On the religion of nature

The power, that gives with liberal handThe blessings man enjoys, while here,And scatters through a smiling landAbundant products of the year;That power of nature, ever blessed,Bestowed religion with the rest.

Born with ourselves, her early swayInclines the tender mind to takeThe path of right, fair virtue’s wayIts own felicity to make.This universally extendsAnd leads to no mysterious ends.

Religion, such as nature taught,With all divine perfection suits;Had all mankind this system soughtSophists would cease their vain disputes,And from this source would nations knowAll that can make their heaven below.

This deals not curses on mankind,Or dooms them to perpetual grief,If from its aid no joys they find,It damns them not for unbelief;Upon a more exalted planCreatress nature dealt with man—

Joy to the day, when all agreeOn such grand systems to proceed,From fraud, design, and error free,And which to truth and goodness lead:Then persecution will retreatAnd man’s religion be complete.

1815