THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES FREDERIC THOMAS BLANCHARD ENDOWMENT FUND POEMS ON SEVERAL SUBJECTS; BY THE , REV. JOHN ANKETELL, A. B. CURATE OF DONAGHENDRY PARISH, COUNTY OF TYRONE, IRELAND. TO M'HICH ARE ADDED, JTHE EPISTLE OF TARICO TO INKLE; ENGLISH AND LATIN SONGS OF CHEVT CHASE. DUBLIN: PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR , BY WILLIAM PORTER, SKINNER-ROW. pBVMi 793- H-GO"! I To JAMES STEWART, ESQ.. OF KILLYMOON, COUNTY OF TYRONE. I owe you infinitely greater obli- gations than to any other individual now alive, gratitude and inclination immedi- ately point out the unrivalled patron to whom I fhould dedicate my book ; this duty, therefore, I now endeavour to di charge with the utmoft alacrity ; but can- not avoid lamenting that I am unable to lay before you materials more deferving of your notice, though I truft that, even in their imperfect ftate, they will experience a portion of your kind indulgence : I muft, however, intreat your pardon for the li. berty I have taken in addreffing my work to you, without firft confulting you on that occaiion; and which I would not by any means have ventured to afiume, but that I feared your well known modefty would a have 765768 DEDICATION. have deprived me of an opportunity of thus publicly gratifying my feelings, had I previoufly applied to you on this head. THE very friendly and polite letter with which you, Sir, were pleafed to furnifh me when I commenced the taking in of fubfcriptions for my Poems, not only ferv- ed to infure conliderable fuccefs to my un- dertaking; but effectually fupprefTed every fufpicion of literary fwindling, a fcandal* ous fpecies of fraud and meannefs which I am inexpreffibly concerned to find fome of my clerical brethren are accufed of hav- ing fallen into; as your name is venerated and efteemed in every part of this king- dom which I happened to vilit. I thank GOD I have never been in the habit of fawning ad ulation ; and yet, fuppofing me to be addicted to flattery; who will be daring enough to inlinuate that any eulo- gium exprefTed by me, could convey aa idea of your real deferts? To you, Sir, 4 my brother curates of the efttblifhed church of Ireland look up with con- 4 DEDICATION. confidence for reprefenting, in the enfuing feffion of Parliament, the many difficulties under which they have long and pati- ently labored; and for endeavouring to procure a decent relief of their hardfhips from the juftice and humanity of the Legiilature. For my own part, fhould PROVIDENCE graciouily vouchfafe to pre- ferve my life for a few months longer, my continuing to exercife the off.ce of a cler- gyman, or of reliding in Europe, entirely depends upon a fpeedy augmentation of the curates' falaries ; for I neither expect, nor anxioufly wifh for, eccleiiaftical pre- ferment. I FONDLY hope your conftituents in the county of Tyrone are duly fenfible of the honor they conferred upon themfelves, by appointing you to that important ftation in the Irifti fenate, which you have filled with confpicuous dignity, and unfuilied integrity, during a period of twenty-five years ; that they will never act fo bafe and unmanly a part as, by deferting you, to deprive themfelves of the happinefs of re- a 3 turning DEDICATION. turning to the Houfe of Commons, as long as you exprefs a defire to lit in Parlia- ment, a gentleman whofe eminent public and private virtues advance the worth of any Society in which he is a member; and that they unanimoufly join with me in imploring the beneficent Ruler of the Uni- verfe to beftow upon you the higheft de- gree of temporal and eternal felicity ! I have the honor to be, SIR, with the moft lincere refpecl and regard, your much obliged, obedient, and very humble fervant, JOHN ANKETELL. STEWARTSTOWNs July I, 1793. TO MT SUBSCRIBERS. 1 RECEIVED my claffical education at the Free-fchool of Armagh, under the care of that mod refpeftable charafter, the Reverend Dodor Grucber. I fmifhed my ftudies, as a penfioner, in Trinity College, Dublin; and fmce the ift of November, 1773, have ferved a curacy in the diocefe of Armagh. I have lived to fee feveral gentlemen highly promoted in the church, who, at the time of my ordination, had hardly com- menced the Latin Grammar; which I am in- duced to attribute to their own fuperior worth, or the fuccefsful intercefiion of powerful con- nexions, without the fmalleil impulfe of fpleen or envy ; and I folemnly proteft that I do not glance the molt diftant reflection at his Grace, the Lord Primate, whom I hold in the greateft and mod difmterefted efteem, for the truly vene- rable and exemplary difcharge of the duties per- taining to the important ftation which he has filled for a long feries of years. As I am well aware that any little merit I might, poffibly, pof- fefs, could be eafily eclipfed by bodies of greater moral [ vi ] moral magnitude ; fo I can fafely affirm that no influence has ever been exerted, to my know- ledge, either directly by irjyfelf, or through the medium of any other perfon, to procure for me ecclefiaflical preferment. Still, however, it is probable that, as men are apt to rate their own value pretty highly, I might, in fome meafure, have been chagrined at the manner in which I fuppofed myfelf to be overlooked, but that I, happily, am not of a querulous difpofition ; and, moreover, I confidered that the function in which I am engaged was, out of a variety of employ- ments offered to my choice by an indulgent pa- rent, that to which I had uniformly given the preference ; and, befides, any latent complaints which might, otherwife, have invoked an hear- ing, were effectually flifled by an obfervation, that many of my fraternity, of infinitely more enlarged deferts, and of much longer (landing than myfelf, remained equally unnoticed. In- deed, fome years ago, on perceiving the real ne- ceffaries of life confiderably advanced in price, I was prompted to take the lead in endeavouring to {ketch out a plan for obtaining an addition to the annual falaries of the curates belonging to the eftablimed church in Ireland, which might ren- der their lives more comfortable, and forward the caufe of religion, by givipg them what wealth in C 3 in other cafes is found to confer a greater weight with their congregations ; but by the indolence or timidity of my reverend brethren, with whom I had a confultation on that fubject at the vifita- tion of Armagh, and not a few of whom, per- haps, mould have defired a profperous iffue of it even more anxioufly than myfelf, I was fuffered fmgly, to wait upon his Grace the Lord Primate, relative to this bufmefs. His Lprdihip honored me with a conference of fome length, and feem- ed by no means averfe to the fcheme ; but was pleafed to fugged to me that " the difturbances " then prevailing, to an alarming extent, among " the White-boys, in the province of Munfter^ " were rather inimical to the profecution of the " plan at that period, as the fituation of the be- " neficed clergy was precarious and unfettled." Being myfelf a weak and unfupported advocate, I was conflrained to fubmit in filence to the argu- ments adduced by his Grace, and poftpone the propofed petition to both Houfes of Parliament, until a more favorable opportunity mould occur. The late liberal increafe of the Regiwn Dorntm granted to a very deferving body of men, the Prefbyterian minifters of this kingdom ; and the yearly enlargement of the gaugers' falaries ; in- clined me fondly to conceive, that they were the harbingers of a fpeedy augmentation to the noto- riouily C viii ] rioufly inadequate provifion for the maintenance of the inferior order of the clergy, as by law eftablifhed ; but my hopes on that head have been hitherto premature. If to expend the principal part, often the whole, of their patrimony, on an education to qualify them for the facred office of the altar, and which precludes them from em- barking in any other worldly vocation \ if to have long fubmitted, with more than patience, to a pitiful income, and to which, in the country at lead, no perquifites are annexed ; if regularly to inculcate leffons of loyalty and due fubordina- tion, and to ftrengthen their precepts by prac- tical example, can intitle any men to the parti- cular regard of government ; I will venture to affert, without hefitation, that my brother curates have an unqueftionable claim to that regard, by having conftantly given the moft undeniable de- monftrations of their unfhaken attachment to the king and conftitution. However, mould their conduct or condition have no weight with the legiflature, fo as to acquire for them a moderate alleviation of the difficulties under which they labor, by a reafonable acceffion to their falaries ; I truft an aft will pafs in the enfuing feffion of parliament, for entirely aboliming the inftitution, as an ufelefs burthen on the date ; or for tole- rating the members of it to profecute, without anv C 1 any odium affixed thereto, whatever other lay occupations are jufl and honeft in themfelves, in conjunction with their clerical profefijon. By this humane indulgence, fome of them may be happy enough to be appointed to the lucrative offices of ftewards or overfeers to noblemen, or gentlemen of fortune in their vicinity, for it is fuperfluous to fpeak of their being agents, private tutors, or domeflic chaplains ; others, mould they happen to write a fair hand, or have a fmattering know- ledge of arithmetic, may be fo lucky as to ferve, occafionally, in the enviable rank of clerks to magiftrates, merchants, or attornies ; and not a few of them, like their great predeceffor, Saint PW.may be able to fecure a {lender fupport for themfelves and, perhaps, a wife and feveral help- -lefs children, by the labor of their hands, and the fweat of their brows ; for to them the tanta- lizing delicacies of life muft remain totally inac- teffible, FAR be it from me to accede to the popular charge fo confidently urged againft our Reve- rend Bench of Bifhops, of flagrantly, nay, almoft altogether, neglecting the duties of their facred function, becaufe fuch an accufation is evidentlv and grofsly exaggerated ; but I fmcerely wifh I could pronounce it to be utterly unfounded, and b that C * ] that Bath, and the other EngUjh pools of Beibefda, fafnionabiy celebrated for the removal of actual or apprehended bodily grievances, might, if pof- fible, be lefs frequently reformed to by them ; as I ara led to imagine that a more attentive, per- fonal inflection into the clerical eflablimment of their respective diocefes ; and a preference, ge- nerally at lead, confined to acknowledged merit ; might liberate our churches from many modifh divines of quality, who, totally indifferent about the temporal or eternal welfare of their flocks, connect themfelves to the faccrdotal miniftry, for the fake of its loaves and fifties ; and indecently hurry through the foleinn, public fervice of GOD, as a mere matter of courfe, without feeling them- felves the fmalleft fpark of pious warmth animat- ing their fouls ; or the mod faint defire of im- preffing upon their hearers that devout affection of mind which it is a duty peculiarly incumbent upon them to endeavour to infpire ; or by a fhamefully effeminate, and affectedly lifping, de- livery, literally addrefs the congregation in a tongue unknown, as not being uttered in a tone of voice fufficiently audible to be underftood ; though thofe very gentlemen may be the moil vociferous Nimrodians at the death of a fox or an hare ; and not the lead joyous companions at a convivial affembly, zealoufly difpofed to perform the the rites of Bacchus, jolly god of wine. I have been told that, in England, a clergyman of a moral character, of even contracted abilities as an author, is frequently inatched from obfcurity, by the foftering hand of a bifhop ; but here, as in arts and fciences, we unfortunately fall fhort of our fitter kingdom ; and, in the inaufpicious climate of Ireland, thofe weak plants, the curates, feldom bear the fruits of affluence, produced by the invigorating heat of prelatical patronage ; but are left to wither and decay, and bring their grey leaves " with forrow to the grave." And, indeed, I conceive the appointment of Englijhmen or Irlfomen to the biihopricks in this kingdom, could occafion no material, falutary difference in this cafe ; becaufe Britijh gentlemen muft natu- rally have a prevailing partiality for a country which contains their deared ties and connexions ; and lamentable experience has mewn, that the inhabitants of Ireland feldom feel a powerful pre- deliction for the vulgar, non-patrician offspring of their defpifed native foil ; for the exceptions to the general rule are fo very rare, that it is neeci- lefs to bring them forward into view. As to myfelf, I mail readily own, that a wifh to realize fomething for the advantage of my family, mould they furvive me, and, in fome meafure, to im- prove, or innocently amufe, my readers ; were b 2 the [ xii ] the motives which led me to oiler the following EfTays to your perufal ; for fame is a flippery, uncertain baggage, in whom I am not willing to- repofe much confidence. MY verification of Mr. Hervey's Meditations among the Tombs was finifhed before I had reach- ed the nineteenth year of my age. It was my particular ftudy to adhere as clofely as practicable to the words of the original ; and where I have found myfelf under the neceflity of departing from that rule, for the fake of the metre, I fear I mall forfeit your approbation. I am fenfible that many of my lines, perhaps all, are rough and frigid ; and it is poflible that I could have rendered them more harmonious, by frequent reviials and alterations; but might I not, in that cafe, deviate fo far from Mr. Hervey's expreffions, as to be not only a more indifferent imitator, but a merely fuperficial poctafler ? And is it not in- finitely more eligible to enjoy a feeble, though unerring ray, which uniformly guides us to a great and durable light, than to look for direc- tion in our path from a glittering, momentary meteor, which fuddenly attracts our notice, but in an inftant vanifhes to mine no more ? I have feveral times, it may be much too often, made ufe of the monofyllables do, did, daih, &c. but I muft t muft beg leave to obferve, that verbs are too confequential in the formation of either, profaic or poetical competitions ; and too neceffary for the prefer vation of found fenfe, and grammatical accuracy, to be raihly excluded from that place which propriety of fpeech requires they mould retain : And I will take the liberty of hinting, that the equally often repetition of the conjunc- tion and, or any 'other word in the Englijh lan- guage, might produce fenfations in us alike harm and difgufting. Probably it may be objected, that regular poetry prefcribes the total rejection of triplets. I do confefs I think Alexandrines wholly inadmiflible, as being affected and unna- tural } but, in a poem of confiderable length, I. certainly do look upon triplets to be juflifiable, as, according to my notion of them, they relieve the reader from a tedious, unpleafant monotony, when judiciouily introduced ; but whether or no I have confined myfelf within the bounds of methodical exactnefs in that refpecl, I muil en- tirely fubinit to your generous and candid deci- iion. Four beautiful lines of Mr. Popis Elegy on the Death of an unfortunate Lady, I have preferved, becaufe I could not conveniently omit them; but as I had not the unpardonable ef- frontery of making any change in them ; fo nei- ther Li'J I the audacity of fallely arrogating them to to myfelf. But fome perfon may be tempted to exclaim with indignation, Have we not Mr, Hervey's Works in their native elegance of drefs ? Why, then, fhould any part of them be impofed upon us, when only clad in rags ? To this hu- miliating expoftulation I reply by another quef- tion, Have we not alfo the holy fcriptures, the plain, infallible guides to falvation, laid open be- fore us ? and-~ do we not (land in need of incef- fant exhortations to accept of s and turn to our everlafting advantage, thofe treafures of ineftima- ble felicity ? That portion of Mr. Hervey's valua- ble producti6ns which I have prefumed to exhibit in a new fhape, is confefledly of the higheft im- portance, and claims our moft ferious ccnfidera- tion. Daily experience demonftrates that we are all the mortal fons of fallen Adam. Infancy, youth, vigorous manhood, and infirm old age, are alike expofed to the refiftlefs and unrelenting (hafts of death. The griily tyrant pays no refpect to the bloom of beauty, the parade of wealth, or the haughty difplay of power j but levels in the duft of indifcriminate and impartial equality, the mighty potentate, and the defpicable Have. Here we have no abiding place, but are rapidly ap- proaching to that flute} either happy or mifera- ble, which mull be our lot to all eternity ! How tmfpeakably intereftmg is it, then, to have -always 2 in in our view any warnings which may ftimulate us, in this our fhort and probationary exigence, to prepare for admiflion into the glorious, in- compreheniible joys of immortality ? Perhaps the novelty of the matter may induce my fellow- creatures to cad an eye over my verification of the Meditations among the Tombs : But let me earneftly befeecji them not to ftop here : Let me infeat them, in the warmed manner, to compare it minutely with the original ; which cannot fail of ultimately bringing with it a reward, amply compenfating for a talk which, at firft, may be irkfome and forbidding. On every examination, let my inferior performance fufFer under the cor- recting hand of eriticifm ; yet I mail be abun- dantly repaid by the comfortable fuppofition, that the folemn employment will be productive of the mofl falutary benefits to all thofe who may per- mit themfelves deliberately to engage in it. - Cheerfully mall I defcend to the lowed flep of literary reputation, mould I, as it were by fur- prize, become an humble inftrument in the hands of PROVIDENCE, of perfuading even a fingle in- dividual among the race of mankind, to choofe " the one thing needful ;" to wean his affections from a vain, tranfitory world ; and endeavour, fmcerely and heartily, " to make his calling and election fure," by " fo numbering his days as to apply his heart unto wifdom." FOR C xvi 3 FOR our Saviour's Sermon on the Mount, 1 Ihall offer no other apology, than to exprefs my regret at not being able to do more juftice to words uttered immediately by the mouth of GOD liimfelf. The elegant fimplicity of the difcourfe in the original ; the benevolence of the doc- trines it contains ; and the dignity of the Divine Preacher ; are circumftances which have always made the moil fenfible impieflions on my mind ; and will, I .truft, prove fome cxcufe for my hav- ing ventured to lay before you, though in an in- finitely meaner garb, a fubjeo: of fuch eminently .confpicuous excellence and perfection. I cannot, however, fupprefs my wonder, that Mr. Pope, Mr. Addlfon, Dr. Toting, or fome of our moil ^celebrated poets, have neglected to anticipate me, in fei?:ing on the truly profitable opportunity of adding unfading honors to their brows, by intro- ducing into their works a verification or para- phrafe of this incomparably valuable, fublime, .philanthropic, and edifying portion of holy writ MY little piece on the Attributes of GOD, is by no means conceived to poffefs any other me- [ xvii ] verfe ; and of implanting in our foiiis becomirlg and venerable ideas of our almighty and benefi- cent Sovereign and preferver. For my own part, neither the execution of this, nor of any others among my poetical attempts, when compared with the performances' of refpettable authors, could meet with a cordial reception from me ; and how can I imagine, that, when my own offspring ex- perienced I ut little of the fond partiality fo gene- rally prevalent in parents towards their children, they mould be relifhed much by thofe to whom they are not in any degree allied ? The five following Eflays, like the preceding ones, are juvenile productions, well intended, though poorly finifhed, and whofe concifenefs will, very probably, be the bed advocate to in- fure their forgivenefs; In the lines on Age; the word momentary I underftand as oppofed to eter- nity ; and the fame term in the lines on Death, mud fignify fudden. The expreffions, aged youth, introduced into the poem on Death, may appear, at firft fight, to be fomewhat contradictory in fhemfelves, but may, I flatter myfelf, be foon reconciled to plain fenle, by obferving, that they are defigned to reprefent death as aged, when \Ve reflect upon the length of time wherein he Has exercifed his power in the world ; and youthful, c from [ xviii ] from a confideration of the many ages in which He may yet continue to retain his dominion. I am not ignorant that the generality of my rea- ders are too intelligent to require any explana- tions of this fort ; but I lock upon it as a duty which I absolutely owe myfelf, to give every in- formation that may ferve to elucidate my mean- ing, and render it as univerfally plain and evident as poffible. IN the year 1771, a fociety of gentlemen in London offered a considerable prsemium for the belt infcription, in metre, blank verfe, or profe, to be engraved on the monument erected in We/i- minjtcr-abbey^ to the memory of General Wolfe. A