Dark is the soul of man all hist'ry shows,
Until outshines God's pure and heav'nly light;
Till then delusions play upon his sight—
Misleading ev'ry step, as on he goes,
Each vile imposture working him great woes,
Each cheat and lie, sprung up in murky night,
Withstanding ever what is true and right,
And love of gain all honesty o'erthrows.—
Reason, a flick'ring taper, is but dim,
While pride and ev'ry passion keep their sway.