BAXTER'S POEMS. J\'lan's soul is made the image of his God, Substantial vir.tue M life, light, and love: And though in flesh it now have its abode, Its tendency is to the world above. It came from God, and unto God returns, Though in this flesh its life of trial be ; It daily wastes the oil, as fire that burns, Consumes its fuel, and then is set free. 159 As flames mount upward, souls towards Heav'n ascend, And are still restless till they be at home ; If sin depress them not·, tow'rd God they tend, Blessed and joyful, when to him they come. As things inanimate are rul 'd by force, By sense and objects brutes determin'd be; Both these are carried on in nature's course, Man's will more undetermin'd is, and free . Brutes are not ruled by a moral law: Nor moved by the hopes of light to come; Nor of Hod's threats and justice stand in awe, Nor after death fear any other doom. Man's made in his degree to know the Lord, To know his duty, and to please God's will; To learn and love, trust and obey his word, In hope of Heav'n, his course here to fulfil. God is man's supreme king, his guide, his end, His soul and life should have no other .scope ; From sin arid devils God will his life defend, In life and death God is our only hope .
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