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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN THE SHADOWS: 30 by DAVID GRAY (1838-1861)

First Line: O THOU OF PURER EYES THAN TO BEHOLD
Last Line: AN EARNEST OF THAT PURITY HERE BELOW.

O thou of purer eyes than to behold
Uncleanness! sift my soul, removing all
Strange thoughts, imaginings fantastical,
Iniquitous allurements manifold.
Make it into a spiritual ark; abode
Severely sacred, perfumed, sanctified,
Wherein the Prince of Purities may abide --
The holy and eternal Spirit of God.
The gross, adhesive loathsomeness of sin,
Give me to see. Yet, O far more, far more,
That beautiful purity which the saints adore
In a consummate Paradise within
The Veil, -- O Lord, upon my soul bestow,
An earnest of that purity here below.



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