The Poems of John Byrom :: :: University of Virginia Library

To hear the Words of Scripture or to read
With good Effect, requires a threefold Heed;
If incomplete, it only can produce
Hearings and Readings of no sort of Use.

II

The first, Intention;—or, a fix'd Design
To learn the Truth concerning Things Divine.
If previous Disposition be not good,
How shall a serious Point be understood?

III

The next, Attention;—not the outward Part,
But the fair List'ning of an honest Heart.
Sound may, and Figure, strike the Ear and Eye,
But Sense and Meaning to the Mind apply.

IV

The last, Retention;—or, the keeping pure
From hurtful Mixtures what is clear and sure.
In vain the Purpose and the Pains have been
To gain a Good, if not secur'd within.

V

Without Intention, Truth no more can stay
Than Seed can grow upon a public Way;

130

The more it is affecting, plain and grand,
The less will heedless Persons understand.

VI

Without Attention, 'twill have no more Fruit
Than Seed on stony Ground, for want of Root,
That makes a Show with hasty Shoots awhile,
And then betrays the Barrenness of Soil.

VII

Without Retention, all is lost at last,
Like Seed among the Thorns and Briars cast.
So worldly Cares and worldly Riches both
May mix with Truth, and choke it in its Growth.

VIII

As Ground produces goodly Crops of Corn,
If good and free from Footstep, Stone or Thorn,
That of good Hearts has Properties as plain
To seek the Truth, receive it and retain.