail by Europe's populated land,

With all her nationalities at hand ;

Rome in her splendor greets our wondering eyes,

Where near her ancient Greece majestic lies. The primal period of Christianity

We view, when Jesus blest humanity ;

Then rise to times when David graced a throne.

And Israel to lofty state had grown :

We pass the sites of Eastern empires by,

And to the classic shores of Egypt hie;

Around us there a nation we behold

Already great in power and growing old,

Where Dynasties in turn had seen their day.

Had blossomed, borne their fruit and passed away.

Long had the groans and cries from Goshen's plains

To Him ascended who in Zion reigns :

Long years the Hebrews in dire bondage spend

Book First 15

And fail to see a prospect of an end, While tasks and taskmasters severer grew, And e'en at last their rude oppressors threw Their offspring to the flood. As woes increased The greater was their need to be released ; Like Africans in bonds and misery, Who keenly felt their need of liberty.

The great Jehovah heard their piteous cries. Their wrongs were ever open to His eyes ; His gracious promises He ne'er forgot, His purpose and His covenant changed not. When midnight darkness settles o'er the way The night is still precursor of the day. Oppression, though it many years may last, At length shall find its woes and struggles past ; For He is mighty who will undertake The arrogant oppressor's rod to break ; And sweet the cup of liberty for those Who long have tasted of the cup of woes ; Oppression God may let awhile remain That greater freedom the oppressed may gain. The king of Egypt idol gods adored. And thus for him was tribulation stored ; His temples, where he senseless idols served, Has only as a ruin been preserved.

The ancient glory from the Delta fled Reminds of peoples and their monarchs dead : The "Field of Zoan" is not what it was. For which the Nile has been a special cause : Great changes Jacob's children underwent. E'en while on Egypt's soil their days were spent ; And great in all their after history.

As plainly shown in sacred prophecy.

So numerous had the Hebrews quickly grown That Egypt's monarch trembled for his throne ; Hence he oppressed them ; but he found at length That tasks, though heavy, did not break their strength. Accordingly he undertook to slay Their sons, the feared revolt to keep away. The Hebrews now required a Chieftain great, To lead them forth and organize a State ; One who should favor find with God and man, And execute a most stupendous plan. But how should such a man be trained Among the Hebrews, while they slaves remained .'' What schools of learning were among them found, To be of such proficiency the ground .-' The rulers of that tyrant-ridden land Held power of life and death at their command ; And often when this sovereign power they used. For selfish purposes they this abused.

How many parents' hearts were filled with woe, Whose eyes were caused with tears to overflow The tender hearts of sisters, how they bled To find successively their brothers dead ! Now, if male children should be all destroyed, Who would be left to train, and be employed To set the Hebrew from dire bondage free And lead them to a land of liberty } This obstacle could God alone remove And furnish one who would their leader prove ; For this a course so wonderful He took, Upon it we with admiration look.

pj o

BOOK FIBST 19

II

A Levite couple had a son That love devoted from them won : Three months the mother hid her babe, And thus the dread destruction stayed; The child she could no longer hide ; Another skilful plan she tried, And made a little fragile bark, Though not so large as Noah's ark, And yet like that designed to save From death and from a watery grave. With slime and pitch she made it tight And placed in it a cargo light, But far more precious than the gold Which e'en the largest ship could hold. Had but some hungry crocodile Beheld that spectacle the while. Or some Egyptian then been nigh. What could the infant do but die !

Afar the sister tenderly Was watching with anxiety What to her brother would be done, If life or death would to him come. Soon Pharaoh's daughter with her train Came down a laving there to gain ; And when the little ark she sees, Its cover she removes with ease, And as she saw the infant weep. She felt compassion o'er her creep. Although she readily divined That this was one to death consigned,

Yet she resolved the child to save ;

The anxious sister leave she gave

To call a Hebrew nurse, to take

The child and nourish for her sake.

The joyful sister quickly goes ;

Whom would she call, would you suppose ?

The godly mother, certainly

Would train her offspring carefully.

