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 THE 
 
 WORKS 
 
 O F 
 
 The late Reverend 
 
 JAMES HER V-E-Y, A. M. 
 
 Redlor of Wefton-Faveil, in Northamptonfhire. 
 
 IN SIX VOLUMES. 
 
 VOLUME I. 
 
 CONTAINING, 
 
 t| 
 
 s 
 
 i 
 
 , 
 
 MEDITATIONS among 
 
 the T o M B s ; 
 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 FLOWE R-GARD EN ; 
 A DESCANT upon 
 
 CREATION; 
 
 : ie 
 
 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 on the NIGHT; 
 
 CONT EMPLATIONS 
 
 on the STARRY 
 HEAVENS ; and 
 
 A WlNT ER-PlECE. 
 
 TO WHICH IS PREFIXED, 
 
 A particular ACCOUNT of Hie LIF E, CHA- 
 RACTER, and W R i T i N G s of the AUTHOR. ] 
 
 / will meditate of all thy works, and talk of thy doings. * 
 
 !"/* 1 t J S 
 
 rial. Ixxvu. 12. 
 
 EDINBURGH: 
 
 Printed for JAMES ROCH, the Publifher, and fold by 
 
 him, at his Shop Luckenbooths, and by the 
 
 principal Bookfellers in Great Britain. 
 
 * ' M'DCC^LXXIX 
 
 ^r^TvirfTV**^ *v*

 
 ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 AS the writings of the great and good Mr HER- 
 v E Y have been held in the greateft efteem by. 
 all the friends of real Chriflianity ; and the demand 
 for them, even in detached pieces, has been very 
 confiderable 5 the prefent editor was advifed to col- 
 left them into fix volumes, and give an elegant and 
 accurate edition of the whole. And he flatters him- 
 felf, that this impreffion, in regard to the fize and 
 elegance of the types, the quality of the paper, andf 
 the manner of execution, will be found far fuperior 
 to that of any of the different pieces hitherto publim- 
 ed, either in London, Scotland, or Ireland. 
 
 The MEDITATIONS, and THE RON and As PA- 
 SI o, are printed from copies that received the au- 
 thor's laft corrections and improvements, a little be- 
 jfbre his happy death. Thefe corrections and improve- 
 ments are lb very confiderable and important, that 
 if any reader will be at the pains to compare this e- 
 dition of thefe pieces with any copies printed in Lon- 
 don, previous to the year 1760, he will find not only 
 many fentences added, but vaft improvements, both in 
 diction and fentirnent, made in the Meditations ; and in 
 Thervn andAfpafio^ not only very cbnfiderabie amend- 
 ments made, but in many places whole pages added, 
 both if) the text and notes. So that the prefent edi- 
 tion will be found greatly preferable, in all refpecls, 
 to any that hath hitherto appeared. 
 
 A r Ths
 
 iv ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 The p':her pieces are printed from the beft London 
 editions ; Mr Hervey's recommendatory prefaces to 
 ieveral other works are now collected ; ieveral of 
 his religious letters do now appear; and the whole 
 are arranged conformably to their dates, as far as 
 could be done. The Index is copious and entirely 
 new. 
 
 To the whole is prefixed a particular account of 
 the life, characler, and writings of the author j chief- 
 ly taken from the account of his life prefixed to the 
 two volumes of his letters publilhed in 1760. Several 
 other anecdotes concerning him, will be given in the 
 preface to his letters in this edition. 
 
 Upon the whole, as the editor has fpared no pains 
 or expence for giving a beautiful and correct edition 
 of the works of the truly evangelical and pious Mr 
 HE RVEY, he cannot but think his labours will meet 
 with the public approbation, as he is duly fenfible of 
 the encouragement already given him. 
 
 J. Roc 
 
 1779-
 
 55* 
 
 HlJ 
 
 
 T. H 
 
 TENTS. 
 
 The LIFE of the AUTHOR. 
 
 HIS birth and parentage, xv. Educated at Nqrthampton- 
 fchool, ib. Entered of Lincoln-college, Oxford, ib. 
 Succefs of his fludies there, xvi. Learns the Hebrew, ib. 
 
 Though he mewed a ferious turn early, yet he was a ftran- 
 ger to the doctrines of grace, till his prejudices were removed 
 by Jenks's treatife on fubmiflidn to the righteoufnefs of God, 
 xvii. Enters into holy orders, refufes to hold his exhibition, 
 and becomes curate to his father, ib. Becomes curate at Dum- 
 mer, and lives fome time with Mr Orchard, ib. Stands god- 
 father to Mr Orchard's eldeft fon, xviii. Undertakes the cu- 
 racy of Biddeford, ib. Difmifled againft the will of his parifhi- 
 oners, ib. Plans his Meditations in Cornwal, ib. Becomes 
 curate again to his father, ib. Publifhes the firft volume of 
 his Meditations, ib. Publi flies the fecond, xix. Sent off to 
 London, and dangeroufly ill there, ib. Returns to Wefton- 
 Favell, where he refides till his death, ib. Takes his degree of 
 Matter of arts at Cambridge, ib. Reluctantly accepts the two 
 livings of Wefton-Favell and Collingtree, xx. Publiihes feve- 
 ral pieces, xx. xxi. Recommends Marfhall on fancYificarion, 
 xx jj. His Theron and Afpafio attacked by feveral wrirers, ib. 
 
 Writes a defence of it, ib. Publifhes three faft-fermons, 
 and recommends Jenks's Meditations, xxiii. His labours in 
 the miniftry, ib. The feverity of his lad illneis, ib. His affec- 
 ting fpeeches on his death-bed, xxiv. His fpeech and exbor* 
 ration to Dr StonhouCe, xxv. His exemplary patience, xxvii. 
 _ His fevere conflict, ib. His laft pathetic fpeeches,xxviii.xxix. 
 
 His death and burial, xxix. His heavenly life and triumph- 
 ant death, xxx. His character as a miniOer, ib. Hismethod of 
 preaching, xxxi. Affects plainnefs in bis public difcourfes, ib. 
 
 His method of catechiiing,xxxii. Hisfatnily devotion, xxxiii. 
 
 Explains the fcripture daily in his family, ib. Is a member 
 of an aflembly for Chriftian improvement, ib. His uncommon 
 and extraordinary charities, xxxiii. xxxiv. Devotes the pro- 
 fits of his works to charitable ufes, xxxv. Frugal in perfon- 
 al expences, ib. A remarkable indance of his de{ire to do 
 good, xxxvi. The happy effects of his attachment to the 
 declrines of free grace, ib. Too negligent of his drefs, 
 xxxvii. In learning inferior to few, ib. His humility, ib 
 Writes raany religious letters, xxxvii* xxxviii. His reply to 
 
 an
 
 <vi THE C O N T E N T S 
 
 an abufive letter, xxxviii. xxxix. The doctrines he preached^ 
 xxxix. xl. His character in the Nbrtharapton Mercury, xli. 
 Mr Dodds's eulogium on him, ib. Elegy on him, by a 
 young apprentice, xlii. 
 
 Verfes to Mr Hervey on his Meditations, xliii. 
 
 MEDITATIONS among the TOMBS.' 
 
 OCcafionofthe meditations, 65. Solitary walk in a church,' 
 66. Handfome altar-piece; gratitude celebrated, 66, 67. 
 ibo/omow's temple ; his noble fentiments at the dedication : 
 the pafiage illuftrated, 67, 68. The Holy Ghoft dwelling in 
 our hearts; a rich privilege ; an obligation to holinefs, 69, 
 70. The floor covered with funeral inscriptions, 71. Wif- 
 dom of meditating on our latter end, ib. Promifcuous lodg- 
 ment, and amicable agreement of corpfes, fuggeft humility, 
 and concord, 72. Monument of an infant; its fortunate cir- 
 cunidances ; fuperior felicity of furvivors, 74. Monument of 
 a youth ; grief of the parents ; mitigated or aggravated by the 
 profpect of the invifible (late; exhortation to educate children 
 religioufly, 75, 76. Monument of a young man, cut off in 
 his prime ; how unexpected and afflictive the Itroke; the frailty 
 of all fubl unary happinefs, 78. Reflection on the thr.ee pre- 
 ceding exits ; the uncertainty of life; call to be always ready, 
 80, 81. This farther urged from the inftance of a per fon kil- 
 led by a misfortune ; nothing cafunl, but all ordered by provi- 
 dence, 82. Cafe of a lady, who died in childbed; her charac- 
 ter : with regard to earthly things, we know not what is really 
 defirable or truly good: remarks on Mrs STONHOUSE'S mo- 
 nument, in the great church at North avtiptott, 85. A religious 
 father taken from his young family ; his behaviour on a dying 
 bed ; their fupport in a fatherlefs ftate, 90. Monument of a 
 middle-aged perfon ; immerfed in bufmefs; difappointment of 
 his fchemes : his dying acknowledgments ; the folly of world- 
 ly-mindednefs ; very bitternefs in the end, 95. The graves of 
 the aged; the difficulties and hazard of a late repentance ; 
 youth intreated to enter upon a courfe of holinefs without de- 
 lay, 97. The fmgular wifdom and felicity of the righteous; the 
 reft of their bodies; the calmnefs of their departure; the 
 fafety of their dilembodied fouls ; their delightful fituatiori tiU 
 
 the
 
 THE CONTENTS. vil 
 
 the judgment-day, 100. Monument of a warrior, flain in. 
 battle; refleftions on the death of CHRIST, that it was vo- 
 luntary, forefeen, undergone for enemies ; was moft tortur- 
 ous, lingering, and ignominious, 105. The meannefs of be- 
 ing obliged to a monument for perpetuating our names : au- 
 thor's wilh for himfelf ; true method of eternizing our cha- 
 racters, 92. The vault ; its awful afpect; grandeur in abafe- 
 inent ; the vanity of pleafures, honours, and riches, no. 
 The clock ftrikes ; a warning to redeem the time, 114. 
 The wonderful change which takes place in the tomb, dif- 
 played in feveral particulars, 'ib. Soliloquy of a lover; ad- 
 monition to the ladies; true beauty of the fair fex, 116. Sin 
 the caufe of our dhTolution, 1 18. Subjecl of mortality brought 
 home to our own cafe ; incitement to improve life ; this the 
 bed embalming, 119. View of our Saviour's fepulchre; his 
 lying in the grave has foftened it for his people; faith in 
 his dying love difarms death, 121. The refurreclicn of the 
 righteous ; their meeting the Judge; their acceptance at the 
 great tribunal, 124. Sicknefs, fin, and death, deftroyed ; 
 blifs or mifery unchangeable; obfervation on eternity, 125 
 The wicked ; the anguifh of their lait ficknefs. No hope but 
 from the religion they defpifed ; that very precarious ; the 
 horror of their diflblution ; this the beginning of forrows ; 
 their treatment in the invHible world ; referved to the judg- 
 ment of the great day, 128. They rife, tho' reluctant ; are 
 diftra&ed with terror; covered with contempt; condemned 
 to endlefs wo, 131. To be inftrurnental in faving our fel- 
 low-creatures from this mifery, the trueft exercife of bene- 
 volence, 133. A reflection on the vaft importance of thefe 
 truths ; a perfuafive to ad under the believing confideration 
 of them ; enforced by the inexpre(fible necefllty of preparing 
 for them, ib. The whole clofes with a view of the prefenc 
 fecurity, and future glory, of the righteous, 135. 
 
 REF LECTIONS on a FLOWER- GARDEN. 
 
 WAlk in the garden ; fummer-morning ; a foaring lark ; 
 invitation to early rifing, 140. Vaftnefs of the 
 Jieavens, greater extent of divine mercy, 141 The fun; its 
 fifing glories ; emblem of C R i s T, in. its enlightening, 
 
 fructifying,
 
 Tiii 
 
 THE CONTENTS. 
 
 fructifying, chearing, and extenfive influences, 143. Dews; 
 their tranfient brightnefs ; their refrefhing nature; their im- 
 menfe number : difficult pafTage in the Pfalms cleared up, t^8. 
 The various, but harmonious procedure of providence and 
 grace, 153. View of the country, and its principal produc- 
 tions; particularly of an orchard, and kitchen-garden; chief- 
 ly characterized as ufeful, 154. CHRIST made and recovered, 
 upholds and actuates all; addrefs to mankind on this occalion, 
 161. Obfervations contracted to the garden; fields of litera- 
 ture left for the (hidy of the Bible, 165. Fragrance of flowers ; 
 its fugitive nature, another motive to Ihake off (loth; the de- 
 lightful fenfation it creates, faint reprefentation of CHRIST'S 
 facrifice; all our performances polluted, this the caule of our 
 acceptance, 166. Colours of flower.s, how perfect in every 
 kind; with what Ikill difpofed ; finenefs of the flowery texture : 
 inducement to trult in providence, 169. The folly of pride in, 
 drefs; oi.r true ornaments difplayed, 171. Flowers naturally 
 infpire delight ; what pleafure mull arife from the beatific vi- 
 (ion, 173. Solomon pictures out the blefled JESUS by themoft 
 <lelicate flowers; beauties in the creature lead us to the Creator, 
 175. Diver (ity of flowers, in their airs, habits, attitudes, and 
 lineaments; wifdom of the almighty Maker: the per lection 
 and fimplicity of his operations, 176 Difference between in- 
 dividuals of the fame fpecies ; emblem of the fmaller differences 
 among Proteflants, 180. Regular fucceflion of flowers ; iome 
 of the choiceft fets described ; pleafmg effects produced by this 
 ceconoivsy ; a benevolent providence apparent in conducting it, 
 101. This beautiful difpofuion, and all that is admirable in the 
 creation, referred to CHRIST as the author; to confider the 
 things that are made, in this view, has excellent influence on 
 our faith and love, 185. The ftruclure of flowers fo correct, 
 could not be altered, but to their prejudice ; the time of iheir 
 appearing, chofen with the niceft precaution : thefe circum- 
 fiances, a (Iriking argument for refignjition to the difpofals ci 
 heaven, 189. Quotations from Caiimir and Juvenal tranfla- 
 ted, 190, 192, A favourite tenet of Mr Pope's rightly dated, 
 192. The brute-creatures unaffected with flowers: their fine 
 qualities peculiarly intended to delight mankind : all things 
 eondituted with a particular regard ta our advantage; this 
 an endearing obligation to gratitude ; but a more engaging mo- 
 tive, is the gift of an immortal foul, 192. Remark on the 
 notion of a great poet, 196. The cultivated garden, an i- 
 jaage of a well-nurtured mind; addrefs to perfons concerned in 
 
 the
 
 THE CONTENTS. ix 
 
 the education of youth, 200. Flowers in the bud, figura- 
 tive of a niggard; flowers in full expanfion, exprellive of a 
 benevolent difpolition, 203 Sun-flower; its remarkable at- 
 tachment to the fun; fuch ihould be our adherence to the fca- 
 viour, 204. Paffion- flower ; its cefcription ; with a religious 
 improvement, 206. Sen (hive plant; ihrinksfrom every touch: 
 fuch fhould be our felicitous care to avoid fin, 210. The de- 
 licacy of flowers, and coarfcnefs of their roots; the ennobl'mp; 
 change of our bodies at the refurrection ; this ihoukl reconcile 
 us to the thoughts ofdiiTolution, 212. -Pafiage fromT/xiGcritus;. 
 the perfections of flower.; foon decay ; the charms of coiuplco 
 tion fcarce more lading, 214 Initances of tranfuory conti- 
 nuance in the noblett flowers; the honours of the future Itate 
 unfading, 216. All the delights of the flowery feafon pafs a- 
 wayj the celeftial entertainments know no end, 217. i\ot 
 flowers only, but ihe mod durable things in nature, are Be- 
 riming; their felicity ftable, who have GOD for their portion, 
 2.18. Retreat into an arbour ; practice of St singujiine, pat- 
 tern for our imitation, 220. Coolnefs of this fnauy fituation; 
 the infufferable heat, that rages abroad ; our fafety in ail the 
 dangers of life, and amidll the terrors of eternal judgment, if 
 iheltered by the Redeemer's protection, and intereded in his 
 merits, ib. The bees; their ing. nuity ; their induftry ; fet 
 an example fortheauthor, 222. Adittantprofpeclof the whole 
 t'cene, with its various decorations, reminds the beholder of 
 heaven ; its glories not to be deicribed, but moll paOionately 
 xlelired, 223. 
 
 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 
 
 DESIGN of the whole, 230. Angels, 231 The vifible 
 heavens, ib. S ; ars, 232.. Comets, 233. Planets, ib. 
 bun, 234 Moon, ib. Tiiunders, 235 Lightnings, ib. 
 Clouds, wintry and vernal, 237,-^ Rainbow, 239. Storms 
 and tempers, ib. PefHlenc.e, 240. Heat and cold, ib. Ocean, 
 2.41. Mountains, woods, and (hrubs, 242. Vine and fruit- 
 trees, ib. Meadows and fields, 243. Mines and jewels, ib. 
 Fountains and rivers, 244. Birds, ib. Bees, 245. Silk- 
 v/orm, 246. Catrle, and creatures in every element, 248. 
 General chorus of praife, 249. 
 
 CON- 
 . I. N?. i. B
 
 THE CONTENTS. 
 
 CONTEMPLATIONS on the NIGHT. 
 
 Delightful evening-walk; the unmoleded enjoyment ot 
 ^^ fuch pleafures, owing to our late victory over the rebels, 
 ^07, &c. to 270. The fetting fun, ^70 Twilight; its ufe- 
 fulnefs ; ferious confideration, 272. The dewy coolnefs; its 
 beneficial influence on nature ; returns of folitude equally ufe- 
 ful to man, 273. Angels our fpectators; GOD ever prefent; 
 comfortable improvement of this truth, 275. The day ended; 
 the fwiftnefs, the fhortnefs of time; the work to be done while 
 it lafts: to fquander it away, the moft dedructive extravagance, 
 278. The profound iilence, 282. Univerfal ceflation of bu- 
 linefs, 284 The variations of nature, pleafmg and advanta- 
 geous, 286 Darknefs ; the obliging manner of its taking 
 place; wild beads of the defart, and favages in human fhape, 
 make ufe of this opportunity, 288. -Darknefs renders the 
 lead fpark vifible; yet fteals from our fight all the lovely dif- 
 tinclions of things, 291, Sleep; its chearing nature; the gift 
 of heaven ; fine preparatives for its approach; the kindnefs of 
 providence in guarding our (lumbers, 293. Dreams ; their 
 unaccountable oddnefs ; many people's waking thoughts no 
 lefs chimerical, 297. A very fingular, and very happy cir- 
 cumdauce, attending deep and dreams, 299. Ghods ; our 
 unreasonable timoroufnefs on this occafion; the true object of 
 fear; the reality and defign of apparitions, deducted from a 
 paffage in Job, 301. The owl; its gloomy difpolition; unho- 
 ly perfons incapable of relifhing the delights of heaven, 306. 
 Owl fcreaming, luppofed to be a token of death; the many 
 real prefaces of this great change; due preparation pointed 
 out, and prefled, 107. The nightingale; her charming long; 
 entertains the lovers of retirement; how to have a iweeter 
 melody in our own breads, 310. The very different circum- 
 itances of mankind, particularly of the gay, and the afflicted ; 
 addrefs to the devotees of mirth and feniuality, 311. The 
 glow-worm, and ignis fatuus; the pleafures of the world, and 
 powers of unenlightened reafon, 314. A comet ; imagined 
 to be the forerunner of judgments; licentioulnefs abounding 
 in a nation, a much more formidable omen; the didemper a- 
 mongthecatde,3i6. Northern lights; the panic they occafion 5 
 the general conflagration, 319. The moon riling; brightens 
 as fhe advances; luch fhouid be our moral conduct, 321. 
 Moon opens a majedic fcene; how worthy our admiration, 322. 
 Moon, a mod fervicenble appendage to our ^lobe, 324. 
 
 Moon
 
 THE CONTENTS. xi 
 
 Moon fhines with derivative light ; ChrifHans receive their all 
 from their Saviour, 325. Moon always varying; the things 
 of this world liable to perpetual vicillitudes ; our own righte- 
 oufnefs unequal and imperfect, our Redeemer's complete, and 
 always the fame 326. Moon under an eclipfe; gazed at by 
 multitudes; the faults of eminent perfons feldom efcape ob- 
 fervation, 33 r. Moon reflected by the ocean ; the virtues of 
 perfons in diftinguimed (Nations, influential on others, 332 
 Moon actuates the fea ; the everlafting joys of heaven attract 
 and refine the affections, 333. Prayer, a reafonable fervice ; 
 praife, a delightful duty; with devout recollections proper for 
 the night, 334. 
 
 CONTEMPLATIONS on the STARRY HEAVENS. 
 
 WAlk on the fummit of a hill. The advancing night with- 
 draws the rural profpect; opens the beauties of the iky, 
 341 Fragrance of the blooming beans, 342. The heavens, 
 a noble field for the difplay of the divine perfections, 343. 
 Folly of judicial aftrology ; right ufe of contemplating the 
 ftars, 344. A (ketch of the rnoll remarkable dilcoveries of 
 our modern aftronomy, 345 Religion, and necefTary bufi- 
 nefs ; religion, and innocent pleafure; as con{Htenr, as the 
 annual and diurnal motions of the earth, 347. The fun, its 
 enormous fize, 348. Stars, the centres of lyftems ; their in- 
 conceivable diftance, 349. Other Ikies furnimed with other 
 flars, 350. The greatnefs of the Creator, 351. The prece- 
 dingoblervations inculcate humility, 352. Shew the littlenefs 
 of terreftrial things, ibid. The ftupendous condefcenfion of 
 GOD, in his gracious regards to the children of men, 354. 
 The prodigious heinoufnefs of human guilt, 356. Therich- 
 nefs of CHRIST's atonement, and its complete fufficiency 
 for the moft deplorable cafes of fin and mifery, 359. The 
 power of GOD manifefted in the (tarry heavens ; this the 
 Chriftian's confhnt fafeguard, and fure refource, 362 The 
 miferable condition of the ungodly, who have Omnipotence 
 for their enemy, 366 The unwearied patience of this al- 
 mighty Being, 367. The wifdom of GOD, difplayed in the 
 ikies ; fubmiflion to his difpenfations, even when they feem 
 moft frowning and feverej all fpringfrom love, and will ter- 
 JB 2 minate
 
 kii THE CONTENTS. 
 
 min ate" in good, 368. The goodnefs of GOD, diffufed" 
 through the va(t fyitem of created things ; but far more illu- 
 frricutiy exemplified in the work of redemption; the former 
 view gives a mod amiable, the latter a perfectly-raviihing, idea 
 of t-he divine beneficence, 373. The purity of GOD, faint- 
 ly represented by the unipotttd firmament : the defilement of 
 iinftil man : the immaculate excellence of his Surety, 379 
 The unmeafurable dimenfions of the fky ; the greater extent 
 cf the divine bounty ami mercy : the latt of thefe fubjects, be- 
 ing fo peculiarly comfortable to (inners, confidered fomewhat 
 copioufiy, 353. What fultams the arch ot heaven, and fup- 
 porf the giooes it contains; the fame inviilble hand upholds 
 the Chriftian in his eourfe, 390. The faithfulhefs of GOD 
 pourtrayed, in the (lability of the heavenly bodies and perpe- 
 tuity of their motions ; the unreafbnablenefs of our unbelief; 
 motives to an allured faith, 394. Various attributes of the 
 divine natare appear, with a glimmering light, in the celeOial 
 luminaries; all fhine forth, with thefullelt iultre, in CHRIST 
 JESUS, 396.- The dignity of prayer, and happinefs of ha- 
 ving GOD for our portion, 401. The horrible ingratitude, 
 and destructive perverfencfs, of living without GOD in the 
 world, 404. All the rolling worlds on high, punctually obe- 
 dient to their Maker's orders ; are a pattern, in this reipect, 
 and provocative to the rational creation, 416. The gradual 
 appearance of liars ; and progreliive ftate of a trueconveriion, 
 410- The multitude of ftars ; efpecially in the galaxy ; the 
 more attentively furveyed, t he greater number difcovered; this 
 applied to the unfear enable treafures ofwifdom inthefcriptures, 
 of merit in CHRIS T, of blifs in heaven, 411. The celeftial 
 bodies difpofed in fuch a manner, as to be delightful and fer- 
 viceable to man ; adorn his abode, and meafuie his time ; a 
 filent admonition this, to improve the talent, 414. Bright- 
 Kefs of the (tars ; encouragement to fidelity in the ministerial 
 office, 416. Polar (tar; its invariable fituation ; guide to the 
 ancient manners; fuel) the word of GOD to our fouls; perfua- 
 five to follow its unerring dictates, 417 Variety'in the magr 
 nitude, and fpl ndor of theibrs; different degrees in the world 
 of glory; yet all the blelfcd completely happy, 418. Projec- 
 tion and attraction, the grand principles that actuate the plane- 
 tary fyftem ; faith and love bear much the fame proportion, ia 
 the oeconomy of Chriitianity, 42.. The admirable effects, 
 and exteniive influences, of attraction ; thd agency of the 
 GHOST on the human mind, 422. Vail grada- 
 tion
 
 THE CONTENTS. xiii 
 
 tion in the fcale of beings ; all are objefts of the divine care, 
 and full of the divine prefence, 425. The furpafling worth of 
 an immortal foul ; a folicitudefor its final welfare urged, 430. 
 An unthinking view of the ikies is affecting; much more 2 
 rational and devout one, 432. The fcantinefs of our know- 
 ledge, with regard to the eeieftial bodies ; after all our fearcb, 
 they are objecls of admiration, rather ihan of fcience ; exhor- 
 tation to fuch purfuits, as are of eafy attainment, and will be 
 of everlatiing advantage, 433. Short recapitulation of the 
 whole j and an hymn of praife, fuited to the occalion, 435. 
 
 N. B. It may feem unaccountable to an unlearned reader^ 
 that a/tronomersjkouldfpeak fuch amazing things ; andfpeak 
 them with fuch an air o/afTurance ; concerning the di/tances and 
 magnitudes, the motions and relations, of the heavenly bodies. 1 
 'would dejire fuch a perfon to conjider the cafe of ECLIPSES^ 
 and with what exattnefs they are calculated, Th y are not only 
 foretold, but the very injiant of their beginning is determined. 
 The precife time of their continuance is afflgned ; aligned, al- 
 moft to the nicety of a moment ; and what isjiill mort furprijing^ 
 for thefpace of hundreds cr thoufands of years to come. At 
 this is a matter of faff, abfjlutely indifputable ; it is alfo a very 
 obvious, yet foi'id demonftration, that the principles of fcience, on 
 which thoff calculations proceed, Are not mere conjecture, orpre~ 
 carious fuppojition; but have a real, a cer&in foundation, in the 
 nature and conjlitution of things. 
 
 A WINTER-PIECE. 
 
 INtroduclion, 439. Shortnefs of the winter's day, 440. In- 
 ceflant rain, producing a flood, 441. Tempeft; its effedis, at 
 land, by fea, 443, Pitchy darknefs; riding in it, 445. Thick 
 rime, 449. Keen frofl, and ferenity of weather, 456. Severe 
 cold, and piercing winds, 452. Deepfaow,454. General thaw, 
 456. Ever-greens, ib. Storm of hail, 453. Rainbow, 459, 
 
 An imitation of Mr Hervcy's meditations, 460.
 
 THE 
 
 OF THE REVEREND 
 
 JAMES HERVEY, A. M, 
 
 A Regard to eminent writings, which difplay genius, 
 learning, orthodoxy, and piety, naturally excites a 
 delire to be acquainted with the writer ; and this defire is 
 the ftronger, when thefe writings are not only truly excel- 
 lent in themfelves, but are univerfally admired, eagerly 
 read by good people of all denominations, and calculated 
 to promote the beft interefts of mankind. Hence one is 
 fond to know the author in private life, how he fpent 
 his time, how he futbined his character as a public 
 teacher of religion, what influence the doctrines of grace, 
 which he fo warmly inculcated on others, had on his own 
 heart and converfation; and, finally, how he clofed the laft 
 fcene. Abundant fatisfaclion, as to all thofe particulars, 
 will be obtained from the following account. 
 
 Mr JAMES HERVEY was born on Friday the 26th of 
 February 1713-14, at Hardingftone, a country-village, one 
 mile from Northampton ; his father being then minifter of 
 the parilh of Collingtree, within two miles of Harding- 
 ftone. His firfl inftruclion was from his mother, who taught 
 him his letters, and to read. Under her tuition he conti- 
 nued till he was feven years of age ; when he was fent, as 
 a day-fcholar, to the free graramar-fchool at Northampton, 
 of which the Rev. Mr Clarke, Vicar of St Sepulchre's, in 
 the faid town, was at that time matter. 
 
 At this fchool he remained till he was feventeen years 
 9ld, and learned the Latin and Greek languages j in which 
 
 bis
 
 xvi The LIFE of the 
 
 his genius and memory would have enabled him to hav 
 made a much earlier progrefs, if k had not been prevented 
 by his fchoolmafter, who would not differ him, or any 
 other of his fcholars, to learn fader than his own fon. 
 Whilft Mr Hervey was at fchool, though he fhewed a re- 
 markable dexterity at all the innocent games uiual among 
 children ; yet he had a perfect indifference for the acquifi- 
 tions he made by his fkill in thefe games, which he praftifed 
 crjiy for exercife and amufeaient. 
 
 In the year 1731, at the age of feventeen, he wasfent by 
 his father to the univerfity of Oxford, and entered of Lin- 
 coln college there, under the tuition of the Rev. Mr Hut- 
 cliins, now Doctor, and Rector of that college. He refided 
 in the univerfity feven years, and took the degree of Ba- 
 chelor of Arts. The firft two or three years were fpent 
 by him with fo^e degree of indolence, or rather lefs appli- 
 cation to his fludies than he afterwards ufed. But in 1733, 
 about his nineteenth year, becoming acquainted with fome 
 perfons, who began to diftinguifh themfelves by their feri- 
 ous impreffions of religion, and their zeal for th,e promo- 
 tion of it^ he was engaged, by their influence, in a ftrider 
 attachment both to piety and learning. He made hirufeif 
 mafter of Dr James KeilTs Anatomy, Dr Derham's Phyti- 
 co-theology and Aftro-tbeology, the Speflaclc de la Nature 
 [[Nature difplayed,]] as translated by Mr Humphreys; which 
 laft work he read with a peculiar fatisfaftion. Nor was he 
 lefs delighted by the Ejfay on Pope's Odyffty, written by 
 the Rev. Mr Spence, now Prebendary of Durham ; to 
 which elegant and judicious difcourfe Mr Hervey often ac- 
 knowledged that he owed more of his improvement in ftyle 
 and compofnion, than to any other which he had ever read. 
 
 In 1734, at the perfuafion of a much-valued friend, he 
 began to learn the Hebrew language without any teacher, 
 by the Wefturinfter grammar itfelf; but foon found that 
 'grammar too ooncife and difficult'for the inftruction of. a 
 learner ; and therefore then defpaired of ever attaining a 
 competent knowledge in the Hebrew, though he afterwards 
 raade bimfelf fo thorough a mafter of that facred language.
 
 Rev. Mr JAMES HERVEY. xvii 
 
 It appears from his letters to his fifter in 1733 and 1734, 
 that though he then fhewed a pious and ferious turn ; yet 
 thefe letters either fpeak a language different from free grace, 
 for which we find he was afterwards fo powerful an advo- 
 cate, or at lead they treat very confufedly of it. The truth 
 is, he was then a ftranger to, and had ftrong pro.pofleflions 
 againit the doctrine of juitification by faith in imputed righ- 
 teoufnefs. And he acknowledges, In a note on his Defcant 
 upon Creation, that Mr Jenks's excellent treatife, entitled, 
 Submijfion to the righteoufnefs of God, was the inltrument 
 of removing his prejudices, and reducing him to a better 
 judgment*. 
 
 He entered into holy orders, as foon as his age, and the 
 canons of the church, would allow. And tho* the precife 
 time of his taking orders cannot be afcertained, yet it ap- 
 pears to have been in the end of 1736 or beginning of 1737 ; 
 at leaft, it appears from one of his letters, that he had a 
 curacy in the beginning of the latter year. Whilfthe was at 
 Oxford, he had a fmall exhibition of about 20 1. a-year ; and 
 when he was ordained, his father prefied him very much to 
 take fome curacy, in or near Oxford, and to hold his exhi- 
 bition : but this he would by no means comply with, think- 
 ing it an injuttice to detain it, after he was in orders, from 
 another perfon, who might more want the benefit of that 
 provifion. On his leaving Oxford in 1736, he went to his 
 father, and became his curate. He afterwards went to 
 London ; and, after flaying fome time there, became cu- 
 rate at Dummer. Here he continued about twelve months j 
 and, upon his leaving that curacy, in the year 1738, he 
 was invited and went to Stoke-Abbey, in Devonfliire, the 
 feat of his worthy friend, the late Paul Orchard, Efq; 
 Here he lived upwards of two years, in great efteem and 
 friendfhip with that worthy gentleman, who valued him 
 
 very 
 
 * This excellent treatife, entitled, Submifjlon to the right souf- 
 nefs of God ; or, The necejflty of tr lifting to a better righttotifnefs 
 than our own, with Mr Hervey's recommendation prefixed, may 
 be bad of the publifhers of this work, at the fuiall price of 8d. 
 
 VOL. I. N I..
 
 xviii The LIFE of the 
 
 very much for his piety. A remarkable proof of the great 
 regard he had for him on that account, he Jhewed on the 
 following occafion: When his eldeft fon, the prefent Paul 
 Orchard, Efq; to whom the iecond volume of his Medita- 
 tions is dedicated, was to be baptized, he infifted that Mr 
 Hervey fliould be one of his godfathers, that he might have 
 an eye to his Chriftian education ; and this he did in prefe- 
 rence to many gentlemen of large eftates in that neighbour- 
 hood, who would have thought themfelves honoured to 
 have flood fponfors for Mr Orchard's fon. 
 
 In the year 1740, he undertook the curacy of Biddeford, 
 fourteen miles from Stoke-Abbey, where he lived greatly 
 beloved by his people. His congregation was large, tho* 
 his ftipend was fmall : his friends, therefore, made a col- 
 lecYion yearly for him, which raifed his income to 60 1. per 
 annum, fo highly did they efteem him. At Biddeford he was 
 curate, about two years and a half, and remained fo until 
 there was a new re&or of that church, who difmifTed Mr 
 Hervey from his curacy, againfl-the united requefts of his 
 parifhioners, who offered to maintain him at their own ex- 
 pence. During the time that Mr Hervey lived in the weft, 
 viz. from 1738, till the latter end of 1743, his family heard 
 very little of him, by reafon of the great diflance he was 
 from them ; tho' he laboured diligently in the fervice of his 
 Matter. Here it was that he planned his Meditations, and 
 probably wrote fomc part of them. He fays in his firft 
 volume of Meditations, that it was on a ride to Kilkhamp- 
 ton, in Cornwall, that he went into the church, where he 
 lays the fcene of his Meditations among the tom(>s. 
 
 In Auguft 1743, or thereabouts, he returned from Bid- 
 deford to Weftdn-Favel, leaving behind him many difconfo- 
 late friends, and officiated as curate to his father. Here he 
 paid the greateft attention to his duty, and faithfully preach- 
 ed the gofpel of Chrift. 
 
 The firft of his writings which raifed the attention of the 
 public, was his Meditations among the tombs, Kefleftions on a 
 flower-garden, and a Defcant on creation, publifhed in Febru- 
 ary 1745-6. Of this kind of writing we had before an exam- 
 ple
 
 Rev. Mr J A M E s H E R v E Y. xix 
 
 pie from no lefs a man than the great philofopher Mr 
 Boyle % in his Occafional reflections on feveralfubjeffs, wit- 
 ten in his younger years. 
 
 Mr Hervey's performance was fo well received by the 
 public, that it has already pafled thro' about twenty editions 
 in London, beiides many furreptitious ones in Scotland and 
 Ireland. A fecond volume, containing Contemplations on 
 the night and Jlarry heavens, and, A "winter-piece, was pu- 
 bli/hed in December 1747 -f. 
 
 In June 1750, his health being much impaired by his great 
 attention to duty, and his family and friends judging that 
 the change of air might be of benefit to him, they formed a 
 defign, which they executed, of conveying him to London, 
 under a pretence of his riding a few miles in a friend's pofl- 
 chaife, who was going thither, and of which he pleafantly 
 complains in a letter, dated June 28. 1750, to a friend up- 
 on his arrival there. 
 
 He ftaid in London until April or May 1752, during which 
 time he was vifited with a fevere ficknefs, which had well 
 nigh put a period to his painful life. But he recovered; and, 
 upon his father's death in 1752, he returned to Wefton, 
 where he conftantly refided till his death. 
 
 Mr Hervey took his degree of Matter of Arts, at Cam- 
 bridge, 
 
 * See Boyle's Life, by the late Dr Birch. 
 
 j- There are few books in the Engliih language, which in fo 
 fliort a time have ever pa/fed thro* fuch numerous and very large 
 editions, as Mr Hervey's Meditations ; which not only pleaie, 
 but improve us ; arid were written with a view of familiarizing 
 to our minds thofe fublime objcfts, which will be the STUDT 
 and DELIGHT of a glorious ETERNITY. How many have they 
 tranfportingly entertained in their retirements and lonely walks, 
 and how often elevated them to thofe lofty heights, from whence 
 they could look down on all things below (the delights of good 
 mens friendfhip excepted) with an eafy indifference! A ftraio. 
 of the moft ferious piety and ardent devotion runs thro' them, 
 and they tend to inculcate fome of the moft diftinguifliing doc- 
 trines of the gofpel, fuch as the neceffity of regeneration, the 
 utter impotency of fallen man to help himfelf, the efficacy of 
 the grace of God for that purpofe, and the juitificauou of a 
 guilty fmner through faith in the blood of Chrift, 
 
 C 2
 
 xx ' The L I F E of the 
 
 bridge, in 1752, when he entered at Clare-hall; and as he 
 was of fufficient fhnding at Oxford, he (laid only the few' 
 days required by the Statutes to perform the univerfity- 
 cxercife. . 
 
 It may be thought Orange, that he who had refufed to 
 hold his exhibition at Oxford, along with a curacy, mould, 
 upon his father's death, accept of the two livings of Wei- 
 ton-Favell and Collingtree, and hold them during his life. 
 It was very far from being his choice, and it was what he 
 had for a long time refufed to do. He was determined a- 
 gainft being a pluralitt; and notwithftanding his father kept 
 him at Oxford, with a defign, that he fliould take his degree 
 jf Mafter of Arts, and conftantly urged him to do it ; yet 
 he could not be perfuaded to yield to fuch a requeft, tho* 
 he was of a fufficient ftanding to have taken the fame, look- 
 ing upon that ftep as a qualification intended for his future 
 holding both his father's livings. When his father died, he 
 remained determined to have Wefton-Favell only; and this 
 he frequently declared to his family afld friends, and refuf- 
 ed to accept of Collingtree, or to qualify himfelf for the 
 fame; infomuch that it was in danger of lapling to the Bi- 
 ihop. But at length, thro* the earnest and conftant intrea- 
 ties of his family, and of his friends, who, unknown to him, 
 had fent to, and procured from Oxford, the neceflary cer- 
 tificates of his being a Bachelor of Arts, in order to his ta- 
 Jcing his Mailer's degree at Cambridge, he was, after much 
 importunity, prevailed on to comply with their requefts, 
 hoping that he might be thereby enabled to do fo much the 
 more good. And when he waited upon Dr Thomas, the 
 then Bilhop of Peterborough, for inftitution to Collingtree, 
 which was near fix months after he had been indutled into 
 Wefton, he faid to him, " I fuppofe your Lordfhip will be 
 v furprifed to fee James liervey come to defire your Lord- 
 44 (hip ;.o permit him to be a pluralift; but I affureyou, I da 
 ' " it to fatisfy the repeated felicitations of my mother and 
 ** my filter, and not to pleafe myfelf." 
 
 In November 1752, he publiihed his Remarks on Lord 
 .Bolingbroke's-Iettcrs on the ftudy and ufs cf htftvry, fo far 
 #s they relate to the kijtory of the Old lejlamsnt^ and efpe- 
 
 dally
 
 Rev. Mr JAMES HERVEY. xxi 
 
 dally to the cafe of Noah ^ denouncing a curfe upon Canaan: 
 In a letter to a lady of quality *. 
 
 The year following, having been called upon to preach, 
 on the loth of May, the fermon at the visitation of the 
 Rev Dr John Browne, Archdeacon of Northampton, at 
 All-Saints church in that town ; he permitted it, the fame 
 year, for the benefit of a poor difea fed child, to be printed, 
 under the title of The crofs of Chrijl the Christian's glory. 
 He had preached before this another lermon at the fame 
 church, which he had been foliated to print ; but could not 
 then be prevailed upon to do it : but fince his death it has 
 been publilhed under the title of The ministry of reconcilia- 
 tion, &c. -j- 
 
 The fame year he wrote a recommendatory preface to 
 Burnham's Pious Memorials ; or, The po-wcr of religion on 
 themindinjicknefs, and at death ; exemplified by the ex- 
 perience of many eminent perfons at thofe important feafons. 
 His Theron and dfpa/io, publifhed in January 1755, in three 
 volumes Oftavo, met with the fame approbaricn irom the 
 public as his Meditations ', and the demand for this work like- 
 wife was very uncommon ; it having palFed through three 
 editions in one year :. In 
 
 * The Rev. Mr Peter Whalley, Vicar of St Sepulchre's, in 
 Northampton, has pubiilhed, by way of fupplement to this piece 
 of Mr Hervey's, a vindication of the evidences and authenticity 
 of the gofpel from the obj.;clions of the late Lord Bolingbroke. 
 j- A defence of this fermon from the groundlefs objections 
 railed againft it by fome inconfiderate readers, will be lound a- 
 mong Mr Hervey's trafts in this edicion. 
 
 'j; This is the moft valuable book, written in any language, 
 
 on that grand and diftinguifhing dodtrine of Chriltianity, the 
 
 juliification of a (inner before God by the righteoufnefs of Ghrift 
 
 imputed to him ; which fpreads itfelf through the whole fyftem 
 
 of divinity ; and which Luther jultly calls articulus ftantis vel 
 
 cadentis ecdefix. In Mr Hervey's own words, " the beauty and 
 
 ' excellency of the fcriptures t the ruin and depravity of human 
 
 ' nature, its happy recovery, founded on the atonemznt, and 
 
 effected by the Spirit of Chrift, are fome of the chief points 
 
 ' vindicated, illuftrated, and applied in this work, But the 
 
 grand article, that which makes the principal figure, is the 
 
 ' IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS of our divine Lord ; from whence 
 
 " arifes our juftificatioa bsibre God, and our title to every hea- 
 
 venly
 
 xxii The L I F E of the 
 
 In 1756, Mr Hervey being informed of the defign of re- 
 printing The gofpel-myftfry of fanftification, by the Rev. 
 Mr Walter Marfhall, and of prefixing to it, by way of re- 
 commendation, what he had {aid in its favour in Theron 
 and Afpafio, he wrote a letter, dated Nov. 5. 1756, to his 
 bookfeller, giving his confent, and enlarging on that re- 
 commendation. This he did the more readily, as Mr Mar- 
 fhall's book might (for fo he has declared) be looked upon 
 as no improper fupplement to the dialogues and letters con- 
 tained in Theron and Aipafio. 
 
 His Theron and Afpalio was attacked by feveral writers, 
 particularly by Mr Robert Sandeman, a congregational 
 preacher at Edinburgh, in a book, entitled, Letters on The- 
 ron and Afpafio ; wherein the doctrine of the gofpel, under 
 the title of the popular doctrine, is moft abominably mifre- 
 prefented, and its tendency afperfed The Arminians too 
 objected to that work ; and Mr John Wefley in particular 
 wrote againft it. Mr Cudworth wrote a defence of The- 
 ron and Afpafio ; and Mr David Wilfon, minifter of the 
 Scots congregation in Bow-lane, London, publifhed a book, 
 entitled, Palxmon's creed reviewed, &c. in which he vin- 
 dicates Mr Hervey's doctrine, and expofes that of Mr San- 
 deman. 
 
 Mr Hervey's own defence of Theron and Afpafio againft 
 the objections of Mr John Wefley, was tranfcribed fair for 
 the prefs from his fhort-hand copy, within a few pages j and 
 would have been publifhed in a volume of the fame lize with 
 Theron and Afpalio, had he lived a few weeks longer. The 
 manufcript was left in the pofleifion of his brother Mr Wil- 
 liam Hervey, wine-merchant in Miles's-lane, London; who 
 publifhed it in 1766, for the reafons given by him in a pre- 
 face prefixed to it *. 
 
 In 
 
 " vcnly bleflmg :. An article, which, though eminent for its 
 " importance, feems to be little underftood, and lefs regarded; 
 ' if not much roiftaken, and almoft forgotten." 
 
 * This treatife contains the beft, the moft evangelical, and 
 the moft elaborate account of that righteoufnefs, which is im- 
 puted
 
 Rev. Mr JAMES HERVEY. xxiii 
 
 In Auguft 1757, Mr Hervey obliged the public with three 
 fermons preached by him on the late public faft-days. To 
 which, in the third edition, in 1759, were added his vifita- 
 tion-fermon preached in 1753; his poflhumous fermon on 
 the mintttry of reconciliation; and his confiderations on the 
 prevailing cuftom of vifiting on Sundays. In a pofterior 
 edition of thefe were given his Remarks on Lord Boling- 
 broke's letters, and a treatife on the religious education of 
 daughters *. 
 
 In the fame year likewife, he published a new edition of 
 his favourite author, Mr Jenks's Meditations, in two vo- 
 lumes Oclavo ; to which he wrote a very ftrong recommen- 
 datory preface, fhewing the ufe of thofe medications, and 
 the reafon for fuch republication -j-. 
 
 He intended to have wrote a treatife on gofpel-holinefs, 
 as a fupplement to Theron and Afpafio: and actually wrote 
 a very excellent and judicious plan of it, which he commu- 
 nicated in letters to fome of his correfpondents ; but he did 
 not live to finifh it, to the very great lofs of the public, 
 
 His labours, both in his miniflerial office, and in his flu- 
 dy, were purfued by him as long as poflible, under the dif- 
 ad vantage of a very weak confn'tution of body; which, to 
 gether with the feverity of his laft illnefs, he fupported 
 not only with incredible patience, but without a fingle ex- 
 preflion of peeviflmefs. That illnefs had long been coming 
 on him; but greatly increafed in the beginning of October 
 
 puted to a firmer for his juftification ; and will bt read with 
 the higheft delight, by every one that adores the Son of God 
 as the Lord our righteoufneff. 
 
 * Thefe fermons ard trafts are fo valuable and excellent, 
 that every one who reads them, will lament that he did not en- 
 rich the library of Chriftianity with more of thofe precious 
 treafures ; which (hew the accomplifhed gentleman, the learn-i 
 ed fcholar, the orthodox divine, the pious Chriftian, the cham- 
 pion for the diftinguifhing doctrines of Chriftianity, and the foe 
 to felf-dependence, and every fpecies of vice and infidelity. 
 
 f This preface, with that to Burnham's pious memorials, 
 his letter to the -publifher of Ma-lhall on fanftificatioD, one to 
 the publi(her of Mr Traill's works, &c. &c. are annexed to hi* 
 trails in this edition.
 
 xxiv The LIFE of the 
 
 1758, and grew very formidable in the December follow^ 
 ing. For on Sabbath the gd of that month, in the even- 
 ing, after prayer in his family, he feemed to be arrefted by 
 the melTenger of death ; fo that the united afliftance of his 
 fifter and fervant, with difficulty, enabled him to get up 
 ftairs into his room, from whence he never came down. 
 His illnefs gaining ground every day, he foon became ien- 
 fible that his end was approaching. He had frequent and 
 violent returns of the -cramp, which gave him moft acute 
 pain. He had likewife a hectic cough, which afflicted him 
 fo grievoufly in the night, that he could feldom lye in bed 
 till four in the morning * ; and was often obliged to rife at 
 two, efpecially as opium (how much foever guarded by o- 
 ther medicines) would not agree with him. On the i5th 
 of that month, he complained of a pain in his fide; for 
 which, at his own defire, he was blooded, tho' his phyfi- 
 cian Dr Stonhoufe, in whom he placed the greated confi- 
 dence, had objected to it, apprehending him too weak to 
 bear any evacuation of that kind. When the furgeon came, 
 he could fcarcely perceive any pulfation, and therefore took 
 away no more than four ounces of blood ; intimating to 
 bis relations and friends, that the cafe was defperate, and 
 that he had blooded him very unwillingly, and merely to 
 fatisfy Mr Hervey's defire, who had fome hope that the 
 pain might pofiibly be relieved by it. His curate, the Rev. 
 Mr Abraham Maddock, being much with him in the after- 
 noon of that day, Mr Hervey-fpoke to him in flrong and 
 pathetic terms of his afTurance of faith, and of the great 
 love of God in Chrift. k ' O !" faid he, " what has Chrift, 
 " how much has Chrift done for me ; and how little have I 
 u done for fo loving a Saviour ! If I preached even once a- 
 4< week, it was at lad a burden to me. I have not viiited 
 '* the people of my parilh, as 1 ought to have done ; and thus 
 ** have preached, as it were, from houfe to houfe. I have 
 " not taken every opportunity of fpeaking for Chrift." 
 Thefe expreffions being accompanied with tears, which 
 
 * When Mr Hervey was In tolerable health, he rarely lay in 
 bed after fix, even in the winter; and rofe Qill earlier in the fummer.
 
 Rev. Mr JAMES HERVEY. xxv 
 
 were too vifible not to be obferved; and left his tears fhould 
 be mifinterpreted, as they had been converting about his 
 expected end, and of his aflurance of happinefs, he pro- 
 ceeded thus : u Do not think, that I am afraid to die. I 
 u aflure you I am not. I know what my Saviour hath done 
 *' for me, and I want to be gone. But I wonder and la- 
 " ment to think of the love of Chrift in doing fo much for 
 " me; and how little 1 have done for him.'* And in ano- 
 ther converfation, difcourfmg, likewife of his approaching 
 diflblution, which he did with the utmoft calrnnefs and fe- 
 renity ; and of the little which we know of God's word ; 
 he (aid, " How many precious texts are there, big with the 
 '* moft rich truths of Chrift, which we cannot comprehend, 
 ** which we know nothing of; and of thofe we do know, 
 ** how few do we remember ? Bonus textuarius eft bonus 
 ** theologus. " A good textuary is a good divine ;" and 
 ** that is the armour ; the word of God is the fword. Thofe 
 " texts are the weapons, which I muft ufe, when that fub- 
 " tile fpirit, that arch-adverfary of mankind, comes to 
 " tempt and fift me in my laft conflict. Surely I had need 
 " be well provided with thefe weapons ; I had need have 
 ** my quiver full of them, to anfwer Satan with texts ouc 
 " of the word of God, when he aflaults me. Thus did 
 " Chrift when he was tempted in the wildernefs." 
 
 On the I9th the pains of his body abated, and he grew 
 drowfy and lethargic ; but in the night following his im- 
 mediate death was apprehended. 
 
 The next day, the 2Oth, he was vifited by Dr Stonhoufe, 
 who declared, that, in his opinion, Mr Hervey could not 
 live above three or four days ; and happening to fpeak of 
 the many confolations through Chrift, which a good man en- 
 joys in the profpect of death, and difcourfmg on the emp- 
 tinefs of worldly honour to an immortal, and on the un- 
 profitablenefs of riches to the irreligious; Mr Hervey re- 
 plied, True, Doctor, true ; the only valuable treafures 
 " are in heaven. What would it avail me now to be Arch- 
 *' bifhop of Canterbury ? Difeafe would mew no refpect to 
 
 VOL. I. N 9 i. D my
 
 xxvi The LIFE of the 
 
 " my mitre. That prelate * is not only very great, but, 
 u I am told, he has religion really at heart. Yet it is god- 
 " linefs, and not grandeur, that will avail him hereafter. 
 u The gofpel is offered to me a poor country parfon, the 
 44 fame as to his'Grace. Chrift makes no difference between 
 *' us. Oh ! why then do minifters thus neglect the charge 
 " of fo kind a Saviour; fawn upon the great, and hunt 
 " after worldly preferments with fo much eagernefs, to 
 * 4 t~e difgrace of our order? Thefe, thefe are the things, 
 " Doctor, and not our poverty, or obfcurity, which ren- 
 *' der the clergy fo juftly contemptible to the worldlings. 
 " No wonder the fcrvice of our church, grieved I am- to 
 " fay it, is become fuch a formal lifelefs thing, fince it is, 
 " alas ! too generally executed by perfons dead to godli- 
 " nefs in ail their converfation ; whofe indifference to reli- 
 4< gion, and worldly-minded behaviour, proclaim the little 
 * 4 regard they pay to the doctrines of the Lord, who bought 
 " them." 
 
 When the Doctor was going away, Mr Hervey, with 
 great tendernefs, obferved to him, that as not long ago he 
 had a dangerous fall fropi his horfe, by which he was much 
 bruifed ; and as he had been lately ill, and then looked very 
 pale, he hoped he would think on thefe narrow efcapes, fo 
 often fatal to others, as a kind of warning from God to 
 him, and remember them as fuch ; adding, ** How careful 
 * 4 ought we to be to improve thofe years which remain, at 
 " a time of life, when but few can remain for u&-j- ?" 
 
 The day before his death, Mr Hervey went a few fteps 
 acrofs his room ; but immediately finding his ftrength fail- 
 ing him, he funk rather than fell down; his fall being bro- 
 ken by his fitter, who, obferving his weaknefs, ran and 
 caught him; but he fainted away, and was in all appear- 
 ance dead, it being a confiderable time before any pulfe 
 could be perceived. When he came to himfelf, his brother 
 
 Mr 
 
 * The late Dr Thomas Seeker, who died Aug. 3. 1768. 
 
 f Dr Stonhoufs and Mr Hervey being then between forty 
 and fifty years o'd. The Dotfor lately entered into holy orders 
 in the church of England, and has got a good living in the 
 country.
 
 Mr JAM ES HERVEY xxvii 
 
 Mr William Hervey, who was come from London to vifit 
 him, faid, u We were afraid you was gone." He anfwer- 
 ed, " I wifh I had." And well he might wifh fo, for his 
 ftrength was quite exhaufted, his body extremely emaciated, 
 and his bones fo fore, that he could not bear any one to 
 touch him, when it was neceflary to move him about. Yet, 
 under all this calamity, he was ever praifing God for his 
 mercies -f, and for enduing him with patience:}:. 
 
 On the 25th (Chrifhnas-day,) on which he died, Mr Mad- 
 dock paying him his morning-vifit, Mr Hervey lifted up his 
 head, and opened his eyes, as he fat in his eafy chair, (for 
 he could not lye in bed,) to fee who it was, and faid, "Sir, 
 I cannot talk with you." He complained much all this day 
 of a' great inward conflict which he had, laying his hand up- 
 on his breaft, and laying, << O ] you know not how great 
 " a conflict I have." During this time, he almoft conftant- 
 ly lifted up his eyes towards heaven, with his hands clafped 
 together in a praying form, and faid, two or three times, 
 **. When this great conflict is over, then-" but faid no 
 more; though it was underflood he meajnt that then he 
 fliould go to reft." 
 
 Dr Stonhoufe came to him about three hours before he 
 expired. Mr Hervey urged ftrongly and affectionately to 
 the Doctor the importance and care of his everlafHng con- 
 cerns, as here is no abiding place ; and intreated him not 
 to be overcharged with the cares of this life *, but to at- 
 tend, amidlt the multiplicity of his bufmefs, to the " one 
 " thing needful || :" Which 
 
 f He never received a bit of lemon to moiften his mouth, 
 without thanking God for his bounty and goodnefs, in creating 
 fo many helps and refrelhments to a fick and decaying body 
 
 \ A few years ago Mr Hervey had a terrible fcvtr at his bro- 
 ther William's houftf, in which he had feveral blifters. On this 
 occafion Mr William Hervey wrote as follows to one of his in- 
 timate friends : " My brother is indeed an example of patience. 
 ' He has not fpoke (during the whole oi* his fevere illnefs) 
 " one fingle word of peeviihnefs. I am perfuaded he prays for 
 < you, and remembers you now he lyes fick upon his bed. I 
 '* hope this will find you and yours well, walking in the fear 
 < of the Lord, and the comforts of his Holy Spirit." 
 
 * See Luke xxi, 34. || Luk? x. 43. 
 
 1)2
 
 xxviii The L I F E of the 
 
 Which done, the poorcft can no wants endure, 
 
 And -which not done, the richeft mufl be poor $. POPE. 
 
 The Doctor feeing the great difficulty and pain with which 
 he fpoke, (for he was almott fuffocated with phlegm and 
 frequent vomitings,) and finding, by his pulfe, that the 
 pangs of death were then coming on, defired that he would 
 fpare himfelf " No," faid he, " Doctor, no ; you tell 
 *' me I have but a few moments to live. O! lejt me fpend 
 44 them in adoring our great Redeemer." He then repeat- 
 ed the 26th verfe of Pfal. Ixxiii. 7/&o' my flejh and my heart 
 fail me, yet G*d is the ftrength of my heart, and my por- 
 tion for ever ; and he expatiated in a moft (triking manner 
 on thefe words of Paul, i Cor. iii. 22, 23. All things* are 
 yours ; life and death ; for ye are Chrift's . 4t Here/' 
 fays he, " is the treafure of a Chrifuan. Death is reckoned 
 *' among this inventory ; and a noble treafure it is. How 
 " unthankful am I for death, as it is the paflage through 
 * which 1 pafs to the Lord and Giver of eternal life ; and 
 " as it frees me from all this mifery you now fee me en- 
 44 dure, and which I am willing to endure, as long as God 
 44 thinks fit ; for I know, he will by and by, in his own 
 44 good time, difmifs me from the body. Thefe light afflic- 
 44 tions are but for a moment, and then comes an eternal 
 
 44 weight of glory. O! welcome, welcome death! 
 
 44 Thou may 'i\ well be reckoned among the treafures of the 
 44 Chrifiian. To live is Chrift, but to die is gain." After 
 which, as the Doctor was taking his final leave of him, Mr 
 Hervey exprefied great gratitude for his viiits, tho' it had 
 been long out of the power of medicines to cure him. He 
 then paufed a little, and with great ferenity and fweetnefs 
 in his countenance, though the pangs of death were upon 
 him, being raifed s. little in his chair, repeated thofe words, 
 
 Lord, 
 
 J Mr Hervey ufed frequently to repeat thefe lines with fuch 
 an emphalis, and fignifteant look, as conveyed their important 
 meaning in a manner not eafily to be forgot. 
 
 This pafTjge is illuftrated in a very inftruftive manner by 
 Dr Doddridge, in his Fa?fiily-expo/itor t and contains the fub- 
 fiance of what Mr Hervey faid, and to which he referred.
 
 Rev. Mr JAMES HERVY. xxix 
 
 JLord, now lettefl thott thy fcrvant depart in peace, accord- 
 ing to thy moft holy and comfortable -word, for mine <yes 
 have feen thy precious falvation. " Here, Dodor h my 
 * 4 cordial ! What are all the cord'als given to (upport the 
 " dying, in comparifon of that which arifes from the pro- 
 *' mifes of falvation by Chrift ? This, this fupports me." 
 About three o'clock he faid, u The great confiiil is over. 
 '** Now all is done." After which he fcarce fyi ke any other 
 words intelligibly, except now and then p recious falvation. 
 
 During the laft hour he faid nothing, but leaned his head 
 againft the fide of an eafy chair, and without a iigh, groan, 
 ftruggle, or the lead emotion in the world, he ihut his eyes, 
 and died, between four and five in the afternoon, on Chrift- 
 
 mas-day 1758, in the forty-fifth year of his age. God 
 
 grant, that we may all live the life and die the death of the 
 righteous ; and that our lad end may be like his. 
 
 When his body was conveyed to church, it was covered, 
 by his exprefs defire, with the poor's pall, and he was bu- 
 ried under the middle of the communion-table in the chan- 
 cel of Wefton-Favell church, on Friday Dec. 28. in the 
 prefence of a numerous congregation, full of regret for the 
 lofs of fo excellent a pador. His funeral was indeed a moft 
 awful and very aftecling fight. Mr Maddock his curate, 
 who buried him, was himfelf in tears. Some were wring- 
 ing their hands, others fobbing, many were (ilently weep- 
 ing, but all were inwardly and fincerely grieved, as their 
 looks fufficiently teftified ; and his attendants then bore a 
 vilible witnefs, that he had not been altogether unfervice- 
 able in his generation. The poor thankfully acknowledg- 
 ed it ; and, as they looked into his grave, feemed to fay 
 within themfelves, " There lyes the man whofe unwearied 
 14 kindnefs was the conftant relief of my various diflrefTes ; 
 u who tenderly vifited my languiihing bed, and readily fup- 
 *' plied my indigent circumftances." Others, once igno- 
 rant and ungodly, looked at his grave, and feemed by their 
 expreflTive iighs to fay, " Here are the laft remains of that 
 
 41 fincere friend who watched for my foul. 1 tremble to 
 
 _" think into what irretrieveable ruin I might quickly have 
 
 * been
 
 xxx The LIFE of the 
 
 " been plunged, had not his faithful admonitions and re- 
 ' peated exhortations arrefted me in the wild career. I was 
 " then unacquainted with the gofpel of peace; but now en- 
 " lightened by his inftrudions, I fee the all-fufficiency of 
 ** my Saviour. His difcourfes are (till warm on my heart, 
 *' and I trufl will be more and more operative on my life *." 
 It may truly be faid of Mr Hervey, that few lives have e- 
 ver been more heavenly, and few deaths more triumphant. 
 He died in the Lord, and is now at reft; where even 
 the wicked ceafe from troubling. His name is recorded in 
 the annals of e ernity ; and the honours conferred on him 
 by Chriit, will for ever continue blooming and incorrupti- 
 ble in the world of glory. 
 
 His character, borh in his public and private capacity, was 
 of the moil exemplary kind. 
 
 As a minider, he performed all the duties of that office 
 with the greatelt ftridlnefs. In the pulpit he wasearneft and 
 fervent, and fhewed that he felt the efficacy of what he 
 preached. Nor did he think it fufficient to preach on the 
 Lord's day only, but fet up a weekly lecture every Wed- 
 nefday evening -j-, at Wefton-Favell church, which was 
 very well attended. His zeal for the performance of his 
 duty, was however, for fome time before he died, much in- 
 terrupted by the ill (tate of his health, which would not 
 permit him perfonally to take due care even of the parifli of 
 Wefton, where he refided. A circumftarice that gave him 
 inexpreilible concern. The laft two or three years of his 
 life he could icarce do any thing more than preach once 
 on the Lord's day, when people from many miles around 
 flocked to hear him. His Wednefday evening le&ure at 
 feven he difcontinued for the lad year. He had not been 
 able for fome time to preach at Collingtree :, or to vifit 
 
 his 
 
 '* See Meditations among the tombs. 
 
 f This le&ure was held during the winter half-year at feven, 
 ss it did not then interfere with the work of the labouring peo- 
 ple ; and he illuminated the church out of his own pocket, not 
 chufing to put the parifh to any additional expence. 
 
 J Wefton-Favell, and Collingtree, the two family-livings, are 
 within five meafured miles of each other ; which Mr Hervey and 
 his curate ufed to attend alternately, till his ill health confined 
 him entirely to Welton-Favsll.
 
 Rev. Mr JAMES H E R v E Y. xxxi 
 
 his parishioners at their own houfes, as his cuftom had been: 
 but he encouraged them to come to him, and to converfe 
 freely on the fubjech relating to their eternal intereds ; and 
 on fuch occafions he would fpeak with a force and proprie- 
 ty peculiar to himfelf. He would frequently lament his in- 
 ability to ferve his people, comparing himfelf to a bleeding 
 difabled foldier, and only not flain. 
 
 He always preached without notes, except on fome very 
 particular occafions; but his method was judicious, clear, 
 and not encumbered with too many fubdivifions. His weak- 
 nefs rendering him for feveral months before his death in- 
 capable of fpeaking to his congregation as ufual, he fhorten- 
 ed hisdifcourfes, and took a mo(t ufeful method of inculcat- 
 ing his inflruclions; for after he had expounded his text, and 
 divided his fennon into two heads,) rarely into more, and 
 never exceeding three,) he would fpeak briefly, and at the 
 conclufion of each head enforce what he had faid, by a per- 
 tinent text of fcripture, defiring his congregation (which 
 (was generally very numerous) to turn to their Bibles, and 
 double down that text. " Now," added he, " my dear 
 * 4 brethren, if you forget my fermon, you cannot forget 
 *' God's word in this text, unlefs you wilfully throw your 
 " Bibles afide. Shew thefe to your children, or the abfent 
 " part of your family, when you return home." Then he 
 gave a ftriking exhortation, and at the end of it another 
 text for them to double down ; fo that they had always 
 three texts ; in order to their finding of which, he paufed 
 in the pulpit two or three minutes. This method was at- 
 tended with another good eftecl : it obliged the generality 
 of his hearers to bring their Bibles along with them ; for 
 thofe who were without a Bible loll the benefit of the 
 texts, and were unemployed, while the majority who had 
 one were bufy in looking for the paiTages referred to in his 
 fermon. 
 
 He endeavoured as much as poflible to divert himfelf in, 
 his public difcourfes of his ufual elegancy of ftyle, and to a- 
 dapt his language to the lowert capacity. Tn this he follow- 
 ed the example of Luther, who in his Table-talk fays, " If
 
 xtxii The LIFE of the 
 
 ** in my preaching I were to pay a regard to Philip Me- 
 ** lanchthon and other learned divines, then I mould do 
 ' little good. I preach in the plaineft manner to the illite- 
 rate, and that gives content to all. Hebrew, Greek, and 
 44 Latin, I Ipare till we learned ones come together." Mr 
 Hervey thought perfpicuous language and evangelical doc- 
 trine of much more importance to his pariihioners, than 
 elaborate or ornamented difcourfes ; though few men li- 
 ving, perhaps, were more capable of fatisfying a polite or 
 learned audience. 
 
 His method of catechifing children in church, and of fpeak- 
 ing to them in private, was very engaging and ufeful. He 
 would put little queftions to them, after they had repeated 
 the words of the catechifm ; as for inftance, " Well, my 
 " little maid, let me hear if you understand what you faid. 
 44 If you do underfland the meaning of thefe words, you 
 " will then be able to anfvver the queftions I fiiall put to 
 you *. He would at thefe times afk not only fuch queftions 
 as were fuitable to the words of the catechifm, but alfo fuch 
 as would ftrike at the capital vices of his pariihioners, yet 
 without giving perfonal offence -j-. 
 
 He 
 
 * See fome farther account of his manner of catechifing, in 
 one of his letters. 
 
 f Some of his parifliioners having lain in bed on a Sunday 
 morning longer than he approved, and others having been 
 bufy in foddering their cattle when he was coming to church, 
 and feveral having frequented the alehoufe, he thus catechifed 
 one of the children before the congregation : 
 
 Repeat me the fourth commandment N 7 ow, little man, do 
 you underftand the meaning; of this commandment ? Yes, Sir. 
 Then, if you do, you will be able to anfwer me thefe quef- 
 tions. Do thofe keep holy the Sabbath-day, who lye in bed 
 till eight or nine o'clock in the morning, inftead of rifing to 
 fay .their prayers and read the Bible ? No, Sir. Do thofe keep 
 the Sabbath who fodder their cattle, when other people are go- 
 ing to church ? No, Sir. Does God Almighty blefs fuch people 
 as go to alchoufes, and don't mind the indrudions of their mi- 
 nifter ? No, Sir. Don't thofe who love God read their Bible 
 to their families, particularly on Sunday evenings, and have 
 prayers every morning and night in their houfes ? Yes, Sir. 
 A great variety of fuch pertinent and familiar queftions he would 
 
 fre-
 
 Rev. Mr JAMES H E R v E Y. xxxiil 
 
 He did not forget that he was a minifter in his houfe; for 1 
 lie worfhipped God with his family twice a-day. tie fupped 
 at eight every night, and at nine he expounded a text of 
 fcripture for about a quarter of an hour$ and feldorn long- 
 er, except vvheti fome friend was prtlent, to whom he 
 thought his difcourfe might be nfeful, or when particularly 
 requeued to enlarge. After this he concluded with prayer* 
 
 He breakfafledat nine, and about eight he called his farm* 
 ly together, and required each of his fervants to repeat by 
 heart the text which he had explained the preceding even- 
 ing, and then he would recapitulate his expo fit ion ; by which 
 method, both his text and commentary were imprinted on 
 their memories. After this he had prayers. 
 
 In the afternoon, when he was called down to tea, he 
 n fed to bring his Hebrew Bible or Greek Teftament with 
 him, and would fpeak (as he was ever ftudious how he might 
 promote the glory of God, and improve time) either upon 
 one or more verfes, as occafion offered^ in the moftinftruc- 
 tive and entertaining manner imaginable. And in the fum- 
 ier-feafon he would now and then drink tea, when his 
 health would permit him, with fome of his mod ferious pa- 
 riflrioners; and then five or iix of the neighbours were -in- 
 vited, and Mr Hervey's converfation was remarkably af- 
 fecting, as he had a happy talent at fpirirualizing aimolt e-* 
 very incident, and was naturally of a moll obliging and 
 chearful difpofition. 
 
 He was a member of an afiembly formed for Chriftian 
 improvement, which was eftabliihed in his neighbourhood 
 on the 7th of July 1747, and conftantly attended it fo loisg 
 as he was able to ride to the place of meeting. A lliort ac- 
 count of the rules of this affembly is given at the end of 
 his tracts, together with two prayers compofed by him for 
 the ufe of the members thereof. 
 
 In the exercife of his charity, Mr Hervey chofeto clothe 
 the poor rather than to give them money ; and he would 
 
 gee 
 
 frequently aP^ in the tr>oft engaging manner, on every part of 
 the catechifm, as he thought mod conducive to the improve- 
 ment and reformation of his parilh. 
 Voi.I. Ni. E
 
 xxxiv The LIFE of the 
 
 get fome judicious perfon to buy linen, coarfe cloth, (lock- 
 ings, fhoes, &c. for them at the beft hand ; alledging that 
 the poor could not purchafe on fuch good terms what they 
 wanted at the little (hops, and with fmall fums of money. 
 " I am" faid he, " God's fteward for the poor, and I mutt 
 " hufband the little pittance I have to be(tow upon them, 
 " and make it go as far as pofiible." But when money 
 would be really ferviceable to a family, as 'to a prudent 
 houfekeeper, diitrefled by iicknefs or misfortunes, he would 
 give five or more guineas at a time ; taking care that it 
 fhould not be known whence the money came. Pope's com- 
 pliment to Mr Allen of Bath, might be juftly applied to 
 him, who would 
 
 Do gsod by ftealth) and blujh to find It fame. 
 
 He was particularly defirous of getting the advice of a 
 phyfician (or at lean; of fome judicious apothecary) for the 
 fick poor ; and was ever ready to procure them the very 
 beft medicines. A molt beneficial fort of charity to man- 
 kind ; and in which it were to be wilhed he had many imi- 
 tators. He would frequently petition fuch phyficians of 
 
 his acquaintance in different parts of the kingdom, as he 
 apprehended thus charitably dilpofed, to give their advice 
 occafionally, when they rode thro' a town, to fuch poor 
 creatures as the clergyman of the place, or fome fubitaritial 
 inhabitant, fliould recommend as real obje&s of companion. 
 Mr Hervey would then with great pleafure, and with 
 as much gratitude to the phylician, as if done to himfelf, 
 defray the expence of what medicines were wanted. He 
 greatly difapproved of the clergy's attempting to give me- 
 dicines to their parifhioners ; as he judicioufly inferred, that 
 it was impoffible for them to do it with the requifite judg- 
 ment. " Let my brethren," he would fay, " give them 
 " wine, bread, or beer, and get good fpoon-meats made for 
 " them; but medicines are of too important a nature to be 
 "given indifcriminately." He obferved, that by his own 
 intth.'d the lick poor had the very bed medicines, as the 
 phyllciaa favv them himfelf, and bought them very cheap, 
 
 becaule
 
 Rev. Mr JAMES HERVEY. xxxv 
 
 fceeaufe the apothecary, knowing they were for charitable 
 ufes, charged the phyiician no more for them than prime 
 coft *, with fome little allowance merely for his trouble in 
 compounding them ; and as the phyfician knew what dif- 
 afes were curable, there was no wafte of medicines in 
 fruitlefs attempts to cure cafes, which, tho' actually incura- 
 ble, perfons of lefs judgment could not pronounce to be fo. 
 
 He gave away a great number of good books, with fuita- 
 ble inductions for their ufe ; and efpecially Bibles. In the 
 blank leaf he frequently wrote fomething capable of making 
 an impreflion, or elle (tuck in a printed paper relating to 
 the promifes of God, in and thro' Jefus Chrift, or to crea- 
 tion, prefervation, and redemption -f. 
 
 All the future profits of his works he has left to fome of 
 the charitable ufes above-fpecified, except his Meditations ; 
 the copy of which he had. fold, after it had pafled through 
 feveral editions ; which iale of the copy, and the profits of 
 the former impreflions, amounted to about 700 1. all of 
 which he gave away in charity. He faid, that it was de- 
 voted to God, and that he would on no account apply it to 
 worldly ufes; that he wrote not for profit or fame, but to 
 ferve the caufe of God ; and as Providence had blefled his 
 attempt, he thought himfelf bound to relieve the dirtrefles 
 of his fellow-creatures with it. 
 
 In any expences relating to himfelf, he was extremely 
 frugal, that he might be liberal to others ; and it was al- 
 ways his defire to die juft even with the world. " I will 
 be my own executor," laid he. And as he died on Chrift- 
 mas-day, his fund expired almoft with his life. What little 
 remained, he defired might be given in warm cloa thing to the 
 poor in that fevere feafon. 
 
 To thefe inftances of his charity, we may properly add an 
 
 incident, which, how trifling foever in itfelf, yet affords a 
 
 very ftrong proof, not only of the benevolence of his heart, 
 
 E 2 but 
 
 * Whenever he folicited the afllftance of apothecaries on thefe 
 charitable occafions, he defired the favour of them to relinquifli 
 their ufual profits ; promifing, on that condition, to repay what 
 they might be out of pocket. 
 
 f See a copy of this printed paper among his tracts*
 
 xxxvi The LITE of the 
 
 but of his regard to pra&ical religion, and to the doing of 
 every good work within his power. 
 
 A day or two before his death, when he was reduced to 
 fuch extreme weaknefs as to be unable to read, and could 
 with difficulty fpeak, a little account being fettled with him 
 by a friend, on the balance of which he received i8s. look- 
 ing on the money with great indiifcrence, he exprefled 
 himfelf to this efFcft: ," I would gladly difpofe of this fmall 
 " fum, in fuch manner as may do the molt good. It is the 
 <* only ad which I now am, and probably the lafl that I fLall 
 " be, able to perform. Give yourfelf the trouble of look- 
 44 ing amonglt thefe books, and you will find Mr Richards's 
 " pamphlet* : at the latter end of which are, I remember, 
 " fome hints concerning the means of promoting religion 
 44 in ourfelves or others, which (even with Ibme additions 
 44 and improvements, which you might eafily make) will 
 <c not fill more than a meet of paper -f , and, if (tuck up or 
 
 44 framed, might be particularly ufeful in that form 
 
 44 Let then fuch a number of them be printed and given a- 
 *' way, as this money will admit of." His orders were 
 properly executed; and the evidences of fuch an angelic 
 temper were equally matter of edification and comfort to 
 his friend, as this charitable legacy, if we may fo call it, 
 will be to all who receive and rightly life it. 
 
 This incident affords a ftriking evidence of the happy 
 fruits and effects of his favourite doctrine and firong ex-> 
 preflions of the all-fufficient righteoufnefs of Chritt as the 
 fole requifite to justification before God, and acceptance 
 with him, and (hews that indeed his faith wrought by love. 
 No man had ever a greater difregard for money ; which he 
 efteemed unworthy of his notice on any other account, 
 than as it furnifhed him with the means of doing good. 
 
 Surely 
 
 * * This pamphlet (wrote by the Rev. Mr Richards of Nor- 
 thampton, and formerly of Trinity College, Oxford) is entit- 
 led, Hints for religious convsrfation, with 'the afflifted in viind t 
 bcdy, and eftatc^ and with fucb otbtrs as jland ia seed of f pi ritual 
 aftijiance, efpecially at the times when thef^ars confined byjicknefs. 
 
 f The Hintsy &c. which were printed in the (ingle fheet of 
 pap;r, are fubjoined to Mr Hervey's tracts in. this edition,.
 
 Rev. Mr JAMES H R v E Y. xxxvii 
 
 Surely we may here borrow the fent'unent and exprefllon 
 of the celebrated Mr Pope, and juftly conclude, that 
 
 He felt his ruling paj/ion Jl rong in death* 
 
 Mr Hervey was indeed too negligent of his drefs, which, 
 tho' it could not in the lead leflen the refpecl paid to him 
 in his own parifb, and neighbourhood, where he was fo 
 well known, yet he would unqueliionably have avoided it, 
 if he had lived in a more public fcene, where the decency 
 and propriety of appearance are of much greater import- 
 ance. 
 
 In learning he was inferior to few. Greek was almoft 
 as familiar to him as his native language. He was a great 
 mafter of the daffies ; and in the younger part of his life 
 had written fome copies of verfes, which fhewed no con- 
 temptible genius for poetry. He had a critical knowledge 
 of the Hebrew tongue, and delighted in it. 
 
 With refpecl: to his private capacity, he was never known 
 to be in a paflion. He lived as in heaven. No worldly 
 concerns (though he fometimes met with very trying ones) 
 ever affe&ed him. His humility rendered him invulnerable. 
 
 When he wasmifreprefemed and calumniated, he would 
 
 fay, u Our enemies are fometimes our belt friends, and 
 " tell us truths ; and then we mould amend our faults, 
 u and be thankful for fuch information : and if what 
 * 4 they fay be not true, and only fpoke thro' malice, then 
 " fuch perfons are to be confidered as clifeafed in their minds, 
 *' and that he would pray for them. They are to be piti- 
 ' ed," fays he," and I might be as juftly angry with a man, 
 * who is diieafed in his body." 
 
 All this he fpoke with humility, ferioufnefs, and fweet- 
 nefs; for it was the language of his heart, and not of af- 
 feftation. In his ordinary transactions with others, he was 
 ever cheerful, punctual, juft, and candid to perfons of every 
 denomination. 
 
 He frequently wrote religious letters to bis acquaintance 
 according to their different circumttances, in the moft ami- 
 able and convincing manner ; and he feemed to make it al- 
 moft
 
 xxxviii The LIFE of the 
 
 moft an invariable rule, not to write a letter on any occa- 
 fion, without at lead one pious fentence in it * ; and that 
 not introduced in a forced and aukward manner, but inter- 
 woven fo as to appear naturally to arife from the fubjeft. 
 Of this kind fome fpecimens may be feen in the note at the 
 bottom of the page -j*. 
 
 Not withftanding Mr Hervey lived a very holy and exem- 
 plary life, preaching Jefus Chrift and him Crucified, and in- 
 culcating the practice of real religion and holinefs in heart 
 and life, yet his enemies (for, ftrange as it is, even Mr 
 Hervey himfelf, the moft inoffenfive of men, had enemies) 
 have not fcrupled to aflert, that " his tenets were diflio- 
 " nourable to God, fubverfive of all gofpel-holinefs, de- 
 " (trucYive even of common morality, and very injurious 
 '*to fociety itfelf, by making men melancholy, and regard- 
 
 " lefs 
 
 * Nulla dies fine lixea, Nitlla cpifiola Jtne Ckriflo> were Mr 
 Herve- '* maxims. 
 
 f Thefe fpecimens are taken from hafty meflage-cards, or 
 biiieis, to fome of his intimate friends. 
 
 *' When 1 fee my dear friend, we will talk about the contents 
 * of his laft. My money is Chrift's, and I only defire chat he 
 '* will give me benevolence to difpofe of it willingly ; difcre- 
 " tion to beftow it prudently. I hope you have quite recover- 
 ed, and adapted the Pfalmift's refolution, Pfal. cxvi. 8, 9. 
 '* What do you think is the meaning of that remarkable expret 
 ' fion, / will walk before the Lord ? 
 
 In another billet to a perfon about retiring from bufinefs he writes, 
 
 " Thanks for your Wiijius de xconomia fasderum. The time, 
 I hope, is coming, when you will have leifure to read, a 
 ' heart to relilh, and a tongue to difplay fuch precious doc- 
 trines." 
 
 In another he writes, 
 
 ' Let us all remember, my dear friend, that time is upon 
 '* the wing ; eternity is at our door ; therefore what we do 
 " for our Uleffed Matter, we muft do quickly." 
 
 Mr Hervey's letters were collected, and publifhed, in two 
 volumes oftavo, in 1760. A full and particular account of 
 them is given in the preface prefixed to them in this edition. 
 They exhibit, in their purport, compofition, and tendency, a 
 ftriking and amiable pifture of the ingenuity, learning, can- 
 dour, and piety of the excellent author.
 
 Rev. Mr JAMES HERVEY. xxxix 
 
 lefs of bufmefs." Thefe were the very words of an aba- 
 live and anoymous letter fent to him by the poft; on which, 
 that meek and mofl excellent man obferved to an intimate 
 friend, with all his ufual mildnefs, " Indeed this gentleman 
 44 may be faid, I think, to write at random. Surely he has 
 *' never read my works. If I knew whereto direct to him, 
 " I mould delire him to turn to what I have advanced 
 " in the ninth paragraph of my Contemplations on the /tarry 
 " heavens *, and fuch a reply, I would hope, might convince 
 u him of his miftake." 
 
 Some of Mr Hervey's friends thought he carried the Cai- 
 viniftical tenets fo far, that confequences difadvantageous 
 to religion might be deduced from them, and which he him- 
 
 felf, 
 
 * Some, I believe, are apt to imagine, that they muft re- 
 nounce fociety, if they devote themfelves to Chrift ; and aban- 
 don all the fatisfaclion of this world, if they once become zea- 
 lous candidates for the felicity of another. But this is a very 
 mi [taken notion, or elfe a very injurious reprefentacion of the 
 dotfrine, which is according to gndlinefs. It was never intend- 
 ed to drive men into defarts, but to lead them through the 
 peaceful and pleafant paths of wifdom, into the blefsful regi- 
 ons of life eternal. It was never intended to ftrike off the wheels 
 of buftnefs, or cut in fuuder the fmews of induftry ; but rather 
 to make men induftrious from a principle of con/ciencf, not frota 
 the inftigations of avarice ; that they may promote their im- 
 mortal happinefs, even while they provide for their temporal 
 maintenance. It has no defign to extirpate our paflions, but 
 only to reftrain their irregularities ; neither would it damp the 
 delights of fenfe, but prevent them from evaporating into va- 
 nity, and fubfiding into gall. A perfon may be chearful a- 
 mongft his friends, yet joyful in God. He may tafte the fweets 
 of his earthly elbte, and at the fame time cherifh his hopes of 
 a nobler inheritance in heaven. 
 
 The trader may profccute the demands of commerce, with- 
 out neglecling to negociate the affairs of his falvation : The 
 warrior may wear his fword ; may draw, in a juft caufe, that 
 murderous weapon ; and yet be a good foldier of Jefus Chrift, 
 and obtain the crown thac fadeth not away. The parent may 
 lay up a competent portion for his children, and not forfeit his 
 title to the treafures either of grace or glory. So far is Chrifr 
 tianity from obltrutfing any valuable intereiis, or with-holding 
 any real pleafure, that it evidently advances the one, and im- 
 proves the other.
 
 xl The L I F E of the 
 
 felf, inftead of aflenting to them, would have Hartlcd a? 
 and reje&ed with abhorrence. The fact is, the doctrine he 
 delivered in his writings, is purely fcriptural, and agree- 
 able to that contained in ail the confellions of the reform* 
 ed churches ; and is fo far from having a tendency to weak- 
 en the obligations to purity and holinefs of life, that it 
 promotes them in the moft effectual manner, and has the 
 moll happy influence on morality. When peribns of judg- 
 ment have pointed out to him fome expreffions that were 
 liable to be mifunder flood in that refpecl, he always dii- 
 avowed any fuch meaning ; and affirmed, that the fault was 
 not in the evangelical doctrines fo much infifted on by him, but 
 in the mifapprehenfion, ignorance, or inattention of thofe 
 who abufed them to licentioufnefs. He would then add, 
 he was ready to alter or retraft any fentiment or expreflion 
 which he apprehended to be truly objectionable; but that 
 to make'things equally clear to every one's appreheniion, or 
 to have the fame effect upon every one's mind, was an im- 
 practicable attempt ; that he profefTed himfelf a Calvinitt, 
 and that confequently the Arminians would not relifh fome 
 things he advanced, tho' what he wrote was exadly con- 
 formable to the church-articles, which areCalviniftical; yet 
 he hoped they would not reject the whole, becaufe they 
 could not in every point concur with him ; and that his 
 writings in general might be ufeful, how much foever fome 
 of his particular (tho' truly fcriptural) opinions might be 
 doubted or cenfured. And on this head let us hear Mr 
 Hervey hirnfelf. He, in a letter written by him a very lit- 
 tle before his happy death, thus exprefles himfelf: " Do 
 " they who deny faith, and extol their good works, diftin- 
 " guifh themfelves by the practice of them? I will be bold 
 " to fay, that, on an impartial examination, the majority 
 " will be found on the fide of thofe who embrace the doc- 
 ' trine of the imputation of Chrift's righteoufnefs, and 
 " who expect falvation by him alone." 
 
 Of the compliments publicly paid to his piety and genius, 
 it will be fufficient to infert a paragraph from the North- 
 ampton Mercury, which may be feen at the bottom of next 
 
 page,
 
 Rev. Air J A M E s H E R v E Y. xil 
 
 page *; and the following eulogium extracted from the Rev. 
 
 Mr Dodd's poem on the Epiphany: 
 
 - .. .. '. Thau HERVEY, too, 
 
 JVhofe page and foul alike br:athe humblcft loi'S 
 
 Toothy ador'd Redeemer ; ihou haft Jhewn 
 
 That piety and poli/h'd elegance 
 
 May well together fiat : and while remains 
 
 Or piety, or elegance, thy works. 
 
 Like genuine gold, the touchftone -will abide, 
 
 And grateful to thy countrymen remain .' 
 
 Oh ! may 1 to my lowly /trains derive 
 
 Some merit from the friendf!np of thy name 
 
 Strains, whofe exalted fubj eft fills my heart 
 
 So conjfant iijith delight ; and from thy tongue 
 
 IN CONVERSE pours fuch /tr earns of eloquence. 
 
 That the wrapt hearer wonders at his fears 
 
 Of death ere while, and glowing with the love 
 
 Of JESU, caught from thee, longs to behold 
 
 His Saviour in the clouds: for who can Jl and 
 
 Amidft the fweetnefs of Arabian groves, 
 
 And not bear thence fome fragrance ? Valu 1 d friend, 
 
 Proceed: and (thy loo feeble Jlrength renewed) 
 
 May 
 
 * On Chriftmas day, in the afternoon, died, in the 45th 
 year of his age, the Rev. Mr James Hervey, Re&or of Wefton- 
 Favell, near Northampton, and the anchor of the Meditations 
 on the tombs, flower-garden, &c He was one of the moft emi- 
 nent inftances of the power of Chriftianity upon the human 
 mind. In his minifterial province he was pious, fervent, and 
 indefatigable. In his ordinary connexions with the communi- 
 ty, he was ever chearful, confcientioufly pundlual in all his deal- 
 ings, and amiably candid to perfons of every denomination. 
 To his charities he fet no bounds, fcarcely leaving himfelf the 
 mere requifites of his ftation. Unde- the fevereft trials of in- 
 firmity for feveral years, he difplayed the higheft example of 
 fortitude, ferenity, patience, and an entire refignation to the 
 divine will His writings moft abundantly evidence his learn- 
 ing and ingenuity But, reader, it is not the acquifitions of 
 
 his underftanding, but the improvements of his heart, and his 
 confidence in the great Redeemer, which will now avail thi* 
 moft excellent man. 
 
 VOL, I, N i. F
 
 xlii The LIFE, &c. 
 
 May to hoar age thy journey be prolonged, 
 Andjirew'd each ft ep with blcjfings to mankind ! 
 
 We fiiall clqfe this account of Mr Hervey's life, with the- 
 following elegy en him * : 
 
 URANIA /peak ! in penjive numbers tell 
 
 HOTJ) Zi 0^1 trembled when great HE R v F Y fell ! 
 
 When fair d his ftrength, and 'when his pulfe beat low, 
 
 jTell how Jhe mourn' d to fee th* impending blow ,' 
 
 thou, to -whom all fucred themes belong. 
 
 Pour forth the fweetly-mclancholy fcng ! 
 
 44 Alas I grim death hath Jhot the fatal dart, 
 44 Which long fe cm? d pointed at his languid heart, 
 44 Th* infatiate tyrant, crown 9 d with funeral gloom % 
 44 In triumph drags ijirn to the hollow tomb ; 
 * 4 - Who nowfo well can paint the blooming flow' r, 
 " Or preach from Sepulchres at midnight hour ? } 
 *' Who nowfo well the Jlarry heavens fc.an, 
 ** And read the lefturcs Nature meant for man ? 
 ** No more his voice a carelefs world can move, 
 ** Or tell the wonders of redeeming love ; 
 " A'o more fcall thoufands round his pulpit throng^ 
 44 To hear the heavenly precepts of his tongue: 
 44 For lo ! above this grofs impurer air, 
 44 R.eleas y d from ev'ry pain, and every care, 
 44 He J "oars ah ft (angelic hofts his guide) 
 44 On wings new plum'd, which ne*er before he try*d. 
 
 * With 
 
 * The reader mr.y be affured, that thefe verfes were wrote by 
 ?ivery ferious and well-difpofed young man, apprentice to ajer- 
 fey comber, in the town of Northampton, in a low ftation of 
 life, and of no liberal education ; whnfe mind, by Mr James 
 .Hervey's preaching and writings, had been very early impref- 
 fed with the facred ardor of piety and poetry. The original 
 top 1 is now in the hands of the Rev. Mr Richard Onely, of 
 Clipfton, A. M. ipafter of the free fchool there, to whom it 
 \vas lardy tranfmitted by a friend of the lad's, for his infpec- 
 tion and correflion ; the alterations he has made are not many; 
 sjnd, upon th,e whole, it may be confidered as a kind of Chrifti- 
 an apoiheofis ; or, at leaft, a neat elegiac garland, not altogether 
 y of being hung over tlj,^t great and good man's tomb.;
 
 VERSES to Mr HERVEY. xliii 
 
 . 
 
 < With rapid fpccd his golden pinions rife 
 
 * 4 Thro' ftarry plains^ andfkim //;' empyrean fkies. 
 
 u And now where ffarkting portals wide difplay 
 
 44 The blifsful regions of eternal day ; 
 
 " His Lord receives him 'midft celeflial choirs, 
 
 *' Who crown his head, andftrike their golden, lyres 
 
 *' Thro 1 heaven's glad courts the greeting anthems rol/ 9 
 
 " And joys new blooming fc aft his ravijh'd foul ; 
 
 " Joys -which to tell all eloquence is faint , 
 
 ** And which the loftieft mufe can never faint.' 9 
 
 VERSES to Mr HERVEY, 
 
 ON HIS 
 
 MEDITATIONS, 
 
 IN thefe lov'd fcenes, what rapt'rous graces fhine, 
 Live in each leaf, and breathe in every line 1 
 What facred beauties beam throughout the whole, 
 To charm the fenfe, and (teal upon the foul I 
 In claflic elegance, and thoughts his own, 
 We fee our faults, as in a mirror, fliown : 
 Each truth in glaring characters exprelt, 
 All own the twin-refemblance in their bread: 
 His eafy periods, and perfuafive page, 
 At once amend, and entertain the age : 
 Nature's wide fields all open to his viev/, 
 He charms the mind with fomething ever new : 
 On fancy's pinions, his advent'rous foul 
 Wantons unbounded, and pervades the whole; 
 From death's dark caverns in the earth below, 
 To fpheres, where planets rol), or comets glow. 
 
 F 2 See
 
 xlvi VERSES to Mr HERVEY, 
 
 Hence may propitious melancholy flow, 
 And fafety find me in the vaults of wo. 
 
 While ev'ry virtue forms thy mental feaft, 
 I glow with fair fmcerity ac leaft: 
 I feel (thy face unknown) thy heart refin'd, 
 And tafte, with bliis, the beauties of thy mind ; 
 Collecting clearly, through thy lacred plan, 
 What reverence of GOD ! what love to man ! 
 O ! when at laft our deathlefs forms fiiall rife, 
 And flow'rs and ftars defilt to moralize ; 
 Shall then my foul, by thine inform'd, furvey, 
 And bear the fplendors of eflemial day ? 
 But while my thoughts indulge the glorious fcope, 
 (My utmoft worth beneath my humbled hope,) 
 Confcience, or fome exhorting angel, cries, 
 44 No lazy wimes reach above the Ikies. 
 44 Would you indeed the perfect fcenes furvey, 
 41 And mare the triumphs of unbounded day ; 
 44 His love-diffufive life with ardor live; 
 44 And die like this divine contemplative.'* 
 London , July 9. 1748. 
 
 By a PHYSICIAN. 
 
 TO form the tafte, and raife the nobler part, 
 To mend the morals, and to warm the heart ; 
 To trace the genial fource, we nature call, 
 And prove the GOD of nature friend of all ; 
 HERVEY for this his mental landfcape drew, 
 And fketch'd rhe whole creation out to view. 
 
 Th' enamell'd bloom, and variegated flow'r, 
 Whofe crimfon changes with the changing hour ; 
 The humble mrub, whofe fragrance fcents the morn, v 
 With buds difclofing to the early dawn ; 
 The oaks that grace Britannia's mountains fide, 
 And fpicy Lebanon 's fuperior pride ; * 
 
 All 
 * The cedar.
 
 on his M E D I T A T I O N S. xlvii 
 
 AHloudly SOV'RETGN EXCELLENCE proclaim, 
 And animated worlds confefs the fame. 
 
 The azure fields that form th' extended iky, 
 The planetary globes that roll on high, 
 And folar orbs, of prouded blaze, combine, 
 To aft fubfervient to the great defign. 
 Men, angels, feraphs, join the gen'ral voice : 
 And in the Lord of nature ALL rejoice. 
 
 His, the grey Winter's venerable guife, 
 Its fhrouded glories, and indruclive ikies J ; 
 His, the fnow's plumes, that brood the ilck'ning blade 5 
 His, the bright pendant, that impearls the glade; 
 The waving foreft, or the wbifp'ring brake, 
 The furging billow, or the fleeping lake. 
 The SAME, who pours the beauties of the fpring, 
 Or mounts the whirlwind's defolating wing. 
 The SAME, who fmiles in nature's peaceful form, 
 Frowns in the temped, and directs the ftorm. 
 
 'Tis thine, bright teacher, to improve the age ; 
 3 Tis thine, whofe life's a comment on thy page, 
 Thy happy page ; whofe periods fweetly flow, 
 Whofe figures charm us, and whofe colours glow j 
 Where artlef* piety pervades the whole, 
 Refines the genius, and exalts the foul. 
 For let the witling argue all he can, 
 It is religion flill that makes the man. 
 ? Tis this, my friend, that (freaks our morning bright ; 
 *Tis this that gilds the horrors of our night. 
 When wealth forfakes us, and when friends are few ; 
 When friends are faithlefs, or when foes purfue ; 
 Tis this that wards the blow, or ftills the fmart ; 
 Difarms affiiftion, or repels its dart; 
 Within the bread bids pureft rapture rife ; 
 Bids fmiling confcience fpread her cloudlefs ikies. 
 
 When the dorm thickens, and the thunder roils, 
 When the earth trembles to th' affrighted poles ; 
 
 The 
 $ Refen-ing to the Winter-pis^.
 
 xlviii VERSES to Mr HERVEY, 
 
 The virtuous mind, nor doubts nor fears aflail ; 
 For ftonns are zephyrs, or a gentler gale. 
 
 And when difeafe obftrufts the lab'ring breath, 
 When the heart fickens, and each pulfe is death ; 
 E'en then religion (hall fuftain the juft, 
 Grace their laft moments, nor defert their duft. 
 -1748. 
 
 AS fome new ftar attracts th' admiring fight, 
 His fplendors pouring thro' the fields of light, 
 Whole nights, delighted with th' unufual rays, 
 On the fair heav'nly vifitant we gaze : 
 So thy fam'd volumes fweet furprife impart ; 
 Mark'd by all eyes, and felt in ev'ry heart. 
 Nature, inform'd by thee, new paths has trod, 
 And rifes, here, a preacher for her GOD ; 
 By fancy's aids, myfterious heights fhe tries, 
 And lures us, by our fenfes, to the ikies. 
 To deck thy fly le collected graces throng, 
 Bold as the pencil's tints, yet foft zsfong. 
 In theme*, how rich thy vein ! how pure thy choice ! 
 Tranfcripts of truths, own'd clear from fcripture's voice: 
 Thy judgment thefe, and piety atteft, 
 Tranfcripts read only fairer in thy breath 
 There, what thy works would (hew, we bed may fee, 
 And all they teach in doctrine, lives in thee. 
 
 Oh ! might they live! Our pray'rs their ftrife engage ; 
 But thy fiVd languors yield us fad prefage. 
 In vain fkill'd med'cine tries her healing art : 
 Difeafe, long foe, entrenches at thy heart. 
 Yet on new labours fhll thy mind is prone, 
 For a world's good too thoughtlefs of thy own. 
 Active, like day's kind orb, life's courfe you run, 
 Its fphere flill glorious, tho' zfettingfun. 
 
 Redemption opes thee wide her healing plan, 
 Health's only balm, her fov'reign'ft gifc to man. 
 
 Themes
 
 on his MEDITATIONS. xlir 
 
 Themes fweet like thefe thy ardors, frefh, excite : 
 Warm at the foul, they nerve thy hand to write j 
 Make thy try'd virtues in their charms appear, 
 Patience, rais'd hope, firm faith, and love fincere j 
 Like a big conftellation, bright they glow, 
 And beam out lovelier by thy night of wo. 
 
 Known were thy merits to the Public long, 
 Ere own'd thus feebly in my humble long* 
 Damp'd are my fires ; my heart dark cares deprefs j 
 A heart, too feeling from its own diftrefs. 
 Proud on thy friend/hip, yet to build my fame, 
 I gain'd my page * a fanftion from thy name. 
 Weak thefe returns (by gratitude tho j led) 
 Where mine (hall in thy fav'rite leaves be read. 
 Yet o'er" my confcious meannefs hope prevails; 
 Love gives me merit, where my genius fails. 
 OH its ftrong bafe my fmall defer t I raife, 
 Averfe to flatt'ry, as unlkill'd to praife. 
 
 Mile-End Green y MOSES BROWNE* 
 
 Fcb.3.$. 1749. 
 
 W Hence flow thefe folemnfounds ? this raptur'd ftrain ? 
 Cherubic notes my wond'ring ear detain ! 
 Yet 'tis a mortal's voice: 'tis HERVEY lings: 
 Sublime he foars on Contemplation's wings : 
 In ev'ry period breathes ecdatic thought. 
 HERVEY, 'twas heav'n thy facred leiTons taught. 
 Celeftial vifions blefs thy ftudious hours, 
 Thy lonely walks, and thy fequefter'd bow'rs. 
 What fav'ring pow'r, difpenfing fecret aids, 
 Thy cavera'd cell, thy curtain'd couch, pervades ? 
 Still hov'ring near, obfervant of thy themes, 
 In whifpers prompts thee, or infpires thy dreams ? 
 JESUS ! effulgence of paternal light ! 
 Ineffably divine ! fupremely bright ! 
 
 Whofe 
 
 SUNDAY-THOUGHTS* 
 Voi.. I, N? i. G
 
 1 VERSES to Mr HERVEY, 
 
 Whofe energy according worlds atteft, 
 Kindled thefe ardors in thy glowing breaft. 
 We catch thy flame, as we thy page perufe; 
 And faith in ev'ry object JESUS views. 
 We in the bloomy breathing garden trace 
 Somewhat like emanations of his grace: 
 Yet muft all fweetnefs and all beauty yield, 
 Idumc's grove, and Sharon's flow'ry field, 
 Compar'd with JESUS : meanly, meanly fhows 
 The brighteft lily, faint the lovelieft rofe. 
 
 Divine inftruclor ! lead thro' midnight-glooms, 
 To moralizing ftars, and preaching tombs : 
 Thro' the {till void a Saviour's voice (hall break ^ 
 A ray from JACOB'S ftar the darknefs flreak: 
 To him the faireft fcenes their luftre owe ; 
 His cov'nant brightens the celeftial bow j 
 His vaft benevolence profufely fpreads 
 The yellow harvefts, and the verdant meads* 
 
 Thy pupil, HERVEY, a Redeemer finds 
 In boundlefs oceans, and in viewlefs winds : 
 He reins at will the furious blafts, and guides 
 The rending tempers, and the roaring tides. 
 O give, my foul, thy welfare to his truft : 
 Who rais'd the world, can raife thy fleeping duft I 
 He will, he will, when nature's courfe is run, 
 'Midft falling ftars, and an extinguifh'd fun ; 
 He will with myriads of his faints appear. 
 O may 1 join them, tho' the meaneft there ! 
 
 Tho' nearer to the throne my HERVEY fings ; 
 Tho' I at humbler diftance ftrike the firings; 
 Yet both mail mingle in the fame employ, 
 Both drink the fulnefs of eternal joy. 
 
 Clcrkenwdl Green, JOHN DUICK. 
 
 Feb. 24. I74S- 
 
 Hat numbers of our race furvey 
 The monarch of the golden day, 
 
 Night's 
 
 w
 
 on his M E D I T AT I O N S. 
 
 Night's ample canopy unfurl'd, 
 
 In gloomy grandeur round the world, 
 
 The earth in fpring's embroid'ry dreft, 
 
 And ocean's ever-working bread ! 
 
 And ftill no grateful honours rife 
 
 To him who fpread the fpacious fides, 
 
 Who hung this air-fufpended ball, 
 
 And lives, and reigns, and mines, in all J 
 
 To chace our fenfual fogs away, 
 ,And bright to pour th* eternal ray 
 Of Deity infcrib'd around 
 Wide nature to her utmoft bound, 
 Is HERVEY'S talk ; and well his /kill 
 Celeftial can the talk fulfill : 
 Afcending from thefe fcenes below, 
 Ardent the Maker's praife to (how, 
 His facred contemplations foar, 
 And teach our wonder to adore. 
 
 Now he furveys the realms beneath, 
 The realms of horror, and of death ; 
 Now entertains his vernal hours 
 In flow'ry walks, and blooming bow'rs ; 
 Now hails the black-brow'd night, that brings 
 ./Ethereal dews upon her wings ; 
 Now marks the planets, as they roll 
 On burning axles round the pole : 
 While tombs, and/*Wr.f, zn&foadcs,. andyfofj 
 Unveil their facred characters 
 OfjufHce, wifdom, pow'r, and love; 
 And lift the foul to realms above, 
 Where dwells the GOD, in glory crown'd, 
 Who fends his boundlefs influence round. 
 
 So Jacoby in his blifsful dreams, 
 Arrayed in heav'n's refulgent beams, 
 Saw from the ground a fcale arife, 
 Whofe fummit mingled with the fides ; 
 Angels were pleas'd to pafs the road, 
 The flage to earth, and path to GOD.
 
 lii VERSES to Mr HERVEY, 
 
 Hervey^ proceed : for nature yields 
 Frefh treafure in her ample fields ; 
 And in feraphic ecftafy 
 Still bear us to the throne on high. 
 Ocean's wild wonders next explore, 
 His changing fcenes, and fecret ftore ; 
 Or let dire Earthquake claim thy toil, 
 Earthquake, that makes a guilty ifle. 
 
 So, if fmall things may fhadow forth, 
 Dear man, thy labours, and thy worth, 
 The bee upon the flow'ry lawn 
 Imbibes the lucid drops of dawn, 
 Works them in his my Serious mould, 
 And turns the common dew to gold. 
 
 London, THOMAS GIBBONS. 
 
 May 26, 1750. . 
 
 DElightful author ! whom the faints infpire ! 
 And whifp'ring angels with their ardors fire ! 
 From youth like mine, wilt thou accept of praife ? 
 Or fmile with candor on a ftrippling's lays ? 
 My little laurel (but a (hoot at moft) 
 Has hardly more than one fmall wreath to boaft. 
 Such as it is (ah ! might it worthier be !) 
 Its fcanty foliage all is due to Thee. 
 Oh ! if, amongft the honours of thy brow, 
 This (lender circlet may but humbly grow: 
 If its faint verdure haply may find place 
 A foil to others tho* its own difgrace; 
 Accept it, Hervey, from a heart fincere ; 
 And, for the giver's fake, the tribute wear. 
 
 Thy foul-improving works perus'd, what tongue 
 Can hold from praife, or check th* applaufive fong ? 
 Put, ah ! from whence mail gratitude obtain } 
 
 Language that may its glowing zeal explain ? 
 iiow to fuch wondrous worth adapt a drain ? J> 
 
 Defcrib'd
 
 on his MEDITATIONS.. liii 
 
 Defcrib'd by thee, cold fepulchres can charm ; 
 Storms calm the foul ; and freezing winter warm. 
 Clear'd from her gloomy {hades, we view pale night 
 Surrounded with a blaze of mental light, 
 Lo ! where (he comes ! all filent ! penfive ! flow ! 
 On her dark robe unnumber'd meteors glow ! 
 High on her head a ftarry crown Che wears ! 
 Bright in her hand the lamp of Reafon bears ! 
 Smiling, behold ! flie points the foul to heav'n, 
 And bids the weeping (inner be forgiv'n ! 
 
 But when thy fancy fhifts this folemn fcene, 
 And ruddy morning gilds the chearful green ; 
 With fudden joy we view the profpecl cha^g'd, 
 And bluming fweets in beauteous order rang'd. 
 We fee the violets ; fmell the dewy rofe, 
 Ad each perfume that from the woodbine flows: 
 A boundlefs perfpeclive there greets our eyes ; 
 Rich vales defcend, and verdant mountains rife. 
 The (hepherds cottages, and rural folds : 
 All, that thy art defcribes, the eye beholds. 
 
 Amazing limner ! whence this matchlefs pow'r? 
 Thy work's a garden ! ev'ry word a flow'r ! 
 Thy lovely tints almoft the bloom excel), 
 And none but nature's felf can paint fo well ! 
 
 Hail, holy man ! henceforth thy work (hall ftand 
 (Like fome fair column by a matter-hand, 
 Which, whilft it props, adorns the towYmg pile) 
 At once to grace, and elevate our Ijle. 
 Though (im pie, lofty; though majeftic, plain; 
 Whofe bold deiign the rules of art reftrain. 
 In which the niceft eye fees nothing wrong; 
 Though polifh'd, juft ; and elegant, though firong. 
 
 'June 24, 1750. ST GEORGE MOLES-WORTH. 
 
 I 
 
 N Pleafure's lap the mufes long have lain, 
 And hung, attentive, on her Syren {train : 
 
 Still
 
 llv -VERSES to Mr HERVEY, 
 
 Still toils the bard beneath fome weak defign, 
 
 And puny thought but halts along the line : 
 
 Or tuneful nothings, dealing on the mind, 
 
 Melt into air, nor leave a trace behind. 
 
 While to thy rapt'rous profe, we feel, belong 
 
 The ftrength of wifdom, and the voice of fong : 
 
 This lifts the torch of facred truth on high, 
 
 And points the captives to their native Iky. 
 
 How falfe the joys, which earth or fenfe infpires, 
 
 That clog the foul, and damp her purer fires ! 
 
 Troths, which thy foleran fcenes, ray friend, declare, 
 
 Whofe glowing colours paint us as we are. 
 
 Yet not morofely flern, nor idly gay, 
 
 Dull melancholy reigns, or trifles fway : 
 111 wou'd the drains of levity befit, 
 And fallen gloom but fadden all thy wit : 
 Truth, judgment, fenfe, imagination, join 5 
 And ev'ry mufe, and every grace, is thine. 
 Religion prompting the true end of man, 
 Confpinng genius executes the plan ^ 
 Strong to convince, and elegant to charm, 
 Plaintive to melt, or palTionate to warm. 
 Rais'd by degrees, we elevate our aim, 
 And grow immortal as we catch thy flame ; 
 True piety informs our languid hearts, 
 And all the vitious, and the vain departs. 
 So, wfcen foul-fpreading fogs creep flowly on, 
 Blot the fair morn, and hide the golden fun ; 
 Ardent he pours the boundlefs blaze of day, 
 Rides through the fky, and fhines the mid away. 
 
 O, had it been th' Almighty's gracious will, 
 That I had fliar'd a portion" of thy fkill : 
 Had this poor bread receiv'd the heav'nly beam, 
 Which fpreads its ludre thro* thy various theme ; 
 That fpeaks deep lefTofts from the filent tomb. 
 And crowns thy garden with frefh-fpringing bloom ; 
 Or, piercing thro' creation's ample whole, 
 Now fooths the night, or gilds \h,zftarry pole ; 
 
 Or
 
 on his MEDITATIONS. 
 
 Or marks how Winter calls her howling train, 
 Her fnows and dorms, that defolate the plain ; 
 With thee the Mufe fhall trace the pleafing road, 
 That leads from nature up to nature's GOD j 
 Humble to learn, and, as fhe knows the more, 
 Glad to obey, and happy to adore. 
 
 Northampton, PETER. W A 1. 1. z 
 
 Aug. 25. 1750,
 
 OntheRev, Mr JAMES HERVEYV PtOure, by 
 the Rev. Mr JOHN NIXON, A. M. Rcftor of Cold High- 
 am, in Northamptonflrire. 
 
 WILLIAMS ! 'tis yours to bid the canvas wear, 
 By art illufive, Hervfy's form and air. 
 Oh ! with like happy labour could I trace 
 Each virtue, each exalted Chriftian grace, 
 liach heav'nly gift, with which his foul was bleft, 
 And fix the bright aflemblage in roy bread : 
 Then how tranfcendent far wou'd be my plan, 
 You point his mimic SHADE : I'd live the MAN. 
 
 MEDI-
 
 MEDITATIONS 
 
 AMONG T H E 
 
 TOMBS 
 
 Every Stone that iue look upon in this Kepojitory of p aft Ages^ 
 is both an Entertainment, and a Monitor. 
 
 Plain-Dealer, VOL. I. N 42. 
 
 .<.<<.<..<<.<<.<<<<<<*>->>>>.> 
 
 VOL. I. N? i. 
 
 li
 
 T O 
 
 Mifs 
 
 MADAM, 
 
 npHESE Reflections, the ONE on the deepefl, 
 JL the OTHER on \hzgayefl fcenes of nature, 
 when they proceeded privately from the pen> 
 were addrefled to a lady of the mod valuable 
 endowments : who crowned all her other en- 
 dearing qualities, by a fervent love of CHRIST, 
 and an exemplary conformity to his divine pat- 
 tern. She, alas 1 lives no longer on earth ; un- 
 lefs it be in the honours of a diftinguifhed cha- 
 racter, and in the bleeding remembrance of her 
 acquaintance. 
 
 IT is impoflible, Madam, to wifh you a richer 
 
 blefling, or a more fubftantial happinefs, than 
 
 that the fame fpirit of unfeigned faith ^ the fame 
 
 courfe of undenled religion^ which have enabled 
 
 H 2 her
 
 Ix DEDICATION. 
 
 her to triumph over death, may both animate 
 and adorn your life. And you will permit me 
 to declare, that my chief inducement in requeft- 
 ing your acceptance of the following Medita- 
 tions, now they make a public appearance from 
 the /r/?/}, is, that they are defigned to cultivate 
 the fame facred princifle, and to promote the 
 fame excellent practice. 
 
 LONG, Madam, may you bloom in all the vi- 
 vacity and amiablenefs of youth, like the charm- 
 ing fubjec"l of one of thefe contemplations. But 
 at the fame time remember, that, with regard to 
 fuch inferior accomplimments, you muft one day 
 fad:^ (may it prove fome very remote period !) 
 like the mournful objects of the other. This 
 coniideration will prompt you to go on as you 
 have begun, in adding the meeknefs of ivifdom, 
 and all the beauties of holinefs, to the graces of 
 an engaging perfon, and the refinements of a po- 
 lite education. 
 
 AND might O ! might the enfuing hints 
 furnifli you with the lead afliftance, in profecu- 
 ting fo defirable an end : might they contribute, 
 in any degree, to eftablifh your faith, or elevate 
 your devotion ; they would, then, adininifler 
 to the author fuch a fatisfaction, as applaufe can- 
 not give, nor cenfure take away : A fatisfaction, 
 which I mould be able to enjoy, even in thofe 
 
 awful
 
 DEDICATION. ki 
 
 awful moments, when all that captivates the eye 
 is finking in darknefs, and every glory of this 
 lower world difappearing for ever. 
 
 TH E s E wifhes, Madam, as they are a mod a- 
 greeable employ of my thoughts, fo they come 
 attended with this additional circumftance of 
 pleafure, that they are alfo the fincereft expre- 
 fion of that very great efteem, with which I am, 
 
 MADAM, 
 
 Tour mojl obedient^ 
 
 Mo/l humble feru ant ^ 
 
 Wefton-Favell, near 
 Northampton, 
 May 20. 1746. 
 
 JAMES HERVEY.
 
 ADVERTISEMENT 
 
 T O T H E 
 
 THIRD EDITION. 
 
 J MUST intreat the pur chafers of the former edi- 
 tions ', to excufe the freedom I have taken, in ma- 
 king federal confiderable additions to this. // has 
 been done at the perfuafion of fome judicious friend s^ 
 who apprehended the piece might be more ufeful y 
 and lefs unworthy of the public patronage, if it 
 touched upon fame very interefiingfubjecls, hitherto 
 omitted. As I had no views, but to render the per- 
 formance more pleqfing and ferviceable ; no reader , 
 / hope, 'will be offended at my practice, or complain 
 of it as injurious. Newerthelefs, as I 'would 'wil- 
 lingly avoid 'whatever might feem to ft and in need 
 of an APOLOGY, I defire leave to declare. That no 
 future enlargements, or alterations , Jhall be fuf- 
 fered to depretiate r what <t *with the deepeft grati- 
 tude for their pafl encouragement, I now commit to 
 the candour of the public. 
 
 P R E-
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 of thefe occajional meditations begs leave 
 to remind my readers of J heir latter end ; and 
 would invite them tofet, not their houfes only, but, 
 which is inexprej/ibly more needful, their fouls, in 
 order : that they may be able, thro 9 all the inter- 
 mediate Jlages, to look forward upon their approach- 
 ing exit, without any anxious apprehenfions ; and, 
 when the great change commences, may bid adieu 
 to terrejlrial things, with all the calmnefs of a 
 chearful rejignation, with all the comforts of a 
 well-gr ounded faith. 
 
