Its hope is to outlive all wrath and contention, and to
weary out all exultation and cruelty, or whatever is of a nature
contrary to itself. It sees to the end of all temptations. As it
bears no evil in itself, so it conceives none in thought to any
other. If it be betrayed, it bears it; for its ground and spring is
the mercies and forgiveness of God. Its crown is meekness, its life
is everlasting love unfeigned, and it takes its kingdom with
entreaty, and keeps it by lowliness of mind. In God alone it can
rejoice, though none else regard it, or can own its life. It is
conceived in sorrow, and brought forth without any to pity it; nor
doth it murmur at grief and oppression. It never rejoiceth but
through sufferings; for with the world's joy it is murdered. I found
it alone being forsaken. I have fellowship therein with them who
lived in dens and desolate places of the earth, who through death
obtained this resurrection and eternal holy life."
_Prayers_
Not with fond shekels of the tested gold,
Nor gems whose rates are either rich or poor,
As fancy values them: but with true prayers,
That shall be up at heaven, and enter there
Ere sunrise; prayers from preserved souls,
From fasting maids, whose minds are dedicate
To nothing temporal.
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