BAXTER'S POEMS. Ea.ting to fullness: yea, even cards and dice, Began my mind witll pleasure to entice. But providence did quickly interpose, And by a wonder take me oft' from those. Sin .most ensnared by pleading lawfulness ; Though conscience often did the sin confess : That wounded deepest which by seeming small, Drew me to venture and resist thy call; .And knowingly the same oft to commit, Thinking all Christians had as great as it. Let all that would not be undone by sin, Fly the occasions· where it doth begin. At first it's safe and pleasant to resist. But 0, how doleful is it to persist ! Sin doth not open its design at first : Its first app~arance sheweth not the worst : Flattering the sense, it seems to be a friend ; But it proves pain and poison in the end. Pray from temptation that you may be free, If from ~he evil you would saved be. Repentance must convince you that it's gall, Which first appeared innocent or small. ,, . 0 how it fills the soul with guilty fears ! Our filial evidences blasts and tears ! Disturbs our peace, and feeds the gnawing worm ! Turns our tranquillity into a storm ! It puts a piercing sting into the cross, And makes death dreadful as the greatest loss. Yet all my folly mercy did forgive, · And did my guilty, wounded soul relieve. Oh my dear God! how precious is thy love! Heal me and fit me for the joys .ab_ove !
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