God's faithful servant he became, Thus early taught to fear His name; But more than this was for him done, For he was treated as the son Of Pharaoh's daughter, as appears. Until he reached maturer years. In all Egyptian wisdom learned He early high distinction earned : God gave him grace His ways to choose, And sinful pleasures to refuse. His steadfast faith, and high resolve, The problem for the Hebrews solve. And one at length is found at hand To lead them to the promised land.

Few records of the hero's youth we find ; Some ancient legends here are brought to mind : His military prowess they relate And triumph over Ethiopia's State ; And that he founded great Thermopolis, Commemorating victory by this : The legends say he was inventor too Of useful instruments and engines new.

He was a man of prayer, tradition states,

Book First 21

And often prayed outside the city gates, Consorting doubtless with God's people there, Who for deliverance raised their fervent prayer. The Sacred record also has declared How he by faith for service was prepared, Relinquishing all claim to royalty And much affliction bearing patiently. *

At length deliverance was nigh. Behold, The years of thy captivity are told, O Israel ! Thy earnest prayers are heard. And aid omnipotent shall be conferred. Be fearful, Pharaoh, tremble, Egypt's hosts. For wrath is hovering o'er your guilty coasts; Your long continued tyranny shall cease, For those whom you afflict shall find release.

In Midian's fields a stranger shepherd roved Far from the land and kindred well beloved. And while sojourning in that foreign land. Of Jethro's daughter he obtained the hand. Full forty years in exile he remained, And was for his great work divinely trained.

How oft he mused in meek soliloquy Upon his people's future destiny ! Did not the Lord to Israel foretell That his descendants should in Canaan dwell .? By whom shall their emancipation come ; Through whom as leader shall the work be done ? "Where is the man God's purpose to fulfil .'' Shall I be called to execute his will .-' Was it to lead them from captivity,

That I was saved from Pharaoh's decree, To his proud court so marvellously brought And in Egyptian education taught ? Why then have I this exile long endured Without the object of desire assured? Be still my soul, await the will divine ; Let God's intention evermore be mine. Oft did the fervent prayer to heaven ascend That God deliverance would quickly send To Israel, groaning under Pharaoh's hand. With none to lead them to the promised land.

But he v/ho rules supreme upon His throne At length to Moses His design made known. While still he bore a humble shepherd's name. To lofty Horeb with his flock he came, When lo ! a burning bush his wonder drev/ And led him to obtain a nearer view. A voice he heard : "No nearer be thou found, Put off thy shoes, for this is holy ground ; I am thy fathers' God." Then Moses feared. His steps restrained and Israel's God revered.

That was jio common scene ; the great I AM Had bowed His throne to speak with sinful man ; He who upholds and guides the whirling spheres. Without beginning or an end of years ; Whom all the armies of the skies obey, With glory crowned and clad in dread array ; Who turns to dust the sinful sons of men, And sits as Judge, to pardon or condemn. Designs of mercy brought Him from above ; His words bespeak compassion, wisdom, love ; They mean redemption for a race enslaved,

Book First 23

Foreshadowing a world redeemed and saved. For when a captive world in sin was bound, And no created arm to save was found, From heaven God sent His well-beloved Son Who broke the chain and full redemption won.

"Who is thy servant ?" Moses asks, "to go And speak commandingly to Pharaoh ! No princely power is trusted to my hands. No well-armed warriors wait for my commands ; My speech is slow ; how shall I therefore stand Among the people and enforce command ?" The Lord replied : "Thy steps will I attend. Thy heart to strengthen and thy cause defend, I AM hath sent me," let thy language be, "And wondrous works shall be performed by thee." Then Moses' rod He makes a serpent yield, His hand made leprous, suddenly is healed.

By signs and promises all fears suppressed, The prophet yields to God's supreme behest. To aid his speech his brother Aaron takes. With wife and sons a prosperous journey makes ; And when the elders saw the signs he gave. Confiding in Almighty power to save. To Him they bowed in grateful homage low Whose grace and power redemption would bestow. So when the heralds of supernal grace Bear gospel news to captives of our race, Joy fills believing hearts, new hopes arise, And thankful adoration greets the skies.

