Sonnets XCVIII

'There is ONE BAPTISM:' thus wrote holy Paul —
Behold its only trace, yon ancient stone
Forth to dishonor and destruction thrown,
Catching the drippings from the chancel-wall.
'We, being many, all partake ONE BREAD:'
Behold in yonder unfrequented quire,
For two old men, four women, and the squire,
Three times a year the scanty banquet spread.
Are we His people? is the Lord our King?
Up then for shame, and the old ways restore —
Give to the Lord the honor due, and bring
Glad presents to His courts; that so, before
His wrath arise upon our Church and land,
The incense of our prayer may stay His lifted hand.