Regeneration. FIRST STATE OF REGENERATION. There is a world-the world of mind, By fallen nature, 'tis, alas! A rude, chaotic, shapeless mass ;* But He who gave creation birth, Can re-create this mental earth; For this His spirit, like a dove,t If we consent to be renew'd, And wish our evil lusts subdued ; "Let there be light," He says, and straight *And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. Gen. i. 2. And the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Gen. i. 2. Regeneration. Then do we seek to know the Lord, Lord, let thy spirit, like a dove, SECOND STATE OF REGENERATION. Our God can re-create, Shall find His promise true. When we permit His light Though hard the contest prove, He hovers o'er us with his love, Till we have gain'd the day. Regeneration. The Lord will then create A firmament sublime, Celestial thoughts to separate From those of sense and time. We then no more believe The work to be our own; But all of good that we receive Thus will a second birth And man, a new created earth, FINIS. |