Verse 1
“But shall I then thro’ fear forbear,
“And evil in the greatest spare?
“I must let loose my flaming zeal,
“I must rebuke their crimes, and will.[”]

Verse 2
Your sin-detesting virtue show:
But first the time and manner know:
With censure of yourself begin,
Nor suffer vice to chasten sin.

Verse 3
Before another’s mote you spy,
The beam cast out of your own eye,
The beam of zeal unsanctified,
The beam of self-preferring pride.

Verse 4
Arm’d with your Lord’s authority,
When faults you in Superiors see,
The seasons watch, and various ways
Of ministring his balmy grace.

Verse 5
Out of an humble heart and meek
With fear, and due submission speak,
Or with the eyes of Jesus look,
And dart the pitiful rebuke.

Verse 6
Will they not now your words receive?
Yet show them how they ought to live,
And sin in Governors reprove
By modest grief, and silent love.