96. The Religion of Cain
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{166}
"Am I my brother's keeper?" |
THE time has been, it seem'd a precept plain |
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Of the true faith, Christ's tokens to display; |
| And in life's commerce still the thought retain, |
That men have souls, and wait a judgment-
day; |
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Kings used their gifts as ministers of heaven,
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Nor stripp'd their zeal for God, of means which
God had given. |
'Tis alter'd now;—for Adam's eldest born |
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Has train'd our practice in a
selfish rule, |
| Each stands alone, Christ's bonds asunder
torn; |
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Each has his private thought,
selects his school, |
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Conceals his creed, and lives in closest tie
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Of fellowship with those who count it blasphemy.
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{167}
Brothers! spare reasoning;—men have settled long
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That ye are out of date, and
they are wise;
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Use their own weapons; let your words be strong,
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Your cry be loud, till each
scared boaster flies;
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Thus the Apostles tamed the pagan breast,
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They argued not, but preach'd; and conscience did
the
rest.
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Off Sardinia.
June 19, 1833.
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