Hymn: The first Eternal Mind was law to all
- Title: The first Eternal Mind was law to all
- First Line: The first Eternal Mind was law to all
- Hymnal: Songs and Hymns of the Earliest Greek Christian Poets
- Denomination:
- Publisher: Christian Classics Ethereal Library
- Publication Date: 1876
Author(s)
- Author Name: Allen W. Chatfield
- Born: 1808
- Died: 1896
- Gender: M
Full Text
The first Eternal Mind was law to all, And did the Universe to being call: Next, of the First-born forth was chaos spread And thirdly, soul on task of labour sped: But it in vesture thin, and slight array, O'ercome with toil, to death becomes a prey. At one time regnant it beholds the light; Then soon laments, cast down in piteous plight. 'Tis hazard all: now joy, now grief, befalls; And now it dies, and now fresh life recalls. In never-ending labyrinth of woes It, wretched, hither now, now hither goes. Then Jesus spake: On earth, O Father, see How things have strayed in dire perplexity Far from Thy Breath: how floods of evil roll, And in base matter overwhelm the soul! Escape it seeks from bitter woe all round, But knows not where a passage may be found. O Father, Me upon this errand send: Bearing Thy seals, I will the depths descend; Throughout whole ages I will make my way, All mysteries of darkness turn to day; And godlike forms I thenceforth will display: Forth Knowledge I will call to quell all strife, And upward show the holy paths of life.