Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE BUILDERS OF THE ARK, by MARIA ABDY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BUILDERS OF THE ARK, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The ark is on the waters, and one family alone
Last Line: O, let us watch with ceaseless care the welfare of our own!
Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Maria; Abdy, Mira; M. A.


The ark is on the waters, and one family alone,
Amid a lost and guilty race, its saving succour own;
Why are so few a number to the sacred shelter brought?
Where are the many builders who the wondrous structure wrought?

Alas! they laboured at their task with cold mechanic skill;
They had no hope of future grace, no fear of future ill;
Vainly the holy ark they view, vainly its refuge crave --
Others are by their efforts saved, themselves they cannot save.

May not the record of their fate a warning truth convey,
To some who in religion's cause unwearied zeal display?
Our anxious cares extend to all, our active works abound,
But say, within our secret hearts is true devotion found?

We send the blessed Book of Life to cheer the heathen's night,
But do we duly read and prize its words of hope and light?
Where bands of pious Christians meet we eagerly repair,
Do we with equal fervour breathe our solitary prayer?

The sinful we reclaim and warn, the ignorant we teach,
We place them in the narrow road, a land of joy to reach;
How dire the thought, that, while they bless their firm and friendly guide,
They may attain the gates of heaven, and miss us from their side!

Our prompt and ready labours may the praise of man demand;
Man judges of the spirit by the workings of the hand:
But God's unfailing wisdom seeks religion's hidden part,
And marks if true and vital faith be cherished in the heart.

Yet let us not unmindful of our erring brethren prove;
No, let increasing energy inspire our deeds of love,
But while to save another's soul our ardent zeal is shown,
O, let us watch with ceaseless care the welfare of our own!





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