The Bible Critic

A MODERN foe to truth — pray mark him well —
The “Reverend” Critic. How his phrases swell
With conscious pride and wisdom, while he sings
The faults of Genesis! for Abraham’s kings
We should reject as idle, empty tales;
While zealously his glib theology impales
This verse and that as very well omitted;
And one by one are mercilessly spitted
These simple, fond impressions of our youth
The sacred page revealed, because, forsooth,
They lack research’s fiat, or the kind consent
Of dusty German savants on disruption bent.

Surely a reverend Editor, so well informed,
A new edition, up-to-date, abridged, reformed
Could fitly undertake, as worthy substitute
For these old-fashioned tales of ill repute
Our fathers loved, and give us in their stead
A book to satisfy all tastes, that may be read
Even by him, whose fond approval it will find —
The astute Deceiver, and Destroyer of mankind!

Thus by his ancient innuendo foul, Hath God thus said?
The Serpent still doth seek to draw upon man’s head
The dire and fearful consequence — the awful due
Of those who doubt what Christ has sealed as true.