glowing efleem for the General, and not an impudently ambitious motive of being a candi- date for any pecuniary reward, prompted me to write a fort of eulogium on him. Not pleafed Avith my firft effort, I fcribbled a fecond and a third one on the fame fubjed ; and, probably, would have perfifted longer in giving birth to fimilar compofitions, had I" not concluded that the public, to whom they were anonymoufly con- veyed through the channel of the then Dublin Chronicle^ were heartily tired with thofe already offered to them. The three firft are now printed as they were originally written j and the fourth is [ xix j K an alteration of the lines which were conneecec with my propofals for taking fubfcriptions ; but whether or no any actual improvement has been made on this occafion, I mufl jnot prefume to de- termine. It is worthy of remark, that, out of a multiplicity of competitors who entered the lifts, no one proved fuccefsful j from a conceived im- poffibility, without doubt, of determining who was fairly intitled to a preference ; or a wifh not to offend fo many difappointed, though very re- fpe&able, rivals. THE Riddle mentioned as fent to me by a young Lady, was a very ingenious performance ; and, had I not unfortunately loft it, would have accompanied my folution of it. THE Reverend Mr. Noble s matter of Ennijkillen Free-fchool, in the county of Fermanagh, is the gentleman alluded to in my Rebus, and to which I have fubjoined an anfwer. MY lines on dry, warm Weather in Spring^ fucceeded by Rain, are founded upon real obfer- vation ; though I apprehend I'mall, with fome mow of reafon, be accufed of prolixity in my manner of handling the fubjed. Grammatical accuracy requires that, in the concluding paragraph of it .c 2 the the pronoun you fhould be underflood as prefixed to the inonofyliabie zu/jo, in three different lines. THE trifles which go un4er the appellation of Songs, I would have entirely fupprelfed, but that, upon clofc examination, I cannot difcover that they contain any fentiments or expreffions which are inconfiftcnt with the ftricteft morality and decorum ; and perhaps the perufal of them may contribute to the harmlefs entertainment of feve- ral among my fubfcribers. FOR my paftoral Sketches on each Month of the Year, I do not recollect any model which I fought to copy after. They were the amufement of a few leifure hours ; and if they mould be fo fortunate as to fecure the approbation of my friends, I feek for no other gratification. Mr. Cunningham''?, charming Poems on Morn- ing, Noorf, and Evening, fuggefted to me the notion of attempting foraething in the fame way, to which I added my lines on Night. Mr. Cun- ningham's meafure is feven fyllables ; mine con- fifts of eight. - 1 pretend not to a rivalfliip to fuperior excellence I humbly bow but mould I be allowed to have been fuccefsful enough to in- troduce any natural, defcriptive images into my little [ xxi ] little performances, I {hail be perfectly contented \vith the decifion. As I muft rely upon your generofity to for- give the extreme length of my Fable ; I fl^all not aggravate mj offence, by e:ihaufling your patience with tedious intcrceffions for pardon. ' I WAS myfelf, a fpeclator of the patron, o rural meeting, held annually on Eafter Monday in Stramorc, of which I have attempted a deicrip- tion. The barony of Trugh contains two pa- ri flies, viz.. Donagh and Eriga/ 9 the former of which is diflinguiflied by the name of Upper, and the latter by that of Lower, Tritgh. The Blackivatcr^ is a river that takes its rife in the fouth-weft part of the county of Tyrone, which it afterwards, in a courfe of feveral miles, feparates from the cdunty of Monaghan ; and laterally, after dividing the county of Armagh from that of Tyrone ; it empties itfelf into the celebrated lake, Lougbneagh. Str0morc 9 is a word in the Irijh language, which fignifies a large plain, or mea- dow. Where I have faid What tho' no matter ever taught them how To drop a court'fy, walk genteel, or bow ; muft be underfto'od generally, not univerfally. Glafshugh, is the name of a market-to wii, delight- fully fully fituated in Upper Trugh. t Skernageerah^ now called Emyvale, is a fmall village alfo in Upper Trugh. K THE Occasional Prologue and Epilogue were written during the time of the late American war, when the combined fleets of France and Spain were in the Englijh channel ; and I think it ne- ceffary to take notice, that I have introduced into them three or four lines which I judged applica- ble, from my productions on the death of Gene- ral Wolfe. They were defigned for the comedy of the Weft Indian, which was intended to be performed for a charitable purpofe, by a number of gentlemen belonging to the Stuart/lown Volun- teer Company. The Prologue was meant to be fpoken in the character of Enfign Dudley ; and the Epilogue in that of Mifs Rufport ; but by the death of Mr. Gabriel Cornwall, on whom I have written the fucceeding Elegy, and who was to have afted the part of Belcour in the play, the reprefentation of the comedy was never carried into effedt. As Acroftics are a very cramped fpecies of compofition, I mail only obferve on that head, that my pieces of this kind are inferted in my book, merely from an idea that they are the pro-, perty xxiii ] perty of my fubfcribers, which, therefore, com- mon honefty requires me not to with-hold from them ; and that I have not, as is too often the cafe, proflituted my pen, in- lavifhing extravagant encomiums upon giddy females, whofe cenfura- ble levity of deportment intitled them to very few compliments indeed ! IN the room of about two thoufand lines, more imperfect and unfinimed than even thofe which I have fubmitted to your infpeclion, I have fubftituted the Epiflle of Tarico to Jnkle ; the Song of Chevy Chafe, in Englijh and Latin metre; and a few portions of holy writ verfified. WHEN I was a fchool-boy, a relation of mine, long deceafed, was fo kind as to lend me the original poem of Tarico to Inkle y which he got from an intimate friend, the author of it, who had been dead many years before it came into my hands. I took a copy of if, which, together with the original happened to be miflaid mortiy afterwards. When nearly feven years had elapf- ed, at which time I was a fludent in 'Trinity Cofc tege, I was lucky enough to recover my copy ; but the original is totally loft. On my return from the country to town, I had it publifhed in- the then Dublin Chronicle, from which it found [ xxiv ] its way into feveral newfpapers in Ireland and England. It was alib printed in the form of a pamphlet in Dublin, where it met with a very rapid fale ; and I underfland it went through repeated editions in London, in a fimilar fhape, and was purchafed with great avidity. Unleft the fingular elegance of the epiflle mould ferve to detecl the impofition, I could fafely pafs with the public as the author of it : a kind of fraud, however, which I fliall never be guilty of. Into .the poem, as now printed, I have incorporated ten or twelve lines of my own, and made three or four alterations in the original, too immaterial to be particularized. K The. poetical beauties of the EngUJfj Song of Chevy Chafe, have been fo unquestionably efta- blifhed by the prince of Critics, Mr. Addifon, in the Spectator, that it would be fuperlative impu- dence in me to" expatiate upon the merits of it : I mall, therefore, add no more, than that I have connected with it a Latin metre verfion, which I copied out of a London edition of a book nearly ninety years old ; and as I regard it in the light of a very curious production, and not generally known, I imagine it will prove an acceptable treat- to many purchafers of my book. THJ [ XXV ] THE concluding portions of fcripture confifts of very ftriking, and highly awful extracts j on which account, infinitely rather than for any value I lay upon my verification of them, I fer- vently hope they will be ferioufly perufed, and meditated upon, by all thofe into whofe hands .they may chance to fall. Old gold is faid to acqufre purity from its age. Long contracted friendfhips are moll highly efteemed. The worth of vafes, paintings, &c. is eftimated in propor- tion to their antiquity. Yet all thefe are of a perifhable nature ! And mall we not prize, in an incomparably higher degree, the long delivered oracles of GOD, which have " brought life and immortality to light," and can alone make us wife unto falvation ? It is inexpreflibly to be la- mented that the Bible is, in thofe days of mo- dern refinement, an antiquated, neglected book; but as famions and cuftoms are ever on the change in other inftances, poflibly it may yet become polite to ftudy the written word of GOD ; and when that happy period arrives, may its duration be as permanent as the world itfelf ! IT may now be alked, Would it not be more in the line of my profeflkm to print fermons, than poetical attempts ? To this ftartling quef- tion I reply, That though I actually am pofiefied d of t sf* materials ef that fort, yet they demand an higher polifh than I may be capable of beflo\ving upon them, to infure for them a favorable recep* tion from the world, or render them likely to produce any defirable effects in the hearts of my readers. Befides, luxury, debauchery, and dif- fipation, fo univerfally engrofs the time and at- tention of the more elevated orders of mankind ^ and the lower ranks of life but too generally erleem themfelves juftifiable in adopting the ex-- ample of their betters, as in a temporal point of view they are denominated ; that ferious dif- courfes are of too auflere and gloomy a com- plexion for their perufal. Would it not be un- pardonable confidence in me to obtrude dull, mufty le&ures concerning fobrkty, temperance, and felf-mortification, upon hours which were devoted to voluptuoufnefs and fenfual gratifica- tions ? Would it not argue extreme weaknefs in me to. expect they wouhl be cordially treated by avowed libertines, who glory in their mame, and whofe conduct proves that they reckon it a mighty degradation of their dignity, to alTociate with the vulgar mafs of mortals, for even a cou- ple of hours \veekty, in the public worfhip of GOD ? And would it not be really to " caft pearls before fwine," to addrefs grave, religious iubje&s to perfons continually immerfed in car- nal xxvii 3 nal enjoyments, or the profeeution of worldly affairs ?- Empty romances ; filthy treatifes on loofenefs and obfcenity, or blafphemous, diaboli- cal fatires againft morality and devotion ; feem to be alone calculated for fuch diffolute, impious ions of destructive infidelity and profanenefs. * How falutary a courfe would it be for fuch pe- rifhing, bewildered wretches, to think foberly and often of the poifonous paths in which they arejimpetuoufly pofting ; and confider, that though they may call this day their own, to-morrow may confign them -to the icy boforn of the grave, where, alarming fuggeftion ! repentance cannot enter, nor reverfe the final doom denounced by offended PROVIDENCE againft obflinate, incorrigi, ble guilt ? Let them for a moment flop their wild career, and attend to the praclical leiTons of 4 faithful monitor, experience, which teach that difeafes and death are the jieceffary companions of brutifh furfeits, and gfofs indulgence. Let them liften to the voice of -wifdom, which pro- claims aloud, that a reftri&ion of inordinate, de- praved appetites, is the grand criterion to diftin guifh between rational beings and the beafts which have no understanding. Let them remember that, whilft they, peculiarly crowned with the bieffings of a bountiful GOD, inhabit magnificent edifices j are fuperfluouily loaded with coftly ap- d 2 parel ; xxv parel ; all lulled in the lap of eafe and indolence j repofe their bodies, unacquainted with labori- ous toil, on foft and downy couches ; and are pampered with fuperabundance of generous wines, and delicious meats ; their poor fellow-creatures, defcended from the fame original parents, and called into exiflence by the fame great Creator ; may be deftitute of every thing but rags to pro- tect them from the inclemency of the weather ; may not have fo much as a bed of draw on which they might ftretch their weak and labour-worn limbs ; may want " a cup of cold water only," to allay the parching thirft of ficknefs ; or a mor- fel of bread to filence the importunate cravings of hunger; nor own even a clay-built ihed to cover the miferable victims of indigence and woe* Let them recollect, that " riches make to them- felves wings, and fly away ;" and whilfl the gra- tifying opportunity is within their reach, let them Item the ruinous torrent of unbridled fenfuality, and turn its flreams into the healing channel of charity and moderation ; the advancement of re- ligion ; and the fupport of induftry. How ex- quifitely delightful muft their internal feelings be, while they contemplate their having acquitted themfelves as the true fervants of GOD ; the dar- ling children of humanity j and the patriotic friends of their country j by feeding the hungry ; cloathing xxix ] cloathing the naked ; adminiflering to the wants of the neceffitous ; and reftoring to the commu- nity many ufeful members of fociety, who, but for their timely interference, might have been irre- coverably loft ! Thus would they aft as the happy inftruments of heaven, and fecure for themfelves crowns of glory which mould never fade away. But alas ! I fpeak in vain. Can the votaries of Mammon can thofe who make a god of their bellies who bafely and wickedly deny themfelves the benefits of the MESSIAH'S blood, poured out for their falvation who plunge greedily into un- bounded enormity and licentioufnefs, and reject with fullen, perverfe contempt the precepts of the Prophets and Apoflles of old ; and the pathetic, fublime exhortations of eminent, modern divines can they prevail upon themfelves for a moment to attend to any admonitions offered by fo obfcure, Ib infignificant a perfon as I confefledly am ? HAVING given a feeble, though candid, cri- tique of the matter contained in my book ; and inferted in my Preface a few notes and explana- tions with which I was unwilling to burthen the body of the work ; permit me now to dwell for fome time on the treatment I experienced in my application for fubfcriptions. His [ XKX 3 Kis Excellency, the Earl of Wejlmorland, re- ceives only twenty thoufand pounds fterling, as an appendage annually to the office of lord lieu- tenant of Ireland. Would it not, then, be very unreafonable in me to fuppofe, that, out of fo paltry a falary, he could fpare the enormous fum of five or fix Britijh millings for a volume, the principal part of which confided of Irijh manu- factures, very indifferently fabricated, as his vice- majefty would naturally conjecture, from the fpe- cimen laid before him in my propofal ? Or why fhould I audacioufly expect that his Excellency would condefcend to give his name to my book, becaufe, forfooth, he might have done fo in fome other inftances j or, becaufe fome hundreds of very refpectable characters had countenanced my adventurous undertaking ? To give any encouragement to fuch trifles as poetical ejTays muft, doubtiefs, have been thought unbecoming the venerable function exercifed by the Lord Chancellor and Lord Carleton. Had my book, indeed, been gorgeoufly bound and decorated, and offered for fale at the auction of the late Mr. Denis Daly's fuperb library, it is pof- fible that Lord Fitzgibbon might have become a$ leaft a bidder for it. I had, it is true, the barren honor of being indulged in about a minute's con- verfation [ xxxi ] yerfatien with his lordfhip, and 6f paying two or three fruitlefs vifits at his houfe afterwards, as at the introductory one I received no anfwer. How- ever, I mall make m'yfelf quite eafy on this head, by determining that, in the trouble I had in en- deavouring to procure a fecond interview with his lordfhip, I have conferred upon him a com- pliment equal to his gracious reception of me. We have thus difcharged mutual acquittances in full j and here let the matter reft. So eleemofynary an appearance had the fub- fcription drawn from the Marquis of Downjhire^ that I repaid it with difdain, together with legal intereft for the time I held his money in my hands ; left his lordfhip mould have any juft grounds to tax me with owing an obligation to him. The Marquis, indeed, has been fo deeply engaged in erecting public places of divine wor- #m; in making pioufly political preparations for raRmty ; and in extenfively patronizing the ftaple trade of Ireland ; that mental webs are quite of too ibi'n a contexture for his lordfliip's notice. LORD Clonmell affured me, without blufhing, that he " had taken an oath never to read a line of poetry." Though the declaration furprized me not a little, yet, coming from fo high autho- rity, xxx rity, it ferved to remove from my mind an erro- neous notion which it had until then labored under that an oath was not required from no- blemen, except in very extraordinary cafes. But why mould I complain that his lordfhip did not deign to facrince a little to my ruftic mufe, fince King David, Homer, Virgil, Horace, Shake- fpeare, Milton, Pope> and all the celebrated bards, ancient and modern, are perpetually excluded, in common with me, from his lordfhip's prefence? LORD Northland, the governor of the county in which I refide, after barely fubfcribing for my Poems, threw out fome infmuations that he " pro- bably might not get the book, having been dif- appointed in that way on fome preceding occa- fions ;" and mentioned that he was not at all acquainted with me. Being piqued at the unpo- lite tenor of his lordmip's behaviour towards me in general, and his alledged ignorance of a per- fon who had been a curate for many years, at the diftance of only half a dozen of miles from his lordmip's country feat, though never, I grant, a gueft at his table, by previous invitation, or per- fonal intrufion ; I returned his fubfcription, and reminded him that, in the memorable election at Qmagh in 1768, when his lordfhip was a candi- date for the honor of reprefenting the county of Tyrone xxxiii ..] Tyrone in parliament, he might, pcffibly, be able to recollect that my father and his intereft had warmly fupported him, without ever foliating or obtaining a return of any fort from his lordfliip, or any of his connexions; and I hinted, at the fame time, that he need be under no concern about the publication, fince 'I had relieved him from the terrifying apprehenfions of IpTmg "his cam. I TAKE it for granted that, Lord Cloncurry has been a confiderable fufferer in fome tranf- adions relative to books ; ejfe he furely would not have been fo exceedingly cautious, in a gla- ringly trivial concern, as to offer me only the -half of a fmgle blue paper copy fubfcription, and from an avowed fufpicion that the work might never be delivered to him. As an acquiefcence with his lordfhips terms would have been a vio- lation of the conditions fpecified in rny propofals, and in fome meafure a tacit confirmation of his lordmip's doubts; he found that the prodigious fum of a Britijh half-crown, from even fo emi- nent a perfonage as a peer of the realm,' could not divert me from the principles upon which I commenced my undertaking. Mr. Juftice Dowries would not recoiled that I had been his cotemporary and acquaintance in Trinity College, Dublin. This particular, how. e ever; xxxiv ] ever, is not of fo very furprizing a nature, when we conftder that a long lapfe of time, an unre- tentive memory, or the enjoyment of profperity on one fide, are circumftances which, fingly or conjointly, may effect it. But, befides, none are fo forgetful as thofe who will not remember; nor any as flow of comprehenfion as they who will not underftand ; and the difproportion be- tween a judge and a country curate is fo truly immenfe indeed ! as not to admit of a permanent and familiar afibciation between them,, A COUNSELLOR learned in the law, not far from Earl-Jlrcet^ apologized,* by telling me that " ftudies of a different nature from poetry claimed his time and attention." A frothy novel lay open before him on the table, from which, I dare venture to fay, he extracted highly intereft- ing legal intelligence ! A QUONDAM collector in Armagh, with much rudenefs, rather inconfiftent with his ufual French grin, fignified his refufal j and fuggefted that he " might, perhaps, encourage my publication, had it been in the line of my profeffion." For my own part, I am led to imagine that the gentle- man himfelf was net turned out of his employ, ment, for any practical or theoretic improvements made by him in the " line of his profeffion ;" and I muft alfo add., that whether my poems were moral, xxxv ] moral, mixed, or comic, was a matter of which he had not the mod diftant knowledge, when he uttered his more than doubtfully may-be promife of fubfcribing. A GROCER in Armagh, whofe father, I under- ftandj Was a clergyman, declared that " hurry of bufinefs abfolutely prevented him from an opportunity of reading any thing except his day- book and ledger.'