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 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 


 
 SPECIMENS; 
 
 LEISURE HOURS POETICALLY EMPLOYED ON 
 VARIOUS SUBJECTS; 
 
 MORAL, POLITICAL & RELIGIOUS, 
 
 " Quid autem tenure nocebit?" 
 
 BY JOSIAH SHIPPEY, A. B. 
 
 WITH NOTES CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY ; 
 
 Also, a. brief History of the Life of the Author, from the year 1778 to the 
 year 1841 ; to which is added a Synopsis of all the parts of Learning. 
 
 BY SAMUEL JOHNSON, D. D. 
 
 President of King's, iww Columbia, College, New-York. 
 
 NEW-YORK: 
 
 PRINTED BY JOSEPH B. ALLEE, 
 
 104 Bcckman-street. 
 
 1841.
 
 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1841, by 
 
 JOSIAH SHIPPEY, A. B. 
 In the 1 Clerk's Office of the Southern District of New -York.
 
 Ps 
 
 REVIEW, BY THE REV. JAMES FLOY. 
 
 I have read Mr. Josiah Shippey's Specimens, together with the Nofet, 
 and a sketch of his life. 
 
 Of the Specimens, not being a Poet myself, I do not give an opinion. 
 So far as I have examined the Prose, I find nothing objectionable either in 
 matter or style. 
 
 JAMES FLOY, 
 Pastor 3d Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 
 Brooklyn, L. I. 
 Brooklyn, I3lh July, 1840. 
 
 It is but honest to state to a " confiding public," that several of the 
 Notes were written subsequently to the date of the above review such as 
 the Notes on "Raritan Landing,' 1 "Justice and Mercy," "on my Life," 
 and on the " Analecta." Should there, then, be found any thing objectiona 
 ble either in the matter or style of these ; no blame must be attached to the 
 reviewer for them; but the responsibility must rest, indisputably, upon 
 
 THE AUTHOR.
 
 ;{j.V;;*ti .aK'.,SvJ\ e'^',if<|ii 
 

 
 CONTE NTS. 
 
 . . 
 
 Quantum Meruit, .... >:ec . 13 
 
 Echo, . . .-!;. .-;* rr ;.. ,-K-' 19 
 
 The Passions, .... , ib. 
 
 An Apothegm Versified, .... 20 
 
 Imagination and Fancy, . ... t *Rh! ib- 
 
 A Poetical Translation, . . . .,,fh ib. 
 
 Another, . ... . . . fi ! ib. 
 
 Ill Manners, . . .;-.-.\, . !*<. #';.; 21 
 
 Essay on Dependence, . -i.!'? tv- < i-u*<ni 22 
 
 The World, . . .*.:-., II >,-./; ' 4 23 
 
 Action, . . . . . ib. 
 
 Direction to the Precentor, ... ib. 
 
 Criminal Law, . . ;( V ... ; . - 24 
 
 My first Wife, . i-* <r ij.^, r. f ,S L. ib - 
 
 Epitaph, . . . . . 1V . 25 
 
 Physiognomy, or Facial Skill, . T[- B ' ,. . ib. 
 An Important Quere, . . . - .26 
 
 The Clerk's Advertisement, ,: > ! .->.: n>iii.Vt *"' 
 
 Acrostic, . . C ' ! '!o\ c -In ib. 
 
 Jovi Quam Homini Fidere Prsestat, . , .L* .* 27 
 
 Cursory thoughts on Wedlock, V - ; i. j u;-d ^. 
 
 Epitaph on a converted Butcher, ;:'_! '!, 28 
 
 The Honest Lawyer, ,.v:'i!i >.,<.; :-I T-*jr ^. 
 
 Stat nominus umbra, -* :.'.; J!''WJT 33 
 
 Another, . . j .i; ) f ^.y, . ib. 
 
 Youth and Old Age, .. . . ,>:-,-. & 
 
 The American Museum, . ; u '?,,; 34 
 
 Disappointed in Love, , ! > : . ', ~ ,.,.,. .'. ib. 
 
 Epitaph on a Hard Drinker, .-\ -,, . ,'': .-;' 35 
 
 What you Please, - .Jtw . ;,-j,- -.,;. :! 36 
 
 An Ode on Free Masonry, . !V~/-Y.' '!.ri ',; *i ib.
 
 riii CONTENTS. 
 
 The Headless Spectre, or the Solemn Warning, * .. 37 
 Fas est ab hoste doceri, . . . .41 
 New- York, . .' ; t ib. 
 A Law Maxim Versified, . "^ < 43 
 Rogues falling out, . * ib- 
 Discord, . . , . . ib. 
 Greater and Lesser Things, . . . 44 
 Not at Home, . . . ib. 
 The Correct Lawyer, .... ib. 
 Tears soon dry up, k . . 45 
 Friendly termination of a Dispute, . . ib. 
 An Epitaph, . . . :i *n,*i ib 
 Another, . . -. .'.. hi- I -. .- ib. 
 An Elegy, . . . sl % \ r i* .-.? 46 
 An Epitaph, . . . . . -.; ' 47 
 Another, . . . . . ib. 
 On the death of a Religious Lady, ... 48 
 Epitaph on a Departed Wife, . . ib. 
 Fortune's Two Hands, . . . ib. 
 Oratory, . . . .49 
 The Fire Pipe, . . wr,. . 50 
 My second Wife, or early Courtship, . . .53 
 My second Courtship of mj present Wife, . . 54 
 Puffing, . . . . .55 
 The News Carrier's Address, . i'v . . 56 
 Fate, .... .62 
 A Grand National Song for the Fourth of July, 1814, . ib. 
 A bird's-eye view of our late Naval Victories, 1814, . 65 
 A Nation's Groans, . ' -' : . -. . -~l . 68 
 Distich for one of the Coffins or Boxes at the burial of the Re 
 volutionary Bones on Long Island, A. D., 1808. <- .?, ib. 
 America's few yards of Striped Bunting, . -.! ib. 
 The Disappointment, or Protege vs. Patron, BI *. n 69 
 To Major General Peter B. Porter, . . 72 
 Raritan Landing, . . ."':! i>-. ;, 73 
 The standing Color of the Day, aa$ ' ir 79 
 We are not reprobated while the Holy Spirit strives with us, ib. 
 The Orphan's address to the Patrons, and Trustees of a certain 
 Religious Institution, for the education of poor Children, 
 in the City of New-York. v vj . :-..?< 80 
 Apothegms, or remarkable sayings, ^ 83
 
 ' ..* 
 
 CONTENTS. 7 
 
 Piety in appearance only, . . . .83 
 
 Address to the Scholars of a certain School on the death of one of 
 
 their companions, Hm I 3 . '.*. ..- tn-tjl~ ib. 
 Re-union of Soul and Body in a future state, . y*-;* 84 
 Faith, . ' 3- .^-.i- . 85 
 Final impenitence, and the call to drink the Waters of Life, ib. 
 Worshippers worshipping on their knees on the'steps of the Ca 
 thedral,- . . . tn fa r -o 86 
 No Salvation without Repentance, tt'j ii ioW ':< ib. 
 The Black Mart's Epitaph, . . . ; , * ib. 
 The Martyr's Crown, . . . ' j-f-.". ; ib. 
 Video Meliora Proboque ; deteriora sequor, ',,.. L 88 
 Omnis Indiae opes superat inens conscia recti, . ib. 
 The proper use of Learning, f -3-' '''''"I. ' D< 
 The Old Veteran, . . ; H e !. n> ..a 89 
 Future Prospects, . . . ib. 
 The Last Shade, . . . .; lJB ii ib. 
 Repent, . . . ;:.,**. . ib. 
 Temptation, . . ,^i- * :* .* 90 
 Repentance, . . . . . ib. 
 The Human Soul, .... 91 
 Man, a thinking being, . . IP .-:;;! in ,.\i ib. 
 The power of Jehovah, . . . ,:"-. ib. 
 The Grave, Heaven and Hell, . ^r . ib. 
 Divine Wrath, . . . 92 
 Mammom profitably disposed of, . . * u . -r;-. 93 
 Temperance, .... ib. 
 The Doctrines and Precepts of the Gospel, ':':/** .;..},;. 94 
 The Saviour and his Bride, the Church, . . ib. 
 Dying in Sin, . . ^ _ . . . t ;- ib. 
 Death will not wait our wishes, VjV : ' . ib' 
 Light and Darkness, . . . V VJK; 95 
 Epitaph, . ib. 
 Columbia College, . . . . ib. 
 Generals in sermons, . . . t \'-.'l 99 
 To accompany the presentation of a Souvenir sent to a young 
 
 lady as New Year's present. . . ib. 
 
 Epitaph for Mr. Starges, . .. ' ,,*- 100 
 
 The Lord's Prayer versified, . i >;. --j y -. ib. 
 
 A Scriptural Acrostic, beJ *h- 
 
 The Substitute, or the Cordwainer cured of drunkenness 301
 
 x CONTENTS. 
 
 Glory, . 2 . . . j*-.-, 199 
 We must not do evil that good may come therefrom, ib. 
 Prayers preferred in wrath will not be answered, ib. 
 Life is uncertain, ,'iif'~- ':'!; n - i ^* 1 " J< 
 The Good Man's Death, . .110 
 The end of Time and beginning of Eternity, . ..i- ib. 
 Profane Swearing, -. iir;! '>>'"*] ^*~-. HI 
 Religion, always the same, . : . 11 ib. 
 The lore of Money is the root of all Evil, b. 
 Justice and Mercy, . .'-.' *il :->. 
 Connubial Happiness, . .r '"*> 
 Suavitor in modo, sed fortiter in re, -vtM* J -,'. 114 
 Moderation, . .'*-;.' j-> : .v-..--j -. ; 115 
 Christ knocking at the heart, . .-.."" -^ ib. 
 Reflections, on scenes passed through at "threescore and up 
 wards," . . .. 117 
 The Scholiad, . . >bi 120 
 The New- York Arsenal, 122 
 The Shipwreck, . . 123 
 Prayer, . . . . .124 
 Reform, . . . 125 
 The Day of Judgment, . ,:.:.;. 126 
 Disjecta membra poets . . A>.V; . 128 
 A wounded spirit, . >> . 129 
 False appearances, . * ,ii/a ib. 
 Reflection, . . Ui. , ;if . ib. 
 A caution, ..... 130 
 The old and new man, *.'*- *>.;; . '.-:*& ib. 
 Decision, . . .'*4ci L '"-JL: : u .. '. ib. 
 Dandyism, . . . . [?. t:l ;. ib. 
 Sprighta, . . . * to ib. 
 Bombast, . . . . bi 131 
 Sincerity, ..... ib. 
 Politics, .... .-yj! . ib. 
 Cold weather, x . ~" . . ^ .t^ 132 
 Misspent time, < ; . - s-;a^" /',+!<* ; -*il ' qnv: ib. 
 Parents and children, ., -.. ... , . ib. 
 Youth, -. ' . . *."'. . . ib. 
 Patience under suffering, . . ;^.^. - 133 
 Potential reasons assigned, - ib. 
 Concluding a piece, -^^''' . -. . ib.
 
 . CONTENTS. xi 
 
 Truth, . . . . . .134 
 
 Politeness, ..... ib. 
 
 A Sonnet, - y. . . ib. 
 
 The whole duty of man, . . . 135 
 Praying will make us leave off sinning, or, sinning will make us 
 
 leave off praying, . . . ib. 
 
 On passing the one arched bridge over the Schuylkill, Pa. ib- 
 
 An Address, .* V ... . . 136 
 
 Do Good, . . . . .139 
 
 Ridicule not the test of Truth, ... ib. 
 
 Wit and Judgment, . . . ib. 
 
 Synthesis and Analysis, ... ib. 
 
 Idlers, . . . . ib. 
 
 The human heart, .... 140 
 
 Motive and Action, . . * . ib* 
 
 Betting or Wagering, .... 141 
 
 Fiat Justitia Ruat Coelum, . . ^' . , ib. 
 
 Vox et praeterea nihil, . . ..-. ib. 
 
 On the prospect of returning to New- York, aftei the war in 1815. 142 
 
 The Waster, or Thief in the Candle, . . * '\ ". ib. 
 
 The sword and cane, .... ib 
 
 Portraits without wigs, . . ib. 
 
 The Christian's hope, . *, . . . . ib- 
 
 Kindness, . ".* ' 1^3 
 
 The World's Epitaph, '. . . . . ib. 
 
 The old man's reflection on a child's treading upon his toes, ib. 
 
 A National Toast, . , . ib. 
 
 Queen Victoria and her marriage with Prince Albert, 144 
 
 Inscribed in an annual presented to Miss S 4Jf ## 145 
 
 Married harmony, . . . I ib. 
 
 A brief history of the life of the Author, . . 147
 
 y< 
 

 
 ', ' -/ f p, -, -,; -;l 
 
 QUANTUM MERUIT, 
 
 PRELIMINARY THOUGHTS OS THE PROPRIETY OF PUBLISHING A BOOK, 
 OR OF ENGAGING IN SOME OTHER PURSUIT. 
 
 Why sitt'st thou pond'ring there ? string up thy nerves ! 
 And give the subject all that it deserves ! 
 
 Day's luminary gone, the twilight pass'd, 
 
 The sombre shades of night come thick'ning fast ; 
 
 The world upturn'd the Queen of night displays, 
 
 Her face resplendent with reflected rays; 
 
 Her bright attendant sparkling by her side, 
 
 In all the radiance of an ev'ning bride. 
 
 Yet she alone, cannot her gaze confine, 
 
 More bright familiars clust'ring round her shine ; 
 
 And countless gems remote, yet twinkling bright, 
 
 On mortals' optics fling a feebler light; 
 
 And halos, mock-suns, meteors, comets glance 
 
 Throughout the vast unlimited expanse. 
 
 Now Contemplation leaves her house of clay, 
 
 And wings beyond this vale of wo her way ; 
 
 Fast by Heav'ns Queen she raptur'd sits, and there 
 
 Builds specious castles in the ambient air. 
 
 Scheme after scheme employs her teeming brain, 
 
 Some are for glory meant, and some for gain ; 
 
 And so she weaves, and weaves her airy net 
 
 She'll form a chariot that will ne'er upset. 
 
 Now, next hydraulics flit across her mind, 
 
 She mimic rain will make by pow'r confin'd 
 
 With volume large, and then so strong, no doubt 
 
 'Twill put the fiercest spreading fire out.
 
 14 
 
 Anon, she passes to the watery deep, 
 
 And there expects a copious crop to reap ; 
 
 A boat she'll form that parts on either side, 
 
 Which wind and waves may both alike deride ; 
 
 A boat that will all other boats excel, 
 
 And e'en from Greathead's boat bear off the belle. 
 
 Then chemicals, much wanted and much priz'd, 
 
 From which vast fortunes have been realized : 
 
 But their hard names, and subtile gases too, 
 
 Present a sight appalling to her view. 
 
 She turns her face in search of other things, 
 
 And they fly off on disappointment's wings. 
 
 A pause ensues and shall she still remain 
 
 Fix'd where she is, or her old home regain ? 
 
 The last appears the safest of the twain 
 
 Still her main object she would first attain. 
 
 Nor should that object show her time misspent, 
 
 But something worthy of her powers present. 
 
 To arts mechanic she in vain may fly, 
 
 On them let minds mechanical rely; 
 
 Let them for her in their own way take pains, 
 
 While she for them will labor with her brains. 
 
 Heav'n on her soul impress'd this kindly seal, 
 
 Far less for matter than for mind to feel. 
 
 To empty schemes she bids a long good-by, 
 
 For she's resolv'd anAuthorship to try! 
 
 An Author ? what, and if a Book one makes ! 
 
 Why pains and labor on himself he takes. 
 
 And then for all his toil what recompense ? 
 
 He may please one, to thousands give offence. 
 
 Oh prospect cheerless to a poet's mind ! 
 
 Should friends desert, should all men prove unkind 
 
 If he despair, and but his pen withhold, 
 
 How can the story of his life be told? 
 
 Naught would be seen to praise or to condemn, 
 
 And then his rhymes what would become of them ? 
 
 Let them be burn'd nor to mankind be shown, 
 
 He'd quit this world unnotic'd and unknown. 
 
 But Knowledge speaks in accents soothing, kind,
 
 15 
 
 " Be active and be useful to mankind. 
 Who says mankind will not appreciate 
 Your well-meant efforts, but will prove ingrate ? 
 What though no shining talent you possess, 
 Should then one useful be esteem'4 the less ? 
 Then think not thou art by thy friends forsook, 
 But undismay'd go on and print thy book. 
 Why shouldst thou be to cravent fear a slave ? 
 Success attends the fearless and the brave. 
 For, know,, the mind for noble actions form'd, 
 When by a gen'rous thirst for knowledge warm'd 
 Strives to surmount all danger, toil and pain, 
 The much desir'd the glorious prize to gain."
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 Though there are some minutiae in politeness, 
 
 The which to find out needs not much adroitness, 
 
 Yet did the same in every age exist, 
 
 In which ev'n we think proper to persist : 
 
 The doing which on no man should bear hard on, 
 
 Neglect of which no well bred man will pardon. 
 
 These to pass o'er unnotic'd and neglected ; 
 
 When by each one they're look'd for and expected, 
 
 No matter by what cause impell'd or driven, 
 
 Th' offence will seldom ever be forgiven. 
 
 That is, for instance, take one friend or more, 
 Into a comp'ny they'd ne'er seen before ; 
 For this intrusion how will it excuse 'em ? 
 The thing is plain why you must introduce 'em. 
 But may not this to other things refer?. 
 Truly unto a Preface my dear Sir. 
 Such is its use, nobody sure can doubt it, 
 That no new Book should ever be without it. 
 Admit it so then, without more debate, 
 At large our Author will go on to state ; 
 Why he should at his time of life conclude, 
 His Book upon the Public to intrude, 
 Imprimis, then, he thinks a better chance, 
 May not occur his wishes to advance ; 
 Wishes he's cherish'd from an early day, 
 If kindly, Providence would clear his way, 
 That of his life prolong'd from year to year, 
 Some fruit of goodness might at last appear; 
 His friends not only, but mankind to show, 
 His hours not idly wasted here below, 
 By day not merely, but night after night ; 
 None but himself to profit and delight, 
 As by this Legacy, yet not alone ; 
 He would for some of his past sins atone. 
 Solely by words he cannot, but by deed ' 
 
 B**
 
 IS PREFACE. 
 
 " Justice must generosity precede." 
 
 Now to thee, gentle Reader, be it known, 
 
 That, though no House or Land he calls his own ; 
 
 Yet if his work, though somewhat small of size, 
 
 A thinking, liberal public patronize ; 
 
 He hopes the world will shortly see and know, 
 
 The Author lives, and yet no man to owe ! 
 
 Next in a different light his Book he views, 
 
 And through life's vista the fond thought pursues : 
 
 That since he wrote it with a mind sincere, 
 
 Some following good may in its time appear. 
 
 Some erring one be turn'd from wrong to right, 
 
 And sins besetting be forsaken quite. 
 
 His "Specimens" he's ta'en from out his store 
 
 Of pieces written, most in times of yore, 
 
 Which will be readily discern'd, by you, 
 
 Before, kind Reader, you have read them through. 
 
 All pieces pers'nal, caustic and severe, 
 
 He would not let them in his book appear. 
 
 But to the flames will them commit, each one, 
 
 For the sad mischief, in past years, they've done. 
 
 His Book he views before the public spread, 
 
 By young and old, by learn'd and unleam'd read ; 
 
 And shall he wonder or be aught surpris'd, 
 
 If oft'ner wrong than right 'tis criticis'd ? 
 
 But should some critic of the " genuine stamp," 
 
 O'er his fair prospects cast a " chilling damp," 
 
 If he his sentence from Synopsis drew, 
 
 He'll bow submissive, and he'll thank him too. 
 
 That there are faults he's vastly well aware, 
 
 Name them ye friends that he may them repair, 
 
 Tis easy prov'd, if it were worth th' attempt, 
 
 No man from error's perfectly exempt, 
 
 Prove one man perfect whensoe'er you can 
 
 Behold an Angel ! he's no longer man. 
 
 Go then, thou Book, and may kind Heaven will 
 
 That thou may'st do some good, but cause no ill. 
 
 THE AUTHOR.
 
 
 
 SPECIMENS. 
 
 Quere. What is Po-e-try ? 
 Echo. . . try. 
 
 Echo, if right I understand, 
 
 She queries not, but gives command. 
 
 Lady, I thank thee I'll obey, 
 
 And turn my face another way. 
 
 Now to some foreign source I'll seek, 
 
 The Latin ? first, I'll try the Greek ; 
 
 In haste the Lexicon I take, 
 
 And find POIEO English make. 
 
 As how, I pray, and from what stuff? 
 
 Why language, truly sure enough ! 
 
 Next my consid'ring cap I'll try, 
 
 My Muse, I mean I pardon cry. 
 
 From MOUSA, muse thence music springs, 
 
 And in this tongue the Poet sings ; 
 
 So ev'ry language clearly shows, 
 
 'Tis nothing else than measur'd prose. 
 
 What says my Muse, or wrong or right, 
 
 As clear as day, or dark as night ? 
 
 If the appeal to me you make, 
 
 This short conclusive answer take ; 
 
 Howe'er his theme the Poet fashions, 
 
 He speaks "the language of the passions," 
 
 THE PASSIONS. 
 
 Passions are those sensations of the soul, 
 Which pain or pleasure in their turns control,
 
 20 A POETICAL TRANSLATION. 
 
 AN APOTHEGM VERSIFIED. 
 
 Each youthful excess is a draft on age, 
 Which ev'ry constitution will engage 
 To pay with int'rest at a lib'ral rate, 
 Some forty, fifty, sixty years from date. 
 
 IMAGINATION AND FANCY. 
 
 Imagination claims the Sun, 
 The Moon is Fancy's right ; 
 
 Imagination works by day, 
 While Fancy works by night. 
 
 A POETICAL TRANSLATION OF THE FOLLOWING LATIN 
 SENTENCE. 
 
 " Dum Bruti efligiem, Sculptor de marmore 
 Ducit; in mentem sceleris venit et abstinuit." 
 
 While Brutus's bust in the white marble grows, 
 See the Sculptor's amaz'd, quite motionless stands ; 
 
 As Brutus's crime through his memory flows, 
 His chisel and mallet drop out of his hands. 
 
 ANOTHER. 
 
 Hear while Brutus's bust in the marble grows, 
 The Sculptor pronounce as he musingly stands ; 
 
 Your bust, while your crime through my mem'ry flows, 
 No finish shall ever receive at my hands.
 
 ILL MANNERS. 21 
 
 ILL MANNERS, OR THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADDITION 
 AND IMPROVEMENT EXPLAINED. 
 
 Though addition is one thing, improvement another, 
 
 Yet some people take them for sister and brother ; 
 
 But if in appearance so close they're allied, 
 
 You may find where they differ when wrongly appli'd. 
 
 Our position, the story we mean to relate, 
 
 Will suffice to confirm and besides illustrate. 
 
 But here let us premise, that the person wetknew, 
 
 Who first told us the tale, so we think the tale true. 
 
 One day an old Cit with a friend went to dine, 
 
 At the house kept by Bardin, 'twas call'd the Tontine. 
 
 So now see them seated conversing together, 
 
 But we cannot tell which, of the wind or the weather. 
 
 Though here we'll remark, till we further proceed, 
 
 Few Hotels like this from ill manners are freed ; 
 
 And sure 'tis ill manners, though self-conceit flatters, 
 
 To pry into other folks' bus'ness and matters, 
 
 But their converse to us, though of little import, 
 
 Yet 'twas sorely disturb'd, interrupted in short, 
 
 By a Dandy who while, he his knife and fork play'd, 
 
 Most attentively listen'd to all the Cit said, 
 
 And show'd by his visage, his gestures and action, 
 
 That he noted it all, aye, e'en to a fraction. 
 
 Though this act of the Dandy our Cit sore annoy'd, 
 
 Yet he thought in his mind, "I'll a quarrel avoid. 
 
 Now the dessert is come, vi-ce solids discuss'd, 
 
 A traverse I'll work, which will rid me, I trust, 
 
 Of this bore of a Dandy with his scrutiny ; 
 
 So pleasing to him but distressing to me." 
 
 So while each one was eating his pudding* amain, 
 
 The Cit to his friend rais'd his voice, in such strain, 
 
 As to stop all the eaters, and make each one hear, 
 
 "Know'st, to pudding how great an addition is beer ?" 
 
 Now the Cit, though 'twas odd, found his quere not lost. 
 
 It the Dandy absorb'd, so it did to his cost. 
 
 While the eaters were making the best of their time, 
 
 He mus'd on the subject, he thought it sublime !
 
 22 ESSAY ON DEPENDENCE. 
 
 u To give it a trial, I don't see I need fear." 
 So he call'd to the waiter " waiter bring me some beer." 
 Soon the waiter return'd, and though strange to relate, 
 Yet he took up the beer and pour'd some on his plate. 
 Then a piece of his pudding he sopp'd in his beer, 
 And to swallow it tri'd, and made faces most queer, 
 But it would not go down 'twas as stubborn as fate, 
 He ejected the piece, and it fell on his plate. 
 Now the eaters had eagerly watch'd the event, 
 And just at that moment all with hearty consent, 
 A snickering set up, to the end of the room, 
 Which the poor Dandy flung into sullenest gloom. 
 He queri'd the Cit, without asking permission, 
 Didn't you say that to pudding beer was an addition ? 
 "I did" the Cit answer'd, and tho' some folks may stare, 
 " That 'twas any Improvement, I did not declare." 
 To the bottom the eaters quick see the whole thing, 
 And with laughs and loud huzzas they make the room 
 
 ring. 
 
 The Dandy astounded, o'erwhelm'd in afright, 
 Dropp'd his knife and his fork, and was soon out of sight. 
 So the Cit thus reliev'd, pass'd the rest of his stay, 
 With his friend peac 1 ably, till they both went their way. 
 
 ESSAY ON DEPENDENCE. 
 
 'Tis long experience shows the mighty host, 
 Of those who proudly Independence boast ; 
 That men on men dependent still remain, 
 And all are links of the one common chain. 
 Of this world's wealth tho' some great store posses: 
 Still something's wanting to their happiness ; 
 This one or that may have the power to grant, 
 What most they wish for, or what most they want. 
 If our own int'rest to promote we strive, 
 We cause, perhaps, another ones' to thrive ; 
 For while we're destined in this world to stay>
 
 DIRECTION TO THE PRECENTOR 23 
 
 Apparent 'tis, clear as the face of day, 
 All in a greater or a less degree, 
 On some or other live dependently. 
 For rich and poor alternate join to show, 
 From mutual helps, ease, pleasure, profit flow. 
 Such is Dependence, such its daily use, 
 We all our comforts from this source deduce. 
 But there's dependence of a nobler kind, 
 For all depending on the Eternal mind. 
 
 THE WORLD. 
 
 Out on the world it is a tricking elf, 
 
 And cares for no one but its own sweet self. 
 
 ACTION. 
 
 'Tis a shocking affair, 
 Between hope and despair, 
 
 To rest ; 
 
 Then the plan to pursue, 
 That advises to do, 
 
 Is best. 
 
 DIRECTION TO THE PRECENTOR. 
 
 Don't set the tune too high, 
 Don't set the tune too low ; 
 
 Don't sing the words too fast, 
 Don't sing the words too slow. 
 
 And last of* all, O, wo of woes ! 
 
 Don't sing a tune that no one knows. 
 
 * Air or Song.
 
 24 MY FIRST WIFE. 
 
 CRIMINAL LAW. 
 
 And shall the Justice of our country sleep, 
 
 Nor from new crimes old rogues and felons keep ? 
 
 Nay but when tri'd, by her impartial breath, 
 
 They're doom'd to fine, imprisonment, or death. 
 
 Thus Judges here the Judge of all obey, 
 
 Nor dread his censure in Heav'ns' judgment day. 
 
 MY FIRST WIFE. 
 
 From the bleak nortli of Erin's shores, 
 Descendant of the Scottish Moores, 
 
 My gentle Alice came ; 
 Safely through ocean's trackless maze, 
 The little barque her charge conveys. 
 
 The Mary was her name. 
 
 Landed in York, her destin'd place, 
 There first I saw her smiling face, 
 
 And losl my youthful heart ; 
 We look'd, we lov'd, ah ! what beside ? 
 She soon became my charming bride, 
 
 'Twas nature, 'twas not art. 
 
 Swiftly our blissful moments pass'd, 
 Too swiftly unimpaired to last, 
 
 And always prove the same ; 
 Three daughters crown'd our nuptial joys. 
 An equal complement of boys, 
 
 Three di'd without a name. 
 
 Full twice ten years and three we gain, 
 While want or plenty in their train, 
 
 Or vex'd or cheer'd our life ; 
 And though our children grew apace, 
 Death came, the foe of all our race, 
 
 And snatch'd away my wife.
 
 PHYSIOGNOMY. 25 
 
 What then, was Heav'n unkind? ah, noJ 
 He took her from a world of wo 
 
 And sav'd her by his grace; 
 For she for many a year before, 
 Had learn'd her Maker to adore, 
 
 And daily seek his face. 
 
 EPITAPH. 
 
 Alice, I linger here below, 
 And count the moments as they flow ; 
 Till God shall fit my soul, my love, 
 To meet thee in his Heav'n above. 
 
 PHYSIOGNOMY, OR FACIAL SKILL. 
 
 Though some by faces, think to tell 
 The secrets of the heart; 
 
 Yet long experience shows it well, 
 To be an erring art. 
 
 For nature's dictates pure and free, 
 As Heaven at first design'd ; 
 
 No longer shine conspicuously, 
 The index of the mind. 
 
 And mankind, practis'd in deceit, 
 With arts their thoughts conceal ; 
 
 Nor will the face detect the cheat, 
 Till time the same reveal. 
 
 Mira, to scan aright a face, 
 
 Would ev'ry art defy ; 
 Now cloudy 'tis, next clear apace, 
 
 And changes like the sky.
 
 ACROSTIC. 
 
 AN IMPORTANT QUERE. 
 
 If from one vice we should abstain, 
 And thereby peace of conscience gain ; 
 What peace would on our conscience fall, 
 Should we abstain from vices all ? 
 
 THE CLERKS ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 Wanted employment for his pen, 
 Immediately, from bus'ness men ; 
 In Office, Coun ting-House or Store, 
 In each of which he's wrote before. 
 He now has leisure on his hands ; 
 And ready and impatient si ands, 
 To have a kindly invitation, 
 To labor in his old vocation. 
 Good names for character he'll give, 
 As any who in New- York live. 
 Those who his services desire, 
 Will of the Printer please inquire. 
 
 ACROSTIC. 
 
 O-r Home, or Foreign, or both these relations, 
 M-ake times bear hard on num'rous occupations ; 
 A-nd though before our Country's coin had wings, 
 N-ow in my pocket low its music sings. .^ 
 S-hut up in Banks or in Insurance vaults, 
 A-ll efflorescent with their humid salts, 
 L-ov'd coin, I cry, why thus increase my pain ? 
 M-oney come out and show thy face again. 
 O-r if audacious, thou this summons spurn, 
 N-orth River's current on Wall-street I'll turn.
 
 CURSORY THOUGHTS ON WEDLOCK. 2T- 
 
 " JOVI QUAM HOMINI FIDERE PR^ESTAT." 
 
 Let 
 
 He'd 
 
 things go as they may or can, 
 'd rather trust in God than man. 
 
 CURSORY THOUGHTS ON WEPLOCKJ 
 
 Or the other side of the picture. Addressed to Miss J****, after peru 
 sing her elegant eulogium on the " Married State.'' 
 
 . 
 
 Oh, happiness, to taste thy peaceful fruits, 
 Tend all our aims, our labors and pursuits ; 
 But though thy charms the minds of all invite, 
 Yet few there are who seek for thee aright. 
 Many who've sought thee otherwise, would fain 
 In marriage hope thy blessing to obtain ; 
 But few who venture on the marri'd slate, 
 But soon or later mourn their ill starr'd fate. 
 Some for a handsome face their freedom barter, 
 And when too late, they find they've caught a Tartar^ 
 While some have got an idle spendthrift mate, 
 Who in one month would spend a whole estate. 
 Some women, truly, do make happy wives, 
 And are the comfort of their husbands' lives ; 
 But do, my Mary, cast a look around, 
 And see, how rarely, these are to be found. 
 I can, where you show one that's kind and true, 
 Point out a score of idlers to your view ; 
 That for one virtue have of vices ten, '.n^ 
 To tease, to plague, nay punish us poor men. 
 Whose fair externals, oft contain within 
 A treach'rous heart, and prone to ev'ry sin. 
 Too partial you to utter such a stricture, j u g 
 You'd only view the one side of the picture. 
 Yet know, I think your sentiments are just, 
 If right I've read them; and I humbly trust. 
 If you but practise what you'd inculcate,
 
 THE HONEST LAWYER. 
 
 You'll find a tender, fond, endearing mate. 
 Since then no flattery I've used, 
 Think not.your sex by me abus'd ; 
 But in my wish believe me ferv'nt. 
 Dear Miss, your most Obdt. Servt. 
 
 EPIGRAM ON A CONVERTED BUTCHER. 
 
 Do you know neighbour John has commenc'd a new life 7 
 
 Folks say he's religiously good ! 
 I'm sure I'm glad of it for you know, many years 
 
 His hand has shed innocent blood: 
 
 THE HONEST LAWYER. 
 
 'Tis not a thousand miles from hence^ 
 
 Nor thousand years ago, 
 When this said farce was carri'd on, 
 
 As we intend to show. 
 
 'Twas in Virginia's sultry clime^ 
 Where Phoebus fiercely glows 
 
 A Lawyer liv'd, of little note, 
 For so our story goes. 
 
 The reason why ? he was full young, 
 
 And also, too take heed ; 
 It was not long he had obtain'd, 
 
 A license, for to plead. 
 
 But still, to speak in common phrase, 
 All those who knew him, could 
 
 With truth and justice, well pronounce; 
 His character was good.
 
 THE HONEST LAWYER. 29 
 
 i 
 
 A Parson to this Lawyer came, 
 
 And begg'd he'd use his art; 
 And aid him well in an affair, 
 
 Which he. had much at heart. 
 
 Says he, " unto one of my flock, 
 
 I owe a trifling sum ; 
 For which the man unto my house, 
 
 Full many a time did come. 
 
 But I some pretext always found, 
 
 To turn him from my door ; 
 As saying I would pay next time, 
 
 Or pleading I was poor. 
 
 HP 
 So when from me he naught could get 
 
 But promises, he saw ; 
 He tries another way, and has 
 
 Recourse unto the Law. 
 
 Now I could pay him off o' hand, 
 
 If I were so inclin'd ; 
 But that the wretch to sue me dares, 
 
 Doth sorely grieve my mind. 
 
 I have already let you know, 
 
 The debt I don't dispute ; 
 Yet still 'tis my request to you 
 
 That you defend the suit. 
 
 Inform me then upon what day, 
 
 You find it will commence ; 
 I will attend, for it I make, 
 
 A matter of con-sci-ence. 
 
 r I * f . I J A f ' J "* Z J 
 
 And, now whatever else remains, 
 
 That you should do for me ; 
 You know already, I suppose, 
 
 So pray, sir, what's your fee ?" 
 c*
 
 THE HONEST LAWYER. 
 
 A Joe, sir, is the very least r 
 
 I can afford to take ; 
 Oh ! that is too extravagant, 
 
 A Joe ? for mercy's sake ! 
 
 " If in this suit you interest 
 
 Your conscience, d'ye see ; 
 It is but just that I should have r 
 
 A conscientious fee. 
 
 " Then here it is, and fare you weH, 
 
 I'll see you soon again; 
 So do, sir, pray defend the suit, 
 
 With all your: might and main." 
 
 This said, our Parson soon mov'd off, 
 
 As brisk as any bee ; 
 The Lawyer laugh'd within his sleeve,. 
 
 And pocketed his fee. 
 
 PART II. 
 
 And now at Court, the day arrived; 
 
 The Lawyer took good care 
 To warn his Client, previously, 
 
 So he, of course, was there. 
 
 Then see him stand in open Court, 
 
 Impatiently attending 
 To ev'ry suit before his own, 
 
 That in its turn was pending. 
 
 And now in order next came on, 
 The suit against him brought,. 
 
 While anxious thoughts his mind pervade, 
 With, expectation fraught. 
 
 o when the plaintiffs Lawyer urg'd,. 
 The debt was justly due ;.
 
 31 
 
 The Parson's Lawyer started up. 
 And stood confess'd to view. 
 
 And turning round unto the Courlv 
 
 He them did thus address : 
 " My Client, sirs, the debt does own,- 
 
 So judgment I confess." 
 
 But when our Parson this did hear> 
 
 Quite motionless he stood ; 
 Surprise had fix'd him firmly as 
 
 A stone or piece of wood. 
 
 Yet from his sad surprise at length, 
 
 Recov'ring by degrees, 
 And op'd his eyes, as wak'd from sleep, 
 
 The Lawyer near him sees. 
 
 And looking grave he takes his hand,. 
 
 And says, " pray tell me, friend ; 
 That cause just tri'd, was it the one, 
 
 I feed you to defend?" 
 
 "It was the same, and I suppose 
 
 You heard how it did go ?" 
 " I did, and think 'twas illy done, 
 
 In you to serve me so." 
 
 " Why, if my mem'ry fail me not, 
 
 Then this be my defence ; 
 I think you said, ' this suit I make 
 
 A matter of con-sci-ence." 
 
 " Suppose I had in your defence,. 
 
 Got up and li'd a while ; 
 As a good man, could you this with: 
 
 Your conscience reconcile ?
 
 J2 THE HONEST LAWYER. 
 
 " Or could you think, that I with it r 
 Thus like a knave would trifle ; 
 
 Or did you meanly think my own, 
 Your paltry Joe could stifle ? 
 
 " Now don't you see that any man. 
 
 Can with a deal of ease, 
 No matter what his station is, 
 
 Be honest if he please ?" 
 
 " Enough, enough," the Parson cri'd, 
 
 " I feel I'm rightly serv'd ; 
 I own my error, nor deny, 
 
 From rectitude I've swerv'd. 
 
 " And now for what I've learn'd this day. 
 
 My warmest thanks accept ; 
 As for your sake it always shall, 
 
 Be in my mem'ry kept." 
 
 And to his praise let it be said, 
 
 He alter'd not his mind ; 
 But to our Lawyer ever since 
 
 Has prov'd exceeding kind. 
 
 For 'mongst his friends and neighbors, oft 
 
 He would repeat the tale ; 
 And they to others we suppose, 
 
 To tell it did not fail. 
 
 For soon this Lawyer's practice came 
 
 To be exceeding great ; 
 No doubt it chanc'd from what of him, 
 
 The Parson did relate. 
 
 ; * .' 
 Now hoping both in future will 
 
 Mind well their sev'ral stations ; 
 We for the present them will leave 
 
 Unto their meditations.
 
 YOUTH AND OLD AGE 33 
 
 Stat nominis umbra. Junius. 
 
 Lest some should think I too much covet fame, 
 Stand an umbrageous for my real name. 
 
 ANOTHER. 
 
 
 
 Just so sure as a leaf betokens a tree, 
 
 So let a feiffn'd name stand a shadow for me* 
 
 O 
 
 YOUTH AND OLD AOE. 
 
 Swift does the blood through youthful art'ries glide,. 
 Thrown from life's seat in a plethoric tide ; 
 The fruitful source of active limb and mind, 
 And quick performance of the thing design'd.. 
 Sanguine the hopes that wait on ev'ry plan, 
 How gay the prospects of the op'ning man ; 
 Onward he urges his impetuous way, 
 Nor heeds the counsels that advise delay, 
 "Oh! stay thy course, converse with men sedate, 
 Lest thou repent thee when it is too late ; 
 Nature presents a thousand things that smile 
 Which only may be fitted to beguile." 
 " I hear thee Age, but honor, pleasure, wealth, 
 Court and demand my youthful days of health^ 
 And till I've fully, fairly Iri'd them each, 
 To other ears go, Age, thy maxims preach." 
 
 Omne tulit punctum, 
 
 Qui miscuit utile dulci. Horace. 
 
 If you your readers' minds would fix, 
 " The pleasing with the useful mix ;" 
 Sure as rheumatics squeeze each joint, 
 Old Flaccus says you've gain'd your point..
 
 34 DISAPPOINTED IN LOVE. 
 
 THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, CORNER OF ANN STREET AND 
 BROADWAY, 
 
 Was "founded [A. D.] eighteen hundred ten," 
 A rare memento on its front, what then ? 
 The meaning is, if rightly I presage, 
 It is just one and twenty years of age; 
 Aye, more than that, I dare and will engage, 
 It asks a lib'ral public's patronage. 
 Its store so vast, so elegant, so grand, 
 'Tis not surpassed by any in our Land. 
 Then let it feel its patrons fost'ring care, 
 Of future favors taste a copious share. 
 
 - 
 
 .,< :.*;! iaoTt rmo-IT 
 
 DISAPPOINTED IN LOVE. 
 
 There is a rash and a fatal road, 
 
 That leads the soul from her mortal abode ; 
 
 Swift as the arrow that speeds from the bow, 
 
 Down to the regions of sorrow and wo. 
 
 Where the music that thrills through those mansions be 
 
 neath, 
 
 Is weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth ; 
 And the howling of Devils avenging their pain, 
 On the souls whom their malice has cheated and slain. 
 Oh horrible sight, oh ponder the thought ; 
 The soul is immortal and not form'd for naught, 
 But destined by him who eternally reigns, 
 For infinite pleasures or infinite pains. 
 But now the solemn question's pressing, 
 To ask, to answer, how distressing ! 
 What baleful influence with seductive power, 
 Steals o'er the soul in an unguarded hour ; 
 Lulls ev'ry fear, and makes it play the knave 
 With all its blooming hopes beyond the grave? 
 Oh could the spirit, that bodiless thing, 
 One moment obtain, how, on rapidest wing,
 
 EPITAPH ON A HARD DRINKER. 35 
 
 It would fly to this earth and the question decide, 
 Declaring to all it was martifi'd pride ! 
 Oh pride, thou fall of angels and of men, * 
 When will God's mercy drive thee to thy den ; 
 Thee, and thy father, and thy mother Sin, 
 Seal'd up, ye fiends, eternally shut in ? 
 And now, ye yoliths, for some of you I saw 
 With silent steps and thoughtful faces draw 
 Near to the coffin, gazing through the end, 
 At the pale face of your departed friend, 
 Now while the sight is present to each eye, 
 This warning take from Wisdom's gen'ral cry; 
 " My son, be wise, from ev'ry sin depart, 
 And guard, oh guard the issues of thy heart ; 
 Secure the friendship of thy God, my son, 
 And he'll protect thee from the wicked one. 
 Then if grim death should call thee away, 
 From thy friends in the morning of life's short day, 
 When'they're summon'd the last sad tribute lo pay, 
 With joy in the earlh they'll deposit thy clay, 
 Not doubting thou wilt at the grand rising morn, 
 As his jewel the crown of thy Saviour adorn." 
 And, oh, ye fathers, and ye mothers dear, 
 Your duty and your interest is clear ; 
 Train up your children in a godly way, 
 They'll not forget it at a later day. 
 Religion, Religion, the soul's main stay, 
 When the earth and the sea shall both flee away, 
 Possess us through life, that when call'd on to die, 
 We may reign with our Saviour triumphant on high. 
 - f* y / n \i j IxiJt.-o 
 
 . _ . ' : < v.f o! tcniV 
 
 EPITAPH ON A HARD DRINKER. 
 
 ,w.f 
 
 Can'st tell the reason why in life's fair prime, 
 He had to quit the shallow shores of time ? 
 Few were his solids, either meat or meal, 
 He liv'd by suction, like a lamper eel.
 
 36 FREE MASONRY. 
 
 WHAT YOU PLEASE. 
 
 I thought I would a piece compose, 
 One line in rhyme and one in prose. 
 
 I suppose you need not be told, 
 
 That hot love is soon cold ; 
 
 With grief it also holds good, 
 
 Now in pleasant, next in doleful mood ; 
 
 And truly it ought to be so ; 
 
 For who to himself is so much a foe ; 
 
 To allow incessant grief to destroy, 
 
 All his pleasures all his joy ? 
 
 We should be wretched mortals truly, 
 
 Always to grieve, nor treat life's crosses cooly. 
 
 Has not Nature sufficient charms, 
 
 To lure thee from fell melancholy's arms ? 
 
 Look in any direction you please, 
 
 All is for your comfort and your ease. 
 
 Dismiss your gloom, then, wear a smiling face, 
 
 Your grief will of itself wear off apace ; 
 
 And unto sorrow joy shall soon succeed, 
 
 And quick eradicate each bitter weed, 
 
 That would contentment's genlle growth impede. 
 
 AN ODE ON FREE MASONRY. 
 
 Illum'd by Reason's feebler rays, 
 Thus sang the Bard in youthful days. 
 
 When lofty themes themselves present, 
 Unto my mind's enlighten'd eye ; 
 
 I would thy pleasing paths frequent, 
 Sweet maid whose name is poesy; 
 
 I'd ask thine aid in ev'ry strait, 
 
 Assur'd thou would'st not tell me wrong
 
 THE HEADLESS SPECTRE. 37 
 
 But gently whisper while I wait, 
 
 " Fond youth I'll help thee in thy song." 
 
 " Say, then," the Heav'n-taught Muse began, 
 
 " They who Religion's truths confess, 
 Own that slje can for fallen man, 
 
 Insure eternal happiness. 
 But if all men she can't allure, 
 
 To love their brethren as they ought ; 
 Whatever will that end insure, 
 
 Is with the noblest purpose fraught. 
 
 See then, in mystic dress array'd, 
 
 In Masonry 'tis realized; 
 'Tis she Religion's cause would aid, 
 
 And make her more than ever prized. 
 She would enforce that great command, 
 
 Which from sent down by Heav'n above, 
 And teach all men in ev'ry land, 
 
 Their Brethren as themselves to love." 
 
 f.tr sifhn/. .' 
 Is this, oh! Masonry, thine aim. 
 
 In bonds fraternal to unite ; 
 With thy pure precepts to reclaim, 
 
 And bid all men to do aright ? 
 Then while on earth man can be found, 
 
 Till night and day shall cease to be ; 
 Thine influence still diffuse around, 
 
 And ever flourish Masonry. 
 
 THE HEADLESS SPECTRE, OR THE SOLEMN WARNING. 
 
 Death can send his solemn warning, 
 As well at night as in the morning. 
 
 The Mail-man left the office by day, 
 And jogg'd along on his nag ; 
 
 D
 
 38 THE HEADLESS SPECTRE. 
 
 A goodly steed, as judges might say, 
 With his well-fill'd Letter Bag. 
 
 His journey lay through a portion fair, 
 
 In a state of culture high ; 
 Of land, as good as any in air 
 
 Was view'd by the Eagle's eye. 
 
 His road was such as it pleas'd folks then, 
 But not as they now quite are ; 
 
 The trav'ling was by horses and men, 
 But not in a Rail-Road Car. 
 
 And now a part of the road he ncars, 
 
 Bewooded on either side ; 
 'Twas gloomy enough to awaken his fears, 
 
 But he was used to the ride. 
 
 The Moon was shining in lustre, high 
 
 O'er all the country around ; 
 And he was lost, as he view'd the sky, 
 
 And buried in thoughts profound. 
 
 Just then he enter'd the wooded place^ 
 'Twas silent and drear as death ; 
 
 And all was calm as the Moon's bright face. 
 And the wind blew not a breath. 
 
 Anon he hears behind him the sound 
 
 Of another horse's feet ; 
 But he still rides on, nor turns him round ; 
 
 But straightens him in his seat. 
 
 For he thought it might be some traveller, 
 Who his side would rather choose ; 
 
 And converse bland to silence prefer, 
 And thus each other amuse.
 
 THE HEADLESS SPECTRE. 39 
 
 But as he rode on, no nearer came 
 The sound of the strange horse's feet; 
 
 The distance appear'd to be the same, 
 As his ear at first did greet. 
 
 Now by this time he'd arrived mid-way, 
 
 Of the wooded length of road ; 
 He turn'd, he saw but oh what dismay, 
 
 His heart in his visage show'd ! 
 
 He saw how strange ! 'twas startling to view 
 
 His own horsc-'s form confess'd ; 
 Saddle and bridle and mail-bag too, 
 
 As on his rear it press'd. 
 
 His own form mounted he saw, astride 
 
 Of the shadow'y horse's back ; 
 And indeed 'twas queer to see it ride, 
 
 While the form a head did lack. 
 
 Oh then he gave to his horse the spur, 
 
 And he streak'd it like the wind ; 
 Yet clearly he heard the Spectre's whir, 
 
 And the horse's tramp behind. 
 
 But now he had gain'd the open ground, 
 
 Of the wooded road in advance, 
 He check'd his horse, and, partly turn'd round, 
 
 He view'd the Spectre askance. 
 
 He'd stopp'd on the edge of the hither half, 
 
 Of the wooded road, the sprite ; 
 And he set up a horrible laugh, 
 
 And vanish'd from out his sight ! 
 
 PART THE SECOND. 
 
 And now our long tale draws nigh to a close, 
 We've made it in rhyme, though we heard it in prose ;
 
 THE HEADLESS SPECTRE. 
 
 And the actors have left this vale of wo, 
 Some forty or fifty long years ago. 
 
 Our mail-man mused on the sight he'd just seen, 
 So novel to him ^aye, what could it mean ? 
 - Or came it a foe, or came it a friend, 
 Or evil or good did the Spectre portend ? 
 
 If 'twas good, in what, he could not conceive, 
 Or what of his comforts, if evil, bereave ; 
 So while in his brain such reas'nings pass'd through, 
 The spires of old Gotham were heaving in view. 
 
 He thought in himself, When I've arriv'd there, 
 To the house of my friend Gen'ral M*** I'll repair; 
 111 tell him my tale of the Headless Sprite, 
 And the cause he, mayhap, will resolve of my fright. 
 
 His mail then secured and his horse besides, 
 Through streets and through lanes he rapidly glides ; 
 The coast being clear, it was no great while, 
 Ere he stood on the stoop of his friend's domicile. 
 
 He knock d at the door, the door open'd wide, 
 And closely his friend, quickly stood by his side j 
 What is it, thought he, can the mail-man ail, 
 His visage so ghastly, so thoughtful, so pale ? 
 
 " Come in, come in, and, my friend take a seat, 
 A ghost hast thou seen ? relate I entreat ; 
 Thy visage so long, and so pale is thy face, 
 Some one thing or other must be out of place !" 
 
 The Mail-man opened his mouth full wide, 
 And, his eyes turn'd up, he told of his ride; 
 He look'd to the Gen'ral, the cause to explain,. 
 His looks and his waiting, alas ! were in vain.
 
 NEW-YORK. 41 
 
 His friend sold chandlery by the piece or lot, 
 
 Of the law that rul'd sprites, his friend ken'd 'e"m not ; 
 
 So he said if he'd go straightway to bed, 
 
 He'd find all his fears by morning had fled. 
 
 To a Hotel, hard by, he then repairs, 
 He ask'd for lodgings, was lighted up stairs ; 
 We cannot tell what were his dreams that night, 
 Or pleasant they were, or fill'd with afright. 
 
 By times next morn from his bed he arose, 
 And as he was wont, he put on his clothes ; 
 He fell down the stairs, and not a word spoke 
 As they rais'd him up for his neck was broke. 
 
 FAS EST AB HOSTE DOCERI. 
 
 That good instruction never should be spurn'd, 
 Which may from e'en an enemy be learn'd. 
 
 NEW-YORK, ADDRESSED TO S. WOODWORTH & CO. 
 
