So then, start ye from the fountain, and follow the river of existence; For its current is bounded throughout by the banks of just subordination: Thrones, and dominions, and powers, Archangels, Cherubim, and Seraphim, Angels, and flaming ministers, and breathing chariots and harps. For there are degrees in heaven, and varied capabilities of bliss, And steps in the ladder of Intelligence, and ranks in approaches to Perfection: Doubtless, reverence is given, as their due, to the masters in wisdom; Doubtless, there are who serve; or a throne would have small glory. Regard now the universe of matter, the substance of visible creation, Which of old, with well-observing truth, the Greek hath surnamed, Order: Where is there an atom out of place? or a particle that yieldeth not obedience? Where is there a fragment that is free? or one thing the equal of another?-- The chain is unbroken down to man, and beyond him the links are perfect: But he standeth solitary sin, a marvel of permitted chaos. And shall this seeming error in the scale of due subordination Be a spot of desert unreclaimed, in the midst of the vineyard of the Lord? Shall his presumptuous pride snap the safe tether of connexion, And his blind selfish folly refuse the burden of maintenance? O man, thou art a creature; boast not thyself above the law: Think not of thyself as free: thou art bound in the trammels of dependence. What is the sum of thy duty, but obedience to righteous rule; To the great commanding Oracle, uttered by delegated organs? Thou canst not render homage to abstract Omnipresent Power, Save through the concrete symbol of visible ordained authority. Those who obey not man, are oftenest found rebels against God; And seldom is the delegate so bold, as to order what he knoweth to be wrong. Yet mark me, proud gainsayer! I say not, obey unto sin; But, where the Principal is silent, take heed thou despise not the Deputy: And He that loveth order, will bless thee for thy faith, If thou recognize His sanction in the powers that fashion human laws.