2 Samuel 6:7, 165: Samuel i., &c

With forward zeal well meant
I oft have evil done,
But could not by a good intent
For a bad act atone:
Yet still my gracious Lord
Hath suffer'd me to live,
And all my sins in deed, and word,
And thought, He doth forgive.
Behold your due in Uzzah dead
For touching an external sign.
You that the priestly right invade,
And minister in things Divine!
Will ignorance your bodies save?
Inquire of Uzzah in his grave.
"But lo! unless our hands sustain.
The tottering ark will strike the ground!"

God cannot need the help of man:
A thousand ways with God are found
His church in danger to defend.
And bear her up, till time shall end.
Unauthorised by right Divine
Dost thou not on the word lay hold,
Who claim'st q, promises for thine
With ignorance profanely bold,
But dost not with the terms comply?
Forbear to touch the ark — or die!
So sacred if the symbol be,
What the true living Ark of God!
And O! how sore the penalty
For trampling on the covenant-blood
Familiarized by common sounds:
Woimds, wounds, and nothing else but icounds!