Elect or outcast--if alike confessed Of the same parent, sons--brethren who bear No differing lineaments, save those imprest By his prevision--in their parent's care Should not all be partakers? Should not all Freely, alike, his nurturing guidance share? Are any worthier? 'Tis that warning's call Extends to them alone--'tis that to them Alone is given vigour, wherewithal Temptation's fraudful violence to stem-- And how shall He, who needful strength denies, Weakness for its predestined fall condemn? How, when the creature of His wrath replies With feeble wail and inarticulate moan, The sighing of that contrite heart despise? What man amongst thy fellows hast thou known Who, if his son ask fish, will jeeringly Give him a serpent, or for bread a stone? If ye, being evil, at your children's cry Know how to give good gifts, should not much more Your heavenly Father His good things supply To them who ask Him? Should He not restore A cleansed heart within them, and renew An upright spirit? not, what they implore Reversing, and restraining, lest they do The good they would,--constraining them withal To do the evil they would fain eschew? How wilt thou to the same original Whence all just thoughts and pure desires proceed, Impute corrupt imaginings, whose thrall Enslaves anew the soul but newly freed From their pollution? Can a hybrid growth Arise spontaneous from unmingled seed? Are grapes upon the bramble borne, or doth The fig bear olive berries? Canst thou show Twin waters, sweet and bitter, issuing both From the same fountain? Neither should there flow Blessing and cursing from one mouth, nor yet From the same Providence both weal and woe.