Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917.
By John DrydenInspiration of the Bible
W
In several ages born, in several parts,
Weave such agreeing truths? or how, or why,
Should all conspire to treat us with a lie?
Unask’d their pains, ungrateful their advice,
Starving their gain, and martyrdom their price.
Concurrent heathens prove the story true:
The doctrine, miracles; which must convince,
For Heaven in them appeals to human sense;
And though they prove not they confirm the cause,
When what is taught agrees with nature’s laws.
It speaks no less than God in every line:
Commanding words; whose force is still the same
As the first fiat that produc’d our frame.
All faiths beside, or did by arms ascend;
Or sense indulg’d has made mankind their friend:
Unfed by nature’s soil, in which it grows;
Cross to our interests, curbing sense and sin;
Oppress’d without, and undermin’d within,
It thrives through pain; its own tormentors tires,
And with a stubborn patience still aspires.