Читать книгу The Deaf Shoemaker: To Which Are Added Other Stories for the Young - Barrett Philip - Страница 23

CONSCIENCE.

When a foolish thought within

Tries to take us in a snare,

Conscience tells us “It is sin,”

And entreats us to beware.

If in something we transgress,

And are tempted to deny,

Conscience says, “Your faults confess;

Do not dare to tell a lie.”

In the morning, when we rise,

And would fain omit to pray,

“Child, consider,” Conscience cries;

“Should not God be sought to-day?”

When within His holy walls,

Far abroad our thoughts we send,

Conscience often loudly calls,

And entreats us to attend.

When our angry passions rise,

Tempting to revenge an ill,

“Now subdue it,” Conscience cries;

“Do command your temper still.”

Thus, without our will or choice,

This good monitor within,

With a secret, gentle voice,

Warns us to beware of sin.

But if we should disregard

While this friendly voice doth call,

Conscience soon will grow so hard

That it will not speak at all.

Jane Taylor.