 Kind sirs, I greet you on your enterprise ; 
 You've chose a subject of no trifling size; 
 New-York ! New- York ! and there the mind intent, 
 Hangs o'er the words in mute astonishment. 
 Search fire and water, next try earth and air, 
 To which of these can you New- York compare ? 
 Was e'er poor Poet in so sad a case ? 
 Is it a hill, a mountain, or a place ? 
 Pish ! says a Prig in definition skill'd, 
 'Tis a small spot of ground with houses fill'd ; 
 It crooked lanes and obscure alleys claims, 
 And streets abundant with all sorts of names, 
 Two rapid rivers, Hudson and the Sound, 
 D*
 
 4* NEW-YORK. 
 
 Join'd with fam'd Harlem, close it in all round. 
 
 This is New-York, pray is the picture true ? 
 
 Why all the length that you have gone, 'twill do; 
 
 But if Grace Church is not without a steeple, 
 
 Then surely, sir, you have forgot the people, 
 
 Who o'er its streets in busy masses trip, 
 
 From Broadway's height, down to the Whitehall slip; 
 
 Nor have their arts, nor their devices shown, 
 
 By which they rich and opulent have grown ; 
 
 Nor nam'd those piles which strike the raptur'd view 
 
 Built for Religion, bus'ness, pleasure too r 
 
 Ah, Poet ! now I ween what you're about, 
 
 You from- your theme would spin a poem out. 
 
 Now, Poet, take not thou my words amiss, 
 
 I have no head for such a work as this. 
 
 Yet listen, sir, until my plan you hear, 
 
 For should you have no head ! you have an ear. 
 
 Yes, you are right, I feel my mind soar high, 
 
 And view the subject with a Poet's eye. 
 
 New- York ! I hail thee, destin'd by the fates,. 
 
 The future Mistress of the United States. 
 
 Thy noble rivers and thy spacious bay, 
 
 Where four gay isles imbedded in it lay ; 
 
 Placed near the sea, afford a safe retreat, 
 
 To the lone ship, or to the num'rous fleet. 
 
 There have I seen alternately unfurl'd, 
 
 The waving glory of the trading \vorld. 
 
 Oh could fell war with its dire evils cease, 
 
 And the tired world enjoy an honest peace ; 
 
 Then would Europa's stately barks resort, 
 
 With precious burdens to thy friendly port ; 
 
 And waft away from out thy teeming stores, 
 
 Thy surplus produce to far distant shores. 
 
 And sister states their wonted gains pursue, 
 
 And pour their wealth through ev'ry avenue ; 
 
 From Orleans' Island to the Mountain green, 
 
 Into thy lap, O thou mercantile Queen ! 
 
 So, sir, what think you of this rhapsody ? 
 
 Oh, quite poetic, sir, 'twixt you and me >
 
 DISCORD. 43 
 
 But, pray, where are you minded it shall go ? 
 
 Why to New-York "To S. Woodworth & Co." 
 
 Say, hav'nt you noticed what a dashing caper, 
 
 They've lately cut in the Mercantile paper ? 
 
 Yet to their praise let it be said, they're wise, 
 
 They all the credit won't monopolize. 
 
 Then where's the harm if we cut in along, 
 
 And help them out in their intended song ? 
 
 If it should but the public ordeal pass, 
 
 'Twill give a name more durable than brass.* 
 
 Then let chaste poetry for ever live, 
 
 And in your Book to Kelmonezer give 
 
 A little niche, a little sprig of bay, 
 
 And he's rewarded for his well-meant lay. 
 
 A LAW MAXIM, VERSIFIED. 
 
 Lex neminem cogit ad vana seu impossibilia. 
 
 The law forces no one, neither woman nor man, 
 To do any thing vain, or beyond what they can. 
 
 ROGUES FALLING OUT. 
 
 When rogues fall out, don't be affrighted, 
 For honest men will then be righted. 
 
 DISCORD. 
 
 Malignant, cruel, fierce, outrageous clashings, 
 Compare we to infernal lightning's flashings. 
 
 * ./Ere perennium.
 
 44 THE CORRECT LAWYER. 
 
 GREATER AND LESSER THINGS. 
 
 All lesser must to greater things give way, 
 And be postpon'd until some later day. 
 
 ' NOT AT HOME. 
 
 Whence came the custom, or from Greece or Rome, 
 
 To bid the servants say "he's not at home ?" 
 
 While he to whom the master was denied, 
 
 Knew well, full well, the instructed servant lied. 
 
 But let it come from far, or whence it will, 
 
 The odious practice is in being still. 
 
 Could we not name of would-be great men scores, 
 
 Who send this lying message to their doors ? 
 
 Oh what a precious lesson for our youth, 
 
 By times to teach them to belie the truth ! 
 
 And do her bonds, involve no crime when broke, 
 
 Those sacred bonds which they treat as a joke ? 
 
 Yet once a learned Jewish King decreed, 
 
 Naught could in strength the naked truth exceed. 
 
 Himself the Truth our Saviour too declares, 
 
 And where's the man to contradict him dares ? 
 
 Think then, ye liars, in the world to come, 
 
 Shall Heav'n or Hell be your enduring home I 
 
 THE CORRECT LAWYER; OR A GENERAL RCLE WITHOUT 
 AN EXCEPTION. 
 
 Hav'nt you heard folks say since you came out o' school, 
 Without an exception there's no general rule ! 
 Yet this you will own or the grammar discard, 
 The "gamma" in Greek you must always sound hard. 
 The Lawyer an assertion made, 
 The Judge soon stopp'd him short ;
 
 EPITAPH. 45 
 
 The Lawyer prov'd the judge was wrong, 
 
 By the above retort. 
 When you on matters of import decide, 
 Don't let your terms be too unqualified. 
 
 CICERO SATS THAT "TEARS SOON DRY UP. 
 
 So small is the containing cup, 
 Tears last not long, but soon dry up. 
 
 FRIENDLY TERMINATION OF A DISPUTE. 
 
 .>:w.:! fa (as; jitaoy sirfj lis 
 
 There let it in perpetual silence lie, 
 Till you, and I, and all the world shall die. 
 
 EPITAPH. 
 
 Body ! with others 'tis thy lot, 
 
 To moulder here in church-yard dust ; 
 Sleep on, thou shall not be forgot, 
 
 When the last trumpet wakes the just. 
 
 ANOTHER. 
 
 Our life is a vapor, quick passing away, 
 
 But Faith is a taper, by whose shining ray, 
 
 The City we view, at the end of the race, 
 
 Where God and the Lamb, are the light of the place.
 
 46 AN ELEGY. 
 
 AN ELEGY ON THE DEATH OF A FRIEND. 
 
 Assist Melpomene, thou weeping muse ; 
 Do not fair mourner the sad call refuse ; 
 But let thy tears and mine conjointly flow, 
 To pay the tribute which to worth we owe. 
 
 Ah then he's gone the way of all our world ! 
 Death's greedy tyrant, at his bosom hurl'd 
 The fatal dart that stopp'd his vital breath, 
 And seal'd his eyelids in the sleep of death. 
 
 Thus some tall tree that graced the mountain's brow, 
 Beneath the woodman's fatal axe lies low ; 
 In manhood's vigor just prepar'd to bloom, 
 So fell this youth and met his early tomb. 
 
 Kind Nature, lavish of her charms, bestow'd 
 A winning form where manly beauty glow'd ; 
 But nobler beauties far his mind possess'd, 
 T With truth, with virtue, and with knowledge bless'd. 
 
 Alas ! that form so comely in our sight, 
 
 Is now no longer fitted to delight ; 
 
 The spirit's flown, and who can tell us where ? 
 
 Yet Heav'n-born hope forbids us to despair. 
 
 O'er him fair friendship shed the falling tear, 
 To him thy sacred name was ever dear ; 
 Firm to the test his noble soul stood true, 
 With gen'rous ardor paid affection's due. 
 
 A friend he had 'tis now his mournful lot 
 
 In silent grief to view the lonely spot, 
 
 Where his friend's pale, extended corpse lies bound, 
 
 By Death's strong fetters in the clay-cold ground. 
 
 But Hope, fair Hope revives the aching soul, 
 Where grief and sorrow reign'd without control ;
 
 EPITAPH. 47 
 
 Points to the joys that are reserv'd in store, 
 By Nature's God whom virtue's sons adore. 
 
 Yes, much lov'd youth, thy God himself prepares 
 A sure reward, relief from all thy cares ; 
 Methinks I see thy spirit wing its flight, 
 Up to the realms of never-fading light. 
 
 Then fare the well, thou dear departed shade ; 
 Remembrance fond shall oft impart her aid ; 
 Ingenuous sorrow well perform her part, 
 To keep thy mem'ry fix'd within my heart. 
 
 EPITAPH ON A CERTAIN SEA CAPTAIN. 
 
 Full oft he cross'd the raging main, 
 To India's clime and back again ; 
 But since his voyage of life is o'er, 
 Let's meet him on fair Canaan's shore. 
 
 ANOTHER. 
 
 We all must to 
 
 The world of spirits go, 
 And dwell in endless bliss 
 
 Or endless wo ; 
 Yet he who in 
 
 His Maker's favor dies, 
 Shall live to reign 
 With him above the skies. 
 
 ANOTHER. 
 
 Long her patient spirit bore 
 Her Heavenly father's rod ; 
 
 Till he bade that spirit soar, 
 To the embraces of its God.
 
 48 FORTUNE'S TWO HANDS. 
 
 ON THE DEATH OF A RELIGIOUS LADY OF THIS CITY. 
 
 Greedy Death, pale terror's king, 
 
 Bends his bow and draws the string ; 
 
 Swift the unerring arrow flies, 
 
 And in her breast transfix'd it lies. 
 
 But not her soul, oh Death 's thy prize ! 
 
 It claims its mansion in the skies ; 
 
 Then, monster, boast thy wondrous skill, 
 
 Of the dead body lake thy fill ; 
 
 Till from the grave high Heaven's king, 
 
 Bid it mount up on swiftest wing. 
 
 All beauteous as the first born sons of light, 
 
 And meet its soul with glory beaming bright. 
 
 To taste that bliss which was, as Truth has said, 
 
 For such prepared before our world was made, 
 
 EPITAPH ON A DEPARTED WIFE. 
 
 Thus, dearest, we our Maker's call obey, 
 
 And thus the living turns to lifeless clay ; 
 
 Since then thou'st 'scap'd this world of wo and pain, 
 
 May Heav'n our " loss make thine eternal gain." 
 
 FORTUNE S TWO HANDS; INDUSTRY AND FRUGALITY, AN 
 APOTHEGM VERSIFIED. 
 
 Fortune alike with other dames 
 
 A right as well as left hand claims ; 
 
 For Industry her right is fam'd, 
 
 Frugality her left is nam'd. 
 
 And would folks heed this as they should, 
 
 Less oft they'd call her bad than good.
 
 ORATORY. 49 
 
 ORATORY OF THE FORUM AND THE PULPIT. 
 
 In books both sacred and profane we're told, 
 
 How high they valued Orators of old ; 
 
 To hear Demosthenes 'gainst Philip thunder, 
 
 You with the sage Athenians would wonder, 
 
 How words and gestures skilfully combined, 
 
 Possess such power to captivate the mind. 
 
 That e'en the coward while his voice he hears, 
 
 Thinks but of Philip and forgets his fears ; 
 
 And list'ning hosts cry, as a single man, 
 
 Perish the haughty Macedonian ! 
 
 Pass we from Greece and now on Roman earth, 
 
 That far famed land, which gave great Cicero birth, 
 
 And in the Senate seated see him rise, 
 
 While all attentive fix on him their eyes. 
 
 He speaks to Cataline, who, lost to shame, 
 
 Would wrap Rome's city in the midnight flame. 
 
 Next to the Senate arm, for danger's nigh, 
 
 And shortly you or Cataline must die. 
 
 Deep in their minds his pond'rous words descend ; 
 
 Fierce they survey their foe and pleas'd their friend. 
 
 On" rush their legions with impetuous roar, 
 
 The abandon'd Cat'line falls to rise no more. 
 
 But while we grant to Greece and Rome their due, 
 
 Still other lands have had their speakers too ; 
 
 How many Orators does Britain boast, 
 
 Her indigenes say what a mighty host ? 
 
 And were we vain, we'd ask, Do any foil 
 
 The nervous speakers of our native soil ? 
 
 Yet ere the subject to a close we draw, 
 
 We'll view the champions of another law ; 
 
 Thousands have plead for justice, yet, forsooth, 
 
 Millions have pleaded in the cause of truth. 
 
 Among the last behold the Apostle Paul, 
 
 Stand forth truth's champion in the Pragtor's hall ; 
 
 And while he hears him of the Judgment treat, 
 
 How the stern Roman trembles in his seat ! 
 
 Mark his reply : " For this time go thy way,
 
 50 THE FIRE PIPE. 
 
 I'll hear thee of this thing another day." 
 
 In Truth's fair cause how keen his every word, 
 
 Like a dividing, piercing, two-edg'd sword ! 
 
 Apollos too, how eloquent his tongue ! 
 
 What list'ning thousands on his accents hung! 
 
 A simple tale hear Kephas next impart, 
 
 Three thousand souls are smitten to the heart ! 
 
 Such were the Christain Orators of old, 
 
 Who nobly plead for Truth and not for gold. 
 
 Oh, we would feel ourselves supremely bless'd, 
 
 If of such gen'rous, ardent souls possess'd : 
 
 Yet if we can't such excellence attain, 
 
 Why should we count our labor wholly vain ? 
 
 There's set before us as a mark a prize, 
 
 To which it is our privilege to rise ; 
 
 In goodness there are depths, and lengths, and heights, 
 
 To which Religion all of us invites. 
 
 Her once attain'd we all our force should bend, 
 
 Fair Truth in words and actions to defend ; 
 
 For her the powers of speech should cultivate, 
 
 Till Heav'fl promote us to a better state. 
 
 THE FIRE PIPE. 
 
 Or grave amusement of the Fathers of the City of Gotham, some ten 
 or twelve years agone, as enacted by them in committee of the whole. 
 
 Each one in his senses most freely consents, 
 
 That Fire's the fiercest of all elements. 
 
 The Earth may fall on you, and crush you to death, 
 
 And immers'd in the water 'twill soon stop your breath ; 
 
 To be sure you may now and then suffer from air, 
 
 But with Fire's fell influence naught can compare. 
 
 Yet while this assertion with boldness we make, 
 
 We enter this caveat, pray don't mistake, 
 
 We mean nothing more than the fire of matter, 
 
 Which if ta'en as a former succumbs to a latter;
 
 THE FIRE PIPE. 51 
 
 With ease a few Engines the first may control, 
 
 But who can extinguish that fire the soul ? 
 
 Now here let who will, we will not engage, 
 
 But solely to hint, not instruct this wise age ; 
 
 We have Newtons enough, who could all the day long, 
 
 Hidden causes explain, or in prose, or in song. 
 
 Then away to the point we'd have chiefly in hand ; 
 
 And thou Fancy be still, and thou Fact take command. 
 
 A monstrous uproar lately chanced in our City, 
 
 At which some cried shame, others said 'twas a pity, 
 
 On some night of the month which has now pass'd away, 
 
 All the bells rang for fire, but not for a fray. 
 
 Yet just so it happen'd, and who could prevent it, 
 
 And who will pretend to say who it was sent it ? 
 
 Though we all know this world is abundant in crosses, 
 
 And underlings quarrel and so do their Bosses ; 
 
 As 'tis with two persons so 'tis with a nation, 
 
 'Twas a quarrel before, now an accommodation ; 
 
 And with the old Sage, with the same eyes we see, 
 
 And cry, " oh 'tis pleasant for friends to agree !" 
 
 Then the breach being heal'd and no longer existing, 
 
 And all is fair play, and no turning nor twisting, 
 
 We'll view the whole ground, as wound up in a frolick, 
 
 In which were Dram. Per., the whole "lot and tetolick," 
 
 Of Bosses 'bove Bosses whose right is undoubted, 
 
 To "round and to bound" when they Discord have 
 
 routed ; 
 
 In a twinkling they all now with one voice agree, 
 To resolve the whole House 'to a Pipe Committee ! 
 Then the Pipe being screw'd on, ah, ever so tight, 
 Number Two grasp'd it hold with his hand call'd his right, 
 Clean out we will play her, says he, at this meeting, 
 All the while his dexterity each one was greeting. 
 Then up stepp'd number Nine, and began to complain, 
 " The Pipe is too loose, screw, it pray sirs, again." 
 The Pipe was screw'd up, and how wond'rous to mention, 
 Its performance excited a gen'ral attention ! 
 Next came number Three, and the Pipe felt and view'd, 
 For himself and the rest 'twas by far too tight screw'd.
 
 52 THE FIRE PIPE. 
 
 So he moved that some others would take it straight way, 
 And show him their art and their secret to play. 
 Then, as though he'd been called on by name to the Pipe, 
 Number Four stretch'd his hand, and with a strong gripe, 
 He twisted it round, and its charge, without grace 
 Flew straight as an arrow into number Three's face ; 
 And did number Three fly into a passion ? 
 No, no, let me tell you, he's not got that fashion ; 
 But he courteously cried as a man to his brother, 
 "Fire away, my brave fellow, and give us another." 
 But what were his motives, if wrong or if right, 
 We never did ask him, why so impolite, 
 As not to oblige number Three with that douse, 
 He crav'd for himself and some more of the House ? 
 But no doubt this was solv'd by his Honor the Second, 
 Who a skilful Pipe-man has been hitherto reckon'd, 
 He with wonted suavity stretch'd his hand out, 
 And with a small touch turn'd the pipe quite about, 
 That Seven consented is certainly plain; 
 It is right, he exclaim'd, and so let it remain. 
 And in this he was aided as quick as a flash, 
 By a Pipe-man whose name is conceal'd by a dash. 
 At the Pipe number Three once again gave a look 
 Not straight, " it is certain," it has a huge crook. 
 Unless some of the Pipe-men will speedily mend it, 
 I fear their exertions will more and more bend it. 
 Number Nine thought the crook he could plainly discern, 
 " Just there in that spot see the Pipe has a turn." 
 Four Pz'pe-men who acted as Stewards for all, 
 Averr'd that it wanted no mending at all ! 
 Number Nine in a partner was now left to scan, 
 What many men knew, he'd mistaken his "Man." 
 Number Seven would have it acknowledg'd on all hands, 
 The Pipe is just right in the way that it now stands. 
 And now number Three rose up as before, 
 But his Honor the First, would not let him speak more, 
 And the rest of the Pipe-men he had to petition,. 
 Who very good humour'dly granted permission, 
 And then he proceeded to show with much force
 
 MY SECOND WIFE. 53 
 
 That the pipe must be straighten'd, yes, straighten'd' of 
 
 course. 
 
 Number Seven could not understand, by the by, 
 That the pipe was too low, or the pipe was too high, 
 Then a Steward stepp'd up and declar'd to all round, 
 That the pipe was both straight, both solid and sound. 
 Whereupon being tired and sated with play, 
 They ordered the pipe to be taken away, 
 And to let the folks know by means of their papers, 
 That in peace they had ended their wat'ry capers. 
 
 CHORUS OMNIUM. 
 
 Then success to the Pipe, and to those who attend it, 
 All ranks high and low are bound to defend it ; 
 Far off be the time, and still farther than then, 
 It ever shall suffer from water or men. 
 
 MY SECOND WIFE ; OR EARLY COURTSHIP. A. SONNET. 
 
 Fanny is the girl for me, 
 Brisk she is as any bee ; 
 Always cheerful, always gay, 
 Blooming as the flow'rs of May, 
 
 Never sullen, never pouting, 
 Never angry, never flouting ? 
 Laughing, singing all the day 
 Driving grief and care away. 
 
 Giddy, yet her heart is true, 
 Loving me as is my due ; 
 For she well knows that I mean, 
 To make her my little Queem 
 
 E*
 
 54 SECOND COURTSHIP. 
 
 Hymen, come with lighted torch, 
 Lead us to thy Temple's porch - r 
 Join our hearts and join our hands, 
 In thy soft endearing bands. 
 
 With her care shall flee away, 
 Happy I both night and day : 
 With her " brisk as any bee," 
 Fanny is the girl for me. 
 
 MY SECOND COURTSHIP OF MY PRESENT WIFE. 
 
 But there are bars to diff'rent things, 
 To cause them to miscarry ; 
 
 For sure it does not always chance, 
 To woo, and then to marry. 
 
 A mother, in her dotage, oft 
 Between the parties stands ; 
 
 And thwarts their fondest wishes, by 
 Persuasions, or commands. 
 
 And so she was, she whom I would 
 
 Have made my little wife ; 
 Persuaded by her mother dear, 
 
 To lead a single life. 
 
 But Providence whose wise designs,. 
 
 We mortals cannot scan ; 
 Removed her mother from this world, 
 
 And left behind my Fan. 
 
 Years after years had roll'd away, 
 
 With me a married man ; 
 And she a single woman still, 
 
 I mean my little Fan.
 
 PUFFING. 55 
 
 Then Providence as He saw fit, 
 
 Deprived me of my mate ; 
 And left me sorrowing and forlorn 
 
 To prove a widow'd state. 
 
 Soon tired of that I look/d about, 
 
 To find another she ; 
 Companion for myself, and who 
 
 Would.rule my family. 
 
 And who so fit as my first love, 
 
 The serious charge to take ; 
 And where among her sex, could I,. 
 
 A choice more prudent make ? 
 
 I came, I saw, I ask'd consent, 
 
 With naught to intervene ; 
 Consent she gave to be my bride, 
 
 To be my little Queen. 
 
 And now behold, on yonder shor& 
 
 We lead a tranquil life ; 
 And there she looks to end her days,. 
 
 The Poet's happy wife. 
 
 PUFFING . 
 IMPORTANT! ! ! TO THE AMATEURS OF THE FINE ARTS. 
 
 Don Emanuel, Antonio De Biscarrolaso, 
 No. 72 Wall-street, 
 
 Takes this method to show he's a finished professor, 
 As a Tonsor, frizzeur, or in English, Hair-Dresser, 
 And that, having previously sent out his Card, 
 He has gain'd from the Ladies and Gents, much regard. 
 For which he expresses a grateful emotion,
 
 56 THE NEWS CARRIER'S ADDRESS. 
 
 And tenders his aid with all needful devotion ; 
 Though he thinks he may here with much justice insist,. 
 That he spurns at the name of a vile egotist. 
 Yet his merit, though some may be ignorant of it, 
 And as he by it wishes each one may profit ; 
 Imperiously forces, or like it or lump it, 
 Himself, honest fellow, to blow his own trumpet. 
 His friends and the public he therefore informs, 
 That with quacks his profession is crowded in swarms. 
 But their arts he despises, as he, modest creature, 
 Is a Tonsor sans art, for he is one by nature! 
 And he those endowments, believe him the fact is, 
 Has improv'd by a long course of study and practice. 
 As from Spain he came o'er I Aree.months since in a Brig, 
 He knows the true cut of his Majesty's wig ; 
 And besides he's retain'd in his head with much care, 
 The curl of his whiskers, aye, e'en to a hair ! 
 And though to your heads not a hair now attaches, 
 He'll supply you with mammoth or some other scratches. 
 But among his perfections, which all must admire, 
 He ranks his attention to please you much higher, 
 Besides he convinces the most careless gazers, 
 That the phiz is improv'd by his tongs and his razors ; 
 But in this his abilities have not been wanted, 
 For on his own word, you may take it for granted, 
 That his practice has hitherto been among faces, 
 Too good to admit of his polish and graces ! ! [ 
 
 THE NEWS CARRIER S NEW YEAR S ADDRESS TO HIS PA 
 TRONS, 1828. 
 
 One night I dream'd I learned the Printer's trade, 
 Or occupation, as I might have said ; 
 And furthermore methought a brother chip, 
 Enter'd my window with a sudden skip ; 
 Fast by my side he stood : good ! good ! he 
 One way or other still you help the trade.
 
 THE NEWS CARRIER'S ADDRESS. 5? 
 
 While some from care, in sleep, find sweet release, 
 
 You furnish copy for Hal's New Year's piece. 
 
 Come let us hear how far you have progress'd, 
 
 And how repaid you for your want of rest ! 
 
 " While snugly seated round the enlivening fire, 
 
 Bless'd with each comfort which your hearts desire ; 
 
 Say can you deem fond Hal's intention rude, 
 
 One moment on your patience to intrude ? 
 
 That he intends to tell you, don't suppose 
 
 In plaintive accents of unreal woes j 
 
 This thought's removed far from his honest heart, 
 
 He scorns to act a vile deceiver's part." 
 
 "Now this reads well, your verse sounds wond'rous 
 
 mellow, 
 
 But let me tell you Hal's a pleasant fellow ; 
 And knows the views and wishes of his patrons, 
 Differ as wide as maidens do from matrons. 
 What would you then ? no plan is sketch'd by Hal, 
 To make his piece, or grave, or comical. 
 Now mark me well, and don't mistake, my Boy, 
 But keep a steady eye on Hal's employ. 
 Aye, now I think your meaning well I ken, 
 See how it drops so freely from my pen ! 
 You'd have me say, ' Kind Patrons once a year, 
 With gladsome heart I at your doors appear, 
 To say your papers I have left each week ; . 
 And a small tribute now I come to seek L 
 Indeed I almost claim it as my due, 
 Upon reflection you must think so too. 
 For think the day such freedom must excuse, 
 This New Year is can any then refuse ? 
 This once let gen'rous action bear the sway, 
 You can to Hal make this a happy day ; 
 Then shall he, sway'd by gratitude profound, 
 Make merry New Year in your ears resound, 
 And thus express the feelings of his heart : : 
 Kind friends hear these good wishes ere we part," 
 Till now I took you for a man of sense, 
 And deem'd you guiltless of such high offence ;
 
 98 THE NEWS CARRIER'S ADDRESS. 
 
 Against the laws which composition aims, 
 
 To keep infracted from perversion's claims." 
 
 " Oh had I ScUm's* mind and Selim's fire, 
 
 I would be ev'ry thing you could desire ; 
 
 Selim, my love, thou art a princely printer^ 
 
 Outshining me as summer does the winter !" 
 
 "Eh man what has the eagle wing'd Se-lim, 
 
 To do with you, or you to do with him ? 
 
 Why vex me thus ? your sense I say is stuff, 
 
 All that Hal wants is ' nummi quantum suff.' 
 
 Grant it and yet, without intent to offend, 
 
 You have begun just where you ought to end. 
 
 Would you advise me then to play the trickster, 
 
 And make what's quaintly call'd a hixter mixter? 
 
 Certes, you're right, the Paper is your mark, 
 
 There frisk and carrol like a meadow lark ! 
 
 Imprimis then, don't fail to mention Greece, 
 
 Or Hal most surely will reject your piece. 
 
 That Greece whose classic soil so oft I've trod, 
 
 With Homer, Xenophon and Hesiod ? 
 
 How chang'd, how altered from thy former state, 
 
 Thou 'rt little now, though once they call'd thee Great /t 
 
 But thy long agony will soon be o'er, 
 
 And, Turk Ibrahim waste thy plains no more. 
 
 And, when, in peace thou sitt'st beneath thy vine, 
 
 Then think my country was a friend of thine." 
 
 Enough of her thou'st giv'n old Greece her due, 
 
 Now of her master Turk let's hear a few. 
 
 " Long had the Turk rul'd o'er fair Grecia's land, 
 
 And sway'd his sceptre with an iron hand ; 
 
 And did her sons but murmur and complain, 
 
 Then still more galling made the Turk her chain, 
 
 Till Nature's point was pass'd, when lo ! she rose 
 
 In all her vengeance on her cruel foes. 
 
 Yet had they crush'd her with their barb'rous might, 
 
 And hurl'd her headlong to eternal night ; 
 
 But other lands beheld with pitying eyes, 
 
 .Her wasting strength, and heard her piercing cries. 
 
 * Woodworth. t Magna Grtecia.
 
 THE NEWS CARRIER'S ADDREBS. . 59 
 
 Her first help came, all on the briny flood, 
 
 And Navarino tells a tale of blood ! 
 
 From his cold clime the Russian came at length, 
 
 And hurl'd his gauntlet with resistless strength. 
 
 Now feels the Turk, and to his cost he knows, 
 
 They are no triflers who his rage oppose ; 
 
 The ball may err, they on the charge depend ; 
 
 This brings the combat to a speedy end. 
 
 But on the Scimetar -the Turks rely, 
 
 And strive to cut the faem'ral artery. 
 
 Then life's full current issues from each woundj 
 
 And Turks and Russians press th' ensanguined ground* 
 
 Accounts assert, with slaughter Varna's taken, 
 
 So far the frontier strength of Balkan's shaken." 
 
 " Bravo, my Boy ! that's your true tragic style, 
 
 And almost equals Dr. Mitchel's^/e. 
 
 But why are Turks such devils when in battle ?" 
 
 " Opium they chew in quantity, like cattle ; 
 
 And then their Priests assure them when they die 
 
 They shall not sink below, but mount on high 
 
 With Heroes, Houris, Mahomet to dwell, 
 
 Your Turkish Soldier looks for Heaven not Hell. 
 
 Fate is his creed, none other he receives, 
 
 Old Homer's doctrine every Turk believes. 
 
 But is it true, as I have heard it hinted, 
 
 They write their works, but never have them printed ? 
 
 Printers on Christians value, but the Turks 
 
 They're your true patrons, oh, ye needy clerks ! 
 
 Which choose you then, or Cit, or rustic clown, 
 
 The Russian pallium, or the Turkish gown ? 
 
 What say you now to take a trip to Spain ? 
 
 Or shall we pass to Pedro's vast domain. 
 
 Pedro's a bad man, and I do not like him, 
 
 And were he here, I really b'lieve I'd strike him ; 
 
 He kick'd his wife while in a certain state, 
 
 Which quickly seal'd in death her mortal fate. 
 
 But should her Sire of Austria send a fleet, 
 
 With red hot balls his ports and shores to greet ; 
 
 About his ears he'd kick up such a racket,
 
 60 THE NEWS CARRIER'S ADDRESS. 
 
 I would not for his realm be in his jacket. 
 
 Well, there's Mig'el, pray what of him d'ye think ? 
 
 Why, that he's hardly worth the waste of ink. 
 
 Kingship for him can surely have no charms, 
 
 Whom treason's wiles continually alarms ; 
 
 What love or duty can his subjects show, 
 
 While all his prisons with their friends o'erflow ? 
 
 E'en England too, erst his decided friend, 
 
 Her wonted aid no longer now will lend ; 
 
 And like Belshazzar, horribly afraid, 
 
 Mig'el despairing, cries out, ' I'm betray'd !' 
 
 And now that I had Robertson's balloon, 
 
 To waft me home before next Monday noon ! 
 
 Correct let who will censure or applaud, 
 
 I say our Country calls us from abroad ; 
 
 Gladly let's quit that chaos of events, 
 
 Which such a tissue of earth's woes presents. 
 
 And oh, my Country, when thy state I view, 
 
 I'd call thee happy if thou only knew, 
 
 Grateful to be and properly to prize, 
 
 That sweetest, noblest blessing of the skies ; 
 
 Thy blood-earn'd boon fair Liberty ! oh may 
 
 She Heaven's daughter ever with us stay ! 
 
 Fled are the scenes of sorrow and of pity, 
 
 Then let's pursue the vag'ries of our City. 
 
 Now, by the by, though 'tis no high concern, 
 
 I, if you please, from you would wish to learn : 
 
 If 'tis a practice with your author's chaste, 
 
 Or if 'tis only a mere freak of taste : 
 
 First to treat subjects whose import is grave, 
 
 And lighter themes until their end to save ? 
 
 'Tis so of plays, and is of standing long, 
 
 First comes the Goats,* and then the Village song. 
 
 Thou speak'st of plays, hast ever been at plays ? 
 
 Aye, marry have I, in my younger days ! 
 
 Full many a time I've been at old John-street, 
 
 And there have quafFd the racy, luscious treat ; 
 
 * Tragos, a Goat ; and Hodai, a song. 
 Koinai, a Village ; and Hodai, a song.
 
 THE NEWS CARRIER'S ADDRESS. 61 
 
 Serv'd by the rarest actors of their time, 
 Garricks and Siddons both in prose and rhyme. 
 The caustic Hallam, oft I've seen him feign 
 The Prince, his master-piece, the crazy Dame ; 
 And Hodgkinson, though not in person light, 
 Was vastly taking in the Carmelite ! 
 And Melmoth too created heart-felt joy, 
 When in her arms she clasp'd her Villeroy ! 
 Tyler would almost make you crack your cheeks, 
 To hear him sing of Renard and his freaks. 
 And Mrs. Johnson, how she pleased the t beaus, 
 When she appear'd dress'd in our sex's clothes ! 
 Aye, those were times which time has swept away, 
 And the same fate awaits the presenfttey ! 
 How time's progressions all of us affect, 
 Young men look forward, old men retrospect ! 
 Pray, have you seen the Eidophusicon?* 
 Part of the way, but not the stage upon. 
 They say the scenery's imposing, grand ! 
 Surpassing that of any other land ! 
 Then has New- York without the least contention, 
 Strong claims t'excel in any new invention. 
 Suppose we visit next the Museum, 
 And see the sights, both dead, and deaf, and dumb. 
 And if we stop at Scudder's in rotation, 
 We'll see the largest one in all our Nation ! 
 But what is that, which whirls and whirls again, 
 I mean that thing within yon window's pane ? 
 Brother, for shame, you surely are purblind, 
 Read but the motto, and its use you'll find. 
 Mercy, what sums, what splendid lots of Cash, 
 To prop the House, which else would go to smash, 
 Hark ! heard you that noise ? I know his voice 
 7 Twas Hal's quickly, or you are not his choice. 
 " Health to that man, whose gen'rous feeling mind, 
 By virtue's taught, by charity's inclind. 
 Long may he live to taste the happy fruits, 
 
 " Eido, I sec ; and Phusis, nature. 
 F
 
 A NATIONAL SONG. 
 
 Attending always virtuous pursuits ; 
 
 When here he's finish'd all his works of love, 
 
 May Angels hail him in the realms above !" 
 
 Chip snatch'd the paper, through the window flew, 
 
 And quick as lightning vanish'd from my view. 
 
 FATE. THE SENTIMENT FROM THE REV. TIMOTHY 
 
 DWIGHT, VERSIFIED. 
 
 Say what is fate ? and hath it ne'er occurr'd 
 Unto your mind, 'tis simply but a word ! 
 What is its meaning, what doth it imply ? 
 Why, nothing, sir, methinks I hear one cry, 
 Search and perceive, then tell if thou canst find, 
 It ever other meaning had in thine own mind ? 
 But meaning give it, it becomes of course 
 God, of all goodness the prolific source ! 
 
 A GRAND NATIONAL SONG FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY 1814, 
 RECITATIVE. 
 
 The serious observer discerns without doubt, 
 That the vials of wrath on this earth are pour'd out ; 
 ^pr the sad overturnings in different climes, 
 Speak in accents of thunder, "the signs of the times." 
 For the offspring of Ham, and his good brother Shem, 
 A large share of dire wrath has been pour'd out on them, 
 Next the storm fell on Japheth, from Heav'n offended, 
 Cross'd the Atlantic, and on us too's descended. 
 
 Genius of our native land, 
 
 Why dost thou musing, pensive stand ?
 
 A NATIONAL SONG. 63 
 
 Why dost thou not on this glad day, 
 
 Bid us abound in sport and play ? 
 
 Columbia's sons, how can it be 
 
 Our hearts should long for sport and glee ; 
 
 While Heaven's fierce wrath against our Nation burns, 
 
 And land and seas, drink up our blood by turns ? 
 
 RECITATIVE. 
 
 Now those who in anger to the Jews were once given, 
 
 The Kings, in Europa by jealousy driven ; 
 
 Quick arouse their dread legions, and spoil her repose, 
 
 While fell tyrants to tyrants the battle oppose. 
 
 Britannia, Hispania, and Portugal here, 
 
 Drive the French swift before them and press on their 
 
 rear. 
 
 There the Russian, and Prussian, and Germanic powers. 
 Enter Paris in triumph, and shout "France is ours !" 
 
 AIR. 
 
 Genius, wherefore all this strife, 
 
 In this our short uncertain life ; 
 
 Why, in a dire relentless mood, 
 
 Do Christians spill each other's blood ? 
 
 'Tis passing strange, yet it is so, 
 
 That man to man's his greatest foe. 
 
 Yet know, since you the cause of wars inquire, 
 
 Ambition plans, oppression lights the fire. 
 
 RECITATIVE. 
 
 If 'twas folly in France, though with armies immense, 
 To offend the Sea's mistress on any pretense ; 
 Did her cries about Liberty, nothing avail, 
 And all her great projects eventually fail; 
 Then, how dare our Americans lift up the hand, 
 To smite the bold Britons, both by sea and by land, 
 Say from us will they patiently brook this disgrace ; 
 Or indignantly hurl us from off the earth's face ?
 
 64 A NATIONAL SONS. 
 
 AIR. 
 
 Genius, do pray tell us all, 
 
 While Nations- rise, why do they fall? 
 
 Do you with toil and vast expense,. 
 
 Amass the things of time and sense ; 
 
 Why wonder, if at any rate 
 
 A Nation will be rich and great :. 
 
 That lux'ry 'gender'd from corruption's heap, 
 
 Should plunge her headlong down Destruction's steep i 
 
 RECITATIVE. 
 
 Let our Nation be good, and she's nothing to fear, 
 For still He who rules armies and battles is near, 
 To protect and defend all who on him rely, 
 And so ive may the world and old Satan defy. 
 May our great men be good men, and all, high and low, 
 Prove the joys that fair Virtue alone can bestow; 
 And enjoy each return of this day thankfully, 
 From all wars and commotions for ever set free. 
 
 PROTOCOL TO ACCOMPANY THE FOREGOING SONG. 
 
 Now what is this mine eyes behold ? 
 
 Do see yon Knight in black ; 
 How very slow he jogs along, 
 
 And then his reins, how slack ! 
 
 What is that thing roll'd up behind, 
 
 All on his saddle-tree ? 
 The hist'ry of his life perhaps-, 
 
 Or horse's pedigree. 
 
 But let's accost him as he nears, 
 And learn the whole affair ;
 
 NAVAL VICTORIES. 65 
 
 " Pray, courteous Knight, where journey est thou, 
 And what's thy business there ?" 
 
 " My name is Kelmonezer, sirs, 
 
 To Philadelphia fair; . 
 I'm journeying on to meet the Knights, 
 
 Whom Old school summoned there." 
 
 " Oh, sir, a month's already pass'd, 
 
 Your journey's "all in vain ; 
 Twelve Knights were there, and fought it out, 
 
 And have gone home again." 
 
 " But still I trust I'm not too late ; 
 
 Unless my mem'ry's wong , 
 Oldschool in his Portfolio said 
 
 Each left behind a song. 
 
 And further, he finds fault with all, 
 
 And reasons doth assign ; 
 As how they want some qualities, 
 
 Which he may find in mine. 
 
 So gentle sirs, good day to you, 
 
 My charger wants to go ;" 
 " Success, Sir Knight ; and may Oldschool 
 
 On you the prize bestow." 
 
 A BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF OUR LATE NAVAL VICTORIES, 1814. 
 
 " The American Sailor In battle terrible, in victory modest and hu 
 mane." Fifteenth toast at the Naval Dinner given to Lieutenant 
 McCall and the surviving Officers of the U. S. Brig Enterprise, 
 Charleston, 15th October, 1813. 
 
 Near eighteen months of war have roll'd away 
 What then ? hear what the Poet has to say ! 
 
 F*
 
 " The Summer's past, and Winter in his place^ 
 
 Comes on with dreary and with turgid face ;. 
 
 With all his train of frost, and hail, and snow, 
 
 And weary troops to winter-quarters go." 
 
 Mark ye, he speaks of war ! now he proceeds 
 
 " Muse, tune thy lay, and chant those val'rous deeds, 
 
 Of late achier'd against that haughty nation, 
 
 Who fighting makes her daily occupation ; 
 
 Those deeds, which lift my Country to the skies, 
 
 And fill the distant nations with surprise ! 
 
 Yet for minutiae, be the task assign'd 
 
 To some more daring, persevering mind ;, 
 
 Be thou content in generals to deal, 
 
 In admonition and abrupt appeal. 
 
 Say then, what think those swagg'ring Britons now, 
 
 How can they bear to Yankee tars to bow ? 
 
 * Oh, shame, they cry, ' oh death and foul disgrace, 
 
 To be thus beaten by a mushroom race !' 
 
 Say how each member at St.. James's feels, 
 
 While Sloops and Frigates must be dash'd from SteeleV 
 
 Won't the proud tyrants learn, that Yankee tats. 
 
 Are men, while fighting under thirteen stars ? 
 
 The Gurriere, Java, Macedonian stout, 
 
 The Boxer, Frolic, Peacock, past all doubt, 
 
 Prove that if Britain yield the Trident's sway, 
 
 Twon't be to France, but to America ! 
 
 Now she the difFrence feels 'twixt bond and free^. 
 
 Who fights for tyrants or for Liberty ! 
 
 Confess, old Erie, how Columbia's sons, 
 
 On thy broad bosom hush'd proud Britain's guns ; 
 
 Tell how, if aught thou dost delight in jokes, 
 
 With their long Toms they bored the Royal Oaks r 
 
 Till fainting Britons, spite of native pride, 
 
 Struck to brave Perry and for quarter cried. 
 
 And thou, Ontario, like thy sister Lake, 
 
 With British thunder hast been made to quake ; 
 
 But though they labor'd with their utmost skill, 
 
 They could not compass all thy fish to kill ; 
 
 A strong ribb'd Pike, with Chauncey on his back
 
 NAVAL VICTORIES. 76 
 
 Where'er he pleases holds his fearless track, 
 
 And not a Wolf, nor yet a Royal George, 
 
 Has strength or courage this same Pike to gorge. 
 
 Chauncey, move on, don't give the contest o'er, 
 
 Till Lake Ontario's ours on either shore. 
 
 And may the prowling foe on the Champlainv 
 
 To take thy fleet find all his efforts vain ; 
 
 Be, it McDonnough, thine this Lake to guard, 
 
 A grateful Nation shall thy toils reward. 
 
 To you, brave Sailors, now the Muse appeals, 
 
 And asks each son of freedom if he feels 
 
 Relentless hatred throbbing hi his- veins, 
 
 Towards the poor foe o'er whom he conquest gains * 
 
 Ah no ! methinks a gallant tar replies, 
 
 I am a man, no Demon in disguise ! 
 
 'Tis not for thirst of blood thy sailor fights ; 
 
 'Tis for his own, and for his Country's rights, 
 
 Name you in all those fights you've sung just now,. 
 
 One single act to brand with shame his brow.. 
 
 But if kind Heav'n design'd each Nation free, 
 
 To pass and repass o'er the subject sea ; 
 
 Shall impious Britain with strong hands arrest, 
 
 And pluck from any this high Heaven's bequest ^ 
 
 And won't our high ton'd Independent Nation, 
 
 Raise her bold crest against such usurpation ? 
 
 Or shall the foe her free-born sons detain, 
 
 To fight th' oppressor's battles on the main ; 
 
 Abused, insulted in his floating graves, 
 
 Like his own black, kidnapp'd, West Indian slaves ; 
 
 Or forc'd by men filPd with demoniac ire, 
 
 On their own blood the murd'rous gun to fire. 
 
 Who, says the Muse, such flagrant deeds approves ?' 
 
 For lo, with grief, her swelling bosom moves ; 
 
 She mourns the lot of those she loves so dear, 
 
 And o'er their fate she drops the sorrowing tear. 
 
 But British hearts more o&durate than steel, 
 
 By other weapons must be made to feel," 
 
 For them, there's no such Logic in the world, 
 
 As Yankee balls^from Yankee cannon hurl'd,.
 
 68 STRIPED BUNTING. 
 
 Then messmates come, with Heaven on our side, 
 We'll dash again Old England's " wooden pride ;" 
 Unless her Hellborn practice she'll repress, 
 And grant our Seamen that long sought redress ; 
 Which now they claim, and must and will obtain, 
 Or sweep her boasted Navy from the main. 
 
 A NATION S GROANS. 
 
 Hear ye, hear all the world, old Albion's groans, 
 How her lost Naval honors she bemoans ; 
 And loud proclaims, spite of her Lion heart, 
 Columbia's touch'd her in her " vital part ." 
 
 DISTICH FOR ONE OF THE COFFINS OR BOXES AT THE 
 
 BURIAL OF THE REVOLUTIONARY BONES ON LONU 
 ISLAND, A. D., 1808. 
 
 Tremble ye Tyrants, dread the gathering storm, 
 While freemen, freemen's obsequies perform ! 
 
 " AMERICA'S FEW YARDS OF STRIPED BUNTING.' 
 
 How insulting, how affronting, 
 See with stars the striped bunting, 
 How gallantly aloft it floats 
 From the tall masts of Yankee boats, 
 And darts defiance and disdain, 
 At the proud mistress of the main. 
 
 Yankee sailors, ye have senses, 
 
 Courtesies are not offences, 
 
 Have the button nation shown them ?
 
 DISAPPOINTMENT. 69 
 
 Yes, but they're asham'd to own them ! 
 Yet you still may hear them grunting, 
 At the stars and striped bunting. 
 
 Yankee sailors, ye have brothers, 
 They have fathers, wives, and mothers ! 
 How d'ye think they now are faring, 
 See, the lash their back is tearing, 
 Would that they the seas were hunting, 
 'Neath the stars and striped bunting ! 
 
 Tars, ahead, the time is nearing, 
 Into strength our Country's steering, 
 Her battle ships each state shall bring ; 
 And make the seas with thunder ring, 
 Britain, look out for Yankee tars, 
 Under their bunting and their stars I 
 
 THE DISAPPOINTMENT, OR PROTEGE VS. PATRON. 
 
 There lived a Clerk in Albany, 
 
 His name was Kelmonezer, 
 He wrote for Gubernator there, 
 
 A man of high degree, sir. 
 
 In his employ, full twenty months, 
 Did this same Clerk remain ; 
 
 And toil'd in doors, or trudg'd about, 
 Through snow, and hail, and rain. 
 
 'Twas at the time when British fleets 
 Were hanging on our coast; 
 
 And British armies on our lines, 
 A most terrific host ! 
 
 But soon a ship from Europe comes, 
 And quick is brought on shore
 
 70 DISAPPOINTMENT. 
 
 The news, that England now, and we, 
 Are enemies no more. 
 
 Post haste away to Washington, 
 
 Despatches nimbly went ; 
 The President the treaty sign'd, 
 
 The Senate gave consent. 
 
 What baleful star did then arise, 
 
 Just at that joyous hour; 
 On Kelmonezer's prospects fair, 
 
 With sick'ning gloom to lower. 
 
 For Gubernator from that time, 
 Appear'd in mind quite chang'd ; 
 
 As though the peace with mischief fraught, 
 Had all his plans derang'd. 
 
 . Now Kelmonezer saw with grief, 
 
 His Patron's alter'd mind ; 
 But dream'd not to his Protege 
 It boded aught unkind. 
 
 For when upon a certain night, 
 
 He was in pleasant mood ; 
 And Kelmonezer, with the mail 
 
 Before his presence stood. 
 
 Said he, " unto your letter, I 
 
 To-morrow will attend ;" 
 And Kelmonezer thought he could. 
 
 Upon his word depend. 
 
 And of a certain man* he spoke, 
 Who New- York's Council guides ; 
 
 And o'er her as Chief Magistrate, 
 Reluctantly presides. 
 
 * John Ferguson, Esqr.
 
 DISAPPOINTMENT. 71 
 
 "Say, can't this man procure a place 
 
 For an old College friend;" 
 " Oh yes," says Kelmonezer, " if 
 
 By me a line you'll send." 
 
 "Not so," said Gubernator, " no, 
 
 To him, myself I'll speak ; 
 " I won't desert you, do not fear, 
 
 I'll be in York next week." 
 
 He came to Town, 'tis very true, 
 
 And he return'd again ; 
 Poor Kelmonezer for a place 
 
 Has look'd, but look'd in vain. 
 
 Yet still one thing is passing strange 
 
 In Kelmonezer's eye ; 
 That Gubernator seems of late 
 
 Of him so wond'rous shy ! 
 
 What has he done, or left undone, 
 
 To be pass'd by so slightly, 
 Is he in manners so uncouth, 
 
 Or person so unsightly ? 
 
 But something whispers softly, in 
 
 His all attentive ear ; 
 " Men often change, and seldom are 
 
 What they would fain appear. 
 
 " They often faint and step aside, 
 
 And weary in well doing ; 
 Did you ne'er see a man at night, 
 
 A meteor pursuing ?" 
 
 Then why should we indulge regrets 
 
 For what we cannot mend ; 
 Why chide ourselves if wilfully 
 
 We have not wrong'd our friend?
 
 73 MAJOR GEN. PORTER. 
 
 Perhaps some future event may 
 His sympathies revive ; 
 
 When he unto your interests shall, 
 Be perfectly alive ! 
 
 .A nd so it chanc'd, it was not long, 
 'Twas Gubernator's work ; 
 
 A school-mate Kelmonezer chose, 
 For both their sakes, his Clerk. 
 
 Nor did his friendship end in this, 
 
 But all his after days 
 He Kelmonezer did befriend, 
 
 Who writes this to his praise. 
 
 TO MAJOR GENERAL PETER B. PORTER. 
 
 Porter, attend, with thine ambiguous name, 
 
 The Muse now greets the val'rous son of fame ; 
 
 Nor fear she will, and style herself thy friend, 
 
 With fulsome flattery thy chaste ear offend. 
 
 No let our Senates while thine acts they read, 
 
 Of praise on thee bestow a copious meed. 
 
 Or add, to give it more substantial weight, 
 
 A sword, or service all of massy plate ; 
 
 Or else to make thee of still greater note, 
 
 Let a brevet to higher rank promote. 
 
 Thou didst deserve one well, and I was glad, 
 
 When on that day in winter vestments clad 
 
 I from Excelsior bore you from his hand, 
 
 And put in yours, what like a magic wand 
 
 Rais'd you in rank, and placed you one step higher, 
 
 And gave you all you justly could desire. 
 
 Skinner's could tell had it a tongue to speak, 
 
 Oh yes, that day stood first of all the week. 
 
 I too, by proxy, first or after soon 
 
 A Major dubb'd the gallant Darby Noon ;
 
 RARITAN LANDING. 73 
 
 But he has gone and left us here behind, 
 
 To brave the billows of a world unkind ; 
 
 Excelsior, too, has bid us all " good by," 
 
 And shortly we and all of us must die ! 
 
 Yes, we with them must shoot the gulf of time, 
 
 And pass to meet them in another clime. 
 
 But are we solac'd by this cheering thought, 
 
 We have not lived, nor will we die for naught? 
 
 The place where last I saw thee I could name, 
 
 In visage alter'd, but of heart the same ; 
 
 There thou didst soothe with accents bland and kind, 
 
 The throbbing tumult of my burden'd mind. 
 
 Porter, I thank thee, thou wast truly good, 
 
 When of thy friendship most in need I stood 
 
 Thou didst release my truant, headstrong son, 
 
 To use his trade, and to resign his gun. 
 
 And when his Colonel for his friend he knew, 
 
 7 Twas I, his father, told him it was you. 
 
 Porter, whate'er thine enemies may say, 
 
 I say, I can't, but yet, my friend, I pray, 
 
 "May Heav'n reward thee in the coming day !" 
 
 RARITAN LANDING, A POEM, 
 
 Or reminiscences, on a late visit to my native Village in New Jersey. 
 
 Oft have I strove in true poetic strain, 
 
 To treat of rural things, but all in vain ; 
 
 Rear'd in a city there condemn'd to toil, 
 
 Far from the beauties of my native soil, 
 
 My thoughts to bus'ness, calculation turn'd, 
 
 My daily bread by labor to be earn'd, 
 
 While cares domestic occupied my time, 
 
 And left but little, when at home for rhyme. 
 
