ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS
XXIX. THE COMMINATlON SERVICE
ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS
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; Listening within his Temple see his sword 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.