DIVINE EMBLEMS.

EMBLEM I.

GAL. chap. 2, v. 16.

For by the works of the law, shall no flesh be justified.

WHY is this darkness?-Phoebus shone most bright

E'en now-and now, it is Cimmerian night!

What have I done, that THOU shouldst veil his face
From me to sun the profligate and base?—
What thoughtless deed-what meditated sin
Of mine hath roused this ceaseless thundering?
Have I not read thy Law; and kept it too?

Done all-and more than THOU Command'st me do?
Denied the flesh-fulfilled mount Sinai's law?

Display a blemish-I discern no flaw.

Was it for this, I've borne the world's rebuke,

Eschew'd its fashions-hid me in a nook

Recluse! lest through mine eyes, my loyal heart
Should swerve—and from thy holy law depart.
Could I do more, to gain thy radiant smile-
What more thy heavenly favours to beguile ?

Yet vain have been my vigils-watch and ward-
If night and thund'rings be my sole reward!
When did I fail in doing my best do

To merit Heaven ?-thy WORD's my surety true.
Forbear thine anger!-bid thy thunders cease-
My limbs are palsied—and my fears increase!

I

may have sinn'd; but, Lord! I know not when: In thought I may have wander'd-but what then, In act I'm pure-what canst thou wish for more? Augment not, Lord! my sin-abounding score. No" still small voice!"-thy thunderings do not cease . Lord!-does thy wrath with my dismay increase?

Oh, I am helpless, Lord! vouchsafe one glimmering ray,
That I may know thy will-and see my way:

By man false school'd, oh, teach me, Lord, to read
Thy word aright-Lord! help me in my need.
Heart-broken-poor-benighted-full of sin-
With works bespangled-but bedaub'd within!

Oh whisper comfort to my labouring soul!

If thought can sin-do THOU my thoughts control. Have mercy, Lord!-command thy thunders cease; Stay thou mine aspen limbs-my fears decrease

Beyond the hills, methinks I ken a ray—
Hail, Phospher! harbinger of day!

Come! come Redeemer! oh, dispel this gloom
This terror night has been full long my doom!
Yes, I have err'd !-to trust to mortal arm,
To works, and merits—as if they could charm
Eternal justice!—when the thought's required
To be as perfect as the deed desired!

Come, Saviour! come, in radiance bright,

Warm my clamm'd limbs-dismiss this Stygian night Increase my love!—the sin-atoning Lamb

Alone can shelter from the stern I AM!