Classic Poem

Sometimes destruction, impious men
Ev'n in this world invades;
Though oft their lamp of life burn out,
Before their glory fades.

God's fatal judgments for their crimes,
Oft soon their life consume;
Amidst their pomp, there's but a step
Betwixt them and their doom.

Oft with his driving wrath, he's pleased
From off the earth to chase,
As chaff before the stormy wind,
This irreligious race.

Their sin and guilt the mighty God
Does treasure up with care;
And for their children's heritage,
With stores of wrath prepare.

Their progeny that tread their steps,
Shall suffer for their crimes;
And they themselves oft live to see
These very dismal times.

Their cursed lips shall deeply drink,
Of God's embitter'd bowl;
Their haughty eyes shall down ward sink,
And in destruction roll.

Ah, then! what comfort to them shall
Their race surviving raise,
When in the middle, after all,
Grim death cuts off their days!

On the reverse, sometimes the just
May prosper, though 'tis plain
Their lot and ordinary fate
Is trouble, want, and pain.

Yet who will thence against the ways
Of God most high object?
To guide, govern, and rule the world,
Who shall his hands direct?

Does not the great omniscient God
All things distinctly know?
For he's the Judge of saint's above,
The Judge of kings below.

Who then to teach him wisdom will
Adventure or pretend?
Can clearly show him how, with skill,
His government to mend?

One dies in his full strength and health,
No change he thought upon;
When full of marrow, mirth, and wealth,
Yet in a moment gone.

Another, who in tort'ring pains,
And bitter anguish lies:
Long griev'd and gall'd with heavy chains,
In ling'ring sickness dies.

Both these at last the friendly grave
Will bring to equal rest;
And on their flesh, within the cave,
The worms alike shall feast.

Promiscuous tribulations thus
All human kinds invade;
And death, without distinction, does
Befal both good and bad.

No dispensation of this sort
Does ever take its rise,
From one man's virtuous effort,
Or from another's vice.

Nor does th' Almighty's love or hate,
With evidence appear,
By either our enjoyments great,
Or our annoyments here.

What's common to the worst and best
Can ne'er the case decide;
God's word and Spirit be our rest,
As th' only rule and guide.