University of Virginia Library

2577.

[Were his alms and ceaseless prayers]

Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for, &c. —x. 4.

Were his alms and ceaseless prayers
Splendid sins in God's esteem?
No: the Lord Himself declares
Both acceptable to Him:
Grateful both as incense rise,
Bring an angel from the skies.

244

Prayers and alms to heaven ascend,
But they first from heaven come down:
Man to help if man intend
Good design'd is not his own:
If to God his heart aspire
God infused the chaste desire.