A poem for Christmas

A poem for Christmas

According to the Dictionary of National Biography, Stephen of Ripon or Eddius Stephanus flourished at the end of the 7th Century and the beginning of the 8th century. He was the biographer of St Wilfrid. I don't know whether the poem is based on a story about Eddi or just something Kipling made up. It is a lovely Christmas Poem.

Eddi’s Service (AD 687) Rudyard Kipling

Eddi, priest of St. Wilfrid, in his chapel at Manhood End,

Ordered a midnight service for such as cared to attend.

But the Saxons were keeping Christmas, and the night was stormy as well.

Nobody came to service, though Eddi rang the bell.

“Wicked weather for walking,” said Eddi of Manhood End.

“But I must go on with the service for such as care to attend.”

The altar-lamps were lighted, - an old marsh-donkey came,

Bold as a guest invited, and stared at the guttering flame.

The storm beat on at the windows, the water splashed on the floor,

And a wet, yoke-weary bullock pushed in through the open door.

“How do I know what is greatest, How do I know what is least?

That is My Father’s business,” said Eddi, Wilfrid’s priest.

“But - three are gathered together - listen to me and attend.

I bring good news, my brethren!” said Eddi of Manhood End.

And he told the Ox of a Manger and a Stall in Bethlehem,

And he spoke to the Ass of a Rider, that rode to Jerusalem.

They steamed and dripped in the chancel, they listened and never stirred,

While, just as though they were Bishops, Eddi preached them The Word,

Till the gale blew off on the marshes and the windows showed the day,

And the Ox and the Ass together wheeled and clattered away.

And when the Saxons mocked him, said Eddi of Manhood End,

“I dare not shut His chapel on such as care to attend.”

William Cowper

I recently wrote an article about William Cowper's famous Hymn "God moves in a mysterious way" and was searching for a verse that Newton wrote to that famous poet in heaven. I searched high and low on the web and then I found a book with it in, buried in St Deiniol's Library which used to be a useful repository of slightly quirky old commentaries and biographies.

So I thought, if I put it on here at least it would be easy for me to find when I need to find it.

Cowper was convinced that he was damned. Only when he slipped into his last unconscious hours was it noticed that he had been overtaken by a holy surprise. Newton wrote a verse fortelling what he would say to Cowper on meeting him in glory.

Looking Far beyond Jordan

My friend, my friend! and have we met again,

Far from the home of woe the home of men;

And hast thou taken thy glad harp once more,

Twined with far lovelier wreaths than e'er before;

And is thy strain more joyous and more loud

While circle round thee heaven's attentive crowd?

Oh! Let thy memory wake! I told thee so;

I told thee thus would end thy heaviest woe

I told the that thy God would bring thee here,

And God's own hand would wipe away thy tear,

While I should claim a mansion by thy side

I told thee so - for our Emmanuel died.

Quoted in George M Ella, William Cowper, Poet of Paradise, Evangelical Press, 1993

The article itself can be found in The Reader Magazine , Vol 107 no 2, pages 18ff click on the link for the relevant edition.