 Yet oft to thee has fond remembrance ran, 
 
 My own, my long forsaken Raritan. 
 
 Climb'd up thy hills, or o'er thy meadows stray'd
 
 74 RARITAN LANDING. 
 
 And view'd thy river through a neighb'ring glade. 
 O'er all thy soil, or cloth'd in green or white, 
 I've rang'd again with pleasure and delight. 
 Since then full half a century has fled, 
 Lo, all my kindred number'd with the dead ! 
 Or some have quit thee for another State 
 And then the change in ancient friends how great I 
 I'll see no more each well-remember'd face. 
 They're gone, succeeded by another race, 
 Who, on my visit view'd me with surprise, 
 As one just newly fallen from the skies 
 Ah, little thought those wond'ring youngsters then, 
 I trod that ground before their sires were men ! 
 Who oft with me, with line and pole in hand 
 Drew silv'ry fishes from thy stream to land 
 Just there their sons I saw thy bridge cross'd o'er 
 All silent angling on thy sandy shore. 
 Now for some converse with the boys methought 
 "What sport my lads, how many have you caught ?"' 
 Quick was the answer from each little he 
 All rais'd their strings and cried, "see, Uncle, see !'' 
 Uncle ! how grateful on my ear it fell 
 Some may conceive, for me, I cannot tell. 
 Sympathy call it, or what you like best, 
 A social feeling planted in the breast. 
 Let kindness but the pleasing touch impart, 
 How sweet it vibrates on the human heart. 
 Thus moralizing with myself I talk'd, 
 , While up the road full leisurely I vvalk'd. 
 And sought those houses once again to view, 
 Which now are gone, nor yet replaced by new ; 
 Naked I saw thy road on either side, 
 As newly swept by Spring's destructive tide 
 Blair, Kip, and Auten, Brimer, Bowers, none 
 And are none left ? no not one mother's son ! 
 Next Dixon's, then the house of brick and wood 
 Left naught to show where either once had stood 
 My grandsire's then, where strangers now reside, 
 There, Connet's house was on the other side
 
 RARITAN LANDING. 75 
 
 There Bray's and Field's, and round the corner Flat's, 
 
 He who supplied the villagers with hats. 
 
 Now on the hill there stands the house in view, 
 
 The house in which my earliest breath I drew 
 
 The way up easy, I the hill ascend, 
 
 And there receive the greetings of a friend 
 
 Roughead the sailor, now with years grown gray. 
 
 Ah Bill ! full many a year has roll'd away, 
 
 Since first you sail'd with Chivers o'er the main, 
 
 From Dublin's City" to New York again. 
 
 Greetings exchanged, I left old Bill's abode, 
 
 And steer'd my course for Letson's up the road. 
 
 Th' old fashion'd house I saw ahead quite plain 
 
 Where dwelt my sister Phebe's daughter Jane. 
 
 Welcom'd by Letson, in his friendly way, 
 
 And press'd with him the coming night to stay, 
 
 I might have stay'd, my time " excuse me no, 
 
 Good by good folks" so down the road I go. 
 
 Pass P-oole's two houses, then within the nook, 
 
 The elder Letson's near the willow brook 
 
 Churchward was gone then French's on the left, 
 
 Long since by death of its first head bereft 
 
 A stranger-farmer occupies his fields, 
 
 His Farm now wheat instead of rye grain yields 
 
 There he was mowing just abreast the fence ; 
 
 I stopp'd, and used fatigue for a pretence 
 
 To hold some convene leaning on my cane, 
 
 Of him I ask'd what had become of Lane ? 
 
 And truly, I without pretence might say, 
 
 I felt at length the tedium of the day. 
 
 Early that morn in Brooklyn I arose, 
 
 Now forty miles I'd travell'd near day's close 
 
 Whistled to Brunswick in a rail-road car 
 
 A two miles' walk, besure not very far 
 
 Yet did I not, nor have I since begrudg'd 
 
 That on the tow-path I those two miles trudg'd 
 
 Ne'er in and up thy stream walk'd I before, 
 
 O Raritan ! and thus may walk no more. 
 
 Oh, it was pleasant thus to walk or stand,
 
 76 RARITA^' LAJ\DL\G. 
 
 So near thy midst with water on each hand 
 But Lane aye Lane the farmer quick replied 
 Why Lane is gone like many more has died. 
 This farm 'twas French's once pray is it thine ? 
 I've bought it, sir, and now this farm is mine. 
 And then that one, from there, until its end ? 
 That too I've bought that too is mine, my friend. 
 That farm was once my father's and I there 
 Spent happy days devoid of toil and care, 
 When up the road, near to the store of Poole, 
 I went to learn my lesson at the school ; 
 That must have been before this world I sa\v 
 If from your face true inference I draw 
 Yes more than half a century's pass'd o'er r 
 And now my years amount to near three score. 
 I left the man to mow his field of grain 
 And soon the path, and then the road regain. 
 Forward I look, but yet no house I see 
 Nor barn, nor choke-pear, nor a locust tree 
 No barn, no house, placed in the hill full low 
 The trees had fallen by the woodman's blow 
 But on the hill we claim'd one little space 
 All unenclos'd it was our burial place 
 No tomb-stones there the passing stranger show 
 The names of those whose bodies sleep below 
 Yet there is One above who knows full well 
 The place where their immortal spirits dwell - 
 And may it be, when I am call'd to die, 
 My body here in this lone spot shall lie ? 
 Or placed near strangers far from hence repose ? 
 'Tis hid from me, my Maker only knows 
 Yet why should this cause me one anxious sigh> 
 Or when, or how, or in what place I die ? 
 My Maker's "faithful" and my slumb'ring clay 
 Shall join my soul to meet the Judgment day." 
 Then be it my great bus'ness while I live, 
 My heart to him without reserve to give 
 With fears foreboding I shall not be press'd^-* 
 He having that will care for all the rest..
 
 RARITAN LANDING. 77 
 
 This lonely spot adjoin'd a rugged hill, 
 
 Along whose bsse there ran a purling rill ; 
 
 It claim'd a spring unfailing for its source, 
 
 And to the river urg'd its tortuous course, 
 
 On its small meadow rear'd its lofty head, 
 
 One spreading tree with apples white and red 
 
 And oft those apples, wand'ring there alone 
 
 I've caused to drop with either stick or stone 
 
 And on that meadow, spread o'er all the ground, 
 
 There mentha rose, 'twas in abundance found, 
 
 All verdant, fragrant with its native oil 
 
 Luxuriant shooting from the humid soil 
 
 Nepeta, too, methinks with silv'ry grace 
 
 Spread her ribb'd foliage o'er thy smiling face. 
 
 And on the hill the pudding grass display'd 
 
 Its gracile stalk whence sprang its little blade. 
 
 What though no beauteous flower thy space array'd, 
 
 These less for beauty than for use were made. 
 
 Beyond the rill there num'rous fruit trees stood 
 
 Once own'd and planted by old Doctor Hood 
 
 He's gone, and his successor too what sith, 
 
 He there resided, known as English-Smith, 
 
 And in that place I did delight yea love 
 
 To chase from tree to tree the turtle-dove. 
 
 No more I'd chase her at this time remote, 
 
 But list'ning sit and hear her plaintive note. 
 
 Yet other music courts my list'ning ear, 
 
 I must be gone, no longer linger here. 
 
 The sun declining, seeks his walery bed ; 
 
 And shows how time on rapid wings has fled. 
 
 Admonish'd thus my steps I now retrace, ; 
 
 And on the way to Brunswick turn my face. 
 
 Still sparser now the population grew 
 
 And to the bridge the houses were but few 
 
 Their ancient tenants, lived they there or not, 
 
 I could not tell or dead and long forgot 
 
 This road to walk was never my delight, 
 
 Lonesome by day and dreary in the night ; 
 
 But I, as I had nothing here to dread,
 
 78 RARITAN LANDING. 
 
 Dismiss'd my thoughts and sent them on ahead 
 And journeying on, Probasct/s brook I near'd, 
 (And on the hill the Miller's house appear'd) 
 This pass'd, I gain with hasty steps once more 
 The bridge, which I had cross'd so oft before 
 No more the freshet moves it from its place, 
 Russell has fix'd it on too firm a base. 
 Cross'd o'er, I come with a keen appetite 
 To where I mean to sup and spend the night. 
 The morning dawns, I rise refresh'd by sleep, 
 And now prepare the Sabbath day to keep ; 
 And thrice that day I to the church repair 
 I love to visit at the house of pray'r. 
 My bus'ness done, next day I take my leave 
 And Raritan in the Napoleon cleave. 
 Farewell my Raritan Brunswick adieu, 
 No more, perhaps, thy streets I'll travel through 
 Yet, when I've safely cross'd the watery deep, 
 I both of you will in remembrance keep. 
 Onward we move, while all delighted seem 
 To glide so swiftly o'er the crooked stream, 
 While on the right, hills their attraction lend, 
 There on the left, salt meadows far extend, 
 Fill'd with mosquitoes and their nightly din, 
 Their stings so pois'ness to the human skin. 
 Implanted poles now show their beacon heads 
 To warn the boatmen of the oyster beds, 
 Which there submers'd, if not avoided, might 
 Detain by day, or injure in the night, 
 Once with my father and his friends, my lot 
 It was, one fall to visit this same spot. 
 Our skiffs were anchor'd, here we rested all, 
 And patient waited till the tide should fall, 
 Which falling leaves them bare, and us the powV 
 To pick the oysters for about one hour. 
 For at that season blows a strong north wind 
 By which the tide to Prince's Bay's confin'd 
 And now begins a most industrious strife, 
 And all are picking as it were for life
 
 THE STANDING COLOR. 79 
 
 Soon would the tide its wonted strength regain, 
 
 And rushing upward cover all the plain. 
 
 This well we knew, and strove to load each boat ; 
 
 The tide comes in, and we begin to float. 
 
 'Tis time to quit, nor longer here abide 
 
 Homeward we move assisted by the tide. 
 
 The boys pull on with strong and steady strokes, 
 
 The men amuse them with their laugh and jokes 
 
 Arriv'd, the wind may blow from north or east, 
 
 We care not, we're -provided with a feast. 
 
 But now we stop, arriv'd at Amboy's dock, 
 
 And in and out the passengers soon flock, 
 
 Then move the wheels, and we pass mile by mile 
 
 Along the pleasant shores of Stalen's Isle. 
 
 Now leave the Kills, and cross the New York bay 
 
 And safe arriv'd near Castle Garden lay 
 
 Then spring ashore and through the streets we roam, 
 
 For each is anxious to be found at home. 
 
 
 THE STANDING COLOR OF THE DAY. 
 
 Friend, if thou canst, for once, I prithee say, 
 What is the standing color of the day ? 
 Oh, sir, 'tis obvious to the merest clown, 
 It is not red ; nay, truly, it is " Brown /" 
 
 . 
 
 WE ARE NOT REPROBATED WHILE THE HOLY SPIRIT 
 STRIVES WITH US. 
 
 Why dost thou mourn departed time ? 
 The old man sigh'd, " I've pass'd my prime." 
 And see life's winter deeply now, 
 Imprinted on my wrinkled brow ; 
 In characters that all may spell, 
 Deep struck, my son, indelible.
 
 80 THE ORPHAN'S ADDRESS. 
 
 Nay, sigh not thus, to pass thy prime 
 Is but thy lot, and not thy crime ; 
 Short is the space allow'cl to man 
 To roam o'er earth 'tis but a span. 
 But how hast thou thy time improv'd 
 Nearer is Heav'n or more remov'd ? 
 Ah that reflection pains my heart, 
 I from the grave with horror start ; 
 When I look back then flow my tears, 
 To think of sins of former years. 
 Courage, old man, thou hast the sign, 
 The Lord still loves that soul of thine. 
 He hath not sworn with uprais'd hand, 
 To thrust thee from the promis'd land ; 
 His Spirit strives and points the way, 
 To lead thee to eternal day. 
 
 THE ORPHAN S ADDRESS TO THE PATRONS AND TRUSTEES 
 OF A CERTAIN RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION FOR THE EDU 
 CATION OF POOR CHILDREN, IN THE CITY OF NEW 
 YORK. 
 
 The radiant Sun with golden beams, 
 
 Illum'd my natal morn ; 
 When my glad father heard it said, 
 
 To him a son was born. 
 
 What pleasing thoughts roll'd through his breast, 
 
 When first he saw my face ; 
 And with what rapt'rous joy he held 
 
 Me in his fond embrace ? 
 
 Uprais'd to Heav'n his streaming eyes, 
 
 He plied Jehovah's throne ; 
 Prais'd his Omniscience first, God ! 
 
 To thee all things are known.
 
 THE ORPHAN'S ADDRESS. 81 
 
 This thine own gift to me a worm, 
 
 I thankfully accept ; 
 Now grant that he from Sin's fell power, 
 
 May by thy power be kept. 
 
 Oh let thy grace, through thine own Son, 
 
 Into his heart distil ; 
 And to thyself subdue, in youth, 
 
 His native stubborn will. 
 
 * 
 
 And if to him, in wisdom, thou 
 
 Decree'st a length of days ; 
 Oh let thy goodness always keep 
 
 His feet in " Wisdom's ways." 
 
 Then whatsoe'er may him betide 
 
 In this dark vale of tears ; 
 Thy promise to the righteous seed 
 
 Shall quiet all my fears. 
 
 Thus he and to my mother's arms 
 
 Restored her future care ; 
 And did, with grateful heart, unto 
 
 His daily toil repair. 
 
 Under his kind paternal roof 
 
 I lived from year to 'year ; 
 And in this place the gospel heard, 
 
 With you my patrons dear. 
 
 But greedy Death, who all our race 
 
 Counts as his lawful prey ; 
 With summons short to his pale realms, 
 
 My father call'd away. 
 
 How could my widow'd mother then 
 
 Her heavy charge maintain ? 
 For this she strove, yet, oh alas ! 
 
 Her striving found in vain.
 
 THE ORPHAN'S ADDRESS. 
 
 And must, she cried, this son of mine. 
 
 Who erst such promise gave, 
 For want of learning be brought up, 
 
 Of ignorance the slave ? 
 
 What a sad present shall I make, 
 
 My country and my God ! 
 A wretch whom justice soon may crush, 
 
 'Neath its avenging rod! 
 
 So griev'd she o'er her orphan boy, 
 While tears suffus'd each eye ; 
 
 And pray'd some helper might be rais'd, 
 Or Heav'n would let him die. 
 
 Her prayer of faith was quickly heard, 
 
 You took her Orphan boy ; 
 Dispeled her grief, dried up her tears, 
 
 And fill'd her heart with joy. 
 
 Ah what returns shall I e'er make, 
 For so much kindness shown ? 
 
 Shall I forget it, say, shall I, 
 When up to man I've grown ? 
 
 My mind to study I'll apply, . 
 
 With unremitting zeal ; 
 Till it becomes more sweet to me, 
 
 Than is my daily meal. 
 
 And when I enter on the world, 
 Should Heaven my efforts crown, 
 
 I'll lib'ral be, nor will with scorn 
 Upon the poor look down. 
 
 And now my friends and patrons dear. 
 Heaven bless your pious care, 
 
 And save you now and evermore, 
 In answer to my prayer,
 
 SCHOOL ADDRESS. 83 
 
 Still, still extend your charities, 
 And may you while you live, 
 
 Feel, always feel, " more blessed 'tis 
 To give, than to receive." 
 
 APOTHEGMS. 
 
 Would you life's tedious, tasteless hours beguile ? 
 .Write Apothegms in apostolic style ! 
 
 PIETY IN APPEARANCE ONLY. 
 
 Distrust, 'tis not ingenuous, that piety 
 Which does not make us useful to society. 
 
 ' , 
 
 ADDRESS TO THE SCHOLARS OF A CERTAIN SCHOOL ON 
 THE DEATH OF ONE OF THEIR COMPANIONS. 
 
 Yc list'ning youths, your parent's hope and joy, 
 
 Let themes like this your infant minds employ ; 
 
 See how stern Death, with mortals still at strife, 
 
 Has snatched young Abram in the bloom of life. 
 
 So falls the lily with its beauteous head, 
 
 Struck by the scythe it withers and lies dead. 
 
 Such was the fiat of Almighty grace, 
 
 His soul to translate to a better place. 
 
 Fond youths attend, nor let unheeded pass, 
 
 This solemn Bible truth " all flesh is grass." 
 
 There's naught can shield you from Death's fatal blow, 
 
 Spares he the young, or middle-aged, ah no ! 
 
 Go to the church-yard, on the tomb-stones read, 
 
 How the young dead by far the old exceed ; 
 
 From Death's fell grasp, ye youths, there no reprieve,
 
 84 RE-UNION OF SOUL AND BODY. 
 
 And each in turn this transient state must leave. 
 But though his pow'r's so fatal to our race, 
 Still there's a remedy prescrib'd by grace ; 
 Then " mark and learn and inwardly digest," 
 Nor spurn indignant at high Heaven's request . 
 "My sons be wise, and do yourselves no harm !" 
 Death of his sling fair Virtue can disarm. 
 Then in the morning of your youth begin, 
 To practise virtue and to hate all sin ; 
 So shall that God who form'd you by his power, 
 Protect and bless you ev'ry passing hour, 
 Save you from hell, and when he bids you die, 
 Receive your souls to dwell with him on high. 
 
 RE-UNION OF SOTJL AND BODY IN A FUTURE STATE. 
 
 Body and soul, like man and wife 
 
 You've journey'd through this lirpsome life, 
 
 To the appointed lonely goal ; 
 Now body, death with his fell blow, 
 Has lain thee in the dust full low, 
 
 Till Heav'n rejoin thee to thy soul. 
 
 And is there hope beyond the grave ? 
 Yes, he who came mankind to save, 
 
 Hath burst death's gloomy prison door ; 
 And when thou hear'st Christ's trumpet sound, 
 Swift from thy prison shall thou bound 
 
 And meet thy soul to part no more. 
 
 In thy proportions form'd divine, 
 In lustre thou shall far oulshine, 
 
 Or sun or moon or morning slar ; 
 Then to thy soul in glory join'd, 
 Naught shall ye through the ages find, 
 
 Your endless peace and joy to mar.
 
 FINAL IMPENITENCE. 
 
 FAITH. 
 
 Say that it is, when you of Faith would treat, 
 
 " The point where assent, and where consent meet." 
 
 FINAL IMPENITENCE, AND THE CALL TO DRINK THE WA 
 TERS OF LIFE. 
 
 If in this life we will not mend, 
 But onward to destruction tend ; 
 Then shall our souls in yonder world, 
 Down to that Pit of wo be hurl'd, 
 In which Jehovah's dreadful ire, 
 Blows up the flames of endless fire. 
 Then while the call to all is " come" 
 (Though Satan says 'tis but to some, 
 Believe him not, he fell from grace, 
 And still he hates and tempts our race ;) 
 Unto your Saviour's words give ear, 
 Come all and drink life's water clear, 
 That has it source in Heaven above, 
 A fountain of redeeming love. 
 You cannot drink this fountain dry, 
 Then drink ye all, and never die. 
 Will you, O Man, refuse to come ? 
 Awake, ye dead, ye deaf, ye dumb ! 
 Awake, before the monster Death 
 Bids you resign your mortal breath. 
 Go kiss the Son, before his wrath 
 Like lightning flash across thy path. 
 Should you refuse, his anger may 
 Consume ye sinners " on the way." 
 Then to his grace obedient yield, 
 He'll be to you a sun, a shield, 
 You need not dread the monster's frown, 
 You'll wear in Heaven a glorious crown.
 
 86 THE MARTYR'S CROWN. 
 
 WORSHIPPERS WORSHIPPING ON THEIR KNEES ON THB 
 STEPS OF THE "CATHEDRAL." 
 
 See where the houseless suppliants wait, 
 
 On bended knees at mercy's gate ! 
 
 Would their rich men but grant them pews, 
 
 To shield them from the cold and dews, 
 
 They'd tell the Parson's needy fold, 
 
 " We love your souls more than our gold !" 
 
 NO SALVATION WITHOUT REPENTANCE. 
 
 This sentence let each in his memory cherish, 
 "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.'' 
 
 Luke, xui, 5. 
 
 THE BLACK MAN S EPITAPH. 
 
 Though sprung from Afric's sable race, 
 Yet I obtain'd God's pard'ning grace ; 
 On white man's land I learn 'd to prize, 
 What made one good and truly wise. 
 So freed by Death from Sin's control, 
 Earth takes my body, God my soul. 
 
 THE MARTYR'S CROWN. 
 CHORUS. 
 
 Patient Saint, do not faint, 
 Cry for grace, run the race ; 
 Fired with love, look above, 
 Die and rise, seize the prize.
 
 THE MARTYR'S CROWN. 87 
 
 Never heed the worldling's scoff, 
 Soon you'll put your armour off ; 
 Nobly you've his cause defended, 
 Christ shall say " your warfare's ended." 
 Patient, &c. 
 
 Then you'll see with rapt'rous wonder, 
 Jesus in the Heavens yonder : 
 There he stands with open hands, 
 Circled by celestial bands. 
 
 MKu'toiyyi&ytu rfO 
 See th spirits of the just, 
 Who in him have put their trust ; 
 Dazzling like celestial fires, 
 Hark ! they tune their golden lyres. 
 
 Oh, how Heaven's arches ring, 
 While redeeming love they sing ; 
 Glory to th' Eternal One, 
 Heavenly Father, only Son. 
 
 " We]on earth were wont to roam, 
 Distant from our Father's home ; 
 Yet his love has brought us nigh, 
 Now we see him eye to eye. 
 
 Freed from sin and Satan's chain, 
 Wash'd our souls from ev'ry stain, 
 Jesus, we'll with hearts elate 
 
 Bear eternal glory's weight." . 
 
 
 
 Now the Saviour waves his hand, 
 Quick as thought a shining band, 
 Straight descend to this terrene, 
 View the Christain's dying scene. 
 
 See him lift his hand on high, 
 " Happy ! happy !" hear him cry ;
 
 PROPER USE OF LEARNISG- 
 
 Then his ransom'd spirit flies 
 Upward to its native skies. 
 
 Shout, ye saints, in rapt'rous strains, 
 Jesus king of martyrs reigns ; 
 A martyr's crown, resplendent, now 
 Decks his own triumphant brow. 
 
 " Come, ye sons, redeem'd by grace, 
 Victors in the Heavenly race ; 
 On my throne come sit ye down, 
 'Wear with me a martyr's crown. 
 
 " Closely seat ye by my side, 
 Oh, my own unspotted bride ; 
 Wear ye, by my Father bless'd, 
 Martyrs' crowns in endless rest." 
 
 VIDEO MELIORA PROBOQUE ; DETERIORA SEQUOR. 
 
 I see the better, and approve them too, 
 Yet, notwithstanding, I worse things pursue. 
 
 "OMNIS INDUS OPES SUPERAT MENS CONSCIA RECTI/ 
 
 The mind with conscious rectitude if bless'd, 
 Excels all India's riches when possess'd. 
 
 THE PROPER USE OF LEARNING. 
 
 And pray what is the use of a high leam'd man ? 
 Why by teaching to do all the good that he can !
 
 REPENT. 
 
 And if to good teaching he add good example, 
 Then wo be to those who on such teaching trample. 
 
 THE OLD VETERAN. 
 
 That he had been, he proved it by his scars. 
 A vet'ran soldier in the field of Mars ; 
 And did his country well his toils repayj? 
 Why ask thou me, 'tis for himself to say. 
 Yet this he said, " where'er my lot is cast, 
 I'll love my country while my life shall last." 
 
 FUTURE PROSPECTS. 
 
 Look you for life's sufferings and toils a reward ? 
 Don't seek it from men, let it come from the Lord. 
 
 THE LAST SHADE. 
 
 Our feeble frames are lifeless laid, 
 By Death the last successive shade. 
 
 REPENT. 
 
 Sinners repent, your steps retrace, 
 You're lost by sin, but saved by grace !
 
 90 REPENTANCE. 
 
 TEMPTATION. 
 
 " The temptations of the Lord are trials of our Virtue." 
 " The temptations of the Devil are solicitations to evil." 
 He most, therefore, be resisted, that he may " flee from us.' 
 
 God tempts his saints in various ways, 
 
 Their virtue 'tis to try ; 
 And if they live unto his praise, 
 
 He'll raise them up on high. 
 
 Temptation is the Devil's fort, 
 From whence he shoots his darts : 
 
 But Christians to Faith's shield resort, 
 And so secure their hearts. 
 
 The enemy beholds, enraged, 
 
 His arrows blunted fall ; 
 The saints feel warm to be engaged, 
 
 And on their Master call. 
 
 Then in his strength they onward go, 
 
 He arms them for the fight ; 
 Dauntless they rush upon the foe, 
 
 And Satan's put to flight. 
 
 REPENTANCE. 
 
 When of his sins the man repents, 
 The justice of our God relents ; 
 And when through Jesus he believes. 
 He pardon of his sins receives. 
 The grace that owns him for a son. 
 Is glory in his soul begun.
 
 THE GRAVE. 
 
 THE HUMAN SOUL. 
 
 Itself a Power, the human soul 
 Cannot be kept in vile control, 
 
 By things of time and sense ; 
 On daring wings it soars on high, 
 Far, far beyond the azure sky, 
 
 Up to God's residence ! 
 
 MAN, A THINKING BEING. 
 
 Man, sure, a thinking being is, 
 And just as well he knows it, 
 Not to himself this precious gift, 
 But to Heaven's love he owes it. 
 
 THE POWER OF JEHOVAH. 
 
 How vast his power, there's none can tell, 
 'Tis seen in Heaven, 'tis felt in Hell. 
 Here saints exult in rapt'rous strains, 
 There groan the damn'd in endless pains ! 
 
 Would'st thou escape God's wrath in Hell ? 
 Thy weapons ground, no more rebel ; 
 Repent, believe, obey forgiven, 
 Go wear a starry crown in Heaven. 
 
 THE GRAVE, HEAVEN AND HELL. 
 
 The grave's a place in which we'll lie full low, 
 A place to which we all of us must go-; 
 Heaven is a truly glorious place on high,
 
 92 DIVINE WRATH. 
 
 Which none of us can enter till we die. 
 
 There is a place of wo unspeakable ! 
 
 It is not Heaven, nay truly, it is Hell ! 
 
 Then where's the man who boasts of reas'ning powers, 
 
 Will unimprov'd let slip life's golden hours ? 
 
 Nay, in a moment on Death's fearful brink, 
 
 To Heaven we rise, or else to Hell we sink ! 
 
 DIVINE WRATH. . 
 
 Would you escape impending wrath, 
 
 Walk always in religion's path ; 
 
 Regard not what the wicked say, 
 
 There are no lions in this way. 
 
 Then while 'tis call'd " to-day" be wise. 
 
 Secure a mansion in the skies ; 
 
 You'll not regret the toil and pain, 
 
 You here endured that house to gain. 
 
 Fullness of joy is there in store, 
 
 And there are pleasures evermore. 
 
 In God's own book these truths are found. 
 
 There precious promises abound, 
 
 In Christ the Lord, to all made sure, 
 
 Who faithful to the end endure ; 
 
 But sinners in their sins may look 
 
 In vain for comfort in that book. 
 
 For while they look they'll surely find. 
 
 Unyielding sinners are consign'd 
 
 To blackness, darkness, fire and pain, 
 
 While God himself shall live and reign. 

 
 TEMPERANCE. 93 
 
 MAMMON PROFITABLY DISPOSED OF. 
 "He sent his charities before him to Heaven." Saurin. 
 
 He, by his charities, to Heaven sent 
 His fortune first, which to the Lord he lent; 
 Summon'd from hence by mandate of God's love, 
 He's gone to enjoy those charities above. 
 
 TEMPERANCE. 
 Gall. 5th Chap. 25th Verse. 
 
 Self-government we Temperance define, 
 
 A gen'ral law, of origin divine ; 
 
 Including both, if mortals right can scan, 
 
 Alike the inner as the outer man. 
 
 'Tis moderation, as St. Paul has shown, 
 
 " To all men be your moderation known." 
 
 Religion 'tis, however strange it seem, 
 
 The mean, the safest between each extreme. 
 
 It order is, God's choicest dearest law, 
 
 The light in which he all creation saw ; 
 
 When first he bade it into being rise, 
 
 Angels and men, and earth, and seas and skies. 
 
 The i-dea which he loves and follows still, 
 
 All he requires of man or ever will. 
 
 Order for which he once the Heavens did shake, 
 
 And will earth next, and Heaven, for order's sake. 
 
 Then shall this law infracted be restored, 
 
 And every nation own its common Lord !
 
 94 DEATH WILL NOT WAIT. 
 
 THE DOCTRINES AND PRECEPTS OF THE GOSPEL. 
 
 T. Drcight. 
 
 We in the doctrines of the gospel scan, 
 All moral truth that now is known by man ; 
 Without extend its precepts, and within, 
 Require each virtue and forbid each sin. 
 
 THE SAVIOUR AND HIS BRIDE, THE CHURCH. 
 
 See the bless'd Saviour with the Church his bride. 
 "There Virtue walks with glory by her side." 
 
 DYING IN SIN. T. Dwight. 
 
 Hurried, surprised, and with distress replete, 
 Sinners in terror from this world retreat ; 
 Wake in the next, and at the Judge's seat, 
 All unprepared his angry frown they meet. 
 
 DEATH WILL NOT WAIT OUR WISHES. From the same. 
 " Death, 'tis a melancholy day, to those who have no God." 
 
 Remember this, all of us ought, 
 Death will not for our wishes wait ; 
 
 The Judgment hastens, solemn thought ! 
 Eternity knocks at the gate.
 
 COLUMBIA COLLEGE. 95 
 
 LIGHT AND DARKNESS. 
 
 'Twas said that light into the darkness shone, 
 But it the darkness comprehended not ; 
 
 in soil'd our human nature, One alone 
 
 Can cleanse and wash out ev'ry stain and blot. 
 
 EPITAPH. 
 
 Did worth departed moulder in the dust, 
 What hope, we'd ask, remaineth for the just ? 
 But if like incense it ascends above, 
 And meets its Father and its God in love, 
 Then all your sorrowing for his loss dismiss, 
 He dwells immortal in the realms of bliss. 
 
 COLUMBIA COLLEGE. 
 " Antiquam Exquirite Matrem." 
 
 Columbia College ! Alma Mater ! well 
 
 Do I remember, and the time could tell, 
 
 When first escaped from pedagogic rule, 
 
 To thee I came fresh from a grammar school. 
 
 From five long years well stored, at all events, 
 
 With English, Greek, and Latin rudiments. 
 
 Stern was our Teacher, rigid and severe, 
 
 Nor ruled by love his pupils, but by fear ; 
 
 From Scotia's bleak and snowy hills he came, 
 
 Too rough for smooth and polish'd rhyme his name. 
 
 A learned man, versed in scholastic trade, 
 
 He strict attention to his scholors paid. 
 
 Nor for the number that he sent thee cared, 
 
 His object was to send them well prepared ; 
 
 And how I profited thy books can show,
 
 99 COLUMBIA COLLEGE. 
 
 'Twere impious this ! He is too good, too just, 
 To pass unheeded any, who in prayer 
 With heart sincere, trust in his guardian care. 
 Then, poor, yet will I seek with Hope elate, 
 Eternal good things in a better state ! 
 Nor grieve, nor murmur, nor repine that I, 
 Tread life's low walks by mandate from on high. 
 Mother no longer, thus, I'll thee detain, 
 Lest thy digressing son should give thee pain. 
 Or in those griefs thy sympathies engage, 
 Which power superior can alone assuage. 
 My number'd days will soon be o'er and past, 
 And to that term I feel I'm hast'nmg fast ! 
 But let me mention first thy gala day, 
 When all thy train came marching down Broadway, 
 It was a show not framed for war and fight, 
 It peaceful was, a real classic sight. 
 Freshmen and Sophs, Juniors and Seniors abreast, 
 Pres. and Professors, Janitor, full dress'd, 
 In long and flowing gowns of sable hue, 
 They look'd like Preachers to the admiring view ! 
 Then there arrived, into St. Paul's they press'd, 
 And I, thy joyous son among the rest ; 
 Then up the aisles we pass'd with silent feet, 
 And each located in his proper seat. 
 FilFd was the House of God, below, above, 
 Music and beauty, beaming looks of love. 
 The music still'd, and now commence by sign, 
 Those acts in which each speaker tries to shine ; 
 Speeches in English, some in Latin too, 
 Salute, farewell, sparkling with wit, span new. 
 The speaking o'er, th' assembly wait to see, 
 Each graduate take his separate degree ; 
 Conferr'd by Pres. in Latin on the whole, 
 A. B. or A. M. with a parchment roll. 
 Pray'rs ended, now th' assembly all retire 
 To censure some, while some applaud, admire. 
 Among the A. B.'s ranks thy humble son : 
 Mother, these acts in ninety-six were done !
 
 PRESENTATION OF A SOUVENIR. 
 
 Alma thou art indeed an ancient Dame, 
 
 And not thy first thou bear'st but second name ; 
 
 Thou, fruitful mother, dost with best intent, 
 
 A num'rous offspring to the world present. 
 
 How many sons who thee their parent claim, 
 
 Now live to add fresh lustre to thy name ! 
 
 A nd numbers more whom time has swept away, 
 
 Have shown illustrious in a previous day. 
 
 Mater, farewell, I have detain'd thee long, 
 
 To listen to my dreary plaintive song ; 
 
 But why not I, for fear of censure, dare 
 
 To tell thee all my secret bosom care ? 
 
 Thou caredst for me, and all my faults pass'd o'er, 
 
 Nor didst expel me from thy friendly door. 
 
 When to salute thee next, I may beg leave, 
 
 I hope 'twill be an A. M. to receive. 
 
 Long may'st thou now, in answer to my prayer, 
 
 Scores after scores of worthiest sons prepare ; 
 
 Thy crown, thy glory in this world of care, 
 
 Bright crowns themselves, in endless day to wear. 
 
 GENERALS IN SERMONS. 
 
 On generals we like to dwell, 
 Nor like our own true portrait well ; 
 Make the resemblance too exact, 
 It gives disgust, such is the fact. 
 
 TO ACCOMPANY THE PRESENTATION OF A SOUVENIR SENT 
 TO A YOUNG LADY AS A NEW YEAR'S PRESENT. 
 
 Let in my name and stead this Book appear, 
 And with you Miss a new and happy year.
 
 100 A SCRIPTURAL ACROSTIC. 
 
 EPITAPH FOR MR. STURGES. 
 
 Mourn not, ye friends, all must this tribute pay, 
 And all remingle with our parent clay , 
 What though grim death his object ne'er should miss. 
 He's the sole passport to the realms of bliss ! 
 
 THE LORD S PRAYER VERSIFIED. 
 
 Our Father, who dost in Heaven reside, 
 Thy name, now and ever be sanctified ; 
 Let thy kingdom come, and thy will be done, 
 lu earth and in Heaven, as though both were one. 
 From day unto day still let us be fed, 
 With earthly not only, but Heavenly bread ; 
 And while here on earth we're permitted to live, 
 Forgive us our sins, as we others forgive. 
 Jrc-to temptation, oh ! lead us not, Lord, 
 But kindly protection from evil afford. 
 The kingdom, the power, the glory to thec, 
 Belongs and endures to E-ter-ni-ty. 
 
 Amen. 
 
 A SCRIPTURAL ACROSTIC. 
 
 A-sk, and ye shall receive, 
 
 S-eek, and ye shall find, 
 
 K-nock, and it shall be opened unto you. 
 
 /% i , i n i i ''"' 
 
 Our blessed oaviour thus commands, 
 
 Sure 'tis an easy task, 
 
 Which all resolves itself in this, 
 
 You've only but to A-S-K !
 
 THE SUBSTITUTE. 101 
 
 THE SUBSTITUTE, OR THE CORDWAINER CURED OF 
 DRUNKENNESS. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 This world is like an ocean, truly, 
 Disturb'd by winds and storms unruly ; 
 By folly, pride, and foolish fashions, 
 By what we moderns style the passions. 
 They're worldly lusts, which war upraise 
 Against the soul, St. Peter says. 
 They are a most unruly set, 
 And things unseemly, oft beget ; 
 In spirit, as in speaking, thinking, 
 In physics, as in eating, drinking, 
 In each of which excesses may 
 Proceed in many a fearful way ; 
 If to restrain them you're too idle, 
 Then hold them in as with a bridle, 
 Or they like tyrants will command, 
 And rule you with an iron hand. 
 But if to order once brought under, 
 Both you and all the world will wonder, 
 When some bad practice is forsaken, 
 Nor in the main be much mistaken. 
 Our preface this, we haste to tell, 
 What to a certain wight befell, 
 Sam Slocombe, so the man was nam'd, 
 For drinking round the country fam'd. 
 And folks to say were not afraid, 
 He lov'd it better than his trade, 
 Which trade of Sam's was making shoes, 
 And boots and slippers, if you choose ; 
 But though this be a lawful call-ing, 
 Not wrought by needle, but by awl-ing 
 Yet for old Flaccus cared not Sam, 
 " Ne sutnr ultra crepidum" 
 Which means when into English cast, 
 " Cobbler, I say, stick to your last." 
 i*
 
 102 THE SUBSTITUTE. 
 
 But though so oft he let rum rule, 
 
 Yet Sam, when sober was no fool, 
 
 For he besides a pious breeding, 
 
 Was very fond of Bible-reading, 
 
 And he could argue, he could tell, 
 
 Full many a truth of Heaven and Hell. 
 
 Now this I say, full well he knew, 
 
 What others ought, or should not do, 
 
 Thus far he judged his neighbour's standing, 
 
 Approving, or wi&h censure branding, 
 
 Yet while he thus employ'd his mind,. 
 
 He was not to his own sin blind. 
 
 For still, with this outrageous sin r 
 
 He felt a spark of grace within, 
 
 And many good resolves he made, 
 
 Yet only call'd in reason's aid, 
 
 Which if of grace it has no season ! 
 
 Tis weak, alas, this human reason. 
 
 From habit strengthening as it grows, 
 
 A kind of second nature flows. 
 
 If evil is ihe habit, sure, 
 
 Twill make its slave its ills endure 
 
 Till broken off, it cannot fail, 
 
 To stronger grow and to prevail. 
 
 Now grace to slavery ne'er invites, 
 
 But liberty and pure delighis, 
 
 And drinking rum's a habit evil, 
 
 Tis not of grace but of the devil ! 
 
 Sam felt this kind of logic true 
 
 " I see at length, it will not do 
 
 To lead this idle drinking life ; 
 
 Myself, my children and my wife 
 
 Twill beggar, and to ruin bring, 
 
 Too long I've trifled with this thing ; 
 
 My character, my credit lost : 
 
 What, lose my pleasures ? count the cost 
 
 With mind and body rack'd and pain'd, 
 
 Much have I lost, and little gain'd ' 
 
 But I'm resolv'd it shall be so !
 
 THE SUBSTITUTE. 103 
 
 To Doctor Twitchill straight I'll go." 
 
 So off he hies with nimble feet, 
 
 And meets the Doctor in the street. 
 
 Sam " doff'd his hat and smooth'd his brow," 
 
 And to the Doctor made his bow ; 
 
 " I my complaint to you would tell, 
 
 But Doctor it you know full well, 
 
 Therefore in story I'll be brief, 
 
 Doctor prescribe, I want relief." 
 
 Now Sam of late had proved untrusty, 
 
 Which made the Doctor somewhat crusty, 
 
 Because he had his work neglected 
 
 So while an answer he expected, 
 
 The Doctor with sardonic smile, 
 
 Poor Sam address'd in angry style 
 
 " To me do you complaining come ? 
 
 Sam Slocombe leave off drinking rum, 
 
 And you shall, as occasion suits, 
 
 Half sole my shoes, and mend my boots ; 
 
 But if you still your whistle wet, 
 
 From me no future jobs you'll get." 
 
 " Ah, Doctor, worse than rum, 'tis brandy." 
 
 " You'd better live on sugar candy 
 
 Brandy besure won't smell the breath, 
 
 But more than rum 'tis charg'd with death 
 
 No matter who for brandy pleads, 
 
 The grape in strength the cane exceeds ; 
 
 'Twill make you with the horrors quiver, 
 
 'Twill indurate your very liver, 
 
 'Twill" " Doctor, hold your hand I pray ! 
 
 Nor from your patients too long stay, 
 
 My case I've thought on o'er and o'er, 
 
 And I'm resolv'd to drink no more 
 
 I come not, Doctor, to dispute, 
 
 But to request some substitute." 
 
 " Why, Sam, your words my heart do cheer 
 
 I hope you're honestly sincere 
 
 Then I'll prescribe, though I'm set down 
 
 To be another Doctor Brown
 
 104 THE SUBSTITUTE. 
 
 In hopes the things that caus'd your pain 
 
 May you to health restore again ; 
 
 But if my order you neglect, 
 
 No benefit from it expect 
 
 You know my name?" "Yes, Doctor Tvvitchell,' 
 
 " Then do you, Sam, henceforth drink switchell, 
 
 Now go" ; said he, in tone severe, 
 
 " Another word I will not hear." 
 
 PART II. 
 
 And now behold him standing mute, 
 And musing on his substitute ; 
 Resolv'd to suffer self denial, 
 And give the thing a decent trial. 
 But here the quere might be made, 
 Why Sam, distress'd and seeking aid, 
 First craved it from a fellow being, 
 And not at once from the All-seeing ? 
 A spark of grace 'twas said he felt ; 
 If on his knees he then had knelt, 
 And begg'd of grace to be its debtor, 
 Would he not then have fared much better ? 
 'Tis granted yet the Christian knows, 
 What is in man that will oppose, 
 (That which by nature all inherit,) 
 The gracious strivings of the Spirit, 
 The carnal mind in Scripture named, 
 A principle ne'er to be tamed, 
 Which rules with most despotic sway, 
 The which, unless the Lord shall slay, 
 'Twill hold the man in durance fast, 
 As long as life on earth shall last. 
 Then why should we make the attempt, 
 Sam more than man to represent ? 
 The Christain knows how hard a thing 
 It was at first his mind to bring 
 From off its pinnacle of pride, 
 And all at once to lay aside
 
 J THE SUBSTITUTE. 
 
 Those towering thoughts which self inflate, 
 
 And bind men to their real state. 
 
 All nat'ral men by sin are blinded, 
 
 Which makes them heady and high minded ; 
 
 They're strong in hope and confidence, 
 
 And against Heaven they rear'd this fence ; 
 
 Nor whips, nor rods, nor cross, nor halter, 
 
 Have power, men's wicked hearts to alter ! 
 
 The grace that's in the gospel found, 
 
 Must bring their Babel to the ground ! 
 
 In nature's field, the Christian knows, 
 
 No plant of lowliness e'er grows ; 
 
 God plants it in the heart renew'd, 
 
 And there it thrives with grace endued. 
 
 This then we think the reason why 
 
 Sam did to man not Heav'n apply 
 
 Into a store, hard by, he stepp'd, 
 
 'Twas by a temp'rance grocer kept. 
 
 Though he had always shunn'd his door, 
 
 The grocer Sam had known before ; 
 
 He knew his trade and how he acted, 
 
 And many debts for rum contracted. 
 
 But on what errand now he came, 
 
 He could not guess, so could not name ; 
 
 But let it be for good or evil, 
 
 He thought he would entreat him civil. 
 
 " Good morning, neighbor ; well, how goe*, 
 
 What kind of wind this morning blows? 
 
 My eyes, I hardly can believe, 
 
 This honor why do I receive ?" 
 
 Says Sam, " my friend, I pray you stop ! 
 
 Do you sell treacle in your shop ?" 
 
 " I have the article in plenty, 
 
 I'll sell you hogsheads ten or twenty." 
 
 " I only by my stopping meant, 
 
 One gallon for experiment, 
 
 From you to buy a jug also, 
 
 Then take your pay, and 1 will go." 
 
 The thing was quickly done, and Sam.
 
 106 THE SUBSTITUTE. 
 
 Felt keen to take his treacle dram ; 
 But as he turn'd to bid good bye, 
 He met the grocer's piercing eye 
 Fix'd on his own with gaze intent, 
 As though it said " Experiment !" 
 And what is it, I'd like to know ? 
 At least, Sam understood it so 
 Now he believ'd, or else opin'd 
 The grocer to some church was join'd. 
 ' "Grocer! the question's fairly meant," 
 " What Christian church do you frequent ?" 
 " I'll tell you, since to know you list, 
 I am long since a Methodist." 
 " I like you none the worse for that ; 
 My question you have answer'd pat. 
 And now I'll tell you as a friend, 
 What by this treacle I intend. 
 You've heard, no doubt, to drink I'm given. 
 By which to ruin folks are driven ; 
 Now I resolv'd, in time, to stop, 
 And never drink another drop. 
 But yet I thought it would not suit, 
 Unless I had some substiiute ; 
 So off I went to Doctor Twitchell, 
 And he approv'd, and order'd switchell ; 
 So now I am with this content 
 To make a fair experiment." 
 " I pray it may sufficient prove 
 Your thirst for drinking to remove ; 
 Your substitute the Doctor knew, 
 Of alchohol might stand in lieu, 
 And strength and vigor to your heart. 
 And all your outer man impart. 
 But you must give it a fair trial, 
 By practising much self denial, 
 Or, after all you may endure, 
 It may not work a thorough cure 
 Add one thing more and I'll maintain, 
 You surely will your object gain."
 
 THE SUBSTITUTE. 107 
 
 "Pray name it, since success 'twill bring." 
 
 " Religion, Sir, that is the thing. 
 
 No doubt, 'tis good in its own place, 
 
 'Tis excellent in ev'ry case 
 
 The best of any substitutes, 
 
 And always proves so by its fruits. 
 
 But you no longer I'll detain, 
 
 You'll be this way, no doubt, again. 
 
 Now only let, ' twixt you and me, 
 
 Your motto Perserverance be." 
 
 So here they parted for the present, 
 
 Both parties in good humor, pleasant 
 
 Sam quickly to his home return'd, 
 
 And in his mind vile brandy spurn'd ; 
 
 His treacle drank, and in a jerk, 
 
 Was snugly seated at his work. 
 
 And thus he wrought day after day, 
 
 Took home his work, receiv'd his pay ; 
 
 The good effects were soon discern'd, 
 
 Of what by industry he earn'd. 
 
 No longer within tavern walls, 
 
 His ears are deaf to toper's calls ; 
 
 His customers the change perceived, 
 
 " Twas strange," they said ; yet they believed 
 
 Sam had reform'd, and chang'd his plan, 
 
 And was no more a drinking man. 
 
 And he, to his great joy soon found, 
 
 His work flow in from all around. 
 
 His family how alter'd they, 
 
 No more to grief and shame a prey ! 
 
 Their faces show a mind serene, 
 
 Their garmems whole, and neat and clean. 
 
 His children now at school delight, 
 
 To learn to spell, to read and write. 
 
 And all when Sunday bell they hear, 
 
 In church before the Lord appear, 
 
 Confess'd by all, here was a change, 
 
 Not merely strange, but " passing strange" 
 
 And was it thorough ? nay, not quite,
 
 108 THE SUBSTITUTE. 
 
 But yet, all things were working right ; 
 For grace, with perseverance join'd, 
 Strange inroads made into his mind ; 
 Upon the little spark it blew, 
 And soon into a flame it grew 
 Keenly he felt the glowing smart, 
 While melting down his stony heart. 
 Conviction came, its powerful sway 
 Who can withstand ? behold him pray ! 
 He just is made, finds peace beside, 
 Through faith in the once Crucified. 
 He doubted not, too plain his case 
 A real change had taken place ! 
 Once he opposed God's righteous law 
 He then was " blind, but now he saw ;" 
 Nor did he shout, as if in noise 
 His soul had lost its equipoise ; 
 Nor did his mortal body shake, 
 As though torn up by an earthquake. 
 It was the Spirit's gracious choice, 
 To speak to him in "still, small voice," 
 In accents gentle, bland and kind, 
 Not furious like the whirling wind 
 " Thy God, thy sins, a frightful store, 
 Against thy soul accounts no more." 
 The Son had proved his friend in need, 
 And made him free from sin indeed ; 
 And now we say, with pious mind 
 Himself unto the Church has join'd, 
 To sin and pride and folly dead, 
 United to his elect Head. 
 Now all the wise and good rejoice, 
 That Sam had made so wise a choice ; 
 Thenceforth folks call'd him no more Sam, 
 'Twas Mr. Slocombe his wife, ma'am ! 
 Full many a year is gone and pass'd, 
 His confidence he still holds fast ; 
 And there he stands a beacon still, 
 Just like a " city on a hill !"
 
 LIFE IS UNCERTAIN. 109 
 
 The tale is true and not fictitious, 
 In serious told, not mood capricious ; 
 And may he ne'er from grace backslide, 
 But keep close to his Saviour's side, 
 And faithful unto death still prove, 
 And wear in Heaven a crown of love. 
 
 GLORY. 
 
 And what of Glory ? in eternal day, 
 
 'Tis grace made perfect, absolute, we'll say. 
 
 . > ' 
 
 WE MUST NOT DO EVIL THAT GOOD MAY COME 
 THEREFROM." 
 
 Oh! that remember, always, this we could, 
 Not to do evil for the sake of good ! 
 
 PRAYERS PREFERRED IN WRATHJWILL NOT BE ANSWERED. 
 
 Let prayers ascend in mercy's peaceful path, 
 Heaven answers none that are put up in wrath; 
 Then seek not thus thy fellow man to slay, 
 Vengeance is mine, saith God, and I'll repay. 
 
 LIFE IS UNCERTAIN. 
 
 That we, need we each day and hour be told, 
 Our lives by an "uncertain tenure " hold ? 
 K
 
 108 THE SUBSTITUTE. 
 
 Bat yet, all things were working right ; 
 For grace, with perseverance join'd, 
 Strange inroads made into his mind ; 
 Upon the little spark it blew, 
 And soon into a flame it grew 
 Keenly he felt the glowing smart, 
 While melting down his stony heart. 
 Conviction came, its powerful sway 
 Who can withstand ? behold him pray ! 
 He just is made, finds peace beside, 
 Through faith in the once Crucified. 
 He doubted not, too plain his case 
 A real change had taken place ! 
 Once he opposed God's righteous law 
 He then was " blind, but now he saw ;" 
 Nor did he shout, as if in noise 
 His soul had lost its equipoise ; 
 Nor did his mortal body shake, 
 As though torn up by an earthquake. 
 It was the Spirit's gracious choice, 
 To speak to him in "still, small voice," 
 In accents gentle, bland and kind, 
 Not furious like the whirling wind 
 " Thy God, thy sins, a frightful store, 
 Against thy soul accounts no more." 
 The Son had proved his friend in need, 
 And made him free from sin indeed ; 
 And now we say, with pious mind 
 Himself unto the Church has join'd, 
 To sin and pride and folly dead, 
 United to his elect Head. 
 Now all the wise and good rejoice, 
 That Sam had made so wise a choice; 
 Thenceforth folks call'd him no more Sam, 
 'Twas Mr. Slocombe his wife, ma'am ! 
 Full many a year is gone and pass'd, 
 His confidence he still holds fast ; 
 And there he stands a beacon still, 
 Just like a " city on a hill !"
 
 LIFE IS UNCERTAIN. 109 
 
 The tale is true and not fictitious, 
 In serious told, not mood capricious ; 
 And may he ne'er from grace backslide, 
 But keep close to his Saviour's side, 
 And faithful unto death still prove, 
 And wear in Heaven a crown of love. 
 
 GLORY. 
 
 And what of Glory ? in eternal day, 
 
 'Tis grace made perfect, absolute, we'll say. 
 
 .af.rvr .' -.! 
 
 WE MUST NOT DO EVIL THAT GOOD MAY COME 
 THEREFROM." 
 
