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1372.

[Then do not rest secure]

When the unclean spirit is gone out, &c. —xi. 24–26.

Then do not rest secure
If now thy heart be pure:
Thine infernal enemy
Arm'd with sevenfold rage will come,
Seek his former place in thee,
Strive to gain his ancient home.
Driven by stronger grace
Out of his dwelling-place,

206

All its avenues he knows,
Knows thy old besetting sin,
Watches if thine eyelids close
Unperceived to enter in.
A saint quite off his guard
Is for the fiend prepared;
When in grace they cease to grow,
When they in their grace confide,
Souls are ready for the foe
Garnish'd and adorn'd by pride.
The house which seems so clean,
And swept from every sin,
Tempts the tempter to come back;
Satan and a troop from hell
Of the soul possession take,
In the saint for ever dwell.