Classic Poem

And can we wonder if the sword,
Is plung'd in brother's blood?
If threat'ning vengeance flies around,
From a tremendous God .

When daring sinners thus presume,
His anger to provoke;
When daily with impunity,
His dread command is broke.

What hath eternal truth declar'd,
None guiltless shall remain,
Who swears by ought in Heaven or Earth,
Or takes his name in vain?

Yet imprecations fill our streets,
And bold blasphemers dare,
Invoke damnation from above,
And by J EHOVAH swear.

Their impious breath pollutes the air,
Omnipotence defies;
Compels a long forbearing God ,
In judgment to arise.

What! trifle with that sacred name,
Whose goodness gives us breath?
Or justice smites our feeble frame,
And chains us down in death?

Will not incensced Majesty,
In vengeance lift his hand;
And bid deserved judgments fall,
On such a guilty land?

O when will sinners cease from sin,
And call for blessings down?
Then shall the sword be sheath'd again,
And laurels deck the crown.