BAXTER's· POEM·S, 101 Sinner. Alas ! this is the thing that I fear most, Lest I h~ve thus blasphem'd the Holy Ghost. Jes. No man that fears, or thinks he hath this sin, Hath ever truly guilty of it been. For they deny me all to be the Lord, Think it no sin to violate my word. They set themselves against me with despite, And justify the sin which they commit. S. But wilt .thou take this, Lord, for tr!.Ie consent, From a hard heart that can no more relent? From one that loveth thee no more than I That is constrained by necessity ? And while he thus snbscribeth to thy will, Knowingly crosseth it, and sinneth still? J. If thou consent, it's good that doth thee move. And to consent to good, is truly love. Believe if thou wouldst love: and in my face B.ehold the fulness of God's love and grace. If his abounding love thou didsi but know, ' Thy heart with love to him would overflow. Love kindles love ; but faith must hold the glass ; This sight would win thy heart before thou pass. He that will love God, must not think him evil; Nor print him in his ·fancy like the Devil. Satan will make thee fly from God with hate, If he can make thee throughly desperate. Think'st thou to find thy love, before by faith Thou 'It come to me ? and hear what mercy saith ; Thou may'st as wisely search for marks to prove Thou lovest God, before thou wilt him love. Believe, consent, give up thyself to me; And I will give myself and _spirit to thee.
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