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Original, serious, and religious poetry

by the Rev. Richard Cobbold

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MAN.
  
  
  
  
  
  
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134

MAN.

Say what is man? a being strangely made,
With outward form of beauty, moulded well,
Erect in stature, in proportion just,
With nerves, and muscles, bones, and flesh compact,
Most active, stately, formed for strength and skill;
O he was made in wisdom, made to shine
In outward shape above the herd of beasts
Of wild or tamer kind, of fowls, or things
That swim, or creep, or skim, along the ground,
Or fly in air, or live upon the earth.
Still not divinely form'd, 'till Spirit's breath
Was once infused. Oh then the rays of mind
Darting within, illumined him, and gave
An inspiration which above the rest,

135

Of things created, raised him to the height.
What is he now? without his Saviour nought;
But with him, better than he was before,
A being not of Earth, but Heaven's delight.
Grant I beseech thee, grant this blessed boon,
To men on Earth; the knowledge of thy Son.
To such degree, that all may truly prove,
The reign of Christ a triumph in his love.