Eternity of Matter

Six thousand years ago, we're told, Man now enjoyed a paradise,

Deep Darkness brooded o'er the world; And oft, with God, talked face to face;

All matter in confusion ran- With all he was not satisfied;

Unorganized, without a plan; But, tempted, ate the fruit-and died.

In all the vast expanse around Thus, death was brought upon us all,

Naught of created good was found. And all things curs'd thro' Adam's fall.

But lo! Jehovah's word goes forth; But now, what mercy doth appear?

Behold, the elements are earth! Jesus, the Christ, to earth draws near;

Yes from invisibles appear He takes upon him sinful flesh,

A sight most beautiful fair; Endures the curse of sin and death;

This glorious earth in order stood, "Just for the unjust"-lo! he dies!

And God, the Father, call'd it good. And, thus, the law he satisfies.

When every thing is formed complete, This is the glorious gospel plan,

When beast and bird in praise unite, Which brought salvation down to man;

With plants and flowers, spread far and near, And from the curse of sin restor'd,

And lofty trees their branches rear; The earth and all things to the Lord-

To rule, direct, and dress the same, Who will, in His own time, restore

From earth, is framed God's image-man. Creation, as it was before.

He strew'd a calm, delightful place And, as the Savior burst the tomb,

With flowers, and fruits of richest taste; To flourish in immortal bloom,

Of all these fruits, did He declare, So will the resurrection's power,

Thou mayest freely eat, and share; To an unchanging state, restore

All, save one tree, the which, the day The elements of which the earth,

Thou eat'st thereof thou'lt surely die. From chaos, first was called forth. M. T.