BEGINNING OF A POEM, ON THE PASSION and RESURRECTION of CHRIST

Now came the hour, th' important hour, When Heav'n's eternal SON, (Who deign'd the fleshly form to wear, And all our sins and troubles bear) His sacred blood for man must pour, By Satan's wiles undone. O Thou! all-hallow'd Spirit, hear! Inspirer of the prophets old, Who tun'd the royal David's ear, When thro' his breast sweet transports roll'd; Thou PARACLETE divine, o'er-rule my humble lyre, And touch a mortal breast with thy celestial fire; For all in vain We wake the strain, Our gratitude to prove And sing MESSIAH'S love, Unless thy holy flame our frozen hearts inspire.—