JANUARY. 



3. 



A garden then became 



The cradle of our race, 

 When first the new-born pair beheld the light: 



There naked, without shame. 



They walked, and face to face 

 Saw their Creator, and adored the sight. 



4. 



Where roll'd the fourfold brook 



Its streams that Eden fed, 

 Their way of worship first they learn'd and trod. 



The garden was the book, 



Reveal'd in which they read 

 Their Father's care, the providence of God. 



5. 



Their altar it, " to dress 



And keep it" was the praise 

 They offer'd morn and eve for sacrifice. 



While all was righteousness 



Toil wearied not ; the days 

 Flew swiftly, spent with God in Paradise. 



6. 



In mythic fables this 



Is shadow'd still, and e'en 

 Where He is known not, to whom Adam knelt : 



Type of a future bliss, 



By Pagan dimly seen, 

 Faint gleam of light mid darkness to be felt. 



Earth, all a garden, pour'd 



Forth its full wealth, and made 

 Plenty the universal heritage. 



Disease and strife abhorr'd 



Slew none, while Chronos sway'd 

 His peaceful sceptre in the golden age. 



8. 



Nor has this nought of sooth, 



Like tale of fairy-land. 

 To lull their babes to rest by nurses sung ; 



For at the torch of truth 



Tradition lit a brand : 

 There icas an age of gold when Time was young. 



9. 



But nations there were none 



When with the Fount of Good 

 The first man only, as a friend, conversed: 



For Adam reign'd alone, 



When all beneath him stood 

 His loyal subjects ere the earth was cursed. 