III

Now, when, according to the will of Heaven, God's mandate to the haughty king was given His people to release, stern he denies ; With hardened heart he impiously replies : "Who is the Lord, that I should condescend To let them go." Thus he disdained to bend To Him who hurls the tempest on its course. Who arms the mighty thunderbolt with force ; Who speaks, His edict wide creation hears, All heaven obeys and hell is filled with fears.

Of Israel's hopes this was the darkest hour; What trust could be reposed in human pov/er ! The faithless Hebrews back to Moses sped And heaped their murmurs on his blameless head. Like birds incaged, that frantically fly, And every opening in their prison try, Long had the sons of Jacob sought in vain Their independent freedom to obtain. Could an available created arm Relieve their gloom and rescue them from harm "i Frail man as soon might hope to sweep away The shades of night, and bring the cheering day, Arrest the avalanche, or still the sea. When on the shore the waves dash angrily.

Unnumbered mighty obstacles arose The unexampled effort to oppose ; The power of Egypt's grand ancestral State, Through skill and through equipment, too, was great; It surely would be found unitedly The exit of the Hebrews to deny;

BOOK FJUST 25

The Sea and Wilderness were in their path, And hostile nations would arise in wrath. Where was the help that Moses now could gain, By which he could the object wished obtain ? No powerful ally, surely, could be found Among idolaters who dwelt around ; No enginery of war could he command, No opportunity appeared at hand.

To Moses was his impotence well known, Yet undismayed he ventures near the throne ; Nor seeks for aid in vain ; heaven's ruling King Attends when faithful men petitions bring. Hear but the answer to the prophet given And doubt no more the kind design of heaven, "Now shall you see, and Pharaoh feel my power In Israel's distrustful, darksome hour ; Your fathers heard my name. Almighty God, But now, Jehovah, let it sound abroad ; My gracious covenant unmoved remains. Let Israel hope for Canaan's happy plains And trust in me ; your Tribe will I redeem With mighty judgments, and an arm unseen • Return and bear the message that I send, I am your Lord, your Guardian, Guide and Friend."

Then Moses said "If Israel despised, Will Pharaoh hear from lips uncircumcised ?" "Behold, to Pharaoh thou shalt be a god ; Through Aaron as thy prophet give thy nod ; That signs and wonders may be multiplied. My power by Egypt's king shall be defied ; But Egypt shall percieve my potent hand When Israel issues from her smitten land.

Now see a wonder; leading greater still, By which the Lord His purpose would fulfil ; The rod of Aaron at the monarch's feet Becomes a frightful serpent, huge and sleek ; In sinuous folds the horrid monster lies, With forked, quivering tongue and fiery eyes. Then sent the king and summoned at his will His sorcerers and all of magic skill ; Obedient they haste to bring their rods, With cunning arts to tempt the God of gods. Of their enchantments such the feeble powers That Aaron's serpent all the rest devours ; Not Troy of old had greater cause to dread, When serpents on their hapless victims fed. The monarch saw, but still unmoved remained, And then began the plagues by heaven ordained.

IV. As on the flowing Nile's majestic strand

The king was walking with his courtier band,

A sudden change came o'er the mighty flood ;

The prophet's wand had changed the stream to blood.

The fishes died ; but sorcerers plied their art,

And still was steeled the monarch's stubborn heart.

Now seven long days had run their tedious round, And bondsmen still the chosen Tribes were found ; Then Aaron o'er the waters stretched his hand, And frogs came up infesting all the land : Magicians, with their imitative skill, Again succeeded, to their master's will ; Yet sore afflicted with the grievous scourge. He calls the prophets, his request to urge

Book First 7h

That they would intercede, and pray To have the plague removed without delay. He adds the promise, if they would comply. No more their spurned entreaties to deny.

By Moses' potent prayer the scourge removed, The monarch's promise like a shadow proved. How much like this the vow of penitence, Extorted by the fear of recompense ! Oft, when affliction's heavy hand is felt, Those kneel who till that hour had never knelt. And pay their vows to Him who reigns above, No more to fight against redeeming love. No longer disobey, if He will send The wished relief, and all their troubles end : Relief bestowed, their hearts, unchanged forget To pay their vows, on sinful courses set.

