The Sabbath bells renew the inviting peal; Glad music! yet there be that, worn with pain And sickness, listen where they long have lain, In sadness listen. With maternal zeal Inspired, the Church sends ministers to kneel 5 Beside the afflicted; to sustain with prayer, And soothe the heart confession hath laid bare-- That pardon, from God's throne, may set its seal On a true Penitent. When breath departs From one disburthened so, so comforted, 10 His Spirit Angels greet; and ours be hope That, if the Sufferer rise from his sick-bed, Hence he will gain a firmer mind, to cope With a bad world, and foil the Tempter's arts. XXIX THE COMMINATION SERVICE Published 1845 Shun not this rite, neglected, yea abhorred, By some of unreflecting mind, as calling Man to curse man, (thought monstrous and appalling.) Go thou and hear the threatenings of the _Lord_;[309] Listening within his Temple see his sword 5 Unsheathed in wrath to strike the offender's head, Thy own, if sorrow for thy sin be dead, Guilt unrepented, pardon unimplored. Two aspects bears Truth needful for salvation; Who knows not _that_?--yet would this delicate age 10 Look only on the Gospel's brighter page: Let light and dark duly our thoughts employ; So shall the fearful words of Commination Yield timely fruit of peace and love and joy. FOOTNOTES: [309] 1845. ... as dealing With human curses, banish the false feeling. Go thou ... terrors ... C. XXX FORMS OF PRAYER AT SEA Published 1845 To kneeling Worshippers no earthly floor Gives holier invitation than the deck Of a storm-shattered Vessel saved from Wreck (When all that Man could do avail'd no more) By him who raised the Tempest and restrains: 5 Happy the crew who this have felt, and pour Forth for his mercy, as the Church ordains, Solemn thanksgiving. Nor will _they_ implore In vain who, for a rightful cause, give breath To words the Church prescribes aiding the lip 10 For the heart's sake, ere ship with hostile ship Encounters, armed for work of pain and death. Suppliants! the God to whom your cause ye trust Will listen, and ye know that He is just. XXXI FUNERAL SERVICE Composed 1842.--Published 1845