53. The Witness
|
{104}
HOW shall a child of God fulfil |
| His vow to cleanse his soul from ill, |
| And raise on high his baptism-light, |
| Like Aaron's seed in vestment white |
| And holy-hearted Nazarite? |
First, let him shun the haunts of vice, |
| Sin-feast, or heathen sacrifice; |
| Fearing the board of wealthy pride, |
| Or heretic, self-trusting guide, |
| Or where the adulterer's smiles preside. |
Next, as he threads the maze of men, |
| Aye must he lift his witness, when |
| A sin is spoke in Heaven's dread face, |
| And none at hand of higher grace |
| The Cross to carry in his place. {105} |
But if he hears and sits him still, |
| First, he will lose his hate of ill; |
| Next, fear of sinning, after hate; |
| Small sins his heart then desecrate; |
| And last, despair persuades to great. |
Off Ithaca.
December 30, 1832. |