On Dooms-Day

Since Saint-like Innocence from Earth is fled,
And ancient Vertue in most Nations dead,
It shows Religion so deformed grown,
By various Sects, that most Men now have none;
But such vile Pretences for Ambition,
That Anti-Christians only dare to own;
Tho' covertly too many do combine
To propagate so wicked a Design,
Such as no sad Example can prevent,
Nor make such bloody Tyrants e'er repent;
Who think an universal Monarch might
Destroy whole Nations, for his own delight,
By daily breach of God's direct Command,
When Love and Charity for Cyphers stand;
While Fire and Sword do desolations make
Throughout the World, that will no warning take,
But still provoke our much-incensed God,
To smite us with his most devouring Rod,
To terrifie such Sinners in our Times,
As do exceed bold Korah's fatal Crimes;
With flaming Streams and gaping Earth devour
Millions of Men, with Cities, in one hour.
That makes us shake, and in amazement stand,
To think our Dooms-day may be near at hand;
When Seas may swallow Islands on command,
As well as Earth does Cities on the Land.