 Oh! that remember, always, this we could, 
 Not to do evil for the sake of good ! 
 
 PRAYERS PREFERRED IN WRATHJWILL NOT BE ANSWERED. 
 
 Let prayers ascend in mercy's peaceful path, 
 Heaven answers none that are put up in wrath; 
 Then seek not thus thy fellow man to slay, 
 Vengeance is mine, saith God, and I'll repay. 
 
 LIFE IS UNCERTAIN. 
 
 That we, need we each day and hour be told, 
 Our lives by an "uncertain tenure " hold ?
 
 110 THE END OF TIME. 
 
 THE GOOD MAN'S DEATH. 
 
 Resign'd he goes to meet a bless'd reward, 
 In Jesus sleeps, is ever with the Lord. 
 
 THE END OF TIME, AND BEGINNING OF ETERNITY. 
 
 A. D. One eight three nine, is gone and past, 
 
 We've toil'd and worried through that year at last, 
 
 Through scenes as varied as our various states, 
 
 All noted under their own proper dates ; 
 
 Where time at large in his huge folio writes 
 
 All our transactions both of days and nights, 
 
 As through his course he flies on swiftest wing, 
 
 Till Heaven that course unto an end shall bring. 
 
 Then shall he sleep, embalm'd in heavenly bowers. 
 
 While dire destruction wastes this world of ours, 
 
 And this " vain wo? Id" with all its "things" be burn'd, 
 
 To one vast heap of desolation turn'd ! 
 
 Yet how this period with precision find ? 
 
 The question baffles every finite mind ! 
 
 Yet days though many, it shall come, or few, 
 
 As sure as He who spake the word is true. 
 
 Search we the Scriptures both the old and new, 
 
 There we will find, at least, a general clue, 
 
 Enough to teach us what we ne'er shall sec, 
 
 With mortal eyes, but in eternity. 
 
 And hear, in fine, the strong-lung'd Angel cry, 
 
 With hand uplifted, swear by the Most High, 
 
 One foot on sea, and one upon the shore, 
 
 That time, what we call time, shall be no more. 
 
 ^
 
 JUSTICE AND MERCY. Ill 
 
 PROFANE SWEARING. 
 
 Holy and reverend is, O Lord, thy name, 
 
 And dare thy creatures to blaspheme the same .? 
 
 Swearer, I warn thee, be by times apprized, 
 
 Thou all his fury hast not realized. 
 
 What though in scorn thy haughty brow be knit, 
 
 I see destruction on thy forehead writ. 
 
 Not between thee and mortal man's the strife, 
 
 But thee and God, who holds thy soul in life, 
 
 Who says He guiltless will not hold how plain 
 
 That man who takes His hallow'd name in vain. 
 
 
 RELIGION ALWAYS THE SAME. 
 
 Let hypocrites assume Religion's name, 
 They change not her, she always is the same. 
 
 THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL. 
 
 Some say of evil, money is the root ; 
 Not so, but love of it, past all dispute. 
 
 ; I 
 
 
 
 JUSTICE AND MERCY. 
 
 Putasne mortuus homo rursum vivat ? 
 
 adT 
 
 If a man die, shall be live again? Job xir. 14. 
 
 
 And if a man die, shall he liv again ? 
 If his soul be washed from every stain, 
 Revive he shall, and in Heaven to reign ; 
 But if he shall in his sins expire,
 
 112 JUSTICE AND MERCY. 
 
 Then, infinite Justice will require 
 Him to exist in endless fire. 
 
 While in this life we're suffer'd to stay, 
 Of joys and griefs, we each have our day, 
 But at Death's call we're hurried away ; 
 Now in the world that never shall end, 
 In Mercy the sinner finds no friend, 
 From vengeful wrath his soul to defend. 
 
 But now we're assur'd by Heaven's command, 
 Justice and Mercy go hand in hand, 
 Through every age, and in every land ; 
 Here, if a man will freely consent, 
 To part with sin, and sincerely repent, 
 Mercy shall triumph, and Justice relent. 
 
 Here the wheat and the tares together blend, 
 t So it must be, though the tares offend, 
 Till th' Angel of Death his aid shall lend ; 
 Sinners are tares that ever have spurn'd, 
 Mercy, who them from Sin would have turn'd, 
 Now in bundles they're bound to be burn'd. 
 
 For the time will come, when all the dead, 
 In the air must meet their " living Head," 
 Him, who once suflfer'd for them, and bled ; 
 They who despised and slighted him here, 
 With horror their awful doom shall hear, 
 No Mercy now 'tis Justice severe. 
 
 And that Justice, sure as holy writ, 
 The sinner to 'scape will not permit, 
 But will the good in Judgment acquit, 
 For the one obey'd the gospel call, 
 The other refused, though 'ttvas to all, 
 And now on their heads must vengeance fall. 
 
 t 9ik|w > ; - uit
 
 CONNUBIAL HAPPINESS. 113 
 
 Sinners, with all excuse away, 
 And be wise to know your gracious day, 
 Remember, 'tis dangerous to delay ; 
 Be not deceived, God is not mock'd, 
 Whatever by the foolish may be talk'd, 
 All vain expectations ivill be balk'd. 
 
 For the world to which we all must go, 
 Hath places assign'd of bliss or wo, 
 Heaven for its friend, and Hell for its foe ; 
 And Heaven's designs all flow from a source, 
 That none can stop in its onward course, 
 No being the mind of God can force- 
 
 For God hath a will above all wills, 
 
 He maketh alive, or else he kills, 
 
 And preserves the soul from endless ills ; 
 
 Then we our wills to His should submit, ' j 
 
 He knows what's best, and will do what's fit, 
 
 And on His throne eternally sit. 
 
 ilA 
 
 A 
 
 CONNUBIAL HAPPINESS. 
 
 ; ..*- 
 
 " Congenial souls alone can prove, 
 The pure delights of wedded love." KeL 
 
 That man is form'd averse to pain, 
 And Haf-piness pursues, is plain ; 
 Yet finds, too oft, to miss he's prone,, 
 The place where she resides alone. 
 Now who is she, where does she dwell, 
 In Palaces, or Fairy's ceil ? 
 There was a time she had a home, 
 So fix'd, she needed not to roam ; 
 But now no more a Queen she reigns, 
 O'er Eden's flowery, blissful plains. 
 But though dethron'd by one offence, 
 
 K
 
 114 SUAVITER LN MODO. 
 
 She yet to all can bliss dispense ; 
 
 And still to reign's her fav'rite plan, 
 
 Within the breast of fallen man. 
 
 Wouldst thou, young man, with grief opprest, 
 
 Have thy lost Queen reign in thy breast ? 
 
 Whate'er thy lot, contented be, 
 
 Folly forsake, the Syren flee ! 
 
 Thou'lt find, when broke her magic spells, 
 
 The Queen with true contentment dwells. 
 
 Or wouldst thou not alone abide, 
 
 But seek thee out some " charming bride," 
 
 With whom to share life's good and ill, 
 
 Bethink thee well, thou must fulfil, 
 
 From aught before, a diff 'rent part, 
 
 When thou hast won the maiden's heart ; 
 
 And both have bow'd at Hymen's shrine, 
 
 And, tied the knot, and she is thine 
 
 Then think ye both, now you're made one. 
 
 How you shall best life's journey run, 
 
 And with its busy cares employ'd, 
 
 All matrimonial strifes avoid. 
 
 And should kind Heaven to you decree, 
 
 A num'rous, rising progeny ; 
 
 While you on them with fondness doat, 
 
 How their best interests you'll promote ; 
 
 For sure direction do you look ? 
 
 You'll find it in God 1 s Holy Book. 
 
 
 
 "SUAVITER IN MODO, BED FORTITER IN RE. 
 
 Too mild his manners e'er to cause heart-aches, 
 But firm he is in what he undertakes. 
 
 *a'
 
 KNOCKING AT THE HEART. 115 
 
 MODERATION. 
 
 In ev'ry state, in ev'ry nation, 
 
 To all we'd tender moderation ; 
 
 But first, before another line, 
 
 We moderation would define. 
 
 Its meaning is of great extent, 
 
 'Tis temp'rance, discretion, judgment ; : - i- , 
 
 Which things, in life, well understood, 
 
 May be promotive of much good. 
 
 But if to them we pay no heed, 
 
 Such act may to much mischief lead, 
 
 And make our lives abound in ills, 
 
 When wisdom governs not our wills. 
 
 But if our passions we restrain, 
 
 We've nought to lose, but all to gain. 
 
 Then seek we grace, both day and night, 
 
 To think and speak, and act aright, 
 
 " And have tow'rds man and Providence 
 
 A conscience void of all offence." 
 
 CHRIST KNOCKING AT THE HEART. Rev. hi. 20. 
 
 Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, 
 With whom he is well pleased ; 
 
 Leaves the courts of bliss, to save 
 A world with sin diseased. 
 
 Lo he stands, and lo he knocks 
 
 At every sinner's heart ; 
 Sinners haste to let him in, 
 
 Nor " force him to depart." 
 
 He has come to sup with you, 
 
 And rich provisions brings ; 
 Peace and joy with these he means, 
 
 To feast his priests and kings.
 
 Ill KNOCKING AT THE HEART. 
 
 If you open then your hearts, 
 
 He surely will come in, 
 He alone your souls can cure, 
 
 From the dire sting of sin. 
 
 But from knocking if he cease, 
 
 For ever you are lost ; 
 If his Spirit takes its flight, 
 
 You'll know it to your cost. 
 
 Oh be wise your gracious day, 
 To know and to improve ; 
 
 Timely preparation make, 
 Before you hence remove. 
 
 Then your Saviour's love your'll know, 
 While here on earth you stay ; 
 
 And when he your souls requires, 
 They'll soar to realms of day. 
 
 Now behold his conquering ones, 
 His endless glory share ; 
 
 Seated with him on his throne, 
 Unfading crowns they wear. 
 
 Who will run the glorious race, 
 
 And heavenly bliss attain ; 
 Do not let the Saviour knock, 
 
 And call on you in vain. 
 
 Mild and gracious still he is, : 
 
 And easy to entreat ; 
 Then submit yourselves before . , 
 
 He leaves the mercy seat. 
 
 i 

 
 REFLECTIONS. 117 
 
 REFLECTIONS ON SCENES PASSED THROUGH AT "THREE 
 SCORE," AND UPWARDS. 
 
 How strange seem the scenes that have pass'd in our lives. 
 
 When arriv'd at the age of three score ; 
 And memory freed from the toils of the day, 
 
 Sits her down to recount those scenes o'er. 
 
 The big sigh is heav'd, and has flown off in air, 
 
 For the soul by an incubus prest; 
 Itself has reliev'd, without aid from the will, 
 
 And serenity reigns in the breast. 
 
 She points to the scenes of our childhood, and lo 
 
 A group of gay youngsters arise ; 
 All blooming in vigor, with health on each cheek, [ ; -' 
 
 And all sparkling with joy are their eyes. 
 
 'i 
 Now who is this group, so devoid of those cares, 
 
 Which intrude on a life that is long ? 
 Why, memory says that is you that is me, 
 
 And we know that she does not say wrong. 
 
 For ourselves have we seen both once and again, 
 
 In our children, and grandchildren too ; 
 In their sports, their pastimes, their frolics, their fun, 
 
 Wondrous strange though it seems, yet 'tis true. 
 
 Now next see her finger, how steady it points, 
 
 At the scenes as we ripen in age ; 
 In which, that we all may be useful in life, 
 Though they differ, we all must engage. 
 
 AT 
 How strange are those scenes, when so far back they're 
 
 view'd, 
 
 Which, with joy or with grief we've pass'd through ; 
 Though fancy might tell us, they're nought but a dream, 
 Yet memory says they're all true, 
 
 /'
 
 118 REFLECTIONS. 
 
 Again view her index to manhood direct, 
 
 And what strange scenes at this stage of life ! 
 
 Now who is that couple ? do, Memory, say, 
 Why, you're the husband she is your wife ! 
 
 How strange are the trades, the professions, pursuits, 
 
 Mankind follow by day and by night ; 
 And how strange it appears so many act wrong, 
 
 And so few do the thing that is right. 
 
 Now lastly behold her on age fix her gaze, 
 
 Such a gaze as makes many afraid ; 
 Who shrinking with horror, would fain, could it be, 
 
 Flee herself and her truth-telling aid. 
 
 ';- A 
 And say, who would desire to live a long life, 
 
 And then go to give up his account; 
 For sins of omission and commission done, 
 
 And by no means a trifling amount ? 
 
 Now this is the reas'ning of many a one, 
 
 And which many has drove to despair; 
 And how strange does it seem, that many deem'd wise, 
 
 All their lifetime are beating the air ? 
 
 . n.l 
 
 But plain is the fact, as the sun at noon day, ^4 tt 
 
 That sorrow may cease, and joy may flow 
 From a life though long, if 'tis righteously spent, 
 
 In this troublesome world here below. 
 
 -;; eono-jB etil I A 
 And when shall we say a life's righteously spent ? 
 
 When both motive and action are right ; 
 Then good men and Heaven, to declare it is so 
 
 Will each fully and freely unite. 
 
 Jtfvsif 
 How strange do the notions of many folks seem, 
 
 Who still for morality cry ; 
 And draw all their motives with her from below, 
 
 Which should come from religion on high.
 
 REFLECTIONS. 119 
 
 And hence some seem doom'd to mistake all their lives, 
 
 Whereas stopping a moment to pause, 
 Would show them how far they are sure to come short, 
 
 When effect is preferr'd before cause. 
 
 'Tis strange but to think, and much more so to say, 
 " How extravagant man in his schemes ;" 
 
 But strange as it is, 'tis certainly true, 
 That he surely is form'd of extremes. 
 
 'Tis certain the universe has its extremes, 
 
 And though long o'er the subject we've prosM, 
 
 We come in the end, to acknowledge we find 
 He's of matter and spirit compos'd. 
 
 How strange are the things that we cannot explain, 
 
 Let our guesses be ever so shrewd ; 
 And so they'll remain, until they're at length 
 
 In the light of eternity view'd. 
 
 And what would eternity ope to our view, 
 
 And what knowledge from thence could we draw ? 
 
 Why, there we'd discover things just as they are, 
 Controlled by Heaven's paramount law. 
 
 How strange does it seem, that the sons of a king, 
 
 Are but strangers and pilgrims at best ; 
 They know that they cannot in time, from time's things, 
 
 E'er elicit a permanent rest. 
 
 Their " rest is polluted" it is so, of course, 
 
 In this world of disorder and strife; 
 They'll only obtain it, when hence they depart, 
 
 There's joy in Heav'n, there's light, and there's life. 
 
 How strange, when arrived at the regions of bliss, 
 Will the changing of worlds to them seem ; 
 
 For sorrow and pain, they'll have joys ever new, 
 And their souls bathe in love's limpid stream.
 
 120 THE SCHOLIAD. 
 
 Then memory thou shall no more tell the years, 
 Late in this vale of tears pass'd away; 
 
 But in Heaven commence thine unceasing account, 
 And there flourish and never decay. 
 
 Then why should we grieve, if our Maker so will, 
 That we long here below should reside ; 
 
 If he fit and prepare us, in Heaven above, 
 To dwell with the Lamb and his bride ? 
 
 FRAGMENTS. 
 
 
 THE SCHOLIAD, 
 
 Or the Franklin Juvenile School in Rose-street, A. D., 181], on the site 
 now occupied as the Quaker Meeting. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 . - ><? .-.,; 
 
 As onward in life's rugged road I jog, 
 I'll sing the labours of the Pedagogue, 
 Who view'd in learning's rear, or in its van, 
 Is still a useful, interesting man. 
 To whom the great, the arduous task's assign'd, 
 " To pour instruction o'er the infant mind." 
 And should you see him in his work progress, 
 He'd surely seem to you a Hercules ; 
 How strange he should so hard a trade pursue, 
 Opposed by children, and by parents- too. 
 Thus spake the teacher, as his eye glanc'd o'er, 
 The theme's prolific, unexhausted store, 
 Nor thought on Candidus, who read the while, 
 But now address'd him with a gracious smile, 
 Why prithee, friend, what now is in the wind, 
 'Bout labour, learning, pedagogue, and mind ? 
 You speak so fluent, and then, all in rhyme, 
 Should I suspect your reason, where's the crime ?
 
 THE SCHOLIAD. 121 
 
 Though not diverted by this pleasantry, 
 
 The Teacher answer'd in a lower key : 
 
 To some, perhaps, surprising it may seem, 
 
 That I, since Education is my theme, 
 
 In spite of precedents, have rather chose 
 
 To mount on Pe^-asus, than creep in prose ; 
 
 Yet you, my friend, who've known my mind so long, 
 
 You know my motives, come and join my song ; 
 
 You, like myself, this painful path have trod, 
 
 You too have brandish'd the terrific rod. 
 
 Much have you suffer'd, both from friends and foes, 
 
 Counsell'd by these, and oft opposed by those. 
 
 Come then, and let us show our harmless spite, 
 
 By proving they were wrong and we were right. 
 
 Then, Candidus, where is our recompense, 
 
 To show them fools, devoid of common sense, 
 
 Who, since themselves once through a school havepass'd, 
 
 Such a vast sum of wisdom have amass'd; 
 
 That could you credit all, for truth they said, 
 
 They sure could teach each pedagogue his trade ? 
 
 But while they grieve us with their learning's pride, 
 
 Does cause of blame with them or us reside ? 
 
 Surely, in them ; they cause us great vexation, 
 
 And are intruders on our occupation. 
 
 For try one once, with all his boasted knowledge, 
 
 Say, if you please a graduate from college, 
 
 Then place a book politely in his hand, 
 
 And bid your youngest child before him stand ; 
 
 You'll puzzle him as sure as fate you'll find, 
 
 'Tis game too low for his exalted mind. 
 
 But the true reason is, if truth he'd own, 
 
 Rather than teach, he would our art be shown. 
 
 What though his learning may to all appear 
 
 Call you this teaching, one by one to hear ? 
 
 Had I no plan whereby to teach than this, 
 
 Half of my school I quickly might dismiss ; 
 
 And I would praise you for this self-same act, 
 
 Would you quit theory, and stick to fact. 
 
 For into myst'ry you so deeply sink,
 
 122 NEW-YORK ARSENAL. 
 
 I of your reas'ning know not what to think. 
 For your own int'rest, you've a right to feel ; 
 Must you defend it by sophistic zeal ? 
 Nay, then, a truce, nor more of wrongs I'll prate, 
 And cease in future to vituperate. 
 What I intended, when I first began 
 Our converse was, to open up the plan" 
 Which I've pursued, and which I still retain, 
 Farewell I'll give it when we meet again. 
 
 THE NEW-YORK ARSENAL. 
 
 To feast his two eyes, with a full intent, 
 A true-bred Yankee to the Ars'ual went. 
 The gate just opened, when with hand to hat, 
 Who should salute him, but his old friend Platt ; 
 Hah ! glad to see you, sir, step in, pray do, 
 And for yourself, my vast encampment view ! 
 So at the word the warlike place they enter, 
 Nor stop until arrived just near the centre, 
 Our Yankee, then a certain chose espied, 
 And turning round to Platt, close by his side ; 
 That thing, there, yonder, by itself, alone, 
 Aye, that we call the " Military Cone," 
 And, then these guns, how nicely they're paraded, 
 My whim and so the compliment's evaded. 
 
 How long they stay'd, or further talk'd, is fled ; 
 This much I know, that General Platt is dead. 

 
 THE SHIPWRECK. 183 
 
 THE SHIPWRECK. 
 CHORUS OMNIUM. 
 
 The friends of distress are of every time, 
 
 Confined to no nation, no kingdom, no clime ; 
 
 Then we'll pledge Swara's Consul, that friend of the poor, 
 
 And the kind-hearted Rais Bel Cossim the Moor. 
 
 A bark from Columbia had cross'd the wide main, 
 To a place up the straits, and a part of old Spain ; 
 Still held by a foe, who that hold mayn't resign, 
 Till the sun, and the moon, and the stars cease to shine. 
 
 Then away for the Island of Mayo they steer'd, 
 
 But sought and long look'd for, that Isle ne'er appear'd ; 
 
 A dense fog involv'd it, a strong current bore 
 
 The ill-fated bark to South Barbary's shore. 
 
 In the dead of the night, while the watch pac'd the deck, 
 Nor dreamed that the bark would soon prove a wreck ; 
 In a moment she struck on a high bank of sand, 
 The distance three cables at least from the land. 
 
 O think of the dread of the crew waked from sleep, 
 Her bow on the strand, and her stern in the deep; 
 While darkness Egyptian, a darkness profound, 
 Drowns objects above, and below, and around. 
 
 And when morning return'd it no joy brought^along, 
 Although that the vessel was still tight and strong ; 
 Barr'd out from the sea, what a pitiful case, 
 While Blanco's steep rocks stared them full in the face. 
 
 Yet as darkness receded and lighter it grew, 
 One thing while it gladden'd amazed the whole crew ; 
 * * Ccetera desunt. * * *
 
 124 PRAYER. 
 
 Adieu, Capt. Riley, thy Swiss friend no more, 
 Shall waft thee in safety from old Mogadore ; 
 No more shall thy decks feel his ponderous tread, 
 For thy Captain is number'd, O Tell, with the dead. 
 
 But why didst thou not to thy promise adhere, 
 And why swear an oath, and that oath not revere ? 
 Why didst thou dread Heaven provoke to decree, 
 That not on the land thou shouldst die, but at sea ? 
 
 Yet the reason I know, and why need I ask more? 
 Too large was thy heart, and too scanty thy store ; 
 Yet I hope that thy reck'ning proved straight in the end, 
 And in Heaven's fair climes I'll strike hands with my 
 friend. 
 
 PRAYER. 
 
 God nothing owes to fallen man, 
 To Him we all things owe ; 
 
 And He whene'er He pleases, can 
 On us all good bestow. 
 
 We His dependent creatures are, 
 
 And ev'ry moment need 
 His guardian Providence and care> 
 
 To be from danger freed. 
 
 While on our journey to the sky, 
 We're compassM round with ill ; 
 
 Which mounts above, howe'er we try, 
 All human strength and skill. 
 
 Then why ashamed or why afraid, 
 
 To say, O God above, 
 Grant me, while here, Almighty aid 
 
 Then take me to Thy love ?
 
 REFORM. 125 
 
 God will be sought to for His grace, 
 
 His grace we must request ; 
 Man earnestly must seek His face, 
 
 Or live and die unblest. 
 
 REFORM. 
 
 We're fallen on evil days, 
 
 The times are evil indeed ; 
 Iniquity stalks abroad, 
 
 And sadly Reform we need ! 
 
 And who the work has begun, 
 And who has struck out the plan 
 
 Which each of us should pursue ? 
 Pray let us know who's the man. 
 
 And what is reform, we would ask, 
 In what does the practice consist, 
 
 Our courses of ill to amend, 
 Nor longer to live as we list. 
 
 For man is evil by nature, 
 
 As he shows by his daily walk ; 
 
 And to rate him higher than this, 
 Is certainly idle lo talk. 
 
 Or is it old forms to improve, 
 
 And fix them and frame them anew ; 
 Or shall we our new ones give up, 
 
 And once more the old ones pursue ? 
 
 What sort of reform do we need ? 
 
 I pray you my friend to relate ; 
 Do we want it alone in Church, 
 
 Or both in the Church and the State ? 
 * i <::!:
 
 THE DAY OF JUDGMENT. 
 
 Ask the man who tills the ground, 
 And what do you say my friend ; 
 
 And when do you think to reform, 
 And your wayward ways amend ? 
 
 We ought to consider our ways, 
 And bring them out into the light ; 
 
 We do wrong in thousands of ways, 
 But only in one can do right. 
 
 The farmer refers you to others : 
 
 Says he, " while the seasons are good 
 
 What need of reform while the earth 
 Yields a plentiful store of food ?" 
 
 . 
 
 Away to the Artist we go, 
 
 And then of the Merchant inquire, 
 Don't you think that the times are bad, 
 
 And reform don't you each desire ? 
 
 " Why bad enough sure are the times, 
 And that to our sorrow we know ; 
 
 But" what, all the question evade, 
 Then drop it, we'll leave it just so !: 
 
 THE DAY OF JUDGMENT. 
 
 A day will come, of pomp and great parade, 
 
 " The day for which all other days were made." 
 
 The judgment day, emphatically so, 
 
 Wherein all judgments form'd before will flow ; 
 
 As rivers great, or smaller they may be, 
 
 Run on, are lost and swallow'd by the sea. 
 
 How vast the view ! while o'er the scene we gaze. 
 
 It fills the mind with terror and amaze ! 
 
 Before the Judge, behold on either hand, 
 
 THe countless millions, human beings stand ;
 
 THE DAY OF JUDGMENT. 127 
 
 How pale the faces on the left appear, 
 
 Their souls distracted with foreboding fear, 
 
 No signs their eyes of an escape now greet, 
 
 Angels with flaming swords prevent retreat ; 
 
 As marshal'd first, there waiting stand they must, 
 
 To hear the dreaded sentence of the " Just." 
 
 But on the right a different scene behold, 
 
 A sight so glorious, how can it be told ? 
 
 Beside th' angelic first-born sons of light, 
 
 Who still excel, as they were form'd in might. 
 
 There stand those jewels to the Judge so dear, 
 
 And in long ranks of shining white appear ; 
 
 No stain of sin on their pure robes i& seen, 
 
 In the Lamb's blood they wash'd and made them clean. 
 
 Joyous each waits to hear his sentence given, 
 
 " Faithful, well done, come reign with me in Heaven." 
 
 How large the triumph, how Heaven's arches ring, 
 
 While glorious souls in glorious bodies sing. 
 
 Ah, who a glorious body can portray ? 
 
 Think ye 'tis abstract metaphysics ? nay ! 
 
 Nor learning deep the wondrous change explain, 
 
 Yea, most sublime Philosophy in vain 
 
 May try, throughout her ample stores to find, 
 
 An image fit to satisfy the mind 
 
 Of him, who seeks in light distinct and clear, 
 
 To see what doth not in this life appear. 
 
 Till then, in Heaven those eyes restor'd to sight, 
 
 * * # # * * 
 
 * * * * * * . 
 
 But, here, admonish'd by a friendly voice, 
 We drop the subject, by constraint, not choice.
 
 128 DISJECTA MEMBRA POET^E. 
 
 ANALECTA. 
 DISJECTA MEMBRA POET^E. Hor. 
 
 Suppose into an Artist's shop, 
 At any time you chanc'd to stop, 
 
 To view the portraits he had made ; 
 He'd show you first the finished ones, 
 Fathers and mothers, daughters, sons, 
 
 Decked out in ev'ry hue and shade. 
 
 Next those at various times begun, 
 All incomplete, some nearly done, 
 
 To wait a future day ; 
 And these no doubt with patient mind, 
 The artist all along design'd ; 
 
 As serious efforts, not, of play. 
 
 And yet the mind with labor tires, 
 And relexation oft requires, 
 
 To nerve its energies once more ; 
 So round the room we may espy, 
 A foot, a leg, an arm, an eye, 
 
 Or other parts strew'd on the floor. 
 
 In this last light, pray reader, view, 
 Our Analecta through and through. 
 
 As scraps, or shreds, or to be plain, 
 " A poefs limbs''' a mass of rhymes, 
 That sooth'd his mind at diff'rent times, 
 
 As helps its vigor to regain.
 
 REFLECTION. 129 
 
 
 
 A WOUNDED SPIRIT. 
 
 " The spirit of a man may sustain his infirmities, but a wounded spirit 
 who can bear?" 
 
 Man by his strength of spirit may 
 
 His weaknesses sustain ; 
 But only wound that spirit once, 
 
 How can he bear the pain ? 
 
 FALSE APPEARANCES'. 
 
 Satan, though he may clothe himself in light, 
 Is still the devil, full of rage and spite. 
 Our Head he slew, his children calls his own. 
 And would the King of heav'n himself dethrone. 
 But he is chain'd, and shorter grows that chain, 
 He tries to break it, but he tries in vain. 
 Rave on, once princely, tow'ring son of morn, 
 Heaven's safe, and laughs thy cruel rage to scorn. 
 There is a point beyond this world 'tis found, 
 When heaven's dread voice shall pierce the solid ground; 
 Thou to that point unwillingly must go, 
 To hear thy sentence of unending wo 
 Thence thrust to Hell Heaven's vengeance shall pur 
 sue, 
 For ever thee and thine accursed crew. 
 
 REFLECTION. 
 
 Sinner if thou wouldst not share 
 Satan's portion, then beware 
 Now repent, begin to pray, 
 This is thy probation-day ;
 
 130 SPEIGHTS. 
 
 Now to part with sin consent, 
 After death none can repent. 
 
 A CAUTION. 
 
 Would you escape the wrath impending, 
 Break off from sin and cease offending. 
 
 THE OLD AND NEW MAN. Dwight. 
 
 When the new man his work suspends, 
 'Tis then the old one his extends. 
 
 DECISION. 
 
 'Tis an old saying, older far than me, 
 Who shall decide, when doctors disagree? 
 
 DANDYISM. 
 
 His speech abundant, useless words betray'd, 
 Which folly /orai'd, and custom current made. 
 
 SPEIGHTS. 
 
 Many have written and spoken of sprights, 
 Who gambol, and frolic, and sport by nights ;
 
 POLITICS. % 131 
 
 All on the tops of the mountains so drear, 
 And make the poor traveller quake with fear. 
 
 BOMBAST. 
 
 Thus fell my brother on that fatal day, 
 And pass'd unheeded from the world away. 
 
 SINCERITY. 
 
 That he intends to tell you, don't suppose, 
 In plaintive accents of unreal woes ; 
 Such thoughts dwell not within his honest heart, 
 He scorns to act a base deceiver's part. 
 
 POLITICS. 
 
 Not with political concerns he'll plague you, 
 
 Bad news to some you might give the ague ; 
 
 And make you feel so cold, that he, alas ! 
 
 Might slip your mem'ries and unheeded pass, 
 
 Or with your interests should they coincide, 
 
 'Long with the pleasant theme your thoughts might glide ; 
 
 Leave other cares behind at distance far 
 
 The poet's views would this not tend to mar ? 
 
 If on this ticklish topic then he enters, 
 
 Full well he knows that danger in it centres, 
 
 Knows 'tis a masterpiece of policy, 
 
 With politics to meddle cautiously ; 
 
 But if you wish them still peruse the papers, 
 
 And there forget yourselves and catch the vapours.
 
 123 YOUTH. 
 
 COLD WEATHER. 
 
 I will not tell you how rude Boreas wars, 
 That may be known by stepping out o' doors. 
 I'm no star-gazer, therefore won't offend, 
 And say the stars sad omens do portend; 
 Or threaten us with an inclement season, 
 For the above-said special reason. 
 
 MISSPENT TIME. 
 
 He spends the morning of his precious time, 
 In pleasure and in perpetrating crime ; 
 Death comes and meets the sinner in the way, 
 Extends his arm and seizes on his prey ; 
 Then his eyes open to his lost estate, 
 He cries "reprieve" but ah ! he cries too late. 
 
 PAREXTS AND CHILDREN. 
 
 Are parents treated in too harsh a way ? 
 Then of their offspring not one word we'll say 
 
 YOUTH. 
 
 For that to youth you must these trusts consign, 
 Experience teaches with a voice divine.
 
 CONCLUDING A PIECE. 133 
 
 PATIENCE UNDER SUFFERING. 
 
 Suffer on and out your hour, 
 Patience is the stiff 'ring power ; 
 Suffer 'lill your life expire, 
 Though it be in flames of fire. 
 So when Death shall raise the curtain, 
 Then you'll know and feel for certain, 
 That with you life's ills are o'er, 
 And you ne'er shall suffer more. 
 
 POTENTIAL REASONS ASSIGNED, 
 
 All subjects foreign to the main design 
 I have in view, I therefore must decline. 
 My Muse too bids me not to prosecute 
 Another theme, or else she says she's mute. 
 This sage advice then whispers in my ear, 
 And bids me follow it as well as hear ; 
 " Do as your betters long before have done, 
 And learn to take good care of number one." 
 Your Muse is venal then, perhaps you'll say, 
 In whose behalf your poet asks straightway ? 
 
 CONCLUDING A PIECE. 
 
 Now to the point our story hastens fast, 
 Imprimis always keep in mind the past 
 Though some might wish oblivion's shade conceal'd 
 Those deeds which their own folly has reveal'd ; 
 And made them subjects for a sneering world, 
 Which odium on their characters has hurl'd.
 
 194 A SONNET. 
 
 TRUTH. 
 
 To think aright, much more aright to speak, 
 With single eye Truth always let us seek 
 Then whatsoe'er we think, or say, or do, 
 The God of Truth will bear us safely through. 
 
 POLITENESS. 
 
 For if politeness should all actuate, 
 Then of society there rests the fate ; 
 'Tis its procuring cause, as reason shows, 
 It to politeness its existence owes. 
 
 A SONNET. 
 
 Emblem of the lilly fair, 
 
 Love make her thy peculiar care ; 
 
 Into her ear the tenderest tales, 
 
 Zephyrs breathe in gentlest gales. 
 
 Tell her how I pine and languish, 
 
 How my breast is fill'd with anguish ; 
 
 And creation dreary seems, 
 
 Then at night those restless dreams. 
 
 Tell her I can never rest, 
 
 Till with her consent I'm bless'd 
 
 Tell her " fairest, let thy mind 
 
 To thy love-sick swain be kind ;" 
 
 Then he no more shall slighted love bemoan, 
 
 Nor fairest, dearest, live and die alone.
 
 PASSING OVER THE SCHUYLKILL. 135 
 
 THE WHOLE DUTY OF MAN. 
 
 Would'st thou of thy whole duty know the plan ? 
 "Fear God, and his commandments keep" man! 
 
 
 
 " PRAYING WILL MAKE US LEAVE OFF SINNING, OR, SIN 
 NING WILL MAKE US LEAVE OFF PRAYING." 
 
 Sinners pray, why live in sin ? 
 
 While you sin you will not pray ; 
 Timously the work begin, 
 
 Dread you not the Judgment day ? 
 
 , _ 
 
 ON PASSING THE ONE ARCHED BRIDGE OVER THE 
 SCHUYLKILL, PA. 
 
 ; U'ltwoib sew i\r io3r,ilT 
 
 The toll-man by the toll-gate stood, 
 
 And open was his hand; 
 " We wish to cross this bridge of yours, 
 
 How much is your demand ?" 
 
 ':{ 
 
 " One cent a-piece for each of you ;" 
 
 I quickly gave him two ; 
 When these he'd nimbly slid apart 
 
 A fip appeared in view. 
 
 " See there," said he, " behold this piece, 
 
 Do take it back again ; 
 That you design'd to cheat me is 
 
 To be denied too plain." 
 
 I i olqoeqoT 
 
 Though said in joke, I took the hint, 
 
 It was a precious hit ; 
 A truly handsome specimen 
 
 Of Pennsylvania wit.
 
 138 AN ADDRESS. 
 
 I onward mov'd, and nought replied, 
 Nor in my turn was witty ; 
 
 So did not tell him whence I came, 
 From York or Jersey City. 
 
 Yet here we might upon the fact, 
 By way of caution say ; 
 
 Look at, examine well, before 
 Your change you pay away. 
 
 AN ADDRESS, 
 
 Written for the " Rutgers-street Select Missionary Society," to be spo 
 ken by a colored boy 14 years of age, belonging to one of the classes. 
 
 LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, 
 
 The best of books informs us all, 
 
 That once this earth was drown'd ; 
 So drown'd that not one living soul 
 
 Upon its face was found. 
 
 > ^>t-'f iV/ ~ 3 
 Yet that within a spacious ark, 
 
 By Heaven in safety kept, 
 For forty days eight human souls, 
 
 There ate, and drank, and slept. 
 
 And farther, when the rain held up, 
 
 And earth appear'd again ; 
 They left their ark upon the hill, 
 
 And went down to the plain. 
 
 Now Noah had three sons alive, 
 
 To people earth once more ; 
 ^ . And spread their father's fame abroad 
 Where'er a plant it bore. 
 
 a:- 
 
 - rf \f\ 
 
 "A1 I iw
 
 AN ADDRESS. 137 
 
 The one named Shem, in Asia stay'd, 
 
 And this he made his home ; 
 And Japheth branching off from thence, 
 
 Did into Europe roam. 
 
 To Afric's sultry, sun-scorch'd clime, 
 
 Ham's grandson found his way ; 
 And there my sable ancestors 
 
 Reside until this day. 
 
 But now Columbia is found out, 
 
 The land with freedom bless'd ; 
 Here folks of ev'ry hue appear, 
 
 And I among the rest. 
 
 Ladies and Gent?, I've told the truth, 
 
 You now have my excuse ; 
 Pray think how hard a thing it is, 
 
 One's self to introduce. 
 
 * 
 And now I have some other things 
 
 Of grave import to tell; 
 And shall I say 'twill break my heart, 
 Unless you take it well 1 
 
 Believe me I'm no uwtiquary, 
 
 Yet this I'll say outright ; 
 To hear of mission things you are 
 
 Invited here to-night. 
 
 A mission is a sending forth 
 
 A missionary man; 
 To bring the unbelievers to 
 
 Be Christians if he can. 
 
 He takes his life within his hands, 
 
 To barb'rous lands he hies ; 
 And heat and cold, and hunger too, 
 
 He each of them defies.
 
 AN ADDRESS. 
 
 All these he bears, and far much more, 
 Which cannot now be told ; 
 
 In hopes he may some more sheep add,. 
 Unto his master's fold. 
 
 And does he labor all alone, 
 Without his chosen friend ? 
 
 No, no, his Saviour's with him 
 Until the world shall end- 
 
 Yet he like us is flesh and blood, 
 
 In want of many things, 
 Which only can be furnished by 
 
 The aid that mammon brings. 
 
 Now here we've met to celebrate 
 Our annual mission night ; 
 
 To help the man we've sent far West 
 We ask you if 'tis right ? 
 
 Four Classes we, in social bonds 
 
 United by one heart ; 
 One color'd, and the three of white, 
 
 All strive to do our part. 
 
 Yet though we do our very best, 
 Still we would have you know ; 
 
 Kind friends excuse, yet out it mus^ 
 Our funds are very low. 
 
 And shall our Saviour ask in vain, 
 
 In vain demand of you ; 
 And " Rutger's Mission School select^ 
 
 And little Darky too ?" 
 
 It cannot be I think, while I 
 Behold each smiling face ; 
 
 There is not one that hears me now,. 
 That's so devoid of grace.
 
 IDLERS. 139 
 
 Then send, kind friends, some more relief, 
 
 And so be ever bless'd, 
 Unto our faithful mission man, 
 
 Who labors in the West. 
 
 DO GOOD. 
 
 What then ? do all the good, in time, you can, 
 There's always life for ev'ry living man. 
 
 RIDICULE NOT THE TEST OF TRUTH. 
 
 In vain you fly to ridicule, 
 Truth can't be tested by this rule. 
 
 WIT AND JUDGMENT. 
 
 Wit, though stinging, bushwood 'tis, 
 But Judgment solid timber is. 
 
 SYNTHESIS AND ANALYSIS. 
 
 Observe all objects, Synthesis combines, 
 While, contra-wise Analysis disjoins. 
 
 IDLERS. 
 
 Idlers great critics are, 
 And fault they always find
 
 140 MOTIVE AND ACTION. 
 
 They'll tell you how to work, 
 According to their mind. 
 
 But let thrm feel the heat 
 And burden of the day ; 
 
 The diffrence then we see, 
 Between to do, and say. 
 
 THE HUMAN HEART. 
 
 The human heart alas how changed \ 
 Once it was right, but now deranged ; 
 He who His works well understood, 
 At first pronounced them u very good ;" 
 But man, pursuing crooked ways, 
 Is evil styled in Scripture phrase. 
 His heart once soft is turned to stone, 
 He cannot for his sins alone. 
 And should he offer'd grace despise, 
 He'll die the death that never dies. 
 
 MOTIVE AND ACTION. 
 For God seeth not as man seeth. Samuel. 
 
 While man regards the outward show, 
 Thence his decisions all must flow; 
 But God beholds the inward part, 
 He looks directly ai the heart. 
 
 Fo erring man sad mischief makes. 
 And action for the motive takes ; 
 With God, and not as man on earth, 
 The motive stamps the action's worth. 
 
 -
 
 VOX ET PRjETEREA NIHIL. 141 
 
 Now since within the mind are things 
 That are controll'd by secret springs ; 
 Judge not too harshly foe nor friend ; 
 But charity to each extend. 
 
 Then with the gospel torch in hand, 
 Attentive to its strict command, 
 Our motives purify we may, 
 And fit our souls for endless day. 
 
 BETTING, OR WAGERING. 
 
 If betting nothing can decide, 
 The practice then should be decried ; 
 For if you lose or if you get, 
 Tis fact alone decides the bet. 
 
 " FIAT JUSTITIA RUAT C(ELUM 
 
 Let* Justice, if strict and impartial, be done, 
 
 Though the Heavens themselves into ruin should run. 
 
 "VOX ET PR^ETEREA NIHIL. 
 
 How mortifying to one's pride, 
 To be a voice and nought beside.
 
 142 THE CHRISTIAN'S HOPE. 
 
 ON THE PROSPECT OF RETURNING TO NEW-YORK, AFTER 
 THE WAR, IN 1815. 
 
 For thee, New-York, my much loved home I sigh, 
 There let me live, O Heaven, there let me die. 
 
 THE WASTER, OR THIEF IN THE CANDLE. 
 
 While at my book my pen so light I handle, 
 My wife cries out, " waster in the candle !" 
 Quick, get two forks, stick them on either side, 
 And then no smoky flame shall upward glide. 
 
 . 
 THE SWORD AND CANE. 
 
 -*' '' ^~-. : : - ^ :r- 
 
 Whene'er a soldier I behold, 
 
 Why should it give me pain ? 
 For if i cannot wear a sword, 
 I surely may a cane. 
 .'WOT) IK( JmjYcqiiii hac J.-vn^'ii t '>oilr 
 ji;n qjtrri * ; j;)v 
 
 PORTRAITS WITHOUT WIGS. 
 
 Fie on the Painter and his cruel rigs, 
 
 To paint such great men and forget their wigs. 
 
 THE CHRISTIAN S HOPE. 
 
 The Christian's hope is like a Seraph's smile, 
 It can misfortune's darkest hours beguile ; 
 Nor can it perish while his life shall last ; 
 " Within the vale it is an anchor cast "
 
 A TOAST. 143 
 
 There sure and steadfast his firm hope abides, 
 Until his soul the storms of life outrides : 
 All other hopes delusive are and vain, 
 Begun in pleasure, ending still in pain. 
 
 KINDNESS. 
 
 Such is the texture of the human mind, 
 
 It rhymes in fact, as well as verse with kind. 
 
 THE WORLD S EPITAPH. 
 
 Ah ! hard and harsh and cruel world, 
 Thou wilt at last in smoke be curled , 
 Thy crimes are great, they mount the sky, 
 And call for vengeance from on high. 
 Ah! cruel world, go on offend 
 Till fire consuming proves thine end. 
 
 THE OLD MAN'S REFLECTION UPON A CHILD'S TREADING 
 ON HIS TOES. 
 
 Our children when young oft tread on our toes, 
 
 Yet this we forget nor count with our woes ; 
 
 But when they're grown up comes the keenest of smarts, 
 
 For then they're prepared to tread on our hearts. 
 
 ;>w ,bi 
 
 A NATIONAL TOAST. 
 
 Here's " Uncle Sam" and his mistress beside 'im, 
 A beautiful couple let who will deride 'em ;
 
 144 QUEEN VICTORIA. 
 
 Her name is " Liberty? free from pollution, 
 
 May they live all their days with a sound " Constitution" 
 
 QUEEN VICTORIA, AND HER MARRIAGE WITH PRINCE 
 ALBERT. 
 
 Old England's Queen, 
 Fair Victorine, 
 
 Hear how she sighs ! 
 Look out gallants, 
 A mate she wants, 
 
 A crown's the prize. 
 
 The plan arranged, 
 The scene is changed ; 
 
 All bright's the one ; 
 Time onward flows, 
 A daughter shows, 
 
 But not a son. 
 
 What's to be done ? 
 We'll see anon, 
 
 Which will prevail ; 
 Old time mayhap, 
 May show a chap, 
 
 A sturdy male ; 
 
 Who living, may 
 The sceptre sway 
 
 O'er Albion. 
 Then Britons say, 
 " O Lord, we pray, 
 
 Give us a son." 

 
 MARRIED HARMONY. 145 
 
 INSCRIBED IN AN ANNUAL PRESENTED TO MISS 
 * 
 
 An annual comes but once a year, 
 Yet comes to bring its annual cheer. 
 Sweet maid accept both will and deed, 
 And for my sake this annual read. 
 
 MARRIED HARMONY. 
 
 Worthy persons were they both, 
 
 As any in the place ; 
 And as happy might have lived, 
 
 If they had had the grace. 
 
 To compromise their feelings, 
 Nor try conviction's pow'r, 
 
 Agreement would have lasted 
 Throughout each day and hour.
 
 ' .--
 
 A BRIEF HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 LIFE OF THE AUTHOR 
 
 OF 
 
 THE SPECIMENS, 
 
 From the time of his Birth to the year 1841 , 
 
 ARGUMENT, 
 
 The Author, born in the State of New-Jersey, comes at the age of eight 
 years to reside in the City of New-York. 
 
 THE Author is unable to trace his ancestry any further 
 back than to his Great Grandfather, and of him he has 
 learned no more, than that he came from the City of Lon 
 don, and settled in one of the Eastern States ; but in 
 which particular one he was never given to understand, 
 His Grandfather, Ishmael Shippey, and his Grandmo 
 ther, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Briggs, came 
 from Rhode Island, probably some twenty or thirty years 
 before the war of the Revolution, to reside in that part 
 of the State of New- Jersey, which is called Raritan Land-^ 
 ing. 
 
 This small Village is situated near the Raritan River, 
 about two miles above the City of New-Brunswick. In 
 this village, the Author's father, John Shippey, was (he 
 believes) born, and he is certain that he lived and died 
 there, in the year 1808, at the age of sixty years. The 
 Author's mother, ^whose maiden name was Phoebe Goss-
 
 148 THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 
 
 ner, came from the mountains, a few miles above Bound- 
 brook, which is five miles distant from the Raritan Land 
 ing, and up the River Raritan. By her lineage she was 
 German, as is clearly indicated by her family name, 
 Gossner ; so that the Author claims kindred with Eng 
 land on his father's, and with (Germany on his mother's side. 
 
 According to information received from his mother, 
 the Author was born at the above named village, on the 
 first day of February, 1778, and shortly thereafter was 
 christened by the Rev. Mr. Reed, Pastor of the Congre 
 gation of Non-Conformists, originally called Presbyteri 
 ans, from their admitting lay-Elders into their church 
 government, at Boundbrook ; his parents being of that 
 persuasion. 
 
 The peculiar state of the times, no doubt, contributed 
 materially in determining the choice of the Authors pre- 
 nomen. The British and Hessians had possession of 
 this part of Jersey ; the Author's father was in the station 
 of Lieutenant and Adjutant of the Woodbridge Brigade, 
 commanded by General Kurd, in the service of the Uni 
 ted States ; his uncle Josiah, in England, whither he had 
 been sent for trial as a rebel against the government of 
 his most sacred Majesty, fidei defensor, &c.,* George the 
 Third ; and the Author being the only surviving male 
 child of his parents, was, as he presumes, for these, and 
 perhaps other determining reasons, christened Josiah. 
 
 With this name the Author has always been pleased, 
 and knew its signification, long before Bailey informed 
 him that it denoted the "fire of the Lord" and "a pious 
 king of Judah." :i \. 
 
 Passing over many occurrences which might prove un 
 interesting to the reader the Author contents himself 
 with observing, generally, on this part of his history 
 that, the war being ended in 1782, and the independence 
 of the United States of America acknowledged by the 
 parent country, Great Britain ; his father rebuilded his 
 house, which had been burned by the British and Hes- 
 
 * Defender of the Faith, a title given by Pope Leo X. to King Henry 
 VIII, of England, for writing against Luther.
 
 THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 149 
 
 sians, after they had used it for a barrack ; and being 
 comfortably situated on his small farm of upland and 
 meadow, on the Raritan river, about one mile and a half 
 from the City of New Brunswick ; the Author was sent 
 to the village school to acquire the rudiments of an Eng 
 lish elementary education, where he continued until the 
 eighth year of his age. 
 
 In the interim the Author's uncle had returned from 
 England, having been acquitted of the charge of rebellion, 
 on the representation of some refugee New- York mer 
 chants, i hat he was " one of the most peaceable men in 
 America," he commenced mercantile business in the 
 stone store, at the S. E. corner of \\ ater-sireet and Coen- 
 ties Slip, in partnership with Messrs. Thomas Ten Eyck 
 and Edmund Seaman, under the firm of " Josiah Shippey 
 & Co." They were in the Holland and East India trade. 
 Growing tired, however, of keeping " Bachelor's Hall," 
 with his German servant, John Francis Hamslinger, who 
 had been a soldier in the British army, he ser.t a request 
 to his eldest unmarried sister, my aunt Mary, to come to 
 New-York, and bring the Author with her, and lake the 
 charge of the house he had rented in Pearl-street, near 
 the Battery. His request was complied with on the part 
 of his sister ; and the Author accompanying his aunt, ar 
 rived with her at New- York, the place of their destina- 
 tion, some time in the spring of 1786, 
 
 The Author is sent to School, and from thence to Columbia College. 
 His Uncle and Aunt remove to New-Jersey, taking with them the Au 
 thor. They return to New-York. The Author goes into the store with 
 his Uncle, continues there awhile, and then returns to Columbia Col 
 lege, where he graduated in the year 1796. 
 
 AND now, courteous Reader, imagine, if you can, the 
 sensations produced in the mind of the Author, by a tran 
 sition from an obscure country village to a large and 
 populous city, at his particularly tender time of life. 
 
 But his business at present is rather to consist in a 
 *
 
 150 THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 
 
 narration of facts, than in the indulgence of fanciful con 
 jectures. His Uncle having arranged with Mr. Malcolm 
 Campbell, a teacher of English and Latin, the Author 
 was sent to his school, then kept on Golden Hill, John- 
 street, near Cliff-street to be by him instructed suffi 
 ciently to enable him to enter Columbia College, as a 
 student in that literary establishment. 
 
 The Author would here observe, that this arrangement 
 in his favor was rather in accordance with the wishes of 
 his Aunt, than with the designs of his Uncle ; his views 
 were more mercantile than classical. On the contrary, 
 his Aunt, being a pious God-fearing woman, a communi 
 cant of Dr. John Rogers' church in Wall-street, feeling 
 that one of the fondest wishes of her heart would be grat 
 ified, if she could see her nephew in the ministry, per 
 suaded her brother to give him a liberal education. But 
 Providence did not permit her to realize the fruit of her 
 benevolent intentions toward s her nephew ; she died, he 
 thinks, of the yellow fever of '98, and was buried in her 
 native state, the state of New-Jersey, at, or near the city 
 of New Brunswick. 
 
 May she be his guardian angel now, as she most as 
 suredly was while on this earth ; for she loved him, if 
 possible, with more than maternal fondness ; a fondness 
 which extended beyond this vale of tears, penetrating to 
 the throne of the heavenly grace ; and there supplicating 
 with fervent and effectual prayer the regeneration of his 
 immortal soul. 
 
 To return : ,\t the age of thirteen years, the Author's 
 preceptor reported him prepared to enter College, and, 
 accordingly, with his schoolmate, afterwards the Rev. 
 James Inglis, he did enter the Freshman class, and had 
 his place assigned him, number four among thirty-two, 
 the number of which that class originally consisted. 
 
