When first God stirr’d me, and the Church’s word + 

Came as a theme of reverent search and fear, + 

It little cost to own the lustre clear + 

Of truths she taught, and rite and rule she stored; + 

For conscience craved, and reason did accord. + 

Yet one there was that wore a mien austere, + 

And I did doubt, and, startled, ask’d to hear + 

Whose mouth had force to edge so sharp a sword. + 

My mother oped her trust, the holy Book; + 

And heal’d my pang. She pointed, and I found + 

Christ on Himself, considerate Master, took + 

The utterance of that doctrine’s fearful sound. + 

The Fount of Love His servants sends to tell + 

Love’s deeds; Himself reveals the sinner’s hell. + 