96

 96. The Religion of Cain  "Am I my brother's keeper?"  THE time has been, it seem'd a precept plain  Of the true faith, Christ's tokens to display; And in life's commerce still the thought retain,  That men have souls, and wait a judgment    day;  Kings used their gifts as ministers of heaven, Nor stripp'd their zeal for God, of means which   God had given.   'Tis alter'd now; for Adam's eldest born  Has train'd our practice in a selfish rule,  Each stands alone, Christ's bonds asunder torn;  Each has his private thought, selects his school,  Conceals his creed, and lives in closest tie  Of fellowship with those who count it blasphemy.   Brothers! spare reasoning; men have settled long  That ye are out of date, and they are wise;  Use their own weapons; let your words be strong,  Your cry be loud, till each scared boaster flies;  Thus the Apostles tamed the pagan breast, They argued not, but preach'd; and conscience did   the rest.

   Off Sardinia .  June 19, 1833.