I have often remarked that past generations of Christians relied on poetry far more than we do today. As I read authors from previous centuries, perhaps especially the nineteenth, I see how often they weave poetry into their prose. Sometimes the verses are quoted from the poets of the day and, just as often, freshly-written. I found this little example, clearly inspired by the book of Job, in a work titled “Brief Notice of a Short Life.” What’er we fondly call our ownBelongs to heaven’s great Lord;The blessings lent us for a dayAre soon to be restored. ‘Tis God that lifts our comforts high,Or sinks them in the grave;He gives; and when He takes away,He takes but what He gave. Then, ever blessed be His name!His goodness swell’d our store;His justice but resumes its own;‘Tis our still to adore.