 The other attempts to Jketch out fome little tra- 
 ces of the all-fufficiency of our Redeemer, for the 
 grand and gracious purpofes ofeverlaftingfalvation ; 
 that afenfe of his unutterable dignity, arid infinite 
 "perfections, may incite us to regard him withjenti- 
 ments of the mojl profound veneration ; to long for 
 an ajjured intereji in his merits, with all the ar- 
 dency of defire ; . and to trujl in his powerful medi- 
 ation, with an affiance not to be fhaken by any 
 temptations, not to befhared 'with any performances 
 of our own. 
 
 I fatter myfelf, that the thoughts conceived among 
 the tombs, may be welcome to the ferious and hu- 
 mane mind : Becaufe, as there are few who have 
 not configned the remains of fome dear rela- 
 tions,
 
 Ixiv PREFACE. 
 
 tions, or honoured friends, to thofe filent repofito- 
 tories ; fo there are none but muft be'fenftble, that 
 this is the houfe appointed for all living; and that 
 they themfelves are ffjortly to remove info the fame 
 
 folemn man/tons And r who would not turn afide 
 
 for a while, from the mo ft favourite amufements, to 
 view the place 'where his once loved companions 
 lie ? Who 1.1 ould not fometimes furvey thofe apart- 
 ments, where he himfelf is to take up an abode, 
 till time Jh all be no more ? 
 
 As to the other little ej/ay, may I not humbly pre- 
 fume, that the very fubjeci itfelf will recommend the 
 remarks ? For 'who is not delighted with the prof- 
 feel of the blooming creation, and even charmed 
 with the delicate attractions of flowers ? Who 
 does not covet to affcmble them in the garden, or 
 wear them in a nofegay ? Since this is a pajjionfo 
 univerfal, 'who 'would not be willing to render it 
 
 productive of the fublimeft improvement ! This 
 
 piece of holy frugality / have ventured tofuggeft, 
 and endeavoured to exemplify, in the fecond letter ; 
 that, while the hand is cropping the tranfient beau- 
 ties of ajlo*wer, the attentive mind may be enrich- 
 ing itfelf with folid and lafting good. And I can- 
 not but entertain fome pleaftng hopes, that the niceft 
 tqfte may receive and relifh religious impreflions, 
 when they are conveyed by fuch lovely monitors ; 
 when the injlruflive leffons are found, not on the 
 leaves of fome formidable folio, but Jl and legible on 
 thefne farcenet of a narcifTus ; when they favour 
 not of the lamp and reclufe, but come breathing 
 from the fragrant bofom of jonquil. 
 
 M E-
 
 MEDITATIONS 
 
 AMONG THE 
 
 TOM 
 
 In a L T f E R to a LADY; 
 ^s:.>*^*2*<>*2><*2*<>*;>+;>*^ 
 
 M A D A M, 
 
 TRAVELLING lately into Cornwall, I happened 
 to alight at a confiderable village in that coun- 
 ty ; where finding myielf under an unexpected necef- 
 fity of flaying a little, I took a walk to the church *. 
 The doors, like the heaven to which they lead, were 
 wide open, and readily admitted an unworthy flran- 
 ger. Pleafed with the opportunity, I refolved to 
 fpend a few minutes under the facred roof. 
 
 * I had named, in foirie former editions, a particular church, 
 viz. Ki L K H A M PTON ; where fevcral of the monuments, 
 defcribed in the following pages, really exHt But as I thought 
 it convenient to mention foine cafes here, which are not, ac- 
 cording to the bert of my remembrance, referred to in any in- 
 .fcriptions there ; I have now omitted the name; that imagi- 
 nation might operate more freely, and the improvement of the 
 reader be confulted, without any thing that Ihould look like 
 a variation from truth and facl. 
 VOL. I. N i, I
 
 66. MEDITATIONS 
 
 IN a fituation fo retired and awful, I could not avoid 
 falling into a train of Meditations, Jerious and mourn- 
 fully pleafing which, I truft, Were in ibme degree 
 profitable to me, while they poflfefTed and warmed my 
 thoughts ; and if they may admin ifter any fatisfa&ion 
 to you, Madam, now they are recollected, and com- 
 mitted to writing, I (hall receive a frefh pleafure from 
 them . 
 
 IT was an ancient pile ; reared by hands, that, ages 
 ago, were mouldered into duft. Situate in the cen- 
 tre of a large burial-ground; remote from all the noife 
 and hurry of tumultuous life. The body fpacious ; 
 the ftruciure lofty; the whole magnificently plain. A 
 row of regular pillars extended themfelves through 
 the midft ; fupporting the roof with fimplicity, and 
 with dignity. The light, that pafTed thro' the win- 
 dows, feemed to fhed a kind of luminous obfcurity ; 
 which gave every object a grave and venerable air. 
 The deepy?/<f7zr<f, added to the gloomy afpect, and both 
 heightened by the lonelinefs of the place, greatly in- 
 creafed the folernnity of the fcene. A fort of religious 
 dread ftole infenlibly on my mind, while I advanced, 
 all penfive and thoughtful, along the inmoft ifle ; fuch 
 a dread, as hufhed every ruder paffion, and diilipated 
 all the gay images of an alluring world. 
 
 HAVING adored that eternal Majefty, who, far from 
 being confined to temples made with hands, has hea- 
 ven forhisthrone, and theearth for his footftool, Itook 
 particular notice of a handfome altar-piece; prefented, 
 as I was afterwards informed, by the mafter-builders of 
 Stoiu * ; out of gratitude, I prefume, to that gracious 
 
 GOD, 
 
 * The name of a grand feat, belonging to the late Earl of 
 Bath ; remarkable formerly for its excellent workmanfhip, 
 and elegant furniture; once the principal refort of the quality 
 and gentry of the Weft j buc now demolifhed, laid even with 
 
 the
 
 among the TOMBS. 67 
 
 GOD, who carried them thro' their work, and ena- 
 bled them to " bring forth their top-ftone with joy." 
 
 O ! HOW amiable is gratitude! efpecially when it has 
 the fupreme Benefactor for its objeft. I have always 
 looked upon gratitude, as the mod exalted principle 
 that can aftuate the heart of man. Ithasfomething noble, 
 difmterefled, and (if I may be allowed the term) gene- 
 roufly devout. Repentance indicates our nature fallen, 
 and prayer turns chiefly upon a regard to one's felf : 
 But the exercifes of gratitude fubilfled in paradiie, 
 when there was no fault to deplore ; and will be perpe- 
 tuated in heaven, when " GOD mail be all in all." 
 
 The language of this fweet temper is, " I am un- 
 
 " fpeakably obliged: what return lhall 1 make?" 
 
 And, furely, it is no improper expreffion of an un- 
 feigned thankfulnefs, to decorate our Creator's courts, 
 and beautify " the place where his honour dwelleth." 
 Of old, the habitation of his feet was glorious : let 
 it not, now, be fordid or contemptible. It mufl grieve 
 an ingenuous mind, and be a reproach to any people, 
 to have their own houfes wainfcotted with cedar, and 
 painted with vermilion ; while the temple of the Lo R D 
 of hofls is deftitute of every decent ornament. 
 
 HERE! recollected, and was charmed with Solomon's 
 fine addrefs to the Almighty, at the dedication of his 
 famous temple. With immenfe charge, and exquifite 
 (kill, he had erected the moft rich and finiflied itruc- 
 ture that the fun ever law. Yet, upon a. review of 
 his work, and a reflection on the tranfcendent perfec- 
 tions of the Godhead, how he exalts the one, and a- 
 bafes the other ! The building was too glorious for 
 the mightieft monarch to inhabit ; too Jacrcd for 
 unhallowed feet even to enter; yet infinitely too mean 
 for the Deity to refide in. It was, and the royal wor- 
 I 2 fhipper 
 
 the ground, and fcarce one (lone left upon another. So that 
 corn may grow, or nettles fpring, where Stow lately flood.
 
 68 MEDITATIONS 
 
 fhipper acknowledged it to be, a moft marvellous 
 vouchfafement in uncreated Excellency, to " put his 
 < c name there." -The whole paflage breathes fuch a 
 delicacy, and is animated with fuch a fublimity of fen- 
 timent, that I cannot perfuade myfelf to pafs on, with- 
 out repeating it. But will God indeed dwell on earth f 
 Behold! the hen ven, and heaven of heavens, cannot 
 contain thee ; how much lej's this houfe that I have build- 
 cd*i Incomparable faying ! worthy the wifeft of men. 
 Who would not chufe to pofTefs fuch an elevated de-: 
 votion, rather than to own all the glittering materi- 
 als of that fumptupus edifice ? 
 
 WE 
 
 * i Kings viii. 27. But will. A. fine abrupt beginning, 
 moft fignificantly deicribing the amazement and rapture of the 
 royal prophet's mind ! G D : He ufes no epithet, where 
 writers of inferior difcernment would have been fond to mul- 
 tiply them ; but fpeakb of the Deity, as an incomprehenfible 
 Being, whole perfections and glories are exalted above all 
 praife. Dwell : To beftow on finful creatures a propitious 
 look, to favour them with a tranfient viiit of kindnefs ; even 
 this were an unutterable obligation. Will he then vouehfafe 
 to fin his abode among them, and take up his ftated reiidence 
 with them? Indeed: A word, in this connection, peculiarly 
 emphatical ; exprelfive of a condefcenfion, wonderful and ex- 
 traordinary almoft beyond all credibility. Behold: intimating 
 the continued, or rather the increafing furprife of the fpeaker, 
 and awakening the attention of the hearer. Behald! the hca~ 
 ven : The fpacious concave of the firmament, that wide-ex- 
 tended azure circumference, in which worlds unnumbered 
 perform their revolutions, is too fcanty an apartment for the 
 Godhead. Nay, the heaven of heavens : thole vafily higher 
 tracts, which lye far beyond the limits of human furvey, tq 
 which our very thoughts can hardly foar ; even thefe (un- 
 bounded as they are) cannot afford an adequate habitation 
 for JEHOVAH ; even thefe dwindle into a point, when compa- 
 red with the infinitude of his eflence; even thefe " are as no- 
 44 thing before him." Hoia much Itfs proportionate is this 
 poor diminutive fpeck (which I have been erecting and embel- 
 iifliing) to fo augult a Prefence, fo immenfe a Majefty ] "
 
 among the TOMBS. 69 
 
 W E are apt to be ftruft with admiration at the ftate- 
 linefs and grandeur of a maiterly performance in ar- 
 chitefture ; and, perhaps, on a fight of the ancient 
 fascluary, mould have made the fuprrficid obfervation 
 of the dliciples ; " What manner of (tones, and what 
 " buildings, are here I" But what a nobler turn of 
 thought, wiAjufter tafte of things, does it difcover, 
 to join with IJrael's king, in celebrating the condeA- 
 cenfion of the divine inhabitant ! That the high and 
 lofty One, who fills immenlity with his glory, mould, 
 in a peculiar manner, fix his abode there ! mould there 
 manifeft an extraordinary degree of his benedicHve 
 prefence ; permit finful mortals to approach his Ma- 
 jefly, and promife " to make them joyful in his houfe 
 *' of prayer V this mould more fenfibly affect our 
 hearts, than the moft curious arrangement of (tones 
 can delight our eyes. 
 
 NA Y , the everlafting Go o does not difdain to dwell 
 in ourjouls by his Holy Spirit j and to make even our 
 bodies his temple. Tell me, ye that frame critical 
 judgments, and balance nicely the diftin&ion of things, 
 " Is this moft aftonifhing, or moft rejoicing !" He 
 humbleth himfelf, the icripture afTures us, even to 
 behold the things that are in heaven *. 'Tis a moft 
 condefcending favour, if HE pleafes to take the leaft 
 approving notice of angels and archangels, when th,ey 
 bow down in homage from their celeftial thrones. 
 Will he then gracioufly regard, will he be united, 
 moft intimately united to poor, polluted, breathing 
 duft ? Unparalleled honour ! invaluable privilege I 
 Be this my portion, and I (hall not covet crowns, nor 
 envy conquerors. 
 
 BUT let me remember, what zfanflity of difpofi- 
 fjpn, and uprightnefs of convcrfation, fo exalted are- 
 
 latio 
 
 * Pfal. odii. 6,
 
 70 MEDITATIONS 
 
 Jation demands : remember this, " and rejoice with 
 " trembling/' Durft i commit any iniquity, while I 
 tread thefe hallowed courts } . Could the Jewifh high 
 prieft allow himfelf in any known tranfgreflion, while 
 he made that iolemn yearly entrance -J* into the holy 
 of holies, and flood before the immediate prefence 
 of JEHOVAH? No, truly. Injuc/i circumftances, 
 a thinking peribn muft mudder at the moft remote fo- 
 licitation to any wilful offence. I mould now be moc- 
 ked at the leait indecency of behaviour, and am ap- 
 prehenfive of every appearance of evil. And why do 
 we not carry this holy jealoufy into all our ordinary 
 life ? Why do we not, in every place J, reverence 
 ourielves ; as perlons dedicated to the Divinity, as 
 living temples of the Godhead ? For, if we are real, 
 and not merely nominal Chriftians, the GOD of glory, 
 according to his own promife, |J dwells in us, and 
 'walks in us. O ! that this one doclrine of our reli- 
 gion might operate with an abiding efficacy upon our 
 confciences ! It would be inftead of a thoufand laws, 
 to regulate our conduct: ; inftead of a thoufand mo- 
 tives, to quicken us in holinefs. Under the influence 
 ofjiich a conviction, we fliould ftudy to maintain a 
 purity of intention ; a dignity of aftion ; and to walk 
 worthy of that tranfcendently majeftic Being, who 
 admits us to a fellowfhip with himfelf, and with his 
 Son JESUS CHRIST. 
 
 THE 
 
 j- Heb. ix. 7. 
 
 irairuv ft psii.ir' ectir^v 
 
 was the favourite maxim of Pythagoras, and fuppofed to be 
 one of the bed moral precepts ever given to the Heathen 
 world. With what fuperior force, and very fingular advantage, 
 does the argument take place in the Chriftian fcheme ! where 
 we are taught to regard ourfelves, not merely as intelleflual 
 beings, who have rcafin for our monitor ; but as confecrated 
 creatures, who have a GOD of the moft confummate perfec- 
 tion ever -with us, ever in us. 
 
 2 Cor. vi. 1 6.
 
 among the TOMBS. 71 
 
 THE next thing which engaged my attention, was 
 the lettered floor. The pavement, fomewhat like Eze- 
 kiel's roll, was written over from one end to the o- 
 ther. I loon perceived the companion to hold good in 
 another refpecl: ; and the infcriptions to be matter of 
 " mourning, lamentation, and wo *." They feemed 
 to court my obfervation ; filently inviting me to read 
 them. And what would thefc dumb monitors inform 
 me of? " That, beneath their little circumferences, 
 " were depofited fuch and fuch pieces of clay, which 
 " once lived, and moved, and talked : that they had 
 " received a charge to preferve their names, and were 
 " the remaining truflees of their memory." 
 
 AH ! faid I, is fuch my fituation ! the adorable 
 Creator around me, and the bones of my fellow-crea- 
 tures under me ! Surely, then, I have great reafon to 
 cry out, with the revering patriarch, How dreadful if 
 this place "j- ! Serioufnefs and devotion become this 
 houfe for ever. May I never enter it lightly or irre- 
 verently ; but with a profound awe, and godly fear \ 
 
 ! that they were -wife \ ! faid the infpired penman. 
 It was his laft wifh for his dear people. He breathed 
 it out, and gave up the ghoft. But what is wifdom ? 
 It confifts not in refined fpeculations, accurate refear- 
 ches into nature, or an univerfal acquaintance with 
 hiftory. The divine lawgiver fettles this important 
 point, in his next afpiration : ! that they underftood 
 this ! that they had right apprehenfions of their fpi- 
 ritual interefts, and eternal concerns ! that they had 
 eyes to difcern, and inclinations to purfue, the things 
 which belong to their peace ! But how nhall they at- 
 tain this valuable knowledge ? 1 fend them not, adds 
 the illuftrious teacher, to turn over all the volumes 
 of literature : they may acquire, and much more ex- 
 
 pedi- 
 
 * Ezek. ii. 10. -f Gen. xxviii. 17. ^ Deut. xxxii. 29.
 
 ?2 MEDITATIONS 
 
 peditioufly, this fcience of life, by confidcr'mg their 
 latter end. This fpark of heaven is often loft under the 
 glitter of pompous erudition, but fliines clearly in the 
 gloomy manfions of the tomb. Drowned is this gentle 
 whifper amidft the noij'e of fecular affairs, but fpeaks 
 diftin&ly in the retirements of ferious contemplation. 
 - Behold ! how providentially I am brought to the 
 fchool of wifdom * ! The grave is the mofl faithful f 
 mafter ; and thefe inftances of mortality, the moft in- 
 flrucYive lefTons. Come then, calm attention, and 
 compofe my thoughts ; come, thou celcflial Spirit, 
 and enlighten my mind ; that I may fo perufe thefe 
 awful pages, as to become " wife unto falvation." 
 
 EXAMINING the records of mortality, I found the 
 memorials of a J promijcuous multitude. They were 
 huddled, at leaft they reded together, without any 
 regard to rank or feniority. None were ambitious of 
 the uppermoft rooms, or chief feats, in this houfe of 
 mourning. None entertained fond and eager expecta- 
 tions of being honourably greeted in their darkfome 
 cells. The man of years and experience, reputed as 
 an oracle in his generation, was content to lye down 
 at the feet of a babe. In this houfe appointed for all 
 living, the fervant was equally accommodated, and 
 lodged in the fame ftory, with his mafter. The poor 
 indigent lay as foftly, and flept as foundly, as the mofl 
 opulent pofjeffor. All the diftinclion that fubfifted was 
 
 a graffy 
 
 * The man how wife, who, tick of gaudy fcenes, 
 Is led by choice to take his fav'rite walk 
 Beneath death's gloomy, filent, cyprefs (hades^ 
 Unpierc'd by vanity's iactaftic ray ! 
 To read his monuments, to weigh his duft, 
 Vific his vaults, and dwell among the tombs ! 
 
 Night-Thoughts. 
 
 f- Wait the great teacher Death. POPE. 
 
 + Mifta/fnunt ac juvsnum dsnfaniur funsra. Hor%;
 
 among the TOMBS. 73 
 
 a graffy hillock, bound with ofiers ; or a fepulchral 
 flone, ornamented with imagery. 
 
 WHY then, faid my working thoughts, O ! why 
 fhould we raife filch a mighty flir about Jupcriorify and 
 precedence^ when the next remove will reduce us all 
 to a ftate of equal meannefs I Why fliould we exalt 
 ourielves, or debafe others ; fince we muft all, one day, 
 be upon a common level, and blended together in the 
 fame iindiitinguifhed duft ? O ! that this confidera- 
 tion might humble my own, and others pride ; and 
 fink our imaginations as low, as our habitation will 
 fhortly be I 
 
 AMONG thefe confufed relics of humanity, there 
 are, without doubt, perfons of contrary interefls, and 
 contradicting ientiments. But death, like fome able 
 days-man, has laid his hand on the contending parties, 
 and brought all their differences to an * amicable 
 conclufion. Here enemies, (worn enemies, dwell to- 
 gether in unity. They drop every embittered thought, 
 and forget that they once were foes. Perhaps, their 
 crumbling bones mix^ as they moulder; and thofe who, 
 while they lived, ftood aloof in irreccncileable va- 
 riance, here fall into mutual embraces, and even in- 
 corporate with each other in the grave. O ! that we 
 might learn from thefe friendly allies, not to perpe- 
 tuate the memory of injuries ; not to foment the fe- 
 ver of refentment ; nor cherilh the turbulence of paj- 
 fion; that there may be as little animofity and diia- 
 greement in the land of the living, as there is in the 
 congregation of the dead ! But 1 iuipend for a while 
 fuch general obfervations, andaddrefs myielfto a more 
 particular inquiry. 
 
 Yo N D E R 
 
 * Hi rriotus animorum. atque hfc certamin'a tantx, 
 
 Pulveris cxigu't j'aclu comfrfjfa quicjcent. Vi*o* 
 
 VOL. I. N? i. K
 
 74 MEDITATIONS 
 
 YONDER -white Jlone, emblem of the innocence it 
 covers, informs the beholder of one, who breathed 
 out its tender foulalmoftinthe inftant of receiving it. - 
 There, the peaceful injant, without fo much as knowing 
 what labour and vexation mean, " * lyes (till and 
 " is qukt j it fleeps and is at reft." Staying only to 
 warn away its native impurity in thelaver of regene- 
 ration, it bid a fpeedy adieu to time, and terreftrial 
 things. What did the little hafty Ibjournerfind fo for- 
 bidding and difguftful in our upper world, to occafion 
 its precipitant exit ? 'Tis written, indeed, of its fuifer- 
 ing Saviour, that when he had tafted the vinegar 
 mingled with gall, he would not drink -j~. And did 
 our new-come ftranger begin to ftp the cup of life ; 
 but, perceiving the bitternefs, turn away its head, and 
 refuie the draught ? Was this the caufe why the war y 
 babe only opened ks eyes ; jult looked on the light, 
 and then withdrew into the more inviting regions of 
 undifturbed repofe ! 
 
 Happy voyager ! no fooner launched, than arrived. 
 at the haven J ! But more eminently happy they^ 
 who have pafled the waves, and weathered all the 
 florms, of a troublefome and dangerous world ! who, 
 " through many tribulations, have entered into the 
 <c kingdom of heaven ;" and thereby brought honour 
 to their divine convoy, administered comfort to the 
 companions of their toil, and left an inftruclive ex- 
 ample to fucceeding pilgrims. 
 
 Highly favoured probationer ! accepted, without 
 being exercifed ! It was thy peculiar privilege, not ta 
 feel the flighted of thofe evils, which opprejs thy fur- 
 viving kindred ; which frequently fetch groans from 
 
 the 
 
 * Job Hi. 13. -j- Matth. xxvii. 34. 
 
 : Happy the babe, who privileg'cl by Fate, 
 To fhorter labour, and a lighter weight, 
 Receiv'd but yefterday tht gift of breath, 
 Order 'd to morrow to return to d^ath. PRIOR'J &/
 
 among the TOMBS. 75 
 
 the moft manly fortitude, or moft elevated faith. The 
 arrows of Calamity, barbed with anguifh, are often fix- 
 ed deep in our choiceft comforts. The fiery darts of 
 Temptation, fliot from the hand of Hell, are always fly- 
 ing in mowers around our integrity. To thee, fwect 
 babe, both thefe diftrefles and dangers were alike un- 
 known. 
 
 Coniider this, ye mourning parents^ and dry up your 
 tears. Why mould you lament, that your little ones 
 are crowned with victory, before the fword was drawn, 
 or the conflict begun . ? Perhaps, the fupreme Difpo^- 
 ier of events forefawfome inevitable fnare of tempta- 
 tion forming, or fome dreadful florm of adverfity im^- 
 pending. And why mould you be fo diffatisfied with 
 that kind precaution, which houfed your pleafant plant, 
 and removed into fhelter a tender flower, before the 
 thunders roared ; before the lightnings flew ; .before 
 the tempeft poured its rage : O remember! they are 
 not loft, but taken away from the evil to come * 
 
 At the fame time, \ctfurvivors, doomexl to bear the 
 heat and burden of the day, for their encouragement 
 reflect, that it is more honourable to have entered 
 the lifts, and to have fought the good fight, before they 
 come off conquerors. They who have bore the crofs, 
 and fubmitted to afflictive providences, with a chearfui 
 reiignation, have girded up the loins of their mind, 
 and performed their Mafter's will with an honeft and 
 per fever ing fidelity ; thefe, having glorified their Re- 
 d.eemer on earth, will, probably, be as ftars ofthefo/!; 
 magnitude in heaven. They will (hine with brighter 
 beams, be replenifhed with ftron^er joys, in their 
 LORD'S everlafting kingdom. 
 
 HERE lyes the grief of a fond mother, andtheblaft- 
 ed expectation of an indulgent father. The youth grew 
 ,up, like a well-watered plant ; he fliot deep., rofe high, 
 
 Ifa.
 
 76 MEDITATIONS 
 
 and bid fair for manhood. But juft as the cedar began 
 to tower, and promifed ere long to be the pride of the 
 wood, and prince among the neighbouring trees ; 
 behold ! the axe is laid unto the root ; the fatal blow 
 ftruck ; and all its branching honours tumbled to the 
 dufl. And did he fall alone ? No : the hopes of his 
 father that begat him, and the pleafing profpedts of 
 her that bare him, fell, and were crumed together 
 with him. 
 
 Doubtlefs it would have pierced one's heart, to 
 have beheld the tender parents following the breathlefs 
 youth to his long home. Perhaps drowned in tears, 
 and all overwhelmed with fbrrows, they flood, like 
 weeping ftatues, on this very fpot Methinks,, I fee 
 the deeply diftrefTed mourners attending the fad iblcm- 
 nity. How they wring their hands, and pour floods 
 from their eyes ! Is it fancy ? or do I really hear the 
 paffioriate mother ^ in an agony of affliction, taking her 
 final leave of the darling of her foul ? Dumb flie remain- 
 ed, while the awful obfequjes were performing ; dumb 
 with grief, and leaning upon the partner of her woes. 
 But now the inward anguifli ftruggles for vent ; it 
 grows too big to be reprefTed. She advances to the 
 brink of the grave. All her foul is in her eyes. She 
 f aliens one more look upon the dear doleful objecl, be- 
 fore the pit flints its mouth upon him. And as me 
 looks, me cries ; in broken accents, interrupted by 
 many a railing fob, flie cries, -"Farewell, my fon ! my 
 " fon ! my only beloved ! would to GOD I had died 
 " for thee : -Farewell, my child ! and farewell all 
 tc my earthly happineis \ ifhall never more fee good 
 " in the land of the living. Attempt not to comfort 
 " me. I will go mourning all my days, till my grey 
 ^ hairs come down, with forrow, to the grave." 
 . From this affcftingreprefentation, let parents be con- 
 vinced, how highly it concerns them to cultivate the 
 morals^ and fecure the immortal interefts of their chil- 
 firen. If you really love the offspring of your own 
 
 bodies 3
 
 among the TOMBS. 77 
 
 bodies ; if your bowels yearn over thofe amiable pled- 
 ges of conjugal endearment ; fpare no pains ; give all 
 diligence, 1 intreat you, " to bring them up in the 
 <c nurture and admonition of the LOR D ." Then may 
 you have joy in their life, or confolation in their 
 death. If their fpan is prolonged, their unblameable 
 and ufeful conduct will be the ftaff of your age, and 
 a balm for declining nature. Or, if the number of 
 their years be cut off in the midft, you may commit 
 their remains to the duft, with much the fame com- 
 fortable expectations, as you lend the furvivors to 
 places of genteel education. You may commit them 
 to the dufi, with chearing hopes of receiving them a- 
 gain to your arms, inexprejjibly improved in every no- 
 ble and endearing accomplishment. 
 
 'Tis certainly zjevere trial, and much more afflictive 
 than I am able to imagine, to reiign a lovely blooming 
 creature, fprung from your own loins, to the gloomy 
 receffes of corruption. 'Thus to refign him, after ha- 
 ving been long dandled upon your knees, united to 
 your affections by a thoufand ties of tendernefs ; and 
 now become both the delight of your eyes, and the 
 fupport of your family ! to have fuch a one torn from 
 your bofom, and thrown into darknefs, doubtlefs, it 
 mud be like a dagger in your hearts. But O ! how 
 much more cutting to you, and confounding to the 
 .child, to have the ibul feparated from GOD ; and, for 
 //iamefulignorsmce,or early impiety ^traufmitted to places 
 of eternal torment ! How would it aggravate your di- 
 flrels, and add a diffracting emp hafis to all your fighs, if 
 you mould follow the pale corpie with thefe bitter re- 
 fieftions ! " This dear creature, though long ago ca- 
 " pable of knowing good from evil, is gone out of the 
 " world, before it had learned the great defign of 
 " coming into it. A fhort-lived momentary exigence 
 " it received from me ; but nogoodinflruclions, noho- 
 * c ly admonitions, nothing to further its well-being in 
 i' that everlafting ftate, upon which it is now entered. 
 
 " The
 
 7$ MEDITATIONS 
 
 *' The poor body is conflgned to the coffin, and carried 
 " out to confume away, in the cold and filent grave. 
 ic And what reafon have I to fuppole, that the precious 
 <c foul is in a better condition ? May I not juflly fear, 
 <c that, fentenced by the righteous Judge, it is going, 
 " or gone away, into the pains of endlefs punifhment ? 
 <c Perhaps, while I am bewailing its untimely depar- 
 " ture, it may be curfing, in outer darknefs, that 
 *' ever to be deplored, that mofl calamitous day, when 
 u it was born of fuch a carelefs, ungodly parent, as 
 " 1 have been." 
 
 Nothing, I think, but the gnawings of that worm 
 which never dies, can equal the anguifh of thefe lelf- 
 condemning thoughts. The tortures of a rack mufl 
 be an eafy fuffering, compared with the flings and hor- 
 ror of fuch a remorfe. How earneftly do I wifh, that 
 as many as are intruded with the management of chil- 
 dren, would take timely rare to prevent thefe fcourges 
 of conference, by endeavouring to conduct their minds 
 into an early knowledge of Chrifl, and a cordial love of 
 his truth ! 
 
 ON this hand is lodged one, whofe fepulchral flone 
 tells a m oft pitiable tale indeed ! Well may the littleima- 
 ges, reclined over the fleeping afhes, hang down their 
 heads with that penfive air ! None can confider ib 
 mournful a ftory, without feeling fome touches of fym- 
 pathiztng concern. His age twenty-eight ; his death 
 fudden; himfelf cut down MI the prime of life, amidft 
 all the vivacity and vigour of manhood ; while " his 
 44 breads were full of milk, and his bones moiftened 
 u with marrow/' Probably, he entertained no ap- 
 prehenfions of the evil hour. And indeed, who could 
 have fufpe&ed, that fo bright a fun mould go down at 
 noon ? To human appearance, his hill flood flrong. 
 Length of days feemed written in his fanguine counte- 
 nance. He folaced himfelf with the profpecl of a long, 
 long feries of earthly fatisfaftions. When, lo ! an un- 
 expected
 
 among the T O M B S, 73 
 
 expected ftroke defcends ! defcends from that mighty- 
 arm, which " overturneth the mountains by their 
 " roots ; and crufhes the imaginary hero, * before the 
 tc moth;" as quickly, and more eafily, than our fin- 
 gers prefsfuch a feeble fluttering infecT: to death. 
 
 PERHAPS, the nuptial joys were all he thought on . 
 Were not fuch the breathings of his enamoured foul ? 
 " Yet a very little while, and I fhall poffefs the utmoft 
 " of my wifhes. I fhall call my charmer mine ; and, 
 u in her, enjoy whatever my heart can crave.*' In 
 the midfl of fuch enchanting views, had fome faithful 
 friend but foftly reminded him of an opening grave, 
 and the end of all things ; how unfeafonable would he 
 have reckoned the admonition ! Yet, though all warm 
 with life, and rich in vifionary blifs, he was even then 
 tottering upon the brink of both. Dreadful viciffi- 
 tude ! to have the bridal \ fefltvity turned into \hefune- 
 
 * Job'iv. 19. tt-jnatft Adinftar, ad modum, tinea. I retain 
 this interpretation, both as it is moft fui table to my purpofe, 
 and as it is patronized by fome eminent commentators, efpeci- 
 ally the celebrated Schultens. Though I cannot but give the 
 preference to the opinion of a judicious friend, who would 
 render the paffage more literally, Before the face of a moth, 
 making it to represent a creature to exceedingly frail, that 
 even a moth, flying againfl it, may dalh it to pieces. Which, 
 beiides its cloler correfpondence with the exad import of the 
 Hebrew^ prefents us with a much finer image of the inoft ex- 
 treme imbecillity. For it certainly implies a far greater degree 
 of weakneis, to be crumed by the feeble flutter of the feebleft 
 creature, than only to be cruflied a? eafily as that creature, 
 by the hand of man. The French verfion is very exprcllive 
 and beautiful; ti la rencontre d'un vermljfcan. 
 
 j* A diftrefs of this kind is pointed in very affecling colours 
 by Pliny, in an epiftle to Marcellinus ; trifle plane acerbum- 
 que ftinus! morte ipfa mortis tetnpus indignius! Jura dfjiinata 
 erat egregfo juverii ; jam eleclus nuptlarum dies ; jam nos ad- 
 vocati. Qiod gaud'ium quo moerore mutcitum eji ! A'ow frjfuni 
 exf timers verb'iSj quantum animo vulniis ucceperh)'^ quum aa- 
 
 divi
 
 gb MEDITATIONS 
 
 ral folemnity ! Deplorable misfortune ! to be fhip* 
 wrecked in the very haven ! and to pertfh even in 
 fight of happinefs ! What a memorable proof is here 
 of the frailty of man, in his beft eftate ! Look, O 1 
 look on this monument, ye gay and carelejs ! attend 
 to this date ; and boaft no more of to-morrow ! 
 
 Who can tell, but the bride-maids, girded with 
 gladnefs, had prepared the marriage-bed ? had decked 
 it with the richeft covers, and drefTed it in pillows of 
 clown ? When,~ oh ! truft not in youth or ftrength, 
 or in any thing mortal ; for there is nothing certain, 
 nothing to be depended on, beneath the unchangeable 
 GOD ; Death, relentlefs death, is making him another 
 kind of bed in the duft of the earth. Unto this he 
 muft be conveyed, not with a fplendid proceffion of 
 joyous attendants ; but ftretched in the gloomy hearjc, 
 and followed by a train of mourners. On this he muft 
 take up a lonely lodging, nor ever be releaTed, " till 
 " the heavens are no more.*' In vain does the con- 
 fenting fair -one put on her ornaments, and expect her 
 fpoufe. Did (lie not, like Sifcra's mother, look out 
 of the lattice, chide the delays of her beloved ; and 
 wonder u why his chariot was fo long in coming r" 
 little thinking, that the intended bridegroom had for 
 ever done with traniitory things ! that now everlafting. 
 cares employ his mind, without one fmgle remem- 
 brance of his lovely Lucinda ! Go, difappointed viiv 
 gin ! go, mourn the uncertainty of all created blifs ! 
 Teach thy ibul to afpire after a fure and immutable 
 felicity ! for the once gay and gallant Fidelia deeps in 
 other embraces ; even in the icy arms of Death 1 for- 
 getful, eternally forgetful, of the world and then. 
 
 HIT H E R TO, one is tempted to exclaim againft the 
 king of terrors, and call him capricioujly cruel. He 
 
 feems, 
 
 divi Fitndanum ipfum (ut multa luflitofa dolor invfntf) prtcipi- 
 entem, quod in vefies, margariias^ gemmas, fucrat erogaturiis i 
 hoc in thura t ft ungnsnla^ et odares y impenderetur. 
 
 PL IN. lib. v. epift. 2<*.
 
 among the TOMBS. 81 
 
 feems, by beginning at the wrong end of the regifter, 
 to have inverted the laws of nature. Faffing over the 
 couch of decrepit age, he has nipped infancy in. its bud, 
 blafled youth in its bloom, and torn up manhood in its 
 full maturity. Terrible indeed are thefe providences, 
 yet not unfearchable the counfels : 
 
 For us they ficken, and for us they die *. 
 
 Such flrokes muft not only grieve the relatives, but 
 furprife the whole neighbourhood. They found a pow- 
 erful alarm to heedlefs dreaming mortals, and are in- 
 tended as a remedy for our carnal fecurity. Such paf- 
 fing-bells inculcate loudly our LORD'S admonition; 
 u Take ye heed, watch, and pray : for ye know not 
 " when the time is," -We nod, like intoxicated crea- 
 tures, upon the very verge of a tremendous precipice. 
 Thefe aftoniming difpenfations are the kind meflengers 
 of heaven, to rouje us from our Jup inenejs, and quicken 
 us into timely circumfpection. I need not, furely, ac- 
 commodate them with language, nor act as their inter- 
 preter. Let every one's confcience be awake, and this 
 will appear their awful meaning : tr O ! ye fons of 
 " men, in the niidft of life you are in death. No ftate, 
 cc no circumftances, can afcertain your prefervation a 
 " iingle moment. So ftrong is the tyrant's arm, that 
 cc nothing can refift its force ; fo true his aim, that no- 
 <c thing can elude the blow. Sudden as lightning, 
 u fometimes, is his arrow launched ; and wounds, and 
 a kills, in the twinkling of an eye. Never promife 
 u yourfelvesfafety in any expedient, but conftant pre- 
 " paration. The fatal (hafts fly fo promifcuoufly, that 
 u none can guefs the next victim. Therefore be ye al- 
 11 ways ready : for, infuch an hour as ye think not, the 
 u final fummons cometh." 
 
 Be ye always ready : for infuch an hour as ye think 
 not Important admonition I Mcthinks, it reverberates 
 
 from 
 * Night-Thoughts. 
 
 Voi. I. N x. L
 
 S2 MEDITATIONS 
 
 fromfepulchretofepulchre ; and addrefles me with line 
 upon line, precept upon precept. The reiterated 
 warning, I acknowledge, is too needful ; may co-ope- 
 rating grace render it effectual 1 The momentous truth, 
 though worthy to be engraved on the tables of a moft 
 tenacious memory, is but {\.\<$\t\y Jk etched on the tran- 
 fient flow of paffion. We fee our neighbours fall ; we 
 turn pale at the mock ; and feel, perhaps, a trembling 
 dread. No fooner are they removed from our fight, 
 but, driven in the whirl of bufmefs, or lulled in the 
 languors of pleafure, we forget the providence, and 
 neglect its errand. The impreffion made on our un- 
 .ftable minds, is like the trace of an arrow through the 
 penetrated air, or the path of a keel in the furrowed 
 wave. Strange ftupidity ! To cure it, another moni- 
 tor befpeaks me, from a neighbouring flone. It con- 
 tains the narrative of an unhappy mortal, fnatched from 
 his friends, and hurried to the awful bar ; without 
 leifure, either to take a I aft farewell of the one, or to 
 put up fo much as a Jingle prayer preparatory for the 
 other ; killed, according to the ufiial expreflion, by 
 a fudden flroke of cafualty. 
 
 Was it then a random ftroke ? Doubtlefs, the blow- 
 came from an aiming, though invifible hand. GOD 
 prefideth over the armies of heaven ; GOD ruleth among 
 the inhabitants of the earth ; and GOD condufteth 
 what men call chance. Nothing, nothing comes to 
 pafs through a blind and undifcerning fatality. If acci- 
 dents happen, they happen according to the exact fore- 
 knowledge, and conformably to the determinate coun- 
 fels, of eternal wifdom The LOR D, with whom arc 
 the ifTues of death, figns the warrant, and gives the 
 high commiflion. The feemingly fortuitous difafter is 
 only the agent, or the injlrument appointed to execute 
 the fupreme decree. When the king of Ifracl was 
 mortally wounded, it feems to be a cafual (hot. ^4 
 certain man drew a bow at a venture * . At a -venture, as 
 
 he 
 * i Kings xxii. 34.
 
 among the TOMBS. 83 
 
 he thought. But his hand was ftrengthened by an 
 omnipotent aid, and the (haft levelled by an unerring 
 eye. So that what we term cafualty, is really provi- 
 dence, accompHfhing deliberate defigns, but concealing 
 its own interpofition. How comforting this reflec- 
 tion ! Admirably adapted, to footh the throbbing an- 
 guifli of the mourners, and compofe their fpirits into 
 a quiet fubmiffion ! Excellently fuited, to diffipate the 
 fears of godly furvivors, ancl create a calm intrepi- 
 dity amidil innumerable perils ! 
 
 How thin is the partition between this world and 
 another ? How fhort the tranfition from time to eter- 
 nity ! The partition, nothing more than the breath in 
 our noflrils ; and the tranfition may be made in the 
 twinkling of an eye. Poor Chremylns, I remember, 
 arofe from the diverfion of a card-table, and dropt 
 into the dwellings of darknefs. One night, Corinna 
 was all gaiety in her fpirits, all finery in her apparel, 
 at a magnificent ball. The next night, fhe lay pale 
 and ftiff, an extended corpfe, and ready to be ming- 
 led with the mouldering dead. Young Atticm lived 
 to fee his ample and commodious feat completed ; 
 but not to fpend one joyous hour under the ft a tely 
 roof. The faflies were hung to admit the day ; but 
 the matter's eyes were clofed in endlefs night. The 
 apartments were furnifhed, to invite fociety, or ad- 
 minifter repofe ; but their lord refts in the lower 
 parts of the earth, in the folitary, filent chambers of 
 the tomb. The gardens were planned, and a thou- 
 fand elegant decorations defigned ; but alas ! their in- 
 tended pofTeflbr is gone down to "the place of fkulls ;" 
 is gone down to the valley of the fhaclow of death. 
 
 While I am recollecting, many, I queftion not, are 
 experiencing the fame tragical vicilfitude. The eyes of 
 that fublime Being, who fits upon the circle of the 
 earth, and views all its inhabitants with one compre- 
 lienfive glance, even now behold many tents in af- 
 fiiftion 5 fuch affliction, as overwhelmed the Egyptians 
 L 2 ' in
 
 84 MEDITATIONS 
 
 in that fatal night, when the deftroying angel (heathed 
 his arrows in all the pride of their ftrength. Some, 
 finking to the floor from their eajy chair ; and deaf 
 even amidft the piercing fhrieks of their dlftra&ed re- 
 lations. Some, giving up the ghoil,astheylit retired, 
 or lye reclined, under the fliady arbour, to tafte the 
 iwe.'.s of the flowery fcene. Some, as they fail, af- 
 fociated with a party of plca/ure^ along the dancing 
 ftream, and through the laughing meads Nor is the 
 grim intruder mollified, though wine and mufic flow 
 around. Some intercepted^ as they are returning 
 home 5 and fome interrupted^ as they enter upon an 
 important negotiation. Some arrefted, with the gain 
 of injufrice in their hands ; and fome furprifed in the 
 very at of leiudne/s, or the attempt of cruelty. 
 
 Legions, legions of difafters, fuch as no prudence 
 can forefee, and no care prevent, lye in wait to accom- 
 plifti our doom, \ftarting horje may throw his rider ; 
 may at once dafh his body againft the flones, and fling 
 his foul into the invifible world. A flack of chimneys 
 may tumble into the ftreet, and crufti the unwary paf- 
 fenger under the ruins. Even a fmgle ///<?, dropping 
 from the roof, may be as fatal as the fall of the whole 
 ftrufture. So frail, fo very attenuated is the thread of 
 life, that it not only burfts before they/or;^, but breaks 
 evenata^mfz*?. Themoft common occurrences, thofe 
 from which we fufpecl: not the leaft harm, may prove 
 the weapons of our deftruclion, A grape- ftone, a def- 
 picable fly, may be more mortal than Goliath^ with all 
 his formidable armour.- Nay, if GOD give com- 
 mand, our very comforts become killing. The air we 
 breathe, is our bane ; and the food we eat, the vehicle 
 of death. That laft enemy has unnumbered avenues 
 for his approach ; yea, lyes entrenched in our very 
 bofom, and holds his fortrefs in the feat of our life. 
 Thecrimfon fluid, \v\i\c\\diftributes health, is impregna- 
 ted with thefceds of death. Heat may inflame it, or toil 
 opprefs it, andmake it deflroy the -parts it was defigned 
 
 to
 
 among the TOMBS. 85 
 
 to cherifh. Some unfeen impediment may obftru& 
 its paflage, or fome unknown violence may divert its 
 courie j in either of which cafes, it ads the part of a 
 poiibnous draught, or a deadly Itab. 
 
 Ah I in what perils is vain life engag'd I 
 
 IV hat flight neglefts, what trivial faults deftroy 
 
 The hardieft frame i Of indolence, of toil 
 
 tfe die ; of want, of fiiperftuity. 
 
 The aU-Jurronnding heaV'n, the vital air, 
 
 Is big with death. 
 
 Since then we are fo liable to be difpofTefled of this 
 earthly tabernacle, let us look upon ourfelves only as 
 tenants at will; and hold ourfelves in perpetual rea- 
 dinefs, to depart at a moment's warning. Without fuch 
 an habitual readinefs, we are like wretches, that fleep 
 on the top of a maft, while a horrid gulf yawns, or 
 furious waves rage, below. And where can be the 
 peace, what the fatisfaftion, of fuch a ftate ? Where- 
 as, a prepared condition will infpire a- chearfulnefs of 
 temper, not to be difmayed by any alarming accident ; 
 and create a firmnels of mind, not to be overthrown 
 by the mod threatening dangers. When the city is 
 fortified with walls, furnifhed with provifion, guarded 
 by able and refolute troops ; what have the inhabi- 
 tants to fear ? what may they not enjoy ? So, juft fo, 
 or rather by a much furer band, are conne&ed the 
 real tafte of life, and the conflant thought of death. 
 
 I SAID, Our very comforts may become killing. And 
 fee the truth infcribcd by the hand, fealed with the 
 fignet of fate. The marble, which graces yonder pil- 
 lar, informs me, that, near it, are dcpofited the re- 
 mains of Sophronia; the much-lamented Sophronia, 
 who died in child-bed. How often does this calamity 
 happen! The branch (hoots ; but the ftem withers. 
 The babe fprings to light ; but me that bare him, 
 breathes her lait. She gives life, but gives it (O pi- 
 
 tiablq
 
 86 MEDITATIONS 
 
 liable confideration ! ) at the expence of her own ; 
 and becomes, at once, a mother, and a corp/e. Or 
 elfe, perhaps, fhe expires in fevere pangs, and is her- 
 ielf a tomb for her infant ; while the melancholy com- 
 plaint of a monarch's wo is the epitaph for them both : 
 The children are come to the birth, and there is notjlrtngth 
 to bring forth *. Left to be lamented, in my opi- 
 nion, this misfortune than the other. Better for the 
 tender ftranger to be flopped in the porch, than to 
 enter only to converfe with affliction. Better to find 
 a grave in the womb, than to be expofed on a hazar- 
 dous world, without the guardian of its infantile years, 
 without the faithful guide of its youth. 
 
 This monument is diftinguiftied by its finer materi- 
 als, and more delicate appendages. It feems to have 
 taken its model from an affluent hand, directed by a 
 generous heart, which thought it could never do e- 
 nough for the deceafed. It feems, alfo, to exhibit an 
 emblematical picture ofSop/tronia's perfon and accom- 
 plifliments. Is her beauty, or, what is more than 
 beauty, her white-robed innocence, reprefented by 
 the fnowy cojour f The furface, fmoothly polimed, 
 like her amiable temper, and engaging manners. The 
 whole adorned, in a well-judged medium between ex- 
 travagant pomp and fordid negligence ; like her un- 
 diffembled goodnefs, remote from the leaft oftenta- 
 tion, yet in all points exemplary. But ah ! how vain 
 were all thefe endearing charms ! How vain the luf- 
 tre of thy fprightly eye ! how vain the bloom of thy 
 bridal youth < how vain the honours of thy fuperior 
 birth 1 how unable to fecure the lovely pofTeflbr from 
 the favage violence of death ! How ineffectual the 
 univerfal efteem of thy acquaintance ; the fondnefs of 
 thy tranfported hufband ; or even the fpotlefs integrity 
 of thy character ; to prolong thy fpan, or procure thee 
 a (hort reprieve ! The concurrence of all thefe circum- 
 ilances reminds me of thofe beautiful and tender lines : 
 
 flow 
 * If. xxxvii. 3.
 
 among the TOMBS. 87 
 
 How tov'd t how valuM once, avails thce not; 
 To whom related, or by whom begot. 
 ^4 heap ofduft alone remains of thee : 
 ye Tis all THOU art ! and all the PROUD Jhall be * / 
 
 POPE'S Mif bell. 
 
 Yet, 
 
 * Thefe verfes are infcribed on a final!, but elegant monu- 
 ment lately erected in the great church at Northampton; which, 
 in the hieroglyphic al decorations, correfponds with the def- 
 criptions introduced above: in this circumftance particularly, 
 that it is dedicated to the memory of an amiable woman, Mrs 
 ANIS|E STONHOUSE, the excellent wife of my worthy 
 friend DrSTONHOUSE; who has feen all the powers 
 of that healing art, to which I, and fo many others, have 
 been greatly indebted, failing in their attempts to preferve a 
 life dearer to him than his own. 
 
 Nee frofunt domino, qua profunt omnibus, artes. OVID. 
 
 No longer his all-healing art avails j 
 But ev'ry remedy its matter fails. 
 
 In the midft of this tender diftrefs, he has fought fome kind 
 of corifolation, even from the fepulchral marble j by teaching 
 it to fpeak, at once, his efteem for her memory ; and his ve- 
 neration for that religion, which me fo eminently adorned. 
 Nor could this be more fignificantly done, than by fummon- 
 ing up her character, in that concife, but comprehenlive fen- 
 tence, A SINCERE CHRISTIAN. Concife enough, to 
 be the motto for a mourning-ring ; yet as comprchenfive, as the 
 moft enlarged fphere of peribnal, focial, and religious worth. 
 For whatfoever things are pure, whatfoever things are lovely, 
 whatfoever things are of good report, are they not all includ- 
 ed in that grand and noble aggregate, Ajincere Chrijtian? 
 
 The firft lines, confidercd in fuch a connection, are won- 
 derfully plaintive and pathetic ; 
 
 How lov>d, how valu'd o/?c<?, avails thee not ; 
 To whom related, or by whom begot. 
 
 They found, at leaft in my ears, like the voice of forrow 
 mingled with admiration. The fpeuker feems to have been 
 loft, for a while, in melancholy contemplation j fuddenly 
 
 breaks
 
 88 MEDITATIONS 
 
 Yet, tho* unable to divert the ftroke, Chriftianity 
 is fovereign to pluck out the fting, of death. Is not 
 this the filent language of thofe lamps which burn, and 
 of that heart which flames ; of thofe palms which flou- 
 
 rifh, 
 
 breaks out into this abrupt encomium; then melts into tears, 
 and can proceed no farther. Yet, in this cafe, how eloquent 
 is (ilence! While it hints the univerfal efteem which attended, 
 and the fuperiority of birth which dUtinguilhed, the deceafed 
 wife ; it exprefles, beyond all the pomp of words, the yearn- 
 ing affedion, and heart-felt afflidion, of the fur viv ing /;/&# c/. 
 Amidft the group of monumental marbles, which are laviflj 
 of their panegyric ; this, I think, refembles the incomparable 
 addrefs of the painter ; who, having placed round a beautiful 
 expiring virgin, her friends in all the agonies of grief, repre- 
 fented the unequalled anguim of the father, with far greater 
 livelinefs and Urength, or rather with an inexprellible em- 
 phalis, by drawing a veil over his face : 
 
 If the laft lines are a wide departure from the beaten track 
 of our modern epitaphs, and the very reverfe of their high- 
 flown compliments, 
 
 A heap of duft alone remains e/ thee ! 
 
 'Tis all THOU art Iand all the PROUD Jhall be I 
 
 they are not without a precedent, and one of the moft con- 
 fummate kind. Since they breathe the very fpirit of that facred 
 elegy, in which all the heart of the hero and the friend feerns 
 to be diflblved; Ho-w are the mighty fallen, and the -weapons of 
 
 war perijhed ! 2 Sam. i. 27. They remind the reader of 
 
 that awful lefibn, which was originally didated by the iupreme 
 wifdom ; Duft tkou art, and unto dujl thoujhalt return, Gen. 
 iii. 19. They inculcate, with all the force of the moft con- 
 vincing evidence, that folemn admonition delivered by the 
 prophet ; Ceafe ye from man, whofe breath is in his nojirils ; 
 for "wherein is HE to be accounted of? If. ii. 22. 
 
 That no reader, however inattentive, might miffoke the 
 fenfe and defign of this part of the fourth line, 
 
 'Tis ALL thou art I 
 
 it is guarded above and beneath. Above, is an expanded book, 
 that feems to be waved, with an air of triumph, over the em- 
 blem
 
 among the TOMBS* 8 
 
 Hm, and of that crown which glitters, in the well- imi- 
 tated and gilded marble ? Do they not, to the difcern- 
 Ing eye, defcribe the vigilance of her faith ; the fer- 
 vency of her devotion ; her vi&ory over the world ; 
 and the celeftial diadem, which the LofcD, the~rigb> 
 teous Judge, (hall give her at that day * \ 
 
 How happy the hufband, in fuch a iliarer of his bed, 
 and partner of his fortunes ! Their inclinations were 
 nicely-tuned nmjons, and all their eonverfation was 
 harmony. How Olken the yoke to fuch a pair, and 
 what bleflings were twifted with fuch bands ! Every joj? 
 was heightened, and every care alleviated. Nothing 
 feemed wanting to confummate their blifs, but a hope- 
 ful progeny rifmg around them. That they might iec 
 themfelves multiplied in their little ones ; fee their min- 
 gled graces transfufed into their offspring ^ and feel the 
 glow of their affection augmented, by being reflected 
 from their children : '* Grant us this gift," laid their 
 united prayers, " and our fatisfa&ions are crowned ; 
 " we requeft no more.*' 
 
 Alas \ how blind are mortals to future events ! how 
 unable to difcern what is really good f ! Give me chil- 
 dren^ 
 
 blem of death : which we cannot but fuppofe to te the volume 
 of infpiration, as it exhibits a fort of abridgment of its whole 
 Contents, in thole animated words; BE YE NOT SLOTHFUL, 
 BUT FOLLOWERS OF THEM, WHO THHOUGH FAITH ANI> 
 
 PATIENCE INHERIT THE PROMISES, Heb. VI. 12. Beneath, 
 
 that every part might be pregnant with inftru&ion, are thofe 
 ftriking reflections ; worthy the confederation of the higbejl 
 proficient in knowledge and piety, yet obvious to the under- 
 (landing of the m oft untaught reader; LTFE, HOW SHORT! 
 ETERNITY, HOW LONG ! -May my foul learn the forci- 
 ble purport of this fhort ieffon, in their contracted fpan of 
 time i and all eternity will not be too long, to rejoice in ha- 
 ting learned it. * 2 Tim. iv. 8. 
 -j- Ncfcia mens hominttm fati^ fortifque futur* ! 
 Turno tempus erit, magno cum optaverit emptum, 
 Intaflum Pallanta $ ct cumffdia ijla diemquc 
 Oderit. Vine. 
 VOL. I. N? x, M
 
 M E D I'T-A T..I O. N S 
 
 ^ 'faid Ruchsl,ordje I die *. An ardour of rnipa-^ 
 tience altogether unbecoming, and as miftaken as it 
 was unbecoming, .She dies, not by the dij appointment, 
 but by the accomplifliment, of her :de{ire> if children 
 are, tj parents j like a ilowery chaplet, whofe beauties 
 bloflbin with ornament, and whole odours breathe 
 delight ; death, or fome : fell misfortune, may find 
 means. to entwine themfelves with the lovely wreath* 
 "Whenever our fouls are poured out, with pallionate 
 importunity, after any inferior acquifition ; it may 
 be truly laid, in the words of aur divine Mafter, Ye 
 know not what ye ajk. Does Providence with hold the 
 thing that we long for? It denies in mercy ; and only 
 with-holds the occ ailon of our mil cry, perhaps the in- 
 firrument of our ruin. With a iickly appetite, we often 
 loath what is wholcfome, and hanker after our bane. 
 "\Vlts3rEJmaginati0n dreams of unrningledfweets, there 
 experience frequently finds the bitternefs of wo. 
 
 '1 herefore may we covet immoderately, neither this 
 nor that form of earthly felicity ; but refer the whole 
 of our condition, to the choice of unerring wifdom. 
 May we learn to renounce our own will ; and be ready 
 to make a facrifice of our warmed wifhes, whenever 
 they run counter to the good pleafure of GOD. For, 
 indeed, as to obey his laws, is to be perfectly free ; ib 
 to rejlgn ourfelves to his difpofal, is- to eftablijh our 
 own happinefs, and to be fecure from fear of evil. 
 
 HERE a'fmall and plain ftone is placed upon the 
 ground ; purchaled, one would imagine, from the little 
 fund, and formed by the hand, of frugality itfelf. 
 Nothing coftly ; not one decoration added ; only a 
 very fliort infcription ; and that fo effaced, as to be 
 icarcely intelligible. Was the depofitory unfaithful to 
 its truft \ Or were the letters worn, by the frequent re- 
 fort of the iiirviving family, to mourn over the grave 
 
 of 
 * Gen. xxx. I.
 
 among the T O M B S; 91 
 
 of a moft valuable and beloved relative : For I per- 
 ceive, upon a cloier inipeclion, that it cove-s the re- 
 mains of a. father ; a religious father ; inatched from 
 his growing offspring, before they were fettled in the 
 world, or ib much as their principles fixed by a tho- 
 rough education. 
 
 Tins, fure, is the mod complicated diflrefs, that 
 has hitherto come under our coniideration. They^- 
 lemnities of fuch a dying chamber, are fome of the moft 
 melting and melancholy icenes imaginable. There lyes 
 the affectionate huiband ; the indulgent parent ; the 
 faithful friend ; and the generous matter. lie lyes in 
 the lait extremities, and on the very point of diiTolu- 
 tion. Art has done its all. The raging difeafs mocks 
 the power of medicine. It haflens, with, rellillefs im- 
 petuoiity, to execute its dreadful errand ; to rend a- 
 iunder the filver cord of life, and the more delicate 
 tie of focial attachment, and conjugal affeclion. 
 
 A Jervant or two, from a revering diitance, caft 
 many a wifliful look, and condole their honoured ma-r 
 iterin the language of (ighs. The condefcencling nuJd- 
 neis, of his commands was wont to produce an alacrity 
 of obedience, and render their fervice a pleaibre. The 
 remembrance of both embitters their grief, and makes 
 it trickle plentifully down their honeit cheeks. iiis 
 friends, who have fo often fliared his joys, and glad- 
 dened his mind with their enlive'ning converie, now 
 aremjier'ablecomforters. A iympathizirig and mourn- 
 ful pity is all the relief they are able to contribute ; un- 
 lefs it be augmented by their filent prayers for the di- 
 vine fuccour, and a word of conlblation iuggefted from 
 the fcriptures *. Thoic poor innocents, the children^ 
 
 croud 
 
 * Texts of fcripture, proper for fuch an occafion ; contain- 
 ing promifes of fupporc under affliction, Lam. iii. 31. Heh. 
 xii. 6. 2 Cor. iv. 17. of pardon. If. Hii. 5. V/7 i. 18. 
 jt Jehu ii. i, 2. Atts x. 43. of justification, Ram. v. 9, 
 M 2 jRcwfi
 
 pi MEDITATIONS 
 
 croud around the bed ; drowned in tears, and almoft 
 frantic with grief, they fob out their little fouls, and 
 paflionately cry, " Willhe leave us ? leave us in a help- 
 ' lefs condition ! leave us to an injurious world !" 
 
 Thefe feparate ftreams are all united in the diftreff- 
 ed fpoufe, and overwhelm her breaft with an impetu- 
 ous tide of forrows. In her, the lover weeps, the 
 wife mourns, and alj the mother yearns. To her, the 
 Jofs is beyond meafure aggravated, by months and 
 years of delightful fociety, and exalted friendmip. 
 Where, alas ! can me meet with fuch unfufpe&ed fi- 
 delity, or repofe fuch unreferved confidence ? where 
 find fodifcreet acounfellor; fo improving an example; 
 and a guardian fo fedulouily attentive to the interests 
 of herielf, and her children ? See ! how me hangs o- 
 ver her languifhing bed ; mod tenderly felicitous to 
 prolong a life, important and defirable far beyond her 
 own ; or, if that be impracticable, no lefs tenderly of- 
 ficious to footh the laft agonies of her dearer J elf . 
 Her hands, trembling under direful apprehenfions, 
 wipe the cold dews from the livid cheeks ; and ibme- 
 times flay the finking head on her gentle arms, fome- 
 times reft it on her compaffionatebofom. See ! how 
 ftie gazes, with a fpeechlcfs ardor, on the pale coun- 
 tenance and meagre features. Speechlefs her tongue : 
 but (he looks unutterable things. While all her foft 
 pailions throb with unavailing fondnefs, and her very 
 foul bleeds with exquifite anguiih. 
 
 Tlnefetfferer^ all patient and adoring, fubmits to the 
 divine will ; and, by fubmiflion, becomes fuperior to 
 his affliction. He is fenfibly touched with the difcon- 
 iolate (late of his attendants ; and pierced with an an- 
 xious concern for his wife and his children ; his 
 wife, who will fqon be a destitute widow ; his chil- 
 dren, 
 
 Row. viii. :p, 34. 2 Cor. v. 2t. of viftory over death, Pfal. 
 xxiii. 4. Pfal. Ixxiii, 26. i Cor. xv. |6, 57. of a happy 
 /refurrecliofi, John vi. 42. 2 Cor. v. i. Rru. vii. 16, 17.
 
 among the TOMBS. 93 
 
 dren, who will foon be helplefs orphans. u Yet tho* 
 " caft down, not in defpair." He is greatly refrefhed 
 by his truft in the everlafting covenant, and his hope 
 of approaching glory. Religion gives a dignity to dif- 
 treis. At each interval of cafe, he comforts his very 
 comforters ; and fuffers with all the majefly of wo. 
 
 The foul, juft going to abandon the tottering clay, 
 colle&s all her force, and exerts her laft efforts. The 
 good man raifes himfelf on his pillow j extends a kind 
 hand to his fervants, which is bathed in tears ; takes 
 an affecting farewell of his friends ; clafps his wife in 
 a feeble embrace ; kiffes the dear pledges of their mu- 
 tual love ; and then pours all that remains of life 
 and of flrength, in the following words : " I die, 
 " my dear children : but GOD, the everlafting GOD, 
 " will be with you. Tho* you lofe an earthly pa- 
 * 6 rent, you have a Father in heaven, who lives 
 ^ for evermore. Nothing, nothing but an unbelie- 
 u ving heart, and irreligious life, can ever feparate 
 u you from the regards of his providence, from the 
 *' endearments of his love." 
 
 He could proceed no farther. His heart was full ; 
 but utterance failed. After a mort paufe, with diffi- 
 culty, great difficulty, he added, u You, the dear 
 
 " partner of my foul, you are now the only protec- 
 " tor of our orphans. I leave you under a weight 
 " of cares. But GOD, who defendeth the caufe of 
 ;< the widow, GOD, whofc promife is faithfulnefs 
 u and truth, GOD hath faid, / will never leave 
 u thee t nor forfake thee *. This revives my droop- 
 " i n g Spirits, let this fupport the wife of my bofom ; 
 *' and now, O Father of companions, into thy hands 
 
 " I commend my fpirit. Encouraged by thy pro- 
 
 " mifed goodneis, I leave my fatherlefs" 
 
 Here he fainted ; fell back upon the bed ; and lay, 
 for fome minutes, bereft of his fenfes. As a taper ^ up- 
 on 
 * Heb. xiii. 5,
 
 94 M EDITATIONS 
 
 on the very point of extinction, is fometimes fudden- 
 denly rekindled, and leaps into a quivering flame ; fb 
 life, before it totally expired, gave a parting ftrug- 
 gle, and once more looked abroad from the opening 
 eye-lids. He would fain have ipoke, fain have utter- 
 ed the ientence he began. More than once he effayed : 
 but the organs of fpeech were become like a broken 
 vefTelj and nothing but the obftrufting phlegm rat- 
 tled in his throat. His ajpect, however, fpoke affection 
 inexpreffiole. With all the father, all the hufband (till 
 Jiving in his looks, he takes one more view of thofe 
 dear children, whom he had often beheld with a pa- 
 rental triumph. He turns his dying eyes on that be- 
 loved woman, whom he never beheld but with a glow 
 of delight. Fixed in this poflure, amidM {'miles of 
 love, and under a gleam of heaven, they mine out 
 their laft. 
 
 Upon this, the filent forrow burfts into loud la- 
 ments. They weep, and refufe to be comforted. Till 
 fome length of time had given vent to the excels of 
 paflion ; and the confolations of religion had ftaunch- 
 ed their bleeding woes. Then the afflicted family 
 fearch for the fentence, which fell unfinifhed from 
 thofe loved, thofe venerable, and pious lips. They 
 find it recorded by the prophet Jeremiah, containing 
 the dire&ion of infinite wifdom, and the promife of 
 unbounded goodnefs ; Leave thy fat her lefs children; 
 I 'mill preferve them alive ; and let thy uuidoius trujl 
 in me *. This, now, is the comfort of their life, 
 and the joy of their heart. They treafure it up in 
 their memories. It is the beft of legacies, and an in- 
 exhaujlible fund : A fund which will fupply all their 
 wants, by entailing the bleffing of heaven on all their 
 honefl labours. They are rich, they are happy, in 
 this iacred pledge of the divine favour. They fear 
 po evil ; they want no good ; becauie GOD is their 
 portion, and their guardian GOD. 
 
 No 
 f Jer. xlix. n.
 
 among the T M B S. 9^ 
 
 No fooner turned from one memento of > my own, 
 and memorial of another's deceafe, but a fecond, a 
 third, a long fucceffion of thefe melancholy monitors, 
 croud upon my fight *. That which has fixed my 
 obfervation, is one of a more grave and fable afpeCl 
 than the former. I fuppofe, it preferves the relics 
 of a more aged perfon. One would conjecture, that 
 he made fomewhat of a figure in his ft at ion among 
 the living, as his monument does among the funeral 
 marbles. Let me draw near, and inquire of the ft one, 
 " fi^ho, or "what, is beneath its furface ?" I am in- 
 formed, he was once the owner of a confiderable ef- 
 tate ; which was much improved, by his own appli- 
 cation and management : that he left the world in the 
 bufy period of life, advanced a little beyond the me- 
 ridian. 
 
 Probably, replied my mufing mind, one of thole 
 indefatigable drudges, who rife early ; late take reft; 
 and eat the bread of carefuinefs ; not to fecure the 
 loving-kindnefs of the LORD, not to make provifion 
 for any reafonable neceffity, but only to amafs toge- 
 ther ten thoufand times more than they can poffibly 
 life . I>id he not lay fchemes for enlarging his fortune, 
 and aggrandizing his family ? Did he not purpofe to 
 join field to field, and' add houfe to houfe, till his 
 poffeflions were aim oft as vaft as his defires ? that^ 
 then, he would fit down, and enjoy what he had 
 acquired ; breathe a while from his toilfome purfuit of 
 things temporal, and, perhaps, think a little of things 
 eternal. 
 
 But fee the folly of -worldly tvifdom ! How filly, how 
 childifh, is the fagaeity of (what is called} manly and 
 
 m after ly 
 
 * - Plurima mortis imago. 
 laborem 
 
 Sefe ferre, fenes ut in otia tuta rccedant, 
 
 t) cumfibijintcongeftacibaria. HOR.
 
 96 MEDITATIONS 
 
 mafterlv prudence, when it contrives more folicitouf- 
 ly for TIME, than it provides for ETERNITY I 
 How ftrangely infatuated arethofe iubtile heads, which 
 weary themfelves in concerting meafures for phantoms 
 of a day, and icarce beftow a thought on everlafting 
 realities ! When every wheel moves on fmoothly ; 
 when all the well-difpofed defigns arc ripening apace 
 for execution ; and the long-expe&ed crifis of enjoy- 
 ment feems to approach; behold 1 GOD from on high 
 laughs at the Babel-builder. Death touches the bubble, 
 and it breaks ; it drops into nothing. The cobweb, 
 mod finely fpun indeed, but more eafily diflodged, is 
 fwept away in an initant ; and all the abortive pro- 
 jecls are buried in the fame grave with their projector. 
 So true is that verdidt, which the wifdom from above 
 pafles on \hefejuccefsfiil unfortunates : " They walk in 
 44 a vain (hadow, and difquiet themfelves in vain *." 
 
 Speak, ye that attended fuch a one in his laft mi- 
 nutes ; ye that heard his expiring fentiments / did he 
 not cry out, in the language of disappointed icnfuali- 
 ty ? " O death ! how terrible is thy approach, to a 
 44 man imaieried in fecular cares, and void of all con- 
 " cern for the never-ending hereafter / Where, alas I 
 44 is the profit, where the comfort, of entering deep 
 " into the knowledge, and of being dexterous in the 
 44 difpatch, of earthly affairs ; fmce I have, all the 
 " while, neglecled the one thing needful I Deftruftive 
 44 miftake ! I have been attentive to every inferior 
 * 4 intereft ; I have laid myfelf out on the trifles of a 
 44 moment; but havedifregarded/^ww; have forgot 
 
 4 * eternal ages ! O ! that my days" Here he was 
 
 going on to breathe fome fruitlefs wiflies, or to form 
 I know not what ineffectual refolutions : But a fudderi 
 convulfion (hook his nerves ; difabled his tongue j 
 and, in lefs than an hour, diflblved his frame. 
 
 May the children of this world be warned, by the 
 
 dying 
 " Pfal, xxxix, 6,
 
 among the TOMBS. 97 
 
 dying words of an unhappy brother, and gather ad- 
 vantage from his misfortune. Why mould they pant, 
 with iuch impatient ardor, after white and yellow 
 earth, as if the univerfe did not afford fufficient for 
 every one to take a little ? Why mould they lade 
 themfelves with thick clay, when they are to " run 
 *' for an incorruptible crown, and prefs towards the 
 " prize of their high-calling ?" Why fliould they o- 
 verload the veffel, in which their everlafting ALL is 
 embarked ; or fill their arms with Juperfluities , when 
 they are to fwim for their lives f -Yet fo prepofte- 
 rous is the conduit of thofe perfons, who are all in- 
 dujlry, to heap up an abundance of the wealth which 
 perifheth j but are fcarce fo mueh as faintly dejirous^ 
 of being rich towards GOD. 
 
 O ! that we may walk thro* all thefe glittering 
 toys, at leaft with a wife indifference, if not with a 
 fuperior difdain ! Having enough for the convenien- 
 cies of life, let us only accommodate ourfelves with 
 things below, and lay up our treajures in the regions 
 above. Whereas, if we indulge an anxious concern, 
 or lavifli an inordinate care, on any tranfitory pofTef- 
 fions ; we fhall rivet them to our affections with fo 
 firm an union, that the utmoft ieverity of pain mud 
 attend the feparating ftroke. By fuch an eager at- 
 tachment to what will certainly be ravilhed from us, 
 we (hall only infure to ourfelves accumulated anguifli^ 
 again!! the agonizing hour : we (hall plant, aforehand, 
 our dying pillow with thorns *. 
 
 SOME, I perceive, arrived at threefcore years and ten, 
 before they made their exit ; nay, fome few religned 
 not their breath, till they had numbered fourfcore re- 
 volving 
 
 * Lean not on earth ; 'twill pierce thee to the heart ; 
 A broken reed at be'ft, but ofc a fpear : 
 On its lharp point peace bleeds, and hope expires. 
 
 Nigk 
 
 VOL, I. N 2. N
 
 98 MEDITATIONS 
 
 volving harvefls. Thefej I would hope, " remember- 
 " ed their Creator in the days of their youth ;" be- 
 fore their flrength became labour and forrow ; be- 
 fore that low ebb of languishing nature, when the 
 keepers of the houje tremble, and tlioj'e that look out of 
 the windows are darkened */ when even the lighting 
 down of the gra/Jiopper is a burden on the bending 
 moulders, and defire itfelf fails in the lifllefs, lethar- 
 gic foul ; before thofe heavy hours come, and thofe 
 tirefome moments draw nigh, in which, there is too 
 much reafon to fay, ct IV e have no pleajure in them; 
 " no improvement from them." 
 
 If their lamps were unfurnifhed with oil, how unfit 
 mufl they be, in fuch decrepit circumftances, to go 
 to the market, and buy j* .1 For, befides a variety of 
 diibrders, ariiing from the enfeebled conflitution, 
 their corruptions mufl be furprifingly flrengthened, 
 by fuch a long courfe of irreligion. Evil habits mufl 
 have flruck the deepefl root; muft have twilled them- 
 felves with every fibre of the heart ; and be as tho- 
 roughly ingrained in the difpofition, as the foot in the 
 ^Ethiopian's complexion, or the fpots in the leopard's 
 fkin. If fuch a one, under fuch difadvantages, fur- 
 mounts all the difficulties which lie in his way to glo- 
 ry, it mufl be a great and mighty falvation indeed. 
 If fuch a one efcapes de(lruHon, and is faved at the 
 lafl, it mufl, without all peradventurc, bcfo as by 
 fire t . 
 
 'J his is the feafon which flands in need of comfort, 
 and is very improper to enter upon the conflict. The 
 
 hufbandman 
 
 * Eccl. xii. 2, 5. I need not remind my reader, that, by 
 the former of thefe figurative exprefiions, is fignified the en- 
 ervated Hate of the hands and arms ; by the latter, the dlm- 
 nefs of the eyes, or the total lofs tf fight: that, tnken in con- 
 nedion with other parts of the chapter, they exhibit, in a fe- 
 ries of bold and lively metaphors, a delcription cf the various 
 infirmities attendant on old age. 
 
 -j- Matth. xxv. 9. :j: i Cor. iii. 15.
 
 among the TOMBS. 99 
 
 hufbandman mould now be putting in his fickle, or 
 eating the fruit of his labours ; not beginning to break 
 up the ground, or fcatter the feed. Nothing, 'tis 
 true, isimpofliblswithGoD. Hefaid, Let there be light, 
 and there was light ; inftantaneous light, diffuftd, as 
 quick as thought, through all the difmal dominion of 
 primeval darknefs. At his command, a leprofy of the 
 longed continuance, and of the utmoft inveteracy, de- 
 parts in a moment. He can, in the greatncfs of his 
 Strength, quicken the wretch,' who has lain dead in 
 trefpaifes and fins, not four days only, but fourfcore 
 years. Yet truft: not, O truft not, a point of fuch in- 
 exprcjjible importance, to fo dreadful an uncertainty. 
 GOD may fufpend his power ; may withdraw his help ; 
 may fwear in his wrath, that fuch ajbufers of his long- 
 fuffering {hall " never enter into his reft." 
 
 Ye, therefore, that are vigorous in health, and bloom- 
 ing in years, improve the precious opportunity. Im- 
 prove your golden hours to the noblefl of all purpo- 
 fes ; fuch as may render you meet for the inhe; itance 
 of faints in light; and afcertain your title to a Mate of 
 
 immortal youth, to a crown of eternal glory *. 
 
 Stand not, all the prime of your day, idle ; trifle no 
 
 longer, 
 
 * May J be permitted to recommend, as a treafure of fine 
 fentiments, and a treatife particularly appofite to my fubje61y 
 DR LUCAS's INQ.UIRY AFTER HAPPINESS? that part ei'pe- 
 cially, which difplays the method, and enumerates the advan- 
 tages, of improving life, or living much in a iittle time, chap. 
 III. p, 158. of the 6th edit. An author, in whom the gentle- 
 man, the fcholar, and the Chriitian, are mofl happily united. 
 A performance, which, in point of folid argument, unaffected 
 piety, and a vein of thought amazingly fertile, has, perhnps, 
 no fuperior. Nor can I wifh my reader a more refined plea- 
 lure, or a more fubftantial happinefs, than that of having the 
 fentiments of this entertaining and pathetic writer, wove in- 
 to the very texture of his heart. Unleis I might be allowed 
 to wifh, that the writer himfelf had interfperled the glorious 
 peculiarities of the gofpel (on which our happinefs abtblutelv 
 Depends) a little more liberally through all his works. 
 N 2
 
 ioo MEDITATIONS 
 
 longer with the offers of this immenfe felicity ; but 
 make hafte, and delay not the time, to keep Go D'S 
 commandments. While you are loitering in a gay 
 injenflbility^ death may be bending his bow, and mark- 
 ing you out for fpeedy viclims. -Not long ago, I hap- 
 pened to fpy a thoughtlefs jay. The poor bird was 
 idly bulled in drefling his pretty plumes, or hopping 
 carelefly from ipray to fpray. A fportiman, coming 
 by, obierves the feathered rover. Immediately lie 
 lifts the tube, and levels his blow. Swifter than 
 %vhirlwind flies the leaden death ; and, in a moment, 
 
 lays the filly creature breathlefs on the ground. 
 
 Such,yfA may be the fate of the man, who has a fair 
 occaiion of obtaining grace to-day, and wantonly pofl- 
 pones the improvement of it till to-morrow. He may 
 be cut off in the midft of his folly ; and ruined for <?-, 
 ver^ while he is dreaming of being wije hereafter. 
 
 SOME, no doubt, came to this their laft retreat, full 
 of piety , and full ojf days, u as a mock of ^corn, ripe 
 " with age, and laden with plenty, cometh in, in his 
 " feafon *." Theie were children of light, and wife 
 in their generation ; wile with that exalted wifdom 
 which cometh from above, and with that enduring 
 wifdom which Jafts to eternity. Rich alfo they were, 
 more honourably and permanently rich, than all the 
 votaries of mammon. The wealth of the one has made 
 itfelf wings, and is irrecoverably gone ; while the 
 wretched acquirers are tranfmitted to that place of 
 penury and pain, where not fo much as one drop of 
 water is allowed to cool their fcorched tongues. The 
 (lores of the other (till abide with them ; will never 
 depart from them ; but make them glad, for ever 
 and ever, in the city of their GOD. Their trealbres 
 were fuch, as no created power could take away; fuch 
 as none but infinite beneficence can beftow ; and (com- 
 fortable 
 Job v. 26,
 
 among die T O M B S. loi 
 
 fortable to confider-i) fuch as I, and every indigent 
 longing {inner, may obtain; treafures of heavenly 
 knowledge, and faving faith; treafures of atoning blood, 
 and imputed righteouihefs. 
 
 Here * lye their bodies in " peaceable habitations, 
 *' and quiet reiling-places." Here they have thrown 
 
 off 
 
 *' Some, I know, are offended at our buryingcorpfes with- 
 in the church; and exclaim againftar,asaverygreat/mpro/>r/<r/y 
 and indecency. But this, I imagine, proceeds from an excef- 
 five arid miitaken delicacy. If proper care be taken to fecure 
 from injury, tb* foundations of the building ; and to prevent 
 the exhalation of any noxious effluvia, from the putrefying 
 fleili; I cannot difcover any inconveniencies attending this 
 practice. 
 
 The notion, that noifome car cafes (as they are called) are 
 very unbecoming a place confecrated to religiouspurpofes, feems 
 to be derived from the antiquated "Jeiut/b canon ; whereby it 
 was declared, that a dead body imparted defilement to the per- 
 fon who touched it, and polluted the fpot where it was lodged. 
 On which account, the Jews were fcrupuloufly careful to have 
 their fepulchres built at a diftance from their houfes ; and 
 made it a point of confcience, not to fufFer burial-places to fub- 
 fill in the city. But as this was a rite purely ceremonial^ itfeeni* 
 to be entirely iuperleded by the ^o/p^-diipenfation. 
 
 I cannot forbear thinking, that, under the Chrillian cecono- 
 my, there is a propriety and ufefulnefs in the cuftom. Ufe- 
 fulncfs, becaufe it mult render our folemn aflemblies more 
 venerable and awful. For, when we walk over the dufi of our 
 friends, or kneel upon the allies of our relations, this awaken- 
 ing circumrtance mult firike a lively imprellion of our own, 
 mortality. And what consideration can be more effectual, to 
 make us ferious and attentive in hearing, earneit and impor- 
 tunate in praying? 
 
 As for the fitncfs of the ufage, it feems perfectly fuitable to 
 thedelignof thofe facred edifices. They are fet apart for GOD; 
 not only to receive his worfhippers, but to preferve the furniture 
 for holy ministrations, an<l what is, in a peculiar manner, ap- 
 propriated to the Divine MajeHy. Are not the bodies of the 
 faints the Almighty's property ? Were they not once the ob- 
 jects of his tender lwe ? Are they not fu'11 the lubjecls of his
 
 102 MEDITATIONS 
 
 off every burden, and are efcaped from every fnnre. 
 The head aches no more ; the eye forgets to weep ; the 
 flefh is no longer racked with acute, nor wafted with 
 lingering diflempers. Here they receive a final releafe 
 from pain, and an everlafting difcharge from forrow. 
 Here danger never threatens them with her terrify- 
 ing alarms ; but tranquillity foftens their couch, and 
 ffifety guards their repofe. Reft then, ye precious 
 relics, within this hofpitable gloom. Reft in gentle 
 
 {lumbers, 
 
 fpccial care ? Has he not given commandment concerning the 
 bones of h;s elecl; and charged the ocean, and enjoined the 
 grave, to keep them until that day ? When rocks bright with 
 gems, or mountains rich with mines, are abandoned to the de- 
 vouring flames; will not thefe be refcued from the fiery ruin ? Will 
 not theft be tranflated into JEHOVAH'S kingdom, and, con- 
 jointly with the foul, made " his jewels;" made his peculiar 
 il treafure ;" made to fliine as the brightnefs of the firmament, 
 and as the (tars for ever and ever ? 
 
 Is not CHRIST the LORD of our bodies? Are they not 
 bought with a price ? bought, not with corruptible things, fil- 
 ver and gold, but with his divinely precious blood. And if the 
 blefled JESUS obtained the redemption of our bodies, at fo in- 
 finitely dear a rate; can it enter into our hearts to conceive, 
 that he ihould diilike to have them repofed under his own ha- 
 bitation ? Once more ; Are not the bodies of the faithful, 
 temples of the Holy Gboft ? and is there not, upon this fuppo- 
 fition, an apparent propriety, rather than the lead indecorum, 
 in remitting thefe temples of flefh to the temples made with 
 hands ? They are veffels of honour ; inflruments of righteouf- 
 nefs ; and, even when broken by death, like the fragments of 
 a golden bowl, are valuable ; are worthy to be laid up in the 
 fafeft, moft honourable repoiitories. 
 
 Upon the whole, iince the LORD JESUS has purchafed them 
 at theexpence of his blood, and the blefled Spirit has honoured 
 them with his indwelling prefence; fmce they are right dear 
 in the light of the adorable Trinity, and undoubted heirs of a 
 glorious immortality ; why ihould it be thought a thing impro- 
 per, to admit them to a tranfient reft in their heavenly Father's 
 houfe? Why may they not lye down and fleep in the outer 
 courts, fmce they are foon to be introduced into the irwwft man" 
 fans of everlafting honour and joy?
 
 among the TOMBS. 103 
 
 (lumbers, till the laft trumpet (hall give the welcome 
 fignal, and found aloud, through all your filent man- 
 lions, " Arife ; mine ; for your light is come, and the 
 " glory of the Lord is rifen upon you *." 
 
 To thefe, how calm was the evening of life ! In 
 what a fmiling ferenity did their fun go down ! When 
 their flefli and their heart failed, how reviving was 
 the remembrance of an all-fuificient Redeemer, once 
 dying for their fins, now rifen again for their juftifica- 
 tion ! How chearing the well-grounded hope of par- 
 don for their tranfgreffions, and peace with GOD, 
 through JE s us CH RIS T our LORD 1 How did this 
 ajfuagethe agonies, and/if eeten the bitternefs of death ? 
 Where now is wealth, with all her golden moun- 
 tains ? Where is honour, with her proud trophies of 
 renown ? W 7 here are all the vain pomps of a delu- 
 ded world ? Can they inspire fuc/i comfort, can they ad- 
 minifter any fupport, in this laft extremity ? Can they 
 compofe the affrighted thoughts, or buoy up the de- 
 parting ibul, amidft all the pangs of diffolution ? The 
 followers of the Lamb feem pleafed and triumphant, 
 even at their laft gafp. u GOD'S everlafting a/ms are 
 u underneath |"their fainting heads. His Spirit whif- 
 pers peace and confolation to their confciences. In 
 the ftrength of thefe heavenly fuccours, they quit the 
 field, not captives^ but conquerors ; with " hopes full 
 of immortality." 
 
 And now they are gone. The Itruggles of reluctant 
 nature are over. The body ileeps in death : the foul 
 launches into the invifible ftate. But who can imagine 
 the delightful furprife, when they find themfelves lur- 
 rounded by guardian angels, inftead of weeping friends f 
 How fecurely do they wing their way, and pafs through 
 unknown worlds, under the conduct ofthofe celeftiai 
 guides ! The vale of tears is quite loft. Farewell, 
 for ever, the realms of wo, and range of malignant 
 beings ! They arrive on the frontiers of inexpreffible 
 
 * If. lx. i. -j- Deut. xxxiii. 27.
 
 104 M E D I T A T I O N S 
 
 felicity. They " are come to the city of the living 
 " GOD :*' while a voice, fweeter than mufic in her 
 fbfteft flrains, fweet as the harmony of hymning fera- 
 phim, congratulates their arrival, and befpeaks their 
 admiliion : Lift up your heads , ye gates ; and be ye 
 lift up, ye everlaflmg doors ; that the heirs of glory 
 may enter in. 
 
 Here, then, let us leave the fpirits and fouls of the 
 righteous, efcaped from an entangling wildernefs, and 
 received into a paradije of delights ! efcaped from the 
 territories of difquietude, and fettled in regions of 
 nnmolefted fecurity ! Heretheyfit down with Abraham, 
 JJaac, &ndyacob,\n the kingdom of their Father. Here 
 they mingle with an innumerable company of angels. 
 and rejoice around the throne of the Lanib ; rejoice in 
 the fruition of prefent felicity, and in the ajjured expec- 
 tation of an inconceivable addition to their blifs \ when 
 GOD Jhall call the hecw ens from above, and the earth , 
 that he may judge his people * . 
 
 Fools accounted their life madnefs^ and their end to be 
 without honour ; but they arenumberedamongthe children 
 of GOD, and their lot, their diftinguifhed and eternal 
 lot, is among the Jaints\ I However, therefore, an un- 
 difcerning world may dcfpije, and a profane world vilify 
 the truly religious ; be this the fupreme, the invariable 
 defire of my heart ! " Let me live the life, and die 
 
 " the 
 
 * Seneca?'-, reflexions upon theftateof holy fouls, delivered 
 from the burden of the fieih, are fparkiing and fine ; yet very 
 indijlinSt and empty, compared with the particulars mentioned 
 above, and with many others that might be coliecled front 
 fcripture. In hoc tarn proceilofo, ct in omnts tempeftates cx- 
 fq/ito r.avigantibus marl, nullus portus, n'tji mortis cji. I\'e 
 itaque tnvideris fratri tiw i quiefcit. Tandem liber, tandem 
 tutus, tandem aternus cfl. Fruitur nitnc aperto et libcro ccelo ; 
 ex bum'tli & de^reffo, in eum emicitit Jocuni, gut foltitas vin- 
 culis animus hsata recipit finu ; et nunc omnia rerum nature 
 bonacumfummavclupiateptrcipit. SEN. adPolyb. 
 f Wifdom v. 4, 5.
 
 among the TOMBS. 10; 
 
 " the death, of the righteous. O! let my latter end, 
 " and future Rate, be like theirs !" 
 
 WHAT figure is that which ftrikes my eye fron> 
 an eminent part of the wall ? It is not only placed in 
 a more elevated fituation than the reft, but carries a 
 morefplendid and/umptuous air than ordinary. Swords 
 and ipears, murdering engines, and inflruments of 
 jQaughter, adorn the ftone with a formidable magnifi- 
 cence. It proves to be the monument of a noble 
 warrior. 
 
 Is fuch refpeft, thought I, paid to the memory of 
 this brave foldier, for facrificing his life to the public 
 good? Then, what honours, what immortal honours, 
 are due to the great Captain of our falvation ? who, 
 though Lord of the angelic legions, and fupretne 
 Commander of all the heavenly hofts, willingly offer- 
 ed himfclf a bleeding propitiation for /inner s I 
 
 The one died, being a mortal; and only yielded up 
 a life, which was long before forfeited to divine juf- 
 tice ; which mult foon have been iurrendercd as a 
 debt to nattirc, if it had not fallen as a prey to war. 
 But CHRIST took flem, and gave up the ghoft, 
 tho' he was the great I AM ; the Fountain of exiftence; 
 who Calls happinefs and immortality all his own. tie, 
 who thought it no robbery to be equal with God ; he, 
 whofe outgoings were /row evcrlafting; even lie was 
 made in the likenefs of man, and cut off out of the 
 land of the living. Wonder, O heavens! be aftonidi- 
 ed, O earth 1 HE died the death, of whom it is-wit- 
 nefTed, that he is " the true GOD, and eternal life *.'* 
 
 The one expofed himfelf to peril, in the fervice of 
 his Jovereign and his country ; which, though it was 
 glorious to do, yet would have been ignominious, in 
 fuch circumftances, to have declined. But CHRIST 
 Jook the field, tho' he was the lie [fed and only poten- 
 
 * I John v. 20. 
 VOL. I. N 9 2. P
 
 io6 MEDITATIONS 
 
 tate; the KING of kings, and LORD of lords. CHRIST 
 took the field, tho* he was/Mr^ to drop in the engage- 
 ment ; and put on the harnefs, tho* he knew before- 
 hand, that it muft reek with his blood. That Prince 
 of heaven refigned his royal perfon, not barely to the 
 hazard, but to the inevitable ftroke ; to death, certain 
 in its approach, and armed with all its horrors. And 
 for -whom f Not for thofe who were in any degree 
 deferving; but for his own difobedient creatures ; for 
 the pardon of condemned malefaftors ; for a band of 
 rebels, a race of traitors, the moft obnoxious and in- 
 excufable of all criminals ; whom he might have left to 
 perim in their iniquities, without the leaft impeachment 
 of his goodnefs, and to the difplay of his avenging juftice. 
 
 The one, it is probable, died expeditioufly ; was 
 fuddenly wounded, and foon {lain. A bullet lodged in 
 his heart, a fword fheathed in his bread, or a battle- 
 axe cleaving the brain, might put a fpeedy end to his 
 mifery, difpatch him " as in a moment/' Whereas 
 the divine Redeemer expired in tedious and protrac- 
 ted torments. His pangs were as lingering, as they 
 were exquifite. Even in the prelude to his laft fuf- 
 fering, what a load of forrows overwhelmed his facred 
 humanity ? till the intolerable prefTure wrung blood, 
 inftead of fvveat, from every pore ; till the cr.mibn, 
 flood flained all his raiment, and tinged the very 
 ftones. Bat when the laft fcene of the tragedy com- 
 menced, when the executioner's hammer had nailed 
 him to the crofs ; O ! how many dlfmal hours did that 
 illuftrjous fuiferer hang ; a fpeiftacle of wo to GOD, 
 to angels, and to men ! His temples mangled with 
 the thorny crown ! his hands and feet cleft with the 
 rugged irons ! his whole body covered with woundsr 
 and bruifes 1 and his foul, his very foul, pierced with, 
 pangs of unutterable diftrefs ! 
 
 So long he hung, that nature, through all her do- 
 minions, was thrown into iympathizing commotions. 
 The earth' could no longer fuftain fuch barbarous in- 
 dignities,
 
 among the T O M B S. 107 
 
 dignities, without trembling ; nor the fun behold 
 them, without horror. Nay, fo long did he hang in 
 this extremity of agony and torture, that the alarm 
 reached even the remote regions of the dead.- Never, 
 O my foul, never forget the amazing truth. i he 
 Lamb of GOD was feized ; was bound; was flaugh- 
 tered with the utmoil inhumanity ; and endured death 
 in all its bitterneis, forthee. His murderers, ftudiouf- 
 ly cruel, fo guided the fatal cup, that he taited every 
 drop of its gall, before he drank it off to the very dregs. 
 
 Once again ; The warrior died like a hero, and fell 
 gallantly in the field of battle. But died not CHRIST 
 as a fool dieth * f Not on the bed of honour, with 
 fears of glory in his breaft ; but, like fome execrable 
 mifcreant, on a gibbet ; with lames of the vile fcourge 
 on his back. Yes, the bleffed JES o s bowed his ex- 
 piring head on the accurfed tree ; liifpended between 
 heaven and earth, as an outcaft from both, and un- 
 worthy of either. 
 
 What fuitable returns of inflamed and adoring de- 
 votion can we make to the Holy One of GOD ; thus 
 dying, that we might live ? dying in ignominy and 
 anguim, that we might live for ever in the heights of 
 joy, and fit for ever on thrones of glory. Alas ! it 
 is not in us, impotent, infeniible mortals, to be duly 
 thankful. He only, who confers fuch inconceivably 
 rich favours, can enkindle a proper warmth of grate- 
 ful affection. Then build thyfeif a monument, moft 
 gracious IMMANUEL, build thyielf an everJalting mo- 
 nument of gratitude in our fouls. Inf bribe the memo- 
 ry of thy matchlefs beneficence, not with ink and pen 
 but with that precious blood, which gufhed from thy 
 wounded veins. Engrave it, not with the hammer 
 and chizel, but with that fliarpened Jpear, which 
 pierced thy facred fide. Let it ftand conipicuous and 
 
 indelible, 
 
 * Sam. Hi. 33. Of this indignity our LORE complains j 
 An ye come 'jut as againft a thief? Match, xxvi. 55. 
 O a,
 
 log M E D I T A T I O N S 
 
 indelible, not on outward tables of (lone, but on th 
 very inmoft tables of our hearts . 
 
 QN E thing more let me obferve, before I bid adieu 
 to this intombed warrior, and his garnimed fepulchre. 
 Jiow mean are thefe oftentatious methods of bribing 
 the vote of fame, and purchafing a little pofthumous 
 renown 1 What a poor iubftitute for a fet of memo- 
 fable actions, is polilhcd alabafter, or the mimicry of 
 fculptured marble ! The real excellency of this 
 bleeding patriot, is written on the minds of his coun- 
 trymen. It would be remembered with applaufe, ib 
 long as the nation fitbfifts, without this artificial ex- 
 pedient to perpetuate itj. And fuch, iuch is the mo- 
 nument I would wifh for myiclf. Let me leave a 
 memorial in the breafts of my fellow-creatures. Let 
 Surviving friends bear witneis, that I have not lived 
 to myfelf alone, nor been altogether unlcrviceable in 
 my generation. O ! let an uninterrupted ieries of be- 
 neficent offices be the infcription; and the beft inter- 
 efts of my acquaintance, the 'plate that exhibits it. 
 
 Let 
 
 : Sir Bcvil Gran-viUe, (lain in the civil wars, at an engage- 
 ment with the rebels. It may poffibly be fome entertainment 
 to the reader, if I fubjoin Sir Bevile's character, as it is drawn 
 by that celebrated pen, which wrote the hittory of thofe ca- 
 lamitous times. u That which would have clouded arty vic- 
 t4 tory," fays the noble hiftorian, 4 ' and made the lofs of 
 " others kfs fpoken of, was the death of Sir Bevil Granvillf. 
 44 He was indeed an excellent perfon, whofe activity, intereU, 
 44 and reputation, were the foundation of what had been 
 " done in Cornwall: his temper and affections fo public, that 
 no accident which happened, could make any imprelTion 
 upon him; and his example kept others from taking any 
 thing ill, or at leaft feeming to do fo. In a word, a brighter 
 courage, and a gentler dtfpoiition, were never married to- 
 gethfr, to mrike the moft chearful and innocent converfa- 
 tion.'* 
 
 CLAR. Htft. Rsb. vol.'IL
 
 among the TOMB S, log. 
 
 i Let the poor^ as they pafs by my grave, point at the 
 little fpot, and thankfully acknowledge, " There lyes 
 " the man, whofe unwearied kindnefs was the conftant 
 <c relief of my various diftrefTes ; who tenderly vifited 
 <c my languifhing bed, and readily fupplied my indi- 
 * c gent circumftances. How often were his counfels a 
 u guide to my perplexed thoughts, and a cordial to 
 " my dejected ipirit ! 'Tis owing to GOD'S blefling 
 " on his ieafonable charities, and prudent confolations^ 
 " that I now live, and live in comfort ."' Letaperfon, 
 once ignorant and ungodly , lift up his eyes to heaven, 
 and fay within himfelf, as he walks over my bones, 
 <(> Here are the lail remains of that (incere friend, who 
 " -watched for myjoul. I can never forget, with what 
 ' heedlefs gaiety I was porting on in the paths of 
 " perdition ; and I tremble to think, into what irre- 
 *' trievable ruin I might quickly have been plunged, 
 " had not his faithful admonitions arrefted me in the. 
 " wild career. I was unacquainted with the gofpel of 
 u peace, and had no concern for its unfearchable trea- 
 u fures ; but now enlightened by his inftruttroe con- 
 " verfation^ I fee the all-fufficiency of my Saviour ; 
 " and, animated by his repeated exhortations, I count 
 " all things but lots, that 1 may win CHRIST. Me- 
 4< thinks his difcourfes, feafoned with religion, and 
 u fet home by the divine Spirit, flill tingle in my ears ; 
 u are ftill warm on my heart ; and, I trull, will be more 
 " and more operative, till we meet each other in the 
 " houfenot made withhands, eternal in the heavens." 
 The only infallible way of immortalizing; our charac- 
 ters, a way equally open to the meaneit and moft ex- 
 alted fortune, is, " to make our calling and ele&ion 
 " fure ;" to gain fome fweet evidence, that our names 
 are 'written in heaven. Then, however they maybe 
 difregarded or forgotten among men, they will not fail 
 to be ha"d in evcrlafting remembrance, before the 
 LORD. This is, of all diilinftions, far the nobleft. 
 ., be this thy objer, and every page of fcrip- 
 
 ture
 
 MEDITATIONS 
 
 ture will fanclify thy paffion ; even grace itfelf will fail 
 thy flame. As to earthly memorials, yet a little while, 
 and they are all obliterated. The tongue of tho'fe, 
 whofe happinefs we have zealoufly promoted, muft 
 foon be filent in the coffin. Characters cut with a 
 pen of iron, and committed to the folid rock, will ere 
 long ceafe to be legible *. But as many as are enrol- 
 led " in the Lamb's book of life," he himfelf declares, 
 fhall never be blotted out from thofe annals of eter- 
 nity (. "When a flight of years has mouldered the 
 triumphal column into dull ; when the brazen ftatue 
 perifhes, under the corroding hand of time ; thoj'e 
 honours ftili continue ; ftill are blooming and incor- 
 ruptible, in the world of glory. 
 
 Make the extended fides your tomb ; 
 
 Let ftars record your worth : 
 Yet know, vain mortals, all muft die, 
 
 As nature's Jicklieft birth. 
 
 Would bounteous heav'n indulge my pray'r, 
 
 I frame a nobler choice ; 
 Nor, living, wifh the pompous pile ; 
 
 Nor, dead, regret the lofs. 
 
 In thy fair book of life divine, 
 
 My GOD, infcribe my name : 
 There let it fill fome humble place, 
 
 Beneath the (laughter 'd Lamb. 
 
 Thy faints, while ages roll away, 
 
 In endlefs fame furvive ; 
 Their glories, o'er the wrongs of time 
 
 Greatly triumphant, live. 
 
 YONDER entrance leads, I fuppofe, to the vault. 
 Let me turn afide, and take one view of the habita- 
 tion, 
 
 * Data font ipjis qu9qucfaiafepulchris t Juv. 
 
 Rev, iii. . -
 
 among the T O M B S. in 
 
 tion, and its tenants. The fallen door grates upon its 
 hinges ; not ufed to receive many vifitants, it admits 
 me with reluctance and murmurs. What meaneth 
 ti\\s jiidden trepidation^ while I defcend the fteps, ajid 
 am vifiting the pale nations of the dead ? Be compo- 
 ied, my fpirits ; there is nothing to fear in thefe quiet 
 chambers. " Heie, evii the wicked ceafe from trou- 
 " bling," 
 
 Good her.vens ! what a folemn fccne ! how difmal 
 the gloom ! Here is perpetual darknefs, and night even 
 at noon-day. How doleful the folitudsl Not one 
 trace of chearful fociety ; but forrow and terror fecm 
 to have made this their dreaded abode. Hark ! how 
 the hollow dome reibunds at every tread. 1 he echoes , 
 that long have (lept, are awakened, and lament, and 
 figh, along the walls. 
 
 A beam or two finds its way thro* the grates ; and 
 reflects a feeble glimmer, from the nails of the coffins. 
 Romany of thofe fad fpe&acles, half concealed in (hades, 
 half feen dimly by the baleful twilight, add a deeper 
 horror to thefe gloomy manfions.- I pore upon the 
 infcriptions, and am juft able to pick out, that thefe 
 are the remains of the rich and renowned. No vul- 
 gar dead are dcpofited here. The Mofl Hlufrious , and 
 Right Honourable, have claimed this for their lafl re- 
 treat. And, indeed, they retain fomewhat of a fhadowy 
 pre-eminence. They lye, ranged in mournful order, 
 and in a fort of filent pomp, under the arches of an 
 ample fepulchre ; while meaner corpfes, .without much 
 ceremony, " go down to the ftones of the pit." 
 
 My apprehenfions recover from their furprife, I find, 
 here are no phantoms, but fuch as fear raifes. Hpw- 
 ever, it ftill amazes me, to obferve the wonders of 
 this nether world. Thofe who received vaft revenues, 
 and called whole lordmips their own, are here reduced 
 to half a dozen feet of earth, or confined in a fcwfoeets 
 of lead. Rooms of ftate, and dimptuous furniture, are 
 jefi^gpedj for no other ornament than the Jhroud, for 
 
 no
 
 r 1 2 MEDITATIONS 
 
 no other apartment than the darkfome niche. Where 
 is the ftar that blazed upon the breaft, or coronet that 
 glittered round the temples ? The only remains of de- 
 parted dignity are, the weather-beaten hatchment, 
 and the tattered efcutcheon I fee no fplendid retinue 
 furroundirig this folitary dwelling. The lordly equi- 
 page hovers no longer about the lifelefs mafter. He 
 has no other attendant, than a dufty ftatue; which, 
 v/hile the regardlefs world is as gay as ever, the i'culp- 
 tor's hand has taught to weep. 
 
 Thofe who gloried in high-born anceflors, and noble 
 pedigree, here drop their lofty pretentious. They ac- 
 knowledge kindred with creeping things, and quarter 
 arms with the meaneft reptiles. They fay to corruption^ 
 Thou art my father ; and to the -worm, Thou art my mo- 
 ther and my fifter. Or, fhould they ftili affume the 
 ftyle of diftinftiori, ah ! how impotent were the claim ! 
 how apparent the oftentation ! It is faid by their mo- 
 nument ? HERE LYES THE GREAT. How eafily 
 is it replied by the fpectator, 
 
 Falfe marble I Where? 
 
 Nothing but poor andjordid dujl lyes here, 
 
 Mortifying truth ! Sufficient, one would think, to 
 \vean the moft fanguine appetite from this tranfitory 
 ftate of things ; from its fickly fatisfaclions, its fading 
 glories, its vanishing treafures. 
 
 For now, ye lying -vanities of life ! 
 Ye ever-tempting, ever-cheating train ! 
 Where are ye now ? and what is your amount ? 
 
 What is all the world to thefepoor breathlefs beings ? 
 i What are their pleafures f A bubble broke. What 
 their honours f A dream that is forgotten. What the 
 fum-total of their enjoyments below ? Once, perhaps, it 
 appeared to inexperienced and fond defire, ibmething 
 confiderable. But, now death has meafured it with 
 bis line, and weighed it in his fcale, what is the up- 
 
 ftiot , ?
 
 among the TOMBS. 113, 
 
 fliot ? Alas ! it is morter than a {pan ; lighter than 
 the dancing fpark ; and driven away like the diiToi- 
 ving fmoke. 
 
 Indulge, my foul, a ferious paufe. Recollect ail the 
 gay things, that were wont to dazzle the eyes, and in- 
 veigle thy affections. Here examine thole baits of 
 fenie. Here form an eftimate of their real value. 
 Suppofe thyiHf firft among the favourites of fortune, 
 who revel in the lap of pleafurc, who fhine in the 
 robes of honour, and fwim in tides of inexhaufted 
 riches. Yet how {boa would the pailing>-bell pro- 
 claim thy exit ! And, when once that iron call has 
 iummoned th.ec to thy future reckoning, where would 
 all thefe gratifications be ? At that period, how will 
 all the pageantry of the moft affluent, iplendid, or 
 luxurious circumftances, vanifh into empty air ! And 
 is this a happinefs Ib paffionately to be coveted ? 
 
 I thank you, ye relics of founding titles, and mag- 
 nificent names. Ye have taught me more of the lit- 
 tlenefs of the world, than all the volumes of my li- 
 brary. Your nobility arrayed in a winding-meet, your 
 grandeur mouldering in an urn, are the moil indif- 
 putable proofs of the nothingncfs of created thing?. 
 Never, furely, did Providence write this important 
 point in fuch legible characters, as in the ames of .My 
 Lord, or on the corpfe of His Grace *. Let others, 
 if they pleaie, pay their obfequious court to your 
 wealthy fons ; and ignobly fawn, or anioufly fue, for 
 preferments ; my thoughts ftiall often refort, in pen- 
 five contemplation, to the fupulchres of their iires ; 
 and learn, from their ileeping duft, to moderate my 
 expectations from mortals, to fland dijengaged from 
 every undue attachment to the little interests of time ; 
 to get above the delufive amulernenfs of honour, 
 the gaudy tinfels of wealth, and all the empty ma- 
 clows of a perifhing world. 
 
 HA R K ! 
 
 *' Morsfola faietur 
 
 fint hominum corpufrula. Juy 
 
 I. N 2,
 
 ii 4 MEDITATIONS 
 
 HARK ! what found is that! -In fuch actuation, 
 every nolle alarms. -Solemn and flow, it breaks a- 
 gajn upon the filent air. -'Tjs the ftriking of the 
 clock. Defigned, one would imagine, to ratify aU 
 my ferious meditations. Methinks, it fays Amen, 
 and fets a feal to every improving hint. It tells me, 
 that another portion of my appointed time is elapfed. 
 One calls it, u the knell of my departed hours." 'Tis 
 the watch-word to vigilance and activity. It cries 
 in the ear of reafon, u Redeem the time. Catch the 
 *' favourable gales of opportunity : O ! catch them, 
 *' while they breathe ; before they are irrecoverably 
 ?' loft. The fpan of life mprtens continually. Thy 
 ct minutes are all upon the wing, and haflening to be 
 u gone. Thou art a borderer upon eternity, and ma- 
 " king inceifant advances to the ftate thou art con- 
 " templating." May the admonition fink deep into 
 an attentive and obedient mind I May it teach me 
 that heavenly arithmetic, of " numbering my days, 
 " and applying my heart unto wifdom I" 
 
 I have often walked beneath the impending pro- 
 montory's craggy cliff ; 1 have fometimes trod the vaft 
 ipac-s of the lonely delert ; and penetrated the inmoft 
 receipts of the dreary cavern : but never, never beheld 
 nature louring, with IP tremendous a form j never 
 felt iuch impreffions of awe, ftriking co|d on my 
 heart ; as under thefe black-browed arches, amidft 
 thefe mouldy walls, and furrounded by fuch rueful 
 objedls, where melancholy, deepeft melancholy, for 
 ever fpreads her raven wings. Let me npw emerge 
 frorn the damp and dreadful obfcurity. Farewell, ye 
 feats of defolation, and fhades of death ! Gladly I 
 revifit the realms of day. 
 
 HA v IN G caft afuperficialview upon thefe receptacles 
 of the dead, curioiity prompts my inquiry to a more 
 intimate furvey. Could we draw back the covering of 
 the tomb 5 could we difcern what thofe are now, who
 
 among the T O M B Si 
 
 once were mortals, O ! how would it furprife and 
 grieve us ! Surprije us, to behold the prodigious tranf- 
 formation which has taken place on every individual ; 
 grieve us, tb obferve the difhonour done to our nature 
 in general, within thefe fubterraneous lodgments ? 
 
 Here, the fweet and winning afped i that wore per- 
 petually an attractive fmile, grins horribly a naked, 
 ghaiUy fkull.* The eye, that outmbne the diamond's 
 brilliancy, and glanced ks lovely lightning into tiie 
 moft guarded heart ; alas ! where is it \ Where (hall 
 we find the rolling fparklcr ! How are all its ipright- 
 ly beams eclipfed, totally eclipfed ! The tongue^ 
 that once commanded all the power of eloquence, in 
 this ftrarige land, " has forgot its cunning/' Where 
 are now thofe ftraihs of harmony, Which ravifhed 
 our ears I Where is that flow of perluafion, which 
 carried captive our judgments ? The great matter of 
 language and of long, is become filent as the night 
 that furrounds him. The pampered fie(n, ib lately 
 clothed in purple and fine linen, how is it covered 
 rudely with clods of clay 1 There was a time, when 
 the timoroufly nice creature would fcarce u * ad- 
 venture to fet a foot upon the ground, for delicate- 
 "' neisandtendernefs J but is now enwrapped in clam- 
 my earth, and ileeps on no ibfter a pillow than the rag- 
 ged gravel- ftones. Here u \.\\zftrorig men bow them- 
 k4 felves." The nervous arm is unftriing ; the brawny 
 linews are relaxed ; the limbs, not long ago the feats 
 of vigour and activity, lye down motionleis ; and the 
 bones, which were as bars of iron, are cru mbled into duft. 
 
 Here the man of bufinefs forgets all his favounte 
 fchemes, and difcontinues the purfuit of gain. Here 
 is a total frand to the circulation of merchandize, and 
 the hurry of trade. In thefe folitary receiles, as in the 
 building of Solomon's temple, is heard no found of the 
 hammer and axe. The winding- -Qieet and the coffin 
 arc the utmoft bound of all earthly devices. " Hither- 
 
 " to 
 
 * Deut. xxviii. 56. 
 P 2
 
 no MEDITATIONS 
 
 u to may they go, but no farther." Here tliefons of 
 plenfure take a final farewell of their dear delights. 
 No more is the fenfualift anointed with oil, or crown- 
 ed with rofe-buds. He chants no more to the melo- 
 dy of the viol, nor revels any longer at the banquet 
 of wine. Inftead of fumptuous tables, and delicious 
 treats, the poor voluptuary is himfelf a feaft for fat- 
 tened infefts ; the reptile riots in his flefh ; ." the 
 " worm feeds fweetly on him *." Here alfb beauty 
 fails ; bright beauty drops her luftre here. O ! how 
 her rofes fade, and her lilies languifb, in this bleak 
 foil ! How does the grand leveller pour contempt 
 upon the charmer of our hearts ! how turn to defor- 
 mity, wjiat captivated the world before ! 
 
 Co u L D the lover have a fight of his once-inchanting 
 fair-one, what a ftartling aitonifhment would feize 
 him ! tc Is this the object I not long ago fo paffionate- 
 w ly admired ! 1 fa id,, me was divinely fair, and 
 u thought her fomewhat more than mortal. Her 
 " form was fymmetry itfelf ; every elegance breathed 
 " in her air; and all the graces waited on her motions. 
 tc -'Twa-s mufie when (lie {poke : but, when (he 
 " fpoke encouragement, 'twas little lefs than rapture. 
 tc How my heart danced to thofe charming accents 1 
 c *A;nd can t hat w y c h fome weeks ago was to admi- 
 *' ration lovely, be now fo infufferably loathfome f 
 " Where are thofc bluftiing cheeks ? where the coral 
 tc lips ? where that ivory neck, on which the curling 
 u jet, in fuch glody ringlets, flowed ? with a thoufand 
 <c other beauties of perfon, and ten thoufand delicacies 
 " ofaclion * ? Amazing alteration ! delufory blifs ! 
 .*' Fondly I gazed upon the glittering meteor. It (hone 
 
 " brightly j 
 * Job xxiv. 20. 
 
 T ^ fag' 1 * Venus ? heu ! quove color f dtcens 
 >uo mohts ? quid habet illius, iliius^ 
 *i{ fplralat amores, 
 
 >u<e m? furpuerat mill f IIo&,
 
 among, the TOMBS. 11^ 
 
 . " brightly ; and I miflook it for a /?#>-, for a perma- 
 "' nent and fubftantial good. But how is it fallen ! 
 " fallen from an orb, not its own I and all that 1 can 
 u trace on earth, is but a putrid mafs." 
 - Lye, poor Flordla ! lye deep, as thou doft, in ob- 
 fcure darknefs. Let night, with her impenetrable 
 fhades, always conceal thee. May no prying eye be 
 witneis to thy difgrace : but let th^ furviving fiftcrs 
 think upon thy ftate, when they contemplate thy idol 
 in the glafs. When the pleafing image rifes graceful- 
 ly to view, furrounded with a world of charms, and 
 flufhed with joy at the confcionfnels of them all ; 
 then, in thole minutes of temptation and dangers, 
 when vanity ufes to (teal into the thoughts, then let 
 them remember, what a "veil of horror is drawn over 
 a face, which was once beautiful and brilliant as theirs. 
 Such a feafonable reflection might regulate the labours 
 of the toilet, and create a more earned folicitude to- 
 polifh the jewel, than to varnifh the cajket. It might 
 then become their higheft ambition, to have the mind 
 decked with divine virtues, and dreffed after the ami- 
 able pattern of their Redeemer's holinefs. 
 
 And would this prejudice their peribns, or depre- 
 tiate their charms ? Quite the reverfe. It would 
 fpread a fort of heavenly glory over the fined: Jet of 
 features, and heighten the loveKnefs of every other 
 engaging accomplifhment. What is yet a more invi- 
 ting conflde'ration, thele flowers would not wither 
 with nature, nor be tarnifhed by time ; but would o- 
 pen continually into richer beauties, and flourijh even 
 in the -winter of age. But the moil incomparable re- 
 commendation of thefe noble qualities, is, that from 
 their hallowed relics, as from the fragrant ames of 
 the phvniX) will ere long arife an illuftrious form, 
 bright as the wings of angels, lafting as the light of 
 the new Jerufalein. 
 
 For my part, the remembrance of this fad revolu- 
 tion (hall make me aftiamed to pay my devotion to a 
 
 flirine
 
 ii8 MEDITATIONS 
 
 fhrine of periftiing fiefh, and afraid to expeft all my 
 happinefs from fo brittle a" joy. It lliall teach me, not 
 to think too highly of well->proportioned clay, tho' 
 formed in the mod elegant mould, and animated with 
 the fweeted ibul. 'Tis heaven's lad, bed, and crown- 
 ing gift, to be received with gratitude, and cherim- 
 ed with love, as a mod valuable blelfing ; not wor- 
 fhipped with the inccnfe of flattery, and drains of 
 fulfome adoration, as a goddefs. It will cure, 1 trull, 
 the dotage of my eyes ; and incline me always to pre- 
 fer the fubdantial u ornaments of a meek and virtu- 
 <c ous fpirit," before the tranfient decorations of 
 white and red on the fkin. 
 
 HERE I called in my roving meditations from their 
 long excurfion on this tender iubjeft. Fancy lidened 
 a while to the foliloquy of a lover. Now judgment 
 refumes the reins, and guides my thoughts to more 
 near and felf-interefting inquiries. However, upon a 
 review of the whole fcene, erouded vr\t\\Jpeftacles of 
 mortality and trophies of death, I could not forbear 
 imiting my bread, and fetching a fighj and lamenting 
 over the nobled of all vifible beings, laid prodrate un- 
 der the feet of" the pale horfe, and his rider *." I 
 could not forbear repeating that pathetic exclamation, 
 " I thou \ Adam, what haft thou done f" What 
 defolation has thy dilbbedience wrought in the earth ! 
 '-See the malignity, the ruinous malignity of fin I Sin 
 has demolifhed fo many dately druclures of Hefh ; fin 
 has made fuch havock among the mod excellent ranks 
 of GOD 's lower creation ; and fin (that deadly bane of 
 our nature) would have plunged our better part into 
 the execrable horrors of the nethermod hell, had not 
 our merciful Mediator interpofed, and given himfelf 
 for our ranfom, Therefore, what grateful acknow- 
 ledgments does the whole world of penitent finners 
 owe; what ardent returns of love will a whale heaven 
 
 o^ 
 * Rev. yi. 8, $2 Efdr. vii. 41.
 
 among the TOMBS. 119 
 
 of glorified believers pay, to fuch a friend, benefac- 
 tor, and deliverer ! 
 
