Unfortunately, the challenges of our present day are not unique. People of faith often have had to stand up for what they believe, in both large ways and small.
Why discouraged? Why despair,
Yielding to the present woe?
We are not what once we were;
Let us build on that we know.
Even now the future life
Shape we with our conscious hands;
And amidst the woe and strife,
Full our dream incarnate stands.
Lightest thought and humblest deed,
Aspiration's faintest breath,
These are but the unseen seed,
Springing up in spite of death.
Not despair, but wise intent,
Takes the hardship from our task;
High resolve and onward bent --
These the pressing moment ask.
Malcolm Quin, 19th cent; alt.
Tune: PATMOS (7.7.7.7.)
William Henry Havergal, 1869
Malcolm Quin (1854-1927? - no useful link available) was at one time the minister of a Church of Humanity congregation in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The Church of Humanity was based on the philosophy of Positivism, developed by Auguste Comte in the nineteenth century. It was described by one critic as "Catholicism minus Christianity," and Quin was definitely interested in this aspect, developing liturgies for his church, designing vestments, and writing hymns. He wrote about Catholicism and corresponded with George Tyrell, a Jesuit priest who was excommunicated for his modernist ideas.
Eight Years Ago: Joy is like the rain
Seven Years Ago: Roger Williams
Three Years Ago: Thomas Turton
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