Such was the faith of old—obscure and vast,
And offering human triumphs unto heaven.
Then rose the stately temple, rich with spoils
Won from the vanquish'd nations. There the god
Stood visible in golden pageantry;
And pride, pomp, power were holy attributes.
A humbler creed has wander'd o'er the earth,
Known, as a quiet scarce-seen stream is known,
But by the greener growth upon its banks.
It is our Christian worship, which doth lead
The heart of man to Heaven by love alone.
Plant ye the Cross then by these ancient shrines
Far let it spread its genial influence—
Peace for its shadow—Hope for its sunshine.
Author's Note: The introduction of Christian missionaries was always advocated by Sir Alexander Johnston, while President ofHis Majesty's Council in Ceylon.
A leading Brahmin mentioned, while in conversation with him, the following striking fact. "For our toleration,"said he, "I refer to the little Roman Catholic chapel of St. Francis, which had for the last three hundred years stood under a banyan tree, close by the great Hindoo temple. Not one of the innumerable devotees who resort thither on pilgrimage had ever molested the shrine of another faith."