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Would that our scrupulous Sires had dared to leaveLess scanty measure of those graceful ritesAnd usages, whose due return invitesA stir of mind too natural to deceive;Giving to Memory help when she would weaveA crown for Hope! I dread the boasted lightsThat all too often are but fiery blights,Killing the bud o'er which in vain we grieve.Go, seek, when Christmas snows discomfort … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – XXXIII – Regrets, By: William Wordsworth

Closing the sacred Book which long has fedOur meditations, give we to a dayOf annual joy one tributary lay;This day, when, forth by rustic music led,The village Children, while the sky is redWith evening lights, advance in long arrayThrough the still churchyard, each with garland gay,That, carried sceptre-like, o'ertops the headOf the proud Bearer. To the wide … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – XXXII – Rural Ceremony, By: William Wordsworth

From the Baptismal hour, thro' weal and woe,The Church extends her care to thought and deed;Nor quits the Body when the Soul is freed,The mortal weight cast off to be laid low.Blest Rite for him who hears in faith, "I knowThat my Redeemer liveth," hears each wordThat follows, striking on some kindred chordDeep in the thankful heart; yet tears will flow.Man is as grass that … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – XXXI – Funeral Service, By: William Wordsworth

To kneeling Worshipers no earthly floorGives holier invitation than the deckOf a storm-shattered Vessel saved from Wreck(When all that Man could do availed no more)By him who raised the Tempest and restrains:Happy the crew who this have felt, and pourForth for his mercy, as the Church ordains,Solemn thanksgiving. Nor will 'they' imploreIn vain who, for a rightful cause, give … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – XXX – Forms Of Prayer At Sea, By: William Wordsworth

The Sabbath bells renew the inviting peal;Glad music! yet there be that, worn with painAnd sickness, listen where they long have lain,In sadness listen. With maternal zealInspired, the Church sends ministers to kneelBeside the afflicted; to sustain with prayer,And soothe the heart confession hath laid bareThat pardon, from God's throne, may set its sealOn a true Penitent. When … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – XXVIII – Visitation Of The Sick, By: William Wordsworth