The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1854-12-01
seIelt l1ortrp.
A CHURCH IN THE AIR.

Once wandering through the land of dreams,
In search OF something new,
A chuTch--'iwaS on Sabbath morn
NJ curious notice drew;
And thinking Shonld see the mode
or Christian worship there,
entered Just in time to hear
The closing hymn and prayer.
And when the hymn was given out,
With what a>tonshed face
I watched lady clad in silk
Bend forward from her place,
To share her book with one whose robes
So scanty were and near,
No maiden formed of earthly mould
To greet her would be seen.
And yet saw not that the deed
Lesscned "a single grace,
But rather that swepter look
Beamed on the maiden's face,
And while pondered in my mind,
Eow such a thing could be,
The whole assembly Joined 10 sing
Some time-worn melody.
And vet the music of that choir
Right pleasant was 10 hear,
Though nothing in the strain | found
To please critics ear;
But childhood joined its Hnsing tones
With those OF ialterng age,
And rich, and poor, and old, and young
in that blest work engage.
And here 10 fashionable airs,
The tedIuHi 10 besuiIe,
Are set 10 solemn hymns of praise,
And sung in open style.
And well, thought |, the church of God
This mockery might spare.
/ ceased-aHd every head was bowed
In reYerrntial prayer.
And all in spirit seemed to JOIN,
Nor could well lorbear,
For Christ and not the minister,
Was most apparent there.
It's words OF charity and love
Did the whole world eulbra e,
Unfettered by the love OF sect,
That modern Christian grace.
And little did care TO know
If Old the School, or New,
From whence the soul OF such man
ifs rich Instruction drew.
His teacher none could we'll mistake,
Oae only can impart
Lessons Of wisdom that can guide
4 sinful human heart.
Too soon that fervent prayer was DER,
The benedlclion asked,
And slowly down the spacions aisles
The congregation passed.
Slowly, one might turn his back
Upon The gates of heaven,
After a TASTE of angels food
Unto his soul was given.
And now kind greetings were exchanged,
With many friendly word,
And Christians met, as Christians should,
Who served one common Lord.
One heart, one mind one earnest Will
Seemed TO inspire the whole,
As friend with freedom told
The welfare of his soul.
Strange though it seem, no single word
These curious folks did say,
OF politics. of rise in stocks,
Or gossip Of the day.
Not only did they '.shut up shop
And lock the Office door,
They turned the key on worldly thought,
Till holy time was o'er.
The sermon, while group discussed,
listened in amaze,
And marveled al the words they used,
When speaking in its praise.
lhey did not call ii 'sgreat" or E:dcep,"
"lngenious, - "witiy,n s.smart,''
Or 'thank their stars they had man
After the peoples heart.''
B1t whispered low, with moistened eyes,
CHOW ptecl0ns was the word;
How foil of hope the promises
Their strengthened souls had heard -
And murmured blessings on his head,
" bO iahprIuu b,-+ MI
In all simplicity and truth,
Preached Christ the crucifed.
heard, and could not silence keep,
''Ihriee happy souls ~ | Cried
Am IN heaven r. With sudden start
My eyes opened wide
Looked round moment in amaze
Saw my mistake with pain,
And never since have dared 10 IA ka