 Muting upon thefe melancholy objects, a faithful 
 remembrancer fuggefts from within, ct Muft this lad 
 <c change iiicceed in me alfo ? Am I to draw my lalt 
 ct gafp, to become a breathlefs corpfe, and be what I 
 4 ' deplore * f Is there a time approaching, when this 
 tc body fliall be carried out upon the bier, and con- 
 u figned to its clay-cold bed ? while fome kind ac- 
 44 quaintance, perhaps, may drop one parting tear ; 
 u and cry, Alas ! my brother 1 Is the time approach- 
 4C ing ?" Nothing is more certain. A decree, much 
 4C lurer than the law of the Medes and Perfians, has 
 irrevocably determined the doom. 
 
 Should one of thefe ghaflly figures burft from his 
 confinement, and ftart up, in frightful deformity, be- 
 fore me ; mould the haggard Jkeleton lift a clatter- 
 ing hand, and point it full in my view j (hould it o- 
 pen the ftiffened jaws, and, with a hoarfe tremendous 
 murmur, break this profound filence ; mould it ac- 
 coft me, as Samuel's apparition addreffed the trem- 
 bling king, " The LOR D fliall deliver thee alfo into 
 44 the hands of death; yet a little -while, and \.\\QU /halt 
 44 be with me / thejblenm warning, delivered in ib 
 
 ftriking 
 * I pafs, with melancholy Mate, 
 
 By all thefe Iblemn heaps of fate; 
 
 And think, as fbft and lad I tread 
 
 Above the venerable dead, 
 
 " Time was, like me, they life pofleit ; 
 
 " And time will be, when I fliall re(L" PARNEL. 
 
 i Sam. xxviii. 19. On this place, the Dutch translator of 
 ;he Meditations has added a note ; to correct, very probably,, 
 what he fuppofes a miftake. On the fame fuppofition, I pre- 
 fume, the compilers of our rubric ordered the lad verfe of 
 Ecclus xlvi. to be omitted, in the daily fervice of the church. 
 But that the fentiment, hinted above, is ftridly true ; that it 
 was Kin VKIOW Samuel himfelf (not an infernal fpirit, perfo- 
 I\atirj; the prophet) who appeared to the female necromancer at 
 
 Endor ;
 
 120 MEDITATIONS 
 
 ftriking a manner, mufl ftrongly imprefs my. imagina- 
 tion. A meifage in thunder would fcarce link deeper. 
 Yet there is abundantly greater reaibn to be alarmed, 
 by that exprels declaration of the LORD GOD Al- 
 mighty, " Thou /halt fur ely die" Well then, fmcc 
 ientence is puffed ; lince I am a condemned man, and 
 know not when the dead warrant may arrive ; let me 
 die toy?/z, and die to the world^ before I die beneath 
 the flroke of a righteous GOD. Let me employ the 
 Jittle uncertain interval of refpite from execution, in 
 preparing for a happier ftate, and a better life, that, 
 when the fatal moment comes, and I am commanded 
 to fhufc my eyes upon all things here below, I may open 
 them again, to fee my Saviour in the manfions above. 
 Since this body, which is fo fearfully and wonder- 
 fully made, muft fall to pieces in the grave ; flnce I mult 
 foon refign all my bodily powers to darkneis, inactivity, 
 and corruption ; let it be my conftant care to ule them 
 well, while I pofjefs them ! Let my hands be ftretched 
 forth to relieve the needy ; and always be u ,mpre rea- 
 " dy to give than to receive." Let my knees bend, in 
 deepeft humiliation, before the throne of grace ; while 
 my eyes are cait down to the earth, in penitential con- 
 fiifion ; or devoutly looking up to heaven, for par- 
 doning mercy ! In every friendly interview, let the 
 44 law of kindnefs dwell on my lips /" or rather, if 
 the ferioufnefs of my acquaintance permits, let the 
 gofpel of peace flow from my tongue, O ! that I 
 might be enabled, in every public concourfe, to lift up 
 my voice like a trumpet and pour abroad a more joyful 
 found, than its moft melodious accents, in proclaiming 
 the glad tidings of free falvation ! Be fliut, my cars, 
 refolutely fhut, againft the malevolent whifpers of 
 
 ilander, 
 
 Endor; appeared, not in compliance with any diabolical incan- 
 tation, but in purfuance of the divine commiffion ; this, I 
 think, is fully proved in the Hijforical account of the life vf 
 pavid, vol. 2. chap. 23.
 
 among the T O M B S. 121 
 
 flander, and the contagious breath of filthy talking. 
 But be ivvift to hear the inftructions of wifdom ; be all 
 attention when your RED E EMER fpeaks ; imbibe the 
 precious truths ; and convey them carefully to the 
 heart. Carry me, my feet, to the temple of the 
 LORD, to the beds of the fick, and houfcs of the poor. 
 May all my members, devoted entirely to my di- 
 vine Mailer, be the willing inftruments of promoting 
 his glory ! 
 
 Then, ye embalmers, you may fpare your pains. 
 Thefe works of faith, and labours of love ; thefe (hall 
 be my j pices and perfumes. Enwrapped in thefe, I 
 would lay me gently down, and fleep fweetly in the 
 blcffed JESUS ; hoping, that GOD " will give com- 
 <c mandment concerning my bones ;" and one day 
 fetch them up from the dull, as iilver from the fur- 
 nace, purified, " I fay n.ot ieven times, but feventy 
 u times feven." 
 
 HERE my contemplation took wing ; and in an in- 
 ftant, alighted in the garden adjoining to mount Cal- 
 vary. Having viewed the abode of my deceafed fel- 
 iow-creatures, methought, I longed to fee the place 
 where our LORD lay. And, O ! what a marvellous 
 fpeclacle was once exhibited in this memorable iepul- 
 chre ! He, " who clothes himfelf with light, as with a 
 " garment ; and walks upon the wings of the wind * ;" 
 
 HE 
 
 * The fcriptures, fpeaking of the fupreme Being, fay, 
 He lualketh upon the waves cf the ft a, ts denote his uncon- 
 trollable power, Job ix. 8. He luulkeih in the circuit of hea- 
 ven, to exprii's the immenfity of his p re fence, Job xxii. 14 
 He lualketh upon the -wings of the wind, to fignify the aimzing 
 
 fwiftnefs of his operations, Pful, civ. 3. In which lalt 
 
 phrafe, there is, I think, an elegance and emphafis, not taken 
 notice of by our commentators, yet unequalled in any writer. 
 Not, he flieth ; he runneth ; but, he ivalketh : and that on the 
 very -wings of the wind ; on the moft impetuous of elements, 
 roufed into its utmolt rage, and fweeping along with incon- 
 
 y.oL, J. N? 2. O ceivable
 
 122 M E D I T A T I Q N S 
 
 HE was pleafed to wear the habiliments of mortality, 
 and dwelt among the proftrate dead. Who can repeat 
 the wondrous truth too often ? Who can dwell upon 
 the traniporting theme too long ? HE, who fits enthro- 
 ned in glory, and diifufes blifs among all the heavenly 
 hofts ; HE was once a pale and bloody corpfe, and prei- 
 fed this little fpot. 
 
 O death ! how great was thy triumph in that hour ! 
 Never did thy gloomy realms contain Juch a prifoner 
 before. Prifoner, did I fay ? No ; he was more than 
 conqueror. He arofe, far more mightily than Sam- 
 Jon, from a transient {lumber ; broke down the gates, 
 and demolished the ftrong-holds, of thofe dark domi- 
 nions. And this, O mortals, this is your only confo- 
 lation zndjecnrity. JESUS has trod the dreadful path, 
 and fmoothed it for your paffage. JESUS, ileeping in 
 the. chambers of the tomb, has brightened the djfmal 
 manfion, and left an inviting odour in thofe beds of 
 duft. The dying JESUS (never let the comfortable 
 truth depart from your minds 1 the dying JESUS) is 
 your fure protection, your unqueftionable paffport, 
 through the territories of the grave. Believe in him ; 
 and they mail prove a ct highway to Siun ; l> fliall tranf- 
 mit you fafe to paradife. Believe in him ; and you 
 fliall be no lofers, but unfpeakable gainers, by your 
 difiblution. For hear what the oracle of heaven fays 
 upon this important point, H^bflfo l)d(eveth iri #?<?, 
 
 /hall 
 
 ceivable rapidity. A tumult in nature, not to be defcribed, 
 is the compofed and fedate work of the DEITY. A fpeed., 
 not to be meafured, is (with reverence I ufe the exprelfion, 
 and to comport with our low methods of conception) the fo- 
 Icmn and majeftic foot-pace of JEHOVAH. Ro\v flat are the 
 following lines, even iii the great mailer of lyric long, 
 
 Ocyor ccrvls, ei agente nimbos 
 Ocyor euro, 
 
 when compared with this inimitable irroke of divine poetry 
 He yalkelh upon the wings of the wind.
 
 ambrig the TOMBS. 123 
 
 jhdll never die *. What fubUmq and emphatical 
 language is this 1 Thus much, at leaft, it muil import : 
 " The nature of that laft change (hall be furprifihgly 
 ' c altered for the better. It fliall no longer be inflitied, 
 ii as a punifhment ; but rather be vouch]. if ed, as a blef- 
 * c iing. To fuch perfons, it {hall come attended with 
 " fuch a train of benefits, as will fender it a kind of 
 " happy impropriety, to call it dying. Dying ! No ; 
 *' 'tis then they truly begin to live. Their exit is the 
 *' end of their frailty, and their entrance upon p'er- 
 " feclion." -Their laft groan is the prelude to life 
 <l and immortality." 
 
 O ye timorous, fouls, that are terrified at the found 
 of the parting bell ; that turn pale at the fight of an 
 opened grave ; and can fcarce behold a coffin br_a fkull, 
 without a muddering horror ; ye that are in bondage 
 to the grifly tyrant, and tremble at the (baking of his 
 iron rod ; cry mightily to the Father of your fpirits, 
 for faith in his dear Son. Faith will free you from 
 your (lavery j*. Faith will embolden you to tread ou 
 
 (this 
 * John xt. 26. 
 
 j- Death's terror is the mountain faith removes : 
 'Tis faith difarms dedrudion. 
 Btlicvc, and look with triumph on the tomb. 
 
 Thefe, and Come other quotations, I am proud to borrbw 
 from the Night-thoughts, especially from night t\\ fourth, hi 
 which, energy of language, fublimity of tentiment, and thft 
 mod exquifite beauties of poetry, are the ' Isaft perfections to 
 be admired. Almoft every line glows with devotion ; rifes 
 into the moft exalted appreheniions of the adun.ble Hedeemer; 
 and is animated with the mod lively faith in his ali-Cufiicienc 
 mediation. The author of this excellent performance has the 
 peculiar felicity, of ennobling all the Itrength of ftyle, rind e- 
 very delicacy of imagination, with the grand and didinguifb- 
 ing truths of Chridianity. Thefe thoughts give the higheft 
 entertainment to the fancy, and impirt the nobleft improve- 
 ment to the mind. They not only refine our tafte, but pre- 
 pare us for death, and ripen us for glory I never take up 
 this admirable piece, but 1 am ready to cry out. Tecum vive- 
 re amfrn, tccitrn obedm likens ; i. e. il Infpire hie with fuch a. 
 <l fpirityjtndlife fliall be delightful, nor death itielf unwelcome/'
 
 124 iM E D I T A T I O N S 
 
 (this fierceft of) ferpents*. Old S/jww, clafping the 
 child JESUS in the arms of his flefli, and the glorious 
 Mediator in the arms of his faith, departs with tran- 
 quillity and peace. That bitter perfecutor Saul, having 
 \von CHRIST, being found in CHRIST, longs to be 
 difmifTed from cumbrous clay, and kindles into rap- 
 ture at the profpect of diffolution -(-. Methinks, I fee 
 another of IMMANUEL'S followers, trufting in his 
 Saviour, leaning on his Beloved, go down to the filent 
 fhades,with compofure and alacrity J Inthis power- 
 ful name, an innumerable company of finful creatures 
 have fet up their banners ; and u overcome through 
 " the blood of the Lamb.*' Authorized by the Cap- 
 tain of thy falvation, thou alfo mayft fet thy feet upon 
 the neck of this king of terrors. Furnimed with this 
 antidote, thou alfo mayft play around the hole of the 
 afp, and put thy undaunted hand on this cockatrice- 
 den D. Thou mayft 4- feel the viper fattening to thy 
 mortal part, and/>#r no evil : thou (halt one day (hake 
 it off by a joyful refurreftion, andjuffer. no harm. 
 
 RE s u R-R EC T ION \ That chearing word eafes my 
 mind of an anxious thought, and folvesa mofl moment- 
 ous queftion. I was going to afk, " Wherefore do alt 
 " thefe corpfcs lye here, in this abject condition ? Is this 
 u their final ftate ? Has death conquered ! and will the 
 " tyrant hold captivity captive \ How long wilt thou for* 
 " get them, O LORD ? For ever ?" No, faith the 
 voice from heaven ; the word of divine revelation ; The 
 righteous are all " prifoners of hops +-.** There is an 
 hour, (an awful fecret that, and known only to all-for- 
 feeing wifdom,) an appointed hour there is, when an act 
 of grace will pafs the great feal above, and give them an 
 imiverfal dilchargc,a general delivery from the abodes 
 
 of 
 
 * Luke x. 19. f phil ! - 7 3- 2 - Tim - iv - 7- 8 - t 2 Pet * 
 i. 14. ]i If. xi. 8. 4- Acts xxviii. 35. H- Zech ix. 12.
 
 among the T O M B S. I2 
 
 of corruption. Then mall the LORD JESUS defccnd 
 from heaven, with the fhout of the archangel, and 
 the trump of Go D . Dejt ruction itfelf (hall hear his 
 call, and the obedient grave give up her dead. In a 
 moment, in the twinkling of an eye, they fhake off 
 the flecp of ten thoufand years ; and fpring forth, like 
 the bounding roe, to " meet their L o R D in the 
 " air." 
 
 And, O ! with what cordial congratulations, what 
 tranfporting endearments, d6 the foul and body, thofe 
 affectionate companions, re-unite ! But with how 
 much greater demonftrations of kindnefs, are they both 
 received by their compaflionate Redeemer ! The An- 
 cient of days, who comes in the clouds of heaven, is 
 their friend, their father, their bridegroom. He comes 
 with irrefiftible power and infinite glory ; but they 
 have nothing to fear from his majefHc appearance. 
 Thofe tremendous Jolemnities^ which fpread defolation 
 and aftonifhment through the univerfe, ferve only to 
 inflame their love, and heightdn their hopes. The 
 Judge, the awful Judge, amidft all his magnificence 
 and fplcndor, vouchsafes to confels their names ; 
 vouchfafes to commemorate their fidelity, before all 
 the inhabitants of the ikies, and the whole aflembled 
 world. 
 
 Hark! the thunders arehufhed. Seel the lightnings 
 ceafe their rage. The angelic armies fland in filent 
 fufpenfe. The whole race of Adam is wrapped in 
 pleating or anxious expectation. And now that a- 
 dorablePerfon, whofe favour is better than life, whofe 
 acceptance is a crown of glory, lifts up the light of 
 his countenance upon the righteous. He fpeaks ; and 
 what ravifhing words proceed from his gracious lips i 
 "What ecftafies of delight they enkindle m the breafts 
 of the faithful ! " I accept you, O my people ! Ye 
 " are they that believed in my name. Ye are they 
 tc that renounced yourfelves, and, are complete in me, 
 44 I fee no fpot or blemifh in vou j for ye are warned 
 
 " in
 
 MEDITATIONS 
 
 " in my blood, and clothed with my righteoufnefs. 
 <c Renewed by my Spirit, ye have glorified me on 
 " earth, and have been faithful unto death. Come, 
 " then, ye fervants of holinefs, enter into the joy of 
 " your LORD. Come, ye children of light, ye blei- 
 <l fed of my Father, receive the kingdom that mall ne- 
 " ver be removed ; wear the crown which fadeth not 
 u away ; and enjoy pleafures for evermore 1" 
 
 u Then it will be one of the fmalleft privileges of the 
 righteous, that they mall languifli no more ; that fick- 
 nefs will never again mew her pale countenance in 
 their dwellings *, Death itjelf will be u fwallowed 
 * 4 up in victory." That fatal javelin, which has 
 drank the blood of monarchs, and finds its way to 
 the hearts of all the ions of Adam, lhall be utterly 
 broken. That enormous lithe, which has ftruck 
 empires from their root, and fwept ages and genera- 
 tions into oblivion, mall lye by in perpetual ulelefs- 
 nefs. Sin alfo, which filled thy quiver, thou iniatiate 
 archer ! (in, which ftrung thy arm with refiftleis vi- 
 gour, which pointed all thy {bafts with inevitable 
 deltruftion ; finj will then be done away. What- 
 ever is frail or depraved, will be thrown off with our 
 grave-cloaths. All to come is perfect holinefs, and 
 confummate happmeis j the term of whole continuance 
 is eternity. 
 
 OETERNITY ! eternity ! how are our boldeft, our 
 ftrongeft thoughts, loft and overwhelmed in thee 1 Who 
 can let land-marks to limit thy dimenfions ; or finci 
 plummets to fathom thy depths ? Arithmeticians have 
 
 figures 
 
 * Ifaiah, fpeaking of the new Jerufalem, mentions this as 
 ne of its immunities, The inhabitant thereof fhalt no more fay ^ 
 J am Jick. Another claufe, in its royal charter, runs thus : 
 Godjball wipe away all tears from their eyes ; and there Jbafl 
 be no more death, neither forroiy, nor crying ; neither J 
 there be any mvre fain. If. xxxiii. 24. Kev. xxi. 4.
 
 among the TOMBS. 127 
 
 gures to compute all the progreffions of time ; ^Jlro-> 
 nomers have inftruments to calculate the diilances of 
 the planets : ttut what numbers can ftate, what lines 
 can guage, the lengths and breadths of eternity ? " It 
 " is higher than heaven; what canft thou do \ deep- 
 " er than hell ; what canft thou know ? the meafure 
 u thereof is longer than the earth, broader than the 
 *' fea *.' ? 
 
 Myfterious, mighty exiftence ! A fum not to be lef- 
 fened by the largeft deductions ! An extent not to be 
 contracted by all poifible diminutions I None can tru- 
 ly lay, after the mofi prodigious wade of ages, " So 
 ' c much of eternity is gone." For when millions of 
 centuries are elapfed, it is but juft commencing ; and 
 when millions more have run their ample round, it will 
 be no nearer ending. Yea, when ages, numerous as 
 the bloom of fpring, increaied by the herbage of ium- 
 mer, both augmented by the leaves of autumn, and 
 all multiplied by the drops of rain, which drown the 
 winter ; when thefe, and ten thoufand times ten 
 thouiand more, more than can be reprefented by a- 
 ny fimilitude, or imagined by any conception ; when 
 all thefe are revolved and finished, eternity, vaft, 
 boundlefs, amazing eternity, will only be beginning I 
 
 What a pleafing, yet awful thought is this ! full of 
 delight, and full of dread. O ! may it alarm our fears, 
 quicken our hopes , and animate all our endeavours ! 
 Since we are foon to launch into this endlefs and in- 
 conceivable ftate, let us give all diligence to fecurc 
 our entrance into blifs. Now let us give all diligence; 
 becaufe there is no alteration in the icenes of futurity. 
 The wheel never turns : all is ftedfaft and immoveable 
 beyond the grave. Whether we are then feated on 
 fche throne, or itretched on the rack, a feal will be fet 
 to our condition, by the hand of everlafting mercy, 
 pr inflexible juftice. The faints always rejoice amidfh 
 
 the 
 * Job xi. 8. 9,
 
 128 MEDITATIONS 
 
 Hie fmiles of heaven ; their harps are perpetually tu- 
 ned; their triumphs admit of no interruption. The 
 ruin of the -wicked is irremediable. The* fatal ientence, 
 once pafTed, is never to be repealed. No hope of ex- 
 changing their doleful habitations. But all things 
 bear the fame difmal afpedl for ever and ever. 
 
 THE 'wicked my mind recoils * at the apprehcn- 
 fion of their mifery. It has ftudioufly waved the fear- 
 ful fubjeft, and feems unwilling to purfue it even now. 
 But 'tis better to reflect upon it for a few minutes, 
 than to endure it to eternal ages. Perhaps, the con- 
 federation of their aggravated mifery may be profitably 
 terrible ; may teach me more highly to prize the Sa- 
 viour, who " delivers from going down into the bot- 
 " tomleis pit ; may drive me, like the avenger's 
 fword, to this only city of refuge for obnoxious fm- 
 ners. 
 
 The wicked feem to lye here, like malefactors, in a 
 deep and flrong dungeon ; referved againft the day of 
 trial. " Their dep arture was without peace." Clouds 
 of horror fat louring upon their doling eye-lids, mod 
 fadly foreboding the u blacknefs of darknefs forever." 
 When the laft ficknefs feized their frame, and the in- 
 evitable change advanced ; when they faw the fatal 
 arrow fitting to the firings, faw the deadly archer 
 aiming at their heart, and felt the envenomed fhaft 
 fattened in their vitals ; good GOD ! what fearfulnefs 
 came upon them ! what horrible dread overwhelmed 
 them ! How did they ftand muddering and aghafl upon 
 the tremendous precipice ! exceflively afraid to plunge 
 into the abyfs of eternity, yet utterly unable to main- 
 tain their flanding on the verge of life. 
 
 O 1 what pale reviews, what ftartling profpe&s, 
 confpire to augment their forrows ! They look back- 
 ward, and behold ! a mofl melancholy fcene ! Sins 
 
 unrepented 
 
 * -Animus mcminijff'e horrst^ luttuqite refugit, VJRC S
 
 among the T O M B S. 129 
 
 unrepented of ; mercy flighted ; and the day of grace 
 ending! They look forward, and nothing prefents 
 itfelf, but the righteous Judge, the dreadful tribunal, 
 and a moft folemn reckoning. They roll around their 
 affrighted eyes on attending friends. If accomplices in 
 debauchery, it fharpens their anguim, to confider ihis 
 farther aggravation of their guilt, that they have not 
 finned alone, but drawn others into the fnare. If 
 religious acquaintance, it ftrikes a frefh gafh into their 
 hearts, to think of never feeing them any more, but 
 only at an unapproachable diftance, feparated by the 
 unpaf fable gulf, 
 
 At laft, perhaps, they begin to pray. Finding no o- 
 ther poflible way of relief, they are conftrained to ap- 
 ply unto the Almighty. With trembling lips, and a 
 faltering tongue, they cry unto that fovereign Beingj 
 '" who kills and makes alive." But why have they 
 deferred, fo long deferred their addreffes to GOD? 
 Why have they defpifed all his councils, and ftood in- 
 corrigible under his incefTant reproofs ? How often 
 have they been forewarned of thefe terrors, and moft 
 importunately intreated to feck the LO RD -while he 
 might be found? 1 wifh they may obtain mercy at the 
 eleventh, at the laft hour. I wifh they may be fnatched 
 from the jaws, the opened, the gaping, the almoft 
 clofing jaws of damnation. But, alas I who can tell, 
 whether affronted Majefty will lend an ear to their 
 complaint ? whether the Holy One will work a mira- 
 cle of grace in behalf of fuch tranfgrefTors ? He may, 
 for aught any mortal knows, " laugh at their calamity, 
 u and mock when their fear cometh." 
 
 Thus they lye groaning out the poor remains of life; 
 their limbs bathed in IWeat ; their heart Struggling 
 with convulfive throes ; pains infupportable throbbing 
 in every pulfe ; and innumerable darts of agony trans- 
 fixing their confcience. 
 
 In that dread moment, how the frantic foul 
 Raves round the wr n s of her clay tenement ; 
 
 VOL. I. N 2. R
 
 MEDITATIONS 
 
 Runs to each avenue; and JJirieks for 
 But JJirieks in vain ! How wi/hfully Jhe Looks 
 On all /he's leaving, now no longer hers ! 
 ^4 little longer, yst a little lunger, 
 (J I might /he ft ay, to -wafii aivay her crimes, 
 And fit her for her pa/Jage ! Mournful fight 1 
 Her very eyes iveep blood; and every groan 
 S/'u heaves, is big with horror : but the foe, 
 Like a Jlaunch murderer, fteady to his purpoje, 
 Pur jues her cloje through every lane of life, 
 Nor mifjes once the track; but preffes on; 
 Till, forc'd at laft to the tremendous verge, 
 At once fie jinks *. 
 
 If this be the end of the ungodly > " My foul, coniei 
 " not thou into their iecret ! Unto their alterably, 
 <c mine honour, be not thou united!'* How awfully 
 accomplished is that prediction of infpired Wifclom 1 
 Sin, though feemingly fwcet in the commiifion, yet 
 at the laft it bitcth like aferpent, and ftingeth like an 
 adder. Fly therefore from the tents, O ! fly from 
 the ways of fuch wretched men. 
 
 HAPPY diffolution! were this the period of their 
 woes. But, alas I all thefe tribulations are only u the 
 " beginning offorrows;" a fmall drop only from that 
 " cup of trembling/' which is mingled for their fu- 
 ture portion. No fooner has the laft pang diilodged 
 their reluftant fouls, but they are hurried into the pre- 
 fence of an injured angry GOD. Mot under the con- 
 dueling care of beneficent angels, but expofed to the 
 infults of accurfed ipirits, \vho lately tempted them, 
 now upbraid them, and will for ever torment them. 
 Who can imagine their confuiion and diftrefs, when 
 they (land guilty, and inexcufable, before their incen- 
 iedQreator? They are received with frowns. The GOP 
 that made them, has no mercy on them J." The Prince of 
 
 Peace 
 
 * See a valuable poem, entitled, The Grave. ^ If. xxvii. n.
 
 among die TOMBS. 131 
 
 Peace rejects them with abhorrence. He conflgns them 
 over to chains of darknefs^ and receptacles of de/'pair ; 
 againft the feverer doom, and more public infamy, 
 of the great day. Then all the vials of wrath will 
 be emptied upon thefe wretched creatures. The law 
 they have violated, and the gofpel they have (lighted, 
 the power they have defied, and the goodnefs they 
 have abufed, will all get thcmiclves honour in their 
 exemplary cleftrucliori. Then GOD, the GOD to whom 
 vengeance belongeth, will draw the arrow to the ve- 
 ry head, and fet them as the mark of his inexorable 
 difpleai'ure. 
 
 lleiurreclion will be no privilege to them ; but im- 
 mortality itfelf their everlafting curfe.-r Would they, 
 not blefs the grave, " that land where all things are 
 forgotten ;" and wifli to lye eternally hid in its deep- 
 eft gloom ? But the dud refufes to conceal their per- 
 ibns, or to draw a veil over their practices. They 
 alfo mull awake ; muft arife ; muft appear at the bar ; 
 and meet the Judge ; a Judge, before whom " the pil- 
 <c lars of heaven tremble, and the earth melts away ;'* , 
 a Judge, once long-iufFering, and very compallionate ; 
 but now unalterably determined to teach ftubborn of- 
 fenders, what it is to provokcthc omnipotent Godhead ; 
 what it is to trample upon the blood of his Son, and 
 offer defpitc to all the gracious overtures of his Spirit. 
 
 O ! the perplexity ! the diftra&ion 1 that muft feize 
 the impenitent rebels, when they are fummoned to the 
 great tribunal ! What will they do in this day of fe- 
 vere vifitation \ this day of final deciiion : Where ? 
 how ? whence can they find help ? To which of the 
 iaints will they turn 1 v/ hither betake themfelves for 
 ihelter or for fuccour ? Alas 1 'tis all in vain ; 'tis all 
 too late. -Friends and acquaintance know them no 
 more. Men and angels abandon them to their ap- 
 proaching doom. Even the Mediator, the MEDIA- 
 TOR himfelf, deferts them in this dreadful hour 
 T" fly-i w ^^ ^ e impracticable ; to jiiftify themielves, 
 Ha ftiU
 
 I 3 2 MEDITATIONS 
 
 ftill more impoffible; and now to make any fupplica- 
 tions, utterly unavailable. 
 
 Behold ! the books are opened ; the fecrets of all 
 hearts are difclofed ; the hidden things of darknefs are 
 brought to light. How empty, how ineffectual noiu y 
 are all thofe refined artifices, with which hypocrites 
 impoied upon their fellow-creatures, and preserved a 
 character in the light of men ! The jealous GOD, 
 who has been about their path, and about their bed, 
 and 'fpied out all their ways, fets before them the 
 things that they have done. They cannot anfwer him 
 one in a thoufand, nor fland in the awful judgment. 
 The heavens reveal their iniquities, and the earth ri- 
 fts up againft them *. They yrc Jpef chiefs yf\\\\ guilt, 
 and ftigmatized with infamy, before all the armies of 
 the fky, and all the nations of the redeemed. What 
 a favour would they efteem it, to hide their amamed 
 heads in the bottom of the ocean, or even to be bu- 
 ried beneath the ruins of the tottering world ! 
 
 If the contempt poured upon them be thus infup- 
 , portable, how will their hearts endure, when the 
 Jword of infinite indignation is unmeathed, and fierce- 
 ly waved around their defencelefs heads, or pointed di- 
 rectly at their naked breafts ? How muft the wretches 
 {cream with wild amazement, and rend the very hea- 
 vens with their cries, when the right-aiming thunder- 
 bolts go abroad ? go abroad with a dreadful commif- 
 fion, to drive them from the kingdoms of glory ; and 
 plunge them, not into tlie forrows of a moment, or 
 the tortures of an hour, but into all the reftleis a- 
 gonies of unquenchable fire, and everlafting defpairf. 
 Mifery of miferies ! top (hocking for reflection to 
 
 dwell 
 
 * Job xx. 27. 
 
 f Region? of forrow, doleful fhades, where peace 
 And red can never dwell ; hope never comes, 
 That comes to all : ,but torture without end 
 Still urges, and a fiery deluge, fed 
 With ever-burning iulphur uncontum'd. MILT.
 
 among ttie TOMBS. 133 
 
 dwell upon. But, if fo difmal to forefee, and that at 
 a diftance, together with fome comfortable expedition 
 of efcaping it, O! how bitter, inconceivably bitter, 
 to bear, without any intermiffion, or any mitigation, 
 through hopelefs and eternal ages ! 
 
 Who has any bowels of pity ? Who has any fen- 
 timents of compaffion ? Who has any tender concern 
 for his fellow-creatures ? Who \ In GOD'S name, 
 and for CHRIST'S fake, let v him mew it, by warning 
 every man, and befeeching every man, tofeek the 
 LORD while he may be found; to throw down the 
 arms of rebellion, before the aft o f indemnity expires; 
 fubmiffively to adore the Lamb, while he holds out the 
 golden fceptre. Here let us act the friendly part to 
 mankind ; here let the whole force of our benevolence 
 exert itfelf; in exhorting relations, acquaintance, 
 neighbours, whomfoever we may probably influence, to 
 take the wings of faith unfeigned, of repentance unde- 
 layed, and flee away from this wrath to come. 
 
 UPON the whole, what ftupendous difcoveries are 
 thefe ! Lay them up in a faithful remembrance, O my 
 foul. Recoiled: them with the mod ferious attention, 
 when thou lyefl down, and when thou rifeft up. When 
 thou walked, receive them for thy companions ; when 
 thou talkeft, liften to them as thy prompters ; and 
 whatever thou doft, coni'ult them as thy directors .- 
 Influenced by thefe confiderations, thy views will 
 greaten, thy affections be exalted, and thou thyfelf 
 raifed above the tantalizing power of perifhing things. 
 Duly mindful of thefe, it will be the ium of thy de- 
 fires y and the fcope of thy endeavours, to gain the ap- 
 probation of that fovereign Being, who will then fill 
 thethrone,and pronoance the deciiive fentence. Thou 
 wilt fee nothing worth a with *, in comparifon of ha- 
 ving 
 
 ''* Great day of dread, decifion, and defpair I 
 At thought: of thee, each fublunary wifli 
 Lets go its eagergrafp, and quits the-world. Night-Thoughts.
 
 I 3 4 MEDITATIONS 
 
 ving his will for thy rule ; his glory for thy aim ; and 
 his Holy Spirit for thy ever-adhiating principle. 
 
 "WON D ER, O man ; be loft in admiration, at thole 
 prodigious events, which are coming uponthe univerie : 
 events, the greatnefs of which nothing finite can mea- 
 fure ; fuch as will caufe whatever is conliderable or 
 momentous in the annals of all generations, to fink 
 into littlenefs and nothing : Events (JES u s prepare us 
 for their approach ; defend us, when they take place ! ) 
 big with the everlafling fates of all the living, and all 
 the dead I muft fee the graves cleaving, the fea 
 teeming, and fwarms uniufpec"led, crouds unnumber- 
 ed, yea, multitudes of thronging nations, rifing from 
 both. I muft fee the world in flames ; muft ftand at 
 the diffolution of all terreftrial things ; and be an at- 
 tendant on the burial of nature, \ muft fee the vaft 
 expanfe of the iky, wrapt up like a fcroll ; and the in- 
 carnate GOD, iffuing forth from light inacceffible, 
 with ten thoufand times ten thoufand angels, to judge 
 both men and devils . I muft fee the curtain of time 
 drop ; fee all eternity difclofcd to view; and enter up- 
 on ^Jlate of being, that will never, never, have an end. 
 
 And ought I not (let the vaineft imagination deter- 
 mine ; ought I not) to try the fincerity of my faith, 
 and take heed to my ways ? Is there an inquiry, is there 
 a care, of greater, of equal, of comparable impor- 
 tance ? Is not this an infinitely preffing call, to fee 
 that my loins are girded about, my lamp trimmed, 
 and myfelf dreiFed for the Bridegroom's appearance ? 
 that, warned in the fountain opened in my Saviour's 
 fide, and clad with the marriage-garment wove by his 
 qbedience, I may be found in peace, unblameable, and 
 linreprovable. Otherwife, how mall I ftand with bold- 
 nets, whentheftars of heaven fall from their orbs \ How 
 fhall I come forth erefi and courageous, when the earth 
 itf elf reds to and fro like a drunkard * ? How mail I 
 
 look 
 * If. xxiv. 20,
 
 among the T O M B S. 13$ 
 
 look up with joy, and fee my falvation drawing nigh, 
 when the hearts of millions and millions fail for fear ? 
 
 Now, Madam, left my meditations fet in a cloud, 
 and leave any unpleafing gloom upon your mind, let 
 me once more turn to the brightning prqfpetis of the 
 righteous. A view of them, and their delightful ex- 
 pectations, may ferve to exhilarate the thoughts which 
 have been mufing upon melancholy fubjefts, and ho- 
 vering about the edges of infernal darknefs. Juft as a 
 fpacious field, arrayed in chearjul green^ relieves and 
 re- invigorates the eye, which has fatigued itfelf by 
 poring upon fome minute, or gazing upon fome gla- 
 ring object. 
 
 The righteous feem to lye by in the bofom of the 
 earth, as a -wary pilot in fome well-meltered creek, till 
 all theftorms, which infeft this lower world, are blown 
 over. Here they enjoy fafe anchorage ; are in no dan- 
 ger of foundering, amidft the waves of prevailing ini- 
 quity, or of being flip-Wrecked on the rocks of any 
 powerful temptation. But ere-long we mail behold 
 them hoifting their flag 'of hope ; riding before a fweet 
 gale of atoning merit, and redeeming love ; till they 
 make, with all the fails of an allured faith, the blelFed 
 port of eternal life. 
 
 Then may the honoured friend, to whom I am wri- 
 ting, rich in good works, rich in heavenly tempers, 
 but inexpreffibly richer in her Saviour's righteoufneis, 
 O i may me enter the harbour, like a gallant ftately 
 vejfel, returned iiiccefsful and victorious from fome 
 grand expedition, with acclamations, honour, and joy! 
 While my little bark, attendant on the lolemnity, and 
 a partaker of the triumph, glides humbly after ; and 
 both reft together in the haven, the wifhed for, blifs 
 ful haven, of perfect fccurity, and cvcrlafting repofe.
 
 REFLECTIONS 
 
 O N A 
 
 FLOWER-GARDEN. 
 
 0&o&:&(^o^o&D<3oo& 
 
 / look upon the pleafure, luhich we take in a garden, as 
 one of the mofl innocent delights in human life. A gar- 
 den 'was the habitation of our fir ft parents before the 
 fall. It is naturally apt to fill the mind with calmnefs 
 and tranquillity, and to lay all its turbulent pajfions 
 at reft. It gives us agreatinfightinto the contrivance 
 andivifdom of Providence ^ tfw^fuggefts innumerable 
 fubjefts for meditation. 
 
 Sped*, vol. VII. N* 477. 
 
 C^O&C&0&C$GC^O&C^ 
 
 . j. N?
 
 REFLECTIONS 
 
 ON A 
 
 FLOWER-GARDEN. 
 
 In a LETTER to a LABI. 
 
 4wU-*wV-^**-w^^ 
 
 MADAM, 
 
 SOME time ago, my meditations took a turn a"- 
 mdng the Tombs; they vifited the awful and me- 
 lancholy manfions of the dead * ; and you was plea- 
 fed to favour them with your attention. May I now 
 beg the honour of your company, in a more invititfg 
 and delightful excursion ? in a beautiful flower-gar- 
 den; where I lately walked, and at once regaled the 
 fenfe, and, indulged the fancy. 
 
 IT 
 
 * u Difcourfes on the vanity of the creature, which repre- 
 *' fent thebarrennefs of every thing in this world, and its inca- 
 ** pacity of producing any folid or fubftantial happinefs, areufe- 
 S fl
 
 140 R E F L E C T I O N S on a 
 
 IT was early in a/ummer-morning, when the air was 
 cool, the earth moift, the whole face of the creation 
 frefti and gay. The noify world was fcarce awake. 
 Bufinefs had not quite (hook off his found deep ; and 
 Riot had but juft reclined his giddy head. All was 
 ferene ; all was ftill ; every thing tended to infpire 
 tranquillity of mind, and invite to ferious thought. 
 
 Only the wakeful lark had left her neft, and was 
 mounting on high, to falute the opening day. Ele- 
 Vated in air, (he feemed to call the laborious hufband- 
 man to his toil, and all her fellow-lbngfters to their 
 notes. Earlieft of birds, faid 1, companion of the 
 dawn, may I always rife at thy voice ! rife, to offer 
 the matin-fong, and adore that beneficent Being, 
 " who makcth the outgoings of the morning and e- 
 " vcning to rejoice." 
 
 How charming to rove abroad, at this fweet hour of 
 prime ! to enjoy the calm of nature ; to tread the dewy 
 lawns, and tafte the unrifled fremnefs of the air I 
 
 Sweet is the breath of morn, her rifmgfwcet, 
 With charm of earliej} birds *. 
 
 What a pleafure do the fons ofjlotb lofe ? Little, ah ! 
 little is the fluggard fenfible, how delicious an enter- 
 tainment he foregoes, for the pooreft of all animal 
 gratifications j*. 
 
 The 
 
 " ful. Thefe fpeculations alfo, which fhew the bright fide of 
 44 things, and lay forth thofe innocent entertainments, which 
 4< are to be met with among the feveral objects that encom- 
 " pafs us, are no lefs beneficial." Spefi. vol. v. N 393. 
 Upon the flan of thefe obfervations, the preceding and following 
 reflexions are formed. 
 
 * MILT. Par. Loft, b. iv. I'm. 641. 
 
 j- See ! how revelation and reafon, the fcriptures and the 
 clalfics, unanimoufly exhort to this moft beneficial practice. 
 They both invite us to early rijing, by the inoft engaging mo- 
 tives, and the moft alluring reprefentations. 
 
 Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field ; let us hdge 
 
 in
 
 FLOWER-GARDEN. 141 
 
 The greynefs of the dawn decays gradually. Abun- 
 dance of ruddy ftreaks tinge the fleeces of the firma- 
 ment ; till, at length, the dappled afpeft of the eaft is 
 loft, in one ardent and boundlefs blufh. Is it the fur- 
 mife of imagination, or do the fides really redden 
 with fhame, to fee fo many fupinely flretched on their 
 drowfy pillows ? Shall man be loft in luxurious eafe ? 
 mail man wafte thefe precious hours in idle {lumbers ? 
 while the vigorous fun is up and going on his Maker's 
 errand ; while all the feathered choir are hymning 
 their Creator, and paying their homage in harmony ? 
 -No. Let him heighten the melody of the tuneful 
 tribes, by adding the rational ftrains of devotion* 
 Let him improve the fragrant oblations of nature, by 
 mingling, with the rifing odours, the more refined 
 breath of praife. 
 
 'Tis natural for man to look upward * ; to throw 
 his firft glance upon the objefts that are above him. 
 
 Strait towards heav'n my wondering eyes I turn'dt 
 And gaz'd a 'while the ample SKY -f- , 
 
 Prodigious theatre ! where lightnings dart their 
 fire, and thunders utter their voice ; where tempefts 
 fpend their rage, and worlds unnumbered roll at 
 large ! O the greattiefs of that mighty hand, which 
 meteth out this amazing circumference with a fpan ! 
 O-the immenfity of that wonderful Being, before whom 
 
 this 
 
 in the villages. Let us get up early fo the vineyards ; let as 
 fee if the vine flourifh^ -whether the tender grape appear, and 
 the pomegranates bud forth. Cant. vii. n, 12. 
 Lucifer! primo cum fidere, frigida ritra 
 Carpamus : dum mane novum, dum gramina canent^ 
 Et ros in tencra pecori gratijfimus herba eft. 
 
 Vise. Georg. III. 
 * Os komini fitblime dcdit, cixlttmque tueri 
 
 Jufjit, et ereftos ad fide r a tollere vultus. Ovi. 
 
 j MILT. Pan Loft, b. viii. lin. 257.
 
 I 4 2 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 this unmeafurable extent is no more than a point ! 
 And O (thou pleafmg thought!) the unfearchable 
 riches of that mercy , which is greater than the hea- 
 vens */ is more enlarged and extenfive, in its graci- 
 ous exercife, than thefe illimitable tracts of air, and 
 fea, and firmament ! which pardons crimes of the 
 moft enormous fize, and the moft horrid aggravations ; 
 pardons them, in consideration of the Redeemer's a- 
 tonement, with perfect freenefs, and the utmofl rea- 
 dinels ! more readily, if it were poflible, than this 
 all-fur rounding expanfe admits, within its circuit, a 
 ridge of mountains, or even a grain of fanct 
 
 Come hither, then, ye awakened, trembling fmners. 
 Come -j-,- weary and heavy-laden with a fenfe of your 
 iniquities. Condemn yourfelves. Renounce all reli- 
 ance on any thing of your own. Let your trufl be in 
 the tender mercy of GOD, for ever and ever. 
 
 IN 
 
 , * Pfal. cviii. 4. 
 
 f The lines which follow, are admirably defcriptive of the 
 fpirit and practice hinted above. In them defire pants ; pray- 
 er -wreJUes ; and faith, as it were, grafts the prize. I take 
 leave to tranfplant them into this place; and I could wifli them 
 a better, a more confpicuous titua'ion, than either their new 
 or their native foil. Their native foil is no other than the 
 lamentation of a firmer, written by Mr Sternhold. Notwith- 
 ftanding the unpromifmg genius of the performance, I think, 
 we may challenge the greateft matters, to produce any thing 
 more fpirited and importunate ? more full of nature, or more 
 flufhed with life. 
 
 Mercy, good LORD, mercy I crave ; 
 
 This is the total fum ; 
 For mercy, LORD, is all my fuit ; 
 
 LORD, let thy mercy come. 
 
 The fhcrt fenterrces Not a 1 fmgle copulative The frequent 
 repetition of the divine name The almolt inceflant reitera- 
 tion of the bleiiing, fo paillonately defired, and inexpreifibly 
 Seeded this is the genuine language of ardor; thefe are 
 beauties obvious to every eye ; and cannot fail, either ti> 
 pleafe thejudiotu tafte, or to edify the gracious heart.
 
 FLOWER-GARDEN. 143 
 
 IN them hath hefet a tabernacle for the fun *. 
 Behold him coming forth from the chambers of the 
 eaft. See ! the clouds, like floating curtains, are thrown 
 back at his approach. With what refulgent ?najefly 
 does he walk abroad I How tranfcendently bright is 
 his countenance, fhedding day, and inexhauilible light, 
 thro' the univerfe ! Is there a fcene, though finifti- 
 ed by the moft elaborate and coftly refinements of art, 
 " comparable to thefe illuftrious iblemnities of open-r 
 tc ing funfliine ? Before thefe, all the ftudied pagean- 
 u try of the theatre, the glittering ceconomy of an 
 " altembly, or even the heightened ornaments of a 
 tc royal palace, hide their diminiilied heads, and flirink 
 tc into nothing." I have read of a perfon ib ftruck 
 with the fplendors of this noble luminary, that he ima- 
 gined himfelf made on purpofe to contemplate its 
 glories. O ! that Chriftians would adopt his perfualion, 
 and transfer it to the Sun of Rightcoujhefs ! Thus ap- 
 plied, it would ceafe to be a chimerical notion, and 
 become a moft important truth. For fure I am, it is 
 the fupreme happinefs of the eternal ftate, and therefore 
 may well be the ruling concern of this prefent life, to 
 know the only true GOD, and Jejiis CHRIST, -whom 
 he hath Jent. Nor do I (land alone in this opinion. 
 The very beft judge of whatever is valuable in fcience, 
 or perfeftive of our nature ; a judge, who formed his 
 tafte on the maxims of paradife, and received thefinifh- 
 ings of his education in the third heavens ; this judge 
 determines to know nothing but JESUS CHRIST, and 
 him crucified. He poflefTed, in his own perfon, the 
 fined, the moft admired accompli/hment s ; yet pro- 
 nounces them no better than dung, in comparifon of the 
 j- fupereminent excellency of this faving knowledge. 
 
 Methinks I difcern a thoufand admirable properties 
 in the fun. 'Tis, certainly, the beft material emblem 
 pf the Creator. There is more of GOD in its luftre, 
 
 energy, 
 * Pfal. xix. 4. 
 
 Tf yvuffuf , Phil. iii. 7,
 
 144 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 energy, and ufefnlnefs, than in any other vifible being. 
 To worfliip it as a deity, was the leaft inexcufablc of 
 all the Heathen idolatries. One fcarce can wonder, 
 that fallen reaibn Jhould miftake fo fair a copy for the 
 adorable otiginaL No companion, in the whole book 
 of facred wiiclom, pleafes me more, than that which 
 refembles the bleffed JES us, to yonder regent of the 
 day * ; who now advances on his azure road, to feat' 
 ter light and diipenfe gladnefs thro' the nations. 
 
 WHAT were all the realms of the world, but a 
 dungeon of darknejs, without the beams of the fun ? 
 All their fine fcenes hid from our view, loft inv ob- 
 fcurity. In vain we roll around our eyes in the mid- 
 night-gloom. In vain we ftrive to behold the features 
 of amiable nature. Turn whither we will, no form 
 or comelinefs appears. All feems a dreary wafte, an 
 undiftinguifhed chaos, till the returning hours have 
 unbarred the gates of light, and let forth the morn. 
 Then what a profpe& opens ! The heavens are 
 paved with azure, and ftrewed with rofes. A variety 
 of the livelieft verdures array the plains. The flow- 
 ers put on a glow of the richeft colours. The whole 
 creation Hands forth, drefied in all the charms of 
 beauty. The raviftied eye looks round, and wonders. 
 
 And what had^been the condition of our intellectual 
 nature, without the great Redeemer, and his divine re- 
 velation f Alas ! what abfurd and unworthy appre- 
 henfions did the Pagan fages form of GOD ! What idle 
 dreams, what childifh conjectures, were their doctrines 
 of a future ftate How did the bulk, even of that fa- 
 voured nation, the Jews, weary themfelves in very 
 vanity, to obtain peace and reconciliation with their 
 offended JEHOVAH ! till JESUS arofe upon our be- 
 nighted minds, and brought life and immortality to 
 
 Kght ; 
 
 * Unto you that fear my namc^Jballthe Sun of Right coufn eft 
 ariffj with healing in his wings. Mai, iv. 2
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 145 
 
 light ; till HE arofe, to enlighten the wretched Gen- 
 tiles , and to be the glory of his people Ijrael. 
 
 Now we no longer cry out, with a reftlefs impati- 
 ence, Inhere is GOD my maker f For we are allow- 
 ed to contemplate the brightnefs of his glory, and the 
 exprefs image of his perfon, in the face of JESUS 
 CHRIST. Now we no longer inquire, with an un- 
 iatisfied folicitude, " Which is the way to blifs ?" 
 becaufe JESUS has marked the path, by his mining 
 example ; and left us an unerring clue, in his holy 
 word. Now we have no more reafon to proceed 
 with mifgiving hearts in our journey to eternity, or 
 to afk anxioufly, as we go, " Who will roll away the 
 u ftone, and open the cverlafting doors . ? Who will 
 u remove the flaming fword, and give us admiffion 
 " into the delights of paradife ?" For it is done, all 
 done, by the Captain of our falvation. Sin he has ex- 
 plated^ by the unblemifhed facrifice of himfelf. The 
 law he has fulfilled, by his per fed obedience. The 
 (inner he transforms, by his fancYifying Spirit. In a 
 word, he hath both prefented us with a clear dijcovery 
 of good things to come, and adminiftered to us an 
 abundant entrance into the final enjoyment of them. 
 
 Whenever, therefore, we blels GOD for the cir- 
 cling fcafons, and revolving day, let us adore, thank- 
 fully adore him, for the more precious appearance of 
 the Sun of Righteoufnefs, and his glorious gofpel. 
 Without which, we mould have been groping, even 
 to this hour, in fpiritual darknefs, and the fhadow of 
 death : without which, we mufb have wandered in a 
 maze of inextricable uncertainties ; and have " ftum- 
 ** bled upon the dark mountains" of error, till we fell 
 into the bottomleis pit of perdition. 
 
 WITHOUT that grand enlivening principle, what 
 were this earth, but a lifelefs mafs ? a rude lump of 
 inactive matter ? The trees could never break forth into 
 leaves, nor the plants ipring up into ilowers. We 
 
 VOL. I. N 9 2. T fliould
 
 i 4 6 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 fhould no more behold the meadows mantled over 
 with gre,en, nor the valleys {landing thick with corn. 
 Or, to fpeak in the beautiful language of a prophet ; 
 * No longer -would the fig-tree bloffom, nor fruit be ire 
 the vine : the labour of the olive would fail, and the fields 
 could yield no meat : the flocks muft be cut ojf from the 
 fold, and there would be no herd in the jt alls. The fun 
 darts its beams among all the vegetable tribes, and 
 paints the fpring, and enriches the autumn. This 
 pierces to the roots of the vineyard and the orchard ; 
 and lets afloat thofe fermenting juices, which at length 
 burft into floods of wine, or bend the boughs with a 
 mellow load. Nor are its favours confined to the 
 upper regions ; but diftributed unto the deepejt recedes 
 of creation. It penetrates the beds of metal, and 
 finds its way to the place of the fapphires. It tinc- 
 tures the feeds of gold, that are ripening into ore ; 
 and throws a brilliancy into the water of the diamond, 
 that is hardening on its rock. In fhort, the beneficial 
 agency of this magnificent luminary is inexpreflible. 
 It beautifies, 2ndi!Kpregnates,umveria.\ nature. "There 
 " is nothing hid from the heat thereof/' 
 
 Ju s T in the fame manner, were the rational world 
 dead in trefpaffes and fins, without the reviving ener- 
 gy of JESUS CHRIST. He is" the refurreclion and 
 <c the life ;" the overflowing fountain of the one, and 
 the all-powerful caufe of the other. Thefeeond Adam, 
 is a quickening fpirit* and all his faints live thro* him. 
 He fhines upon their afFeclions : and they (hoot forth 
 into heavenly graces, and abound in the fruits of righ- 
 tedulhefs. Faith unfeigned, and love undilTembled, 
 thofe nobJeft productions of the renewed nature, are 1 
 the effecl of his operation on the mind. Not fo much 
 as one divine difpofition could fpread itfelf, not one 
 Chriftian habit unfold and flourish, without the kindly 
 influences of his grace. 
 
 As 
 * fiab. iii. 17.
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 147 
 
 As there is no fruitfuinefs, fo likevvifc no chearful- 
 nefs *, without the fun. When that aufpicious fove- 
 reign of the day diffufes the mildnefs of his morning- 
 iplendor, he creates an univerfal fefHval. Millions of 
 glittering infects awake into exigence, and bafk in 
 his ray*, The birds ftart from their {lumbers, and 
 pour their delighted fouls in harmony. The flocks, 
 with bleating accents, hail the welcome bleiling. The 
 valleys ring with rural mufic ; the hills echo back the 
 artleis drains. All that is vocal, joins in the genei al 
 choir : all that has breath, exults in the chearing influ- 
 ence. Whereas, was that radiant orb extinguiftied, 
 a tremendous gloom would enfue, and horror iniup- 
 portable. Nay, let it only be eclipfed for a few mi- 
 nutes, and all nature afTumes an air ofjadnefs. The 
 heavens are wrapt in fables, and put on a kind of mourn- 
 ing. The mod fprightly animals hang down their 
 dejected heads. The fongfters of the grove are {truck 
 dumb. Howlingbeafts roam abroad for prey, ominous 
 birds come forth and fcreech ; the heart of man f.;, ; 
 or a fudden pang feizes the foreboding mind. . 
 when CHRIST hides away his face, when faith 1 - 
 fight of that Confolation of IJrael, how gloomy arc 
 proipefts of the foul ! Our GOD feerns to be a coin 
 ming fire, and our (ins -cry loudly for vengeance. 'J h 
 .thoughts bleed inwardly ; the Chriftian walks heavily. 
 All without is irkfome ;'all within is difconlblate. 
 Lift up then, moil gracious Jasus, thou nobler Day- 
 fpring from on high ! O lift up the light of thy coun- 
 tenance upon thy people ! Reveal the fulnefs of thy 
 mediatorial iufficiency ; make clear our title to this, 
 great falvation ; and thereby impart 
 
 What nothing earthly gives, or can deflroy, 
 The foul's cairn Jimfliine, and the heart -ft it joy f r 
 
 T 2 IN 
 
 * " The fun, which is as the great foul of the univerfe, and 
 u produces all the necelTaries of life, has a particular influence 
 " In chearing the mind of man. and making the heart ejad." 
 . vol. V, N Q 387. f POP*'* Eth, fy
 
 148 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 IN one inftance more let me purfue the fimilitude. 
 The fun, I obferve, pours hi$ luftre all around, to e- 
 very diftance, and in every direction. Profufely liberal 
 of his gifts, he illuminates and chears all the ends of 
 the earth, and the whole compafs ot the flues. The 
 eaft reddens with his rifing radbnce, and the weftern. 
 hills are gilded with his ftreaming fplendors. The 
 chilly regions of the north are cherifhed by his genial 
 warmth ; while the fouthern trails glow with his fire. 
 Thus are the influences of the Sun of Righteoufnefs 
 dtfuflvc and unconfined. The generations of old felt 
 them ; and generations yet unborn will rejoice in them. 
 The merits of his precious death extended to the firft, 
 and will be propagated to the laft, ages of mankind. 
 May they, ere long, vifit the remoteft climates, and 
 darkeft corners of the earth ! Command thy gofpel, 
 blefTed JESUS, thy everlafting gofpel, to take the 
 wings of the morning, and travel with yonder fun. 
 Let it fly upon ftrong pinions among every people, 
 nation, and language ; that where the heat fcorches, 
 and the cold freezes, thou mayft be known, confefTed, 
 and adored ! that ftr angers to thy name, and enemies 
 to thy doclrine, may be enlightened with the know- 
 ledge, and won to the love, of thy truth ! O ! may 
 that befl of aeras come, that wimed-for period ad- 
 vance, when all the ends of the 'world /hall remember 
 themfelveS) and be turned unto the LORD; and all 
 the kindreds of tJie nations luorjhip before him *. 
 
 FROM the heavens, we retire, to the earth. Here the 
 drops of dew^ like fo many liquid cryftalsf, fparkle up- 
 on the eye. How brilliant and unfullied is their lu- 
 ftre ! How little inferior to the proud ftone, whicli ir- 
 radiates a monarch's crown ! They want nothing but 
 
 folidity 
 * Pfal. xxii. 27. 
 
 j- Now morn, her rofy rteps in th eaftern clime 
 ' Advancing, To w'd the earth with orient pearl. MILT,
 
 FLOWER-GARDEN. 149 
 
 folidity and permanency, to equal them with the fined 
 treafures of the jeweller's cafket. Here, it muft be 
 confeffed, they are greatly deficient ; Ihort-lived or- 
 naments ; polIefTed of little more than a momentary 
 radiance. The fun that lights them up, will foon melt 
 them into air, or exhale them into vapours. Within 
 another hour, we may u look for their place, and they 
 " mail be away." 6 ! may every good resolution of 
 mine, and of my flock's; may our united breathings 
 after GOD, not be like thefe tranfeent decorations of 
 the morning, but like the fubilantial glory of the 
 growing day I The one mines more and more, with 
 augmented fplendors; while the other, having glitter- 
 ed gaily for a few moments, disappear and are loft. 
 
 How feniibly has this dew refreflied the vegetable 
 kingdoms ! The fervent heat of yefterday's iun had 
 ahnoft parched the face, and exhaufted the fweets, of 
 nature. But what a fovereign reftorative are thefe 
 cooling diftillations of the night ! How they gladden 
 and invigorate the languilhing herbs ! Sprinkled with, 
 thefe reviving drops, their verdure deepens ; their 
 bloom is now flumed ; their fragrance, faint or inter- 
 mitted, becomes potent and copious. Thus docs the 
 ever-bleffed SPIRIT revive the drooping troubled con- 
 fcience of a finner. When that almighty Comforter 
 meds his fweet influence on the foul, difplays the all- 
 fufiicient facrifice of a divine Redeemer, and tc wit- 
 ct nelfes with our fpirit," that we are inter eft ed in 
 the Saviour, and, by this means, are children of GOD ; 
 then what a pleafing change enfues ! Former anxieties 
 are remembered no more. Every uneaiy apprehenfion 
 vaniflies. Soothing hopes, and delightful expeditions, 
 fuccced. The countenance drops its dejected mien ; 
 the eyes brighten with a lively chearfulnefs ; whil 
 the lips exprefs the heart-felt fatisfaction, in the lan- 
 guage of thankfgiving, and the voice of melody. In 
 $his fenfe, merciful GOD, be as the dew unto Ifrael ! 
 " Pour upon them the continual dew of thy blefling." 
 
 And
 
 150 RE FLECTIONS on a 
 
 And O ! let not my fleece be dry, while heavenly be- 
 nediction defcends upon ail around. 
 
 Who can number thefe pearly drops ? They hang 
 on every hedge ; they twinkle from every i'pray ; and 
 adorn the whole herbage of the field. Not a blade of 
 grafs, not a fingle leaf, but wears the watery pendants. 
 So -uajJ is the profufion^ that it baffles the arithmetici- 
 an's art. Here let the benevolent mind contemplate 
 and admire that emphatical fcripture, which, from this 
 elegant fimilitude, defcribes the increaje of the Meffi- 
 rt/e's kingdom. The royal prophet, fpeaking of CHRIST, 
 and foretelling the fuccels of his religion, has this re- 
 markable expreffion * ; The dew of 'thy birth is of the 
 luomb of the morning, (i. e.) As the morning is the 
 mother of dews ; produces them, as it were from a 
 prolific womb ; and icatters them with the moft lavifh 
 abundance, over all the furface of the earth: fo JJiall 
 thyjesd be, O thou everlafting Father! By the preach- 
 ing 
 
 * Pfal. ex. 3. innVi Vr ib *^nvo cms The moft exact tranl- 
 lation of this difficult paflage is, I apprehend, as follows ; 
 PriS rare uteri aurora* tlbi ejl ros juventutis -vel prolis tu 
 The dew of thy birth is larger, more copious, than the dew 
 which proceeds from the womb of the morning. I cannot ac- 
 quiefce in the new v.erfion ; becaufe that disjoins the womb 
 of the morning, from the dew of thy birth. Whereas, they 
 ieem to have a clear affinity, and a clofe connection. The 
 womb" of the morning is, with the utinoft pertinency, applied 
 to the conception and production of dews ; agreeably to a de- 
 licate line, in that great mailer of jult deicription, and live- 
 ly painting, Mr Thoni/bn : 
 
 The meek-cy *d morn appears, mother of dews. Summer. 
 
 We meet with a fine expreffion in the book of Job, which 
 may ferve to confirm this remark ; may illuftrate the propri- 
 ety of the phrafe, ufed in this connection. " Hath the ram a 
 *' father, or who hath begotten the drops of dew ?" It feeois, 
 the oriental writers delighted to reprelent the dew, as a kind 
 of birth, as the offspring of the morning. And if fo, furely 
 there could be no image in the whole compafs of the univerfe, 
 Better adapted to the Pfalmirt's purpofe, or more Strongly fig- 
 
 nifican?
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 15* 
 
 ing of thy word, fhall fuch an innumerable race of re- 
 generate children be born unto thee, and prove an or- 
 nament and a bleflingto all ages. Millions, millions of 
 willing converts, from every nation under heaven, mall 
 
 croud 
 
 nificant of thofe multitudes of profelytes, which were born, 
 not of blood^ nor of the "~ill of the flejh^ nor of the iuillofman 9 
 but of GOD ; by the powerful energy of his word and Spirit. 
 Upon this fuppolition, the whole verfe defcribes 
 
 The willing fubjeftion, ^> 
 
 The gracious accorapliihments, >- of Chrift's converts. 
 
 And the vaft number, j 
 
 q. d. In the day of thy power, when thy glorious gofpel fhali 
 be publifhed in the world, and accompanied with marvellous 
 efficacy, in that memorable period, thy people diicontinuing 
 the former oblations, commanded under the Mofaic law, ihall 
 devote themfelvcs, as fo many living facrifices, to thy honour. 
 Not constrained by force, but charmed with thy excellency, 
 they fhall come in volunteers to thy fervice, and be free-will 
 offerings in thy church. Neither (hall they be " empty vines,'* 
 or bare profeflbrs; but Ihall walk in all the beauties of holinefs^ 
 and bring forth fuch amiable fruit, as will adorn the doctrine 
 they embrace. What is Mill more defirable, they fhall be as 
 numerous, as they are willing and holy: born to tbee in num- 
 bers immenfe and inconceivable ; exceeding even the count- 
 lefs myriads of dew-drops, which are begotten by the night, 
 and iflue from the womb of the recent morning. 
 
 By this interpretation, the text, I think, is cleared of its 
 obfcurity; and appears both truly fublime, and perfectly j ufl. 
 
 May I be pardoned the digreffhn^ and acquitted from prc- 
 Jumptiouj if, on this occafion, I take leave to animadvert up- 
 on what feetns harlh and unnatural in the common expofitioa 
 of the laft verfe of this pfalm ? All the commentators (as ma- 
 ny, at leait, as I have confulted) inform their readers, that to 
 drink of the brook in the way, (ignifies to undergo fuffcrings 
 and death; which, in my opinion, is a conftrnction extremely 
 forced, and hardly fupportable ; altogether remote from the 
 import of fuch poetical forms of diction, cullomary among the 
 eaftern nations. In thofe fultry climes, nothing could be more 
 welcome to the traveller, than a brook Itreaming near his 
 
 paths.
 
 REFLECTIONS orid 
 
 croud into thy family, and replenifJh thy church ; till 
 they become like the ftars of the iky, or the lands of 
 the fea for multitude ; or even as numberlefs as thefe 
 finejpanglcs, which now cover the face of nature. 
 
 Behold 
 
 paths. To quench his thirft, and lave his feet, in the cooling 
 current, was one of the greatelt refrefhments imaginable, and 
 re-animated him to purfue his journey. For which reafon, 
 among others, brooks are a very favourite image with the 
 infpired penmen; ufed to denote a fituation fertile and delight- 
 ful^ or a ftate of pleafure andfatisfaflion ; but never, that I 
 can recollect, to picture out the contrary condition of tribu- 
 lation and diftrefs. 
 
 The water-floods, indeed, in the facred writings, often re- 
 prefent fome imminent danger, or grievous affliclion. But 
 then they are not 1^2 ESTD dreams fo calm, that they 
 keep within their banks, and glide quietly by the traveller's 
 footfteps ; fo clear, that they are fit for the wayfaring man's 
 ufe, and invite his lips to a draught j both which notions are 
 plainly implied in the text, They are rather i3b &oi- 
 jfterous it/lows ; burfting over a fhip, or darning themfelves, 
 with dreadful impetuofhy, upon the more: or nbnv fiueep* 
 ing inundations ; which bear down all before them, and drown 
 the neighbouring country. Befides, in thefe inftances of hor- 
 ror, we never find the word nnan He foall drink; which 
 conveys a pleating idea, unlefs when it relates to a cup, filled 
 with bitter, intoxicating, or empoifoned liquors; a cafe quite 
 different from that under confideration ;) but either njo 
 vv.hich imports terror and aftonijbmcnt ; or elfe *ow and 12* 
 which fignify to rujb upon, to overwhelm, and even to bury 
 under the waves. 
 
 Upon thg whole: May not the pafTage more properly allude 
 to the influences of the Holy Ghoft? which were communicated, 
 in unmeafurable degrees, to our great High Prieft; and were, 
 in fa ft, the caufe of his furmounting all difficulties. Thefe are 
 frequently reprefented by waters ; u Whofo believeth on me, 
 *' out of his belly (ball flow rivers of living waters." The 
 enjoyment of them is defcribed by drinking ; u lie that drink- 
 ** eth of the water that I fnall give him, fhall never thirft." 
 Then, the fenfe may run in this well-connected and perfpicuous 
 manner. Is it afked, How fiiall the Redeemer be able to ex- 
 ecute the various and important offices foretold in the prece- 
 ding
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 153 
 
 Behold then, ye obftinately wicked, though you are 
 " not gathered, yet will the Saviour be glorious." 
 His defign (hall not mifcarry, nor his labour prove 
 abortive, though you render it of none eftecl with re- 
 gard to yourfelves. Think not, that I MM A N u E L 
 will want believers, or heaven inhabitants, becaufeyow 
 continue incorrigible. No ; the Lamb that was (lain, 
 will " fee of the travail of his foul, and be fatisficd," 
 in a never-failing feries of faithful people below, and 
 an immenfc choir of glorified faints above ; who (hall 
 form his retinue, and furround his throne, in mining 
 and triumphant armies, fuch as no man can number. 
 
 HERE I was reminded of the various expedients 
 which Providence, unfearchably wife, ufes, tofrutfijy 
 both the material and intellectual world. Sometimes 
 you {hall have impetuous and heavy fliowers, burfting 
 from the angry clouds. They lafh the plains, and 
 make the rivers foam. A florin brings them, and a 
 deluge follows them. At other times, thefe gtntle 
 dews are formed, in the ferene evening-air. They fteal 
 down, by flow degrees, and with infenfible ftillnefs ; 
 fo fubtile, that they deceive the niceft eye ; fo filent, 
 that they eicape the mod delicate ear; and when fal- 
 len, fo very light, that they neither bruife the ten- 
 dered, nor opprefs the weakeft flower. Very differ e nt 
 operations ! yet each concurs in the fame beneficial 
 end, and both impart fertility to the lap of nature. 
 
 So, 
 
 ding parts of the pfalrn ! The prophet replies, He Jhall drink 
 (jf the brook in the -way. He mall not be left barely to his hu- 
 man nature, which mult unavoidably link under the tremen- 
 dous work of recovering a loll world; but, thro* the whole 
 courfe of his incarnate (Vate, through the whole adminiftratiou 
 of his mediatorial kingdom, fhall be fupported with omnipo- 
 tent fuccours. He fhall drink at the brook of almighty power, 
 
 and travel on in the greatneis of an uncreated itrength. 
 
 Therefore Jhall he lift up his head. By this means, fhall he be 
 equal to the prodigious tafk, and fuperior to all oppofition. 
 By this means, lhall he be thoroughly fuccefsful in whatever 
 he undertakes, and greatly triumphant over all his enemies, 
 
 VOL. I. N* 2. IJ
 
 154 RE FLECTIONS on a 
 
 So, fome perfons have I known reclaimed from theun-* 
 fruitful works of darknefs, by violent and fevere means. 
 The Mmighty addrefled their ftubborn hearts, as he 
 addrefled the Ifraelites at Sinai, with lightning in his 
 eyes, and thunder in his voice. The confcience, fmit 
 with a fenfe of guilt, and apprehenfive of eternal ven- 
 geance, trembled through all her powers ; juft as that 
 ftrong mountain tottered to its centre. Pangs of re- 
 rnorfe, and agonies of fear, preceded their new birth. 
 7'hey were reduced to the laft extremities, almoft o- 
 yerwhelmed with defpair, before they found reft in 
 JESUS CHRIST .Others have been recovered from 
 a, vain converfation, by methods more ?;2/7^and attrac- 
 tive. The Father of fpirits applied himfelf to their 
 teachable minds, in ct a {till and fmall voice.'* His 
 grace came down, as the rain into a fleece of wool ; 
 or as thefe foftening drops, which now water the 
 earth. The kingdom of GOD took place in their fouls, 
 without noife or observation. They paflcd from death 
 unto life, from a carnal to a regenerate (tate, by al- 
 jnoft imperceptible advances. - The tranfition refem- 
 bled the growth of corn ; was very vifible, when ef- 
 fected ; though fcarce fenfible, while accompliming. 
 O thou Author and Finifher of our faith, recall us 
 from our wanderings, and reunite us to thyfelf ! 
 Whether thou alarm us with thy terrors, or allure us 
 with thy finiles ; whether thou drive us with the 
 fcourge of conviction, or draw us with the cords of 
 love ; let us, in any wife, return to thee ; for thou 
 art our fupreme good ; thou art our only happinels. 
 
 BEFORE I proceed farther, let me afcend the ter- 
 race ', and take one furyey of the neighbouring cquntry, 
 What a profpedl rufhes upon my fight ! How valt ; 
 how various ; how a full and plenteous with all man- 
 " ner of ftorel" Nature's whole wealth ! What a 
 rich and inexhauftible magazine is here, furnifhing 
 iubfiftence for every creature 1 Methinks I read, in, 
 
 thefe
 
 FLOWER-GARDEN. 155 
 
 thefe fpacious volumes, a moft lively comment uport 
 that noble celebration of the divine beneficence ; He 
 upeneth his hand, and filleth all things living with 
 jtlenteoufnefs. 
 
 Thefe are thy glorious works, Parent of good, 
 Almighty ! Thine this univcrjal frame, 
 Thus wondrous fair ! Thyfelf how wond'rous then ! 
 
 MILT. 
 
 Theyfe/^-f are covered deepj and ftand thick, with 
 torn. They expand the milky grain to the fun; while 
 the gales, now inclining, now railing each flexile ftem, 
 open all their ranks to the agency of his beams : 
 which will foon impart a firm confidence to the grain, 
 and a gloffy golden hue to the ear ; that they may bd 
 qualified to fill the barns of the huibandman with plen- 
 ty, and his heart with gladnefs. 
 
 Yonder lie the meadows, fmoothed into a perfect 
 level ; decorated with an embroidery of the gayefl 
 flowers ; and loaded With * fpontaheous crops of her- 
 bage : which, converted into hay, will prove a mod 
 commodious provifion for the barrennefs of winter ; 
 will fupply with fodder our fervkeable animals, when, 
 all the verdure of the plain is killed by frofts, or bu- 
 ried in frtows. -A. winding Jlream glides along the: 
 flowery margin; and receives the image of the bend- 
 ing fides, and waters the roots of many a branching 
 willow. *Tis flocked, no doubt, with variety Qfjifn; 
 Which afford a folitary diverfion to the angler, and 
 nourifh for his table a delicious tre,at. Nor is it the 
 only merit of this liquid element, to maintain the fin- 
 ny nations ; it alfo carrier, cleaniinej's , and difpenfes 
 fruitfulrtejs, where-ever it rolls the cryftai current. 
 
 The paftures, with their verdant mounds, chequer 
 the profpecl:^ and prepare a ftanding repaft for our 
 cattle. There " our oxen are made ftrong to labour ; 
 
 " and 
 
 * Injuff'a vifefcuni 
 
 Gramin a> ' V j R c ,
 
 1 5 6 REFLECT IONS on a 
 
 " and our (beep bring forth thoufands and ten thotf- 
 " fands." There the horfe acquires vigour, for the 
 difpatch of our bufinefs ; and Ipeed, to expedite our 
 journeys. From thence the kine bring home their ud- 
 ders, diftended with one of the richefl and healthieft 
 liquors in the world. 
 
 On feveral fpots, a grove of trees, like fome grand 
 collonade, erects its towering head Every one pro- 
 jects a friendly (hade for the beafts, and creats a hof- 
 pitable lodging for the birds. Every one ftands rea- 
 dy, to furnifh timber for a palace ; majls for a navy \ 
 or, with a more condefcending courtcfy, fuel for our 
 hearths. One of them feems fkirted with a wild un- 
 cultivated heath; which, like well-difpofed fhades in 
 painting, throws an additional luftre on the more or- 
 namented parts of the landfcape. Nor is its ufefulnefs, 
 like that of a foil, relative only, but real. There fe- 
 veral valuable creatures are produced, and accommo- 
 dated without any expcnce or care of ours. There, 
 likewife, fpring abundance of thofe herbs, which af- 
 fuage the fmart of our wounds, and allay the fiery 
 tumults of the fever ; which impart floridity to our 
 circulating fluids, add amorevigoroustonetoouraclivc 
 folids, and thereby repair the decays of our enfeebled 
 conftitutions. 
 
 Nearer the houfes, we perceive an ample fpread of 
 branches not fo ftately as the oaks, but more amiable 
 for their annual fervices. A little while ago, 1 beheld 
 them ; and all was one beauteous, boundlefs wafte of 
 blojfoms. The eye marvelled at the lovely fight, and the 
 heart rejoiced in the proipe& of autumnal plenty. Eut 
 now the blooming maid is refigned, for the ufeful ma- 
 tron. The flower is fallen, and the/>7wYfwells out on 
 every twig. Breathe foft, ye winds ! O fpare the ten- 
 der fruitage, ye furly blafts ! Let the pear-iree luckle 
 her juicy progeny, till they drop into our hands, and 
 difTolve in our mouths. Let the plum hang unmoleftcd 
 upon her boughs, till me fatten her delicious flefli, and 
 
 cloud
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D N. 1^7 
 
 cloud her polimed fldn with blue. And as for the ap- 
 ples , that ftaple- commodity of our orchards, let no in- 
 jurious (hocks precipitate them immaturely to the 
 ground ; till revolving funs have tinged them with a 
 ruddy complexion, and conco&ed them into an exqui- 
 fitc flavour. Then, what copious hoards, of what 
 burniihed rinds, and what delightful relifhes, will re- 
 plenifh the ftore-room ! Some, to prefent us with an 
 early entertainment, and refrefh our palates amidft the 
 fultry heats. , Some, to borrow ripenefs from the fall- 
 ing fnows, and carry autumn into the depths of winter. 
 Some, to adorn the falver, make a part of the deffert, 
 and give an agreeable * clofe to our feafts. Others, to 
 till our vats with a foaming flood ; which, mellowed by 
 age, may fparkle in the glafs, with a livelinefs and de- 
 licacy little inferior to the blood of the grape. 
 
 I obferve feveral fmall inclofures, which feem to be 
 apprehenilve of fome hoftile vifit from the north ; and, 
 therefore, are defended, on that quarter, by a thick 
 wood, or a lofty wall. At the fame time, they culti- 
 vate an uninterrupted correfpondence with the fouth, 
 and throw open their whole dimenilons to its friendly 
 warmth. One, in particular, lyes within the reach of 
 a diftinguifhing view, and proves to be a kitchen-gar* 
 den. It looks} methinks, like a plain and frugal re- 
 public. Whatever may refemble the pomp of courts, 
 or the enfigns of royalty, is banifiied from this hum- 
 ble community. Noneof the productions of the olitory 
 afFect finery, but all are habited with the very perfec- 
 tion of decency. Here thofe celebrated qualities arc 
 eminently united, the utmofl fimplicity with the ex- 
 acted neatnefs -f . A fkilful hand has parcelled out the 
 whole ground into narrow beds, and intervening al- 
 leys. The fame difcreet management has aifigned to 
 
 each 
 
 * Ab ovo 
 
 Ufque ad mala *- HOR. 
 
 -j- Simplex munditiis* Hox.
 
 158 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 each verdant family, a peculiar and difHndl abode. Sd 
 that there is no confufion amidft the greateft multipli- 
 city ; becaufe every individual knows its proper home, 
 and all the tribes are ranged with perfect regularity. - 
 If it be pleafing to behold their orderly fituation, and 
 their modeft beauties ; how much more delightful, to 
 confider the advantages they yield ! What a fund of 
 choice accommodations is here ! what a fource of whole- 
 fome dainties ! and all, for the enjoyment of man. Why 
 does the par/ley^ with her frizzled locks, v fhag the bor- 
 der ; or why the celery , with her whitening arms, per- 
 foratethe mould ; but to render his foopsfavoury ? The 
 ajparagus .(hoots its tapering items, to offer him the 
 firft- fruits of the feafon ; and the artichoke fpreads its 
 turgid top, to give him a treat of vegetable marrow. 
 The tendrils of the * cucumber creep into the fun ; 
 and, though bafking in its hottefl rays, they fecrete 
 for their mafter, and barrel up for his life, the moil 
 cooling juices of the foil. The beans (land firm, like 
 files of embattled troops ; the peas reft upon their 
 props, like fo many companies of invalids ; while 
 both replenifh their pods with the fatnefs of the earth, 
 on purpofe to pour it on their owner's table. Not one 
 fpecies, among all this variety of herbs, is a cumberer 
 of the ground. Not a fmgle plant, but is good for 
 food, or fome way falutary. With fo beneficent an 
 
 ceconomy, 
 
 * Virgil^ with great concifenefs, anil equal propriety, de- 
 fcribes the cucumber 
 
 r herbnm 
 Crcfcerct in ventrem cucicriils. Georg. IV* 
 
 MILTON has (if we admit Dr Btntlfy's alteration, which 
 is, I think, in this place, unquestionably juft) almoft tranftu- 
 ted the Latin poet, . 
 
 - Forth crept 
 The fuelling gourd 
 
 Par. to/?, b. VII. 1. 3 29,
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 
 
 oeconomy, arc the feveral periods of their miniftrati- 
 on fettled, that no portion of the year is left deftitute 
 of nourifhing efculents. What is ftill more obliging, 
 every portion of the year affords Jucb efculents, as arc 
 beft fuited to the temperature of the air, and the ftate 
 of our bodies. -Why then mould the pofjeffor of fo 
 valuable a fpot envy the condition of Kings * ? fmcc 
 he may daily walk amidft rows of peaceable and ob- 
 fequious, though mute fubjects. Every one of which 
 tenders him fome agreeable prefent, and pays him a 
 willing tribute ; fuch as is moft happily adapted, both 
 to fupply his wants, and to regale his tafte ; to fur- 
 nifli him, at once, with plenty and with pleafure. 
 
 At a diftance, one defcries the mighty hills. They 
 heave their huge ridges among the clouds ; and look 
 like the barriers of kingdoms, or the boundaries of 
 nature. Bare and deformed as their furface may ap- 
 pear, their bowels are fraught with inward treafures ; 
 treafures lodged fafb in the quarries, or funk deep in 
 the mines. From thence, Induflry may draw her im- 
 plements, to plough the foil, to reap the grain, and 
 procure every neceifary convenience. From thence, 
 Art may fetch her materials, to rear the dome, to fwell 
 the organ, and form the nobleft ornaments of politer 
 life. 
 
 On another fide, the great deep terminates the view. 
 There go theftiips; there is that leviathan; and there, 
 in that world of waters, an inconceivable number of 
 animals have their habitation. This is the capacious 
 ciftern of the univerje ; which admits, as into a recep- 
 tacle, and diftributes,asfroma refervoir,whatever wa- 
 ters the whole globe. There is not a fountain thatgufh- 
 
 es 
 
 * Hie rarum tamen in dumis ofus, albaque circum 
 Lilia, uerbenafque premens, vefcumque fapaver^ 
 jequabat opes animis : feraqtte revertcns 
 rrij da$ibus menfas onerabat inemptis. 
 
 VIRG. Georg. IV*
 
 160 RE FLECTIONS on a 
 
 cs in the unfrequented defert ; nor a rivulet that flows 
 in the remotefl continent, nor a cloud that fwims in 
 the higheft regions of the firmament, but is fed by this 
 all- replenishing fource.* The ocean is the grand vehi- 
 cle of trade , and the uniter of diflant nations. To us 
 it is peculiarly kind, not only as it wafts into our ports 
 the harveft of every climate, and renders our ifland 
 the centre of traffic ; but alfo as it fccures us from 
 foreign invafions, by a fort of impregnable entrench- 
 ment *. 
 
 Methinks, the view of this profufe munificence in- 
 fpires zjecret delight, and kindles a difintcrcjied good- 
 -will, While the u little hills clap their hands/' and 
 the luxuriant u valleys laugh and ling;" who can for- 
 bear catching the general joy ? who is not touched 
 with lively fenfations of pleafure ? While the ever- 
 lafling Father is fcattering bleffings through his whole 
 family, and crowning the year with his goodnefs ; 
 who does not feel his bread overflowing with a diffu- 
 ffve benevolence ? My heart, I muft confeis, beats 
 high with fatisfaclion ; and breathes out congratulatory 
 wiflies, upon all the tenants of thefe rural abodes : 
 *' Peace be within your walls, as well as plenteoufncfs 
 
 around 
 
 * Whofc rampart was thefea. Nahum iii. 8. 
 
 I hope, this little excursion into the country, will not be 
 looked upon as a departure from my fubject ; becaufe a rural 
 view, though no effential part of a garden, is yet a defirable 
 appendage, and neceflary to complete its beauty. As ufeful- 
 nefs is the moft valuable property which can attend any pro- 
 duction this is the circumftance chiefly touched upon in the fur- 
 vey of the land/cape. Tho' every piece of this extenfive and 
 diverfified fcene is caft in the moft elegant mould, yet nothing 
 is calculated merely for fhew and parade. You fee nothing 
 formed in the tafte of the oftentatious obelifk, or infignificant 
 pomp of the pyramid. No fuch idle expences were admitted 
 into that confummate plan, which regulated the ftruclure cf 
 the univerfe. All the decorations of nature are no lefs advan- 
 tageous, than ornamental ; fuch as fpeak the MAKER infi- 
 nitely beneficent, as well as incomparably magnificent.
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 161 
 
 li around your dwellings." Live, ye highly favour- 
 ed ; live fenfible of your benefits^ and thankful to your 
 Benefactor. Look round upon tliefe prodigiouily large 
 incomes -of the fruitful foil, and call them, (for you 
 have free leave) all your own. -Only let me remind 
 you of one very important truth. Let me fuggeft, 
 and may you never forget, : that you are obliged to 
 CHRIST JESUS, for every one of thefe accommoda- 
 tions, which fpring from the 1 teeming earth, and the 
 fmiling ikies. 
 
 i. CHRIST made # them, when they were not. ' 
 He fetched them up from utter darknefs ; and gave them 
 both their being, and their beauty. He created the ma- 
 terials, of which they are compofed ; and moulded 
 them into this endlefs multiplicity of amiable forms, 
 
 and 
 
 * When I afcribe the work of creation to the SON, I would 
 by no means be fuppofed to with-hold the fame honour from 
 the eternal FA.THER, and ever-bleffed SPIRIT. The acls of 
 thofe inconceivably glorious perfons are, like their efTence, un- 
 divided and one. But I chufe to date the point in this manner, 
 becaufe this is the manifed doctrine of the New Tedament, is 
 the exprefs belief of our Church, and a mod noble peculiarity 
 of the gofpel-revelation. I chufe it alfo, becaufe I would take 
 every opportunity of inculcating, and celebrating, the divinity 
 of the KEIJEEMER: A truth, which imparts an unutterable 
 dignity to Chriftianity: a truth which lays an immoveable foun- 
 dation for all the comfortable hopes of a Chriftian: a truth, 
 which will render the mydery of our redemption, the won- 
 der and delight of eternity : and with this truth, every one 
 will obferve, my ail'ertion is inleparably connected. 
 
 If any one quefiions, whether this be the doctrine of our 
 church; let the mr^which we repeat in our mod folemn devo- 
 tions, determine bis doUbt : " 1 believe," fays that form of 
 found words, "in one LORD J FSUS CH R i ST, very Gou 
 A * of very G o D, by whom all things were made" -If it be far- 
 ther inquired, From whence the Nicene fathers derived this 
 article of their faith? I anl'wer, From the writings of the be- 
 loved difciple, who lay on the Saviour's bofom ; and of that 
 great apodle, who had been caught up into the third heaven, 
 jo hn i. 3. Col. i. 16. 
 
 VOL. I. N a, X
 
 *62 R E F L E C T I O N S on a 
 
 and ufeful fubftances. He arrayed the heavens with a 
 vefture of the mildeft blue ; and clothed the earth in 
 a livery of the gayeft green. His pencil ftreaked, and 
 his breath perfumed, whatever is beautiful or fragrant 
 in the univerfe. His ftrength fet faft the mountains ; 
 his goodneis garnimed the vales ; and the fame touch 
 which healed the leper , wrought the whole viiible^/- 
 tem into this complete perfection. 
 
 2.' CHRIST recov ered them, when they were for- 
 feited. By Adam's fin, we loft our right to the com- 
 forts of life, and fruits of the ground. His difobedi- 
 ence was the moft impious and horrid treafon againft 
 the KING of kings. Gonfequently, his whole pa- 
 trimony became confifcated; as well the portion of 
 temporal good things, fettled upon the human race 
 during their minority ; as that everlafting heritage re- 
 ierved for their enjoyment, when they fhould come 
 to full age. But the " feed of the woman," inftant- 
 ly interpofing, took off the attainder, and redeemed 
 the alienated inheritance. The firft Adam being difin- 
 heritedj the fecond Adam || was appointed heir of all 
 
 things, 
 
 |f Hel>. i. 2. -In this fenfe at leaft, CHRIST is thf Saviour 
 of all men. The former and latter rain ; the precious fruits 
 of the earth ; food to eat, and raiment to put on ; all thefe 
 he purchafed, even for his irreclaimable enemies. They eat of 
 his bread, who lift up their heel againft him. 
 
 We learn from hence, in what a peculiar and endearing 
 light the CkrJftian is to contemplate the things that are feen. 
 Heathens might difcovef an eternal power, and infinite wifdonr, 
 in the frru&ure of the univerfe; Heathens might acknowledge 
 a moft ftupendotis liberality, in the unreferved grant of the 
 whole fabric, with all its furniture, to the fervice of man. But 
 the Chriftian ihould ever keep in mind his forfeiture of them^ 
 ;ind the price paid to redeem them. He fhotild receive the 
 gifts cf indulgent Providence, as the Israelites received their 
 law, from the hand of a Mediator : or rather, to him they 
 ihoald come, not only ifluing from the ftores of an unbound- 
 ed bounty, but fwimming (as it were) in thac crirnfon tide, 
 which ftrcamed from IM M A N UE L'S veins.
 
 FLOWER-GARDEN. 163 
 
 tilings i vifible as well as invifible. And we hold our 
 pofTeffion of the former, we expecl an inftatement in 
 the latter, purely by virtue of our alliance to him, 
 and our union with him. 
 
 3. CHRIST upholds them, which would otherwife 
 tumble into ruin. By him y fays the oracle of infpi- 
 ration, all things confifl *. His finger rolls the feaibns 
 round, and presides over all the celeftial revolutions. 
 His finger winds up the wheels, and impels every 
 fpring of vegetative nature. In a word, the wkole 
 weight of the creation refts upon his mighty arm, 
 and receives the whole harmony of its motion from 
 his unerring eye. This habitable globe, with all its 
 rich appendages, and fine machinery, could no more 
 continue, than they could create themleJves. Start 
 they would into inft&nt conjujion, or drop into their 
 primitive nothing, did not his power -fupport, and his 
 wifdom regulate them, every moment. In conformi- 
 ty to his will, they fubiift ftedfaft and invariable in 
 their orders ; and wait only for his fovereign nod, to 
 4)4 fall away like water that runneth apace. '* 
 
 4. CHRIS T \ actuates them, which would otlierwife 
 be lifelefs and inlignificant.' Peniioners they are, con- 
 i-iant peniioiiers, on his bounty j and borrow their all 
 
 from 
 
 * Col. i. 17. I teg leave to fubjoin St Chryfoft orris perti- 
 nent and beautiful note upon the pafiage ; by which it will ap- 
 pear, that the fentiment of thei'e fefticns is noc merely a pri- 
 vate opinion, but the avowed belief of the primitive church. 
 
 Ti<7ts-/v, fays the eloquent father, t( y aulov x.pif*.x1cu xxvlzv wnosao-is' w ^cva* 
 
 j- John v. 17. My Father ivorkcth hitherto, and I work ; or, 
 I exert that unremitting and unwearied energy, which is the 
 life of the creation. Thus the words are paraphrafed by a ma- 
 iterly expolitor, who has illuftrated the life of our bleffed 
 LORD, in the moft elegant tafte of criticifm ; with the moll 
 amiable fpirit of devotion; and without any mixture of th<e 
 malignant leaven, or low fingularities, of a party.' See the far 
 ) vol. I. feet. 47. 
 
 X 2
 
 164 R E F L E C T I O N S on a 
 
 from his fulnefs. He only has life; and whatever ope- 
 rates, operates by an emanation from his all-fufficien- 
 cy. Does the grape refrefh you with its enlivening 
 juices ? It is by a warrant received, and virtue deri- 
 ved, from the Redeemer. Does bread ftrengthen 
 your heart, and prove the flaff of your life ? Remem- 
 ber, that it is by the Saviour's appointment, and 
 through the efficacy of his operation. You are charm- 
 ed with his melody, when the u time of the finging 
 " of birds is come, and the voice of the nightingale is 
 " heard in your land." Yon tafte his goodnefs in the 
 lufcious fig, the melting peach, and the muiky flavour 
 of the apricot. You imell his fweetnefs in the open- 
 ing honeyfuckle, and every odoriferous fhru : b. 
 
 Could thefe creatures fpeak for themfelves, they 
 would, doubtkls, difclaim all fufficiency of their own, 
 and afcribe the whole honour to their Maker- " We 
 " are fervants," would they fay, " of HIM, who died 
 * c for you. Cifterns, only dry cifterns in ourfelves, we 
 a tranfmit to mortals no more than the uncreated 
 " fountain transfufes into us. Think not, that, from 
 " any ability of our own, we furnifh you with affifl- 
 <l ance, or adminifler to your comfort. 'Tis the di- 
 " vine energy, the divine energy alone, that works 
 u in us, and does you good. We Jerve you, O yc 
 " fons of men, that you may love him, who placed 
 us in thefe ftations. O ! love the LORD, there- 
 " fore, all ye who are fupported by our miniftry ; or 
 " elie we fhall * groan, with indignation and regret, 
 " at your abuie of our ferviccs. life us, and wel- 
 <c come ; for we are yours, if ye are CHRIST'S. 
 c< Crop our choicefl beauties ; rifle all our treafures ; 
 u accommodate yourfelves with our moft valuable 
 " qualities ; only let us be incentives to your grati- 
 <c titde, and motives to your obedience." 
 
 H A VIN G furveyedthefpacious iky. and fent a glance 
 
 round the inferior creation, 'tis time to dcfcend from 
 
 . 
 
 * Rom. viii. 22,
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 165 
 
 this eminence, and confine my attention to the beauti- 
 ful J pot below.- Here Nature, always pleafing, every 
 where lovely, appears with peculiar attractions. Yon- 
 der (he feems drcfTed in her defhabille ; grand, but ir- 
 regular. Here me calls in her handmaid, Art ; and 
 fliines in all the delicate ornaments, which the niceffc 
 cultivation is able to convey. 'Ttioje are her common 
 apartments, where {he lodges her ordinary guefls ; this 
 is her cabinet of curiofities, where (he entertains her 
 intimate acquaintance. My eye mail often expatiate 
 over thofe fcenes of univcrfal fertility ; my feet (hall 
 ibmetimes brufli through the thicket, or traverfe the 
 lawn, or {troll along the foreft-glade : but to this de- 
 lightful retreat (hall be my chief refort. Thither will 
 I make excurfions ; but here will I dwell. 
 
 If, from my low procedure, I may form an allufion 
 to the mod exalted practices, I would obferve, upon 
 this occafion, That the celebrated Erafmus^ and our 
 judicious Locke, having trod the circle of the fciences, 
 and ranged through the whole extent of human litera- 
 ture, at length betook themfelves -folely to the Bible. 
 Leaving the fages of antiquity, they fat incefiantly at 
 the feet of JE s u s . Wifely they withdrew from that 
 immenfe multiplicity of learning, from thofe endlefs 
 tracts of amufing erudition, where noxious weeds are 
 mixed with wholefome herbs ; where is generally a 
 much larger growth of prickly mrubs, than of fruit- 
 ful boughs. They fpent their mod mature hours in 
 thofe hallowed gardens, which GOD'S own wifdom 
 planted, which GOD'S own Spirit watereth, and in 
 which GOD'S own Son is continually walking ; where 
 he meeteth thofe that feek him, and revealeth to them 
 the glories of his perfon, and the riches of his good- 
 nefs. 
 
 Thus would I finifh the remainder of my days ! 
 Having juft tafted (what they call) the politer fhidies, 
 I would now devote my whole application to the lively 
 oracles. From other purfuits, I might glean, perhaps, 
 
 a few
 
 1 66 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 a few fcattcred fragments of low, of lean, of unfatif- 
 faftory inftruclion. From this I trtift to reap a harveil 
 of the fublimeft truths, the noblefl improvements, and 
 the pureft joys *. Waft me then, O I waft my mind 
 to Sion's confecrated bovvers. Let my thoughts per- 
 petually rove thro* the awfully-pleafmg walks of in- 
 fpiration. Here grow thofe heaven-born plants, the 
 trees of life and knowledge; whofe ambrolial fruits \ve 
 now may " take and eat, and live for ever." Here 
 flow thole precious ftreams of grace and rigktcoujhefs^ 
 whofe living waters u whofoever drinks, (hall third 
 u no more." And what can the fables of Grecian 
 fbng, or the fined pages of Roman eloquence, what 
 can they exhibit, in any degree comparable to thefe 
 matchlefs prerogatives of revelation \ Therefore, 
 tfao* I ihould not diflike to pay a vijit now and then to 
 Kiy Heathen matters, I would live with the prophets 
 and apoftles. With thofe I would carry on ibme oc- 
 cafional correfpondence ; but thefe fliould be my bo- 
 fbm -friends, my infeparable companions, " my de* 
 <c light, and my counfellors/' 
 
 aretheTe, which fo agreeably falute 
 Kiy noftrils . ? They are the breath of the flowers, the 
 incenfe of the garden. ->-How liberally does the jefla- 
 mine difpenle her odoriferous riches ? How delicioufly 
 has the woodbine embalmed this morning- walk ? The 
 air is all perfume. And is not this another moft en- 
 gaging argument to foriake the bed ofjloth f Who 
 would lye diflblved in fenfelefs ilumbers, while fo 
 many breathing fweets invite him to a fcaft of fra- 
 grancy ? Efpecially confidering, that the advancing 
 day will exhale the volatile dainties. A fugitive treat 
 they are, prepared only for the wakeful and induflri- 
 ous. Whereas, when the fluggard lifts his heavy eyes, 
 the flowers will droop ; their fine fcents be diffipated ; 
 
 and, 
 
 * Qficquid docctur, v:ritas ; quicftuid f rtcipitur, bwitas > 
 romittitur, felicitas.
 
 F L O \V E R-G A R D E N. 167 
 
 and, inftead of -this refrefhing humidity, the air will 
 become a kind of liquid fire. 
 
 With this very motive^ heightened by a reprefenta- 
 tion of the moft charming pieces of morning-fcenery, 
 the parent of mankind awakes his lovely confort. 
 There is fuch a delicacy in the choice, and fo much 
 life in the defcription, of thefe rural images, that I 
 cannot excufe myfelf, without repeating the whole 
 pafTage. Whifper it, fome friendly genius ^ in the ear 
 of every one, who is now funk infleep, and loft to all 
 thefe refined gratifications ! 
 
 Awake: the morning fliines , and the frejh feld 
 Calls you : yc lofe the prime ^ to mark how Jpring 
 'The tended plants, how blows the citron-grove; 
 What drops the myrrh, and what the balmy reed; 
 How Nature paints her colours ; how the bee 
 Sits on the bloom, extracting liquid Jweets *. 
 
 How delightful is this fragrance ! It is diftributed in 
 the meed proportion; neither fo ftrong, as to opprefs 
 the organs ; nor fo faint, as to elude them. We are 
 ibon cloyed at a fumptuous banquet ; but this pleafure 
 never lofes its poignancy^ never palls the appetite. 
 Here luxury itfelf is innocent ; or rather, in this cafe, 
 indulgence is incapable of excefs. This balmy enter- 
 tainment, not only regales tiicjfn/e, but f chears the 
 very foul; and, inftead of clogging, elates its powers. 
 It puts me in mind of that ever-memorable facrifice, 
 which was once made in behalf of offending mortals. 
 I mean ihe facrifice of the lie [fed JESUS, when he of- 
 fered up himfelf to GOD, '* for a fwect-fmelling-fa- 
 " vour." Suc]n the Holy Spirit ftyles that wonderful 
 oblation ; as if no image, in the whole ienfible crea- 
 tion, was fo proper to give us an idea of the ineffable 
 f all's faction^ which the Father of mercies conceived 
 
 from 
 * Mi IT. Par. Loft, b. v. 1. 20. 
 
 f Ointment and perfume rejoice thz J:;art, Prov. xxvii. 9.
 
 168 R E f L E C T I N S on a 
 
 from that unparalleled atonement, as the pleafing fen- 
 fations, which fuch rich perfumes are capable of rai- 
 fing. '* Thoufands of rams, and ten thoufands of 
 " rivers of oil," from an apoflate world \ the moft 
 fubmiffive acknowledgments, added to the moft coft- 
 ly offerings, from men of defiled hands, and unclean 
 lips ; what could they have effected : A prophet re- 
 prefents the " high and lofty One, that inhabiteth 
 *' eternity," turning himfelf away from fuch filthy 
 rags ; turning himfelf away, with a difdainful abhor- 
 rence *, as from the noifome ft earns of a dunghill. 
 But in CHRIST'S immaculate holinefs, in CHRIST'S 
 confummate obedience, in CHRIST'S moft precious 
 blood-fhedding, with what unimaginable complacency 
 does juftice reft fatisfied, and vengeance acquieice ! 
 All thy works i O thou Surety for ruined finners I all 
 t\xyfujferings y O thou flaughtered Lamb of GOD ! as 
 well as all thy garments, O thou Bridegroom of thy 
 church \fmell of myrrh, aloes, andcaffia f / They are 
 infinitely more grateful to the eternal Godhead, than 
 the choiceft exhalations of the garden, than all the 
 odours of the fpicy eaft, can be to the human noftrils. 
 
 As the altar of old fanctified the gift ; fo this is the 
 great propitiation, which recommends the obnoxious 
 perfons, and unprofitable fer vices of the believing world . 
 In this may my foul be interefted ! By this may it be 
 reconciled to the Father ! There is fuch a leprous 
 depravity cleaving to my nature, as pollutes whatever I 
 perform. My moft profound adorations, and fincereft 
 acl:s of religion, muft not prefume to challenge a re- 
 ward, but humbly implore forgivenefs J . Renouncing, 
 
 therefore, 
 
 * Amos v. 21. 22. -f Pfal. xlv. 9. 
 
 ; A writer of dtltinguiflied fuperiority, thus addrefles the 
 great Obferver of adlions, and Searcher ot" hearts ; and vindi- 
 cates my fendments, while he fo juftly and beautifully utters 
 his own : 
 
 Look down, great GOD, with pity's fofteft eye, 
 On a poor breathing particle in duft. 
 
 His
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 169 
 
 therefore, myfelf in every inftance of duty, difclaim- 
 ing all (hadow of confidence * in any deeds of my 
 Own, may I now, and evermore, be accepted through 
 the Beloved ! 
 
 WHAT colours, what charming colours, are here! 
 Thefe fd nobly bold; and thofe fo delicately languid. 
 What a glow is enkindled in Tome ! what a glofs Ihines 
 upon others ! In one, methiriks, I fee the ruby with 
 her bleeding radience ; in andther, the fapphire with her 
 fky-tinctured blue; in all fuch an exqdiiite richnefs of 
 dyes, as no other fet of paintings in the univerfe can 
 boaftf. With what a ni after \yjkill is every one of 
 the varying tints difpofed ! Here they feem to be 
 thrown on with an eafy dafh of fecilrity and freedom ; 
 there they are adjufted by the niceft touches c>f art and 
 
 accuracy* 
 
 His crimes forgive ; forgive his virtues too, 
 Thofe fmaller faults^ half-converts to the right. 
 
 Night-Thoughts, N IX 
 
 * See page 44. & 45. in the jfecond edition of a moft can- 
 did and evangelical little treatife, called CHRISTIANITY 
 the great ORNAMENT of human life;" If Chrittians 
 44 happily avoid the dangerous extreme, and too often fatal 
 44 rock, of a dead fruitlefs faith on the one hand, he p. e. 
 44 Satan]] wilt endeavour, by all kind of plaufible infmuations, 
 44 to fp'lit them on the oppofite, viz. fpiritual pride, oftenta- 
 * 4 tion and dependence on their works, as if THESE were the 
 *' meritorious or procuring caufe of all true peace, hope, con- 
 44 folatipn, and divine acceptance. Now, this/?// Dependence 
 44 may be ranked among the moft dangerous of the infernal po- 
 44 litics, becaufe the fatal poifon lyes deep, and too ofteu un 
 " difc.erncd." 
 
 f- H'ho can paint 
 
 Like Nature ? Can imagination boajl^ 
 
 Amid his gay creation, hues like ihtfe $ 
 
 And can he mix them with that matchlefs fkill^ 
 
 And lay them onfo delicately fine, 
 
 dnd lofe them in each other, as appears 
 
 In ev'ry bud that bio-jus? THOMS. Spring* 
 
 . i. N 2; 1r
 
 j 70 
 
 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 accuracy. Thole which form the ground, are always 
 fo judicioufly chofen, as to heighten the luftre of the 
 fuperadded figures ; while the verdure of the im- 
 palement, or the fhadings of the foliage, impart new 
 liveliriefs to the whole. Indeed, whether they are 
 blended or arranged, foftened or contrafted, they arc 
 manifeftly under the conduct of a tafte that never 
 rniftakes, a felicity that never falls (hort of, the very 
 perfection of elegance. Fine, inimitably fine, is the 
 texture of the web, on which thefe mining treafures 
 arc difplayed. What are the labours of the Perfian 
 looms, or the boafled commodities of Bru(Jels, com- 
 pared with thefe curious manufactures of nature ? Com- 
 pared with thefe, the moft acjmired chintzes lofe their 
 reputation ; even fuperfine cambrics appear coarfe as 
 canvas in their prefence. 
 
 What a chearing argument does our Saviour derive 
 from hence, to ftrengthen our affiance in GOD ! He 
 directs us to learn a lefTon of heaven-depending faith, 
 from every bird that wings the air, and from every 
 flower that blofToms in the field. If Providence, with 
 unremitted care, fupports thofe inferior creatures, and 
 arrays thefe infenfible beings with fo much fplendor ; 
 furely he will in nowife with- hold from his cleft chil- 
 dren, *' bread to eat, and raiment to put on.'* Ye 
 faithful followers of the Lamb, difmifs every low 
 anxiety, relating to the needful jujlenance of life. He 
 that feeds the ravens from an inexhauftable magazine ; 
 he that paints the plants with fuch furpaffing elegance; 
 in fhort, he that provides fo liberally, both for the a- 
 nimal and vegetable parts of his creation ; will not, 
 cannot, neglect his own people. Fear not, little flock, 
 ye peculiar objects of almighty love ! // is your Father's 
 goodpleajure to give you a kingdom *. And, if he free- 
 ly gives you an evcrlafting kingdom hereafter, is it pol- 
 fible to fuppofe, that he will deny you any neccflary 
 conveniencies here ? 
 
 ONE 
 * Luke xii. 32.
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 171 
 
 ONE cannot forbear reflecting, in this place, on the 
 too-prevailing humour,, of being fond and oftentatious 
 of drefs *. What abject and xniftaken ambition is 
 this ! How unworthy the dignity of immortal, and the 
 wifdom of rational beings ! Efpecially, iince thefe little 
 productions of the earth have indiiputably the pre- 
 eminence 
 
 * Mr Addifon has a fine remark on a female warrior, cele- 
 brated by Virgil. He obferves, that, with all her other great 
 qualities, this little foible mingled itfelf; becauie, as the poet 
 relates, an intemperate fondnefs for a rich and fplendid fuit 
 of armour, betrayed her into ruin. In this cjrcumltance, 
 our cricic difcovers a moral concealed ; this he admires, as a 
 neat, though oblique fatire, on that trifling pallion. Spctf* 
 vol. L N* 15. 
 
 I would refer it to the judicious reader, whether there is 
 not a beauty of the fame kind, but touched with a more ma- 
 Iterly hand, in the long of Deborah. Speaking of Siftra's 
 mother, the facred eucharUtic ode reprefents her as anticipa- 
 ting, in her fond fancy, the victory of her fon; and indulging 
 the following foliloquy : Have they notfped? have they not 
 divided the prey ? to Sifera a prey of divers colours ; a prey 
 / divers colours of needle-work ; of divers colours of needle- 
 work on both Jides ; meet for the necks of them that take the 
 fpoil? She takes no notice of the llgnal iervice, which her 
 hero would do to his country, by quelling fo dangerous an 
 infurrection. She never reflects on the prefent acclamations, 
 the future advancement, and the eternal renown, which are 
 the tribute ufually paid to a conqueror's merit. She can con- 
 ceive, it feems, nothing greater, than to be clad in an em- 
 broidered vetture; and to trail along the ground, a robe of the 
 richeft dyes. This is, in her imagination, the mod lordly 
 ipoil he can win ; the moft ftately trophy he can erect. It is 
 alfo obfervable, how (he dwells upon the trivial circumftance, 
 reiterating it again and again. It has fo charmed her ignoble 
 heart, fo entirely engrofled her little views, that me can think 
 of nothing el le, /peak of nothing elfe, and can hardly ever 
 defifl from the darling topic, Is not this a keen, though deli- 
 cately couchecflcenfure, on that poor contemptible, grovelling 
 tafte, which is enamoured with filken finery, and makes the 
 attributes of a butterfly the idol of its affections ? 
 
 Y* How
 
 i. 7 2 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 eminence in fuch outward embellifhments. Qo, clothe 
 thyfelf with purple, and fine linen ; trick thyfelf up 
 in all the gay attire, which the fhuttle or the needle 
 can furn^fh : yet know, to the mortification of thy 
 vanity, that the native elegance of a common daify * 
 eclipfes all this elaborate finery .-Nay, wert thou deck- 
 ed like fome illuftrious princefs, on her coronation- 
 day, in all the fplendor of royal apparel ; couldft thou 
 equal even Solomon , in the height of his magnificenc 
 and glory ; yet would the meaneft among the flowery 
 populace outfhine thee. Every difcerning eye would 
 give the preference tp thefe beauties of the f ground. 
 r Scorn then to bqrrqw thy recommendations from a 
 neat difpofition o.f threads, and a curious arrangement 
 .of colours. Aflume a becoming greatnefs of temper. 
 Let thy endowments be of the immortal kind. Study- 
 to be alt -glorious -within. Be clothed with humility 
 Wear the ornament of a meek and quiet fpirit J. To 
 fay all in a word, Put on the LORD 
 
 How confpicuous is the elevated and magnificent fpirit of 
 that venerable mother in Jfrael^ when viewed in comparifon, 
 with the low, the defpicable turn of this Canaa nnitljh lady .' . 
 Such flrong and beautiful contrafts are, I think, fome of the 
 moil ftriking excellencies of poetic painting : and in no book 
 are they more frequently ufed, or expreffed with greater life, 
 than in thefacred Volumes of infpiration. 
 
 * Peaceful and lowly in their native foil, 
 
 They neither know to fpin, nor care to toil ; 
 
 Yet with confefs'd magnificence deride 
 
 Our mean attire, and impotence of pride. PRIOR. 
 
 j- Mr Co-wlcy, with his uiual brilliancy of imagination, ftyles 
 them ftars of earth. 
 
 : How beautifully does the prophet dffcribe the furniture 
 of a renewed and heavenly mind, under the fimilitude of a 
 rich and complete//uV of apparel ! I will greatly rejoice in the 
 LORD; my foul Jhall be joyful in my GOD ;for he hath clothed 
 me "with the garments offalvation; he bath covered me -with 
 the robe of right soufncfs, as a bridegroom decketh himfelftiiitb 
 <irnamentS) and as a bride adorneth hcrfclf-with her jewels. If. 
 Ui. 10. ' |] Rom. xiii. 14.
 
 F I O W E R-G A R D E N. 173 
 
 let his blood be fprinkled upon thy confcience, and it 
 (hall be whiter than the virgin-fnows. Let his rights* 
 ouj'nejs, like a ipotlefs robe, adorn thy inner man ; 
 and thou {halt be a.miable, even in the moft diftin- 
 guifhing eye of GOD. Let his blefTed Spirit dwell in 
 thy heart; and, under his fanclifying operations, thou 
 fhalt be made partaker of a divine nature. 
 
 Thefe are real excellencies ; truly noble accomplim* 
 ments thefe. In this manner be arrayed, be beauti- 
 fied ; and thou wilt not find a rival in the feathers of 
 a peacock, or the foliation of a tulip. Thefe will ex- 
 alt thee far above the low pretenjions of lace and em. 
 broidery . Thefe will prepare thee to ftand in the bea- 
 tific prefence, and to take thy feat among the angels 
 of light. 
 
 WHAT an inchanting fituation is this ! One can 
 fcarce be melancholy within the atmofphere of flowers, 
 /Such lively hues, and delicious odours, not only ad- 
 drcfs themfelves agreeably to the fenfes ; but touch, 
 with a furprifing delicacy, the fweetefl movements of 
 the 
 
 - -To the heart infpiring 
 
 Vernal * delight and joy. Ml LT . b. iv, 
 
 How 
 
 * " I would have my reader endeavour to MORALIZE 
 this natural pleafure of the foul, and to improve this vernal 
 delight, as Milton calls it, into a Chriftian virtue. When 
 we find ourfelves inlpired with this pleaiing inftinft, this 
 fecret fatisfaclion and complacency, ariiing from the beauties 
 of the creation, let us confider, to whom we (land indebted 
 for all thefe entertainnrrents of fenfe; and -who it is that 
 thus opens his hand, and fills the world with good. Such 
 an habitual difpolition of mind conj'ecrates every field and 
 wood ; turns an ordinary "walk into a morning and evening 
 facrifice ; and will improve thofe tranfient gleams, which 
 naturally brighten up and refrefh the foul on fuch occafions. 
 into an inviolable and perpetual ftate of blifs and happi- 
 nefs.", ,S><rA vol. V. N 394.
 
 174 REFLECTION Son a 
 
 How often have I felt them diflipate the gloom of 
 thought, and transfufe a fudden gaiety through the de- 
 jected fpirit ! 1 cannot wonder, that kings deicend 
 from their thrones, to walk amidft blooming ivory and 
 gold ; or retire from the mod lumptuous feaft, to be 
 recreated with the more refined fweets of the garden. 
 I cannot wonder, that queens forego, for a while, the 
 compliments of a nation, to receive the tribute of the 
 parterre ; or withdraw from all the glitter of a court , 
 to be attended with the more fplendid equipage of a 
 bed of flowers, But if this be fo pleafing, what tranf- 
 porting pleafure mutt arife from the fruition of un~ 
 created excellency ! O ! what unknown delight, to 
 enter into thy immediate prefence, moft blelfed LORD 
 GOD ! to iee thee *, thou King of heaven, and Lo R D 
 of glory, no longer " through a glafs darkly, but face 
 " to face !" to have all thy goodnefs, all thy great- 
 nels, mine before us ; and be made glad for ever with 
 the brighteft difcovery of thy perfections, with the 
 ineffable joy of thy countenance. 
 
 This we cannot bear, in our prefent imperfect ftate. 
 The effulgence of unveiled divinity would dazzle a 
 mortal fight. Our feeble faculties would be overwhelm- 
 ed with iiich a fulnefs of fuperabundant blifs j and 
 muft lye opprejfed under fuch an exceeding great, eter- 
 nal weight of glory. But, when this corruptible hath 
 put on incorruption, the powers of the foul will be 
 greatly invigorated ; and thefe earthly tabernacles will 
 
 be 
 
 *' Ifaiah reprefents the felicity of the righteous, in the ever- 
 lading world, by this elegant and amiable image; Thine eyes 
 fhall fee the King in his beauty. Milton touches the lamefub- 
 jecl, with wonderful elevation and majelty of thought : 
 
 -They -walk -with GOD, 
 
 High infalvation, and the climes of blifs, 
 
 Words, which, like the fiery car, almoft tranfport our affec- 
 tions to thole glorious abodes. 
 
 If* xxxiii. 17. MILT. b. XI, 1. 707,
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 175 
 
 be transformed into the likenefs of CHRIST'S glorious 
 body. Then, though " the moon (hall be confound- 
 " ed, and the fun amamed *," when the LORD of 
 hofts is revealed from heaven ; yet (hall his faithful 
 people be enabled to fee him as he is (*. 
 
 Here then, my wifties, here be fixed. Be this your 
 determined and invariable aim. Here, my affe&ions, 
 here give a loofe to your whole ardour. Cry out, in 
 the language of infpiration, This one thing have I de- 
 fired of the LORD, which, with inceflant earneftnefs, 
 / uuill require; that I may dwell in the celeftial haufe 
 of the LORD, all the days of my future life; to behold 
 the fair beauty of the LORD J, and to contemplt e, 
 withwonder and adoration with unfpeakable and ever- 
 lafting rapture all the attributes of the incompre- 
 henfible Godhead. 
 
 SOLOMON, a mod penetrating judge of human- 
 nature, knowing how highly mankind is charmed with 
 the fine qualities of flowers, has figured out the bleffed 
 JESUS, that " faireft among ten thoufand," by thefe 
 lovely reprefentatives. Heftyles him (| therofc of Sha- 
 ron, and the lily of the valleys 4- ; like the firft, full of 
 
 delights, 
 
 * If. xxiv. 23. -j- i John iii. 2. \ Pf.il. xxvii. 4. 
 || Cant. ii. r. 
 
 Mai us ut arbor ibus decor i eft, ut vitibus uv/e f 
 
 Utque rof<e campts, ut lllia vallibtts alba, 
 
 Sic CHRIST us decus omncfuis. 
 
