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
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.
Read all of William Wordsworth's poems · About William Wordsworth
More by William Wordsworth
- Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXV - Sacrament
- Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXVI - The Marriage Ceremony
- Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXVII - Thanksgiving After Childbirth
- Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXVIII - Visitation Of The Sick
- Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXX - Forms Of Prayer At Sea
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