If "Hypocrite!

If "Hypocrite!" cast in their teeth be at last, As scorpion's sting to their souls it clings fast. If "Hypocrite" ’s name be not product of hell, 50 So bitter at all times why does its sound tell? This name's great repulsion is not in its form; The bitter it smacks of is not from a corm. The word's but a vase; ’tis its sense is the wine; The sense of a book in the title may shine.

Sweet lakes and salt seas do we find here on earth; The barrier between them: "Thus far; go not forth!" They both, in their origin, flow from one source; Look not at their severance; it's matter of course. The touchstone's the test by the which thou must try If gold be quite pure, or debased with alloy. 55 The touchstone of conscience, where planted by God, What's certain, what's doubtful, makes plain without nod.

A fishbone that sticks in the throat of a man No ease ever gives till it's coughed out again. In ten thousand mouthfuls should one bone be found, As soon as perceived, it's spit out on the ground. Perception of things mundane guides here below; Religion's keen sense leads where God's glories glow. The health of his senses man asks of the leech; Religion's sound sense from the Lord we beseech.

1 60 For healthy perceptions, our frame must be sound; Religion's enjoyments through suff’rings are found. The health of the soul's through a waste of the flesh, But after much searching it builds up afresh. How blest is the soul that, for love of its God, 2 Has flung away wealth, health, e’en life, as a sod! Has pulled down its house a hid treasure to find, And built it again from that treasure refined!

Who cuts off the streamlet to clear out its bed; Then turns on the water with which it is fed! 65 Who gashes his skin to extract the spear-head! (The skin may now heal, for the irritant's fled.) Who wrecks a strong castle to drive out the foe, Then rears it still stronger, to hold evermo’! The will of Almighty God who shall control? These sentences written are parables all. Sometimes in one way, in another sometimes, Religion confuses before it sublimes.

Not terror, bewilderment, loathing, dismay; 70 But ecstacy, rapture, love, come into play. In trance of love fixed, one contemplates the Lord, Another, self losing, unites with his God. Observe the rapt features of that one, of this; Perchance by such watching thy soul may gain bliss. Too numerous demons in human form walk; Beware, then, with whom thou engagest in talk.