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I saw a Mother's eye intensely bentUpon a Maiden trembling as she knelt;In and for whom the pious Mother feltThings that we judge of by a light too faint:Tell, if ye may, some star-crowned Muse, or Saint!Tell what rushed in, from what she was relievedThen, when her Child the hallowing touch received,And such vibration through the Mother wentThat tears burst forth amain. Did … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – XXIV – Confirmation Continued, By: William Wordsworth

The Young-ones gathered in from hill and dale,With holiday delight on every brow:'Tis passed away; far other thoughts prevail;For they are taking the baptismal VowUpon their conscious selves; their own lips speakThe solemn promise. Strongest sinews fail,And many a blooming, many a lovely, cheekUnder the holy fear of God turns pale;While on each head his lawn-robed Servant … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – XXIII – Confirmation, By: William Wordsworth

From Little down to Least, in due degree,Around the Pastor, each in new-wrought vest,Each with a vernal posy at his breast,We stood, a trembling, earnest Company!With low soft murmur, like a distant bee,Some spake, by thought-perplexing fears betrayed;And some a bold unerring answer made:How fluttered then thy anxious heart for me,Beloved Mother! Thou whose happy handHad bound … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – XXII – Catechising, By: William Wordsworth

Father! to God himself we cannot giveA holier name! then lightly do not bearBoth names conjoined, but of thy spiritual careBe duly mindful: still more sensitiveDo Thou, in truth a second Mother, striveAgainst disheartening custom, that by TheeWatched, and with love and pious industryTended at need, the adopted Plant may thriveFor everlasting bloom. Benign and pureThis … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – XXI – Sponsors, By: William Wordsworth

Dear be the Church, that, watching o'er the needsOf Infancy, provides a timely showerWhose virtue changes to a Christian FlowerA Growth from sinful Nature's bed of weeds!Fitliest beneath the sacred roof proceedsThe ministration; while parental LoveLooks on, and Grace descendeth from aboveAs the high service pledges now, now pleads.There, should vain thoughts outspread their … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – XX – Baptism, By: William Wordsworth