How happy are the new–born race, <br />Partakers of adopting grace! <br />How pure the bliss they share! <br />Hid from the world and all its eyes, <br />Within their heart the blessing lies, <br />And conscience feels it there. <br /> <br />The moment we believe, 'tis ours; <br />And if we love with all our powers <br />The God from whom it came; <br />And if we serve with hearts sincere, <br />'Tis still discernible and clear, <br />An undisputed claim. <br /> <br />But, ah! if foul and wilful sin <br />Stain and dishonour us within, <br />Farewell the joy we knew; <br />Again the slaves of nature's sway, <br />In labyrinths of our own we stray, <br />Without a guide or clue. <br /> <br />The chaste and pure, who fear to grieve <br />The gracious Spirit they receive, <br />His work distinctly trace; <br />And, strong in undissembling love, <br />Boldly assert and clearly prove <br />Their hearts his dwelling–place. <br /> <br />Oh, messenger of dear delight, <br />Whose voice dispels the deepest night, <br />Sweet peace–proclaiming Dove! <br />With thee at hand, to soothe our pains, <br />No wish unsatisfied remains, <br />No task but that of love. <br /> <br />'Tis love unites what sin divides; <br />The centre, where all bliss resides; <br />To which the soul once brought, <br />Reclining on the first great cause, <br />From his abounding sweetness draws <br />Peace passing human thought. <br /> <br />Sorrow forgoes its nature there, <br />And life assumes a tranquil air, <br />Divested of its woes; <br />There sovereign goodness soothes the breast, <br />Till then incapable of rest, <br />In sacred sure repose.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-testimony-of-divine-adoption/
