Classic Poem

As Sylva with her Friend did walk,
And having join'd in social talk,
An object darted on her sight,
In whom her Eyes did oft delight.

Surpris'd, she look'd into that Face,
He spoke, and moved with such a grace;
Then quickly did from her depart,
But as not absent from her Heart.

All earthly Joys are like to this:
Oh! what is vision'ry Bliss!
So Friends belov'd are on the Mind,
In them we Grief or Pleasure find.

The Saviour gave his Life away,
And this Command did on us lay,
That we should bear him on the Mind,
The tokens of his Love are kind.

His pierced Side, his Hands, and Feet,
Thus Love and Justice is complete,
For Sinners that accept the same,
And thus to Saints have chang'd their Name.

Ye Christians weak do not delay,
Unto the Saviour come àway;
He will not slight your Love sincere
His love to you you need not Fear.

But do you dread an evil Heart,
God's Spirit does the Law impart
To make the consc'ous Sinner feel,
That Christ the wounded Soul may heal.