102. The Wrath to Come
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"From His mouth came out a sharp two-edged
sword." |
WHEN first God stirr'd me, and the Church's word |
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Came as a theme of reverent search and fear, |
| It little cost to own the lustre clear |
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Of truths she taught, and rite and rule she stored; |
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For conscience craved, and reason did accord.
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| Yet one there was that wore a mien austere, |
| And I did doubt, and, startled, ask'd to
hear |
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Whose mouth had force to edge so sharp a sword. |
| My mother oped her trust, the holy Book; |
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And heal'd my pang. She pointed, and I found |
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Christ on Himself, considerate Master, took
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The utterance of that doctrine's fearful sound.
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The Fount of Love His servants sends to tell
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Love's deeds; Himself reveals the sinner's hell.
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Off Sardinia.
June 21, 1833.
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