136 Which they who heard beseech'd it would not speak, And earth again to heav'n which gave it birth, But John to vice disdaining servile awe, 110 145 150 155 So great, that I the latchet of his shoes Esteem myself unworthy to unloose. 160 He with the Holy Spirit shall inspire, And shall baptize with heav'n's immortal fire. Who holds, and he from heav'n bears high command, To purge his floor, his fan within his hand. The chaff with rav'ning fire he will consume, 165 But in his garner all his grain assume." Imprison'd John when he his crimes reprov'd; 170 But if, devoid of salutary fear, They pass his ambush unprotected near He drinks the crimson fountain of their life. 176 180 185 Through whom thou didst oppress the groaning land! Upon his birth-day once inflam'd with wine, 190 195 205 The num'rous court, and made the king adore; 200 To bring his head, whom still he wish'd to save, 210 Yet for the sake of his notorious oath, 215 Though made in haste, he to refuse was loth. The rev'rend head gave to the daughter's hand, The precious member reeking with its gore. 220 But his disciples came with faithful care, His sever'd body to the tomb to bear. Some tender tears they dropt, but wip'd them soon, When they reflected on the glorious boon, That unto them by bounteous grace was giv'n, 225 To be immortal denizens of Heav'n; Where no infuriate tyrants should oppress, But God for ever should his children bless In the pure realms of everlasting light. 230 BOOK THE THIRD. THE ARGUMENT. The propriety of considering Christ's moral character, as it may excite to imitation-His piety first considered, as it was the vital principle that animated his conduct-His re. gular and inflexible exertion of that virtue--The absur dity of those who imagine that prayer is not necessary-They should be looked upon as heretics, and unworthy the name of Christians-Our Saviour frequently exhorts to prayer-.Has given us himself a concise but comprehensive form of prayer...He would often retire to a mountain, and pass the whole night in prayer--The epistles of the apostles contain the same doctrine upon this matter which was taught by our Saviour---The advantages of prayer---The blessing comes more readily, when solicited, from Heaven---The retirement which is convenient for prayer, induces us calmly to think upon the welfare of the soul--The reasonableness of piety---Address to the Deity. BUT let us ('tis what we should now prefer) And charm, as animate, to worth divine. He is of righteousness the mighty sun, 10 Whose glorious course through endless years will run. Which may our breasts with sacred warmth inspire. 'Twas rais'd by a becoming dignity, 'Twas manly, animated, gen'rous, free: 15 No languid homage to a tyrant paid, With coldness thank'd, reluctantly obey'd; But teem'd with praise and resignation meet, 21 Sublime, though tempʼrate, fervent, though discreet; In early youth, his manhood long before, 25 30 35 Why from their guardian care he had retir'd, "Why wist ye not," he said, "nor comprehend, That I my heav'nly Father's business must attend?" He shew'd to God, in all that he pursu'd, Or his submission or his gratitude; E 40 45 Than any fleeting, treach'rous joy could be, Of low debasing sensuality. And e'en for bread, whene'er that bread was giv'n, He render'd thanks sincere to gen'rous Heav'n. 50 Whate'er can reason or can fancy bless; Whose hours in various pleasures glide away; Who feast luxuriously each jocund day; Yet little of the sacred Donor deem, 55 Or while they cram, their Feeder they blaspheme! With what a full command he could divest The wild rebellious passions froin the breast, Of his severe stupendous agony; When nature, shock'd, a strong reluctance shew'd Of griefs, which were appointed to be borne, "But be thy will perform'd, and not my own!" But such as heretics should be esteem'd, The strong necessity for pray'r confest. Ask, and the heav'nly good ye shall receive, "For to his sons my Father loves to give." And then he wisely says, "Oft watch and pray, "Lest by temptation ye be led astray." For our strong lusts, like a besieging foe, Are active all our guards to overthrow; Line 74, &c. Luke, xviii. 4. 60 65 7Q 75 80 |