Sonnet
On Reading a Proclamation for Public Prayer
South Carolinian
Oh! terrible, this prayer in the market-place,
These advertised humilities—decreed
By proclamation, that we may be freed,
And mercy find for once, and saving grace,
Even while we forfeit all that made the race
Worthy of Heavenly favor—and profess
Our faith and homage only through duress,
And dread of danger which we dare not face.
All working that’s done worthily is prayer—
And honest thought is prayer—the wish, the will
To mend our ways, maintain our virtues still,
And, losing life, still keep our bosoms fair
In sight of God—with whom humility
And patient working can alone make free.