Classic Poem

58

All filthy facts, and secret acts,
however closely done,
And long concel'd, are there reveal'd
before the mid-day Sun.
Deeds of the night shunning the light,
which darkest corners sought,
To fearful blame, and endless shame,
are there most justly brought.

59

And as all facts and grosser acts,
so every word and thought,
Erroneous notion, and lustful motion,
are unto judgment brought,
No sin so small and trivial
but hither it must come:
Nor so long past, but now at last
it must receive a doom.

60

At this sad season, Christ asks a Reason
(with just Austerity)
Of Grace refused, of light abus'd
so oft, so wilfully:
Of Talents lent by them mispent,
and on their Lust bestown;
Which if improv'd, as it behov'd,
Heav'n might have been their own!

61

Of times neglected, of means rejected,
of God's long-suffering,
And Patience, to Penitence
that sought hard hearts to bring.
Why Cords of love did nothing move
to shame or to remorse?
Why warnings grave, and counsels, have
nought chang'd their sinful course?

62

Why chastenings, and evil things,
why judgments so severe
Prevailed not with them a jot,
nor wrought an awful fear?
Why Promises of Holiness,
and new Obedience,
They oft did make, but always brake
the same, to God's offence?