 4- By the lily of the valleys, I apprehend, is meant, not 
 the flower which commonly palTes under that denomination, 
 and is comparatively mean ; but the grand, majeftic, garden-- 
 lily, growing in a rich irriguous foil, where it flourifhes in the 
 mod ample manner, and arrives at thehigheft perfection. The 
 circumttance of the valleys, added by the facred writer, is fig- 
 nificant not of thefpecies, but of the place. This is by far the 
 nobleft interpretation, and mod exactly fuitable to the fpiritual 
 fenfe ; which intimates, that the bleiFed JESUS delights to 
 dwell, by the communications of his Spirit, in humble hearts, 
 cnpcyn rw t w lillum vallibtts gaudens.
 
 176 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 delights, and communicable graces ; like the laft, ex- 
 alted in majelty, and complete in beauty. In that fa- 
 cred paftoral, he ranges the creation ; borrows its moft 
 finimed forms ; and dips his pencil in its choiceft dyes, 
 to prefent us with a fketch of the amiablenefs of his 
 perfon : his amiablenefs, who is the light of the world ; 
 the glory of his church ; the only hope, the fovereign 
 confolation of finners ; and exalted, infinitely exalted, 
 not only above the fublimefl comparifon, but even 
 " above all bleffingandpraife." -May I alfo make the 
 fame heavenly ufeof all fublunary enjoyments ! What- 
 ever is pleafurable or charming below^ let it raife my 
 defire to thofe delectable objects^ which are above; 
 which will yield, not partial, but perfect felicity ; not 
 tranfientj but never-ending^ iatisfaction and joy. Yes, 
 my foul, let thefe beauties in miniature always remind 
 thee of that glorious perfon, in whom " dwells all the 
 " fulnefs of the Godhead bodily." Let thefe little e- 
 manations teach thee to thirft after the eternal foun- 
 tain. O ! may the creatures be thy conftant clue to 
 the Creator ! For this is a certain truth, and deferves 
 thy frequent recollection, demands thy moft attentive 
 confideration ; that the whole compafs of finite per- 
 fection, is only a faint ray *, (hot from that immenfe 
 fource ; is only a fmall drop, derived from that in- 
 exhauftable ocean of all good. 
 
 WHAT a fhrprifing variety is obfervable among the 
 flowery tribes ! How has the bountiful hand of Pro- 
 vidence diversified thefe niceft pieces of his workman- 
 fhip ! added the charms of an endlefs novelty, to all 
 their other perfections 1 A conftant uniformity would 
 
 foon 
 
 * Thou fitt'd above all heav'ns, 
 To us invifible, or dimly fee n 
 In thefe thy lowelt works; yet thefe declare 
 Thy goodnefs beyond thought, and pow'r divine. 
 
 MIL T. book V-
 
 FLOWER-GARDEN. 177 
 
 foon render the entertainment tirefome, or infipid ; 
 therefore every ipecies is formed on a feparate plan, 
 and exhibits fomething entirely new. The famion 
 fpreads not from family to family ; but every one has 
 a mode of its own, which is truly original. The moft 
 curfory glance perceives an apparent difference, as well 
 as a peculiar delicacy, in the airs, and habits, the at- 
 titude and lineaments, of every diftincl clais. 
 
 Some rear their heads with a majeftic mien, and 
 overlook, \ikefvvereigns or nobles, \ko, whole parterre. 
 Others feem more moderate in their aims, and ad- 
 vance only to the middle ftations ; a genius turned for 
 heraldry might term them the gentry of the border. 
 While others, free from all afpiring views, creep un- 
 ambitiouily on the ground, and look like the common* 
 'alty of the kind. Some are interfered with elegant 
 Jlripes, or ftudded with radiant Jpots. Some affeci to 
 be genteelly powdered, or neatly fringed; while others 
 are plain in their afpect, unaffected in their drefs, and 
 content to pleafe with a nakedy7;w/7//V//y. Some affume 
 the monarch's purple; fome look moft becoming in the 
 virgin's white; but black, doleful black, has no ad- 
 mittance into the wardrobe of fpring. The weeds of 
 mourning. would be a manifeft indecorum, when na- 
 ture holds an univerfal feftival. She would now in- 
 fpire none but delightful ideas, and therefore always 
 makes her appearance in fome * amiable fuit Here 
 Jlands a warrior, clad with crimfon ; therey/TV a ma- 
 giftrate, robed in fcarlet ; and yonder ft ruts a pretty 
 fellow, that feems to have dipped his plumes in the 
 rainbow, and glitters in all the gay colours of that re- 
 fplendent arch. Some rife into a curious cup, or fall 
 into a fet of beautiful bells. Some fpread themfelves 
 in a fwelling tuft^ or croud into a delicious clufler. 
 In fome, the predominant ftain foftens by the gentlefl 
 diminutions, till it has even ftole away from itfelf. The 
 
 eye 
 
 * Nunc formoft'limus annus. VIRG. 
 
 VOL. I. N 2, Z
 
 1 78 REFLECTION Son a 
 
 eye is amufed at the agreeable delufion ; and we won- 
 der to find ourfelvcs infenfibly decoyed into a quite 
 different luftre. In others, you would think, the fine 
 tinges were emulous of pre-eminence. Difdaining to- 
 mingle, they confront one another with the refolution 
 of rivals, determined to difpute the prize of beauty ; 
 while each is improved, by the oppofition, into the 
 higheft vivacity of complexion. 
 
 How manifold are thy werks *, O LORD ! Multiplied 
 even'to a prodigy. Yet in. ivifdom, confummate wif- 
 dom, hajt thou made them all. -How I admire the vaft- 
 nejs of the contrivance, and the exd&nefs of the exe- 
 cution ! Man, feeble man, with difficulty accomplifli- 
 es a (ingle work* Hardly, and after many efforts^ 
 does he arrive at a tolerable imitation of fome one 
 production of nature. But the almighty Artift fpoke 
 millions of fubftances into inftantaheous being ; the 
 whole collection wonderfully various, and each indi- 
 .vidual completely perfecl Repeated experiments ge- 
 nerally, I might fay always, discover errors or defefts 
 in our happiefl inventions.. Nay, what wins our ap- 
 probation, at the prefent hour, or in this particular 
 place, is very probably, in fome remote period, or 
 fome diftant clime, treated with contempt. Whereas, 
 thej'e fine ftrudures have pleafed every tafte, in every 
 country, for alrnoft fix thoufand years. Nor has any 
 | fault been detected in the original plan, nor any room 
 left for the leaft improvement upon the firft model. 
 All our performances, the more minutely they are 
 fcanned T the more imperfect they appear. With regard 
 to thefe delicate objects, the more we fearch into their 
 properties, the more we are raviflied with their gra- 
 ces. They are fure to difclofe frem (Irokes of the mod 
 
 mafterly 
 
 * Pfal. civ. 24. 
 
 j- Ecclef. Hi. 14. 1 know, that i^hatfoever GOD doth, it 
 fl/all be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing 
 from it.
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 179 
 
 mafterly {kill, in proportion to the attention with 
 which they are examined. 
 
 Nor is the Simplicity of the operation lefs aftonifhing, 
 than the accuracy of the workman fliip, or the infini- 
 tude of the etfecls. Should you a&, " Where, and 
 44 what are the materials which beautify the blooming 
 " world ? What rich tints, what fplendid dyes, what 
 xt (lores of mining crayons, Hand by the heavenly 
 44 Limner, when he paints the robe of nature ?" ' Tis 
 aniwered, His powerful pencil needs no fiich coftly 
 apparatus. A iingle principle, under his conducting 
 .hand, branches out into an immenlity of the molt 
 varied, and molt finimed forms. The moifture of 
 the earth, and of the circumambient air, pafled thro* 
 proper ftrainers, and diipoied in a range of pellucid 
 tubes ; this performs all the wonders, and produces all 
 the beauties, of vegetation. This creeps along the fibres 
 of the low-fpread mois, and climbs to the very tops of 
 the lofty- waving cedars. This, attracted by the root, 
 .and circulating thro' invifible canals ; this buriis into 
 gems, expands itielf into leaves, and clothes the foreft 
 with all its verdant honours. This one *, plain and 
 Jimple^ caufe, gives birth to all the charms, which 
 deck the youth and maturity of the year. This blujhes 
 in the early hepatica, and flames in the late-advancing 
 poppy. This reddens into blood in the veins of the 
 mulberry ; and attenuates itfelf into leafen gold, to 
 create a covering for the quince. This breathes in all 
 the fragrant gales of our garden, and weeps odorous 
 gum in the groves of Arabia. So | wonderful is our 
 Creator in counfel^ and fo excellent in working ! 
 
 Z 2 IN 
 
 * " When every feveral effe& has a particular feparate 
 *' caufe, this gives no pleafure to the ipecliator, as not difco- 
 *' vering contrivance. But that work is beheld with admira- 
 " tion and delight, as the refult of deep counfel, which is 
 ** complicated in its parts, and yet Jimple in its operations ; 
 4< where a great variety of effects are ieen to arife from one 
 " principle operating uniformly." ABERNETHY on the 
 -j* II. xxviii, 29.
 
 l8o REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 IN a grove of tulips, or a knot of pinks, one per- 
 ceives a difference in almoft every individual. Scarce 
 any two are turned and tinctured exactly alike. Each 
 allows himfelf a little particularity in his drejs, tho* 
 all belong to one family : ib that they are various, a,nd 
 yet the fame. A pretty emblem this of the Jmallcr 
 differences between Proteflant Chriflians. There are 
 modes in religion, which admit of variation, without 
 prejudice to found faith, or real holineis. Juft as 
 the drapery on thefe pictures of the fpring, may be 
 formed after a variety of patterns, without blemifhing 
 their beauty, or altering their nature. Be it fo then, 
 that, in fome points of inconfiderable confequence, 
 feveral of our brethren difTent : yet let us all live a- 
 micably and fociably together ; for we harmonize in 
 principals ) tho' we yary in puntfilios. Let us join in 
 converfation, and intermingle intereils ; difcover no 
 eflrangement of behaviour, and cherifli no alienation 
 of affection. If any ftrife fubfifls, let it be to follow 
 our divine Mailer mod clofely, in humility of heart, 
 and unblameablenefs of life. Let it be to ferve one 
 another moft readily, in all the kind offices of a cor- 
 dial friendship- Thus (hall be united^ though dijiin- 
 guijlied; united in the fame grand fundamentals, tho* 
 diitinguifhed by fome {mail circumflantials ; united in 
 one important bond of brotherly love, though diflin- 
 guiihed by fome (lighter peculiarities of fentiment. 
 
 Between Chriflians, whofe judgments difagree only 
 about a form of prayer, pr manner of worfhip, I ap- 
 prehend, there is no more ejfential difference, than 
 between flowers which bloom from the fame kind of 
 feed, but happen to be fomewhat diveriified in the mix- 
 ture of their colours Whereas, if one denies the di- 
 vinity of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, and degrades 
 the incarnate GOD to the meannefs of a mere creature ; 
 if another cries up the worthinefs of human works, 
 and depredates the alone-meritorious r ighteoufnefs of 
 
 the
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 181 
 
 the glorious Mediator ; if a third acldrefTes the incom- 
 municable honours to a finite being, and bows to the 
 image, or prays to the faint ; thefe are errors, ex- 
 tremely derogatory to the RED t EMER'S dignity, and 
 not a little prejudicial to the comfort of his people A" 
 gainft thefe to remondrate j againft thefe to urge every 
 argument, and ufe every dilfuafwe ; befpeaks not the 
 cenforious bigot, but the friend of truth, and the lo- 
 ver of mankind. -"-Whereas, to iland neuter arid fiient, 
 while fuch principles are propagated, would be an in- 
 ftance of criminal remhTnefs, rather than of Chriflian 
 moderation. Forthe perfons^we will not fail to main- 
 tain a tender companion ; we will not ceafe to put up 
 earnefl interceilions ; we will alfo acknowledg a> d 
 love whatever is excellent and amiable in their charac- 
 ter : Yet we dare not fubfcribe their creed; we cannot 
 remit our alliduous, but kind endeavours, if by any 
 means we may reconcile them to a more Jcriptural 
 belief, and a purer worfhip *. 
 
 ANOT H ERcircumftance, recommendingand endear-* 
 ing the flowery creation, is their regular Jucceffion. 
 They make not their appearance all at once, but in an 
 orderly rotation. While a proper number of thefe ob- 
 liging retainers are in-waiting, the others abfcond ; 
 but hold themfelves in a pofture of fervice, ready to 
 take their turn, and fill each his refpeclive ftation, the 
 
 inflant 
 
 * In fome former editions, I expreiTed myfelf, on this point, 
 unwarily and harjhly. But my meaning, and real fentiments, 
 were no other than thole represented above. The reader, 
 from fuch unguarded intimations, might too naturally be led 
 to conclude, that the author avows, and would ttir up. a Spirit 
 of perfecution, But this is a method of dealing with opponents 
 in religious doclrines, which he disclaims, as abfurd ; and ab- 
 hors, as iniquitous. He is for no force, bur that ot rational 
 conviction ; for no constraint, but that of affectionate perfua- 
 fion. IhitS) if you pleafe, compel them to come in, Luke xiv.
 
 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 inflant it becomes vacant. Thcfnoivdrop^foremofk of 
 the lovely train, breaks her way through the frozen 
 foil, in order to prefent her early compliments to her 
 lord. Drefled in the robe of innocency, (he iteps forth, 
 fearlefs o f danger ; long before the trees have ventured 
 to unfold their leaves, even while the icicles are pen- 
 dent on our houfes. Next, peeps out the crocus, but 
 cautioufly, and with an air of timidity. She hears the 
 howling blafts, and fkulks clofe to her low fituation. 
 Afraid me feems to make large excurfions from her 
 root, while fo many ruffian winds are abroad, and 
 fcouringalong the asther. Nor is the violet laft, in this 
 mining embaffy of the year ; which, with all the em- 
 bellifhments that would grace a royal garden, conde- 
 fcends to line our hedges, and grow at the feet of 
 briers. Freely, and without any felicitation, me dif- 
 tributes the bounty of her emiflive fweets : while her- 
 ielf, with an exemplary humility, retires from fight ; 
 feeking rather to adminifter pleaiure, than to win ad- 
 miration *. Emblem, expreilive emblem, of thofe 
 modcft virtues, which delight to bloom in obfcurity j 
 which extend a chearing influence to multitudes, who 
 are fcarce acquainted with the fource of their com forts ! 
 Motive,engagingmotive,tothat<?i><?r-fl#/i;<? beneficence, 
 which ftays not for the importunity of the diftrefTed, 
 but anticipates their fuit, and prevents them with the 
 bleffings of its goodnefs ! The poor polyanthus, that 
 lately adorned the border with her fparkling beauties, 
 and, tranfplanted into our windows, gave us a frefh 
 entertainment, is now no more. I faw her complexion 
 fade ; I perceived her breath decay ; till at length (he 
 expired, and dropt into her grave.rScarce have we iuf- 
 tained this lofs, but in comes the auricula, and more 
 than retrieves it. Arrayed fhe comes, in a fplendid va- 
 riety of amiable forms ; with an eye of cryftal, and 
 garments of the mod glofTy fatin ; exhaling perfume, 
 
 an4 
 " * Prvdcfle quart con/piei.
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 183 
 
 and powdered with filver. A very diftinguifhed pro- 
 ceflion this ! The favourite care of the florifl ! Scarce 
 one among them, but is dignified with a character of 
 renown, or has the honour to reprefent fome celebra- 
 ted toaft. But thefe alfo, notwithftanding their illuf- 
 trious titles, have exhaufted their whole flock of fra- 
 grance, and are mingled with the meaneft dufl. 
 Who could forbear grieving at their departure, did 
 not the tulips begin to raife themfelves on their fine 
 wands, or flately (lalks ? They flufh the parterre 
 with one of the gayeft drefTes that blooming nature 
 wears. Did ever beau or belle make fo gaudy an ap- 
 pearance, in a birth-night fuit ? Here one may behold 
 the innocent vvantonnefs of beauty. Here fhe indul- 
 ges a thoufand freaks, and fports herfelf in the moft 
 charming diverfity of colours. Yet I mould wrong 
 her, were I to call her a coquet; becaufe fhe plays her 
 lovely changes, not to enkindle difTolute affections, 
 but to difplay her Creator's glory . Soon arifes the ane- 
 mone ; encircled at the bottom with a fpreading robe, 
 and rounded at the top into a beatiful dome. In its 
 loofely- flowing mantle, you may obferve a noble ne- 
 gligence ; in its gently-bending tufts, the niceft iym- 
 metry. 1 would term it \\\efine gentleman of the gar- 
 den ; becaufe it feems to have learned the fingular ad- 
 drefs of uniting fimplicity with refinement, of recon- 
 ciling art and cafe. The fame month has the merit of 
 pfoducing the ranunculus . All bold and graceful, it 
 expands the riches of its foliage ;. and acquires, by 
 degrees, the lovelieft enamel in the world. As per- 
 fons of intrinfic worth difdain the fuperficial arts of 
 recommendation, pra&ifed by fops ; fo this lordly 
 fiowerfcornsto borrow any of its excellence from pow- 
 ders and efTences. It needs no fuch attractives, to ren- 
 der it the darling of the curious ; being fufficiently en- 
 gaging from the elegance of its figure, the radiant va- 
 yiety of its tinges, and a certain fuperior dignitv o c 
 afpecl. Metbinks nature improves in her operations. 
 
 Her
 
 184 REFLECTIONS cm a 
 
 Her lateft ftrokes are moft mafterly. To crown the 
 collection > (he introduces the carnation; which capti- 
 vates every eye, with a noble fpread of graces ; and 
 charms another fenfe, with a profufion of exquifite o- 
 dours. Th;s fingle flower has centered in itlelf, the 
 perfections of all the preceding The moment it ap- 
 pears, it fo commands our attention, that we fcarce re- 
 gret the abfence of the reft. The gillyflower, like a 
 real friend, attends you through all the vicilfitudes 
 and alterations of the feafon. While others make a 
 tranfient vifit only, this is rather an inhabitant, than 
 a gueft in your gardens ; adds fidelity to complaifance. 
 It is in vain to attempt a catalogue of thefe amiable 
 gifts. There is an endlefs multiplicity in their charac- 
 ters, yet an invariable order in their approaches. E- 
 very month, aimed every week, has its peculiar or- 
 naments ; not fervilely copying the works of its prc~ 
 decefTor, but forming, ftill forming, and ftill execu- 
 ting fome new defign. So lavifh is the fancy, yet fo 
 exact the procefs, of nature ! 
 
 Here let meftandawhile, to contemplate this diftri- 
 bution of flowers, through the feveral periods of the 
 year. Were they all to blofTom together, there would 
 be at once a promifcuous throng, and at once a total 
 privation. We mould fcarce have an opportunity of 
 adverting to the dainty qualities of half; and muffc 
 foon lofe the agreeable company of them all. But now 
 iince every fpecies has a feparate poft to occupy, and a 
 diftindt interval for appearing, we can take aleilurely 
 and minute furvey of each fucceeding fet. We can 
 view and review their forms ; enter into a more inti- 
 mate acquaintance with their charming accomplim* 
 ments ; and receive all thofe pleadng fervices, which 
 they are.commiflionedto yield. This remarkable piece 
 of oeconomy, is productive of another very valuable 
 effect. It not only places in the moft advantageous 
 light, every particular community ; but is alfo a fure 
 provifionary relburce againft the frailty of the whole 
 
 nation.
 
 f L O W E R-G A R t> E N. 
 
 nation. Or, to fpeak more truly, it renders the flow- 
 ery tribes a fort of * immortal corps* For though 
 fome are continually dropping ; yet, by this expedi- 
 ent, others are as continually rifingj to beautify our 
 borders, and prolong the entertainment. 
 
 Wtt AT goodnefs is this, to provide fuch a feries of* 
 gratifications for mankind ! both to diverfify, and per- 
 petuate the fine collation ! to take care, that our paths 
 fhould be, in a manner, inceflantly ftrewed with flow- 
 ers ! And what ivifdom, to bid every one of thefet 
 infenfible beings know the precife juncture for their 
 coming forth ! inibmuch that no actor on a ftage cart 
 be more exact in performing his part ; can make t 
 more regular entry, or a more punctual exit. 
 
 WHO emboldens the daffodil to venture abroad in 
 February, and to truft her flowering gold with incle- 
 ment and treacherous fkies ? Who informs the various 
 tribes of fruit-bearing blo/foms, that vernal funs, and 
 a more genial warmth, are fitteft for their delicate tex- 
 ture ? Who teaches the clove to ftay, till hotter beams 
 are prepared, to infufe a fpicy richnefs into her odours^ 
 and tincture her complexion with the deepen: crim- 
 fon ? Who difpofes thefe beautiful troops into fuch 
 orderly bodies, retarding fome, and accelerating others ? 
 Who has inftructed them to file off, with fuch perfect 
 regularity, as foon as the duty of their refpective fla- 
 tion is over? And, when one detachment retires, who 
 gives the fignal for another immediately to advance f 
 Who, but that unerring Providence, which, from the 
 higheft thrones of angels, to the very lowelt degrees 
 
 of 
 
 * In allufion to the celebrated practice of the Per/Ian kings? 
 " who maintained, for their lifeguard, a body of troops, call- 
 44 ed Immortal ; becaufe it perpetually fubfifted ; for as footl 
 " as any of the men died, another was immediately put into 
 " his place." ROLLIN'S ancient hiftory y vol. IL 
 
 VOL. I. N 9 2. A a
 
 i86 R E F L E C T I O N S on a 
 
 of exiftence, orders all things in " number, weight, 
 4i and meafure 1" 
 
 Thefe, O my foul, are the regulations of that mod 
 adorable, that moil beneficent Being, who bowed the 
 heavens ; came down to dwell on earth ; and united 
 the frailty of thy mortal nature, to all the glories of 
 his Godhead. All the honour of this admirable efta- 
 blifhment belongs to thy Ranfom, thy Surety, thy Sa- 
 viour. To HIM it belongs, who iuftained the ven- 
 geance, which thou hadft deierved, and waft doomed to 
 iuffer ; who fulfilled the obedience, which thou waft ob- 
 liged, but unable to perform ; and who humbled him- 
 felf (ftupendous, ineffable loving-kindnefs !) humbled 
 himfelf to death, even the death of the crofs. HG 
 formed this vaft machine, and adjufted its nice depen- 
 dencies. The pillars that fupport it, the embellifh- 
 ments that adorn it, and the laws that govern it, are 
 the refult of his unfearchable counfels. O ! the heights 
 of his majefty, and the depths of his abatement ! 
 
 Which (hall we admire moft, his eflential greatnefs, 
 or his free grace? He created the exalted feraph, that 
 fings in glory ; and every the minuteft infect, that 
 flutters in air, or crawls in duft. He marks out a path 
 for ail thofe globes of light, which travel the circuit 
 of the fkies ;, and difdains not to rear the violet from 
 its lowly bed, or to plait the daify which dreffes our 
 plains. So grand are his operations ; yet fo conde- 
 fc nding his regards 1 If fummer, like a fparkling 
 bride, is brilliant and glorious in her apparel ; what is 
 this, but a feeble reflection of his uncreated effulgence? 
 If autumn, like a munificent hoft, opens her ftores, and 
 gives us all things richly to enjoy; what is this but a 
 little tafte of his inexhauftible liberality ? If thunders 
 roar, you hear the found of his trumpet ; if light- 
 nings glare, you fee the launching of his glittering 
 fpear : if " the perpetual hills be fcattered, and the 
 ** evcrlafting mountains bowed/' you behold a dif- 
 y^ -no, fays the prophet, you have rather the hi- 
 ding
 
 F L O \V E R-G A R D E N. 187 
 
 ding of his power J. So immenfe is his power, fo un- 
 controllable and inconceivable, that all theie mighty 
 works are but ^Jketch^ in which more is concealed than 
 difcovered. 
 
 Thus, I think, we mould always view the vifible 
 fyftem, with an evangelical tehjcope, (if I may be al- 
 lowed the expreflion,) and with an evangelical micro- 
 fcope; regarding CHRIST JESUS as the great projec- 
 tor and architect ; who plapned and executed, the 
 
 amazing 
 
 ^ Hab. iii. 4. Nothing can be more magnificently concei- 
 ved, than the imagery of this whole chapter; and, upon the 
 foot of our interpretation, nothing was ever more delicately 
 and nobly turned, than the fentimcnt of this claufe. Other 
 ienfes of the pailage, I acknowledge, may be affigned with 
 equal propriety. But none, 1 think, can be imagined fo ma- 
 jejtic znd/ublime. As the original will fairly admit of it ; as 
 it carries no difagreement with the context ; and exprefles a 
 moll important, as well as undoubted truth ; I hope, I may 
 be permitted to ufe it, at leaft by way of accommodation. 
 Efpecially, as it fuggefh one of the finefl mottoes imaginable, 
 wherewith to infcribe all the vifible productions of the Crea- 
 tor's hand. When Oruck with aftonilhment, we confider 
 their grandeur, beauty, and confummate perfections ; let us, 
 in juftice to their author, apply the exalted reflection of this 
 facred ode: " In all thefe is the hiding, rather than an acle- 
 44 quate difplay, of his mat chiefs power. Tho* they challenge 
 u our praite, and furpafsourcomprehenlion; yet are they by no 
 -" means the utmoii exertions, but rather ibrne (lighter edays^ 
 " of omnipotent (kill." Milton, relating the overthrow of 
 the fallen angels, introduces a grand circumfhnce, not much 
 unlike the preceding. Mejfiab, unaided and alone, had routed 
 an innumerable ho(t of apodate fpirits. This was great and 
 marvellous. But to create a jufter idea of the illuftrious Con* 
 queror, our poet beautifully adds, 
 
 Yet half his ftrciigtb he put not forth. 
 
 If we forget to make the fame remark, when we contemplate 
 GOD in his works; we mutt necefTarily form very fcanty con- 
 ceptions of that SUPREME BEING, before whom all nations 
 are as a " drop of a bucket, and are counted as the fmall duft 
 balance." 
 
 A J2
 
 i88 R E F L E C T I O N S on a 
 
 amazing fcheme. Whatever is magnificent orvaluable, 
 tremendous or amiable, mould ever bq afcribed to the 
 Redeemer. This is the Chriftian's natural philo/ophy. 
 "With regard to this method of considering the things 
 that are feen, we have an infpired apoftle for our pre- 
 ceptor and precedent. Speaking of C H RI s T, he 
 fays, " Thou, LORD, in the beginning, haft laid the 
 " foundation of the earth ; and the heavens are the 
 " work of thy hands." Did we carefully attend to 
 this leading principle, in all our examinations of na- 
 ture ; it would, doubtlefs, be a moft powerful means 
 of enkindling our love, and * ftrengthcning our faith. 
 "When I look round upon millions of no.blc fubftances, 
 
 and 
 
 * The apoftles, I obferve, delight to ufe this method of dif- 
 playing the honours of the Redeemer, and eftablilhing the/4// 
 of his people. The beloved difciple, teaching that moft pre- 
 cious doctrine, " of a Lamb flain to take away the fins of the 
 " world;" in order to evince the fufficiency of CHRIST'S facri- 
 fice for this blefled purpofe, affirms, that all things "were made 
 by him ; and 'without him -was not any thing, no, not fo much 
 as one fingle being, made, John i. 3. St Paul, preaching the 
 fame glad tidings to the Colojfians, and expreffly maintaining, 
 that sve have redemption through his blood, feems to fore fee 
 an objection of this kind. " To expiate tranfgreilions againft 
 ** an infinite Majefty, is a moft prodigious act. It muft coft 
 " vaftly more than any common furety can pay, to redeem a 
 * 4 fniful world. What reafon have we to believe, that JESUS 
 ' is equal to this mighty undertaking?" All podible reafon, 
 replies the apoftle, from the dignity of his perfon, for he is 
 the image of the invifible GOD; and from the greatnefs of his 
 works, for by him all things 'were made. Confider the opera- 
 tions of his hands, and you cannot doubt the atoning efficacy 
 of his death, Co/, i. 15. 16. The author of the epHUe to the 
 Hebrews, falls exactly into the fame train of arguing. Decla- 
 ring, that CHI ST JESUS has purged our fins by the facrifice 
 of himfelf, he proves his ample ability for this tremendous 
 office, from his efTential excellence, becaufe he is the bright- 
 nefs of his Father's glory ; and from his admirable works, be- 
 he made the -worlds, and u^holdeth all things by the -word
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E NL 189 
 
 and carry with me this transporting reflection, " The 
 <c Maker of them all expired on a crofs for me ;" how 
 can I remain any longer indifferent ? Muft not the 
 coldefl heart begin to glow with gratitude ?-*- When I 
 furvey an immenfity of the fined productions imagi- 
 nable, and remember, that the Author of them all 
 is u my righteoufnefs and my redemption;" how can I 
 ehufe but repofe the moil chearjul confidence in fuch a 
 Mediator ? 
 
 LET me add one more remark^ upon the admirable 
 adjuftment of every particular relating to thefe fine co- 
 lonies planted in the parterre. Withiuch accuracy and 
 correclnefs is their ftrueture finiflied, that any the leaft 
 conceivable alteration would very much impair their 
 perfection . Should you fee, for inftance, the nice dif- 
 pofition of the tulip's attire fly abroad, diforderly and 
 irregular, like the flaunting woodbine; mould the jef- 
 famine rear her diminutive head> on thofe grand co- 
 lumns which fupport the hollihock ; fhould the erect 
 and manly afpedt of thepiony hang down with a pen- 
 five air, like the flexile bells of the hyacinth; (hould 
 that noble plainnefs which diftinguiflies the ///y, be ex- 
 changed for the glittering fringes which edge the pink^ 
 or the gaudy (tains which bedrop the iris; fhould thofe 
 tapering pillars which arife in the middle of its vafe, 
 and, tipt with golden pendants, give fuch a luftre to 
 the furrounding pannels of alabafter, {hould thofe 
 fink and difappear, like the chives which cover the 
 heart of the anemone : in many of thefe cafes, would 
 notthetranfpofition be fantaftical and awkward . ? in all, 
 to the apparent prejudice of every individual ? 
 
 Again, 
 
 of his power, Heb. i. 2, 3.- Which truth, as it is fo impor- 
 tant in itfelf, of fuch fignal comfort to Chriftians, and fo par- 
 ticularly infifted on by the infpired writers, I hope, I fhall need 
 no apology for an attempt to illuftrate and enforce it, in a 
 kind of evangelical Dffcant upon creation, annexed to thefe re
 
 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 Again, with regard to the time of their appearing, 
 this circumftance is fettled, by a remarkable forefignt 
 and precaution. What would become of the Jailor, 
 if, in very ftormy weather, he mould raife a lofty maft, 
 and croud it with all his canvas ? Such would be the 
 ill effect, if the moft (lately fpecies of flowers mould 
 prefume to come abroad, in the bluftering months. 
 Ah ! how would they rue the imprudent boldnefs ! 
 Therefore thofe only that (hoot the fhorteft ftems, and 
 difplay the fmalleft fpread of leaves, or (if you pleafe) 
 carry the leaft fail, are launched amidft the blowing 
 ieafons. How injudicioufly would the perfumer aft, if 
 he (hould unfeal his fined efTences, and expofe them to 
 the northern winds, or wintry rains ! Our blooming 
 artifts of the aromatic profeffion, at leaft the moft de- 
 licate among them, feem perfectly aware of the confe- 
 quences of fuch a procedure. Accordingly they poft- 
 pone the opening of their odoriferous treafures, till a 
 ferener air, and more * unclouded fkies grant, a pro- 
 tection to their amiable traffic ; till they are under no 
 
 more 
 
 * Cafimir, in a very poetical manner, addrefles himfelf to 
 the dormant rofe, and moft prettily invites her to venture a- 
 broad, by the mention of thefe two circumftances : 
 
 Siderum facros itnifata vultus, 
 >uid lates dudum, Rof* ? Ddicatum 
 Efffr e terns caput, tepcntis 
 Filia cceli. 
 
 Jam t'tb't nubes fuglunt aquofae, 
 uas fugant albis Zephyri quadngis ; 
 Jam tibl mulcet Boream jocantis 
 
 Aura Favoni. 
 
 Child of the fummer, charming Rofe, 
 
 No longer in confinement lye ; 
 ' Arife to light ; thy form difclofe ; 
 Rival the fpangles of the iky. 
 
 The rains are gone j the ftorms are o'er ; 
 Winter retires to make thee way: 
 
 Come
 
 FLOWER-GARDEN. 191 
 
 more apprchenfions of having their fpicy cells rifled 
 by rude blafts, or drowned in inceflant (bowers. 
 
 What a ftriking argument is here for rejignation ; un- 
 feigned refignation, to all the difpofals of Providence I 
 Too often are our diflatisfied thoughts apt to find fault 
 with divine difpenfations. We tacitly arraign our 
 Maker's conduct, or queftion his kindnefs with regard 
 to ourfelves. We fancy our lot not fo commodioufly 
 fituated, or our condition not fo happily circumflan- 
 ced, as if we had been placed in fome other ftation of 
 life. But let us behold this exquifitely nice regula- 
 tion of the minuteft plants, and be afiiamed of our 
 repining folly. Could any fibre in their compofition 
 be altered, or one line in their features be tranfpofed, 
 without clouding fome of their beauties ? Could any 
 fold in their veftments be varied, or any link in their 
 orderly fucceflion be broken, without injuring fome 
 delicate property \ And does not that all-feeing eye, 
 which preferves fo exa& a harmony among thefe 
 pretty toys^ maintain as watchful a care over his ra- 
 tional creatures f Does he chufe the propereft feafon 
 for the cowflip to arife, and drink the dews ? And 
 can he neglect the concerns, or misjudge the conve- 
 niences, of his fons and daughters ? He, who has fo 
 completely difpofed whatever pertains to the vegeta- 
 ble (economy, that the leaft diminution or addition 
 would certainly hurt the finifhed ftheme, does, with- 
 out all peradventure, prelide, with equal attention, 
 over the interefts of his own peopie. 
 
 Be dill, then, thou uneafy mortal * ; know, that 
 GOD is unerringly wife ; and be aflured, that, amidft 
 
 the 
 
 Come then, thou fweetly-blufhing flow'r ; 
 Come, lovely ftranger, come away. 
 
 The/n is drefe'd in beam'mgjhiilcsj 
 To give thy beauties to the day : 
 Young zephyrs wait, with gentled gales, 
 
 To fan thy bofom, as they play. 
 * Permlttas ipfis expendere numinibus, quid 
 
 Convsniat nobis t rebufque Jit utUe noftris, Nam
 
 19* REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 the greateft multiplicity of beings, he does not over- 
 look thee. Thy Saviour has given me authority to al~ 
 fert, that thou art of far fuperior value, in the efti- 
 jhate of Omnipotence, than all the herbage of the field. 
 If his facred will ordains ficknejs for thy portion, 
 never dare to imagine, that uninterrupted health would 
 be more advantageous. If he pleafesto with-hold, or 
 takeaway, children; never prefunieto conclude, that 
 thy happinefs is blafted, becaufe thy hopes of an in- 
 creafing family are difappointed. He, that marfhals all 
 the ftarry hoft, and fo accurately arranges every the 
 meaneft fpecies of herbs ; HE orders all the peculiari- 
 ties, all the changes of thy ftate, with a vigilance that 
 nothing can elude, with a goodnefs that endureth for 
 ever. Bow thy head, therefore, in humble acquiei- 
 cence. Reft fatisfied, that -whatever is by the appoint- 
 ment of heaven *, is right, is beft. 
 
 AM o N Q 
 
 < Nam pro juctmdis aptifllma qtt<cque dabunt dii : 
 
 Carior eft illis homo, quamjibi. Juv. 
 
 Since all the downward traces of time 
 
 GOD'S watchful eye fur'veys ; 
 O ! who fo wife to chufe our lot, 
 
 And regulate our ways ? 
 
 Since none can doubt his equal love, 
 
 Unmeafurably kind ; 
 Xo his unerring, gracious will, 
 
 Be ev'ry wilh retign'd. 
 
 Good when he gives, fupremely good } 
 
 Nor lefs, when he denies j 
 Ev'n croffes, from his fov'reign hand, 
 
 Are bleflings in difguife. 
 
 * Whatever is, is right.-^-lf Mr Pope underftands the max* 
 im according to Delimitation fuggeUed above, he fpeaks a molt 
 undeniable and glorious truth. But if that great poet includes 
 whatever comes to pafs, through the wild and extravagant paf- 
 lions of men ; furely no thinking perfon, at leaftno Chriftian, 
 can accede to his opinion. What GOD orders, is wife, be- 
 yond all poflibility of correction j and^oo*/, above all that we 
 
 can
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 193 
 
 AMONG all the productions of the third creating-dayj 
 this of flowers feems to be peculiarly defigned for man. 
 Man has the monopoly of this favour j it is conferred 
 on him by a fort of exclufive charter. See the impe* 
 rial crown, fplendid and beautifully grand 1 See the 
 tuberofc) delicate and languifhing fair ! See all the 
 pomp and glory of the parterre, where paint and per- 
 fume do wonders. Yet the inferior animals are nei- 
 ther fmit with their beauties, nor regaled with their 
 odours. The horfe never ftands ftill to gaze upon 
 their charms ; nor does the ox turn afide to browfe 
 upon their fweets. Senfes they have to difcern thefe 
 curious objects in the grofs, but no tafte to diftinguifli 
 or relifli their fine accomplishments.- Jufl fo, carnal 
 and unenlightened men may underftand the literal 
 meaning of fcripture, may comprehend the evidences 
 of its divine infpiration ; yet have no relifli of the 
 heavenly truths it teaches, no ardent longing for the 
 fpiritual bleffings it offers ; fee " no form or come- 
 linefs" in the Saviour it defcribes, fo as to render him. 
 ihejupreme defire of their fouls. 
 
 The chief end of thefe beautiful appearances, philo- 
 
 fophers 
 
 can afk or think. His decrees are the refult of infinite dif- 
 cernment; and hisdifpenfations the iffues of unbounded bene- 
 volence. But man, fallen man, is hurried away, by his lufts, 
 into a thoufand irregularities ; which are deplorably evil in 
 them/elves, and attended with confequences manifeftly pernici- 
 ous to fociety. Let the fentiment, therefore, be reflrained to 
 the difpolals of heaven, and I moft readily fubfcribe it. But, 
 if it be extended to the conducl of men, and the effefts of 
 their folly ; I think myfelf obliged to enter my protelt again (I 
 it. For whatever kindles the divine indignation, is caufe 
 of final ruin to the author, is ftriclly forbidden by GOD'S 
 holy word, >is contrary to the whole defign of his revealed 
 will, and the very reverfe of his eflential attributes : this 
 cannot pofiibly be right ; this 1s moft undoubtedly wrong. 
 Omnipotence, indeed, can over-rule it, and educe good from 
 it : but the very notion of ever-ruling, fuppofes it to be ab~ 
 folutely -wrong in itfelf. 
 
 VOL. I. N 3. B b
 
 194 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 fophers fay, is to enfold and cherifli the embryo feed, 
 or to i'wathe the tender body during its infant ftate. 
 But, whatever is the chief end of nature, 'tis certain, 
 ihe never departs from the defign of adminiftering de- 
 tight to mankind *. This is infeparably connected 
 with her other views. Were it only to fecure a re- 
 productive principle, what need of fdch elegant compli- 
 cations f why fo much art employed, and fo many de- 
 corations added ? Why mould veftments be prepared, 
 richer than brocades, more delicate than lawns, and 
 of a finer glow than the moft admired velvets ? If 
 the great mother had no other aim than barely to ac- 
 commodate her little offspring, warm flannel, or home- 
 ly fuftian, would have ferved her turn ; ferved it full 
 as well as the moft fumptuous tuTues, or all the fur- 
 niture of the mercer's mop. 
 
 Evident then it is, that flowers were endued with 
 fuch enchanting graces for the pleajure of man. Inpur- 
 fuance of this original intention, they have always 
 p?id their court to the human race ; they ftill feem 
 particularly folicitous of recommending themfelves to 
 our regard. The fined: of each fpecies croud about 
 our habitations, and are rarely to be feen at a diftance 
 from our abodes. They thrive under our cultivating 
 hand, and obferving eye ; but degenerate, and pine 
 away, if unregarded by their lord. To win his atten- 
 tion, and deck his retreats, they hide their deformi- 
 ties under ground ; and dHplay nothing but the moft 
 graceful forms, and engaging colours, to his fight. 
 To merit a farther degree of his efteem, the generali- 
 ty 
 
 * " We find that the moft important parts in the vegetable 
 " world, are thofe which are the moft beautiful. Thefe are 
 " the feeds by which the feveral races of plants are propagated 
 44 and continued, and which are always lodged in flowers or 
 *' bloflbms. Nature feems to hide her principal defign, and to 
 " be indultrious in making the earth gay and delightful, while 
 " (he is carrying on her great work, and intent upon her owa 
 k; prefervation.'' fyetf. vol. v. N 387. 

 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 195 
 
 ty of them difpenfe a delightful perfume. What is 
 itili more obliging, they * reierve their richeft exhal- 
 ations, to embalm his morning and evening walks f. 
 Becaufe he ufually chules thofe cool hours to recreate 
 himfelf among their blooming ranks ; therefore, at 
 thofe hours, they are moft lavifli of their fragrance, 
 and breathe out their choiceft fpirits. 
 
 O MAN, greatly beloved by thy Creator ! the dar- 
 ling of Providence ! thou art diftinguimed by his good- 
 nejs ; diftinguifli thyfelf alfo by thy gratitude. Be it 
 thy one undivided aim to glorify him, who has been 
 at fo much expence to gratify thee ! While all thefe 
 inferior creatures, in filent eloquence, declare the glo- 
 jy of GOD, do thou lend them thy tongue. Be thou 
 the high prieft of the mute creation. Let their praifes 
 become vocal in thy longs, Adore the fupreme Be- 
 nefactor, for the bleflings he fhowers down upon every 
 order of beings. Adore him for numberlefs mercies, 
 which are appropriated to thyfelf. But, above all$ adore 
 him for that noble gift of a rational and immortal foul. 
 This constitutes us matters of the globe, and gives 
 us the real enjoyment of its riches. This difcovers ten 
 thoufand beauties, which otherwife had been loft ; and 
 renders them both a fqurce of delights, and a nurfery 
 of devotion. By virtue of this exalted principle, we 
 are qualified to admire our Maker's works, and capa- 
 ble of bearing his illuftrions image ; bearing his illuflri- 
 ous image, not only when thefe ornaments of the 
 
 ground 
 
 * , The flow'rs, 
 
 That open now their choiceft bofom'cl fmells, 
 
 lleferv'd from night, and kept for thee injhre. MILT. 
 
 f The twining jas'mine, arid the blufning rofe t 
 With lavifli grace their morn/wg--fcents difcloie ; 
 The fmelling tuberofe and jonquil declare 
 The ftronger impulfe of an ev'xing-zir. 
 
 PRIOR'J So^ 
 
 Bb 2
 
 196 REFLECTIONS On a 
 
 ground have refigned their honours, but when the 
 great origin of day is extinguifhed in the fkies, and 
 all the flaming orbs on high are put out in obfcure 
 darknefs. Then to furvive, to furvive the ruins of 
 one world, and to enjoy GOD, to referable GOD, 
 to be " filled with all the fulncfs of GOD," in ano- 
 ther ; what a happinefs, what an ineftimable happi- 
 refs, is this ! Yet this is thy privilege, (barter it not 
 for trifles of an hour I) this thy glorious prerogative, 
 O man 1 
 
 O ! THE goodnefs, the exuberant goodnefs, of our 
 GOD ! I cannot forbear celebrating it once more, be- 
 fore I pafs to another confideration. How much mould 
 we think ourfelves obliged to a generous friend, who 
 fhould build a (lately edifice *, purely for our abode \ 
 But how greatly would the obligation be increafed, if 
 
 the 
 
 * I cannot perfuaele myfelf, that the comparifon is ftretched 
 beyond proper bounds, when carried to this pitch. It is my 
 ftedfaft opinion, that the world, at lead this lower world t 
 wich its various appurtenances, was intended purely for man ; 
 that it is appropriated to him; and that he (in fubordination to 
 GOD'S glory) is the end of its creation. Other animals, 'tis 
 true, partake of the Creator's benefits : but then they partake 
 Tinder the notion of man's domeftics, or on the foot of re- 
 tainers to him ; as creatures which bear fome relation to his 
 fervice, and fome way or other contribute to his good. So 
 that ftill he is the centre of the whole ; or, as our incompa- 
 rable Milton, equally matter of poetry and divinity, exprefles 
 himfelf, All things live for man. Par. Loft, b. XI. 1. 161. 
 
 Mr Pope, in his Ethic EpiiUes, is pleafed to explode this 
 tenet, as the height of pride, and a grofs abfurdity. For my 
 part, 1 fee no reafon for fuch a charge. With all fubmiffion 
 to fo fuperior a genius, it feems very remote from pride, to be 
 duly fenlible of favours vouchfafed j to contemplate them in 
 all the extent of their munificence, and acknowledge them ac- 
 cordingly. I fhould rather imagine, that to contract their 
 fize, when they are immenfely large; to flint their number, 
 when they are altogether innumerable j that fuch a pro- 
 cedure
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 197 
 
 the hand that built (hould zlCofurnift it ! and not on- 
 ly furnilh it with all that is commodious and comfort- 
 able, but ornament it alfo with whatever is fplendid 
 and delightful ! This has our mofl indulgent Creator 
 done, in a manner infinitely furpalfing all we could 
 wifh or imagine. 
 
 The 
 
 cedure favours more of infintjibility. than our hypothecs of 
 prefumption ; and has more in it of ingratitude, than that of 
 arrogance. 
 
 And how can it be deemed an abfurdity, to maintain that 
 Gou gave us a world for our pofleflion, when it is our duty to 
 believe, that he gave us his only Son for our propitiation ? 
 Sure, it can be neither difficult, nor extravagant, to fuppofe, 
 that he defigned the habitable globe, with its whole furniture, 
 for our prefent ufe ; fince he with-held not his holy child JE- 
 SUS, but freely delivered him up for our final ialvation. 
 
 Upon the whole, I cannot but conclude, that the attempt 
 of our famous poet is neither kind with regard to his fellow- 
 creatures, nor grateful with regard to his Creator, nei- 
 ther is his fcheme, in faft, true. The attempt not hlnd^ 
 with regard to man ; becaufe it robes him of one of the moft 
 delightful and ravifhing contemplations imaginable. To con- 
 fider the great Author of exigence as having me in his eye, 
 when he formed univerfal nature; as contriving all things with 
 an immediate view to the exigencies of my particular ftate; and 
 making them all in fuch a manner, as might be moll conducive 
 to my particular advantage ; this muft occafion the ftrongeft 
 fatisfaclions, whenever I cad a glance on the objects that fur- 
 round me. Not grateful with regard to GOD; becaufe it has 
 the moft direct tendency to di minim our fcnfe of his kindnefs, 
 and by that means to throw a damp upon our gratitude. It 
 teaches us to look upon ourfelves as almoft loft among a croud 
 of other beings, or regarded only with an occalional and inci- 
 dental beneficence ; which muft certainly weaken the difpofi- 
 tion, and indeed flacken the ties, to the moft adoring thank- 
 fulnefs. To which, I apprehend, we may juftly add, Neither 
 is the fcheme, in facl, true. For, not to mention what might 
 be urged from the fure word of revelation, this one argument 
 appears fufficiently conclulive. The world began with man j 
 the world muft ceafe with man ; confequently, the grand ufe, the 
 
 principal
 
 jt 9 8 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 The earth is afligned us for a dwelling. The Jkics 
 are ftretched over us like a magnificent canopy, dyed 
 in the pureft azure ; and beautified, now with pictures 
 of floating filver, now with colourings of reflected 
 crimfon. The grafs is fpread under us, as a fpacious 
 carpet ; wove with filken threads of green, and da- 
 mafked with flowers of every hue. The/aw, like a 
 golden lamp, is hung out in the ethereal vault } and 
 pours his effulgence, all the day, to lighten our paths. 
 When night approaches, the moon takes up the friend- 
 ly office ; and theftars are kindled in twinkling my- 
 riads, to chear the darknefs with their milder luflre, 
 not difturb our repofe by too intenfe a glare. The 
 clouds, befides the rich paintings they hang around the 
 heavens, aft the part of a fliifting fcreen ; and defend 
 us, by their feafonable interpofition, from the fcorch- 
 ing beams of fummer. May we not alfo regard them, 
 as the great watering-pots of the globe ; which, waft- 
 ed on the wings of the wind, difpenfe their moii- 
 
 ture 
 
 principal end of the world, is, to fubferve the intereft of man, 
 It is on all fides agreed, that the edifice was erected, when 
 roan was to be furnifiied with an habitation ; and that it will 
 be demolished, when man has no farther need of its accom- 
 modations. When he enters into the houfe not made with 
 hands, eternal in the heavens, " the earth, and all the works 
 " that are therein, (hall be burnt up." From which it feems 
 a very obvious and fair deduction, That man is the final caufe 
 of this inferior creation. 
 
 So that I think my readers and myfelf privileged (not to 
 fay, on the principles of gratitude, obliged) to ufe thofe lovely 
 lines of our author, with a propriety and truth equal to their 
 elegance and beauty : 
 
 For me kind nature makes her ge nia I pow'r, 
 Suckles each herb, and ff reads out cv"ry flow'r ! 
 Annual, for me, the grape, the rofe renew 
 The juice neflarcous, and the balmy dew ; 
 For me, the mine a thoufand treajitres brings i 
 F$r me, health gujhcs from a thwj "and firings. 
 
 Eth. Ep. I. vcr. 129,
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 199 
 
 ture * evenly thro* the univerfal garden ; and fruc- 
 tify, with their (bowers, whatever our hand plants.- 
 The fields are our exhauftlefs granary. The ocean is 
 our vaft refervoir. The animals fpend their ftrength, 
 to difpatch our bufinefs ; refign their cloathing, to re- 
 plenim our wardrobe; andfurrender their very lives, 
 to provide for our tables. In fhort, every element is a 
 ftorehoufe of conveniencies ; every feajon brings us 
 the choiceft productions ; all nature is our caterer. 
 And, which is a moft endearing recommendation of 
 thefe favours, they are all as lovely as they are ufeful. 
 You obferve nothing mean or inelegant. All is clad 
 in beauty's faireft robe f, and regulated by proportion's 
 niceft rule. The whole fcene exhibits a fund of plea- 
 
 fures 
 
 * This circumftance, amidft abundance of other delicate 
 and edifying remarks upon the wonders of nature, is finely 
 touched in the Philofophical Tranfatfions recorded in the book 
 of Job, chap, xxxviii. ver. 15. ntyn oDar 1 ? j"?9 in Who hath 
 divided a water-course for the overflowing of waters ? The 
 Hebrew is fo pregnant and rich with fenfe, that no tranjla- 
 tion can do it juftice. The following paraphrafe, perhaps, 
 may reprefent the principal ideas comprehended in the expreC* 
 five original. Who has branched out, and, with admirable 
 judgment, dlfpofed a variety of aquedufls, for that immenfe 
 collection of waters which float in the iky ? Who diftributes 
 thofe pendulous floods thro* all the borders of the earth? dif- 
 tributes them, not in dreadful cataradrs, or promifcuous gluts 
 of rain, but in kindly drops, and refrefhing mowers ; with as 
 much regularity and (economy, as if they were conveyed by 
 pipes from a conduit? To WHOM fliall we afcribe that nice- 
 nefs of contrivance, which now emits, now retrains them; 
 fometimes derives their humid train to one place, fometirnes 
 to another ; difpenies them to this foil in larger, to that ia 
 fraaller communications ; and, in a word, fo manages th 
 mighty fluid, that every fpot is fupplicd, in exa& proportion 
 to its wants ; none deflroyed by an undiftinguiming deluge * 
 
 f Perhaps it was from fuch an obfervation, that the Greeks^ 
 thofe critical and refined judges of things, exprefTed the m- 
 dane fyftem by a word, which fignifies beauty^ xo^tf,
 
 200 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 fures to the imagination, at the fame time that it more 
 than fupplies all our wants *. 
 
 Therefore thou art inexcufable^ O man, whofoever 
 thou art, that rebellcft againft thy Maker. He fur- 
 rounds thee with unnumbered benefits, and follows 
 thee with an effufion of the richeft, nobleft gifts. He 
 courts thy affections, he folicits thy gratitude, by libe- 
 ralities which are never intermitted, by a bounty which 
 knows no limits. Moft blefled LORD, let this thy 
 goodnefs, thy unwearied goodnefs, lead us to repent- 
 ance. f^in us to thyfelf, thou Fountain of felicity, 
 by thefe fweet inducements. Draw us to our duty, 
 GOD of our falvation, by thcfe " cords of love." 
 
 "WHAT a living picture is here of the beneficial ef- 
 fects of indujlry ! By induftry and cultivation, this 
 neat fpot is an image of Eden. Here is all that can 
 entertain the eye, or -j- regale the fmell. Whereas, 
 without cultivation, this fweet garden had been a de- 
 folate wildernefs. Vile thirties had made it loath- 
 fome, and tangling briers inacceflible. Without culti- 
 vation, it might have been a neft for ferpents, and 
 the horrid haunt of venomous creatures. But the fpade 
 and pruning-knife, in the hand of Induftry, have im- 
 proved it into a fort of terreftrial paradife. 
 
 How naturally does this lead our contemplation to 
 the advantages which flow from a virtuous education^ 
 and the niiferies which enfue from the J negletl of it 1 
 The mind, without early inftruction, will, in all 
 
 probability, 
 
 * " Thofe feveral living creatures, which are made for our 
 '* fervice or fuftenance, at the fame time either fill the woods 
 ** with their mufic, furnifh us with game, or raile pleafing 
 44 ideas in us by the delightfulnefs of their appearance. Foun- 
 " tains, lakes, and rivers, areas refreshing to the imagination, 
 44 as to the foil through which they pafs." 
 
 Speft. vol. v. IsP 587, 
 
 f Omnis copia nariwn. Hon. 
 
 ^ Negleflis Urcndaflix innafcltur agris.
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. dot 
 
 probability, become like the " vineyard of the flug- 
 " gard." Iflefttothepropenfitiesof its own depraved 
 will, what can we expect, but the moft luxuriant 
 growth of unruly appetites, which, in time, will 
 break forth into all manner of fcandalous irregulari- 
 ties ? What ? but that anger, like a prickly thorn^ 
 arm the temper with an untractable morofenefs ; pee- 
 vi/hnefs, like a ftinging nettle, render the conversation 
 irkfome and forbidding ; avarice^ like fome choking 
 weed, teach the fingers to gripe, and the hands to op- 
 prefs ; revenge, like fome poifonous plant, replete with. 
 baneful juices, rankle in the breaft, and meditate mif- 
 chief to its neighbour ; while unbridled lufts, like 
 iwarms of noifome infects, taint each rifing thought ; 
 and render " every imagination of the heart, only evil 
 " continually." Such are the ufual products of favage 
 nature ! fuch the furniture of the uncultivated foul ! 
 
 Whereas, let the mind be put under the " nurture 
 u and admonition of the LORD ;" let holy difcipline 
 clear the foil ; let facred inftructions fow it with the 
 beft feed ; let (kill and vigilance drefs the rifing 
 moots, direct the young ideas how to fpread, the 
 wayward paffions how to move : then, what a dif- 
 ferent ftate of the inner man will quickly take place ! 
 Charity Will breathe her fweets, and Hope expand her 
 blofToms ; the perfonal virtues difplay their graces, and 
 the facial ones their fruits * ; the fentiments become 
 generous, the carriage endearing, the life honourable 
 and ufeful f . 
 
 O! 
 
 * This transformation of the heart, and renewal of the life, 
 are reprefented, in fcripture, by iimilitudes very nearly allied 
 to the images ui'ed above. Goo, by his fanftifying Spirit, -will 
 make thejbul as a ixatcrcd gardzn* Under the operation of this 
 divine principle, the defertjhall rejoice, andbloffbm as the rofe. 
 Where-ever it exerts the refining and ennobling energy, in- 
 ft cad of the thorn^Jball come up the fir-tree ; and, inftcadof thr 
 brier, the myrtle-tree. Jer. xxxi. 12. If. xxxv. i. & lv. 13,. 
 
 4- A teneris afjuefcere tanti eft ! VIRG- 
 
 VOL. I. N 3. C c
 
 202 R E F L E C T I O N S on a 
 
 O ! that governors of families, and matters of 
 fchools, would watch, with a confcientious iblicitude, 
 over the morals of their tender charge ! What pity it 
 is, that the advancing generation mould lofe theie in- 
 valuable endowments, through any fupinenefs in their 
 inftruclors ! See ! with what 'amduity the curious 
 florift attends his little nurfery ! He vifits them early 
 and late ; furnifhes them with the propereft mould j 
 fupplies them with feafonable moifture ; guards them 
 from the ravages of infers ; fcreens them from the 
 injuries of the weather ; marks their fpringing buds ; 
 obferves them attentively, through their whole pro- 
 greis j and never intermits his anxiety, till he beholds 
 them blown into full perfection. And mall a range 
 of painted leaves , which flourish to-day, and to-mor- 
 row fall to the ground ; mall thefe be tended with 
 more zealous application, than the exalted faculties 
 of an immortal foul ! 
 
 Yet truft not in cultivation alone. It is the bleffing 
 of the almighty Hufbandman which imparts fuccefs to 
 fuch labours of love. If GOD " feal up the bottles 
 " of heaven," and command the clouds to with-hold 
 their fatnefs, the beft manured plot becomes a barren 
 defert. And if HE reftrain the dew of his heavenly 
 benediction, all human endeavours mifcarry ; the ra- 
 tional plantation languifhes ; our moft pregnant hopes, 
 from youths of the mofl promifing genius, prove 
 abortive. 'Their root "Will be as rottennejs, and their 
 blojjom will go up as duft * . Therefore let parents 
 
 plant j 
 
 v yap ff.int.fiv ticcfsftt, re vlat n vlat inSuT (K vtov 9jjr<r9a(, aKXo */*.- 
 
 TTCM, ^KXX.V > TO jr. ARISTOT, The principles we imbibe, 
 and the habits we contraft, in our early years, are not mat- 
 ters of fmall moment, but of the uimoft confequence imagina- 
 ble. They not only give a tranlient or fuperficiai tindture to 
 our ftrft appearance in life, but moft commonly ftamp the 
 form of our ivhble future condud, and even of our eternal 
 Oate. 
 
 * If. v. 24.
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 203 
 
 plant ; let tutors water ; but let both look up to the 
 Father of/pirifs, for the deiired incrcafe. 
 
 ON every fide, I efpy feveral budding flowers. As 
 yet they are like bales of cloth from the packer's ware- 
 houfe. Each is wrapt within a flrong inclofure, and 
 its contents are tied together by the firmcft bandages ; 
 fo that all their beauties lye concealed, and all their 
 fweets are locked up.- Juft fuch is the niggardly 
 wretch, whole aims are all turned inward, and mean- 
 ly terminated upon himfelf, who makes his own pri- 
 vate ioterefts, or perfonal pleafures, the fole centre 
 of his defigns, and the (canty circumference of his 
 actions. 
 
 Ere long the fearching beams will open thefe filken 
 folds, and draw them into a graceful exp an/ion. Then, 
 what a lovely blufli will glow in their cheeks, and 
 what a balmy odour exhale from their bofoms ! So, 
 when divine grace mines upon the mind, even the 
 churl becomes bountiful; the heart of flone is taken a- 
 way ; and a heart of fiefh, a heart fufceptible of the 
 fofteil, moft compaffionatc emotions, is introduced in 
 its Head. O 1 how fwcetly do the focial affections 
 dilate themfelves, under ib benign an influence ! Juft 
 like thefe difclofing gems, under the powerful eye of 
 day. The tender regards are no longer confined to a 
 flngle object ; but extend themfelves into a generous 
 concern for mankind, and (hed liberal refrelbments 
 on all within their reach * 
 
 Arife 
 
 * The prophet, defcribing the charitable temper, very beau- 
 tifully fays, If thou draw out thy foul to the hungry ! This, I 
 think, may not improperly be illustrated by the circumftances 
 obferved above. The opening of thofe buds into a large and 
 cxtenfive fpread, is a pretty portrait of the amplitude of a ge- 
 nerous heart ; which cannot fliut up its companion, or remain 
 unconcerned at any human calamity. The frcenefs and copi- 
 oufnefs, with which the expanded flowers are continually pour- 
 ing out their choicer! eflences, may reprefent the various adb 
 C c 2 of
 
 204 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 Arife then, thou Sun of Rightcoufnefs ? arifc, with 
 healing under thy wings ; and transfufe thy gentle, 
 but penetrating ray, through all our intellectual pow- 
 ers. Enlarge every narrow difpofition, and fill us 
 vfithzdifufeve benevolence. Make room in our breafts 
 for the whole human race ; and teach us to love all 
 our fellow-creatures, for their amiable Creator's lake. 
 May we be pleafed with their excellencies, and re- 
 joice in their happinefs ; but feel their miferies as our 
 own, and, with a brother's fympathy, haften to re- 
 lieve them ! 
 
 DISPOSED at proper diftances, I obferve a range 
 of flrong zn&ftatelyjialks. They (land like towers, 
 along the walls of a fortified city ; or rife, like lofty 
 fpires, amidft the group of houfes* They part, at the 
 top, into feveral penfile fpiky pods ; from each of 
 which we fliall foon fee a fine figure difplaying itfelf ; 
 rounded into a form, which conftitutes a perfect circle ; 
 fpread wide open, into the moft frank and communi- 
 cative air ; and tinged with the colour, which is fo 
 peculiarly captivating to the mifer's eye. 
 
 But the property I chiefly admire, is its paflionatc 
 fondncfs for the fun. When the evening-fhades take 
 place, the poor flower droops, and folds up its leaves. 
 It mourns all the long night, and pines amidft the 
 gloom, like fome forlorn lover, baniflied from the 
 object of his affections. No fooner does Providence 
 open " the eyelids of the morning," but it meets * 
 and welcomes the returning light ; courts and caref- 
 fes it, all the day ; nor ever lofes fight of the refulgent 
 
 charmer, 
 
 of an unwearied liberality ; together with thofe endearing 
 words, and that cordial affedYion, which embalm^ as it were, 
 a gift, double its value ; and conltitute what the facred pen- 
 man (tyles, drawing out the foul, irss pian deprompferis ant- 
 mam tuam. If. Iviii. 10. 
 
 * Ilia fmtm, quamvis radice 
 do 
 
 Vcrtltur adfolem. O v i c .
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 20$ 
 
 charmer, fo long as he continues above the horizon. 
 In the morning, you may perceive it preferring a 
 golden bofom to the eaft ; at noon, it points upward 
 to the middle fky ; in the evening follows the fame 
 attractive influence to the weft. 
 
 Surely, Nature is a book, and every page rich with 
 facred hints. To an attentive mind, the garden turns 
 preacher^ and its blooming tenants are fo many lively 
 fermons. What an engaging pattern, and what an 
 excellent leffon, have we here ! 0, let the redeemed 
 of the LORD look unto JESUS *, and be conformed 
 to their Beloved. Let us all be heliotropes (if I may 
 ufe the expre(fion) to the Sun of Righteoufnefs . Let 
 our paffions rife and fall ; take this courfe or that ; 
 as his word determines, as his holy example guides. 
 JLet us be fo accommodated, both to his commanding 
 and providential will, as the wax is turned to the im- 
 printed feal ; or as the afpect of this enamoured flower, 
 to the fplendid ftar, which creates our day. 
 
 In every enjoy ment^ O thou watchful Chriftian, look 
 unto JETS u s ; receive it as proceeding from his love, 
 and purchafed by his agonies "j~ . -In every tribulation 
 look unto JES u s ; mark his gracious hand, managing 
 the fcourge, or mingling the bitter cup ; attempering 
 it to a proper degree of feverity ; adjufting the time 
 of its continuance ; and ready to make thefe feeming 
 difafters productive of real good. In every infirmity 
 and failing, look unto JESUS, thy merciful High 
 Prieft, pleading his atoning blood, and making inter- 
 ceffion for tranigreifors. In every prayer look unto 
 JESUS, thy prevailing Advocate, recommending thy 
 devotions, and " bearing the iniquity of thy holy 
 ^ things j ." In every temptation look unto JESUS, 
 
 the 
 
 * Heb. xii. 2. 
 j- He funk beneath our heavy woes, 
 
 To raife us to his throne : 
 There* 's not a gift his hand beftoiuS) 
 
 But co/? his heart a groan. WATTS, 
 
 ^ Exod. xxviii. 38,
 
 206 RE FLECTIONS on a 
 
 the Author of thy ftrength, and Captain of thy falva- 
 tion ; who alone is able to lift up the hands which 
 hang down, to invigorate the enfeebled knees, and 
 make thee more than conqueror over all thy enemies. 
 But efpecially, when the hour of thy departure ap- 
 proaches ; when " thy flefhand thy heart fail ;" when 
 all the fprings of life are irreparably breaking ; then 
 look unto JESUS with a believing eye *. Like ex- 
 piring Stephen^ behold him (landing at the right hand 
 of GOD, on purpofe to fuccour his people, in this 
 their laft extremity. Yes, my Chriftian friend, when 
 thy journey through life is f.niftied, and thou art arri- 
 ved on the very verge of mortality ; when thou art 
 juft launching out into the invifible world, and all be- 
 fore thee is vaft eternity ; then, O then, be fure to 
 look ftedfaftly unto JESUS ! " See by faith the 
 " LORD'S CHRIST." View him as the only (fay f 
 to the everlafting manfions j as the only Door J to 
 the abodes of blifs, 
 
 YOND E R tree, which faces the fouth,has fomething 
 too remarkable to pafs without obfervation. Like the 
 fruitful, though feeble vine, (he brings forth a large 
 family of branches ; but, unable to fupport them 
 herfelf, commits them to the tuition of a funny wall. 
 As vet the tender twigs have fcarce gemmed their fu- 
 ture blolToms. However, I may anticipate the well- 
 known productions, and picture to myielf tliepaffion- 
 flo-wer ; which will, in due time^ with a long and co- 
 pious fuccefllon, adorn the boughs. 
 
 I have read, in a Latin author, of flowers infcribed 
 with the names of kings || : but here is one emblazoned 
 with the marks of the bleeding Prince of life. I read, 
 
 in 
 
 * Lotk unto ME, ahdbcyefaved, all the ends of the earth* 
 If. xlv. 22. 
 
 j- John xiv. 6. John x. 9. 
 
 [J Die, quibus In terris infcriptl nomlna regum 
 Nafcanter floret ? VIRG.
 
 FLOWER-GARDEN. 207 
 
 irt the infpircd writings, of apoftolic men, who bore 
 about in their bodies, the dying of the LORD JESUS * : 
 but here is a blooming religiofo, that carries apparent 
 memorials of the fame tremendous and fatal cata- 
 ftrophe. Who would have expected to find fuch a 
 tragedy of wo exhibited in a collection of the moft 
 delicate delights? or to fee Cavalry's horrid fcene 
 pourtrayed on the foftefl ornaments of the garden ? 
 Is nature then actuated by .the noble ambition of 
 paying commemorative honours to her agonizing So- 
 vereign ? Is (he kindly officious to remind forgetful 
 mortals of that miracle of mercy, which it is their 
 duty to contemplate, and their happinefs to believe ? 
 Or is zj'portive imagination my interpreter ; and 
 all the fuppofed refemblance no more than the pre- 
 carious glofs of fancy ? Be it fo : yet even fancy has 
 her merit, when me fets forth, in fuch pleafing ima- 
 gery, the crucified JESUS. Nor fhalllrefufe a willing 
 regard to Imagination herfelf, when me employs her 
 creative powers to revive the fenfe of fuch unparalleled 
 love, and prompt my gratitude to fo divine a friend. 
 
 Thztfpzral tendril, arifing from the bottom of the 
 ftalk, is it a reprefentation of thefcourge, which lafhecl 
 the Redeemer's unfpotted flefh ; and inflicted thole 
 ftripes, by which our fouls are healed ? or, is it twifted 
 for ihecord, which bound his hands in painful and ig- 
 nominious confinement ; thofe beneficent hands, which 
 were inceffantly ftretchcd out to unloofe the heavy 
 burdens, and to impart bleffings of every choice kind . ? 
 Behold the nails, which were drenched in his facred 
 veins, and rivetted his feet to the accurfed tree; thofe 
 beautiful j feet, which always went about doing good ; 
 and travelled far and near, to fpread the glad tidings 
 of everlafting falvation. See the hammer, ponderous 
 and mafly, which drove the rugged irons through the 
 
 fhivering 
 * 2 Cor. \v. 10. 
 
 f Hvw beautiful are the feet of him that bringeth good tid* 
 ings, that puUijhcth peace, that bringtth good tidings of good, 
 that fuiilijf,ethfahetion ! If. lii. 7.
 
 REFLECTIONScna 
 
 fhivering nerves ; and forced a pallage for thofe dread- 
 ful wedges, between the diflocated bones. View the 
 thorns i which encircled our Royal Matter's brow, and 
 ihot their keen afflictive points into his blefled head. 
 O the fmart ! the racking fmart ! when, inftead of the 
 triumphal laurel, or the odoriferous garland, that pun- 
 gent and ragged wreath was planted on the meek Mef~ 
 fiah's forehead ! When violent and barbarous blows of 
 the ftrong eaftern cane *, ftruck the prickly crown, 
 and fixed every thorn deep in his throbbing temples J ! 
 - There ftand the difciples, ranged in the green impale- 
 ment, and forming a circle round the inftruments of 
 their great Commander's death. They appear like fo 
 many faithful adherents, who breathe a gallant refo- 
 lution, either of defending their Lou D to the laft ex- 
 tremity, or of dropping honourably by his fide. But 
 did they give fuch proofs of zeal and fidelity in their 
 conduct, as their fleadypofture, and determined afpect, 
 feem to promife I Alas ! what is all human firmnefs, 
 
 when 
 
 * They took the reed, fays the facred hifforian, and fmote 
 tim on the head ; " and fo, as it were, nailed down the thorns 
 into his forehead and temples, and occafioned thereby ex- 
 " quitite pain, as well as a great effufion of blood." Family- 
 cxpofitor, vol. II. fefl. 188. It is moft probable," adds the 
 fame judicious critic, " this was a walking-ftaff, which they 
 ' put into his hand as a fceptre; for a hloia with a flight reed 
 ** would fcarce have been felt, or havedeferved a mention in 
 ** a detail of fuch dreadful fufferings." 
 
 The fmart attending this unparalleled piece of contempt 
 and barbarity, muft be inexprejjibly fevcre ; not only on ac- 
 count of the many painful punftures made in the flefii, but 
 principally, becaufe the pcriofieitm, an exquifitely fenlible te- 
 gument of the bones, lying, in thofe parts, very near the ex- 
 ternal Ikin, muft receive a multitude of terrible wounds. The 
 anguifli of which could not fail of being inflamed to an exccf's 
 of rage, by the continuance of fo many thorny lancets in thac 
 extremely tender membrane; which, in fuch a cafe, 
 
 tremblingly alive all o'er r 
 
 Mujt fmart and agonize at e'Jry pore,-
 
 t L O W E R-G A R D E N. 
 
 when deftitute of fuccours from above, but an expiring 
 vapour? What is every Taint, if unfupported by power- 
 ful grace, but an abandoned traitor? Ooferve the^/ory, 
 delineated in double rays, grand with imperial purple, 
 and rich with atthereal blue. But ah ! how incapable arc 
 threads, tho' fpun by fummer's finefl hand, tho' dyed 
 in fncws or dipped in heaven, to dilplay the immacu- 
 late excellency of his human, or the ineffable majefty 
 of his divine nature ! Compared with thefe fublimeper- 
 f eftions,themoft zw/^aflemblage of colours fade s into an 
 unmeaning fifitnefs ; themofl charmingeffecls of light and 
 fhade are not only mere daubings, but an abfolute blank. 
 Among all the beauties which mine in funny robes, 
 and fip the (liver dews, this, I think, has the nabieft 
 import, if not \hzfineftprejcnce. Were they all to pals 
 in review^ and expert the award of fuperiority from 
 my decifion, I mould not hefitatc a moment. Be the 
 prize affigned to this amiable candidate, which has fa 
 eminently diflinguifhed, and fo highly dignified her- 
 ielf, by bearing fuch* a remarkable refemblance to " the 
 " righteous Branch; the Plant of Renown *." While 
 others appoint it a place in the parterre, I would tranf- 
 plant the paffion-flower, or rather transfer its facred 
 lignificancy, to my heart. There Jet it bloom, both 
 in fummer and in winter; bloom, in the mofl impref-* 
 five characters, and with art undecaying lultre : that 
 I alfo may wear, wear On my very foul, the traces of 
 IMMANTJ EL, pierced for my fins, and bruifed for my 
 tranfgrefllons : that I alfo mayfo- crucified 'with CHRIST 
 , at lead in penitential remorfe, and affectionate iym- 
 pathy : that I may know the feiloiufliip of his juffer-* 
 ings || , and feel all my evil affections, wounded by 
 his agonies, mortified by his death. 
 
 THERE is another fubjeft of the verdant kingdom 
 
 which, 
 
 * So the bleffed Jrsus is defcribed, Jer. xxiii. 5. Ezek. 
 xiv. 29. $ Gal. ii. 2O. I! Phil. iii. i. 
 
 VOL. I, N 3 . Dd
 
 210 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 which, on account of its very uncommon qualities? 
 demands my particular notice : one, fo extremely diffi- 
 dent in her difpofition, and delicate in her con(litution r 
 that me dares not venture herfelf abroad in the open 
 air, but is nurfed up in the warmth of a hot-bed, and 
 lives cloiftered in the cells of a green-honfe* But the 
 moil curious peculiarity is, that, of all her kindred- 
 fpecies, fhe alone partakes of perceptive life; at leaft 
 advances neareft to this more exalted flate of being, 
 and may be looked upon as the link which connects 
 the animal and the vegetable world. A ftranger, ob- 
 lerving her motions, would almoft be induced to fuf- 
 peft, that me is endued with fome inferior degrees of 
 confcioufnefs and caution. For, if you offer to handle 
 this Jenjitive plant ^ fhe immediately takes an alarm ; 
 haftily contrails her fibres ; and, like a perfon under 
 apprehenlions of violence, withdraws from your finger, 
 in a kind of precipitate diforder. Perhaps, the beauty 
 of her afpeft might be fullied, or the nicenefs of her 
 texture difcompofed, by the human touch. There- 
 fore, like a coy virgin, fhe recedes from all unbeco- 
 ming familiarities, and will admit no fuch improper,, 
 if not pernicious, freedoms. 
 
 Whatever be the caufe of this unufual effect, it fug- 
 gefts an inftru&ive admonition to the Chriltian. Such 
 ihould be our apprehenftve timorous care, with regard 
 to fin, and all, even the moil diftant, approaches of 
 vice. So mould we avoid the very appearance of evil, 
 and ftand aloof from every Occahon of falling. If 
 iinners entice, if forbidden pleafures tempt, or if op- 
 portunity beckon, wkh the gain of injuftice in her 
 hand \ O I turn from the gilded fnare ; touch not the 
 beauteous bane ; but fly, fly with hafte, fly without 
 any delay, from the bewitching ruin. Does ^nger 
 draw near with her lighted torch, to kindle the flame 
 of refentment in our breafts ? does Flattery ply our ears, 
 with her inchanting and intoxicating whifpers ? would 
 Dtfco?itent lay her leaden hand upon our temper, and 
 
 mould
 
 FLO WER-GARDEN. 211 
 
 mould into our minds her four leaven, in order to make 
 us a burden to ourlelves, and unamiable to others ? 
 Inftantly let us divert our attention from the danger- 
 ous objects ; and not fo much endeavour to antidote^ 
 as toy^tf/2, the moral contagion. Let us revolve m 
 our meditations, that wonderful meekneffof ourdiftref- 
 fed Matter, which, amidft the moft abufive and provor 
 king infults, maintained an uniform tenor of unihaken 
 ferenity. Let us contemplate. that prodigious J-iumilia~ 
 tion, which brought him, from an infinite height a<- 
 bove all worlds, to make his bed in the dull of death- 
 Let us foothe our jarring, our uneafy paflions, with 
 the remembrance of that chearfulnefs and reji^nation^ 
 which rendered him, in the deepelt poverty, un- 
 feignedly thankful ; and, under the heavieft tribula- 
 tions, mod fubmidively patient. 
 
 Harbour not, on any confideration, the betrayer of 
 your virtue. Be deaf, inflexibly deaf, to every be- 
 guiling folicitation. If it obtrude into the unguarded 
 heart, give it entertainment, no, not for a moment, 
 To parley with the enemy, is to open a door for de- 
 ftru&ion. Our fafety confifts in flight : and, in this 
 cafe, fufpicion is the trueft prudence; fear, the great- 
 eft bravery. Play not on the brink of the precipice.. 
 Flutter not round the edges of the flame. Dally not 
 with the ftirigs of death. But rejeft, with a beco- 
 ming mixture of folicitude and abhorrence, the very 
 firfl infinuations of iniquity ; as cautioufly, as the 
 jmartingjorc {brinks even from the fofteft hand ; as 
 constantly, as this jealous plant recoils at the approach- 
 ing touch *. 
 
 NOT 
 
 * The prophet Ifaiah, in an elegant and lively clefcription 
 of the upright man, fays, He foaketh h'ts bands from holding 
 of bribes ; and, I may add, from praftifmg any kind of ini- 
 quity. The image, exceedingly beautiful, and equally ex- 
 jirelfive, both illustrates and enforces the doftrine of this whole 
 fc&ion. Shaketh his hands ; juft as a perfon would do, who 
 JD d 2 bap-
 
 212 R E FL E C T I O N S on a 
 
 NOT long ago, thefe curious productions of the 
 {pring were coarje and mif-mapen roots. Had we o- 
 pened the earth, and beheld them in their feed, how 
 uncouth and contemptible had their appearance been ! 
 - But now they are the boaft of nature, the delight 
 of the fons of men, finished patterns for enamelling 
 and embroidery, outihining even the happieft flrokes 
 of the pencil. They are taught to bloom, but with a 
 very inferior luftre , in the richeft tapeftries, and 
 moll magnificent filks. Art never attempts to 
 equal their incomparable elegancies ; but places all 
 her merit, in copying after thefe delicate originals. 
 Even thofe who glitter in filver, or whofe cloathing 
 is of wrought gold, are defirous to borrow additional 
 ornamentS) from a fprig of jeffamme, or a little af- 
 fernblage of pinks. 
 
 What a fine idea may we form, from hence, of the 
 
 rcjurretlion 
 
 happens to have burning coals fall into his lap, or fome vf~ 
 nomous creature fattening upon his flefb. Jn fuch a cafe, none 
 would Hand a moment to confider, or to debate with himfelf 
 the expediency of the thing. He would inftantly fling off the 
 pernicious incumbrance ; inftantly endeavour to (lilengage 
 himfelf from the clinging mifchief. If. xxxiii. 15. 
 
 ] have reprelented the danger of not extinguilhing immedi- 
 ately the very firft fparks of temptation, in a variety of views. 
 Becaufe a proper behaviour, in this conjuncture, is of fuch 
 va(t importance to the purity, the fafety, and the comfort of 
 our minds. Becaufe I had the royal morqlijt in my eye; who, 
 deterring his pupils from the path of the wicked, cries, with 
 an air of deep concern, and in the language of vehement 
 importunity, cries ; Avoid it ; pafs not by it ; turn from it ; 
 and pafs away. How (trongly is the counfel urged, by being 
 fo frequently repeated ; in fuch a remarkable divcrfoy of con- 
 cife and abrupt, confequently of forcible apd prelfmg admoni- 
 tions ! Prov. iv. 15. 
 
 The cowilip fmiles in brighter yellow dreft, 
 Than that which veil's the nubil virgin's breafl : 
 A. fairer red (lands bluming in the rofe, 
 Than that which on the bridegroom's veftments flows. 
 
 PR i pa's &eA
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 213 
 
 refurrettion of tliey/?, and the ftate of their re-anima- 
 ted bodies ! As the roots even of our choiceft "flowers, 
 when depofited in the ground, are rude and ungrace- 
 ful ; but, when they ipring up into blooming life, are 
 mod elegant and fplendid ; fo the flefli of a faint, when 
 committed to the duft, alas ! what is it \ A heap of 
 corruption ; a niafs of putrefying clay. But, when it 
 obeys the great archangel's call, and ft arts into a new 
 exiilence ; what an aftonifliing change enfues ! what a 
 moil ennobling improvement takes place ! '-That which 
 was fown in weaknejs, is railed in all the vivacity of 
 power. That which was {own in deformity^ is railed in 
 the bloom of celeftial beauty. Exalted, refined, and 
 glorified, it will fliine " as the brightnefs of the fir- 
 " fnament," when it darts the inimitable blue thro* 
 the fleeces the fnowy fleeces of fome cleaving 
 cloud. 
 
 Fear not, then, thou faithful Chriftian j fear not, 
 at the appointed time, to jdefcend into the tomb. Thy 
 foul thou mayft truft with thy omnipotent Redeemer, 
 who is LORD of the ilnfeen world ; " who has the 
 " keys of hell, and of death." Moft fafely mayft 
 thou truft thy better part, in thofe beneficent hands, 
 which were pierced with nails, and faftened to the 
 ignominious tree, for thy falvation. With regard to 
 thy earthly tabernacle, be not difmayed. It is taken 
 down, only to be rebuilt upon a diviner plan, and in 
 a more heavenly form. If it retires into the fhadow 
 of death, and lyes immured in the gloom of the grave ; 
 it is only to return, from a fliort confinement, to end- 
 lefs liberty. If it falls into difTolution, it is in order 
 to rife more illuftrious from its ruins ; and wear an in- 
 finitely brighter face of perfection, and of glory *. 
 
 HAVING 
 
 '? The wife, the juft, the pious, and the brave, 
 Live in their deaths, and flourifli frum the grave. 
 Grain hid in earth repays the peafant's care, 
 And ev'ning-funs but fet to rile ntare fctfr.
 
 2H REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 HA v IN G now made my panegyric, let me next take 
 up a lamentation, for thefe lovelieft productions of the 
 vegetable world. For I forefee their approaching 
 doom. Yet a little while, and all thefe plealing fcenes 
 vanifh. Yet a little while, and all the fweets of the 
 breathing, all the beauties of the blooming fpring, 
 are no more. Every one of thefe amiable forms mult 
 be mri veiled to deformity, and trodden to the earth. 
 Significant refemblance this of all created beauty. 
 Allflejh is gr-afs ; like the green herbage, liable and 
 prone to fade. Nay, all the goodlinefs thereof, its fined 
 accomplirtmients, and what the world univerfally ad- 
 mires, is as the flower of the field *, which lofes its 
 glofs, decays and perimes, more fpeedily than the 
 grafs itfelf. Behold then, ye brighteft among the 
 daughters of Eve ; behold yourfelves, in this glafs. 
 See the charms of your perfon eclipfed, by the luftre of 
 thefe little flowers ; and the frailty of youryfote repre- 
 fcnted f , by their tranfient glories. A fever may 
 
 fcorcli 
 * Ifa. xl. 6. 
 
 f Kect rt paSav xaXov in, xau o %fivcs avTv /aaponvx** 
 Kati TO lov x.acXov *rv tv vicipi, xsti ra^Yf yiff' 
 
 Kai xaXXef xaXon nrli TO jrajJ/xov, aA.x' sXiyov Jy. 
 
 The reader will excufe me, if I imitate^ rather than tranf- 
 late, thefe lines from Thsocritus ; If I vary one image, adj 
 another, and give a new turn to the whole, 
 
 When fnows defcend and robe the fields 
 
 In winter's bright array ; 
 Touch'd by the lun, the lu(tre fades, 
 
 And weeps itfelf away. 
 
 When fpring appears ; when violets blow, 
 
 And died a rich perfume ; 
 How foon the fragrance breaths its laft I 
 
 How (hort-liv'd is the bloom ! 
 
 Frelh in the morn, the fummer-rofe 
 
 Hangs with'ring ere 'tis noon ; 
 We fcarce enjoy the balmy gift, 
 
 But mourn the pleafure gone. With
 
 FLOWER-GARDEN. 
 
 fcorch thofe poliflied veins ; a confumption may ema- 
 ciate the dimpling cheeks ; and a load of unexpected 
 forrows deprefs thofe lively fpirits. Or fhould thefe 
 difafters, in pity, fpare the tender frame ; yet age, 
 inexorable age and wrinkles, will afluredly come at 
 laft ; will wither all the fine features, and blaft every 
 iprightly grace. 
 
 Then, ycfair, when thofe fparkling eyes are dark- 
 ened, and fink in their orbs ; when they are rolling 
 in agonies, or fwimming in death ; how will you ihf- 
 tain the affliction ? how will you repair the lofs ? Ap- 
 ply your thoughts to religion. Attend to the one 
 thing needful. Believe in, and imitate, the blefTed JE- 
 SUS . Then fliall your fouls mount up to the realms 
 of happinefs, when the well-proportioned clay is min- 
 gling with its mean original. The light of GOD'S 
 countenance will irradiate, with matchlefs and con- 
 fummate perfection, all their exalted faculties. Clean- 
 fed entirely from every dreg of corruption, like fome 
 unfullied mirror, they will reflect: the complete image 
 of their Creator's holinefs. O 1 that you would thus 
 drcjs your minds, and prepare for the immortal Irate I 
 Then, from mining among your fellow-creatures on 
 earth, you (hall be tranilated, to {bine around the 
 throne of GOD . Then, from being the fweeteners of 
 our life, and the delight of our eyes here below ; you 
 
 (hall 
 
 With gliding fire, an evening-flar 
 Streaks the autumnal fkies ; 
 
 Shook from the fphere, it darts away, 
 And, in an inflant, dies. 
 
 Such are the charms that fkifh the cheek r 
 
 And fparkle in the eye : 
 So, from the lovely finifh'd form 
 
 The tranfient graces fly. 
 
 To this the fiafons, as they roll, 
 
 Their atteftation brirg : 
 They warn the fair; their evVy round 
 
 Confirms the truth I ling.
 
 REFLECTIONS on ft 
 
 mall pafs, by an eafy tranfition, into angels of light ; 
 and become <c an everlafting excellency, the joy o 
 " all generations." 
 
 TES ; ye flowery nations, ye muft all decay . Yonder 
 lily, that looks like the queen of the gay creation, 
 Tee, how gracefully it creels its majellic head ! What 
 an air of dignity and grandeur ennobles its afpeft ! 
 For elevated mien, as well as for incomparable luftre, 
 juflly may it be preferred to the magnificent monarch 
 of the Eaft *. But, all ftately and charming as it is, 
 it will hardly furvive a few more days. That un- 
 fpotted whitenefs muft quickly be tarniflied, and the 
 fnowy form defiled in the duft. 
 
 As the lily pleaies, with the noble fimplicity of its 
 appearance ; the tulip is admired, for the gaiety and 
 multiplicity of its colours. Never was cup cither 
 painted or enamelled with fuch a profufion of dyes. 
 Its tinges are fo glowing, its contrafis fo ftrong, and 
 the arrangement of them both fo elegant and artful 1 
 -'Twas lately the pride of the border, and the reign- 
 ing beauty of the delightful feafon ; as exquifitely 
 fine as the rainbow, and almofl as extremely tranfient. 
 It fpread, for a little moment, its glittering plumage; 
 but has, now, laid all its variegated and fuperior ho- 
 nours down. Thofe radiant ftripes are blended, alas ! 
 rudely blended with common mould. 
 
 To a graceful fhape, and blooming complexion, the 
 rofe adds a moft agreeable perfume. Our noflrils make 
 it repeated vifits, and are never weary of drinking in 
 its fweets. A fragrance, fo peculiarly rich and revi- 
 ving, tranipires from its opening tufts, that every one 
 covets its acquaintance. How have I feen even the 
 accomplished ClarifJ'a, for whom fo many votaries 
 languifb, fondly careffing this little flower ! That love- 
 ly bofom, which is the feat of innocence and virtue ; 
 whofe leaft excellency it is, to rival the delicacy of the 
 
 purelt 
 ;* Matth. vi. 29. 
 
 \
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 117 
 
 pureft fnows ; among a thoufand charms of its own, 
 thinks it poifible to adopt another from the damafk 
 rofe-bud. Yet even this univerfal favourite muft fail. 
 Its native balm cannot preferve it from putrefaction* 
 Soon, foon muft it refign all thofe endearing quali- 
 ties ; and hang neglected on its ftem, or drop defpi- 
 fed to the ground. 
 
 One could wifli, methinks^ thefe mod amiable of 
 the inanimate race, a longer exiftence : but in vain. 
 'They fade almoft as foon as they ftourifli. Within lefs 
 than a month their glories are extinct. Let the fun 
 take a few more journeys through the {ky ; then vifit 
 this enchanting walk ; and you will find nothing but 
 a wretched wilder nefs of ragged or naked ftalks. 
 But (my foul exults in the thought) the garment of 
 celeftial glory, which mail ere long array the re-ani- 
 mated body, will never wax old. The illuftrious robes 
 of a Saviour's confummate righteoujnejs, which even 
 now adorn the juftified fpirit< are incorruptible and 
 immortal. No moth can corrode their texture ; no 
 number of ages fully their brightnefs. The light of 
 day may be quenched, and all the ftars fink in obfcu- 
 rity ; but the honours of " juft men made perfect" 
 are fubject to no diminution. Inextinguifhable and 
 unfading is the luflre of their crown. 
 
 TES; ye flowery nations, ye muft all dec ays Win- 
 ter, like fome enraged and irreflftible conqueror, that 
 carries fire and fword where-ever he advances ; that 
 demoliflies towns ; depopulates countries ; fpreads 
 ilaughter and defolation on every fide ; fo, juft fo, 
 will Winter , with his favage and unrelenting blafts, 
 invade this beautiful profpect. The ftorms are gather- 
 ing, and the tempefts mtiftering their rage, to fall up- 
 on the vegetable kingdoms. They will ravage thro* 
 the dominions of nature ; and plunder her riches, and 
 lay wafte her charms* Then, ye trees, muft you 
 ft and ftript of your verdant apparel ; and, ye fields, 
 VOL. 1. N Q 3 . K b<5
 
 2i8 REFLECTIONS dn a 
 
 be fpoiled of your waving treafures. Then, the earthy 
 difrobed of all her gay attire, muft fit in fables, like a 
 difconfolate widow. The fun too, who now rides in 
 triumph round the world, and featters gaiety from his 
 radiant eye, will then look faintly from the windows 
 of the fouth ; and, calling a ihort glance on our de- 
 jected world, will leave us to the uncomfortable gloom 
 of tedious nights. Then, thefe pretty chorifters of the 
 air will chant no more to the gentle gales ; the lark, 
 the linnet, and all the feathered fongflers, abandon 
 their notes, and indulge their woes. The harmony of 
 the woods is at an end ; and filence, (unlefs it be in- 
 terrupted by howling winds,) a fulleri filence, fits 
 brooding upon the boughs ; which are now made vo- 
 cal, by a thoufand warbling throats. 
 
 But (fweet recolle&ion ! raviming expectation !) 
 t\\efongs of faints in light never admit a paufe for 
 fadnefs. All heaven will refound with the melody of 
 their gratitude ; and all eternity echo to their trium- 
 phant acclamations. The Hallelujahs of that world, 
 and the harmonious joy of its inhabitants, will be as 
 lading as the divine perfections they celebrate. 
 Come then, holy love, and tune my heart ; defcend, 
 celeftial fire, and touch my tongue; that I may fland 
 ready to flrike up, and bear my part, in that great 
 hofanna, that everlafling hymn. 
 
 TES; yes ; ye flowery nations, ye muft all decay.- 
 And, indeed, could you add the ftrength of an oak, 
 or the (lability of a pyramid *, to all the delicacy of 
 your texture ; yet fliort, exceeding ftiort, even then 
 
 would 
 
 * I know not any performance, in which the tranfitory na- 
 ture of chefe rnoft durable monuments of human graicieur, is 
 hinred with fuch a tnodeft air of inftruftion, or their hideous 
 ruin c'efcribed in fuch a pomp of pleating horror, as in a fmall, 
 bu: folenni, picluretque, and majcftic poem, entitled TH E 
 RUINS OF ROME, written by the Rev. Mr DVER : whonr 
 
 the
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 219 
 
 would your duration be. For I fee that all things 
 come to an end* The pillars of nature are tottering. 
 The foundations of the round world are falling away. 
 " The heavens themfelves wax old like a garment/' 
 But, amidfl thefe views of general ruin, here is our 
 refuge ; this is our coniblation ; We know that our 
 Redeemer livcth. Thy years, bleffed JESUS, (hall not 
 fail. From everlafting to everlafting, thou art (till the 
 fame ; the fame moil excellent and adorable perfon ; 
 the fame omnipotent and faithful friend ; the fame 
 all-fufficient and ineftimable portion. O ! may we but 
 partake of thy merits , be fanclified by thy grace ; 
 and received into thy glory ! Then perifh, if ye will, 
 all inferior delights. Let all that is fplendid in the 
 ikies expire ; and all that is amiable in nature be ex- 
 punged. Let the whole extent of creation be turned 
 again into one undiftinguifhable void, one univerfal 
 blank. Yet, if GOD be ours, we mail have enough* 
 If GOD be ours, we (hall have #//, and abound * ; all 
 that our circumftances can want, or our willies crave, 
 to make us inconceivably bleffed and happy ; bleffed 
 and happy, not only thro' this little interval of time, 
 feut thro ; the unmeafurable revolutions of eternity. 
 
 TH a 
 
 the reader (if he feas the pleafure of perufing that beautiful 
 piece) will eafily perceive to have taken his draughts from the 
 originals themielves; as nothing but the fight of thofe magni- 
 ficent remains, could have infpired his lines with fuch vivaci- 
 ty. As a fpecimen of the work, and a confirmation of the re- 
 mark fuggefted axH>ve, I take leave to tranfcribe the following 
 paffage : 
 
 The pilgrim oft, 
 4t dead of 'night, mid his orai/bn hears 
 dghaft the voice of time, difpdrting towers, 
 Tumbling all precipitate doivn dajtfd, 
 Rattling around, loud thundering to the moon. 
 * His hand the good man fallens on the fkies, 
 And bids earth roll, nor feels the idle whirl. 
 
 Night-Thoughts, N IV., 
 E * 2
 
 320 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 I'H E/W is noweome forth in his ftrength,and beats 
 fiercely upon my throbbing pulfe. Let me retire to 
 yonder inviting arbour. There the woodbines retain the 
 lucid drop ; there the jeflamines, which line the ver- 
 dant alcove, are ftill impearled, and delicioufly wet 
 with dews. ^-Welcome, ye refreshing fliade s ! I feel, 
 I feel, your chearing influence. My languid fpirits 
 revive ; the flaekened finews are new-ftrung; and life 
 bounds brifker thro* all her crimfon channels. 
 
 Reclined on this moffy couch, and furrounded by 
 this fragrant coldnefs, let me renew my afpirations to 
 the eyer-prefent Deity. Here let me remember, and 
 imitate, the pious sfuguftine, and his mother Monica; 
 who, being engaged in diicourfe on the beauties of the 
 vifible creation, rofe, by thefe ladders, to the glories 
 of the invifible ftate; till they were infpired with the 
 molt afettingffnfe of their fupereminent excellency, and 
 actuated with the moft ardent breathings after their 
 full enjoyment : infomuch that they were almoftraptup 
 into the blifs they contemplated ; and fcarce " knew, 
 " whether they were in the body, or out of the body.'* 
 
 WH EN tempefts tofs the ocean ; when plaintive fig- 
 nals of diilrefs are heard from the bellowing deep ; and 
 melancholy tokens of mipwreck come floating on the 
 foaming furge ; then how delightful to ftand fafe on 
 more, and hug one's felf in confcious fecurity * ! 
 "When a glut of -waters burftsfromibme mighty torrent, 
 ruflies headlong over all the neighbouring plains, 
 fweeps away the helplefs cattle, and drives the affrighted 
 fhepherd from his hut ; then from the top of a diftant 
 
 eminence, 
 
 * As Lucretius gave the hint for thefe obfervations, fo he 
 afiigns the reafon of the pleafure fpecifled. It arifes, not from 
 the confiderations of another's mifcry ; this would argue the 
 ranked malevolence : but from the agreeable contemplation 
 of our own per Tona fafe ty ; which, while we view circumttances 
 that are pernicious to others, but harmlefs to ourfelves, is not 
 a little heightened by die contraft* Suave marl magno, &c.
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 221 
 
 eminence, to defcry the danger we need not fear ; how 
 pleafing ! Such, methinks, is my prefent fituation. 
 For now the fun blazes from on high : the air glows 
 with his fire : the fields are rent with chinks ; the 
 roads are fcorched to duft : the woods feem to con- 
 trad a fickly afpecl:, and a ruffet hue : the traveller, 
 broiled as he rides, haftens to his inn, and intermits 
 his journey : the labourer, bathed in fweat, drops the 
 fithe, and defifts from his work : the cattle flee to 
 Come fhady. covert, or elfe pant and tofs under the 
 burning noon. Even the flubborn rock, fmit with the 
 piercing beams, is ready to cleave. All things langitifli 
 beneath the dazzling deluge. While I (hall enjoy a 
 cool hour, and calm reflection, amidil the gloom of this 
 bowery recefs, which fcarce admits one i'peck of fun- 
 fliine. 
 
 Thus, may both the flock, and their fhepherd, dwell 
 beneath the defence of the Mo ft High, and abide under the 
 Jhadow of the Almighty *. Then, tho' -j- the peftilcnce 
 walketh in darknefs, and the Jicknejs deftroyeth at 
 noon-day ; though thoufands fall beOde us, and ten 
 thoufands at our right hand ; we need fear no evil. 
 Either the deftroying angel {hall pafs over our houfes ; 
 or elfe he (hall difpenfe the corrections of a friend, not 
 the fcourges of an enemy ; which, inftead of hurting 
 us, mall work for our good. Then, though profane- 
 nefs and infidelity, far more malignant evils, breathe 
 deadly contagion, and taint the morals of multitudes 
 around us ; yet, if the great Father of fpirits " hide 
 *' us in the hollow of his hand/' we fliall hold faft 
 our integrity, and be faithful unto death, 
 
 Let then, deareft LORD, O 1 let thy fervant, and the 
 people committed to his care, be received into thy pro- 
 tection, Let us take fancluary under that Tree of Life^ 
 Creeled in thy ignominious crofs. Let us fly for fafety 
 
 to 
 * Pfal. xcj. i. 
 
 j- This was written, when a very infectious and mortal dif- 
 temper raged in the neighbourhood.
 
 222 REFLECT I ONSona 
 
 to that City of Refuge, opened in thy bleeding wounds. 
 Thefe fhall be a facred hiding-place, not to be pierced 
 by the flames of divine wrath, or the fiery darts of 
 temptation. Thy dying merits, and perfeft obedience, 
 fhall be to our fouls, as rivers of water in a dry place ^ 
 or as the ftiadow of a great rock in a weary land * . 
 
 BUT moft of all, in that laft tremendous day, when 
 the heavens are rent afunder, and wrapped up like 
 a fcroll ; when thy almighty arm fliall arreft the fun 
 in his career, and dalh to pieces the ftruclure of the 
 univerfe ; when the dead, both fmall and great, fhall 
 be gathered before the throne of thy glory ; and the 
 fates of all mankind hang on the very point of a final 
 irreverfible decifion : then, blefled J E s u s , let us 
 be owned by thee, and we mall not be a/hamed; de- 
 fended by thee, and we fhall not be afraid. O I may 
 we, at that awful, that unutterably important junc- 
 ture, be covered with the wings of thy redeeming 
 love, and we fliall behold all the horrible convulfions 
 of expiring nature, with compofure, with comfort ! 
 We fliall even welcome the diflblution of all things, as 
 the times ofrefre/hingfrom the prefence of the LORD f . 
 
 TH E R E are, I perceive, who ftill attend the flowers ; 
 and, in defiance of the fun, ply their work on every 
 expanded blofTom. The bees I mean ; that nation of 
 chymifts.l to whom nature has communicated the rare 
 and valuable fecrct, of enriching themfelves, without 
 Impoverishing others ; who extrad the moft delicious 
 fyrup from every fragrant herb, without wounding 
 its fubftance, or dimiiiifhing its odours. I take the 
 more notice of thefe ingenious operators, becaufe I 
 would willingly make them my pattern J . While the 
 
 g^ 
 
 * If. xxxii. 2. -j- Afts iii. 19. 
 
 ijl Ego apis matin* 
 
 More modoque 
 Grata carfentis thy ma* HOR,
 
 F L O W E R-G A R D E N. 223 
 
 gay butterfly flutters her painted wings, and tips a lit- 
 tle fantaftic delight, only for the prefent moment ; 
 while the gloom y fpider, worfe than idly bufied, is 
 preparing his infidious nets for deftruction, or fucking 
 venom even from the moftwholefome plants ; this fru- 
 gal community are wifely employed in providing for 
 futurity, and collecting a copious ftock of the mofl 
 balmy treafures. And O ! might thefe meditations 
 fink into my foul I would the GOD, who- fuggefted 
 each heavenly thought, vouchfafe to convert it into 
 an eft abli/hed principle, to determine all my inclinati- 
 ons, and regulate my whole conduct ! I mould, then, 
 gather advantages from the lame blooming objects,. 
 more precious than your golden ftores, ye induftrious 
 artifts. I alfo mould go home, laden with the richefl 
 facets, and the nobleft jpoils, though I crop not a leaf, 
 nor call a {ingle flower my ow. 
 
 HERE I behold, aflfembled in one view, almoft all the 
 various beauties which have been feverally entertain- 
 ing my imagination. The viftas, ftruck through an 
 ancient wood, or formed by rows of venerable elms ; 
 conducting the fpectator's obfervation to fome remark- 
 able object ; or leading the traveller's footfteps to this 
 delightful feat : The -walls, enriched with fruit-trees, 
 and faced with a covering of their leafy extenfions ; I 
 mould rather have faid r hung with different pieces of 
 nature's nobleft tapeflry : The -walks, neatly (horn, 
 and lined with verdure ; or finely fmoothed, and coat- 
 ed with gravel : The alleys, arched with fhades, to 
 embower our noon-tide repofe ; or thrown open, for 
 the free accemon of air, to invite us to our evening- 
 recreation : The decent edgings of box,wluchinclofe, 
 like a plain felvage, each beautiful compartment, and 
 its fplendid figures : The fhapely evergreens, and 
 flowering Jkrubs, which ftrike the eye, and appear with 
 peculiar dignity, in this diftant fituation : The bafon^ 
 with its cryftal fount, floating in the centre, and dif- 
 
 fufing
 
 REFLECTIONS on a 
 
 fufingan agreeable fremriefs through the whole : Tb 
 waters, falling from a remote cafcade, and gently 
 murmuring, as they flow along the pebbles : -Thefe^ 
 added to the reft, and all fo difpofed, that each re- 
 commends and endears, each render the whole a moft 
 fweet ravifhing fcene of order and variety, of ele- 
 gance and magnificence. 
 
 From fo many lovely profpecls, cluftering upon the 
 fight, it is impoffible not to be reminded of heaven^ 
 that world of blifs, thofe regions of light, where the 
 Lamb that was {lain manifefts his beatific prefence, and 
 his faints live for evermore. -^But 1 what pencil can 
 fketch out a draught o that goodly land ? What co- 
 lours, or what ftyle, can exprefs the fplendors of IM- 
 MANUEL'S kingdom! Would fomc celeftial hand 
 draw afide the veil, but for one moment ; and permit 
 us to throw a iingle glance on thofe divine abodes ; 
 how would all fublunary poiTeflions become tarnimed 
 in our eyes, and grow flat upon our tafte 1 A glimpfe, 
 a tranfient glimpfe of thofe unutterable beatitudes, 
 would captivate our fouls, and engrofs all their facul- 
 ties. Eden itfelf, after fuch a vifion, would appear 
 a chearlefs def'ert; and all earthly charms intolerable 
 deformity. 
 
 Very excellent things arefpoken of thee, thou city of 
 GOD *. Volumes have been written, and thofe by 
 infpiredmeri,to difplay the wonders of thy perfec"Uons4 
 All that is rich and refplendent in the vifible creation, 
 has been called in to aid our conceptions, and elevate 
 our ideas. But, indeed, no tongue can utter, no pen 
 tan defcribe, no fancy can Imagine, what GOD, of his 
 unbounded munificence, has prepared for them that 
 love him. Seeing then that all terreftrial things muft 
 come to a fpeedy end ; and there remaineth a reft, a 
 blifsfnl and everlafting reft, for the people of GOD ; 
 let me never be too fondly attached to any prefent fa- 
 tisfa&ions. Weaned from whatever is temporal, may 
 
 T main- 
 * Pfal. Ixxxvii. 2.
 
 $ L O W E R-G A R D E N. 22> 
 
 I maintain a fuperior indifference for fuch tranfitory 
 enjoyments ; but long, long earneftly, for the man- 
 fions that are above ; the paradife, " which the LORD 
 " hath planted, and not man." Thither may I tranf- 
 mit the chief of my converfation; and from thence 
 expecl the whole of my happinefs . Be that the facred, 
 powerful magnet, which ever influences my heart, e- 
 ver attracts my affections. There are fuch tranfcend- 
 ent glories, as eye has not fecn ; there are fuch tran- 
 fporting pleafures, as ear has not heard ; there is fueh 
 afulnefs of joys, as the thought of man cannot conceive. 
 
 INTO that confummate felicity, thofe eternal frui- 
 tions, permit me, Madam, to wifh you, in due time, 
 an abundant entrance; and to allure you, that this wifh 
 is breathed, with the fame fincerity and ardor, for my 
 honoured correfpondent, as it is, MADAM, for 
 
 .' Tour mofl obedient , <&c. 
 
 JAMES HERVEY, 
 VOL. I. N 3. F f
 
 DESCANT 
 
 UPON 
 
 CRE AT I O N. 
 
 With joy, 'with grief j that healing hand I fee; 
 The ikies it form* d^ and yet it bled for me. 
 
 Night-Thoughts, N IV 
 
 F f 2
 
 <fr&&<&^^ 
 
 DESCANT 
 
 UPON 
 
 CREATION. 
 
 IF the reader pleafes to look back on page 1 89, he 
 will find me engaged, by a promt ffbry note, to fub- 
 join a DESCENT upon CREATION. 
 
 To know the love o/ CHRIS T ; to have fuch a deep 
 apprehenfion of his unfpeakable kindnefs, as may 
 produce in our hearts an adoring gratitude, and an 
 unfeigned faith ; this, according to St Paul's eftimate, 
 is the higheft and happieft attainment in the facred 
 fcience of Chriftianity . What follows, is an attempt 
 to aflift the attentive mind, in learning a line or two 
 of that beft and greateft leflbn. It introduces the mod 
 confpicuous parts of the vifible fyflem, as fo many 
 prompters to our dull affections ; each fuggefling a 
 hint) adapted to the important occafion, and fuited to 
 its refpccldve character. 
 
 Can 
 Eph, iii. 19,
 
 230 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 
 
 Can there be a more powerful incentive to devout 
 gratitude, than to confider the magnificent and deli- 
 cate fcenes of the univerfe, with a particular reference 
 to CIIRI s T, as the Creator ? Every objeft, viewed in 
 this light, will furely adminifter inceffant recruits to 
 the languiming lamp of divine love. Every produc- 
 tion in nature will ilrike a fpark into the foul ; and 
 the whole creation concur to raife the fmoking flax 
 into a flame. 
 
 Can any thing impart a ftrongeryoy to the believer, 
 or more effectually confirm his faith in the crucified 
 J ESUS, than to behold the heavens declaring his glory, 
 and the firmament fhewing his handy-work ? Surely, it 
 mufl be matter of inexprelfible confolation to the poor 
 fmner, to obferve the honours of his Redeemer, writ- 
 ten with fun-beams, over all the face of the world. 
 
 We delight to read an account of our incarnate 
 JEHOVAH, as he is revealed in the books of Moj'ef 
 and the prophets, as he is difplayed in the writings of 
 the evangelifls and apoftles. Let us alfo endeavour to 
 fee a fketch of his perfections, as they ftand delineat- 
 ed in that {lately volume, where every leaf is a fpa- 
 cious plain, every line^ a flowing brook, every pf- 
 riod,. a lofty mountain. 
 
 Should any of my readers be unexercifed in fuch 
 {peculations, I beg leave (in purfuance of my promife) 
 to prefent them with ifpecimen; or to offer a clue, 
 which may poflibly lead their minds into this moft 
 improving and delightful train of thinking. 
 
 Should any be inclined to fufpect the folidity of the 
 following obfervations, or to condemn them, as the 
 voice of rant, and the lawlefs flight of fancy ; I muft 
 intreat fuch perfons to recollect, that the grand doc- 
 trine, the hinge on which they all turn, is warranted 
 and eftablifhed by the unanimous teftimony of the in- 
 ipired penmen; who frequently celebrate I M MA- 
 NUEL, or CHRIST JESUS, as the .great almighty 
 r aufe of all ; afliiring us, that all things were created 
 
 by
 
 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 231 
 
 by him, and for him; and that in him all things confift** 
 On fuch a fubjeft, what is wonderful, is far from 
 being extravagant. To be wonderful, is the infepa- 
 rable characleriftic of G OD and his works ; efpecially 
 of that moft diftinguifhed and glorious event of the 
 divine works, REDEMPTION ; fo glorious, that 
 " all the miracles in Egypt, and the marvellous acts in 
 u the field of Zoan;" all that the Jewifli annals have 
 recorded, or the human ear has heard ; all dwindle into 
 trivial events^ are fcarce worthy to be remembered^ 
 in comparifon of this infinitely grand and infinitely 
 gracious tranfaftion . Kindled, therefore, into plea- 
 fing aftoniftiment, by fuch a furvey, let me give full" 
 fcope to my meditations. Let me pour out my whole 
 foul on the boundlefs fubjecl j not much regarding 
 the limits, which cold criticifm, or colder unbelief, 
 might prefcribe. 
 
 O Y E angels, that furround the throne ; ye princes- 
 of heaven, " that excel in ftrength," and are clothed 
 with tranfcendent brightnefs ; He, who placed you ia 
 thofe ftations of exalted honour, and dignified your 
 nature with fuch illuftrious endowments ; He, whom 
 you all obey, and all adore : HE took not on him the, 
 angelic form, but was made flefh, and found in faflrion. 
 as a man. Like us wretched mortals, He was fubjecl 
 to wearinefs, pain, and every infirmity, (in only ex- 
 cepted ; that we might, one day, be raifed to your 
 fublime abodes ; be adopted into your blifsful fociety \ 
 and join with your transported choir, in giving glory 
 to HIM that fitteth upon the throne, and to the LAMB 
 for ever and ever J 
 
 O YE heavens , whofe azure arches rife immenfely 
 high, and ftretch unmeafurable wide ; ftupendous am- 
 phitheatre 1 
 
 * Co/, i. 16, 17. Before my reader enters upon the fol- 
 lowing Defcant, he is defired to perufe the note, page i8&. 
 f If. xliii. 18. \ Rev. v. 13.
 
 232 A DESCANt 1 upon CREATION. 
 
 phitheatre ! amidft whofe vaft expanfive circuit, orbs 
 of the mod dreadful grandeur are perpetually running 
 their amazing races : unfathomable depths of aether 1 
 where worlds unnumbered float ; and, to our limited 
 fight, worlds unnumbered are loft : He, who adjuflcd 
 your dimenfions with his fpan, and formed the mag-- 
 nificent ftructure with his word ; HE was once wrapt 
 in fwaddling-cloaths, and laid in a manger : that the 
 benefits accruing to his people, through his moft meri- 
 torious humiliation, might have no other meaiurc of 
 their value than immenfity ; might run parallel, in 
 their duration, with eternity. 
 
 f, that beam with inextinguifhable brilliancy, 
 through the midnight-iky ; oceans of flame, and cen- 
 tres of worlds, though feemingly little points of light ! 
 He, who fhone, with eflential effulgence, innumer- 
 able ages, before your twinkling tapers were kindled ; 
 and will mine with everlafting majefty and beauty, 
 when your places in the firmament (hall be known no 
 more : HE was involved, for many years, in the deep- 
 eft obfcurity ; lay concealed in the contemptible city 
 Nazareth; lay difguifed under the mean habit of a 
 carpenter's fon : that he might plant the heavens *, 
 as it were, with new conftellations ; and array thefe 
 clods of earth, thefe houfes of clay, with a radiancy 
 far fuperior to yours ; a radiancy, which will adorn 
 the very heaven of heavens, when you mall vanim a- 
 way like fmoke *|~ ; or expire as momentary fparks 
 from the fmitten fteel. 
 
 COMETS, 
 * If. li. 1 6. 
 
 j- Alluding to a pnflage in Ifaiah, which is, I think, grand 
 and elevated beyond ail companion. Lift up your eye* to the 
 heavens, and look upon the earth beneath : for the heavens Jhail 
 vani/h away like fmoke, and the earthjhall-wax eld like a gar- 
 ment, and they that dwell therein foall die like the feeble inlcdi: 
 but my right e oiifne fs JJiall be for ever, and my falvaticn JJiall 
 not be ' abolijbtd, lif. li. 6. With the great Vitringa, I tranf- 
 
 late
 
 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 
 
 COMETS, that fometimes (hoot into the illimit- 
 able traces of aether, farther than the difcernment of 
 our eye is able to follow ; fometimes return from the 
 long, long excurfion, and fweep our affrighted hemif- 
 phere With your enormous fiery train ; that fometimes 
 make near approaches to the fun^ and burn almoft in 
 his immediate beams ; fometimes retire to the remoteft 
 diitance, and freeze, for ages, in the exceflive rigours 
 of winter : He, who, at his fovereign pleafure, with- 
 draws the blazing wonder ; or leads forth the porten- 
 tous flranger, to make terror over guilty kingdoms 5 
 HE was overwhelmed with the moft mocking amaze- 
 meht, and plunged into the deepelt anxiety ; was chil- 
 led with apprehcnfions of fear, and fcorched by the 
 flames of avenging wrath : that I, and other depraved 
 rebellious creatures, might not be eternally agitated 
 with the extremes of jarring paifions ; oppofite, yetj 
 on either fide, tormenting ; far more tormenting to 
 the foul, than the fevereft degrees of your heat and 
 cold to the human fenfe. 
 
 YE Planets , that, winged with unimaginable fpeecl, 
 traverfe the regions of the fky ; fometimes climbing 
 millions and millions of miles above, fometimes de- 
 fcending as far below, the great axle of your motions ? 
 ye, that are fo minutely faithful to the viciflitudes of* 
 day and night ; fo exadly pundual in bringing on the 
 changes of your refpedlive feafons : He, who launch- 
 ed you, atfirft, from his mighty arm ; who continually 
 impels you with fuch wonderful rapidity, and guides 
 you with fuch perfect regularity ; who fixes " the 
 ;c habitation of his holinefs, and his glory," infinite 
 heights above your fcanty rounds: HE once became 
 a hclplefs infant, fojourned in our inferior world, fled 
 
 from 
 
 late the words 13 ins not, In like manner; but, like the feeble 
 infefl. Which renders the period more complete; the fenfc 
 more emphacical ; and is mars agreeable to the .genius of tb 
 facred original. 
 