* I heartily congratulate him upon the profperous fituation of his affairs ; but I hope, for his own fake, that he has had the precaution to have thofe books fufficiently volu- minous to admit into them the infertion of the Bible and Common Prayer Book j becaufe I would be fenfibly concerned to fuppofe that he "had devoted the whole of his reading to the fer- vice of Mammon. IN fome of my wealthy, beneficed brethren I difcovered a total void of fraternal affection, and a full meafure of naufeous acidity. I forbear mentioning names, out of refpect to the profef- fion ; and leave them to the feelings of cool re- flection. But am I not to conceive that a Ihynefs of carriage between clergymen, founded upon no better grounds than a fortuitous diftin&ion in terreftrial acquifitions, bears the femblance of fcornful loftinefs, altogether unbecoming in thofe who call themfelves the ambaffadors of the meek e 2 and xxxv nd lowly JEGUS ? Nor is it to be wondered at that the lowed order of the clergy fliould be trampled upon, in fome degree, by tnofe in an high ftation among the laity j when their more amply provided for fellow-fervarits in CHRIST'S vineyard, not only treat them with negligence or difrefpecl on too many occafions ; but feem to look upon them as inferior beings, tainted, as it were, with a fort of leprofy for having afTumed the prieft's office, and therefore to be cautioufly avoided as infectious animals. Some people pro- tefted they " had made a folemn refolution never to fubfcribe to any book ?" Probably the deter- mination was formed at the moment of fpeaking to me. Others gravely told me they " would think of the bufmefs." None of thofe confider- ing perfons ha-ve yet communicated to me the refult of their ferious deliberations.- Many de- clared they " made it a rule " not to fubfcribd to any book, but that they would purchafe mine, when publifhed." Their fincerity I trufl I mall- very fhortly have an opportunity of putting to' the teft. Several affured me they " would call upon me again j" which, however, thofe evafive promifers intentionally omitted doing. And not a few flood aloof at the exorbitant demand of five fhillings, prompt payment, for a book, who would not hefitate to expend ten times that fum in re- ducing themfelves below the flate of a brute, by a drunken xxxvii 3 a drunken debauch ; or a ft ill larger fum, in en- tailing infamy, wretchednefs, and profligacy ot conduct on a fondly credulous, but bafely de- luded, female. Shame ! Shame ! Shame ! Yet fuch things are, BUT fome people object to the bufmefs of fub- fcription in the bulk ; and fugged, that a " good book will fell of itfelf, without fuch a fupport, and a bad one does not deferve any aid of this nature." That blafphemous,- obfcene, inflamma- tory, immoral eflays mould be univerfally difcoun- tenanced, I will readily admit; and yet woful experience puts it beyond all doubt that they are too generally patronized and read : But I am firmly of opinion, that many valuable produc- tions already have been, and probably hereafter may be, loft to the world, merely becaufe the authors of them were in too ftraitened circum- ilances to bring them into public view without the help of fubfcription, which, however, they had not, or may not have, the perfeverance or good-luck of fuceefsfully fecuring. LET me now obferve, by the way, that gentle- men who are really at home mould, in fuch cafes, ailign fome other exc'ufe for declining an inter- view with thofe who call upon them, in prefer- ence to the ufual one offered by their fervants, that \_ xxxviii J that they are abroad. The cuflom may be fafhion- able ; but it is inconfiflent with the dictates of Chriftianity, or of worldly prudence, For how can it be expected that domeflics will be faithful or confcientious to their employers ; or that they will not, when an opportunity prefents itfelf, have a tendency to outwit and cheat thofe who fo very improperly inftrucl: them to impofe upon others ? Or how can matters, who pretend to have the fmalleft veneration for truth, reconcile fuch con- duct to the exprefs language of Scripture, which reprefents GOD as utterly abominating every fpe- cies of fraud and deceit? Might not indifpofi^ don ; an hurry of bufinefs ; or a prior engage- ment be urged, and that with veracity, as an in- finitely better apology on fuch occafions ? POSSIBLY fome friend may be induced to hint, how imprudently I aft, in thus exafperating fo many noble and confequential characters, and provoking them to become my enemies. In an- fwer to this I reply, that in the only opportunity they ever had of ferving me in a very inconfider- able degree, and when they had a profpeft of being partly repaid, they did not manifefl a dif- pofition of even faintly promoting my advantage. Of their friendmip I had no patronizing proof ; for their enmity I feel no excruciating apprehen- fions y and mould they meditate revenge againfl myfelf ? xxxx ] nvyfelf, or my innocent pofterity, I truft the pro- tecting juftice of GOD will confound their wicked and malicious machinations. But am I to dread the lafh of perfecution from thofe whom I would not falfely compliment with abject, unmanly en- comiums of liberality? No. I have not the flighted fears of fuch unwarantable attacks. I exult in the knowledge of being an inhabitant of a country where genuine freedom erects its glo- rious countenance, and for whofe felicity I feel an uniformly glowing zeal j where the fhield of: equitable juftice defends the innocent from the attacks of ferocious defpotifm, and curbs the dar- ing extravagance of democratic licentioufnefs ; and whofe public inftitutions I am not fenfible of having, at any period of my life, violated. Without the mod diftant view to the biaffing impulfe of intereft, I love my king with an ardor of affection, perhaps as immaculate, and, I am confident, as unabating, as the higheft officer of flate. I heartily approve of the privileges lately extended to thofe of the Romijh perfuafion in Ire- land, which their long tried good conduct abfo- lutely intitled them to ; for I am not fo illiberal as to lay to the charge of the aggregate body of the people, any outrage or violence committed by fome ill-minded, mifguided individuals among them; and I hope and believe that gratitude, and C < ] and perfonal advantage, will cordially attach them to the fupport of a government, which has ma- nifefted fo unequivocal a regard for the promo- tion of their welfare. Though my mind recoils with abhorrence at the idea of a frantic, fangui- nary revolution in the date, and that fpirit of reftleifnefs and levelling which unhappily agitates' the breads of the public in too extenfive a de- gree ; yet, in common with all thofe who are not actuated by profit or prejudice, I am a ftre- nuous advocate for a parliamentary reform ; be- caufe I conceive it would contribute effentially tow'ards the quiet of the community at large j and becaufe I cannot reconcile it even to com- mon fenfe, to affirm that our conflitution, though long the envy and the admiration of the world, may not, as being of human inftitution, be ca- pable of improvement : However, I mud can- didly acknowledge, that I imagine a reformation in the morals of the people is previoufly indif- penfable, in order to qualify them for enjoying a legislative renovation with a proper and beneficial relifh. For the Houfe of Lords, in its collective, fenatorial capacity, as a venerable branch of the legiflature, I entertain the utmoft refpe& ; though to feveral members of that body I am far from owing any obligations ; nor have I experimental proof to aflert that, without exception, rank and fortune fortune confer true nobility of foul upon their pofleffors. Though I am unalterably wedded to my prefent religious profeflion j yet I truft I can, without partiality or bigotry, embrace all the deferving individuals among my brethren of man- kind ; and unfeignedly pray for the reformation of thofe who are deplorably funk in vicious, abandoned practices. But I mail never forget myfelf fo far as to pay a bafe and whining court to that " purple and fine linen" which may, pombly, be worn by a niggardly, auftere, and infolently mean fellow-mortal. AND now let me afk, On whom are there fuch natural claims for the encouragement of dawning genius, as on thofe who wallow in affluence ? Or who are equally open to animadverfion, when they penuiioufly fail to perform their duty in this particular ? They who are in the fruition of rank and power, will always find an abundant flock of groveling parafites, difpofed to flatter their vanity, and with mendicant fervility folicit their favours ; nay, who are meanly contented to wafte their lives in the vifionary enjoyment of benefits, daily promifed, though never meant to be really fulfilled : But as to myfelf, I fpurn at the idea of aifociating with the fawning herd of fycophants. Senfible as I am of being conftitu- , tionally C *ffi ] fionally averfe to offend, yet I cannot boaft of ffoical apathy enough to ftifle my refentment for unmerited haughtinefs, or boorifh incivility. Though I truft I mall always defpife the littlenefs ef pride ; yet I hope I will never tamely fubmit to unprovoked infult, or faftidious arrogance- Worldly wifdom may teach leflbns of obfequious adulation ; but the dignity of human nature with prevailing influence recommends to me a more praife-worthy independence of fpirit. My fitua- tion in life is far from being enviable ; but I thank GOD I would not be reduced to the inevit- able neceffity of ftarving, by being deprived of the poor, I had almoft faid, beggarly income, attached to my prefent laborious, defpicable, and unproductive clerical employment ; for my fer- vices in which, a confcientious difcharge of my duty was, comparatively fpeaking, nearly the whole of my reward. Should ecclefiailical pre- ferment ever reach me, it mail arrive unfought for ; and at its abfence I mail never repine : But I here ferioufly declare, that unlefs fome ad- ditional relief mail be made in the enfuing fefiion "of parliament, for the pitiful falaries allowed to the curates at this day, I will bid a final adieu to my prefent profeffion ; apply myfelf to fome lay occupation ; and leave an open for an ill- fated fucceflbr in the miniftry to undergo the drudgery C xli " ] drudgery of an office, more fcandaloufly provided for, though denominated a bud in the flourim- ing, foliage-clad tree of the eftablifhed church, than that of even a journeyman taylor in Dublin. Should, however, this procedure be called a quar- rel imprudently waged againft my bread and but- ter ; I mall allow that, fifty or fixty years ago, an annual falary of 507. to a curate would, appa- rently at leail, admit of fuch a charge ; but this forry pittance, at the prefent day, will hardly purchafe bread alone for him ; and therefore the butter, &c. muft be wholly omitted in his hum? ble bill of fare. BUT it may be objected that, as the yearly income of a curate is fo wretched a provifion, none mould embark in that function, who are not polfeffed of a decent competency befides. > I grant the argument mould be conclufive, if none but people of independent circumftances are to be advanced to clerical promotions. But I will contend for it, that exemplary characters, and mining abilities, are not entirely confined to I was going to aver are rarely difcoverable in the families of the great and wealthy ; and had PROVIDENCE defigned to exclude from the miniftry 'the lower ranks of mankind ; our blef- (ed Saviour would not, furely, have chofen tor f 2 his [ xliv ] his Apoftles fuch vulgar beings as fimermen and tentmakers ! In the prcfeffion of the law or of phyfic, men of enlarged capacities, let their ex- traction be what it may, will certainly rife into confequence by diligent exertions ; in the army, by confpicuous acts of courage, and regularity 'of difcipline, they fometimes undoubtedly do ; but, in the church, I afk, does this appear to be the cafe ? And are not many men left to languifh in a&ual penury, who, by being more comfortably provided for, would have proved eminent orna- inents of fociety ; valuable patterns of piety ; and liberal difpenfers of charity to their poor fel- low-creatures ? GOD is my witnefs that I do not, in the fainteft manner, allude to myfelf, nor buoy myfelf up with the mofl remote pretenfions to ecclefiaftical preferment ; but I wifli the prieft- hood to be decently furnifhed with the neceflaries of life ; and, for the fake of juftice, religion, and humanity, to have that clafs of men to which I belong, relieved from, the contempt which it is cxpofed to, from the inadequate means of fup- port allotted to it. PERHAPS it may be deemed expedient for me to mention the mode and quantity of wifhed-for accemon to the curates' annual falaries. Though I muft not be fo impertinent as either to recom- mend C xlv 1 rnend or prefcribe any plan for the adoption of parliament ; yet, mould I be honored by a public call from them, I may, poflibly, be able to throw put fome hints, which may ferve to lighten the weight of their deliberations on that fubje&. HAVING taken a difagreeable view of the dark fide of the picture ; let me now tafte the pleafmg fenfations arifmg from the reverfed obfervation of it ; and after returning my unfeigned thanks to my fubfcribers in general, to acknowledge my particular obligations to Lord MOIRA ; Lord CHARLEMONT ; Lord KINGSTON ; Lord A~NNES- J.EY ; the Bifhop of ELPHIN ; the Bifhop of KIL T LALA ; Lord CASTLESTEWART ; Lord LONDON- DERRY ; the Right Hon. THOMAS CONOLLY ; the Right Hon. JOHN O'NEILL ; the Right Hon. ARTHUR WOLFE, Attorney General; Mr. JONES AGNEW j ]VJr. MERCER, Arm's Vale ; Counfel- lor THOMAS DICKSON ; Mr. VAUGHAN, Villa; Rev. Dr. O'CONNOR ; Rev. Dr. CHICHESTER ; Rev. Dr. BENTON; Rev. Archdeacon DICK SON; Rev. Dr. MERCER ; Major MOLESWORTH ; Mr. JOHN CORRY MOUTRAY ; Mr. ECCLES, Fintona; Mr. M'CAUSLAND GAGE ; Mr. JAMES HAMIL- TON, Strabane ; Rev. Mr. MORTIMER, Comber; Mr. CH. LYND ; Mr. WILLIAM TIGHE ; Mr. MORRIS, Li/burne; Mr. WILLIAM LENOX; Mr. JOSEPH [ xlvi ;J JOSEPH CURRY ; Mr. JAMES SCHOALES ; Mr. JAMES MURRAY, and feveral other gentlemen in the friendly and fociable city of Derry ; Mr. MARRIOT DALWAY ; Mr. RICHARDSON, D; ,,. ; Mr. GARY, Bangor ; Mr. WILLIAM HARKNESS, Dublin; Dr. M'CANN, Armagh ; Reverend Mr. HUDSON ; Revd. Mr. ROE, Strangford ; Mr. PHIBBS, Hollybrook; Mr. CRAWFORD, Crawford's Burn ; Rev. Dr. LESLIE, Tanderagee ; Rev. Mr. MORRIS, Ballyclog ; Rev. Mr. ARBUTHNOT, Ca- van ; Rev. Mr. CUPPLES ; Dr. JACKSON, Lur- gan ; Captain BUCHANAN, Artillery ; Rev. Mr. CAMPBELL, Newry ; Rev. JAMES KNOX ; Mr, JAMES HAMILTON, Capel-ftreet ; Dr. LIVING- STON, Nezury; Mr. CUNNINGHAM, Port; Coun- fellor FRANCIS KNOX; Mr. WILL. ARMSTRONG, Mary-ftreet ; Mr. JOHN ASHE, Capel-ftreet ; Mr. CHARLES CARROTHERS, Jervis-Jlreet ; Rev. Mr. O'NEILL, Hibernian Chapel ; Mr. DE LA MA- ZIER, Dame-Jireet \ Revd. Mr. NELIGAN ; Mr. THOMAS NICHOLSON, Eride-ftreet; Dr. M'CLEL- LAN, Poynts-pafs ; Rev. Mr. HUTCHINSON, Do- naghadee ; Mr. CROSBIE MORGELL ; Dr. KING, Armagh^, Mr. Ross, Strabane ; Mr. BENJAMIN NEVIN ; Mr. WALKER, York-Jlreei ; Dr. PLUN- KET, Dublin ; Mr. MARK WHITE, Dorfet-ftreet ; Counfelior SPEER ; Mr. JOSEPH RICHARDSON, Siramore', Mr. SIMON, Mount P leaf ant ; Mr. GRIFFITH [ xlvn ] GRIFFITH, Surveyor of Killybeggs ; Revd. Mr. STEWART-, Grange; Mr. TURKINGTON, Rich- hill; Rev. Mr. HENRY, Armagh ; Mr. MAC AY, Drogheda; Mr. THOMAS, Tork-Jlreet ; Counfel- lor GEORGE ROBINSON ; Revd. Mr. SIMPSON, Coleraln; Mr. STUART, Grace-hill', Mr. SMYTH, Lifdillon ; Rev. Mr. ADAMS, Stewart/town ; and many other gentlemen whofe names it is unne- ceflary to enumerate at prefent. A Imultiplicity of unavoidable obftacles which confpired together to retard the publication of my book, will, I truft, fuccefsfully plead my ex- cufe with my fubfcribers previous to the prefent year ; and to thofe who patronized it within that period, I do not apprehend there is any apology abfolutely due. Indeed, I am well convinced that thofe who encouraged it upon the fmalleft fcale, wilt be mod clamorous againfl me, in a groundlefs charge of defigned procraftination. And I could mention the names of feveral gen- tlemen, who frequently recommended it to me, not to be too precipitate in putting my work to prefs, but to render it as productive as I conve- niently could ; though they themfeives had libe- rally contributed to the advancement of my un- dertaking. NOT- [" xlviii J NOTWITHSTANDING that my fatigue of body, and anxiety of mind, during a very extenfive application for fubfcriptions, muft have been feel- ingly fevere ; yet fo confiderable was the ex- pence neceffarily attending the execution of the bufinefs in which I had involved myfelf, that the favings of a play in Dublin, for the benefit of a favorite theatrical performer, acquired without much trouble, and fquandered, perhaps, in the courfe of a very few weeks afterwards on vanity, wantonnefs, and intemperance, will, probably, exceed the fum I mall be able to realize by the entire fale of my boo& ; but mould I fail to dif- pofe of the whole edition, I mail be an actual lofer, without, however, prefuming openly to re- pine at the iflue of an affair in which I volunta- rily embarked. The neatnefs of the type ; the goodnefs of the paper ; and the quantity of mat- ter contained in the work ; free it, as far as re- lates to thofe particulars, from the imputation of its being a mere catch-penny jb ; but as to the aggregate quality of the mifcellanies themfelves, I mail only venture to obferve, that I have ren- dered thofe pieces which belong to myfelf as faultlefs as my contracted abilities enabled me to do, at the time of my compofmg them. My expectations of emolument were never very fan- p-uine 5 and though I account the encouragement of [ xlix ] of literary efforts an eafy tax upon the public j yet I always wifhed to acquire my profits by an ex- tenfive circulation of my books, and a very fmall profit on each of them ; rather than have it af- ferted with any color of juftice that I held them at an unreafonable price. SHOULD I be induced to come a fecond time before the awful tribunal of the public, which, however, depends upon a variety of circumftan- ces, it mall not be through the medium of fub- fcription : For, though I met with numberlefs inftances of friendfhip, hofpitality, and patronage daring my late folicitations in that way ; yet I alfo experienced fo much vulgar, unmannerly treat- ment, from perfons whofe external appearance afone gave them any pretenfions to the appella- tion of gentlemen ; that the certain acquifition of one thoufand guineas, mould not prompt me to engage in a fimilar fcheme. It was, I grant, a perfectly optional matter with thofe to whom" I applied, v/hether or no they would become fubfcribers ; but furely it would not have been any diminution of their dignity, to fignify their refufal in conciliating terms of politenefs. To the language of acrimonious invective my mind is ftrongly repugnant ; yet. to a perfon endued with the fmalleft fenfibility of foul, unprovoked fneers, churlifli Ihynefs, or an harfh and haughty g denial. C 1 ] denial, muft prove unfpeakably mortifying and irkfome ; though I muft confefs that my feelings have not, at any time been, fo tenderly affecled by a genteel apology, as by a fullen, ungracious compliance, which, therefore, I made it a rule uniformly to reject, as I thought it bore the evi- dent appearance of an intended affront. Refined urbanity is not, I own, attainable by all men ; but pride, infolence, and incivility mould be for ever banimed the company of rank and wealth ; becaufe they difplay ftrong fymptoms of igno- rance, and a want of real worth ; and are pro- ductive of hatred and contempt, inftead of that veneration and efteem which becoming affability would certainly acquire. HAD I cultivated that natural bias to rhyme which I have actually checked for feveral years pad, my poetical effays would, probably, have been much more numerous, and have appeared to greater advantage, than they do at prefent ; but, in truth, I have no anxious wi(h to be called a Son of the Mufes, whofe maternal advances I have fo long avoided ; and poverty, the generally allowed inheritance which they confer upon their children, has not, I am ready to acknowledge, any inviting charms for me, however clofely it may be related to my two-fold profemon of poet and C'K ] and curate. -I can eafily reprefent to myfelf ran- corous juries of partial readers fitting in judg- ment upon me, and palling fentence againft me for the harmnefs, the flatnefs, the barrennefs of my productions ; but as the peevifh, quibbling remarks of inferior fnarlers cannot reach me ; fo neither mall I feel any uneafmefs, fhould even the gigantic cenfors of literature, the Monthly Rcveiivers, make a cowardly attack upon me from their impenetrable lurking-places ; nor of- fer them any other fop to avert their vengeance, than a copious draught of my foporiferous eflays, mould they feel any thirft for fuch a potion : For, at the moft, they can only convict me of being a country curate, and a forry verfifier ! And how can they depreciate my infignificance, by barely pronouncing me to be what I have already an experimental fenfe of being, and am willing, without controverfy, to admit of? 1 envy not the mental or bodily attainments of any one; nor do I mean to prefs forward as an irrpudent com- petitor with any writer of approved excellence, for epic or lyric wreaths to adorn my temples. All riders do not manage the winged Pegajfiis alike. Some require the conftant ufe of the curb, to keep him within proper bounds. Others