SONNET XC.

A CONTRAST.

THE Manicheans did no idols make Without themselves, nor worship gods of wood ; Yet idols did in their ideas take, And figured Christ as on the cross he stood.     Thus did they when they earnestly did pray,     Till clearer faith this idol took away. We seem more inwardly to know the Son, And see our own salvation in His blood ; When this is said, we think the work is done, And with the Father hold our portion good :     As if true life within these words were laid,     For him that in life never words obeyed. If this be safe, it is a pleasant way, The cross of Christ is very easily borne; But six days' labour makes the Sabbath day, The flesh is dead before grace can be born.     The heart must first bear witness with the book,     The earth must burn ere we for Christ can look.