 VOL. I. N 3. .0 g;
 
 234 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 
 
 from the perfecutor's fword, and wandered as a flran* 
 ger in a foreign land : that he might lead our feet 
 into the way of peace ; that he might bring us aliens 
 near to GOD, bring us exiles home to heaven. 
 
 THOU Sun, inexhaufled fourcc of light, and heat, 
 and comfort ! without whofe prefence an unjverfal 
 gloom would enfue, and horror insupportable ; who, 
 without the affiflance of any other fire, Jheddeft day 
 through a thoufand realms ; and, not 'confining thy 
 munificence to realms only, extendeft thy enlightening 
 influences to furrounding worlds : prime chearer of 
 theanimal, and great enlivener of the vegetable tribes ! 
 fo beautiful in thyfelf, fo beneficial in thy effects, that 
 erring Heathens addreffed thee with adorations, and 
 miftook thee for thy Maker ! He, who filled thy orb 
 with a profufion of luftre ; luftre, in its direcl emana- 
 tions, unfufferably bright, but, rebated by thy reflec- 
 tion, delightfully mild : He, before whom thy meri- 
 dian fplendors are but a (hade ; whofe love transfufed 
 into thy heart, is infinitely more exhilarating, than e- 
 ven the fweet and clear fhining after the rain : H E 
 diverted himfelf of his all-tranfcending diftinftions, 
 and drew a veil over the effulgence of his divinity ; 
 that, by fpeaking to us, face to face, as a man fpeak- 
 eth unto his friend, he might difpel our intellectual 
 darknefs. His " vifage was marred */' and he be- 
 came the fcorn of men, the outcaft of the people; 
 that, by this manifeflation of his unutterably tender 
 regard for our welfare, he might diffufe many a gleam 
 of joy thro' our dejected minds : that, in another ftatc 
 of tilings, he might clothe even our fallen nature, 
 with the honours of that magnificent luminary ; and 
 give all the righteous to fhine forth as the fun, in the 
 kingdom of their Father. 
 
 THOU A/bow, that walkeft among the hoft of ftars, 
 and, in thy lucid appearance, art iuperior to them all: 
 
 fair 
 *If. lii. 14,
 
 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 23-? 
 
 Fair ruler of the night ! fornetimes half-reftoring the 
 day, with thy waxing brightncfs ; fometimes waning 
 into dimneis, and fcarcely fcattering the nocturnal 
 gloom ; fometimes covered wih fackcloth, and alai m- 
 ing tlie gazing nations 1 He, who dreiles thy opake 
 globe, in beaming, but borrowed i:lver ; He, whole 
 dignity is unchangeable, underived, and all his own ; 
 He vouchfafed to wear a body of clay : HE was con- 
 tent to appear as in a bloody eclipie, morn of his re- 
 fplendent beams, aad furrounded with a night of hor- 
 ror, which knew not one reviving ray. Thus has he 
 impowered his church, and all believers, to tread 
 the moon under their feet *. Hence, infpired with the 
 hope of brighter glory, and of more enduring bills, 
 are they enabled to triumph over all the vain anxie- 
 ties, and vainer amufements, of this iublunary, pre- 
 carious, mutable world. 
 
 YE T/wnderS) that, awfully grumbling in the'diftant 
 clouds, feem to meditate indignation, and form the iirfl 
 efTays of a far more frightful peal ; or, fuddenly burfl- 
 ing over our heads, rend the vault above, and make 
 the ground below, with the hideous, horrid crack: 
 ye, that fend your tremendous volleys from pole to 
 pole, ftartling the favage herds f, and aftoniming the 
 human race : He, who permits terror to found her 
 trumpet, in your deep, prolonged, enlarging, aggra- 
 vated roar : HE uttered a feeble infantile cry in the 
 ftable, and ftrong expiring groans on the accuricd 
 tree : that he might, in the gentleft accents, whifper 
 peace to our fouls ; and, at length, tune our voices to 
 the melody of heaven. 
 
 O YE Lightnings, that brood, and lye couchant, in 
 the fulphureous vapours ; that glance, with -forked fu- 
 
 , from the angry gloom, fwifter and fiercer than the 
 
 lion 
 
 * Rev, xii. i. -r Pfel. xxix. 8, 
 
 Gg 2
 
 236 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 
 
 lion ruflies from his den ; or open into vaft expanfive 
 flieets of flame, fublimely waved over the proftrate 
 world, and fearfully lingering in the frighted fides : 
 ye, that formerly laid in afhes the licentious abodes of 
 luft and violence ; that will, ere long, fet on fire the 
 elements, and co-operate in the conflagration of the 
 globe : He, who kindles your flam, and directs you 
 when to fally, and where to ftrike ; He, who commif- 
 fionsyour whirling bolts, whom to kill, and whom to 
 fpare : HE refigned his {acred perfon to the moft bar- 
 barous indignities ; fubmitted his beneficent hands to 
 the ponderous hammer, and the piercing nail; yea, 
 with-held not his heart, his very heart, from the flab of 
 the executioner's fpear : and, inftcad of flaming confu- 
 fion on his outrageous tormentors ; inftead of ftriking 
 them dead to the earth, or plunging them to the depths 
 of hell, with his frown ; He cried in his laft moments, 
 and with his agonizing lips, He cried, FATHER, FOR- 
 GIVE THEM; FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY 
 Do ! O ! what a pattern of patience, for his faints ! 
 What an object of admiration for, angels ! What a 
 conftellation of every mild, amiable, and benign vir- 
 tue ; fhining, in this hour of darknefs, with ineffable 
 fplendor and beauty 1 Hence, hence it is, that we 
 
 are 
 
 One can hardly forbear animadverting upon the dijinge- 
 nuous temper, and perverfe tatte of Celfus ; who attempts to 
 turn this molt dirtinguilhing and ornamental part of our 
 LORD'S life, into ridicule and reproach. Having fpoken of 
 CHRIST, as defpitefully ufed, and arrayed in a purple robe; 
 crowned with thorns; and holding, by way of mock majefty, 
 a reed inftead of a fceptre, (for he enters into all thefe circum- 
 Dances, which is a teftimony to their truth even from the mouth 
 of an enemy;) he adds, T* , *t pt v/^4*^ x^ vw yav &uv n ta-jj-tixvo- 
 
 7<x< xai rwf ttif^uvus ravlnf tuvlov r,un?aj, xa< T*J uC/>/Jov?j us fa7av rt xi TV *& 
 
 li f <r ( K/oi; Orig. contra CELS. p. 81. i. e. Why, in the name 
 of -wonder, docs he not, on this sccafion, at leaft, aft the GOD? 
 Why does he not deliver himfelf from this Jhocking ignomi- 
 tiy ; or execute fame Jignal vengeance on the authors of fuch 
 injurious and abujivc infults^ both of hlmfclf and his Father? 
 
 Why,
 
 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 237 
 
 are not trembling underthe lightnings of mount Sinai; 
 that vte are not blafted by the flames of divine venge- 
 ance j or doomed to dwell with everlafling burnings. 
 
 YE frowning wintry Clouds ; oceans pendent in the 
 air, aid burdening the winds : He, in whole hand you 
 are ai overflowing (courge; or, by whofe appointment, 
 an arena! * of warlike ftores : He, who opens your 
 fluke, and a flood guihes forth, to deftroy the fru'its 
 
 of 
 
 Why^elfus? Becaufe HE was raeeknefs and gentlenefs itfelf ; 
 wherfis your deities were flaves to their own turbulent and re- 
 fentfu paflions. Becaufe th<y were little better than isivages 
 in hu$n (hape; who too often made a merit of (laughter, 
 and t6k a horrid pride in fpilling blood : While CHRIST was 
 the Plnce of peice, and came not to deftroy inens lives, but 
 to fav, Becaufe any madaian on earth, or fury from hell, is 
 capabi of venting his rage; but who, arnidft fuch unfffer- 
 able ;ovocations and barbarities ; who, having in his own 
 hand,he power to refcue himfelf, the power to avenge him- 
 felf ; >uld fubmit to all, with an unruffled ferenity of pati- 
 ence ?nd not only, not be exafperated, but overcome, in fo 
 triunuant a manner, evil with good? Ixlone but CRIST ! 
 none it CHRIST 1 This was compailion worthy of a Goo; 
 clemey and charity truly divine. 
 
 Thefore, the calumny raifed by the fame virulent objeclor 
 in anoer place, carries its own confutation ; or rather, falls 
 with weight of infamy on his dunghill-deities ; while it bears 
 a moionourable teftimony to the majefiicand invincible meek- 
 nefs our Saviour.r s w p., fays he to theChriitian, r 
 
 ?oy7aj, o< r*vix Spctexrtif Ttixorfxrti, ibid. p. 404 i.c.Fetf, indeed, take 
 upon;, to deride the images of our deities ; but //"Bacchus him- 
 filf, (Hercules had been prefent. you -would not have dared to 
 (i $ ir jf } an tfjfront ; or if you had been JQ prefumptuous, would 
 bave^relyfmarted for your infolence. Whereas^theyuihotQr- 
 mentiheveryperfon of your GOD, and even extended him with 
 morttgony on the crofs^fuffercd no tjjefls of his difplcafure. 
 Jena! feems to confider the clouds, under this faoie 
 in that beautiful line, 
 icquid habsnt tehrum armamentaria c&lf,
 
 238 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 
 
 of the earth, and drown the hufbandrnan's hopes : 
 who moulds you into frozen balls, and you arc (hot, 
 linked with death *, on the troops of his enenies : 
 H E, inftead of discharging the furioufnefs of his 
 wrath upon this guilty head, poured out his pra/ers ; 
 poured out his fighs ; poured out his very foul, fr me 
 and my fellow-tranfgreflbrs : 'that, by virtue f his 
 ineftimable propitiation, the overflowings of a'vine 
 good-will might be extended to finful men ; tht the 
 fkies might pour down righteoufnefs ; and peace <n her 
 downy wings, pea^e with her balmy blelfings, ddcend 
 to dwell on earth. 
 
 YE vernal Clouds ; furls of finer air, folds ofbfter 
 moifture : He, who draws you, in copious exhakions, 
 from the briny deep ; bids you leave every diftfteful 
 quality behind, and become floating fountains of veet- 
 eft waters: He, who diflblves you into gentle rai, and 
 difmifTes you in fruitful fhowers ; who kincll}com- 
 miffions you to drop down fatnefs, as you fall, nd to 
 {carter flowers over the field : HE, in the unut Table 
 bitternefs of his fpirit, was. without any com rting 
 fenfe of his almighty Father's prefence : He,whcn 
 his bones were burnt up like a firebrand, had it one 
 drop of that facred confolation, which, on manyf his 
 aiHi&ed fervants, has been diftilled as the eveninglews, 
 
 and 
 
 '* Job has informed us, for what purpofe the magaies of 
 the firmament are flocked with hail. That they may 'ready 
 again/} the day of battle and -war. Job xxxviii. Q.^.-Jq/hua 
 has recorded, what terrible flaughter has been made, thofe 
 mijfivf weapons of the Almighty, Jojh. x. n.-r-Modehifto- 
 rians relate, that, when Edward III. invaded France, lower 
 of hatKtones defcended, of fuch a prodigious fize, at fix 
 thoufand horfes, and one thoufand men, were flruckad in- 
 ftantaneoufly. But the molt dreadful defcription 
 ordnance of the heavens, is given us in Rev. xvi. 
 fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every Jt one 
 iyeigkt of a talent.
 
 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 339 
 
 and has " given fongs in the night" of diftrefs : that, 
 from this unallayed and inconfolable anguifh of our all- 
 gracious Matter, we, as from a well of falvation, might 
 derive large draughts of fpiritual refreiliment. 
 
 THOU grand ethereal Bow ; whofe beauties flufh the 
 firmament, and charm every fpetlator : He, who 
 paints thee on the fluid fkirts of the fky ; who decks 
 thee with all the pride of colours, and bends thee into 
 that graceful and majeflic figure ; at whofe command, 
 thy vivid ftreaks fweetly rile, or fwiftly fade : HE, 
 through all his life, was arrayed in the hfrmble garb 
 of poverty ; and, at his exit, wore the gorgeous gar- 
 ment of contempt ; infomuch that even his own fami- 
 liar friends, afhamed or afraid to own him, " hid as it 
 tc were their faces from him * :" to teach us a be- 
 coming difdain for the unfubftantial and tranfitory glit- 
 ter of all worldly vanities : to introduce us, in robes 
 brighter than the tinges of thy refplendent arch ; even 
 in the robes of his own immaculate righteoufnefs, to 
 introduce us, before that augufl and venerable throne, 
 which the peaceful rainbow furrounds ; furrounds, as 
 a pledge of inviolable fidelity, and infinite mercy. 
 
 Ye Storms and Tempefts, which vex the continent, 
 and tofs the leas ; which dafh navies on the rocks, and 
 drive forefts from their roots : Fie, whofe breath roufes 
 you into fuch refiftlefs fury, and whofe nod controls 
 you in your wildefl career : He, who holds the rapid 
 and raging hurricane in flreightened reins ; and walks, 
 dreadfully ferene, on the very wings of the wind: HE 
 went, all meek and gentle, like a lamb to the {laughter 
 for us ; and, as a fheep before her fhearers is dumb, 
 fo he opened not his mouth. Thus are we inftruftcd 
 
 to 
 
 * If. liii. 3. 1330 a>:s incan Full tanquam aliquis, a qu^ 
 qutfqucfaciem occultaret. He iaas as fame flagitious and aban- 
 
 doned iuretck,from whom every one, difdaining fuch a character, 
 and declaiming fuch an acquaintan< 
 
 acquaintance, ftudioufiy hid his face.
 
 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 
 
 to bear, with decent magnanimity, the various aflaults 
 of adverfity ; and to pafs, with a becoming tranquillity 
 bf temper, through all the rudeblafts of injurious treat- 
 ment. Thus are we delivered from the unutterably 
 fiercer ftorms of incenfed and inexorable jufticej from 
 the ct fire, the brimftone, and the horrible tempeft, 
 " which will be the final portion of the ungodly." 
 
 Tnotr Peftilence, that fcattcreft ten thoufand poifons 
 from thy baleful wings ; tainthig the air, and infe&ing 
 the nations : under whofe malignant influence, joy is 
 blafted, and nature fickens ; mighty regions are depo- 
 pulated, and once crouded cities are left without inha- 
 bitants : He, who arms thee with inevitable definition, 
 and bids thee march before * his angry countenance, 
 to fpread defolation among the tents of the wicked, 
 and be the forerunner of far more fearful indigna- 
 tion : HE, in his holy humanity, was arraigned as a 
 criminal ; and, though innocence itfelf, yea, the very 
 pattern of perfection, was condemned to die, like the 
 mod execrable milcreant. As a nuifance to fociety, 
 and the very bane of the public happinefs, he was hur- 
 ried away to execution, and hammered to the gibbet : 
 that, by his blood, he might prepare a fovereign me- 
 dicine, to cure us of a more fatal diftemper, than the 
 peftilence which walketh in darknefs, or the ficknefs 
 which deftroyeth at noon- day : that he might himielf 
 fay to our laft enemy, 4t O death, I will be thy plagues 5 
 " O grave, I will be thy definition f." 
 
 whofe burning influence parches the Li* 
 by an wilds j tans into foot the Ethiopian's complexion ; 
 and makes every fpecies of life pant, and droop, and 
 languifh : Cold, whofe icy breath glaies yearly the 
 Ruffian feas ; often glues the frozen failor to the cord- 
 age ; and ftiffens the traveller into a ftatue of rigid 
 
 flefli-: 
 
 * Before klm -went the pcftilence, Hab, iii. 5. 
 f Hoi', iiii. 14.
 
 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 241 
 
 flefh : HE, who fometimes blends you both, and 
 produces the moft agreeable temperature ; fometimes 
 iuffers you to aft feparately, and rage with intolera- 
 ble feverity : that King of heaven, and controller of 
 univerfal nature, when dwelling in a tabernacle of 
 clay, was expofed to chilling damps, and fmitten by 
 fultry beams. The ftars, in their midnight- watches, 
 heard him pray ; and the fun, in his meridian fer- 
 vours, faw him toil. Hence are our frozen hearts 
 diffolved into a mingled flow of wonder, love, and 
 joy ; being confcious of a deliverance from thole in- 
 fufferable flames, which, kindled by divine indigna- 
 tion, burn to the loweft hell. 
 
 THOU Ocean , van: world of waters ! He, who funk 
 that capacious bed for thy reception, and poured the 
 liquid element into unfathomable channels ; before 
 whom, all thy foaming billows, and floating moun- 
 tains, are as the fmall drop of a bucket : who, by the 
 leaft intimation of his will, fwells thy fluid kingdoms, 
 in wild confufion, to mingle with the clouds j or re- 
 duces them, in calm compofure, to flumber on the 
 fhores : He, who once gave thee a warrant to over- 
 whelm the whole earth, and bury all its degenerate 
 inhabitants in a watery grave ; but has now laid an 
 everlafting embargo on thy boifterous waves ; and 
 bound thee, all fierce and madding asthou art, in chains 
 ftronger than adamant, yet formed of defpicable fand: 
 all the waves of vengeance and wrath, of tribulation 
 and anguim, patted over HIS crucified body, and HIS 
 agonizing foul : that we might emerge from thofe 
 depths of mifery, from that abyfs of guilt, into which 
 we were plunged by Adam's fall, and more irretrieva- 
 bly funk by our own tranfgremons : that, at the laft, 
 we might be reftorcd to that happy world, which is 
 reprefented, in the vifion of GOD, as having u no 
 " fea *," to denote its perpetual {lability, and undif- 
 turbed ferenity. YE 
 
 * Rev. xxi. x, 
 
 Vet. I. N 3. H h
 
 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 
 
 YE Mountains^ that overlook the clouds, and pro- 
 jeft a {hade into diftant provinces : everlafting pyra- 
 mids of nature, not to be fhaken by conflifting ele- 
 ments ; not to be (nattered by the bolts of thunder ; 
 nor impaired even by the ravages of time : He, who 
 bid your ridges rife ib high, and your foundations 
 ftand fo fad :- He, in whofe fcale you are lighter than 
 duft ; in whofe eye you are lets than nothing : H E 
 funk beneath a load of woes ; woes infupportable, 
 but not his own ; when he took our iniquities upon 
 himfelf, and heaved the more than mountainous bur- 
 den from a guilty world. 
 
 YE verdant Pfoods, that crown our hills, and are 
 crowned yourfelves with leafy honours : Ye humble 
 ftirubs^ adorned, in Ipring, with opening blolfoms ; 
 and fanned, in fummer, by gentle gales : Ye, that in 
 diftant climes, or in cultivated gardens, breathe out 
 ipicy odours, and embalm the air with delightful per- 
 fumes : your all- glorious and ever-blefTed Creator's 
 head was encircled with the thorny wreath ; his face 
 was defiled with contumelious fpitting j and his body 
 bathed in a bloody fweat : that we might wear the 
 crown, the crown of glory, which fadeth net away ', 
 and live for evermore, furrounded with delights, as 
 much furpaffing yours, as yours exceed the rugged 
 defolations of winter. 
 
 THOU mantling Vine ; He who hangs on thy {lender 
 moots, the rich, tranlparent, weighty duller ; who, 
 under thy unornamented foliage, and amiciit the pores 
 of thy otherwife worthlefs bough, prepares the liquor, 
 the refined and exalted liquor, which chears the 
 nations, and fills the cup of joy : trees, whofe branch- 
 es are elevated and waving in air ; or diffuied in eafy 
 confinement, along a funny wall : He, who bends 
 you with a lovely burden of delicious fruits ; whole 
 genial warmth beautifies their rind, and mellows their 
 tafte ; HE, when voluntarily fubject to our wants, 
 
 inftead
 
 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 243 
 
 inftead of being refrefhed with your generous juices, 
 or regaled with your lufcious pulp, had a loathtbme 
 potion of vinegar, mingled with gall, addreffed to 
 his lips : that we might fit under the madow of his 
 merits, with great tranquillity and the utmoft com- 
 placency : that, ere long, being admitted into the pa- 
 radife of GOD, we might eat of the Tree of Life *, 
 and drink new wine with him in his Father's kingdom. 
 
 YE luxuriant Meadows; He who, without the feed- 
 man's indufhy, replenishes your irriguous lap with ne- 
 ver failing crops of herbage ; and enamels their chear- 
 ful green with flowers of every hue : Ye fertile Fields ; 
 He, who blefles the labours of the hufbandnian ; enrich- 
 es your well-tilled plains with waving harvefts, and 
 calls forth the ftaff of life from your furrows : He, 
 who caufes both meadows and fields to laugh and fmg, 
 for the abundance of plenty : HE was no ftranger to 
 corroding hunger, and parching third ; he, alas ! ate 
 the bitter bread of wo, and had u plenteoulhefs of 
 " tears to drink :" that we might partake of richer 
 dainties, than thofe which are produced by the dew of 
 heaven, and proceed from the fatnefs of the earth : 
 that we might feed on "the hidden manna," and eat the 
 bread which giveth life, eternal life, unto the world. 
 
 Ye Mines, rich in yellow ore, or bright with veins 
 of filver ; that diftribute your fhining treafures, as far 
 as winds can waft the veffel of commerce ; that be- 
 ftow your alms on monarchs, and have princes for 
 your penQoners : Ye beds of gems , toy-fliops of na- 
 ture ! which form, in dark retirement, the glittering 
 itone : diamonds, that fparkle with a brilliant water ; 
 rubies, that glow with a crimlbn flame : emeralds, dipped 
 in the freftieft verdure of fpring ; fapp hires, decked 
 with the faireft drapery of the iky : topaz, emblazed 
 with a golden gleam ; amethyjl, impurpled with the 
 bluihes of the morning : He, who tindlures the me- 
 tallic 
 * Rev. ii. 7,
 
 244 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 
 
 tallic duft, and confolidates the lucid drop ; HE, when 
 fojourning on earth, had no riches, but the riches of 
 difinterefted benevolence ; had no ornament, bnt the 
 ornament of unfpotted purity. Poor he was in his 
 circumftances, and mean in all his accommodations ; 
 that WE might be rich in grace, and " obtain falvation 
 *' with eternal glory :" that we might inhabit the new 
 Jerujalem; that fplendidcity ! whofe ftreets are paved 
 with gold ; whofe gates are formed of pearl ; and the 
 walls garnifhed with all manner of precious ftones*. 
 
 YE gulhing Fountains ^ that trickle potable filver 
 thro* the matted grafs : ye fine tranfparent Streams, 
 that glide, in cryftal waves, along your fringed banks : 
 ye deep and (lately Rivers^ that wind and wander in 
 your courfe, to fpread your favours wider ; that glad- 
 den kingdoms in your progrefs, and augment the fea 
 with your tribute : He, who fupplies all your cur- 
 rents from his own ever-flowing and inexhauftible li- 
 berality : HE, when his nerves were racked with ex- 
 quifite pain, and his blood inflamed by a raging fever, 
 cried, I THIRST ; and was denied (unparalleled 
 hardfhip !) in this his great extremity, was denied 
 the poor refreshment of a fingledrop of water : -that 
 we, having all fufficiency in all things, might abound 
 to every good work, might be filled with the fulnefs 
 of fpiritual blellings here, and hereafter be fatisfied 
 with that fulnefs of joy, which is at GOD'S right hand 
 for evermore. 
 
 YE Birds, chearful tenants of the bough, gaily dref- 
 fed in glofly plumage ; who wake the morn, and ib- 
 lace the groves, with your artlefs lays : inimitable ar- 
 chitecls ! who, without rule or line, build your penfile 
 flruftures, with all the nicety of proportion : you 
 have each his commodious neft, roofed with (hades, 
 and lined with warmth, to proteft and cherifh the cal- 
 low brood. But He, who tuned your throats to har- 
 mony, and taught you that curious (kill j JIE was a 
 
 man. 
 * Rev, xxi, 19, 21.
 
 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 245 
 
 man of forrows, and had not where to lay his head ; 
 had not where to lay his head, till he felt the pangs 
 of diflblution, and was laid in the lilent grave : that 
 we, dwelling under the wings of Omnipotence, and 
 refling in the bofom of infinite love, might fpend an 
 harmonious eternity, in " fmging the fong of Mofes 
 " and of the LAMB." 
 
 B E E 5, induflrious workmen ! that fweep, with 
 bufy wing, the flowery garden; and fearch the bloom- 
 ing heath ; and lip the mellifluous dews : flrangers to 
 idlenefs ! that ply, with incelfant afliduity, your plea- 
 ling tafk j and fuffer no opening bloffom to pafs unex- 
 plored, no funny gleam to flip away unimproved : mofl 
 ingenious artificers ! that cling to the fragrant buds ; 
 drain them of their treafured Tweets ; and extract (if 
 I may fo fpeak) even the odoriferous fouls of herbs, 
 and plants, and flowers : -you, when you have com- 
 pleted your work ; have collected, refined, and fe- 
 curely lodged the ambrofial (lores ; when you might 
 reaforiably expeft the peaceful fruition of your acqui- 
 fitions ; you, alas, are barbaroufly deftroyed, and leave 
 your hoarded delicacies to others ; leave them to be 
 enjoyed by your very murderers. I cannot but pity 
 your hard defliny ! How then fliould my bowels melt 
 with fympathy, and my eyes flow with tears j, when I 
 remember, that thus, thus it fared with your and our 
 incarnate Maker! After a life of the mofl exemplary 
 and exalted piety ; a life filled with offices of benefi- 
 cence, and labours of love ; H E was, by wicked 
 hands, crucified and flain. He left the honey of his 
 toil, the balm of his blood, and the riches of his o- 
 bedience, to be fliared among others ; to be Ihared 
 even among thofe, who too often crucify him afrefli, 
 and put him to open fhame. 
 
 SHALL I mention the animal, which fpins her 
 
 foft, 
 
 Canft thou, ungrateful man, his torments fee, 
 Nor drop a tear for HIM, who poitr'd his blood for thee ? 
 
 PITTS'S Poem*.
 
 246 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 
 
 foft, her (liining, exquifitely fmcjilken thread f ? whofe 
 mrtchleis manufactures lend an ornament to grandeur, 
 and make royalty itfelf more magnificent. Shall I 
 take notice of the cell, in which, when the gaiety and 
 bufineis of life are over, the little reclufe immures 
 herfelf, and fpends the remainder of her days in re- 
 tirement ? Shall I rather obferve the fepulchre, which 
 when cloyed with pleafure and weary of the world, 
 ihe prepares for her own interment ? Or how, when a 
 flated period is elapfed, flic wakes from a death-like in- 
 aclivity ; breaks the inclofure of her tomb ; throws 
 off the dufky fhroud ; aiTumes a new form ; puts on a 
 more fumptuous array ; and, from an infet creeping 
 on the ground, becomes a winged inhabitant of the 
 air ? No : this is a poor reptile; and therefore un- 
 worthy to ferve as an illuftration, when any cha- 
 racter of the Son of GOD comes under confideration. 
 But let jne correcT: myfelf. Was not C H R I s T 
 (to ufe the language of his own blefTed Spirit) a 
 worm, and no man \? in appearance fuch, and treated 
 as fuch. Did he not alfo bequeath the fine linen of 
 
 his 
 
 -j- No one, I hope, will be offended at my introducing, on 
 fuch an occafion, creatures of fo low a rank. Since even the 
 volumes of infpiration feem to lend me the fanclion of their 
 f acred authority ; as they difdain not to compare the blefled 
 JESUS to a door, a high-way, &c. And, perhaps, all compan- 
 ions which refpect a Being of infinite dignity, are not only 
 mean, but equally mean and unworthy. 
 
 I am fenfible, likewife, that in this paragraph, and fome 
 others, all the circumftances are not completely correipondent. 
 But if, \nfome grand particulars, the reddition anfwers to the 
 defcription ; this, I truft, will be fufficient for my purpole, 
 and fatisfaclory to my readers. Perhaps, it would be no mil- 
 taken caution, to apply the fame obfervation to many of the 
 beutiful (imilitudes, parables, and allegories, ufed by our LORD; 
 fuch as the brazen ferpent^ the unjuji lleward, the thief m the 
 night, ore. ; which, if fcrupuloufly iifted, or rigoroufly ftrain- 
 ed, for an entire coincidence in every circumftance, muft ap- 
 pear to great difadvantage, and lead into palpable inconveni- 
 cncies, Pfal. xxii. 6,
 
 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 247 
 
 his own moft perfect righteoufnefs, to compofe the 
 marriage-garment * for our difarrayed and defiled 
 fouls ? Did he not, before his flefti law corruption, 
 emerge triumphant from the grave ; and not only 
 mount the lower firmament, but afcend the heaven of 
 heavens ; taking pofleflion of thofe fublime abodes, 
 in our name, and as our forerunner. 
 
 YE 
 
 * This, and feveral other hints, interfperfed in the two vo- 
 lumes, refer to the attive and pa/five righteoufnefs of CHRIST, 
 imputed to believers, for their juitification : which, in the o- 
 pinion of many great expofitors, is the myftical and the moil 
 fublime meaning of the wedding-garment, fo emphatically and 
 forcibly recommended by the Teacher fent from GOD, Matth. 
 xxii. ir. A doctrine, which fome of thofe who honour my 
 Meditations with a perufal, probably may not receive with 
 much, if any, approbation. 1 hope, the whole performance 
 will not be cafhiered, for one difference in fentiment. And I 
 beg, that the fentiment itfelf may not haftily be rejected, 
 without a ferious hearing. For I have the pleafure of being 
 intimately acquainted with a gentleman of good learning, and 
 diflinguifhed fenfe, who had once as ftrong prepoffeflions a- 
 gainft this tenet, as can well be imagined. Yet now he not on- 
 ly admits it, as a truth ; but embraces it, as the joy of his 
 heart ; and cleaves to it, as the rock of his hopes. 
 
 A clear and cogent treatife, entitled, Submij/ion t the righ- 
 tcoufncfs of Goo, was the inftrument of removing his preju- 
 dices, and reducing him to a better judgment. In which he 
 has been happily confirmed by the authority of the moft illuf- 
 trlous names, and the works of the moft eminent pens, that have 
 ever adorned our church and nation. In this number are, 
 Bifhop Jewel, one of our great reformers ; and the other ve- 
 nerable compilers of our homilies ; Archbifhop Ufher, that 
 oracle of univerfal learning; Biihop Hall, the devout and 
 fprightly orator of his age; the copious and fervent Bifliop 
 Hopkins ; the fingularly good and unaffected Biihop Beve- 
 ridge ; that everlaft-ng honour of the bench of judicature, 
 Lord Chief Juitice Hales ; the nervous, florid, and perfua- 
 five Dean Stanhope ; -the practical and perfpicuous Mr Jjur~ 
 kitt ; and, to funmion no Other evidence, that matchlefs geni- 
 us Milton i who, in various parts of his uiviae poem, inculcate*. 
 
 this
 
 248 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 
 
 YE Cattle^ that reft in your inclofed paftures ; ye 
 beafts, that range the unlimited foreft ; ye fifh, that 
 rove thro' tracklefs paths of the fea : ftieep^ clad in 
 garments, which, when left by you, are wore by 
 kings : kine, who feed on verdure, which, tranfmuted 
 in your bodies, and drained from your udders, fur- 
 nifhes a repaft for queens : lions, roaring after your 
 prey ; leviathan, taking your paftime in the great deep ; 
 with all that wing the firmament, or tread the foil, or 
 fwim the wave : He, who fpreads his ever-hofpitable 
 board \ who admits you all to be his continual guefts ; 
 and fuffers you to want no manner of thing that is 
 good: HE was deftitute, afflicted, tormented: He 
 endured all that was miferable and reproachful; in or- 
 der to exalt a degenerate race, who had debafed them- 
 
 felves 
 
 this comfortable truth; and, in one paflage, reprefents it under 
 the very fame image, which is made ufe of above, book X. 
 
 /. 222. 
 
 I had atmofl: forgot to mention, that the treatife entitled, 
 Submijfion, &c. was written by Mr Benjamin Jenks ; whofe 
 book of devotions has defervedly pafled thro* eleven editions; 
 is truly admirable for the fublimity, fpirituality, and proprie- 
 ty of the fentiments ; as well as for the concife form, and pa- 
 thetic turn of the expreffion : Whofe book of meditations, 
 through no lefs worthy of general acceptance, has, for a con- 
 fiderable time, been almoft unknown and extinft. But it is 
 now revived, and is lately publiihed, in two odavo volumes, 
 by Mr James Kivington. For which fervice he has my thanks; 
 I flatter myfelf, he will have the thanks of the public : as I 
 am perfuaded, could religion and virtue fpeak, he would have 
 their acknowledgments alfo. Since few treadles are more hap- 
 pily calculated, to reprefent religion in its native beauty, and 
 to promote the interefts of genuine virtue. On which account, 
 I trufl, the candid will excufe me, and the judicious will not 
 condemn me, even tho' the recommendation of thofe devo- 
 tions of thefe meditations may appear to be a digrelfion from 
 my fubjeft. 
 
 N. B. Should the reader be inclined to examine the afore- 
 mentioned tenet, he will find it ftated, difcujjed, and applied 
 to its due improvement, in a piece entitled THE RON and As- 
 ?ASIO, in the fecund and third volumes of this edition*
 
 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 249 
 
 jfelves to a level with the beafts that perifh, unto feats 
 pf undiftinguiftled and immortal honour ; in order to 
 introduce the flaves of fin, and heirs of hell, into 
 manfions of confummate and everlafting blifs. 
 
 SURELY, the contemplation of fuch a fubjeft, and 
 the diftant anticipation of fuch a hope, may almoft 
 turn earth into heaven, and make even inanimate na- 
 ture vocal with praife. Let it then break forth from 
 every creature. Let the meaneft feel the infpiringim- 
 pulfe ; let the greateft acknowledge themfelves una- 
 ble, worthily to exprefs the ftupendous goodnefs. 
 
 Praife HIM) ye infects that crawl on the ground ; 
 who, though high above all height, humbled himfelf 
 to dwell in duft* Birds of the air, wdft on your 
 wings, and warble in your notes, HIS praife ; who, 
 though LORO f the celeftial abodes, while fojourn- 
 ing on earth, wanted a (helter commodious as your 
 nefls. Ye rougher world of brutes, join with the 
 gentle fongfters of the {hade, and howl to HIM your 
 hoarfe applaufe ; who breaks the jaw-bones of the in- 
 fernal lion ; who foftens into mildnefs the favage dif- 
 pofition ; and bids the wolf lye down, in amicable a- 
 greement with the lamb. Bleat out, ye hills ; let 
 broader lows be refponfive from the vales ; ye forefts 
 catchj and ye rocks retain, the inarticulate hymn ; be- 
 caufe MESSIAH the Prince feeds his flock, like a fliep- 
 herd. He gathers the lambs with his arm; he Carries 
 them in his bofom ; and gently leads thofe that are with 
 young *. Wave, ye ftately cedars, in fign of worfhip, 
 wave your branching heads to H I M, who meekly 
 bowed his own, on the accurfed tree. Pleafing prof- 
 petfs, fcenes of beauty, where niceft art confpires with 
 lavilh nature, to form a paradife below ; lay forth all 
 your charms, and in all your charms cohfefs yourfelves 
 a mere blank, compared with his amiablenefs, who is 
 *' faireft among ten thoufand, and altogether lovely." 
 
 Drop 
 * If. xl. ii. 
 
 VOL. I, N* 3. I i
 
 350 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 
 
 *^- Drop down, yeftiowers; and teftify, as you fall } 
 teftify of his grace, which defcends more copioufly 
 than the rain, diiHls more fweetly than the dew. Let 
 fighing gales breathe, and murmuring rivulets flow ; 
 breathe and flow in harmonious confonance to HIM ; 
 whole Spirit is far more reviving than the cooling 
 breeze ; who is himfelf the fountain of living waters. 
 
 YE Lightnings^ blaze to his honour; ye Thunders, 
 found HIS praiie ; while reverberating clouds return 
 the roar, and bellowing oceans propagate the tremen- 
 dous anthem. Muteft of creatures, add your filent 
 oratory, and difplay the triumphs of HIS meeknefs ; 
 who, though he maketh the clouds his chariot, and 
 treadeth upon the waves of the fea ; tho' the thun- 
 der is his voice, and the lightning his fword of juftice ; 
 yet, amidft the moft abufive and cruel injuries, was 
 fubmiffive and lifted not his hand, was u dumb and 
 " opened not his mouth." Great Joitrce of day, ad- 
 drefs thy radiant homage to a far fublimer fun. Write, 
 in all thy ample round, with every lucid beam, O 1 
 write a teftimony to HIM, who is the brightnefs of 
 his Father's glory ; who is the Sun of righteoufnefs to 
 a linful world ; and is rifen, never to go down ; is ri- 
 fen, to be our everlafting light. Shine clear, ye Skies ; 
 look gay, thou Earth; let \\\Q floods clap their hands, 
 and let every creature wear a fmile : for he cometh, 
 the CREATOR himfelf cometh, to be manifefled in 
 the flefli ; and with him comes pardon, peace, and joy j 
 every virtue and all felicity comes in his train. An- 
 gels and arcliangds, let your fongs be of JESUS, and 
 teach the very heavens to echo with his adored and ma- 
 jeftic name. Ye beheld him, with greater traniports 
 of admiration, when you attended his agony in the 
 garden, and faw him proftrate on the ground, than 
 when you beheld univerfal nature riling at his call, 
 and faw the wonders of his creating might. Tune to 
 lofdeft notes your golden harps, and waken raptures 
 unknown before even in heavenly breafls : while all 
 
 that
 
 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 251 
 
 that has breath fwells the concert of harmony ; and 
 all that has being unites in the tribute of praife. 
 
 Chiefly, let man exalt his voice : let man, with dif- 
 tinguifhed hofannas, hail the REDEEMER. For man, 
 he was ftretched on the racking crols ; for man, 
 he \vas configned to the gloomy fepulchre j for man, 
 he procured grace unmeafurable, and blifs inconceiv- 
 able. However different, therefore, in your age, or 
 more different in your circumftances, be unanimous, O 
 men, in magnifying a Saviour, who is no refpefter of 
 peribns, who gave himfelf a ranfom for all. Bend, 
 ye kings , from your thrones of ivory and gold ; in 
 your robes of imperial purple, fall proftrate at HI S 
 feet ; who forfook a nobler throne, and laid aft-de more 
 illuftrious enfigns of majefty, that you might reign 
 with GOD for ever and ever. Children of poverty, 
 meaneft of mortals, (if any can be called poor, who 
 are thus enriched ; if any can be accounted mean, who 
 are thus ennobled,) rejoice, greatly rejoke, in GOD 
 your Saviour; who chofe to be indigent, was willing 
 to be contemned, that you might be entitled to the 
 treaiures, and be numbered with the princes of hea- 
 ven. So as of affliction, tho 1 barafTcd with pain, and 
 inured to anguifh, O I change your groans into fongs 
 of gratitude. Let no complaining voice, no jarring 
 firing be heard, in the univerfal fymphony ; but glo- 
 rify the LAMB even in the fires ; who himfelf bore 
 greater torment, than you feel ; and has promifed you 
 a mare in the joy which he inherits ; who has made 
 your fufferings iliort, and will make your reft eternal. 
 Men of hoary locks, bending beneath a weight of 
 years, and tottering on the brink of the grave ; let 
 CHRIST be your fupport, under ail infirmities ; 
 lean upon CHRIST, as the rock of your falva- 
 tion. Let his name, his precious name, form the laft 
 accents, which quiver on your pale expiring lips. 
 And let this be the firft, that lifps on your tongues, ye 
 render infants % Remember your RE o E EMER, in you* 
 I i 2 earlicft 
 
 $ If. xx iv. 15*
 
 352 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 
 
 earlieft moments. Devote the choice of your hours 
 to the learning of his will, and the chief of your 
 flrength to the glorifying of HIS name ; who, in the 
 perfection of health, and the very prime of manhood, 
 was content to become a motionlefsandghaftlycorpfe, 
 that you might be girt with the vigour, and clothed 
 with the bloom, of eternal youth. 
 
 YE fpirits of jufl men made perfett^ who are relea- 
 fed from the burden of the flefti ; and freed from aU 
 the vexatious felicitations of corruption in yourfelves; 
 delivered from all the injurious effects of iniquity in 
 others : who ibjourn no longer in the tents of ftrife, 
 or the territories of diforder ; but are received into 
 that pure, harmonious, holy fociety, where every one 
 acts up to his amiable and exalted character ; where 
 GOD himfelf is pleafed gracioujly and immediately to 
 prefide. You find, not without pleafmg aftonifhment, 
 your hopes improved into actual enjoyment, and your 
 faith fuperfcded by the beatific vifion. You feel all 
 your former fhynefs of behaviour, happily loft in the 
 overflowings of unbounded love ; and all your little 
 differences of opinion, entirely bore down by tides of 
 invariable truth. Bleis, therefore, with all your en- 
 larged powers, blefs his infinitely larger goodnefs ; 
 who, when he had overcome the fharpnefs of death, 
 opened the gates of paradife, opened the kingdom of 
 heaven, to all generations, and to every denomination 
 of the faithful. 
 
 Ye men of holy converfation, and humble tempers, 
 think of HIM, who loved you^ and luaflied you Jrom 
 your fins in his own bloo4* Think of him, on your fi- 
 lent couch ; talk of him, in every focial interview. 
 Glory in his excellencies ; make yourboaft of his o- 
 bedience ; and add, ftill continue to add, the incenfe 
 of a dutiful life, to all the oblations of a grateful 
 tongue. ffcakeft of believers , who go mourning un- 
 der a fenfe of guilt, and conflicting with the cafelefs 
 
 ajTaults 
 
 
 
 '
 
 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 253 
 
 ailaults of temptation ; put off your fackcloth, and 
 be girded with gladnefs. Becaufe Jfi s u s is as mer- 
 ciful to hear, as he is mighty to help. Becaufe he is 
 touched with the tendered fympathizing concern, for 
 all your diftrefTes ; and he lives, ever lives, to be your 
 Advocate with the FATHER. Why then ftiould un- 
 eafy doubts fadden your countenances \ why fhould 
 defponding fears opprefs your fouls ? Turn, turn 
 thofe difconfolate fighs into chcarful hymns ; iince you 
 have his powerful interceffion, and his inejlimable me- 
 rits, to be your anchor in all tribulations, to be your 
 paifport into eternal bleflednefs. 
 
 MOST of all, yeminifters ofthe/antfuary, herald^ 
 commiffioned from above ; lift, every one, his voice 
 like a trumpet, and loudly proclaim the REDEEMER. 
 Get ye up, ye ambafTadprs of peace, get ye up into 
 the high mountains ; and fpread far and wide the ho- 
 nours of the LAMB, u that was flain, but is alive 
 u for evermore." Teach every facred roof to re- 
 found with his fame ; and every human heart to glow 
 with his love. Declare, as far as the force of words will 
 go, declare the inexhauftible fulnefs of that great 
 atonement, whofe merits are commenfurate with the 
 glories of the Di VINIT Y *. Tell the fmful wretch, 
 what pity yearns in IMMANU EL'S bowels ; what blood 
 he has fpilt, what agonies he has endured, what won- 
 ders he has wrought, for the falvation of his enemies. 
 Invite the indigent, to become rich ; intreat the guil- 
 ty, to accept of pardon ; becaufe with the crucified 
 JESUS is plenteous redemption, and all-fufficiency to 
 lave. While you, placed in confpicuous ftations 
 pour the joyful found ; may I, as I fteal through the 
 vale of humble life, catch the pleafmg accents ! For me, 
 
 the 
 
 * If in this place and others, I have fpoken magnificently 
 of the blood of CHRIST, and its infuperable efficacy to ex- 
 piate guilt ; I think, it is no more than is exprefled in a very 
 celebrated hymn, written by one of the greateft ty///, who 
 bad alfo been one of the greateft libertines, and afterwards 
 
 commenced
 
 2J4 A DESCANT upon CREATION. 
 
 the Author of all blefiings became a curfe ; for me, 
 his bones were diflocated, and his flelh was torn ; he 
 hung with ftreaming veins, and an agonizing foul, on 
 the crofs, for me. O ! may I, in my little fpherc, and 
 amidft the fcanty circle of my acquaintance, at leaft 
 whifper thefe glad tranfporting tidings ; whifper them 
 from my own heart, that they may furely reach, and 
 fweetly penetrate theirs. 
 
 But, when men and angels raife the grand hymn ; 
 when all worlds, and all beings, add their collective 
 acclamations ; this full, fervent, and univerfal chorus 
 will be fo inferior to the riches of the REDEEMER 's 
 grace ; fo disproportionate to the magnificence of his 
 glory, that it will feem but to debafe the unutterable 
 iubjeft it attempts to exalt. The loud Hallelujah will 
 die a-way, in the folemn mental eloquence of pro- 
 flrate, rapturous, filent adoration. 
 
 goodnefs infinite I goodnefs immenfe . f 
 ^fidlovc that pafTeth knowledge ! fiords arcvain ; 
 Language is loft in wonders fo divine, 
 " Come then^ exprejfive SILENCE, mufe his praifc.'* 
 
 CON- 
 
 commenced one of the moft remarkable penitents, in France : 
 A hymn, which even Mr Bayle confefTes to be a very fine 
 one: which another great critic calls an admirable one; and 
 which a genius fuperior to them both recommends as a noble 
 one. (See Speff. vol. VII. N* 513.) 
 
 The author, having acknowledged his crimes to be beyond 
 meafure hainous, and almoft beyond torgivenefs provoking; 
 fo provoking, as to render tears from fuch eyes offenfive, and 
 prayers from fuch lips abominable ;-*- compofes himfelf to fub- 
 mit, without the leaft repining fentiment j to fubmit, even with 
 praife and adoration, to the moft dreadful doom. Accordingly, 
 he (lands in refigned expectation of being inftantly (truck by 
 rhe bolts of vengeance: but with a turn of thought equally 
 furprifing and Tprightly j with a faith properly founded, and 
 happily firm ; he adds, 
 
 Yet where ! O where ! can ev'n thy thunders fall ? 
 Can IST'S -blood o'erfpreads and fliields me from them all*
 
 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 O N 
 THE NIGHT, 
 
 AND 
 THE STARRY HEAVENS, 
 
 AND 
 A WINTER-PIECE, 
 
 ?te(!fegfofftec&(foi&(^^e&.':fo 
 My meditation ofhimjhallbejweet. Pfal. civ. 34.
 
 T b 
 
 I A U L ORCHARD^ 
 
 Of Stock-Abbey > in Devon/hire, Efq. 
 
 t>ear S I R, 
 
 AS your honoured father was pleafed to make; 
 choice of me to anfwer in your name at the 
 font, and to exercife a fort of guardian/hip over your 
 ipiritual interefts ; permit me, by putting thefe little 
 treatifes into your hand, to fulfil fome part of that 
 folemn obligation. 
 
 GRATITUD E for many fignal favours, and a con- 
 fcientious regard to my facred engagement, have long 
 ago infpired my breaft with the warmeft wifhes, botli 
 for your true dignity, and real happinefs. Nor can 
 I think of a more endearing, or a more effectual way, 
 of advancing either the one or the other, than to fet 
 before you a (ketch of your excellent father's charac- 
 ter. Illuftrious examples are the moft winning in- 
 citements to virtue. And none can come attended 
 with fuch particular recommendations to You, Sir, 
 as the pattern of that worthy perfon, from Whom you 
 derive your very being. 
 
 A MOST cordial and reverential efteem for the di- 
 vine word) was one of his remarkable qualities . Thojfe 
 .oracles of heaven were his principal delight, and his 
 infcparable companions. Your gardens, your folitary 
 walks, and the hedges of your fields, can witnefs *, 
 with what an unwearied affiduity lie exercifed himfelf 
 In the law of the LORD. From hence he fetched 
 
 his 
 '* Jofh. xxiv. 27, 
 
 VOL. I. N -' Kk
 
 258 DEDICATION. 
 
 his maxims of wifdom, and formed his judgment of 
 things. The facred precepts were the model of his 
 temper, and the guide of his life ; while the preci- 
 ous promifes were the joy of his heart, and his por- 
 tion for ever. 
 
 IMPROVING company was another of his mod 
 f eliming pleatures. Few gentlemen were better fur 
 nimed, either with richnels of fancy, or copioufneis 
 of exprefiion, to bear a mining part in converfation. 
 With thefe talents, he always endeavoured to give 
 fome ujejul) generally fome religious^ turn to the dif- 
 courie. Nor did he ever reflect, with greater com- 
 placency, on his focial hours, than when they tended 
 to glorify the eternal Majefty ; and to awaken, irr 
 himiclf and others, a more lively fpirit of devotion. 
 
 To project for the good of others, was his fre- 
 quent Jludy ; and to carry thofe benevolent contrivan- 
 ces into execution, his favourite employ. When vi- 
 fited by the young perfons of the neighbourhood, far 
 from taking an ungraceful pride to initiate them in 
 debauchery, or confirm them in a riotous habit ; it 
 was his inceffant aim, by finely- adapted perfuafives, 
 to encourage them in induftry, and eflablim them in a 
 courie ofjobriety; to guard them againft the allure- 
 ments of vice, and animate them with the principles 
 of piety. A noble kind of hofpitality this ! which 
 will probably tranfmit its beneficial influence to their 
 earthly poffeflions, to their future families, and even 
 to their everlafting iiate. 
 
 A CONVICTION of human indigence, and a tho- 
 rough periuafion of the divine all-iufficiency, in- 
 duced him to be frequent in prayer. To pro- 
 ftrate himielf, in profound adoration, before that 
 infinitely exalted Being, who dwells in light inaccef- 
 iible, was his glory ; to implore the continuance of 
 the almighty favour, and the increafe of all Chr^ftiait 
 graces was his gain. In thofe moments, no doubt, 
 he remembered You, Sir, with a particular earneft- 
 
 nefc
 
 DEDICATION. 259 
 
 uefs ; and lodged many an ardent petition in the 
 court of heaven, for his infant-fon. Ceafe not to fe- 
 cond them with your own devout fupplications, that 
 they may delcend upon your head, " in the fulnefs of 
 u the bleffings of the gofpel of peace.'* 
 
 To give their genuine luftre to all his other en- 
 dowments, he was careful to maintain an humble mind. 
 Tho' his friends might admire his fuperior abilities, 
 or his acquaintance applaud his exemplary behaviour, 
 he faw how far he fell fliort of the mark of his high 
 calling ; faw, and lamented his defects ; {aw, and re- 
 nounced himfelf; relying, for final acceptance, and 
 endlefs felicity, on a better righteoufnefs than his own ; 
 even on the tranfqendently perfect righteoufnefs, and 
 inconceivably precious death, of JE s u s the Redeem- 
 er. This was the rock of his hope, and the very 
 crown of his rejoicing. 
 
 THESE, Sir, are ibme of the diftingwfking cha- 
 radteriftics of your deceafed parent. As ypu had the 
 misfortune to lofe fo valuable a relative, before you 
 was capable of forming any acquaintance with his 
 perfon ; I flatter tnyfelf, you will the more attentive- 
 ly obferve his picture: this his moral picture; defign- 
 ed, not to be let in gold, or fparkle in enamel, but 
 to breathe in your fpirit, and to live in all your con- 
 duct. Which, tho* it be entirely your own, calcu- 
 Jated purely for yourielf, may poffibly (like the fa- 
 mily-pieces in your parlour, that glance an eye upon 
 as many as enter the room) make ibme pleafing and 
 tijeful impreffion on every beholder. -May every one, 
 charmed with the beautiful image, catch its refem- 
 blance ; and each, in his refpective fphere, " go and 
 " do like wife. ' 
 
 BUT you, Sir, are peculiarly concerned to copy 
 the amiable original. As the order of an indulgent 
 Providence has made you heir of the affluent circum- 
 ftances^ let not a gay and thoughtlefs inadvertence 
 cut you off from the richer inheritance of theie nobls 
 K k 2 ua-
 
 $6o DEDICATION. 
 
 qualifications. Thefe will be your fecurity, amidft 
 all the glittering dangers, which are infeparable from 
 blooming years, and an elevated fituation in life. 
 Thefe are your path, your fure and only path, to true 
 greatnefs and folid happinefs --Tread in thefe fteps, 
 and you cannot fail to be the darling of your friends, 
 and the favourite of heaven. Tread in thefe fteps, 
 and you will give inexpreflible joy to one of the beft 
 of mothers ; you will become an extenfivc bleffing 
 to your fellow- creatures ; and which, after fuch m oft 
 engaging motives, is fcarce worthy to be mentioned, 
 you will be the delight, the honour, and 'the bqafl of, 
 
 Dear S I R y 
 
 Tour very afe&ionate godfather , 
 And moft faithful bumble feru ant ^ 
 
 Wefton-Favell, near 
 Northampton, 
 July 14. 1747. 
 
 JAMES HERVEY,
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 ~nr E have already exercifed our fpeculations on the 
 * tombs and flowers ; furv eying nature, covered 
 with the deepeft horrors, and arrayed in the richejl 
 beauties. Allegory taught many of the objects to /peak 
 the language of virtue, while Imagination lent her co- 
 louring to give the lejjons an engaging air. And this, 
 with a view of imitating that divine Inftruttor ; who 
 cemmiffioned the lily , in her Jilver fait, to remon- 
 ft rate in the ear of unbelieving reafon; who fent his 
 dijciples (men ordained to teach the univerfe) to learn 
 maxims of the laft importance, from the niofl infigni- 
 ficant birds , that wander thro* the paths of the air $ 
 from the very meaneft herbs , that are fcattered over 
 the face of the j- ground. 
 
 Emboldened 
 
 Matth. vi. 26. 28. 29. 30. 
 
 f Celebrated writers, as Demojlhenes and Cicero, Thucy- 
 dides and Livy, are obferved to have a ftyle peculiar to them- 
 felves. Now, whoever confiders the difcourfes of Chrift, will 
 find him diilingpifhing himfelf by a ityle, which may properly 
 be called HIS OWN. Majertic, yet familiar; happily uniting 
 dignity with condefcenfion ; it conlifts, in teaching his follow- 
 ers the fubllrnefl truths, by fpiritualizing on the moft common 
 occurrences : which, befides its being level to the loweft ap- 
 prehenlions, and admirably adapted to fteal into the moft in- 
 attentive heart, is accompanied with this very fingular advan- 
 tage, that it turns even ihefphere of bufinefs into a fchool of 
 ; and renders the moft ordinary objects a fet of mo- 
 nitors,
 
 262 PREFACE. 
 
 Emboldened by the kind acceptance of the preceding 
 Jkctches, I beg leave to confide in the fame benevolence 
 of taftc,/or the protection andfupport of the two remain- 
 ing e (fays; which exhibit a profped o/ilill life, and 
 grand operation ; which moralize on the mojl compo- 
 Jed, and mo/t magnificent, appearances of things. - 
 In which, Fancy is again Juffered to introduce her ima- 
 gery, but only as the handmaid of Truth, in order to 
 drefs her perfon, and difplay her 'charms ; to engage 
 the attention, and win the love,, even of the gay, and 
 of the fafh ion able, ff^hich is more likely to be effec- 
 ted, by forming agreeable pittures of nature, and de- 
 riving inftruttive obfervations y than by the laborious 
 method of long-deduced arguments, or clofe-connetfed 
 reafonings. The contemplation of the heavens and 
 the earth) of their admirable properties and benefi- 
 cial changes, has always afforded the mofl exalted gra- 
 tification to the human mind. In compliance with this 
 prevailing tafte, I have drawn my Jerious admonitions 
 from the Jlupendous theatre, and variegated fcenery, 
 of the univerfe : that the reader may learn his duty 
 from his very pleafures ; <-may gather wifdom, min- 
 gled 
 
 nttors, ever foliating our regard, becanfeever prefent to our 
 fenfes. So that, I believe, it may be faid of this amiable me- 
 tbodin which our LORD conveyed, as well as that of power- 
 ful energy which attended his doctrines, That never man f pake 
 Ilk: this man. The harvejl approaching, he reminds his dif- 
 ciples of a far more important harveft, John iv. 35. Matt, 
 xiii. 39. when immortal beings lhall be reaped from the 
 grave, and gathered in from all the quarters of the earth ; 
 when every human creature lhall fuftain the character of va- 
 luable wheat, or defpicable tares ; and accordingly be lodged 
 in mantions of everlafting fecurity, or configned over to the 
 rage of unquenchable fire. In his charge to fifoermen, when, 
 they are commencing preachers, Matth, iv. 19. he exhorts 
 them, conformably to the nature of their late occupation, to 
 ufe the fame affiduity and addrefs in winning fouls, as they 
 were wont to exercife in catching the finny prey. For the 
 farther illuitration of this no lefs ufeful, than curious fubjec"V 
 I would refer my reader to a valuable note, in Sir Jfaac 
 fcfl's obfervations on the prophecies, p. 148. 4to edition.
 
 PREFACE. 263 
 
 gled with virtue, from the moft refined entertainments, 
 a?td nobleft delights. 
 
 The Evening, drawing her fables over the world, 
 and gently darkening into Night, is ajeafon peculiarly 
 -proper for Jedate confideration. Alt drcumjiances 
 concur to hufh our pajjionf, and foot he our cares ; to 
 tempt our fteps abroad, and prompt our thoughts toje- 
 rious reflection. 
 
 Then is the time, 
 
 For thofe whom wifdom, and whom nature charm, 
 To fteal themfelves from the degenerate croud, 
 And foar above this little fcene of things ; , 
 To tread low-thoughted vice beneath their feet ; 
 To footh the throbbing paffions into peace ; 
 And woo lone Quiet in her filent walks f. 
 
 The favour I wouldfolicit for the firft of the following 
 compofttions, is, That it may be permitted to attend, 
 infuch retired and contemplative excursions; to attend 
 if not under the character of a friend, at leaft, in the 
 humble capacity of afervant, or a page :*as a fervant, 
 to open the door of meditation, and remove every jm 
 pediment to thofe beft exercifes of the mind; which 
 blend advantage with amujement, and improve while 
 they delight : as a page, to gather up the unft able, fluc- 
 tuating train of Fancy ; and collecj her fickle powers 
 into a conjijtant, regular , and ujeful habit of thinking* 
 
 The other, converfant among the flarry regions, 
 would lead the imagination thro 1 thofe beautiful tratts 
 of unclouded azure ; and point out to the judgment fome 
 of thofe ajloni/hing particulars, which fo eminently fig- 
 nalize the celejlial worlds. A prof p eft this, to which 
 curioftty attracts our eyes, and to which jcripture it- 
 j elf often directs our Jiudy : ^ prof peel beyond all o- 
 thers moft excellently calculated to enlarge the foul, 
 
 and 
 ^ THOMS, Autumn, 1. 973. laft edit.
 
 264 PREFACE. 
 
 and ennoble its conceptions ; to give grandeft appre- 
 hen/ions of the everlafting G 2), and create fenti~ 
 merits of becoming fuperiority^ with relation to all 
 tranfitory inter efts; in a word, to furnifli faith with 
 the fur eft foundation for a fteady affiance and true mag- 
 nanimity of Jpirit ; to afford piety the ftrongeft mo- 
 tives both for a lively gratitude , and profound vene- 
 ration. 
 
 While Galilseo lifts his tube, and difcovers the pro- 
 digious magnitude ofthofe radiant orbs ; while New- 
 ton meafures their amazing diftances, and unites the 
 whole Jyftem in harmonious order ^ by the fubtle influ- 
 ences of attraction : / would only, like the herald be- 
 fore that illuftrious Hebrew J , proclaim at every turn^ 
 " Bow the knee, and adore the almighty Maker; 
 " magnify his eternal name, and make his praife, like 
 " all his works , to be glorious." 
 
 ^ Gen. xli. 43. 
 
 CON-
 
 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 ON THE 
 
 NIGHT. 
 
 gfe^t&^^^gfe^&c&gfecfotfe 
 
 Night is fair Virtue'/ immemorial friend : 
 The confcious Moon, through ev'ry diftant age, 
 Has held a lamp to Wifdom. 
 
 Night-Thoughts, N V. 
 
 
 VOL. I. N? 3* LI
 
 
 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 ON THE 
 
 NIGHT. 
 
 THE bufmefs of the day difpatched, and the ful- 
 try heats abated^ invited me to the recreation 
 of a walk ; a walk in one of thejine/} recefjes of the 
 country, and in one of the moft pleafant evenings- 
 which the fummer-fcafon produced. 
 
 The limes and elmSj uniting their branches over 
 my head, formed a verdant canopy , and caft a mofl 
 refrefhing (hade. Under my feet lay a carpet of na- 
 ture's velvet} grafs intermingled with mof3, and em- 
 broidered with flowers. Jeffamines, in conjunction 
 with woodbines, twined around the trees, difplaying 
 their artlejs beauties to the eye, and diftufing their de- 
 licious facets through the air. On either fide, the 
 boughs, rounded into a fet of regular arches, opened 
 a view into the diflant fields, and prefented me with 
 a profpecl of the bending Jkies . The little birds, all 
 joyous and grateful for the favours of the light, were 
 paying their acknowledgments in a tribute of harmo- 
 #y, and Toothing themfelves to reft with fongs* 
 L 1 2 While
 
 268 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 While a French-horn, from a neighbouring feat, fent 
 its melodious accents, foftened by the length of their 
 paflage, to complete the concert of the grove. 
 
 Roving in this agreeable manner, my thoughts were 
 exercifed on a fubjeft flillmore agreeable than the fea- 
 fbn, of the fcene. , I mean, our latey// victory 
 over the united forces of intefline treafon, and fo- 
 reign invafion : a victory, which pours joy through 
 the prefent age, and will tranfmit its influence to ge- 
 nerations yet nnborn. Are not all the bleflings, 
 which can endear fociety, or render life itfelf deiira- 
 ble, centred in our prefent happy conftitution, and 
 aufpicious government ? Were they not all ftruck at, 
 by that impious and horrid blow, meditated at Rome^ 
 levelled by France, and feconded by factious fpirits at 
 home ? Who then can be fufficiently thankful for the 
 gracious interpofitkm of Providence, which has not 
 only averted the impending ruin, but turned it, with 
 aggravated confufion, on the authors of our trou- 
 bles ? 
 
 Methinks, every thing valuable which I poffefs, e- 
 very thing charming which I behold, confpire to en- 
 hance this ever-memorable event. To this it is owing, 
 that I can ramble unmolefted along the vale of private 
 life, and tafte all the innocent fatisfa&ions of a con- 
 templative retirement. Had rebellion * fucceeded in 
 her deteftable defigns ; inftead of walking with fecu- 
 rity and complacence in thefe flowery paths, I might 
 have met the ajfaffin with his dagger; or have been 
 obliged to abandon my habitation, and " embrace 
 " the rock for a flicker. "Farewell then, ye fragrant 
 {hades ; feats of meditation, and calm repofe ! 1 fhould 
 have been driven from your loved retreats, to make 
 way for fome barbarous, fome injidting victor. Fare- 
 well 
 
 * Referring to the rebellion, fet on foot in the year 1745 ; 
 which, for feveral months, made a very alarming progrefs 
 in the north ; but was happily extinguifhed by the glorious 
 and decifive vic>ory
 
 on the NIGH T. 169 
 
 well then, ye pleafmg toils, and wholefome amufe- 
 ments of my rural hours ! I mould no more have rear- 
 fed the tender flower to the fun ; no more have taught 
 the efpalier to expand her boughs ; nor have fetched, 
 any longer, from my kitchen-garden, the pureft fup*- 
 plies of health. 
 
 Had Rebellion fucceeded in her deteftable defigns ; 
 inftead of being regaled with the mufic of the ivoods y 
 I might have been alarmed with the found of the 
 trumpet, and all the thunder of war. Inftead of be- 
 ing entertained with this beautiful landfcape^ I might 
 have beheld our houfes ranfacked, and our villages 
 plundered ; I might have beheld our fenced cities en- 
 compafFed with armies, and our fruitful fields ct cloth- 
 " ed with defolation ;" or have been mocked with the 
 more frightful images of " garments rolled in blood," 
 and of a ruffian's blade reeking from a brother's heart. 
 Inftead of Peace, with her chearing olives, flickering 
 our abodes ; inftead of Juftice, with her impartial 
 {bale, fecuring our goods ; Perfccution had brandifhed 
 her fword, and Slavery clanked her chains. 
 
 Nor are thefe miferies imaginary only, or the crea- 
 tures of a groundlefs panic. There are, in a neigh- 
 bouring kingdom, who very lately experienced them 
 in all their rigour *. And, if the malignant fpirit of 
 Popery had forced itfelf into our church ; if an abjured 
 pretender had cut his way to our throne ; we could 
 have no reafon to expedl: a mitigation of their feverity, 
 on our behalf. But, fuppofing the tender mercies of 
 a bigotted ufurper to have been fomewhat lefs cruel ; 
 where, alas ! would have been the encouragement to 
 cultivate our little portion ; or what pleafure could 
 arife from an improved fpot ; if both the one and the 
 other lay, every moment, at the mercy of laivlefs 
 
 power ? 
 
 * See a pamphlet, entitled, Pop try always the fame ; which 
 contains a narrative of the perfecutions, and fevere hardships, 
 lately fafferedby the Pro ttft ants in thefouthern parts of France; 
 and clofes with a nioft feafonable, alarming, and fpirited addrels 
 to the inhabitants of Great Britain. Printed 1746.
 
 s;o CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 power ? This embittering circumftance would fpoil 
 their relifti ; and by rendering them a precarious , would 
 render them a joylefs acquifition. In vain might the 
 vine fpread her purple clufters ; in vain be lavifh of 
 her generous juices ; if Tyranny, like a ravenous har- 
 py, mould be always hovering over the bowl, and 
 ready to fnatch it from the lip of Induftry^ or to wreft 
 it from the hand of Liberty. 
 
 LIJBERTF, that deareft of names ; and Property, 
 that beft of charters, give an additional, an inexpref- 
 fible charm, to every delightful object. See, how the 
 declining fun has beautified the lueftern clouds ; has ar- 
 rayed them in crimfon, and Ikirted them with gold. 
 Such a refinement of our domeftic blifs is property j 
 Inch an improvement of our public privileges is liberty. 
 When the lamp of day mall withdraw his beams, 
 there will Mill remain the fame collection of floating 
 vapours ; but O ! how changed, how gloomy ! The 
 carnation-ftrcaks are faded ; the golden edgings are 
 worn away ; and all the lovely tinges are loft, in a 
 leaden-coloured louring fadnefs. Such would be the 
 afpect of all thefe fcenes of beauty, and all thefe abodes 
 of pleafure, if expofed continually to the caprice of 
 arbitrary fway, or held in a ftate of abject and crin- 
 ging dependence. 
 
 The fun has aim oft finimed his daily race, and haft- 
 ens to the goal. He defcends lower and lower, till 
 his chariot-wheels feem to hover on the utmoft Verge 
 of the fky. What is fomewhat remarkable, the orb of 
 light, upon the point of fetting, grows confiderably 
 broader. The (hadows of objects, juft before they be- 
 come blended in undiftinguimabledarknefs, are exceed- 
 ingly lengthened*. Like bleffings, little prized^ while 
 fojjefjed; but highly efteemed, the very inftant they 
 are preparing for their flight ; bitterly regretted, when 
 once they are gone, and to be feen no more. 
 
 The radiant globe is, now, half-immerfcd beneath 
 
 the 
 
 * Majorcfque cudunt altls de montibus umbr**- Vine.
 
 on the NIGH T. 271 
 
 the dufky earth ; or, as the ancient poets fpeak, is 
 fhooting into the ocean, and finks in the weftern fea. 
 And could I view the fea at this juncture, it would 
 yield a moft atnufing and curious fpeftacle. The rays, 
 flriking horizontally on the liquid clement, give it the 
 appearance of floating glafs ; or, reflected in many a 
 different direction, form a beautiful multiplicity of 
 colours. A ftranger, as he walks along the fandy 
 beach, and, loft in penfive attention, liftens to the 
 murmurings of the reftlefs flood, is agreeably alarmed 
 by the gay decorations of the furface. With entertain- 
 ment and with wonder, he fees the curling waves, 
 here gliflering with white, there glowing with purple ; 
 in one place, wearing an azure tinfture ; in another, 
 glancing a caft of undulating green ; in the whole, ex- 
 hibiting a piece of fluid fcenery, that may vie with 
 yonder penfile tapeftries, tho' wrought in the loom, 
 and tinged with the dyes of heaven. 
 
 While I am tranfported by fancy to the mores of the 
 ocean, the great luminary is funk beneath the horizon, 
 and totally difappears. The whole face of the ground 
 is overfpread with mades ; or, with what one of the 
 Jmeft painters of nature calls, a dun obfcurity. Only a 
 few very fuperior eminences are tipt with dreaming 
 lilver. The tops of groves, and lofty towers, catch 
 the lafl /miles of day * ; are ftill irradiated by the 
 departing beams. But, O ! how tranfient is the dif- 
 linftion ! how momentary the gift ! Like all the blef- 
 fings, which mortals enjoy below, it is gone almoft, as 
 foon as granted. See ! how languimingly it trembles 
 on the leafy fpire ; and glimmers, with a dying faint- 
 iiefs, on the mountain's brow. The little vivacity that 
 remains, decays every moment. It can no longer 
 
 hold 
 
 * See this remarkable appearance delicately defcribed, and 
 wrought into a comparifon, which, in my opinion, is on* of 
 the moft juft, beautiful, and noble pieces of imagery, to be 
 found in modern poetry ; Night-Thoughts, IS? II. p. 42. 4ta 
 
 edit,
 
 17* CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 bold its ftation. While I fpeak, it expires ; and re- 
 ligns the world to the gradual approaches of night. 
 
 twilight grey 
 Has in her fober liv'ry all things clad *. 
 
 Every object, a little while ago, glared with light ; 
 but now all appears under a more qualified luftre. The 
 animals harmonize with the infenfible creation ; and 
 what was gay in thofe, as well as glittering in this, 
 gives place to an univerfal gravity. In the meadows, 
 all was jocund and fportive ; but now the gamefome 
 lambs are grown weary of their frolics, and the tired 
 fiiepherd has impofed filence on his pipe. In the bran- 
 ches all was fprightlinefs and fong : but now the live- 
 ly green is wrapt in the defcending glooms ; and nq 
 tuneful airs are heard, only the plaintive ftock- 
 dove, cooing mournfully through the grove. Should 
 I now be vain and trifling, the heavens and the earth 
 would rebuke my unieafonable levity. Therefore, be 
 thefe moments devoted to thoughts fedatc as the clo- 
 fing day, folemn as the face of things. And, indeed, 
 however my focial hours are enlivened with innocent 
 pleafantry, let every evening, in her fable habit, toll 
 the bell to ferious confideration. Nothing can be more 
 proper, for a pcrfon who walks on the borders of e- 
 ternky, and is hafting continually to his final audit ; 
 nothing more proper, than daily to flip away from 
 the circle of amufements, and frequently to relinquish 
 the hurry of bufinefs, in order to confider and adjuft 
 4t the things that belong to his peace." 
 
 SINCE the fun is departed, from whence can it pro- 
 ceed, that I am not involved in pitchy darknefs ? 
 Whence thefe remainders of dimini/hed brightnefs * 
 which, though fcarcely forming a refulgence, foften 
 and footh the horrors of night. I fee not the mining 
 ruler, yet am chearcd with a real, though faint com- 
 
 munication 
 * MILT. Par. Lojl, b, IV. 1. 598.
 
 on the NIGHT. 273 
 
 miinication of his fplendor. Does he remember us, 
 in his progrefs through other climes ? Does he fend a 
 detachment of his rays to ejcort us during his perfonal 
 abfence ; or to cover (if I may ufe the military term) 
 our retreat from the fcene of action ? Has he bequeath- 
 ed us a dividend of his beams, fufficient to render our 
 circumftances eafy, and our fituation agreeable ? till 
 ileep pours its foft oppreffion on the organs of fenfe ; 
 till fleep fufpends all the operations of our hands, 
 and entirely fuperfedes any farther occafion for the 
 light. 
 
 No : it is ill judged and imreafonable, to afcribe this 
 beneficent conduct to the fun. Not unto him, not 
 unto him ; but unto his almighty Maker, we are obli- 
 ged, for this pleafing attendant, this valuable -legacy. 
 The gracious Author of our being has fo difpofed the 
 collection of circumambient air, as to make it pro- 
 ductive of this fine and wonderful effect. The fun- 
 beams, falling on the higher parts of the sreal fluid, 
 inftead of paffing on in ftrait lines, are bent inwards, 
 and conducted to our fight. Their natural courfe is 
 over-ruled, and they are bidden to wheel about, on 
 purppfe to favour us with a welcome andfalutary vi- 
 fit. By which means, the blefling of light, and the 
 feafon of bufinefs, are confiderably prolonged ; and, 
 what is a very endearing circumftance, prolonged moil 
 confiderably, when the vehement heats of fummef in- 
 cline ihejlitdent to poftponehis walk, till the tempe- 
 rate evening prevails ; when the important labours of 
 the harvefl call the hujbandman abroad, before! the day 
 is fully rifen. 
 
 AFTER all the ardors of the fultry day, how revi- 
 ving is this coolnefs ! This gives new verdure to the 
 fading plants, new vivacity to the withering flowers, 
 and a more exquifite fragrance to their mingled fcents. 
 By this, the air alfo receives a new. force, and is 
 qualified to exert itfelf with greater activity : qualified 
 
 VOL. I. N 3. Mm t.a
 
 274 CON T E M P L A T I O-.N S 
 
 to brace our limbs ; to heave our lungs ; and co-ope- 
 rate, with a brilker impulie, in perpetuating the circu- 
 lation of our blood. This I might call the grand (f- 
 lembic of nature ; which diftils her moft fovereign ror- 
 dial, the refreshing dews. Inceffant heat would rob 
 us of their beneficial agency ; and oblige them to eva- 
 porate, in imperceptible exhalations. Turbulent winds, 
 or even the gentler motions of Aurora's fan, would 
 diffipate the rifiiTg vapours, and not fuffer them to 
 form a coalition. But, favoured by the ftillnefs, and 
 condenied by the coolnefs of the night, they unite 
 in pearly drops, and create tio& finely-tempered humi- 
 dity, which chears the vegetable world, as ileep ex- 
 hilarates the animal. 
 
 Not unlike to thefe are the advantages offolitude. 
 The world is a troubled ocean ; and who can ereft 
 ftable purpoles on its fluctating waves? The world is 
 a fchool of wrong ; and who does not feel himfelf 
 warping to its pernicious influences * ? On this fea of 
 glafe f , how infenfibly we flide from our own ftedfaft- 
 nefs ! Some iacred truth^ which was (truck in lively 
 characters on our fouls, is obfcured, if not obliterated. 
 Some worthy refolution, which heaven had wrought in 
 our breads, is fhaken, if not overthrown. Some en- 
 ticing vanity , which we had folemnly renounced, again 
 pra&ifes its wiles, and again captivates our affections. 
 How often has an unwary glance kindled a fever of 
 irregular defire in our hearts ? How often has a word 
 of applatife dropt lufcious poifon into our ears ; or 
 fome difrefpectful expreffion raifed a guft of paflion in 
 our bofoms ? Our innocence is of fo tender a confti- 
 tution, that it differs in the promiscuous croud. Our 
 purity is of fo delicate a complexion, that it fcarce 
 touches on the world, without contracting a ffcain. We 
 lee, we hear, with peril. 
 
 But 
 
 * Nunquam a turbo, mores^ quos extul'i, refers. j4liquid, ex 
 
 re quod compofui, turbatur : aliquio, ex his q:t fagavi, rc- 
 
 dit. Inimica fjl multoritm converfatio. 
 
 -j- Rev. xv. 2
 
 on the NIGHT. 275 
 
 But here fofety dwells. Every meddling and in- 
 trufive avocation is fecluded. Silence holds the door 
 againft the ftrife of tongues, and all the impertinen- 
 cicsofidle converfation. The bufy fwarm of vain 
 images, and cajoling temptations, which befet us, with 
 a buzzing importunity, amidft the gaieties of life, are 
 chafed by theie thickening (hades. Here I may, with- 
 out difturbance, commune with my own heart ; and 
 learn that bed of fciences, to know myfelf. Here the 
 ibul may rally her diflipated powers, and grace recover 
 its native energy. This is the opportunity to rectify 
 every evil impreflion j to expel the poifon, and guard 
 againlt the contagion, of corrupting examples. This 
 is the place where I may, with advantage, apply my- 
 felf to fubdue the rebel within; and be inafter, not of 
 a fceptre, but of myfelf. Throng then, ye ambitious, 
 the levees of the powerful ; I will be punctual in my 
 affignations with iblitude. To a mind intent upon its 
 own improvement, folitude has charms incomparably 
 more engaging, than the entertainments prefented in the 
 theatre, or the honours conferred in the drawing-room. 
 
 I SAID, folitude. Am I then alone ? 'Tis true t 
 my acquaintance are at adiftance, I have ftole away 
 from company, and am remote from all human obfer- 
 yation. -But that is an alarming thought, 
 
 Millions of fpiritual creatures "walk the earth, 
 Unfeen, both "when ive "wake y and when ivejleep *, 
 
 Perhaps, there may be numbers of thofe invifible 
 beings^ patrolling this fame retreat ; and joining with 
 me, in contemplating the Creator's works. Perhaps, 
 thofc minifteringfpiritS) who rejoice at the converfion 
 of a (inner, and hold up the goings of the righteous, 
 jnay follow us to the lonely recefs ; and, even in our 
 
 mpft 
 * MILT. Par. Lojl, b. IV. 1. 677, 
 
 Mm 2
 
 276 C O N T M P L A T I O N S 
 
 moft folitary moments, be out conftant attendants.- 
 What a pleafing awe is awakened by fuch a refle&ion ! 
 How venerable it renders my retired walks ! I am 
 ftruck with reverence, as under the roof of fome fa- 
 cred edifice, or in the prefence-chtmbcr of fome migh- 
 ty monarch. O ! may I never bring any pride of 
 imagination, nor indulge the lead dhTolute affe&ion, 
 where fuch refined and exalted intelligences exercife 
 their watch ! 
 
 'Tis poffible, that I am encompafTed with fuch * 
 cloud of witnefTes ; but it is certain, that GOD, the 
 infinite eternal GOD, is how and ever with me. The 
 great JEHOVAH, before whom all the angelic armies 
 bow their heads, and veil their faces, furrounds me ; 
 fuppprts me ; pervades me. " In HIM I live, move, 
 " and have -my. being."- The whole world is his au- 
 guft temple ; and, in the moft fequeftered corner, I ap- 
 pear before his adorable Majefty, no lefs than when I 
 worfliip in his houfe, or kneel at his altar. In every 
 place, therefore, let me pay him the homage of a 
 heart, cleanfed from idols, and devoted to his iervice. 
 In every circumftance, let me feel no ambition, but to 
 pleafe him j nor covet any happinefs, but to enjoy him. 
 
 How fublime is the defcription, and how ftriking 
 the fentiment, in that noble palTage of the pfalms ! 
 W hither fliall I go from thy Spirit, or -whither Jli all 1 flee 
 from thy prefence f If I climb up into the heights ofnea- 
 "jen, thou art there inthroned in light. If 1 go down to 
 the depths of the^r^i;<?, thoii art there at/bin thy pavilion 
 of darknels. If I retire to the remoteft eaftern climes, 
 "where the morning firft takes -wing : if, fwifter than the 
 darting ray, / pafs to the oppofite regions of the weft, 
 3,nd remain in the uttermoft parts ofthcfea*: mall I, in 
 
 that 
 
 * Pfal. cxxxix. 7, 8, 9. There is, I think, an additional 
 flrength and beauty in the thought, if, with the learned Mr 
 Mudge y we fuppofe brtajftitfrtfa between the two claufes of the 
 
 lait
 
 on the NIGHT. 277 
 
 tkat dirtant fituation, be beyond thy reach ; or, by 
 this Hidden traniition, efcape thy notice I So far from 
 it, that could I, with one glance of thought, tran- 
 port myielf beyond all the bounds of creation ; I 
 ihould (till be encircled with the immeniity of thy ef- 
 fence ; or rather, ftill be inclofed in the hollow of thy 
 hand. Awful, yet delightful truth 1 Let it be inter- 
 woven with every thought ! and become one with the 
 very confcioufnefs of my exiftence ! that I may con- 
 tinually walk with GOD, and conduct myfelf, in e- 
 very ftep of my behaviour, u as Jeeing HIM ttiat is 
 " invijible." 
 
 They are the happy perfons ; felicity, true felicity, 
 is all their own; who live under an habitual fenfe of 
 GOD'S omniprefence, and a fweet perfuafion of his* 
 fpecial love. If dangers threaten, their impregnable 
 defence is at hand. Nothing can be fo near to terrify, 
 as their Almighty Guardian to fecure them. To 
 thefe the hours can never be tedious ; and it is iinpof- 
 fible for them to be alone. Do they ftep afide from 
 the occupations of animal life ? A more exalted fet 
 of employments engage their attention. They addrefs 
 themfelves, in all the various acls of devotion, to their 
 heavenly Father ; ivho now fees in fccret, and will 
 hereafter reward them openly. They fpread all their 
 wants before his indulgent eye, and dilburden all their 
 forrows into his compaffionate bofom. Do they with- 
 draw from human fociety 1 They find themfelves un- 
 der the more immediate regards of their Maker. If 
 they refign the fatisfaclions of focial intercourfe, it is 
 to cultivate a correfpondence with the condefcending 
 DEITY, and tafte the pleafures of divine friendmip. 
 
 What is fuch a ft 'ate, but the very fuburbs of hea- 
 ven ? What is fuch a conduft^ but an antepaft of eter- 
 nal blefTednefs ? 
 
 Now, 
 
 laft verfe, as there evidently is between thofe of the preced- 
 ing ; and that they exprefs, in a poetical ftyle, the extremi- 
 ties of the eaft and the weft.
 
 syS CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 Now, my foul, the day is ended. The hours are all 
 fled. They are fled to the fupreme Judge, and have 
 given in their evidence ; an evidence regiftered in 
 heaven ! and to be produced at the great audit. 
 Happy they whole improvement has kept pace with 
 the fleeting minutes ; who have feized the important 
 fugitives, and engaged them in the purfuit of wifdoin, 
 or devoted them to the fervice of virtue* 
 
 Fugitives indeed they are. Our moments flip away 
 filently and infenfibly. The thief fteals not more un- 
 perceived from the pillaged houfe. And will the 
 runagates never flop ? No : where-ever we arc, how- 
 ever employed, time purfues his inceiFant courfe. 
 Though -we are lifllefs and dilatory ; the great meafu- 
 rer of our days prefles on ; ftill prefles on, in his un- 
 wearied career * ; and whirls our weeks, and months, 
 and years away. Is it not then furprifingly ftrange, to 
 hear people complain of the tedioufnefs of their time, 
 and how heavy it hangs upon their hands ? to fee them 
 contrive a variety of amufing artifices, to accelerate 
 its flight, and get rid of its burden ? Ah 1 thoughtlefs 
 mortals ! Why need you urge the heedlong torrent ? 
 Your days are fwifter than a poft ; which, carrying 
 clifpatches of the laft importance, with unremitted 
 fpeed fcours the road. They pals away like the nim- 
 ble flips; which have the wind in their wings, and 
 Jkim along the watery plain. They haften to their 
 deftined period, with the rapidity of an eagle; which 
 leaves the ftormy blaft behind her, while me cleaves 
 the air, and darts upon her prey -f. 
 
 Now the day is gone, how flort it appears ! When 
 
 my 
 
 * Ssdfugit Inlerea^ fugit irrcparabile tempus, VIRG. 
 
 j- Job ix. 25. 26. By thefe three very exprefllve images, 
 the inlpired poet reprefents the unintermlttcd and rapid flight 
 of time. The paflage is illuftrated with great judgment, and 
 
 equal
 
 on the N I G H T. 279 
 
 my fond eye beheld it in perfpetfive^ it Teemed a very 
 considerable fpace. Minutes crouded upon minutes, 
 and hours ranged behind hours, exhibited an extenfive 
 draught, and flattered me with a long progreffion of 
 pleaiures. But, upon a retrospective view, how won- 
 derfully is the fcene altered ! The landfcape, large 
 and ipacious, which a warm fancy drew, brought to 
 the teft of cool experience, (brinks into a fpan. Juft 
 as the mores vanifh, and mountains dwindle to afpot, 
 when thefailor, furrounded by ikies and ocean, throws 
 his laft look on his native land. How clearly do I 
 now difcover the cheat ! May it never impofe upon my 
 unwary imagination again ! I find, there is nothing 
 abiding on this fide eternity. A long duration, in a 
 flate of finite exiftence, is mere illufion. 
 
 Perhaps, the healthy , and the gay, may not readily 
 credit the ierious truth ; efpecially from a young pen, 
 and new to its employ. Let us then refer ourfelves 
 to the decifion of th ancient. Afk fome venerable old 
 perfon, who is juft marching off the mortal ftage, 
 How many have been the days of the years of thy life |f 
 It was a monarch's queftion, and therefore can want 
 no recommendation to the falhionable world. Ob- 
 ferve, how he makes his hoary locks, and from a deep- 
 felt conviclion replies; " Four f core years have finifli- 
 " ed their rounds, to furrow thefe cheeks, and clothe 
 " this head in ihow. Such a term may feem long and 
 Cl large to inconiiderate youth. But O ! how mort, 
 " how fcanty, to one that has made the experiment ! 
 u Shorty as a gleam of tranfient funfhine j fcanty, as 
 
 41 Che 
 
 rqual delicacy, in Dr Grey's moft ingenious abridgement of 
 Scbultffs. o%^ tribus in elcm- ::tis velocitfima, hie adrriira- 
 bili cum emphaji cangeruntur. In terris, nil -permc'ius curfo- 
 re, ft quidcm Utl quid ff rente. Rapidjus tarnen adhuc undas, 
 nonftcant, fed fupervolant, navigiola papyro contexta. Om- 
 nium rdtpidijfime aersm grandibus alls permetitur acquila y 
 cipiti lapfu rufns in pr/edam. 
 
 t Gen. xlvii. 8. Htb. Bib.
 
 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 *' the fhadow that departeth. Methinks, it wa3 but 
 44 yefterday that I exchanged my childifhfports, forman- 
 " ly exercifes ; and now I am refigning them both, for 
 " the fleep of death. As foon as we are born y we be- 
 44 gin to draw to our end; and how fmall is the inter- 
 **' val between the cradle and the tombl"O; may 
 we believe this teftimony of mature age ! May every 
 evening bring it, with clearer evidence to our minds I 
 And may we form fuch an eftimate of the little pit- 
 tance, while it is upon the advancing hand, as we mail 
 certainly make, when the fands are all run downj 
 
 Let me add one reflection on the work to be done 
 while this (buttle is flying through the loom *. A 
 work of no fmall difficulty, yet of the utmoft confe- 
 quence ! Haft thou not feen, haft thou not known, 
 the excellent of the earth, who were living images of 
 their Maker ? His divine likenejs was transfufed into 
 their hearts, and beamed forth in all their conduift ; 
 beamed forth in meeknefs of wifdom, and purity of 
 affection ; in all the tender offices of love, and all the 
 noble efforts of zeal. To be (lamped with the fame 
 beautiful fignature, and to be followers of them, as 
 they were of CHRIST ; this, this is thy bujinefs. On 
 the accomplishment of this, thy eternal all depends. 
 And will an affair of fuch unfpeakable weight admit 
 of a moment's delay, or coniift with the leaft remifF- 
 nefs ? Efpecially, fince much of thy appointed time 
 is already elapfed ; and the remainder is all uncertainty, 
 fave only that it is in the very act to fly. Or fuppofc, 
 thou hadft made a covenant with the grave, and waft 
 affurcd of reaching the age of Methujelah; how foon 
 would even fuch a leafe expire ! Extend it, if you 
 pleafe, ftill farther ; and let it be co-exiflent with na- 
 ture itielf. How inconfiderable is the addition ! For 
 yet a very little while, and the commiflioned archan- 
 gel lifts up his hand to heaven, and fwears by the al- 
 mighty 
 
 *.My days arefwiftcr than a x;*v4r > s fiuttlc. Job vii. 6
 
 im the N I G H T. 28* 
 
 mighty name, That time fliall be no longer . Then 
 abufed opportunities will never return ; and new op- 
 portunities will never more be offered. Then, fhould 
 
 negligent 
 
 This alludes to the beginning of Rcvelathns the xth ; 
 which, abftracled from its fpiritual meaning, and confidered 
 only as a (lately piece of machinery^ well deferves our atten- 
 tion; and, I will venture to fay, has not its fuperior, perhaps 
 not its equal, in any of the moft celebrated matters of Greece 
 and Rvmt.-*- All that is gloomy or beautiful in the atmofphere 
 all that is (triking or magnificent in every element, is taken to 
 heighten the idea. Yet nothing is difproportionate ; but an. 
 uniform air of ineffable majefty greatens, exalts, ennobles the 
 \vhole.~Be pleafed to obferve the afpeft of this augult perfon- 
 age. All the brightnefs of the fun mines in his countenance; 
 and all the rage of the fire burns in his feet. See his apparel. 
 The clouds compofe his robe, and the drapery of the Iky 
 floats upon his moulders. The rainbow forms his diadem; and 
 that which " compafieth the heaven with a glorious circle," 
 is the ornament of his head Behold his attitude. One foot 
 ftands on the ocean, the other refts on the land. The wide- 
 extended earth, and the world of waters, ferve as pedeftals 
 for thofe mighty columns. "Confider" the aflion. His hand is 
 lifted up to the height of the (tars. He fpeaks ; and the re- 
 gions of the firmament echo with the mighty accents^ as the 
 rnidQight-defert refounds with the lion's roar. The artillery 
 of the Ikies is difcharged at the fignal ; a peal of fevenfo'd 
 thunders fpreads the alarm, and prepares the univerfe to re- 
 ceive his orders. To finifh all, and give thehi^heft grandeur, 
 as well as the utmoft folemnity, to the representation, hear 
 the decree that ifTties from his mouth. He fib cars by HI J\I 
 that liveth for ever and evsr. In whatever manner fo majelVic 
 a perfon had exprefTed himfelf, he could not fail of commanding 
 universal attention. But when he confirm?, his fpeech by a moft 
 facred and inviolable oath, we are not only wrapt in (ilent fuf- 
 penfe,but overwhelmed with the profoundeftawe. >He fwcars, 
 j[hat time foall be no longer. Was ever VSic'e fo full of terror; 
 fo big with wonder? It proclaims, not the fall of empires, buc 
 the final period of things. ]c Itrikes off the wheels of nature; 
 bids ages and generations ceafe to roll; and, with one potent 
 word, confiorns a whole world over to diffblution. This is 
 one among a multitude of very fublime and mufterly ftrokes r 
 ro be found in that too much neglected book the BIBJ.IL. 
 
 VOL. I. N 3. N n
 
 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 negligent mortals wifli wifli ever fo paffionatelyr foe 
 a few hours a few moments only to be thrown 
 buck from the opening eternity ; thoufands of worlds 
 would not be able to procure the grant. 
 
 Shall I now be induftrious to fliorten what is no 
 longer than a fpan, or to quicken the pace of what is 
 ever on the wing? Shall I fquander away what is un- 
 utterably important, while it lafts ; and, when once 
 departed, is altogether irrevocable? O ! my foul, for- 
 bear the folly ; forbear the defperate extravagance. 
 Wilt thou chide as a loiterer, the arrow that boundeth 
 from the firing ; or fweep away diamonds, as the re- 
 fufe of thy houfe ? Throw time away ! Aftonifhing, 
 ruinous, irreparable profufenefs ! Throw empires a- 
 way, and be blamelefs. But O ! be pariimonious of 
 thy days. ; hufband thy precious hours. They go con- 
 nected, indiffolubly connected, with heaven or hell 
 *. Improved, they are a fure pledge of everlafting 
 glory ; wafted, they are a fad preface to never-end- 
 ing confufion and anguifh. 
 
 WH A T a profound filence has compofed the world ! 
 So profound is the filence, that my very breath feems 
 a noife ; the ticking of my watch is diftinctly heard ; if 
 1 do but Mir, it creates a difturbance. There is now 
 none of that confufed din from the tumultuous city ; 
 
 no 
 
 * I remember to have fecn, upon a fun-dial in a phyfician's 
 garden at Northampton, the following infcription ; which, I 
 think, is the molt proper motto for the inftrmnent that mea- 
 fures our time, and the moh /hiking admonition that can poi- 
 fibly be preiented to every eye. 
 
 AB HOC MOMFNTO P2NDET ./E T E RH I T A S. 
 
 The weighty fenfe of which, I know not how to exprefs in 
 EngliJJj, more happily than in thofe words of Dr Watts : 
 Good God ! on what a Jlentler thread 
 (]Or, on wha.t a moment of timej 
 Hang cverlafting things J
 
 on the N I G H T. 283 
 
 no voice of jovial ruftics from the neighbouring mt a- 
 dow ; no chirping melody from the Ihady thicket. 
 Every lip is fealed. Not the lead whilpcr invades 
 the air ; nor the lead motion ruftles among the boughs. 
 Echo herfelf deeps unmoleded. The expanded ear, 
 though all attention, catches no found, but the liquid 
 lapfe of a diftant murmuring dream. 
 
 4$ll things are hufli'd, as nature's fdf lay dead. 
 
 If, in the midlt of this deep and univerfal cornpo- 
 fure, ten thoufand bellowing thunders fhould burft o- 
 ver my head, and rend the ikies with their united vol- 
 leys ; how fhould I bear ib unexpected a flock f It 
 would dun my fenfes, and confound my thoughts. 
 I fhould (hudder in every limb ; perhaps fink to the 
 earth with terror.' Confider then, O mortals ! confi- 
 der the much more prodigious and amazing call, which 
 will, ere long, alarm your deeping bones. When the 
 tenants of the tomb have {lumbered, in the mod un- 
 didurbed repofe, for a multitude of ages ; what an 
 inconceivable condernation mud the flout of the arch- 
 angel, and the trump of GOD, occaiio'n 1 Will it not 
 wound the ear of the ungodly ; and affright, even to 
 didraftion, the impenitent finner ? The ftupendous 
 peal will found riirough the vaft of heaven ; will ihake 
 the foundations of nature ; and pierce even the deep- 
 ed recedes of the grave. And how O ! how will the 
 prifoners of divine judice be able to endure that trc- 
 mcndous JwmHons to a far more tremendous tribunal ? 
 Do thou, my foul, liden to the Jiill -voice of the 
 gofpel. Attend, in this thy day, to the gracious in- 
 vitations of thy Saviour. Then mail that great mid- 
 night-cry loie its hprror, and be mitfec in thy cars. It 
 ihall be welcome to thy reviving clay, as the tidings 
 of liberty to the dungeon-captive ; as the year of ju- 
 bilee to the haraded Have. This, this (hall .be 'its 
 charming import ; " Awake, and fing, yc that dwell 
 iv 4uft *. WHAT 
 
 * If. xxvi. 19. 
 
 Nn a
 
 284 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 WHAT a general cejjation of affairs has thisdufky 
 hour introduced ! A little while ago, all was hurry, 
 hurry. Life and activity exerted themfelvcs in a thou- 
 fand bufy forms. The city fwarmed with paffing and 
 repafling multitudes. All the country was fwcat and 
 dull. The air floated in perpetual agitation, by the 
 flitting birds, and humming bees. Ait fat prying with 
 her piercing eyes ; while Induftry plied her reftlefs 
 hands. But fee, how all this fervent and impetuous 
 bufl|e is fled with the feting fun. The beafts are flunk 
 to their grafly couch j and the winged people are re- 
 tired to their downy nefts. The hammer has refigned 
 its founding tafk, and the file ceafes to repeat its fly- 
 ing touches. Shut is the well- frequented fliop, ancl 
 its threfhold no longer worn by the feet of numerous 
 cuflomers, The villagc-fwain lyes drowned in flum- 
 bers ; and even his trufly dog, who, for a confiderable 
 time, flood centry at the door, is extended at his eafe, 
 and fnores with his mafler . In every place Toil reclines 
 her head, and Application folds her arms. All interefls 
 feem to be forgot j all purfuits are fufpended ; all em- 
 ployment is funk away, funk away with thofe flutter- 
 ing myriads, which lately fported in the fun's depart- 
 ing rays.---'Tis like the fabbath of univerfal nature j 
 or as tho' the pulfe of life flood ftitt, 
 
 Thus will it be with our infinitely momentous con- 
 cerns, wheq once theftiadows of the evening (that long 
 evening which follows the footfleps of death 1) are 
 ftr etched over us. The dead cannot feek unto Goo ; 
 the living, the living alone, are pofTefTcd of this inef- 
 timablc opportunity *. '* There is no work or de- 
 " vice, no repentance or amendment, in the grave f, 
 
 " whither 
 
 * Behold .' now is the accepted time. Rcbold ! now is ths 
 day of falvation. 2 Cor. vi. 2. 
 
 Hafte, hade, he lyes in wait, he's at the door, 
 Infidious death ! fhou'd his flrong hand arreft, 
 No compofhion fets the prisoner free. 
 { They who are gone down to the grave, are reprefented
 
 on the NIGH T. 285 
 
 iC whither we all arc hafling." When once that clofing 
 fcene is advanced, we (hall have no other part to adfc 
 on this earthly theatre. Then, the fluggard, who has 
 {lumbered away life in a criminal inactivity, muft lye 
 down in hopelefs diftrefs, and everlafting forrow. 
 Then that awful doom will take place, u He that is 
 " holy, let him be holy ft ill j and he that is filthy , let 
 " him be filthy for ever." 
 
 Is it fo, my foul ? Is this the only, only time allotted 
 for obtaining the great reward, arid making thy falva- 
 tion fure ? And art thou lulled in a vain Jecurity, or 
 dreaming in a jupine inadvertency f Start, O ! ftart 
 from thy trance. Gird up the loins of thy mind, and 
 work while it is day. Improve the prelent feed-time, 
 that eternity may yieldajoyfulharveft. Weefpecial- 
 ly, who are watchmen in Ijrael, andminiflers of the glo- 
 rious gofpel ; may we be awakened, by this confidera- 
 tion, to all aifiduity in our holy office. Some or other 
 of our people are ever and anon departing into the invi- 
 iible ftate j all our friend* are making incefTant ap- 
 proaches 
 
 (If. xxxviii. ii.) by the phrafe, raw; ^in -rendered by Vi~ 
 tritiga, Thofe that inhabit the land of intrrmi/fiori or ce/fation. 
 Which prevents all appearance of tautology in the fentence; 
 and is, I think, a valuable improvement of the translation ; as 
 it conveys an idea, not only diftincl: from the preceding, but 
 of a very poetical and very afflicting nature ; fuch as was per- 
 fectly natural for the royal finger, and royal futferer to dwell 
 upon, in his defponding moments. Thus interpreted thefenfe 
 will run ; " I Jhall fee man no more ; I lhall be cut off from 
 " the chearful ways of men, and all the fweets of human fo- 
 44 ciety. And, what is a farther aggravation of the threaten-i 
 * 4 ed (troke, I Jball^ by its taking place, be numbered -with 
 ** tbofe that inherit the land <>fcff/ation and inactivity j where 
 44 there will be no more pottibility of contributing to the hap- 
 44 pinefs of my kingdom, no more opportunity of advancing 
 44 my Creator's glory t or of making my own final falvation 
 44 fure." A femiment like this is grand, important, and full 
 of benevolence; removes all fufpicion of unbecoming fuJtlU- 
 nimity y and does the higheft honour to th? monarch's charaq-
 
 286 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 preaches to their long home ; and we ourf elves mall 
 very fhortly be tranfmitted to the confinement of the 
 tomb. This is the favourable juncture, wherein alone 
 we can contribute to their endlefs welfare. This is the 
 crifis, the all- important crifis y of their final felicity. 
 Inftantly, therefore, let us pour in our wholefome in- 
 firutttons ; inflantly let us ply them with our earned 
 exhortations. A moment's delay may be an irrepa- 
 rable lols ; may be irretrievable ruin. While we pro- 
 craftinate, a fatal ftroke may intervene ; and place us 
 beyond the power of adminiftering, or place them be- 
 yond all poflibility of receiving, any fpiritual good*. 
 
 Hew frequently is the face of nature changed! and, 
 by changing, made more agreeable / The long-con- 
 tinued glitter of the day, renders the foothing (hades 
 of the evening doubly welcome. Nor does the morn 
 ever purple the eaft with fo engaging a Inftre, as after 
 the gloom of a dark and difmal night. At prefent, 
 a calm of tranquillity is fpread through the univerfe. 
 The weary winds have forgot to blow. The gentle 
 gales have fanned themfelves afleep. Not fo much 
 as a iingle leaf nods. Even the quivering afpin refts. 
 j4ndnot one breath cur Is o'er the ftream, Sometimes, 
 on the contrary, the tcmpeft fummons all the forces 
 of the air ; and pours itfelf, with relHHefs fury, from 
 the angry north. The whole atmofphere is tofTed 
 into tumultuous confiifion, and the watery world is 
 heaved to the clouds. The aftonimed mariner, and 
 his {training veffel, now fcale the rolling mountain, 
 and hang dreadfully vifjble on the broken (urge 5 now 
 
 fnobt, 
 
 * The cafe represented by the prophet (i Kings xx. 40.) 
 feems perfectly applicable on this occafion. As thy fcivant 
 11} as Intfy hfre and there, he "was gone. So, while we are either 
 remlfs in our fundion, or laying ourfelves out upon inferior 
 cares, the people cf pur charge may be gone; gone beyond 
 th'e influence of our counfels, beyond the reach of our prayers} 
 gone into the unchangeable and eternal (late.
 
 on the N I G H T. 287 
 
 fhoot, with headlong impetuofity, into the yawning 
 gulf; and neither hulk nor rnaft is feen. The ftorm 
 {weeps over the continent ; raves along the city-ftreets ; 
 ftruggles through the forefl-boughs ; and terrifies the 
 favage nations with a howl, more wildly horrid than 
 their own. The knotty oaks bend before the blaft ; 
 their iron trunks groan j and their ftubborn limbs are 
 dafliecl to the ground. The lofty dome rocks j and 
 even the folid tower totters on its bafts. 
 
 Such variations are kindly contrived, and with an 
 evident condefcenfion to the ficklenefs of our tafte. 
 Becaufe a perpetual repetition of the fame objecls w oald 
 create fatiety and difgujl ; therefore the indulgent Fa- 
 ther of our race has diverfified the univerlal fcene, 
 and bid every appearance bring with it the charm of 
 novelty. This circumftance isbeneficial^ aswell as en- 
 tertaining. Providence, ever gracious to mortals, ever 
 intent upon promoting our felicity, has taken care to 
 mingle, in the conftitution of things, what is pleafing 
 to our imagination, with what is ferviceable to our 
 interefls. The piercing winds, and rugged afpeft of 
 winter, render the balmy gales, and flowery fcenes 
 of fpring, peculiarly delightful. At the fame time, 
 the keen frofts mellow the foil, and prepare it for the 
 hand of Industry. The ruftiing rains impregnate the 
 glebe, and fit it to become a magazine of plenty. 
 The earth is a great laboratory; and December's, cold 
 collects the grofs materials, which 2x fublimated_ by 
 the refining warmth of May. The air is a pure elaftic 
 fluid ; and were it always to remain in this motion- 
 lefs ferenity, it would lofe much of its aftive fpring; 
 was it never agitated by thofe wholefome concufh'ons, 
 it would contract a noifome, perhaps, a peftilential 
 taint. In which cafes, our refpiration, inftead of 
 purifying, would corrupt the vital juices ; inftead of 
 fupplying us with refrefhment, would be a fourcc of 
 dileafes ; or every gafp we draw, might be unavoid- 
 able
 
 688 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 able death *. How then fhould we admire, how 
 fhould we adore, that happy union of benignity and 
 wifdom ; which, from a variety of difpenfations, pro- 
 duces an uniformity of good ? produces a perpetual 
 fucccffion of delights, and an uninterrupted {cries of 
 advantages ! 
 
 The darknefs is now at its height \ and I cannot but 
 admire the obliging manner of its taking place. It 
 comes not with a blunt and abrupt incivility, but 
 makes gentle and refpe&ful advances. A precipitate 
 tranfition, from the {plendors of day, to all the hor- 
 rors of midnight, would be inconvenient and fright- 
 ful. It would bewilder the traveller in his journey ; 
 it would /hike the creation with amazement ; and, 
 perhaps, be pernicious to the organs of fight. There- 
 fore the gloom ruihes not upon us inftantaneouily, 
 but increafes by flow degrees : and, fending tiuilight 
 before as its harbinger^ decently advertises us of its 
 approach. By this means, we are neither alarmed, nor 
 incommoded, by the change ; but are able to take all 
 fuitable and timely meafures for its reception.- Thus 
 gracioufiy has Providence regulated, not only the 
 
 grand 
 
 * Confidering the immenfe quantity of coals, and other 
 combuftible materials, which are daily confumed, and evapo- 
 rate into the air ; confidering the numberiefs fteams, and 
 clouds of fnoke, which alrnott continually overwhelm populous 
 cities j thenoifome exhalations, which arifefrom thronged in- 
 firmaries and loathfome jails, from (taguating lakes and putrid 
 fens ; the variety of offenfive and unwholefome efiluvia, which 
 proceed from other caufes ; it is a very remarkable in (lance 
 of a Providence, at once tenderly kind, and infinitely powerful, 
 that mankind is notfuffocatfd with ftench; that the air is not 
 choked with tilth. The air is the common fewer, into which 
 ten thoufand times ten thoufjud nuifartces are incefiantly dif- 
 charged ; yet it is preferved fo thoroughly clear, as to afford the 
 moft trani'parent medium for vifion ; fo delicately undulatory, 
 as to tranfmit, with all imaginable diftinftnefr, every diveril- 
 ty of found ; ib perfectly pure, as to be the cenftant refiner of 
 the fluids, hi every animal that breathes.
 
 on the NIGH t. 289 
 
 grand viciljitudes of the feafons, but alfo the common 
 interchanges of light arid darknels, with an apparent 
 reference tti our comfort. 
 
 Now the fierce inhabitants of the joreft forfake 
 their dens. A thoufand grim forms, a thoui'and 
 growling monlters, pace the defcrt. Death is in their 
 j'aws, while, flung with hunger, and athirfl for blood, 
 they roam their nightly rounds. Unfortunate the 
 traveller, who is overtaken by the night, in thofe dif- 
 mal wilds ! How muft he ftand aghaft at the min- 
 gled yell of ravenous throats, and lions roaring after 
 their prey ! Defend him, propitious heaven ! or die 
 he muft fee his endearing fpoufe, and hail his native 
 home, no more ! Now the prowling wolf, like a 
 murderous ruffian, dogs the (hepherd's footfteps, and 
 befets his bleating charge. The fox, like a crafty fe- 
 lon, fteals to the thatched cottages, and carries off the 
 feathered booty. 
 
 Happy for the world, were thefe the only deftroy- 
 ers that walk in darknefs. But, alas 1 there are fa- 
 vages in human fhape, who muffled in (hades, infeft 
 the abodes of civilized life. The fons of -violence 
 make choice of this feafon *, to perpetrate the moft 
 outrageous a&s of wrong and robbery. The adulter- 
 er waiteth for the twilight ; and, bafer than the vil- 
 lain on the highway, betrays the honour of his bo- 
 f bm-friend. Now Faction forms her clofe cabals, and 
 whifpers her traiterous infinuations. Now Rebellion 
 plans her accurfed plots, and prepares the train to 
 blow a nation into ruin. Now crimes which hide 
 their odious heads in the day, haunt the feats of ibciety, 
 and ftalk thro* the gloom with audacious front. Now 
 the vermin of thcftews crawl from their lurking-holes, 
 to wallow in iin, and fpread contagion through the 
 
 night : 
 
 * When night 
 
 Darkens the ftreet?, then wander forth the fons 
 
 Of Btlial, flown with infolence and wine. MJUT 
 
 VOL. I. N4 Uo
 
 290 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 night : each foothing himfelf with the fond notion, 
 that all is fafe ; that no eye fees. 
 
 Are they then concealed ? Prepofterous madmen ! 
 to draw the curtain between their infamous practices, 
 and a little fet of mortals ; but lay them open to all 
 thefe chafte and wakeful eyes of heaven * ! as though 
 the moon and ftars were made to light men to their 
 revels, and not to GOD. Are they then concealed ? 
 No, truly. Was everyone of thefe vigilant lumina- 
 ries clofed ; an eye keener than the lightning's flam, an 
 eye brighter than ten thoufand funs, beholds their e- 
 very motion. Their thickeft {hades are beaming 
 day j-, to the jealous Infpector, and fupreine Judge 
 of human actions. Deluded creatures ! have ye not 
 heard, have ye not read, " that clouds and darknefs 
 " are HIS majeftic refidencej ?" In that very gloom, 
 to which you fly for covert, he erects his throne. 
 What you reckon yourfcreen, is the bar of his tri- 
 bunal. O ! remember this ! ftand in awe, and fin 
 not. Remember, that the great and terrible GOD if 
 about your path ||, when you take your midnight- 
 range ; is about your bed, when you indulge the loofe 
 defire ; andfpies out all your ways, be they ever fo 
 fecretly conducted, or artfully difguifed. 
 
 SOME 
 
 * Sed luna vldet, fedjidera tejles 
 
 Intendunt oculos. 
 
 f This is finely, and very forcibly exprefled by the pfalmifl: 
 If Ifay, Per adventure the darknefs Jk all cover me ; then Jhall 
 my night be turned to day : or, as it may be rendered fome- 
 \vhat more emphatically, Even the night Jhall be broad day 
 light all around me. Pfal. cxxxix. 10. 
 
 ^ Pfal. xcvii. 2. 
 
 |j The original words are much flronger than the tranflation, 
 rmi and nruaarr fignif'y, Thou Jiftcft my path, and art Inti- 
 mately acquainted with all my ways : the former, I apprehend, 
 denoting the exaft cogniiance which the Almighty taketh, the 
 latter implying the co nftant infpeclrion which he exercifeth, o- 
 ver all the circumftances of our conduct. Pfal. cxxxix. 2.
 
 on the NIGHT. 291 
 
 SOME minutes ago, a pafTenger crofled along the 
 road. His horfe's foot flruck the ground, and fetch- 
 ed fire from a flint. My eye, tho* Hit a diftance, catch- 
 cd the view ; and faw, with great dcarnefs, the tran- 
 fient fparkles : of which, had I been ever fo near, I 
 fhould not have difcerned the leajt glirnpje, under the 
 blaze of day. So *, when ficknefs has drawn a veil 
 ever the gaiety of our hearts ; when misfortunes have 
 eclipfed the fplendor of our outward circumftances ; 
 how many important convictions prefentthemfelveswith 
 the brighteft evidence ! Under the funfhine of profpe- 
 rity, they lay undifcovered ; but, when fome interve- 
 ning cloud has darkened the fcene, they emerge from 
 their obfcurity, and even glitter upon our minds. 
 Then, the world, that delufive cheat, confefTes her 
 emptinefs : but JES u s, the bright and Morning-ftar, 
 beams forth with inimitable luftre. Then, vice lofes 
 all her fallacious allurements ; that painted flrumpet is 
 horrible, as the hags of hell: but virtue, defpifed vir- 
 tue, gains lovelinefs from a louring providence, and 
 treads the (hades with more than mortal charms. 
 May this reconcile me, and all the Jons of farrow y to 
 our appointed Ihare of fuffering ! If tribulation tend 
 to diffipate the inward darknefs, and pour heavenly 
 day upon our minds ; welcome diflreis j welcome 
 difappointment ; welcome whatever cur froward flefli 
 O o 2 or 
 
 * I beg leave to inform the young gentleman, whofe name 
 dignifies my dedication, that //;// was a remark of his honour- 
 ed father, when we rode together, and converfed in a dufky 
 evening. I mention this circumfbnce, partly to iecure the pa- 
 ragraph from contempt; partly to give him, and the world, 
 an idea of that eminently ferious taite which qiltinguilhed 
 my deceafed friend. The left obvious the reflection, the more 
 clearly it difcovers a turn of mind remarkably Ipiritual ; which 
 would fuffer nothing to efcape, without yielding forne religious 
 improvement. The meaner the incident, the more admirable 
 was that fertility of imagination, which could deduce the fub- 
 Jijneft truths from the moft trivial occurrences.
 
 292 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 or peevifh paffions, would mifcall calamities. Thefe 
 light afflictions, luhich are but for a moment^ (hall lit 
 eafy upon our fpirits ; fince they befriend cur know- 
 ledge 5 promote our faith ; and To u "work out for us 
 " ajar more exceeding and eternal -weight of glory * .'* 
 
 How has this darknefs fnatched every fplendid and 
 graceful object from my fight 1 It has darned the 
 iponge over the pictures of fpring, and deftroyed all 
 the delicate diji Indians of things. Where are now the 
 fine tinges, which fo lately charmed me from the 
 glov.-ing parterre ? The blufh is ftruck out from the 
 cheeks of the rofe, and the fnowy hue is dropt from, 
 v the lily. I caft my eyes toward a magnificent feat ; 
 but the afpiring columns, and fair-expanded front, 
 are mingled in rude confulion. Without the fun, all 
 the elegance of the blooming world is a mere blank ; 
 all the iymmctry of architecture is b/k&pclrjs heap. 
 
 Is not this an exprelfive emblem of the lovelinefs, 
 which the Sun of Righteoufnefs transfufes into all that 
 is amiable ? Was it not for JESUS, and his merits j I 
 fhould ligh with anguifn of fpirit ; even while 1 rove 
 thro* ranks of the moft beautiful flowers, or breathe 
 amidft a wildernefs of fweets. Was it not for JESUS, 
 and his merits ; I (liould roam like fome dijconjolate 
 
 fpctlre, 
 
 * 2 Cor. iv. 17. The great Stephens, that oracle of Grecian 
 learning, tranflates x8' ujr t p3A Quo nihil majus did ant fingi 
 potfft. But how does the fenfe rife ! how is the idea enlarged, 
 under two fuch forcible expreflions ! *!* vj/^w* r V<>/*IM, 
 The whole verfe is a mafterpiece cf the beautiful antithefis, the 
 lively defcription, and the nervous diftion. It is one of thofe 
 exquiiite paflages in the infpired writings, which, like fame 
 rich aromatic plants, cannot be transferred from their own ge- 
 nerous and native foil, without being impaired in their viva- 
 city, and lofing much of their delicacy. Perhaps, the following 
 verfion may be fomewhat lefs injurious to the iacred original, 
 than the common tranflation : Our very light affliction, -which 
 is but juj} fur the prefent moment, worketh out a far more ex- 
 cssding, an incomparably greai^ and eternal -weight of glory >
 
 on the NIGHT. 293 
 
 fpetfre, even through the fmiles of creation, and the 
 careffes of fortune. My converfation in this world, 
 though drefled in the moft engaging forms of exter- 
 nal pleaiure, would be like the paflage of a condemned 
 ?nalefadur, through enamelled meadows, and bowers 
 of bliis, to be broke upon the wheel, or to expire on 
 the rack. But a daily reflexion on the LAMB'S aton- 
 ing blood ; a comfortable trull, that my foul is re- 
 conciled thro* this divine expiation ; this is the ray, 
 the golden ray, which irradiates the face of the uni- 
 verfe. This is the oil of beauty, which makes all 
 things wear a chearful afpecl: ; and the o//of gladnefs, 
 which difpofes the fpectator to behold them with de- 
 light *. This, this is the fecret charm, which teach- 
 es nature, in all her profpecls and all her productions, 
 ib exquifitely to pleafe. 
 