can lay the flackened reins upon his comely neck, and journey on with gentle pace, fecure from g 2 danger. danger. Many, when even mounted on his back a demand unremitting care to retain their feats, and the conftant ufe of whip and fpur to urge him on his way. I have got only my foot in the ftirrup, and may find it nearly, if not altogether, im- practicable to beftride the famed charger. How- ever, my humble mufe, which has hitherto ven- tured to crop only a few tender fprigs at the bot- tom of Parnajfus^ may, poffibly, be encouraged, in time, to undertake the bold attempt of climb- ing a little way up the hill, though at the fum- mit ihe well knows me never can arrive. I im- plore not a decifion partially deilitute of juftice ; but requeft that thofe who examine the " beams" which are difcoverable in " my eyes," may con- ilder that " motes" are, peradventure, lodged in vc their own j*' and that - meath, i g, Rev. Mr. Bryfon, Ballymafcanlon. Rev. Charles Crawford, Drogheda. Mr. William Davidfon, Lurgan- green. Rev. Thomas English, Charles- town, i b. John Forbes, Efq. M. P. 2 b p. Right Hon. John P'orfter, Speaker of the Houfe of Commons. Mr. Patrick Gernon, Drogheda, l b. Rev. Mr. Gerrard, Dunleer, 2b.p. k Rev, SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Rev. Mr. Gibfon, Clonmore. Chriftopher Jenuey, Efq. Park. Thomas Lloyd, Efq. Ravenfdale, I b. Mr. Patrick Macay, Droghcda, 1 Mr. Anthony M'Dermott, Tho- mailown, i. b. Zachariah Maxwell, Efq Dundalk. Henry Maxwell, Efq. Dundalk. James Metcalf, Efq. Droghcda, 1 b. Edward Morris, Efq. Caftlebel- lingham, i b. Mr. George Murphy, Du'idalk Mr. John Q'Donnell, Aidee, i b. William Meadc Ogle, Efq. M. P. John Ogle, Efq. Ravenfdale, i b. Alexander Rogers, Efq. Ballyma- fcanlon. George Schoales, Efq. Drogheda. Henry Smyth, Efq. Corcreigh, ib. Rev. Moore Smyth, Kil curly, I b. Mr. Robert Speers, Ardee, i g. Mr. John Stanley, Surgeovi, Drogheda. M. Taylor, Efq. Ravenfdale, I g. Robert Thompfon, Efq. Ravenf- dale. Edward Tipping, Efq. Ravenfdale. Mr/Archibald Wright, Dundalk. County of Mayo. Rev. Doftor Benton, Caftlebar, 2 b. p. Right Hon. James Cuffe, M. P. Frederic Dennis, Efq. Caftlebar, *$'- Rev. James Hazlett, Foxford. George Jackfon, Efq. Profpeft. Rev. Charles Kent, Deel Caftle. Right Hon. Henry King, M. P. 2 b. p. John Ormfby, Efq. Govtnar-abbey, i b. Rev. George Paley, Killala. William Ruttledge, Efq. Profped. Rev. Jofeph Wilfon, Caftlebar. Count}' of Monngh.an, Mrs. Anketell, Trugh Lodge, 4 b. p- Charles Anketell, Efq. ditto, 3 b. p. Matthew Anketell Efq. do. 3 b.p. Mr. William Anketell, Dungil- lick, 3 b. p. Oliver Anketell, Efq. Ivy Hill, 4b p. Mr. Roger Anketell, Mount An- kutell, 3 b. p. Mr Roger Auketell, Dungillich. Mr. Thomas Annftrong, Bloom- fie) ', i b. Mr. William Armftrong, do. I b. John Bartlcy, M. D. Monaghan, ib. Mr. James Brown, Printer, Mo- naghan, Mr. James Burgefs, Monaghan ? i b. Rev. Thomas Campbell, D. D. Killevin. Mr. Nathaniel Craven, Surgeon, Monaghan, I b. Rev. Robert Chriftie, Erigal, I b. Mr. William Crookfhanks, Glafs- lough. Rev. Mr. Davis, Caftleblaney. William Forfter, Efq. Monaghan. Robert Graham, Efq- Gortgra- nagh. M. George Johnfton, Stramore, i b. Mr. James Johnfton. Mr. Leflie Kirk, Monaghan, ib. Rev. Mr. Lendrum, Monaghan. Mr. John M'Clea, Monaghan, i b. John M'Murren,M.D. Monaghan, i b. Mr. Edward Mitchell, Tonanumry. Mr. Henry Mitchell, Monaghan. Mr. William Mitchell, Monaghan. Mr. William Owen Mitchell, Mo- naghan, i b. John Montgoracryt Efq. M. P- 2b, p. Mrs ; SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Mrs. Montgomery, Rofeik-ld, I b. Mrs. Montgomery, Brindrim, i b. Robert Montgomery, Efq. do. i b. Rev. Charles Murray, Erigal. John Mungan, M. D. Monaghan. Edward Richardfon, Efq. I b. William Richardfon, Efq. Tul- laghan, I b. Mrs. Rogers, Monaghan. Mr. William Shaw, Balinode, I b. Thomas Singleton, Senior, Fort Singleton, I g. Thomas Singleton, Junior, Efq. ditto, i g. Surgeon Speer, Glafslough. John Steele, Efq. Carrickmacrofs. Mr. George Sweeny, Monaghan. Mr. Nicholas Thetford, Monaghan. Mr. Jofcph Whitefidc. Mr. Richard Williams, Glafslough, i b. Mr. Andrew Young, Monaghan, 1 g- M. Walter Young, Monaghan. County of Rof common. Rev. Mr. Crawford, Elphin. Arthur French, Efq. French Park. Henry Fry, Efq. Fry-brook, I b. Rev. J. K. Gouldfbury, I g. Rev. Mr. Kenny, Elphin. Richard Lockhart, Efq. Boyle. County of Sligo. Philip Birne, Efq. Creggs, i b. Rer. R. Chambers, Clover-hill. Joflma Edward Cooper, Efq. M.P.. 2 b. p. Rev. Alexander Duke, Dromard. John Everard, Efq. Sligo. William Gillmor, Efq, Bsfllyglafs, i b. William Griffith, Efq. Ballytrena, i b. Rev. William Grove, Charlesfort. John Jones, Efq. Johns-port, I b. Robert Jones, Efq. Ardnaree. John Jolmfton, Efq. Auburn. Rev. John King, Ardnaree. Rev. Joseph King, Sligo, Rev. Arthur Knox, Ardnaree. John Martin, Efq. Sligo, 2 b. p.. Rev. James Neligan, Ardnaree', i b. Charles Nefbitt, Efq. Scurmore. Charles O'Hara, Efq. M. P. 2 b.p. John Ormfby, Efq. Cummin, I b* Thomas O'rffi%, Efq. Caftle- dargin. Roger Parke, Efq. Dunally. Rev. Mr. Perceval, Temple-houfe, 1 g- William Phibbs, Efq. Hollybrook, i b. Rev. Stephen Radcliff, Druriicliff. Mr. Andrew Todd, Surgeon* Sh'go. Rev. Charles Weft, Ahamplifh, i b. Cottttty of Tyrone. Rev. James Adams, Stuartftown, i g. Rev. Mr. Alexander, Kildrefs. Mr. John O'Connor Arbuthnot, Arboe, i g. Robert Bailie, Efq. Donaghendry, *g- William Bailie, Efq. Ternaflcea. Counfellor Bailie. Humphry Bell, Efq. Belmont, T g. Surgeon Bcft, Moy. Mr. Thomas Boardman, Dungan- non, i b. Mr. Thomas Bolton, Coal Ifland, i b. Rev. Mr. Boylan, Caledon. Mr. Francis Bryans, Moy. Rev. Dodor Buck, Defertcrete, 1 g' John Cairns, Efq. Cungannon, i b. John Caldwell, Efq. Augher, i b. Mr. John Campbell, Aughnacloy. Mr. William Campbell, Drumkcrn. Mr. George Caruth, Coal Ifland. k 2 Jame 8 SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. J'ames Caulfield, Efq. Drumreigh, 3b. p. Mrs. Caulfield, ditto, 4b. p. Rev. Charles Caulfield, Killiman, 2 b. p. Thomas Caulfield, Efq. Moy, I b. Mr. Robert Cole, Aughnacloy. Mr. James Collins, Cookftown. Mr. William Collins, Stuartftown. Mr. James Cooke, Cookftown. Robert Cowan, Efq. Trelick, i b. Charles Crawford, Efq. Newtown- ftewart, I b. Rev. Dodior Craw ford, Strabane. Rev. Mr. Crawford, Belville. John Crozier, Efq. Mullaghmore. Rev. James Devlin, Donaghendry. Rev. Doctor Dillon, Dungannon. Daniel Eccles, hfq. Fintona, I g. Mrs. Eccks, Fintona, i g. Nathaniel lidie, Efq. Strabane, 2 b. p.- Rev. Mr. Evans, Donaghmore. Rev. Mr. Evans, Dungannon, i b. Mr. James Falls, Aughnacloy. Mr. Richard Falls, Balligawly, i b. Mr. James Fleming, Stuartftown. Mr. Thomas Findeliter, Aughna- cloy. Rev. Archdeacon Friend, 2 b. p. Mifs Mary George, Coagh. Mrs. Girvan, Tamnaghlane, I b. Rev. Mr. Graham, Caledon. Mifs Graves, Dungannon, i g. Mr. Benjamin Greer, Moy, I b. Mr. John Greer, Drungould, 2 b. Mr. Thomas Greer, Miltcn. Mr. Thomas Greer, Junior, Rhone hill, i ft. Mr. William Greer, Dungannon, Major Hamilton, Cookftown, ' g. Mifs Hamilton, Strabane, 4 b. p. [ames Hamilton, Efq. Grange. John Hamilton, I.fq. Crofscava- nagh, i b. Thomas Hamilton, Efq. Strabane. Wm. Hamilton, Efq, DeferterUe, i b. 2 Thomas Hannington, Efq. Dun- gannon, i b. Tho. Harvey, Efq. Green-hill, I b. Rev. John Hervey, Strabane, I. g. Mr. John Holbert, Cookftown. John Huggins, Efq. Glenarb, i g. Rev. Francis Houfton, Caftle- caulfield, i b. Mrs. Hunter, Lower Beck, I b. Mr. Thomas Jackfon, Tullidowy. Rev. Mr. Ingram, Leek Patrick, i b. Mifs Johnfton, Coal Ifland, I b. Mr. John Johnfton, Coal Ifland, ib. Mrs. Irwin, Drumglafs, I g. Mr. Thomas Irwin, Caledon, I g. Mr. James Irwin, Aughnacloy, ib. Rev. Mr. Kenedy, Gortinglufs. Mr. John Kennedy, Coal Ifland. Mrs. Laird, Stuartftown, I b. Mr. Francis Lang, Cookftown. Mr. Thomas Lawfon, Coagh, i b. Robert Lindfay, Efq. Loughrey 1 b. W. Crymble Lindfay, Efq. Fort Edward. Mr. James Little, Stuartftown. Mr. John Little, ditto, I b. Mr. Samiifl Little, ditto. Mrs. Lowry, Rockdale, I g. Rev. John Lowry, Clogherney, i g. Robert Lowry, Efq. Pomeroy, 2 b. p. Charles Lynd, Efq. Mullintain, 4>. p. Mifs M'Clelland, Coagh. Mr. John M'Crea, Aughnacloy. Mr. Wildridge M'Dowall, Augh- nacloy. Rev. Mr. M'Kay, Bray. Mr. George M'Williams, Augh- nacloy. John Maxwell, Ffq. Ahenis. Mr. William Maxwell, Surgeon, Omagh. Mr. Ben. Mansfield, Cloghfin, i b. Mr. SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Mr. Anthony M'Reynolds, Stu- artftown, I b. Mr. Samuel M'Reynolds, Dun- gannon, I g. Mr. Andrew Mecord, Stuarftown, I b. Mr. Robert Moffit, Bells-grove. Mr. Edward Moore, Aughnacloy. Mr. John More, Dunaghy. Rev. Anketell Moutra/, Favor- royal, 3 b. p. John Corry Moutray, Efq. ditto, 3b. p Mr. Jofeph Mulhollon, Ardpa- trick. Mr. Stewart Mulligan, Attorney, Rev. Mr. Morris, Ballyclog. Rev. Doctor Murray, Dungannon, 1 S- Mr. Andrew Newton, Coagh, i b. Mr. Jofeph Nicholfon, Berna. Mifs O'Neill, Stuartftown. Mr. James Orr, Strabane, i b. Mr. David Park, Stuartilown. Mr. James Park, ditto. Mr. John Park, ditto, i g. Mr. William Purk, Donariflc. Mr. Rob. -it Peebles, Tullyhog. Mr Frederic Porter, Sirabane. Mifs Pringle, Glebe -lodge, i b. John Pringle, Efq. Lime Park. Mr. Robert Read, Eary, I g. James Reynolds, M. D. Cooks- town. Alexander Richardfon, Efq. Wood- mount, i g. Charles Richardfon, Efq. Bally- mena, 2 b. p. David Richardfon, Efq. Drum, j g. James Richardfon, Efq. Bloom- hill, i b. Rev. Dodor Richardfon, Clon- feckle. Mr. William Richardfon, Moy. Mr. James Robinfon, Stuart ft own. Mr. Robert Robinfon, Senior, Staarftown, i b. Mr. Robert Robinfon', Junior, Stuarftown, i g. Mr. William Rofs, Strabane, 4 b. p. Thomas Ruflell, Efq. Dungannon. James Seaton, Efq. Perrymount, i b. Rev. David Shuter, Thorn-hill. Mr John Simpfon. Mr. Andrew Sloan, Coal Iflancf. Mr. John Sloan, Surgeon, Caledon. Mr. Hugh Smith, Suartftown, i b. Mr. Alexander Speer, Attorney, ib. Solomon Speer, Efq. Barrifter. Mr. Thomas Speer, Dungannon, 1 S- Rev. Doftor Stack, Rector of Omagh. Ephraim Stamus, Efq. Strabane. John Staples, Efq. M. P. 3 b. p. Hon. Mrs. Staples, 4b. p. Alex. Stewart, Efq. Dungannon. Benjamin Stewart, Efq. do. i b. Rev. Mr. Stewart, Rakelly. James Stewart, Efq. M. P. 3 b. p. Hon. Mrs. James Stewart, 4 b. p. William Stewart, Efq. Killymoon, ib. Mifs Sarah Sturgeon, Ballyhullan. Rev. James Taylor, Gortin. Rev. Robert Thompfon, Irelick, i b. Mrs. John Twigg, Rohan, 2 b. p. Mr. John Twigg, Coal Ifland, i b. Rev. Mr. Vefey, Drumglafs, i b. Mr. William Warnick, Augher. Mrs. Watfon, Stuartftown, i b. Mr. Alexander Watfon, do. i b. Mr. John Watfon, Farlough. Mr. William Weir, Stuartlto'.vn, ib. Mr. Matthew Whitefide, Stuarts- town. Mifs Wilfon, Stuartftown. j Mr. Wm. Wilfon, Stnartfiown. Sub SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Subfcribers Names that came too late for Alphabetical fnfertion. Richard Anderfon, Efq. Barrifterj Digge's-ftreet. James W. Bell, Efq. Barrifter, Ormond-quay. Rev. Mr. Harpur, Granby-row. Charles Farran, Efq. York-ftreet, 2 b. p. Richard Guinnefs, Efq. Barrifter, Mercer-ftreet. Samuel Guinnefs, Efq. Barrifter, Naflau-ftreet. Pemberton Rudd, Efq; Barrifter, Merrion-rovv. ERRATA. Pa*t Line 43, 7, for tho', read though. 48, 5, for why, read when, .. 53, 1 3 , ** for ivhife, read "while. 62, 3, for Jefus, read JESUS. 63, ii, before ^re, infert more. 71, 21, for Providence, read PROVIBENCE, 75, 5, for burning, read cunning. 75, 2O, for themf elves y read thetnfetves" ', 90, 9, for fecrets, rezdfecret's 92, 17, for Zen/, read LORD. 92, 2O, fox father's, read Father's. 94, 9, for meafurt's, read meafure. 97, 13, for the fecond /,>, read /fo, 104, 8, for zf/V/^, read will. 104, 9, for -a;;//, read 1 1 6, 13, iQrJhalty 126, I, for conftden, read conftderjl, 127, 22, for the firft /m-,read //fc. 130, 14, for ^aw, read ^-/w. 131, i, for Z,^r^/, read LORD. 153, 8, for banijh, rezdvani/b, 256, 7, for you, read */ B 2 Our C 4 ] Our great Creator's courts to decorate., And with due honors beautify his feat. His dwelling-place was glorious heretofore, Let it not now be fordid, mean, or poor. A mind ingenuous will feel great woe, And ev'ry people deep reproach muft know ; Who on their houfes fuch expence employ, In cedar wainfcot and verinillion dye ; While GOD'S own building, fhameful to relate, Stands quite neglected, in a filthy ft ate. With Solo?norfs addrefs my foul was When for GOD'S ufe a temple he had rais'd. He had creeled, with vaft fkill and charge, A noble ftruclure, exquifitely large ; But he his work review'd, and, flruck with awe s The pow'r tranfcendent of the GODHEAD faw. The building was too elegant and blefs'd, By the mod mighty king to be poffefs'd ; For entrance to unhallow'd feet, too clean, Yet for GOD'S dwelling infinitely mean. The wife King own'd it was furprizing grace, That GOD Almighty " there his name fhould: place." The paffage, with true delicacy fraught, Difplays a grand fublimity of thought : Therefore I mail not hefitate to fhew The pious fentiments which thro' it flow. " Will L 5 J *' Will GOD, indeed, vouchfafe to dwell on earth, " The place which gives to wretched mortals " birth? " Behold ! the Heav'n of Heav'ns can't thee con- " tain, 1 e Sure in this houfe much lefs thou can'ft re- main !" Unequall'd words ! and worthy of his pen, Whofe wifdom fhone o'er all the fons of men ! Who would not choofe, then, rather to pof- fefs Such elevated piety and grace. Than all the coftly furniture to own, With which his facred dome fuperbly ihone ? With admiration we are apt to praife The coilly edifice at which we gaze ; And while with joy its grandeur we behold, The merit of the architecl is told. Perhaps the ancient temple having feen, The difciples' remark our own had been, Which they have fuperncially made, " What ftones and workmanmip are here dif- " played!" But much more noble feelings we mall {hew, To pay, with Solomon, the thanks we owe ; With joy our celebrating voices raife, JEHOVAH'S great benignity to praife. That That GOD, the High and Mighty, whom we trace, In boundlefs glory thro* the pounds of fpacc ; Should will in fpecial manner there to live, A mortal building for his houfe receive ; Should manifeft a wonderful degree Of benedi&ive grace and majefty ; His prefence mew to finners, and declare He'd " make them joyful in his houfe of pray'r !" This mould our hearts more fenfibly delight, Than coftly ftructures gratify the fight. Nay, the eternal GOD does not refufe Our fouls his fpirit's dwelling-place to choofe ; And of ourfelves a fancluary make, And ev'n our bodies for his temple take. Ye who rely on critics' catching wings, And nicely weigh the difference of things ; Quickly approach, and by your judgments mew " Whether of joy or wonder more we owe." Himfelf he humbleth, as the fcriptures tell, To view the beings that in Heaven dwell, 'Tis a mod condefcending proof of love, Of angels and archangels to approve ; When lowly from their heav'nly thrones they all Jn homage to their great Creator fall. And will He poor, polluted dud regard, And with a gracious union us reward ? UnrivallM [ 7 ] "Unrivall'd honor ! Privilege divine ! Be this ineftimable portion mine ! Then will I not for regal titles drive, Or keep the haughty claim for pow'r alive. But let me think what fanclity of mind, And upright converfation is enjoin'd, Of fuch relations to raife my weak voice ; Remember this, " and tremblingly rejoice." Durfl I, whilft thro' thefe hallow'd cpurts I walk, Contract iniquity in deed or talk ? Or could Jerufalem's High-prieil permit Himfelf a known tranfgreffion to commit j While he into th' holy of holies made His yearly fblemn entrance ; and array'd In (acred robes, with reverence beftow'd Becoming wormip to Almighty GOD ? No, truly. In fuch circumftances, fure No thinking man could poffibly endure Temptations, the remotefl, to aflail, And o'er his probity of heart prevail. I all ^indecency of carnage dread, Left. I by it to evil mould be led. Why 'is not, then, this jealous, holy flrife, Carry'd thro' all our ordinary life ? Why to ourfelves is not juft honor (hewn, As beings fan&ify'd to GOD alone ? Whom living temples of himfelf he makes, As the unerring word of fcripture fpeaks ? If C 8 3 If we our conduct as true Chriftians guide, GOD fays he " dwells in us," and will abide. That this one do&rine of religion would With flrength abiding on our fouls intrude ! Inftead of countlefs laws 'twould regulate Our lives, and holinefs in us create. From fuch convidive pow'r we would defire A purity of purpofe to acquire ; To walk and live deferving of his care, Who makes us his paternal kindnefs mare ; And who, with majefty tranfcendent crown'd, Our union with himfelf and fon has own'd. I caft my eyes next on the lettered floor, Which, like Ezekiel's roll, was written o'er. I foon perceiv'd that the fimilitude Held alfo in another manner good ; And the infcriptions ufhcr'd in a train Of vary'd "' lamentations, woe, and pain." My obfervation they did much excite, And to perufe them filently invite. And what would thefe dumb monitors relate. If I mould on them fome time contemplate ? " That under their circumferences lay " Such and fuch pieces of deceafed clay, " Which once had liv'd, could play, converfe, and " move, " And thro' life's various fcenes of aftion rove ; " " That C 9 ] " That to preferve their names they had the care, " Arid of their memories the truftees were." Now being rouz'd from deep contemplation. Ah ! cry'd I, is luch my fituation ! The everlafting GOD doth me furround, And bones of fellow-creatures laid in ground ! With the revering Patriarch, fure I, " How terrifying is this place !" mould cry. Devotion, and a fober frame become, To all eternity, this holy dome. O ! may I never enter lightly here, But with an awe profound, and godly fear ! From all irreverence may I be free, And banifh ev'ry fign of levity ! " That they were wife!" th* infpired Pen-' " man faid, When for his people his lafl wifh he made ; He breath'd it out, and Nature's will obey'd. But what is wifdom ? It we cannot find To fpeculations critical confin'd ; Refearches into Nature cannot mew, Nor hiftory entire this gift beftow* In his next afpiration the divine Lawgiver fays, " that this they would define !'* That they had apprehenfions to difcern Their fpiritual welfare, and their foul's concern ! C That C 10 ] That they had eyes, and wifh'd things to purfae. From which their peace eternal would enfue I How can the race of mortals, poor and mean? Knowledge fo infinitely rich attain ? I fend them not, the rev'rend Teacher faid, To read the works of all alive or dead ; By thinking of their latter end they can This awful fcience with lefs trouble fcan* This fpafk of Heav'n is very often loft^ By glitt'ring pomp of erudition croft ; But mines moft evidently in the gloom, And dreary habitations of the tomb. Drown'd is this gentle whifper in life's cares,, Amidft the noife of fecular affairs ; But in retirement moft diflinclly fpeaks, And for its dwelling contemplation takes. Behold how providentially I'm brought To wifdom's fchool, fo worthy to be fought ! A very faithful mailer is the grave, , And thefe tombftone's inftruclive leffons leave. Come, calm attention! and my thoughts compofe! And, heav'nly Spirit ! blefs what you difclofe ! That fo thefe awful pages I may read, As " to falvation to grow wife" indeed ! Searching mortality's records, I found with memorials they did abound Of C I Of numbers who, promifcuoufly here, Had bid adieu to earthly joy and fear. Huddled they were, and did together K, Of rank regardlefs, or feniority. Within this houfe of mourning, for chief feats, Or for the highefl rooms, were no debates. On eager expectations none here dwell, Of being honor'd in their darkfome cell. Men of experience and years who, when They liv'd, were oracles to other men ; At feet of babes contented were to fleep, And here uninterrupted filence keep. Matters and fervants, with like ornaments Were clad, who lodg'd in thefe cold tenements. The poor as foundly flept, as foftly lay, As the pofieflbr opulent and gay. All the diftinction that in them I found, -^ A grafiy hillock was, with ofiers bound, > Or fepulchres with imagery crown' d. Why, faid my working thoughts, fliould we complain For rank or precedence, as things fo vain ; Since equal meannefs is each perfon's fate, When this is changed to another date ? Why fhould we, then, exalt ourfelves fo high, Or debafe others for their poverty ; Since we muft all, on our allotted day, In common mix, in undiftinguim'd clay ? C2 Oh! C 3 Oh ! that this cogitation might pull down The pride of other people, and my own ; And our imaginations fmk as low, As our frail dwellings muft in fhort time bow ! Among thefe relics, doubtlefs, we will find A jarring int'reft, and difcordant mind ; But like fome able dayfman, Death has laid On the contending parties hands, and made Their former variances all obey, And to an amicable end give way. Here thofe who, living, were at enmity, By Death are brought to dwell in unity. Here all embittered thoughts they drop, nor know The fmalleft difference 'twixt friend and foe. Perhaps their crumbling bones together all Unite in common, as they mouldring fall.' Thofe who were filled with invet'rate hate, And for each other ills did meditate ; Here to their quarrels put a peaceful end, And friendly in the grave together blend. O ! that thefe ames would fuch counfel give^ That we together might in friendfhip live ; Refentment's fever from our minds erafe, Nor fuffer paffion's fiercenefs to increafe ; Mindlefs of injuries, and free from ftrife, To pafs the thorny road of human life ; That- t '3 ] That no more variance the quick might dread, Than's in the congregation of the dead ! But I fuch general remarks fufpend, And to particular my thoughts now bend. Yonder white (lone doth evidently fhew An emblem of the innocence below ; And tells each pafienger, that underneath -^ A tender infant lies, confign'd to Death, > When it had fcarce receiv'd the gift of breath. J There lies the peaceful infant, without pain, Nor knows what labor and vexation mean ; There it cc lies quiet," with no care opprefs'd, It fleeps profoundly flill, " and is at reft." When in the right'ous laver of the LORD, It was to fecond, fpotlefs birth reftor'd ; Regenerated, 'twould no longer (lay, When its impurities were wafh'd away ; But, bound for Heav'n, ftretch'd out its callow wings, And took a fpeedy leave of earthly things. What did the little fojourner, then, find, So hateful and difgufting 'mongft mankind ; That it fo foon to leave them was difpos'd, And on the world its eyes for ever clos'd ? Its Saviour would not drink, before he dy'd, he the vinegar and gall had try'd. And [ 14 ] And had our new-come ftranger to its lip The cup of life rai&'d, and begun to fip ; But, when the bitter potion it had prov'd, Refus'd the draught, and ftraight its head re- mov'd ? Was this the reafon that the babe fo fhy, Look'd on the light with a fcarce open'd eye ; Then did to more inviting regions hafte, The fweets of undifturb'd repofe to tafte ? O happy Voyager ! who, launched abroad, Directly to the wifh'd-for haven rode ! More happy they, who, by the billows toft, The dang'rous tempefts of the world have crois'd, And to fafe harbours have at laft attain'd, By many florins and grievous troubles gain'd ! Who " thro' various tribulations driv'n, Have ehter'd finally the port of Heav'n ;" To their convoy divine have blifs fecur'd, And to their fellow-toilers joy procur'd ; Have giv'n examples with good counfel fraught, By whicrTfucceeding pilgrims might be taught ! O fortunate probationer ! who were Chofen without exercife of pain or care! 