Transience and Eternity

Where it surfaces

• Epigraph

  The fleeting nature of earthly wealth is juxtaposed with the eternal value of a contented spirit.

• Verses on Various Occasions

  Recurring meditations on the fleeting nature of life and the promise of eternal rest.

• I: Solitude

  The birthday reflection meditates on the brevity of life and the approach of death, while longing for eternal rest and the heavenly lyre.

• Introduction to an Album

  The harp's many chords and the invitation to add a string suggest a fleeting moment of creation that seeks lasting fellowship and harmony.

• VIII: The Trance of Time

  The poem contrasts the fleeting seasons and worldly gifts with the eternal rest of Heaven.

• IX: Consolations in Bereavement

  The swift transition from earthly life to God's eternal abode underscores the fleeting nature of mortal existence.

• A Picture

  The chapter contrasts the fleeting nature of earthly life with the promised glory and eternal reunion.

• XIII: A Voice from Afar

  The poem contrasts the transient earthly life with the eternal rest and knowledge of God, as the deceased speaker now shares in divine blessedness.

• XV: Thanksgiving

  The fleeting nature of childhood and blessings is contrasted with eternal love-tokens and divine memory.

• XVII: Epiphany-Eve

  Contrasts the transient 'Christmas snow' and 'Christmas berries' with the eternal themes of Mary's ascension and the 'age that has no ending.'

• XVIII: The Winter Flower

  The poem contrasts the brief hour of courts and crowds with the enduring blessing of the flower, suggesting a deeper, lasting value.

• Seeds in the Air

  Bright thoughts are described as sudden and rare, like comets, emphasizing their fleeting yet impactful nature.

• XXXII: Substance and Shadow

  Contrasts fleeting sensory 'shadows' with the enduring truth of the immortal soul and its divine purpose.

• Wanderings

  Earth's favours are described as ever sear and ever cloy, contrasting with the eternal divine rays first caught at home.

• XXXVI: The Watchman

  Contrasts Time's many years with Eternity's oneness, emphasizing the eternal perspective over temporal fears.

• XL: The Haven

  The fleeting peace of the haven is a figure of eternal Eden, a rest not yet fully possessed.

• LVI: Corcyra

  The contrast between the transient rise and decay of the city and the eternal, singular existence of each spirit is central to the poem's meditation.

• A Blight

  The fleeting springtime of youth contrasts with the enduring hope for eventual restoration.

• LXVIII: Reverses

  The poem contrasts the fleeting nature of mirth, power, growth, and love with the enduring quality of Truth.

• CIX: The Gift of Tongues

  The gift is described as being sent at rare seasons and then flitting back to heaven, emphasizing its fleeting nature.

• CXXII: Waiting for the Morning

  The souls rest in a timeless Eden while the river of time flows on, illustrating the contrast between temporal change and eternal peace.

• CXXXII: Lauds—Sunday

  The fading night and approaching day symbolize temporal change, while the closing doxology affirms eternal praise.

• Lauds—Thursday

  The passing of night and the coming of dawn symbolize the transient nature of earthly time, while the doxology points to eternal glory.

• CXLII: None

  The contrast between the declining day and the eternal morning after death reflects the transient nature of earthly life and the hope of everlasting renewal.

• CXLIX: Vespers—Saturday

  The setting sun symbolizes the transience of earthly life, contrasted with the eternal light of the Trinity.

• CLIX: Candlemas

  The poem contrasts the brief comfort of earth with the enduring light of Jesus, highlighting the fleeting nature of divine joy.

• CLXI: The Month of Mary

  The poem contrasts the fleeting beauty of May's grass, flowers, and sun with Mary's eternal, unfading throne.

• CLXVIII: The Golden Prison

  Contrasts the fleeting nature of earthly life and praise with the eternal hope of salvation after purgatorial cleansing.

• Heathen Greece

  Contrasts the eternal, unchanging beauty of the mountains with the fading, transient green robes of the earth.

• To Edward Caswall

  The fleeting beauty of spring blossoms contrasts with the eternal 'plants of paradise' and 'visions that are sure'.

• The Two Worlds

  The gaudy world is described as a fleeting fairy ground, while the divine face represents eternal glory.

• § 7

  The contrast between the fleeting grass of morning and the eternal refuge of God.