134 REDEMPTION.
Rift every tie, that binds the soul to earth,
And on immortal pinions, bid her soar
To that celestial bourne, where rapture reigns.
And he was subject unto them; this too
He taught, by silence and retreat; lesson,
Scarcely by few now taught, by fewer learn'd ;
Subtniss obedience, sum of sacred lore,
Spirit and practice, pure religion's aim ;
Chiefly to God supreme, next man, who rules
By delegated power throughout the chain
Of his dependence, by which all things hang
In one united, undissever'd whole.
Three years to earth, thirty, in silence pass'd,
Measure the scale of this stupendous truth,
In which Perfection hath her perfect work,
Nor deems her task accomplish'd till attain'd.
Proceeds from out of this, humility,
Basis of virtue fair, and powerful sword,
Which sole th' infernal Prince of pride doth slay.
Abject and mean to seem, abject to be,
The wings that Heaven ordains on which to soar,
And converse hold celestial with the skies.
Nor only these from calm retirement flow,
As sequences from premises derive;
But purity of heart, grace dear to God,
With charity inflamed, and peace, and joy,
Virtue, or faith or hope, excelling far,
And without which all else is empty sound.
So Patience here her perfect work attains,
The fruit of tribulation, trial, hope,
Pour'd in the heart from charity of God,
And comfort biding in the Holy Ghost.
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