SOLILOQUY XXV.

The solemn hour draws near, when I must stand
Before the holy, the tremendous Judge
Of all the earth, whose quick, all-searching eye
Views all the dark recesses of my soul;
Those secret, those impenetrable deeps
To mortal search unknown, the close disguise,
The specious flatteries, whose soothing wiles
Impose with fair delusions on my thoughts.
I know not what I am; mistaken views,
And partial judgment hide me from myself.

O thou that know'st my heart, disclose its depths,
Take off the specious, the deceiving mask,
And shew me to myself. I am undone,
If here mistaken, flatter'd and deluded
With empty hopes, and airy expectations:
An error here will prove eternal ruin,
Remedyless despair — — O gracious Lord!
Avert the sad presage, the fatal doubt;
Nor leave me in this comfortless suspence.
If I shall see thy glorious face in peace,
If I shall meet the beatific light,
And view that radiant vision all unveil'd,
If those bright hopes are not a vain delusion,
O seal the blissful, the transporting truth
With sacred demonstration to my soul;
Dispel these cruel, these tormenting doubts,
With one propitious ray! for oh! my care
Is of important weight; 'tis vast eternity,
'Tis boundless glory hangs on the event.

O could I know my worthless name is writ
Among the chosen race; that in the book
Of life (transporting thought!) eternal love,
And sov'reign grace has mark'd my glorious lot!

Where-e'er thou giv'st, the blessing must be free
And undeserv'd; for who among the ranks
That shine about thy throne can plead desert?
Who has prevented thee with benefits,
That he should proudly claim a recompence?