The Life and Poetical Works of James Woodhouse (1735-1820): Edited by the Rev. R. I. Woodhouse |
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CHAPTER 17th.
The Life and Poetical Works of James Woodhouse |  |
To Courtiers this must seem a cruel task;
And few, he fear'd, would condescend to ask—
Their Pride would scarce become so mild and meek,
In such deep Mine to dig—such Pearl to seek—
Or spurning Pride—Wealth—Pow'r—Pomp—simply knock
To drink pure Water from that living Rock!
Pride would not ask for Strength, to conquer Sin,
Or Wisdom, such a peerless Prize to win—
Ne'er seek such Pearl, or grub for hidden Gold,
While Chests, and Wardrobes, chosen Treasures hold.
Pride—Wealth—Pow'r—Pomp—ne'er knock at Mercy's door,
To beg such humble beverage, like the Poor;
Tho' with such Prizes, and such Beverage, blest,
They've won what Pride—Wealth—Pow'r—Pomp—ne'er possest!
And few, he fear'd, would condescend to ask—
Their Pride would scarce become so mild and meek,
In such deep Mine to dig—such Pearl to seek—
Or spurning Pride—Wealth—Pow'r—Pomp—simply knock
To drink pure Water from that living Rock!
Pride would not ask for Strength, to conquer Sin,
Or Wisdom, such a peerless Prize to win—
Ne'er seek such Pearl, or grub for hidden Gold,
While Chests, and Wardrobes, chosen Treasures hold.
Pride—Wealth—Pow'r—Pomp—ne'er knock at Mercy's door,
To beg such humble beverage, like the Poor;
81
They've won what Pride—Wealth—Pow'r—Pomp—ne'er possest!
Yet, by foul Habits fix'd, of Self so fond,
He of their dangerous state durst not despond;
For he'd been taught how some, in earlier Times,
Kings—Courtiers—Priests—repented of their Crimes;
Felt Christ forgave, and, maugre graceless leav'n,
Thro' Faith—and Hope—and Love—went on to Heav'n—
And tho' so desperate Priests, and Courtiers', Case,
He knew no Crimes excluded God's free Grace,
But modern Deists might, at Life's last Hour,
Receive pure Light, and feel renewing Pow'r!
No character, or conduct, quite exempts
The humblest Agent from Pray'rs prompt attempts,
To intercede with Him, whose blood was spilt
To purchase Grace, and pardon greatest Guilt!
That He would Will, and ample Pow'r, bestow,
To save such Culprits from impending Woe—
For tho' immerg'd so deep in prisons dark,
Scarce lighted with one living Gospel-spark,
To show the dear redeeming Saviour's Worth;
Their Faculties all fetter'd down to Earth,
By brazen links of Passion, Pride, and Lust,
Like graceless Drunkards groveling in the dust;
Yet, sometimes, while such Rebels mock and scoff,
One flash, from Heav'n, may melt those fetters off;
And fervent Pray'r, repeated, oft, avails,
From such dull eyes to cleanse the darkening scales.
He of their dangerous state durst not despond;
For he'd been taught how some, in earlier Times,
Kings—Courtiers—Priests—repented of their Crimes;
Felt Christ forgave, and, maugre graceless leav'n,
Thro' Faith—and Hope—and Love—went on to Heav'n—
And tho' so desperate Priests, and Courtiers', Case,
He knew no Crimes excluded God's free Grace,
But modern Deists might, at Life's last Hour,
Receive pure Light, and feel renewing Pow'r!
No character, or conduct, quite exempts
The humblest Agent from Pray'rs prompt attempts,
To intercede with Him, whose blood was spilt
To purchase Grace, and pardon greatest Guilt!
That He would Will, and ample Pow'r, bestow,
To save such Culprits from impending Woe—
For tho' immerg'd so deep in prisons dark,
Scarce lighted with one living Gospel-spark,
To show the dear redeeming Saviour's Worth;
Their Faculties all fetter'd down to Earth,
By brazen links of Passion, Pride, and Lust,
Like graceless Drunkards groveling in the dust;
Yet, sometimes, while such Rebels mock and scoff,
One flash, from Heav'n, may melt those fetters off;
And fervent Pray'r, repeated, oft, avails,
From such dull eyes to cleanse the darkening scales.
Tho' Rich, and Great, should arrogantly scorn
An instrument, so mean, Plebeian born!
With Heav'n's high Advocate to intercede,
Their Crimes to pardon, and their Cause to plead;
Yet his petitions, mixt with Faith, and Fear,
Humility, and Love, kind Heav'n would hear,
Before mere forms of hypocritic Pride,
With Learning, Wit, and Eloquence allied—
And tho' their Pride refuse to hear him preach,
His Pray'r may, still, their highest Interests reach;
And, e'en against their graceless, wayward, Will,
The highest Office of a Friend fulfil!
An instrument, so mean, Plebeian born!
With Heav'n's high Advocate to intercede,
Their Crimes to pardon, and their Cause to plead;
Yet his petitions, mixt with Faith, and Fear,
Humility, and Love, kind Heav'n would hear,
Before mere forms of hypocritic Pride,
With Learning, Wit, and Eloquence allied—
And tho' their Pride refuse to hear him preach,
His Pray'r may, still, their highest Interests reach;
And, e'en against their graceless, wayward, Will,
The highest Office of a Friend fulfil!
He suffered not such Duty e'er to cease,
Tho' Courts consum'd his Property, and Peace;
For well he knew, tho' they his Pray'r should spurn,
To his own Conscience much Content must turn,
By drawing down a Blessing from above,
While thus his Faith fulfilled this Law of Love.
Tho' Courts consum'd his Property, and Peace;
For well he knew, tho' they his Pray'r should spurn,
To his own Conscience much Content must turn,
By drawing down a Blessing from above,
While thus his Faith fulfilled this Law of Love.
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CHAPTER 17th.
The Life and Poetical Works of James Woodhouse | |