Lo! as we read, what new unknown controul, 125 "What sacred energy assails the soul ! We seem to feel an impulse that's divine, "Tis God himself that breathes from every line: And own the force of an Almighty hand. 130 Learns hence, its dang'rous turbulence t'assuage. Is check'd, or ere it wantons into thought. It melts the heart, which unrelenting Pride, 135 Or ruthless Avarice had petrified. Revenge, that pants for mischief or for blood, That breathes out threat'nings in his ireful mood, Or broods delib'rate o'er its purpose fell, 140 with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephes iv. 31, 32. That there in secret agony it bears, Lo! in obedience to the potent word, 145 Resigns each cruel thought, and drops the thirsty Sword. Unmanly Fear, with abject thoughts deprest, To Courage brightens his aspiring crest. The Christian should disdain improper fear, For cowardice is a destructive snare. 150 'Tis better in a worthy cause to die, Than live in wickedness and infamy. And why should he of dying be afraid, Who knows his peace with his Creator made? 'Tis like an exile backward to go home, A captive fearing his release should come ; "Tis like a seaman troubled in a storm, Loth that his ship the voyage should perform. And Fortitude, the truest Fortitude, 155 With more than Stoic steadiness endu'd, Firm, patient, calm, determin'd, and resign'd, 160 In pain and danger hence undaunted be, And be than all their vaunted heroes more Above their history, their fable soar. Tho' some, but few, to deathless praise aspir'd, With ardent love of sacred Virtue fir'd: (For still from early prejudice inclin'd, 165 We praise too much the scourges of mankind) 170 As firm Fabricius, temperate and wise, Whose elevated mind could wealth despise ; With the dictator of illustrious fame; And Cicero, a great immortal name. 175 But like a coward at the last he died, A voluntary sacrifice to pride: By one rash act his mighty name profan'd, But let us, with the temper that is meet, With humble awe affectionate, replete, The more this joyful Gospel to display, Its heav'n-sprung Author's holy life survey. He, when the great progenitors of man, 195 Had fall'n from bliss thro' their delusions vain, By which their whole unhappy future race, Would have been banish'd from their Maker's grace, Altho' the first in his great Father's love, And all the arch-angelic pow'rs above, 200 Yet freely chose to die for their offence,. Superior Spirits in amazement mov'd, The dear intent with highest praise approv❜d. Which by blest voices was harmonious sung, 205 And Heav'n with loudest hallelujahs rung. His life as an example was applied. A willing Sacrifice for sin he died. 210 Forbear then, Sceptic, insolent as vain, But how this life mysterious shall we scan? How trace the won'drous steps of God and man? |