Classic Poem

If Scripture is to be our guide,
If by its precepts we are try'd;
I think that I have read therein,
Thou shalt reprove thy brother's sin.

Then call me not presuming maid,
If I this precept have;
Tho' heav'n on you doth seem to smile,
Take heed lest Satan you beguile;
Tho' you from low mechanics raise
Yourselves to sound E MANUEL'S praise;
Tho' from apparel mean and bare,
You now have huzzar cloaks to wear;
Tho' leaving lab'ring with your hands,
You now appear in gowns and bands;
Yea, tho' with gifts from heaven blest,
Of knowledge, light, and zeal, possess'd;
If haughty thoughts inspire your soul,
It marrs the glory of the whole;
If you advanc'd by charity,
Behave yourselves imperiously;
Forget your former low estate,
And let high thoughts your minds elate;
Assume so much if some neglect,
To shew that homage you expect;
If supercilious thus your mein,
Why all your preaching proves in vain;
Your precepts grate upon the ear,
And you as sounding brass appear.

Ha! this is not the narrow way
That leads unto celestial day;
The way the Blessed J ESUS trod,
The way to holiness and God .
Come learn of me, the Saviour cry'd,
Forego your arrogance and pride,
Be humble, lowly, meek in heart,
Or else with me you have no part,
He spake, nor did his works deny,
What his bless'd words did justify;
Altho' the L ORD of glory he,
To teach us true humility,
Found not a place to lay his head,
Much less displeas'd to change his B ED .
These friendly hints in love apply,
And I'll my faithful pen lay by.