And is there a thought within thy heart, O slave of sin and fear, A black and harmful hope, that erring spirit dieth? That primal disobedience hath ensured the death of soul, And separate evil sealed it thine--thy curse, Annihilation? Heed thou this; there is a Sacrifice; the Maker is Redeemer of His creature; Freely unto each, universally to all, is restored the privilege of essence: Whether unto grace or guilt, all must live through Him, Live in vital joy, or live in dying woe: Death in Adam, Life in Christ; the curse hung upon the cross: Who art thou that heedest of redemption, as narrower than the fall? All were dead,--He died for all; that living, they might love; If living souls withhold their love,--still, He hath died for them. Eve stole the knowledge; Christ gave the life: Knowledge and life are the perquisites of soul, the privilege of Man: Mercy stepped between, and stayed the double theft; God gave; and giving, bought; and buying, asketh love: And in such asking rendereth bliss, to all that hear and answer, For love with life is heaven; and life unloving, hell. Creature of God, His will is for thy weal, eternally progressing; Fear not to trust a Maker's love, nor a Saviour's ransom: He drank for all,--for thee, and me,--the poison of our deeds; We shall not die, but live,--and, of His grace, we love. For, in the mysteries of Mercy, the One fore-knowing Spirit Outstrippeth reason's halting choice, and winneth men to Him: Who shall sound the depths? who shall reach the heights? Freedom, in the gyves of fate; and sovereignty, reconciled with justice.