Classic Poem

Not of self-will are States & Nations born;
Their times & bounds are fixed by God's decree;
Thus were these States from parent Country torn,
And, at his Word, became forever free.
To seek the Lord , to do his righteous will,
For this He prospered them in low estate;
And, that He might his purposes fulfil,
Amidst earth's mightiest Kingdoms made them great.
But hidden oft His purpose from our eyes,
As to the people & the kings of old,
To whom He sent his teachers, prophets wise
By whom their righteous downfall He foretold;
Would, O my Country! thou their fate might'st read,
And even now their prophets' warnings heed!