ROMAN REMAINS IN BATH. 113 



We trace in these fr.aginents the gi'aclual progress of 

 mankind, and the growth of nations. We trace the pre- 

 paration for a still higher state of civilization, and, as it were, 

 the foundation stones of that structure which it is our lot 

 to witness, in the growth of a great Christian power. Our 

 minds are led, not merely to meditate upon the instability 

 of human grandeur, and upon the passing away of things 

 present, but are taught that what has gone before has been 

 overruled to the working out of great and glorious purposes, 

 which we have been permitted to see in part fulfilled, and 

 for which we should ofFer thanks to the Giver of all good. 

 Lei US compare the ruined Temple of Minerva with the 

 stately fabric of our Metropolitan Church; and if Christianity 

 has reared such a pile to the honour and glory of the One 

 True God, it is at best an outward expression, very faint 

 and feebly conveyed, how far the glory of Christian Eng- 

 land transcends the glory of England in Pagan times ! 



" Now the fierce bear, and leopard keen, 

 Areperished, as they ne'er had been; 



Oblivion is their home ; 

 Ambition's boldest dream, and last, 

 Must melt before the clarion blast 



That Sounds the dirge of Rome. 

 Heroes and kings obey the charm, 

 Withdraw the proud high-reaching arm, 



There is an oath on High, 

 That ne'er on brow of mortal birth 

 Shallblend again the crowns of earth, 



Nor in according cry 

 Her many voices mingling own 

 One tyrant lord, one idol throne : 



But to His triumph soon 

 He shall descend, who rules above. 

 And the pure language of His love 



All tongues of men shall tune." 



1853, PART II. P 



