STANZAS


_Written on seeing Flags and other Ensigns of War, hanging in a Country
Church._

BY ALARIC A. WATTS.


Oh! why amid this hallowed scene.
Should signs of mortal feud be found;
Why seek with such vain gauds to wean
Our thoughts from holier relics 'round?
More fitting emblems here abound
Of glory's bright, unfading wreath;--
Conquests, with purer triumphs crowned;--
Proud victories over Sin and Death!

Of these how many records rise
Before my chastened spirit now;
Memorials, pointing to the skies,
Of Christian battles fought below.
What need of yon stern things to shew
That darker deeds have oft been done?--
Is't not enough for Man to know
He lives but through the blood of ONE!

And thou, mild delegate of God,
Whose words of balm, and guiding light.