Classic Poem

That on the High Priest's brest-plate there was wrote
Urim and Thummim, it was not for nought;
'Mongst other ends, some thought it did imply
Soundnesse in's doctrine, in's life sanctity.
What e're it signified, his lips we know
With learning should, his heart with grace o'reflow;
Both which present him fairer farre then all
The sparkling stones in Aaron's pectoral.
He of all preachers surely is the best,
That writes his sermon first on his own brest;
He prints his notes before he speaks them, who
What e're he teacheth is resolv'd to do
Himself, and thus becomes a double guide,
Doctrines on this, example on that side.
He that hath Esau's hand, and Jacob's voice,
Builds with the one, with th'other he destroyes.
Lord! Thou didst first imprint Thy law within
The tables of man's heart; and when that sin
Defaced had those characters, Thou then
In stonie tables printedst them again;
Since they are broken, humbly I implore,
That Thou wouldst write them in my heart once more,
Ne're to be blotted out, that so I may
Both read them and observe them every day;
So I Thy holy vessel shall impart
A taste to others, yet within my heart
Retain a savour to myself, and so
That way I point to others, I shall go:
So what Saint Paul strove for I shall enjoy,
Having taught others be no cast-away:
And as Thy law is written in my mind,
So in Thy Book let me not fail to find
My name inscrib'd with Thine own sacred hand,
Which shall indelible for ever stand.
But why upon my christning day this dream
Presented to my fancy? 'Twas a theam
Fit for the day, for when the soul is made
Pure by that washing, then a ground is laid
For God's hand-writing; 'tis like virgin wax,
Which only His divine impression lacks.
My God baptize me once more with Thy blood,
And since Thou dost not find me, make me good.
Wash my soul clean, and that I may be knowne
To be Thy child, O seal me for Thine own.