1 Peter I. 16. Poem by Mary Anne Browne

It is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy.


Holy thoughts! the spirit guard,
With a faithful watch and ward;
Float for ever round its orb,
Sin, and fear, in light absorb;
Sit its stainless walls about,
Fence within, and fence without.

Be like angels from above,
Shielding it with faith and love;
Smiling on it fondly down,
Turning on its foes a frown,—
A frown of virtue, pure and high,
Suiting an angel's dignity!

Shield it from the shafts of earth,
That, hid in flowers and smiles, go forth;
Shield it from the darts of hell,
Subtle, and invisible;
From dismay, and sin, and doubt,
Shield it, fence it well about.

Guard it, too, from every sin
That would creep and dwell within;
From the whispering tones that fly
Round the throne of vanity;
From the promptings, that would feel
Envyings of another's weal!

And more than guard the spirit fair,—
Be to it, as its native air;
Bring it daily wholesome food,
Gathered in the realms of good;
Lead it to the quiet springs,
Of high and pure imaginings.

Holy thoughts! for ever stand
Armed and true on either hand;
Keep, oh! keep a watch and ward,
Keep a true and faithful guard;
Fence the spirit well about,
Fence within, and fence without.