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THE SACRIFICE REJECTED BY BARNABAS

AND SAUL.

ACTS xiv. 13-15.

HEARD ye the clang of the far-pealing voices?
Saw ye the garlands, that float on the gale?
Loud is the clamour, a people rejoices!

Sweet are the odours that bid the gods hail!

See in white garments the priest is advancing;
See the mute victims the altar draw near;
Gay is the timbrel, and light is the dancing;

What may these travel-soiled strangers do here?

Why, as if grief-struck, their vests are they rending?
Why are their gestures so eager, yet stern?
Why are these splendours their spirits offending?
What from such honours compels them to turn?

Not yet accomplished their warfare as sinners,

Not yet attained is their martyrdom's crown;
Not in the race are they yet pronounced winners,
Wonder not then at their prayer, and their rown.

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Strong were their passions, and weak were their powers;
Fame could assail them, and flattery allure:
Earth o'er their pathway flung garlanded flowers,
What was the armour that made them secure?

What from these vanities won their affection?
What, but heart-love for the one living God?
Who, that with rapt eye hath gazed on perfection,
Weeps the frail flower that his footstep hath trod?

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