 It is not the intention of the Author, neither ought it 
 to be expected, in giving this succinct account, or history 
 of his life, to enter as minutely into particulars, as though 
 he were writing a narrative which would swell a volume 
 to many hundred pages.
 
 THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 151 
 
 He must, therefore, only glance, with almost as much 
 brevity at the events of a life of upwards of threescore 
 years continuance, as do the arguments with which each 
 chapter is prefaced. 
 
 In continuation, then, he informs his readers that after 
 remaining with his class about eighteen months, his Un 
 cle and Aunt removed-to the place of their nativity, in 
 New- Jersey, taking with them the Author, and his broth 
 er William ; and after a~short stay of about six months, 
 returned to New-York, and again commenced housekeep 
 ing. 
 
 The Author continued with his Uncle and Aunt ; his 
 brother was put into the Counting House of Mr. Nicholas 
 Hoffman, an importing merchant, and part owner of the 
 Ship Ellis; whether immediately after, or at some time 
 subsequently to the return to New- York, the Author does 
 not now recollect. * ( 
 
 His Uncle, being a man of activity and enterprise, 
 soon re-embarked in trade, and commenced the Salt bu 
 siness, with Mr. James Van Dyke, under the firm of Van 
 Dyke and Shippey, in Front-street, near Coenties Slip, 
 The Author went into the store as a Clerk, and so con 
 tinued for about the space of one year, when a difference 
 arising between him and the senior partner of the firm, 
 he quitted their employ. 
 
 His kind Aunt, steady to her original purpose, persua- 
 ded the Author to return to College ; application was 
 made by his Uncle to the Trustees, and they in consid 
 eration of his former good standing, permitted him to en 
 ter the class next below the one in which he originally 
 entered. And this may serve to satisfy any person, de 
 sirous of being informed on the subject, why the Author 
 entered in one class, and graduated, as per the Catalogue 
 of Columbia College, in another, in the year 1796,
 
 152 THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 
 
 The Author returns to the Counting House. Dissolution of Partnership, 
 The Author becomes a married man. Yellow fever in 1803. Return 
 to New- York. Enters into business in partnership, as a wholesale 
 and retail Grocer. 
 
 The business of cultivating the intellect at College 
 having come to a close, and the Author declining the of 
 fer of his Uncle to furnish him with the means to prose 
 cute his studies in either of the learned professions he 
 might select; it was agreed that he should re-enter the 
 Counting House, and study the profession of Merchan 
 dizing, under his Uncle and his partner. In this employ 
 the Author continued until a dissolution of partnership 
 took place. Mr. Van Dyke being an aged man, retired 
 from business and the bustle of New-York to the State 
 of New-Jersey, and ended his days in the pleasant City 
 of Newark, situated near the banks of the Passaic, 
 about eight miles from New-York. 
 
 The Author continued in the employ of his Uncle un 
 til the year 1800, when, being tired of leading a single 
 life, he took unto himself a wife, and so, on the 28th day 
 of August, the same year, became a married man. By 
 this wife he had issue, nine childien, viz : six sons and 
 three daughters, three of the sons died in the birth ; the 
 remaining children were born in the City of New-York, 
 except one daughter, who was born in Belleville, New- 
 Jersey, during the Yellow v Fever which prevailed in 
 New- York, in 1803. 
 
 Shortly after the return of the Author, "with his family 
 from New- Jersey, some time early in the Spring of 1804, 
 he entered into partnership with Major Samuel Cooper, 
 in the wholesale and retail Grocery business, under the 
 firm of Cooper and Shippey, at Coenties Slip, east side 
 near Front-street. In this firm the Author continued 
 about eight months, and then dissolved. The cause of 
 this dissolution was the want of sufficient capital to car 
 ry on the business advantageously enough for the sup 
 port of two families.
 
 THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 153 
 
 The business was not a City, but a Country business ; 
 the Country merchants were tardy in making their re 
 mittances, and the payment of the notes given for Spring 
 and Fall purchases, could not be evaded. More capital 
 was required, and this the Author could not supply ; his 
 Uncle's affairs having become embarrassed by his incau 
 tiously bonding and endorsing for several merchants in 
 New- York, to an amount which swept away his fast 
 property and other resources, and obliged him to begin 
 the world anew. Dissolution of partnership, therefore, 
 or failure became absolutely unavoidable ; and the first 
 was resorted to, in preference to the latter. 
 
 The Author stops not to comment on the beautiful ef 
 fects produced by the " credit system" in New- York and 
 elsewhere ; nor to lament the loss of property, which, for 
 several years, he helped his Uncle to acquire, and to a 
 part of which, at least, as his adopted son, he thought 
 himself entitled ; but would merely inform the reader, 
 that at this period the dissolution of the firm of Cooper 
 and Shippey, wholesale and retail Grocers, &c., termin 
 ated, doubtless, for ever the mercantile career of the Au 
 thor of the Specimens, and Notes to the same. 
 
 The Author commences Clerk on his own account. Becomes reli 
 gious, and joins the Af . E. Church in New York. Is appointed Clerk 
 of the Alms House, Clerk of the N. Y. Hospital, and is afterwards re- 
 appointed Clerk of the A. H.,and Clerk to the Commissioners of the 
 same. Leaves the A. H. and commences School-keeping. 
 
 THE first clerkship the Author obtained was one with 
 Hoffman, Seton, & Co., auctioneers in Wall-street. 
 But this being an out-door one, and producing only a 
 small per diem compensation, the Author gladly accept 
 ed the proposal of the Superintendent of the Alms House, 
 his friend, and brother. Methodist, Philip J. Arcularius, 
 Esq., to apply to the Corporation forthe clerkship of that 
 Institution. He applied accordingly, and received the 
 appointment -of Clerk to the Alms House, he thinks on
 
 154 THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 
 
 the fifth day of June 1 805, at a salary of $500 per annum, 
 and perquisites. 
 
 This appoinlment was a seasonable relief to the Author, 
 his family at this time, including himself, amounting to 
 five in number. 
 
 And here the Author is admonished to correct an an 
 achronism, or, "an error in placing a fact or event later 
 than it really was," and that is the time of his becoming 
 a Methodist. He thinks this event must have occurred 
 at least two years previously to his appointment as Clerk 
 of the Alms House. The Records of the Church could 
 determine this ; yet he well remembers that the Rev. 
 Thomas Morrell, was Minister at the Old Methodist 
 Church in John-street, when his wife and he went for 
 ward and joined themselves to the connexion. He also, 
 on further reflection, remembers, while at Belleville, dur 
 ing the fever of 1803, his acquaintance with the Rev. 
 John Dowe, Methodist Minister at that place. So then, 
 courteous Reader, the Author was a Methodist before he 
 was appointed Clerk of the Alms House. Have the 
 goodness therefore, to pardon the anachronism in his ar 
 gument, and permit him to proceed, straight forward in 
 his history. 
 
 In this same year, 180o, the city of New-York was 
 visited wiih that much dreaded calamity, the yellow fever. 
 The Health Office was at the corner of Chambers-street 
 and Broadway, and every evening the book of the day's 
 transactions was sent to the Alms House, that the Clerk 
 might attend to the calls for orders to the Keeper of Pot 
 ter's Field, and Coffins and Hearse. Inconsequence of 
 which arrangement the Author, for the space of six weeks, 
 never slept in a bed; but took his repose, leaning his head 
 on the Office table. Besides which, the Health Officers 
 having ordered him to bring his family into the Alms 
 House, his wife while there, took the fever, but recover 
 ed shortly thereafter. For this extra service, not long 
 after the fever had ceased its ravages in the city, the 
 Corporation raised his salary to $600. 
 
 The Author continued in this service until the Super-.
 
 THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 155 
 
 intendent was displaced by another Corporation, calling 
 themselves Federal ; he, P. J. Arcularius, Esq. having 
 had the office for two years, viz. 1805 and 1806. 
 
 The former Superintendent, Richard Furman, Esq., 
 Being reappointed, and wishing to have again his Private 
 Clerk, George A Valentine, the Author applied for, and 
 obtained the Clerkship of the New- York Hospital, Jo- 
 tham Post, Esq. being the then Superintendent of that 
 Institution. The Author continued in this situation for 
 thirteen months, fulfilling the duties of Clerk to the Hos 
 pital, and Check-clerk for the " Asylum for the Insane," 
 then in building for the second year, receiving $600 per 
 annum, and a house to live in, in Barley-street, now called 
 Duane-street. 
 
 The Corporation becoming Republican again, the Au 
 thor was reappointed to his old situation and resumed its 
 duties ; and a new Board of Commissioners being ap 
 pointed by the Corporation, they appointed him their 
 Clerk, at a compensation that raised his whole salary to 
 $700 per annum. In this employ he continued during the 
 two years Superintendency of William Mooney, Esq. 
 The Corporation, becomingonce more Federal, andRich- 
 ard Furman, Esq. reappointed Superintendent, the Au 
 thor resigned his Clerkship, and commenced the business 
 of teaching school. 
 
 The Author teaches school for about two years in New-York. Removes 
 to Herkimer. War breaks out. -Leaves Herkimer and comes to Al 
 bany. Is Clerk to his Excellency the Governor. Peace proclaimed. 
 Returns to New-York with his family. 
 
 THE Author, considering a Clerkship as rather a pre 
 carious mode of obtaining a living; determined to try 
 what success might attend his labors in teaching a school. 
 
 He felt satisfied that his education abundantly fitted 
 him for such an undertaking. Without suspecting, how 
 ever, the immense responsibility attached to this mode of 
 life, and the many vexations with which it is attended; 
 
 i
 
 156 THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 
 
 he purchased the good will of the Bunker Hill Academy, 
 kept by a Mr. John W. Purdy, in Mulberry, near Grand- 
 street. And now no longer either " 1'tochotrophii vel 
 Nosocomii scriba"* but the Principal of a promiscuous 
 English elementary school; he felt, or at least, began to 
 experience, that feeling so characterestic of men of his 
 new profession, the feelings of a pedagogue. 
 
 As he commenced in the month of February, (1810,) 
 and the weather moderating with the increased length of 
 the days, his school increased proportionally in number, 
 so that before the close of Summer, he numbered nearly 
 one hundred scholars. But as Winter approached, the 
 number of scholars began to diminish, owing to the cir 
 cumstance of many of ihem living at a distance from the 
 school. Besides the rent of the school-house was high, 
 and the income of the school did not sufficiently compen 
 sate for the labor of teaching. 
 
 This induced the Author to request an old school-mate 
 of his, now grown rich, and, consequently, influential, to 
 procure to be raised for him from among his numerous and 
 highly respectable friends and acquaintances, "a select 
 school," to be located lower down in the City. This his 
 interest and recommendation soon procured" for the Au 
 thor; and he opened his school in the building that then 
 occupied the site of the present Quaker Meeting-House 
 in Rose-street, with about one hundred scholars of both 
 sexes. The number of scholars soon increased to two 
 hundred and ten ; and the Author might have realized the 
 height of his wishes both in celebrity as a teacher, and 
 in the pay he received for his services ; but the cupid 
 ity of a few of his self-created trustees, entirely defeated 
 his exertions, and prostrated for ever the growing useful 
 ness of the " Franklin Juvenile School," in Rose-street ; 
 so that when the Author visited New-York during the 
 War, he found his old school-room entirely deserted. 
 
 There silence and solitude reign'd, 
 The Thirteen their object had gain'd. 
 
 * Clerk of Alms House or Hospital.
 
 THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 157 
 
 They had changed an American plan for an English 
 one, under the Lancasterian mode of teaching. 
 
 In the month of May, 1812, the Author removed with 
 his family to Herkimer, to take the charge of the Acade 
 my in that place. The village afforded him rising of a 
 hundred scholars, at one dollar and fifty cents each, per 
 quarter. But the War breaking out, the children were 
 withheld, and the school was broken up. 
 
 The Author represented by letter, his case, to his Ex 
 cellency, the Governor ; and he invited him to come to 
 Albany in the ensuing Spring, and to enter into his em 
 ploy as one of his clerks. Accordingly, in the month of 
 June, 1813, the Author removed with his family to Al 
 bany, became Clerk to his Excellency, and continued in 
 his service until the peace in 1815^ when he returned 
 with his family to New-York, after an absence of nearly 
 three years. 
 
 The Author becomes Deputy Clerk of the Court of Sessions. Goei 
 into a Counting House. Is appointed Clerk to the Commissioners of 
 the Alms House. Is appointed Assistant Book-keeper of the United 
 States Branch Bank. Writes for Common Council. Goes again into a 
 Counting House ; shortly after leaving which, he loses his wife, and 
 consequently becomes a widower. 
 
 Not long after his return from Albany, the Author was 
 engaged by Colonel Robert Macomb, one of Governor 
 Tornpkins aids, and his old schoolmate, and brother to 
 the present Commander-in-Chief of the United States 
 Army, Major General Alexander Macomb, as his Depu 
 ty in the Court of Sessions ; and continued with him 
 eight months, when he left, him ; the Colonel choosing to 
 perform the whole of the duties of the office himself. 
 
 From this employ the Author went into the Counting, 
 House of Messrs. Dunlap and Grant, importing mer 
 chants in Greenwich-street, to post their Journal. 
 
 Mr. Dunlap having been in Europe during the War, 
 all the business of the firm devolved on Mr. Grant, and
 
 158 THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 
 
 so the Journal remained unposted ; to perform which 
 operation he employed the Author for four months. 
 
 Having finished this engagement, the Author applied 
 for and obtained the appointment of clerk to the Commis 
 sioners of the Alms House, at a salary of $500 per annum. 
 They had their office, at this time, in that part of the old 
 Alms House now occupied by the United States District 
 Court. 
 
 After continuing with the Commissioners about six 
 months, the Author obtained through the recommenda 
 tion of his old and firm friend, his Excellency, D. D. 
 Tompkins, then Vice President of the United States, 
 the appointment of an assistant book-keeper in the Uni 
 ted States Branch Bank, at a salary of $1000 per annum. 
 In this situation the Author remained during the years 
 1817, 18, 19, and part of 20, when a retrenchment of ex 
 penditure by a reduction of the number of officers in the 
 Mother Bank and its different branches took place ; and 
 the Author was among the number of the dismissed. 
 
 The cause that induced the necessity of this turning 
 out of officers, without alleging any crime to their charge, 
 was the poverty of the Institution from its inability to 
 discount the paper which had been offered. 
 
 The next employment the Author obtained, according 
 to the best of his recollection, was the writing up the min 
 utes of the Common Council, for General Jacob Morton, 
 at that time Clerk of the Board. This duty he continued 
 to perform for about one year, when he quitted, and went 
 into the Counting House of Mr. George Suckley, im 
 porter of small cutlery from Sheffield. 
 
 Mr. S. kept his office in his own store, in Pine-Street, 
 next door to the corner of William-Street, opposite the 
 Bank CofTee-House, then kept by William Niblo. 
 
 The Author continued with Mr. Suckley about eigh 
 teen months, when, in consequence of his relinquishing 
 business, the Author quitted his employ. 
 
 In the following year, on the 23d day of November, 
 1823, the wife of the Author departed this life, aged 48 
 years, after having kept house together for the space of
 
 THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 159 
 
 twenty-three years and three months, leaving the Author 
 a widower with six children. 
 
 The Author feels satisfied that his companion died in 
 the Faith of the Gospel; and he continues to live in the 
 expectation that when the days of his pilgrimage are end 
 ed, and he is called to take the " parting hand with the 
 things of time and sense," he shall go to meet her ran 
 somed disembodied spirit in the fair climes of bliss and 
 glory above ; and with her enjoy those " eternal good 
 things which are laid up in store for all the finally faith 
 ful, perserveringfollowers of the Lamb, while eternal ages 
 cease not to roll their everlasting rounds." 
 
 TI>c Author embarks a second time on the sea of Matrimony. His dif- 
 ferent employments as a Clerk, &c., during a lapse of sixteen years; 
 which brings him to the period promised in the title page of his Spe 
 cimens, and to the conclusion of the brief history of his life. 
 
 Metaphorically, or figuratively speaking, Matrimony 
 is a sea ; and though like the natural sea it abounds with 
 dangers not only hidden, but also, apparent, yet thou 
 sands adventure on it daily, fearless of the consequences 
 that may attend the experiment. 
 
 And the Author, among the rest, must needs make a 
 second trial of this curse or blessing of our natural lives. 
 And he is happy to inform his readers that he has no 
 cause for regret in the choice, which, under Providence, 
 he has been induced to make. 
 
 About fifteen months of widowhood, having rolled over 
 the Author's head he, having quitted the employment of 
 the son-in-law of his Excellency, the Vice President, en 
 tered into that of his Honor, the late Mayor, Aaron Clark. 
 A few months afterwards, he was signing Lottery Tick 
 ets for Messrs. Yates and Mclntyre, in Broadway. 
 His next remove was into the Register's Office, as a su 
 pernumerary copyist, under James W. Lent, Esq. Re 
 gister in and for the City and County of New- York, &c. 
 About six months thereafter, the business of the Office
 
 160 THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 
 
 falling off considerably, the Author with several other su 
 pernumeraries, received his dismission. His next place 
 of employment was in the Office of the Court of Com 
 mon Pleas, under Nicholas Dean, Esq., at that time Clerk 
 of said Court. Here he continued eleven months, and 
 then went into the Assistant Register of Chancery's Of 
 fice, as a Clerk under John L. Lawrence, Esq. In this 
 employ he remained about six months. 
 
 During the fourteen years that had elapsed, from the 
 return of the Author from Albany, he had invariably re 
 sided in the City of New-York ; but having received a 
 temporary appointment as Clerk of the Public Store at 
 Brooklyn, he removed thither in the month of June, 
 1829, and there continued until the expiration of the 
 Quarantine on shipping, in the month of November, in that 
 year. 
 
 Removing to New- York, the Author, feeling a dispo 
 sition for travelling, made a visit to his son-in-law, then re 
 siding at Mayville, in Chatauque County, near the Cha- 
 tauque Lake, about sixty miles above Buffalo. In the 
 Spring of 1830, he returned to New-York, and went in 
 to the office of Elijah T. Pinckney, Esq., in Tryon-Row. 
 and continued with him as his Clerk for about two years. 
 The Summer of the year 1832, the year of the Chol 
 era, found the Author again employed in the Office of the 
 Court of Common Pleas. Abraham Asten, Esq. being 
 the then Clerk of that Court. From the books of the As 
 sessors of the different Wards, the Author made out the 
 Ballots for the Grand and Petty Jurys of the city and coun 
 ty of New York, for that year, and returned to his former 
 employ with E. T. P., Esq. But he having in the mean 
 time taken students into his office, advised the Author to 
 turn Money Collector, which business, with very little 
 variation, he has pursued until the present time. 
 
 Here the Author dates the commencement of his busi 
 ness acquaintance with James R. and William Whiting, 
 Esqrs., by whom he has been employed (with the excep 
 tion of five months, as Clerk of the Long Island Fire In- * 
 surance Co., and Messenger and General Clerk in the
 
 THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 16 
 
 Brooklyn Bank, eleven months, and part of last winter 
 as out-door Visiter for the Commissioners of the Alms 
 House), either as a copyist, collector, or out-door Clerk, 
 and in their office he continues to remain, i. e. up to the 
 21st of December, 1840. 
 
 And, now, in conclusion, the Author wishes the Read 
 er the enjoyment of both physical and moral health; and 
 for himself he assures him, that though poor and despis 
 ed in this life, he hopes, ere long, if faithful to the grace 
 given him, to be rich and honorable in the life to come. 
 
 He would endeavor to imitate the Apostle Paul, in his 
 resignation to the will of Providence, in regard to his 
 temporal estate, by being "therewith content;" and 
 cheerfully obey the direction of the Poet, who advises, 
 
 " With patient mind thy course of duty run, 
 God nothing does, nor suffers to be done, 
 But thou wouldst do the same, if thou couldst see 
 The end of all events, as well as He."

 
 
 THE SPECIMENS, 
 
 Among the many names that have presented themselves, none ap 
 peared to me to be more appropriate than the one I have chosen as the 
 title of my little volume of Poems. 
 
 " Specimens," are defined to be samples, or some parts of a com 
 modity given as a pattern, to show its quality or condition." 
 
 Now the " parts" are the Selections I have made from my own Com 
 positions, on various subjects, at different times ; at which I have labored 
 occasionally, for nearly half a century. Such pieces as I thought it 
 not proper to offer to the public, I have committed to the flames. 
 
 What was their comparative merit therefore, cannot now be determin 
 ed. 
 
 As none of my ancestors, to my knowledge, have given themselves 
 the trouble to favor the world with an account of their lives; perhaps, 
 it was specially reserved for me to perform this office, if not on my own 
 account, at least for the satisfaction of my posterity. 
 
 In the Notes, I have thought it would not prove so satisfactory to con 
 fine myself merely to critical and explanatory remarks, as to avail my 
 self of the benefit of the extracts I have made from many very valuable 
 books, which from time to time have fallen into my hands. It will ea 
 sily be perceived that my intention has been to accompany each pieco 
 or poem with a correspondent note and this labor I have performed, 
 except in a few instances, when I supposed it might not be necessarily 
 required. 
 
 Should any of my readers consider some of my notes too lengthy, 1 
 can only say in extenuation of such an oversight, that it was occasioned 
 by a sincere desire, ratber to promote their interests than my own grati 
 fication. 
 
 With this view of the subject I respectfully solicit for the notes, as 
 well as the poems, a candid, attentive, and patient perusal ; while ou 
 nay part, instead of anticipating and combating objections that may 
 never be urged ; I will proceed to prosecute to a conclusion, the task I 
 have assigned myself; as a part of my original plan, in framing the " Spe 
 cimens," and notes to the same. 
 
 And, first, as to my Frontispiece, or Title-page, I deem it is sufficient 
 ly explanatory of itself but of the " Quantum meruit" or second fore-
 
 164 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 front, such as now obtains in the entries of 'modern buildings. I would 
 observe that I composed it in compliance with the suggestion of a friend, 
 to accompany the proposals which I presented for subscribers at the 
 New-York City Library, and the Brooklyn Lyceum. 
 
 But as I received not a solitary subscriber from either of those Institu 
 tions, I have by way of literary retaliation, transferred it to the Speci 
 mens, there to be its own interpreter, and to rate no higher than itself 
 it rates viz. as " Quantum meruit." 
 
 With regard to my Proem or Preface, I would merely observe, that I 
 made it in verse, in the hope that it might share a better fate than many 
 prefaces that appear in prose, however splendidly or imposingly they 
 may have been written. So here commences the Notes on the several 
 poems and pieces contained in the Specimens ; and the first that claims 
 attention is: 
 
 "Echo, if right I understand," SfC. Page 19. 
 
 For a dissertation on the origin, &c. of Poetry the Reader is request 
 ed to consult the Lectures of the Rev. Hugh Blair, D. D. See also, 
 Note on Elegy, page 64. 
 
 " Passions are those," Sfc. Page 19. 
 
 Among Humanists (persons skilled in human learning) " passions 
 are the affections of the mind, as Love, Hatred," and also, strong and 
 predominant appetites and aversions Gross' moral philosophy. 
 
 " An Apothegm," Sfc. Page 20. 
 
 " A short pretty and instructive sentence, chiefly of a grave and emi 
 nent person." The subjectis here mercantilly considered, and shows that 
 the debt contracted to the constitution by excess or intemperance in 
 youth, must be paid with interest by suffering in after age. 
 
 Youth are hereby, also, instructed not to despise this caution of Holy 
 Writ, " using this world as not abusing it." 
 
 " Imagination claims," 8fc. Page 20. 
 
 I cannot now distinctly recollect from whence I received the idea con 
 tained in this little "jeux d 'esprit ;" but I think it was from a Newspaper. 
 " Imagination is the faculty by which we, as it were, picture corporeal 
 substances in the mind, as if we saw them actually with the eyes ; or an 
 application of the mind to the pliant asma or iniiige, or some corporeal 
 thing impressed in the brain, conceit, fancy, thought." " Fancy" is al 
 so defined to be " Imagination." Perhaps no one but a Poet would at 
 tempt any discrimination between them ; as the Greek word phantasia, 
 is translated into Latin by, or rather is the same word, phantasia, which 
 in English, is called Fancy or Imagination.
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 1G5 
 
 1 " While Brutus' bust," Sfc. Page 20. 
 
 " Dum Bruti effigiem," &c. The translations were attempted incon 
 sequence of a public request from the publishers of the Youth's Maga 
 zine, or Evangelical Miscellany, No. 9, for September 1817. The his 
 tory is simply this ; Michael Angelo, the celebrated Sculptor, while ex 
 ecuting a bust of Brutus, the friend and assassin of Julius Csesar, hap 
 pening to think of his crime, refused to finish it it however found its 
 way in its imperfect state into the Gallery of the Grand Duke of Tus 
 cany, where the above inscription was placed under it by some unknown 
 hand. 
 
 " Though addition is one thing," Sfc. Page 21. 
 
 This was an anecdote related by my Uncle more than half a century 
 ago ; and, being vividly impressed on my mind, I thought I would pre 
 serve it in verse. It is a caution against the indecent practice of listen 
 ing to conversation evidently intended to be private and confidential. 
 
 Know when your ears to use, and when your eyes; 
 This rightly doing there your safety lies. 
 
 " ' Tis long experience shmcs," Sfc. Page 22. 
 
 More than half a century ago, the word in the title of this piece was 
 spelled indifferently, either Dependence, or Dependance and signified 
 a staying, resting, or relying upon ; as also a relation or subjection. 
 
 Though this piece was written more than forty years since, I still con 
 sider the sentiment contained in it to be correct, and have therefore re 
 tained it as a part of my Specimens. Certain it is, that " variety of con 
 ditions renders men necessary to each other." Saurin. 
 
 " Out on the world," Sfc. Page 23. 
 
 By the world I mean the people of the world. Mankind are naturally 
 selfish ; observation and experience abundantly verify this assertion, 
 viz. that " selfishness is the idolatry of the world; and that self is the 
 idol." 
 
 "Tis a shoclcing affair, 1 ' &c. Page 23. 
 
 " I have lived," said Dr. E. D. Clark, " to know that the great secret 
 of human happiness is this Never suffer your energies to stagnate." 
 
 " Don't set the tune," Sfc. Page 23. 
 
 According to the old adage, "Prayer brings down the first, and praise 
 the second blessing." The latter, is therefore, too important a part of 
 Divine worship to be committed to unskilful persons. The time or air 
 should also be adapted to the words. Other advice might be given on 
 the subject; but it would not be heeded, so long as the singing in the
 
 166 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 Churches is conducted on the present supposed improved plan. The 
 Psalms and Hymns, singing Department, requires to be reformed be 
 fore congregations can cordially conform to the Apostle's direction, "sing 
 with the spirit, and the understanding also," for who can sing tunes he 
 does not understand ? 
 
 " And shall tJte Justice," Sfc. Page 24. 
 
 This piece was written in 1815, when I was Deputy Clerk of the 
 Court of Sessions. Those were the impressions I then entertained of 
 criminal law, and yet a certain celebrated Lawyer assured me I was " a 
 hundred years behind the spirit of the age," when I remonstrated against 
 the laxity that obtained in a certain criminal department, over which I 
 thought he might have exercised a more salutary control. Who then 
 that has lived half a century in this fluctuating world of New-York, may 
 not ou retrospection, exclaim with Maro of old Tempora mutantur, 
 &c. "The times are changed," &c. Virgil. 
 
 Twenty-five years ago, bail was taken only for cases of misdemeanor?. 
 
 " From the bleak North," Sfc.Page 24. 
 
 The birth-place of my first wife was Ballycastle County, Antrim 
 in the North, or Scottish part of Ireland; near the Giant's Causeway. 
 She died on the 23d day of November, 1823, aetatis 49. 
 
 " Alice, J linger here," Sfc. Page 25. 
 
 I frequently stop at the spot where rest the mortal remains of my former 
 companion, and the mother of my children, and anticipate the day when 
 I shall be permitted to enjoy her society in another and a better state of 
 existence. She was interred in the M. E. burying-ground, corner of 
 First-street and Second Avenue. 
 
 " Though some by faces,'' Sfc. Page 25. 
 
 This little piece ranks among the earliest of my poetical production?, 
 and is perhaps, forty-two years of age. I have not attempted to alter it 
 since its production ; and I think I had it published in a weekly paper, 
 called the Museum, under the signature of" Alphonso." 
 
 " If from one vice," Sfc. Page 26. 
 
 I cannot recollect from whence I drew the idea contained in thtse 
 lines ; yet few as they are, they furnish ample matter for reflection, and 
 afford sufficient inducement to give the truth they evidently intend to in 
 culcate a fair and impartial trial. " Conscience," says the Rev. and very 
 learned Mr. Saurin, "is, if I may venture to speak so, an operation of 
 the soul, consisting of volition and intelligence." Conscience is intelli 
 gence, judgment, considering an object as just or unjust; and con 
 science is volition inclining us to make the object in contemplation, an 
 object of our love or hatred, of our desires or fears,"
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 167 
 
 "Wanted employment" &?c. Page 26. 
 " A fig for Rome, a fig for Greece, a London rocking give your piece." 
 
 I once presented this piece to the proprietor of the Mirror ; but he 
 gave me to understand that he only dealt in foreign Poetical productions 
 and so I never offered it to any other person for publication. 
 
 " Let things go," Sfc. Page 27. 
 
 I do not remember, precisely, in what manner I obtained this motto ; 
 but I think it was from the pannel, or side of a coach. The sentiment 
 or resolution it contains, is certainly correct. 
 
 " Oh, happiness," Sfc. Page 27. 
 
 This is a very early production, but whether before my first marriage, 
 which was in 1800, or just after it, I cannot remember. It is an easy 
 affair to preserve dates ; many people, however, neglect it, and I have 
 been among the number. 
 
 These were my thoughts, (" cursory," I have styled them,) long ago, 
 on the subject of Wedlock defined by the Church to be Conjugium 
 a Conjungendo, i. e., " a joining together ; because a lawful woman ia 
 bound with her husband, as it were, in one common yoke." 
 
 But if any person desire to be instructed in the duties which Hus 
 bands and Wives owe to each other, and to their families, let them con 
 sult the best of books the Bible see Paul to the Colossians, chapter iii, 
 and Peter's first Epistle, chapter iii. 
 
 " Do you know neighbour John," Sfc. Page 28. 
 
 My old and much esteemed friend, Charles Oilman, who was a Butch 
 er, told me a certain man asked him what business be followed for a 
 living? and he answered him that " he got Ids living by shedding inno 
 cent blood." He was a valuable member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 connection in New- York, and I believe, is still living; if so, he is a very 
 aged man. 
 
 " ' Tis not a thousand miles," ffc. Page 28. 
 
 This is among my first compositions. The narration, I believe is true. 
 I heard it as it dropped from the lips of the identical Hero of the piece, 
 John Beckley, Esq., of Virginia; who was afterwards Clerk of the 
 House of Representatives in Congress. He narrated it at the dinner 
 table of my Uncle, and when he next visited New-York, I handed him 
 the piece, and he assured me it was correct. It shows that Divines as 
 well as other people may sometimes be surprised into an infraction of that 
 requirement in Holy Writ, which teaches us " to do justly." Our min 
 ister, however, is highly to be commended for the magnanimous manner 
 in which he repaid his Counsel for his salutary rebuke. But if any one 
 is disposed to be captious on the subject ; let him be admonished by the 
 old adage : " Errare est huinanum," &c.
 
 168 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 It is a fact, believe it sir, _ 
 
 Humanity is prone to err. Kel. 
 
 '' Lest some should think," Sfc. Page 33. 
 
 I hare not time to say much on this attempt ; let it go for what It is 
 worth ; until the real name of Junius is satisfactorily discovered. 
 
 " Sicift does tltc blood," S(c. Page 33. 
 
 In this Sonnet, or small Poem, it appears to have been my design to 
 treat the subject by way of contrast ; ralher than to enter into an elabor 
 ate argument, to establish what tho experience of those who are advan 
 ced in years, has from time immemorial, abundantly proved to be true. 
 "Youth is tenJer age the state and condition of young people, or their 
 persons ; also, a young man, a lad, a youngster is an airy brisk young 
 man a raw or inexperienced youth a novice." And such subjects 
 might receive much valuable instruction for the government of their con 
 duct in future life, by conversing with, and listening attentively to the 
 conversation " of men sedate." 
 
 But it would seem that no teacher can excel experiencp. The old 
 adage is " esperie*tut docet," " experience teaches." Much, however, 
 may be effected by parents, in giving the minds of their children a pro 
 per direction, by wholesome precepts, and an appropriate example. 
 
 One way'o'er all the rest prevrilp, 
 Example moves where precept fails. Kel, 
 
 And that great Poet, Mr. Pope, says: 
 
 " All youth, at first set right, with ease go on, 
 And each new task is with new pleasure done ; 
 But if neglected till thev grow in years, 
 And each fond mother her dear darling spares. 
 Errors become habitual, and you'll find, 
 'Tis then hard labour to reform the mind.'' 
 
 And the best of books directs "Train up a child in the wayheshould 
 go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.'* Solomon. 
 
 If you your readers' minds," Sfc. Page 33. 
 
 This is the direction given to Authors by the celebrated Latin Poet, 
 and eminent critic Quint us Horatius Flaccus, who flourished in the reign 
 of Augustus Caesar. How well it has been attended to by the Author 
 of the Specimens, is left to the reader to determine. 
 
 " Was founded" [A. JD.] Sfc. Page 34. 
 
 I can assure the proprietors of this truly respectable, and I think I 
 may say, highly useful establishment, the beginning of which I recol 
 lect for more than half a century "gone by," that these lines are sincere-
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 169 
 
 Ly intended to express my satisfaction at its increasing celebrity and 
 prosperity. The "American Museum," in Broad-street, near Pearl, 
 in 1790, compared to the American Museum in 1831, in Broad 
 way, oppusite St. Paul's Church, was a dwarf compared to a giant. 
 " Oreseat eundo." 
 
 " There is a rash," ftc. Page 34. 
 
 The event which occasioned this irregular production transpired, I 
 think, in the year 1818. The subject of the reflections contained in the 
 piece, a young man, was a Clerk in the sam Bank with the Author. 
 He had absented himself for about a fortnight from his post, when we 
 were surprised by receiving an invitation to attend his funeral. He had, 
 as it is phrased, " blown out his brains" with a pistol. What were hie 
 real motives for the commission of this rash and fatal act, for more than 
 one was conjectured we never could accurately ascertain. The most 
 plausible information that could be obtained, was, that the young lady 
 whom he wished to make his wife, had, by the advice of her Physician, 
 declined accepting his proposal, 'on the ground of her being consumptive. 
 It was said that he left a letter en the bed, on which he perpetrated his 
 own murder doubtless, assigning the reason for his conduct ; and thai 
 a connexion of hers by marriage, a Doctor, discovered the letter where 
 he had left it lying ; and that he having perused its contents, could 
 never be induced either by persuasion or threats to disclose them, even 
 to his parents. 
 
 He was one of those unyielding spirits, who having once formed a 
 resolution, could not be dissuaded from executing it, though death might 
 be the inevitable consequence. His name, though the fact at the time 
 was of public notoriety, is, out of respect for his family, suppressed. 
 The piece is not affectedly irregular; it was composed in the street, 
 while going to and returning ft om the Bank. The impression made 
 on my mind by the fearful exit he made from time to eternity, induced 
 reflections which I felt constrained to utter, as well for my own admoni 
 tion, as for that of his sorrowing relatives and friends aad for all to 
 whom this account of his death might come. I say not how true it may 
 be, yet there is an old saying to this'effect, " Q,uem Deus vult perdere, 
 prius dementat." The sense of which in our language, may possibly b, 
 
 When to destruction he is once consigned, 
 That man becomes a reprobate of mind! KeL 
 
 " Canst tell the reason" Sfc. Page 35. 
 
 It is deleterious to both soul and body, to stimulate excessively, 
 either with solids or fluids. The advice is, " using this world as not 
 abusing it?" He, therefore, who disregards it, must expect to experi 
 ence the consequences which such disregard must infallibly produce.
 
 170 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 " I suppose you need not," S(c. Page 36. 
 
 This piece was the first, or among the very first of my poetical essays 
 as the old adage has it, " Necessity is the mother of invention," so 
 being directed to bring in a composition on Saturday morning, I hand 
 ed in for my composition this, piece headed, " What you please." It 
 was examined by the professors, who returned it with corrections, and 
 I was required, in future, to present them a composition in Prose. 
 What a flattering prospect to encourage me to repeat my first attempt 
 at Poetry ! Was it not sufficient to cause me to distrust my poetical 
 capability in limine, and to exclaim in despair, " The cruel Muses do 
 disown you, and Phoubus says he ne'er has known you !" or indignantly 
 retort 
 
 " Humble Prose 
 
 Is fit for those 
 
 Who to precision can't confine, 
 
 Their ideas to a single line. 1 ' Kel. 
 
 But I was obliged to make, as it is said, "a virtue of necessity," i. 
 e., to comply or quit the Institution, " nulla lex habet iiecessitas, " ne 
 cessity has no law." 
 
 " Jl'hcn lofty themes present themselves." Page 36. 
 
 What was the origin of Speculative Masonry, or the Society of Free 
 and accepted Masons I cannot tell. It is observed of them that they 
 are a " very ancient society, or body of men, considerable both for num 
 ber and character over all Europe." I joined myself to Trinity Lodge, 
 No. 10, in the year 1791). But after joining the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church in John-street, about three years subsequently, I discontinued 
 my visits to the Lodge, believing that if I really was a " Free Mason," 
 I was just as free to go as I was to stay or else in what would my free 
 dom consist ? 
 
 My present thoughts respecting Masonry, when placed hi apposition 
 with Religion, are candidly expressed in the Reflection " annexed to the 
 Ods, headed Reflection. 
 
 Benevolence, O glorious name ! 
 
 From Heaven to Earth direct she came, 
 
 To sav? our lost an J fallen race - 
 Impartial Maid fam'd Masonry! 
 Accessible to each, and free 
 
 As is Heaven s all abounding gracfi. 
 
 But should Heaven's grace too feeble prove, 
 Our lost and fallen race to move, 
 
 Around this solid ball ; 
 Their neighbors as themselves to love, 
 Then disappointed from above, 
 
 On thee, O Masonry we'll call. Kel.
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 171 
 
 " The Mail-man left," &c. Page 37. 
 
 My Uncle had a clerk in his employ by the name of Christian Hoff 
 man, and it was from him I had the story of " The Headless Spectre." 
 I think he said he had it from General Malcolm, who at that time lived 
 and kept his store of Ship Chandlery, at the corner of Beekman Slip 
 and Water-street now called Fulton-street and Water-street, and oc 
 cupied as a Boarding House, by Mr. Jackson. The Mail-carrier, it ap 
 pears, was a Scotsman, and so was the General. The former waa in the 
 habit of calling occasionally on the General, and putting up at his house 
 for the night. On one particular night he called as usual, to " spend 
 the night" with his friend and countryman ; but the General having com 
 pany that night, requested him to procure some other lodgings. He, 
 however, previously to taking his leave, related his adventure on the 
 road to the General, who, after endeavouring to soothe his mind, ad 
 vised him to go to bed and sleep it off. 
 
 He retired to a Boarding House for the night, and in the morning, 
 while coming down the stairs his foot slipped, he fell and broke his neck. 
 
 Though I never saw any apparition myself, I am not prepared to say 
 that it could not be the case with others. 
 
 Mortals prepare, a judgment day, 
 
 Awaits us one and all ; 
 Then let us when death s summons comes, 
 
 Be ready at his call. Kel. 
 
 " Kind sirs I greet you," Sfc. Page 41. 
 
 I find on referring to my Journal the following note " To S. Wood- 
 worth & Co., No. 60 Vesey-street, who solicited aid in said Poem, and 
 requested that the Poetry should be chaste, Albany, 14th November, 
 1813. It was during the last war with Great Britain, as will be per 
 ceived by the date. 
 
 I was at that time Recording Clerk to his Excellency, Governor Dan 
 iel D. Tompkins, at Albany, and observing the Advertisement of S. W. 
 & Co., I thought I would contribute something towards the furtherance 
 of what I considered not only a novel, but a very laudable undertaking. 
 The piece, however, waa never forwarded, neither do I recollect that 
 " New-York," a Poem, was ever published. I read this piece to Mr. W. 
 and he said he would have put it into his piece, if he had succeeded in 
 publishing his " New-York," a Poem. 
 
 " IFhen rogues fall out," Sfc. Page 43. 
 
 This is an old, and doubtless a true saying ; for few rogues can with 
 stand the inducement of a pardon held out to them on condition of their 
 making a sincere confession, and a true disclosure of such facts as are 
 sought for by the Law. Other causes may also operate to produce a 
 like effect.
 
 172 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 * , " The Law forces," fc. Page 43. 
 
 This is from Noyes' Law maxims. A lawyer told me he thought 
 these maxims might be advantageously versified. 
 
 H MaKgnant, cruel, fierce," 8fc. Page 43-. 
 
 Discord is disagreement, strife, variance. Derived frem dia, asunder 
 and cor, the heart. 
 
 " All lesser must," Sfc. Page 43. 
 
 This distich admonishes people to examine things carefully, that they 
 may not give a preference wrongfully to any. 
 
 " IVhencecamt the custom" Sfc. Page 44. 
 
 The practice new-a-days is to direct the servant to ask the person who 
 knocks at the door to give his name. If he refuses by saying the Gent. 
 or Lady of the house does not know his name the servant, though he 
 may pretend to inquire answers of course, " not at home." He is sus 
 pected for a dun, or an officer. 
 
 " Havn't you heard foflis say," Sfc. Page 44. 
 
 I have an indistinct recollection of this anecdote, yet I think it was to 
 this effect. While a certain lawyer was pleading before the court, the 
 Judge observed to him that there was no general rule without an excep 
 tion ihe lawyer replied he could name one. The Judge requested 
 him to do so. Why, said he, the gamma (the third letter of the Greek 
 alphabet) is invariably pronounced hard. 
 
 " There let it inperpetual," Sfc. Page 45. 
 
 I think I have somewhere read of two persons, consummating their 
 reconciliation by turning the hollow of their hands joined together by 
 their fingers, over a hole in the ground, and holding them in that position 
 until the hole was filled up with earth. 
 
 " So small is the containing," Sfc. Page 45. 
 
 From whence I gleaned the idea contained in this distich, I am una 
 ble to tell. 
 
 " Body, icith others," Sfc. Page 45. 
 See 1st Corinthians, 44th verse of 15th chapter..
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 173 
 
 " Our life is a vapour," Sfc. Page 45. 
 
 Faith among Divines a principal Christian virtue. An assent of the 
 mind to all things delivered in the Holy Scriptures, as the testimony of 
 Almighty God. IB Greek, pistis, a persuasion. 
 
 " Assist Melpomene," Sfc. Page 46. 
 
 This friend died, I think, of the yellow, fever of '98. We were for 
 many previous years inseparable companions. We went to church to 
 gether on the Lord's day, and on week evenings to French school, his 
 time in the day being devoted to the du'.ies of the Counting House, 
 while mine was employed in prosecuting my studies, both at home and 
 at College. This piece was composed shortly after his decease, per 
 haps 45 years since. m I have styled it an Elegy i. e. a mournful poem ; 
 a funeral song. 
 
 My classmate, the Rev. John Blair Linn, in his book entitled " Mis 
 cellaneous Works, prose and poetical," printed by Thomas Greenleaf 
 in 1795, gives a long dissertation, (from the one hundredth to the one 
 hundred and forty seventh page inclusive) on Poetry, which he calls the 
 language " cf passion and fancy." Of Elegiac poetry he observes 
 " perhaps there is no species of poetry of which the mind is more sus 
 ceptible than Elegy. There is none perhaps which meets with a more 
 agreeable reception from all classes of men. Its objects are to excite 
 the softer passions, to represent the distress of virtue, and the many 
 misfortunes to which human nature is liable." 
 
 " Full oft he cross'd,"&c. Page 47. 
 
 I do not recollect ever having seen this sea Captain, but his brother 
 was a schoolmate of mine. I wrote this epitaph for the Captain'* 
 widow. 
 
 " We all must to,' 1 Sfc. Page 47. 
 
 I wrote this epitaph for the widow of an old acquaintance. As hu 
 gave no evidence of his having received the pardon of his sins, previous 
 ly to his decease, I had to frame the epitaph accordingly. 
 
 " Long her patient spirit," Sfc. Page 47. 
 
 My book of Poems does not furnish me with the means of ascertain 
 ing who the lady was, for whom I composed this epitaph. 
 
 Greedy Death," frc. Page 48. 
 
 I am equally at a loss to determine the person I had in view, in com* 
 posing this epitaph.
 
 174 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 " Thus dearest, we," Sfc. Page 48. 
 In this epitaph I was meditating on the decease of my former wife. 
 
 " Fortune alike tcith other," fa. Page 48. 
 
 " Industry is Fortune's right hand Frugality her left' 1 I thought this 
 was a quotation from the " Elegant Extracts" but on consulting my 
 book of extracts, I could not find it there. 
 
 " In books both sacred," Ifc. Page 49: 
 
 This Essay was written for some young men, who belonged to a re 
 ligious society in Albany, during the late War with Great Britain. 
 What use was made of it, I never was able to learn. 
 
 " Eacli individual freely," Sff. Page 50. 
 
 I think I composed this piece about 11 or 12 years ago ; but my re 
 collection cannot now supply me with the necessary particulars which 
 induced the composition. In order to ascertain these particulars, I call 
 ed on my old friend Mr. Jacob P. Roome, late Superintendent of Re 
 pairs, now residing in 21st-street, hut his memory failed him as well 
 as my own. He merely recollected that the firemen had a disturb 
 ance among themselves in the Bowery, about the time above alluded to 
 and referred me to another source for information. I am certain that 
 I derived the facts stated in the piece from a newspaper, but I cannot 
 now tell its name. The numbers refer to the different Aldermen and 
 their Wards. 
 
 " Fanny is the girl" Sfc.-- Page 53. 
 
 This was a complimentary sonnet to my present wife, while paying 
 my addresses to her, more than forty years ago. As she made no ob 
 jections to my inserting the piece in my Specimens, I also added 
 " My Second Courtship of my present tcife " 
 
 This piece isexplanatoy of the leason why our courtship was broken 
 off and how it came at length to terminate in our marriage. It is a 
 practical comment on the old adage, which instructs us that " early at 
 tachments are the strongest." 
 
 " Takes tftis method to show," Ifc. Page 55. 
 
 This piece is not an original composition of mine. The ideas were 
 supplied from an Advertisement that appeared, some forty odd years 
 ago, in a paper called the ''Morning Chronicle," printed in Pine-street, 
 New- York. This Advertisement I versified to please a friend who had 
 an interest in the paper. It afterwards appeared in a book of selections 
 published by a man who styled himself the " Emperor of the Barbers," 
 and who I was informed afterwards cut his throat in the City of Albany.
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 175 
 
 If puffing to frizzeurs belongs, 
 Who'd envy them their puffing songs? 
 But scout all lying to a faction, 
 And "scorn with us,'' a meaner action. 
 
 No liar can, whate'er his trade, 
 
 A liar's punishment evade ; 
 
 The which he 11 find, if right he looks, 
 
 Recorded in the ''best of books." KeL 
 
 " One niglti I dreamed," fa. Page 56 
 
 This piece, or "New Year's address," was composed expressly for 
 the news carrier of the " Courier and Enquirer," and contains accord 
 ing to direction, given in that paper, exactly two hundred lines. It was 
 presented, and rejected. Becoming again my property, I, like some 
 other Authors, by inserting it in my " Specimens," appeal from the judg 
 ment of the Editors of the Courier and Enquirer to the candour of the 
 public. Though I am satisfied of the correctness of the old adage, "de 
 gustibus non &c.," there is no disputing tastes, yet I am willit?g to abide 
 my appeal, with this determination, however, never to write another 
 New Year's address for any other newspaper, either in this City, or in 
 any other part of the World. I wrote one for a religions newspaper in 
 this City, and though it was rejected, the Carrier, under pretence of hav 
 ing mislaid it, never had the manners to return it to its legitimate owner, 
 consequently he prevented me from obliging the public by its insertion 
 in the Specimens. 
 
 " Say what is fate," Sfc. Page 62. 
 
 It is but recently that I undertook to peruse the two volumes of ser 
 mons by the Rev. Timothy Dwight, late President of Yale College/pub- 
 lished at New Haven, in 1828. I always entertained a partiality for the 
 Doctor. I had not only, more than half a century ago, read his " Con 
 quest of Canaan," an Epic Poem, of most admirable structure, and ex 
 quisite finish but I had enjoyed the privilege of hearing him read his 
 men sermons in the Presbyterian Church, (Dr. Rogers',) in Wall-street. 
 My partiality, however, was rather founded on the persuasion that he 
 was a good man ; a genuine Minister of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ. And nothing, in the course of my after life, has occurred to in* 
 duce me to aller that persuasion. 
 
 His definition of Fate I have given in the sentiment extracted from 
 his sermons,) versified. I have turned lo Schrevelins, Ei/inpfm/;?, he has 
 translated fatum, divinitus dtcretus, decretutn Fate, a divine decree, 
 a //tipo), divido, quasi siium cuique divisum est, as though each one had 
 hia own lot or division. Ainsworth, Fatum, God's providence or decree, 
 Fate, the order and series of causes, the course of nature, destiny or 
 fortune, as they call it calamity, mischief or misfortune. Death, or na 
 tural death more rarely an untimely death, sometimes a man's fortune 
 or circumstances, also an Oracle idem quod effatum. 
 
 Bailey (Fatum, Lat.) That which must of necessity come to pass 
 God's secret appointment, a perpetual unchangeable disposition of things 
 following one upon another. Providence or Decree also Dea,th.
 
 176 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 Walker Fate, Destiny, Event, Predetermined Death. But I suppose 
 I might have saved myself this trouble, as it is not improbable the Doc 
 tor might have travelled over the same ground in the three first instan 
 ces, before I was born. 
 
 " The serious observer discerns," tfc. Page 62. 
 
 While at Albany in 1813 or '14, comfortably situated with my family 
 around me, and in the employment of my old friend and classmate at 
 Columbia College, his Excellency, the Governor I one day observed 
 in his paper called the " Portfolio," published in Philadelphia, by Old- 
 scfwol," an advertisement offering $50 for the best written Ode i. e., 
 Sang for the approaching fourth of July : and I thought I would try to 
 write one too not for Mr. Oldschool, exactly ; but as though it were 
 for him, not to send to him, but to keep for myself. And well it wasl did 
 so; for if. I was rightly informed, after selecting from the number of 
 fered, twelve of the best performances, he rejected the whole of them, 
 for what reason I do not now recollect. Probably, however, after cul 
 ling out their excellencies, to avoid the payment of the tempting premi 
 um offered in his paper, the Fifty Dollars. 
 
 " Noic what is this," <fc. Page 64. 
 
 After the above explanation the protocol, a word which, like Presi 
 dent Jefferson's " occlusion of the Port of New- Orleans," had nearly puz 
 zled our whole nation, must speak for itself. 
 
 " Near eighteen months," 4>c. Page 65. 
 
 I have now arrived at the termination of what I perhaps may konsider 
 my moral productions next follows those of a political character. Situ 
 ated as I was during the last war with England, in the immediate vicini 
 ty of Head Quarters, at Greenbush, and in the very centre of political 
 information, at Albany, it was [next to impossible to refrain from giv 
 ing vent to those indignant feelings I experienced at the time, when con 
 templating the cause which produced, what I considered, a just and ne 
 cessary war on the part of my countrymen ; Impressment of our Sea 
 men on the High Seas and search of our Vessels. Remonstrance des 
 pised, submission to outrage required, the " ultima ratio regum," held 
 up in " terrorem" in case of resistance. No marvel that the point 
 of Republican forbearance should be passed. But the agony is now 
 passed ; blood enough has been shed; much time has flown by since the 
 events alluded to have transpired ; the outrage has ceased to be repeat 
 ed ; amicable relations exist, and may continue to exist for years to come 
 from the District of Maine to the " tltima Thule Britannarum." Would 
 God that " Christian Nations" might cease to "learn war" any more, 
 and that the only strife among them might be " who should love the Re 
 deemer most, and who should serve him beat."
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 177 
 
 " Hear ye, hear all tlte world," Sfc. Page 68. 
 
