Classic Poem

How many Words wrong are unthinkingly spoke?
Sometimes in Anger, and sometimes in Joke.
For e'ery Word idle on Earth we do say,
Account must be giv'n in the Judgment Day.

So many unthinking take God's Name in vain;
He'll not hold him Guiltless,—that Scripture is plain:
At Broomfield I dwelt, rode to Chelmsford one Day:
Put my Horse in an Inn, then walk'd a short way.

Returning, the Ostler in Stable did Swear;
I ask'd if my Horse had offended him there:
Or if he thought Horses could ever damn'd be?
He answer'd, No, swearing's a custom to me.

For oft times I know not what 'tis I do say;
And can Man in his Senses such Folly display?
A Waggoner once beating a Horse, and did Swear;
He little, sure, thought his Death was so near.

A Kick from an old Horse depriv'd him of breath,
With an Oath on his Tongue: What a terrible death.
Thus Drunkards and Robbers, and Murd'rers, we find,
And all the base Rubbish likewise of Mankind.—

Swear like to this Ostler they know not for why,
Or else like this Waggoner, tho' not like him die:
And shall Men of learning, that Grammar well know
So point out our errors, and faults quickly show.

Disgrace thus their learning, and spoil their good Sense?
Read o'er the Scripture, then make your defence.
The Scriptures old fashioned why should we them read?
They may suit the unlearned, and School Boys indeed.

But Paul was well learned, and made his defence
Before King Agrippa; and spoke in good Sense.
Ah! Poet, your reason we plainly can see;
For swearers, says Scripture, condemned shall be.

But why does His Grace, with a Star on his Breast,
Swear like to this Rabble and make himself less.
Nay worse than an Ass, with his Noise and his Bray;
Which hurts Horses ears, that they run fast away.

Why Swear at your Servants, to put them in fears!
I wish, like to Horses, they had but nice Ears.
And when, like an Ass, you at them do bray,
Like Horses they start, and run fast away.

Away from your presence 'till reason back came;
Why sure for this conduct you could not them blame:
Your Swearing wont hurt them you know, Sir, at all,
If they learn not your practice, on you will Sin fall.

Yes, fall with such weight, as will crush you to Hell;
These are great truths which the Scriptures all tell.
But Peter did Curse, and I read he did Swear;
And if he's in Heaven, why may'nt I go there?

But Peter was griev'd, and he bitterly cry'd;
A look from his Lord, whom he had deny'd;
So soften'd his Heart, when the Cock 'gan to crow;
Thus Peter was cur'd of Swearing we know.

A look from the Saviour can soften your Heart;
And you from your Swearing will quickly depart,
Like Peter be griev'd, and like him you will cry,
And love the dear Saviour who for Sinners did die.

If thus you should love him and think him your Friend,
You'll then sure be careful ne'er God to offend;
If in the blest Mansions e'er long you appear;
You'll praise the dear Saviour, and never more Swear!