Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/168

142 For the calamities of mortal life

Exists, one only;—an assured belief

That the procession of our fate, howe'er

Sad or disturbed, is ordered by a Being

Of infinite benevolence and power,

Whose everlasting purposes embrace

All accidents, converting them to Good.

—The darts of anguish fix not where the seat

Of suffering hath been thoroughly fortified

By acquiescence in the Will Supreme

For Time and for Eternity; by faith,

Faith absolute in God, including hope,

And the defence that lies in boundless love

Of his perfections; with habitual dread

Of aught unworthily conceived, endured

Impatiently; ill-done, or left undone,

To the dishonour of his holy Name.

Soul of our souls, and safeguard of the world!

Sustain, Thou only canst, the sick of heart;

Restore their languid spirits, and recal

Their lost affections unto Thee, and thine!"

Then, as we issued from that covert Nook,