And few can trace this deadliest of their foes; But I detect, and at his work surprise, The subtle serpent under all disguise. "Thus to man's soul the foe of souls will speak, --'A saint elect, you can have nought to seek; Why all this labour in so plain a case-- 420 Such care to run, when certain of the race?' All this he urges to the carnal will; He knows you're slothful, and would have you still. Be this your answer,--'Satan, I will keep Still on the watch till you are laid asleep.' Thus too the Christian's progress he'll retard:-- 'The gates of mercy are for ever barr'd, And that with bolts so driven and so stout, Ten thousand workmen cannot wrench them out,' To this deceit you have but one reply-- 430 Give to the father of all lies, the lie. "A sister's weakness he'll by fits surprise-- His her wild laughter, his her piteous cries; And, should a pastor at her side attend, He'll use her organs to abuse her friend. These are possessions--unbelieving wits Impute them all to nature: 'They're her fits, Caused by commotions in the nerves and brains.'-- Vain talk! but they'll be fitted for their pains. "These are in part the ills the foe has wrought, 440 And these the churchman thinks not worth his thought; They bid the troubled try for peace and rest, Compose their minds, and be no more distress'd; As well might they command the passive shore To keep secure, and be o'erflow'd no more; To the wrong subject is their skill applied-- To act like workmen, they should stem the tide. "These are the church-physicians; they are paid With noble fees for their advice and aid; Yet know they not the inward pulse to feel, 450 To ease the anguish, or the wound to heal. With the sick sinner thus their work begins: 'Do you repent you of your former sins? Will you amend if you revive and live, And, pardon seeking, will you pardon give? Have you belief in what your Lord has done, And are you thankful?--all is well, my son.' "A way far different ours--we thus surprise A soul with questions, and demand replies; "'How dropp'd you first,' I ask, 'the legal yoke? 460 What the first word the living Witness spoke? Perceived you thunders roar and lightnings shine, And tempests gathering ere the birth divine? Did fire, and storm, and earthquake all appear Before that still small voice, _What dost thou here?_ Hast thou by day and night, and soon and late, Waited and watch'd before Admission-gate; And so, a pilgrim and a soldier, pass'd To Sion's hill through battle and through blast? Then, in thy way didst thou thy foe attack, 470 And mad'st thou proud Apollyon turn his back?' "Heart-searching things are these, and shake the mind, Yea, like the rustling of a mighty wind.