Soiled with the stains of earth, and man debased

Sinks far below the level of the stream.

Alas! that thy bright flame should be confined

To passion's maddening vortex; and the soul

Waste all its glorious energies on earth!—

The world allows its votaries to feel

A glowing ardour, an intense delight,

On every subject but the one that lifts

The soul above its sensual, vain pursuits,

And elevates the mind and thoughts to God!

Zeal in a sacred cause alone is deemed

An aberration of our mental powers.

The sons of pleasure cannot bear that light

Of heavenly birth which penetrates the souls

[Pg 4]

Of men, who, deeply conscious of their guilt,

Mourn o'er their lost, degraded state, and seek,

Through faith in Christ's atonement, to regain

The glorious liberty of sons of God!

Who, as redeemed, account it their chief joy

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