The church and the World walked far apart On the changing shore of time; The World was singing a giddy song, And the Church a hymn sublime. “Come, give me your hand,” said the merry World, “And then walk with me this way.” But the good Church hid her snowy hand And solemnly answered— “Nay, I will not give you my hand at all And I will not walk with you: Your way is the way of eternal death And your words are all untrue.” “Nay, walk with me a little space,” Said the World with a kindly air, “The...
