Christ speaketh to the dead, as those that are capable of living;
And an evil teacher is that man, a tempter to much sin,
Who looketh on his hearers with distrust, and hath no confidence in brethren.
All may mend; and sympathies are healing: and reason hath its influence with the worst;
And in those worst is ample hope, if only thou hast charity, and faith.
Somewhiles have I watched a man exchanging the sobriety of faith,
Old lamps for new,—even for fanatical excitements.
He gained surface, but lost solidity; heat, in lieu of health;
And still with swelling words and thoughts he scorned his ancient coldness:
But, his strength was shorn as Samson's; he walked he knew not whither;