BAXTER'S POEMS. 23 And towards my end, the nearer Heav'n I go, My love abstracteth more from things before. Love seemeth to get ground, and fear decays, Doubting and grief give place to thanks and praise. And tho' fear wrought with greatest sense before, A1id was in bulk and violence much more ; Yet the least spark of love which is sincere Will save the soul tho' mix'cl with greater fear: Wl10 loYes God somewhat, and the world above him, Loving not God as God, he doth not love him. Love must be so far tried by the measure, 'That God be loved above all earthly treasure: But that supposed the least degree of love, With greater doubts and·fears will saving prove. Great bodies with small souls are animate: Great heads with little eyes, are oculate. Small candles lighten rooms that are more large: A steward may have spacious lands in charge. The kingdom may be bigger than the king ; The diamond may be smaller than the ring: The house may bigger than the dweller· be : Great fear and little love consistent be. But still true love to God and man are known, l\Iore by the fruits, than by the sense alone. It must be such a love, as when there's need, Will venture, suffer, visit, clothe and feed. 0 my dear God! how precious is thy love! Which gently leads me to the joys above! Love still went on, aud lined out my way, Hedging me in, lest I should go astray: Yet after this how oft did I trangress ! By light discourse, and wanton playfulness ;
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