The rushing winds from memory lift the vail, | But mercy is above this sceptered sway, And in each flash his sins, like specters pale, SHAKSPEARE. How would you be If He, which is the top of judgment, should The greatest attribute of Heaven is mercy. O mercy, heavenly born! Sweet attribute! On rocks of adamant it stands secure, SOMERVILLE. Though nature her inverted course forego, BISHOP LOWTH. Mercy descends From Heaven, and o'er the penitential heart, Did not mercy temper wrath, Eternal ruin would o'erwhelm mankind. HAYES. Though waves and storms go o'er my head, gone; Though joys be withered all and dead, And every comfort be withdrawn; J. WESLEY. All crimes shall cease, and ancient frauds shall fail; Returning Justice lift aloft her scale; Mankind are all pilgrims on life's weary road, Peace o'er the world her olive wand extend, And many would wander astray, In seeking eternity's silent abode, Did mercy not point out the way! And white-robed Innocence from heaven de scend. POPE. 212 MIND-MINISTERING SPIRITS-MINISTERS-MIRACLES. Mind's command o'er mind, Spirit's o'er spirit, is the clear effect And natural action of an inward gift Given of God. BAILEY. It is sure, Stamped by the seal of nature, that the well Of mind, where all its waters gather pure, Shall with unquestioned spell all hearts allure. Wisdom enshrined in beauty; O! how high The order of that loveliness. PERCIVAL. High walls and huge the body may confine, And iron grates obstruct the prisoner's gaze, And massive bolts may baffle his design, And vigilant keepers watch his devious ways: The insate mind, but from without supplied, If sustenance more spiritual be denied, [See also THE SOUL-IMMORTALITY REASON.] MINISTERING SPIRITS-(See ANGELS.) MINISTERS-(See PASTORS.) MIRACLES. Yet scorns the immortal mind this base A miracle, with miracles inclosed, Is man; and starts his faith at what is strange? What less than wonders from the Wonderful, What less than miracles from God can flow? YOUNG. What is a miracle? 'Tis a reproach, To common sense, great nature's course proclaims A Deity: when mankind falls asleep To wake the world, and prove Him o'er again YOUNG. Say which imports more plenitude of power, O what a scale of miracles is here! YOUNG. All we behold is miracle; but seen So duly, all is miracle in vain. COWPER. |