 If Great Britain claims to be the parent, she should, as a Chistian na 
 tion, remember this injunction of the Apostle Paul to- the Gentiles; 
 " Parents provoke not your children to wrath," &c. 
 
 " Tremble ye tyrants," 8fc. Page 68. 
 
 The procession of the bones of the Revolutionary Patriots, for inter 
 ment at Brooklyn, took place in, I think, in the summer or fall of 1808. 
 I could 1 not attend it, as I was Clerk of the Alms House at that time, and 
 either the Superintendent or I was obliged to remain at the House to 
 attend to its concerns. The bones were deposited in a small triangular 
 piece of ground in Jackson-street, near the Navy Yard. They were 
 conveyed to the place of Sepulture in 13 coffins, attended by about 
 15,000 persons. The Coffins represented the 13 States, whose names 
 appear in front of the building erected over the tomb. Over the gate 
 way is this inscription, " Portal to the Tomb of 11,500 patriot prisoners, 
 who died in Dungeons and Prison Ships about the City of New-York, 
 during the war of our Revolution. '' 
 
 " IIow insulting" Sfc. Page 63. 
 
 , 
 
 The three first verses were composed at Albany, during the late war 
 with Great Britain, the last was added a long time afterwards. 
 
 The origin of the term " Yankee" is too well understood in our coun 
 try, to need explanation here. That the epithet, as applied to our na 
 tion by our then enemies, the British, was intended to be reproachful, 
 is certain ; it is equally certain that it was malicious, designed to hold ua 
 up to the gaze of the civilized world, as the aborigines of this country, 
 the Indians savages. But the reproach which long since has been 
 wiped away in blood, ceases at present to give any more offence to an 
 American, than does the epithet " John Bull" to an Englishman,, who 
 knws for a certainty, that if, during the Revolutionary War, " Yankee 
 Doodle was a boy," he is a man now. As such, therefore, he must con 
 tinue to regard and treat him, if he desires to preserve and perpetuate 
 the friendly relations which BOW exist between the two countries. Ei 
 ther the time has arrived, or is rapidly approaching, when the aphorism 
 " no real friendship can subsist between unequals," will no longer ap 
 ply to England and America. 
 
 " There lived a Clerk," Sfc. Page 69. 
 
 After the peace in Ibl5, when I was preparing to quit the employment 
 of his Excellency, Governor Tompkins, and to return to New-York with 
 tny family, after an absence of nearly three years, I addressed ;i comma- 
 nication to him, requesting from him an introduction to som friend of 
 his at New-York, who might give me employment. Said- he, " there is 
 our old classmate John Ferguson, the Mayor, would he not employ you ? 
 I answered, yes, if his Excellency would write him a letter requesting 
 him to do so. He replied he would be ia New-Yerk the next week,
 
 178 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 nnd speak to him himself on the subject. He did come to New-York, 
 but did not speak to his Honor, the Mayor, on the subject; perhaps he 
 forgot it. About this time I must have written this querelous Poem. 
 Shortly afterwards, he came to New-York, and advised me to go into 
 the employ of one of his aids whom lie procured to be appointed Clerk 
 of the Court of Sessions: so I became Deputy Clerk of the Sessions, 
 in which situation I continued for about eight months. 
 
 " Porter attend,'' Sfc. Page 72. 
 
 This address was commenced in Albany, but not concluded until re 
 cently ; which gave me an opportunity of thus publicly thanking the Gen 
 eral for his kindness in discharging through General Macomb, iny old 
 schoolmate, while Secretary of War, my eldest son from the Army. 
 
 Mr. Pope advises " Keep your peace nine years ;" I am glad I follow 
 ed his advice in this particular. Both the above-named Generals were 
 particular favorites of his Excellency, Governor Tompkins. 
 
 " Oft Iiave I strore," Sfc. Page 73. 
 
 It was on, or about the fifteenth day of the month of June, 1837, that 
 the present District Attorney, James R. Whiting, asked me if I would 
 have any objection to go to Brunswick in New Jersey, to transact some 
 business for him at that place. I informed him I had none, nnd that 
 Brunswick, thereby meaning Brunswick Landing, frequently so called 
 was my native place. " Then, said he, you are the very person to go 
 there." Accordingly, I crossed the Hudson to Jersey City, and after a 
 travel of thirty-six miles of olden measurement, I arrived, without any 
 accident, at the City of New-Brunswick. Being unwilling to put my 
 relations to inconvenience to accontmodate me during my stay, I enga 
 ged my board at a Hotel in Albany -street: and as a considerable part of 
 the day remained, I concluded to pay a visit to Raritan Landing, by the 
 way of the Canal, an invention not even contemplated when I last visit 
 ed my native place. Many a time I had walked from Brunswick to the 
 Landing, and from the Landing to Brunswick, as well on the North, 
 as on the South side of the river: but never before had I enjoyed the 
 pleasure of walking in its water on dry and solid ground. Now this 
 pleasure arose, not merely from the simple circumstance of my walking 
 on the tow-path of a Canal, for that operation I had performed more than 
 once between Albany and Utica ; but rather from contemplating the in 
 novation that had been made in my native river. The day was cool for 
 the season, and the North wind blowing down the stream was refresh 
 ing, while I examined as I progressed in my journey the well known 
 places on either hand the delight of uiy juvenile days. Thus pleasantly 
 employed, I arrived at length at the bridge which crosses the Raritan and 
 brings you to the place called " Raritan Landing." And here I noticed 
 the first alteration that had been made since my last visit to the place. 
 The Mill belonging to Mr. Miles Smith had been removed from above 
 and now stood below the bridge. Crossing over, I saw the boys near 
 its Southern abutment, " ail silent angling from the sandy shore." 
 
 But what an alteration was discoverable in the road since I last trav-
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 179 
 
 elled it, to where my Grandfather's house still stood. From the bridge 
 to his house formerly, a distance of about three quarters of the meadow's 
 width, not one solitary house, to my recollection, remained. It appear 
 ed to me as if all had been swept away by the freshet which annually 
 inundates the meadows in the spring at the breaking up of the river. Ge 
 ographically described, the Village of Raritan Landing resembles in its 
 figure the letter T. It commences at the River's bridge, and crosses the 
 meadow or the temporary bed of the river, extending to where it is in 
 tersected by the road which runs along the foot of its northern bank, ex 
 tending upwards towards Bound Brook, and downwards towards the 
 bridge you cross to enter the city of New Brunswick. 
 
 Directly on the hill above the intersecting road stands the house where 
 I was born. I have accounted for this circumstance in the history of 
 my life, viz. I have assigned the reason why I was born on the hill, in the 
 bouse owned by my uncle, Capt. James Richmond of New Bruns 
 wick, rather than in the house owned by my father. " The Land 
 ing," on the meadow is now, I believe, entirely destitute of inhabitants, 
 and is owned by Mr. Isaac Lawrence of New-York. Hehas ason-in-Iavv 
 residing in the large stone house on the hill, a Mr. Pool, whose father 
 purchased the house from my uncle Richmond, and he purchased it from 
 the late Mr. Nicholas Low of New-York. I feel no disposition here to 
 uxtol the village of " Raritan Landing," above any other village I have 
 visited, either in the state of New-York or elsewhere ; on the contrary I 
 am sorry to think on its present desolate and forsaken condition. Never 
 theless, I will not disown it on this account, nor will I even assign the 
 reason for its decline; it is sufficient lor me to remember that it is my 
 native village. In making this acknowledgment I revive many more 
 tender recollections than it is my intention to insert in this place as Idesign 
 rather to write a " Note," or commentary on certain things contained in 
 my poem, than a lengthy history of the Village and iu ancient inhabitants. 
 
 "But on the hill we claimed one little space." 
 
 I think this little space comprises half an acre of ground, and that my 
 brother William reserved it when he sold the farm after my father's 
 death, as our family burial place, but I know not whether or no he re 
 served the right of approaching it through the field in which it lays. 
 This is the only claim I have on the soil of the state of New-Jersey, 
 sufficient to constitute me, if not in Law at least in equity, a freeholder 
 in my native state. But as I never intend to urge such a claim, I feel no 
 apprehension of having it resisted. 
 
 Here are deposited the mortal remains of my Grandfather and Grand 
 mother, Father and Mother, I think of my sister Phebe, and three sisters 
 and two brothers whom I never saw. Where my aunts Betsy and Mary 
 were interred I do not know, nor whether I shall rest heside them or not, 
 nor does it cause me any tiueasiness where my friends shall think proper 
 to deposite my clay when I shall have done with " time and time things." 
 
 Below the burying ground to the east there runsasmall brook, through 
 what I consider a meadow in miniature. The only curiosity I remem 
 ber in this meadow is one large apple tree which bore apples on one side 
 that were red, and on the other white. " One spreading tree with ap 
 ples white and red," but I am not naturalist enough to account satisfac-
 
 180 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 torily for this phenomenon. " There Mentha rose, &c." Mint Nepeta 
 too, &c., cat-nip or cat-mint. "And on the hill the pudding grass," &c. 
 Penny-royal. I do not recollect any flowers growing on the little mea 
 dow or on the banks on either side. 
 
 The adjoining farm, a very large and valuable one, was formerly own 
 ed by a Doctor Hood, and latterly by a Mr. Miles Smith, recently de 
 ceased ; and I believe is now owited by his children. " This road to 
 walk was never my delight." The road from Smith's to Prohasco's 
 mill is, I think, about half a mile, running along under the hill on the left, 
 having the meadows, the river, and its south bunk on the left To a 
 stranger at this season of the year, the surrounding scenery might have 
 appeared pleasant and picturesque, nay even grand and imposing, but I 
 had conceived a dislike to this portion oi' the road in early life, and the im- 
 presssion of its, to me, former gJoom and solitude still remained. After 
 crossing the brock at Prohasco's mill, and coming in sight of Brunswick 
 and its bridge, I regained tny former serenity, and my mind was carried 
 back to the time when the bridge was destroyed by a freshet in the river, 
 and how firmly it had resisted the power of the stream ever since Abra 
 ham Russell, a builder, a Methodist from New-York, fixed its foundation 
 in the rocks beneath. And methoiight it will be so with us ; " if we 
 build our house on the sand it will fail, but, if we build it upon the rock 
 of ages, it shall never be moved." 
 
 " The morning dawns, I rise," &c. It was en the Lord's day I re 
 paired to the former place -of worship, expecting once more to be seated 
 in the bnilding in which my father worshipped, and to which he took his 
 sons, "now more than half a century gone by." But judge of my sur 
 prise, when I found not the modest little brick building, occupying, per 
 haps, one quarter of the lot on which it stood. Like'many of the inhabitants 
 of Brunswick, who had formerly been found paying their vows and hon 
 ors there, it had disappeared ; and its place \vas supplied by a large and 
 costly edifice, capable, I presume, of containing four times its number of 
 hearers. Costly indeed, I discovered this new Meeting-house on enter 
 ing its doors, to be all its interior was in the highest style of modern 
 elegance even the very backs of the seats were cushioned and what 
 was there so very strange in all that? Oh, nothing. I suppose, to the young 
 and aspiring members and visitors of the English Presbyterian Meeting 
 in the City of New-Brunswick. But I intend to make no ill-natured 
 remarks either on them or on their meeting-house. Looking about for 
 the pew, but having forgotten the number of my cousin's pew, I was 
 politely accommodated with a seat by a gentleman, to me entirely a 
 stranger. Truly, if my Countrymen of New-Brunswick should have be 
 come superlatively Attic in their public edifices, after a lapse of a few re 
 volving years; it was delightsome to find, and still more so is it to re 
 cord it to their honor, that they are, nevertheless, sincerely Lacedemo 
 nian in their deportment to strangers visiting their religious assemblies. 
 The sermon in the morning was by the regularly stationed Minister, 
 a young man, who was. as during the day, I was informed, from Phila 
 delphia. In the afternoon, by another young man from Princeton. 
 
 From the best of my observation and belief the services of the day were 
 thus far strictly performed according to the direction of St. Paul, viz. 
 "decently and in order." In the evening I attended the Methodist 
 meeting, having been informed in the afternoon, at the Church, that
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 181 
 
 there would be no preaching until evening. I was informed that a 
 great revival had recently commenced among the people, particularly 
 among the Presbyterians. This was truly " a good hearing" that the 
 Lord was at work, "making bare his arm," and a stir among "the dry 
 hrones" in Brunswick. It was to me an evidence that "the Lord had 
 not forgotten to be gracious," and that " his mercy endureth for ever. rt 
 The next morning, having arranged my business with Judge Boeruni, 
 I went on board the Napoleon, and paid my passage for New-York. 
 The weather was remarkably pleasant, as was our four hour's passage 
 down the Raritan, through the Kills, and over the Bay to the place of 
 our destination. On our way down the river, the " crooked stream," 
 from its numerous reefs so called, we came at length to the " implanted 
 poles," showing their " beacon heads," indicating the oyster beds, which 
 were there submersed; the particulars respecting which are detailed in the 
 Poem, only with the exception of the names and mode of cooking the 
 oysters, which, I believe, is peculiar to Raritan Landing. The oysters 
 picked off the beds are small single oysters and are called by, the landing- 
 ers, Raccoons, for what reason I cannot tell, except it be, that as the Eng 
 lish population of New-Jersey, hail originally from some part of New 
 England, the term has emanated from thence ; for old Bailey in his Dic 
 tionary, says "Raccoon, a creature in New England, like a badger, with 
 a tail like a fox." If the learned reader perceives any analogy, or re 
 semblance between an oyster and a "creature" as above described, I con 
 fess it is more than I can ; but of this much I am fully persuaded, that 
 
 Call an oyster what you will, 
 Yet it is an oyster still. Kel. 
 
 and now for the "ittos modus coquere," the mode or manner of cooking 
 them. 
 
 Sometimes boiling water is poured into a washing tub, and as many 
 as is thought sufficient say one or two bushels of oysters, are put into 
 the tub, which is carefully covered over with two or more folds of a blan 
 ket, and there the oysters continue until cooked by the steam ; the fami 
 ly then surrounding the tub, commence eating the oysters, opening them 
 with their knives at the hinge end of the oyster. The condiments are 
 simple salt, pepper, and vinegar, and some home-made mustard, if you 
 please. At other times the oysters are baked in the oven, after the bread 
 is taken out. And so much for the epicures of Raritan Landing. This 
 though not the most refined, is at least an economical mode of prepa 
 ring this delicious food. 
 
 "Filled with Mosquitoes," &c. These insects are peculiarly annoy 
 ing to passengers in the summer season. Salt water from the Bay, or 
 water with salt mixed with it, will allay the poison of their stings. After 
 passing Mount Arrarat on the right, we came to Perth Amboy on the 
 left, which is a stopping place ; opposite is the tail or end of Staten Is 
 land. South Amboy is at the south end of the Raritan, which empties it 
 self into Princes' Bay. Along the Kills are many handsome country 
 houses, belonging to gentlemen in New-York, whose Bay being so uni 
 versally known, needs no description. We came to at the wharf, foot 
 of Marketfield-street, adjacent to Castle Garden. 
 
 On a review of the premises, I cannot say that I would be willing to
 
 182 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 quit Brooklyn for Raritan Landing, though it be my native village. I 
 enjoy many comforts, which I should be deprived of at Raritan Lauding 
 yet I am willing to think of it, to speak of it, and bear in fond remem 
 brance, and even to visit it, as often as occasion may present. But I 
 must at present, at least, for many substantial reasons, give Brooklyn the 
 preference. 
 
 " Friend, if thou canst" Sfc. Page 79. 
 
 During the last war it was customary to use the phrase color of the 
 day, aa it now is to speak of the Lion of the day. 
 
 " Why dost thou mourn," #c. Page 79. 
 
 1 consider my political pieces as here ending, and my religious ones 
 commencing. 
 
 As to the times when, and particular circumstances under which the 
 greatest part of them were written, I can only say that I found them scat 
 tered throughout my books, or on pieces of paper in my desk, some un 
 finished, and some requiring revision and retouching in order for publi 
 cation. 
 
 " Reprobates. Those whom (as some believe) God has predestined to 
 damnation ; also, very wicked or lewd persons." Bailey. 
 
 " Lost to virtue, lost to grace, abandoned." South. 
 
 " To reprobate. To abandon to wickedness and eternal destruction." 
 Hammond. 
 
 " Reprobation. The act of abandoning, or state of being abandoned to 
 eternal destruction." Maine. 
 
 Either of these definitions, one might suppose, is of sufficiently fearful 
 import to deter any reasonable person from the deliberate commission 
 of wickedness. Yet the Scriptures represent men in their natural or un 
 converted estate, as blind " blinded by the god of this world," and so 
 are " led captive by him at his will," as says the sweet singer of Eng 
 land, Dr. Watts : 
 
 "And Satan binds our captive souls 
 Fast in his slavish chains." 
 
 But another author from the same country observes " Mankind are 
 not left to Satan, nor to their own lusts, nor to live without God in the 
 world. A way is cast up, a means is provided. Besides the natural and 
 traditional conscionsness of mere moral good and evil in every breast, 
 God hath a divine witness in the heart of each individual, which will 
 truly manifest right and wrong in the consciences of those who faithfully 
 attend thereunto, afford light and power to set them free from the mists 
 of prepossession and prejudice, and become a safe conductor and an 
 able supporter in the paths of religion and virtue." /. Phipps. 
 
 Again, he asks : " What instructor can we have equal to this 
 most intimate witness ? a monitor so near, so constant, so faithful, so 
 infallible? This is the great gospel privilege of every man: tke ad 
 vantage of having it preached day by day in his own heart, without mo 
 ney and without price, yet with certainty. Is it reasonable to conclude,
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 183 
 
 ihia nice, true, and awful discerner, should be less than divine?" I think 
 therefore, it is arriving at a fair and safe conclusion to pronounce, that 
 until the Holy Spirit ceases to strive in a man, he cannot be a reprobate. 
 For " God will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowl 
 edge of the truth;" and so "the grace of God that bringeth salvation 
 hath appeared unto all men, teaching us (by its convictions) that" &c. 
 See Tit. ii. 11,12. 
 
 " God hf.th not left his creature man, j 
 
 To Satan's tyrant sway; 
 
 Nor here without himself to live, 
 
 To his own lusts a prey." Kel. 
 
 " The radiant Sun," SfC. Page 80. 
 
 I cannot recollect the precise time when I composed this address 
 but I remember handing a copy of it to my class-leader, Samuel Wil 
 liams, who has since "gone the way of all the earth." I think he said it 
 was not spoken, and that another, perhaps a more appropriate one, had 
 been composed for the occasion. 
 
 There are, it would appear, Rabbins in every persuasion, who decide 
 "ad libitum," and whose dictum is final and conclusive. " And in this 
 place the gospel heard." " The gospel," says the Rev. Dr. Dwight, 
 " is the rain and the sunshine of Heaven on the moral world. 
 
 " Wovld you," Sfc. Page 83. 
 
 If any one should be troubled with kakoaithais scribendi,* or itch for 
 writing poetry, let him improve it by following the advice contained in 
 this distich. 
 
 " Distrust, 'tis not ingenuous," Sfc. Page 83. 
 
 As though the Preacher had said, that is a spurious piety, which is pro 
 ductive of no real benefit to society. Piety is "Godliness, Devotion, 
 natural affection, love to one's Country or parents," so Bailey. Piety 
 is nothing but a profound esteem, an infinite love for God but how 
 could we esteem him, if we imagined he was jealous of our happiness, 
 and an enemy to our persons ? Claude 389, vol. 2. 
 
 " Ye listening youths," SfC. Page 83. 
 
 I wrote this piece to be spoken by one of Mr. A. Picket's scholars, on 
 the occasion of the death of one of his companions. I do not remem 
 ber the name of the deceased, nor whether or not it was spoken in the 
 school. 
 
 
 
 * Schrevelius, in his Lexicon, says the seventh letter apud Graecoa 
 with or among the Greeks, sounds e my teacher directed it to be render 
 ed in English by ai, Dipth.
 
 184 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 " Body and Soul," frc. Page 84. 
 
 AH who believe in the truth of the Scriptures, mustadmitthat there 
 will be a resurrection of the dead ; equally imperative is the declaration 
 of the Apostle Paul in the 5th chapter and 10th verse of his se 
 cond Epistle to the Corinthians ; " For we myst all appear before the 
 judgment seat of Christ, &c., and in the loth chapter and 52d verse ef 
 the first Epistle to the same people " for the dead shall be raised incor 
 ruptible, and we shall be changed." And in the following verse, " For 
 this corruptible must put on incorruption, aucl this mortal must put on 
 immortality. And this because " Death being swallowed up in victory," 
 that his saints may give thanks to God, " who gives them the victory 
 through their Lord Jesus Christ." The Doctrine of the resurrection, 
 of the dead, was unknown to the Heathens as is evident from the 
 32d verse of the 17th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles " And when 
 they (the reamed Athenians,) heard of the resurrection of the dead, 
 some mocked, and others said, we will hear thee again of this matter." 
 And that sect among the Jews, God's ancient people, called Saddncees. 
 from Sadock, their first founder, who received only the five Books of 
 Moses, denied the being of Angels and Spirits, and the resurrection ef 
 the body. But neither their unbelief, nor that of any other being can 
 invalidate the declaration of one, greater than Saint Paul, who assured 
 the Jews, that in case they should destroy this temple," thereby mean 
 ing his body, in three days, he would raise it up." 
 
 I cannot exactly account either for the time of beginning or finishing 
 this piece. Sometimes I found a piece just commenced, at others near 
 ly completed, in this or that book of compositions, of which I have sev 
 eral, and then I was obliged to give them the finishing touch in opder 
 to fit them for an introduction into my book of Specimens. 
 
 " Say that it is when you," &c. Page 85. 
 
 Faith in Divinity and Philosophy, is the firm belief of certain truths 
 upon the testimony of the person who reveals them. 
 
 The grounds of rational faith are : 
 
 First That the things revealed be not contrary to, though they may 
 be above natural reason. 
 
 Second That the revealer be well acquainted with the thing he re 
 veals. 
 
 Third That he be above all suspicion of deceiving us. 
 
 When these criteria are found, no reasonable person will deny his 
 assent. 
 
 Thus we may as well deny our existence as the truth of a Revelation 
 coming from God, who can neither deceive Himself, or deceive othecs 
 by proposing things to be believed that are contradictory to the faculties 
 he has given us. 
 
 Whatever propositiogs, therefore, are beyond reason, but not contra 
 ry to it, are, when revealed, the proper ma'tter of Faith,.
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 185 
 
 FAITH, WORKS, LOVE. 
 
 By faith we live on God, 
 By works we live to God, 
 By love we live in God. 
 
 Faith, says the celebrated commentator Burket, is the gift of God as 
 well as Jesus Christ, and the one is as necessary as the other for salvation. 
 For as the only way to Heaven is by Christ, so the only true way to Christ 
 is by faith. As sin has put a vanity in the creature, so unbelief puts a 
 vanity in Christ that he should profit us nothing. Wrestle we, therefore, 
 with God in prayer for a believing heart. 
 
 The celebrated French divine, Mr. Saurin, in his sermon on Habak- 
 kuk ii. 4, " The Just shall live byhis faith," speaks of a " living faith, 
 faith as a principle of renovation ; faith which receives the deci 
 sions of Jesus Christ, embraces his promises, and enables as to devote 
 ourselves to his service." 
 
 " If in this life ice," &c. Page 85. 
 
 This piece remained for many years in an unfinished state, on the last 
 leaf of my school journal, and it is but recently that I have fitted it np in 
 the shape in which it now appears in the Specimens. 
 
 The title of the piece, the expostulation, and the exhortation it con 
 tains, so sufficiently explain its import, as, doubtless, to preclude the ne 
 cessity of any further comment oil the subject. 
 
 " See where the houseless," 8fc. Page 86. 
 
 I was an eye-witness to this fact, many years ago and on mention 
 ing it to an acquaintance, was informed that it did not proceed from 
 want of room in the Cathedral, but from the circumstance of the ina 
 bility of the out-door worshippers, on the steps of the building, to pay 
 for pews. It is a consoling reflection that it is not necessary to carry 
 with us into the other world, a well filled purse of silver and gold, those 
 corruptible things, wherewith to purchase a seat in Heaven. 
 
 " This sentence let each," frc. Page 86. 
 
 This is the sentence of him who " spake as never man spake," and 
 from this decision none of the posterity of fallen Adam, will ever make 
 a succesful appeal. 
 
 " Though sprung from Afric's," tfc. Page 86. 
 
 It is related of a certain son of Africa, that while near his end, some 
 white people present, were commiserating his case, exclaiming, " Poor 
 Pompey !" to which he replied "No not Poor Pornpey, King Pom- 
 pey." No Christian will mistake his meaning.
 
 186 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 " Never heed the worldling's scoff," Sfc. Pa ge 66. 
 
 This piece was partially composed several years since, and was not 
 matured until recently. Whether the sentiments embodied in the Poem, 
 were originated by considering the literal meaning of tne word martyr 
 Greek, Witness English, or in its evangelical sense, viz. " One who 
 bears witness to the truth of the Christian Religion at the expense of 
 his life," or that verse in the Revelations, " Be thou faithful unto 
 death, and I will give thee a crown," or the Poem entitled Christ's 
 Resurrection and Ascension, I cannot now precisely determine. But 
 whether either one or all of them contributed to, and induced the for 
 mation of the " Martyr's Crown," I certainly so admired the "Resurrec 
 tion and Ascension," as not only ta write it in my common-place book, 
 but to compose my piece in the same metre. 
 
 If my readers should esteem it as highly as I do, f trust it will be a 
 sufficient apology for inserting it in my Notes. 
 
 " CHRIST'S RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION." 
 
 "Angels roll the rock away, 
 Death yield up thy mighty prey ;. 
 See he rises from the tomb, 
 Glowing with immortal bloom.. 
 
 "Tis the Saivour Angels, raise 
 Fame's eternal trump of praise ; 
 Let the earth's remotest bound' 
 Hear the joy inspiring sound. 
 
 | Now ye saints lift up your eyes, 
 Now to glory see him rise r 
 In long triumph to the sky, 
 Up to waiting worlds on high. 
 
 Heaven displays her portals wide, 
 Glorious Hero through them ride ; 
 King of glory mount thy throne, 
 Thy great Father's, and thine own. 
 
 Praise him, all ye heavenly choirs,. 
 Praise and sweep your golden lyres ; 
 Shout O Earth in rapturous song, 
 Let the strains be sweet and strong. 
 
 Every note with wonder swell, 
 Sin o'erthrown and captured Hell ; 
 Where is Hell's once dreaded king-, 
 Where, O Death thy dreaded sting." 
 
 " I seethe tetter, and approve," &c. Page 88. 
 
 This Distich is a translation I made not long since. I have seen the 
 name of the author, but in what book, whether in Sanrin or some ortier 
 book, I cannot remember. My old classmate nearly half a century past 
 (whom I have mentioned before in these notes) calls the author " a 
 Poet." In his dissertation styled "The young Compositor," he ob-
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 187 
 
 erves " But after all I have said, it is a true and common saying, that 
 what is taught by precept is not shown by example ; for where our in 
 clination points, we naturally follow, though at the expense of error." 
 And with much propriety might I have applied to myself the words of 
 the Poet : 
 
 " I see the right and I approve it too, 
 
 Condemn the wrong, and yet the wrong pursue." 
 
 I will here take the liberty to repeat the latin quotation, which both of 
 us hare verbified " Video mcliora proboque, deteriora sequor." My ver 
 sion is : 
 
 " I see tlie better, and approve them too ; 
 Yet,- notwithstanding, I worse things pursue." 
 
 The words meliora and deteriora are adjectives, in the plural num 
 ber, and must, of course, agree with some substantive or noun under 
 stood ; and that too, in the neuter gender. The word therefore to be 
 supplied, I have presumed to be " negotium" a neuter noun of the 
 second declension, and which, among its nine different significations in 
 Aiusworth, has the following " Any affair, matter, or thing." The 
 learned reader will easily perceive the coincidence (accidental not de 
 signed) between the words of the two different versions, and that my 
 classmate has given a liberal and I a literal translation- 
 
 And here I would remark of coincidences, or according 10 Bailey 
 " coincidents," that, generally many may happen without premedita 
 tion or design, and therefore, in writings, will not always merit the ap 
 pellation of plagiarism, or " book thieving." And also, that many havu 
 happened of which the most erudite critic of the present age, is and ever 
 will remain, while in this world, most profoundly ignorant. 
 
 I will here mention one, which, if not for proof or illustration, I, at 
 least, consider as a literary curiosity. About six years since, while co 
 pying for a certain Lexicographer, in Brooklyn, under the letter Aleph, 
 this coincidence was suggested to my mind. The names of the three 
 sons of Noah, who, with him, survived the flood, and re-peopled the 
 world, were Shem, Ham, and Japheth, the initials of whose three names 
 are S. H. J. As these were Hebrew words, and as we are instructed 
 that the Hebrew language is written and read from the right hand to 
 the left these initial letters will stand J. H. S. Now the title given to 
 our blessed Saviour, by the Latins was "Jesus Hominum Salvator, (Je 
 sus the Saviour of mankind,) the initial letters of which three words are 
 J. If. S. This I consider a literary coincidence, and I neither obtained 
 it from conversation, nor from books. 
 
 " The mind tcith conscious," fa. Page 88, 
 
 This was the motto to my old Professor of Moral Philosophy's Book , 
 entitled, I think, Moral Philosophy, by Joan D. Gross P. M. P., Co 
 lumbia College, &c. 
 
 It is designed to show that true contentment is not the offspring of 
 riches, and truly they are but a miserable substitute for conscious recli-
 
 188 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 tude of mind. Of what use would the most delicate viands be without 
 a wholesome appetite t 
 
 " And pray what is the use," Sfc. Page 88. 
 
 Or rather for what purpose did Providence bestow strong natural 
 powers of mind on a man, and suffer them to be cultivated by a liberal ed 
 ucation? Why most assuredly that they should be employed for the 
 promotion of His honor and glory, and for the benefit of mankind. 
 
 That learning is a " talent," of no inconsiderable kind is certain for 
 it renders its possessor, in the right and proper use of it, capable of doing 
 much good and ia the abuse of it, of perpetrating much evil in the 
 world. And learning is a talent for the " occupation" of which a strict 
 account will be required in a coming d;iy. 
 
 " JTiat he had been he prov'd," &c Page 89. 
 
 The two first lines of this six lined piece, remained alone for many 
 years in my Journal, and it is not many months since that I added the 
 remaining four. It has been remarked that " Republics are ungrateful," 
 and if that remark can with justice be applied to our Republic in any 
 one instance, it must be in that which relates to the revolutionary sol 
 diers of America. 
 
 Should any one ask the question " have they not been amply remu 
 nerated for their revolutionary services, by our government ? why pro 
 pose a question that has been so repeatedly answered ? Is it not a suf 
 ficient answer for the Revolutionary soldier should he agitate the sub 
 ject of remuneration for past services, " Dulce et deconum, est pro pa- 
 tria mori?" I will not call it a literal translation, to say, " When the 
 danger is past and there is no need for your services, then die, for your 
 country's benefit." Nor this: " When you have done with the stool, kick 
 it away." " Ingratitude, says Mr. Buck, in his Theological Dictionary, 
 " is the vice of being insensible to favors received, without any endeav 
 ors to acknowledge and repay them. It is sometimes applied to the 
 act of returning evil for good. Ingratitude, it is said, is no passion, for 
 the God of nature has appointed no motion of the spirits whereby it 
 might be eicited ; it is therefore a mere vice arising from pride, stupidi 
 ty, or narrowness of soul." 
 
 " Look you for life's suffering," S{c. Page 89. 
 
 This world is not a proper portion for a being who is destined to sur 
 vive, the ruins of this "mundane sphere." " The things of this world 
 perish in the using." " Riches take to themselves wings and fly away, 
 like an eagle towards Heaven." " Eating, drinking, and sleeping," says 
 a certain celebrated divine, " are mean employments for an immortal 
 mind."
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 189 
 
 " Our feeble frames," &c. Page 89. 
 
 Physicians compare the decays of nature to successive shades. The 
 comparison, whether pleasing or not, is certainly correct Death is the 
 last shade. 
 
 " Sinners repent," 8fc. Page 89. 
 
 Repentance is defined by the Rev. William Kinkadeto be or to use 
 his own words, "Repentance implies a sorrow for, a hatred of, and a 
 turning from sin," page 230. Bible doctrine, " You are lost by sin," 
 &.c. Mr. Burket says, " Death came into the world by Sin, and Sin goes 
 out of the world by Death." W. B. 
 
 " God tempts his saints," Sfc. Page 90. 
 
 Ainsworth in his Dictionary defines the word " Tentatio," by eur Eng 
 lish word " "proof;" according to this definition it would read, God proves 
 his saints in various ways, &c., and thus understood, the word is clear 
 from all ambiguity or mistake. 
 
 " When of his sins," &c. Page 90. 
 
 " A penitent draws nigh to God, as a criminal approaches his judge. 
 
 " The first emotions of a penitent's conscience are usually excited by 
 objects of fear, thus ; Noah being moved with fear, prepared an Ark for 
 safety Heb. ii. 7. 
 
 " Our divines distinguish a slavish from a filial fear ; the first produ 
 ces a legal, the last an evangelical repentance; and it is allowed that th 
 conversion of a sinner often begins in the first, though it cannot be com 
 plete without the last condition ; the first a fear of punishment, the se 
 cond a desire to please God. 
 
 Filial fear agrees with love. One of the finest notions that can be for 
 med of any Christian grace, is that of its harmony with all other Chris 
 tian graces ; no general rule of describing a virtue will tend more to 
 wards preserving us from error than this. Thus hope lightens fear ; 
 fear is ballast to hope. Faith keeps repentance from running into des 
 pair, and repentance keeps faith from rising to presumption. 
 
 " The new man, or that set of graces which constitute a Christian, is 
 like the natural body, a beautiful composition of seemingly opposite ma 
 terials, formed into one uniform system, each part essential to the whole, 
 and the whole the glory of each part. 
 
 " Fear sometimes signifies humility, reverence, worship, moral obe 
 dience," &c. Claude, on the comp. of a sermon, page 3JIO, A. M. 
 
 " Itself a power ," &c. Page 91. 
 
 Soul is defined to be a Power, susceptible and capable of representa 
 tions. The different modes in which that power exerts itself are called 
 faculties." Gross' Moral Philosophy. 
 
 The Rev. Richard Baxter (of whom it is reported, that after having
 
 / 
 
 190 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 written thirty-three polemical, or books about controversial points, came 
 to this conclusion, " that it was impossible to carry a madman to Heav 
 en in chains") has the following on this subject. "The soul of man 
 is immortal, and if good, cannot be forever in a bad condition. An im 
 mortal spirit is a distinct, self-conscious, invisible being, endowed with 
 natural powers of never ceasing action, understanding and will, and 
 which is neither annihilated or destroyed by separation of parts. Such 
 is the soul of man." 
 
 The Rev. James Saurin, in his sermon on Matt. xvi. 26, says the 
 " term soul, which is used in this passage, is one of the most equivocal 
 words in Scripture ; for it is taken indifferent, and even in contrary sen 
 ses, so that sometimes it signifies a dead body." Lev. xxi, 1. 
 
 " Soul may be taken for life as in Matt. ii. 20. Soul may be taken 
 for that spiritual part of us which we call (kat exochen) the soul by way 
 of excellence, and in this sense it is used by our Lord, x. 28. He con 
 cludes to understand by the soul, in his text, the spirit of man." Again, 
 he asserts, that " we do clearly and distinctly know three properties of 
 the soul, that it is capable of knowing, willing and feeling or intelli 
 gence, volition and sensation, or more properly, the acutest sensibility." 
 
 It would be well if our modern divines would give the sermons of 
 this eminent minister of the gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ, an atten 
 tive and candid perusal. I take him to be another John Fletcher. These 
 sermons I suppose may be procured from the Harpers, who recently 
 published them in two volumes. 
 
 " Man, sure a thinking," 8fc. Page 91. 
 
 Man is defined to be " a living being, endowed with an organic 
 body, and a rational soul," G. M. P. His soul or spirit has been alrea 
 dy defined as to his body, it is said to have its " origin by conception, its 
 growth by nutrition, and its termination by death." " I think," says a 
 certain philosopher, "and therefore, I know that I exist. Certainly, every 
 reasonable man knows that he is not his own maker. But does he pro 
 perly appreciate the blessing of " thought, (or thinking,) which, accord 
 ing to Mr. Buck, is sentiment, reflection, opinion, design ? A little self 
 examination may determine the question. 
 
 " How vast his power," &c,'' Page 91. 
 
 " Jehovah, the most sacred name of God, denoting him who is, who 
 was, and is to come." Bailey. 
 
 Mr. Saurin relates an anecdote of a Roman Consul's requiring a 
 Jewish Rabbi to explain to him the names of God. The Rabbi gave him 
 to understand that these were mysteries altogether divine, and which 
 ought to be concealed from the generality of mankind. He condescend 
 ed, however, to inform him, that strictly speaking, there is no name 
 given to God, by which we can be made fully to comprehend what he 
 is. " His name is his essence, of which we can form no distinct idea ; 
 for could we fully comprehend the essence of God, we should be like 
 God. " These words," he adds, " are full of meaning, they lay down a 
 principle of momentary use to us, that is, we must be infinite, in order 
 fully to comprehend an infinite Being."
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 191 
 
 I know not whence I derived this definition of God, but I trust I never 
 shall forget it. " He is the great and unwasted source of all being and 
 of all blessedness." Which being admitted, I cannot imagine how we 
 can avoid coming to the conclusion, that all other beings derive their 
 being from, and owe their existence and their happiness to this great first 
 cause of " all being and of all blessedness." The Apostle Paul asserts, 
 that " with us (Christians) there is but one God, the Father, of whom 
 are all things, and we in him ; and one Lord Jesus Christ, ly whom are 
 all things, and we by him, " and concerning the Holy Ghost or Spirit 
 he queries on this wise : " What man knoweth the things of a man, 
 save the spirit of man that is in him ? and then unequivocally and posi 
 tively pronounces, even so, the things of God knoweth no man but the 
 Spirit of God. Disputants and maintainers of a certain disputed point 
 in theology, viz. the OTTOO-TOO-I?, or subsistence, &c., would do well tho 
 roughly to weigh the import of the Apostle's assertions, before they pro 
 nounce any one unsound in the faith by requiring from him a greater de 
 gree of faith than wasdemanded of the Apostlesof our Lord Jesus Chirst. 
 The power of Jehovah who can thunder with a voice like his who 
 hath an arm like his or who can stay his hand or who dare say un 
 to him by way of represion or challenge, what doest thou ? For he do- 
 eth his pleasure in the armies of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of 
 this lower world ; and blessed are all they that do his commands, that 
 they may have a right to the tree of life. See the Psalms of David pas 
 sim. 
 
 ^ 
 
 " The grave's a place," &c. Page 91 
 
 " Grave, literally a hole dug in the eaith to bury the dead." " Heav 
 en, the abode of heavenly beings," &c. " Hell, the residence of Devils 
 and damned spirits, also the state of the dead." The grave, that place 
 in which " there is no knowledge, no work nor device." Scripture. 
 
 THE FOET's REFLECTION ON THIS SUBJECT. 
 
 "Pass a few swiftly fleeting years, 
 
 And all that now in bodies live 
 Shall quit, like me, this vale of tears, 
 
 Their righteous sentence to receive. 
 
 " But all, before they hence remove, 
 
 May mansions for themselves prepare 
 In that eternal House above, 
 
 And, O, my God, shall I be there ?" 
 
 Heaven, that blessed place where nothing that is impure or unholy 
 shall ever enter, that place where " the wicked cease from troubling, 
 and where weary souls are for ever at rest," that is, from persecution 
 of every kind " Hell, a place or state of torment in another state 
 of being." Our blessed Saviour says of Dices, (the rich man,) " he died 
 and was buried, and in Hell he lifted up hia eyes being in torment," 
 Luke 16th.
 
 193 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 " Would you escape," &c. Page 93. 
 
 As the Scriptures of truth cannot err, they certainly must be in error 
 who exclude the wrath of God from their creed. Take this one assertion 
 of St. Paul, Romans i. 18: " For the wrath of God is revealed from Hea 
 ven, against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men ;" and then, if 
 any deny the wrath of God, when He sees fit to exercise it, they do it at 
 their peril. But He hath eternal life in reserve for all those, who by a 
 patient continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, honor, immortality. 
 "In God's own book these truths are found." 
 
 The moral philosopher defines truth as follows: "Truth, the princi 
 pal object of the duties of speech, is, in its nature, harmony and consis 
 tency, which are coeternal with the internal possibility of the essence of 
 things. Its effects are order, beauty, connexion, and mutual depen 
 dence in all that exists. Its tendency is moral excellence ; and its object 
 the compass of all that can render life happy, support us under the vi 
 cissitudes of time and chance, and bear up the soul with the sure hope 
 of immortality," Gross' M. P. 
 
 Our blessed Saviour says, " I am the truth." 
 
 " He by his charities," &c. Page 93. 
 
 The sentiment is first from Mr. Saurin and is perfectly scriptural : 
 " Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness," &.C., 
 q. v. This man acted in conformity to this direction of our Lord he 
 gave to the poor; and the Scripture saith, "he that giveth to the poor 
 lendeth to the Lord," who gives him to understand, that he will repay 
 him, in this world, a hundred-fold and in the world to come with life 
 everlasting. But " he that despiseth the poor reproacheth his Maker." 
 
 By charity is to be understood, natural affection, love. In Divinity 
 the love of God and one's neighbour, also alms Bailey. Who adds, 
 " The uncharitable, who have not the natural affection to relieve the ne 
 cessitous poor out of their abundance, intimate thereby, most unchristian- 
 \y, that self-love is the measure of our love to our neighbour." 
 
 " Self government we temperance," &c. Page 93. 
 
 This is a recent composition, and the Rev. T. Dwight has supplied 
 me with the most satisfactory definition of the term, I have ever met 
 with in any of my former readings. I have therefore considered myself 
 warranted in assuming the extensive proposition, that it embraces the 
 whole of our duty as a law, towards God, our neighbours and ourselves. 
 Temperance, is moderation, soberness, restraint of affections or pas- 
 gj ons Bailey. Mem. I think when there is no law against a thing, it 
 must of itself be a law. 
 
 " We in the doctrines," &c. Page 94. 
 
 The sentiment is from Dwight's sermons. The doctrine of Jesus 
 Christ and his Apostles in its whole connection is called in Holy Scrip 
 ture, " the Gospel Moravians. A precept is a command, rule, in 
 struction, lesson. Bailey.
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 195 
 
 The whole doctrine of Jesus and his Apostles is (Gospel; and is thus 
 called in the Holy Scripture. Our Lord Jesus Christ comprises all the 
 commandments of God, in the love of God and our neighbour. Mar. 
 
 " See ilie blcss'd Saviour," &c. Page 94. 
 
 The second line in this distich I found in Mr. Saurin. Among the fifteen 
 meanings assigned to the word Virtue ; in Bailey, he does not name the 
 word courage. This was the sense in which the Romans considered 
 the word Virtue, and so we understand the apostle Peter to mean when 
 he directs " add to your faith Virtue, courage." Ainsworth has the word 
 courage among others under Virtus ; so let it be, courage or valour. 
 Glory Greek, Doxa, opinio English, opinion Latin, estimatio, praise, 
 opinion, thought say then it means " to be thought well of, to be held in 
 esteem." But I cannot think of deriving it from the word glow, which 
 Bailey says means to grow hot or red, as do the cheeks and ears. 
 
 And now let us inquire what analogy have the two lines to each oth 
 er? And who more courageous than the Saviour, the Captain of our 
 salvation ? and the Church, His body and bride, being in this world in a 
 militant state, are soldiers under him. The poet says, 
 
 "Soldiers of Christ arise, 
 And put your armour on ;" &c. 
 
 And as He holds these soldiery of His in high estimation, while they 
 continue to fight under His banner, why may not another poet be allow 
 ed to imagine the Saviour as sometimes, at least, walking by the side of 
 His followers, as well as at other times marching at their head ? 
 
 " Hurried, surprised, andwitli," Sfc. Page 94. 
 
 Let me supply this note in Mr. Dwight's own words, without any 
 comment tf mine. " Death 'tis a melancholy day to those who have no 
 God.'' But to all those who thus waste their probation, and abuse the 
 mercy of God, the time of Christ's coming will be dreadful.. Surpris 
 ed, hurried, and with distress, they leave the world injterror, and awake 
 in eternity, utterly unprepared to meet their Judge." Vol. 2d, 
 page 319. 
 
 "Remember this," Sfc. Page 94. 
 
 This is taken from the same author. The intelligent reader can hard 
 ly fail of understanding its true import. At all events he will discover 
 that it is, what it no doubt was intended to be, a " memento mori," Re 
 member death ! 
 
 " ' Twos said that light," &c. Page 95. 
 
 Seethe first chapter and 5th verse of the Gospel, according to St. 
 John. 
 Mr. Saurin undertakes to account for the fall of man, (and the con- 
 
 R
 
 194 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 sequent introduction of sin into our world,) by ascribing it to an exces 
 sive desire of knowing. " Further, the desire of knowing, is one of the 
 most natural desires of man, and one of the most essential to his happi 
 ness. Man hath a natural avidity of extending his sphere of knowledge. 
 I think God commanded our first parents te restrain this desire, because 
 it was one of their most eager wishes. Accordingly, the most danger 
 ous allurements that Satan used to withdraw them from their obedience 
 to God, was this of science ; ye sluill be as gods knowing good and evil, 
 Gen. iii. 5. The state of innocence was a very happy state, however 
 it was a state of trial, to the perfection of which something was want 
 ing. In every dispensation, God so ordered it, that man should arrive 
 at the chief good by way of sacrifice, and by the sacrifice of that which 
 mankind holds most dear, and this was the reason of the primitive pro 
 hibition, Gen. ii. 16, 17. I presume, had man properly borne this trial, 
 he would have been rewarded with that privilege, the usurpation of 
 which was so fatal to him." Sermon on real liberty. 
 
 Onealone," fyc., and that only one is our blessed Saviour, whose " blood 
 cleanseth from all sin." Our Saviour appears to have had three great 
 purposes in descending from his glory and dwelling among men. The 
 first, to teach them true virtue, both by his example and precepts. The 
 second, to give them the most forcible motives to the practice of it by 
 bringing life and immortality to light ; by showing them the certainty of 
 a resurrection and judgment, and the absolute necessity of obedience 
 to God's laws. The third, to sacrifice himself for us, to obtain by his 
 death the remission of our sins, upon our repentance and reformation, 
 and the power of bestowing upon his sincere followers, the inestima 
 ble gift of immortal happiness. Chapone. 
 
 " Did icorth departed" Sfc. Page 95. 
 
 If worth be considered as desert or merit, we may doubtless disclaim 
 all pretensions to any on our part ; but that there is such an attainment 
 as to be " counted worthy," is evident from this direction of our Saviour 
 to His disciples, on a certain occasion, " watch, therefore, and pray al 
 ways, that ye may be counted worthy, to escape &c., and to stand before 
 the Son of man." 
 
 " Columbia College," S?c. Page 95. 
 
 And now I have arrived at that part of my Specimens where I would 
 delight to linger and indulge in the contemplation of former pleasant 
 reminiscences. But I am circumscribed. Spipituum non datnr. 
 
 The ' Catalogue of this venerable Institution directs ns alumni, at least; 
 " Antiquam exquirite matrem Virgil; which (if taken in the second 
 eense assigned to the verb exquiro), I would translate, " Pray for (the 
 prosperity of) old mother, Columbia College." 
 
 This pamphlet purports to be a " Catalogue of Columbia College, in 
 the City of New- York ; embracing the names of the Trustees, Officers, 
 and graduates ; together with a list of all Academical Honors confer 
 red by the Institution from A. D. 1758, to A. D. 1836. 
 
 Then follows a list of the Trustees of King's College, New- York, as
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 195 
 
 appointed by Royal Charter, A. D. 1T54, at the head of whom, sixteen 
 in number, stands ex officio the most Reverend Father in God. Thom 
 as, Archbishop of Canterbury : and the Archbishop of Canterbury, foir 
 the time being. 
 
 The first president under the Royal Charter was the Rev. Samuel 
 Johnson, S. T. P. (Sanctae Theologiae Professor) Professor of Holy 
 Theology, appointed 1754, resigned 1763, and author of " an English 
 and Hebrew Grammar," to which is added, A synopsis of all the parts of 
 Learning. London printed by, &c., 1771. The first president under the 
 new Charter was YVilliam Samuel Johnson, L. L. D. Legis Legum 
 Doctor, translated Doctor of the learned laws appointed 1767, resign 
 ed 1800. Under this president, at the age of 13 years I entered the 
 Freshman class at Columbia College, but in consequence of my uncle's 
 removing in the country and taking me with him, I did not graduate 
 until the year 1796. So that I was a student in two classes, in the form 
 er of which was my warm and constant friend, His Excellency Danie) 
 D. Tompkins, Governor, &c., and afterwards Vice President of the 
 U. S. At the head of the latter was David S. Jones, Esq., the brother 
 of Samuel Jones, Esq., the present chief Justice of the Superior Court 
 in thexiity of New-York. 
 
 Our Professors of the Greek and Latin languages were Peter Wilson, 
 A. M. for the first year, for the remainder of my time at Columbia Col 
 lege, the Rev. Elias, I think Elijah De Rattoon, Professor of geography 
 and moral philosophy, Rev. John Daniel Gross, S. T. D., afterwards, 
 1795, Rev. John McKnight, S.T. D. M. Phil, and Logic. Professor of 
 mathematics and natural philosophy, John Kemp, L. L. D. Yellette 
 De Marcellin was appointed professor of the French language in 1792, 
 but though he signed my Diploma, I did not study with him. Messrs. 
 McDonald, Agnel, and Rey De la Rousse were alternately my French 
 teachers. 
 
 The statute for awarding medals to students for good standing in the 
 different classes was not passed by the Trustees until the year Ib31. 
 The Catalogue was presented to me, some time since, by General Ed 
 ward VV. Laight, President of the Eagle Fire Insurance Co., Wall-street. 
 He graduated in 1793. 
 
 The class to which I originally belonged, numbered thirty-two ; only 
 twenty-six of whom I perceive by the Catalogue, graduated. The non 
 graduates were John Troup, Elbert Herring, George Harrison, the 
 two Smiths, from, I think, South Carolina, and also a Mr. Hooper, from 
 the same place, and myself. From the best of my recollection one half 
 of the actual graduates have departed this life. The only two survivors 
 whom I meet occasionally, are Sylvanus Miller and Thomas Pboanix, 
 Esqs., the former at one time Surrogate, and the latter District Attorney, 
 for the City and County of New-York. 
 
