A Meditation

O Who would think all outward Foes might be Suppress'd and conquer'd, much more easily Than that insulting Tyrant in the Heart, Which there usurps, and acts the Traytor's Part! For tho' a Man externally reform His Actions, so that strictly he perform The Precepts of the Law; 'tis all in vaia, If he th' accursed Achan entertain In his polluted Breast: This will expose Him to the Fury of all outward Foes; Whom otherwise he might with Ease repel, Did not this Traytor in the Bosom dwell. We'll therefore wait to feel the searching Power, By its enlightning Influence, discover This cursed Achan, that the Camp may be Entirely sanctified, to follow thee, Israel's victorious King, who truly dost Watch with a tender Care o'er Israel's Host, For 'tis a Task, surpassing humane Skill, Rightly to govern and direct the Will. Let therefore Heart and Will be still resign'd To thee, with a free, fervent, humble Mind.