But ere the events that from this meeting rose, Be they of pain or pleasure, we disclose, It is of custom, doubtless is of use, That we our heroes first should introduce. 120 Come, then, fair Truth! and let me clearly see The minds I paint, as they are seen in thee; To me their merits and their faults impart; } Give me to say, “frail being! such thou art,” } And closely let me view the naked human heart. } GEORGE loved to think; but, as he late began To muse on all the grander thoughts of man, He took a solemn and a serious view Of his religion, and he found it true; Firmly, yet meekly, he his mind applied 130 To this great subject, and was satisfied. He then proceeded, not so much intent, But still in earnest, and to church he went. Although they found some difference in their creed, He and his pastor cordially agreed, Convinced that they who would the truth obtain By disputation, find their efforts vain; The church he view’d as liberal minds will view, And there he fix’d his principles and pew. He saw--he thought he saw--how weakness, pride, 140 And habit, draw seceding crowds aside: Weakness, that loves on trifling points to dwell; Pride, that at first from Heaven’s own worship fell; And habit, going where it went before, Or to the meeting or the tavern door. George loved the cause of freedom, but reproved All who with wild and boyish ardour loved: Those who believed they never could be free, Except when fighting for their liberty; Who by their very clamour and complaint 150 Invite coercion or enforce restraint. He thought a trust so great, so good a cause, Was only to be kept by guarding laws; For, public blessings firmly to secure, We must a lessening of the good endure. The public waters are to none denied; All drink the stream, but only few must guide. There must be reservoirs to hold supply, And channels form’d to send the blessing by; The public good must be a private care; 160 None all they would may have, but all a share. So we must freedom with restraint enjoy; What crowds possess they will, uncheck’d, destroy; And hence, that freedom may to all be dealt, Guards must be fix’d, and safety must be felt. So thought our squire, nor wish’d the guards t’ appear So strong, that safety might be bought too dear; The constitution was the ark that he Join’d to support with zeal and sanctity; Nor would expose it, as th’ accursed son 170 His father’s weakness, to be gazed upon. “I for that freedom make,” said he, “my prayer, That suits with all, like atmospheric air; That is to mortal man by heaven assign’d, Who cannot bear a pure and perfect kind. The lighter gas, that, taken in the frame,