 " MAN goeth forth to his work, and to his labour, 
 " till the evening " But then his ftrength fails ; his 
 Spirits flag ; and he (lands in need, not only of fomc 
 refpite from toil, but of ibme kindly and fovereign 
 refrefhments. What an admirable provifion for this 
 purpofe is/leep ! Sleep introduces a moil welcome va- 
 cation, 
 
 * Thus applied, that fine piece of flattiry, addrefled to the 
 Jieathen emperor, is itridly and literally true. 
 
 Vultus ubl tuus 
 
 Affulfit populo, gratior it dies^ 
 
 Et fetes mellus nitent. Hem AT. 
 
 Which I would caft in a Chriftian mould, and thus tranflate ; 
 
 When faith prefents the Saviour's death, 
 
 And whifpers, 4t This is thine;'* 
 Sweetly my rifmg hours advance, 
 
 And peacefully decline. 
 
 While fuch my views, the radiant fun 
 
 Sheds a more fprightly ray ; 
 Each object fmiles; all nature charms; 
 
 I fing my cares away.
 
 294 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 cation, both for the foul and body. The excrcifes of 
 the brain, and the labours of the liand, are at once dii- 
 continued. So that the weary limbs repair their ex- 
 haufted vigour ; while the penfive thoughts drop their 
 load of forrows, and the bufy ones reft from the fatigue 
 of application. -Mod reviving cordial ! equally bene- 
 ficial to our animal and intellectual powers. It fupplies 
 the flefhly machine, and keeps all its nice movements 
 in a proper pofture for eafy play. It animates the 
 thinking faculties with frefh alacrity, and rekindles 
 their ardor for the ftudies of the dawn. Without theie 
 enlivening recruits, how foon would the moft robuft 
 conftitution be wafted into a walking jk el e ton ; and the 
 moft learned fage degenerate into 2. hoary idiot I Some 
 time ago, I beheld, with furprife, poor Florio. His 
 air was wild ; his countenance meagre ; his thoughts 
 roving, and fpeech difconcerted. Inquiring the caufe 
 of this ftrange alteration, I was informed, that, for 
 feveral nights, he had not clofed his eyes in fleep. For 
 want of which noble reftorative, that fprightly youth 
 (who was once the life of the difcourfe, and the dar- 
 ling of the company) is become a fpeftacle of mifery 
 and horror. 
 
 How many of my fellow-creatures are, at this very 
 inftant, confined to the bed of languishing ; and com- 
 plaining with that illuftrious fuffererof old, ffearifome 
 nights are appointed to me || / Inftead of indulging fbft 
 repofe, they are counting the tedions hours ; telling 
 every ftriking clock; or meafuring the very moments, 
 by their throbbing pulfe. How many, harafTed with 
 fain, moft paflionately long to make fbme little truce 
 with their agonies, in peaceful {lumbers ! How many, 
 fick with dif'qnietude, and reftlefs even on their downy 
 pillows, would purchafe this tranflent oblivion of their 
 woes, almoft at any rate ! That which wealth cannot 
 procure, which multitudes figh for in vain, thy GOD 
 
 has 
 * Job vii. 3.
 
 on the NIGHT, 295 
 
 has beftowed on thee, times out of number. The 'wel- 
 come vifitant, punctual at the needed hour, has enter- 
 ed thy chamber, and poured his poppies round thy 
 couch ; has gently clofed thy eye-lids, and fhed his 
 flumberous dews over all thy fenfes. 
 
 Since fleep is fo abfolutely neceflary, fo ineftimably 
 valuable, obferve, what a fine apparatus almighty good- 
 nefs has made, to accommodate us with the balmy 
 blefling. With how kind a precaution he removes 
 whatever might obftruct its accefs, or impede its in- 
 fluence! He draws around us the curtain of darknefs ; 
 which inclines us to a drowfy indolence, and conceals 
 every object that might too ftrongly agitate the fenfe. 
 He conveys peace into our apartments ; and impofes 
 filence on the whole creation. Every animal is bid- 
 den to tread foftly, or rather to ceafe from its mo- 
 tion, when man is retiring to his repofe. May we 
 not difcern, in this gracious difpofition of things, the 
 tender cares of a nurfing-mother ; who huflies every 
 noife, and fecludes every diftnrbance, when (he has 
 laid the child of her love to reft ? So, by fuch footh- 
 ing circumftances, and gently-working opiates, HE 
 giveth, to his beloved, fleep *.' 
 
 Another fignal inftance of a providence intent upon 
 our welfare, is, that we are preferved jafe in the 
 hours of Jl umber. How are we then loft to all appre- 
 henfion of danger, even though the murderer be at our 
 bed-fide, or his naked fword at our breaft ! Deftttute 
 of all concern for ourfelves, we are unable to think of^ 
 much more to provide for, our own fecurity. At 
 thefe moments, therefore, we lie open to innumera- 
 ble perils ; perils from the refiftlefs rage of flames ; 
 perils from the iniidious artifices of thieves, or the 
 outrageous violence of robbers ; perils from the ir- 
 regular 4 'workings J of our own thoughts, and efpe- 
 cially from the incurfions of our fpiritual enemy. 
 
 What 
 
 * Pfal. cxxvii. 2. 
 
 1 1 think, it is referable only rd aihperintending and watch- 
 ful
 
 296 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 What a dreadful mifchief might that reftlefs, that 
 implacable advcrfary of mankind work, was there not 
 an invifible hand to control his rage, and protect poor 
 mortals ! What fcenes of horror might he reprefent 
 to our imaginations, and " fcare us with dreams, or 
 " terrify us with vifions * 1" But the Keeper of Ifrael, 
 
 who 
 
 ful providence, that we are not hurried into the moft pernicious 
 actions, when our imagination is heated, and our realbn ttu- 
 pefied by dreams. We have fometimes heard of unfortunate 
 perfons, who, walking in their fleep, have thrown therafelves 
 headlong from a window, and been dafhed to death on the 
 pebbles. And whence is it, that fuch dilaftrous accidents are 
 only related as pieces of news, not experienced by ourfelves, 
 or our families ? Were 6ur minds more fober in their opera- 
 tions, or more circunafpecl in their regards ? No, verily: no- 
 thing could be more wild than their excurfions ; and none 
 could be more inattentive to their own welfare. Therefore, if 
 itif have laid us down, >and jlcpt in peace ; it was, becaufe the 
 LORD vouchfafed us the fweet refrefhment; if we rofe again 
 in fafety, it was, becaufe the LOKDfuftained us with his un- 
 remitted protection. 
 
 Will the candid reader excufe me, if I add a fhort ftory, or 
 rather a matter of fad, fqitable to the preceding remark? 
 Two perfons, who had been hunting together in the day, flept 
 together the following night. One of them was renewing the 
 purfuit in his dream ; and, having run the whole circle of the 
 chace, came, at latt, to the fall of the flag. Upon this, he 
 cries out with a determined ardor, /'// kill him, I'll kill him; 
 and immediately feels for the knife, which he carried in his 
 pocket. His companion happening to be awake, and obfer- 
 vrng wat patted, leaped from the bed. Being fecure from 
 danger, and the moon finning into the room, he flood to view 
 the event. When, to his inexprefHble furprife, the infatuated 
 fportfsnan gave feveral deadly (labs, in the very place, where, 
 a moment before, the throat and the life of his friend lay. 
 This ,1 mention, as a proof, that nothing hinders us, even from 
 being adalTms of others, ormurderers of ourfelves, amidfhhemad 
 tallies of fleep; only thepreventingcareofour heavenly Father. 
 
 * What a completemafterthatmalignant fpirit isin exhibiting 
 vijlwary representations^ appears from his conduft towards 
 
 CHRIST,
 
 on the & I G H f . 29? 
 
 who never flumbers nor fleeps, interpofes in our be- 
 half; at once to cherifli us under his wings, and to 
 defend us as with a (hield. It is faid of Solomon, 
 * c That threefcorc valiant men were about his bed; all 
 *' expert in war ; every one with his fword upon his 
 "thigh, becaufe of fear in the night ." But one 
 greater than Solomon, one mightier than myriads o 
 armed hofts ; even the great JEHOVAH, in whom is 
 everlafting ftrength, he vouchsafes to encamp about 
 our houfes, to watch over our fleeping minutes, and 
 to ftop all the avenues of ill. Ol the unwearied and 
 condescending goodnefs of our Creator ! who lulls us 
 to our reft, by bringing on the filent {hades ; and 
 plants his own ever-watchful eye as our centinel, while 
 we enjoy the needful repofe* 
 
 R E^4S ON, now, refigns her fedate office ; and Fancy $ 
 extravagant fancy, leads the mind through a maze of 
 vanity. The head is crouded with falfe images, and 
 tantalized with the moft ridiculous mifapprehenfions 
 of things. Some are expatiating amidtt fairy-fietdf, 
 and gathering garlands of vifionary bills ; while their 
 bodies are ftretched on a wiip of ftraw, and Qieltered 
 by the cobwebs of a barn. Others, quite infeniible or* 
 their rooms of flate, are mourning in a doleful dun-* 
 geon, or ftruggling with the raging billows. Perhaps, 
 with hafly fteps, they climb the craggy cliff; and, with 
 real anxiety, fly from the imaginary danger. Or ellc, 
 benumbed with ludden fear, and finding themfelves 
 unable to efcape, they give up at once their hopes and 
 their efforts; and, tho* reclined on a couch of ivory, 
 are finking, all helplefs and diflrefTed, in the furious 
 whirlpool. So unaccountable are the vagaries of the 
 
 CHRIST, on the high mountain : and that he is too ready, if 
 not retrained by an over-ruling power, to employ his dexte- 
 rity in ajflitting mankind, is evident from his treatment of 
 Job. See Luke iv. 5. Job vii. 14. $ Cant. iii. 7. 8, 
 
 VOL. I. N? 4. P p
 
 298 C O NT E M P L AT IONS 
 
 in y while fleep maintains its dominion over the 
 limbs ! 
 
 But is this the only feafon, when abfurd and inco- 
 herent irregularities play their magic on our minds ? 
 Are there not thofe who dream, even in their waking 
 moments ! Some pride themfelves in a notion of fu- 
 perior excellency, becaufe the royal favour has annex- 
 ed a few fplendid titles to their names ; or becaufe the 
 dying (ilkworm has bequeathed her fineil threads to co- 
 ver their nakednefs. Others congratulate their own 
 iignal happinefs, becaufe loads of golden lumber are 
 amafled together in their coffers j or promife them- 
 felves a moft fuperlative felicity indeed, when fome 
 thoufands more are added to the ufelefs heap. Nor 
 are there wanting others, who gape after fubftantial 
 iatisfaftion from airy applaufe ; and flatter themfelves 
 with, I know not what, immortality in the momenta- 
 ry buz of renown.-^ Are any of thefe a whit more rea- 
 fonable in their opinions, than the poor ragged wretch 
 in his reveries ; who, while (boring under a hedge, 
 exults in the pofTeffion of his (lately palace,, and fump- 
 tuous furniture? If peribns, who are very vaffals to 
 their own domineering paffions, and led captive by 
 numberlefs temptations ; if thefe perfons pique them- 
 ielves with a conceit of their liberty, and fancy them- 
 felves the generous and gallant fpirits of the age : where 
 is the difference between theirs, and the madman's 
 frenzy ; who, tho' chained to the floor, is throned in 
 thought, and wielding an imaginary fceptre ? In a 
 word, as many as borrow their dignity from a plume 
 of feathers, or the gaudy trappings of Fortune ; as 
 many as fend their fouls to feek for blifs in the blan- 
 difhments of fenfe, or in any thing fhort of the divine. 
 favour, arid a well-grounded hope of the incorrupti- 
 ble inheritance * ; what are they but dreamers with 
 their eyes open ; delirious, tho* in health f 
 
 Would 
 
 * Thefe give a facrdd, and home-felt delight, 
 
 A/ckr certainty of waking blifs. ' MILT. Comus*
 
 on the NIGHT. 299 
 
 Would you fee their pifture drawn to the very life, 
 and the fuccefs of their fchemes calculated with the ut- 
 rnoft exaclnefs ; cait your eye upon that fine reprefen- 
 tation exhibited by the prophet : It Jhall be even as 
 iv hen a hungry man dreameth, and behold, he eateth; 
 but he awaketh, and his foul is empty: or as when a 
 thirjty man dreameth, and behold, he drinketh; but he 
 aiuaketh, and behold he is faint, and his joul hath appe- 
 tite *. Such is the race, and fuch the prize, of all thole 
 candidates for honour and joy, who run wide from the 
 mark of the high calling of Go D in CH R I s T J E s u s . 
 They live in vanity, and die in wo. Awaken us, mer- 
 ciful LORD, from thefe noon-tide trances! Awaken 
 us, while conviction may turn to our advantage, and 
 not ferve only to increafe our torment. O I let our 
 '* eyes be enlightened, to difcern the things that are 
 4< excellent j" and no longer be impofed upon by fan- 
 taftic appearances, which, however pompous they may 
 ,ieem, will prove more empty than the vifions of the 
 night, more tranficnt than the dream that is forgotten. 
 
 HAVING mentioned fieep and dreams, letrneonce a- 
 gain corifider tliofe remarkable incidents of our frame ; 
 fo very remarkable, that I may venture to call them 
 a kind of experimental myjlery, and little lefs than a 
 ftandingJW/Vvzfrfe. Behold the moft vigorous conjiitution 
 when flretched on the bed of eafe, and totally refigned 
 to the {lumbers of the night. Its activity is opprefTecl 
 with fetters of indolence ; its ftrength is configned o- 
 ver to a temporary annihilation ; the nerves are like a 
 bow unftrung, and the whole animal fyftem is like a 
 motionlefs log. Behold a perfon of the moil delicate 
 fenfations, and amiable difpojitions , His eyes, though 
 thrown wide open, admit not the vifual ray ; at leait, 
 diftinguifh not objedts. His ears, with the organs un- 
 impaired, and articulate accents beating upon thedrum, 
 perceive not the found ; at leaft, apprehend not the 
 
 meaning. 
 . *If. xxix. 8.
 
 5 oo CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 meaning. The fenfes, and their exquifitely line feeU 
 ings, are overwhelmed with an unaccountable ftupe- 
 facdon. You call him a Jocial creature ; but where 
 are his focial affections ? He knows not the father that 
 begat him, and takes no notice of the friend that is as 
 his own foul. The wife of his bofom may expire by 
 bis fide, and he lye more unconcerned than a barbarian. 
 The children of his body may be tortured with the ie- 
 vereft pangs ; and he, even in the fame chamber, re- 
 main untouched with the leaft commiieration Behold 
 the moft ingenious Jcholar / whofe judgment is piercing, 
 and able to trace the moft intricate difficulties of fcience; 
 his tafte refined, and quick to relifh all the beauties of 
 fentiment and compofition. Yet, at this juncture, 
 the thinking faculties are unhinged, and the intellec- 
 tual ceconomy quite difconcerted. Inftead of clofe- 
 coanected reaibnings, nothing but a disjointed huddle 
 of abfurd ideas ; inftcad of well-digefted principles, 
 nothing but a diforderly jumble of crude conceptions. 
 The moft palpable delufions impofe upon his imagi- 
 nation. The whole night pafTes, and he frequently 
 miftakes it for a lingle minute ; is not fenfible of the 
 tranfition, hardly fenfible of any duration. 
 
 Yet, no fooner does the morning dawn, and day- 
 light enter the room j but this ftrange inchantment va- 
 nifties. The man awakes, and finds himfelf poflefled 
 of all the valuable endowments, which, for feveral 
 hours were fufpended, or loft. His finews are braced, 
 and fit for action. His fenfes are alert, and keen. The 
 romantic vifionary brightens into the mafter of reafon. 
 The frozen or benumbed affections melt with tender- 
 nefs, and glow with benevolence. And, what is be- 
 yond meafure furprifing, the intoxicated mind works 
 itfelf fober, not by flow degrees; but, in the twinkling 
 of an eye, recovers from its perturbation. Why 
 does not the ftupor which deadens all the nice opera- 
 tions of the animal powers, hold faft its poffeflion ? 
 When the thoughts are once difadjufted, why are they 
 
 not
 
 on the NIGH T. 301 
 
 not always in confufion ? How is it, that they are ral- 
 lied in a moment ; and, from the wildefl irregularity, 
 reduced to the moft orderly array ? From an inacH- 
 vity refembling death, how is the body fojiiddenly re- 
 ftored to vigour and agility ? From extravagancies 
 bordering upon madncfs ; how is the understanding 
 injiantaneoujly re-e(lablimed in fedatenefs and harmo- 
 ny ? Surely, u this is the LORD'S doing, and it mould 
 " be marvellous in our eyes ;" mould awaken our 
 gratitude, and infpirit our praiie. 
 
 THIS is the time in which ghofls are fuppofed to 
 make their appearance. Now the timorous imagina- 
 tion teems with phantoms, and creates numberlefs 
 terrors to itfelf. Now dreary forms, in fullen ftate, 
 flalk along the gloom ; or, fwifter than lightning, 
 glide acrois the mades. Now voices more than mor- 
 tal * are heard from the echoing vaults, and groans 
 iffue from the hollow tombs. Now melancholy fpec- 
 tres vifit the ruins of ancient monafteries, and frequent 
 the folitary dwellings of the dead. They pals andre- 
 pais, in unfubftantial images, along the forfaken gal- 
 leries ; or take their determined fiand over fome la- 
 mented grave. How often has the fchool-boy fetch- 
 ed a long circuit, and trudged many a ncedlefs ftep, 
 in order to avoid the haunted church-yard ? Or, if 
 neceffity, fad neceffity, has obliged him to crofs the 
 fpot, where human Jkulls are lodged below, and the 
 baleful yews fhed fupernumerary horrors above ; a 
 thoufand hideous (lories rufh into his memory. Fear 
 adds wings to his feet ; he fcarce touches the ground ; 
 dares not once look behind him ; and blelfes his good 
 fortune, if no frightful found purred at his heels, if 
 no ghaftly (hape bolted upon his fight. 
 
 'Tis flrange to obferve the exceflive timidity which 
 
 pofTeffes 
 
 * VQX quoque per lucos vulgo exaudita Jllsntes 
 Ingens, et Jimulacra modis fallcntia miris 
 Vifafub Qbjcurum nQflis>-~ VIRG.
 
 3 o2 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 poflefles many people's minds, on this fanciful occafion; 
 while they are void of all concern, on others of the 
 mofl tremendous import. Thofe who are ftartled, in 
 any dark and lonely walk, at the very apprehenjion of 
 a fingle fpectre, are neverthelefs unimprefled at the 
 lure projpefi of entering into a whole world of dif- 
 embodied beings ; nay, are without any emotions of 
 awe, tho' they know themfelves to be haftening into 
 the prefence of the great, infinite, and eternal Spirit. 
 Should fome pale meifenger from the regions of the 
 dead, draw back our curtains at the hour of midnight ; 
 and, appointing fome particular place, fay, as the hor- 
 rid apparition to Brutus , I'll meet thee there */ I be- 
 lieve the boldeft heart would feel fomething like a pa- 
 nic ; would ferioufly think upon the adventure, and be 
 in pain for the event. But, when a voice from heaven 
 cries, in the awakening language of the prophet, Pre- 
 pare to meet thy God, Ifrael -\ ; how little is the warn- 
 ing regarded ! how foon is it forgot ! Prepofterous 
 Stupidity ! to be utterly unconcerned, where it is the 
 trueft wifdom to take the alarm ; and to be all trepi- 
 dation, where there is nothing really terrible ! Do 
 thou, my foul, remember thy Saviour's admonition ; 
 " / -will forewarn you, whom you fliall fear . Fear not 
 " thefe imaginary horrors of the night : but fear that 
 < awful Being, whofe revelation of himfelf, tho' with 
 " expreflions of peculiar mercy, made Mofcs, his fa- 
 " vourite fervant, tremble exceedingly: whofe mani- 
 " feflation, when he appears with purpofes of inexo- 
 tc rable vengeance, will make mighty conquerors, who 
 " were familiar with dangers, and eftranged to difmay, 
 " call upon the mountains to fall on them, and the 
 " rocks to cover them : the menace of whofe majeftic 
 
 eye, 
 
 * The (lory of Brutus, and his evil genius y is well known. 
 Nor muft it be denied, that the precife words of the fpeftre to 
 the hero were, /'// meet thee at Philippi. But as this would 
 not anfwer my purpofe, I was obliged to make an alteration 
 in the gircuuiftance of p/acc. -f Amos iv, 13.
 
 on the NIGHT. 303 
 
 u eye, when he comes attended with thoufand thou- 
 " fands of his immortal hofts, will make the very 
 <c heavens cleave afunder, and the earth flee away. 
 " O! dread HIS difpleafure ; fecure HIS favour ; and 
 <c then thou mayft commit all thy other anxieties to 
 " the wind ; thou mayft laugh at every other fear." 
 This brings to my mind a memorable and amazing 
 occurrence, recorded in the book of Job * : which is, 
 I think, no inconfiderable proof of the real exiflence of 
 apparitions f, onfome very extraordinary emergencies ; 
 while it diicountenances thofe legions of idle tales, 
 which fuperftition has raifed, and credulity received. 
 Since it teaches us, that if, at any time, thofe vifitants 
 from the unknown world render themfelves perceivable 
 by mortals, it is not upon any errand of frivolous 
 
 confequence, 
 * Job iv. 12, 14, &c. 
 
 j- Is a proof of the reel exigence of apparitions, if the fenfe, 
 in which I have always underllood this paflage, be true. //"- 
 phaz, I apprehend, was neither in a trance, nor in a dream^ 
 but perfectly awake. Though he fpeaks of fleep; he fpealcs 
 of it, as fallen not upon himfelf, but upon other men. He 
 does not mention dreams, though nwbn fomnia, would have 
 fuited the verfe (if the book be in metre) altogether as well as 
 /vopin vijiones. It could not furely be a wind, as fome tramf- 
 late the word rm. Becaufe the circumftances of flandlngjllll 
 is not fo compatible with the nature of a wind ; and a wind 
 would have parted above him, all around him, as well as before 
 him. Not to add, how low a remark it isj and how unworthy of 
 a place in fo auguft a defcription, that he could not difcern the 
 form of a' wind, It feems, therefore, to have been a real fpi- 
 rit ; either angelical, as were thofe which prefented themfelves 
 to Abraham retting at the door of his tent, and to Lot fitting 
 in the gate of Sodom ; or elfe the fpirit of fome departed faint, 
 as in the cafe of Samuel's apparition, or the famous appearance 
 cfMofes and Elijah on the mount of transfiguration. A fpirir, 
 afluming fome vehicle, in order to become vifible to the human 
 eye: which, accordingly, Etiphaz faw, exhibiting itfelf as an 
 object of fight : but faw fo obfcurely and indifVindly, that he 
 was not able either to defcribe its afpetf, or to difcern -whom 
 it refembled.
 
 304 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 confequence, but to convey intelligences of the utmoft 
 moment, or to work hnpreffions of the higheft advan- 
 tage. 
 
 'Twas in the dead of night . All nature lay fhrouded 
 in darknefs. Every creature was buried in fleep. The 
 mod profound filence reigned through the univerfe. 
 In thefe folemn moments, Eliphaz alone, all wakeful 
 and folitary, was mufmg upon fublime and heavenly 
 fubje&s. When, lo 1 an awful being, from the invifi- 
 ble realms, burfl into his apartment*. A fpirit p&ffed 
 before his face. Aftonimment feized the beholder. His 
 bones fhivered within him ; his flelh trembled all over 
 him ; and the hair of bis head flood ereft with horror. 
 ^-Sudden and unexpected was the appearance of the 
 phantom ; not fuch its departure. It flood flill, to 
 prefent itfelf more fully to his view. It made a folemn 
 paufe, to prepare his mind for fome momentous mef- 
 age. After which, a voice was heard : a voice, for 
 the importance of its meaning, worthy to be had in 
 cverlafting remembrance ; for the folemnity of its de- 
 livery, enough to alarm a heart of ftone. It fpoke ; 
 and this was the purport of its words : " Shall man, 
 "frail man, be juft before the mighty GOD f Shall 
 "even the mofl accomplifoedof mortals be pure in the fight 
 " of his Maker f / Behold, and confider it attentively. 
 
 " He 
 
 * I have given this folemn pifture a modern drefs, rather 
 for the fake of variety and illuftration, than from any appre- 
 heniion of improving the admirable original. Such an attempt, 
 I am fenfible, would be more ahfurdly vain, than to lacquer 
 gold, or, paint the diamond. The defcription, in Ellpbaz'i 
 own language, is awful and affefting to the laft degree, a night- 
 piece, drefied in all the circumttanees of the deeped horror. I 
 queftion, whether Shakcfpearc himfelf, though fo peculiarly 
 happy for his great command of terrifying images, has any 
 thing fuperior or comparable to this. The judges of fine com- 
 pofitiony?<r the mafterly ftrokes ; and, I believe, the moft or- 
 dinary reader feels them, chilling his blood, and awakening 
 emotions of dread in his mind. 
 
 -j- Therefeemstobea fignincantandbeautiful < g > rj^//ointhe 
 
 Hebrew
 
 6n the NIGHT. joj 
 
 ** He put no fuch trufl in his mofi exalted fervants^ as 
 " fhould befpeak them incapable of defedl-. *dnd his 
 *' very angels he charged with folly ; as finking, even 
 *' in the higheft perfection of their holinefs, infinitely 
 44 beneath his tranfcendent glories ; as falling, even in 
 " all the fidelity of their obedience, inexpreffibly fhort 
 * c of the homage due to his adorable Majefty . If ange- 
 " lie natures muft not prefume to juitify either them- 
 44 felves or their fervices, before uncreated purity 5 
 44 how much more abfurd is fuch a notion $ how much 
 44 more impious fuch an attempt, in them that dwell 
 *' in houfes of clay ; whofe original is from the duft, 
 <e and whofe date is all imperfection !" 
 
 I would obfcrve from hence, the very fingular necefli- 
 ty of that poverty df/pirft, which entirely renounces 
 its own attainments ; arid moft thankfully jubmits to 
 the righteouihefs of the incarnate GOD . To inculcate 
 this lelfon, the Son of the Blefied came down from hea- 
 Ven ; and prefled no other principle, with fo repeat- 
 ed J. an importunity, on his hearers. To irtftil the: 
 
 fame 
 
 Ifsbrew words wnx and 133 which I have endeavoured to pre- 
 ierve, by a fort of parapkraftic vsrjion. The reader will ob- 
 lerve a new turn given to the ientiment ; preferable, i think, 
 to that which our Englijh tranflation exhibits. Not, Shallmari 
 be more jufl than GOD ? but Shall man be jujl before, or in the 
 fight of GOD ? The paflage, thus rendered, fpeaks a truth 
 incomparably more weighty, and needful to be inculcated : a 
 truth exadtly parallel to that humbling confefTion of the pro- 
 phet, We are all as an unclean thing ; and to that folemn de- 
 claration of the pfalmift, In thy fight frail no man living be 
 juftified. 
 
 It is well worthy of our obfervation, fays an excellent 
 commentator, " That no one fen fence uttered by our LORD, 
 tk is fo frequently repeated as this; Whofocver foall exalt kin;- 
 "frlf, Jhall be abaft d ; and he thatjhatl humble himfelf, frail 
 44 be exalted: 1 ' which often occurs in the evangelifts; but is 
 never duly accomplimed in us, till we difclaim all pretenfion 
 to merit and righteoufnefs of our own, and feek them only 
 in the atonement and obedience of JESUS CHRIST. 
 
 VOL. I. N* 4 . Q.q
 
 306 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 fame doclrine, the HOLY GHOST touched the lips of 
 the apoftles with facred eloquence ; and made it an 
 eminent part of their commiffion, <fc to demolim e- 
 11 very high imagination." That no expedient might 
 be wanting, to give it a deep and lafting efficacy on 
 the human mind ; a phantom arifes from the valley 
 of the fhadow of death, or a teacher defccnds from 
 the habitation of fpirits. Whatever then we neglect, 
 let us not neglect to cultivate this grace, which has 
 been fo varioufly taught, fo powerfully enforced* 
 
 HA R K ! a doleful voice. With fudden ftarts, and 
 hideous fcreams, it difturbs the filence of the peaceful 
 night. 'Tis thefcreec/i-owl) fometimes in frantic, {bine- 
 times in difconfolate accents, uttering her woes . She 
 flies the vocal grove, and fhuns the fociety of all the 
 feathered choir. The blooming gardens, and flowery 
 meads, have no charms for her. Obfcene (hades, rag- 
 ged ruins, and walls overgrown with ivy, are her fa- 
 vourite haunts. Above, the mouldering precipice nods r 
 and threatens a fall ; below, the toad crawls, or the 
 poifonous adder hilTes. The fprightly morning, which 
 awakens other animals into joy, adminifters no plea- 
 jfure to this gloomy reclufe. Even the fmiling face 
 of day is her averfion ; and all its lovely fcenes create 
 nothing but uneafinefs. 
 
 So, juft fo, would it fare with the ungodly, were it 
 poffible -to fuppofe their admiifion into the chafte and 
 bright abodes of endlefs felicity. They would find 
 nothing but difappointment and fliame, even at the 
 fountain-head of happinefs and honour. For how 
 could the tongue, habituated to profanenejs y tafte any 
 
 delight 
 
 Solaque culminilus ferall carmine kubv 
 
 Stfpe qu:ri, hngafque in fl: turn ducerc vocrs, 
 Thus fung that charming genius, that prince of the ancient 
 poets, that inert confutnmate matter of elegance and accuracy; 
 all who.fe/c7;f/mr/j- are nature, whofe every defcription is a 
 pidure, whofe whole language is malic VIRGIL.
 
 on the NIGHT. 307 
 
 delight in the harmonious adorations of heaven ? How- 
 could the lips, cankered with Jlander, relifh the rap- 
 tures of everlafting praife ? Where would be the ia- 
 tisfaction of the vain beauty, ortliefupercilious gran- 
 dee ? Since, in the temple of the ikies, no incenic 
 of flattery would be addrefled to the former ; nor any 
 obfequious homage paid to the latter. The fpotleis 
 and inconceivable purity of the bldfled GOD, would 
 jiafJi confusion on the laicivious eye. The envious 
 mind mufl be on a rack of ielf-tormenting pujjlons^ to 
 obferve millions of happy beings, mining in all the 
 perfections of glory, and folacing themfelves in the 
 fiilnefs of joy. In fliort, the unfandHfied foul, amidft 
 holy and triumphant fpirits ; even in the refined re- 
 gions of blifs and immortality ; would be like this 
 melancholy bird, diflodged from her darkfome retire- 
 ment, and imprisoned under the beams of day *. 
 
 The voice of this creature fcreaming at our win- 
 dows, or of the raven croaking over our houfes, is, 
 they fay, a token of approaching death. There are per- 
 ibns who would regard fuch an incident with no fmall 
 degree of folicitude. Trivial as it is, it would damp 
 their Ipirits, perhaps break their reft.- One cannot but 
 
 wonder, 
 
 * T would beg of the reader to obferve, with what emphajis 
 and -propriety our LORD touches this important point, in his 
 memorable reply to Nicodemus. Verily , verily I fay unto thee, 
 Except a man be born again^ he CANNOT enter into the king- 
 dom of heaven ; q. d. " I wave the authority of the fupreme 
 " J ut ' e anc ^ fp ea k with the condefcenfan of a teacher in Ifracl. 
 44 Tho' I might, without being liable to the laft control, pafs 
 ** it into a fovereign decree, that unrenewed mortals, who are 
 4 fla-ves to corrupt appetite, SHALL NOT enter the habitations 
 4 of the juft ; I rather chufe to reprefent it as a cafe utterly 
 4 imp&jfible ; and charge the calamity, not upon divine feveri- 
 4 ty, but upon human folly. Such perfons, from the very na- 
 4 ture of things, preclude themfelves ; they incapacitate their 
 * 4 own minds ; and contrarieties mull be reconciled, before 
 ** they, in their unregenerate condition, can be partakers of 
 <* jhoie fpiritual and fublime delights." John iii. 3.
 
 308 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 wonder, that people fhould fuffer themfelvcs to be 
 affrighted at fuch fan taftical, and yet be quite unaffcft- 
 ed with real, prefages of their dhTolution. Real prer. 
 fages of this awful event addrefs us from every quar- 
 ter. What arc thefe incumbent glooms, which over- 
 whelm the world, but a kind of pall provided for na- 
 ture ; and an image of that long night, which will 
 quickly cover the inhabitants of the whole earth ? 
 What an affinity has the fleep *, which will very 
 focn weigh down my drowfy eye-lids, with that itate 
 of entire cefTation, in which all my fenfes muft be laid 
 afide ! The filent chamber, and the bed of {lumber, 
 are a very fignificant reprcfentation of the land, where 
 all things are hulbed, all things are forgotten. What 
 meant that deep death-bell note, which, the other even- 
 ing, faddened the air ? Laden with heavieft accents, it 
 flruck our ears, and feemed to knock at the door of our 
 hearts. Surely, it brought a mefTage to furviving mor- 
 tals, and thus the tidings ran : u Mortals, the deftroy- 
 " er of your race is on his way. The laft enemy has 
 " begun the purfuit ; and is gaining ground upon you, 
 " every moment. His paths are ftrewed with heaps 
 " of (lain. Even now his javelin has hid one of your 
 tc neighbours in the duft ; and will foon, very foon, 
 " aim the inevitable blow at each of your lives." 
 
 We need not go down to the charnel-houfe, nor 
 carry our fearch into the repofitories of the dead, in 
 order to find memorials of our impending doom. A 
 multitude of thefe remembrancers are planted in all our 
 paths, and point the Jieedlefs pafTengers to their long 
 home. I can hardly enter a confiderable town, but 
 I meet the funeral proceffion, or the mourners going 
 about the ftreets. The hatchment fufpended on the 
 wall, or the crape ftreaming in the air, are filent in- 
 timations, that both rich and poor have been empty- 
 Ing their houfes, and replenifliing their iepulchres. I 
 can fcarce join in any converfation, but mention is, 
 
 made 
 * Ei confcnguincus lethi fopor.
 
 on the NIGH TV 309 
 
 made of fome that are given over by the phyfician, and 
 hovering on the confines of eternity ; of others, that 
 have juft dropt their clay amidft weeping friends, and 
 are gone to appear before the Judge of all the earth, 
 There's not a news-paper comes to my hand, but a- 
 midft all its entertaining narrations, reads feveral fe- 
 rious lecJures of 'mortality. What elfe are the repeated 
 accounts of age worn out by (low-confuming fick- 
 nefTes of youth daflied to pieces by fome fudden 
 /Iroke of cafualty of patriots exchanging their feats 
 in the fenate for a lodging in the tomb of mifers 
 refigning their breath, and (O relentlefs defliny !) lea- 
 ving their very riches for others ? Even the vehicles 
 of our amufement are regiflers of the deceafed ; and 
 the voice of fame feldom founds, but in concert with 
 a kneli. 
 
 Thefe monitors croud every place ; not fo much as 
 the fcenes of our diversion excepted. What are the 
 decorations of our public buildings, and the moft ele- 
 gant furniture of our parlours, but the imagery of 
 death, and trophies of the tomb ? That marble buft, 
 and thofe gilded pictures, ho*v folemnly they recognize 
 the fate of others, and fpeakingly remind us of our 
 own 1 I fee, I hear, and O ! I feel this great truth. 
 It is interwoven with my conftitution. The frequent 
 decays of the ftru&ure forctel its final ruin. What 
 are all the pains, that have been ciarted through my 
 limbs ; what every difeafe, that has aflkulted my health ; 
 but the advanced guards of the foe ? What are the 
 languors and wearinefs that attend the labours of each 
 revolving day, but the morejecref practices of the ad- 
 verfary, (lowly undermining the earthly tabernacle ? 
 
 Amidft fo many notices, (hall we go on thoughtlefs 
 and unconcerned ? Can none of thefe prognoftics, 
 which are fure as oracles, awaken our attention, and 
 engage our circumfpeftion ? Noah^ 'tis written, being 
 ivarned of GOD, prepared an ark. Imitate, my foul, 
 imitate this excellent example. Adinonifhed byfuch 
 
 a cloud
 
 3 io CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 a cloud of witnefTes, be continually putting thyfelf in 
 a readinefs for the laft change. Let not that day, of 
 which thou haft fp many infallible figns, come upon 
 thee unawares. Get the ivy untiuined, and thy affec- 
 tions difentangled from this inchanting world, that 
 thou inayft be able to quit it without reluctance. Get 
 the dreadful hand-writing cancelled, and all thy fins 
 blotted out, that thou mayft depart in peace, and have 
 nothing to fear at the decifive tribunal. Get, O ! get 
 thyfelf interefted in the Redeemer's merits, and tranf- 
 formed into his iacred image ; then malt thou be meet 
 for the inheritance of faints in light, and mayft even 
 defire to be diflblved, and to be with CHRIST. 
 
 SOMETIMES in my evening-walk I have hear4 
 
 The wakeful bird 
 
 Sing darkling, and in fliadieft covert hid, 
 Tune her noclnrnal note *. 
 
 How different the airs of this cljarming fongfter, from 
 thole harm and boding outcries ! The little creature 
 ran through all the variations of mufic ; and {hewed 
 herfelf miftrefs of every grace, which conftitutes or 
 embellimes harmony. Sometimes Ihe fwells a manly 
 throat, and her fong kindles into ardor. The tone is 
 ib bold, and ftrikes with fuch energy, you would ima- 
 gine the fprightly ferenader in the very next thicket. 
 Anon the ftrain languijhss, and the mournful warbler 
 melts into tendernefs. The melancholy notes juft 
 fteal upon the fhades, and faintly touch your ear ; or, 
 in foft and fadly-pleafing accents, they feem to die 
 along the diftant vale. Silence is pleafed, and night 
 liftens to the trilling tale. 
 
 What an invitation is this, to flip away from the 
 thronged city ! This coy and modeft minftrel enter- 
 tains only the lovers of retirement. Thofe who are 
 caroufmg over their bowls, or ranting at the riotous 
 
 * MILT. Par. Loft, b. III. 1. 38. 
 
 club ?
 
 on the N I G H T. 311 
 
 club, lofe this feaft of harmony. In like manner, the 
 plcafures of religion, and the joy of reconciliation 
 with GOD ; the fatisfactions arifing from an eftabliflied 
 intereft in CHRIST, and from the profpect of a blifs- 
 ful immortality ; thefe are all loft to the mind, that is 
 ever in the croud; and dares not, or delights not, to 
 retire into itfelf. Are we charmed with the nightin- 
 gale's fong ? Do we wifti to have it nearer, and hear 
 it oftener ? Let us feek a renewed heart, and a re- 
 figned will ; a confcience that whifpers peace, and pal- 
 fions that are tuned by grace. Then mall we never 
 want a melody in our own breafts, far moremufically 
 plea/ing than fweet Philomela's fweeteft (trains. 
 
 As different as the voices of thefe birds, are the 
 circumjtances of thofe few perfons who continue awake. 
 Some are fquandering, pearls mall I fay, or king- 
 doms ? No ; but what is unfpeakably more precious, 
 time ; fquandering this ineflimable talent, with the 
 moft fenielefs and wanton prodigality. Not content 
 with allowing a few fpare minutes for the purpofe of 
 neceifary recreation, they lavifh many hours, devote 
 'whole nights, to that idle diverfion of muffling, ran- 
 ging, and detaching a fet of painted pafteboards. 
 Others, inftead of this bufy trifling, aft the part of 
 their own tormentors. They even piquet themfelves *y 
 and call it amufement; they are torn by wild horfes, 
 yet term it a fport. What elfe is the game /?er*s practice ? 
 His mind is ftretched on the tenter-hooks of anxious 
 iufpenfe, and agitated by the fierceii extremes of hope 
 and fear. While the dice are rattling, his heart is 
 throbbing; his fortune is tottering: and, poffibly, at 
 the very next throw, the one finks in the gulf of 
 ruin, the other is hurried into the rage of diftraclion. 
 
 Some, fnatched from the bloom of health, and the 
 lap of plenty, are confined to the chamber of ftcknefs : 
 where they are conftrained, either to plunge into the 
 
 everlafting 
 
 * Alluding to a very painful pu'nilhment inflicted on deliqi- 
 quen.rs among the foldiery.
 
 $12 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 evcrlafling world, in an unprepared condition ; or elfd 
 (fad alternative !) to think over all the follies of a 
 heedlefs life, and all the bitternefs of approaching 
 death. The difeafe rages ; it baffles the force of me- 
 dicine ; and urges the reluctant wretch to the brink 
 of the precipice. While furies roule the confcience, 
 and point at the bottomlefs pit below. Perhaps, his 
 drooping mother, deprived long ago of the huiband of 
 her bofom, and bereft of all her other offspring, is, 
 even now, receiving the blow which consummates 
 her calamities *. In vain fiie tries to afTuage the for- 
 rows of a beloved fon>; in vain me attempts, with her 
 tender offices, to prolong a life dearer than her own. 
 He faints in her arms ; he bows his head ; he finks 
 in death. Fatal, doubly fatal, that laft expiring pang ! 
 While it diflodges the unwilling foul, it rends an only 
 child from the yearning embraces of a parent, and 
 tears away the fuport of her age from a difconfolate 
 widow. 
 
 While thofe long for a reprieve, others invite the! 
 ftroke. Quite weary of the world, with a reftlefs im- 
 patience, 
 
 * This brings to my mind one of the deepeft mourning-pie- 
 ces extant in the productions of the pen. The facred hiiiorian 
 paints it in all the iirnplicity of ftyle, yet with all the flrength 
 of colouring. When JESUS came nigh to the gate of the city i 
 behold! there was a dead man carried out, the only fon of his 
 mother, and/be was a widow. What a gradation is here! How 
 pathetically beautiful ! Every frelh circumftance widens the 
 wound; aggravates the calamity; till the defcription is work- 
 ed up into themoftfinifbed picture of exquifite and inconfolable 
 .clifh-efs. Tie was a young man ; cut off in the flower of life, 
 amidft a thoufand gay expectations, and fmiling hopes. A 
 fon ; an only fon ; the afflicted mother's all : fo that none re- 
 mained to preferve the name, or perpetuate the family. What 
 rendered the cafe ftill more deplorable, Jbe was a widow: left 
 entirely defolate: abandoned to her woes; without any to flure 
 her forrows, or to comfort her under the irreparable lofs. 
 Is not this a fine (ketch of the impajriomdzndpiflurefque? Who 
 can confider the narrative with any attention, and not fee] his 
 heart penetrated with a tender commiferaticn ? Luke vii. 12.
 
 on the N I G H T< 3*3 
 
 patience, they figh for dhTolution : fome pining away 
 under the tedious decays of an incurable confumption ; 
 or gafping for breath, and almoft fuffocated by an in- 
 undation of drop/ical waters. On fome a relentleis 
 cancer has fattened its envenomed teeth ; and is gnaw- 
 ing them, tho' in the midft of bodily vigour, in the 
 midft of pitying friends, gradually to death. Others 
 are on a rack of agonies, by canvulfive fits of the 
 ftone. O ! how the pain writhes their limbs ; how 
 the fweat bedews their flefti ; and their eye-balls 
 wildly roll ! Methinks the night condoles with thefe 
 her diftrefled children ; and fheds dewy tears over 
 their ibrrowful abodes. But of all mortals, they are 
 the mod exquifitely miferable, who groan beneath the 
 preflure of a melancholy mind, or (mart under the lam- 
 es of a rejentfut confcience. Tho* robed in ermine, 
 or covered with jewels, the ftatc of a flave chained to 
 the galleys, or of an exile condemned to the mines, 
 is a perfect paradife compared with theirs. 
 
 O ! that the votaries of mirth^ whofe life is a con- 
 tinued round of merriment and whim, would bellow 
 one ferious reflection on this variety of human woes ! 
 It might teach them to be lefs enamoured with the 
 few languid fweets, that are thinly fcattcred through 
 this vale of tears, and environed with fuch a multi- 
 tude of ragged thorns. It might teach them no longer 
 to dance away their years, with a giddy rambling im- 
 pulfe ; but to af'pire with a determined aim, after thofe 
 happy regions, where delights, abundant and unem- 
 bittered, flow. 
 
 Clan there be circumflances, which a man of wif- 
 clom, would more earneftly deprecate, than thefe fe-. 
 veral inftances of grievous tribulation ? There are ; 
 and, what is very aftoniming, they are frequently the 
 defire and the choice of thoie, who fancy themielves 
 the fole heirs of happinefs : thofe I mean, who are 
 launching out into the depths of extravagance, and 
 running exceflive lengths of riot : who are proftitut- 
 
 VOL. I. N4. Rr ;;' iS
 
 314 CONTEMPL ATI O N S 
 
 ing their reputation, and facrificing their peace, to 
 the gratification of their lufts ; Tapping the foundation 
 of their health, in debaucheries j , or (hipwrecking the 
 interefh of their families, in their bowls ; and, what 
 Is worfe, are forfeiting the joys of an eternal heaven, 
 for the fordid latisfaftions of the beaft ; for the tranji- 
 tory fenfations of an hour.- Ye flaves of appetite, 
 how far am I from envying your grofs fenfualities, 
 and voluptuous revels ! Little, ah ! little are you fen- 
 fible, that, while Indulgence fhowers her roles, and 
 Luxury diffufes her odours, they fcatter/?o//owj"alfo,and 
 flied unheeded bane * : evils incomparably more ma- 
 lignant, than the wormwood and gall of the fharpeffc 
 affliction. Since death is in the drunkard's cup, and 
 worfe than poinards in the harlot's embrace, may it 
 ever be the privilege of the man whom I love, to go 
 without his mare of thefe pejlilent Jwee ts f / 
 
 AB UN DANCE of living fparks glitter iri the lanes, 
 and twinkle under the hedges. I fuppofe they are the 
 glow-worms ; which have lighted their little lamps, 
 and obtained leave, thro* the abfence of the fun, to" 
 play a feeble beam. A faint glimmer juft ferves to 
 render them perceivable, without tending at all to 
 diffipate the fhades, or making any amends for the! 
 departed day. Should fome weather-beaten travel- 
 ler, dropping with wet, and (hivering with cold, hover 
 round this mimicry of fire, in order to dry his garments, 
 and warm his benumbed limbs ; fhould lonie bewilder- 
 ed traveller, groping for his way, in a flarlefs night 
 
 and 
 
 * Yes ; in the floors that -wreathe the fparkling bo-wl, 
 Fell adders hifs, and pots' nous ferpents roll. FKIOR'J Sol. 
 
 f* ^uamfuave eft fuavita tibus iff is carer e ! was St Auguj+ 
 tine's pions exclamation. The lubdance of which Mr Pope has 
 e-xprefTed, with more fitnplicity, and with no lefs dignity* 
 
 Count all tb y advantage prti/p'rous vice attains ,; 
 3 Iis but -what virtue flics from, and dlfdains.
 
 on the NIGH T. 315 
 
 and tracklefs defert, take one of thefe languid tapers, 
 as a light to his feet, and a lantern to his paths : how 
 certainly would both the one and the other be fruftra- 
 ted of their expectation ! And are they more likely 
 to fucceed, who, neglecting that fovereign balm, which 
 diflilled from the crofs, apply any carnal diverfion, 
 to heal the anxiety of the mind ? who, deaf to the in- 
 fallible decifions of revelation, refign themfelves over 
 to the erroneous conjectures ofreafon, in order to find 
 the way that leadeth unto life ? or, laflly, who have 
 recourfe to the/roM of this vain world, fpr a fatisfacr 
 tory portion, and a ihbftantial happinefs ? Their con- 
 dud: is in no degree wiier ; their diiappointment equal- 
 ly fure ; andtheir mifcarriage infinitely more diiaftrous. 
 To fpeak in the delicate language of a facred writer, 
 " They fow the wind, and will reap the whirlwind *." 
 
 To fpeak more plainly ; the pleafures of the world, 
 which we are all fo prone to dote upon ; and the powr 
 -ers of fallen reafon, which fome are fo apt to idolizef ; 
 
 are 
 * Hqf. viii. 7. 
 
 j- I hope if will be obferved, that I am far from decrying 
 that noble faculty of reafon, when exerted in her proper fphere; 
 when acting in a deferential fubordination to the revealed will 
 of heaven. While ihe exercifes her powers within thefe ap- 
 pointed limits, flic is unfpeakably ferviceable, and cannot be 
 too induftrioufly cultivated.-^But, when (he fets up herfelf in 
 proud contradiftinflion to the facred oracles ; when, all-arro- 
 gant and felf-fufficient, flie fays to the word of fcripture, / 
 have no need of thee ; (he is then, I muft be bold to maintain, 
 not only a glow-worm, but an ignis fatiittf ; not only a bub- 
 ble, but a fnare. 
 
 May not this remark, with the ftriftefl propriety, and with- 
 out the leaft limitation, be applied to ihe generality of our mo- 
 dern romances, novels, and theatrical entertainments ? Thefe 
 are commonly calculated to inflame a \vanton fancy; or, if con- 
 dufted with fo much modefty, as not to debauch the affedions, 
 they pervert the judgment, and bewilder the tafte. By their 
 incredible adventures; their extravagant parade of gallantry ; 
 and their characters, widely different from truth and nature; 
 they infpire foolifli conceits ; beget idle expectations j intro- 
 R r 2 duc
 
 3i6 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 are not only vain, but treacherous : not only a painted 
 flame, like thefe fparkling animals ; but much like thofe 
 unctuous exhalations, which arife from the marmy 
 ground, and often dance before the eyes of the be- 
 nighted wayfaring man. Kindled into a fort of fire, 
 they perfbnate a guide, and feem to offer their fervice ; 
 but, blazing with delujive light, miflead their follower 
 into hidden pits, headlong precipices, and unfathom- 
 able gulfs ; where, far from his beloved friends, far 
 from all hopes of fuccour, the unhappy wanderer is 
 fwallowed up and loft. 
 
 NOT long ago, we obferved a very furprifing ap- 
 pearance in the weftern fky. A prodigious fter took 
 its flaming rout through thofe coafts ; and trailed, as 
 it palled, a tremendous length of fire, almoft over 
 half the heavens. Some, I imagine, viewed the por- 
 tentous ftranger, with much the fame anxious amaze- 
 ment, as Beljhazzar beheld the hand-writing upon the 
 \vall. Some looked upon it as a bloody *flag, hung 
 out by divine refcntment, over a guilty world. Some 
 read, in its glaring vifage, the fate of nations, and 
 the fall of kingdoms f . To others, it fhook, or feem- 
 ed to (hake, pejlilence and war from its horrid hair. 
 For my part, 1 am not fo fuperftitious as to regard 
 what every aftrologer has to prognofticate, upon the 
 acceffion of a comet, or the projection of its huge v&- 
 foury train. Nothing can be more precarious and un- 
 juftifiable, than to draw fuch conclufions from fuch 
 events : fince they neither are preternatural effects, 
 
 duce a difguft of genuine hiucry; and indifpofe their admirer.-, 
 to acquiefce in the decent civilities, or to relifli the foltcr fa- 
 tisfa&ions, of common life, 
 
 * Liquid* Ji quan do nofie comet* 
 
 Sanguinei lugubre rubent. VJRC. 
 
 j* Crinemque timendi 
 
 et terris mutamem regna cometem*
 
 on the NIGHT. 317 
 
 nor do they throw the frame of things into any difor- 
 der. I would rather adore that omnipotent Being, who 
 rolled thofe ftupendous orbs from his creating hand ; 
 and leads them, by his providential eye, thro' unmea- 
 furable tracts of aether: who bids them, now approach 
 the fun, and glow with unfufferable ardors * ; now 
 retreat to the utmoft bounds of our planetary fyftem, 
 and make their entry among other worlds. 
 
 They are harmlefs vifitants. 1 acquit them from 
 the charge of caufing, or being acceiTary to, defolating 
 plagues. Would to GOD, there were no other more 
 formidable indications of approaching judgments, or 
 impending ruin ! But, alas ! when vice becomes pre- 
 dominant, and irreligion aimed epidemical: when the 
 fabbaths of a jealous GoD are notorioufly profaned ; 
 and that u name, which is great, wonderful, and ho- 
 " Jy," is proflltuted to the meaneft, or abul'ed to the 
 moll execrable purpofes : when the worfhip of our 
 great Creator and Preferver is baniflied from manv of 
 the moft confpicuous families ; and it is deemed a piece 
 of rude impertinence, To much as to mention the gra- 
 cious Redeemer, in our genteel interviews : when it 
 paflfes for an elegant freedom of behaviour, to ridicule 
 the myfteries of Chriflianity ; and a fpecies of refined 
 converfation, to taint the air with lafcivious hints : 
 when thofe who fit in the /corner's chair, fin with a 
 high hand: and many of thofe who wear the prof efforts 
 garb, are deftitute of the power, and content them- 
 felves with the mere form of godlinefs: when fuchis 
 the ftate of a community, there is reafon, too appa- 
 rent rcafon, to be horribly afraid. Such p/nenomena 9 
 
 abounding 
 
 * ** The comet in the year 1680, according to Sir Ifaac 
 " Newton's computation, was, in its neareft approach, above 
 *' 166 times nearer the fun than the earth is. Confequently, 
 44 its heat was then 28000 times greater than that of fummer. 
 " So that a ball of iron as big as the earth, heated by it, would 
 " hardly become cool in 50,000 years. .DERH. -Aflr. 
 " P- 237-
 
 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 abounding in the moral world, arc not fanciful, but 
 real omens. Will not an injured GOD " be avenged 
 *' on fuch a nation as this ?" Will he not be provok- 
 ed to " fweep k with the befom of definition * ?" 
 
 O ! that the inhabitants of Great Britain would lay 
 thefe alarming confiderations to heart! The LORD 
 of hofls has commanded the fword of civil difcord 
 to return into its (heath. But have we returned eve- 
 ry one from his evil "ways f Are we become a renew- 
 ed people ; devoted to a dying Saviour ; and zealous 
 of good works ? What mean thole peals of fobs, 
 which burft from the expiring cattle f What meaa 
 thofe melancholy moans, where the lufty droves were 
 wont to low-}-? What mean thofe arrows of untime- 
 ly death, difcharged on our innocent and ufeful ani- 
 mals ? . 
 
 No wantonnefs or {loth has vitiated the blood of 
 thefe laborious, temperate creatures. They have con- 
 tracted no difeafe from unfeafonable indulgencies, and 
 inordinate revellings. The pure ftream is their drink ; 
 the fimplc herb their repair. Neither care difturbs their 
 fleep, nor paffion inflames their bread. Whence then are 
 they vifited with fuch terrible diforders, as no prudence 
 can prevent, nor any medicines heal ? Surely, thefe 
 calamities are the weapons of divine difpleafure, ancj 
 
 manifefl 
 
 '* If. xiv. 23. The eternal Sovereign, fpealcing of Babylon, 
 denounces this threatening, Iiuillfiaeep it -with the beforn of 
 defintftion. What a noble, but dreadful image, is here! How 
 Wrongly and awfully pourtrayed ! How pregnant alfo in its 
 fjgnification ! intimating the vile nature, and expreffing the 
 total extirpation, of this wicked people ; at the fame time, 
 iuggefting the pcrfefi cafe, with which the righteous Goo 
 would execute his intended vengeance. 
 
 f If thefe papers fhould be fo happy as to outlive their au- 
 thor, perhaps, it may be needful to inform poftericy, that the 
 above-mentioned hints allude to a moft terrible, contagious, 
 and mortal diflemper^ raging among the horned cattle, in va- 
 rious parts of the kingdom.
 
 on tlie NIGHT. 319 
 
 manifefl chaftifements of an evil generation *. Sure- 
 ly GOD, the " GOD to whom vengeance belongeth," 
 has ftill a controverfy with our fmful land. And who 
 can tell, where the vifitation will end ? what a ftorrn 
 may follow thefc prelufive drops ? O ! that we may 
 " hear the md, and who hath appointed it !" Taught 
 by theie penal effetls of our difobedience, may we re- 
 move the accurfedthing\ from our tents ; our practices 
 our hearts ! May we turn from all ungodlinefs, be- 
 fore wrath come upon us to the uttermoft ; before 
 iniquity prove our ruin ! 
 
 SOMETIMES, at this hour , another moft remarka- 
 ble fight amufes the curious, and alarms the vulgar. A 
 blaze of lambent meteors is kindled, or fome very ex- 
 traordinary lights are refracted, in Ihe quarters of the 
 north. The flreams of radiance, like legions rufhing 
 to the engagement, meet and mingle, infomuch that 
 the air feems to be all conflicting fire. Within a while 
 they ftart from one another ; and, like regions in pre- 
 cipitate flight, fweep, each a feparate way, through 
 the firmament. Now they are quiefcent ; anon they 
 are thrown into a quivering motion ; prefently the 
 whole horizon is illuminated with the glancing flames. 
 Sometimes, with an afpecl: awfully lud(crous^ they re- 
 preient extravagant and antic vagaries : at other times, 
 you would fiifpe&j that fome invifible hand was play- 
 ing off the dumb artillery ofthejkies; and, by a ftrange 
 expedient, giving us the flafli, without the roar. 
 
 The villagers gaze at the fpe#acle,firft with wonder, 
 then with horror. A general panic feizes the country. 
 Every heart throbs, and every face is pale. The croud's 
 that flock together, inftead of diminifhing, increafe 
 
 the 
 
 * Hinc Itetis vituli vulgo moriuntur in herbls^ 
 Et dulcfs animas plena ad prafepio reddunt. 
 Balatu hinc pecorum^ ft crebris mugitibus amncs, 
 At inlffquc fonant ripee, colltfque fupini* Via. 
 j- Jofh. vi. 18*
 
 320 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 the dread. They catch contagion from each other's 
 looks and words ; while fear is in every .eye, and e- 
 very tongue fpeaks the language of terror. .Some fee 
 hideous Jhapes^ armies mixing in fierce encounter, or 
 fields fwimraing with blood. Some forefee direful <?- 
 vents, ftates overthrown, or mighty monarchs totter- 
 ing on their thrones. Others, facred with ftill more 
 frightful apprehenfions, think of nothing but the day 
 of doom. " Sure," fays one, " the unalterable hour 
 " is ftruck, and the end of all things come." " See," 
 replies another, " how the blafted ftars look wan i 
 " Are not thele the figns of the Son of man, coming 
 4C in the clouds of heaven ?"" JESUS prepare us' 
 (cries a third, and lifts his eyes in devotion) " for the 
 " Archangel's trump, and the great tribunal 1" 
 
 If this waving brightnefs, which plays innocently o- 
 ver our heads, be fo amazing to multitudes; what in- 
 expreffible confirmation muft overwhelm unthinking 
 mortals, when the general cenflagreition commences I 
 The day, the dreadful day, is approaching, " in the 
 " "which the heavens /hall pafs away with a great noife*, 
 
 and 
 
 * 2 Pet. iii. 10. I have often thought this verfe an emi- 
 nent inftance of that kind of beautiful writing, in which the 
 very found bears a fort of Jlgnificancy ; at leaft, carries an cx- 
 a& correfpondence with thefenfe. The original exprefiion 
 f ei^j-.v i s one of the hoarfeft and deeped words in language. 
 Nothing could be more exquifitely adapted to affect the ear, 
 as well as imprefs the imagination, with the wreck of nature, 
 and the craih of a falling world. I fcarce ever read this claufe, 
 but it brings to my mind that admired deicription in MJL- 
 TON : ' 
 
 ^On a fudden open fly," 
 
 With impetuous recoil, and jarring /bund, 
 Xh' infernal doors, and on their hinges grate 
 Harfb thunder Book II. 1. 879. 
 
 It is a pleafing employ, and a very laudible office of true cri- 
 ti'cijfm, to point out thefe inferior recommendations of the 
 
 facreJ
 
 tc 
 
 on the NIGH T. 32* 
 
 and the elements fti all melt "with fervent heat ; the 
 earth alfo, and all the -works that are therein, fliall 
 be burnt up.'* That mighty hand, which once o- 
 pened the windows from on high, and broke up the 
 fountains of the great deep, will then unlock all the 
 magazines of fire, and pour a fecond deluge upon the 
 earth. The vengeful flames, kindled by the breath 
 of the Almighty, fpread themfelves from the centre 
 to the circumference. Nothing can withftand their 
 impetuofity ; nothing can efcape their rage. Univer- 
 fal deiblation attends their progrefs. Magnificent pa- 
 laces, and folemn temples, are laid in afhes. Spacious 
 cities, and impregnable towers, are mingled in one 
 {rooking mafs. Not only the productions of human 
 art, but the works of almighty power, are fuel for 
 the devouring element. The everlafHng mountains 
 melt, like the fnows which cover their fiimmit. Even 
 vaft oceans ferve only to augment the inconceivable 
 rapidity and fury of the blaze. O ! how fliall I, or 
 others, ftand undifmayed amidft the glare of a burning 
 "world, unlefs the LORD JEHOVAH be our defence ? 
 How mail we be upheld in fecurity, when the globe 
 itfelf is finking in a fiery ruin, uulefs the Rock of A- 
 ges be our ibpport ? 
 
 BEHOLD ! a new fpe&acle of wonder ! The moon 
 is making her entry on the eaftern iky. See her rifmg 
 in clouded majefty ! opening, as it were, and aflerting 
 her original commiflion to rule over the night. All grand 
 and Itately, but fomewhat fullied is herafpect. How- 
 ever, Ihe brightens as fhe advances ; and grows clear- 
 er, as fhe climbs higher : till, at length, her filver loles 
 all itsdrofs ; fhe unveils her peerlefs light ; and becomes 
 tc the beauty of heaven, the glory of the ftars ;" 
 
 delighting 
 
 facred daffies. Tho* 1 believe, the infpired writers themfelves, 
 amulft all the elevation and magnificence of their divine ideas, 
 difdained a fcrupulous attention to fuch little niceties of ftyle-, 
 \ Ecclus xliii. 9. 
 Lucidum cccli decus. HOR, 
 
 VOL. I. N? 4. S f
 
 322 C O N T E M P L A T I O N S 
 
 delighting every eye, and chearing the whole worU 
 with the brightnefs of her appearance, and the foftnefs 
 of her fplendors. O ! thou queen of the (hades ! may 
 it be my ambition to follow this thy inftructive ex- 
 ample ! While others are fond to tranicribe the fa- 
 fhions of little courts, and to mimic perfonages of in- 
 ferior ftate ; be it mine to imitate thy improving pu- 
 rity ! May my conduct become more unblemiihed, 
 and my temper more refined, as I proceed farther and 
 farther in my probationary courie ! May every fordid 
 defire wear away, and every irregular appetite be 
 gradually loft, as I make nearer approaches to the ce- 
 leftial manfidns ! Will not this be a comfortable evi- 
 dence, that I too mall mine in my adored Redeemer's 
 kingdom ? fhinc with a richer luftre, than that wjiicb 
 radiates from thy refplendent orb ; mine with an un- 
 fading luflre, when every ray that beams from thy 
 beauteous fphere, is totally extinguifhed ? 
 
 day afforded us a variety of entertaining fights. 
 Thefe were all withdrawn, at theacceffionof darknefs. 
 The flars^ kindly officious, immediately lent us their 
 aid. This ferved to alleviate the frown of night, ra- 
 ther than to recover the objects from their obfcurity. 
 A faint ray, fcarcely reflected, and not from the entire 
 furface of things, gave the draining eye a very imper- 
 fect glimpfe; fucll as rather mocked, than fatisfied vi- 
 fion.- Now the moon is rifcn, and has collected all her 
 beams, the veil is taken off from the countenance of 
 nature. I fee the recumbent flocks J I fee the green 
 hedge-rows, though without the feathered chorifters 
 hopping from fpray to fpray. In fhort, 1 fee once a- 
 gain the world's great picture ; not indeed in its late 
 lively colours, but more delicately fliade d y and array- 
 ed mjofter charms *. 
 
 What 
 
 * -- Now reigns 
 
 Full orb'd the moon, and with more pleafing light 
 Shadowy fets off the face of things. MILT,
 
 on the N I G H T. 323 
 
 What a majeftic fcene is here ! incomparably grand, 
 and exquiiitely fine ! The moon, like an immenfe 
 cryftal lamp, pendent in the magnificent ceiling of 
 the heavens. The ftars, like fo many thoufands of 
 golden tapers, fixed in their azure lockets. All pour- 
 ing their luftre on fpacious cities, and lofty moun- 
 tains ; glittering on the ocean ; gleaming on the fo- 
 refl ; and opening a proipeft, wide as the eye can 
 glance, more various than fancy can paint *. We 
 are forward to admire the performances of human 
 art. A landfcape, elegantly clefigned, and executed 
 with a mafterly hand ; a piece of ftatuary, which feems, 
 amidft all the recommendations of exact proportion, 
 and graceful attitude, to foften into flefh, and almoft 
 breathe with life ; thefe little imitations of nature,we be- 
 hold with a pleafing iurprife. And (hall wo be lefs 
 affected, lefs delighted, with the inexpreffibly-noble, 
 and completely -finifhed original I The ample dimen- 
 lions of Ranelagh's dome ; the gay illuminations of 
 f^aux-hall grove ; I mould fcorn to mention on fuch 
 an occafion, were they not the objects of general ad- 
 miration 
 
 * As when the moon, refulgent lamp of night, 
 
 O'er heav'n's clear azure fpreads herfacred light ; 
 IV hen not a breath dijturbs the deepferene y 
 And not a cloud o'ercafts the folemn fcene : 
 Around her throne the vivid planets ro/', 
 And ftars unnumbered gild the glowing pole 
 O'er the dark trees a ye/lower verdure Jbed t 
 And tip ivith Jilver tru'ry mountain's head ; 
 Then jkine the vales ; the rocks in profpefl rife ; 
 A flood of glory burfts from all the fkies ; 
 
 * The confcious Jwains, rejoicing in the fight ', 
 
 Eye the blue vault, and blefs the ufeful Alight. Iliad VHI. 
 
 I tranfcribe thefe lines, becaufe Mr Pops fays, they exhibit, 
 in the original, the fineft night-piece in poetry. And, if they 
 are fo beautiful in Homer''?, language, who can fufpeft their 
 fuffering any difadvantage from the pen of his admirable tr&i* 
 fttitor ?
 
 324 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 miration. Shall we be charmed with thofe puny ef- 
 lays of finite ingenuity ; and touched with no tranf- 
 port, at this flupendous difplay of omnipotent fkill ? 
 at the auguft grandeur, and {Inning ftatelinefs, of the 
 firmament ? which forms an alcove for ten thoufand 
 worlds, and is ornamented with myriads of everlafting 
 luminaries. ^Surely, this muft betray, not only a to- 
 tal want of religion, but the. moft abject littlenefs of 
 mind, and the utmoft poverty of genius. 
 
 The moon is not barely u an ornament in the high 
 ct places of the LORD *," but of fignalfervice to the 
 inhabitants of the earth. How uncomfortable is deep, 
 pitchy, total darknefs ! efpecially in the long abfence of 
 the winter's fun. Welcome therefore, thrice welcome, 
 this aufpicious gift of Providence, to enliven the noc- 
 turnal gloom, and line with filver the raven-coloured 
 mantle of night. How defireable to have our fiimmer- 
 evenings illuminated ! that we, may be able to tread 
 the dewy meads, and breathe the delicious fragrance of 
 our gardens ; efpecially, when the fultry heats render 
 it irkfome and fatiguing, to walk abroad by day. 
 How chearing to the fhepherd, the ufe of this uiuver- 
 ial lantern ; as he tends his fleecy charge, or late con- 
 figns them to their hurdled cots ! How comfortable 
 and how advantageous to the mariner, as he ploughs 
 the midnight-main, to adjuft the tackling, to explore 
 his way, and, under the influence of this beaming 
 fconce, to avoid the fatal rock 1 For thefe, and o- 
 ther beneficial purpofes, the hand of the ALMI G H T Y 
 has hung the (lately branch on high ; and filled it with 
 a fplendor, not confined to a fingle edifice, or com- 
 menfurate to a particular fquare, but diffufive as the 
 whole extent of the hemifphere. 
 
 'The mofl faithful of our inferior fervants are fome- 
 times tardy in their office, fometimes negligent of 
 their duty. But this celeftial attendant is moft exatt- 
 ly puntfual) at all the ftated periods of her miniftra- 
 
 * Ecclus. xliii, 9.
 
 on the NIGHT. 325 
 
 tion. If we chufe to prolong our journey, after the 
 iun is gone down ; the moon, during her whole /- 
 creafe, is always ready to act in the capacity of a 
 guide. If we are inclined to fet out very early in the 
 morning ; the moon in her decreafe prevents the 
 dawn, on purpofe to offer her affiftance. And, be- 
 caufe it is To pleafant a thing for the eyes to behold 
 the light, the moon at her/////, by a courie of tinin- 
 termitted waiting, gives us, as it were, a double day. 
 How apparently has the divine wifdom interefted 
 itfelf, in providing even for the pleafnrable accommo- 
 dation of man ! How defirous, that he fiiould want no 
 piece of commodious furniture, no kind of delightful 
 convenience! and, in profecution of thefe benevolent 
 intentions, has annexed fo valuable an appendage to 
 the terreflrial globe. Juftly, therefore, does the pfal- 
 mift celebrate that admirable conftitution, which or- 
 dained the moon and the ftars to govern the night, as an 
 inftance of rich goodnefs, and of mercy -which endureth 
 for ever *. 
 
 THE moon, it is confefTed, is no luminous body* 
 All the brightnefs, which beautifies her countenance, 
 is originally in the fun, and no more than tranfmiflive- 
 ly in her. That glorious orb is the parent of day, and 
 the palace of light. From thence the morning-ftar 
 gilds her horn ^ ; from thence the planetary circles 
 are crowned with luftre ; and from thence the moon 
 derives all her iilvcr radiance. It is pleafing to reflecT:, 
 that fuch is the cafe with the all-Jufficient Redemer, 
 
 and 
 * Pfal. cxxxvi. 9. 
 
 f I might, to jufHfy this expreffion, obferve, that the planet 
 Venus, commonly called the morning-Har, is found, by our 
 telefcopes, frequently to appear hsrned ; or to have -Acre/cent 
 of light, fomewhat like the moon, a little before or after her 
 conjunction. But this would be a remark too deep and refi- 
 ned for my fcheme j which proceeds only upon zjfitpfrficial 
 knowledge, and the moft obvious appearances, of nature.
 
 326 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 and his dependent people. We are replenifhed from his 
 fulnefs. What do we pofTefs, which we have not re- 
 ceived j and what can we defire, which we may not 
 expe& ; from that never-failing Source of all good ? 
 He is the author of our faith, and the former of our 
 graces. In his unfpotted life, we fee the path ; in 
 his meritorious death, the price ; and in his triumph- 
 ant reiurrection, the proof, of blifs and immortality. 
 IF we offend, and fall feven times a-day ; he is the 
 LORD our peace** If we are depraved, and our 
 beft deeds very unworthy ; he is the LOR D our righ- 
 tcdUfaffs f . If we are blind, and even brutifh, in hea- 
 venly knowledge ; he is the LORD ourwi/dom]: his 
 word difpels the {hades ; his .Spirit fc'ivrers the intel- 
 lectual gloom ; his eye looks our darknefs into day. In 
 ihort, we are nothing, and'" CHRIST is all." 
 Worfe than defective in ourfelves, *' we are complete 
 " in him." So that if we fhine, it is with delegated 
 rays, and with borrowed light. We act by a ftrength, 
 and glory in merits, not our own ! O ! may we be 
 thoroughly fenfible of our dependence on the Saviour ! 
 May we conftaittly imbibe his propitious beams ; and 
 never, by indulging unbelief \ or backfliding into/o//y, 
 withdraw our fouls from his benign influences ! left 
 ,we lofe our comfort, and our holinefs ; as the fair ru- 
 ler of the night lofes her iplendor, when her urn is 
 turned frem its fountain |(, and receives no more com* 
 inunications of iblar effulgence. 
 
 TH E moon is incefTantlyi^rj//^, either in her afpeft, 
 or her flages. Sometimes (he looks full upon us, and 
 her vifege is all luftre. Sometimes flie appears in pro- 
 file, and fhews us only half her enlightened face. A- 
 non a radiant crefcent but juft adorns her brow. Soon 
 
 it 
 
 *. Judges vi. 24. -f Jer. xxiii. 6. i Cor. i. 30. 
 j| Alluding to thofe truly poetical lines in Mi/ton, 
 Hither^ as to their fountain^ other Jiars 
 Repairing^ in their golden urns draw light. 
 
 Par. Loft, b. VII. 1. 364. .
 
 on the NIGHT. 
 
 k dwindles into a {lender (Ireak : till, at length, all 
 her beauty vanifhes, and fhe becomes a beamlefs orb. 
 Sometimes (he rifes with the defcending day, and be- 
 gins her proceffion amidft admiring multitudes. Ere 
 long fhe defers her progrefs till the midnight-watches, 
 and f teals unobfervedupon the fleeping world. Some- 
 times fhe juft enters the edges of the weflern horizon, 
 and drops us a ceremonious vifit. Within a while, fhe 
 fets but on her nightly tour, from the oppofite regions 
 of the eatt ; traverfes the whole hemifphere; and ne- 
 ver offers to withdraw, till the more refulgent partner 
 of her fway renders her prefence unneceflary. In a 
 word, fhe is, while converfant among us, ftill waxing 
 or waning, and " never continueth in one flay." 
 
 Such is the moon ; and fuch are zlljublunary things ; 
 expofed to perpetual viciffitudes. How often, and 
 how foon, have the faint echoes of renown flept in 
 filence, or been converted into the clamours of ob- 
 loquy ! The fame lips, almoft with the fame breath, 
 cry Hofanna, and Crucify. Have not riches confeffed 
 their notorious treachery, a thoufand and a thoufand 
 times ? either melting away, like fnow in our hands, 
 by infenfible degrees ; or efcaping, like a winged pri- 
 ibner from its cage, with a precipitate flight. Have 
 we not known the bridegroom's cloj'et, an antechamber 
 to the tomb ; and heard the voice, which fo lately pro- 
 nounced the fparkling pair hufband and wife, proclaim 
 an everlafting divorce ; and feal the decree with that 
 folemn affeveration, " Ames to afhes, duft to duft :" 
 Our friends, though the medicine of life ; our health, 
 though the balm of nature ; are a mofl precarious poi- 
 feffion. How foon may the firft become a corpf'e in 
 our arms ; and how eafily is the l.aft deftroyed in its vi- 
 gour ! You havefeen,no doubt, a fet of pretty paint- 
 ed birds, perching on your trees, or (porting in your 
 meadows. You was pleafed with the lovely vifitants, 
 that brought beauty on their wings, and melody in 
 their throats. But could you infure' the coniinuancf 
 
 of
 
 328 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 of this agreeable entertainment ? No, truly. At the 
 lead difturbing coiie, at the lead terrifying appear- 
 ance, they ftart from their ients ; ' they mount the 
 fkies ; and are gone in an inftant, are gone for ever. 
 Would you chuie to have a happinefs, which bears 
 date with their arrival, and expires at their departure ? 
 If you could not be content with a portion, enjoyable 
 only through filch a fortuitous term, not of years, but 
 of moments, O ! take up with nothing earthly ; let 
 your affections on things above ; there alone is " no 
 44 variablenefs or fhadovv of turning." 
 
 Job is not a more .illudrious pattern of patience^ 
 than an eminent exemplification of thisremark. View 
 him in his private eft at a He heaps up (ilver as the 
 dud ; he wafties his iteps in butter, and the rock pours 
 him out rivers of oil. View him in his public cha- 
 r after* Princes revere his dignity ; the aged liden 
 to his wifdom ; every eye beholds him with delight ; 
 every tongue loads aim with bleffings. View him in 
 his dome/lie cir cum fiances . On one hand, he is defended 
 by a troop of fons ; on the other, adorned with a train 
 of daughters ; and on all fides iurrounded by " a ve- 
 " ry great houfehold." Never was human felicity fo 
 consummate ; never Vfi&dijaftrous revolution ib fudden. 
 The lightning, which continued his cattle, was not 
 more terrible, and fcarce more indantaneous. The 
 joyful parent is bereft of his offspring, and his " chil- 
 " dren are buried in death." The man of affluence is 
 ftript of his abundance .; and he who was clothed in 
 fcarlet, embraces the dunghill. The venerable patriarch 
 is the derifion of fcoundrels ; and the late darling of an 
 indulgent providence, is become " a brother to dra- 
 u gons, a companion of ov^ls." Nor need we go back 
 to former ages, for proofs of this aiiiicling truth. In 
 our times, in all times, the wheel continues the fame 
 incefTant whirl. And frequently thole who are tri- 
 umphing to-day in the highed elevations of joy, to- 
 morrow are bemoaning the inftability of mortal aifairs,
 
 on the NIGH T. 329 
 
 in the very depths of mifery *. Amidft fo much fluc- 
 tuation and uncertainty, how wretched is the condi- 
 tion, which has no anchor of the foul, ftir~ and fted- 
 faft ! May thy loving-kindnefs, O GOD, be our pre- 
 fent treaiure ; and thy future glory, our reverfionary 
 inheritance ! Then fliall our happinefs, not be like the 
 full-orbed moon, which is " light that decreajeth in 
 " its perfeftion ;" but like the fun, when he goeth 
 forth in his ftrength, and knowcth no other change, 
 but that offtining more arid more unto the perfecl: day. 
 
 ME THINKS, in this ever-varying fphere, I fee a 
 representation^ not only of our temporal advantages, 
 but alfo ofourjpirztual accompli/hments . Such, I am. 
 lure, is what the kind partiality of a friend would call 
 my right eoujnefs : and fuch, I am apt to fufpect {, is the 
 
 righteoufnefs 
 
 * I believe, I may venture to apply, what the Temanite fays 
 of the affairs of the wicked, to all fublunary things, as a true 
 defcription of. their very great instability. Job xxii. 16. 
 b-no' pvrt in a rendered by Sc6ultens^ Flumsn fufum junda,- 
 mentum eorum. Their foundation (or what they reckon their 
 molt folid and {table poffeffion) is a flood poured out. Which 
 is one of the boldeft images, and mod poetical beauties, I e- 
 ver met with in any language, facred or profane. In order 
 to have a tolerable conception of the image, and a tafte of its 
 beauty, you mud fuppofe a torrent of waters, ruining in bro- 
 ken cataracls, and with impetuous rapidity, from a fteep and 
 craggy mountain. Then imagine to yourfelf an edifice, built 
 upon the furge of this rolling precipice; which has no other 
 bafis than one of thole headlong -whirling -waves. Was there 
 ever fuch a reprefentation of tranfitory profperity, tending, 
 with inconceivable fwiftnefs, unto ruin ? Yet fuch is every 
 form of human felicity, that is not grounded on JESUS, and 
 a participation of his merits, who is the Kock of Ages ; on 
 JESUS, and his image formed in our hearts, which is the hope 
 of glory. 
 
 $ I would not be under flood, as meafurincr, in this refpeft, 
 others by myfslf; but as taking ray eitimate from the unerring 
 ftaudard of i'cripture. And indeed, proceeding on this evi- 
 dence, fupported by this authority, I might have ventured 
 T t farther
 
 33 o CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 rightcoufnefs of every man living. Now we exercifs 
 it, in fome few inftances^ in fome little degrees. A> 
 non fin revives, and leads our fouls into a tranfient, 
 though unwilling captivity. Now we are meek ; but 
 loon a raffling accident intervenes, and turns our com- 
 pofure into a fretful difquietude. Now we are hum- 
 ble; foon we reflect upon fome inconiiderable or ima- 
 ginary fuperiority over others, and a fudden elatement 
 fwells our minds. Now, perhaps, we poffefs a clean 
 heart, and are warm with holy love. But O ! how 
 eafily is the purity of our affections fullied ! how foon 
 the fervour of our gratitude cooled ! And is there not 
 fomething amifs even in our bell moments ? fome-* 
 thing to be afliamed of> in all we are; fomethiug to 
 be repented of, in all we do ? 
 
 With what gladnefs, therefore, and adoring thank-* 
 fulnefs, fhould we u fubmit to the righteoufnefs of 
 *' our incarnate GOD ;" and receive, as a divine gift, 
 what cannot be acquired by human works \\ A writer 
 of the firft diftinction, and niceft difcernment, ftyles 
 the obedience of our glorious Surety, an everlafting 
 
 right eoujnefs / 
 
 farther than a bzrefa/piciott. For u there is not zjuft man 
 " upon earth that doth good, andyTw<r//> not," lays the Spirit 
 of infpiradon by Solomon (Ecclef. vii. 20.) Nay, fuch is the 
 purity, and fo extenfive are the demands of the divine law, 
 that an apollle makes a lh'11 more humbling acknowledgment j 
 " In many things we offend all." (Jam. iii. 3.) -And the un- 
 erring Teacher, who moft thoroughly knew our frame, direcis 
 the moft advanced, moft eftabliibed, and mod watchful Chri* 
 ftians, to pray daily for the forgivenefs of their daily trej- 
 pajjcs. To which teftirnonies, I beg lea,ve to add an elegant 
 paflage from the Canticles ; becaufe it not only exprefles the 
 fentiment of this paragraph, but illuflrates it by the very 
 fame fimilitude. She (the church) is fair as the moon ; clear 
 as the fun. Fair as the moon, the leffer and changeable light, 
 in herfatifiification ; clear as the fun, the greater and invari- 
 able luminary, in her juftlficathn : the inherent holinefs of 
 believers being imperfeci, and fubject to many inequalities; 
 while their imputed righteoufnefs is every way complete, and 
 cjnftantly like itfclf. Cant. vi. 10. \ Rom. vi. 17. x, 3.
 
 on the NIGH T. 331 
 
 right eoufnefs */ fuch as was fubjedt to no interrup- 
 tion, nor obfcured by the leait blemifh ; but proceeded 
 always in the fame uniform tenor, of the moft fpotleis 
 perfection. This righteoufnels, in another feni'e, an- 
 fvvers the prophet's exalted defcription ; as its bene- 
 ficial and fovereign efficacy knows no end ; but lafts 
 thro* all our life ; laits in the trying hour of death ; 
 Jafts at the decitive day of judgment j lafts through 
 every generation ; and will laft to all eternity. 
 
 SOMETIMES I have feenthatrefplendent globe ftript 
 of her radiance; or, according to the emphatic a! lan- 
 guage of fcripture, ci turned into blood." The earth, 
 interpofing with its opake body, intercepted the iblar 
 rays, and c aft its own gloomy fhadow on the moon. 
 The malignant influence gained upon her fickening 
 orb ; extjnguimed, more and more, the feeble remain- 
 ders of light; till at length, like one in a deep fwoon, 
 no cpmeimefs was left in her countenance ; (he was 
 totally overfpread with darknefs.- At this juncture, 
 what a mukitude of eyes were gazing upon the rueful 
 (pe&acle ! even of thole eyes, which disregarded the 
 empreis of the night, or beheld her with indifference, 
 when, robed in glory, and riding in her triumphal 
 chariot, {he fhed a ibfter day through the nations. 
 But now, under thefe circumltances of difgrace, they 
 watch her motions with the moft prying attention. In 
 every place, her misfortune is the object of generall 
 pbfervation ; and the prevailing topic of difcourfe, in, 
 every company. 
 
 Is it n t thus with regard toperfons of eminence ^ in 
 their refpeftive fpheres ! Kings, at the head of their 
 iubjeds ; nobles, furrounded with their dependents ; 
 and (after names of fo much grandeur, may I be al- 
 lewed to add ?) minifters labouring among their peoplef; 
 
 are 
 
 * Dan. ix. 24. 
 
 f Ye are the light of the world. A city tlzt^is fct on a% 
 ilt 9 cannot be hid. Matth. v. 14. 
 X t 2
 
 332 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 are each in a confpicuous ftation. Their conduct in 
 its minute/i ftep, efpecially in any .mifcarriage, will be 
 narrowly furveyed, and critically fcanned. Can there 
 be a louder call, to ponder the paths of their feet, and 
 to be particularly jealous over all their ways ? Thofe 
 who move in inferior life, may grofsly offend ; and 
 little alarm be given, perhaps no notice taken. But it 
 is not to be expected, that the leaft flip in their carriage, 
 the leaft flaw in their character, will pafs undifcovered. 
 Malice^ with her eagle-eyes, will be fure ten, difcern 
 them ; while ^enfure, with her fhrill trumpet, will be, 
 as far from concealing them ; as Calumny, with her 
 treacherous whifpers, from extenuating them. A pla- 
 net may fink below the horizon j or a ftar, for feveral 
 months, withdraw its mining ; and fcarce one in ten 
 thoufand perceive the lofs. But, if the moon fuffers a 
 tranfient eclipfe, almoft half the world are fpectators 
 of her difhonour. 
 
 Very different was the cafe, when, at this late hour, 
 I have taken a folitary walk on the iveftern cliff's. At 
 the foot of the fteep mountain, the lea, all clear and 
 fmooth, fpread itfelf into an immenfe plain, and held 
 a watery mirror to the ikies. Infinite heights above, 
 the firmament ftretched its azure expanfe, befpaqgled 
 with unnumbered ftars, and adorned with the moon, 
 u walking in brightnefs *." She feemed to contem- 
 plate herfelf, with a peculiar pleafure ; while the tranf- 
 parent jurface both received, and returned \\tf Jllver 
 image. Here, inftead of being covered with fackcloth, 
 me (hone with double luftre ; or rather, with a luftre 
 multiplied, in proportion to the number of beholders, 
 and their various fituations. 
 
 Such, methinks, is the effect of an exemplary be- 
 haviour, in perfons of exalted rank. Their courfc, as 
 it is nobly diftinguifhed, fo it will be happily influen^ 
 tied. Others will catch the diffufive ray ; and be am- 
 bitious to referable a pattern fo attracting, fo com- 
 manding. 
 * Job xxxi. 26.
 
 on the NIGH T. 333 
 
 mantling. Their amiable qualities will not terminate 
 in themfelves ; but we (hall fee them reflected from 
 their families, their acquaintance, their retainers. Juft 
 as we may now behold another moon, trembling * in 
 the flream, glittering in the carnal, and difplaying its 
 lovely imprefs on every collection of waters. 
 
 TH E moon, philofophy fays, is a fort offovereign 
 over the great deep. Her orb, like a royal fceptre, 
 fways the ocean, and actuates the fluid realms. It 
 fwells the tides, and perpetuates the reciprocal returns 
 of ebb and flow. By which means the liquid element 
 purges off its filth ; and is preferved from being pu- 
 trefied itfelf, and from poifoning the world. Is the 
 moon thus operative on the vaft abyfs ? And mall not 
 the faith of eternal and infinite delights to come, be 
 equally efficacious on this foul of mine ? Far above 
 her argent fields, are treafures of hqppinefs, unfeen by 
 mortal eye, by mortal ear unheard, and unconceived 
 by any human imagination. In that deiirable world, 
 themofldiftinguifhedand exalted honours alfo are con- 
 ferred ; in companion with which, the thrones and 
 diadems of earthly monarchs are empty pageants, and 
 childifh toys. Yonder arch of fapphire, with all its 
 fpangles of gold, is but the floor of thofe divine a- 
 bodes. What then are the apartments ; what is the 
 palace ? how bright with glories ; how rich with blifs ? 
 
 O ye manfions of bleffednefs ; ye beauties of my 
 Father's kingdom ; which far outfhine thefe lamps of 
 the vifible heaven ; tranfmit your fweet and winning 
 invitations to my heart. Attratt and refine all my af- 
 fections. Withdraw them fromftagnaiing on the for- 
 did mores of flefh ; never fuffer them to fettle upon 
 the impure lees of fenfe ; but imprefs them with emo- 
 tions of reftlefs defire after fublime and celeflial joys : 
 Joys, that will proceed, ftill proceed in a copious 
 and everlafting flow, when feas mall ceafe to roll : 
 Joys, that will charm every faculty with unimaginable 
 
 pleafure ; 
 
 *t Sflendet tremulofub famine pontus, VJRG.
 
 334 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 pleafure ; when the moon, with her waxing fplendors, 
 ihall chear our fight no more. 
 
 ENOUGH for the prefent evening. My thoughts 
 have been fufficiently exercifed, and my fteps begin to 
 be attended with wearinels. Let me obey the admo- 
 nition of nature ; and give refpite to my meditations, 
 flumber to my eyes. But flay. Shall 1 retire to the 
 bed of ileep, with as little ceremony, and with as 
 much inattention, as the brutes to their fordid lair ? 
 Are no acknowledgments due to that divine Being, who 
 is the fupport of my life, and the length of my days ? 
 Have I no farther need of his protecting care j no 
 more occafion for the bleffings of his goodnefs ? Le- 
 fidus, perhaps, may laugh at the bended knee ; and 
 have a thoufand darts of raillery ready to discharge on 
 the practice of devotion* The wits, I know, are un- 
 mercifully fevere on what they call the drudgery of 
 prayer, and the fantaflical rant of praife. Thefe they 
 leave to the illiterate labourer, and the mean mechanic ; 
 or treat them, with a contemptuous fneer, as the par- 
 ion's ignoble trade. 
 
 Is it then an inftance of fuperftitious blindnefs, to 
 diftinguifti ; or of luhimfical zeal, to celebrate, the 
 mod fupereminent excellency and merit \ Is it an un- 
 graceful bufinefs, or does it argue a grovelling difpofi- 
 tion, to magnify goodnefs tran(cendcntly rich and dif- 
 fuiive ? What can be fo truly becoming a dependent 
 Jiate, as to pay our adoring homage to the Author of 
 all perfection, and profefs our devoted allegiance to 
 the fupreme almighty Governor of the univerfe ? 
 Can any thing more fignificantly befpeak an ingenuous 
 temper, or administer a morerealfatisfaclion to its fined 
 feelings, than the exercUes of penitential devotion ; 
 by which we give vent to an honed anguifti, or melt 
 into filial forrow, for our infenfibility to the bed of 
 friends, for our difobedience to the bed of parents ? 
 In a word, can there be a morcfublime pleafure, than 
 to dwell, in fixed contemplation, on the beauties of 
 
 the
 
 on the N I G H T. 
 
 the eternal Mind ; the amiable original of all that is 
 fair, grand, and harmonious ; the beneficent giver of 
 all that is convenient, comfortable, and ufeful ? Can 
 there be a more advantageous employ, than to prefent 
 our requefts to the Father of mercies ; opening our 
 minds to the irradiations of his wifdom, and all the 
 faculties of our fouls to the communications of his 
 grace \ It is ftrange, unaccountably ftrange, that the 
 notion of dignity in fentiment;, and the purfuit of re- 
 fined enjoyment, (liould ever be difunited from devo- 
 tion : that perfons, who make pretentions to an im- 
 proved tafte, and exalted genius, mould neglect this 
 moft ennobled intercourfe with the wifeft and beft of 
 beings, the ioexhauftible fource of honour and joy. 
 
 Shall I be deterred from approaching this fource of 
 the pureft delight ? deterred from purfuing this high- 
 eft improvement of my nature ? deterred from all bj 
 a formidable banter, or confuted by one irrefragable 
 fmile ? No : let the moon, in her refplendent fphere ; 
 and yonder pole, with all its ftarry train : witnefs, if 
 I be iilent even or morn ; if I refrain to kindle in my 
 heart$ and breathe from my lips, the reafonable in- 
 cenfe of praife ; praife to that great and glorious GOD, 
 who formed the earth, and built the fkies ; who pour- 
 ed from his hand the watery world, and med the all- 
 iurrounding air abroad. u Thou alfo madeft the 
 " night, Maker omnipotent ! and thou, the day \ 
 u which I, tho' lefs than the leaft of all thy mercies, 
 a have pa^Ted in fafety, tranquillity, and comfort. 
 " When I was loft in the extravagance of dreams, or 
 a lay immerfed in the infenflbility of deep, thy hand 
 " recovered me from the temporary lethargy. Thy 
 tc hand fet a new, a delicately-fine edge on all my 
 " blunted Jenjes ; and ftrung my finews with recruit- 
 44 ed vigour. When my thoughts were benumbed 
 44 and ftupefied, thy quickening influence roufed them 
 " into activity ; when they were difconcerted and wild, 
 [< thy regulating influence reduced them into order : 
 " refitting me at once, to relifh the innocent enter- 
 
 " tainntents
 
 336 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 u tainments of an animal, and to enjoy the fublimc 
 u gratifications, of a rational capacity. When dark- 
 " nefs covered the creation, at thy command, the/ 
 " arofe ; painted the flowers, and diftinguifhed every 
 " object ; gave light to my feet, and gave nature, 
 " with all her beautiful fcenes, to my eye. To thee, 
 " O thou GOD of my ftrength, I owe the continuance 
 * c of my being, and the vivacity of my conflitution. 
 " By thy facred order, without any confciouinefs of 
 <c mine, the wheels of life move, and the crimfon 
 <c fountain plays. Over-ruled by thy exquifite kill, it 
 " transforms itfelf, by the niceft operations of an in- 
 <c explicable kind of chemiftry, into a variety of the 
 " finefl fecretions : which glide into the mufcles, and 
 tc fwell them for action ; or pour themfelves into the 
 x< fluids, and repair their inceflant decays : which 
 <c caufe cheat fu] nefs to fparkle in the eye, and health 
 " to bloom in the cheek. 
 
 u Dijajlrous accidents, injurious to the peace of my 
 " mind, or fatal to the welfare of my body, befet my 
 " paths. But thy faithfulnefs and truth, like an im- 
 " penetrable fhield, guarded me all around. Under 
 " this divine protection,! walked fecure, amidft legions 
 <c of apparent perils ; and pafled unhurt, through a 
 tc far greater multiplicity of unjeen evils. Not one of 
 " my bones was broken ; not a {ingle maft grazed up- 
 " on my eafe ; even when the eye that watched over 
 " me, fav/, in its widefurvey, thoufands failing befede 
 u me, in irrecoverable ruin : and ten thoufands deeply 
 u wounded, on my right hand. If ficknefs has, at any 
 " time, faddened my chamber, or pain harrowed my 
 u flefh ; it was a luholefome difcipline, and a gracious 
 " feverity. The chaftifement proved a fovereignme- 
 u dicine, to cure me of an immoderate fondnefs for 
 u this imperfect troublefomeftate ; and to quicken my 
 a delires after the unembittered enjoyment of my e- 
 < ternal home. Has not thy munificence, unwearied 
 41 and unbounded, fprcad my table / and furniflied it 
 " with the fineft wheat j repleriifhed it with marrow 
 
 - " and
 
 on the NIGH T. 337 
 
 c< and fatnefs ? While temperance fweetened the bowl; 
 " appetite feafoned.the difh ; contentment and grati- 
 " tude crowned the repaft. Has not thy kindnefs, 
 *t O GOD of the families of Ifrael^ preferved my af- 
 " fe&ionate relations ; who fludy, by their tender 
 " offices, to foften every care, and heighten every 
 " joy? Has not thy kindneis given me valuablc/r/>fifr / 
 " whole prefence is a cordial, to chear me in a de- 
 1 jefted hour ; and whole convcrfation mingles im- 
 " provement with delight f 
 
 u When fin lay difguifed amidft flowery -fcenes of 
 " pleafure ; enlightened by thy wifdom, 1 dijcerned 
 " the latent mil'chief ; made refolute by thy grace, I 
 " flmnned the lufcious bane. If, through the impulfc 
 1 of fenfuality, or the violence of paffion, I have been 
 *' hurried into the fnare, and ftung by the ferpent , 
 ;c thy faithful admonitions have recalled the foolifh 
 44 wanderer ; while the blood of thy Son has healed 
 his deadly wounds. Some, no doubt, have been 
 cut off in the midft of their iniquities ; and tranf- 
 mitted from the thrillings of polluted joy, to the 
 agonies of eternal defpair. Whereas, 1 have been 
 '* diflinguiflied by long-fufFering mercy; and, inftead 
 " of lifting up my eyes in torments, to behold a he'a- 
 C ven irrecoverably loft ; 1 may lift them up under 
 u the plealing views of being admitted, ere long, into 
 " thofe abodes of endlefs felicity. In the mean time, 
 " thou haft vouchiafed me the revelation of thy will j 
 " the influences of thy Spirit; and abundance of the 
 ic moft efFedual aids, for advancing in knowledge, 
 " and growing in godlinels ; for becoming more con- 
 *' formable to thy image, and more meet for thy pre- 
 <c fence ; for tafting the pleafures of religion, and fe- 
 <c curing the riches of eternity. 
 
 " How various is thy beneficence, O thou Lover of 
 fouls ! It has unfealed a thoufand fources of good ; 
 opened a thoufand avenues of delight ; and heaped 
 bleffings upon me, with a ceafelefs liberality. If J 
 . N. Uii 
 
 '*
 
 " 
 
 338 CONTEMPLATIONS, &c. 
 
 u fiiould attempt to declare them, they would be. 
 " more than thcftarry hoft, which glitter in this un~ 
 ?* clouded fky ; more than the dewy gems, which will 
 <c adorn the face of the morning. 
 
 " .And (hall I forget the GOD of my falvatiqn, the 
 " Author of all my mercies ? Rather let my pulfe 
 " forget to beat ! Shall I render him no expreffions 
 " of thankfulnefs ? Then might all nature reproach 
 " my ingratitude.- Shall I reft fatisfied with the bare 
 " acknowledgment of my lips ? No : let my life be 
 <c vocal, and fpeak his praife, in that only genuine, 
 * c that mofl emphatical language, the language of* 
 
 devout obedience. Let the bill be drawn upon my 
 
 very heart ; let all my affections acknowledge the 
 u draught ; and let the whole tenor of my atlions, 
 " in time and through eternity, be continually paying 
 " the debt, the ever-pleafing, ever-growing debt of 
 " duty, veneration, and love. 
 
 " And can I, O thou Guide of my goings, and 
 " Guardian of all my interefls, can I diftruft fuch fig- 
 " nal, fuch experienced goodnefs ? Thou haft been my 
 " Helper, through all thebufyfcenes of day : therefore 
 " under thc/fiadow of thy wings will I repofe myfelf, 
 c< during the darknefs, the danger, and death-like in- 
 c< activity of the night. Whatever defilement I have 
 c< contracted, wafh it thoroughly away in redeeming 
 " blood ; and let neither the fulfill ftain, nor the fin- 
 " ful inclination, accompany me to my couch ! 
 " Then mall tlay me down in peace, and take my reft ; 
 ** chearfully referring it to thy all-wife determina- 
 " tion, whether I {hall open my eyes in this world, 
 a or awake in the unknown regions of another." 
 
 C O
 
 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 O N T H E 
 
 STARRY HEAVENS. 
 
 There dwells a noble pathos in the Jkies, 
 Which warms our paffions, profelytes our hearts* 
 How eloquently (bines the glowing pole ! 
 With what authority it gives its charge^ 
 Remonjlrating great truths in flyle Jublime ! 
 
 Night-Thoughts, N IX 
 
 U u
 
 <>4>-<>:<^:<t><>^^ 
 
 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 ON THE 
 
 STARRY HEAVENS. 
 
 THIS evening, I exchange the nice retreats of 
 art for the noble theatre of nature. Inftead 
 of meafuring my fteps under the covert of an arbour, 
 let me range along the fummit of this gently-rifing 
 hill. There is no need of the leafy (hade, fmce the 
 fun has quitted the horizon, and withdrawn his fcorch- 
 ing beams. But fee, how advantages and inconveni- 
 encies are ufually linked, and chequer our affairs be- 
 low ! If the annoying heat ceafes, the landfcape y and 
 its pleafing fcenes, are alfo removed. The majeftic 
 caftle, and the lowly cottage, are vanifhed together. 
 I have loft the afpiring mountain, and its rufTet brow; 
 I look round, but to no purpofe, for the humble vale, 
 and its flowery lap. The plains whitened with flocks, 
 and the heath yellow with furze, difappear. The 
 advancing night has wrapt in darknefs the long-ex- 
 tended foreft, and drawn her mantle over the wind- 
 ings of the filver ftream. I no longer behold that 
 luxuriant fertility in the fields ; that wild magnificence 
 f profpeft, and endlefs variety of images ; which have 
 
 &
 
 342 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 fo often touched me with delight, and (truck me witli 
 awe from this commanding eminence. 
 
 The lofs, however, is icarcely to be regretted ; 
 fince it is amply compenfated by the opening beauties 
 of the iky. Here I enjoy a free view of the whole 
 hemifphere ; without any obftacle from below, to con- 
 fine the exploring eye ; or any cloud from above, to 
 overcaft the fpacious concave. VTis true, the lively 
 vermilion, which fb lately ftreaked th chambers of 
 the weft, is all faded. But the planets, one after an- 
 other, light up their lamps; the ftars advance in their 
 glittering train ; a thoufand and a thoufand luminaries 
 fhine forth in fucceffive Iplendors ; and the whole fir- 
 mament is kindling into the moil beautiful glow. The 
 blueneis of the aether, heightened by the feafon of the 
 year, and ftill more enlivened by the abjencc of the 
 moon, gives thofe gems of heaven the ftrongeft luflre. 
 
 One pleafure more, the invading gloom has not 
 been able to {hatch from my fenfe. The night rather 
 improves, than deftroys, the fragrance which exhales 
 from the blooming beans. With thefe the fides of this 
 iloping declivity are lined ; and with thefe the balmy 
 zephyrs perfume their wings. Does Arabia, from all 
 her fpicy groves, breathe a more liberal, or a more 
 charming gale of fweets ? And, what is a peculiar re- 
 commendation of the rural entertainments prefentecl 
 in our happy land, they are alloyed by no apprehen- 
 fions of danger. No poilonous ierpent lurks under 
 the bloflbm ; nor any ravenous bead lies ready to ftart 
 from the thicket. But 1 wander from a far more ex- 
 alted fubjecl. My thoughts, like my affections, are 
 too eafily diverted from the heavens, and detained by 
 inferior objects. Away, my attention, from theia 
 little blandifhments of the earth j fince all the glories 
 of the_/y invite thy regard. 
 
 WE have taken a turn among the Tombs, and view- 
 ed the fokran memorials of the dead ; in order to 
 
 learn
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 343 
 
 learn the vanity of mortal things, and to break their 
 foft inchantment. We have furveyed the ornaments 
 of the Garden ; not that the heart might be planted in 
 the parterre, or take root among the flowery race ; 
 but that thefe delicacies of a day might teach us to 
 afpire after a better paradife, where beauty never 
 fades, and delight is ever in the bloom. A third time 
 we lighted the candle of meditation ; and fought for 
 wifdom, not in the crouded city, or wrangling (cliools, 
 but in the filent and lonely walks of ancient Night* . r 
 Let us once more indulge the contemplative vein, and 
 raife our {peculations to t ho fejit bltm er -works of the 
 great Creator, which the regions of the fky contain, 
 and this dufky hour unveils"}". 
 
 If we have difcerned the touches of his pencil glow- 
 ing in the colours of fpring ; if we have feen a fample 
 of his beneficence exhibited in the itores of nature, 
 and a ray of his brightness beaming in the blaze of 
 day ; what an infinitely richer field for the difplay of 
 his perfections are the heavens ! The heavens, in the 
 moit emphatical manner, declare the glory of GO,D. 
 The heavens are nobly eloquent of the Deity, and the 
 moft magnificent heralds of their Maker's praife. They 
 fpeakto the whole univerie ; for there is neither ipeccli 
 fo barbarous, but their language is underftood ; nor 
 nation fo dijtant, but their voices are heard among 
 them. Let me then, in this iblemn feafon, formed 
 for thought, and a calm intercrnrfe with heaven ; let 
 me liften to their lilent leftures. Perhaps, I may re- 
 ceive fuch impreflive manifeftations of u the eternal 
 * 4 power and Godhead," as J3\*.yjhed religion on my 
 
 foul, 
 
 * Referring to the feveral fubjecb of the three preceding ef- 
 fays. _ 
 
 f- Night opes the no hlzft fc cnes, and flieds an awe 
 Which gives thofe ven.enible icenes full weight, 
 And deep reception in th' eatencler'd heart. 
 
 Night-Thought*) No IX. 
 Pfal xix. 2.
 
 344- CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 foul, while I walk the folitary (hades ; and may be a 
 tutelary friend to my virtue , vv*hen the call of bufinefs, 
 and the return of light, expofe me again to the in- 
 roads of temptation. 
 
 THE Ifraelites, imtigated by phrenzy rather than 
 devotion, worfhipped the hoft of heaven. And the 
 pretenders to judicial ajirology talk of I know not 
 what myfterious efficacy, in the different afpect of the 
 flars, or the various conjunction and oppofition of the 
 planets. Let thofe who are unacquainted with the 
 lure word of revelation, give ear to thefe ions of delu- 
 fion, and dealers in deceit. For my part, it is a quef- 
 tion of indifference to me, whether the conftellations 
 fhone with fmiles, or loured in frowns, on the hour 
 of my nativity. Let CHRIST be my guard ; and, 
 fccure in fuch a protection, I would laugh at their 
 impotent menaces. Let CH RIST be my guide; and I 
 {hall fcorn to afk, as well as defpair of receiving, any 
 predictory information from fuch lenfelefs mafTes. 
 What ! (hall " the living feek to the dead *>" Can 
 thefe bodies advertife me of future events, which are 
 unconfcious of their own exiftcnce ? Shall I have re- 
 courfe to dull unintelligent matter, when I may ap- 
 ply to that all -wife Being ; who, with one comprehen- 
 iive glance, diflindtly views whatever is lodged in the bo~ 
 fom of immenfity, or forming in the womb of futurity ? 
 Never, never will I iearch for any intimations of my 
 fate, but often trace my Great or 'sfootfttps f, in yon- 
 <jer Itarry plains. In the former cafe, they would be 
 
 teachers 
 * If. viii. i 9 . 
 
 f- ** It is mofl becoming" (fays a great author) " fuch imper- 
 fect creatures as we are, to contemplate the works of GOD, 
 with this defign, that we may difcern the raanifeftations of 
 wifdom in them ; and thereby excite in ourfelves thofe de- 
 vout affe&ions, and that fuperlative refpedi, which is the very 
 efience of praife, as it is a reafonable and moral fervice." 
 on the attributes. And, indeed, if we are fin- 
 
 cereiy
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 345 
 
 teachers of lies ; in the latter, they are oracles of truth. 
 In this therefore, this fcnfe only, I profels myielf the 
 pupil of the ftars. 
 
 TH E vulgar are apprehenfive of nothing more, 
 than a multitude of bright Jpangles dropt over the 
 zethereal blue. They have no higher notion of theie 
 fine appearances, than that they are fo many gulden 
 Jiuds, with which the empyrean arch'is decorated. 
 But ftudious minds, that carry a more accurate and 
 ftricl: inquiry among the celeftial bodies, bring back 
 advices of a moft aftoniming import. Let me jufl re- 
 colled the moft material ofthoiejtupendousdi/coveries, 
 in order to furnifh out proper fubjecls for contempla- 
 tion. And let the unlearned remember, that the icene 
 I am going to difolay, is the workmanfhip of that in- 
 comprehenfible GOD, who is u perfect in knowledge, 
 *' and mighty in power ;" whofe name, whofe nature, 
 and all whole operations, are u great and marvellous;" 
 who fummons into being, with equal cafe, a fingle 
 grain, or ten thoufand worlds. To this if we conti- 
 nually advert, the aflertions, though they will certain- 
 ly excite our admiration^ need not tranicend our belief. 
 
 TH E earth is, in fact, a round body ; however it 
 inay feem, in fome parts, to be funk into vales, and 
 
 raifed 
 
 cerely difpofed to employ ourfelves in this excellent, this de- 
 lightful duty of praifmg the infinite Creator; the means, and 
 the motives, are both at hand. His works, in a wonderful 
 and indruftive variety, prefent themfelves, with pregnant 
 manifedations of the moft tranfcendent excellencies of their 
 Maker. They pour their evidence from all quarters, and into 
 all the avenues of the mind. They invite in, efpeciaily in the 
 magnificent fyftem of the universe, to contemplate counfel 
 confummately wife, and execution inimitably perfect; power, 
 to which nothing is impoffiblej and gooclntfs, which extendeth, 
 to ail, which endureth for ever. To give, not a full dilplay, 
 but only fome flight Jlritfures, of thefe glorious truths, is the 
 principal fcope of the following remarks. 
 VOL. i N 4. X x
 
 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 raifed into hills * ; in other parts, to be fpread into # 
 fpacious plain, extending to the confines of the hea- 
 vens, or terminated by the waters of the ocean.- We 
 may fancy, that it has deep foundations, and refts up- 
 on ibme prooigioufly folicl bafts. Bat it is pendent in 
 the wide tranfpicuioas aether, without any vifible caufe 
 to uphold it from above, or fupport it from beneath* 
 It rnay feem to be fedentary in its attitude, and mo- 
 tionlefs in its fituation. But it is continually /z/V/Vzg- j-, 
 through the depths of the iky ; and, in the fpace of 
 twelve months, finifhes the mighty voyage. Which 
 periodical rotation produces the feafons, and completes 
 the year. As it proceeds in the annual circuit, it/pins 
 upon its own centre; and turns its fides alternately to 
 the fountain of light. By which means, the day 
 dawns in one hemiiphere ; while the- night fucceeds in 
 the other. Without this expedient, one part of its 
 regions would, during half the great revolution, be 
 icorched with exceilive heat, or languifh under an un- 
 intermitted glare : while the other, expofed to the con- 
 trary extremes, would be frozen to ice, and buried un- 
 der a longoppreffionof difrnalanddeftruclivedarknefs. 
 
 I can- 
 
 * A learned writer, I think? Dr Derham, has fomewhere 
 an obfervation to this purpofe : That the loftie(tymm//j of 
 hills, and the moft enormous ridges of mountains, are no reai 
 objection to the globular or round form of the earth. Becaufe, 
 however they may render it, to our limited light, vaftly un- 
 even and protuberant ; yet they bear no more proportion to 
 the entire furface of the terraqueous ball, than a particle of 
 du(r, cafually c'ropt on the mathematician's globe, bears to its 
 whole circumference. Coniequently, the rotund figure is no 
 more deQroyed in the former cafe, than in the latter. On 
 the fame principle, I have not thought it necelHiry, to take 
 any notice of the comparatively fmall difference between the 
 polar and' equatorial diameter of the earth. 
 
 j- With what aiiiazingy^i?^/, this veflel (if I may carry- on 
 the allufion) filled with a multitude of nations, and freighted 
 .with all their pcfTefHons, makes her way through the acthereai 
 fpace ; fee page 363. in note .
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 347 
 
 I cannot forbear taking notice, that, in this com- 
 pound motion of the earth, the one never interfere* 
 with the other, but both are perfectly compatible. Is it 
 not thus with the precepts of religion, and the need- 
 ful affairs of the prefent life ; not excepting even the 
 innocent gratifications of our appetites ? Some, I be- 
 lieve, are apt to imagine,that they muft renounce fociety, 
 if they devote themfelves to CHRIST; and abandon 
 all the fatisfactions of this world, if they once become 
 zealous candidates for the felicity of another. But this 
 is a very miftaken notion, or elie a very injurious re- 
 prefentation, of the doctrine which is according to 
 godlines. It was never intended to drive men into 
 deierts ; but to lead them, through the peaceful and 
 pleafant paths of wifdom, into the bliisful regions of 
 life eternal. It was never intended to ftrike off the 
 wheels of bufmefs, or cut in funder the finews of in- 
 duftry ; but rather, to make men induflrious from a 
 principle of conference, not from the infligations of 
 avarice; that fo they may promote their immortal hap- 
 pinefs, even while they pro vide for their temporal main- 
 tenance. It has no defign to extirpate our'paffions, 
 but only to reftrain their irregularities ; neither would 
 it extinguish the delights of ienie,but prevent them from 
 evaporating into vanity, and fubfiding into gall. A 
 perfon maybe chearful among his friends, and yet joy- 
 ful in GOD. He may tafle the fweets of his earthly 
 eflate ; and, at the fame time, cherifli his hopes of a 
 nobler inheritance jn heaven. The trader may profc- 
 cute the demands of commerce, without neglecting to 
 negotiate the affairs of his falvation . The warrior may 
 wear his fword ; may draw, in a juft caufe, that mur- 
 derous weapon ; yet be a good foldier of JESUS 
 CHMIST, and obtain the crown that fadeth not a- 
 way. The parent may lay up a competent portion for 
 his children, and not forfeit his title to the treafures, 
 either of grace or of glory. So far is Chriftianity 
 ifrom obftrufting any valuable interefr, or vvith-holding 
 X x 2 any
 
 348 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 any real pleafure ; that it improves the one, and advan- 
 ces the other. Juft as the diurnal and annual motion*; 
 are fo far from clafliing, that they entirely accord; and 
 inftead of being deftruclive of each other, by mutual- 
 ly blending their effects, they give proportion and har- 
 mony to time, fertility and innumerable benefits to 
 nature. 
 
 To us, who dwell on its furface, the earth is by far 
 the mojl extcnfive orb, that our eyes can, any where, 
 behold. It is alfo clothed with verdure ; diftinguimed 
 by trees ; and adorned with a variety of beautiful de- 
 corations. Whereas, to a fpectator placed on one of 
 the planets, it wears an uniform afpecl ; looks all lu- 
 minous, and no larger than a fpot. To beings who 
 dwell at ftill greater diftances, it entirely difappears. 
 That which we call, alternately, the morning and the 
 evening ftar ; as in one part of her orbit, fhe rides 
 foremoft in the proceflion of night ; in the other, 
 umers in, and anticipates the dawn ; is a planetary 
 -world. Which, with the four others, that fo wonder- 
 fully vary their myftic dance, are in themfelves dark 
 bodies, and fliine only by reflection ; have fields, and 
 feas, and fkies of their own ; are furniihed with all 
 accommodations for animal fubfiflence, and are fuppo>- 
 fed to be the abodes of intellectual life. All which, to- 
 gether \yith this our earthly habitation, are dependent 
 on that grand difpenfer of divine munificence, the fun; 
 receive their light from the diflribution of his rays ? 
 and derive their comforts from his benign agency. 
 
 TH E fun^ which feems to perform its daily ftages 
 through the fky, is, in this refpecT: *, fixed and im- 
 rnoveable. 'Tis the great axle of heaven, about which 
 the globe we inhabit, and other more fpacious orbs, 
 wheel their dated courfes. i he fun, though feeming- 
 
 * I fay, in this refpcft ; that I may not feem to forget, or 
 'exclude, the revolution, of the fun round its own axis.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 349 
 
 ty f mailer than the dial it illuminates, is abundantly 
 larger * than this whole earth ; on which fo many lofty 
 mountains rife, and fuch vaft oceans roll. A line, ex- 
 tending from fide to fide, through the centre of that 
 refplendent orb, would mcafure more than eight hun- 
 dred thoufand miles: a girdle, formed to go round its 
 circumference, would require a length of millions : 
 were its iblid contents to be eiiimated, the account 
 would overwhelm our understanding, and be almoft 
 beyond the power of language to exprefs \. Are we 
 ftartled at thefe reports of philofophy ? Are we ready 
 to cry out, in a tranfport of furprile, How mighty is 
 the Being, who kindled fuch a prodigious fire ; and 
 keeps alive, from age to age, fuch an enormous mafs 
 of flame ! Let us attend our philofophic guides, and 
 we (hall be brought acquainted with fpeculations more 
 enlarged and more amazing. 
 