'Twas thy peculiar privilege to be From all the woes of thy furyivors free ; Which C '5 3 Which oft the braveft fortitude opprefs., And on the firmed faith inflift diftrefs. Affliction's arrows, with fore anguifh barb'd, Are for our choiceft comforts oft referv'd. Temptation's fiery darts for ever fly, By Satan aim'd at our integrity. But you, fweet babe, by Providence belov'd, From fuch diftrefs and danger were rcmov'd. Think, then, ye mourning parents, nor com- plain For breathlefs children, as ye weep in vain. Why mould you be in lamentations drown'd, While your young babes with victory are crown'd, Before the fword was drawn, or cruel flrife Had med its venom on the ills of life ? Perhaps Almighty GOD forefaw fome wile, Some tempting evil that mould them beguile, Of fore adverfity, a dreadful florm, Or of dire wickednefs, a monftrous form. How then in words which nothing can avail, Againft that kind precaution dare you rail ? That, which your dear and pleafant plant con- vey'd, Free from temptation, to a fragrant fnade ; Before the lightnings flew, the thunders roar'd, And its deftructive rage the tempeil pour'd ? Remember [ 16 ] Remember that of them you're not bereav'd, But from " the coming evil they are fav'd.'* And let furvivors, doom'd to bear the heat And burden of the day, with joy relate, That this for their encouragement they've got. More honor's won by having bravely fought, Than mould the victory with eafe be gain'd, Or a rich prise be with fmall toil obtained. They who with refignation could obey Afflictive Providence's angry fway j And who glad homage to the crofs have paid, On which their blefs'd Redeemer once was laid; Who did their minds with perfeverance fill. And faithfully perform their mailer's will : Thefe, after they on earth GOD'S praife have fung, While fervent gratitude infpir'd each tongue ; Perhaps in Heav'n like brighteft ftars will blaze. And fpread around them their refulgent rays ; Shall in GOD'S everlafting kingdom fee Stronger joy beam forth in an high degree. Here a fond mother's grief is funk to reft, The blafled hope of a kind father's breaft. Like a well-water* d plant the youth up grew^ Shot deep, rofe high, and manhood had in view, But as the cedar juit began to tow'r Its branching head within the verdant bow'r ; And C '7 3 And promis'd in a little time to lay, O'er all the trees, an arbitrary fway j Behold unto the root the axe is laid, The blow is (truck, by which its honors fade. ' And did he fall alone ? O ! no ; the joy And comfort of his father, brought fo nigh ; And all the hopes which nll'd a mother's heart, At once were blafted by Death's Fatal dart. Doubtlefs, it would have pierc'd one's heart, to view The tender parents their dead fon purfue. Perhaps, o'erwhelm'd with tears, void of relief, 1 On this fame fpot they flood, choak'd up with grief. This thought difturbs me ; and methinks I fee The griev'd pair at this fad folemnity. Their hands they wring, in agonizing pain, . And weep their lov'd, loft fon, but weep in vain. Is it but fancy all ? or do I hear The mother's anguim for her breathlefs dear ; Of her foul's darling taking her laft leave, ' While for her pangs no comfort fhe'H receive ? Dumb me remained, while with pain me fees, The end put to the awful obfequies : She leans upon the partner of her woes, . 'Till irreprefiible her torture grows. Her forrows of all comfort her bereave ; She haftily advances to the grave ; D And And fattens one more look on her lov'd bo\> The laft, alas ! me ever mufl enjoy ; And as fhe looks, with mournful words fhe cries. With broken accents, and heart-rending fighs ; " Farewell, my fon ! my dearefl fon, farewell ! " Would to GOD I had died ere you fell ! " Farewell, my child, to happinefs and you I " To both I now for ever bid adieu ! ** Think not that pleafure ean for me be found ; ** My head mail fink with forrow to the ground." From this afflicting fight let parents know r What to their childrens* intereft they owe \ 3f they thro' moral paths would have them run r And the deftruclive wiles of Satan fhun. If your own bodies' offspring can you move, If you regard thole pledges of your love j O ! fpare no pains ; be diligent to teach Counfel,. by which they may to Heaven reach j, By which they faving wifdom may receive, And in the " nurture of the Lord may live." Then may their life yield comfort to your mind. Or in their death you'll confolation find. If their fpan is prolong'd, their blamelefs ways Will be a ftaii for your declining days. If in the midft their years be lopp'd away, -* With greater hopes, and with lefs fears, you may > Commit their lifelefs bodies to the clay ; -^ Than t '9 ] Than the furvivors you can fend to know What benefits from education flow. The future hopes of having them reftor'd, Will folace for your prefent lofs afford ; When you receive them to your longing arms, Highly improv'd in noble, godly charms. A trial hard it is, I mud confefs, And more afflictive than I can exprefs, A blooming child, fprung from your loins, to leave In the recefies of the gloomy grave : Upon your knees whom you have dandled long, And caught delightful accents from its tongue ; Join'd to your love by many a fond tie, -\ Become now both the comfort of your eye, > And the fupporter of your family ! Doubtlefs you would in keeneft anguifh mourn, To have the dear one from your bofom torn. But O ! you and the child would more be croft, To have his foul from GOD for ever loft ; For early fin, or fhameful want of grace, Debarred from ev'ry hope of faving peace ; And doom'd to regions of corroding pain, With fiends in endlefs torments to remain ! How would it your diftreifes aggravate, Confcious of your neglect, when now too late, D 2 If [ 20 ] If thefe reflections fhould your mind employ, While weeping you attend your breathlefs boy ! " This child, tho' capable to know long fmce, '[ Between what's good and ill the difference ; But truft in GOD, unchangeable on high J Death, unrelenting death prepares to find, In the cold earth, beds of another kind. Unto his grave he muft be carried out, Not with a fplendid or a joyful rout ; But ftretched in the gloomy herfe he lies, While mourning friends attend the obfequies. He mud on this take up his refting-place, Nor ever change it " 'till the heavens ceafe." In vain the yielding fair her drefs puts en, And lacks for nothing but her fpoufe alone. Did {he not like Sif era's mother peep Out of the lattice, wond'ring what could keep Her much-defired, long-expected love, Or " make his chariot wheels fo flowly move ?" Little [ *4 J Little mfpecting her intended mate Had done with all his tranfitory ftate ! That everlafting cares his mind employ, None of Luclnda, once his chiefefl joy ! Go, difappointed virgin ! weep, and know All is uncertainty of blifs below-! Go, teach thy foul afpiring to purfue Felicity, immutable and true ! Fidelia once gay and gallant refls, And Death, his miftrefs, clafpshim to her breafts; She holds him in her icy arms, while he Forgets, for e'er forgets the world and thec. Thus far 'gainft death one's tempted to exclaim, And him capricioufly cruel name. By thus beginning with the regifter, We think all nature's laws inverted are. He paffing o'er decrepit age's bed,- The bud of infancy has oft ftruck dead ; Youth he has blafted ere to manhood come, And torn up manhood in its fullefl bloom. Dreadful thefe providences muft appear ; Yet not unfearchable the counfels are. Such ftrokes the relatives not only grieve, From them the neighbourhood furprize receive. A powerful alarm they loudly found, To roufe frail mortals from their fieep profound ; And L 2 5 J And are intended as a remedy, Againft our carnal, rafh fecurity. Such paffing-bells in ftrongeft terms proclaim, The admonition which from JESUS came ; " Take ye heed, therefore, always watch and pray, " For ye neither the hour know, nor the day." We, like intoxicated creatures, Hide On a tremendous precipice's fide. Thefe difpenfations, with amazing love, The meflengers of Heav'n themfelves approve ; - From our fupihenefs urging us to wake, And timely circumfpe&ion wifely take. In words I furely need not them exprefs, Or their interpreter myfelf profefs. Let each one's confcience be awake, and then They will appear thus awfully to mean '* For your laft end, ye fons of men, prepare, " Since in the midft of life in death ye are. " No ftate, no circumftance can afcertain " Your fafety, nor a fmgle moment gain. " So flrong and mighty is the tyrant's hand, " That nothing human can its force withftand ; " His aim's fo certain when his fhafts are fent, " That of the number not one is miipent. " His arrows oft as quick as lightning fly, "And wound and kill in twinkling of an eye. " By conftant preparation you can be, " In all expedients, from danger free. E " The [ 26 ] " The fatal fhafts fo much in common fall, " That none can guefs who'll next obey the call. " Then be ye ftill in readinefs to go, " The final furnmons comes when lead ye know." Important counfel ! forth, methinks, it breaks ~y From fepulchre to fepulchre, and makes > In lines addreffes, and in precepts fpeaks. The oft-repeated warning, I confefs, Is but too needful for my happinefs ; And may it by co-operating grace, Effectually work a faving peace ! This truth which we with tranfport mould re- ceive ; And deeply on our memories engrave ; Is cnly fketched lightly on the mind, And leaves nought but a flender mark behind. We view our neighbour's fick ; we fee them dead j We then turn pale, and feel a trembling dread j No fooner are they to our profpect loft, But .either in the whirl of bufinefs tofs'd, Or in lethargic pleafures lulled, we Forget the errand of the Deity. Our minds unftable an impreffion feel, -N Like the thin air pierc'd by the barbed Reel, > Or billows furrow'd by the cutting keel. 3 To cure this wonderful ftupidity, A neighboring monument addrefles me. [ '7 ] It a poor mortal's ftory comprehends, Call'd to the dread tribunal from his friends ; Without time of the one farewell to take, Or for the other a fh,ort pray'r to make ; Kill'd, as the ufual exprefiions flow, By a fudden and accidental blow. Was it a chance wound ? Doubtlefs the flroke came From an hand which invifibly took aim. The heav'nly angels the great LORD obey, Who ruleth all things in the earth and fea j Except GOD pleafeth nothing can advance, 'Tis he diredeth that which men call chance. Nothing, 'tis plain, can ever come to light, But what he plans and regulates aright. If accidents fall out, they ever muft Proceed from GOD, and what he wills is juft. The LORD, with whom the iflues of life are, The warrant and commifiion did prepare. The difafter, thought cafual, is only The tool to execute the great decree. When wicked Ahab fell, it was believ'd He accidentally his death receiv'd. " A certain man at venture drew a bow " To him at venture, for he thought it fo. But GOD omnipotent, who dwells on high, ^ His arm had ftrengthened, and could defcry The (haft was aim'd by an unerring eye. 2 So C *8 ] So that which men call chance is juft the As Providence, chang'd only in its name ; Which can deliberate defigns reveal, And its interpolation fijll conceal. How cheering this reflection is, to cure , The throbbing anguifh which mourners endure i How admirably fitted to compofe Their fpirits, yielding to a weight of woes ! How excellently fuited to erafe -^ The tears of good furvivors, making place, > Ev'n in the midft of countlefs griefs, for peace ! J The wall 'twixt this world and the next how thin ! We're out of this almoft as foon as in. Our noftrils* breath does only feparate. Our prefent being trom another fla.te : We may the journey make fo haftily, We live this moment, but the next may die., From a card-table Chremylus arofe, And Death in darknefs did his eyes inclofe. One night, Ccrinna, gay and fprightly all, Was richly drefled at a fplendid ball : The next, a corpfe, pale, ftifF, and wan fhe lay, And ready to be mingled with the clay. Young Atticus hVd only to compleat His ample, coflly, and commodious feat ;. But Death, the dreadful tyrant Death, debarr'd Him from all pleafure in the houfe he rear'd. Hung Hung were the fafhes to admit the light, But their Lord's eyes were clos'd in endlefs night. Chambers were furnim'd to invfte repofe, Or pleafure which fociety beftows ; But in the lone, filent manfions of the tomb Their owner refts, in his low, earthly room. Gardens were planned according to his mind, A thoufand noble ornaments defign'd ; But to " the place of ikulls," depriv'd of breath, Their mailer's gone down to the vale of death. Many, I doubt not, while I recollect, This tragical viciffitude expeft. The eyes of that great GOD who fits upon The circle of the earth, and. views with one All-feeing look the poor fojourners there, See many tents which now afflicted are : Afflided, as when in one night the pride And flrength of the JEgyptians were deftrqy'd : When the refiftlefs arrows flew abroad, Shot by the heav'nly meiTenger of GOD. Some from their eafy chairs fmk on the floor, Nor can their mrieking friends relief procure : Some in an arbour as rcclin'd they lie, Tafting the fweets which from the bloflfoms fly. Some, as in pleafure-boats they fail along, O'er dancing ftreams, or laughing meads among 5 Nor C 30 ] Nor is the grim intruder mollified, Tho' wine and mufic flow on either fide. Some, intercepted on their journey home j And as they enter on great matters, fome. Some are aflail'd, as in their hands they hold The gains for which their juflice has been fold : And even fome are taken by furprifo, Juft as they lufl or malice exercife. No care can flop, no prudence can forefee, The vary'd ills which wait us conflantly. Numberlefs dangers compafs men around ; A ftarting horfe may fling one on the ground j And while his body on the flones is thrown, His foul is launched into the world unknown. A flack of chimnies tumbling from on high, May crufh the man who thinks no danger nigh : Or ev'n the dropping of a fmgle tile. May prove as fatal as the total pile. The thread of life's fo very thin and weak, It florms not only tear, but breezes break. Occurrences mofl common, whence we fear No harm, may weapons of deftruclion bear. A grape-ilone or an infect, for our doom Fatal as arm'd Goliatti may become. Nay, if Almighty GOD command mould give, We from our comforts would our death re- ceive. The C 3' ] The air we breathe' s our bane, the food we eat, Contributes much our life t* attenuate. The enemy does on us oft encroach, By many roads that further an approach : Yea, lies intrenched in our very veins, And in the feat of life his fort retains. The crimfon blood with which our health is fed, Is with the feeds of death impregnated. Inflam'd with heat, or by great toil annoy'd. The parts defign'd to cherifh are deflroy'd. Some caufe unieen its paflage may revert, Or violence unknown its courfe divert j . By either of which cafes if it moves, A pois'nous draught, or deadly flab it proves. Since the pofieffion of our earthly houfe, Is fo uncertain and precarious ; Let us be always ready, and prepare To flit, fmce but at will we tenants are. BKcept we thus prove good habitually, We are like wretches that on top-mafls Ik, And foundly fleep, tho' tempefls raging blow, Or gulphs yawn horrid, or waves foam below. What fatisfactions can our hearts elate ? Can peace or comfort be in fuch a ftate ? Whereas, a conilant preparation will, Into our bofoms cheerfulnefs inftill j Which C 3* ] Which for our peace will efficacious prove, And which no low vexation can remove j And a firm conflancy of mind create, Not to be quell'd by any dangerous threat. When the town with ftrong walls is fortify'd, And with great quantities of food fupply'd ; Well guarded by flout troops, refolv'd to fight, -^ What then can the inhabitants affright, > Who may rejoice, ev'n when the foe's in fight ? * The tafte 6f life, of death the coriftaht mind, By fuch, or by much firmer bands are join'd. I faid, fiioufd GOD Almighty orders give, We from our comforts would our death receive : And fee the truth infcribed by the hand That feal'd Fate's warrant, and gave the com- mand. Yon marble-graced monument contains My once-lov'd friend's deposited remains ; There does the Body of Sophrctnia lie, Lamented much, who did in child-bed di'e. Alas ! how oft the tender branches moot, When the ftem withers to the very root ! The infant often is prefer/' d from death, While flie that bare him yields her lateft breath. She gives him life, but pitiable thought ! The life foe gives, by her own death is bought. And [ 33 ] And tho* her infant's eyes are brought to light, Yet her's are clos'd in everlafting night. Or fhe expires, perhaps, in pangs fevere, And for her offspring does a tomb prepare ; While the complaint of a fad monarch doth Afford a mournful epitaph for both : "-Alas ! the children to the birth are come, " And there's not ftrength to yield them from the " womb '" In my opinion, we ought not to grieve So much the lofs we in this cafe receivi. Better, the flranger in the womb mould reft, Than living, by afflictions be opprefs'd. Better, its eyes mould in the womb be clos'd, Than to a world fo dang'rous be expos'd ; Without the guide of its infantile days, Wanting a mother, to direct its ways. Diftin&ion's eafily in this tomb found, By the grand ornaments with which 'tis crown'd. Affluent hands, it feems, the model drew, Directed by a noble heart, that knew No niggard boundaries of love, and thought For the deceas'd enough could ne'er be wrought Methinks an emblem'd picture it holds forth Of lov'd Sopbronia's elegance and worth. Does the fair color with her beauty vie, Or faintly tell her white-rob' d purity ? F Her t 34 ] Her good and amiable manners were Smooth as thefe ftones, polifh'd with fo much care: The whole adorned gracefully, no.t plain, Not proudly pompous, or fordidly mean ; Like her unfeigned goodnefs it appears, Not oftentatious, but which endears. But ah ! too foon thofejovely charms have fail'd ! What has the fparkling of thy eyes avail'd ! The beauty of thy bridal youth, how vain I Or from thy noble birth what didft thou gain ! Alas ! too weak the pofieflbr to fave From favage death, or from the yawning grave. How ineffectual alas ! does now The love of numerous acquaintance grow ! Not thy tranfported hufband's fondefh love, Nor thy fair fame, as fpotlefs as a dove, Thy life could lengthen, or death's ftroke re- move. Thefe circumflances on my mind imprefs The beauty which thofe tender lines exprefs ; " How lov'd, how valu'd once avails thee not ; " To whom related, or by whom begot. " A heap of duft alone remains of thee ; " 'Tis all thou art, and all the proud mall be !" Yet tho* unable to divert the blow, True faith the fting of death can overthrow. Do C 35 3 Do not thofe lamps fuch filent truths proclaim ? And the bright heart that blazes like a flame ? The palms that flourifh, and the glitt'ring crown, In gilt, well imitated marble fhewn ? Do they not to difcerning eyes declare Her conftant faith, her fervency of pray'r ? The victory which o'er the