_Dedicated to the Mountain Ministers_
As terrace upon terrace
Rise the mountains o'er the humbler hills
And stretch away to dizzy heights
To meet heaven's own pure blue;
From thence to steal those soft and filmy clouds
With which to wrap their heads and shoulders--
Bare of other cloak--
Transforming them to rains and snows
To bless this elsewise desert world:
So, he who stands God's minister 'mong men,
High reaches out above all earthly things
And comes in contact with the thoughts of God;
Conveys them down in blessings to mankind--
Richest of blessings,
Holiest fruit of heaven--
Plucked fresh from off the Tree of Life
That springs hard by the Lamb's white throne,
And bears the plenteous leaves which grow
To heal the wounded nations.