 | Lyra Pastoralis |  |
David and Goliath
He lays his mantle by, and shepherd's crook,And dons the cumbrous armour of the king—
One moment—then resumes his well-proved sling,
And simple pebbles rounded by the brook:
On wings of faith and prayer the “smooth stone” took
Its fatal flight urged by the circling string,
And the prone giant's shield and helmet ring
Hollow, and earth at his loud downfall shook.
So with one promise from the Sacred Pages
The streams whereof make glad the Church below—
One text worn smooth by use of rolling ages,
Our soul's strong enemy we overthrow;
Faith in God's Word the help of God engages,
And “It is written” puts to flight the foe.
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