University of Virginia Library

32.

An Hermit once cry'd out in private pray'r,
“Oh, if I knew that I should persevere!”
An angel's voice reply'd, in placid tone,
“What would'st thou do, if the great truth were known?
“Do now , what thou intendest then to do,
“And everlasting safety shall ensue.” —
To chuse, implies delay; whilst Time devours
The sickly blossoms of preceding hours.

53

Repentance, well perform'd, confirms the more;
As bones, well set, grow stronger than before.
 

“A Christian hath no to-morrow; that is to say, a Christian should put off no duty till to-morrow.” Tertull.

Imitat. of Christ, L. I, C. 25.