The sinful product of a bed of Weeds! 1827.
XXI
SPONSORS
Published 1832
Father! to God himself we cannot give
A holier name! then lightly do not bear
Both names conjoined, but of thy spiritual care
Be duly mindful: still more sensitive
Do Thou, in truth a second Mother, strive[293] 5
Against disheartening custom, that by Thee
Watched, and with love and pious industry[294]
Tended at need, the adopted Plant may thrive
For everlasting bloom. Benign and pure[295]
This Ordinance, whether loss it would supply, 10
Prevent omission, help deficiency,
Or seek to make assurance doubly sure.[296][297]
Shame if the consecrated Vow be found
An idle form, the Word an empty sound![298][299]
FOOTNOTES:
[293] 1832.
... yet more sensitive,
More faithful, thou, a second Mother, MS.
W. W., Dec. 7, 1827.
[294] 1832.