REDEMPTION. 267
Or innate wickedness, no more defers,
Yet will I not forefend redeeming grace
From those ev'n, should they still their act repent,
That all alike participate its fruits.
Free made I them in this, e'en this extreme,
(Beyond which, mortal turpitude and hate,
And dev'lish malice, cannot farther go,)
Free to accept the safety that he brings,
Or to refuse, or deal with as they list,
That their condemning sole may on them rest,
And their deserving be from their own act;
Though, as by grace, His righteousness impute.
That I foreknew, doth not imply decree,
Nor leave them less free agents in their deeds.
Here then my justice shines, clear in all parts,
And no subjection hath to man's demur.
Nor more shall they, me, with their blindness charge ;
Nor make me answ'rable with their defect.
What more could I have done to keep them right ?
What lavish more upon the stubborn race ?
Prophets and priests, I sent them to instruct;
Gave oracles, and laws, and solemn rites ;
Sent you, my messengers, with them to speak ;
In divers figures oft myself reveal'd,
Or sent my Son, my image sole express'd,
And talk'd with them familiar, friend with friend;
Walk'd with them in the pill'r of cloud and fire,
With voice in thunder tones spake from the mount,
Or in the Spirits still small voice address'd,
With whispers, whistling as of gentle air.
Bless' d them in Jacob, multiplied their seed,
Begot them Barac, Sampson, mighty men,
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