University of Virginia Library

X.

Think not man's fallen nature can accept,
Or, if accepting, value at their worth
Rites that lack splendour; slave of grief or mirth
By fleshly lusts he is in hondage kept.

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Far less believe that splendid rites give birth
To heartfelt sorrow, such as his, who ‘wept
And smote upon his breast,’ for this man stept
With downcast eyes, not heeding aught on earth.
Man must employ in worship every power,
Will, reason, understanding, heart, and sense;
And should he on some dull or fond pretence
Neglect but one, then from devotion's flower
He cuts a leaf that drank the heavenly dew,
Or root, that purity from baseness drew.