i8 
The Cod of the Open Air. 
And ti'lail tlie pil,i4riin in the lonely ni.^'ht 
For whom the hills of Haran. tier on tier, 
Built up a stairway to the hei,L;ht 
Where stars like angel eyes were shining- clear. 
From mountain-peaks, in many a land and a,i;e. 
Disciples of the Persian seer 
Have hailed the rising sun and worshii)])ed Thee ; 
And way-worn followers of the Indian sage 
Have found the peace of God beneath a spreading tree. 
But One, but One. — O child most dear. 
And perfect image of the love unseen, — • 
Walked every day in pastures green, 
And all His life the quiet waters by, 
ReacHng their beauty with a tranquil eye, 
To Him the desert was a place prepared 
For weary hearts to rest; 
The hill-side was a Temple blest ; 
The grassy vale a banquet-room. 
Where He could feed and comfort many a guest. 
With Him the lily shared 
The vital joy that breathes itself in bloom; 
And every bird that sang beside the nest 
Told of the love that broods o'er every living thing. 
He watched the shepherd bring 
His flock at sundown to the welcome fold, 
The fisherman at daybreak fling 
His net across the waters grey and cold. 
And all day long the i)atient reajjer swing 
His curving sickle through the harvest-gold. 
So through the world the foot-path way He trod, 
JJrawing the air of Heaven in every breath; 
And in the evening sacrifice of death 
Beneath the open sky He gave His soul to God. 
Him will I trust and for my Master take : 
Him will I follow, and for liis dear sake, 
God of the open air. 
To Thee I make my prayer. 
