Bright angels unawares!

O! angels e'er have blessed mankind

With words of joy and cheer,

And lifted up the soul with thoughts

Of spirit-presence near.

The fevered brow and aching head

They soothingly have fanned;

And, in the hour of danger, breathed

A warning from their land.

In silence have they walked with us

O'er each familiar spot,

And through us viewed each lovely scene,

And yet we knew it not:

Their gentle hands have soothed our pains,

And lightened earthly cares;

O yes! long have we entertained

Bright angels unawares!

Twelve Messages from the spirit of John Quincy Adams through Joseph D. Stiles, medium to Josiah Brigham, Bela Marsh Publishers, Boston, 1859