70. St. Paul at Melita

{128}
"And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid
them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat."

SECURE in his prophetic strength,
    The water peril o'er,
The many-gifted man at length
    Stepp'd on the promised shore.

He trod the shore; but not to rest,
    Nor wait till Angels came;
Lo! humblest pains the Saint attest,
    The firebrands and the flame.

But, when he felt the viper's smart,
    Then instant aid was given;
Christian! hence learn to do thy part,
    And leave the rest to Heaven.

Messina
.
February 8, 1833.

 

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Newman Reader — Works of John Henry Newman
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