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BOOK II. If thou help a feeble worm To believe thy promise now, Justice will at last confirm What thy mercy wrought below.

1 That was a wonder-working word Which could the vast creation raise f Angels, attendant on their Lord Admired the plan, and sung his praise.

2 From what a dark and shapeless mass All nature sprang at his command ! Letthere be light ! and light there was, And sun and stars and sea and land.

3 With equal speed the earth and seas Their mighty Maker s voice obey d ; He spake, and straight the plants and trees And birds and beasts and man were made.

4 But man, the lord and crown of all, By sin his honour soon defaced, His heart (how alter d since the fall!) Is dark, deform d, and void and waste.

5 The new creation of the soul Does now no less his power display, Than when he form d the mighty whole, And kindled darkness into day.

6 Though self-destroy d, Lord, we are, Yet let us feel what thou canst do ; Thy word the ruin can repair, And all our hearts create anew.