The New Birth (Very)

'Tis a new life—thoughts move not as they didWith slow uncertain steps across my mind,In thronging haste fast pressing on they bidThe portals open to the viewless wind;That comes not, save when in the dust is laidThe crown of pride that gilds each mortal brow,And from before man's vision melting fadeThe heavens and earth—Their walls are falling now—Fast crowding on each thought claims utterance strong,Storm-lifted waves swift rushing to the shoreOn from the sea they send their shouts along,Back through the cave-worn rocks their thunders roar,And I a child of God by Christ made freeStart from death's slumbers to eternity.