 Among those who departed this life, were John Ferguson, Esq., dur 
 ing the last war Mayor of the City of New-York, and for many years 
 Naval Officer in the Customs. The Rev. James Inglis, minister of the 
 Gospel at Baltimore. The Rev. Nicholas Jones, Chaplain at Govern 
 or's Island, as I was informed. The Rev. John Blair Linn, (the best 
 composuist in our class ; and Author of " Miscellaneous Works, prose and 
 poetical" Sfc.,) minister at Philadelphia. William Rose, Esq., formerly 
 Senator in thu Legislature of our State. Daniel D. Tompkins, Esq.,
 
 196 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 for three terms Governor of our State. Pierre C. Van Wyck, Esq., 
 formerly Recorder of our City, and Effingham Warner r sou of George 
 Warner, who was studying for the Ministry, aud Robert Ray Remsen, 
 brother of Henry Remseu, Esq., former President of Manhattan Bank. 
 Of the class to which I was afterwards attached, enly fifteen of us gradu- 
 ted. David S. Jones, Esq., our head Andrew S. Garr, Esq., (the best 
 mathematician in the class,) and Doctor William Turk, for the last 
 thirty years a surgeon in our Navy, I know to be still living. Doctor 
 Philip Fisher has gone the way of all the earth. 
 
 All these classmates of mine were professional men and I might have 
 been one also ; Imt when my Uncle, whose namesake lam, offered me 
 my choice of the professions, I told him I had rather be with him in his 
 Counting House, for he was a Merchant. 
 
 0)i Generals ice like," #c. Page 99. 
 
 On this subject Mr. Saurin observes, " It is with difficulty we digest 
 those addresses fiom the Pulpit, in which the preacher ventures to go 
 into certain details, without which it is impossible for us to acquire self 
 knowledge. We are fond of dwelling on Generals. Our own por 
 trait excites disgust. It is a circumstance well worthy being remarked, 
 that what we admire most in the sermons of the dead, is the very thing 
 which gives most offence in the sermons of the living. 
 
 " We are not disposed to bear with the private admonitions of a friend, 
 who is so faithful as to unveil to us our hearts." 
 
 " Let in my name and stead," fyc. Page 99. 
 
 I have never heard how the young lady received the compliment paid 
 her in this distich ; aud so I can say nothing more concerning it in the 
 shape of a Nate. 
 
 u Mourn not, ye friends,' 1 Sfc. Page 100. 
 
 I think I wrote this Epitaph (by request) above forty years ago 
 and also, that he was interred in the burying ground, corner of Houston 
 and Eldridge-streets ; I saw it on his tomb-stone afterwards. 
 
 " Our Fatiier who dost," Sfc. Page 100. 
 
 Were I to offer, or attempt to offer an apology for versifying this form, 
 or model of prayer, prescribed by our blessed Saviour to his Apostles, 
 on their requesting him to teach them how to pray, I think I should not 
 refer it to a desire to excel others who have made the like attempt ; but 
 rather to a strong impression made on my mind, not to pass over unno 
 ticed so important a portion of Christian duty, nay, as one observes, 
 which is " the whole of man ;'' for the command is, "pray always." 
 But ye, when ye pray, say " Our Father," &c. 
 
 Prayer is the converse of the soul with God ; the breath of God iu 
 man returning to its original." Homilia pros ton theon. Clem. Alexaiv- 
 drinus, strcm. 7, page 722, Edit. Colon, amplified.
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 197 
 
 Mr. Matthew Henry in his " Method for Prayer," observes, (in his 
 preface,) " Prayer is a principal branch of religious worship, which we 
 are moved to by the very light of nature, and obliged by some of its fun 
 damental laws." He defines it from the Greek Proseuche, pros-ad-kai- 
 Euche a vow directed to the Lord, and from the Latin by the word 
 (votum,) a vow which he says is used for Prayer, which English word, 
 he further says, is too strait, properly signifying petition or request. For 
 my part I am contented with the Latin verb Pracar I pray, Pro. be 
 fore, and cor the heart, i. e., sending forwaid the heart to God. For 
 it is as necessary, if we would pray aright, to pray with the heart, as to 
 believe with the heart. 
 
 But if priiyer is a petition, why not derive it from Peto, I seek and 
 then it will exactly square with our Saviour's direction, ' seek, and ye 
 shall find." 
 
 St. Austin says, " prayer is the key of Heaven ; for prayer ascends, 
 and God's mercy descends ; though the Earth be low, and Heaven high, 
 yet God hears the voice of man. " 
 
 Mr. Henry divides prayer into five parts, viz. Adoration, Confession, 
 Petitions, Thanksgiving, and Intercession. 
 
 " Our blessed Saviour," tj-c. Page 100. 
 
 I have styled this a Scripture acrostic, Greek Akrostikos, akros the 
 top, and stikos a verse, a Poem, or certain number of verses ; whose in* 
 itial letters make up some person's name, title, or some particular motto. 
 - Bailey. 
 
 " This world is like," Sfc. Page 101. 
 
 I had it for a considerable while in contemplation to write something 
 that might tend to obviate the too general excuse for not breaking off 
 from the practice of drinking ardent spirits. This excuse is, that if per 
 sons long in the habit of indulging in the use of distilled liquors, should 
 suddenly abstain from them, it would speedily cause their death. I am 
 not a physician, but I have been informed, that by a certain process pur- 
 sued for nbout the space of three months, the English in the East Indies 
 effectually cure their soldiers of drunkenness; even though they were 
 laboring under delirium tremens. The operation, which I shall not here 
 detail, is said to be so severe and disgraceful, that very few require to 
 undergo it a second time. The remedy, however, recommended in the 
 Substitute, is mild, pleasant, and safe, and may be administered by the 
 person to himself; and no one can object to it on the ground of its con 
 taining a portion of the very article, the use of which it is intended to 
 supersede, any more than he can object to the use of spring water, be 
 cause, as Doctor Beddoes remarks, it contains a certain portion of ar 
 senic. Neither the high nor the low, the religious nor the irreligious, 
 refuse it on account of its possessing this peculiar property ; but on the 
 contrary, consider it as not only pleasant to the taste, but nutritious and 
 in many instances medicinal, and so use it accordingly. But it is not 
 on this substitute, I would solely rely for efiecting a cure of this body-, 
 destroying, soul-killing practice. I would also have the patient use sft 
 adjunct substitute. 
 
 *
 
 198 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS, 
 
 " Add one tiling more and I'll maintain, 
 You surely will your object gain ; 
 Pray name it, since success 'twill bring ! 
 Religion, sir, that is the thing." 
 
 But perhaps it may be suggested, that the latter prescription will rare 
 ly, if ever, be attended to. Well, then, let us try conviction, and to that 
 let us add persuasion ; and if these fail of producing their intended effect, 
 then the Moral Philosopher who asserted that " conviction and persua 
 sion would lead the vnll," is wrong. Resort then must be had to the 
 grace of God, which is also a teacher, for " the grace of God which bring- 
 eth salvation unto all men, hath appeared, teaching us, that denying un 
 godliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and god 
 ly in this present world," Titus ii. 11, 12. And here observe, the Scrip 
 ture does not say forces, but the term is,, teaches ; for as one observes. 
 " Grace doth correct, but not destroy. Grace strengthens, but not com 
 pels. Grace makes men able to choose good, but not unable to refuse 
 it. For if it were not so, man would not be a voluntary, but a necessary 
 Agent ; and when we take from man the qualities peculiar to him as man, 
 we make him unfit to be an object of rewards and punishment." E. 
 Bird. 
 
 According to the apostle " What shall we say then ? i. e. what infer 
 ence shall we draw from hence ?" The Scripture presents us with a rea 
 dy answer. " He that being often reproved, hardeneth his heart and stif- 
 feneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy." - 
 
 The Iter. Mr. Kinkadein his "Bible Doctrine" says, "Intoxicating 
 liquors are physical, intellectual, and moral poisons : they destroy the 
 health, derange the mind, and ruin the morals of the wretches who drink 
 them." And he adds, " In the United States alone, more than two 
 thousand, perhaps ten thousand people lose their lives every year by 
 drinking ardent spirits." 
 
 To'murder another is a capital crime ; of how much sorer punishment 
 shall that man be counted worthy who is the murderer of himself ? truly 
 his punishment will be awful, beyond all human conception, and utterly 
 indescribable by mortals. " No murderer hath eternal life abiding in 
 him, consequently he hath eternal Death abiding in him. 
 
 " For still with his outrageous sin, 
 He felt a spark of grace within." 
 
 " Grace," observes one, " is the favorable impression of God on the hu 
 man mind. " Grace, says another is the Mercy of God in finding out 
 redemption for mankind, also a disposition of mind, or power to yield 
 obedience to the commands of God." Bayley. Grace, Gratia, in The 
 ology, any gift which God confers on men, of his own free liberality, 
 and without their having deserved it at his hand, whether such gift re 
 gard the present, or a future life. 
 
 Grace is usually divided into natural, supernatural, habitual, actual, 
 efficacious, &c. 
 
 " And many good resolves he made, 
 But only called in reason's aid."
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 199 
 
 How natural it is, as we say, when our'sins are set in array against 
 us, to begin " to reason with flesh and blood." 
 
 " A kind of second nature flows." 
 
 " A confirmed habit," said the Rev. Walter Monteith, "is a kind of se 
 cond nature." 
 
 " Sam felt this kind of Logic true." 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Kinkade observes " Intemperance fills the Prisons, 
 crowds the Alms Houses, takes thousands to the gallows, and millions 
 to Hell." 
 
 'Tis granted yet the Christian knows "that man is naturally high mind 
 ed, for when the Gospel comes in power to him, it is employed in cast 
 ing down imagination, and every high thing that exalteth itself against 
 the knowledge of God. Lowliness is not a plant that grows in the 
 field of nature, but is planted by the finger of God in a renewed 
 heart, and learned of the lowly Jesus. Vain man would be wise, so he 
 accounts himself, and so he would be accounted of by others, though 
 man be born like the wild ass's colt. His way is right, because it is hia 
 own, Prov. xxi. 2. His state is good, because he knows no better, 
 Prov. vii. 9. Therefore his Hope is strong and his confidence firm. 
 It is another Babel reared up against Heaven, and shall not fall while the 
 powers of darkness can hold it up. The word of God batters it, yet it 
 stands. One while, breaches are made in it, but they are quickly repair 
 ed ; at another time, it is all made to shake, but still it keeps up, till eith 
 er God himself by his Spirit cause an earthquake within the man, which 
 tumbles it down and leaves not one stone upon another, or Death batter 
 it down and raze the foundation of it." Boston's Four-fold State. 
 
 "But I'm resolved," &c. 
 
 Still it was not the gracious resolve of the prodigal son, "I will arise 
 and go to my father." Nevertheless, men's prescriptions, if accompani 
 ed by the blessing of the Lord, may accomplish much good, and are not 
 always to be rejected on account of their being human. 
 
 But resolutions made in our own strength, will never procure for us 
 eternal life. If we would obtain true Christian strength we must seek 
 it of the Lord; and when he imparts it, then, according to the poet, 
 we shall be " strong in the strength that God supplies, through His 
 eternal Son." St. Paul says, " Christ strengthening me I can do all 
 things." 
 
 " Confessed by all, here was a change." 
 A change from nature to grace, 
 " And was it thorough," &c. 
 
 Thorough, by itself meansthrough; illustrated thus: Thorough Bass, 
 in music, that which goes quite through the compositon. I mean simply 
 incomplete in all its different stages. 
 
 " And soon into a flame it grew."
 
 200 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 The poet prays, 
 
 " Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, 
 
 With all Thy quick'ning powers, 
 Kindle a. flame of sacred love, 
 
 In these cold hearts of ours." 
 
 Conviction came, it's powerful sway- 
 Con together, and tinco I overcome. 
 
 " In Divinity is the first degree of repentance, i. e. when a penitent is 
 convinced of the evil nature of sin, and his own guiltiness." Certainly 
 this is enough to cause a person to pray. 
 
 " He just is made," &c. 
 
 Justus just, &ndfacfwt made, or fio-is-it, he becomes. 
 
 " Justification, in theology, that act of grace which renders a man just 
 in the sight of God, and admissible to eternal happiness." 
 
 " He doubted not," &c. 
 
 And why should any one doubt when that "nice, true, and awful dis- 
 cerner," the Spirit of the living God, witnesses with his spirit, that he is 
 born of God ? as saith the poet, 
 
 " The Spirit answers to the blood, - 
 And tells me 1 am born of God.'' 
 
 The Spirit of God is not uncertain or doubtful ; it is a certain, it is a 
 true witness, and "manifested in every breast." 
 
 " He just is made," &c., see page 108. 
 
 " Therefore being justified by Faith, we have peace with God through 
 our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans v. 1. That God is just, can be 
 no reason why he should not forgive sin. When God changes a 
 sinner and writes his Law on his heart.and makes him love God 
 with all his heart, and his neighbour as himself; every attribute of 
 the Divine Being harmonizes in his pardon and salvation. Justice is 
 satisfied, because the man is made just, and renders to God and man 
 the service that Christianity requires of him. Mercy is satisfied, because 
 the man has received mercy from God, has the principle of mercy 
 planted in his heart, and has become merciful to all his fellow crea 
 tures. Truth, that was trampled on by the Sinner, is pleased with 
 his conversion, because by it the man is cleansed from Sin, and made 
 holy." Kinkade. 
 
 " Neither the posssibility nor probability of man's purification and sanc- 
 tification by the Holy Spirit, can reasonably be doubted ; for first, as 
 physical evil, or bodily pain, has no substantial existence of its own, but 
 is purely incidental to corporeal nature ; so moral evil is to the soul a 
 disorder which it has improperly lapsed into. It is no part of God's
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 201 
 
 creation, nor has it any real existence by itself; but is the fallen, defec 
 tive, distempered condition of beings, once created without intempera- 
 ture or defect. Evil, therefore, though it be in man, is no constituent 
 part of man, but an imperfection adventitious to his nature, which, by 
 an all-powerful principle, he may be recovered from, and his nature re 
 stored to a state of fitness for union with his Maker. Secondly Un 
 created Omnipotence, is certainly more able to cleanse than the crea- 
 turely, corrupt and fallen powers of darkness are to defile ; and infinite 
 goodness must be as willing and ready to effect the first, as limited envy 
 the last. Did not the Sovereign Lord intend man should be made holy, 
 He would not require it, without affording him the assistance requisite to 
 accomplish it, for He enjoins no impossibilities. That He does require 
 it, the sacred writings sufficiently witness ' God,' saith an Apostolic 
 writer, ' hath not called us to uacleanness, bat unto holiness,' " 1 Thes. 
 iv, 7. Phipps. 
 
 " Nor did he shout," &c. 276th line. 
 
 People of different constitutions are differently affected by a similar 
 cause. A certain person assured me, that under an affecting sermon, 
 he experienced a shivering sensation, as though cold water had been 
 poured upon him; a person of a different temperament would doubt 
 less have shouted, at the top of his voice Glory ! I heard an officer in 
 our army, during the last war, describe the different effects produced on 
 the men under his command by the beating of the drum to arms, pre 
 paratory to an engagement with the enemy some he observed looked 
 pale, while the eyes of others seemed starting from their heads and yet 
 we look for a more certain criterion than mere momentary sensations; 
 the Scripture mark whereby to judge of the truth of men and things, is 
 " by their fruits ye shall know them." 
 
 " The Son had proved his friend in need," 281st Hue. 
 
 " Come unto me," says the blessed Saviour, "all ye that that labor 
 and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest ;" and again " If the 
 Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed ;" and to such He 
 says, " Henceforth I call you not servants," &c. Johnxv. 15. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Saurin says, "Liberty, I think, may be considered in 
 five different points of view. The first regards the understanding. The 
 second respects the Will. The third relates to the Conscience. The 
 fourth belongs to the conduct, and the fifth to the condition." 
 
 There is, he further observes, something truly astonishing in that com 
 position, which we call man. In him we see an union of two substan 
 ces, between which there is no natural relation, at least, we know none, 
 I mean the union of a spiritual soul with a material body. I perceive, 
 indeed, a natural connection between the divers faculties of the soul, be 
 tween the faculty of thinking, and that of loving. I perceive, indeed, a 
 natural connection between the divers properties of matter, between 
 extension and divisibility, and so of the rest. I clearly perceive, that 
 because intelligence thinks it must love, and because matter is extended, 
 it must be divisible, and so on. But what relation can there subsist be 
 tween a little particle of matter and an immaterial spirit, to render it of
 
 202 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 necessity, that every thought of the spirit must instantly excite some mo 
 tion in this particle of matter? And how is it, that every motion of this 
 particle of matter must excite some idea, or some sensation, in this spirit ? 
 yet this strange union of body and spirit constitutes man. 
 
 God, say some, having brought into existence a creature so excellent 
 as an immortal soul, lest it should be dazzled with its own excellence, 
 united it to dead matter incapable of ideas and designs. 
 
 "And now we say with pious mind," line 283. 
 
 There are many reasons why a convert should join himself to some body 
 of professing Christains; see Malachi iii. 16, and St. Paul directs, " for 
 sake not the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is." 
 What should we think of a man, who professes to belong to the Army, 
 and on being asked to what company, regiment, or brigade ? he should 
 answer to none. 
 
 " Now all the wise and good rejoice," line 287. 
 
 If there is joy in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth, why should 
 there not be joy among the saints on earth.? 
 
 " United to bis elect head," line 286. 
 
 " That Christ is God's elect, appears from Isa. xiii. 1,23; Matt. xii. 
 18, 19, 20; 1st Peter ii. 6; Psalms 89, 3d; 1st Peter 2, 3; Psalms 89. 
 19 ; 1st Cor. xii. 27 ; Ephs. i. 22, 23 ; Col. i. 18 ; Rom. xii. 5. 
 
 As Christ is the elect head, and the Church His elect body, we may 
 safely conclude, that all Christians are elect members of this body ; and 
 consequently, there must be a great difference between God's chosen, 
 or elect ones, and the world, see John xv. 19; Lukexviii, 7; Col. iii. 12, 
 13 Kiukade. 
 
 " The tale is true," &c., line 295. 
 
 I know the man I had in my eye, wheipl wrote the Substitute. He 
 is yet in the land of the living, patiently Availing the moment when his 
 Lord shall call him hence from time to eternity. And here, need I apol 
 ogize for so long a note ? if so, then let the Substitute be that apology. 
 The importance of the subject, in my estimation has, as it were, drawn 
 me along almost insensibly, to the consideration of several Christian vir 
 tues, which I could not think of passing over in silence. If it please the 
 Lord, he will cause the effort to prosper. 
 
 " Oh ! that remember always," Sfc. Page 109. 
 
 The second line of this distich, is purely of Scriptural injunction, and 
 extends even to the discountenancing of those pious frauds that have been 
 practised in a certain Church professing itself to be Christian. I do not 
 read in the Scriptures that Christ practised any frauds to establish his 
 claim to the Messiahship, nor that he ever instructed any of his follow 
 ers that the truth stood in need of any such support.
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 " Let prayers ascend," Sfc. Page 109. 
 See Note on our Lord's Prayer. 
 
 " That tee, need we," Page 109. 
 
 Life human life, is not only of short duration, but of very uncertain 
 continuance. The Poet remarks, 
 
 "Dangers stand thick through all the ground, 
 
 To push us to the tomb ; 
 And fierce diseases wait around, 
 
 To hurry mortals home. Watts. 
 
 According to our excellent Burial service, " Man that is born of a 
 woman, hath but a short time to live, and is full of misery. He cometh 
 up, and is cut down like a flower ; he fleeth, as it were a shadow, and 
 never continueth in one stay." 
 
 " Resigned he goes," Sfc. Page 110. 
 
 " Death, said the Rev. John McKnight, our old Professor of Moral 
 Philosophy at Columbia College, in New-York, is a violation done to 
 Nature, and, therefore, Nature shudders at it." 
 
 " But Death must be a penalty, even where it is again; and therefore 
 it must meet with some unwillingness; because we willingly sinned, we 
 must unwillingly suffer. All the faith and reason in the world will not 
 make Death to be no penalty, and therefore will not take away all un 
 willingness. No man ever reasoned or believed himself in a love of 
 pain as such.'' Baxter. 
 
 Death terminates all the relations that subsist between men in this life. 
 But the relation of dependence which subsists between the Creator and 
 His creatures, is an eternal relation. That world, into which we enter 
 when we die, is a part of His empire, and is as subject to His laws as that 
 into which we entered when we were born. During this life the Su 
 preme Governor hath riches and poverty, glory and ignominy, cruel ty- 
 rants and clement princes, rains and droughts, raging tempests and 
 refreshing breezes, air wholesome and air infected, famine and plenty, 
 victories and defeats to render us happy or miserable. After death he 
 hath absolution and condemnation ; a tribunal of justice, and a tribunal 
 of mercy, Angels and Devils; a river of pleasure, and a lake burning 
 with fire and brimstone ; Hell with all its horrors, and Heaven with its 
 happiness, to render us happy or miserable as he pleaseth- Death is 
 rendered formidable to man by a threefold consideration, and three con 
 siderations of an opposite nature strip him of all his terrors in the eye of 
 the believer in Christ. Death is formidable first, because of the veil 
 which conceals from the eyes of the dying person that state which he is 
 about to enter. 2d, From remorse of conscience which the recollec 
 tion of past guilt excites. 3d, From the loss of titles, honor, and all oth 
 er earthly possessions. In opposition to these the death of Christ, 1st, 
 Removes the veil which conceals futurity, and constitutes an authentic
 
 ?04 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 proof of the immortality of the sonl. 2d, It is a sacrifice presented to 
 Divine Justice for the remission of sins. 3d, It gives us complete assu 
 rance of a blessed eternity. These are the considerations which disarm 
 Death of his terror to the dying believer. 
 
 Let us " Recollect that we have a soul to be saved, an account to ren 
 der, a Hell to shun, a Heaven to gain." Saurin. 
 
 " A. D. One, eight, three, nine," ffc. 'Page 110. 
 
 " Time is defined to be the duration of this world," in the which we 
 are " so to number our days, as to apply our hearts unto wisdom," for 
 we are placed in this state of probation, not merely to govern states, or 
 to cultivate arts and sciences, we are placed here to prepare for eternity. 
 If therefore we have not directed all our anxieties and exertions, on 
 such subjects as these, to the leading object of eternity, we certainly 
 have not conformed to the views which the Creator proposed to himself 
 in placing us in this economy of expectation and trial. Imagine not 
 that we shall be judged according to the ideas we ourselves are pleased 
 to form of our vocation. We are under an economy of expectation 
 and trial, time is given us to prepare for eternity." Saurin. 
 
 I composed this piece, principally while travelling the streets in the 
 pursuit of my occupation, which is an out-door one, recollecting that 
 another year of my ghort life had passed away and brought me so much 
 nearer to that eternity, the realities of which we must all of us, prepar 
 ed or unprepared, be shortly called to prove. 
 
 "Holy and retertnd," &c. Page 111. 
 
 For thus saith thejhigh and lofty One that inhabited) Eternity, whose 
 name is Holy, &c. Isa. xlvii. 15, of whom also, it is declared that He is 
 glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, a God doing wonders. This 
 greatest and most glorious of all beings, the moral Governor of the Uni 
 verse, who challenges an especial right and propriety in the services of 
 all his creatures, because they are all justly due unto him, hattrcommand- 
 ed His creatures saying " Thou shall not take the name of the Lord thy 
 God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who taketh His 
 name in vain. The 2d commandment of the Decalogue. 
 
 The Law saith do or avoid this and live. The Gospel not only forbids 
 the outward act but also restrains the inward desire and motion towards 
 it. The Law saith, thou shall not kill, thou shall not commit adultery ; 
 nor forswear thyself, &c. The Gospel commands, give not place to 
 anger ; thou shall not lust, swear not at all, &c. In this manner the 
 Gospel destroys not the moral law, but fulfils it, by taking away the ground 
 of sinful acts and laying the axe of the Spirit to the root of corruption. 
 Phipps. " Blasphemy, blaptein, to hurt, and phaimai, reputation. Curs 
 ing and swearing, vile, reproachful language, tending to the dishonour of 
 God." Bailey. So that both the Law and the Gospel forbid and dis 
 countenance profane swearing.
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 205 
 
 " Let Hypocrites assume," fto. Page 111. 
 
 Religion, from Reiigo, I bind fast ; accordingly, Religion properly 
 signifies a bond to bind ; which implies, that a person who is not bound 
 or united to Christ by a living faith, of the operation of God, bound or 
 knit to real Christians in love, and he who is not, as it were, so bound 
 and attached to the fundamental truths of Christianity, as not only to 
 believe them but to love and walk in them, is destitute of true Religion, 
 and consequently enjoys no blessings thereof. When we consider the 
 unsullied purity and absolute perfection of the Divine Nature, and re 
 flect ou the imperfection of our own, and the ungrateful returns we 
 have made to the goodness of God, we must sink, or be convinced we 
 ought to sink, into the deepest humility and prostration of soul before 
 him, and be conscious that it is our duty to repent of a temper and con 
 duct so unworthy of our nature, and so unbecoming our obligations to 
 its Author, and to employ every means, especially those prescribed in 
 Holy Writ, that may bring us to a right knowledge of that Religion 
 which will render us acceptable to God, that will put us in full posses 
 sion of the blessings of that salvation which Jesus Christ, the SOR of 
 God, has completed for sinners of the human race, and which salvation 
 is revealed and applied to their hearts by the power and grace of the 
 Holy Spirit of God, which is freely promised to all them that ask it. 
 
 That Religion which inculcates love to Gotland man, to Holiness and 
 and Truth, is the Religion recommended throughout the Bible, and dic 
 tated by Christianity. 
 
 On the other hand, that Religion (if it may be so called) which favors 
 superstition and idolatry, profaneness, vice and immorality, which is 
 inimical to truth and holiness, and to the peace and happiness of society, 
 must be false, and directly opposite to that proposed in the Scriptures 
 of the Old and New Testaments, and established by Christ and his Apos 
 tles. 
 
 In proof of the baneful effects of a false Religion, that is not sanction 
 ed by the precepts and laws of Scripture and reason, but is evidently re 
 pugnant to them both, it has been computed that since the year 251, not 
 fewer than nine millions seven hundred and thirteen thousand, eight hun 
 dred persons have been burned, racked on the wheel, or otherwise butch 
 ered, by religious bigots and enthusiasts, who, as a celebrated writer re 
 marks of the Jesuits, take their name from Jesus, but their arts from 
 Hell. 
 
 Religion is commonly divided into natural and revealed. By natural 
 Religion is meant that knowledge, veneration and love of God, and the 
 practice of those duties to him, our fellow creatures and ourselves, which 
 are discoverable by the right exercise of our rational faculties, from con 
 sidering the nature and perfections of God, and our relation to him and 
 to one another. 
 
 And by revealed Religion is meant, natural Religion explained, en 
 forced and enlarged from the express declaration of God himself from 
 the mouths or pens of his prophets, &c. Howard's Encyclopaedia. 
 
 Religion may be considered in three different views: first, as contain 
 ing doctrines relating to the being and perfections of God, his moral ad 
 ministration of the world, a future state of existence, and particular com 
 munications to mankind by an immediate supernatural revelation. Se-
 
 206 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 condly, as a rule of life and manners. Thirdly, as the source of certain 
 peculiar affections of the mind, which either give pleasure or pain, ac 
 cording to the particular genius and spirit of the Religion that inspires 
 them. 
 
 The end and design of Religion, the proper effect and produce of good 
 principles ; the good fruit of a good tree, the ultimate view, and funda 
 mental intention of all religious truths implanted in men, either by na 
 ture or teaching, is the practice of virtue. For the word Religion, in 
 its very nature and original meaning, signifies an obligation upon men 
 arising from the reason of things, and from the government of God, to 
 do what is just and virtuous and good, to live in a constant habitual 
 sense and acknowledgment of God in the practice of universal justice 
 and charity towards men, and in a regular sober government of their 
 own passions, under a firm persuasion and continual expectation of the 
 lighteous distribution of rewards and punishments in theii proper 
 season, in the eternal judgment of God. This is the foundation of Re 
 ligion, the fundamental doctrine, in all places and at nil times, invariable 
 and eternal. Clark. 
 
 I do not say that the foregoing extracts necessarily require any elabo 
 rate discussion to prove the orthodoxy of the sentiments therein advanc 
 ed, yet there are some persons who cannot, or who will not view truth 
 in the light in which it is presented to their understandings, be it ever 
 so clearly or faithfully represented. 
 
 I will not style them cavillers, but merely suppose them to be actuated 
 by conscientious scruples. Should any such persons object to the extracts 
 on the ground of their being too speculative, they are referred for a 
 plainer exposition of the practical duties they contain to the Scriptures; 
 and perhaps this one reference may suffice; it is to be found in the first 
 chapter of St. James and at the 27th verse : ' Pure Religion and unde- 
 filed before God and the Father is this," &c. Should more be required 
 let them obey this injunction of our blessed Saviour, "search the Scrip 
 tures," &,c. Antinomianism, which sprang up in Germany in the 17lh 
 century, has had its day ; and probably received its quietus from the writ 
 ings of that celebrated Divine the Rev. John Fletcher, the contempora 
 ry of the Rev. John Wesley. 
 
 The Antinomians held the keeping of Moses' law to be unprofitable 
 under the Gospel, and that children are born without sin ; and that good 
 works do not further, nor evil hinder, but that Faith aloue is sufficient 
 for salvation." 
 
 That children arc born without sin, seems to be one of the tenets of 
 the " people called Quakers, a religious sect that arose in England in the 
 time of Cromwell," &c., and they undertake to prove it on this wise: 
 " The immortal reasonable soul of man, in every individual, appears to 
 be the immediate production of its Creator; for the prophet Zechariah, 
 speaking of the great acts of God in creation asserts, that " He formeth 
 the spirit of man within him," and in Eccles. xii, 7, we read, upon the 
 death of the body, " Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was, 
 and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." The soul, therefore, 
 receiving its existence immediately fromthe perfection of unchangeable 
 purity, can have no original impurity or intemperature in its nature; 
 but being immediately and intimately connected with a sensitive body, 
 and of itself unable constantly to withstand the eagerness of the animal
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 207 
 
 passions after gratifications of a carnal nature, is liable to be so influenced 
 by them, as to partake with them in their sensual indulgencies. In 
 this state the descendants of Adam come into the world unendued with 
 that divine life which Adam fell from." J. Phipps. 
 
 What I principally intended in this distich was this, " that true Religion 
 is always essentially the same," see John iv. 14. Therefore it cannot be 
 altered by the assumption of Hypocrites. 
 
 " If a man die shaft, he live again," Sfc. Page 111. 
 
 Whatever might have been the real intention of pious, patient Job, in 
 propounding the inquiry : " If a man die shall he live again ?" it is now 
 certain that the question is fully and satisfactorily answered in the affirm 
 ative by the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, which has brought "life 
 and immortality to light." 
 
 Man is destined to live again in another state of existence. In thia 
 present world all live together in one common estate, as mortal beings. 
 And though some are righteous, and some are wicked; yet all are un 
 der sentence of temporal death. The reason assigned by St. Paul for 
 this is, " because all are sinners." 
 
 Still, however, there is a difference, even in this life between sinners; 
 for though all be equally " prisoners of hope," yet to some their sins are 
 forgiven them, while others remain unpardoned. 
 
 The former have complied with the terms prescribed in the Gospel, 
 the latter have neglected and refused such compliance, notwithstanding 
 those terms are the richest, the freest, and most gratuitous of all terms. 
 The Gospel offers life and salvation " without money, without price, and 
 without upbraiding;" and in return only requires repentance towards 
 God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, which are his gifts, and are to 
 be obtained by asking him for them. And that the penitent " bring 
 forth fruits meet for repentance." Now those who have obtained grace, 
 that is mercy, have not obtained it because they were better by nature 
 than their fellow men, for by nature all are sinners ; but because they 
 sought it in the only way in which it can be obtained by any of our fall 
 en race. Not in their own name, nor in their own strength, but in the 
 name and in the strength of him who is " mighty to save,",even Jesus, 
 a chosen one from among the people, who is able to save to the utter 
 most all them that come unto God by him. These are they over whom, 
 judgment shall have no power to condemn them, if they prove faithful 
 to the grace given them, " because there is no condemnation to them 
 that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit." 
 And they are new creatures, " for if any man be in Christ he is a new 
 creature," " being justified by Faith they have peace with God through 
 our Lord Jesus Christ," and the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the living God, 
 works in them the work ofsanctification with power enabling them to 
 " die, to sin and to live to righteousness," and so living, when the last 
 enemy, temporal death, shall have performed his office on their bodies, 
 their undying spirits shall be taken to the enjoyment of " another aud & 
 better state of existence than this."
 
 208 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 " Revive he shall, and in Heaven to reign." 
 
 The sinners, properly so called, and those who live in sin ; thereby 
 offending and provoking God by transgressing his law. They are wick 
 ed, impious, ungodly. They practice unrighteousness, and thus they 
 give evidence of their being sinners, " because all unrighteousness is 
 sin." 1 John v. 17. They love the world and the things that are in the 
 world, and therefore the love of the Father is not in them. 1 John ii. 
 xv. In consequence of their sins they are hateful to God, see Job xv. 
 16. They are carnal, and "to be carnally minded is death," because 
 "the carnal mind is enmity against God," &c., and therefore must be 
 slain, or the sinner must receive " the wages of sin which is death," viz, 
 eternal death. 
 
 Passages from Scripture might be quoted almost ad infinitum to prove 
 the deplorable condition of sinners, while in their sins and in their blood. 
 They are " truly evil beings," and unless quickened from a death in tres 
 passes and in sins, " shall with all the nations that forget God be turned 
 into hell, Psa. ix. 17. This punishment the Justice of God will inflict 
 on the finally impenitent and guilty; for God, in giving a description of 
 his character to the children of men, hath solemnly assured them, that he 
 " will in nowise clear the guilty." 
 
 " But if he shall in his sins expire," &.C. 
 
 While permitted to continue in this life, we possess a mixed state of 
 existence; joys and sorrows are mingled in our cup, of which we parti 
 cipate alternately for an excess of either would prove destructive to our 
 natural lives. But when death ushers us into a world of disembodied 
 spirits, if we are unprepared for the change we must not expect to be re 
 ceived into those pure and unsullied climes of bliss and glory above, 
 where nothing that is impure or unholy can ever enter. 
 
 St. John in his delightful description of the " new Jerusalem," assures 
 us that, " there shall in nowise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither 
 whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie ; but they which are 
 written in the Lamb's book of life, Rev. xxi. 27. And what then will be 
 come of those who are not so written ? He informs us in the last verse 
 of the previous chapter, " and whosoever was not found written in the 
 book of life was cast into the lake of fire." 
 
 Not one word is here said of Mercy. The Revelation speaks of Jus 
 tice, that Justice which executed "judgment upon all, and convinced all 
 the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds, which they had ungodly commit 
 ted, and all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners had spoken against 
 the Lord." St. Jude certainly has reference to the day of Judgment. 
 
 " Now in the world that never shall end," &c. 
 
 The gospel is certainly a dispensation of mercy to mankind, and it 
 offers a free pardon to all who truly repent of their sins, and heartily be 
 lieve in the Saviour of the World. It is emphatically good news to the 
 fallen progeny of Adam, declaring to them that " now is the accepted 
 time and now the day of salvation ; for unto you a Saviour is born who 
 ia Christ the Lord, " and that if they forsake their sins, and turn to.
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 209 
 
 God with full purpose of heart, and endeavour after new obedience, He 
 is faithful and just to forgive them their sins, and to cleanse them from 
 all unrighteousness." 
 
 Justice, simply considered, 13 "equity, reasonableness, right, also law." 
 The Justice of God is defined to be, that perfection whereby he is infi 
 nitely righteous and just, both in himself and in his proceedings with 
 his creatures. Divines distinguish it into remunerative and punitive jus 
 tice. By the former he rewards his creatures, not for any merit of theira, 
 but in consequence of his own gracious promise, James i. 12, and 2d 
 Tim. iv. 8. By the latter, viz. punitive or vindictive justice, he inflicts 
 punishment for any sin committed by men, 2d Thes. i. 6. 
 
 Thus, without entering too far into the subject for our present limits, 
 it is evident, that in this life "Justice and Mercy go hand in hand," 
 that is, they harmonize in their operations. The Lord "having mercy 
 on whom he wHl have mercy, or tiardening whom he will," by which 
 hardening I think we may understand God's permitting those to treasure 
 up for themselves wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of his 
 righteous judgment, who after their hardness and impenitent heart, des 
 pise the riches of his goodness, and forbearance and long-suffering ; not 
 knowing (considering) that his goodness leadeth them to repentance. 
 Rom. ii. 4. 5. 
 
 In this life the wheat and tares grow together. Under this allegory, 
 or continued metaphor our blessed Saviour represents the righteous and 
 the wicked, and by the mutual growth of the Wheat and the Tares, the 
 different relations of life, which are not to be disturbed but by death. 
 
 " Here the wheat and tares together blen<V' &c. 
 
 After death those who were despisers and neglecters of the great 
 salvation provided for them in time, will suffer for such despite and neg 
 lect, the vengeance of eternal fire. 
 
 " For the time must come when all the dead," &c. 
 
 But in the judgment of "the great day," while the wicked are con 
 demned the righteous shall be acquitted by his justice, because they "be 
 lieved in Christ." 
 
 " And that Justice, sure as Holy Writ," &e. 
 
 And now what remains but to exhort the sinner to flee from the wratft 
 to come, and to lay hold of the only hope set before him in the gospel. 
 
 And what motives shall be urged to persuade him to pursue so desirea- 
 ble a course ? Shall they be drawn from reason_? If so, reason say 
 you are " formed averse to pain," and therefore you are in pursuit of 
 happiness ; but you are in error and will certainly miss your mark if you 
 pursue it in by and forbidden paths : vice leads to misery and not to happi 
 ness, and all vice is founded in error. Or from experience consultyour 
 past life, compare it with your present feelings, and with your prospects 
 beyond the grave. Or shall Scripture be allowed to speak? Only read 
 over carefully " the General Epistle of Jude ;" it is not "a bundle of 
 straw," as some have called the General Epistle of James ; and with, tbe/ 
 
 s*
 
 310 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 blessing of the Lord, it may induce you to "seek your chief good," 
 which is only to be found " by drawing nigh unto the Lord." And may 
 he so draw you continually to himself by "the cords of his love, a* 
 with the bands of a man," that your willing feet may move in swift 
 obedience to his blessed will. 
 
 Or peruse the thirty-fourth Psalm of David, and there you will dis 
 cover what it is to be " righteous persons," and what are their privileges, 
 and should you obtain the experience of that eminently devoted ser 
 vant of the Lord, you will know that Religion is not a " cunningly de 
 vised fable," and that " wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness, and alt 
 her (flowery) paths are peace." 
 
 "Sinner with all excuse away,"&c. 
 
 Our blessed Saviour directs us all " to work while it is called lo-day," 
 and for this special reason, because " the night of death cometh when na 
 man can work." Many people speak against works ; if they mean good 
 works, they are Antinomians, persons " who hold doctrines that clearly 
 supersede the necessity of good works." But there is one work which 
 it would be well for all men to consider indispensable, and therefore not 
 to omit the performance of it at their peril, and that is the " working 
 ut their salvation with fear and trembling," &e. 
 
 " For the world to which we all must go," &c. 
 
 " Heaven," says the Theologian, " is to be considered as a place as well 
 as a state," and for its being so termed expressly, refers to John xiv. 2, 3 ; 
 and further, we are assured that it is a place of inexpressible felicity. 
 Rev. xxi. 22. &c. Hell is the place of divine punishment after death. 
 Luke xvii. 21. &c. 
 
 Now reason is sufficient to convince us that God will not send his 
 friends to the latter, nor permit his foes to enter the former place. 
 
 What question then can be raised t on the subject, except it be thelength 
 and duration of the torments of the wicked, and the felicity of the right 
 eous? Can the truth be exceeded by the derision of the Scriptures ? To 
 that decision, therefore, we confidently appeal, and it is this : " And these 
 shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life 
 eternal," Matt, xxiii. 26. 
 
 "The will of God," according to the theologian, is taken first, for 
 that which he hath from all eternity determined, which is unchangeable, 
 and must certainly come to pass ; this is called his secret will. Second, 
 it is taken for what he has prescribed to]us in his word as a rule of duty, 
 this is called his revealed will. The human will is that faculty of the 
 soul, by which it chooses or refuses any thing offered to it. The nature 
 of the will is in itself indisputably free. Let us then, without contro 
 verting the subject, submit our wills to the guidance and direction of him 
 who gave them to us, " originally created with the liberty and power to 
 do what was pleasing in his sight," and he will graciously restore to us 
 that " ability of will to spiritual good, which man lost by the fall." And if 
 we are led by his Spirit, "then are we the sons of God, and if sons, 
 then heirs of God, and joint heirs with our Lord Jesus Christ." What 
 more can we reasonably desire either for this life or the life to come ? 

 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 211 
 
 "For God hath a will above all wills," &c. 
 
 ALL WILLS ARE RIGHT IN THE NEW JERUSALEM. 
 
 Then let the will of mm be free, 
 
 To Heaven alone confined ; 
 Unrighteousness the world shall flee r 
 
 And saved be all mankind. 
 
 But this event shall not arrive, 
 
 Till earth and Heavens new, 
 Where sin and wickedness now thrive, 
 
 Shall stand confess d to view. 
 
 Heave i rkfndl7gr S anUt P S / peed r ' 
 When he who sits enthroned in pow'r, 
 Shall all make new indeed. 
 
 The Lamb his bridal city this, 
 
 The city fair and bright, 
 ^ills with unutterable bliss; 
 
 There every will is right. .Kel. 
 
 Fill 
 
 " Some say of evil money is," &c. Page 111. 
 
 The frequency of hearing the observation, "money is the root ofalS 
 evil," induced me to compose this distich. 
 
 St. Paul in the 6th chapter of his Epistle to Timothy, his son in the 
 Gospel, treating on " the great gain of godliness," in the 10th verse of 
 that chapter, observes, "For the love of money is the root of all evil." 
 
 The term or expression " love of money," in my Greek Testament, 
 " Juxta exemplar Joannis millii," is comprised in the compound word 
 " Philarguria," which Schrevelius renders avaritia, avarice from philos 
 amicus, a friend or lever, and arguros, argentum, which, according to 
 Ainsworth, in its primary signification means, properly, silver in the mass, 
 bullion; 2nd, all things made thereof; 3d, coin, or money, made there 
 of; which word money, the Latins called nummus, or numus, and also 
 moneta, because of the stamp or impression upon money, which ancient 
 ly was the effigy or likeness of some god, or goddess, that looking up 
 on it, they might be put in mind of the Deity. Hence, doubtless, "mon- 
 etalis, a moneyer a usurer lucro inhians a person gaping after gain. 
 
 But I will not here undertake to account for the origin of idolatry, 
 philologically ; as this might lead to much unprofitable speculation. 
 Idolatry is defined to be ' the worship of idols, or the act of ascribing 
 to things and persons, properties which are peculiar to God alone." 
 
 Idolatry has been divided into metaphorical and proper. By metaphor 
 ical idolatry, is meant that inordinate love of riches, honors and bodily 
 pleasures, whereby the passions and appetites of men are made supe 
 rior to the will of God ; man, by so doing, making a god of himself and 
 his sensual temper. Proper idolatry is giving the divine honor to anoth 
 er. The objects or idols of that honor which are given, are either per 
 sonal, i. e., the idolatrous themselves, who become their own statues ; OK
 
 21* NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 
 
 internal, as false ideas, which are set up in the fancy instead of God, such 
 as fancying God to be light, flame, matter, &c., only here the sense be 
 ing internal, the scandal of the sin is thereby abated ; or external, as the 
 worshipping of angels, the sun, stars, animals, &c. Buck's T. D. 
 
 That very learned prelate, M. Bossuet, Bishop of JVIeaux, &c., thus ac 
 counts for the origin of idolatry. " The spirit who had beguiled the first 
 man, tasted now the fruit of his seduction, and beheld the complete ef 
 fects of his saying, ye shall be as gods. From the moment he uttered it, 
 he designed to confound in man the idea of God, with that of the crea 
 ture, and to divide a name whose majesty consists in being incommuni 
 cable. His scheme succeeded. Men subjected themselves to the tyranny 
 of their senses ; the senses decided every thing, and made, in spite of 
 reason, all the gods that were adored upon earth." Universal History, 
 page 138. 
 
 Bat the love of money, which comes under the head of metaphorical idol 
 atry, must certainly have its origin in coretousness, which. is a rice forbid 
 den in the decalogue, " Thou shalt not covet," &c. 
 
 " That man isform'd," &c. Page 113. 
 
 This piece or epithalamium, was composed at the request of a friend, 
 for two young persons who have since become " man and wife," and 
 have removed to that part of the country, to which the husband be 
 longs. This friend represented them as both being pious ; as such may 
 they continue during their stay in this world, and unceasingly test the ac 
 curacy of the motto, that, 
 
 " Congenial souls alone can prove, 
 
 The pure delights of wedded love." KeL 
 
 " Suavitr.r in Modo," Sfc. Page 114. 
 
 Some people have so high an opinion of their own consequence, that 
 they cannot condescend to treat an inferior even with common civility. 
 This is a sure indication of pride, and pride and meanness always go 
 together; a proud man is a mean man. But, says Sterne, "pride was 
 not made for man," and therefore we may conclude that man was not 
 made for pride. The Apostle Paul directs, " mind not high things, but 
 condescend to men of low estate." Besides, the inferior in point of for 
 tune may be decided by the superior in the eyes of both God and all truly 
 upright men. Firmness of character in the performance of whatever is 
 right and proper is highly estimable, and gives proof that reliance may 
 be placed on, and confidence reposed in the person by whom it is exer 
 cised. 
 
 " In every state," Sfc. Page 115. 
 
 ,; ,. j^Ttil? 
 
 Moderation is the state of keeping a due medium between extremes, 
 calmness, temperance or equanimity. It is sometimes used with refer 
 ence to our opinions, Rom, xxii. 3_; but in general it respects our con-
 
 NOTES ON THE SPECIMENS. 215 
 
 duct in that state which comes under the description of ease or prosperi 
 ty, and ought to take place in our wishes, pursuits, expectations, pleasures 
 and passions." 
 
 " Jesus Christ, the Father's Son," #c. Page 115. 
 
 " Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice 
 and will open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and 
 he with me," Rev. iii. 20. According to " exposition of Christian doc 
 trines of the Moravians," the dam is now broken down by Christ, which 
 prevented the stream of the loving-kindness and grace of God from be 
 ing poured out upon us." Let us beware, therefore, how we bar Christ 
 out of our hearts by unbelief. 
 
 Oh that tee may to the end, 
 Faithfully on him depend. Kel. 
 
 Christ's standing at the door, says Mr. Phipps, " is his wonderful con 
 descension, patience and long forbearance, in waiting on the soul of man r 
 as for an entrance : that as he is a rational creature, he may be prevailed 
 with, willingly to open his heart to the Redeemer and receive him. He 
 knocks, or calls in spirit by influencing the soul, in its seasons of quietude, 
 so as to excite inclinations and desires towards good, and also at other 
 times, by distressing it with the painful sensations of guilt and remorse 
 for sinful pursuits and practices ; and man must receive him by 
 resigning his attachment to self, and the propensities of sense, and hum 
 bly adhering to the voice or present manifestations of the Spirit. 
 
 And the Lord comes in and sups with man, and makes him a partaker 
 of his supper. When the spirit of Christ is received by the soul in faith, 
 love, and due submission, he proceeds by degrees to set it at liberty from 
 the bondage of corruption, for where the Spirit of the Lord is (in pos 
 session) there is liberty," 2d Cor. iii. 17 ; and when he has brought the 
 soul to a proper degree of pacification, be sheds the comfort of his love 
 into it ; and makes it a partaker of the communion of saints, which ia 
 inward and spiritual. This is the true supper of the Lord. He who par 
 ticipates of this, discerns and tastes the Lord's spiritual body, and experi 
 ences it to be " meat indeed, and his blood to be drink indeed." 
 
 I shall conclude this note by observing, that during the seven years I 
 was Librarian at the Parsonage House, next door to the old Methodist 
 Church in John -street, I made many valuable extracts from the books in 
 my charge ; which of themselves, nearly fill my common-place book of 
 many pages. But though I cannot insert them all in my notes, yet 1 
 trust the following extract will not prove unacceptable to my religious 
 readers. 
 
 CHRIST'S DYING EXCLAMATION. " / thirst." 
 
 I thrist, the Prince of heaven expiring cries^ 
 I thirst, and lifts his agonizing eyes ; 
 
 .
 
 214 NOTES ON THE FRAGMENTS. 
 
 O, drink my spouse, and satiate thy call, 
 
 Though the sad cup embitter'd tastes with gall; 
 
 Yet drink my spouse, to Heaven's high will resign" d, 
 
 And be the health, "Salvation to mankind.' 1 Armenian Magazine. 
 
 " How strange seem the scenes," fyc. Page 117. 
 
 I composed this piece as a finale or conclusion to my Specimens. 
 
 It may be deemed by some irregular, but if it was not in my power to 
 make it better, why then it was my misfortune, and I must request my 
 readers to take " the will for the deed." 
 
 Perhaps I may never trouble the public to travel through another book 
 of Specimens of any description. 
 
 NOTES ON THE FRAGMENTS. 
 
 " As onward in life's nigged," &c. Page 120. 
 
 From the title of this intended to be, lengthy piece, it might be sup 
 posed that I proposed essaying to write an Epic Poem. Whether the 
 subject would warrant such an undertaking, I am not at present exactly 
 prepared to asseit. 
 
 It is true that as far as I hare proceeded in my intention to exhibit my 
 improved plan of English elementary teaching, my piece is Epikos, 
 Epic, because it consists of Heroic or Hexameter verse. But this much 
 might be affirmed of all poems consisting of ten syllables to each line. 
 " An Epic Poem, however, has another characterestic ; and requires al 
 ways to have for its subject a Hero, or some great person." Yet this 
 much I feel myself warranted in asserting hypothetically by the by 
 that if an English elementary teacher, " is really a Hero or some great 
 person/' then the Scholiad may justly claim, when completed, to be en 
 titled an Epic Poem. 
 
 My design, however, was simply to show the superiority of my plan 
 over the old fashioned one, on which I had been previously teaching. 
 I think it not necessary here to detail this plan. Suffice it to say it gave 
 entire satisfaction to my employers, who intrusted two hundred and ten 
 scholars to my tuition, whom I taught with only the assistance of my sis 
 ter Phebe, for the smaller children, she being then about eighteen years 
 of age. 
 
 During my stay at Albany, I gave my plan to Mr. Walter Badger, to 
 whose school I sent my children. He assured me it succeeded to admi 
 ration, and that his school room was crowded to overflowing. 
 
 The care of providing for my family, prevented me from finishing the 
 Scholiad, and so it became of necessity a Fragment. 
 
 " To feast his tico eyes," Sfc. Page 128. 
 
 This piece has remained so long in my School Journal, that I have 
 forgotten my original intention in commencing it, as well as the reason 
 
 .
 
 NOTES ON THE FRAGMENTS. S15 
 
 that induced me to leave it in its present unfinished state. I think it 
 probable, I had it in contemplation to describe the interior of the Arsen 
 al. I had often visited this public store-house of Arms ; and the Gener 
 al, better known as Colonel Platt, was particularly friendly to me, so that 
 I could readily obtain the access necessary to facilitate my desire. Bat 
 as it is unfinished, and though as such I have given it, yet I think it might 
 afford materials for the composition of a Poem both interesting and 
 amusing ; particularly to young men who are possessed of a " military 
 turn." 
 
 " A bark from Columbia," Sfc. Page 123. 
 
 In this piece I intended a description of the "shipwreck" of the Bark 
 Commerce, commanded by Captain James Riley, and which occurred 
 some twenty-eight years ago. Captain Riley gave a relation of this fact, 
 with its consequent circumstances, in a publication styled '* An authen 
 tic narrative of," &c. At the time of the publication of this work, I was 
 well acquainted with its contents, having, in conjunction with Mr. Bleeck- 
 er, the Examiner in Chancery, assisted the Captain in its diction ; be 
 sides, he had presented me with one of his books. But unfortunately, 
 I lost it, either by loaning it, or in some other way which I have now 
 forgotten, and when I came to the place where I have stopped, I could 
 go no further, neither could I procure another book without purchas 
 ing it, and so the piece remained unfinished. 
 
