7.
Shall each pretend to reach the skies,
Yet doom his brother to expire,
Whose soul a different hope supplies,
Or doctrines less severe inspire?
8.
Shall these, by creeds they can't expound,
Prepare a fancied bliss or woe?
Shall reptiles, groveling on the ground,
Their great Creator's purpose know?
9.
Shall those, who live for self alone,[1]
Whose years float on in daily crime—
Shall they, by Faith, for guilt atone,
And live beyond the bounds of Time?
10.
Father! no prophet's laws I seek,—
Thy laws in Nature's works appear;—
I own myself corrupt and weak,
Yet will I pray for thou wilt hear!
- ↑
Shall these who live for self alone,
Whose years fleet on in daily crime—
Shall these by Faith for guilt atone,
Exist beyond the bounds of Time?—[MS. Newstead.]
