Absurd and vain attempt, to bind

1 Absurd and vain attempt! to bind
With iron chains the free-born mind,
To force conviction, and reclaim
The wand'ring by destructive flame.

2 Bold arrogance! to snatch from heaven
Dominion not to mortals given;
O'er conscience to usurp the throne,
Accountable to God alone.

3 Jesus! thy gentle law of love
Does no such cruelties approve;
Mild as thy self, thy doctrine wields
No arms but what persuasion yields.

4 By proofs divine, and reason strong,
It draws the willing soul along;
And conquests to thy church acquires
By eloquence which heaven inspires.

5 O happy, who are thus compell'd
To the rich feast, by Jesus held!
May we this blessing know, and prize
The light which liberty supplies.

Source: A Collection of Hymns and Prayers, for Public and Private Worship #445