 Then we'll pledge Swara's Consul," &c. 
 
 William Willshire, Esq., was Consul at Mogadore, and released the 
 Captain and his companions from slavery, by purchasing them from their 
 masters, the Arabs. 
 
 The piece was intended for a song, and any person who has a roice 
 for singing, may sing it to the tune called "my dog and my gun." 
 
 " Thy Swiss friend no more," &c. 
 
 The name of his vessel was the " William Tell," and ou board of her 
 I understand he died on his homeward bound voyage. 
 
 " His ponderous tread," &c. 
 
 Captain Riley was a large man. He states in his narrative that in his 
 younger days, he " stood six feet two inches," exactly the height of 
 General Washington, in his youthful days, according to his biography. 
 
 But why swear an oath," &c. 
 
 t 
 ( 
 
 8\ 
 
 I heard him swear he never would go to sea again. Why he altered 
 his mind, as I never asked him, I cannot tell. 

 
 216 NOTES ON THE FRAGMENTS. 
 
 " God nothing owes to fallen man," &c. Page 124. 
 
 Though this might, perhaps, pass for a finished piece, yet I have thought 
 proper to insert it among the Fragments. I might have entered more 
 extensively into the subject ; the held is ample, I had almost said bound 
 less. Yet I surrender it to some more talented poet, who may, if he 
 pleases, prosecute it to an Epic Poem, and entitle it the " Proseuchiad." 
 
 " We're fatten on evil days," Sfc.Page 125. 
 
 I believe I only intended when I elected Reform as a subject to write 
 upon, to consider it merely in the light of retrenchment in expenditures in 
 superfluous articles, in wearing apparel, equipage, and certain other phys 
 ical et cetros. But when I found the theme was susceptible of still further 
 progression) and that my lucubrations might be so extended as to embrace 
 both mind and matter, the prospect of a successful termination wearied 
 my mind, and like the Sculptor, abstenui i. e. I condemned it to the de 
 partment of Fragments, and there it must remain. 
 
 " A day will come," <f-c. Page 126. 
 
 As I commenced the " Specimens" with what might be termed^/ewcra, 
 or lighter, so I was minded to end them with graviora or weightier mat 
 ter, and what subject, thought I, so appropriate to my purpose as that all 
 absorbing one " the Day of Judgment." I had not, however, proceeded 
 very far in the prosecution of my design when I accidentally opened the 
 second volume of Henry Kirk White's poems, and at page 144 of Bed- 
 lington and Ewer's Boston edition, 1823, my attention was arrested by the 
 following critical note on his " Christiad" a Divine poem. " This was 
 the work which Henry had most at heart. His riper judgment would 
 probably have perceived that the subject was ill chosen. What is said so 
 well in the Censura Literaria, of all scriptual subjects for narrative poetry, 
 applies peculiarly to this. ' Any thing taken from it leaves the story im 
 perfect ; any thing added to it disgusts, and almost shocks us as impious. 
 As Omar said of the Alexandrian Library, we may say of such writings, 
 if they contain only what is in the scriptures they are superfluous ; if what 
 is not in them they are false.' " Discovering myself to be in the same pre 
 dicament as this highly talented young man, I deem it advisable to dis 
 continue the piece, and to consign what I had already written to the de 
 partment of " Fragments." 
 
 Should my readers discover that any other of my Compositions deserve 
 the aforementioned censure, all that remains for me to urge as an apol 
 ogy is, 
 
 " I only this in my defence can say, 
 
 I read the caution at too late a day," Kel, 
 
 " Faithful, well done," &c., line 26. 
 
 And does such vast, such momentous importance attach itself to one 
 single qualified word? " Words (says the Rev. Wm. Burkett, the Com-
 
 NOTES ON THE ANALECTA. 217 
 
 mentator,) are physically transient, but morally permanent." "Words 
 (says the Annotator of Claude) may be used in a literal, metonymica!, 
 popular, theological and juridical sense." 
 
 In the latter sense, will be the sentence passed on the righteous and 
 the wicked in " Tlte Day of Judgment," it will be juridical, it will be 
 final and eternal. 
 
 NOTES ON THE ANALECTA. 
 
 " Man by his strength afspirU may," Sfc. Page 129. 
 
 The prophet Nathan said unto King David, " Thou art the man," and 
 how his spirit was affected by the severe and pointed reproof of the 
 prophet, may be known by perusing his fifty-first Psalm, q. jr., which 
 flee. 
 
 "Satan though he," ^c. Page 129. 
 
 Without searching the Scripture for proof of Satan being a deceiver 
 &c. perhaps the following account given of his character by the Moravian 
 brethren will be sufficient " in hoc loco" in this place. "No spirit was 
 created evil ; for God can create nothing that in itself is evil. But the 
 Devil and his adherents abode not in the truth, i. e. in the holiness their 
 Creater endued them with, Jno. viii. 48 : For the Devil and his angela 
 left their own habitation, and their principality, which means their glori 
 ous state, Jude, 6th verse, and by their sin, Jno. iii. 8, drew a heavy judg 
 ment down upon themselves, 2d Pet. ii. 4. The Dragon is called Satan, 
 because he is the enemy of all good, the Devil, because he delights in 
 lies, deceit and accusation, the old Serpent, because he. beguiled Eva 
 with his subtlety, 2d Cor.xi.3. Therefore also Christ calls him a murderer 
 from the beginning, for he plunged our first parents into death ; and also 
 the father of lies, because he imposed a lie upon our first parents, telling 
 them that they surely should not die, but be like God, if they would eatof 
 the forbidden fruit. Jno. viii. 44. 
 
 But a period is determined on by the eternal mind,"when " the Devil 
 who deceived them, shall be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, 
 where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day 
 and night, for ever and ever," Rev. xx, 10. 
 
 " That he intends to tell you," Page 131. 
 
 May be considered as a part of" leisure hours poetically employed," 
 and merely extracted from some of my poetry which I would not 
 present as a whole.
 
 218 NOTES ON THE ANALECTA. 
 
 " Suffer on and out your hour," Sfc. Page 133. 
 
 " Patience is a virtue enabling to bear affliction and pain with calnv 
 ness of mind." Bailey. 
 
 Or, " that calm and unruffled temper with which a good man bears 
 the evils of life." Buck. 
 
 In every circumstance of life no virtue is more important both to du'.j 
 and to happiness." Ibid. 
 
 " Christian patience is essentially different from insensibility, whether 
 natural, artificial or acquired." Mason. 
 
 For further information on the subject of patience, the reader is refer 
 red to " Buck's Theological Dictionary," page 429, Woodworth's Phil 
 adelphia Edition, 1821. This is a most valuable work, and were itmore 
 generally read and appealed to, it would doubtless prove the means of 
 preventing many unnecessary altercations in the Christian world. 
 
 '' To tfunk aright, much more," &c. Page 134. 
 
 " Truth, a term used in opposition to falsehood, and applied to pro 
 positions which answer or accord to the nature and reality of the thing 
 whereof something is affirmed or denied. Natural, or physical truth, 
 is said to be the agreement of our sentiments with the nature of things. 
 Moral truth is the conformity of our words and actions to our senti 
 ments. Evangelical or gospel truth is taken for Christ, the Doctrines 
 of the Gospel, substance or reality, in opposition to the shadows and 
 ceremonies of the law. John i. 17. For this truth we ought to be sin 
 cere in seeking, zealous in defending, and active in propagating ; highly 
 to prize it, constantly to rejoice in it, and uniformly to be obedient to it," 
 
 " Emblem of the lily fair," Sfc.Page 134. 
 
 This sonnet I commenced at a very early period of my life, and sup 
 posing I had an equal right with other poets to choose a mistress for my 
 self, I at length brought it to such a conclusion as pleased myself; wheth 
 er it did her or not, I cannot say, as I have forgotten who she was, and 
 all about her. 
 
 "For if politeness," SfC.Page 134. 
 
 " Politeness," I think, a certain Author observes, " is based on, and 
 is the exercise of the principle of good sense." 
 
 " Politeness, genuine politeness," observes another Author, " is a com 
 bination of discretion, civility, "complaisance, circumspection and mo 
 desty, accompanied with an agreeable air, which expands itself upon 
 whatever you say or do." 
 
 Even religion itself, it would appear, is not sufficient to excuse a per 
 son from the exercise of politeness. I have heard it asserted from the 
 pulpit, that religion does not prevent a man from being a gentleman ; 
 and one minister, in my own hearing, proved this assertion by a quota 
 tion from the 14th verse of the 7th chapter of the " Revelations," where 
 St. John answers the Elder, " and I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest."
 
 NOTES ON THE ANALECTA. 219 
 
 After this, no more I presume, need be urged in proof of the necessity 
 of politeness to the well being, nay, to the very existence of society. 
 
 " Wouldst tlwu of thy whole duty," Sfc. Page 135. 
 
 The Scripture assures us, that " to fear God and to keep his com 
 mandments is the whole duty of man." It is therefore not only the duty 
 but the interest of man to acquaint himself with the commands of hia 
 Maker, and to keep them as a rational, intelligent and an accountable 
 creature, and to pray him, continually, to put his fear in his heart, and 
 bis fear before his eyes, that he may live in his fear and die in his favor. 
 
 " The toll-man," Sfc. Page 135. 
 
 On my first visit to Philadelphia, in company with my brother-in-lawr, 
 I asked the as we call him in New- York ferry-master, what was the 
 fare ? He answered me two cents. I handed them to him, when, sliding 
 them apart with his thumb and finger, a sixpenny, or according to Phil- 
 adelphian denomination, a five, pronounced fippenny bit, made its ap 
 pearance, " here," said he, handing it to me, " you meant to cheat me, 
 did you ?" Though I have never seen him since, I cannot, however, 
 help considering him an honest man. 
 
 " Sinners pray," &e. Page 135. 
 
 See 2d Peter, 3d chapter, 9th verse, and also the 7th Terse of the 
 same chapter, and let us ask ourselves what construction we ought to 
 put on the latter clause of this verse. " The day of Judgment and per 
 dition, i. e., utter ruin and destruction of ungodly men T 
 
 " Ladies and Gentlemen," 8fc. Page 136. 
 
 All I have to say in relation to this piece is, that I composed it at the 
 request of a particular friend, for the purpose mentioned in the heading. 
 
 " What then, do all tlie good," Sfc. Page 139. 
 
 " There is always life for a living man," was a favorite expression of 
 an old lady, an acquaintance of mine. By which she meant to be un 
 derstood that every industrious man might gain a livelihood by his labor. 
 
 " In vain you fly," ffc. Page 139. 
 
 Ridicule is " that which is ridiculous, jest, mockery, laughing-stock." 
 Which of these appellations does truth deserve ? " There is no beauty," 
 says the moral philosopher, " where there is no truth," and so we may say 
 of religion ; and a certain Author observes that "it is a most odious and 
 contemptible character, that of playing the wit at the expense of religion, 
 nd things sacred ; such as talk jestingly of mysteries they ought to rev-
 
 220 NOTES ON THE ANALECTA. 
 
 erence, don't so much discover the beauty of their parts, as the deformity 
 of their morals." 
 
 Truth, according to Mr. Locke, " is the joining or separating of signs, 
 as the things signified by them do agree or disagree with one another." 
 Whatever therefore you may think of testing truth by, let it not be by 
 ridicule, always remembering the old adage, that " ridicule is not the test 
 of troth." 
 
 " Wit, though stinging," Sfc.Page 139. 
 
 " Wit, one of the faculties of the rational soul, genius, fancy, aptness 
 for any thing, cunningness." French, Esprit, spirit. Latin, Solertia, 
 among other senses, craftiness, subtlety, policy, cunning. " Judgment, 
 the discerning faculty, reason, opinion, prudence. 
 
 " Observe all objects." #c. Page 139. 
 
 Synthesis Greek Sun, con together, and tethaimi pono, I put, or 
 place. Analysis, Ana re-rursus vel sursum, again, and luo-solvo I dis 
 solve. Synthesis is putting together, and Analysis, taking apart. 
 
 " Idlers great critics are," Sfc. Page 139. 
 
 " Idle persons are those who neither live to God, to man, nor t them 
 selves." First, they answer not the end for which they were brought in 
 to being; secondly, they benefit not their fellow creatures around them ; 
 thirdly, they have no true pleasure, for he that knows not how to labor, 
 knows not how to enjoy. In fine, the idle mac is in every view both 
 foolish and criminal ; for having ence tainted the soul, it leaves no part 
 of it sound ; and at the same time gives not those alarms to conscience, 
 which the eruption of bolder and fiercer emotions often occasion. "Their 
 pretensions to criticism, doubtless originate in envy ; the labors of oth 
 ers being a reproof to their own indolence. The old adage, however,, 
 directs to "let envy alone and it will punish itself." " Envy is uneasiness 
 at the success of another." 
 
 " The human heart," ^c. Page 140. 
 
 Depravity is defined to be corruption, a change from perfection to 
 imperfection. The heart of man," says the Divine, is naturally, con 
 stantly, universally, inexpressibly, openly, and evidently depraved, aad 
 inclined to evil," Jer. xyii. 9. It requires a divine power to renovate 
 it, and render it susceptible of right impressions, Jer. ixiv. 7. When 
 thus renovated the effects will be seen in the temper, conversation and 
 conduct at large. 
 
 Hardness of heart is that state in which a sinner is inclined to, and ac 
 tually goes on in rebellion against God. The work of sanctification sets 
 the heart right by giving it a new bent and inclination.
 
 NOTES ON THE ANALECTA. 2tl 
 
 " While man regards the outward show ," &c. Page 140. 
 
 " Motive is that which moves, excites or invites the mind to action. 
 It may be one thing singly, or many things conjointly. Some call it a 
 faculty of the soul by which we pursue good and avoid evil." " Action 
 is an act, deed or feat." If the motives are so far right as to produce 
 right actions, they constitute a person righteous : for says an Apostle, 
 (John,) " He that doeth righteousness is righteous,'- &c. 
 
 " If betting nothing," Sfc. Page 141. 
 
 " Betting is to lay wagers." Wagers, a mutual stipulation between two 
 persons to forfeit or pay a sum of money, &c.., on condition a thing in 
 dispute be or be not asserted or effected. Though all who bet, or lay wa 
 gers, areinot professed gamesters; yet, in so doing, they imitate the prac 
 tice of aleatores or dice-players, gamesters, gamblers, blacklegs, &c. Be 
 sides it is not the bet or wager that decides the effect, but the effect the 
 wager, and therefore, betting or wagering may with propriety be de 
 nominated gambling, and who covets the appellation of a gambler ? 
 
 " Fiat Justitia," Sfc. Page 141. 
 "Justice is equity, reasonableness, right, law." 
 
 " Vox et PrcEterea Nihil," Sfc. Page 141. 
 
 Perhaps the author of this motto, " had in his eye" some one who 
 was in the habit of making large promises and performing none of them. 
 If so, the old adage may well apply to him : 
 
 "A man of words and not of deeds, 
 Is like a garden full of weeds." 
 
 "Forthee, New-York," gfc. Page 142. 
 
 Early in the month of May, 1812, I moved with my family to Herki- 
 mer, on the ridge, where I took charge of the Village Academy, and 
 taught for one quarter ; but the war breaking out in June following, 
 it broke up my school. The next year I came to Albany, where I re 
 mained in the employ of his Excellency, the Governor, until the peace 
 of 1815. This distich shows the strong desire I felt to return to the place 
 where I had spent so many previous years of my life. 
 
 " When at my book," Sfc. Page 142. 
 
 Every body is so well apprised that this arises from some imperfection 
 or derangement of the wick, that it needs no explanation. The only 
 mystery to be solved is, how the forks can affect the candle so as to 
 remedy the evil ? The reason was once assigned to me by the Rev. 
 John McNeise, but as thirty years have since elapsed, it has escaped my 
 memory. , 
 
 T*
 
 233 NOTES ON THE ANALECTA. 
 
 " Fie on the Painter," &e. Page 142. 
 
 I have been informed that the French portrait painters never repre 
 sent their subjects as calvi, or bald headed, and that if they are so really, 
 they always have the generosity to make them a present of a wig. 
 
 " The Christian's hope," fc. Page 142. 
 
 To hope, ia to expect with desire ; hope is expectation, trust, affiance. 
 "The Gospeelrevlation,"saysMr. Baxter, "is the clear revelation of our 
 hope." He adds, " that the Spirit is given to all true believers is evident 
 by its effects ; and that they live upon the hopes of a better life, and their 
 heavenly interest overrules the opposite interest of this world. In or 
 der to which they live under the conduct of Divine authority, and to 
 obey and please God, is the great business of their lives," &c. 
 
 " Our children when young," fa. Page 143. 
 
 It is not impossible but that the old man might have spoken from sad 
 experience. He might have brought up children, who at riper years 
 might have disappointed his fondest expectations. And though this 
 ware not his own individual case, still he might have uttered this pathetic 
 exclamation in view of the conduct of the children of his neighbors, his 
 acquaintances, his friends, or his relations. 
 
 It is a commanded duty to bring up our children in the nurture and 
 admonition of the Lord, Eph. 6th chapter and 4th verse, yet how often 
 do they frustrate our best endeavors, by rejecting our counsels, and 
 following the evil advice of strangers. Now the Scripture informs ua 
 that "evil communication corrupts good manners, 1 ' and the communi 
 cation is calculated to produce not only a partial but a general corrup 
 tion ; so that it may be pronounced of those noble powers and faculties 
 of soul and body which were bestowed for nobler purposes, that they are 
 at length, " all sacrificed at the shrine of low sensuality." 
 
 And along with " bad company, comes almost certainly the evil of in 
 toxication." 
 
 I asked the Chaplain of the Islands in our Bay, not long since, a Scotch 
 man, a plain blunt man, what he discovered to be the prevailing cauie 
 of the enlistment of so many young men in our army. His answer was 
 41 Rum and bad company." Evidently including by his remark under 
 the general head of" Rum" all liquors which produce drunkenness. 
 
 " Drunkenness is defined to be intoxication with strong liquor. It is 
 either actual or habitual, just as it is one thing to be drunk, and anoth 
 er to be a drunkard. The evil of drunkenness appears in the following 
 bad effects. 1st, it betrays most constitutions either to extravagance of 
 anger, or sins of lewdness ; 2d, it disqualifies men for the active duties 
 of their station, both by the temporary disorder of their faculties, and at 
 length by a constant incapacity and stupefaction ; 3d, it is attended with 
 expense which can often be ill spared ; 4th, it is sure to occasion nnea- 
 iness in the family of the drunkard ; 5th, it shortens life ; 6th, it is a most 
 awful example to others ; 7th, it is hardly ever cured ; 8th it is a viola 
 tion of God's word ; Prov. xx. 1, Ephs. v. 18, Rom. xiii. 13.
 
 NOTES ON THE LIFE OF &c. 523 
 
 " The appetite for liquor, appears to me," says Paley, " to be almost 
 always acquired. One proof of which is that it is apt to return only at 
 particular times and places, as after dinner, in the evening, on the mar 
 ket day, in such a company, in such a tavern." " How careful then should 
 we be, lest we form habits of this kind, or choose company who are ad 
 dicted to it ; how cautious and circumspect should we act, that we be not 
 found guilty of a sin which degrades human nature, banishes reason, in 
 sults God, and exposes us to the greatest evils." Buck's Theological Z)i- 
 tionary ; and I may add, 9th, it persecutes the Church itself, for 
 
 Where'er a mansion for the Lord is built. 
 
 Wherein to show poor fallen man his guilt; 
 
 There Satan rears an edifice of sin, 
 
 And on the sign behold, " Rum sold within ;" 
 
 No more, O Rum, shall war his claim maintain, 
 
 He boasts his thousands, thou hast millions slain." Kel. 
 
 "Here's Uncle Sam, 1 ' Sfc. Page 143. 
 
 I hope our Country may always enjoy that liberty which is without 
 licentiousness, and that the sappers and miners of tyranny and oppres 
 sion may always be frustrated in their designs to make inroads into its 
 present healthy Constitution. 
 
 NOTES ON THE AUTHOR'S LIFE. 
 
 When I commenced writing the brief history of my life, I had no inten 
 tion of finishing it with notes. But a certain friend of mine to whom I 
 submitted it for perusal, pronounced it to be a "meager production." 
 I attempted to obviate this judgment passed on my history, on the ground 
 of expediency. He tacitly acquiesced. But his decision, unretracted, has 
 pursued me ever since like Banco's ghost, and induced me to explain some 
 occurrences which took place during my life that otherwise would have 
 been forgotten by some, and perhaps never known to others of my numer 
 ous subscribers. 
 
 But before I proceed to execute my present intention I would be allowed 
 to make this preliminary or general observation on the whole of my life, 
 viz. that it has been an almost continued succession of prosperity or adver 
 sity, of elevation or depression. 
 
 I do not offer this as any new or wonderful discovery of my own, by 
 which mankind are to be unusally illuminated, I would merely be under 
 stood as thereby suggesting the importance of taking this observation into 
 consideration in forming our estimate of any particular character or even of 
 our own. You have decided perhaps that he should have acted otherwise, 
 and why 1 because he knew better : granted ; but had you at the same time 
 the candor to take circumstances into the account, or did you forget that old 
 !' child of experience," which assures us that " circumstances alter cases 1"
 
 224 NOTES ON THE LIFE OF &c. 
 
 Doubtless, if we were thus careful we should avoid giving any rash or 
 uncharitable judgment against our fellow men, and commit our intended 
 judgments to the decision of Him who "judgeth righteous judgment.' 1 
 
 But 1 will not insist further on this point; the perusal of my life, 
 meager as it may be, will I am persuaded abundantly satisfy every read 
 er of the correctness of my preliminary observations. 
 
 The first circumstance I would explain, which otherwise might ap 
 pear obscure in my life, is the motive that induced my uncle to take me 
 from College and to remove to New-Jersey. It waschagrin, i. e. vexation 
 &c. or that he was out of humor. Yes, he was wonderfully vexed at 
 and out of humor with the conduct of a certain individual, who de 
 frauded him of a large sum of money, by feigning to be crazy, and so I, 
 innocent, unoffending I, was defrauded of eighteen months of continu 
 ous Collegiate instruction in the class to which I originally belonged. 
 To be more explicit, somewhere in or about the year 1792 the citizens 
 of New-York were seized with the mania for speculating in the rights 
 of Revolutionary soldiers, which rights were, I think, denominated 
 " Scrip," the precise meaning of which I am not Speculator enough to 
 define, Bailey calls it a budget, or bag ; a little piece, perhaps an abbre 
 viation of scriptura, a writing. 
 
 Well, such bargains, sales, and transfers were made at the Tontine Cof 
 fee house, in Wall-street, and so many I. O. U's were bandied about, 
 that hundreds of persons who were poor, say to day, were rich to-mor 
 row, and so vice versa. My uncle too must needs dabble'in these ; al 
 luring, bewitching, and enriching "Scrips;" for a while he succeeded, 
 but at length a certain dealer in the said precious article (since dead, and 
 gone to his reward) failed in the performance of his contract with my 
 uncle, being advised, as was said at the time, by his physicians to feign 
 himself crazy, by which manoeuver my uncle lost a considerable sum of 
 money, the precise amount of which I never knew to a certainty. His 
 eyes being thus opened to the iniquity practised by the " Scrip jobbers" 
 of the day, in disgust he quitted New-York, and returned to his native 
 place New-Jersey, for a season, and there remained until the Scrip 
 mania had subsided, when he returned to New- York, and applied him 
 self to a regnlar,|sober, honest business, the business of buying and sell 
 ing salt, in Front-street, near'Coenties-slip. Should any of my young 
 readers be anxious to be further informed on the subject of the famous 
 " Scrip speculation," there are old men enough now living in New-York 
 from whom they can obtain far more accurate information than can be 
 furnished them'bythe Author. This information, so obtained, may be ac 
 companied with many highly interesting and instructive biographical an 
 ecdotes of the principal actors in that nefariously conducted scheme, for 
 making fortunes out of the hard earnings of the war-worn veteran, Ameri 
 can Revolutionary soldier. Certainly there is a curse on all ill gotten gains. 
 When I pass by a certain elegant house in Broad-street, I am forcibly 
 reminded of this truth, when I remember the materials out of which it 
 was constructed ; and how shortly thereafter it passed out of the posses 
 sion of its original scrip-jobbing owner. And when 1 meet a certain 
 scrip-dealing individual, with whom I was acquainted from the time 
 of his importation into this city, and consider the manner in which 
 he obtained his wealth, I envy him not his riches, neither would I ex 
 change situations with him, on the condition of bearing about with me
 
 NOTES ON THE LIFE OF &c. 225 
 
 the opprobrious epithet which he will carry with him to his grave, for all 
 the taxable property in the city of New-York. 
 
 The second circumstance in my life, to which I would advert, is that 
 of the most serious and dangerous sickness I ever experienced. For 
 want of a better name, it was called the " Dock fever." No one at first 
 was acquainted with its origin; and its proper mode of treatment was un 
 known to the physicians. I cannot describe its symptoms with the ac 
 curacy of a physician ; but I can give some account of the disposition of 
 both my body and my mind, occasioned by the disease. I arose early 
 in the morning and dressed myself, and was going down stairs, when I 
 felt a certain languor oppressing my system, which I concluded arose 
 from a want of more sleep. I accordingly threw myself on my bed, in 
 my clothes, intending to take a nap, but a certain unaccountable rest 
 lessness prevented my intention. Besides, the charge of opening the 
 store in the morning devolved on me, and my uncle's partner was 
 a very early riser. I determined to attend to my duty. I had not 
 however advanced further than the landing place, on the stairs, when 
 I fell, and the noise of my fall awoke my uncle, who slept in the 
 room below. He came up the stairs, and turning me over, inquired 
 what was the matter with me? I told him I did not know. Said he, 
 "you have got the yellow fever, and must go to your bed." He helped 
 me to my bed, and sent for his family physician, Doctor John Rodgers, 
 who bled me, and shortly afterwards I became delirious, and did not re 
 gain my reason until the next day, after which I gradually recovered, 
 and in seven days was pronounced to be out of danger, and walked from 
 No. 37 Stone-street to the Battery, and back again. About this time, 
 or shortly afterwards, it was discovered that the disease was an imported 
 one, and had been brought from Africa, via the Havana, in a slave ship. 
 That after the slaves were landed there, she was laden with a car 
 go of Coffee, the half of which was in a perishing state, and that she was 
 then lying at Beekman-slip, now Fulton-slip, wharf. And that all that 
 part of the City had beeome infected with what was doubtless a black Af 
 rican fever or plague. The prevailing character of this fever or plague, 
 judging from its effect on myself, was the violence of its attack, and the 
 rapidity of its progress towards dissolution. An intense pain appeared 
 to rage throughout my frame, and particularly in my forehead ; but when 
 the Doctor inquired of me the next day, how I felt, I told him that 
 every limb had suffered excruciating pain, but that the pain in my fore 
 head had changed to the back of my head, and that I felt much better ; 
 he then began to entertain hopes of my recovery ; and he was not dis 
 appointed. Providence had not limited my stay on earth to the short 
 space of one score of years. Its rapidity of progress towards dissolution 
 in those whom it attacked, was such, so I was informed, as to render their 
 death inevitable, unless it took a favorable turn within eight and forty 
 hours. My recollection does not serve me to give the precise date of 
 the existence of this fever or plague, nor could all my inquiries from 
 several Doctors and others, and even from the brother of one of its vic 
 tims, enable me to state unequivocally the identical year in which it raged 
 at Beekmau-slip. I think, however, it must have been somewhere 
 about the year 1798, or '9; of this much, however, I am certain, that it 
 was the year in which two of my classmates at College, Effingham War 
 ner, and Robert Ray Rerasen, (the brother of Henry Remscn, Esq.,) died
 
 226 NOTES ON THE LIFE OF &c. 
 
 of that same fever, and I think it also carried off General Malcolm. I re 
 member seeing the barrels of tar inlhe slip, which the Corporation had 
 ordered to be burned to disinfect the atmosphere in that vicinity. The 
 ship was ordered away, and the fever or plague ceased. 
 
 The next circumstance I think worth explaining, is the reason of my 
 Uncle's affairs being so embarrassed that he could not assist me, while 
 in partnership with Major Samuel Cooper, in the Grocery business, at 
 Coenties-slip. The reason of this, was his allowing himself to be per 
 suaded to endorse and bond for unprincipled men ; I could enumerate 
 several, but the most of them are dead, and I will not pollute my book 
 by an insertion of their names. 
 
 A certain man now living in New-York, who knew better than my 
 self in what my uncle's property consisted, assured me some time since, 
 that if he had kept his property, it would then have been worth $200,000. 
 I say nothing of the man who betrayed him to bond for him to an amount 
 that ruined him and all his nephew's earthly expectations. Well, let it go, 
 "there is really, (as a certain friend of mine, since dead, once remarked 
 to me,) " no use in crying for spilled milk." 
 
 Though I have lived both in Albany and in Herkimer, yet they by the 
 present expeditious mode of travelling are brought so nigh to New- York, 
 that I think it unnecessary to consume the time and patience of the read 
 er, by giving any graphical description of those well known places. But 
 I cannot think of closing these Notes without saying something of the 
 pleasant Village of May ville, in the County of Chautauque, and its beau 
 tiful little twenty-mile lake. 
 
 Perhaps, however, it may not be uninteresting to premise that " Chau 
 tauque County, the westernmost part of the "Holland Land Company's 
 purchase in the State of New- York," is bounded on the North by Lake 
 Erie, whose waters wash it on its whole extent, on its Northern line, and 
 separate it from the province of Upper Canada. Its length from East 
 to West, commencing at Cataraugus Creek, which divides it from the 
 County of Erie, formerly a component part of Niagara is nearly fifty 
 miles following the meandering* of the Lake, and its medium breadth 
 from North to South is forty miles. 
 
 Deriving its sources from nearly the centre of the County, lies Chau 
 tauque Lake, a quiet little sheet of water, delightfully embosomed in a 
 charming forest, on which the patient hand of c ul ti ratio n has already made 
 considerable inroads. 
 
 " This Lake on ordinary occasions, resembles in transparency the mir 
 ror in which beauty views itself, reflected with tenfoid lustre, and it is sel 
 dom lashed into foam by the contending elements. It is twenty miles 
 in length, and on an average, its breadth is from two to two and a half 
 miles. It discharges its waters southwardly, and uniting with a consid 
 erable stream, called the Connewongo Creek, forms one of the princi 
 pal tributary waters of the Allegany river. The wild ducks visit the 
 Lake in swarms during the Spring season ; and it abounds in fishe of 
 excellent quality, as the Bass, the Pike, the Pickerel, and the Sunfish. 
 
 The small, but pleasant Village of May ville, is situated at the head of 
 the Lake, extending northward about a mile, along a street ninety-nine 
 feet in breadth ; intersected at certain distances by what is called slash 
 roads, leading to different parts of the County. The public buildings in 
 1830, were the Court House and Jail, and the County Clerk's office.
 
 NOTES ON THE LIFE OF &e. 827 
 
 Near to these was the Land Office, and nearer the Lake, the Episcopal 
 Church. I do not recollect the number of inhabitants, probably two 
 hundred. But the greatest curiosity about M ay ville is, in my mind, that 
 it not only presents the amazing declivity of seven hundred feet in ten 
 miles of length, but that those ten miles, form what, I think, maybe term 
 ed the third most important Isthmus of the World. That of Suez prevents 
 the junction of the Mediterranean and Red Seas. That of Darien, the 
 Atlantic and Pacific, and this of Chautauque all the largest Lakes of out 
 Country, with all the Seas and Oceans of our world. For the out 
 let of Chautauque Lake falls into the Connowongo Creek, these two run 
 into the Allegany, the Allegany and Monongahela into the Ohio, th 
 Ohio into the Mississippi, and the Mississippi into the Gulf of Mexico. 
 
 As to either the possibility or probability of connecting the Lakes 
 Chautauque and Erie by means of a Canal, I affirm nothing, neither do 
 I offer the above information as a discovery of my own, but merely ob 
 serve that the information was afforded me by certain individuals during 
 my stay at the Village of May ville, the Latitude of which place is stated 
 as 42 deg. 18 min. 
 
 I will only add one more curiosity, or rather peculiarity of a western 
 winter, which I witnessed while at Mayville, and that is the long contin 
 ued snow in the winter'of 1830. What would a New-Yorker think ifthe 
 City should be visited with a snow storm of 18 successive days ; and that 
 too not on a dry but a wet bottom, and that it should last for nearly four 
 months ? The depth of the snow that fell that winter, commencing in 
 the month of January, was estimated to average at least three feet, through- 
 oat the County, and some of it remained on the ground when I left for 
 New-York, in the latter end of the month of April. I would merely ob 
 serve in conclusion, that on my inquiring the meaning of the Indian word 
 Chautauque, I was informed that it signified saddle-bags in our language, 
 
 VALEDICTORY ADDRESS. 
 
 And now, kind reader, we bid you adieu, 
 
 In the hope you have read our book quite through; 
 
 If you on instruction are really bent, 
 
 We trust your time has not been misspent. 
 
 If from our work you this have obtained, 
 
 Our labor's repaid, our object is gained.
 
 SYNOPSIS 
 
 DOCTOR SAMUEL JOHNSON, 
 
 Appendix to an English and Hebrew Grammar; being a Synopsis of all 
 the parts of Learning; or a general scheme for a division of the sci 
 ences, according to the natural order of things. By Samuel John 
 son, D. D., Late President of King's, now Columbia, College, in 
 New- York, &c. London, printed for, &c., 1771. 
 
 As Grammar is the introduction to the other parts of Learning, it may 
 be of some use to set down the entire prospect of the whole in one short 
 view, that young beginners may the better understand what it is they 
 are about to undertake in the course of their education. 
 
 Learning, which the Greeks called Cyclopaedia, implies the know 
 ledge of every thing both speculative and practical, that is conducive to 
 our true happiness, both present and future. So that the great end pur 
 sued through the whole, is, our happiness; and the means to that end 
 are knowledge and practice. Science is the knowledge of Truth con 
 sidered speculatively ; and Art is the knowledge of Truth considered as 
 directive of practice in order to our true good and happiness. 
 
 Now, all the parts of learning, both the Sciences and Arts, mayfbe re 
 duced to these two heads, Philology and Philosophy, Words and Things. 
 
 I. Philology is the study of words or language, as a means in order 
 the better to understand the nature of things. It is also called Belles 
 Lettres ; and this is either general or special. 
 
 1. General Philology is common to all kinds of speaking, and is 
 
 1. Grammar, which is the art of clearly and properly expressing the 
 sense of our minds in words and sentences, either by speaking or wri 
 ting, and 
 
 2. Rhetoric, which is the art of embellishing our language with the 
 most striking and beautiful expressions, the Tropes and Figures.
 
 230 SYNOPSIS. 
 
 II. Special Philology treats of what is peculiar to several kinds of speak 
 ing and writing, as 
 
 1. Oratory, which is the art of true Eloquence, or of writing or speak 
 ing in the most persuasive manner, by inventing on every subject, all 
 the proper arguments of persuasion, and disposing them to the best ad- 
 vantage, and in uttering and delivering our composition or speech in the 
 most striking and graceful manner. 
 
 2. History, which is the art of making clear and exact narration of 
 true matters of fact, with the circumstances of time and placo, for the 
 instruction and benefit of posterity. And, 
 
 3. Poetry, which is the art of making a just and lively description of 
 persons or things either real or imaginary, with an elevation and dig 
 nity of thought, and the advantage of numbers and harmony, and every 
 ornament language is capable of, for conveying the most useful instruc 
 tion, attended with the utmost delight; and, lastly, relating fo all these 
 is the art Criticism, which teaches the true force of words and phrases, 
 the nature of style and a true taste, so as to make a right judgment of 
 the real beauties and excellencies of any performance, and to distin 
 guish between what is genuine and what is counterfeit. 
 
 II. Philosophy is the study of Truth and Wisdom ; or the knowledge 
 of things, as being what they really are, together with a right conduct 
 correspondent thereunto, in the pursuit of true happiness, both here 
 and hereafter. 
 
 Now, all the things or Icings about which our studies in pursuit of 
 Truth and Wisdom can be employed are either Bodies or Spirits, i. e. 
 things sensible or intellectual, which constitute the whole Universe. 
 The World of Bodies and the World of Spirits, or the Natural or Mor 
 al World. Hence Philosophy necessarily divides itself into those two 
 great branches, Physics and Metaphysics, taking these words in a sense 
 somewhat larger than usual. Understanding by Physics the study of 
 the things of nature and sense, and what relates to them : and by Meta 
 physics, the study of things that are above and beyond the sensible na 
 ture, or mere passive objects of sense ; to wit, spiritual or intelligent, 
 free active beings, or moral agents, and what relates to them. The first 
 is, therefore, properly called Natural Philosophy, and the second may 
 be called Moral Philosophy. 
 
 I. Natural Philosophy then is the study of the nature of every thing 
 in this natural or sensible world : this world of bodies and what relates 
 to them, and to the comfort and benefit of our life in this present state. 
 And it is, 
 
 1, General in the mathematics which teach the knowledge of the com-
 
 SYNOPSIS. 231 
 
 moil affections of bodies, number and magnitude, which are necessary 
 praecognita to the study of the following parts; hence, 
 
 1. Arithmetic, which is the art of numbering; to which belongs Alge 
 bra. 
 
 2. Geometry, which is the art of measuring, to which belongs Trigo 
 nometry, Surveying, Gauging, and the doctrine of the Sphere and Cy 
 linder, and of Conic Sections, and Fluxions. 
 
 II. Special, of all the particular things in the natural world, and this 
 contains the following sciences and arts: 
 
 1. Mechanics, which explain the nature and qualities of bodies, and 
 the forces by which they move, and demonstrate the various laws of their 
 motion. Here belong Statics, Pneumatics, and Hydraulics. 
 
 2. Physics (strictly so called) or Geology, in which we contemplate 
 this Terraqueous Globe, and its atmosphere, with all its parts and fur 
 niture, both inanimate and animate. The first are the elements, fire, 
 air, water and earth. The stones, mines, minerals and meteors: the 
 others are plants and animals, and particularly the wonderful structure 
 of our own bodies. Here, therefore, belong Geography, Navigation 
 and Commerce; Agriculture, Chemistry and Botany; Optics and Mu 
 sic ; Anatomy, Surgery and Medicine, and every thing useful in life. 
 And, 
 
 3. Astronomy, in which from the Earth we launch forth into the vast 
 immeasurable Ether, and contemplate the Heavens and stars, both fixed 
 and erratic ; particularly our Sun with its splendid chorus of Planets and 
 Comets ; and determine their orbits, magnitudes and densities, and the 
 'aws of their motions, in the tides of their fluids, and their diurnal and 
 annual revolutions. To which belong Chronology and Dialling. In all 
 these parts of natural philosophy there are many Arts and practical Mat 
 ters ; and the facts in all nature are related in Natural History. 
 
 II. Moral Philosophy is the study of the Moral World, or the world of 
 intelligent, free, active beings, or moral Agents, and what relates to them, 
 in the pursuit of our true happiness, both here and forever in our future 
 state. Here then we ascend from the sensible and natural, to the intel 
 ligent and moral world, from the world of bodies to the world of spirits. 
 And this is either speculative or practical; the first relates chiefly to 
 Truth, and^may be (more strictly) called metaphysics ; the second relates 
 chiefly to duty or manners, and in a large sense, may be called Ethics. 
 
 The speculative part of moral philosophy in its full extent, explains 
 what can be known of intelligent active beings, and here the first is 
 
 1st. Logic, which explains and directs the powers and operation of the 
 mind and understanding, including both Ontology, or the science of_tlie
 
 232 SYNOPSIS. 
 
 general notion of Being, with its various affections, as applied both to 
 body and spirit. And Dialectic or the art of the right conduct of the mind 
 in thinking and reasoning. 
 
 N. B. Though this is the proper place of Logic, in the order of the 
 sciences, yet it is necessary to teach it immediately after some progress in 
 Philology, in order to our forming clear and just conceptions and rea 
 sonings in Philosophy. 
 
 2d. Pneumatology is the Doctrine of Spirits or created intelligences ; 
 and here we begin with our own souls, their powers and operations, both 
 perceptive and active ; and thence we proceed to other intelligences 
 whether good or bad ; and by analogy we gradually arise to the best con 
 ceptions we are capable of, of the Deity, the Father, Creator and Lord 
 of all, in 
 
 3d. Theology, which is the knowledge of God, and his Attributes, op 
 erations and dispensations in the creation and government of the world, 
 with regard to which, and our duty, we are obliged to depend on the 
 Revelation of his mind and will ; which he hath graciously made to man 
 kind. 
 
 II. The practical part of Moral Philosophy chiefly relates to life and 
 conduct in our several capacities, both personal and social, and this is 
 what is more strictly called Moral Philosophy. And it consists of three 
 parts ; the chief of which, and ground of the rest is, 
 
 1. Ethics, strictly so called, ^which is the right conduct of our temper 
 and behaviour in all our relations towards God and man, both to our 
 selves and others, in order to our true and endless happiness. To which 
 succeed 
 
 2. Economics, which treat of the right conduct of families, and every* 
 thing that relates to them. And lastly, 
 
 3. Politics, which treat of the constitution and good government of 
 Cities, Kingdoms and Republics ; and as good policy provides for the 
 happiness of men both temporal and spiritual, it must consist of two 
 great branches, viz. Civil and Ecclesiastical polity. And the facts in 
 the moral world are related in Biography, aod in Civil and Ecclesiastical 
 History.
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 The Author is satisfied that errors will be detected by a particu 
 lar description, at least, of his Subscribers, during the perusal of his 
 work. And if any thing need be urged for the commission of such er 
 rors, by way of extenuation, it would be that they were not discovered 
 until after the sheets had gone to press. 
 
 One error, however, from its grossness, he feels constrained in this way 
 to correct; it will be discovered in the note at the foot of page 43, viz. 
 " cere perennium," to make which right, please change the final m into s, 
 and you will have the neuter gender of the comparative degree of the 
 word perennis, thus ior-ior-us. 
 
 Whatever other errors may be found to exist, either in the English, 
 Latin, or Greek, throughout the book, he anticipatingly commends them 
 to the clemency of the reader ; assuring him, that with all the labor and 
 dilligence he has bestowed both by night and by day, on the Specimens, 
 in order to present them faultless; he has nevertheless found it next to 
 impossible to steer clear of some errors in a first impression, and this he 
 considers is mainly to be attributed to the circumstance of its having to 
 pass through so many different hands, previously to its receiving its 
 final touch from those of the pressman. 
 
 THE AUTHOR.
 
 SUBSCRIBER'S NAMES. 
 
 Anthon, John 
 Arcularius, Peter G- 
 Anthony, Jacob 
 Angelis, Gideon De 
 Arcularius, Philip J. 
 Adams, James 
 Abel!, Henry 
 Asten, Abraham 
 Alice, Daniel 
 Allee, Joseph B. 
 Arrowsmith, Augustus T. 
 Arrowsmith, M. 
 
 Bovvne, Walter 
 Bogardus, Robert 
 Boganlus, William H. 
 Burr, Edward 
 Btirlock, HortonH. 
 Bradhurst, John M. 
 Burlin?, Bernard It. 
 Buckley, Thomas T. 
 Baxter, Timothy 
 Bowne, John R. 
 Bruorton, William 
 Britten, Henry M. 
 Brown, W. L. 
 Barford, S. 
 Barkaloo, H. H. 
 Beers, Nathan T. 
 Burling, Lancaster S. 
 Barberie, S. 
 Bruce, William H. 
 Bailey, John F. 
 Brady, Thomas S. 
 Bevoise, Garret De 
 Barker, Smith 
 Brooks, Sidney S. 
 Brown, M. D. Edward V. 
 Burnett, Rev. Wm, 
 Brown, Joshua D. 
 
 Crolius, Clarkson 
 Cowdrey, Samuel 
 Cochran, M. D. Hugh H- 
 Carpenter, J. S. 
 Cooper, John M. 
 Cornwell, Richard 
 Cowdrey, David M. 
 Covert, Richard D. 
 Clark, E. W. 
 Cox, Henry F. 
 Cornwell, Richard H. 
 Cox, William 
 Campbell, James 
 Conklin, Joseph 
 Coles, Willet 
 Coutant, Gilbert 
 Connor, Charles 
 Cumberton, William 
 
 Dean, Nicholas 
 De Peyster, George 
 Degraw, Walter 
 Devvitt, Peter 
 Dodge, Henry S. 
 Dodge, W. 
 De Camp, John 
 Deuel, Silas J. 
 Duryee, JT>hn T. 
 Dodge, Robert 
 Duryea, Tunis H. 
 De Klyn, Bernard 
 Doughty, John S. 
 Davis, James R. 
 Dando, Stephen 
 Davis, Ezra P. 
 
 Everit, William 
 Erben, Henry 
 Elsworth, William
 
 236 
 
 SUBSCRIBER'S NAMES. 
 
 Eben, Jr. Peter 
 Elting, William 
 
 Frazier, William 
 Ferris, Charles G. 
 Furman, Gabriel 
 Fisher, Jr. Leonard 
 Fisher, Henry 
 Frasier, Alfred S. 
 Frantzkee, F. W. 
 Flanagan, John R. 
 Fisher, George 
 Freeman, Lorrain 
 Fleming, John A. 
 Fowler, D.A. 
 Forbes, James 
 Frink, M. D. Cyrus 
 Frasier, Thomas 
 Forbes, David A. 
 
 Greenfield, John V. 
 Gilford, Jr. Samuel 
 Gale, William 
 Gilfilland, M. D. George 
 Garr, Andrew S. 
 Gemmel, James 
 Gemmel, John 
 Gould, Banks & Co. 
 Gottsberger, H. H. 
 Gould, William 
 Gould, Anthony 
 
 Harper & Brothers, 
 Hoxie, Joseph 
 Hart, John J. 
 Harned, Wiliam H. 
 Hassler, J. J. S. 
 Herring, Elbert 
 Hinckley, Charles A. 
 Haskett, W. J. 
 Henry, T. S. 
 Hope', G. T. & Co. 
 Husson, Joseph 
 Hawkins, Richard G. 
 Hunn, T. 
 Hicks, Thomas 
 Hillyer, John 
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 Hart, M. B. 
 
 Hall, George 
 
 Ireland, George 
 limes, George 
 
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 Jackson, Thomas 
 Jackson, Henry 
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 Jones, Hercules H. 
 Johnson, Rev. Evan M. 
 Johnson, Samuel E. 
 Johnson, Jeromus 
 Johnson, Oscar 
 
 Keese, John 
 Keese, J. Lawrence 
 Keese, W. Lynn 
 Keith, Minor H. 
 Kinsey, John 
 
 Lounds, Oliver M. 
 Laight, Edward W. 
 Lontrel, Lewis 
 Lefferts, Leffert 
 Lineback, Charles F. 
 Livingston, Liv. 
 Lynch, James 
 Lozier, John 
 Lazarus, E. S. 
 Lawrence, W. 
 Leveridge, John W. C. 
 Langley, J. & H. 
 Lynch, George H. E. 
 Livingston, R. D. 
 Lent, G. W. 
 Ledyard, John 
 Lawrence, John L. 
 Lawrence, Isaac 
 Loines, John 
 
 Morris, Robert H. 
 Morrell, John A. 
 Mackay, Hay S. 
 Mann, Josiah 
 Mitchell, David B. 
 Monk, Joseph 
 Marschalk, George B. 
 Meigga Henry, 
 Marichalk, John 
 Macfaflan, Thomas
 
 SUBSCRIBER'S NAMES. 
 
 237 
 
 McKeen, James 
 Mason, Michael P. 
 Morse, Nathan B. 
 Miller, Sylvanus 
 Milner, J. Picton 
 Marselis, Peter T. 
 Mclntosh, R. 
 Manley, M. D. James R. 
 McCoun, J. W. 
 Mulden, James M. 
 McGowan, James 
 Merrill, Elisha 
 Myers, M. S. 
 Meigs, Henry 
 Myers, John 
 Mortimer, George 
 Milpra, William 
 Mills, Jr. David S. 
 McClean, John 
 
 Noah, M. M. 
 Nicoll, Edward A. 
 Nack, James 
 Nagle, Cornelius 
 
 Olwell, Matthew 
 O'Brien, S. J. 
 
 Phoenix, Thomas 
 Palmer, M. D. Walter C. 
 Price, John 
 Paget, Charles 
 Pinckney, Elijah R. 
 Phillips, H. 
 Pattison, James H. 
 Pike Otis 
 Platt, F. A. 
 Phillips, Alfred A. 
 Piggot, Joseph 
 
 Quackenbush, Jr. James" 
 Quackenbos, Mangle M. 
 Quackenbos, Nicholas J. 
 
 Riker, John L. 
 Reynolds, Micajah 
 Richmond, Warren 
 Ryer, Benjamin F. 
 Riley, Joseph 
 Riker, John C. 
 Renolds, James G. 
 
 Roy, William L. 
 Ryder, Alfred M. 
 Richardson, Simon 
 Remsen, Henry 
 
 Schieffelin, Effingham 
 Schieffelin, Henry H. 
 Scheffelin, R. L. 
 Sandford, Charles W. 
 Strong, Charles A. 
 Sewall, William E. 
 Schureman, Nicholas 
 Stewart, Alexander 
 Stephens, Alfred G. 
 Scovell, Harris 
 Sturges, Samuel 
 Shaler, William 
 Stemler, John A. 
 Sackett, Clarence D. 
 Stephens, Augustus C. 
 Sherman, James 
 Sharp, Richard 
 Smith, Edwin E. 
 Smith, John 
 Smith, William 
 Sidell.JohnA. 
 Spooner, Alden 
 Smith, W 
 Sands, William 
 Swords, Frances D. 
 Spinney, Joseph 
 Story, Rufus 
 
 Stanton, P. Van Rensallaer, 
 Smith, S. Alpheus 
 Sprague, Joseph 
 Sherman, Alpheus 
 Stone, William L. 
 Shotwell, Samuel 
 Sands, Daniel R. 
 Shippey, William 
 
 Tompkins, M. D., N. U. 
 Thome, Richard V. W. 
 Tombs, Andrew 
 Tombs, Andrew J. F. 
 Timpson, John 
 Thomson, Wm. B. 
 Trask, W. E. 
 Trask, E. R. 
 Triquet, E. G. 
 Tenney, P. W.
 
 253 
 
 SUBSCRIBER'S NAMES. 
 
 Thorne, John 
 Townseud, John K. 
 Thorne, M. D. John S. 
 Thorne, Henry W. 
 Terry, Samuel 
 Thyson, Henry 
 Tillou, G. W. 
 Tovvle, J. 
 TibbetS, John G. 
 
 Van Buren, Martin 
 Varian, Isaac 
 Vincent, Edward 
 Vosburgh, Abraham 
 Vultee, Henry V. 
 Van Pelt, M. D. Abraham 
 Van Antwerp, John E. 
 Van Santvoort & Goddard, 
 Van Colt, Albert B. 
 Van Wyck, Jr. Stephen 
 Van Nice, Stephen 
 Van Cleef, Abraham 
 
 Vanderpool, A. B. 
 
 Whiting. William 
 Wilson, Peter 
 Wilson, George 
 Whiting, Charles 
 Woolsey, John 
 Wyne, William 
 Wanamaker, H. B. 
 Woodward, John 
 Williamson, Dow D. 
 Whitrnore, Luther 
 Wood, James L. 
 Wood, William H. 
 Willetts, L. S. 
 Wilson, William H. 
 Williamson, Nicholas 
 Wyckoff, Richard S. 
 Waring, Nathaniel F. 
 Welling, William 
 Wilson, Harris 
 Wilson, M. D. Abraham D.
 
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