Successive plagues the king's refusal brings, The dust itself is turned to living things ; Next, flies infest in swarms his whole domain. Except where Goshen spreads her fertile plain ; The boil is sent, afflicting man and beast O'er all the realm, the greatest with the least. Then came the hail and fire in fearful wrath. Dispensing death and terror in their path ! Yet Goshen lay in calm serenity, As mid the Deluge Noah's family, — And Israel heard unscathed the thunders roll/ Nor feared the storm that man could not control. So, when the last tremendous storm shall break. As from the dust the sleeping dead awake. The wicked will that awful storm destroy. While those who served the Lord escape with joy!

For them a happy land will He prepare,

And they shall serve their great Redeemer there.

Seven plagues are past, three greater still impend, That bring the drama to its tragic end. While unobeyed the high behests of heaven. And unavailing all the tokens given Of power that mocks the impotence of kings, And on the guilty retribution brings. The plagues foreshadowed other judgments sent Upon the guilty who would not repent. God warns before He slays, and those who heed And turn from sin, are from the ruin freed. Mild chastisements for this may not suffice. And then He oft severer measures tries ; Like skilful teachers in a public school. Who aim to bring their pupils under rule.

Had Pharaoh been wise he would have known That he must yield, or else be overthrown. The word and providence of God unite To say, against Him venture not to fight ; For finite power is impotent to stand Against his lifted and almighty hand. The powers of nature God oft summons now* To lead the stubborn will of man to bow ; But if, like Pharaoh, he still refuse. And God's long suffering and grace abuse, If thus the great salvation He neglect, What has he but perdition to expect ! If sinning angels were from heaven driven Shall sinning man, impenitent, reach heaven ? The ways of God are holy, just and good. Though oft by erring man not understood.

Book First 29

Again obedient to the word of God O'er Egypt Moses stretched his magic rod ; At morn a multitude of locusts rise, Spread o'er the land and darken all the skies 1 Wide waste and ruin follow in their path Like havoc made by armies in their wrath. When, through the prayers of Moses reaching heaven, The locusts to the sea were swiftly driven, The heart of Pharaoh was hardened still. And unsubdued remained his stubborn will. How oft the tree, which bends before the blast. Resumes its place soon as the storm is past !

Next, to the heavens, by God's supreme command, See Moses lift in majesty his hand : He summons from the realms of ancient night Unmingled darkness to prevent the sight ; Except in homes where Jacob's children trod Beneath the benediction of their God : The monarch, obstinate and unsubdued. Drove Moses from him in an angry mood.

The firmness of the man of God behold ! When he relentless Pharaoh had told That they their flocks and herds would with them take, And all their sons and daughters too, and make A feast unto the Lord, he said, " Not so. Ye only that are men have leave to go:" He knew, if these were suffered to remain The men would certainly return again.

When locusts and thick darkness had been sent. The king, upon his object still intent. Bade Moses take the children too, and serve

The Lord, but still the flocks and herds reserve. God's servant, knowing what the king designed. Declared, "A hoof shall not be left behind.'' Beginners in the Christian pilgrimage To make no reservation should engage.

God now proclaimed, " One other plague I send, To bring your bondage to a speedy end ; At midnight shall be heard a bitter cry. For all the first born of the land shall die, Except the children of the chosen tribes With whom my favor evermore abides."

Then Moses, by the King eternal led, To all the elders of his people said, A feast of flesh, and bread unleavened make. The blood of Lambs, with bunch of hyssop take, And mark the posts and lintels of each door That God may pass your first-born children o'er. And this in future years, by God's command, A sacrifice and passover shall stand.

At midnight came the threatened, sudden blow, That laid the first-born of proud Egypt low ; Then did the king reluctant deign to say To Moses, " Rise and leave without delay ; Go forth and serve the Lord, as ye have said, And let your flocks and herds be also led." Perhaps he thought this method to employ. The growing Tribes of Israel to destroy.

