Man's Destiny Poem by John Bowring

Man is not wholly vile though he
May here a passing pilgrim be;
For he can speed across the sea-
Soar to the sky, or delve the mine;
From world to world exploring run,
Measure the distance of the sun,
And, touched by the Divinest One,
Feels he has impulses divine!


Earth is a noble pyramid,
Upreared by Heaven:-if Heaven forbid
Our reading all that may be hid
Behind death's veil, let no distrust
Disturb our peace-for God is there,
As He is here, and everywhere,
The Saviour and the Comforter,
All-wise, almighty, and all just.


Our Father and our Friend! around,
Above, below, we see Him crowned
With beauty, and from light profound
Sowing His blessings full and free;
His providence, when understood,
Will out of evil bring forth good
And all earth's sad vicissitude
Melt into heaven's felicity.