world me found, The heav'nly wreath with which me mall be crown'd ; Wherewith the LORD her goodnefs will repay, In right'ous judgment at the final day ? Happy the hufband was in fuch a mate, The marer of his bed and his eftate ! Their inclinations nicely were in tune j Their converfation was all unifon. How filken was the yoke to fuch a pair ? And in their bands what bleffings twifted were ? With them each joy in mutual increafe grew, And ev'ry care alleviation knew. , Nothing, they thought, their blifs could fo inv prove, As hopeful children, pledges of their love. That they might have the happinefs to fee Themfelves increased in their poflerity ; Their mingled graces in their offspring find, And feel affection of the warmeil kind. F 2 " Grant C 36 ] " Grant us this gift," their common pray'rs ex- prefs, " We afk but this to crown our happinefs." To future things alas ! how blind are men ! Unable to difcern what's good, and when ! With an impatient, unbecoming cry, Said Rachel, " Give me children, or I die !" From this a difappointment me received, Great as the tleffing which me thought me crav'd. Not to a wifh deny'd me dates her doom, But its completion marks her for the tomb. If children like to flow'ry chaplets are, Which for their parents balmy odors bear, Whofe beauties bloom with ornamental pride, And fhed refrefhing fweets on ev'ry fide ; Some fell misfortune, or relentlefs death, May twine itfelf amidft the lovely wreath. Whene'er our fouls are pour'd out with defire, Something of fmall importance to acquire ; The words of our blefs'd LORD w r e truly may, " Ye know not what ye afk," to ourfelves fay. Doth GOD rejed our wimes ? He denies In mercy that from which our woes arife ; And from a principle of kindefl love, Refufes that which would our ruin prove. With a fick appetite we oft refrain From what is good, and languifh for our bane, Where [ 37 1 Where Fancy dreams of fome unmingled fweet, The bitternefs of woe we often meet : May, therefore, no defires immoderate, Bend us to this or that terreftrial ftate j But our condition wholly to refer To GOD omnipotent, who cannot err ! May we learn wifdom, and be ready ftill To facrifice our wiihes to GOD'S will ; And with vfubmiffive thankfulnefs fubmit To be difpofed of as he fhall think fit ! For if, indeed, his precepts to obey, Be what will certain happinefs convey; So, refignation to his will, x fecures That blifs, which to eternity endures. Here, on the ground a fmall, plain flone is plac'd, Which with no beautifying fculpture's grac'd ; But from a frugal fund, one would fuppofe, Purchas'd it was, and under it arofe. No coftly ornament is on it found, Nor is it with one decoration crown'd ; A very fhort infcription's on it made, So much effac'd, that it can fcarce be read. Did the depofitary, void of faith, Omit its duty to the corpfe beneath . ? [ 38 J Or were the letters thus effaced by Th* approach of the furviving family, Which at the tomb met mourning, to revive The mem'ry of a good, lov'd relative ? For on more clofe infpe&ion I perceive The body of a father's in the grave. A worthy and relig'ous father, who His children left, ere they to manhood grew; Ere they had worldly fettlements proc'ur'd, Or with found principles their fouls fecur'd. Of all confiderations hitherto, This, fure, is the moft pitiable woe. The fadnefs of fuch dying chambers leaves Scenes the moft melting that the mind receives. There a fond fpoufe and tender parent end, A gen'rous mafter, and a faithful friend. He yields there to the lafl extremities, And on the point of diflblution lies. All art can do, already has been try'd, But the difeafe has medicine defy'd : It haftes impetuous in the purfuit, Its horrible commands to execute ; The filver cord of life to tear amain, And rend the tie of mutual love in twain, One or two fervants at a diftance ftay, Cafting a train of wifhful looks this way'; And, [ 39 ] And, as with grief their fwelling bofoms rife, Condole their matter in a flow of fighs. The grac'ous way wherein he us'd to give His orders, which with joy they did receive ; Does to their minds his former worth recall, While down their honeft cheeks the tears fail fall. His friends, whofe pleafmg converfe once could cheer, But miferable helpers now appear. A fympathifmg pity's all they now Can to relieve or fuccour him beftow ; Unlefs it be rais'd and augmented more By filent pray'rs, in which they GOD implore ; Or pious words of confolation yield, From proper texts, with which the Scripture's fill'd. His poor and helplefs children flock around, Frantic with grief, and in tears almofi drown'd, Their little fouls they fob out, and complain, And paflionately cry, but cry in vain ; " Will he then leave us, our weak'ftate to moan ? " And muft we on a wicked world be thrown ?" Thefe parted torrents all together join, And 'gainfl the wretched fpoufe their force com- bine ; With complicated woes flie is opprefs'd, While tides of forrow overwhelm her breaft. Sunk in extreme diflrefs, in her by turns The wife, the mother, and the lover mourns. Bv C 4 ] By her his death is much feverer found, Who had in long-endearing bands been bound. Alas ! where can fhe find fuch excellence ? Where place fuch unreferved confidence ? Can fhe a counfellor gain fo difcreet ? Where an example fo improving meet ? Where find a guardian, who fuch pains would take, Merely for her, ?uid for her children's fake ? Behold ! how o'er the languid bed fhe hangs, Rack'd with a fad variety of pangs ; Mod tenderly felicitous to eafe The pains which on her deareft help-mate feize, And, if 'twere poffible, from death to fhield A life, for which her own fhe'd gladly yield. A life, for which fhe folely wifh'd to live, Which only to her offspring blifs could give. See her hands fhake with apprehenfive pain, And from the livid cheek the cold dews clean ; On her kind arms fometimes compofe to reft -^ The finking head, with racking ills opprefs'd, > Or lay it on her pity-feeling breafl. Behold her heart with fpeechlefs ardor rent, While on the meagre form her eyes are bent ; While her foft paffions with vafl fondnefs beat, And her foul's pierc'd with griefs extremely great. The r 4* ] The fiek man, patient and adoring ftill, Yields and refigns him to the heav'nly will ; And by luomimVe piety obtains An healing balm for his afflictive pains. He's fenfibly affe&ed with the'ftate Of his attendants fo difconfolate ; And pierc'd wkh anx'ous trouble for his wife, Who foon muft lead a lonely, widow'd life ; And for the children who, when fatherlefs, Will be expos'd to multiply'd cfiftrefs. t'et, " tho' caft down, not in defpair," for faft His truft remains, GOD'S word mail ever laft. His comforters he comforts, when at eafe, And death with majefty of woe obeys. The foul, juit going to forfake the corfe, Makes her laft effort, and collects her force. Himfelf he raifes on the pillow, and To his fad fervants ftretche's a kind hand ; He to his friends his mournful farewell fpeaks, And in his feeble arms his dear wife takes ; KifTes the pledges of their love with grief, Then thus pour's out the fmall remains of life : " I die, my children dear, you I muft leave, " But you the everlafting GOD will fave. " Altho* in me an earthly parent fall, " In heav'n you have one who is All in All. G " An C 4'- ] " An unbelieving and a wicked heart, -y " Can only make you from his joys depart, > (t Or you from his endearing love divert." His heart was full, he could no farther go j His utterance faiPd him, quite opprefs'd with woe* After a breathing fhort, but with great pain, Prompted by zealous love, he thus began : " On you, dear partner of my foul, on you " Falls the fole care of our poor orphans now^ " 'Tis true, I leave you under grief weigh'd down, " But GOD ftfll makes the widow's caufe his own j " GOD, who in faithfulnefs and truth doth fpeak, '-' Hath faid, I ne'er will leave you, nor forfake. " From this my drooping fpirits flrength receive 5. " Let alfo this my bofom's wife relieve. "_O Father of Compaflion, now I yield " Into thy hands my foul, with comfort fill'd ; ** Encourag'd by thy promis'd tendernefs, " Under thy care I leave my fatherlefs." He fainting fell, when he thefe words had faid,. And lay fome minutes fenfelefs on the bed. A taper thus, ere 'tis extinguim'd quite, Oft blazes quick, and gives a quiv'ring light : So life, ere 'twas for ever finifh'd, gave -v A parting flruggle, willing to receive Once more the joy his eyes were wont to leave. ^ He [ 43 ] He fain would fpeak, defirous to reveal The tender thoughts which in his mind prevail. He more than once effayed, but alas'! Ill* organ of fpeech like a crack'd veflel was ; When he attempted any words to frame, They all were ftopp'd by the obftru&ing phlegm'; His afpect, tho' in ev'ry air and look, Affection inexpreffible befpoke. The father all, and hufband in his eye, With ftedfaft view once more he does efpy, And gaze with ardor on his children dear, Whom he oft faw with a paternal care : On that lov'd wife then turns his dying fight, Whom he ne'er view'd but with fupreme delight : Fix'd in this pofture, amidft fmiles which pleas'd, And gleams of heav'n, his laft, fond look he gaz'd. On this, their filent grief no floppage knows, But gufhes in a rapid tide of woes. They wept, nor any comfort would receive, Till time a vent to their afflictions gave ; And 'till religion's confolations ftay'd The wounds which their excefs of forrow made. Then the fad family fearch for, and dwell ~^ On the uniinim'd fentences, which fell From the good lips of him they lov'd fo well. ^ In Jcremiatf'* prophecy they find This healing balfam for a wounded mind ; G 2 They 4 [ 44 ] They guides to boundlefswifdomtake from thence, And promifes of vafl beneficence : " Thy children fatherlefs leave to my care ; " Them I'll preferve ; nor let your widows fear." Thofe grac'ous promifes do now impart Joy to their lives, and comfort to each heart. They treafure it up in the memory, As a moil rich and ufeful legacy. Upon it they rely, and on it build Their hopes of having ev'ry wifii fulfill'd ; That ail their honeft works, crown' d with fuccefs, Shall ftill infure unfading happinefs.. The facred pledges of GOD'S favour leave The greateft wealth felicity on give. They lack no good, nor evil apprehend, Since GOD'S their guide, their guardian, and their friend. Soon as my own memento is away, And the memorial of fome one's decay ; Sad monitors, fucceffive, come to light, In gloomy order, crowding on my fight. That which my obfervation fixes now, Bears than the former a more fable brow. As I conclude, it underneath contains, Of fome more aged perfon, the remains. One would fuppofe that he his flation grac'd, As his among the grandeft tombs is plac'd, Let C 45 3 Let me approach, and on the ftone perceive " Who, or what object, (lumbers in the grave." Th* infcriptions on his monument relate, He once was owner of a large eftate, Which by attention, care, and induflry, lie faw augmented in a great degree ; And that he in life's bufy period dy'd, Somewhat advanc'd beyond his noon-day pride; Then, probably, reply'd my muring mind, One of thofe ceafelefs drudges, that we find At day-break rife, at midnight go to reft, And eat their bread, with carefulnefs opprefs'd ; Not to fecure the kindnefs of the LORD, Nor for their wants provifion to afford ; But only heaps of riches to enjoy, Ten thcufand times more than they can de (troy. Did he not fchemes for getting money frame ; And ftrive to raife his family's proud name ? Houfes to houfes join, and field to field, Until his wifhes to his wealth fhould yield ? That then he'd fit in quiet, and partake Of things which kept his fenfes ftill awake ; Take fome fhort refpite from terreftrial toil, And think, perhaps, on endlefs things awhile ? But here behold the grofs abfurdity Of worldly wifdorn and fagacity ! How C 46 ] How mallow, childifh, filly the pretence To that which we call mafterly prudence ! When it on time beftows more anx'ous cares, Than when it for eternity prepares ! How much infatuated, then, are they Who fubtly fcheme out meafures for a day ; Who to chimeras carefully attend, -v On fleeting fhadows wafte their time, nor fpend > A thought 0*1 certainties that ne'er will end ! ^ \yhen ev'ry wheel moves fmoothly on, and all The fit defigns for execution call ; When long-expected happinefs appears At hand, and all our fondeft wilhes chears ; Behold! the LORD Almighty laughs on high At the weak Babel-builders vanity ; The labor'd bubbles, touch ? d by death, decay, And into empty air diffolve away. The cobweb, fpun moft fine and gay, indeed, Is broke, and fwept away with rapid fpeed ; All the defigns abortive are fupprefs'd, And in the grave with their projector reft. So true the verdicts of the LORD become, Which feal thefe lucky wretches' lafting doom : " Behold how they on flitting fhadows lean, " And trouble and perplex themfelves in vain !" Ye that attended fuch a one at death, And heard the fentmients of his laft breath ; Speak, C 47 3 Speak, I befeech you, fay, did he not cry In the words of crofs'd fenfuality ; " O death ! how dreadful thy approach appears, " To one immers'd in fecular affairs ! " Who with purfuits of prefent pleafures fraught, " Of hereafter unceafmg never thought! " How am I comforted, vhat have I gain'd, ** Or what great depth of knowledge is con- tain'd " In being dext'rous in concerns below, " When I eternal happinefs forego ? " Miftake moft wretched ! oh deftructive choice I " I too much pains employ'd on worldly joys j " To fleeting toys I was too much confin'd, " But oh ! I then caft heaven from my mind ! " I forgot endkfs ages ! that my days " Here he was going fome vain hope to feize ; To breathe fome wifh j of fome void comfort dream, Or ineffectual refolution frame ; But fudden tremblings fhook his. nerves ; flraight- way His frame diifolved into lifelefs clay. May an unhappy brother's dying word To this world's children due advice afford May they from their deep lethargy awake, And benefit from his misfortune take ! Why C 48 ] Why fhould they with impatient warmth com- 1 plain, When they fome white and yellow earth can't gain, As if the world did not enough contain ? . Why with thick clay mould they themfelves prefs down, Why " they're to run for an immortal crown ?" Why mould this world feenVpleafant to their eyes, When they mould " prefs to their high calling's prize ?" Why mould they, then, that veffel overload, In which their everlafting all is ftow'd ? Or fuperfluiti.es why mould they crave, When they mud fwim, their lives alone to fave ? Yet fo prepoft'rous is the life of thofe, Who their chief blifs on affluence repofe j Who full of induftry, time's trifles hoard, Yet fcarce wifh for the riches of the LORD. O ! may we walk through thofe toys' glitt'ring train, With wife indifFrence, if not with difdain ! May we fuperior to fuch baubles rife, And cail them henceforth from our wond'ring eyes ! Having conveniencies enough for life, For worldly treafure let us wage no ilrife. Let - L 49 J Let us accommodate ourfelves below, And let from heav'n our greateft bleffings flow, Whereas, if we indulge an anx'ous care, Or lavifh hopes on tranfitory ware, So firm an union they'll in us create, That keeneft pangs the parting ilroke await. By fuch a warm attachment to the joy, Which will be ravifh'd from us certainly : Woe 'gainft the agonizing hour we'll gain, And plant, aforehand, our death's couch with pain. Some got to feventy years, as I perceive, Before they took their lodgings in the grave ; Some few refigned not their breath before They of revolving harvefts faw fourfcore. Thefe, I would hope, by rev'rend duty fway'd, " In youth due homage to their GOD have paid ;" Ere their ftrength did to toil and forrow turn ; Ere nature languifliing began to mourn ; When keepers of the houfe tremble thro' fear, And lookers at the window darken'd are : When ev'n the little grafshoppers fmall weight, To bending moulders feems a burthen great ; And in lethargic, liftlefs fouls, defire Raifes a faint, and quickly fleeting fire ; Before thofe tirefome hours approach us nigh j Before thofe heavy moments clofer fly ; II In. C 5 3 In which there's too much reafon to complain,, " No pleafure nor improvement they contain. " If, then, their lamps were deftitute of oil, And they expos'd to Satan's fnares meanwhile ; In fuch decrepit circumftances, fure, At market they're unfit fome to procure. For, befides great varieties of woe, Which from enfeebled conftitutions flow ; All their corruptions muft have gain'd great force, By irreligion's uncheck'd, lengthen'd courfe. Ill habits muft the deepeft roots ftill find, And twift them with each fibre of the mind ; They muft be all as thoroughly ingrain'd In their affections, as the foot which ftain'd Th* Ethiop's vifage of a dufky hue ; Or fpots which in the leopard's (kin we view. If one who under fuch misfortunes lies, Should above each oppofing hardfnip rife ; And, fpight of all, to glory onwards flee, It muft indeed a great falvation be. If fuch a one, thro' all temptations pafs'd,- ' -^ Free from deftru&ion fliould efcape at laft, > It muft be as if he thro* fire was caft. This is the feafon that does comfort afk, And is improper to begin the talk. The C 5' 3 The hufbandman mould now his hook prepare, Or of the fruit of his hard labor fhare ; Not now begin to furrow up the earth^ Or fcatter feed to bring forth a new birth. 'Tis true, GOD brings all that he wills to pafs ; <{ Let there be light, he faid, and light there was :" Light inftantaneous, as 'quick as thought, A paffage thro* primeval darknefs wrought, At his command a leprofy moft foul, Of longeft flay, is inftantly made whole. He, in the greatnefs of his ftrength, can raife Jot only fmners that are dead four days ; But at his word, reftor'd to life, appears The wretch jdeceas'd for even fourfcore years. Yet do not points of fuch vaft moment try, Nor trufl fo dreadful an uncertainty. GOD may his help withdraw, his pow'r fufpend : May in his wrath fwear that thofe who offend, And to abufe his tender mercy dare, Shall " never his eternal comforts fhare," Ye that are ftrong in health, in bloom of days, The prec'ous opportunity now fejze. Improve your golden hours, be wife in time, And to the noblefl purpofe flrive to climb ; Tread in thofe paths which may fecure your right TO the inheritance of faints in light ; H 2 By L By tvhich you endlefs youth may call your own, And gain of glory an immortal crown. O! {land not idle all the prime of day, Nor trifle immenfe, ofe'd blifs away ; But hafte, oh ! hade, nor ftill inactive fleep ; Be always ready GOD'S commands to keep. Ev'n while in gay infenfibility, Loit'ring in fenfelefs eafe, repos'd you lie ; Juft in that moment death his bow may bend, And, quick as thought, his killing arrow fend. Not long ago a thoughtlefs jay I fpy'd, Its pretty feathers drefs with bufy pride ; Or hopping carelefsly from fpray to fpray, Infenfible that danger near it lay. Juft then a fportfman pafling by beholds The bird, as it its gaudy plumes unfolds ; The hollow tube he raifes inftantly, And takes his aim with an unerring eye. Swifter than whirlwinds flies the leaden death. And ftraight deprives the filly bird of breath. Such may the fate of thofe be who delay The fair occafion to get grace to-day ; Who wantonly poftpone their happy Hate, And for improvement 'till to-morrow wait, Death in their foolimnefs may them furprife, While they dream of hereafter being wife. Some C 53 ] Some came, no doubt, to this their laft retreat, With length of days and piety replete ; " As mocks of corn in blooming vigor blow, " And, fill'd with plenty, ripe in harveft grow." Thefe were the children of true light, and wKo GOD'S wifdom in their generation knew ; Who were wife in what mould them moft employ, Wife for that happinefs they now enjoy. They richer and more honorable were, Than all the votaries of Mammon are. Swift wings were furnifh'd for the wealth of one, Which is now irrecoverably gone ; Whife the poor gatherers are fent away, Thro* fields of want and penury to ftray ; Where not one drop of water they can gain, To cool their tongue, or eafe their fcorching pain. Whereas, the others always are fupply'd With riches, which mall with them ftill abide ; Which leave them not, but conftantly afford Them comfort in. the city of the LORD. No pow'r created could their wealth o'erthrow ; Wealth which GOD only could on man' beftow : And fuch, O pleafing thought ! may I attain ! May each poor, longing fmner fuch obtain ! Riches, which ever-faving faith infure, Treafures of knowledge, heavenly and pure j Riches, which blefs us by atoning blood, And with imputed right'oufnefs endu'd. Their L 54 ] Their bodies here a " certain quiet fhare, And lie in " habitations free from care." Here they have from them ev'ry burden caft, And have from ev'ry fnare efcap'd at lad. With racking pain the head no longer aches ; Complaints in tears the eye no longer makes ; The flefh no more with pangs acute is torn ; Nor longer with diflempers ling'ring worn. Here from their hardfhips they get a releafc, And here for ever their afflictions ceafe. Here low'ring danger never does them harm, Nor threatens them with any harfh alarm ; But fweet tranquillity makes foft their beds, And fafely watches their repofmg heads. Reft then, ye prec'ous relics, in the tomb., Reft quiet in this hofpitable gloom ; 'Till the laft trumpet gives the wejcome found, And wakes you fudden from your fleep profound ; " Arife, mine forth, in heav'nly light array'd, ts On you the glory of the LORD'S difplay'd." To thefe, how calmly did life's ev'ning run ! How kindly pleafant was their fetting fun ! Then, when their flefh and heart fail'd them thro* fear, How did the mem'ry of the LORD them cheer ! Who, to preferve them from the fting of guilt, His fpotlefs blo'od in fpeechlefs mercy Jpilt ! 