And with a joyful haste obey Religion's high command. What lengths and heights and depths unknown! And seas, and skies, and stars her own, What heavens of joy, and light serene, A long farewell to all below, Now the swift transports of the mind A thousand loose Pindaric plumes fly scattering down the wind. Amongst the clouds I lose my breath; Can trace the boundless flights of an unfetter'd mind, And raise an equal song. The following Poems of this Book are peculiarly dedicated to Divine Love.1 THE HAZARD OF LOVING THE WHERE'ER my flattering passions rove, Souls whom the tie of friendship binds, And partners of our blood, Nature has soft but powerful bands, And reason she controls; While children, with their little hands, 1 Different ages have their different airs and fashions of writing. It was much more the fashion of the age, when these poems were written, to treat of divine subjects in the style of Solomon's Song, than it is at this day, which will afford some apology for the writer in his youngest years. Thoughtless, they act the old serpent's part; Lord, how they twine about our heart, Our hasty wills rush blindly on And thus we make our fetters strong Dear Sovereign! break these fetters off, And set our spirits free; God in himself is bliss enough, DESIRING TO LOVE CHRIST. COME, let me love: or is thy mind O'tis a thought would melt a rock, That those sweet lips, that heavenly look, Should seek and wish a mortal love! I was a traitor, doom'd to fire, He flew on wings of strong desire, Infinite grace! Almighty charms! Stand in amaze, ye whirling skies! Did pity ever stoop so low, In groans of an expiring God? Again he lives; and spreads his hands, Hands that were nail'd to torturing smart; "By these dear wounds," says he; and stands And prays to clasp me to his heart. Sure I must love; or are my ears THE HEART GIVEN AWAY. If there are passions in my soul, If love, that pleasing power, can rest Come, gentle Saviour, to my breast, Let the gay world, with treacherous art, I have convey'd away my heart, I feel my warmest passions dead Now I can fix my thoughts above, |