Forthwith the Hebrews hasten to depart. And leave their bondage with a joyful heart ; They borrowed too, of those who did them wrong Such needful things as they could take along ; For some Egyptians were not quite so slow

Book First 31

To feel compassion move, as Pharaoh : No doubt upon them came the sudden fear, That painful death to them might then be near; Their gold and silver they would freely give, If only they themselves might safely live.

So fast the sons of Jacob had increased, That when by power divine, they were released, From Ramases to Succoth journeyed then. About six hundred thousand full grown men. Their families and flocks they take along, Which still to them in servitude belong: Their rulers trusted not in swords and spears, But in the mighty Power that rules the spheres. The Hebrews were a nation soon to be And thus fulfil their lofty destiny. The child the father of the man is found. The tree springs from the seedling in the ground, Like that a nation from beginning grows. Strikes down its roots, abroad its branches throws.

VI:

How little did the Hebrews know. How faintly realize.

What hardships they would undergo Beneath Arabian skies ; So, never can the Christian say, In traveling to heaven.

What trials will beset his way E'-€r entrance shall be given.

The mariner on ocean wide, Beneath the changing skies.

Knows not what winds and storms betide.

Or foes may round him rise.

Had not Jehovah led the band Which rest and refuge sought, How could they through a desert land To Canaan have been brought ?

Their faithful Guardian He proved, Their true, almighty Friend ; Before them His Shekinah moved E'en to their journey's end.

Some failed to reach the promised rest Provided by their God ; Those only were divinely blest Who wisdom's ways had trod.

Lest they should meet the strong Philistine hosts That peopled Palestine's western coasts, God led His people by another route. And with a mighty hand He brought them out. But horsemen swift, and ranks of warriors trained, Pursued the flying band and on them gained ; Before them was the sea ; the mountains rose, On either hand ; how could they escape their foes ! The leader, full of faith, believing yet That God His covenant would not forget. Addressed the people thus : " Fear not, but stand, And see salvation by a mighty Hand ; The proud Egyptians which ye see today. Shall like a specter quickly pass away."

Ye who in stories marvellous delight. Or love to contemplate some wondrous sight, Review attentively those works of old. Those scenes which still surprise, though often told ; And ye who all such wondrous works deny.

Book First S3

Esteeming miracles a specious lie, Without base prejudice consider well, What has been told, and what I now shall tell. Behold another wondrous work of God ! As Moses o'er the sea stretched out his rod, A wall of water rose on either side, To give the Hebrews passage, dry and wide ! The Wind a marvellous exploit performs, Such as has signalized no other storms. For when in all its history beside. Did e'er the sea of Egypt thus divide ? What other pilgrims, as they reached that strand, E'er made their passage on the solid land. Let no one longer fail to recognize The power displayed by Him who rules the skies, Or fail to take this useful lesson too. That what God orders He helps man to do.

vn.

Upon the wondrous highway made by God, Which human footsteps ne'er before had trod, The Hebrews made an easy passage o'er. And soon they safely reach the other shore. Their enemies presumptuously pursue ; Had not the way been opened to them too .-* O Israel, although the foes are near. Do not their chariots and horsemen fear ; ForHewho listens to His people's prayer. And watches o'er them with a sleepless care. Is mighty also to defeat their foes, Whenever they His purposes oppose.

The host of Pharaoh pressed on with ire, But God beheld them from the cloud of fire ; The chariots in the mud now slowly drag, The swiftest horsemen too are seen to lag ; And soon the waves, returning to their place, Arrest the mad pursuers in their race, God had determined in that signal way His majesty and glory to display, And show to distant ages that His power Can save His people in the darkest hour. Resistless, unrestrained, the water's flow, Remediless, complete, the overthrow ! Strewn widely on the shore armed corpses lay Unblest with burial ; as if to say, We thought we could almighty God defeat ; We now receive a retribution meet !

What earthly power shall with the Lord contend ? He can His foes to swift destruction send ; He rides in chariots of living fire, To execute His own supreme desire. What power against Him can successful be, Who rules in earth, in air, in sky and sea ; Who erst the wicked to destruction hurled. Who drowned an army, and e'en drowned a world }

The whole emancipated, joyful throng With Moses join in an exultant song. So beautiful, significant, sublime, It sails triumphant down the stream of time.

