1 John 2: on

Nor saint nor angel can explain
The plenitude of God in man,
But God, whom they so long have known,
He only searches out His own.
Not John himself presumes to trace
The full, unutterable grace,
The lineaments Divine impress'd
On each mature disciple's breast;
But fathers shall the secret see
Explain'd through all eternity.
Yet children here partake the prize,
Before they into fathers rise;
They too have known the pardoning God,
They too have felt the cleansing blood;
And different in degree alone,
The first, and perfect love are one.
CHILDREN, ye have as truly known
The God and Father of all grace,
As hoary saints who long have run,
And now are finishing their race.
That Spirit, who His Son reveal'd
In them, hath your forgiveness seal'd.
Your humble confidence hold fast
Till strong ye out of weakness rise,
And wholly sanctified at last
Ye too shall gain the glorious prize;
Your zeal for Jesus shall improve,
And ripen into perfect love.