Poems (Sewell)/Christian Fortitude
CHRISTIAN FORTITUDE.
Fearless and firm, in anguish some have stood,
Whilst savage Cruelty has drank their blood!—
See the pale Stoic, to fulfil his part,
Must harden ev'ry nerve within his heart:
In walls of adamant, uprear'd by Pride,
Unmov'd he views a suff'ring world beside;
Whilst the fierce Indian, calm in stern repose,
Mocks at his mis'ry, and defies his foes!—
Not so-Religion!—arm'd with Hope secure,
She bears distress, as angels might endure!
Meek, yet undaunted—with celestial mien,
She walks majestic thro' Affliction's scene.
No savage Pride—no sullen dark Despair—
But humble Resignation marks her there!
She yields access to ev'ry virtuous claim,
To Pity's tear, and soft Affection's name.
In fearing God, she knows no other fear,
And for a Saviour's sake the world is dear!
—Such is the courage Christian Faith can yield,
"When Saints expire, and Martyrs take the field."
Whilst savage Cruelty has drank their blood!—
See the pale Stoic, to fulfil his part,
Must harden ev'ry nerve within his heart:
In walls of adamant, uprear'd by Pride,
Unmov'd he views a suff'ring world beside;
Whilst the fierce Indian, calm in stern repose,
Mocks at his mis'ry, and defies his foes!—
Not so-Religion!—arm'd with Hope secure,
She bears distress, as angels might endure!
Meek, yet undaunted—with celestial mien,
She walks majestic thro' Affliction's scene.
No savage Pride—no sullen dark Despair—
But humble Resignation marks her there!
She yields access to ev'ry virtuous claim,
To Pity's tear, and soft Affection's name.
In fearing God, she knows no other fear,
And for a Saviour's sake the world is dear!
—Such is the courage Christian Faith can yield,
"When Saints expire, and Martyrs take the field."
Almighty Power!—I feel 'tis only Thine,
From all their dross our Virtues to refine,
And ev'n exalt our Nature to Divine!
From all their dross our Virtues to refine,
And ev'n exalt our Nature to Divine!