Absurd and vain attempt! to bind
With iron chains the free-born mind;
To force conviction, and reclaim
The wand'ring by destructive flame:

Bold arrogance! to snatch from Heav'n
Dominion not to mortals giv'n;
O'er conscience to usurp the throne,
Accountable to God alone.

Mad zeal! that with hell-fury burns,
The rights of God and man o'erturns:
Whose blind presumption sanctifies
Murders, rebellions, plots, and lies.

That fills the world with blood and woe,
That hurls down kingdoms at a blow,
That butchers souls, and peoples hell
With converts which its arms compell.

Thus Rome asserts her proud decrees,
Inforc'd by fierce anathemas;
And wakens vengeance, to devour
The foes of Antichristian pow'r.

Jesus, thy gentle law of love
Does no such cruelties approve.
Mild as thyself, thy doctrine wields
No arms but what perswasion yields.

By proofs divine and reason strong,
It draws the willing soul along;
And conquests to thy church acquires,
By eloquence which heav'n inspires.

O happy, who are thus compell'd
To the rich feast by Jesus held!
Britain, thy blessings know; and prize
The light which liberty supplies.