2 How [ 55 ] How did their Saviour their fouls revive, For their j unification now alive ! How cheering the well-grounded hope of grace. And for their fins, with GOD Almighty peace Thro* JESUS CHRIST our LORD! this will aifuage Their griefs, and fweeten death's tormenting rage. Has wealth pull'd all her golden mountains down ? Where's honor with its trophies of renown ? Where are the pomps of a vain world now fled ? At death's approach can they their comforts fhed ? Can they compofe th' affrighted thoughts, or buoy The foul departing in its agony ? The followers of CHRIST feem pleas'd, and death Is conquer'd even with their lateft breath. " They on GOD'S everlafting arms repofe," While he their fainting heads preferves from woes. His fpirit to their fouls does peace inftill, And bends the confcience to his holy will. With the ftrength of thefe heav'nly fuccours fill'd, They conquerors, not captives, quit the field ; On GOD'S moft faithful promife they rely, Fraught with full hopes of immortality." Now they are gone, and reft in quiet peace, The ftruggles of reluctant nature ceafe. In gloomy death the body lies afleep ; The foul is launch'd into the fightlefs deep. But C 56 ] But fay, who can imagine the furprize, Which will then feize on their delighted eyes : When on them an angelic crowd attends, Initead of companies of weeping friends ? O how fecurely in their courfe they ride ! Thro* unknown worlds how fafely do they glide ! While thefe celeftial guides direft their flight, The vale of tears is loft in endlefs night. Farewel, farewel for ever, realms of woe ! Farewel, malignant beings' rage below ! They're come to dates with boundlefs comforts ftor'd ; " Come to the city of the living LORD ;" While a voice fweeter than the foftefl lyre, Sweet as the Seraphim's harmonic choir, Hails their arrival, and rejoicing fmgs, And fpeaks their entrance to the KING OF KINGS : " Ye everlafling gates, your heads now rear, " And give admiffion to each godly heir." While good men's bodies (lumber in the grave, Here let us, now, " their fouls and fpirits leave;" From an entangling wildernefs prefer v'd, For a moft pleafant paradife refer v'd ; Settled in realms of unmolefted peace, Where their difquietudes and forrows ceafe. They lit with Jfaac^ Jacob , Abraham^ In the LORD'S kingdom, with the holy LAMB. Here C 57 3 Here with innumerable faints they mine, And round GOD'S throne exalt their voice divine* Glad in fruition of their prefent joy, -^ On certain expectations they rely, That they'll be blefs'd yet inconceivably ; J " When GOD the heav'ns and earth calls, from above, " That he in judgment may his people prove." " Their life fools reckon'd madnefs, fince they " found " Their end approaching with no honors crown'd: " But they are rank'd among the Sons of GOD, " And endlefs blifs mare in the faints abode/* However, then, a vain world may defpife, * Howe'er the truly good it villifies ; Be this my greateil and fupreme defire, The utmoft happinefs I can acquire ! " Let me, oh ! let me meet the juft man's fate ; " Let me enjoy his death, and future ftate." What figure's that which ftrikes my gazing eye, And from the wall mines fo confpic'oufly ? It does not only eminently grace A grander, and more elevated place ; But feems, majeftically proud, to bear A more than ordinary fplendid air. I The The ilone the inftruments of flaughter wears, Swords, mufkets, cannons, bay'nets, darts, and fpears j Thefe with each other on its face entwine, And thenee with formidable grandeur fhine. Let me fee what the monument contains It holds a noble warrior's remains* Wherefore, thought I, is fuch refped now paid To this heroic foldier's fleeting made ; 'Caufe he the public good fo highly priz'd, That for it he was gladly facrific'd ? What endlefs- fame is r then, by him procur'd, Who for our fakes fuch agonies endurM ! Who, tho' commander of th' angelic bands^ Altho' he all the heav'nly holts commands; Became a willing.,, bleeding facrifice, That we to endlefs happinefs might rife ! His life from one, as being mortal, flew,. And which was long to divine juftice due ; Which to the debt of nature foon would yield, Ev'n had it fall'n not in the bloody field; But CHRIST gave up the ghofl, and flefh be- came, Tho' he JEHOVAH was, the great I AM ; The fountain of exiftence, who alone Calls blifs and immortality his own. 3 He t 59 ] He who fuppofed it no fraud to call Himfelf an equal to GOD All in All ; Whofe outgoings from everlafting ran, Ev'n he was made in likenefs of a man ; From the land of the living was cut off, And to vile wretches was a fneering feoff. Wonder, O heavens 1 O earth, aftonifh'd be! That CHRIST mould feel fuch dreadful agony 1 . He dy'd the death, of whom we witnefs have, He's " the true GOD, and endlefs life can give." The one to willing perils was ex;pos*d, When he his king's and country's foes oppos'd'^ Which, tho' it beaming glories might difplay, -x Yet would an ignomin'ous mind betray, In fuch good circumfbnces to gainfay. But CHRIST the bleffed grafp'd the bloody fword, Tho* he was KING of Kings, of Lords the LORD. CHRIST JESUS, the fole monarch, took the field., Tho' in the conflict he was fure to yield ; And put on harnefs, tho* he knew -before, It mud be framed with his finlefs gore. The Prince of heav'n his royal felf refign'd, Not to mere hazard, but fure death to find ; To death, now certain in its quickeri'd pace, With horrors burfting from its grifly face. And for whom did he thefe dire torments bear ? Not for thofe who at all deferving were j I 2 But C 60 ] But difobedient creatures to befriend, And pardon gain for criminals condemn'd, A band of evil rebels, void of grace, An inexcufable and wicked lace; Sinners obnoxious, whom he might leave ' The due reward of their crimes to receive, Without impeachment of his gocdnds ; nay, His vengeful juftice better to difplay. The one, 'tis likely, dy'd without much pain, Was wounded fuddenly, and quickly flam : A bullet lodg'd within his heart, a fword Sheath'd in his bread, might inftant death afford ; Or a ftrong battle-ax his brain might cleave, And in a moment give him to the grave : Whereas our Saviour, divine and dear, ^ Did tedious, protracted torments bear, > Which were as lingering as they were fevere. * Ev'n in the prelude to his laft diilrefs, What loads of grief his facred frame opprefs ! The mighty preffure, exquifitely fore, Inftead of fweat, drew blood from ev'ry pore, The crimfon gore fo from his body rain'd, It ting'd the pavement, and his raiment ftain'd. But at the laft fcene of the tragedy, Oh ! what a mournful fight might one efpy ! When to the crofs the minifter of woes, Had nail'd his body with his piercing blows ; Oh! [ 6i J Oh ! for how many difmal hours of pain. Did that illuftr'ous fufferer remain, In fight of GOD, of angels, and of men ! His temples with the thorny crown in fears ; His hands and feet cleft by the iron bars ; His flefh all cover'd with fevereft fmart, Trembling and agonizing in each part ; And torments of imfpeakable diftrefs, On his blefs'd foul, his very foul did prefs I So long he hung, in fympathizing tone, Nature for him thro' all her realms made moan. The earth, fuch barbarous indignities Beheld amaz'd, and trembled with furprize ; The fun, when thefe black adions came in view, Shudder'd with horror, and its beams withdrew. Nay, fo long did this fufferer fuftain The lafl extremity of bitter pain ; That, quick as thought, the alarm of it fled To the dark regions of the diftant dead. Still, O my foul, with this vaft truth be fill'd, The Lamb of GOD was feiz'd, was bound, was kill'd ; Slaughtered with greateft inhumanity, And fuffer'd agonizing death for thee! His executioners fo fludious were, Their cruel means of torture to prepare ; That ere its fatal dregs he had drank up, Each drop of gall he tafted in the cup. Once Oflce more ; the one did like a hero die, And fell in battle, fighting gallantly. But went not Jefus as a fool to reft , ? Not mark'd with fears of glory on his breaft ; But as fome wicked villain on the rack, With lafhes of the vile fcourge on his back. Yes, CHRIST the bleffed, bow'd, ere he was dead, On the accurfed tree, his fainting head j And the beneficent Redeemer dy'd, Between two wicked felons crucify'd ; CHRIST was 'twixt heav'n and earth fufpended, high, Outcaft from both, and whom each did deny. What fuitable returns of ardent love ' Can we make to the holy ONE above ? What worthy thanks can he from us receive, Who dy'd for us, that we thro' him might live ? He did in ignomin'ous anguiih die, That we might flourifh in the heights of joy ; And, plac'd on thrones of endlefs glory, raife To our Redeemer fervent fongs of praife. Alas ! we impotent and fenfelefs clay, Cannot to CHRIST fufficient duty pay. He only who does fuch rich gifts beftow, With grateful warmth can make our bofoms glow. Then let, moft gracious IMMANUEL, Thy tomb of gratitude in our fouls dwell. Infcribe C 63 ] Infcribe the mem'ry of thy matchlefs grace, Not in thofe characters we can erafe ; But in that precious and heav'nly blood, Which from your veins in gufhing torrents flow'd. With neither ax nor chifiel it prepare, But with that fpear which your blefsM fide did tear. Let it in characters confpic'ous (land. Indelible, not made by mortal hand ; On marble tables do not it imprefs, But fix it on our inmoft hearts' recefs. Let me obferve one thing ere I leave This entomb'd hero, and his garnifh'd grave. Thefe methods oflentatious, how mean, Which ftrive to bribe the votes of fame, and gain Some little (lock of pofthumous renown, To future times thus proudly handed down ! How poorly polim'd alabafter (hews The great advantage that from virtue flows ! Or how does mimicry of fculptur'd ftone Exprefs the memorable deeds we've done ! His countrymen think with affecting grief, On the great merit of this bleeding chief: His patriotic zeal, in honor's caufe, Would be remember'd with the beft applaufe, Long as the nation is with fafety crown'd, Without fuch artful means to fpread the found. Such [ 6 4 ] Such are the methods by which I would ftrive To keep my certain memory alive. Let fuch memorials be, then, imprefs'd Deep on each of my fellow-creature's breaft. Let my furviving friends a witnefs bear, That for myfelf alone I did not care - 9 Nor wholly in my generation live, Without attempts fome benefits to give. O ! let a long, uninterrupted line Of tender deeds, on my infcription mine ; And let my wifhes for the happy ftate Of all my friends, be fhewn upon the plate. Let all the poor, as by my grave they prefs, Point at the fpot, and thankfully confefs, " There lies the man, who to each varied grief, " With ceafelefs tendernefs flill gave relief; " Who kindly vifited my painful bed, " And me in poverty with plenty fed. " How oft did his inftru&ions guide me right, " And to my caft-down fpirits yield delight ? " 'Tis owing to the feafonable ftore " With which GOD blefs'd him, to relieve the " poor, " And the wife counfels which he us'd to give, " That I exift, and now in comfort live." Let a mem who once trod ungodly ways, Once ignorant, his eyes to heaven raife ; Let [ 65 3 Let fuch a one within his bofbm talk, As o'er my grave" he takes his penfive walk, " Here lie the relics of that friend fmcereV " Who for my foul had fuch paternal care. " I'll ne'er forget how heedlefs and how gay " I ported onward in perdition's way ; ** I tremble when I thfnk what endlefs woe " Would very foon my Wretched foul o'er flow ; " Had not his admonitions, always fight, " Mark'cJ out the way, and ftay'd my thoughttefe flight. " I of the hofy gofpel nothing knew, " Nor had I its abundant wealth in view ; " But fince his prudent converfe guided me, " The all-fufficiency of CHRIST 1 fee; " And, animated by his conflant pray'r, " I'd all things lofe, that I might JESUS mare. " Methinks, his fpeeches, with religion fill'd, " In my ears tingle, and found comfort yieH ; " Methinks, his godly precepts yet impart " Joy to my foul, and tranfport to my heart ; " And will, I trull, yet more and more encreafe, * e In fliedding on me operative grace ; " Until we meet in manfions not prepar'd "Bymen; eternal, in the heavens fear'd.'* But the infallible and furefi way, Foundations for our endlefs blifs to lay j K Which C 66 ] Which is as open to the rich as poor, " To make our calling and election fure - 9 9f Is to gain godly evidence that we Have our names blefs'd to all eternity. However they may be forgotten, then, Or difregarded by the fons of men ; They will not fail, for ever to afford, Remembrance in the prefence of the LORD. This is of all diftin&ions far the befl ; This will with never-dying fame be blefs'd. Ambition, do thou then this object claim, -^ And holy writ will fan&ify thy aim, > Ev'n grace itfelf will fan the noble flame. Memorials on earth muft fhortly ceafe, And in oblivion fink, in quiet peace. Thofe for whom we the greatefl zeal exprefs'd, Soon muft in filence in the coffin reft. Ev'n letters cut into the folid ftone With iron pens, muft foon become unknown. But thofe who in the book of life inrolPd, Have rank'd their names in the MESSIAH'S fold j- The blefled LAMB has openly declar'd, That blifs unfading mall by them be fhar'd. When a flight of revolving years mall lay Majeftic columns level with the clay ; When brazen ftatues can no longer ftand, Uader definitive Time's corroding hand ; Stilt C 67 ] Still incorruptible thefe honors rife, And bloom triumphant in the fplendid ikies. Lo ! yonder entrance leads, as I fuppofe, To the vault where the filent dead repofe. Let me now turn afide, and take one peep At thofe who in this habitation fleep. The door on rufty hinges flow turns round, And grates the ear with harm, difcordant found ; As it not many vifitants enjoys, It gives me entrance with reluctant noife. What can this fudden trembling mean, while I Pafs thro* the place where lifelefs bodies lie ? In thefe ftill rooms, my fpirits, nothing fear, For " ev'n the wicked ceafe from troubling here.' J Good Heav'ns! how difmal is this folemn fcene! Here, ev'n at noon-day, night and darknefs reign. What doleful, gloomy folitude it wears ! Not one fmall trace of cheerful joy appears ; Sorrows and terror feem here to have made An habitation for their hateful head. Hark ! how at ev'ry ftep the awful found Does murm'ring from the hollow dome rebound. Echoes, that long have flept, are now awake, And round the walls in fighing whifpers fpeak. A beam or two finds thro* the grates its way, from the coffins' nails cafts a weak ray. - K 2 So C 68 J So many half-hid fpe&acles of woes, Half which the baleful twilight dimly mews 3 My former apprehenfions much increafe, And add frefh horrors to this gloomy place. I read th' jnfcriptions, and by them I find' The relics of the great are here reclin'd. No poor or vulgar dead could, fure, receive- So pompous a retirement for their grave. The moft illuftr'ous, and right nobly great To this have laid claim as their laft retreat < And in this place, indeed, they all appear A fliadowy pre-eminence to mare. In filent pomp, and mournful rank they lie, In fepulchres which iliine confpicuouily. While with fmall ceremony meaner dead *' In the pit's ftones prepare their filent bed. 5 * My apprehenfions wake from their furprife : Here are no fprites but which from, fear arife. But it amazes me when I behold The wonders that thefe nether fcenes unfold., Thofe who on vaft revenues lately liv'd, And from whole lordmips confequence deriv*d j In half a dozen feet of earth repofe, While a few meets of lead the whole indofe. Splendid apartments, and rich furniture No Ipnger can their haughty minds allure, The C 6 9 ] The Ihroud's the only ornament they have, Inftead of rooms they get the darkfome grave. No longer gawdy retinues of ftate Around this folitary dome await ; No more the lordly equipages ply For their dead matter, who can't them enjoy ; Nothing but fable banners, which appear The figns of triumph o'er their {laves to wear ; Or ftatues hid by duft, which, while the gay Regardlefs world in pleafure rolls away, The fculptor's hand the workman's Ikill has fhewn, And taught foft tears to flow from folid (lone. Where is the ftar which on the breaft was plac'd ? Or coronet which once the temple's grac'd ? The tattered efcutcheon now we find, % And the achievement, beaten with the wind, > Are the fole marks of dignity refign'd. Thofe who drew from grand anceftors their name And pedigree, here drop their lofty claim. With creeping things they kindred now retain, And quarter arms with reptiles the moll mean, *' They to corruption fay, My father be j " To worms, My mother and my fitter feel" O mortifying truth ! enough to wean Defire moft fanguine from a world fo vain ; One would imagine it enough to make The fqul from its deep lethargy to wake ; Above [ 70 ] Above its fickly fatisfaftions rife, Its fliting treafures, and its fading joys. Or fhould they flill with arrogance aflume The flyle of grandeur in the lonely tomb ; Alas ! how weak would the pretence appear ! The oftentatious vanity how clear ! What's the world to thefe heaps of breathlek clay? What happinefs did their purfuits convey ? What are their pleafures ? Bubbles ftor'd with nought. Their honors what ? A dream that is forgot. What the fum total of their blifs below ? Or what gains did from their enjoyments flow ? Perhaps to inexperienc'd men it fhew'd A form of fomething wonderful and good ; But lo ! now Death has weigh'd it in his fcale, And lin'd it out, what does the whole avail ? Indulge, my foul, a thoughtful paufe, and fee With mindful look each trifling gaiety, From which fuch mighty joys were wont to rife, As your aflfeftions feiz'd and charm'd your eyes. Examine nicely each alluring bait, Here, of their value form an eftimate. Suppofe thyfelf fir ft eminently plac'd, And with the favorites of fortune grac'd ; Who C 7' 3 Who in the lap of pleafure roll away, Shining in robes of honor, always gay, And fwim in tides of boundlefs riches ; yet The pamng-bell will foon thy end repeat. When once that iron call has fummon'd thee To future teft, where would thefe pleafures be ? At that fix'd point, how all the vain parade By the luxurious and great difplay'd ; Their pompous pageantry, and lofty pride, Will into thin and empty air fubfide ! And is this ftate fill'd with fuch happinefs, That we fo eagerly mould to it prefs ? Ye mighty relics of loud founding ranks, Your names magnificent claim my beft thanks ; Of this world's littlenefs you've taught me more Than all the volumes which I have in ftore. A winding-meet, nobility's array, And all your grandeur mould' ring into clay ; To us the ftrongefl teflimonies bring, Of the fmall worth of each terreftrial thing. Never, in truth, did Providence record In fo flrong characters this awful word, As in the lifelefs ames of his Grace, Or my Lord's corpfe, whofe vital functions ceafe. JLet others cringing, if they pleafe, refort ; And humbly to your wealthy fons pay court ; Ignobly fawning their requefts renew, And for preferments anxioufly fue ; In t r- 1 In penfive contemplations oft my mind Is to their fathers* fepulchres connn'd ; And from their fleeping duft learns to reftrairt My expectations from all mortal men ; From each undue attachment free to climb O'er all the little interefts of time ; O'er the delufive joys of pomp to rife, And all wealth's gawdy tinfel to defpife j Still above all the empty fhades to live Which a vain, tranfrtory world can give. Hark ! what a found is that ? In fitch a place Each noife my former fears ferves to increafe. It breaks again upon the filent air, Solemn and flow the finking clock I hear. One would imagine that it was defign'd To fix the meditations of my mind. Methinks it fays Amen, and fets a feat To each improving hint it may reveal. Of my appointed time it feems to fay, Another portion has now fled away* It chimes to me. jufl like the paffing-bell, And is of " my departed hours the knell." *Tis the watch-word to vigilance and care, And crys, " redeem the time/' in reafon's ear* " Catch opportunity's refreshing gale, " Catch it frelh breathing, left away it fleal ; " Ere C 73 ] u Ere it {hall irrecoverably ftray, " Since life's mort fpan does by degrees decay. " Lo all thy minutes are upon the ftretch, " And ftrive with fpeed eternity to reach. " Now to eternity thou draweft near, *' And art to endlefs time a borderer ; " You make advances always to the ft ate " On which you thoughtfully now contemplate.