Classic Poem

Song III

A Dialogue between the Flesh and Spirit.

Flesh

1

Lord any Cross but this
I'le be content to bear
But oh I cannot part with one
Whom I esteem so dear. Sp .
Shall mortal man presume
His Maker to instruct?
Or teach Jehovah in what Paths
He shall his Soul conduct?

2

Unto the Lofty One
Becomes it thee to say,
I will not go to Heaven, Lord,
In such a rugged way? Fl .
Alas! what means the Lord
To chasten me so sore?
I thought my load was great enough;
And yet he layes on more.

Spirit.

3

God doth no more inflict
Then he doth needful see:
To need more load where was so much
Should greatly humble thee
Had gentler Means prevail'd
To make thee turn to God:
'Tis like there would have been no need
Of this more smarting Rod.

Flesh.

4

What then? am I more vile
Then all the world beside?
That none but I in such a sort,
That none but I am try'd. Sp .
'Twere good thou wert more vile,
At least in thine own eyes:
Another's faults excuse not thine;
Thy sin for vengeance cryes.

Flesh.

5

But oh my loss is such
As none have had but I.
Did ever any feel the like
To my Calamity?
If every Circumstance
Of mine Affliction
Be weighed well; in such a Path
I think no man hath gone.

Spirit.

6

Thou may'st be much deceiv'd
To think thy case more sad,
And thine afflictions heavier
Then ever any had
What if the way be such
As never foot did tread?
Some must go foremost, why not thou,
As well as others lead.

7

What if through uncouth wayes
God make thee long to trace?
If yet at least he bring thee safe
Unto a resting place
Shalt thou not have good cause
His mercy to adore?
And to extoll and magnifie,
His Name for evermore?

8

Are not thy sins much more
Then all thy sufferings,
And dost thou not deserve from God
Ten times more bitter things?
Small reason hath the man
To murmure at the Cross,
Whom God might justly punish with
Eternal Pain and Loss.

9

Be silent then frail Flesh:
Impatience hold thy Tongue
And murmure not against the Lord
As if he did thee wrong
Justice can do no wrong,
Nor mercy cruel be,
Wisdom sees this condition
To be the best for thee.

10

Love ordereth all for good
Power hath undertaken
To give thee strength, and Truth hath said
Thou shalt not be forsaken:
Take courage then my Soul,
And moderate thy fears
For God himself who causeth grief
Will wipe away thy tears.

11

Under his mighty hand
Do though thy self abase,
Return to him with all thine heart
And sue to him for grace.
Thy Darkness into Light
He speedily will turn,
Who after-mercies hath in store
To comfort them that mourn.