University of Virginia Library

Awhile he stood in silence; then, with tone
Of love parental, thus. “My children, rise:

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God's blessing is upon you; in you poured,
Even as your breath of life. By death alone,
The life-breath can ye lose; by sin alone,
The holier breath of blessing. Stand ye then
'Gainst sin for ever, as, against the winds,
Rocks stand unshaken; for, God's instruments,
Some gracious work to do, be sure ye are;
And pure as dropping snow your souls must keep,
Or from your high place fall: fall, worse than death!”