** ! may the admonition be imprefs'd Deep on a willing and attentive breaft ! O ! may it heav'ns arithmetic fupply, " My days to count, my heart to fenfe apply !" Often, yea, often have I walk'd below Th f impending promontory's craggy brow ; 1 fometimes did thro* lonely places ftray, And o'er the gloomy defert bend my way ; Thro' dreary caverns frequently did prefs, And penetrate their innermoft recefs ; But Nature never, fure, beheld before With form fo dreadful and tremendous lour ; Nor ever was with like impreffions fili'd, Which with cold awe my breaft and vitals chill'd ; Which each, black arch, thefe . mouldy walls af- ford, Surrounded, and with rueful objects ftor'd j Where melancholy, melancholy dread, Her raven wings inceiTantly has fpread. L Let [ 74 ] Let me no more in thefe damp places dwell ; And now, difmal obfcurky, farewell ! And ye, moft doleful feats, and fhades of night \ Gladly I vifit the returning light. A fuperficial profpect having call On thefe fad domes, where mortals reft at laft ^ My prying mind prompts me without delay, To a more clofe and intimate furvey. And could we open lay the tomb again, And fee what thofe are now, who once were men ; How would the view, to our aftonifh'd eyes, Raife in our bofoms forrow and furprize ! How would we ftart the wond'rous change to trace, The mighty change, of all the human race ! How grieve to fee what foul dilhonor's paid, What fmall account is of oiir nature made, When in their fubterraneous lodgment s paid, -^ made, > its laid ! J Lo ! here the gay and fweetly winning face, Which wore inceflantly attractive grace ; And once of fmiles and lovelinefs was full, Grins horribly a naked, ghaftly fkull. Eyes, which more bright than diamonds we're con- fefs'd, And glanc'd fweet lightning on the coldeil bread : Alas ! where are they ? Or where (hail we find The links which once thefe rolling fparklers join'd? Thefe [ 75 ] Thefe orbs eclips'd, in total darknefs loft, No more bewitching, radiant glories boaft. The tongue, that could harmonic cfiarms conv mand, And powerful eloquence, in this ftrange land Has " forgot all its burning ;" and now where Are thofe lov'd drains that ravifh'd ev'ry ear ? Where is perfuafion's flow, with charms replete, That could our judgments wholly captivate? The mafter fkill'd in language, and fweet founds, Is filent as the night which him furrounds. The pamper'd flem, fo lately cloathed gay, -v In purple, linen, and in rich array, Is rudely cover'd here with clods of clay ! Once the nice, gentle creature could not dare *' To lay its foot upon the ground," through fear, So delicate and weak it was ;" but lo ! It ileeps in clammy earth enwrapped now ; Inftead of downy pillows refts its head On a cold, rocky, gravel-formed bed. Here " ftrong men bow the'mfelves ; and here The arm's unftrung, flout fmews loofen'd are, Limbs, of activity and flrength poflefs'd, And brawny joints, repofe in fullen reft ; The bones, as bars of iron ftrong, become An heap of duft in the lone, darkfome tomb. L 2 The [. 76 ] The man of bufinefs here forgets his aims, And lays afide his pleafmg, fav'rite fchemes ; He ceafes to perplex himfelf in vain, And difcontinues the purfuit of gain. A total fland does in this place arife To commerce, arid the fale of merchandize. Here, as when Solomon his temple rear'd, No flroke of hammer or of ax is heard. The winding-flieet, the coffin, and the tomb, -\ To our devices give the utmofl doom ; > " Hitherto they may, but no farther come." ^ The fons of pleafure here in endlefs night Take a laft farewell of each dear delight. No longer does the fenfualift here Anoint with oil, or fragrant rofe-buds wear : No more his time on lively mufic wafte, Nor revel longer at the drunken feaft. Inflead of tables fumptuoufly fill'd, With all the plenty 'elegance can yield ; Himfeif the poor voluptuary gives, A treat whereon the fatten'd infecl lives ; " The reptile on his fieih feeds eagerly, " And the worm feafts on him delicioufly." Here all the winning graces difappear, And blooming beauty drops her luftre here. Oh ! how her rofes wither and decay ! Her lillies languifh in this chilling clay ! How t 77 ] How the grand leveller contempt does throw On what with pleafure made our bofqms glow ! With what deformity has he defU'd What had before the world in bondage held J Now could the captivated lover gaze On the dear nymph which once could fo much pleafe, What great aftonifliment would on him feize ! J " Is this the charmer, whom not long ago " I fondly doated on, and loved fo. !" I faid me was incomparably fair, *' That me did fomething more than mortal " mare, *' Her form in fymmetry itfelf was drefs'd, ic And elegance mone in her air confefs'd j " The graces all attended in her train, *' And peerlefs beauties forg'd the filken chain. >< Mufic was in her words j but when me fpoke " Encouragement, my raptures me awoke. Before I death from his juft ftroke receive. Let me the fhort, uncertain time employ, Which before execution I enjoy, In making preparations for that flate Where does a blefs'd and better life await ; That when the fatal time comes, when my eyes Mufl on all objects clofe below the fkies ; M 2 I may [ 4 3 I may again my Saviour efpy, Seated majedic in the realms on high. Since then this frame, fo wonderfully made. Mud to the grave be very foon convey'd ; Since all my pow'rs of fleih mud foon give way To inactivity, gloom, and decay : Oh ! let it always be my earned care To ufe them right, while in my pow'r they are [ Let me the poor drive always to relieve, And be '" lefs ready to receive than give.'* In humbled podure let my knees dill bow, Before the throne of grace, devoutly low ; While on the earth my eyes are firmly held. With penitence and dread confufion fill'd ; Or reverently look to heav'n above, For grac'ous mercy, and forgiving love ! In ev'ry friendly interview let dill The " law of kindnefs all my converfe fill j" Or if my friends choofe rather godly fpeech, Let dill my tongue the gofpel of peace teach. Oh ! that in ev'ry public concourfe I Might, like a trumpet, raife my voice on high 5 And in melod'ous accents fpread around A much more joyful and harmonic found ; While I in elevated language fmg Glad tidings which from free falvation fpring I Bs C 85 ] Be fhut ftill refolutely clofe, my ears, Againft the wicked whifpef s {lander bears ; And ftrictly careful always to refrain From filthy talking of a breath profane ; Attend to knowledge which from wifdom breaks. And ftedfaft hear when your Redeemer fpeaks ; Imbibe the prec'ous truths deep in the mind, And bs they ftrongly to the heart iriclin'd. Bear me, my feet, to the houfe of the LORD ; To beds with fick, and domes with paupers ftor'd. As all my members ftill on GOD depend, May they with rev'rence always to him bend ; And may I be the willing inftrument, By which his praife may o'er the world be fent ! Then, ye embalmers, you may fpare your pains, Since I by faith procure my greateft gains ; Thefe works of faith, and labours of my love, Are the perfumes for which my foul ftill ftrove. Enwrapp'd in thefe I'd fear no deadly pert, But fweetly in the^bleifed JESUS reft ; Hoping that GOD will his " commandment give," By which again " my bones" may life receive ; Reanimate them from the fenfelefs clay, At his moft awful and appointed day ; And as gold from the fire them purify, ** I fay not fev'n, but fev'n times feventy." Here, [ 86 ] Here, then, my contemplation took its flight, And quickly in the garden did alight, Adjoining to the mount of Cafaarv, On which our blefs'd Redeemer deign'd to die. Having view'd tombs of fellow-creatures dead, Methought I long'd to fee where CHRIST was laid. And what a fpeclacle, oh ! once was here, In this fo memorable fepulchre! He " who for cloaths with light himfelf arrays, *' And walks upon the winged winds" with eafe ; Was pleafed frail habiliments to wear, And with the proftrate dead a dwelling mare. Who can for this think any praife too great ? Or can too oft the wond'rous truth repeat ? Who, with the moft tranfporting, grateful fong, Can think on the glad theme he dwells too long ? He, who inthron'd in glory, fits on high, 'Mongft all the heav'nly hofls djffufmg joy ; Was once a body, bloody, pale, and dead, And on this fpot repos'd his lifelefs head. How great, Death, was thy triumph in that hour ! Ne'er had'ft than captive in thy gloomy pow'r, So excellent a prifoner before. Did I fay prifoner ? And was he fuch ? No j he was more than conqueror by much. Than C 87 ] Than Satnpfon he far mightier arofe, When he fhook off his tranfient repofe ; SpoiPd the ftrong gates, and levell'd with the ground The walls that thefe dominions dark furround. In this, O mortals ! in this you muft place Your only hopes of comfort and of peace. This dreadful path your Saviour has trod, And fmooth and eafy made the rugged road. CHRIST fleeping in the chambers of the tomb, -x Has from this manfion driv'n the difmal gloom, > And left fweet odors in each dreary room. * The dying JESUS, (never let that joy Forfake your bofoms ! JESUS who did die) Your paflport and protection fure will give Thro' all the territories of the grave. Truft him ; they'll prove " to Sion a highway," And you fafely to paradife convey. Believe in him, and you no lofs will find, But endlefs gains, when to the tomb ccnfign'd. For hear what to this weighty point GOD faith, " Whofo believes in me mall ne'er fee death." How fublime and emphatical this drain ! This much at lead the mighty truth muft mean : " The nature of that latter change (hall be " Made for the better moil furprizingly. " It mall no more be for a punifhment, " But rather as the greateft bleffing fent : 2 " It [ 88 ] " It mall attended to fuch perfons hafte, tc With fuch a train of folid profits graced ; " That they muft not the name of death receive, " For 'tis then only they begin to live : " To fay that death could from fuch blifs arife, " A happy impropriety implies. " Their exit is the end of their frail ftate, " As then perfection will on them await ; " Their laft groan is the prelude to their joy, , " To comfort, life, and immortality." Weak fouls ! affrighted at the paffing-bell, Who at the fight of open'd graves turn pale 5 Who fcarce a fkuli or coffin can behold, And not experience a mudd'ring cold ; Yv ho to the griily tyrant bondmen are, And quake when he his iron rod does rear ; To the LORD of your fpirits loudly cry, And for protection on his Son rely. By faith you'll from your fiavery be freed, And courage get on this word fnake to tread. Old Simeon, when JESUS he embraced, Departed with tranquillity, well pleas'd ; When the child CHRIST in arms of flefli he grafpM, And in faith's. arms the Mediator clafp'd. That bitter perfccutor Saul, when crov/n'd With his Redeemer, in CHRIST being found ; Longs t 89 ] Longs for difmiiTion from this cumbrous earth, And is all rapture at the fight of death. Sure I fee one more of IM MANUEL'S train Trufting in CHRIST, on his Redeemer lean ; And cheerfully to filent fhades depart, With a compofed and exulting heart. Under this pow'rful and blefs'd name, behold ! Numberlefs crowds of finful men grown bold, Have fix'd their banners, and moft bravely fought, And " by the Lamb's blood victory have got." Thou may'ft by the example which the Lo RD> The Captain of Salvation, does afford, Undaunted ev*ry care and danger meet, And on the king of terrors fet thy feet. Supply'd with this fure antidote, you may Round the hole of the afp Jecurely play ; And put your hand, unconfcious of dread, Where the dire cockatrice its den has made. Thou may 'ft feel vipers on thy mortal part, And yet experience no deadly fmart. You, by a joyful refurredlion, will Shake them off one day, without any ill. Refurreftion ! that cheering word prepares Joy for my foul, and lightens all my cares ; My mind it eafes of its anx'ous pains, And an enquiry of vaft weight explains. N I would L 9 3 I would have aiked, " wherefore in this place. " Lie all thefe corpfes, in fuch abject cafe? " And is this, then, their fix'd and final doom ? " Has Death, their conqu'ror, chain'd them to " the tomb ? " Will he his captives ne'er from bondage free ? " Wilt thou forget them, LORD, eternally '?" No, faith the voice from heav'n, the word divine, c; Hope doth all good and right'ous men con- fine." There is an hour (that awful fecrets known To GOD, the all-forefeeing LORD, alone) There is a time, a fixed hour of grace, In which an aft the heav'nly feal will pafs, Whereby they mail a full difcharge receive, Eternal freedom from the gloomy grave. Then the LORD JESUS mall from heav'ndefcend, ^ While angels and archangels him attend, And with the trump of GOD all nature rend, s Deftruction's felf mall the dread call adore, And graves obediently their dead reflore. They in the twinkling of an eye awake,. And from ten thoufand years' fleep. quickly break ; They fpring forth like the bounding roe or deer ? To meet " the LORD eternal in the air." And, oh 1 with what congratulating grace, With how tranfporting, hearty an embrace, 4 Are U 91 ] Are the foul and the body once more join'd, Companions fo affectionate and kind ! But how much greater figns of love are (hewn, When CHRIST, eompaflionate, calls them his own! The LORD, who in the clouds of heav'n does come, Is their kind friend, their father, and bridegroom, Yet -they are not to fuffer any fears From all the grandeur in which he appears. Thofe wonderful folemnities fo dread, Which awe and ruin thro* all nations fpread ; Serve only to inflame their iove the move, And make their hopes of happinefs flow o'er. The awful judge, in all his mightinefs And fplendor, vouchfafes their names to con- fefs; Vouchfafes their great fidelity to tell Before the beings that in heaven dwell ; And deigns their goodnefs to commeinorate Before the world, who on his will await. Hark ! now the thunders their dread (bund a' fuage ; The lightnings ceafe their terrifying rage ; In fileht doubt th' angelic armies fee Attentive wait the Judge's great decree ! The race of Adam, with an anx'ous mind, Expect a fentence rigorous or kini 1 . N 2 That [ 9* 3 That King fupreme, adorable, whofe grace Is more than life to mortals pureft peace 5 And whofe adoption is a crown of joy ; Upon the right'ous cafts a pleafmg eye. O ! what a fpeech from his lips fweetly breaks ! What cheering accents, as he grac'ous fpeaks ! And with what ecftacies of joy and praife, They in the bofoms of the faithful blaze ! cc To you, my people, I acceptance give, " For ye are they who did my name believe. " Lo ! ye are they who have yourfelves deny'd, " And with firm truft flill on my pow'r rely'4* " No fpot or blemifh in your frames I fee, " Wafh'd in my blood, cloath'd in my purity. " Renewed by my fpirit, ye on earth " Have prais'd me, and been conftant unto death. " Come then, ye fervants of the living Lord, " Enjoy the comforts which he will afford. " Come, then, ye blefled of the LORD above, -x " Children of light, who mare my father's love ; > " Poffefs a kingdom that mall ne'er remove ; J Or by the largeft fums we can exprefs ! Extent impoffible to be confinM By any boundaries by us aflign'd ! None can fay after wond'rous ages' wafte, " That fo much of eternity is pad." For when ten thoufand centuries are gone, It is but juft commencing to come on ; When millions more have run their ample round, It will no nearer to its end be found. When ages, numerous as the bloom of fpring, Join'd to the herbage which the fummers bring ; Augmented by the ears of autumn's grain, All multiply'd by winter's dropping rain, And C 95 ] And when ten thoufand times ten thoufand more, Added' to numbers infinite before ; More than imagination can convey, Or yet fimilitude have pafs'd away ; Eternity, amazing, vail, immenfe, Will only at that period commence j Or rather (if I in thefe terms may fpeak) Will its beginning but begin to make. O ! what a pleafing awful thought is this I With dread abounding, and yet full of blifs. May this give the alarm to all our fears, Quicken our hopes, and animate our cares ! May it inftru6l us faithfully to live, And fortitude to our endeavours give ! An inconceivable and endlefs flate Does ihortly, very fhortly us await ; Let us be diligent now, to infure An entrance into happinefs fecurc ! Let us our utmoft induftry apply, Since no fcene alters in futurity. The wheel ne'er turns, nor objects change re- ceive ; All's fix'd, immoveable, beyond the grave. Whether we, then, are feated on the throne, Or ftretch'd on racks, in agony to groan ; Juftice inflexible, or endlefs grace, Will a firm feal to our condition place. The [ 96 3 The faints their happinefs rejoicing proveV Amidfl the fmiles of never ending love ; Their harps inceffantly to joy they fit ; No interruption their triumphs admit. The ruin which the wicked undergo, Is filled with irremediable woe. The fatal fentence which the LORD mall feal, Is fix'd immoveable, without repeal. They cannot one faint, glimm'ring hope receive, Their doleful habitations e'er to leave ; But all things the fame difmal afpecl bear, And which they everlaflingly muft wear. The wicked How my penfive bofom fhrinks, When on their dreadful mifery it thinks ! It wav'd the horrid theme with careful awe ; And feems yet willing from it to withdraw. But it is better for fome minutes, fure, To cogitate, than endlefs pains endure. Perhaps, the thought of their fad torments may Some terrible advantages difplay ; Perhaps, the thought of their augmented woes May to my foul fome mighty good difclofe ; May teach me JESUS with more joy to fee, " Who from the pit unfathom'd fets me free." May hurry me, like the avenger's fword, ^ To this fole city with protection ftor'd, > Which to fad fmners refuge can afford. A? C 97 ] As .malefactors in the prifon's gloom Fearfully wait their trial yet to come ; So here the wicked in confufion lie, And fuffer torments to eternity. They muft for ever dwell in this dire place, For " their departure was devoid of peace." Their clofmg eye-lids were with horrors drown'4, Which dealt inceffantly a direful wound ; And fad forebodings in their minds did raife, " That the black darknefs would not ever ceafe." When the laft ficknefs feiz'd their tott'ring" frame, And the inevitable fummons came ; When at their life they faw their archer aim ; And to the firing perceiv'd the fatal reed Fitted, and pofting with unerring fpeed, When they experienc'd the deadly dart, Transfixed deeply in the vital part Good GOD ! what fearfulnefs muft them annoy ). What horrid dread their ev'ry hope deflroy ! How ftedfaftly their ghaftly eyes they keep, Shudd'ring at the tremendous, gloomy fteep ! Afraid exceffively this world to leave, ' Yet utterly incapable to live ! What pale reviews, what ftartling profpe&s rife, Confpiring all their fouls to agonize ! When their paft life they ponder, they behold JMfoft melancholy fcenes themfelves unfold; Gop's C 9S ] GOD'S mercy flighted, unrepented fin. And grace withdrawing from the foul within. They forward look, nought opens to their fight, But that great GOD who forms his judgment right. They at the dread tribunal muft appear, And pay their awful, folemn reckoning there. Around them their affrighted eyes they roll, Viewing the friends who their diftrefs condole, Who, if partakers in their wicked life, Muft add frefh anguifh to their former grief; When they confider, in this dreadful flate, That this their guilt muft further aggravate ; When they perceive they have not fmn'd alone, But have made others act as they have done, If their friends are to holinefs inclin'd, This heaps new forrow on each troubled mind ; It greatly heightens their diffracting pain, That they- fhall ne'er enjoy their fight again ; But at a diftance unapproachable, And parted by a gulph unpayable. They at the laft, perhaps, begin to pray, Striving by that their terrors to allay ; With anx'ous wifh they to the LORD apply, And for afliftance to JEHOVAH cry: With trembling lips their falt'ring words they pour, To that great GOD, " who kills and can reflore." But r 99 ] But why, oh ! why have they fo long delay 'd Pray'rs which to Heav'n they fhould before have made ? Could they have hopes of any blefs'd reward, When to GOD'S counfels they paid no regard? And why did they incorrigible ftand, Unmindful ever of his great command ? How oft were they forewarn'd of this fad ftate, And what dire punimments would them await ? How oft importunately urg'd by GOD, To turn to him, and fhun his vengeful rod? I wifh the LORD may on them mercy pour, And fave them at this laft alarming hour ! I wifti they may his kind forgivenefs meet, Ere deep damnation burfts beneath their feet ! But oh ! affronted majefty may then Regardlefs of all their complaints remain ; Nor deign to Work a miracle of grace, To give fuch obflinate tranfgreflbrs peace. He may, for aught that any mortal knows, " Joy at their griefs, and laugh at all their woes j * 6 May be unheedful of their agony, " And mock them when their fear approacheth nigh Thus they lie groaning with fevereft pains, In tortures fpending what of life remains ; O a With C 100 ] "With chilling fweat their bodies running o'er, Which iflues coldly from each open'd pore ; Convulfive throes now ftruggle with the heart, Grief infupportable throbs thro' each part ; Innumerable fhafts of forrow fpend Their rage upon them, and their confidence rend, If the ungodly fuffer, then, this death, And with fad torments thus refign their breath ; " My foul, do not into their fecret come, " Left you mould meet with their eternal doom ! " Do not, mine honor, with fuch men unite, " But from their meetings take thy daring flight I" How awfully accomplim'd are the words, The truths which infpir'd wifdom (till affords ! " Sin always bears the mod deftructive load, " Tho' feemingly in the commimon good ;