Book First. 35 Song Of Triumph By Moses

Exodus XV.

"The Lord hath triumphed gloriously, "Drowned horse and rider in the sea, "My strength, salvation and glad song, " My God, to whom does praise belong, "My father's God, the Lord His name, "Through me He shall abode here gain : "The chariots, the mighty host, "And captains, the great monarch's boast, "Are sunk in waters like a stone, "By power of Thy strong hand alone.

"Those who to fight Thee didst presume, "Thy wrath, like stubble, didst consume; "Thy blasting breath made floods a heap, "The sea congealed, the liquid deep. "Said Pharaoh, I overtake, " Of plenteous spoil division make ; "My sword I draw, my power employ, "And all their host I will destroy. "But Thou with blast of wind didst blow, " Like lead in waters they sunk low : "Among the gods who is like Thee, "In honor, power and majesty.'' " Great is Thy holiness and praise, " Most wonderful Thy works and ways !

"When Thou in wrath stretched out Thy hand, "Earth swallowed them, none could withstand; "The people are by mercy brought "To find the habitation sought. "Now Palestina's dwellers wail

"To find their expectations fail,

" And Edom's Dukes amazed shall be

"While Moabites hear tremblingly.

"The Canaanites will melt with fear

"When Thou shalt Israel's tribes bring near;

"To guide and plant them is Thy care,

"And their possession to prepare."

Then Miriam, the honored prophetess, The Lord in grateful song did likewise bless ; While Israel's fair daughters join the strain, With timbrels, dances, and a glad refrain ; Exulting in their great Deliverer, And in their rescue from distressing fear.

"Sing to the Lord, Almighty He, "Rejoice, He triumphs gloriously; "The horse and rider, Pharaoh's boast, "Are drowned, and all his mighty host."

Such is the triumph those by grace obtain Who trust in God and His salvation gain ; And such the song which oft their voices raise, Of gratitude and undissembled praise. When rescued from the chains of reigning sin, From mighty foes without, and foes within. To enter on the way to heaven, led. Protected and with manna daily fed.

More joyful strains ne'er floated on the air Than rang and echoed in Arabia there ; Although no organ's solemn peals were heard. But by the timbrels were emotions stirred. No Mendelssohn, no Handel or Mozart Had elevated music's heavenly art ; No Doane's or Sankey's evangelic strains

Book First. 37

Inspired devotion on the Asiatic plains ; Yet modern poets, skilled in lyric verse, Could not more fitly wondrous things rehearse Than Miriam and Moses, whom God chose To win a triumph over haughty foes.

The world has moved since Israel crossed the sea. But God exists and rules immutably ; And men, by Him created, have been found Possessed of common traits the world around. How oft have Puritan and Huguenot By Him from bonds of tyranny been brought ! How heartfelt was the praise on Plymouth's strand Where Pilgrims entered freedom's happy land ; But warmer notes of praise and triumph rise, And echo through the arches of the skies. When ransomed saints have passed o'er death's dark sea, P'rom inbred sin and earth-born troubles free. To join in songs of triumph, joy and praise. And dwell in cloudless light through endless days.

SECTIONAL OUTLINE OF BOOK" IL

Sec. I. The victory aud victors. March through S lur and Elim. In the desert of Sin.

II. The Manna. Christ symbolized by it. The rock yielding water at R^phidim Joshua's victory over the Amalekites. Moses a type of Christ as Intercessor.

III. The wife of Moses and Jethro. His Advice. The Shekinah. Arrival at Sinai. Signs of Jehovah's presence and power.

IV. The ten Commandments given. Summary. Their perpetual obligation. Exalted office of Moses.

V. The Jewish Institute and Dispensations preparatory. The Feasts appointed. Warnings and promises. Jehovah on His sapphire throne.

VI. The priesthood of Aaron. He typified Christ. Priesthood of Aaron's sons and its typical significance.

VII. Rebellion and the golden calf. Moses breaks the tables. The sons of Levi come to his assistance.

VIII. Cou'-age an"! heroism of Moses. Hii Intercession. New tables made and placed in the ark. Three divine Advents.