29. Bondage
|
{70}
O PROPHET, tell me not of peace, |
| Or Christ's all-loving deeds; |
| Death only can from sin release, |
| And death to judgment leads. |
Thou from thy birth hast set thy face |
| Towards thy Redeemer Lord; |
| To tend and deck His holy place, |
| And note his secret word. |
I ne'er shall reach Heaven's glorious path; |
| Yet haply tears may stay |
| The purpose of His instant wrath, |
| And slake the fiery day. {71} |
Then plead for one who cannot pray, |
| Whose faith is but despair, |
| Who hates his heart, nor puts away |
| The sin that rankles there. [Note] |
Iffley.
November 28, 1832. |