Classic Poem

PARAPHRASTICALLY VERSIFIED .

With Moral R EFLECTIONS .

Thus spake our Saviour, " Blessed are the meek,
" And those who Righteousness with ardour seek.
" Blest is the mourner, he shall find repose,
" And calm contentment shall succeed his woes.
" Blest are the peace-makers, and foes to strise,
" And those who thirst for everlasting Life,
" Blessed are they who patiently endure;
" For their inheritance in Heav'n is sure.
" Blest are the merciful, foredoom'd to gain
" Their just reward like mercy to obtain.
" Blest are the pure in heart, for they shall see
" Their great Creator in his Majesty,
" Blessed are ye, when men to hurt ye seek,
" And for my sake revile, and evil speak;
" Rejoice, be glad in heart, for so of old
" Prophets were treated, by the vain and bold.
" In Heav'n alone a recompence is found;
" Which great Eternity, not Time can bound. "
Do these Beatitudes, vain Man! impart
Sabstantial joys to thy perverted heart?
Does Christian patience sortify thy creed,
To yield thee comfort in the hour of need?
Does lively Faith, fair Charity, and Peace,
Secure true blessings, and thy hopes encrease?
Does Meekness, Mercy, attributes divine,
In all thy actions with resplendence shine?
Say, does not Pride, Ingratitude, and Sin,
By false allurements, thy affections win?
Does zeal for Wealth, or Righteousness prevail?
Do not temptations with success assail?
Dost thou not yield? no firm resistance make?
Will not thy Tempter due advantage take?
His sole Dominion in the shades of guilt;
And hope of triumph, on Rebellion built.
Would'st thou, Oh Man! but frustrate his design,
And call in aid Omnipotence divine;
In vain his arrows, level'd at thy peace,
Would strive to wound thee, their effect must cease!
Howe'er beset by Sorrows baleful train,
Religious hope can ev'ry woe sustain;
Direct the means t'avert impending ill,
By acquiescence to the sacred will;
Teach thee to think that Providence will send
No seeming evil, but for some wise end;
To serve some purpose, operate some plan
Conducive to the good of fallen Mam,
From hence submit, nay e'en adore the rod,
In strict obedience to the will of God;
Serve him with zealous works, religious awe,
And act consistent with his sacred law:
In him, as Lord of all, with ardour trust;
Whose Pow'r is boundless, and whose Judgments just.