But O forbear, presumptuous Muse forbear,
Nor wound with Rant profane the Christian Ear:
A just Abhorrence in my Friend I see,
He starts from Love, when Love's Idolatry.
"Give me thy Heart," if the Creator cries,
"'Tis giv'n the Creature," What bold Wretch replies?
Not so my Friend — he wakes, he breaths again,
And "Reason takes once more the slacken'd Rein."
In vain rebellious Nature claims a Part,
When Heav'n requires, he gives up All his Heart:
( "For Love Divine no Partnership allows,
" And Heav'n averse rejects divided Vows)
Fixt tho' she be, he rends the Idol thence,
Nor lets her Pow'r exceed Omnipotence.
Commands his GOD, "Cut off th' offending Hand?"
He hears, Obedient to his GOD's Command:
"Pluck out thine Eye," let the Redeemer say;
He tears, and casts the bleeding Orb away.
Victorious now to Nobler Joys aspires,
His Bosom, touch'd with more than Earthly Fires:
He leaves rough Passion for calm Virtue's Road,
Gives Earth for Heav'n, and quits a Worm for GOD.