 This fun, with all its attendant planets, is but a 
 very little part of the grand machine of the univerfe. 
 Every ftar, though, in appearance, no bigger than 
 the diamond that glitters upon a lady's ring, is really 
 a "vajl globe^ like the fun in fize, and in glory, no lefs 
 Spacious, no lefs luminous, than the radiant fource of 
 our day. 80 that every flar is, not barely a world, 
 but the centre of a magnificent fyftem ; has a retinue 
 of worlds, irradiated by its beams, and revolving 
 round its attractive influence. All which are loft to 
 our fight, in unmeafurable wijds of asther. That the 
 
 ftars 
 
 * A hundred thoufand times, According to the hius/l reck- 
 oning. Sir ISAAC NEWTON computes the fun to be 900,000 
 times bigger than the earth. Religious Philofopher, p. 749. 
 
 j* Dr DERHAM, after having calculated the dimenfions of 
 the planets, adds, " Amazing as thefe mafles are, they are all 
 44 far outdone by that ftupendous globe of light, the fun ; 
 " which, as it is the fountain of light and heat to all the pla- 
 u nets about it, fo doth it far furpafs them all in its bulk: its 
 *' apparent diameter being computed at 822,148 Etiglijl) miles, 
 " its ambit at 2.582,873 miles, and its folid contents at 
 " 290,971,000,000,000,000." AJtrQ'TbcQl. book I. chap. II.
 
 350 C O N T E M P L A T I O N S 
 
 ftars appear like fo many diminutive, and fcarce dif- 
 tinguifhable points, is owing to their immenie and in- 
 conceivable diftance* Immenfe and inconceivable in~ 
 deed it is ; fince a ball, (hot from the loaded cannon, 
 and flying," with unabated rapidity, muft travel, at 
 this impetuous rate, almoft feven hundred thouiand 
 years *, before it could reach the near eft of thoie 
 twinkling luminaries. 
 
 Can any thing be more wonderful than thefe obfer- 
 vations ? Yes: there are truths far more ftupendous; 
 there are fcenes far more extenfive. As there is no 
 end of the almighty Maker's greatnefs ; fo no imagi- 
 nation can fet limits to his creating hand. Could you 
 ibar beyond the moon, and pals through all the plane- 
 tary x:hoir ; could you wing your way to the highefl 
 apparent ftar, and take your fland on one of thofe 
 loftieft pinnacles of heaven : you would, there, fee 
 other Jkies expanded j another fun, diftributing his in- 
 exhatiftible beams by day ; other ft ars, that gild the 
 horrors of the alternate night : and other -j~, perhaps 
 nobler Jyflems, eftablimed ; eftablifhed, in unknown 
 profufion, through the boundlefs dimenfions of fpace. 
 Nor does the dominion of the univerfal Sovereign 
 terminate there. Even at the end of this vaft tour, 
 you would find yourfelf advanced no farther than the 
 fuburbs of creation ; arrived only at the frontiers of 
 the great JEHOVAH'S kingdom J. 
 
 And 
 
 * See Rfliglous Philofop^er^ p. 819. 
 
 j- See Aftro-Tbeology, book II. chap. II. : Where the 
 
 author, having afligned various reaibns to fupport this theory 
 of our modern aftronomers, adds, tl Befides the foremendon- 
 * 4 ed ftrong probabilities, we have this farther recomraenda- 
 *' tion of fuch an account of the univerfe, that it is far more 
 " magnificent, and worthy of the infinite Creator^ than any 
 *' other of the narrower fchemes." 
 
 $. Job, after a mod beautiful differtation on the mighty 
 works of GOD, as they are didributed through univerfal na- 
 ture, from the heights of heaven, to the very depths of hell, 
 
 clofe*
 
 onthe'STARRY HEAVENS. 
 
 And do they tell me, that the fun, the moon, and 
 all the planets, are but a little part of H I S works ? 
 How great, then, are his figns ! and how mighty are 
 his wonders * /And if fo, what is the CREATOR 
 himfelf ! How far exalted above all praife ! who is fo 
 high, that he looks down on the highefl of thefe daz- 
 zling fpheres, and fees even the fummit of creation in 
 a vale : fo great, that this prodigious extent of fpace 
 is but a point in his prefence ; and all this confluence 
 of worlds, as the lighted atom, that fluctuates in air, 
 and {ports in the meridian ray f . 
 
 Thou 
 
 clofes the magnificent account with this acknowledgment; Loi 
 thefe are parts of his ways. Or, as the original word more 
 literally fignifies, and may, I think, be more elegantly render- 
 ed, Thefe are only the Jkirts, the very outermoft borders of 
 his works. No more than a fmall preface to the immenfe vo- 
 lume of the creation. From the Hebrew mvp extremitates, 
 I cannot forbear thinking on the extreme and very attenuated 
 fibres of the root, when compared with the whole fubftance 
 of the trunk; or on the exquifitely fmall fize of the capillary 
 veiTels, when compared wich the whole ftructure of the bo- 
 dy. Job xx vi. 14. 
 
 '* Dan. iv. 2 
 
 j- This puts me in mind of a very fine remark on a fcriptu- 
 ral beauty, and a folid correction of the common tranflation, 
 made by that learned, fagacious, and devout expositor Vitringa. 
 f If. xl. 15. we find it written of the Supreme Being, that/;*? 
 taksth up the ijles as a very little thing. Which, our critic ob- 
 ferves, is neither anfwerable to the import of the original, nor 
 confonant to the ftructure of the difcourfe. The prophet had 
 no intention to inform mankind, what the Almighty could da 
 with regard to the iflands, if he pleafed to exert uncontrolla- 
 able power. His deiign was to (hew how iniignificant, or ra- 
 ther what mere nothings they are, in his efteem, and before his 
 majeity. The iflands, lays he, tlio' fo Jpacious, as to afford 
 room for the erection of kingdoms, and the abode of nations; 
 tho' fo ft rang, as to withstand, for many thoufands of years, 
 the raging and reiterated affaults of tiie whole watery world; 
 are yet, before the adored JEHOVAH, finall as the minuted 
 grain, which the eye can fcarce difcern; light as the feathered 
 mote, which the leaft breath hurries away like a temped.
 
 352 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 Thou moft fublime and incomprehenfibly glorious 
 GOD, how am I overwhelmed with awe ! how funk 
 into the lowed proftration of mind ! when I confider 
 thy " excellent greatnefs" and my own utter infigni- 
 ficancy ! And have I, exceflively mean as I am, have I 
 entertained any conceited apprehenfions of myfelf ? Have 
 I felt the leait elatement of thought, in the preience 
 of fo majeftic and adorable a Being ? How mould this 
 wound me with forrow, and cover me with confuiion I 
 O my GOD, was I pofTefTed of all the high perfec- 
 tions, which accomplifti and adorn the angels of light ; 
 amidft all thefe noble endowments, I would fall down 
 in the deepeft abafement at thy feet. Loft in the in- 
 finitely fuperior blaze of thy uncreated glories, I 
 would confefs myfelf to be nothing ; to be lefs than 
 nothing, and vanity. Hov, T much more ought I to 
 maintain the moft unfeigned humiliation, before thy 
 divine Majcfty ; who am not only duft and afhes, but a 
 compound of ignorance, imperfection, and depravity ! 
 
 WHILE, beholding this vaft expanfe, I learn my own 
 extreme meannefs, I would alfo difcover the abject lit- 
 tlenefs of all terrcjtrial things. What is the earth, 
 with all her oftentatious fcencs, compared with this a- 
 ftonimingly grand furniture of the fides ? What, but 
 a dim fpeck, hardly perceivable in the map of the u- 
 niverfe ? It is obferved by a very judicious writer * 3 
 That if the fun himfelf, which enlightens this part of the 
 creation, was extinguifhed ; and all the hoft of plane- 
 tary worlds, which move about him, were annihilated; 
 they would not be miffed, by an eye that can take in 
 the whole compafs of nature, any more than a grain of 
 fand upon the iea-{hore. The bulk of which they con- 
 lift, and the fpace which thev occupy, is fo exceeding- 
 
 bim pna e-iiK InfuU funt ut hve quid, quod avdat. Th: 
 deep-rooted ijlands arc as the volatile atom, -which, by the 
 gentlett undulations of the air, is wafted to and fro in perpe- 
 tual agitation. * Sped, vol.- VIII. No 565.
 
 on ike STARRY HEAVENS. 353 
 
 ly little in comparifon of the whole, that their lofsi 
 would fcarce leave a blank in the immenfity of GOD'S 
 works. If then, not our globe only, but this whole 
 fyftem, be fo very diminutive ; What is a kingdom, or 
 a county ? What are a few lord/hips, or the fo much 
 admired patrimonies of thole who are ftyled wealthy 
 * ? When I meafure them with my own little pit- 
 tance, they fwell into proud and bloated dimenfions : 
 But, when I take the univerfe for my ftandard, how 
 fcanty is their fize, how contemptible their figure ! 
 They flirink into pompous nothings |. 
 
 When the keen-eyed eagle foafs above all the fea- 
 thered race, and leaves their very fight below ; when 
 fhe wings her way, with direct afcent, up the iteep of 
 heaven ; and, fteadily gazing on the meridian fun, ac- 
 counts its beaming fplendors all her own : does flic 
 then regard, with any folicitude, the mote that is fly- 
 ing in the air^ or the duft which fhe fhook from her 
 feet ? And fliali this eternal mind, which is capable 
 of contemplating its Creator's glory, which is intend- 
 ed to enjoy the vifions of his countenance ; fhall this 
 eternal mind, endued with fuch great capacities, and 
 made for fuch exalted ends, be fo ignobly ambitious, as 
 to figh for the tinfels of ftate ; or fo poorly covetous, 
 as to grafp after ample territories on a needle's point ? 
 'No ; under the influence of fuch confideraticns, I 
 feel my fentiments expand, and my wiflies acquire a 
 turn of fublimity. My throbbing defires after worldly 
 grandeur die away ; and I find mylelf, if not pofTefTed 
 of power, yet fuperior to its charms. Too long, muft 
 I own, have my affections been pinioned by vanity, and 
 immured in this earthly clod. But thefe thoughts 
 break the fliackle s {. Thefe objects open the door of 
 
 liberty. 
 
 * Juvat inter fidcra vagantem divitum pavimcnta ridere, et 
 totam cum auro fuo terrarri. Sr N. 
 
 j- Tcrrelle grandia inania. WATTS'S Hor. lyr. 
 
 ^ The foul of man was made to walk the ikies, 
 
 Delightful outlet of her pnfon here ! 
 VOL. I. N 9 4. Y y Therc ?
 
 354 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 liberty. My foul, fired by fuch noble profpefts, weighs 
 anchor from this little nook ; and coafls no longer 
 about its contracted fhores ; dotes no longer on its 
 painted (hells. The immcnfity of things is her range ; 
 nd an infinity of blifs is her aim. 
 
 BEHOLD this imrncnfe expanfe, and admire the 
 condefcenfion of thy GOD. In this manner, an infpir- 
 ed and princely afrronomer improved his ftirvey of 
 the nofturnal heavens. When I conjider thy heavens, 
 even the works of thy finpers, the moon and the flars 
 which thou haft ordained; I am fmitten with wonder 
 at thy glory, and cry out in a tranfport of gratitude, 
 LORD, what is man, that thou art mindful of him ? 
 or the Jon of man* that thou vifitefl him \ f " How a- 
 44 mazing, how charming, is that divine benignity, 
 tc which is pleafed to bow down its facred regards to 
 " fo foolifli and worthlefs a creature ! yea, diiciains 
 <c not, from the height of infinite exaltation, to ex- 
 <c tend its kind providential care to our mod minute 
 " concerns! This is amazing. But that the everlafling 
 " Sovereign mould give his. Son, to be made flefh, and 
 " become our Saviour I (hall I call it A miracle of con- 
 4t clefcending goodnefs ? Rather, what are all miracles, 
 " what are all myfteries, to this ineffable gift 1" 
 
 Had the bri^hteft archangel been commiiFioned to 
 come down, with the olive-branch of peace in his 
 hand, lignifying his eternal Maker's readincfs to be re- 
 conciled; on our bended knees, with tears of joy, and 
 a torrent of thankfulnefs, we ought to have received 
 the tranfporting news. But when, inflead of fuch an 
 angelic envoy, he fends his only-begotten Son, his Son 
 
 beyond 
 
 There, d'TencumberM from her cba:ns, the ties 
 Of toys terrefhial, flie can rove at large; 
 There freely c-n refpire, dilate, extend, 
 In full propcrtiou le: loofe all her j-ow'rs. 
 
 ' Nioht-Tuwbts, N IX. 
 *Pial. viii. '-'.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 355- 
 
 beyond all thought iiluftrious, to make us the gracious 
 overture: lends him from the c<> habitation of his 
 " holinefs and glory," to put on the infirmities of 
 mortality, and dwell in a tabernacle of clay: fends 
 him, not barely to make us a Jranfient vilit, but to 
 abide ~,hcmy years in our inferior and miferable world : 
 fends him, not to exereiie dominion over monarchs, 
 but to wear out his life in the ignoble form of a f'-.r- 
 vant ; and, at laft, to make his exit under the infa- 
 mous character of a malefactor I Was ever love like 
 this ? Did ever grace (loop fo lo\v * ? Should the 
 fun be morn of all his radiant honours, and degraded 
 into a clod of the valleys ; mould all the dignitaries 
 of heaven be depofed from their thrones, and dege- 
 nerate 
 
 * This reminds me of a very noble piece offecrfd oratory^ 
 where, in a fine 1 cries of the moft beautiful gradations, the 
 apofUe difplays the admirably-condefcendir.g kmdnefs of our 
 Saviour. #<r thought it no robbery, h was Im indifpuuble right, 
 to bs equal -with the infinite, felf-exitlent, immortal G'jD. Yet, 
 in mercy :o tinners, he emptied himfelf of the incommunicable 
 honours, and laid aiide the robes of incomprc-henfible g'ory. 
 Whea he entered upon his mediatorial ttate, inftead qf acting 
 in the grand capacity of univerlal Sovereign, he took upon kr.n 
 the f t nn ef a fervant : and not the form of thofe mimftering 
 ipirits, whole duty is dignity utl-lr"; who /re throned, tho' 
 adoring. He took not on him the nature of angeis, but ftoop- 
 ed incomparably low; afiu'rnrd a body of animated dufl, and 
 luas mad; in the likenefs of men; thole inferior and depraved 
 creatures. Afloni^iing coridefcenlion ! but rot fuiiicient for 
 the overflowing richnefs of the Rcds-e.'aer's l:,ve. /or, -bslr.g 
 found in fafcion as a man, hz humbled hirnfi-lf farther Itill; oc- 
 cupied tiie loweft place, where all was low ar.d ignoble. Me 
 not only fubaii'ted ro the yoke of the hw, but ali'o bore the 
 infirmities, and miniftered to the neceilities of mortals. He 
 even walhed-the feet of otiiers, and had not \\here to lay his 
 own head. Yea, he carried his meritorious humiliation to the 
 very deepeft degrees of poflible abalement.' He i-ecamt obedient 
 unto death ;--and not to. a common or natural death, but a 
 death more infamous than the gibbet; more torturous than 
 the rack ; ev:n the accurfed death of the crcfs. Phil. ii. 6, 
 7. 8. Y y 2
 
 356 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 nerate into infetfs of a day ; great, great would be the 
 abatement. But nothing to thine, moft bleffed JES us; 
 nothing to thine, thou Prince of pesce ; when, for us 
 men, and for our falvatiorf, thou didft not abhor the 
 coarfe accommodations of the manger; thou didft not 
 decline even the gloomy horrors of the grave. 
 
 J Tis well, the facred oracles have given this do&rinc 
 the moft explicit confirmation, and evidence quite in- 
 conteffable. Otherwife, a favour fo undeferved, fo 
 unexpected, and rich beyond all imagination, might 
 flaggcr our belief. Could He, who launches all thefe 
 planetary globes, thro' the illimitable void; and leads 
 them on, from age to age, in their extenfive career ; 
 could HE refign his hands, to be Confined by the gird- 
 ing cord, and his back to be ploughed by the bloody 
 fcourge ? Could HE, who crowns all the ftars with 
 inextinguimable brightnefs, be himfelf defiled with 
 Jpitting) and disfigured with the thorny fear ? It is the 
 greateft of wonders, and yet the fureft of truths. 
 
 O ! ye mighty orbs, that roll along the fpaces of the 
 iky ; 1 wondered, a little while ago, at your vafl di- 
 menfions, and ample circuits But now my amazement 
 ceafes ; or rather, is entirely fwallowed up by a much 
 more ftupendous fubjeft. Methinks, your enormous 
 bulk is fhrivelled to an atom; your prodigious revolu- 
 tions arc contraclpd to a.Jpan; while I mufe upon the 
 far more elevated heights, and unfathomable depths ; 
 the infinitely more extended lengths, and unlimited 
 breadths o/this love of CUD in CHRIST JESUS f . 
 
 CON T EM PLA T IN G this ftately expanfe, I fee a mirror, 
 which reprefents, in the moft awful colours, the hai- 
 noujnejs of human guilt. Tenthoufand volumes, wrote 
 on purpofe to difplay the aggravations of my various 
 a&s of diibbedience, could not fo effectually convince 
 me of their inconceivable enormity, as the confidcra- 
 
 j- Eph. iii. 1 8, 19.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 357 
 
 tion of that all-glorious perfon *, who, to make an 
 atonement for them, fpilt the lafl drop of his blood. 
 I have finned^ may every child of Adam fay ; and what 
 fliall 1 do unto thee, thou Objcrver of men f f Shall 
 i give my firft born for my tranfgreffion, the fruit of 
 my body for the fin of my foul ; Vain commutation ! 
 and fuch as would be reje&ed by the bletfed GOD, with 
 the utmoft abhorrence. Will all the potentates, that 
 {way the fceptre in a thoufand kingdoms, devotf their 
 royal and honoured lives, to re'icue an obnoxious crea- 
 ture from the ftroke of vengeance ? Alas ! it muft 
 coft more, incomparably more, to expiate the malig- 
 nity of fin, and fave a guilty wretch from hell. Will 
 all the principalities of heaven be content to afTumc my 
 nature, and reiign ttjemfelves to death for my pardon J ? 
 
 Even 
 
 * uo quifque altius afcendit in agnitione CHRISTI, to pro* 
 fundius peccati atrocitatem cognofcet. 
 
 f- Job vii. 20. Not prefervzr, as it (lands in our verfion, 
 but obferuer of men. Which phrafe, as it denotes the exadl 
 and incefTant infpetfion of the divine eye : as it intimates the 
 abfolute impoilibility, that any tranfgreffion fhould efcape the 
 divine notice ; is evidently moft proper, both to aflign the rea- 
 fin, and heighten the emphajis of the context. 
 
 ij: MILTON fets this thought in a very poetical and ftriking 
 light. All the {aridities of heaven ftand round the throne of 
 the Supreme Majelty. Goo forefees and foretels the fall of 
 man; the ruin which will unavoidably tnfue on his tranfgref- 
 iion ; and the utter impojfibitity of his being able to extricate 
 himfelf from the abyfs ot mifery. 
 
 He, with his -whole po/lenty, muft die ; 
 Die he, or juftice mujl ; unlefs for him 
 Some other able, and as luilling^ pay 
 The rigid fatisfaftion, death for death. 
 
 After which affecting reprefentation, intended to raife the moft 
 tender emotions of pity, the following inquiry is addrefled to 
 all the furrounding angels : 
 
 Say^ heav'nly powers, -where Jball we find fuch love? 
 fVhifh of you -will be mortal, te redeem 
 
 Man's
 
 35$ CONTEMPLATION S 
 
 Even this would be too mean a fatisfaclion for inexo- 
 rable juflice ; too fcanty a reparation of G OD 's injured- 
 honour. So flagrant is human guilt, that nothing but 
 a victim of infinite dignity could constitute an ade- 
 quate propitiation. /f<?whofaid, " Let there be light, 
 ** and there was light ;" Let there be a firmament, 
 and immediately the blue curtains floated in the fky ; 
 He rnuft take flefli ; HE rnufl feel the fierce torments 
 of crucifixion ; and pour out his foul in agonies, if 
 ever fuch tranfgreffors are pardoned. 
 
 How vaft is that debt, which all the wealth of both 
 the Indies cannot difcharge ! How vitiated that habit 
 of body, which all the drugs produced by nature her- 
 felf, cannot redify ! But how much more ruined was 
 thy condition, O my foul'! how much more hainous 
 were thy crimes 1 Since nothing lefs than the fufFer- 
 ings and death of Meffiah, the Son of GOD, and ra- 
 diant image of his glory, could effeft thy recovery, or 
 cancel thy iniquity. Though perhaps thou art not 
 funk fo very deep in pollution', as fome of the moil 
 abandoned profligates ; yet remember the ineflimable 
 ranfom paid to redeem thee from everlafting deftruc- 
 tion. Fcemember this ; and u never open thy mouth 
 
 " any 
 
 Man"s Snortal crime ? and die, the dead to/ave ? 
 He af/t'd ; liut all the heavenly choir ftood rnutf, 
 And fdsnce was in heaven. 
 
 There is, to me at leaft, an inimitable fpirit and beauty in the 
 laft circuraltance. That iuch an innumerable multitude, of ge- 
 nerous and compaflionate beings, fhould be itruck dumb with 
 furprife and terror, at the very mention of the deadly forfeiture 
 and ranfom fst ! No language is fo. eloquent as t\\\sjilencs. 
 Words could not poiFibly have exprefled, in fo ernptiatical a 
 manner, the dreadful nature of the talk ; the aifolute inability 
 of any or all creatures to execute it; the fuperemiment and 
 matchlefs love of the eternal Son, in undertaking the tremen- 
 dous work ; not only without reluctance, but unfought and un- 
 implored ; with readinefs, alacrity, and delight, Paradife Loft, 
 III. line 200. Edit. BEN it.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 359 
 
 cc any more *," either to murmur at the divine chaf- 
 tifements, or to glory in thy own attainments. Re- 
 member this ; and even " loath thyfelf f for the mul- 
 64 titude of thy provocations/' and thy great bafenefs. 
 
 ONCE more: let me view this beautiful, this magni- 
 ficent expanfc ; and conceive fome jufter apprehen- 
 fions of the unknown richnefs of my Saviour's atone- 
 ment. lam informed by a writer who cannot miftake, 
 that the High Priefl of my profeflion, who was alfo 
 the facrifice for my fins, is higher than the heavens J ; 
 more exalted in dignity, more bright with glory, than 
 all the heavenly manfions, and all their illuftrioas in- 
 habitants. If my heart was humbled at the confider- 
 ation of its exceffivc guilt, how do ail my drooping 
 powers revive at this delightful thought ? The poor 
 criminal, that feemed to be tottering on the very brink 
 of the infernal pit, is raijed, by fuch a belief, even to 
 the portals of paradife. My felf-abafement, I trull, 
 will always continue ; but my fears, under the influ- 
 ence of fuch a conviction, are quite gone|j. I do not, 
 
 I can- 
 
 * Ezek. xvi. 63. -f- Ezek. xxxvi. 31. 1 Hcb. vii. 26. 
 
 j| lamibrrow to find, that fome of my readers were a little 
 difguited at tfrs exprellion, " My fears are quit? gone ;" as 
 thinking, it ('Hoovered a tincture of arrogance in the writer, 
 and tended to di (courage the weak Chriftian. But, I hope, 
 a more mature confideration will acquit me from both thefe 
 charges. For what has the author (aid ? Only, that at i'omc 
 peculiarly happy moments, when the Holy Ghoit bears wirnels 
 of CHRIST in his heart, and he is favoured with a glimpfe of 
 the Redeemer's matchlefs excellency ; that, in thele brighter 
 intervals of life, his trembling fears, with regard to the deci- 
 iive fen re nee of the great tribunal, are turned into polling 
 expectations. And what is there in fuch a declaration cffenfive 
 to the//ri#<r/7 modeily, or difpiriting to the wsakeji believer? 
 In (lead oi" creating dilcouragemcnt, ir points out the way to- 
 obtain a fettled ti aiiijuillity. Its natural tendency is, to engage 
 the ferious mind in a more conftant and attentive meditation 
 on the unl;:jc-.va ir.eri:s of the D;v::u MEDIATOR. And
 
 3 6o CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 I cannot, doubt the efficacy of this propitiation. 
 I Jee a glimpfe of its matchlefs excellency, and verily 
 believe myfelf interefted in its merits j I know not 
 what it is to feel any mifgiving fufpicions ; but am 
 ftedfaft in faith, and joyful through hope. 
 
 Be my iniquities like debts of millions of talents, 
 here is more than full payment for all that prodigious 
 fum. Let the enemy of mankind, and accufer of the 
 brethren, load me with inveelives ; this one plea, ^4 di- 
 vine Redeemer died, moft thoroughly quafhes every in- 
 diclment. For, though there be much turpitude, and 
 manifold tranfgreffions, " there is no condemnation 
 *' to thofe that are in CH R I s T JE s u s ." Nay, were 
 I chargeable with all the vilcfl deeds, which have been 
 committed in every age of the world, by every nation 
 of men ; even in tnis moft deplorable cafe, I need not 
 fink into defpair. Even fuch guilt, though grievous 
 beyond all expreffion, is not to be compared with that 
 abundance of grace and righteonfnefs, which dwell in 
 the incarnate Divinity. How great, how tranfcendent- 
 ly glorious, are the perfections of the adored JEHOVAH! 
 So great, fo fuperlatively precious, is the expiation of 
 the dying JES u s . Tis impoffible for the human mind 
 to exalt this atonement * too highly ; 'tis impoffible 
 for the H UM* LE PEN IT ENT to confide init tooftea- 
 
 dily. 
 
 were we more thoroughly acquainted, more deeply affefted,with 
 his unutterable dignity ; I am perfuadcd, our uneafy appre- 
 henfions would proportionabiy vaniih ; our faith be eftablifhed^ 
 our hopes brightened, and our joys enlarged. 
 
 * This do&rine, though rich with confutation to the ruined 
 fmner j yet is it not likely to open a door for licentioufnefs, and 
 embolden tranfgreflbrs to profccute their VICES ? No : it 
 is thr aioft powerful motive to that genuine repentance, which 
 flows from an unfeigned love of Go; and operates in a hearty 
 doteflation of all (in. One, who knew the unineafurable good- 
 nefs of the Lord, and was no Granger to the tingle perverfe- 
 nefs of our nature, fays, There is mercy ivith thee : THERE- 
 FORE Jhalt tbtu be feared. Pfal. cxxx. 4.- Words full to 
 
 my
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 36 s 
 
 dily. The fcriptures, the fcriptures of eternal truth, 
 have faid it, (exult, my foul, in the belief of it !) 
 that the blood on which we rely, is GOD'S own blood 
 * ; and therefore all-iufficient to expiate, omnipo- 
 tent to fave. 
 
 David, that egregious (inner, but more exempla- 
 ry laint, feems to have been well acquainted with this 
 comfortable truth. What elfe can be the import of 
 that very remarkable, but moil devout declaration ? 
 Thou /halt purge me J -with hyjffbp, and I /hall be clean : 
 thou /halt lua/hme, and I /hall be 'whiter than /now .' 
 " I have been guilty, I muft confefs, of the mod com- 
 " plicated and fhocking crimes: crimes, inflamed by 
 a every aggravating circumftance, with regard to 
 " myielf, my neighbour, and my GOD. My/elf, who 
 " have been blefTed above men, and the diftinguifhed 
 u favourite of providence ; my neighbour, who, in the 
 " moft dear and tender interefts, has been irrepara- 
 " bly injured; my GOD, who might juftly expect the 
 *' moft grateful returns of duty, inftead of fuch enor- 
 " mous violations of his law. Yet, all horrid and 
 " execrable as my offence is, it is nothing to the fu- 
 * c perabundant merit of that great Redeemer, who was 
 " promifed from the foundations of the world ; in 
 <c whom all my fathers trufted ; who is the hope of 
 " all the ends of the earth. Tho' my confcience be 
 " more loathfome, with adulterous impurity, than the 
 u dunghill ; tho* treachery and murder have rendered 
 
 " it 
 
 my purpofc j which at once add the highcft authority to this 
 lentiment, and dired our minds to its proper influence, and 
 due improvement. 
 
 * Ads xx 28. 
 
 ^ Pfal. li. 7. Thau Jhalt purge. I prefer this trandatioti 
 before the new one. Kecaufe this fpeaks the language of a 
 more ftrdfaft belief, and gives the highert honour ro the divine 
 goodnefs. Were the words intended to bear no more than the 
 common petitionary fenfe, and not to be exprefTivc of a noble 
 flerophory of faith ; they would rather have been "UKon and 
 was imperatives, noi futures. 
 
 VOL. I. N? 4. Zz
 
 $6a CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 u it even black as the gloom of hell ; yet, warned hi- 
 u the fountain opened for fin and for uncleannefs *, 
 " I (hall be, I fay not, pure only, this were a difpa- 
 " ragement to the efficacy of my Saviour's death ; but 
 " I mall be fair as the ///y, and white as the fhow. 
 " Nay, let me not derogate from the glorious object 
 " of my confidence ; cleanfed by this Sovereign fane- 
 " tifying ftream, I ftiall be fairer than the full-blown 
 *'' lily, whiter than the new-fallen fnows." 
 
 ) faith the fcripture, belongethnnto GOD 
 jr. And in what majeflic lines is this attribute of JE- 
 HOVAH written, throughout the whole volume oftlie 
 creation ? efpecially, thro* thole magniiicent pages, 
 unfolded in yonder ftarry regions ; which are therefore 
 ftyled, by the fweet and feraphic finger of IJ'rael^ " the 
 " firmament of his power {;" becaufe the grand ex- 
 ploits of omnipotence-are, there difplayed with the utmoft 
 pomp, and recorded in the mod legible characters. 
 
 Who, that looks upward to the midnight-fey ; and, 
 with an eye of reafon, beholds its rolling wonders ; 
 who can forbear inquiring, Of what were thofe mighty 
 Qrks formed ? Amazing to relate ! they were produ- 
 ced without materials. They fprung from emptinefs 
 itfelf. The ftately fabric of univerfal nature emerged 
 out of nothing. What inftruments were ufed by the 
 iupreme Architect, to fafhion the parts with fuch ex- 
 quifite nicenefs, and give fo beautiful a poHfh to the 
 whole ? How was all connected into one finely-propor- 
 tioned, and nobly-finifhed ftrudture ? A bare Fiat ac- 
 complifhed all. LET THEM BE, faid GOT>. tte ad- 
 ded no more ; and immediately the marvellous edifice 
 arofe ; adorned with every beauty ; difplaying innu- 
 merable perfections ; and declaring, amidft enraptu- 
 red feraphs, its great Creator's praife. " By the 
 word of the LORD " were the heavens made, and 
 
 all 
 
 * Zech, xiii. i. f 1>fal - kii. " \ Pfa1 ' cl - l '
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 363 
 
 &11 the hofts of them by the breath of his mouth *." 
 What forceful machinery y?*^ fome of thofe pon- 
 derous globes on an immovable bafis I What irreiiiti- 
 ble impulfe bowled others through the circuit of the 
 heavens? What coercive energy confined their impe- 
 tuous courfes within limits aftonifhingly large, yet 
 mo ft minutely true \ Nothing but \\isj over eign will, 
 For all things were at firft constituted, and all to this 
 day abide, u according to his w orditiance." 
 
 Without any toilfome affidmty or laborious procefs, 
 to raiie to touch to Jpe&k fuch a multitude of im- 
 menfe bodies into being ; to launch them thro* the 
 (j)aces of the fky, as an arrow from the hand of a 
 giant ; to imprefs on fuch unwieldy maffes a motion 
 far outstripping the fwiftnets of the winged creation 
 f ; and to continue them in the fame rapid whirl, for 
 thoufands and thoufands of years : what an amazing 
 inflance of infinite might is this ! Can any thing be 
 impoifible to the LOR D, the LORD GOD ; the Creator 
 and Controller of all the ends of the earth, all the re- 
 gions of the univerfe \ leather, is not all that we 
 count difficult^ perfect cafe to that glorious Being, 
 
 whp 
 
 * If this thought" is admitted a fecond time, and fuffered to 
 ennoble the next- paragraph ; it i- partly, becaufe of its une- , 
 q nailed fudlltnity ; partly, becaufe it awakens the mo ft grand 
 idea ot creating power ; and partly, becauie the practice of 
 the Pfalmijt) an authority too great to be controverted, is my 
 precedent. The beautiful itanza quoted frvrnPfal. xxxiii. 6. 
 is a proof, how thoroughly the royal poe: entered into the 
 majefty of the Mofaic narration. The repetition of the len- 
 tiuient, ver. 9. intimates, how peculiarly he was charinc*! with 
 that noble manner of defcribing the divine operations, While 
 the turn of his own coinpofition ihews, how perfectly lie pof- 
 felfed the fame devat.sd -way of thinking. And this, long be- 
 fore Longintts wrote the celebrated treatife, which has taught 
 the Heathen, as well as the Chriilian world, to admire the 
 dignity of the Jewifh legiflator's Ityle. Vid LONG IN. de Su- 
 blim fed. IX. 
 
 -j- To give one inftance of this remark. The earth, in the 
 
 diurnal revolution^ which it performs on its own axis ? -whirls 
 
 ..z 2 about
 
 364 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 who only fpake, and the world was made * ? who 
 only gave command, and the ftupendous axle was 
 lodged faft, the lofty wheels moved complete I 
 What a fure defence, O my foul, is this everlafting 
 flrength of thy GOD ! Be this thy continual refuge, in 
 the article of danger ; this thy never-failing rejource^ 
 in every time of need. 
 
 What cannot this uncontrollable power of the great 
 JE H OVA H effect for his people ? Be their miferies ever 
 fb galling, cannot this GOD relieve them ? Be their 
 wants ever fo numerous, cannot this GOD fupply them ? 
 Be their corruptions within ever fo inveterate, or their 
 temptations without ever fo importunate ; cannot this 
 mighty, mighty GOD fubdue the former, and fortify 
 them againft the latter ? Should Trials^ with an in- 
 ceiTant vehemence, fift thee as wheat ; mould Tribu-* 
 lation, with a weight of woes, almoft grind thee. to 
 powder ; (hould Plcafure, with her bewitching fmiles, 
 Iblicit thee to delicious ruin ; yet " hold thee faft by 
 " GOD," and lay thy help upon him that is omnipo- 
 tent *( . Thou canft not be involved in fuch calami- 
 tous 
 
 about at the rate of above a thoufand miles an hour. And as 
 the great orbit which it defcribes annually round the fun, is 
 reckoned at 540 millions of miles, it mult travel near a mil- 
 lion and a half each day What a force muft be requiiite, to 
 protrude fo vaft a globe ; and wheel it on, loaded as it is with 
 huge mountains, and ponderous rocks, at fuch a prodigious 
 degree of rapidity ! It furpafTes human conception ! How 
 natural, how pertinent, how almoft neceflary, after fuch an 
 obfervation, is the acknowledgment made by holy Job, I 
 know that THOU canft do every thing, and that no thought, no 
 imaginable fcheme, can be -wtth-holden from thee y can lye be- 
 yond thy power to execute. Chap. xlii. 2. 
 
 * Pfal. xxxiii. 9. 
 
 f It is a moft charming defcription, as well a a moft com- 
 fortable promife, which we find in If. xl. 29, 30, 31. HE 
 giveth po-wcr to the feeble, and to them that have no might at 
 all, be not only imparteth, but increafethjli-cngth ; making it 
 
 to
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 365 
 
 tous circumftances, or expofed to fuch imminent pe- 
 ril ; but thy GOD, whom thou fervcft, is able to de- 
 liver thee from the one, and to fupport thee under 
 the other. To fupport ! to deliver ! let me not difho- 
 
 nour 
 
 to abound, where it did not fo much as exift. Without this 
 aid of JEHOVAH, even the youths, amidtf the very prime of 
 their vigour and activity, yZW/ become languid in their work, 
 
 ana weary in their courfe. And the young men* to whofe re- 
 iolution and abilities nothing fcemed impraft cable, /hall not 
 only not fucceed, but utterly fall, and milcarry in their various 
 cnterprifes. Whereas they that -wait upon the LORD, and 
 confide. in his grace, fhall prefs on, with a generous ardor, 
 from one degree of religious improvement to another. Inftead 
 of exhaufiing, they Jball reneiu their ftrer.gth ; difficulties fhall 
 animate, and toil invigorate them. They fiall mount up, as 
 with foaring wings, above all oppofitioq ; thfy fhall be carried 
 through every difcouragement, as eagles cleave the yielding 
 air. They Jhall ruin, with fpeed and alacrity, the way of GOD'S 
 commandments, and not be -weary : they fhall hold on (*yn 
 frogredientur, carpent itcr) with conftancy and perfeverance, 
 in thofe peaceful paths, and not faint ; but arrive at the end 
 of their progrefs, and receive the prize of their high calling. 
 To this moil chearing doctrine, permit me to add its no 
 lefs beautiful and delightful centra/}. Eliphaz, fpeaking of the 
 enemies of the righteous, fays psv nn:^ Nb which is ren- 
 dered by a great critic in facred learning, Nihil excifum faflio 
 tiobis adverfaria. We fhould reckon our language acquitted 
 itfelf tolerably well, if, when depredating the abilities of an 
 adverfary,it fhould reprefent them weak as \hefcorched thread, 
 feeble as the dijjolving fmoke. But thefe are cold forms of 
 fpeech, compared with the eloquence of the call. According 
 to the genius of our Bible, all the po-wer that oppofes the god- 
 ly, is a mere nothing; or, to fpeak vvith a more emphatical 
 air of contempt, a dteftroycd, an extirpated nothing. Admire 
 this expreffion, ye that are charmed with daring images, and 
 (what Tully czMsverbumardens}* fpirited and glowing diction. 
 Remember this declaration, ye that fight the good fight of 
 faith. The united force of all your enemies, be it ever fo for- 
 midable to the eye of flefh, is before your almighty Guardian, 
 nihil nikilijfimum, not only nothing, but lefs than nothing, and 
 vanity. Jc6 xxii. 20.
 
 366 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 ii our the unlimited greatnefs of his power. He is 
 able to exalt thee, from the deepeft diftrels, to the 
 xnoft triumphant joy j and to make even a complica- 
 tion of evils work together for thy everlafting good. 
 He is able, not only to accomplilh what I have been 
 ipeaking, but to do exceeding abundantly above all that 
 we can ajk or think *. 
 
 O ! the wrecked condition of the wicked, who have 
 this LORD of all power for their enemy ! O ! the def- 
 ferate madnejs of the ungodly, who provoke the Al- 
 mighty to jealoufy ! Befotted creatures ! are you able 
 to contend with your Maker, and enter the lifts againft 
 incenfed Omnipotence ? Can you bear the fiercenefs of 
 his wrath, c - fuftairi the vengeance of his lifted arm ? 
 At his prefence, though awfully ferenc, the hills melt 
 like wax, and the " mountains ikip like frighted 
 *' lambs." At the leaft intimation of his difpleaiure, 
 the foundations of nature rock, and the " pillars of 
 " heaven tremble." How then can a withered leaf 
 endure, when " his lips are full, of indignation, and 
 <c his tongue as a devouring fire ?"- Or can any thing 
 fcreen a guilty worm, when the great and terrible GOD 
 ili'all "whethis glittering/word^ and his hand take hold on 
 
 inexorable 
 
 * I fhould, in this place, avoid fwelling the notes any far- 
 ther, was it not to take notice of, the inimita.ble pafTage quo-- 
 ted above, and to "be found Eph. iii. 20. Which, if I (Jo not 
 greatly miftake, is the moft complete representation of divine 
 power, that it is poffiMe for words to frame. To do sll that 
 our tongue can afk, is a miracle of might. But we often 
 think more than we can exprefs, and are actuated with " groan- 
 ** ings unutterable" "Yet to anfwer thefe vaft defires, is ncrt 
 beyond the accomplishment of our heavenly Father. Nay, to 
 make his gifts and his bleffings comrnenfiirate to the largejl 
 Jiretcb of human expectations, is a fmaH thing with the Gop 
 of glory. He is able to do above all that the moft enlarged 
 apprehenfion can imagine; yea, to do abundantly more, exceed- 
 ing almndantly more, than the mind itfelf, in the utmoft ex- 
 ertion of all its faculties, is capable of wt/biiig, or knows how 
 to conceive.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 
 
 inexorable judgment? when that hand, which (hoots the 
 planets, maffes of exceffive bulk *, with fuch furpri- 
 fing rapidity, through the fky : that hand, which 
 darts the comets to fuch unmeafurable diftances, be- 
 yond the orbit of our remoteft planet, beyond the 
 purfuit of the ftrongeft eye : when THAT HAND is 
 ftretched out to punifli, can the munition of rocks, the 
 intervention of feas, or even interpofing worlds, di- 
 vert the blow ? Confider this, Ambition ; and bow thy 
 haughty creft. Confider this, Difobedience ; and bend 
 thy iron finew. O 1 confider this, all ye that forget, 
 or affront, the tremendous JEHOVAH. He can, by a 
 fingle ad of his will, lay the univerfe in utter ruin : 
 andean he want power to bring you, in a moment, in 
 the twinkling of an eye, to the duft of death, or to 
 the flames of hell \ He has I fay not, ten thoufand 
 lightnings to fcorch you to afhes ; ten thoufand thun- 
 ders to crufh you into atoms ; but, what is unfpeak- 
 ably more dreadful, he has an army of terrors, even 
 in the look of his angry countenance. His very frown 
 is worfe than deftruclion. 
 
 I cannot difmifs this fubjecl:, without admiring the 
 patience of the blefTed GOD ; who, though fo ftrong 
 and powerful, yet u is provoked every day." Sure- 
 ly, as is his majefty, fo is his mercy ; his pity altoge- 
 ther commenfurate to his power. If I vilify but the 
 name of an earthly monarch, I lofe my liberty, and 
 am confined to the dungeon. If I appear in arms, 
 and draw the fword, againft my national fovereign ; 
 
 my 
 
 * One of the planets (Saturn] is fuppofed to be more than 
 90 times as big as the globe on which we live. According to 
 the fame calculation, the largeft of the planets (Jupiter] is 
 above 200 times vafter, than this vaft collection of fpacious fo- 
 refts, towering mountains, extenfive continents, and boundlefs 
 oceans. Suc*i enormous magnitude ! winged with fuch prodi- 
 gious f peed I It railes anonifhment beyond expreiTion. JVith 
 GOD is terrible majefty I Job xxxvii 22. JVhofoall notfsar 
 THEE, O LORD, and glorify thy name? Rev. xv. 4.
 
 368 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 my life is forfeited, and my very blood will fcarce a- 
 tone for the crime. But thee I have dishonoured, O ! 
 thou King immortal and invifible ! Againft thee my 
 breafl has fomented fecret dij affection; my behaviour 
 has rifen up in open rebellion ; and yet I am fpared, yet 
 1 am preferved. Inftead of being banimed from thy 
 prefence, I fit at thy table, and am fed from thy hand. 
 Inftead of puriuing me with thunder-bolts of venge- 
 ance, thy favours iurround me on every fide. That 
 arm, that injured arm, which might juftly fall, with 
 irretrievable ruin, on a traitor's head, is mod graci- 
 oufly ftretched out, to cards him with the tendered 
 endearments, to cherifli him with every inftance of 
 parental kindnefs ! O ! thou mightieft, thou bed of 
 beings, how am I pained at my very foul, for luch 
 fhameful and odious difingenuity ! Let me always 
 abominate myfelf, as the bafeft of creatures : but 
 adore that unwearied long-fuffering of thine, which 
 refutes to be irritated ; love that nnremitted goodnefs, 
 >vhich no acts of ingratitude could flop, or fo much 
 as check, in its gracious current. O ! let this ftub- 
 born heart, which duty could not bind, which threat- 
 enings could not awe, be the captive, the uniting 
 captive , of fuch triumphant beneficence. 
 
 I H A v E often been ftruck with wonder at that al- 
 mighty {kill, which "weighed the mountains in fcales, 
 and the hills in a balance ; which proportioned the wa- 
 ters in the hollow of its hand, and adjured the dull of 
 the earth * by a meafure. But how much more marvel- 
 lous 
 
 * If. xl. 12. The dufl of the earth, in this fublime fcripture, 
 fignifies the dry land, or J Wid part of our globe ; which is pla- 
 ced in contradittindlion to the whole colle&ion of fluid matter, 
 mentioned in the preceding claufe Perhaps, this remarkable 
 expreflion may be intended to intimate, not only the extreme 
 nlcenefs, which dated the dimenfions of the world in general^ 
 or in the grofs j but alfo thai particular exatlncfs, with which 
 
 the
 
 m the STARRY HEAVENS. 369 
 
 tons is that magnificent (Economy ) which poifed the ftars 
 With inexpreffible nicety, and meted out the heavens 
 with a fpan ? where all is prodigioufly vaft ; immenfely 
 various ; and yet more than mathematically exacio 
 Surely the wijdom of GOD manifefts itfelf in thefkies, 
 and fliines in thofe lucid orbs ; (bines on the contem- 
 plative mind, with a luftre incomparably brighter 
 than that Which their united fplendors tranfmit to the 
 eye. 
 
 Behold yonder countlefs multitude of globes ; con- 
 fider their amazing magnitude ; regard them as the 
 fovereigns of fo many fyftems, each accompanied with 
 his planetary equipage. Upon this fuppofition, what 
 a multiplicity of mighty fpheres mud be perpetually 
 running their rounds, in the upper regions ! Yet none 
 miftake their way, or ivandtr from the goal, though 
 they pafs through tracklefs and unbounded fields. 
 K T oney?x off" from their orbits, into extravagant ex- 
 curfions ; none prefs in upon their centre, with too 
 near an approach. None interfere wifh each other in 
 their perennial palTage, or intercept the kindly com- 
 munications of another's influence*. But all their 
 
 rotations 
 
 the very fmalleft materials that confHtute its frame, (not ex- 
 cepting each individual atom,) were Calculated and difpofed.- 
 q. d, 'Tis a fmall thing to fay, No fuch enormous redundan- 
 cies, as unneceflary ridges of mountains, were fuffercd to fubfift. 
 There was riot fo much as the leaf! grain of fand fuperfluGus+ 
 or a fingle particle of duft deficient. ^ the grand aim of the 
 defcription is, to celebrate the confummate iv'fdom, exemplified 
 in the creation; and to difplay mat pcrfeft proportion, with 
 which every part tallies, coincides and harmonizes, with the 
 whole ; I have taken leave to alter the word of our EngHJh 
 tranilation comprehend, and to introduce in its (lead a term, 
 equally faithful to the Hebrew, and more fignificanve of the 
 prophet's precife idea. 
 
 * The interception of light, by means of an eclipfe, hap- 
 pens very rarely. ' And then it is of fo flort a continuance, 
 as not to be at all inconvenient. Nay, it is attended with fuch 
 ctrcumftanccs, as render it rather ufeful, than prejudicial. 
 
 VOL. I. N4. 3 A
 
 57 o CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 rotations proceed in eternal harmony ; keeping fuch' 
 time, and observing luch laws, as are molt exquifitely 
 adapted to the perfection of the whale. 
 
 "WHILE I contemplate this " excellent wifdom,. 
 " which made the heavens," and attunes all their mo- 
 tions ; how am I abafhed at that mixture of arrogance 
 and folly, which has, at any time, ineUaed me to 
 murmur at thy di/penfations , O LORD ! What is this ? . 
 but a fort of implicit treafon againft thy iupremacy, 
 and a tacit denial of thy infinite undei {landing I Haft 
 thou fo regularly placed fuch a wonderful diverfity of 
 fyftems, through the fpaces of the univerie ? didft 
 thou, without any probationary efFays, without any 
 improving retouches, fpeak them into the molt con- 
 fummate perfection ? doft thou continually fuperin- 
 tend all their circumftances, with a fagacity that never 
 nriftakes the minuteit tittle of propriety ? And fhall 1 
 be fo imaccountably ftupid, as to queftion the juftnejs 
 of thy difcernment, in " chufing m.y inheritance, and 
 " fixing the bounds of my habitation 1" Not a 
 fmgle erratum, in modelling the fbucture, determi- 
 ning the diftance*, and conducting the career of un- 
 numbered worlds ! And (hall my peevifh humour pre- 
 iume to cenfure thy interpofition, with regard to the 
 affairs of one inconfiderable creature ; whole ftature, 
 in fuch a comparative view, is lets than aipan, and 
 his preient duration little more than a moment ? 
 
 01 
 
 * The fun in particular, (and let tins ferve .is 3 fpecimen of 
 that molt curious exaclnefs, with v.hich the other celeftial bo- 
 dies are confHtutecl and all their circumfhnces regulated,) the 
 fun is formed at" fuch a determinate magnitude, and placed at 
 fuch a convenient difianee, " as not to annoy, but only re- 
 *' frefh us, and nourifb the ground with its kindly warmth. 
 ** If it was larger, it would let the earth on fire; if fmallar^ 
 *' it would leave it frozen. If it was nearer us, we fhould be 
 *' fcorchtd to death ; if farther from us, we mould not be 
 4< able to live for want of heat." 
 
 STACKHousE 3 .r////?0rj' nftb: Bibfe*
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 371 
 
 O I THOU GOD, " in whofe hand my breath is, 
 *' and whole are all my ways," let i-uch fentiments 
 as now potfefs my thoughts, be always lively on my 
 heart ! Thefe ihall com pole my mind" into a ckearful 
 acquiefcence, and a thankful iubmiiFion ; even when 
 afflictions gall the ienfe, or diiappointments break my 
 Ichemes. Then iliall !, like the grateful patriarch *, 
 in all the changes of my .condition, and even in the 
 depths of dittreis, erect an .altar of adoring religoa- 
 tion, and infcribe it with the apoflle's motto^ To GOD 
 ONLY WISE. Then, mouldft thou give m leave 
 to be the .carver of my own fortunes, I would hum. 
 bly defire to relinquifh the grant, and recommit th e 
 diipoial of myfelf to thy unerring beneficence. Fully 
 perfuaded that thy counjels, tho* contrary to my fro- 
 ward inclinations, or even amiftiv.e to my flefh, are 
 incomparably more eligible than the blind impulie of 
 my own will, however -ibothing to animal nature. 
 
 ON a carelefs irifpe&ion,, you perceive r.o accuracy 
 or uniformity in the petition of the heavenly bodies. 
 They appear like an ijluftrious chaos ; a promifcuous 
 heap of Ihining globes ; neither ranked in order, nor 
 moving by line. But yfa&fcems confufion, is all re- 
 gularity. What carries a {how of negligence, is real- 
 ly the refult of the mod maiterly contrivance/ You 
 think, perhaps, they rove in their aereal flight ; but 
 they rove ,by the niceft rule, and without the lead er- 
 ror. Their circuits, though feemingly devious ; 
 their mazes, tho* intricate to our apprehenfions "f ; 
 are marked out, not indeed with golden compafles, 
 but by the infinitely more exacl determinations of the 
 ^11- wife Spirit. 
 
 So, 
 * See Gen. xii. 7, 8. 
 
 "|- Mazes intricate, 
 
 Eccentric, imervolv'd; yet regular 
 
 Then mod, yvhen mod irregular they feem. MILT-
 
 372 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 So, what wears the appearance of calamity, in the 
 allotments appointed for the godly, has really the 
 nature of a bleffing. It ifTues from fatherly love, and 
 will terminate in the richeit good, \fjofeph isfnatched 
 from the embraces of an indulgent parent, and aban- 
 doned to flavery in a foreign land ; it is in order to fave 
 the holy family from periihing by famine ; and to pre- 
 ferve " the ieed, in whom all the nations of the earth, 
 " fhould be bleffed." If he falls into the deepeft dif- 
 grace, it is on purpofe that he may rife to the highefl 
 honours. Even the confinement of the priibn, by the 
 unfearchable workings of providence, opens his way 
 to the right hand of the throne itfelf. Let the moft 
 afflicted ferv ant of JE s u s wait the final upfhot of 
 things. He will then difcover the apparent expedien- 
 cy of all thole tribulations, which now y perhaps, he 
 can hardly admit without reluctance, or fuffer without 
 fome ftruggles of diffatisfartion. Then the gufning 
 tear,, and the heaving figh, will be turned into tides 
 of gratitude, and hymns of holy wonder. 
 
 In the mean time, let no audacious railer prefump- 
 tuouily impeach the divine procedure ; but, adoring 
 where we cannot comprehend, let us expert the evolu- 
 tion of the myfterious plan. Then mall every eye per- 
 ceive, that the feeming labyrinths of providence, were 
 the moft direct and compendious way, to effert his ge- 
 neral purpofes of grace, and to bring about each one's 
 particular happineis *. Then, alfo, (hall it be clearly 
 Ihewn, in the preience of applauding worlds, why Vir- 
 tue pined in want, while Vice rioted in affluence ; why 
 amiable innocence ib often dragged thedungeon-cvfo/w, 
 while horrid Guilt trailed the robe of flate.- That day 
 of univerlal audit, that day of everlafting retribution, 
 will not only vindicate, but magnify, the whole manage- 
 ment 
 * The moral world, 
 
 Which, though to us it feems embroil'd, moves on 
 
 In higheT order ; fitted, and impell'd 
 
 By wifdom's fineft hand, and iflTuing all 
 
 In gen'ral good. TUOMS. ti r int, 1, 586. laft edit.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 373 
 
 ment of Heaven. The augufl feffions (hall clofe with 
 this unanimous, this glorious acknowledgment : 
 * l Though clouds and darknefs, impenetrable by any hu- 
 " man fcrutiny,iy<rr<rfometimes round about the Cupreme 
 <; Conductor of things ; yet rightcoujnefs and judgment 
 *' 'were the conftant habitation of his feat* ; the inva- 
 44 riable ftandard of all his adminiftrations." Thus 
 {if I may illuftrate the grandcft truths by inferior oc- 
 currences) while we view the arras on the fide of lea ft 
 diftinftion, it is void of any elegant fancy ; without any 
 nice ftrokes of art ; nothing but a confufed jumble of 
 incoherent threads. No foon-er is the piece beheld in 
 its proper afpett, but the fufpec^ed radenefs vanifhes, 
 and the molt curious arrangement takes place. We 
 are charmed with defigns of the fineft tafte, and figures 
 of the moft graceful form. All is fliaped with iym- 
 metry ; all is clad in beauty, 
 
 TH E goodncfs of G OD is mofr eminently difplayed 
 in the fides. Could we take an underflanding iurvey 
 of whatever is formed by the divine Architect, through- 
 out the whole extent of material things ; our minds 
 would be tranfported with their excellencies, and our 
 tongues echo back that great encomium, They are 
 " good, very good-J-." Moft beautiful\ in themfelves ; 
 contrived by unerring wifclom, and executed with ini- 
 mitable fluil. Moft ujcful { in their functions ; cxattly 
 
 fitting 
 
 * Pfal. xcvii. 2. f Gen. 5. 31. 
 
 ^ ^ This *MM*.y*$ie. of the univerfe, and all its parts^ has 
 been very highly, and very juftly extolled, by the ancient in- 
 quirers into nature ; and was indeed, an illuftrious icene ipreaU 
 before thefage* of the Heathen world, wherein to contemplate 
 the goodnefs and the glories of the Supreme Being. It was 
 nobly faid by a Pagan philofopher, on this occafion; E,S lpa * 
 4>i1a. \sva/ TO* 0(v fu^Koiia. Sv.u.mp-yiu. "That G OD 9 ivhen he undertook 
 the work ofcreation^transfirmedhimfrlfintolove. But he need 
 not transform hhnfelf into this amiable principle ; for u GOD 
 " is love;" as was much more nobly faid by one, whom that 
 fbilofopher would have termed a barbarian, x John iv. 8
 
 374 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 fitting the places they fill, and completely anfwering 
 the purpofes for which they 'were intended. All the 
 parts of the inanimate creation proclaim, both by their 
 intrinfic and relative excellencies, the all-diffufive bene- 
 ficence of their Maker. 
 
 How much more wonderful are the difplays of di- 
 vine indulgence, in the worlds of life 1 Becaufe dead 
 matter is incapable of delight, therefore the gracious 
 Creator has railed innumerable ranks of 'perceptive ex- 
 ijtence ; fucli as are qualified to tafte his bounty, and 
 enjoy each a happinefs Anted to its peculiar (late. 
 With this view, he furniuhed the regions of inferior 
 ^nature with an order and a ieries of fenfitive beings. 
 The waters teem with flioals of finny inhabitants. 
 The dry land fwarms with animals of every order. 
 The dwellings of the firmament are occupied by mul- 
 titudes of winged people. Not fo much as a green 
 /<?#/; phi lofopuers fay, but lodges and accommodates its 
 puny animalcule tenants*. And wherefore this di- 
 
 veriity 
 
 * A very celebrated poef, in a beautiful paragraph on this 
 fubjedl, informs his readers, that all nature fwarms with life. 
 Jn fubterranean cells, the earth heaves with vital motion. E- 
 ven the hard (tone, in the very inmoft recelTes of its impenetra- 
 ble citadel, holds multitudes of animated inhabitants. The />/)> 
 of mellow fruir, and all the productions of the orchard, feed 
 the invilible nations. Each liquid, whether. of acid tafte, or 
 jnilder relilh, abounds with various forms of fenfitive exiftence. 
 Nor is the pure /./ram, or tranfparent air, without their co- 
 lonies of unfeen people. In which conditHtion of things, we 
 fcave a wonderful inltance, not only of the divine goodnefs to 
 thofe minute beings, in giving them a capacity for animal 
 gratifications ; but of his tender care for mankind, in making 
 them imperceptible to our fenfes. 
 
 Thefe, conceal'd 
 
 By the kind art of forming Heav'n, cfcape 
 The grolFer eye of man : tor if the worlds 
 In worlds inclos'd fhould on his fenfes burtt ; 
 From cates ambrofial. and the ne&ar'd bowl.
 
 on the- STARRY HEAVENS. 
 
 ferfity, this profufion of living creatures, flying the 
 air, treading the ground, and gliding through the 
 paths of the fea ? For this moft glorious reaibn : 
 That the eternal Sovereign may exercife his fupera- 
 bundant goodnefs ; that his table may be furnifhed 
 with millions and millions of guefts ; that he may fill, 
 every hour, every moment, their mouths with food, or 
 their hearts with gladnefs. 
 
 But what a fmall theatre are. three or four elements 
 for the operations of JEHOVAH'S bounty! His mag- 
 nificent liberality fcorns Such Scanty limits. If you, 
 afk, Wherefore has he created all worlds, and replen- 
 ifhed them with an unknown multiplicity of beings, ri- 
 iing, one above another, in an endlefs gradation of {till 
 richer endowments, and ftill nobler capacities ? The 
 anfwer is, For the manifeftation of his own glory, 
 and .especially for the communication of his inexhaufti- 
 ble beneficence *. The great Creator could propofe 
 no advange to himfelf. His bliSs is incapable of any 
 addition. u Before the mountains were brought 
 " forth, or ever the earth and the world were made," 
 he was Supremely happy in his own independent and 
 all-fufficient Self. His grand defign therefore, in e- 
 recling fo many ftately fabrics, and peopling them 
 with ib many tribes of inhabitants, was, to transfuj'e- 
 
 his 
 
 He'd turn abhorrent; and, in dead of night, 
 When iilence fleeps o'er all, be ftunn'd with noife. 
 
 T*K o M so N ' j~ $u mm cr, 
 
 * A facred writer, confidering this delightful fubjcct, and 
 confining his observation within the narrow limits of his own 
 country, .cries out, with a mixture of amazement and gratitude, 
 How great is bis goodnefs, and how great is his beauty ! Who 
 then can forbear being loft in wonder, and tranfported with 
 delight, when he extends his furvey to thofe infinitely more 
 copious communications of divine bounty ; which, like falutary 
 and ref refhing dreams, run through all worlds ; and make, not: 
 only the little valleys of a fingle kingdom, bat the immenfity 
 of creation laugh, andfing? Zech. ix. 17.
 
 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 his exuberant kindnefs, and impart felicity in all it3 
 forms. Ten thoufand worlds, flocked with ten thou- 
 fand times ten thoufand ranks of fenfitive and intelli- 
 gent exiftence, are ib many fpacious gardens, which, 
 with rivers* of communicated joy, this ever-flowing 
 fountain waters continually. 
 
 Boundlefs *, and (which raifes our idea of this di- 
 vine principle to the very higheit degree of perfec- 
 tion) difinterefted * munificence ! How inexpreffibly 
 amiable is the bleflcd GOD, confidered in this charm- 
 ing light ! Is it poffible to conceive any excellence 
 fo adorable and lovely, as infinite benevolence, guided 
 by unerring vvifdom, and exerting almighty power, 
 on purpofe to make a whole univerie happy I O my 
 foul, what an irrefiflible attractive is here ! What a 
 moil worthy object, for thy moft fervent affection ! 
 Shall now every glittering toy become a rival to this 
 tranfcendently-beneficent Being, and rob him of thy 
 heart ? No. Let his all-creating arm teach thee to 
 truft in the fulnefs of his fufficiency: lethisall-fuper- 
 intending eye incline thee to acquiefce in the difpenfa- 
 tions of his Providence : and let his bounty, fo free- 
 ly vouchfafed, fo- amply diffufed, induce thee to love 
 him, with all the ardor of a grateful and admiring 
 foul ; induce thee toferve him, not with a joylefs awe, 
 or (lavifh dread, but with unfeigned alacrity, and a 
 delightful complacency. 
 
 If the goodnefs of Got> is fo admirably feen in the 
 works of nature, and the favours of Providence ; 
 with what a noble fuperiority does it even triumph in 
 the myjlery of 'redemption \ ! Redemption is the bright- 
 eft 
 
 * * In this Penfe, there is none good, but One, that is GOD. 
 . None univerfally and eflentially good: none, whofe goodnefs 
 extends itfelf, in an infinite variety of bleflings, to every ca- 
 pable object ; or, who always difpenfes his favours, from the 
 file principle of free and difintereRed benevolence. 
 
 j- In this, and in other parts of the Contemplations, the read- 
 er will obfei-ve, that the attributes of the DEITY are repre- 
 
 fented
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 377 
 
 fc& mirror, in which to contemplate this mofl lovely 
 attribute of the Deity. Other gifts are only as mites 
 from the divine treafury ; but redemption opens, I had 
 ahnoft laid exhaufts, all the Jtores of indulgence and 
 grace. Herein u GOD commendeth his love * :" not 
 only manifefts, but fets it off, as it were, with every 
 bright and grand embellifhment : manifefts it in ib 
 ftupendous a manner, that it is beyond parallel ; be- 
 yond thought ; " above all bleiling and praife."- 
 Was he not thy Son, everlafting GOD, thy only Son; 
 the Son of thy bofom from eternal ages ; the higheft 
 object of thy complacential delight ! Was not thy love 
 to this adorable Son, incomparably greater than the 
 tendereit affection of any^ or the united affections of 
 fill, mortal parents \ Was not the bleffed JESUS more 
 illuftrious in excellency than all angels ; more exalt- 
 ed in dignity than all heavens ! Yet didft thou refign 
 HIM for poor mortals ; for vile tinners ! Couldft thou 
 fee him defcend from his royal throne ; and take up his 
 abode in the fordid ft able f fee him forego the homage of 
 the feraphim ; and (land expofed to the reproachful in- 
 dignities of an infolent rabble ? fee him arraigned at the 
 bar, and ientenced to death j numbered with male- 
 
 factors, 
 
 Tented as faming with mo^e diftinguimed luftre in the wonders 
 of redemption^ than in the works of creation. If ' fuch remarks 
 (hould feem to be unprecedented, or to (land in need of a vin- 
 dication; permit me to 1'ubjoin the fentiments of a great critic 
 equally verfcd in bzth thofe fublime theories. u In a perfect 
 " orator," he fays, u Tully requires fome fkill in the nature 
 44 of heavenly bodies; becaufe his mind will become more ex- 
 tenfive and unconfined ; and, when he defcends to treat of 
 human affairs, he will both think and write in a moreexalt- 
 ted and magnificent manner. For the fame reafon, that 
 excellent matter would have recommended theftudy of thofe 
 great and glorious mylleries, which revelation has difcover- 
 ' ed to us; to -which the nobhji parts of this Jyftcm of the 
 * -world an as much Inferior, as the creature is Icfs excellent 
 than the Creator. SpfcJ. vol. VIII. N 6^3, 
 
 * Rom. v. 8. 
 VOL, I. . . B
 
 373 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 faftors, and nailed to the gibbet ; bathed in his own 
 innocent blood, and pouring out his foul in agonies of 
 forrow r Gould the Father, the Father himjelf, with 
 unknown philanthropy *, fay ? " It fliall, it (hall, be 
 44 fo ! My pity to rebellious man pleads, and prevails. 
 u Awake, therefore, O fword jr, edged* with divine 
 cc wrath ; awake ; and be meathed- in that immaculate 
 M bread ; pierce that dearly-beloved heart. I arn con- 
 " tent, that my Son endure the fiiarpnefs of death, 
 " rather than finful mortals pcrifh forever." Incom- 
 prehenfible love ! May it henceforward be the favou- 
 rite fubje^t of my meditation; more delightful to my 
 muling mind, than applaufe to the ambitious ear ! May 
 it be the darling theme of my difcourfe ; fweeter to 
 my tongue, than the droppings of the honey-comb to 
 my tafle ! May it be my choicefl comfort^ through all 
 the changes of life ; and my reviving cordial^ even 
 in the laft extremities of diffolution itfel-f ! 
 
 A prophet contemplating, with a diftant furvey, this 
 unexampled inftance of almighty love, is wrapt into a 
 tremjport of devotion. At a lofs for proper acknow- 
 ledgments, he calls upon the whole univerfe to aid 
 his labouring breaft, and fupply his lack of praife. 
 Sing melodioufly^ ye vaulted heavens ; exult \ and even 
 leap for gladncjs, thou cumberous earth; ye mountains , 
 break your long filence, and bur ft into peals ofloudeft ac- 
 clamation J; for //E<f.LoRD, by this precious gift, and 
 
 this. 
 
 * PhiiA7tlL'tc/J>y, that is, loving-kindnefs to man. 
 
 j- Zcch. xiii. 7. 
 
 If. xlix. 13. I have net adhered to our common tranf- 
 lation, but endeavoured to prefcrve, foroewhat more faithful- 
 ly, the noble pathos, and inimitable energy, of the facred origi- 
 nal. The love of GOD naanifefted in a divine and dying Savi- 
 our, is a bldiing of iueh inconceivable richnefs, as muft render 
 all acknowledgments j^^jf, and all encomiums languid. Yet,. 
 I think, the in oft- poetical and moil emphatieal celebration of 
 that unfpeakable iuftance of goodnefs, is contained in this 
 
 rapturous
 
 en the STARRY HEAVENS. 379 
 
 this great falvation, hath comforted his people. A/z- 
 cred hijhrian hath left it upon record, that, at the firft 
 ^exhibition of this ravifliing fcenc, there was with the 
 angel who brought the bleffed tidings, a multit-ud*? of 
 the heavenly hod, praifingGoD, and making the con- 
 cave of the fkies refound with their Hallelujahs. At the 
 dawn, of the Sun of Righteoufnefs, when he was be- 
 ginning to rife with healing in his wings, the morning- 
 ftars fang together, and all \\\efons of GO D ftiotited 
 for joy. And (hall man, whom this gracious difpen- 
 iation principally refpeclts ; (hall man, who is the cen- 
 tre of all tlrcie gladdening rays ; (hall he have no 
 heart to adore, no anthem to celebrate, this 
 
 Love "without end, and without meafure grace f 
 
 MILT. 
 
 How pure is the ftate of the iky, and how clear its 
 afpeft { Clearer than the limpid ftream ; purer than 
 the tranfparent cryftal ; and more curioufly fine than 
 the polifhed mirror. That /lately ceiling, fretted with 
 gold, and ftretched to an extent of many millions of 
 leagues, is not disfigured with a fingle flaw. That aztire 
 canofty, embroidered with flars, and fpacious enough 
 to form a covering for unnumbered worlds, is with- 
 out tlae leaft fpot or wrinkle. Yet this, even this, 
 will fcarce yield us fo much as a faint reprefentation 
 of the divine purity. GOD is a GOD of matchlefs 
 and tranfcendent excellency. His ways are upright - 
 nefs itfelf. His oounfels and words are the very fanc- 
 tity of wifdorn and of truth. The laws which he has 
 given to univerfal nature, are exquifiteiy contrived, 
 and beyond ail pollibility of improvement. The pre- 
 cepts which he has appointed for the human race, are 
 
 a com- 
 
 rapturoui exclamation of the prophet. Which intimates, 
 with a wonderful majedy of fentimcnt, that even the whole 
 compafs of the inanimate creation^ could it be ieniible of the 
 benefit, and capable of delight, would cxprefs its gratitude, in 
 iUJ. tbefe demonftrations of the moll lively and exuberant joy.
 
 380 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 a complete fummary of all that is honourable in itfelf, 
 and perfective of the rational mind. Not the leaft 
 over/ighty in planning a feries of events for all futuri- 
 ty. Not the Icaft mal-adminiftration, in managing 
 the affairs of every age, fince time began ; and of e- 
 very nation under the whole heavens. Pardon thefc 
 d^fparaging expreffions. A negative perfection is far, 
 far beneath thy dignity, thou Mofl Highcft *. In all 
 thefe inflances ; in all thy ads, and all thy attributes ; 
 thou art not only holy, but " glorious in holincfs." 
 
 So inconceivably holy is the LORD GOD of hofts, 
 that he fees defilement even in the brightnefs of the fir- 
 mament. The living fapphire of the heavens, before 
 
 his 
 
 * thou Mofl High eft. This expreflion occurs more than 
 once in the pfalnis uled by the eftablifhed church. It is, I think, 
 one of thof e beauties, which, becaufe often exhibited, general- 
 ly efcape our notice. It is afuper/ative formed on a fuperlative; 
 and, though not ftrictly conformable to grammatical rules, is 
 nobly fuperior to them all. The language feems to be fenfible 
 of its own deficiency, when the incomprehenfible JEHOVAH 
 is addreiled, or celebrated. Oppreiled, a* it were, with the 
 glories of the fubject, it labours after a more emphatical man- 
 ner of diction, than the ordinary forms of fpeech afford. It 
 is, if I rightly judge, one of thole daring and happy peculiari- 
 ties of a matterly genius, which Mr POPE To finely defcribes 
 and,' while he describes, exemplifies : 
 
 Great wits fometimes may glorioufly offend, 
 And rife to faults true critics dare nift mend; 
 From vulgar bounds with brave diforder part, 
 And fnatch a grace beyond the reach of art. 
 
 Effay on Criticifm* 
 
 St Prfw/'s <x" x r<ro7fpffr *y? a r v *yiw\i a beautiful paflage of the 
 like nature. Which our tranflators have very properly render- 
 ed, A-/JT than the lea/i of all faints. His *O*.KU ^\M *.finr<r< is ano- 
 ther inQance of the lame kind. But here the EngliJJy verlion, 
 fails, far better is extremely flaccid, compared with the ner- 
 vous original. And I greatly queftion, whether it is pollible 
 to tranflate the lentence, with equal concifenefs, and \vi:i'. 
 equal fpirit. See Eph. iii. 8. Phi!. \. 23.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 381 
 
 his majefty, Jofes its luftre. Tea, the flars (though 
 the moft pure and resplendent part of the heavens) 
 fire not pure in his fi^ht. How much lefs man, 'who, in 
 his fallen and depraved (late, is but as a -worm, that 
 crawls in the corrupted carcafe ; and the Jon of man, 
 iuho, by reafon of his manifold aftual impurities, is 
 too juftly compared to an infetf, that wallows amidft 
 flench and putrefaction* I Is there not then abun- 
 dant caufe, for the nioft irreproachable and eminent 
 of mankind, to renounce all arrogant pretenfionf , o 
 lay allde every aiTuming air ; to take nothing .at 
 Jhame and confufion to themfelves ? A holy product, 
 and a holy prince, felt iuch humbling imprellious, 
 from a glimpfe of the uncreated purity. / abhor my- 
 j elf in dufl and aflies f, was the declaration of the 
 
 one ; 
 
 * Job xxv. 5, 6. I fnbmit it to the judgment of the learn- 
 ed, whether this is not the true meaning of the text. It may 
 not perhaps recommend irielf to the fqueamifoly-nice critic; 
 or to thole perfons who dream of, I know not what, dignity 
 in our fallen nature. But it feems, in preference to every other 
 interpretation, fuitablc to the facred context ; and is far, far 
 from being injurious to the character of that apoftate race, 
 which is " altogether become abominable," and " is asanun- 
 4i clean thing." On this fuppoiirion, there is not only an ap- 
 parent, but a very linking contract, between the purity of 
 GOB, and the pollution of man : the purity of the moft high 
 GOD, which outfliiaes the moon, and eclipfes the (tars ; the 
 pollution of degenerate man, which, exclulive of a Saviour, 
 would render him as loathfome to the all-feeing eye, as the 
 vilett vermin are in ours. Without ailigning this lenfe to the 
 paflage, I cannot difcern the force of the antiihefis, nor indeed 
 the propriety of the fentiment. Worms, in the general, give 
 us an idea of mcannefs and infirmity ; not of defilement and 
 impurity : unlefs they are infects, hatched amidft putrefaction, 
 rind contidered in fuch noilbrne circuinfhnces. The two words 
 of the original, nm and nyVw are evidently ufed in this fig- 
 nification, by Mofes and Ifaiah : by the former, to denote the 
 vermin which devoured the putrifie<!?msi$Tia ; by the latter, to 
 exprefs the reptiles which fwarmin the body that fees cirrupthn. 
 xvi. 20. If. xiv. ii. 
 
 -j- Job xlii, 6,
 
 38* CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 -one ; / am a man of unclean lips *, the confeffion of 
 the other. Should not this teach us all to adore the 
 divine mercies, for that precious purifying fount ain^^ 
 which was foretold from the foundation of the 
 world, but was opened at that awful juncture, when 
 knotty whips tore the flefh ; when ragged thorns 
 mangled the temples ; when fharpened nails cut frefh 
 flukes for the cimfon current ; when the ga(h of the 
 ipcar compleated the dreadful work, zi\d. forthwith flow- 
 ed there, from the wounded heart, blood and -water f 
 Efpecially, fince GOD himfelf faw no blemifh in his 
 dear Son. He laoketh to the moon^ and it fliinethnot : 
 yet his all-penetrating and jealous eye diicerned no- 
 thing amifs, nothing defective, in our glorious Redeem- 
 er. Nothing amifs ! He bore this molt illuflrious tefti- 
 mony concerning his holy child JES u s : "In him I am 
 " pleafed; I am well pleafed ; I acquiefce, with entire 
 " complacency, and with the higheft delight, in his 
 " perfon ; his undertaking ; and the whole execution 
 ** of his office." -How mould this thought enliven our 
 hopes, while the other mortifies our pride ? Should 
 not our hearts fpring within us, and even leap for 
 joy, at the repeated aflurance givxm us by revelation, 
 that fuch a divinely^excellent perfon is our Mediator? 
 What apparent reafon has every believer to adopt the 
 blefTed virgin's exclamation ! " My foul doth magnify 
 *' the LORD for his tranfcendent mercy ; and my 
 '** fpirit rejoices, not in wide-extended harvefts, wa- 
 *' ving over my fertile glebe J, not in armies vanquifh- 
 <c ed, and leaving the peculiar treafure of nations } 
 
 " for 
 
 * If. vi. 5. 
 
 f . In that day tbfrf foall be a fountain opened to the houfe of 
 David, and to the inhabitants o/Jerufalem,/or/W unclcan- 
 nefs. Zech. xiii. i. 
 
 ^ ^ The in t pi red penman, from thefe two occafions of dif- 
 tinguifhed joy, fets forth the incomparably greater delight^ 
 which ariies from the gift of a Saviour, and the bleffingof re- 
 de::jp|;ion. If. ix. ver. 3. compared with ver. 6.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS-. 
 
 a for my fpoil ; but in an infinitely richer, nobler blef- 
 *' (ing, even in GOD my Saviour." That a perfon fa 
 fublime and perfect, has vouchfafed to become my 
 Surety; to give himfelf for my Ranfom, in the world 
 below ; and acl as my Advocate^ in the royal prefence 
 above ; yea, to make my recovery the reward of his- 
 fufferings ; my final felicity, the honour of his medi- 
 atorial kingdom ! 
 
 WHEN an innumerable multitude * of bodies, ma- 
 ny of them more than a hundred thoufand miles in dia- 
 meter f , are all fet in motion ; when the orbits, in 
 which they perform their periodical revolutions, are 
 extended at the rate of feveral hundreds of millions ; 
 when each has a diftintt and feparate fphere for fi- 
 niQiing his vail circuit ; when no one knows what it 
 is to be cramped ; but each mod freely expatiates in 
 his unbounded career ; when every one is placed at 
 iiich an immenfe remove from each other, that they ap- 
 pear to their refpective inhabitants, only as fo many 
 fpots of light ; how aftonifhing muft be the expanfe, 
 which yields room for all thofe mighty globes, and 
 their widely-diffnfed operations ! To what prodigious 
 lengths did the almighty Builder ftretch his line, when 
 he marked out the ftupcndous platform ? I wonder at 
 fuch an immeafurable extent. My very thoughts are 
 loft in this abyfs of fpaces. But be it known to mor- 
 tals, be it nev er forgot by finners, that, in all its moft 
 furprifing amplitude, it \sjmat I ^ it iifcanty, compared 
 with the bounty and the mercy of its Maker. 
 
 His 
 
 * This refers not only to the planets which pafs and repafs 
 about our fun, but alfo to the other planetary worlds, hicb 
 are fuppofed to attend the feveral fixed (tars. 
 
 j- The diameter of Jupiter is calculated at 130,650 miles, 
 while its orbit is reckoned to confjlt of 895,134,000. Which 
 computation, according to the maxims of aftronomy, and the 
 laws of proportion, may, as is taken for granted in the Con- 
 templations, be applied to other planets revolving round other 
 funs*
 
 384 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 . His bounty is abfolutely without limits *, and without 
 end. The moll Javilh genero{]ty cannot exhauft, or 
 even diminifh, his munificence. O ! all ye tribes of 
 men, or rather, all ye clafTes of intelligent creatures, 
 ye are not ftraitened in the liberality of your ever- 
 blefTed Creator; be not ftraitened in your own expec- 
 tations. tc Open your mouth wide, and he (hall fill 
 u it," with copious and continual draughts from the 
 eup of joy. Your GOD, on whom is your whole de- 
 pendence, is more than able, is more than willing, to 
 44 fupply all your need, according to his riches in glo- 
 " ry." When the LORD JEH OVA H is the giver, and 
 his grace ~\ the gift ; let your wifhes be unbounded, 
 and your cravings uniatiable. All that created beings 
 can poflibly covet, is but a very fmall pittance of that 
 unknown happinels, which the everlafling Benefactor 
 is ready tobe/iow. Suppofe every charitable dilpofition 
 which warms the hearts of the huirian race, added to 
 thofe more enlarged affections which glow in heavenly 
 bofoms ; what were they all, even in their higheft exer- 
 cife, compared with the benignity of the divine nature ? 
 Blefs 7;;?theu, thou eternal Source of love j blefs all 
 
 that 
 
 * By bounty, I mean, not the actual exercife, or the fenli- 
 ble effects, of this excellency in the Deity. Thefe are, and 
 always muflbe, through the immenfe perfection of theattribute, 
 and the necefl'ary fcantinels of the recipient, bounded. But I 
 \vould be underltood, as fpeaking of the divine power, and the 
 divine will, to exert ciivine beneficence. Theie can have no 
 real, no imaginable liinirs. Theie, after a profuilon of blef- 
 lings, diftributed to unnumbered worlds, continued through 
 unnumbered ages, mu{t///7/have more tobeflow ; for ever have 
 more to beitow ; Infinitely more co beilow, than it is poflible 
 for c:. iticn irfelf to receive. 
 
 j- 2 Cor. ix. 8. God is able to msks all grace abound to- 
 wards you, that ys, having all fufliciency in all tilings, may a- 
 bound to every good -work. How beautiful and emphatical is 
 this defcription ! inferior to nothing, but that extent of ability, 
 and thofe riches of liberality, which it fo eloquently celebrates. 
 Does it not cxk(iuft all the powers of language, while it at- 
 tempts to give us a fpecirr.cn of the munificence of the LORD ?
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 
 
 that reverence thy holy name ; according to thy own 
 moft profufe goodnefs j whofe great prerogative it is 
 to difdain all meafure. O ! blefs us, in proportion 
 to that grace ; the richnefs of which (unutterable by 
 the tongues of men, and of angels) was onccfpoken 
 in the groans, and -written in the wounds, of thy ex- 
 piring Son ! 
 
 Spacious indeed are thefe heavens 1 Where do they 
 begin ? Where do they end ? .What is their extent ? 
 Can angels anfwer my queftion ? Have angels travelled 
 the vaft circuit ? can angels meafure the bounds of fpace ? 
 No ; *tis boundlefs, 'tis unknown, 'tis amazing all. 
 How charming then to reflect, that the mercy of GOD 
 is u greater than the heavens ;" is more extenfive 
 than the dimenfions of the fky. Tranfporting reflec- 
 tion ! Let me indulge thee once more *. Let me think 
 over the delightful difplays of this lovely attribute ; 
 and, while I admire the trophies of forgiving goodnefs, 
 add one to the number. With what amiable and aftec- 
 tingcolours is this reprefented in the parable of the pro - 
 digal ! What could induce that foolifh youth to forfake 
 his father's houfe ? Had he not been tenderly cherifhed 
 by the good parent, and loaded with benefits from his 
 indulgent hand ? Were not the reftraints of parental go- 
 vernment an eafy yoke ? or rather, a prefervative from, 
 ruin ? Notwithstanding every endearing obligation, he 
 revolts from his duty ; and launches into fuch fcanda- 
 
 lous 
 
 * Once more refers to page 142, of Reflections on a F/owtr- 
 Garden. The following pages, to the 39Oth, exhibit a digref- 
 Jive view of the divine mercy. I thought it proper to apprife 
 my reader of this excurfion ; though, I hope, it will be need- 
 lets to offer an apology for enlarging upon a theme incompa- 
 rably joyous. Who can complain of tcdioufnrfs, while I fpeak 
 conlblation to dittreffed, and recovery to ruined creatures ? 
 The divine mercy is the fole fountain of all our prefent and 
 future blefllngs. In conformity to this benign attribute, human 
 hopes arife, and human felicity flows. Who, therefore, can be 
 weary ofvie-wittgand reviciu'i ng, when the lengthsand breadths 
 of forgiving grace are the ravilhing profpeft ? 
 
 Vx.. I. N 5 . 3 C
 
 386 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 lous irregularities as were di (honourable to his family, 
 and deflru&ive to himfelf. When neceility, not choice, 
 but ftiarp neceffity drove him to a iubmiffive return ; 
 does the injured father (land aloof, or fhut his doors ? 
 QuitC'thC reverie. He efpies him, while he is yet a 
 great way off; and, the moment he beholds the profii- 
 gate youth, he has compajjiononhim. His bowels yearn ; 
 they " found like an harp," touched with notes divine- 
 ly toft. He never once thinks of his ungracious depar- 
 ture, and infamous debaucheries. Pity, parental pity, 
 palles an ael of oblivion ; and, in one inftant, cancel! 
 a feries of long-continuedprovocations.- Softrongare 
 the workings of fatherly affeclion, that he is almoft im- 
 patient to embrace the naked and deilitute wretch. 
 The fon's pace is flow,- He aroje and came ; the father's 
 is fwift, He iprung forth (aged as he was) and ran* 
 And is there a fingle frown in his brow, or one tip-* 
 braiding word on his tongue ? Inftead of loathing 
 the fordid creature, or reproaching him for his odious 
 excefles ; lie falls on bis neck, chips him in his arms, 
 and hugs him to his boioni. Inftead of difowning the 
 riotoits fpendthrift, or rejecting him for his unduti- 
 ful behaviour ; he receives and welcomes him with kif* 
 
 Jes of delight. He rejoices at his return from extrava- 
 gance and vice, as he formerly rejoiced on the day of 
 his nativity. When this companion of harlots opens 
 his n^outh, before he J peaks, i he father hears . He in* 
 terrupts him, in the midft of his intended fpeech. The 
 overflowings of his compaflionate heart can brook no 
 delay. He feems to be uneajy himfelf, till he has made 
 the afflicted penitent glad, with the affurance of his ac- 
 ceptance, and the choiceft of his favours. While the 
 poor abafhed offender feeks nothing more than not to 
 be abhorred, he is thoroughly reconciled, and honour- 
 ed before the whole fafnily. While he requefts no 
 other indulgence, than only to be treated as the mean- 
 eft fervant; he is clothed with the be ft robe; he is 
 
 ' feaited with the faffed calf; he is carefTed as the dear- 
 eft '
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 387 
 
 eft of children. Was there ever fo bright and win- 
 ding a pi&ure .of the tendered mercy, moft freely 
 vouchfafed, even to the moft unworthy of creatures? 
 Yet thus, my ibnl ; and thus, my fellow-finner ; will 
 the LORD G'OD of everlafting companions receive 
 us, if, fenfible of our mifery, and thirfticg .for faiva-. 
 tion, we turn to him through JES us CH RIST. 
 
 ' fFhcre fin has abounded, fays the proclamation 
 from the court of heaven, ^ra'ce doihmucfi wore abound* 
 Manajfeh was a monfter of barbarity ; for he caufeol 
 his own children to pals through the fire, and filled 
 J'erufalem with i n nocent blood . M&naffeh was an adept 
 in iniquity ; for he not only multiplied, and to an ex- 
 travagant degree, his own facrilegious impieties ; but 
 he poifoned the principles, -and perverted the manners 
 of his fubie.cls- 'nuking them to do luorje than the moft 
 deteftable of the Heathen idolaters *. Yet, through 
 this fuperabundant grace, he is humbled ; he is reform- 
 ed ; and becomes a child of forgiving love, an hek- 
 x)f immortal glory. Behold that bitter andbloodyper T 
 fecutor Saul; when, breathing out threatening? f, and 
 
 bent 
 
 * See 2 Chran. xxxiii. 
 
 j- Atts ix. i. r a vxof f?. f,c4*vfv ixf x< ?>ovf, Saul yet breath- 
 ing out threatening and jl aught er. What a representation is 
 liere of a mind, mad with rage, and abandoned to the fiercef-t 
 extremes of barbarity ! 1 fcarce know, whether I am more 
 JJjocked at the perfecutor's fa v age drfpolition, or. -charmed with 
 the evangelift a s Hvely defer iption. The adverb ?< feems refer- 
 able to chap. viii. ver^ 3 and has, in this connection, a pecu- 
 liar force. The hivock he had committed, the inoffenfive fa- 
 milies he had already ruined, were not fufficient to afluagehis 
 vengeful fpirit. They were only a ta/te ; which, inftead of glut- 
 ting the blood-hound, made him more clofely purfue the track, 
 and more eagerly pant for deftruftion.--He \sfilll athirit for 
 violence and murder. So eager and infatiable is his third, that 
 he even breathes out threatening and (laughter. His words are 
 fpears and arrows, and his tongue a fliarp fword. 'Tis asna- 
 .tural for him to menace the Christians, as to breathe the air. 
 *-Nay, they bleed every hour, every moment, in thepurpolcs 
 ^3'
 
 388 C O N T E M P L A T I O N S 
 
 bent upon (laughter, he worried the lambs, and put 
 to death the difciples of JESUS. Who, upon the 
 principles of human judgment, would not have pro- 
 nounced him a vefTel of wrath, deftined to unavoidable 
 damnation ? nay, would not have been ready to con- 
 clude, that, if there were heavier chains, and a deep- 
 er dungeon, in the world of wo ; they muft furely be 
 referved for fuch an implacable enemy of true godli- 
 nefs ? Yet (admire and adore the inexhauftable trea- 
 fures of grace !) this Saul is admitted into the goodly 
 fellowfhip of the prophets ; is numbered with the no- 
 ble army of martyrs ; and makes a diftinguifhed figure 
 among the glorious company of the apoftles. The 
 Corinthians were flagitious even to a proverb. Some 
 of them wallowed in fuch abominable vices, and ha- 
 bituated themfelves to fuch outrageous adls of injufl- 
 ice, as were a reproach to human nature. Yet even 
 thefe fons of violence, and flaves of fenfuality, " were 
 " wafhed ; were fanftified ; were juftified * :" wafted 
 in the precious blood of a dying Redeemer \fanttified 
 by the powerful operations of the bleffed Spirit ; jufli- 
 fied thro* the infinitely-tender mercies of a gracious 
 GOD. Thofe who were once the burden of the earth, 
 are now the joy of heaven, and the delight of angels. 
 There is another inftance in fcripture, which mofl 
 loudly publifhes that fweetcft of the divine names, %he 
 LORD, the LORD GOD, merciful and gracious, long- 
 fuffering, and abundant in goodnefs and truth; keeping 
 mercy for thoufands, forgiving iniquity, tranfgreffion,and 
 Jin j-. An inftance this, which exceeds all the former ; 
 which exceeds whatever can be imagined ; which if I 
 was to forget, the very (tones might cry out, and found 
 it in my ears. I mean the cafe of thofe finners who 
 
 murdered 
 
 of his rancorous heart. It is only owing to want of power, 
 that every fyllable be utters, every breath he draws, does not 
 dtal about deaths, and caufe fome of the innocent difciples 
 to fall. 
 
 * i Cor. vi. 9, 10, n. -j- Exod. xxxiv. 6, 7,
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 389 
 
 murdered the Prince of Peace, and Lo R D of glory. 
 Thefe men could fcarce have the fhadow of an excufe 
 for their crime ; hardly a circumftance to extenuate 
 their guilt. They were well acquainted with his ex- 
 emplary convcrfation ; they had often heard his hea- 
 venly doctrines ; they were almoft daily fpectators of 
 his unequalled miracles. They therefore had all pofli- 
 ble reafon to honour him, as the moft illuftrious of 
 beings ; and to receive his gofpel, as the mod ineflima- 
 ble of bleflings. Yet, notwithftanding all thefe enga- 
 ging motives to love him, even above their own lives, 
 they feize his perfon ; aiperfe his character ; drag him 
 before a Heathen tribunal ; and extort a ientence of 
 death againft innocence and holinefs itfelf. Never was 
 the vileftflave fo contumelioufly abufed ; nor the moffc 
 execrable malef attar fo barbaroufly executed. The fun 
 was confounded at the mocking fcene ; and one can- 
 not but wonder, how the avenging lightnings could 
 with-hold their flames . The earth trembled at the horrid 
 deed ; and why, why did it not cleave afunder, and 
 open a paifage, for fuch blood-thirfty mifcreants, into 
 the nethermoft hell ? Shall theje ever hope to obtain for- 
 givenefs from the righteous Judge ? Shall not thefe be 
 configned over to inexorable wrath, and the fevereft 
 torments ? O the miraculous effects of divine grace ! 
 O the triumphant goodnefsof GOD our Saviour ! Many, 
 even of thefe impious 'wretches, at the defcent of the 
 Holy Ghoft, were convinced of their miferable ftate ; 
 were wounded with penitential remorfe : fled to the 
 ianctuary of the crofs ; had their pardon ratified by the 
 baptifmal leal ; and, continuing in the apoflles doctrine, 
 were made partakers pf the kingdom of heaven : where 
 they now fhine, as fo many everlatting monuments of 
 moft diltinguiftied mercy ; and receive beatitude paft 
 Utterance, from that very Redeemer, whom once 
 * c with wicked hands they crucified and (lew/* 
 
 Well might the prophet cry out, with a pleafing a- 
 4Hazement, " Who is a GOD like unto thec, that par- 
 
 " doneth
 
 390 C Q N T E M P L A T I O N S 
 
 * c doneth iniquity, and pafTeth by tranfgrelfion * !"-- 
 Let all ftefh know afTuredly ; let all fleih rejoice great- 
 ly ; that with the LOR D there is fuch 'mercy , and with 
 his CHRIST Juch plentiful redemption, And O ! for 
 the voice of an archangel, to circulate the glad tidings 
 thro* the univerfe; that the American favage, as well 
 as the European-fygc, may learn the exceeding riches 
 of grace in CHRIST : thro* whole infinitely -great 
 propitiation, all manner of fin, barbarity, and blaf- 
 phemy are freely forgiven unto men., 
 
 WHAT a grand and majeftic domei&hefcyl Where 
 are the pillars which iupport the ftately concave I 
 What art, moft exactly true, balanced the preiTure ? 
 What props of iniuperable fire ng.th,fu Main the weight I 
 How is that immeaiurable arch upheld, unmaken and 
 unimpaired; while fo many generations of bufy mor- 
 tals have/# and difappeared, as bubbles upon the 
 ilream? If thofe ftars are of fuch an amazing bulk, 
 liow are they alfo Jaftened in their lofty iituation ? 
 By what miracle in mechanics, are fo many thousands 
 of ponderous orbs kept from falling upon our heads ; 
 kept from dafliing, both the world to pieces, and its 
 inhabitants to death ? Are they hung in golden or ad- 
 amantine chains ? Reft they their enormous load OH 
 rocks of marble, or columns' of brafs ? No ; they are 
 pendulous in fluid aether ; yet are more immoveably 
 Jixed, than if the everlailing mountains lent their fo*- 
 refts for an axle-tree, or their ridges for a bafis. The 
 Almighty Architect Jlretches out the north, and its 
 whole ( tarry train, over the empty place. He hangs 
 .the earth, and all the ethereal globes, upon nothing \. 
 Yet are their foundations laid fo fure, that they can 
 " never be moved at any time." 
 
 No unfit reprefentation, to \\~\sjincere Chriftian, of 
 iiis final perfeverance J; fuch as points out the caufe 
 
 which 
 * Mic. vii. 18. -j- Job xxvi. 7. 
 
 j: With regard t o the final perseverance of the true believer, 
 
 I am
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 391 
 
 Which effects it, and constitutes the pledge which 
 afcertains it. His nature is all enfeebled. He is not 
 
 I am fenfible, this point is not a little controverted. The 
 .fentiments, which follow, are my ftedfaft belief. It is by no 
 means proper, in a work of this nature, to enter upon a dif- 
 cuffion of the fubjecl: j Neither have I room, fo much as to 
 hint, what might be urged for its fupport. Let my reader 
 obferve, that I am far from delivering it, as eflential to Chri- 
 itianity, or neceflfary to falvation. Millions, of the very con- 
 trary conviction, are, I doubt not, high in the favour of GOD, 
 and in a growing meetnefs for his heavenly kingdom. As I 
 blame none for resetting *, none, I hope, will be offended with 
 me for efpQu/ing, this particular doclrine. To be of different 
 opinions, at leaft in fome inferior inftances, feems an una- 
 voidable conieqnence of our prefent ftate ; where ignorance, 
 in part, cleaves to the wifeit minds; and prejudice eafily be- 
 fets the molt impartial judgments. This may turn to our com- 
 mon advantage ; and afford room for the difplay and exercife 
 of thole healing virtues, moderation, meeknefs, and forbear- 
 ance.-^-Let me only be permitted to afk, whether this tenet 
 does not evidently tend to eflabjilh the comfort of the Chrifti- 
 an, and to magnify the fidelity of Gou our Saviour ? whe- 
 ther, far from countenancing (loth, or encouraging remiffnefs, 
 to kno-w that our labour mail not be in vain, is not the moil 
 prevailing inducement to abound in the work of the LORD! 
 I Cor. j;v. 58. 
 
 Is any one inclined to examine the reafons which made the 
 author a profelyte to this perfualion ? He may find them dif- 
 played in the memorial, delivered by ieveral feleft and eminent 
 divines of the church of England, at the renowned Synod of" 
 Dordt. (See Afla Synod. Dordrech. par. II. pag. 246. of 
 the Latin edition, publilhed in a fingle quarto volume.) Thofe 
 who have no opportunity of confulting the memoirs of that 
 venerable aflembly, I would refer to the works of the indefa- 
 tigable and very learned Turrcttine, or to thole of the candid 
 and elegant Witfius. Turret, torn. II. q. xvi. Witf. Oecon. 
 lib. III. chap. xiii. 
 
 The 
 
 * As the final perfeverance of the faints is as much the doc- 
 trine of the Bible, as juftification by the imputed righteoufnefs 
 of Chrift ; our author's charity here fecnis to be culpable ; and 
 certainly thole who impugn any do&riue ofChrilliauiiy, are wor- 
 thy of reproof.
 
 392 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 able, of himfelf, to think a good thought. He has 
 no vifible fafeguard, nor any fufficiency of his own. 
 And yet whole legions of formidable enemies are in a 
 confederacy to compafs his ruin. The world lays un- 
 numbered fnares for his feet : the devil is inceflantly 
 urging the fiege, by a multitude of fiery darts, or 
 wily temptations: theyfe//;, like a perfidious inmate, 
 under colour of friendihip, and a fpecious pretence of 
 plcafure, is always forward to betray his integrity. 
 Butj amidft all thefe threatening circumftances, of 
 perfonal weaknefs, and imminent danger, an inviilble 
 aid is his defence. / will uphold thee, fays the blefled 
 GOD, with the right hand of my righteouj'ncfs *. Com- 
 fortable truth ! The arm, which fixes the ftars in their 
 orders, and guides the planets in their courfe, isftretch- 
 ed out topreferve the heirs of falvation. Mj/y/^/>,adds 
 the great Redeemer, are mine ;andt hey fliall never perifti, 
 neither fhall any pluck them out of my hand j~. What 
 words are thefe ! and did they come from H I M, 
 who hath all power in heaven, and on earth ! And 
 
 were 
 
 The lateft and fulleft view of the point, which I ever re- 
 member to have met with, in any of our Englifo writers, is 
 in the Lime-Jlrect leftures. Which are a defence of feveral 
 moft important dodtrines of the gofpel, and contained in two 
 octavo volumes; the united labours of nine modern divines ; 
 inoft of whom are well known to the world by their other e- 
 vangelical and ufeful writings. In thofe ledures, the final per- 
 feverance of the faints is very particularly ftated, and, to my 
 apprehenllon at lead, mod fatisfaclorily proved. The argu- 
 ments, ui'ually urged againft it, are impartially confidered; and 
 I cannot but think (with all due deference to the judgment of 
 others) unanfwerably confuted. 
 
 And here (not to fwell this note any farther) I fiiall only 
 juft hint, that the judicious Hooker (an authority, perhaps, 
 as weighty and unexceptionable as any that can well be pro- 
 duced) gives afolemn atteftution to this tenet, in a fhort dif- 
 courfe on the perpetuity of faith, fubjoined to his Ecdfjiafti- 
 cal Polity* fol. edit. 
 
 * If. xli. xo. -f John x. 28.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 393 
 
 Were they fpoke to the weakeft of the flock, to every 
 jnfeigned follower of the great Shepherd ? Then, 
 Omnipotence itfelf mint be vanquijhed, before they 
 can be deftroyed, either by the feductions of fraud, or 
 the afTaults of violence. 
 
 If you alk therefore, what fecurity we have of en- 
 during to the end, and continuing faithful unto death ? 
 -The very fame that eftablilhes the heavens, and 
 fettles the ordinances of the univerfe. Can thefe be 
 thrown into confufion * ? Then may the true belie- 
 ver draw back unto perdition. Can the fun be dif- 
 lodged from his fphere, and rum lawlefsly thro* the 
 iky ? Then, and then only, can the faith of GOD'S 
 elect j- be finally overthrown. ^-Be of good courage 
 then, my foul; rely on thofe divine fuccours, which 
 are fo iblemnly ftipulated, Ib faithfully promiied. 
 Tho* thy grace be languid as the glimmering fpark ; 
 though the overflowings of corruption threaten it with 
 total extinction 5 yet, iince the great JEHOVAH has 
 undertaken to cherifli the dim principle, " many wa- 
 " ters cannot quench it, nor all floods drown it." 
 Nay, tho* it were feeble as the Jmoking flax }, good- 
 nefs and faithfulnefs itand engaged, to- augment the 
 
 heat ; 
 * Jer. xxxi. 35, 36. -f Tit. i. 2. 
 
 ^ The tendernefs and faithfulnefs of GOD to his people are 
 finely pictured by the prophet Ifaiah, chap. xlii. ver. 3. Which 
 palfage, becaufe of its rich conlblatiun, and uncommon beau- 
 ty, is defervediy adopted by bt Matthew, and ingrafted into the 
 lyitem of evangelical truths. He -witt net himielf break, nor 
 fufter to be broken by any other, the bruifed reed; nor quench 
 the fmoking flax. Was it poJHble to have chofen two more de- 
 licate, and expreflive reprefentations p-^Could any image be 
 more iignificant of a very infirm and enfeebled /d/V;, than the 
 fiexiie reed^ that bends before every wind? which, befules its 
 natural weaknefs, is made abundantly weaker by being brul- 
 fed, and fo is ready to fall in pieces of itfelf. Or could any 
 thing, with a more pathetical exadinefs, defcribe the extreme 
 imbecillity of that orher principle of the divine life, love? The 
 ihte of the^x, juft beginning to burn, is liable to be put out 
 
 Vo*. u I. N v 5. 3D by
 
 394 CONTEMPLATION S 
 
 heat ; to raife the fire, and feed the flame ; till it beanl 
 forth, a lamp of immortal glory, in the heavens. 
 
 As to ifrtefittokfiilitcft of a covenanting GOD, this 
 may be emblematically feen in the (lability of the hea- 
 venly bodies, and the perpetuity of their motions *. 
 - Thofe that are fixed or Jtationary, continue unalter- 
 able in their grand elevations. l\o injurious {hocks, 
 no violence of conflicting elements, are able to dif~ 
 place thofe everlafting hinges, on which dependent 
 worlds revolve. Through the whole flight of time, 
 they recede not, fo mucn as a hair's breadth, from 
 the precife central point of their reipeclive iyftems. 
 While thevrrrt//V, or planetary, perform their prodi- 
 gious ftages without any intermiilion, or the kali em- 
 baraifment. Ho\v loon, and how ealily, is the moft fi- 
 nifhcd piece o-f human machinery difconcerted ! But 
 all the celeftial movements are fo nicely adjufled, all 
 their operations fo critically proportioned, and their 
 mutual dependencies fo ftrongly connected, that they 
 prolong their beneficial courfes throughout all ages. 
 While mighty cities are overwhelmed in ruin, and 
 their very names loft in oblivion ; while v&Jt empires 
 are fwept from their foundations, and leave not fo 
 much as a fhadowy trace of their ancient magnifi- 
 cence ; while alt terreftrial things are fubjecl: to vicif- 
 fitude, and fluctuating in uncertainty : the/e are per- 
 manent in their duration ; the/e are invariable in their 
 funclions. " Not one faileth." Who doubts the 
 conftant fuccefiion of day and night, or the regular 
 
 returns 
 
 by the lead felafl : more liable dill is the wick of the lamp, 
 when it is not fo much as kin-Jled into a glimmering flame, 
 but only breathing fmoke, and uncertain whether it fhall take 
 tire or no. Yet true faith, and heavenly love, though fubfHt- 
 ing arnidft fuch pitiable infirmities, will not be abandoned by 
 their great Author ; ihall not be Cv;tinguifhed by any tempta- 
 tions; but be maintained, invigorated, and made finally tri- 
 umphant. Matth. xii. 20. 
 
 * Pfal. cxix. 89. 90*
 
 on die STARR Y H E AV E NS 395 
 
 returns of fummcr and winter ? And why, O ! why 
 Ihall we doubt the veracity of G o D , or diilruft the 
 ticcomptifliment of his holy word? Can the ordinances 
 of heaven depart ? Then only can GOD forget to be 
 gracious, or neglect the performance of his proinife. 
 Nay, our LORD gives us yet firmer ground of af- 
 fiance. He affords us a ilu'er bottom for our faith, 
 than \\\z fundamental .1 aius of the univerfe. Heaven 
 find earth^ he fays, /hall pajs away ; but my words Jhalt 
 not) in a ilngle inllance, or .in- one tittle o-f their im- 
 port, pajs away. No : his Tacred word, whatever 
 may obitruct it, whoever may oppofe it, ihall be ful- 
 filled to the very uttermoft. 
 
 O powerful word;' How aftonifhing is its efficacy ! 
 When this word was iffued forth, a thoufand worlds 
 emerged out of nothing. Should the mighty orders 
 be repeated, a thoufand more would fpring into exift- 
 ence. By this word, the vaft fyftem of created things 
 is upheld, in conftaitf and immutable perfection. 
 Should it ^ive command, or ceafe to exert its energy $ 
 the univerial frame would be difTolved, and all nature 
 2'evert to her original chaos. And this very word is 
 pledged forrthe fafety, the comfort, the bappinefs of 
 the godly. This inviolable, this almighty \vord, Jpea/cs 
 in all the promifes of the gofpel. How (trangely in- 
 fatuated are our fouls, that wefhould value it fo little.? 
 What infidels are we in fact, that we mould depend 
 upon it no more ? Qid it create whatever has a being ; 
 and Ihall it not iuork faith in our breads ? Do unnum- 
 bered worlds owe their fupport to this word ; and (hall 
 it not be fufficient to buoy up our fouls in troubles, 
 or eftabiifh them in trials ? Is it the life of the uni- 
 verfe, and fnall it be a dead letter to mankind ? 
 
 If 1 wifti to be heard, when I implore heavenly blef- 
 
 /ings ; is not this privilege moft clearly made over to 
 
 rny enjoyment, in that well-known text, u Afk, and 
 
 ^ it mall be given you* ?" If I long for the eternal 
 
 302 Comforter 
 
 ":itt. vii. 7.
 
 396 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 Comforter to dwell in my heart, andfandify my nature * 
 have I not an apparent title to this high prerogative, 
 conferred in that fvveet afTertive interrogation; " How 
 " much morefhall your heavenly Father give the Holy 
 ** Spirit to thole that afk him * ? If I earneftly covet 
 the ineftimabletreafures that are comprifed in the great 
 IMMANUEL'S mediation ; can I have a firmer claim to 
 the noble portion, than is granted in that moft precious 
 fcripture ; " Him that cometli to me, I will in no wife 
 " caft out -J- ?*' What aflurance of being interefted in 
 thefe unfpeakable mercies would 1 defire ? What/or;;? 
 of conveyance, what deed of fettlement, were it left to 
 my own option, fhould I chufe ? Here is the word of 
 a king ; the King immortal and invifible ; all whofe 
 declarations | are truth itfelf. -If a monarch beftows 
 immunities on a body of men, and confirm them by 
 an authentic charter j no one controverts, no one 
 queftiohs their right to the royal favours. And why 
 mould we fufpecT: the validity of thofe glorious grants, 
 which are made by the everlafting Sovereign of nature ; 
 which he has alfo ratified by an oath, andfealed with 
 the blood of his Son ? Corporations may be disfran- 
 cliifed, and charters revoked. Even mountains may 
 be removed, and ftars drop from their fpheres : But a 
 tenure founded on the divine promife, is unalienably 
 fecure, is lifting as eternity itfelf. 
 
 WE have endeavoured to fpell zfyllable of the eter^ 
 nal name in the ancient manufcript of the fky. We 
 have catched a glimpfe of the Almighty's glory, from 
 the luflre of innumerable ftars. But would we behold 
 all his excellencies pourtrayed in full perfection, and 
 drawn to the very life ; let us attentively confider the 
 RE D E EM E R .I obferve, there are fome parts of the 
 
 firmament, 
 
 * Luke xi. 13. 4- John vi. ry. 
 
 - If thefe fail, 
 
 The pillar'd firmament is rottennefs, 
 
 And earth's bafe built on ttubble. MILT. Comus*
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 397 
 
 iirmament, in which the ftars feem, as it were, to 
 clufter. They are fown thicker, they lye clofer, t an 
 ullial ; and (Irike the eye with redoubled fplendor. 
 Like the jewels on a crown, they mingle their beams, 
 and reflect an increafe of brilliancy on each other. 
 Is there not iuch an afFemblage, fuch a constellation 
 of the divine honours, moft amiably effulgent in the 
 bleffed JESUS? 
 
 Does not infinite wifdom "j~ fhine, with furpaffing 
 brightnefs, in CHRIST? To the msking of a world, 
 there was no obftacle ; but to the faving of man, 
 there feemed to be unfurmountable bars. If the rebel 
 is fufFered to eicape ; where is the inflexible juftice, 
 which denounces " death as the wages of fin ?" ff 
 the offender is thoroughly pardoned ; where is the 
 inviolable-veracity, which has folemnly declared, "The 
 " foul that finneth, (hall die?" Thefe awful attributes 
 are fet in terrible array ; and, like an impenetrable 
 battalion, oppofe the falvation of apoftate mankind. 
 Who can fuggeft a method to abfolve the traiterous 
 race, yet vindicate the honours of almighty Sove- 
 reignty ? This is an intricacy, which the moft exalt- 
 ed of finite intelligences are unable to clear. But 
 behold the unfearchable J'ecrct revealed ! revealed in 
 the wonderful redemption accomplifhed by a dying 
 Saviour ! fo plainly revealed, that " he who runs 
 " may read;'* and even babes underftand, what minds 
 of the deepeft penetration could not contrive Jf he 
 Son of GOD, taking our nature, obeys the law, and 
 undergoes death, in our ftead. By this means, the 
 threatened curfe is executed in all its rigour, and 
 free grace is exercifed in all its riches. Juftice main- 
 tains her rights, and, with a fteady hand, adminifters 
 impartial vengeance ; while mercy difpenfes her par- 
 dons, and welcomes the repentant criminal into the 
 tendereft embraces. Hereby the feemingly thwarting 
 attributes are reconciled. The fmner isfaved, not on- 
 
 iy 
 
 f See the next note.
 
 398 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 ly in full confiflence with the honour of the fupreme 
 perfections, but to the moft illuftrious manifeftation of 
 them all. 
 
 Where does the divine power * fo flgnally exert it- 
 felf, as in the crofs of CH R i s T, and in the conquefts 
 of grace ? Our LORD, in his loweft ftate of humilia- 
 tion, gained a more glorious victory, than when, 
 through the dividing fea, and the wafte howling wil- 
 ^dernefs, he " rode upon his chariots and hories of 
 <c falvation." When his hands were rivetted, with 
 irons, to the bloody tree ; he difarmed death of its 
 fling, and plucked the prey from the jaws of hell. 
 Then, even then, while he was crucified in lueaknefs^ 
 he vanquiftied theyfrwzgv man, and iubdued our mod 
 formidable enemies. Even then, he fpoiled principa- 
 lities, triumphed over the powers of darknefs, and led 
 captivity captive. ^Now he is exalted to his heavenly 
 throne, with what a prevailing efficacy does liis grace 
 go forth, " conquering, and to conquer !" By this, 
 the flaves of (in are refcued from their bondage, and 
 reltored to the liberty of righteoufnefs. By this, de- 
 praved wretches, whofe appetites were Jenjual, and 
 their difpofitions devilijh, are not only renewed, but 
 renewed after the image of GOD, and made partakers 
 of a divine nature. Millions, millions of loft crea- 
 tures are (hatched, by the interpolation of grace, like 
 brands from the burning ; and, tranilated into ever- 
 Rafting manfions, ftnne brighter than the^rj, fhine 
 bright as the/ww, in the kingdom of their Father. 
 
 Would you then fee an incomparably more bright 
 idifplay of the div-ine excellence, than the unfpotted 
 firmament, the fpangles of heaven, or the golden 
 
 fountain 
 
 * CHRIST, the -wifa'om of GOD, and the power of GOD. 
 y. Cor. i. 24. To the intent that noiv, unto the principalities 
 and powers in heavenly places, might he known by the church 
 (by the amazing contrivance, and accomplifliment of its re- 
 demption) the deep, extenfive, and (*9\virot*.mt} greatly-div:.r~ 
 Sifad viifdom of GOD,. .ph. Hi, ip.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 399 
 
 fountain of day exhibit ? Contemplate JESUS of Na~ 
 zarctk. He is the brightnefs of his Father's glory, 
 and the expreis image of his perfon. In his immacu- 
 late nature, in his heavenly tempers, in his moil holy 
 life, the moral per fc& fans of the Deity are reprefented 
 to the highefl advantage *. Hark ! how Mercy, witli 
 her charming voice, ipeaks in all he utters. See ! how 
 Benevolence pours her choiceft (lores, in all he does. 
 Did ever companion look fo amiably foft, as in thole 
 pitying tears, which fwelled his eyes, and trickled 
 down his cheeks, to bedew the rancour of his invete- 
 rate enemies ? Was it poilible for Patience to afTume 
 a form fo lovely, as that fweetly-winning conduct, 
 which bore the contradiction of finners ? which intreat- 
 ed the obftinate to be reconciled, befought the guilty 
 not to die ? In other things, we may find fomefcat- 
 teredrays of JEH ovAH'sglory j butin CHRIST they 
 are all collected and united. In CHRIST they beam. 
 forth, with the flrongefl radiance, with the moft dc~-' 
 lightful effulgence. Out of Sion, and in Sion's great 
 Redeemer, hath GOD appeared in perfect beauty. 
 
 Search then, my foul, above all other purfuits, 
 fearchthe records of redeeming love. Let thefe be the 
 principal objects of thy ftudy. Here employ thyfelf 
 with the moll unwearied amduity . In theje are hid all 
 the treasures ofivifdom and knowledge -f. Such wijdom^ 
 
 as 
 
 * In this fenfe, that faying of our LORD is eminently true, 
 Iff that hath ft en ME, hath f sen the FATHER. John xiv. 9, 
 
 -f Co/o//" ii. 3, Not a mean degree, but a treafure ; not one 
 treafure, but many ; not many only, but all treafures, of true 
 wifclotn, and laving knowledge, are in CHRIST, and his glo- 
 rious go f pel. The tranfcendent excellency of thole treafures 
 ieems to be finely intimated in that other expreflion aroxpu^i, 
 hid; (wllich maybe interpreted by the Hebrew n*r.an?2, Jof, 
 iii. 21.) luid up, with the utmoitcare, and the greate{t lafety. 
 Not left at all adventures, to be {tumbled upon by every giddy 
 wanderer; or to fall into the arms of the yawning fluggard ; 
 hut, like jewels of the brightelt luftre, or riches of the higheit 
 value, ktpi in Ihrt to adorn and reward the diligent fearcher.
 
 400 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 as charms and aftonifiies the very angels ; engages their 
 clofeft attention, and fills them with the deepeft adora- 
 tion *. Such knowledge, as qualifies the pofiefior, if 
 not for offices of dignity on earth, yet for the moft 
 honourable advancements in the kingdom of heaven. 
 Diibnited from which knowledge, all application is 
 but elaborate impertinence ; and all icience, no better 
 than pompous ignorance. Thefe records contain the 
 faultlefs model of duty, and the nobleft motives to 
 obedience. Nothing fo powerful to work a lively faith, 
 and a joyful hope, as an attentive confideration of our 
 LORD'S unutterable merits. Nothing ib fovereign to 
 antidote the peftilential influence of the world, and 
 deliver our affections from a flavery to ignoble objetts, 
 as an habitual remembrance of his extreme agonies. 
 The genuine, the ever- fruitful fource of all morality, 
 is the unfeigned love of CHRIST ; and the erofs, the 
 CROSS, is the appointed -j~ altar, from which we may 
 fetch a coal {, to enkindle this facred fire. 
 
