FROM Scripture's sacred page I draw my theme;
It speaks to all who bear the Christian name,
To all to whom rich promises are given,
And who are walking in the path to heaven. To those who would in heavenly graces shine,
Who share the character of the Divine,
Having escaped corruptions of the earth,
O'er whom has passed a new, celestial birth, These the apostle calls to give all heed
To that which makes the Christian blest indeed;
He bids to add together graces true
Which shed around their fragrance ever new. Giving all diligence, add to your faith
Virtue, that moral excellence, he saith,
Virtue, that only from a heavenly source
Its perfect character and likeness draws. And add to virtue, knowledge; that can give
The best instructions how men ought to live—
Knowledge of God, his patience, love, and care,
And of ourselves, all that we were and are. Then temperance add to these, and patience too,
And heaven-born goodness, lasting, pure, and true,
Brotherly kindness, in which all may share,
And love, that grace which is beyond compare. Now add all these, and the result will be
A nature Christlike, and from blemish free,
Not barren nor unfruitful, but bringing forth
Fruits rich indeed, and of eternal worth.