Henry Alford

1810-1871 / England

Sonnet Xcviii. There Is One Baptism

'There is one baptism:'' thus wrote holy Paul--
Behold its only trace, yon ancient stone
Forth to dishonour and destruction thrown,
Catching the drippings from the chancel--wall.
''We, being many, all partake one bread:''
Behold in yonder unfrequented quire,
For two old men, four women, and the squire,
Three times a year the scanty banquet spread.

Are we His people? is the Lord our King?
Up then for shame, and the old ways restore--
Give to the Lord the honour due, and bring
Glad presents to His courts; that so, before
His wrath arise upon our Church and land,
The incense of our prayer may stay His lifted hand.
146 Total read