Poems (Hornblower)/Sonnet (In the last days shall fools and scoffers rise)
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For works with similar titles, see Sonnet.
SONNET.
In the last days shall fools and scoffers rise,
And cry, Where is the Saviour's promise flown,
For all things on the same career have gone
From the Creation? Sink in vanities,
And earthly sins, they shall not raise their eyes,
But bend then souls to serve their low desires,
And mock at virtue—suddenly the fires
Of heaven shall burst on them, in wild surprise,
And judgment and perdition,and the skies
Shall pass away—the elements shall melt,
Arid burning heat, through all earth's caverns felt,
Consume her brightest works amid the cries
Of breaking hearts.—Oh! if such things shall be,
Should not your souls be pure to meet Eternity?
And cry, Where is the Saviour's promise flown,
For all things on the same career have gone
From the Creation? Sink in vanities,
And earthly sins, they shall not raise their eyes,
But bend then souls to serve their low desires,
And mock at virtue—suddenly the fires
Of heaven shall burst on them, in wild surprise,
And judgment and perdition,and the skies
Shall pass away—the elements shall melt,
Arid burning heat, through all earth's caverns felt,
Consume her brightest works amid the cries
Of breaking hearts.—Oh! if such things shall be,
Should not your souls be pure to meet Eternity?