American Female Poets [an electronic edition]

IS CHINA OUR NEIGHBOUR?

And Jesus said, Which was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?— And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go and do thou likewise.

—St. Luke.

CAN China be our neighbour, And yet receive no care? Shall Christians cease their labour, And leave her to despair? Her children, sunk in sorrow, Are sick with many ills, To-day is sad —to-morrow A deeper shadow fills.

And bow'd in tribulation, No light athwart the gloom, That old and haughty nation Seems hastening to her doom; The cup of woe is tasted, — And must she, 'neath war's frown, Like Babylon be wasted? Like Egypt trodden down?

[figure] Innocence

Oh! when those nations perish'd, No Saviour's name was known, No brother's love was cherish'd —No Christian kindness shown; Now, where's the heart so frozen But feels the Gospel ray? And we, as Freedom's chosen, Should lead in Mercy's way.

As gentle dews, distilling, Cause wither'd plants to live, So Love, her work fulfilling, Her alms and prayers must give; Till China's millions, breaking From sin's dark bonds, arise, Like death to life awaking, When Christ descends the skies!

As early flowers, upspringing, Proclaim the opening year, So love and hope are bringing The day of promise near; — Each tear by pity given, Each mite in faith bestow'd, Makes earth more like to heaven, Where all is done for God.