Zinzendorff and Other Poems/Forbearance with Frailty
FORBEARANCE WITH FRAILTY.
Scorn not the sinner, though her name
May dregs of deep abhorrence stir,
And though the kindling blush of shame
Burns on young Virtue's cheek for her.
Judge not, unless thy lip can tell
What wily tempters, fierce and strong
Did the unguarded soul propel
To ruin's hidden gulf along.
The downward road, how fearful steep,
The upward cliff, how hard to climb,
He only knows, whose records keep
The nameless countless grades of crime.
Scorn not the sinner, thou whose heart
In purpose pure is garner'd strong;
Claims penitence with thee no part?
Doth pride to mortal man belong?
By all thy follies unforgiven,
Wert thou at death's dread hour accus'd
Even thou might at the gate of heaven,
In terror knock, and be refus'd.