Yea, though ignorance and error shall have marred those lessons of His teaching,
I stand in mine own Master's praise, or fall to His reproof.
If thou lovest, help me with thy blessing; if otherwise, mine shall be for thee;
If thou approvest, heed my words; if otherwise, in kindness be my teacher.
Many mingled thoughts for self have warped my better aim;
Many motives tempted still, to toil for pride or praise:
Alas, I have loved pride and praise, like others worse or worthier;
But hate and fear them now, as snakes that fastened on my hand:
Scævola burnt both hand and crime; but Paul flung the viper on the fire:
He shook it off, and felt no harm: so be it! I renounce them.