true; there must be rapture and
inspiration, but these will naturally differ in their character as the
powers do from whom they proceed. The worshippers of Baal may be rude
and frantic in their cries and gestures; but the true Prophet,
speaking to or of the true GOD, is all dignity and calmness.

If then, in addition to the ordinary difficulties of poetry, all these
things are essential to the success of the Christian lyrist--if what
he sets before us must be true in substance, and in manner marked by a
noble simplicity and confidence in that truth, by a sincere attachment
to it, and entire familiarity with it--then we need not wonder that so
few should have become eminent in this branch of their art, nor need
we have recourse to the disheartening and unsatisfactory solutions
which are sometimes given of that circumstance.

'Contemplative piety,' says Dr. Johnson, 'or the intercourse
between God and the human soul, cannot be poetical. Man,
admitted to implore the mercy of his Creator, and plead the
merits of his Redeemer, is already in a higher state than
poetry can confer.'[17]

[17] _Life of Waller._

The sentiment is not uncommon among serious, but somewhat fearful,
believers; and though we believe it erroneous, we desire to treat it
not only with tenderness, but with reverence. They start at the very
mention of sacred poetry, as though poetry were in its essence a
profane amusement. It is, unquestionably, by far the safer extreme to
be too much afraid of venturing with the imagination upon sacred
ground. Yet, if it be an error, and a practical error, it may be worth
while cautiously to examine the grounds of it. In the generality,
perhaps, it is not so much a deliberate opinion, as a prejudice
against the use of the art, arising out of its abuse. But the great
writer just referred to has endeavoured to establish it by direct
reasoning. He argues the point, first, from the nature of poetry, and
afterwards from that of devotion.

The essence of poetry is invention; such invention as, by
producing something unexpected, surprises and delights. The
topics of devotion are few.

It is to be hoped that many men's experience will refute the latter
part of this statement. How can the topics of devotion be few, when we
are taught to make every part of life, every scene in nature, an
occasion--in other words, a topic--of devotion? It might as well be
said that connubial love i