 Behold, 
 
 * This, I believe, is the import of the apoftle's language^ 
 though it is not a litfral tranflation of us txtSvfttww ctyft\ot xapa- 
 rv^xi, i Pet, i. 12.1 I never had fuch a lively apprehenfion of 
 the beautiful fignificancy of the lad word, as when I have at- 
 tended a difleclion of ibrae part of the animal body. In order 
 to d:fcern the minutia of the admirable frame, the latent won- 
 ders of art and mechanifm, the eye is fo fharpened, and its ap- 
 plication fo intenffly bended, as gives a very juft experimental 
 comment on that expreffive phrafe, *<*paw\,xt. With fuch ear- 
 neft attention is the'everlalh'ng gofpel contemplated by the 
 angelic or -ers ! How much more, if it were poffible, does it 
 deiervethe devout and mediant confideration. of human minds? 
 flnce, by them, it is not only to be fpeculated, as a bright and 
 ravilhing difplay of the divine attributes; but to be applied to 
 their fallen nature, as a mcA benign fcheme of recovering grace; 
 as the fure and only method of obtaining life and immortality. 
 
 f- And /, lays our LORD, if I be lifted up from the earth, 
 and extended on the crofs, wtt draw all men unto me ; will 
 give fuch a rich ?.nd tranicer>dent difplay of my love, as fhali 
 conftitute the moft powerful and prevailing attractive cf theirs. 
 John xii. 32. 4 Alluding to If. vi. 6.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 401 
 
 Behold, therefore, the man ; the matchlefs and du- 
 |5endous man ; whole practice was a pattern of the 
 mod exalted virtue, and his perion the mirror of e- 
 very divine perfection. Examine the memoirs of his 
 heavenly temper, and exemplary converiation. Con- 
 template that choir of graces, which were afTociated 
 in his mind, and died the highed ludre on all his ac- 
 tions. Familiarize to thy thoughts his indructive dif- 
 courfes, and enter into the very fpirit of his refined 
 doctrines : that the graces may be transfufed into thy 
 bread, and the doctrines tranfcribed in thy life. Fol- 
 low him to Calvary's horrid eminence ; to Calvary's 
 fatal catadrophe : where innocence, dignity, and me- 
 rit, were made perfect thro* jujfer ings ; each (liming, 
 with all poflible fplendor, thro' the tragical icene ; 
 fornewhat like his own radiant bow, then glowing with 
 the greated beauty, when appearing on the darkeft 
 cloud. Be thy mod condant attention fixed on that 
 lovely and forrowful {pectacle. Behold the ipotlcfs 
 victim nailed to the tree, and dabbed to the heart. 
 Hear him pouring out prayers for his murderers, be- 
 fore he poured out his foul for tranigreflbrs. See the 
 wounds that dream with forgiveneis, and bleed balm 
 for a didempered world. O ! fee the judice of the 
 Almighty and his goodnefs ; his mercy and his ven- 
 geance ; every tremendous and gracious attribute ma- 
 nifeded, manifcded with inexpreffible glory, in that 
 mod ignominious, yet grandejt, of tr-anfactions. 
 
 SINCE GOD is fo inconceivably great, as thefc his 
 marvellous works declare ; 
 
 Since the great Sovereign /ends ten thoujand Ivor Ids, 
 
 To tell us, he re fides above them all, 
 
 In glory's unapproachable reccfs */ how 
 
 * For this quotation, and feveral valuable hlnts^ I acknow- 
 ledge rnyfelf indebted to thole beautiful and i'ublime poems, 
 entitled, 'Night-Thoughts. Of which I (hall only fay, that I 
 receive frefli pleafurc, and richer improvement, from every 
 
 VOL. I. N 5. 3 E renewed
 
 402 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 how can we forbear battening, with Mofes, bowing 1 
 earfelves to the earth, and worfliipping ? O ! whaS 
 an honourable, as well as advantageous employ, is 
 prayer ! Advantageous. By prayer, we cultivate that 
 improving correspondence with JEHOVAH, we car- 
 ry on that gladdening intercourse with his S PI HIT, 
 which mud begin here, in order to be completed in 
 eternity. Honourable* By prayer, we have accefs 
 to that mighty potentate, whofe fceptre (ways univer- 
 ial nature, and whofe rich regalia fill the Ikies with 
 luftre. Prayer places us in his prefence-chamber ; 
 while cc the blood of fprinkling," procures us a gra- 
 cious audience. 
 
 Shall I then blitfli to be found proftrate before the 
 throne of grace ? Shall I be >a/?iamedto have it known 
 that I offer up focial fuppllcations in the family, or 
 am confcientious in obfcrving my private retirements ? 
 Rather, let me glory in this unipeakable privilege. 
 Let me reckon it the nobleft pofture, to fall low on 
 my knees before his footftool ; and the highcft honour, 
 to enjoy communion with his moft exalted Majefty. 
 Incomparably more noble, than to fit, in perfon, on 
 the triumphal chariot ; or to ftand, in effigy, amidit 
 the temple of worthies. 
 
 Moft ineftimable, in fucli a view, is that promife, 
 which ib often occurs in the prophetic writings, and 
 is the crowning benefit of the new covenant, I will be 
 thy God* . Will this fupremcly excellent and almighty 
 
 Being 
 
 renewed perufal, And, I think, I flial! have reaforr to bkf 
 the indulgent Be (tower of all wifdom, for thole inttrnclive and 
 animating compositions, even in ntfy latt moments. 'Than which 
 nothing can more emphatically fpeak their fuperior excellence^ 
 nor give a more folidtat'tsfadtionto their worthy author. >Hap 
 py fbonid I think myfelf, if thefe little iketches of contem- 
 plative devotion might be honoured with the mo/f inferior de- 
 gree of the fame fuccefs ; might receive a tettimony, not from 
 the voice of fame, but from the dying lips of Ibme edified 
 Chriftian. * Heb. Viii. 10.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 403 
 
 Being vouchfafe to be my portion ? to fettle upon a 
 poor finner, not the heritage of a country, not the 
 poileiiion of the whole earth, but his own ever-blelfed 
 jelff May I then, thro* his free condescending grace, 
 and the unknown merits of his Son, look upon all 
 thefe infinitely-noble attributes as my treafure ? May 
 I regard the lui/dom, which fuperintends fuch a mul- 
 titude of worlds, as my guide ; the power^ which pro- 
 duced, and preferves them in exiftence, as my guard ; 
 the goodneffi which, by an endlefs communication of 
 favours, renders them all fo many habitations of hap - 
 pinefs, as my exceeding great reward? rWhat a fund 
 of felicity is included in fuch a bleffing ! How often 
 docs the Ifraelitifh prince exult in the aflurance, that 
 this unutterable and boundlefs good io iiis own ? In- 
 terefted in this, he bids defiance to every evil that 
 can be dreaded, and rcfts in certain expectation of e- 
 very bleffing that can be defired. The LORD is my 
 light and my f&lvation ; 'whom then fliali 1 fear f The 
 LORD, with an air of exultation, he repeats both 
 his affiance, and his challenge, /'/ the /trength of my 
 life; of "whom then fliall I be afraid *.** Nothing ib 
 effectual, as this appropriating faith, to infpire a dig- 
 nity of mind, fuperjor to tranfitory trifies ; or to cre- 
 ate a calmneis of temper, unalarmed by vulgar fears, 
 unappalled by death itfelf. The LORD is my fliep- 
 lierd, fays the fame truly gallant and heroic peribnage : 
 therefore fliall I l&ck nothing -\ . How is it poflible, he 
 fhoeld fnffer want, who has the all-fufficient fulneis 
 for his fupply ? So long as unerring wifdom is capa- 
 ble of contriving the means, fo long as uncontrollable 
 power is able to execute them j fuch a one cannot fail 
 of being fafe and happy, whether he continue amidft 
 the viciilitudes of time, or depart into the unchange- 
 able eternity. 
 
 Here, let us ftand a moment, and humbly contem- 
 plate this great GOD, together with ourfelves, in a re- 
 # Pfal, xxvii. i. t Pfal, xxiii. i. lative
 
 404 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 lative view. If we reflect on the works of material 
 nature, their number incomprehenfible, and their ex- 
 tent unmeafurable ; each of them apart, fo admirably 
 framed ; the connections of the whole to exquifitely 
 regulated ; and all derived from one and the fame glo- 
 rious Agent : If we recollect the far more noble ac~ 
 complifhments of elegant tafte, and difcerning judg- 
 ment ; of refined affections, and exalted fentiments ;; 
 which are to be found among the feveral orders of in- 
 telligent exiftence ; and all of them flowing, in rich 
 emanations, from the one fole fountain of intellectual 
 light : If we farther confider this Author of material 
 beauty, and moral excellency, as a Guardian, a Gover- 
 nor, and Benefactor to all his creatures ; fupporting the 
 whole fyftem, and protecting each individual, by an 
 ever- watchful providence ; prefiding over the minutefl 
 affairs, and caufing all events to terminate in the moft 
 extenfive good ; heaping, with unremitted liberality, 
 his benefits upon every capable object, and making the 
 circuit of the univerfe afeminary of happinefs : Is it 
 poffible for the human heart, under fuch captivating 
 views, to be \ indifferent towards this moft benign, moft 
 bountiful Original of being and of blifs ? Can any be. 
 ib immerfed in ftnpidity, as to fay unto the Almighty, 
 in the language of an irreligious temper, and licen- 
 tious life, to fay, " Depart from us ; we implore not 
 " thy farpur ; nor defire the knowledge of thy ways.'* 
 Wonder, O heavens I be amazed, O earth ! and let 
 the inhabitants of both exprefs their aflonifhment, at 
 this unparalleled complication of diiingenuous, un- 
 grateful, deftru&ive perverfenefs 1 
 
 If we confider our fallen and imperfett ftate ; frail in 
 our bodies : enfeebled in our minds ; in every part of 
 our confutation, and in all the occurrences of life, 
 " like atottcring wall, ora broken hedge ;" If we fur- 
 vey our indigent zn&infirm ftate, without holinefs, with- 
 out fpiritiialftrength ; ourpofTeffionof preient conveni- 
 encies entirely dependent on GOD 'sfovereign pleafure
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 405 
 
 yea, forfeited, juftly forfeited, with every future hope, by 
 a thoufand aggravated iniquities : If we add the va- 
 rious dijajtcrs of our condition ; agitated as we are by 
 tumultuous paffions ; oppreiled with difpiriting fears ; 
 held in lufpenfe by a variety of perplexing * cares ; 
 liable to pains, and expofed to troubles ; troubles from 
 every quarter ; troubles of every kind : Can we, a- 
 midit fo many wants, under fuch deplorable infirmi- 
 ties, and fubjecl to fuch diiaftrous accidents, can we 
 be unconcerned, whether GOD'S omnipotent, irrefif- 
 tible, all-conducTting hand be againft us, or /or us ? 
 Imagination itieif fhudders at the thought ! Can we 
 red fatisfied, without a well-grounded perfualion, that 
 we are reconciled to this fupreme LORD, and the ob- 
 jects of his unchangeable goodnefs ? If there be an 
 abandoned wretch, whole apprehensions are fo fatally 
 blinded ; who is fa utterly loft to all fenle of his duty, 
 and of his interefr. ; let me bewail his. mijery, while I 
 abhor his impiety ; bewail his mifery ; though Popu- 
 larity, with her choicer! laurels, adorn his brow ; 
 though Affluence, with her richeft delicacies, load his 
 
 table ; 
 
 * Perplexing. Thofe who read the original language of the 
 New Tefiarnenr, are fufficiently apnriled, that fuch is \\iejig- 
 nificancy of that benevolent diflua five urged by our LORD, ^ 
 ftiptuyx'i, Matth vi 2^5 I beg leave, for the fake of the - 
 iearntd reader, to obferve, that our tranilation, though for the 
 moft parr faithful and excellent, has here mifreprefented our 
 divine Mailer's meaning. Take no thought for your food, for 
 your raiment, for your bodily welfare, is not only not the true 
 fenfe, but the very reverfe of thii frriptural dodrine. VV^eare 
 required to take a prudent and moderate thought for the ne- 
 cefTaries of life. The flnggard who neglects this decent precau- 
 tion, is fevereiy reprimanded ; is fenr to one of the meandt 
 animals, to bluih for his folly, and learn difcretion from her 
 conduct, Prov. vi. 6. Our Saviour's precept, and the exact 
 jeufe of his exprefiion, is, Take no anxious thought ; indulge 
 no perplexing care; no fuch. care, is may argue an unreafon- 
 able itiftrufl of providence, or may rend and tsar your 
 with dilh'efiing, with pernicious folicitude.
 
 4ot3 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 table ; though half a nation, or half a world, confpire 
 to call him happy. 
 
 May I, by a believing application, "folace myfelf in 
 this everlaftkig iburce of love, perfection, and joy ! 
 Grant me this requeft, and I aik no more. Only, 
 that I may expect, not with a relu-ctant anxiety, but 
 with a ready chearfulnefs, the arrival of that import- 
 ant hour, when this veil -of flefh mall drop, and the, 
 ihadows of mortality flee away ; when I Ihall no long- 
 er complain of obfcure knowledge, languid affections, 
 and imperfefl fruition ; but (hall fee the uncreated 
 ami immortal Majefty ; fee him, not in this diftant 
 and unaffecting method of reasoning from his works ; 
 but with the mofl clear and direct intuition of the 
 mind : when I (hall iove him, not with a cold and 
 contracted fpirit ; but with the moft lively and en- 
 larged emotions of gratitude : when I ftiall inceffant- 
 ]y enjtiy the light of his countenance ; and be united, 
 infeparably united to his all-glorious GOD H E AD. 
 Take, ye ambitious, unenvied and unoppofed, take to 
 yourfelvesthetoysof ftate. May I be enabled to rejoice 
 in this blefTed hope ; an.d to triumph in that amiable, 
 that adorable, that delightful name, the LORD MY 
 GOD I And I mall fcarce beftow a thought on the 
 fplendid pageantry of the world, unlefs it be to defpife 
 its empty pomp, and to pity its deluded admirers. 
 
 ALL thefe bodies, though immenfe in their fize, 
 and almoft infinite in their multitude, are obedient to 
 the divine command. The GOD of wifdom *' tell- 
 lt eth their numbers," and is intimately acquainted 
 with their various properties. The GOD of power 
 " calleth them all by their names," and affigns them 
 whatfoever office l>e pleafes. He mar foals all the flar- 
 5-y legions, with infinitely greater eale, and nicer or- 
 der, than the moft expert general arranges his difci- 
 plined troops. He appoints their pofts ; he marks 
 their route; he fixes the time for their return. The
 
 6n the STARRY HEAVENS. 407 
 
 pofts which he appoints, they occupy without fail. 
 In the route which he fettles, they perievere, without 
 the leaft deviation. And to the inilant* which he fixes 
 for their return, they are precifely punctual. He has 
 given them a taw^ which, through a long revolution 
 of ages, (hall not be broken, unlefs his fovereign will 
 interpoles for its repeal. Then, indeed, the motion of 
 the celeftial orbs is controlled ; their action remains 
 fufpended ; or their influence receives anew direftion. 
 - The/?2, at his creation, iflued forth with a com- 
 mand, to travel perpetually through the heavens. 
 Since which, he has rrever neglected to perform the 
 great circuit ; " rejoicing as a giant to run his race." 
 But, when- it is requifite to accomplifh the purpofes 
 of divine love, the orders are countermanded; the 
 flaming courier remits his career j flands Jlill in Gi~ 
 beon *j~ / and, for the conveniency of the chofen 
 people, holds back the falling day. The moon was 
 difpatched with a charge, never to intermit her re- 
 volving courie, till day and night come to an end. 
 But when the children of providence are to be fa- 
 voured with an uncommon continuance of light, fhc 
 halts in her march,, makes a iblemn paafe/w the valley 
 of Ajalon J, and delays to bring on her attendant 
 
 train 
 
 * u The planets, and all the innumerable hoft of heavenly 
 " bodies, perform their courfes and revolutions, with To much 
 " certainty and exactness, as never once to fail ; but, for al- 
 " moft 6coo years, come conftantly about to the fame period, 
 " in the hundredth part of a minute." STACKHOUSE'J /////. 
 Bible. 
 
 f This is fpoken in conformity to the feripture-language, 
 and according to the common notion. With refpect to the 
 power which effecled the alteration, it is much the fame thing, 
 and alike miraculous, whether the fun, or the earth, be fup- 
 pofed to move. 
 
 :j: Jofo. x. 12, 13. The prophet Habakkuk^ according to 
 his lofty manner, celebrates this event; and points out, in ve- 
 ry poetical diction, the clefign of fo furpriling a miracle. Ihe 
 fun and moon flood ftill in their habitation : in the light, the 
 
 long,-
 
 4 o8 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 train of (liadows. When the enemies of the LORD 
 are to be difcomfited, the Jtars are levied into the 
 fervice ; the liars are armed, and take the field j the 
 Jlars, in their conrjes fought againjl Si/era *. 
 
 So dutiful is material nature ! fo oblequious, in 
 ell her forms, to her Creator's pleafure ! The bel- 
 lowing thunders liften to his voice ; and the volleyed 
 lightnings .obferve the direction of his eye. The flying 
 florm, and impetuous whirlwind, weai* his yoke. The 
 raging waves revere his nod ; they {hake the earth ; 
 they dafh the ikies ; yet never offer to pafs the li- 
 mits which he has prescribed, Even the planetary 
 Inheres, though vafliy larger than this wide- extend- 
 ed earth, are in his hand, as clay in the hands of the 
 potter. Though, fwifter than the northern blalr, 
 they fweep the long traces of sether ; yet are they gui- 
 ded by his reins, and execute whatever he enjoins. 
 
 All 
 
 long-continued and miraculous light, thy arrows, edged with 
 deftrucHon, walked on their awful errand; in the clear fin- 
 ing of the day, protracted for this very purpofe, thy glitter- 
 ingfpear, launched by thy people, but guided by thy hand, 
 -fprung to its prey. Hub. iii. n. 
 
 * Judg.v.io The fcfiptural phrafe fought again/}, will, 
 I hope, be a proper warrant for every expreffion I have uled 
 on this occafion. The paiiage is generally fuppofed ro Ggnify, 
 that fome very dreadful meteors, (which che ftars were thought 
 to influence,) fuch as fierce flaflies of lightning, impetuous 
 fhowers of rain, and rapid itonns or hail, were employed by 
 the Almighty to terrify, annoy, and overthrow the enemies 
 of Ifracl. If fo, there cannot be a more clear and lively pa- 
 raphrafe on the text, than thole fine lir.es of a Jewi/h writer. 
 His fivere wrath Jball fiEfjfoarpen for a fword ; and the 
 world fly all fight with him again ft the ungodly. Ihcnjhall the 
 right-aiming tnunderbolts go abroad; and from the xlouds, as 
 from a well-drawn bow, foali they fiy to the mark. Sindhwl- 
 ftones, full of wrath, foall be caff out of a ftwe-how ; and the 
 water of the fea Jball rage agqinfi tham ; and the floods (as was 
 the cafe of the river Kjjbon) /ball cruelly drown them ; yea, a 
 mighty wind jlmll ftand up againjl them ; ana, Hhs a (tonn, 
 JJ:aU b! f jw them avjay. Wii'd. v. 2o ; 21, 22, 23.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 409 
 
 All thofe enormous globes of central fire, which beani 
 through the boundlefs azure, in comparifon of which 
 an army of planets were like a fwarm of fummer- in- 
 fects ; thofe, 6ven thofe, are conformable to his will, 
 as the melting wax to the imprefled feal. Since <e//, 
 ALL is obedient, throughout the whole afcent of 
 things, fliall man be the only rebel againft the almighty- 
 Maker ? Shall thefe unruly appetites reject his govern- 
 ment,, and refufe their allegiance ? Shall thefe head- 
 ftrong paj/ions break loofe from divine reftraint, and 
 run wild, in exorbitant fallies, after their own imagi- 
 nations ? 
 
 O my foul, be flung with remorfe, and overwhelm- 
 ed with confufton, at the thought ! Is it not a righte- 
 ous thing, that the blefled GOD mould fway the Jeep- 
 tre, with the moft abfolute authority, over all the crea- 
 tures which his power has formed ? eipecially over 
 thofe creatures, whom his diftingui(hing favour has 
 endued with the noble principle of reafon, and made 
 capable of a blifsful immortality ? Sure, if all the 
 ranks of inanimate exiftence conform to their Maker's 
 decree, by the neceffity of their nature ; this more ex- 
 cellent race of beings mould pay their equal homage, 
 by the "willing compliance of their affeclions *. ~ 
 
 Come 
 
 * This argument, I acknowledge, is not abfolutely conclu- 
 five. But it is popular and linking. Nor can I think myfelf 
 obliged in fuch a woik, where fancy bears a confiderable Iway, 
 to proceed always with the caution and exaclneis of a dlffuter 
 in the /chools. If there be fome appearance of analogy between 
 the fait and the inference, it feems fufHcient for rny purpofe ; 
 though the deduction ihould not be necelTdry, nor the procefs 
 Uriel ly fyllogidicaL One of the apoftolic fathers ha^ an affect- 
 ing and fublirae paragraph, which runs entirely in this form : 
 
 HA.(ey rt xai 0rj\)ivw artpa n xipot, xalat TUV fialxyn* u? rv nv.i-na. , ttvit x-crnt 
 xxptrfixo-iat , ^iKuj-a-vftv TJ (XililKyy.tvyJ auraif cpifftiiS. Thcfun, tljS mOOn f 
 
 and the flurry choir, "without the leaf} deviation, and "with the 
 
 utmoft harmony, perform the revolutions appointed them by the 
 
 f up rente decree. From which remark, a:*! abundance of other 
 
 VOL. I. I\ v . 3 F l:mihr
 
 410 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 Come then, all ye faculties of my mind; come, all ye 
 powers of my body; give up yourfelves, without a 
 moment's delay, without the lead referve, to his go- 
 vernance. Stand, like dutiful fervants, at his foot- 
 ftool ; in an evei lading readinefs to do whatfoever he 
 requires ; to be whatfoever he appoints ; to further, 
 with united efforts, the purpofes of his glory in this 
 earthly fccne ; or elie to ieparate, without reluc- 
 tance, at his fummons ; the one, to fleep in the filent 
 cluft ; the other, to advance his honour, in Tome re- 
 moter colony of his kingdom. Thus may I join with 
 all the works of the LORD, in all places of his do* 
 minion, to recognize his univerfal iupremacy ; and 
 proclaim him Sovereign of iouls, as well as rluler of 
 worlds. . 
 
 AT my fir/I coming abroad, all thefe luminaries 
 were eclipjcd, by the overpowering luftre of the fun. 
 They were all placed in the very fame ftations, and 
 played the fame fprightly beams ; yet not one of them 
 was feen. As the day light wore away, and the fober 
 fhades advanced ; tiejperus, who leads the darry train, 
 difclofed his radiant -forehead, and catched my eye. 
 While 1 flood gazing on his bright and beautiful af- 
 pecl, feveral of his attendants peeped through the 
 blue curtains. Scarce had I turned to obferve thefe 
 frefh emanations of fplendor, but others dropt the veil, 
 others dole into view. When lo ! fader and more 
 jiumerous, multitudes fprung from obicurity ; they 
 poured, in mining troops, and in fweet confufion, 
 over all the empyrean plain ; till the firmament feem- 
 
 ed 
 
 fimilar inftances, obfervaWe in the ceconomy of, nature ; he 
 exhorts Chriftians to a cordial unanimity among thtmfelves, 
 and a dutiful obedience ro Goo. Vid. Ciem. Roman, i ep. ad 
 Corinth, fed. 2.O. See alfo a beautiful ode in Dr Watt's 
 Lyric Poems, entitled, The Comparijln and Cofrji/aiut, whiclt 
 turns upon this veryt thought.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 411 
 
 fd like one vaft conftellation ; and " a flood of glo- 
 " ry burlt from all the flues." 
 
 Is not Ibch tne rije, and fuch the progrefs of a true 
 fonverjion, in the p; ejudifed infidel, or inattentive Din- 
 ner ? During the period of his vainer years, a thou- 
 fand interef-iing truths lay utterly undiicovered ; a 
 thoufand momentous concerns were entirely difregard- 
 ed. But, when divine grace diilipajes the delufive 
 glitter, which dazzled his understanding, and begui- 
 led his affections ; then he begins to difcerc, dimly to 
 diicLTn, the things which belong unto his peace. Some 
 admonition of fcripture da.ts conviction into his foul, 
 as the glimmering of a flar pie ces the gloom of night. 
 Then, perhaps, another awful, or chearing text, 
 impreflcs terror, or diffufes comfort. A threatening 
 alarms his fears, or a prot/iife awakens his hopes. This, 
 poflibly, is fucceeded by fome afflictive difpeniation of 
 providence ; and improved by fome edifying and in- 
 ilru&ive. coxiverfation. All which is eftabliihed as to 
 its continuance, and enlarged as to its influence, by a 
 diligent ftudyof the facred word. -r-By this means, new 
 truths continually pour their evidence. Scenes of re- 
 fined and exalted, but hitherto unknown delight, ad- 
 drefs him with their attractives. New deiires take 
 wing ; new purfuits are let on foot. A new turn of 
 mind forms his temper ; a new habit of converfation 
 regulates his life. In a word,old things are paU'cdaiuay^ 
 and all things become new. He who was fometime dark- 
 iieis, is now light, and life, and joy in the LORD. 
 
 TH E more attentively I view the ,cryflal concave, 
 the more fully I xiiicern the richnefs of its decorations. 
 Abundance of minuter lights, which lay concealed 
 from zjuper filial notice, are viilbleon a clojer examin- 
 ation. Efpecially in thofe tratls of the fky, which are 
 called the galaxy; and are didinguifliable by a fort of 
 imilky path. There the itars are croudcd, rather than 
 The region feems to be all on a blaze, 
 3 F 2 with
 
 4 i2 CO NTEMPLATIONS 
 
 with their fplendid rays. Befides this vaft profufion, 
 which in my prefent fituation the eye difcovers ; was 
 I to make my furvey, from any other part of the 
 globe, lying nearer the fouthern pole, I mould behold 
 a new choir of ftarry bodies, which have never appear- 
 ed within our horizon. Was I (which -is ftill more 
 wonderful,) either here or there, to view the firma- 
 ment with the virtuofo's glafs ; I fliould find a prodi- 
 gious multitude of flaming orbs, which, immerfed in 
 depths of EEther, efcape the keeneft unaffifled fight*. 
 - Yet, in thefe various fituations, even with the aid 
 of the telefcope tube, I mould not be able to defcry 
 the half, perhaps not a thoujandthvxTt. of thofemajeftic 
 luminaries, which the vaft expanfive heavens contain f. 
 So, the more diligently I purfue my fearch into thole 
 oracles of eternal truth, the Jc riptures ; I perceive a 
 wider, a deeper, an ever-iricreafmg fund of fpiritual 
 treafures. I perceive the brighter Itrokes of wilHom ? 
 and the richer difplays of goodnefs ; a more tranlcen- 
 dent excellency in the illuftrious Meiiiah, and a more 
 deplorable vilenefs in fallen man ; a more immaculate 
 purity in GOD'S law, and more precious privileges in 
 his gofpel. Yet, after a courfe of ftudy, ever ib aili- 
 duous, ever fo prolonged, I fliould have reafon to own 
 myfelf a mere babe in heavenly knowledge ; or, at 
 moil, but a puerile proficient in the fchool of C H R i s T . 
 
 AF T ER 
 
 * Come forth, O man, yon azure round furvey, 
 And view thote lamps, which yield eternal day. 
 Bring forth thy glafTes : clear thy wond'ring eyes : ") 
 
 Millions beyond the former millions rife: 
 Look farther; millions more blaze from remoter fkies. _) 
 See. an ingenious poem, entitled, The Univerfe. 
 
 j- How noble, confidered in this view, are the celebrations 
 of the Divine Majeity, which frequently occur in the facrecJ 
 writings ! .// is the LORD that made the heavens. Pfal. x.cvi. 
 5. What a prodigious dignity does fuch a fenfe of things 
 give to that devout afcription of praife ! 27;0, even thou, art 
 'LOEJD alone ; thou haft made h:aven^ the heaven of heavens 
 
 with
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 413 
 
 AFTER all my moft accurate infpe&ion, thofe ftarry 
 orbs appear but &$ glittering points . Even the planets, 
 though fo much nearer our earthly manfion, feem only 
 like burning bullets. If then we have fuch imperfect 
 apprehenjions of vifible and tnateriaj things ; how much 
 more fcanty and inadequate mud be our notions of in- 
 vifible and immortal objects ! We behold the ftars. 
 Though every one is incomparably bigger than the 
 globe we inhabit, yet they dwindle, upon our furvey, 
 into the moft diminutive forms. Thus, we fee by 
 faith the glories of the bleffed JESUS ; the atoning 
 efficacy of his death ; the juftifying merit of his righ- 
 teoufnefs ; and the joys which are referved for his fol- 
 lowers. But, alas ! even our mod exalted ideas are 
 vaftly below the truth ; as much below the truth, as 
 the report wjiich our eyes make of thofe celeftial edi- 
 fices, is inferior to their real grandeur. -Should we 
 take in all the magnifying alliftances which art has con- 
 trived ; thofe luminous bodies would elude our fkill, 
 and appear as/w^// as ever. Should an inhabitant of 
 earth travel towards the cope of heaven ; and be car- 
 ried forwads, in his aerial journey, more than a hun- 
 dred and fixty millions of miles * ; even in that ad- 
 vanced fituation, thole oceans cf flame would look no 
 larger than radiant Jpecks. In like manner, conceive 
 ever fo magnificently of the Redeemer's honours, and 
 
 of 
 
 with all their haft. Nehem ix. 6. Examined by this rule, 
 the beautiful climax in our infpired hymn is fub'ime beyond 
 compare. Pmife HIM, fun and moon: praifc HIM, alt ye 
 Jtars of light : praife HIM ye heavens of heavens. Fial. 
 cxlviii. 3. 4. 
 
 * This, incredible as it may feem, is not a mere fuppofition, 
 hut a real faft. For, about the twenty firlf of December, we 
 are above 160,000,000 of miles nearer the northern parts of 
 thefky, than we were at the twenty-firit of June: And yet, 
 with regard to the (tars (ituate in that quarter, we perceive 
 no change in their offerf, nor any augmentation of their mag- 
 nitude.
 
 414 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 of the blifs which he has purchafed for his people; yet 
 you will fall fhort. Raiie your imagination higher; 
 ftretch your invention wider ; give them all the icope 
 which a foaring .and excurfive fancy can take ; ftill 
 your conceptions will be extremely difproportionaie to 
 their genuine perfections. Vafl are the bodies which 
 roll in the expanfe of heaven ; vafter far are thole 
 fields of cether, through which they run their endleis 
 round : but the excellency of JESUS, and the happi- 
 nefs laid up for his fervants, are greater than either , than 
 both, than all. An infpired writer calls the former, 
 " the unfearchable riches of C H R i s T ;" and ftyles the lat- 
 ter, " an exceeding great and eternal weight of glory ." 
 
 IF thofe ftars are fo many inexhauftibie magazines of 
 fire, and immenfe refervoirs of light ; there is no 
 reafon to doubt, but they have fome very grand ufes, 
 iuit^ble to the magnificence of their nature. To ipe- 
 cify or explain the particular purpofes they anfwer, is 
 altogether impoffible, in our preient ftate of diftance 
 and ignorance. This, however, we may clearly dif- 
 cern ; they are difpofed in that veYy manner whidi is 
 moft pie ajing and mo&ferviceable to mankind, They 
 are not placed at an infinite remove, Co as to lye beyond 
 our fight ; neither are they brought/^ near our abode, 
 as to annoy us with their beams. We fee them mine 
 on every fide. The deep azure, which ferves them 
 as a ground, heightens their fplendor. At the fame 
 time, their influence is gentle, and their rays are defti- 
 tute of heat. So that we are furrounded with a mul- 
 titude of fiery globes, which beautify and illuminate 
 the firmament, without any rifk either to the coolnejs 
 of our night, or the quiet of our repofe. Who can. 
 Tuflicently admire that wondrous benignity, which, on 
 our account, ftrews the earth with blefiings of every 
 kind, and vouchfafes to make the very heavens fubier- 
 vjlent to our delight ? 
 
 It is not Jfolely to adorn the roof of our palace with 
 
 coflly
 
 ' on the STARRY HEAVENS. 41? 
 
 toftly gildings, that GOD commands the celeftial lu- 
 minaries to glitter through the gloom. We alfo reap 
 confiderable benefits from their miniftry. They divide 
 our time, and fix its folemn periods. They fettle the 
 order of our -works ; and are, according to the deitin- 
 ation mentioned in facred writ, u for figns, and for 
 u feafons ; for days, and for years." The returns of 
 heat and cold alone^ would have been too precarious a 
 rule. But thefe radiant bodies, by the variation, aod 
 alfo by the regularity, of their motions, afford a me- 
 thod of calculating, abfolutely certain, and fufficiently 
 obvious. By this, the farmer is instructed when to 
 commit his grain to the furrows, and how to conduct 
 the operations of hufbandry. By this, the Jailor 
 knows when to proceed on his voyage with leaft peril, 
 and how to carry on the bufmefs of navigation with 
 moft fuccefs. 
 
 Why fhould not the Chriftian, the probationer for 
 eternity, learn fromjthe fame monitors, to number 
 for nobler purpofes, to number his days ; and duly to 
 tranfaet the grand, grand affairs of his everlafting fal- 
 vation ? Since GOD has appointed fo many bright 
 meafurers of our time, to determine its larger periods, 
 and to minute down its ordinary ftages ; fure this moft 
 ftrongly inculcates its value, and fliould powerfully 
 prompt us to improve it. Behold ! thefupreme LORD 
 marks the progrefs of our life, in that moft confpicu- 
 ous kalendar above. Does not fuch an ordination tell 
 us, and in the moft emphatical language, that our life 
 is given for vje, not for luafte? that no portion of it 
 is delivered, but under a ftrict account ; that all of it 
 is entered, as it paffes, in the divine regifter ; and, 
 therefore, that the ftewards of fuch a talent are to 
 expect a future reckoning ? Behold ! the very heavens 
 are bidden to be the accountants of our years, and 
 months, and days. O ! may this induce us to manage 
 them with a vigilant frugality.; to part with them, as 
 mifers with their hoarded treajure, warily and circum-
 
 C 6 N T E M L A t I O N S 
 
 fpeclly ; arid, if poffible, as merchants with their rich 
 commodities, not without an equivalent, either in per- 
 fonal improvement, or focial ufefulncfs ! 
 
 How bright the ftarry diamonds mine ! The ambi- 
 tion of eaftern mor.archs could imagine no tliftindKon 
 more noble and fublirne, than that of being likened 
 to thofe beaming orbs *. They form night's richejl 
 drefs ; and fparkle upon her fable robe, like jewels of 
 the fineft luftre. Like jewels ! I wrong their character* 
 The lucid ftone has no brilliancy ; quenched is the 
 .fiame even of the golden topaz; compared with thofe 
 glowing decorations of heaven. How widely are their 
 radiant honours diffujed ! No nation io remote, but 
 fees their beauty, and rejoices in their ufefulncfs. 
 They have been admired by all preceding generations ; 
 and every rifing age will gaze on their charms, with 
 .renewed delight. How animating, then, is that pro- 
 mife made to the faithful minifters of the gofpel ! 
 t; They that turn many to righteoufnefs, mall mine as 
 tc the ftars for ever and ever -j*." Is not this a moft 
 winning encouragement, u to fpend and be fpent" in 
 the fervice of fouls ? Methinks, the ftars beckon, as 
 they twinkle. Methinks they mew me their fplen- 
 dors, on purpiofe to infpire me with alacrity in tl?e race 
 let before me ; on purpofe to enliven my activity in the 
 work that is given me to do. Yes ; ye majeflic mo- 
 nitors, I underftand your meaning. If honour has 
 any charms ; if true glory, .the glory which cometh 
 from GOD, is any attractive ; you difplay the moft 
 powerful incitements to exercife all affiduity in my 
 holy vocation. I will, henceforth, obferve your in- 
 timation and, when zealbecomes languid, have re- 
 courfe to your heavenly lamps ; if fo be I may rekindle 
 its ardor at thofe inextinguifliable res. 
 
 OF t\\epolar ftar, it is obfervablc, that, while other 
 
 luminar.i.es 
 
 * Numb. xxiv. 17. Dan. viii. 16. -j- Dan. xii. 3.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 417 
 
 luminaries alter their fituation, this feems invari- 
 ably fixed * k While other luminaries, now, mount 
 the battlements of heaven, and appear upon duty ; 
 now retire beneath the horizon, and refign to a frefh 
 let the watches of the night ; this never departs from 
 its ftation. This, in ever)'- feafon, maintains an uni- 
 form pofition ; and is always to be found in the iame 
 tract of the northern fky. How often has this beam- 
 ed bright intelligence on the Jailor; and conducted 
 the keel to its defired haven i In early ages, thofe 
 who went down to the fea in mips, and occupied their 
 bufinefs in great waters, had fcarce any other fure 
 guide for their wandering veffel. This therefore they 
 viewed with the moft Iblicitous attention. By this 
 they formed their obfervations, and regulated their 
 voyage. When this was obfcured by clouds, or enve- 
 loped in mifts, the trembling mariner was bewildered 
 on the watery wafte. His thoughts fluctuated, as 
 much as the floating (urge ; and he knew not where 
 he was advanced, or whither he mould fleer. But, 
 when this aufpicious ftar broke through the gloom, it 
 diflipated the anxiety of his mind, and cleared up his 
 dubious paflage. He re-aflumed, with alacrity, the 
 management of the helm ; and Was able to lhape his 
 courfe, with fome tolerable degree of fatisfaction and 
 certainty. 
 
 Such, only much clearer in its light, and much fu- 
 fer in its direction, is the holy word of GOD, to thofe 
 myriads of intellectual beings, who are bound for the 
 eternal mores ; who, elnbarked in a veflel of feeble 
 flefh, are to pafs the waves of this terripefluous and 
 perilous world. In all difficulties , thofe facred pages 
 fhed an encouraging ray ; in all uncertainties , they fug- 
 
 geft- 
 
 * I fpeak in conformity to the appearance of the object 
 For though this remarkable ftar revolves round the pole, its 
 motion is iojlow, and the circle it deicribes, iv final/, as ren- 
 der both the revolution and change of fituation hardly per- 
 eeivable. 
 
 VOL. I. N 5. 3 G
 
 418 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 geft the right determination, and point out the propei* 
 procedure. What is dill a more ineftimable advantage, 
 they, like the ftar which conducted the eaftern fages, 
 make plain- the way of accefs to a Redeemer. They 
 difplay his unfpeakable merits; they difcover the me- 
 thod of "being interefted in his great atonement; and 
 lead the weary foul, toffed by troubles, yn^'fhatiered 
 by temptations, to that only harbour of peaceful re- 
 pofc. Let us, therefore, attend to this unerring direc- 
 tory, with the fame conftancy of regard, as the fea- 
 faring man obfervcs his compafs. Let us become as 
 thoroughly acquainted with this facred chart, as the 
 pilot is with every trufty mark, that gives notice of a 
 lurking rock ; and with every open road, that yields 
 a fife paffage into the port. Above all, let us commit 
 '.irfelves to this infallible guidance, with the fame im- 
 plicit refignation ; let us conform our conduct to its 
 exalted precepts, with the fame fedulous care, as the 
 children of Ifrael, when fojourning in the tracklefs 
 defert, followed the pillar of fire, and the motions of 
 the miraculous cloud. So will it introduce us, not 
 into an earthly Canaan, flowing with milk and honey \ 
 but into an immortal paradife, where is the fulnefs of 
 joy, and where are pleafures for evermore. It will 
 introduce us into thofe happy, happy regions, where 
 our fun f/i all no more go down, nor our moon withdraw 
 iff elf; for the LORD /hall be our everlafting light, and 
 the days of our mourning, together with the fatigues 
 of our pilgrimage, fliall be ended *. 
 
 I PERCEIVES great variety in the fize and fplen- 
 dor of thofe gems of heaven. Some are of the firft 
 magnitude ; others of an inferior order. Some glow 
 with intenfe flames : others glimmer with fainter beams. 
 Yet all are beautiful ; all have their peculiar luftre, 
 and diflincft ufe ; all tend, in their different degrees, to 
 enamel the cope of heaven, and embroider the robe of 
 
 night. 
 * If. k. 20.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 419 
 
 night. This circumftance is remarked by an autl.or, 
 whole ieiHiments are a iburce of wifdom, and the very 
 ftandard of truth. " One irar," (ays the Apoftie of 
 the Gentiles^ u differ eth from another ftar in glory : 
 " fo alfo is the reiurreftiou of the dead." 
 
 In the world above, are various degrees of happinefs, 
 various feats of honour. Some will rife to more illuf- 
 trious diftin.6tions, and richer joys *. Some, like vef- 
 lels of ample capacity, will admit more copious accei~ 
 fions of light and excellence: Yet there will be no 
 want, no deficiency, in any ; but a fulnefs both of 
 divine fatisfaclions, and peribnal perfections. Each 
 will enjoy all the good, and be adorned with all the 
 glory, that his beart can wifh, or his condition re- 
 ceive. None will know what it is to envy. Not the 
 lead malevolence, nor the leaft felfimnefs,but everlafl- 
 ing friendfliip prevails, and a mutual complacency in 
 each others delight. Love, cordial love, will give e- 
 very particular faint a participation of all the fruitions f, 
 which are diifufed through the whole affembly of the 
 bleffed. No one eclipfes, but each reftetfs light upon 
 his brother. A fwcet interchange of rays fubiifts ; all 
 enlightened by the great Fountain, and all enlighten- 
 ing one another. By which reciprocal communica- 
 tion of pleafure and amity, each will be continually 
 receiving from, each inceffently adding to, the general 
 felicity. 
 
 Happy, fupremely happy they, who are admitted 
 into the celeftial manfions. Better to be a door-keep-* 
 cr in thofe " ivory palaces J," than to fill the mod 
 
 gorgeous 
 
 * i Cor. xv. 41, 42.. The great Mr Mede prefers the fenfe 
 here given ; and the learned Dr Hammond admits it into his 
 paraphrale : whofe joint authority, though far from excluding 
 any ot/icr, yet is a fufiicient warraBC for this application of the 
 words. 
 
 j* Toll: invidiam, et tuumeft quodbabco ; till: inv'tdlarn, ft 
 eft qwd habcs. AUGUSTINE. 
 If Pfal. xlv. 8. 
 
 3 G a
 
 420 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 gorgeous throne on earth, The very loweft place at 
 GOD'S right hand, is did inguifhed honour, and con- 
 fummate blifs. O ! that we may, in fome meafure, 
 anticipate that beatific (late, while we remain in our 
 banifhment below 1 May we, by rejoicing in the fupe- 
 rior profperity of another, make it our oiun ! and, pro- 
 vided the general refult is harmony, be content, be 
 pleafed with whatfoever part is afligned to our fhare 
 in the univerfal choir of affairs. 
 
 WHILE I am confidering the heavenly bodies, I 
 mutt not entirely forget thofe fundamental laws of our 
 modern aftronomy, projection and attraction. One of 
 which is the all-combining cement, the other is the 
 ever-operative fpring, of the mighty frame. In the 
 beginning, the all-creating FIAT imprefled a proper 
 degree of motion on each of thofe whirling orbs : 
 Which, if not controlled, would have carried them 
 on, in ftrait lines, and to endlefs lengths ; till they 
 were even loft in the abyfs of fpace. But the gravita- 
 ting property, being added to the projectile force, de- 
 termined their courfcs to a circular * form ; and obli- 
 ged the reluctant rovers to perform their deftincd 
 
 rounds, 
 
 * I am aware, the planetary orbits are not ftri&ly circular, 
 but rather elliptical. However, as they are but a fmall remove 
 from the perfectly round figure, and partake of it incompa- 
 rably more than the trajectories of the comets, I chufe to re- 
 prefent the thing in this view. Efpecially, becaufe the notion 
 of a circle is fo much more intelligible to the generality of 
 readers, than that of an ellipfis ; and becaufe I laid it down 
 for a rule, not to admit any fuch abflrufe fentiment, or difficult 
 expreffion, as mould demand a painful attention, inftead of 
 railing an agreeable idea. For which reafon, I have avoided 
 technical terms ; have taken no notice of Jupiter's Satellites, 
 or Saturn's ring; have not fo much as mentioned the names 
 of the planets, nor attempted to wade into any depths of the 
 fcience; left, to thofe who have no opportunity of ufing the 
 telefcope, or of acquainting themfelves wich a fyflem of aftro- 
 nomy, I fhould propound riddles, rather than difplay enter- 
 gaining and edifying truths.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 421 
 
 rounds. Were either of thofe caufes to fufpend their 
 action, all the harmonioufly-moving i'pheres would be 
 tiifconccrted ; would degenerate into fluggim inactive 
 mattes ', and, falling into the central fire, be burnt to 
 afhes ; or elfe would exorbitate into wild confufion ; 
 and each, by the rapidity of its whirl, be diffipated in- 
 to atoms. But the impulfive ar;t attractive energy 
 being raoft nicely attempered to each other ; and, un- 
 der the immediate operation of the Almighty, exert- 
 ing themfelvesin perpetual concert ; the various globes 
 run their radiant races, without the leaft interruption 
 or the leaft deviation ; fo as to create the alternate 
 changes of day and night, and difhibute the uieful vi- 
 ciffitudes ofjucceedtngezns ; fo as to anfwer all the 
 great ends of a gracious providence, and procure eve- 
 ry comfortable convenience for universal nature. 
 
 Does not this constitution of the material, very na- 
 turally lead the thoughts to thofe grand principles of 
 the moral and devotional world, faith and love? Thefe 
 are often celebrated by the infpired apoftle, as a com- 
 prehenfive fummary of the gofpel *. Thefe inipirit 
 the bread, and regulate the progreis, of each private 
 Chriflian. Thefe unite the whole congregation of 
 the faithful to GOD, and one another : to GOD, the 
 great centre, in the bonds of gratitude and devoti- 
 on ; to one another, by a reciprocal intercourfe of 
 brotherly affections, and friendly offices. If you afk, 
 Why is it impoflible for the true believer to live at 
 all adventures ? to Jl 'agnate in floth, or habitually to 
 deviate from duty ? We anfwer, It is owing to 
 * c his faith, working by love f ." He afTuredly truftj, 
 that CHRIST has fuftained the infamy, and endured 
 the torment due to his fins. He firmly relies on that 
 divine propitiation, for the pardon of all his guilt ; 
 and humbly expects everlafling falvation, as the pur- 
 chafe of his Saviour's merits. This produces fuch a 
 ipirit of gratitude, as refines his inclinations, and ani- 
 mates 
 
 * Col. i. 4. Philem. ver. 5, -f Gal. v. 6.
 
 422 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 mates his whole behaviour. He cannot, he cannot 
 run to excefs of riot ; becaufe love to his adorable Re- 
 deemer, like a ftrong, but filken curb, fweetly reftrains 
 him. He cannot, he cannot lye lulled in a lethargic in- 
 dolence, becaufe love to the fame infinite Benefactor, 
 like a pungent, but endearing//?r, pleafingly excites 
 him. In a word, fcith fupplies the powerful impulfe, 
 while love .gives the determining bias ; and leads the 
 willing feet, through the whole circle of G OD'S com- 
 mandments. By the united efficacy of theie heavenly 
 graces , the Chriftian conduct is prefer ved, in the uni- 
 formity and beauty of holinefs ; as, by the blended 
 power of thole Newtonian principles, the folar fyftem 
 revolves, in a fteadv and magnificent regularity. 
 
 How admirable, how exterifive, how diverfified, is 
 the force of this fingle principle, attraction * / This 
 penetrates the very offence of all todies, and difiufes 
 itfelf to the remoteft limits of the mundane fyftem. 
 By this, the worlds imprefled with motion, hang/<?//- 
 balanced on their centres f ; and, though orbs of im- 
 menfe magnitude, require nothing but this amazing 
 property for their fupport. To this we afcribe a phe- 
 nomenon, of a very different kind, the prefjure of the 
 -atmofphere ; which, though a yielding and expanfwe 
 fluid, yet conftipated by an attractive energy, fur- 
 rounds the whole globe, and inclofes every creature, 
 as it were, with a tight bandage. An expedient this, 
 abfolutely necefTary to preferve the texture of our bo- 
 dies ; and indeed, to maintain every fpecies of animal 
 cxiftence. -^Attraction ! Urged by this wonderful im- 
 petus, the rivers circulate, copious and unintermitted, 
 among all the nations of the earth ; fweeping with ra- 
 pidity down the fteeps, or foftly ebbing through the 
 plains. Impelled by the fame mylterious force, the 
 nutritious juices are detached from the foil ; and, af- 
 
 cending 
 
 * I mean the attraction both of gravitation and cohejion^ 
 j- Ponderibus libratefuis. OviiK
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 423. 
 
 tending the trees, find their way through millions of 
 the fined meanders, in order to transfuie vegetative life 
 into all the branches. This confines the ocean within 
 proper bounds. Though the waves thereof roar ; 
 though they tofs themfelves, with all the madnefs of 
 indignant rage ; yet checked by this potent, this ine- 
 vitable curb, they are unable to pals even the flight 
 barrier of fand. To this the mountains owe that un- 
 Ihaken firmnefs, which laughs .at the fhock of career- 
 ing winds'; and bids the tempeft, with all its mingled 
 horrors, impotently rave. By virtue of this inviiible 
 mechanifm, without the aid of crane or pulley, or 
 any inflrument of human device, many thoufan-d tons 
 of water are raifed, every moment, into the regions 
 of the firmament. By this, they continue Jufpended in, 
 thin air, without any capacious cittern to contain their 
 fubftance, or any many pillars to fuftain their weight. 
 By this fame varioufly-afting power, they return to 
 the place of their native refidence ; di/iilled in gentle 
 falls of dew, or precipitated in impetuous mowers of 
 rain. Theyjlide into the fields in fleecy flights of 
 fnow, or are darted upoji the houfes in clattering 
 ftorms of hail. This occafions the ftrong cohefion of 
 folid bodies. Without which, our large machines 
 could exert themfelves with no vigour ; and the nicer 
 ntenfils of life would elude our expectations of fervicc. 
 This affords a foundation for all thofe delicate or noble 
 mechanic arts, which furnifh mankind with number- 
 lefs conveniences, both of ornament and delight. 
 In fhort, this is the prodigious ballaft, which com- 
 pofes the equilibrium, and conftitutes the liability of 
 things ; this the great chain^ which forms the connec- 
 tions of universal nature ; and the mighty engine^ 
 which prompts, facilitates, and, in good meafure, ac- 
 complifhesall her operations. What complicated effects 
 from, a fingle caufe * ! What profuiion amidfl frugali- 
 
 ty! 
 
 * See another remarkable inftance of this kind, in the c- 
 
 fleflknz
 
 424 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 ty ! An unknown profufion of benefits, with the ut~ 
 moft frugality of expence ! 
 
 And what is this attradion ? Is it a quality, in its 
 exigence, infeparable from matter ; and, in its acling 
 independent on the DEITY ? Quite the reverfe. 
 It is the very finger of GOD ; the conftant impreffion 
 of divine power ; a principle, neither innate in mat- 
 ter, nor intelligible by mortals. Does it not, how- 
 ever, bear a confiderable analogy to the agency of the 
 HOLY GHOST, in the Chrittian ceconomy ? Are 
 not the gracious operations of the bleffed Spirit, thus 
 extenfive, thus admirable, thus various f -That al- 
 mighty Being tranfm its his gifts through every age, 
 and communicates his graces to every adherent on 
 the Redeemer. All, either of illuflrious memory, or 
 of beneficial tendency ; in a word, " all the good that 
 ct is done upon earth, he doth it himfelf." Strong in 
 his aid, and in the power of his might, the faints of 
 all times have trod vice under their feet ; have triumph- 
 ed over this abject world ; and converfed in heaven, 
 while they dwelt on earth. Not /, but the grace 
 of COD 'which "was with me *, is the unanimous ac- 
 knowledgment of them all.- By the fame kindly 
 fuccours, the whole church is ftill enlightened, quick- 
 ened, and governed. Through his benign influences, 
 the fcales of ignorance fall from the understanding ; 
 the leprofy of evil concupifcence is purged from the 
 will; and the fetters, the more than adamantine fetters 
 of habitual iniquity, drop off from the con vcrfation. He 
 breathes even upon dry bones *j~, and they live : they 
 are animated with faith; they pant with ardent and hea- 
 venly defire ; they exerciie themfelves in all the duties 
 
 of 
 
 fleflions on a Flower Garden, page 179. together with a fine 
 obiervation, quoted in the correfponding note. 
 
 * i Cor. xv. 10. 
 
 -j- See that beautiful piece of facred and allegorical imagery 
 !ifplayed, Ezek. xxxvii.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 42$ 
 
 of godlinefs. His real, though fecret, infpiration, 
 diflblves the flint in the impenitent breaft, and binds 
 up thcforrows of the broken heart ; raif^s the thoughts 
 high, in the elevations of holy hope ; yet lays them 
 low in the humiliations of inward abafement ; fleets 
 the foul with impenetrable refolutioii, and perfevering 
 fortitude ; at the fame time, foftens it into a dove- 
 like meeknefs, and melts it in penitential forrow. 
 
 WH EN I contemplate thofe ample and magnificent 
 ftruclures, erected over all the aethereal plains : 
 when I look upon them as fo many fplendid repofito- 
 ries of light, or fruitful abodes of life : when I re- 
 member, that there may be other orbsj vaflly more 
 remote than thofe which appear to our unaided fight ; 
 orbs, whofe effulgence, though travelling ever fince 
 the creation, is not yet arrived upon our coafts * : 
 when I flretch my thoughts to the innumerable orders 
 
 of 
 
 * If this conjecture (which has no lefs a perfon than the 
 celebrated Mr Huygensfor its author) concerning unfeen flar s 9 
 be true; if, to this obfervation, be added, what is affirmed 
 by our Ikilful aftronorners, that the motion of the rays of light 
 is fo ferpH/irigfy Jviiftj as to pafs thro' ten millions of miles 
 in a lingle minute : how vaft ! beyond imagination vail and 
 unmeafurabie, are the fpaces of the univerfe ! While the 
 mind is diltended with the grand idea ; or rather, while (he 
 is difpatching her ablelt powers of piercing judgment, and ex- 
 curfive fancy ; and finds them all draptjtXirt} all baffled by 
 the amazing fubjeclj permit me to apply that fpirited excla* 
 mation, and noble remark 
 
 Say, proud arch, 
 
 Built with divine ambition ; in dlfdain 
 
 Of limit built ; built in the ta(te of heav'n ! 
 
 Vafl concave ! ample dome ! waft thou defign'd 
 
 A meet apartment for the DEITY ? 
 
 Not fo : that thought alone thy fate impairs : 
 
 Thy lofty finks; and (hallows thy profound ; 
 
 And ftreightens thy <i-ffufive. 
 
 Might-Thoughts, N l 
 VOL. I. N* 5. 3 H
 
 426 C O N T E M P L A T I O N- S 
 
 of being, which inhabit all thofe fpacious fyftems ; 
 from the loftieft jer- aph y to the loweft reptile ; from 
 the armies of angels, which furround the throne of 
 JEHOVAH, to the puny nations, which tinge with 
 blue tire furface of the pkwrr*, or mantle the (land- 
 ing pool with grec?n : how various appear the links 
 in this immenfe chain ! how vaft the gradations in 
 this univerfal icale of exiftence ! Yet all thefe, though 
 ever fo vaft and various, are the -work of G OD 's hand, 
 and are full- of his preferice. 
 
 He rounded in his palm thofe dreadfully-large 
 globes, which are pendulous in the vault of heaven. 
 He kindled thofe aitonifhingly-brigh!; fires, which fill 
 the firmament with a flood of glory. By him they 
 are fufpended in fluid aether, and cannot be maken : 
 by him they difpenfe a perpetual tide of beams, and 
 are never exhaufted. He formed, with inexpreffible 
 nicety, that delicately-fine collection of tubes ; that 
 unknown multiplicity of fubtile (prings, which orga- 
 nize and actuate the frame of the minutell inieft. 
 He bids tiie crmifon current roll ; the vital movements 
 play ; and affociates a world of wonders, even in an 
 animated point -f. In all thefe is a fignal exhibition of 
 
 creating 
 
 * Ev'n the blue down the purple plum furrounds r 
 A living -world, thy failing light confounds. 
 To H i M a peopled habitation (hews, 
 Where millions tafle the bounty GOD be^ows. 
 
 See a beautiful and inftruftiv: po^m^Jiyled DEITY. 
 
 -f There are living creatures abundantly fmaller than the" 
 mite. Mr Bradley, in his treatife on gardening, mentions an in- 
 fei, which, after accurate exa-mination, he found to be a thou- 
 far.d times left than the leajl vifible grain of (and. Yet fuch an 
 infecl, tho' quite imperceptible to the naked eye, is an elephant,, 
 is a whale, compared with other animalcules almoii infinitely 
 more minute, difcovered by Mr Lfwenhoeck. If we eonfider 
 the feveral limbs which compoie fuch an organized particle'; tha 
 different niufcles which actutate fuch a fet of limbs ; the flow 
 of fpirits, incomparably more attenuated, which put thofe 
 
 mufcies
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. ,427 
 
 -creating power ; to all thefe are extended the rpecial 
 regards of preferving goodnefs. -From hence let -me 
 learn to rely on the providence, and to revere the 
 prefence, of the Supreme Majefty. 
 
 To rely on his -providence. For, am-idfl that incon- 
 ceivable number and variety of beings, which fwarm 
 through the regions of creatipn, not one is overlook- 
 ed, not one is neglected, by the great omnipotent 
 Caufe of all. However inconsiderable in its character, 
 or diminutive in its fize, it is (till the production of the 
 univerfal Maker, and belongs to the family of the al- 
 mighty Father ! What tho* inthroned archangels 
 enjoy the VJH//W of his countenance ! yet the low inha- 
 bitants of the earth, the m oil .defpic able worms of the 
 ground, are not excluded from his. providential care. 
 Tho' the manifestation of his perfections is vouchfafed 
 to holy and intellectual elFenc-es ; his ear is open to the 
 cries of the young raven. His eye is attentive to the 
 wants, and to the welfare, of the very meaneft births of 
 nature. How much lefs, then, are his own people dif- 
 -regarded ? thofe, for whom he has delivered his belo- 
 ved Son to death, and for whom he has prepared ha- 
 bitations of eternal joy. T/ieyd if regarded ! No. TH E Y 
 are " kept as the apple of an eye." The very hairs 
 of their head are all numbered. The fondeft mother 
 may forget the infant, that is " dandled upon her 
 *' knees/' and fucks at her breaft *, muc.h .fooner 
 
 tfeaa 
 
 mufcles in motion; the various .fluids which circulate; the 
 different iecretions which are performed ; together with the 
 peculiar minutenefs of the.foiids, before they arrive at their 
 full growth ; not to mention other more^ijionilbing modes of 
 diminution : lure, we fiwll have theutmolt reafon to acknow- 
 ledge, that the adored Maker is MAXIMUS IN MINIMIS; 
 greatly glorious even in his fmalleft works. 
 
 * If. xlix. 15. Can^a ivsman forget her fucking chlld^ that 
 
 fie fhould not have companion on the fun of her luornb? Yea, they 
 
 may fidget ; yet will I not forget the.s. How delicate and ex- 
 
 3 H ?, preCive
 
 428 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 than the Father of everlafling companions can difcon- 
 tinue, or remit, his watchful tendernefs to his people 
 his children his heirs. 
 
 Let this teach me alfo a more lively fenfe of the 
 divine prefence. All the rolling worlds above, all the 
 living atoms below, together witli all the beings that 
 intervene betwixt thefe wide extremes, are vouchers 
 for an ever-prefcnt Deity. " GOD has not left himfelf 
 * c without witnefs." The marks of his footfleps arc 
 
 evident 
 
 preflive are the images in this charming fcripture ! How full 
 of beauty, if beheld in a critical, how rich with confolation, if 
 confidered in a believing, view ! Can a -woman ! one of the 
 fofter fex ; whofe nature is moll imprefiible, and whofe paf- 
 {ions are remarkably tender ; can fuch a one, not barely dif- 
 regard, but entirely forget ; not fufpend her care for a while, 
 but utterly erafe the very memory of her child ; her own 
 child, not another's ; a child that was formed in her womb, 
 and is a part of herfelf ? her/on ; the more important, and 
 therefore more defirable fpecies; to whom it peculiarly belongs 
 to preferve the name, and build up the family : her only fon ; 
 for the world is fmgular, and refers to a cafe, where the off- 
 fpring, not being numerous, but centered in a (ingle birth, muft 
 be productive of the tended endearment : Can {he divert her- 
 i'elf of all concern for fuch a child; not when he is grown up 
 to maturity, or gone abroad from her houfe ; but while he con- 
 tinues in an infantile flate, and muft owe his whole fafety to her 
 kind attendance ; while he lyes in her bofom, reds on her arm, 
 and evenfucks at her breaft ? Especially, if the poor innocent 
 be racked with pain, or lei zed by fome fevere affliction ; and fo 
 become an object of ccmfajjion, as well as of love. Can flic 
 hear its piercing cries ; can ihe fee it all rettlefs, all helplefs, un- 
 der its niifery ; and feel no emotions of parental pity ? If one 
 fuch monfter of inhumanity might be found ; could all (her? 
 the prophet, to give his companion the utmoft energy, changes 
 the fingular number into the plural. It is not NTH m, or 
 nnx o) but H^K 02, could all} mothers be fo degenerate ? 
 This, fure, cannot be fufpecled, need not be feared. Much 
 lefs need the true believer be apprehenfjve of the failure of my 
 kindnefs. An unlverfal extinction of tliofeftrongeft affections 
 of nature, is a more fuppofable cafe, than that I mould evey 
 be unmindful of my people, or regardkfs of their i
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 429 
 
 evident in every place, and the touches of his finger 
 diftinguimable in every creature. " Thy name is fo nigh, 
 * 4 O thou all-fupporting, all-informing LORD ; and 
 ** that do thy wondrous-works declare* . Thy goodnefs 
 " warms in the morning-fun, arid refremes in the even- 
 <c ing-breeze. Thy glory mines in the lamps ofmid- 
 " night, and fmiles in the bloffoms of fpring. We 
 < c fee a trace of thy incomprehenfibje grandeur in the 
 " boundlefs extent of things ; and zJJtetch of thy ex- 
 " quifite (kill, in thofe aXmoftevaneJcent fparksof life, 
 " the infect race." How ftupid is this heart of mine, 
 that, amidftfuch a multitude of remembrancers, throng- 
 ing on every fide, I mould forget thee afingle moment I 
 Grant me, thou great I AM ; thou fource and fupport 
 of universal exiftence ; O grant me, an enlightened 
 eye, to difccrn thee in every object ; and a devout 
 heart, to adore thee on every occafion. Inftead of 
 living without GOD in the world, may I be ever with 
 him, and fee all things full of him ! 
 
 The glitt'tingftars, 
 
 By the deep ear of meditation heard, 
 Still in their midnight -watches fing of HIM. 
 He nods a calm. The tempeft blows his wrath 
 The thunder is his voice; and the red flafh 
 His fpeedy fword of juftice. ^4t his touch 
 The mountains flame. He /hakes the f olid earth * 
 ^4nd rocks the nations. Nor in theje alone ^ 
 In ev'ry common inilance God is feen. 
 
 THOMSON'S Spring. 
 
 IF the beautiful fpangles which a clear night pours 
 on the beholder's eye ; if thofe olher fires which beam, 
 in remoter fkies, and are difcoverable only by, that 
 revelation to the fight, the telefcope ; if all thofe bright 
 millions are fo many fountains of day, enriched with 
 Dative and independent luftre, illuminating planets, 
 
 and 
 * Pfal. Ixxy. 2.
 
 430 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 and enlivening fyftems of their own* : what pomp, 
 how majeftic and fplendid, is difclofed in themidnight- 
 icene ! What riches are difTemlnated through all thofe 
 jiumberlefs provinces of the great JE HO v AH 's empire. 
 Grandeur beyond expreffion ! Yet there is not the 
 meaneft flave, but carries greater wealth in his own 
 bofom, poffeifes fuperior dignity in his own perion. 
 The/o/, that informs his clay ; The foul, that teaches 
 him to think, and enables him to chufe ; that qualifies 
 .him to relim rational pleafure, and to breathe fublime 
 defire f ;-~ The foul, that is endowed with fuch noble 
 faculties, and above all, is diftinguimed with the 
 dreadful, the glorious capacity, of being pained, or 
 blefled for ever ; this foul iurpaifes in worth, what- 
 ever the eye -can fee ; whatever of material the fancy- 
 can imagine. Before one fuch intellectual being, ali 
 the treaiure and all the magnificence of unintelligent 
 creation becomes poor and contemptible J. For this 
 
 foul, 
 
 * Confult with Reafon, Reafon will reply, 
 Each lucid pQintj which glows in yonder &y, 
 Inforais zfyfiem in the boundlefs fpace, 
 And 'fills, with glory, its appointed place : 
 With beams unborrow'd, brightens other Hues; 
 And worlds, to thee unknown^ with heat and life fupplies. 
 
 The Univerfe,, 
 
 *|- In this refpeft, as veiled with fuch capacities, the foul e- 
 ven of fallen men has an unquettionable^reatnefs and dignity; 
 is majejiic, though in ruin, 
 
 $. I beg leave to tranfcribe a pertinent paifage, from that 
 celebrated mafter of reafon, and univerfal literature, Dr Bent- 
 icy ; whom no one can be tempted to fufpeft either tinctured 
 with enthufiafm, or warped to bigotry. " If we conlider,'* 
 fays he, " the dignity of an intelligent being, and put that in 
 44 the fcale againft brute and inanimate matter, we may affirm, 
 *' without overvaluing human nature, that the foul of one 
 * l vK'tuous and religious man is of greater worth and excellen- 
 *' cy, than the fun, and his planets, and afl the ftars in the 
 See his .fermons at Boyle's led. N? 8.
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 43* 
 
 foul, Omnipotence itfelf has waked, and worked, 
 through every age. To convince this foul, the funda- 
 mental laws of nature have been controlled ; and the 
 moft amazing miracles have alarmed all the ends of 
 the earth. To inflrutt this foul, the wifdom of hea- 
 ven has been transfufed into the faered page ; and 
 miffionaries have been fent from the great King, who 
 refides in light unapproachable. Tojantfify this foal, 
 the almighty Comforter takes the wings of a dove \ 
 and, with a fweet transforming influence, broods on 
 the human heart. And O ! to redeem this foul from 
 guilt, to refcue it from hell, the heaven of heavens waj> 
 bowed, and Goi> himfelf came down to dwell in duft ! 
 
 Let me paufe a while upon this important fubjecl:. 
 What are the fchemes which engage the attention 
 of eminent flatefmen, and mighty monarchs, compa- 
 red with the grand interests of an immortal foul ? The 
 fupport of commerce, and the fuccefs of armies,, 
 though extremely weighty affairs ; yet, if laid in the 
 balance againft the falvation of a foul, are lighter than 
 the downy feather, poifed againft talents of gold. To 
 fave a navy from flip-wreck, or a kingdom fromyfo- 
 very, are deliverances of the 'moft momentous nature, 
 which the tranfa&ions of mortality can admit. But O ! 
 how they fhrink into an inconlldcrablc trifle, if (their 
 afpetl; upon immortality forgot) they are fet in com- 
 petition with the delivery of a fingle foul, from the 
 anguifli and horrors of a dijlreffed eternity * / 
 
 Is fuch the importance of the foul ! what vigilance 
 then can be too much, or rather what holy folicitude 
 can \xjufficicnt, for the overfeers of the Saviour's flock 
 and the guardians of this great, this venerable, this 
 invaluable charge ? Since fuch is the importance of 
 the foul, wilt thou not, O man, be watchful for thq 
 
 prefervatioii 
 
 * Not all yon luminaries qucncb'd at once 
 Were half fo Cad as one benighted mind, 
 Which gropes for bapoinds and meets defpair 
 
 Wight-ThQughts N? IX.
 
 432 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 prefervation of thy own ? Shall every cafual incident 
 awaken thy concern ; every tranlitory toy command 
 thy regard ? and (hall the welfare of thy foul, a work 
 of continual occurrence, a work of endleisconfequence, 
 fue, in vain, for thy ferious care. Thy foul, thy 
 foul is thy all. If this bejecured, thou art greatly rich, 
 and wilt be nnfpeakably happy. If this be /o/?, a whole 
 world acquired, will leave thee in poverty ; and all 
 its delights enjoyed, will abandon thee to mifery. 
 
 I HA VE often been charmed, and awed, at the fight 
 of the nocturnal heavens ; even before I knew how 
 to confider them in their proper circumftances of 
 majefty and beauty* Something^ like magic, has ftruck 
 my mindj on a tranfient and unthinking furvey of 
 the aethereal vault, tinged throughout with the pureft 
 azure, and decorated with innumerable ftarry lamps. 
 I have felt, I know not what, powerful and aggran- 
 dizing itnpnlfe ; which feemed to fnatch me from the 
 low entanglements of vanity, and prompted an ardent 
 figh forjublimer objetfs* Methought, I heard, even 
 from the filent fpheres, a commanding call, to fpurn 
 the abject earth, and pant after unfeen delights. ' 
 Henceforward, I hope to imbibe more copioufly this 
 moral emanation of the fkies^ when, in fome fuch man- 
 ner as the preceding, they are rationally feen, and 
 the fight is duly improved. The ftars, I truft, wiil 
 teach as well ?& fhinc ; and help to difpel, both na- 
 ture's gloom, and my intellectual darknefs. To fome 
 people, they difcharge no better a fervice, than that 
 of holding a flambeau to their feet, and foftening the 
 horrors of their night. To me and my friends, may 
 they act as minifters of a fuperior order, as counfel- 
 lors of wifdom, and guides to happinefs 1 Nor will 
 they fail to execute this nobler office, if they gently 
 light our way into the knowledge of their adored Ma- 
 ker ; if they point out, with their filver rays, our path 
 to his beatific prefence. ' - 
 
 I ga2e,
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 433 
 
 I gaze, I ponder. I ponder, I gaze ; and think in- 
 effable things. Iroll an eye of awe and admiration. 
 Again and again I repeat my ravifhed views j and can 
 never fatiate either my curiofity, or my inquiry. I 
 fpring my thoughts into this immenfe field, till even 
 Fancy tires upon her wing. I find wonders ever new ; 
 wonders more and more amazing. Yet, after all my 
 prefent inquiries, what a mere nothing do I know ; by 
 all my future fearches, how little mall I be able to 
 learn, of thole vaflly diftant funs, and their circling 
 retinue of worlds ! Could I pry with Newton's piercing 
 fagacity, or launch into his exterilive furvcys ; even 
 then my apprehenfions would be little better, than 
 thofe dim and Fcanty images,, which the mcle, jufl 
 emerged from her cavern, receives on her feeble op- 
 tic. This, lure, (hould reprefs all impatient or im- 
 moderate ardor to pry into the iecrets of the ftarry 
 ilructures, and make me more particularly careful to 
 cultivate my heart. To fathom the depths of the di- 
 vine efTence, or to fcan univerfal nature with a criti- 
 cal exa&nefs, is an attempt which lets the acuteft phi- 
 lofopher very nearly an a level with the idiot ; fince it is 
 almoft, if not altogether, as impracticable by the for- 
 mer, as by the latter. 
 
 Be it, then, my chief ftudy, not to purfue what is 
 ablblutely unattainable ; but rather to feek what is 
 obvious to find, eafy to be acquired, and of inefli- 
 mable advantage when pofTefTed. O 1 let me feek that 
 charity which ctlificth*, that faith which purifieth. 
 
 Love 7 
 
 * r Cor. viii. r. I need not inform ray reader, that in this 
 text, in that admirable chapter, t 6br. xiii. and in various o- 
 ther pafiages of fcriptnre, the word charity fhould by no means 
 be confined to the particular act of alms-giving, or external 
 beneficence. It is of a much more exalted and extenfive na- 
 ture. It fignifies that divinely-precious grace, which warms the' 
 foul with fuf rente hve to GOD, and enlarges it with dijintcr- 
 tjled ajj'eflion for men, ^\ r iiich renders it the reigning care of 
 " VOL. I.N5, 3! '
 
 434 CONTEMPLATIONS 
 
 Love, humble love, not conceited fcience, keeps the 
 door of heaven . Faith, a child-like faith in Jefus ; not the 
 haughty felf-fufficient fpirit, which fcorris to be ignorant 
 of any thing ; prefents a key * to thofe abodes of blifs. 
 This prefent flate is the fcene deflined to the exercije 
 of devotion ; the irivifible world is the place appointed 
 for the enjoyment of knowledge. There the dawn of our 
 infantile minds will be advanced to the maturity of 
 perfect day ; or rather, there our midnight-fhades will 
 be brightened into all the luftre of noon. There the 
 fouls which come from the fchool of faith, and bring 
 with them the principles of love, will dwell in light 
 itfelf j will be obfcured with no darknefs at all ; will 
 know, even as they are known f. Such an unacquain- 
 tance, therefore, do I deiire to form, and to carry on 
 fuch a correfpondence, with the heavenly bodies, as 
 may fhed a benign influence on the feeds of grace im- 
 planted in my bread. Let the exalted tracls of the 
 firmament fink my foul into deep humiliation. Let 
 thofe eternal fires kindle in my heart an adoring grati- 
 tude to their almighty Sovereign. Let yonder ponde- 
 rous and endrmous globes, which reft on his fupport- 
 ing arm, teach me an unfliakcn affiance in their incar- 
 nate Maker. Then fliall I be if not wife as the a- 
 ftronomical adept, yet WISE UNTO SALVATION. 
 
 HAVING now walked and wormipped in this /- 
 verfal temple^ that is arched with fkies, emblazed with 
 
 ftars, 
 
 the life, and chief delight of the heart, to promote the happi- 
 iiefs of the one, and the glory of the other. This^ this is 
 that charity of which fo many excellent things are every where 
 fpoken; which can never be too highly extolled, or too ear- 
 neftly coveted, fmce it is the image of GOD, and the very 
 fpirit of heaven. 
 
 * The righteoufnefs of CHRIST. This \~> what MILTON 
 beatifully ftyles, 
 
 The golden key, 
 
 That opes the palace *f Eternity. 
 j- i Cor. xiii, 12,
 
 on the STARRY HEAVENS. 435 
 
 flars, and extended even to immenfity : having caft 
 an eye, like the enraptured patriarch * ; an eye of 
 rcafon and devotion, through the magnificent fcene : 
 with the former, having difcovered an infinitude of 
 worlds ; and with the latter, having met the Deity in 
 every view : having beheld, as Mofes in the flaming 
 bum, a glimpfe of JEHOVAH'S excellencies ! reflecl- 
 cd from the feveral planets, and dreaming from my- 
 riads of celeftial luminaries : having read various lei- 
 fons in that flupendous book of wijdom-f, where un- 
 meafurablc meets of azure compofe the page ; and 
 orbs of radiance write in everlafting characters, a 
 comment on our creed : what remains, but that I clofe 
 the midnight-folemnity, as our LORD concluded his 
 grand facramental inftitution, with a fong of praije f 
 And behold a hymn, fuited to the fublime occafion, 
 indited by} infpiration itfelf, transferred into our 
 language, by || one of the happieft efforts of human 
 ingenuity. 
 
 The fpcicious firmament on high, 
 With all the blue ether ealjky, 
 Andfpangled heav'ns, a fhining frame ^ 
 ^Their great Original proclaim : 
 Th' uniueary'd S, from day to day, 
 Does his Creator's pow'r difplay ; 
 And publi/hes to ev'ry land^ 
 'The work of an almighty hand. 
 
 Soon as the ewmng-jfhades prevail, 
 The Moon takes up the 'wondrous tale; 
 And nightly, to the lift'ning Earth^ 
 Repeats the ftory of her birth : 
 
 * Gem xv. 5. 
 
 -j- For heaven 
 
 Is as the btok of GOD before thee fet t 
 Wherein, to read his wondrous works. MILT. 
 
 Pfal. xix. 
 
 J) ADDISON, Spett. vol. VI. N? 465, 
 3 I 2
 
 436 C O N T E MP L A T I O N S, & c< 
 
 Whit* all theftars, that round her burn 
 <And all the planets in their turn^ 
 Confirm the tidings as they roll, 
 jlndfpread the truth from pole to pole. 
 
 What though^ in folemnjilencc, all 
 Move round the dark terreftrial ball f 
 What though nor real voice n$r found 
 jfmid their radiant orbs be found? 
 In Rfafon's ear they all rejoice^ 
 jfnd utter forth a glorious voice y 
 For ever fmging) as they fiinc , 
 The hand that made us is diving
 
 WINTER-PIECE. 
 
 Storms and Tempefts may calm the foul Soiy a^ /Cff 
 
 <r taught to warm the heart, and praife the Creator* 
 
 Anonym. Lett, to the Author. See p. 440. 

 
 <|*KX*|><H^ 
 
 A 
 
 W I N T E R-P I E G E. 
 
 j'T^IS true, in the delightful feafons, HIS tender- 
 JL nefs and HIS love are mod eminently difplay- 
 ed. In the vernal months, all is beauty to the eye, 
 and mufic to the ear. The clouds drop fatnels ; the 
 air foftens into balm ; and flowers in rich abundance 
 ipring where-ever we tread, bloom where-ever we 
 look. Amidft the burning heats ofjiimmer, HE ex- 
 pands the leaves, and thickens the {hades. He fpreads 
 the cooling arbor to receive us, and awakes the gen- 
 tle breeze to fan us. The mofs iwells into a couch, 
 for the repofe of our bodies ; while the rivulet foft- 
 ]y rolls, and fweetly murmurs, to footh our imagin- 
 ation. In autumn^ HIS bounty covers the fields with 
 a profufion of nutrimental treafure, and bends the 
 boughs with loads of delicious fruit. He furniftics 
 his hofpitable board with prefent plenty, and prepares 
 a copious magazine for future wants. But is it only 
 in thefe finiling periods of the year, that GOD, the 
 all-gracious GOD, is feen ? Has ivinter, ftern winter, 
 no tokens of his prefcnce ? Yes : all things are elo- 
 quent of his praife. " His way is in the whirlwind." 
 Storms and tempefts fulfil his word, and extol his power. 
 Even piercing frofts bear witnefs to his goodnefs, 
 while they bid the mivering nations tremble at his 
 
 wrath.
 
 440- A WINTER-PIECE. 
 
 wrath. Be winter then, for a while, our theme * 
 Perhaps, thofe barren fcenes may be fruitful of intel- 
 lectual improvement. Perhaps, that rigorous cold, 
 which binds the earth in icy chains, may ferve to en- 
 large our hearts, and warm them with holy love. 
 
 SEE! how the day isfliortened? The fun, detained 
 111 fairer climes, or engaged in more agreeable fervi- 
 ces, rifes, like an unwilling vifitant, with tardy and 
 reluctant fteps. He walks, with a fhy indifference, 
 along the edges of the fouthern iky ; cafting an oblique 
 glance, he jufts looks upon our dejected world ; and 
 fcarcely fcatters light through the thick air. Dim is 
 his appearance, languid are his gleams, while he con- 
 tinues. Or, if he chance to wear a brighter afpeft, 
 siid a eloudlefs brow ; yet, like the young and gay in 
 the houie of mourning, he feems uneaiy, till he is 
 gone, is in haite to depart. And let him depart. 
 "Why fliould we wifh for his longer ftay, fince he can 
 fhevv us nothing but the creation in cliftreis ? The 
 flowery families lye dead, and. the tuneful tribes are 
 ftruck dumb. The trees, flript of their verdure, and 
 lamed by florms, fpread their naked arms to the en- 
 raged and relentlefs heavens. Fragrance no longer 
 floats in the air ; but chilling damps hover, or cut- 
 ting gates blow. Nature, diverted of all her beauti- 
 ful robes, fits, like a forlorn difconfolate widow, in her 
 
 weeds. 
 
 * A fketch of this nature, I muft acknowledge, is quite 
 different from the fubject of the book ; and, I cannot but de- 
 clare, was as far tiiffant from the thoughts of the author. But 
 the defire Q$ ftfvcral acquaintance, together with an intimation 
 cf its ufefulnefs, by a very fvlite letter from an unko'ivn hand, 
 (which has undone dly furnifl)ed ms with the beft nsotto I 
 could recoiled,) prevailed with me to add a few defcriptive 
 t:jv.ci)cs, and improving hints, on what b fo often experienced 
 in thefe northern regions. I hope, the attempt I have made 
 to oblige thefe gentlemen, will obtain thcapfrobatioti) or ? at 
 leaft, the fxctfa of my their readers.
 
 A WINTER-PIECE. 441 
 
 Weeds. While winds, in doleful accents, howl; and 
 rains, in repeated (bowers, weep. 
 
 We regret not, therefore, the fpeedy departure of 
 the day. When the room is hung with funeral black , and 
 difmal objects are all around, who would defire to have 
 thcgiirnmeringtaptr kept alive ? which can only difcover ' 
 fpeclacles of ibrrow, can only make the horror vifible. 
 And, fince this mortal life is little better than a 
 continual conflict with fin, or an unremitted ftruggle 
 with mifery ; is it not a gracious ordination, which 
 has reduced our age to a/pan f Fourfcore years of tri- 
 al, for the virtuous, are fufficiently long ; and more 
 than fuch a term allowed to the wicked, would render 
 them beyond all meafure vile. Our way to the king- 
 dom of heaven lyes through tribulations. Shall we 
 then accufe, (hall we not rather blejs, the providence, 
 which has made the paffage fhort ? Soon, foon we crofs 
 the vale of tears ; and then arrive on the happy hills, 
 where light for ever (nines, where joy for ever fmiles. 
 
 SOMETIMES the day is rendered fhorter (till ; is 
 almoft blotted out from the year *. The vapours ga- 
 ther ; they thicken into an impenetrable gloom, and 
 obfcure the face of the fey. At length, the rains de- 
 fcend. The flukes of the firmament are opened ; and 
 the low-hung clouds pour their congregated (tores. Co- 
 pious and unintermitted, flill they pour, and (till areun- 
 exhaufted. The waters drop inceifantly from the eaves, 
 and rufh in rapid (treams from the fpouts. They roar 
 along the channelled pavements, and (tand in foul dial- 
 lows amidft the village- (Ireets. Now, if the inatten- 
 tive eye, or negligent hand, has left the roof but fcan- 
 tily covered ; the infmuating element finds its way in- 
 to every flaw, and oozing through the ceiling, at once 
 upbraids and chaftiies the carelefs inhabitant. The 
 
 ploughman, 
 
 "* Involvere diem nimbi, et nox humlda ccelum 
 
 Abftulit. VIRC. 
 
 VOL. I. N5. ,3K
 
 443 A WINTER-PIECE. 
 
 ploughman, foaked to the fkin, leaves his half-tilled 
 acre. The poor poultry, dripping with wet, croud 
 into fhelter. The tenants of the bough fold up their 
 wings, afraid to launch into the ftreaming air. The 
 beatts, joylels and diipirited, ruminate under their 
 iheds. The roads fwim, and the brooks fwell. The 
 river, amidft all this watery ferment, long contained 
 itfelf within its appointed bounds : but, fwollen by 
 innumerable currents, and roufed at laft into uncon- 
 trollable rage, burfts over its banks, (hoots into the 
 plain, bears down all oppofition, ipreads itfelf far and 
 wide, and buries the meadow under a brown, fluggiQi, 
 foaking deluge. 
 
 How happy for man, that this inundation comesj 
 when there are no flowery crops in the valley, to be 
 overwhelmed ; no fields Handing thick with corn, to 
 be laid wafte 1 Atfuch a juncture, it would have been 
 ruin to the hufbandman and his family : but, thus ti- 
 med, it yields manure for his ground, and promifes him 
 riches in revcrfion. How often, and how long, has 
 the divine Majeftybore with the moft injurious affronts 
 from finners ! His goodnefs triumphed over their per- 
 verfenefs, and graciouily refufed to be exafperated. 
 But, O presumptuous creatures, multiply no longer 
 your provocations. Urge not, by repeated iniquities, 
 the almighty arm to flrike ; left his long-fuffering 
 ceafe, and his fierce anger break forth ; break forth 
 Jike & flood of waters *, and iweep you away into ir- 
 recoverable and everlafting perdition. 
 
 How mighty ! how majeftic ! and O how myfte- 
 rious are thy works, thou GOD of heaven, and LORD 
 of nature ! When the air is calm, where deep the 
 ft or my winds f In what chambers are they repofed, or 
 in What dungeons confined ? till thou art pleafed to 
 awaken their rage, and throw open their priibn-rdoors. 
 
 Then, 
 * Hof. v. 10.
 
 A WINTER-PIECE. 443 
 
 Then, with irrefiftible impetuofity they fly forth, fcat- 
 tering dread, and menacing deltruftion. 
 
 The atmofphere is hurled into the mod tumultuous 
 confufion. The asreal torrent burfh its way over 
 mountains, feas, and continents. All things feel the 
 dreadful {hock. All things tremble before the furious 
 blaft. Thefore/t, vexed and tore, groans under the 
 icourge. Her (turdy fons are (trained to the very 
 root, and almoft i'weep the foil they were wont to 
 fhade. The (tubborn oak, that difdains to bend, is 
 dallied headlong to the ground ; and, with Shattered 
 arms, with proftrate trunk, blocks the road. While 
 the flexile reed, that fprings up in the marlh, yielding 
 to the guft, (as the meek and pliant temper to injuries, 
 or the refigned and patient fpirit to misfortunes,) eludes 
 the force of the ftarm, and furvives amklil the wide- 
 ipread havock. 
 
 For a moment, the turbulent and outrageous fky 
 feems to be affuaged ; but it intermits its wrath, only 
 to increafe its ftrength. Soon the founding fquadrons 
 of the air return to the attack, and renew their rava- 
 ges with redoubled fury. The (lately dome rocks a- 
 midft the wheeling clouds. The impregnable tower 
 totters on its bafis, and threatens to overwhelm whom 
 it was intended to protect. The ragged rock is rent 
 in pieces * r and even the hills, the perpetual hills, on 
 their deep foundations, are fcarcely fecure. Where 
 now is the place of fafety ? when the city reels, and 
 houfes become heaps ! Sleep affrighted flies. Diver- 
 lion is turned into horror. All is uproar in the ele- 
 ment ; all is consternation among mortals ; and no- 
 thing, but one wide fcene of rueful deva(tation, thro* 
 the land. Yet this is only an inferior minuter of 
 divine difpleafure ; the executioner of mUder indig- - 
 nation. How then, O ! how -will the lofty looks of 
 be humbled^ and the haughtinejs of men be boiued 
 
 * i Kings xix. ir. 
 
 3K ?
 
 444 A WINTER-PIECE. 
 
 down *, when the LORD GOD omnipotent mall 
 meditate terror, when he (hall fet all his terrors in 
 array, when he riles to judge the nations, and to 
 /hake terribly the earth ? 
 
 The ocenn i wells with tremendous commotions. The 
 ponderous waves are heaved from their capacious bed, 
 and almoft lay bare the unfathomable deep. Flung 
 into the moft rapid agitation, they fweep over the 
 rocks ; they lafti the lofty cliffs ; and tofs themielves 
 into the clouds. Navies are rent from their anchors ; 
 and, with all their enormous load, are whirled, fwift 
 as the arrow, wild as the winds, along the vaft abyfs. 
 -Now they climb the rolling mountain ; they plough 
 the frightful ridge ; and feem to fkim the ikies. Anon 
 they plunge into the opening gulf ; they lofe the fight 
 of day ; and arc loft themfelves to every eye. How 
 vain is the pilot's art ! how impotent the mariner's 
 flrength ! They reel to and fro, and dagger in the 
 jarring hold ; or cling to the cordage, while burfting 
 leas foam over the deck. Defpair is in every face, and 
 death fits threatening on every furge. But why, Q 
 ye aftoniftied mariners, why mould you abandon 
 yourfelves to defpair ? Is the LORD's hand Jhortened^ 
 becaule the waves of the fea rage horribly ? Is his 
 ear deafened by the roaring thunders, and the bellow- 
 Ing temped ? Cry, cry unto HIM, who u holdeth 
 
 " the 
 
 * Mortalia corda 
 
 Per gentes humtlis frravit pavor. 
 
 One would almoft imagine, that Virgil had read Ifaiah, and 
 borrowed his ideas from chap. ii. ver. n. The humilis and 
 Jiravlt of the one fo exa&ly correfpond with the humbled 
 bowed down of the other. But, in one circumitance, the 
 prophet is very much fuperior to the poet. The prophet, by 
 giving a ftriking contrafl to his fentiments, reprefents them 
 with incomparably- greater energy. He fays not, men in the 
 grofs, or the human heart in general : but men of the moft 
 elated looks ; hearts big with the mod arrogant imaginations; 
 even thefe (hall ftoop from their fupercilious heights; even 
 tbefe fhall grovel in the duft'of abafement, and ihudder with 
 all the extremes of an abjeft pufillanhuity.
 
 A WINTER-PIECE. 445 
 
 " the winds in his fift, and the waters in the hollow 
 " of his hand." HE is all -gracious to hear, and al- 
 mighty to lave. If HE command, the ftorm lhah DC 
 hufiied to filence ; the billows (hall fubhde into a 
 calm ; the lightnings (hall lay their fiery bolts aiicie ; 
 and, infhead of finking in a watery grave, you ihall 
 find yourfelves brought to the defired haven. 
 
 SOMETIMES, after a joylefs day, a more dif al 
 night fucceeds. The lazy, louring vapours Had u \c 
 fb thick a veil, as the meridian fun could fcarteiy r e- 
 iietrate. What gloom then muft overwhelm the noc- 
 turnal hours ! The moon withdraws her filming. 
 Not a fingle ftar is able to ftruggle through the deep 
 arrangement of (hades. All is pitchy <&/>:;; -/J , with- 
 out one enlivening ray. How folemn 1 how awful 1 
 *Tis like the fhroud of nature, or the return of chaos. 
 I don't wonder, that it is the parent of terrors, and 
 fo apt to engender melancholy. Lately the tempelt 
 marked its rapid way with mifchief ; now the Mght 
 drefles her filent pavilion with horror. 
 
 I \\avefometimes left the beaming tapers, withdrawn 
 from the ruddy fire, and plunged into the thicken: of 
 thefe footy (hades ; without regretting the change, 
 rather exulting in it as a welcome deliverance. The 
 very gloom was pleafing, was exhilarating, compared 
 with the conversation I quitted. The fpcech of my 
 companions (how does it grieve me, that I rtionld even 
 once have occafion to call them by that name !) was the 
 language of darknefs ; was horror to the foul, and tor- 
 ture to the ear*. "Their teeth lueref pears and arrows , 
 
 and 
 * What has been faid, I afk'd my foul, what done ? 
 
 How flow'd our mirth ? or whence the fource begun? 
 
 Perhaps, the jeft, that charm'd the fprightfy croud, 
 
 And made the jovial table laugh fo loud, 
 
 To fome falfe notion ow'd its poor pretence, 
 
 To an ambiguous word's perverted fenfe ; 
 
 TO a wild fonnet, or a wanton air, 
 
 Offence and torture to the fober ear. 
 
 Perhaps,
 
 446 A WINTER-PIECE. 
 
 and their tongue a {Jiarp fword^ to ftab and affaflinate 
 their neighbour's character. Their throat -was an open 
 fepulchre, gaping to devour the reputation of the in- 
 nocent, or tainting the air with their virulent and 
 polluted breath. Sometimes, their licentious and un- 
 governable difcourfe (hot arrows of profanenejs againft 
 heaven itfelf ; and, in proud defiance, challenged the 
 refentment of Omnipotence. Sometimes, as if it was 
 the glory of human nature, to cherifh the grofltft ap- 
 petites of the brute ; or the mark of a gentleman, to 
 have ferved an apprenticefhip in a brothel ; the filthieft 
 jefts of the flews (if low objcenity can be a jefl) were 
 naufeoufly obtruded on the company. All the modeft 
 part were offended and grieved ; while the other be- 
 ibtted creatures laughed aloud, tho* the leprofy of un- 
 cleannds appeared on their lips. Are not thefe pcr- 
 fons prifoners of darknefs, tho* blazing fconces pour 
 artificial day through their rooms ? Are not their ibuls 
 immured in the moft baleful fhades, tho* the noon- 
 tide fun is brightened by flaming on their gilded cha- 
 riots ? They difcern not that great and adorable Be- 
 ing, who fills the univerfe with his infinite and glori- 
 ous pref fence ; who is all eye, to obferve their actions ; all 
 ear, to examine their words . They know not the all- fuffi- 
 cient Redeemer, nor the unfpeakable blefTednefs of his 
 heavenly kingdom. They are groping for the prize 
 of happinefs ; but will certainly grafp the thorn of 
 anxiety. They are wantonly fporting on the brink of 
 a precipice ; and are every moment in danger of falling 
 headlong into irretrievable ruin, and endlejs defpair. 
 They have forced me out, and are, perhaps, deri- 
 ding me in my abfence ; are charging my reverence for 
 the ever-prefent GOD, and my concern for the dig- 
 nity 
 
 Perhaps, alas ! the pleating ftream was brought 
 From this man's error, from another's fault ; 
 From topics, which good-nature would forget, 
 And prudence mention with the laft regret. 
 
 Prior's Solomon,
 
 A WINTER-PIECE. 447 
 
 jiity of our rational nature, to the account of humour 
 and fingularity ; to narrownefs of thought, or four* 
 neis of temper. Be it fo. I will indulge no indigna- 
 tion againft them. If any thing like \lfliould ariie, I 
 will convert it into prayer : " Pity them, O thou 
 " Father of mercies ! Shew them the madnefs of their 
 " profanenefs ! Shew them the bafenefsof their vile 
 " ribaldry ! Let their diffolute rant be turned into 
 " filent forrow and confulion ; till they open their 
 " lips, to adore thine injulted Majefty, and to implore 
 " thy gracious pardon. Till they devote tothyfer- 
 44 vice, thofe focial hours, and thofe fuperior faculties, 
 " which they are now abufing, to the difhonour of 
 " thy name, to the contamination of their own fouls, 
 u and (unlefs timely repentance intervene) to their 
 *' everlafting infamy and perdition." 
 
 I ride home amidft the gloomy void. All darkling 
 and iblitary, I can fcarce difcern my horfe's head ; and 
 only guefs out my blind road. No companion, but dan- 
 ger ; or, perhaps, " deftruction ready at my fide*." 
 
 But, why do I fancy mylelf folitary f Is not the 
 Father of lights, the GOD of my life, the great and 
 everlafting friend, always at my right hand ? Becaufe 
 the day is excluded, is his omniprefence vacated ? 
 Though I have no earthly acquaintance near, to affifl 
 in cafe of a misfortune ; or to beguile the time, and 
 divert uneafy fufpicions, by entertaining conferences ; 
 may I not lay my help upon the Almighty, and con- 
 verle with GOD by humble fupplication ? For this 
 exercife no place is improper, no hour unfeafonable, 
 and no porture incommodious. This is fociety, the 
 beft of ibciety, even in folitude. This is a fund of 
 delights, ea-fily portable, and quite inexhauftible. A 
 treafure this of unknown value ; liable to no hazard 
 from wrong or robbery ; but perfectly fecure to the 
 lonely wanderer, in the mofl darkfome paths. 
 
 And 
 * Job xviii. 12:
 
 448 A WINTER-PIECE. 
 
 And why mould Idiftrefs myfelf with apprchenfions 
 of peril f This accefs to GOD is not only an indefea- 
 iible privilege, but a kind of ambulatory garrijon. Thofe 
 who make known their requefts unto GOD, and rely 
 upon his protecting care ; he gives his angels charge 
 over their welfare. His angels are commiffioned to 
 efcort them in their travelling ; and to hold up their 
 goings, that they dam not their foot againft a ftone *. 
 Nay, he himfelf condefcends to be their guardian, and 
 " keeps all their bones, fo that not one of them is 
 *' broken.*' Between thefe perfons, and the moft mif- 
 chievous objects, a treaty of peace is concluded. The 
 articles of this grand alliance are recorded in the book 
 of iev- lation ; and will, when it is for the real bene- 
 fit of believers, affuredly be made good, in the admi- 
 .niftrations of Providence. Inthatday, faith the LORD, 
 "will 1 make a covenant for them with the beafts of the 
 field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creep- 
 ing things of the ground; and they fliall be m league 
 -with the ft ones of the feld-\ . Though they fall head- 
 long on the flints ; even the flints, fitted to fracture 
 the ikull, fliall receive them as into the arms of friend- 
 fhip, and not offer to hurt whom the LORD is pleafed 
 to preicrve. 
 
 May I then enjoy the prefence of this gracious GOD, 
 and darknefs and light mall be both alike. Let HIM 
 whifper peace to my confcience ; and this dread filence 
 fhall be more charming than the voice of eloquence, 
 or the ftraihs of mufic. Let HIM reveal his ravifhing 
 perfections in my foul ; and I fiiall not want the faf- 
 fron beauties of the morn, the golden glories of noon, 
 or the impurpled evening-fky. I (hall figh only for 
 thofe moil defirable and diftinguifhed realms, where 
 the light of HIS countenance perpetually mines, and 
 confequently "there isj no night there." 
 
 How 
 
 * PfaL xci. ii. 12. -j- Job v. 23. Hof. ii. 18. 
 
 Rev. xxi. 25.
 
 A WINTER-PIECE. 449 
 
 How furprifing are the alterations of nature ! I left 
 her, the preceding evening, plain and unadorned. But, 
 now, a thick rime has Ihed its hoary honours over all. 
 It has fhagged the fleeces of the (beep, and crifped the 
 travellers locks. The hedges are richly fringed, and 
 all the ground is pi-ofufely powdered. The down- 
 ward branches are taffelled with filver, and the up- 
 right are feathered with the plumy wave. 
 
 Theyf/zc? are not always the -valuable. The air, amidft 
 all thele gaudy decorations, is charged with chilling 
 and nnwholejome damps. The raw hazy influence 
 ipreads wide ; fits deep ; hangs heavy and oppreffive on 
 the fprings of life. A liftlels languor clogs the animal 
 funclions, and the purple ftream glides but faintly 
 through its channels. In vain, the ruler of the day 
 exerts his beaming powers : in vain, he attempts to 
 difperfe this infurreclion of vapours. Thcfullen, ma- 
 lignant cloud refufes to depart. It envelops the world, 
 and intercepts the profpett. I look abroad for the 
 neighbouring village ; I fend my eye in queft of the 
 rifing turret ; but am fcarce able to difcern the very 
 next houie. Where are the blue arches of heaven ? 
 Where is the radiant countenance of the iun ? where 
 the boundleis icenes of creation ? Loft, loft are their 
 beauties; quenched their glories. The thronged theatre 
 of the univerfe ieems an empty void ; and all its ele- 
 gant piftures, an undiftinguiihed blank. Tlius would 
 it have been with our intellectual views, if the gojpel 
 had not come in to our relief. We mould have known 
 neither our true good, nor realxcvil. We had been a 
 riddle to ourfelves ; the preient ftate all coniufion, 
 and the future impenetrable darknefs. But the Sun 
 of Righteoufnefs, ariiing with potent and triumphant 
 beams, has diffipated the imerpofmg eloud ; has open- 
 ed a profpect more beautiful than the blofToms of* 
 fpring, more chearing than the treaiures of autumn, 
 and far more enlarged than the extent of the vifible 
 fyftem : which, having led the eye of the mice! thro* 
 
 VOL. I. N 5. 3 L
 
 450 A WINTER-PIECE. 
 
 fields of grace, over rivers of righteoufnefs, and hills 
 crowned with knowledge, terminates, at length, in 
 the heavens ; fweetly lofing itfclf in regions of infi- 
 nite blifs, and endlefs glory. 
 
 As 1 walk along the fog, it feems, at fome little 
 diftance, to be almoft folid gloom ; fuch as would (hut 
 out every gHmpfe of light, and totally imprifon me 
 in obfcurily. But when I approach, and enter it, I 
 find myfelf agreeably miftaken, and the mift much 
 tiunner than it appeared. Such is the cafe with 
 regard to the fufferings of the prefent life ; they arc 
 not, when experienced, fo dreadful as a timorous 
 imagination furmifed. Such alfo is the cafe with re- 
 ference to the gratifications ofjenfe; they prove not, 
 when enjoyed, fo fubftantial as a fanguine expectation 
 reprefented. In both inftances, we are gracioufly dif- 
 appointed. The keen edge of the calamity is blunted, 
 that it may not wound us with incurable anguifli : the 
 exquifite relifli of the profperity is palled, that it may 
 not captivate our affections, and enflave them to in- 
 ferior delights. 
 
 SOM E T IME s the face of things wears a more p!ea- 
 fing form ; the very reverfe of the foregoing. The 
 ibber evening advances, to cloie the mort-lived day. 
 The firmament, clear and unfullied. puts on its bright- 
 eft blue. The ftars, in thronging multitudes, and with 
 a peculiar brilliancy, glitter through the fair expanfe. 
 While the frojt pours its fubtile and penetrating influ- 
 ence all around. Sharp and intenfely fevere, all the 
 the long night, the rigid aether continues its opera- 
 tions. ^Vhen, late .and flow, the morning opens her 
 pale eye ; in what a curious and amufing dilguife is 
 nature drelTed ! The icicles, jagged and uneven, are 
 pendent on the houfes. A whitiih film incrufts the 
 windows, where mimic landfcapes rife, and fancied 
 figures fwell. The fruitful fields are hardened to iron ; 
 the moiftened meadows are congealed to marble ; 
 
 and
 
 A WINTER-PIECE. 451 
 
 and both refound (an effect unknown before) with 
 the peafant's hafty tread. The ftream is arrdted in 
 its career, and its ever-flowing furface chained to the 
 banks. The fluid paths become a Iblid road ; where 
 the finny Ihoals were wont to rove, the fportive youth 
 flide, or the rattling chariots roll *. And (what would 
 feem, to an inhabitant of the fouthern world, as un- 
 accountable as the deepeft myfleries of our religion) 
 that very fame breath of heaven, which cement * the 
 lakes into a cryftal pavement, cleaves the oaks as it 
 were with invifible wedges : " breaks in pieces the 
 41 northern iron, and the fteel ;" even while it builds 
 a bridge of icy rock over the feas j~. 
 
 The air is all icrenity. Kefined by the nitrous par- 
 ticles, it affords the moft diftinct views, and cxteniive 
 profpefts. The feeds of infection are killed ; and the 
 pejtilence deftroyed, even in embryo. So, the cold 
 of affliftiQn tends to mortify our corruptions, and fub- 
 due our vitious habits. The crouding atmofphere 
 conftringes our bodies, and braces our nerves. The 
 fpirits are buoyant, and fally brifkly on the execution 
 of their office. In the fummer- months, fuch an un- 
 clouded fky, and fo bright a fun, would have melted 
 us with heat, and foftened us into fupinenefs. We 
 mould have been ready to throw our limbs under the 
 fpreading beech, and to lye at eafe by the murmuring 
 brook. But now none loiters in his path; none is feen 
 with folded arms. All is in motion ; all is activity. 
 
 Choice, 
 
 * Conor efcunt fubi to currenli in flumlnt crufta ; 
 Undaque jam tergo ferratos fuftinet orbcs, 
 Pupplbus ilia prius patulis, nunc hofflta flauftris 
 Sjraque dijfiliunt vufgo. VIRG. 
 
 f- Job xxxviii. 30. Ihe -waters are hid, locked up from the 
 cattle's lips, and Fecured from the fiflier's net, as wells were 
 wont to be clofed with a ponderous and impenetrable ftonf. 
 And not only lakes and rivers, but the fin face of the great 
 deep, with its reftlefs and uncontrollable (urges, is taken cap- 
 five r^n' by the froft, and bound in fliining fetters. 
 3 ^2
 
 452 A WINTER-PIECE. 
 
 Choice, prompted by the weather, fupplies the fpnr of 
 neceffity. Thus, the rugged ichool of misfortune often 
 trains up the mind to a vigorous exertion of its facul- 
 ties. The bleak climate of adverfity often infpirits 
 us with a manly refolution. When a foft and downy 
 affluence, perhaps, would have relaxed all the gene- 
 rous fpring of the foul, and have left it enervated with 
 pleafure, or diflblved in indolence. 
 
 " COLD cometh out of the north *." The winds, 
 having fwept thofe deferts of fnow, arm themlelves 
 with millions of frozen particles, and make a fierce 
 defcent upon our iile. Under black and fcowling 
 clouds, they drive, dreadfully whizzing, thro' the 
 darkened air. They growl around oar houfes ; af- 
 fault our doors j and, eager for entrance, fatten on 
 our windows. Walls can fcarce reftrain them ; bars 
 are unable to exclude them ; thro' every cranny they 
 force their way. Ice is on their wings ; they fcatter 
 agues thro* the land ; and winter, all winter, rages 
 as they go. Their breath is as a fearing f iron to the 
 little verdure left in the plains. Vaftly more perni- 
 cious to the tender plants than the fliarpeft knife, they 
 kill their branches, and wound the very root. Let 
 not the corn venture to peep too freely from the en- 
 trenchment of the furrow ; let not the fruit-bearing 
 blofToms dare to come abroad from their lodgment in 
 the bark ; left thefe murderous blafts intercept and 
 feizc the unwary flrangers, and deflroy the hopes of 
 the advancing year. 
 
 O, 'tis. 
 
 * Job xsxvii. 9. 
 
 f This, I fuppofe, is the meaning of that figurative expref- 
 fion ufed by the prophet Habakkuk : who, (peaking of the 
 Chaldeans invading Judea, fays, The ir faces, or the incur- 
 fions they make, Jhall fup up, fliall fwallow greedily, floall de- 
 vour utterly, the inhabitants of the country, and their va.'u- 
 able effecls ; as the keen, corroding blafts of the eaft -wind de* 
 flroy every green thing in the field. Hab. i. 5.
 
 A WINTER-PIECE. 453 
 
 O, 'tis feverely cold ! Who is fo hardy, as not to 
 fhrink at this excejjively-pinching weather \ See \ Every 
 face is pale Even the blooming cheeks contract a 
 gelid hue, and the teeth hardly forbear chattering. 
 Ye that lit eafy and joyous, amidft your commodious 
 apartments, folacing yourfelves in the diffufive warmth 
 of your fire, be mindful of your brethren in the chear- 
 lefs tenement of poverty. 'Their fhattered panes are 
 open to the piercing winds ; a tattered garment fcarce- 
 ]y covers their mivering flefb ; while a few faint and 
 dying embers on the iqualid hearth, rather mock their 
 willies, thap warm their limbs. -While the generous 
 juices of Oporto iparkle in yourglafTes ; or the ftreams, 
 beautifully tinged and deliciouily flavoured with the 
 Chinefe leaf, fmoke in theelegant porcelain ; O remem- 
 ber, that many of your fellow-creatures, amiciil all 
 the rigour of thefe inclement ikies, are emaciated with 
 fickneis, benumbed with age, and pining with hun- 
 ger. Let u their loins bleis you," for comfortable 
 cloathing. Reftore them with medicine ; regale them 
 with food ; and baffle the raging year. So, may you 
 never know any of their diftreffes, but only by the 
 hearing of the ear, the feeing of the eye, or the feel- 
 ing of a tender commiferation ! Methinks, the biN 
 ter blufhering winds plead for the poor indigents. 
 May they breathe pity into your breafts, while they 
 jilow hardships into their huts 1 Obferve thofe blue 
 flames, and ruddy coals, in your chimney : quickened 
 by the cold, they look more lively, and glow more 
 ilrongly. Silent, but feafonable admonition to the 
 gay circle, that chat and fmile around them ! Thus, 
 may your hearts, at fuch a juncture of need, kindle 
 into a peculiar benevolence ! Detain not your iuper- 
 fiuous piles of wood. Let them haften to the relief 
 of the ftarving family. Bid them expire in many a 
 willing blaze, to mitigate the feverity of the feaibn, 
 and chear the bleak abodes of want. So (hall they 
 afcend, mingled with thankfgivings to GOD, and ar- 
 dent.
 
 454 A WINTER-PIECE. 
 
 dent prayers for your welfare ; afcend, more grateful 
 to heaven than columns of the molt coftly incenfe. 
 
 Now the winds ceafe. Having brought their load, 
 they are difmhTed from fervice. They have wafted an 
 immenfe cargo of clouds, which empty themfelves in 
 fnoiu. At firft, a few fcattered (hreds come wandering 
 down the faddened fky. This flight ikirmifti is fucceed- 
 cd by a general onfet. The flakes, large and numer- 
 ous, and thick-wavering, defcend. They dim the air, 
 and haften the approach of night. Through all the 
 night, in fofteft filence, and with a continual flow, 
 this fleecy mower falls. In the morning, when we 
 awake, what a furprifing change appears ! Is this 
 the fame world ? Here is no diverfity of colour ! I can 
 hardly diftinguifh the trees from the hills on which 
 they grow. Which are the meadows, and which the 
 plains ? Where are the green paftures, and where the 
 fallow lands ? All things lye blended in bright confu- 
 fion ; fo bright, that it heightens the fplendor of day, 
 and even dazzles the organs of fight. -^-The lawn is 
 not fo fair, as this fnowy mantle, which inverts the 
 fields ; and even the lily, was the lily to appear, would 
 look tarnifned in its prefencc. I can think of but one 
 thing, which excels or equals the glittering robe of 
 winter. Is any perfon defirous to know my meaning ? 
 He may find it explained in that admirable hymn *, 
 compofed by the royal penitent. Is any defirous to 
 pofTefs this matchlefs ornament ? He will find it of- 
 fered to his acceptance in every page of the gofpel. 
 
 See ! (for the eye cannot fatisfy itfelf without view- 
 ing again and again the curious, the delicate fcene,) 
 fee ! how the hedges are habited, like fpotlefs vcftals ! 
 The houfes are roofedwith uniformity and luftre. The 
 meadows are covered with a carpet of the fined er- 
 mine. 
 
 * Can any thing be whiter than fnow ? Yes, faith David; 
 If GOD be pleafed to wafh me from my llns in the blood of 
 CHRIST, IJhail be even -whiter thanfnwj. Pfal. U, 7. See 
 page 361, 2.
 
 A WINTER-PIECE. 
 
 mine *. The groves bow beneath the lovely burden ; 
 and all, all below, is one wide, immenfe, fhining wafle 
 of white. By deep fnows, and heavy rains, GOD 
 fealeth up the hand of every man. And for this purpofe, 
 adds our facred philofopher, that all men may know his 
 "work [ . He confines them within their doors, and 
 puts a flop to their fecular bufinefs ; that they may 
 confider the things which belong to their fpiritual 
 welfare ; that, having a vacation from their ordinary 
 ciliploy, they may obferve the works of his power, 
 and *become acquainted with the myfleries of his 
 grace. 
 
 And worthy, worthy of all obfervation, are the 
 works of the great Creator. They are prodigioufly 
 various, and perfectly amazing. How pliant and duc- 
 tile is nature under his forming hand ! At his com- 
 mand, the felf-fame iubftance affuines the moft diffe- 
 rent fhapes, and is transformed into an endlefs multi- 
 plicity of figures. If HE ordains, the water is mould- 
 ed into hail, and difckarged upon the earth like a 
 volley of fhot ; or it is conjolldated into ice, and defends 
 the rivers, u as it were with a bread-plate." At the 
 bare intimation of his will, the very fame element is 
 (battered in hoar-frofl, like a fprinkling of the mofl 
 attenuated afhes ; or is fpread over the furface of the 
 ground, in thefe couches of fwelling a.ndfla/iy down. 
 
 The ihow, however it may carry the appearance cf 
 cold, affords a warm garment for the corn ; fcreens it 
 from nipping frofts, and cherifhes its infant-growth. 
 It will abide for a while, to exert a protecting care, 
 and exerciie a foftering influence. Then, touched by 
 the fun, or thawed by a foftening ga!e, the furry vei- 
 ture melts into genial moifture ; finks deep into the 
 foil, and faturates its pores with the difTolving ritre j 
 
 replenifiiing 
 
 * This animal is milk-white. As for thofe black /pots, which 
 \ve generally fee in linings of ermine, they are added by the 
 furrier, in order to diversify the appearance, or. heighten the 
 beauty, of the native colour. -f Job xxxvii, 7.
 
 .456 A WINTER-PIECE.. 
 
 repleniming the glebe with thofe principles of vegeta- 
 tive life, which will open into the bloom of ipring, 
 and ripen into the fruits of autumn. Beautiful em- 
 blem this, and comfortable reprefentation of the di- 
 vine word, both in the fucceisful and advantageous 
 iflue of its operation ! As the rain cometh down, and 
 the Jnoii) from heaven, and ret ur net h. not thither, but 
 watertth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, 
 that it may give Jeed to thejower, and bread to the eat- 
 er : Jo /hull my word be, that goeth forth out of uty 
 mouth : it fliall not return unto me void, but jhalfac- 
 complifh that "which I pleafe, and itjhall pro/per in the 
 thing "^hereunto I fent it #. 
 
 NA T u RE, at length, puts off her lucid veil. She 
 drops it in a trickling thaw. The loofened fnow 
 rolls in meets from the houfes* Various openings ipot 
 the hills ; which, even while we look, become larger, 
 and more numerous. The trees rid themfelves, by 
 degrees, of the hoary incumberance. Shook from the 
 fpringing boughs, part falls heavy to the ground, part 
 flies abroad in fhining atoms. Our fields and gardens, 
 lately buried beneath the drifted heaps, rife plain and 
 diflinci to view. Since we fee nature once again, has 
 fhe no verdant traces, no beautiful features, left ? 
 They are, like real friends, very rare ; and therefore 
 the more particularly to be regarded, the more highly 
 to be valued. Here and there the holly hangs out her 
 glowing btrries ; the laurujtinus fpreads her graceful 
 tufts ; and both under a covert of unfading foliage. 
 The plain, but hardy ivy, clothes the decrepit, crazy 
 wall ; nor (brinks from the friendly office, though the 
 fides frown, and the ftorm roars. The laurel, firm, 
 erect, and bold, expands its leaf of vivid green. In 
 fpite of the united, the repeated attacks of wind> and 
 rain, and froft, it preferves an undifmayed lively look; 
 and maintains its poft, while withering millions fall 
 
 around, 
 
 * If. Iv. 10, ii. '
 
 A WINTER-PIECE. 457 
 
 around. Worthy, by vanquifhing the rugged force 
 of winter, worthy to adorn the triumphant conquer- 
 or's br.ow. Nor rouft I forget the bay-tree ; which 
 icorns to be a mean penfioner on a few tranfient fun- 
 ny gleams ; or, with a fervile obfequkmfnefs, to vary 
 its appearance, in conformity to the changing feafons : 
 by iuch indications of flerling worth, and -{launch re- 
 folutiori, reading a, lecture to the poet's genius, while 
 it weaves the chaplet for his temples.-^ Thefe, and a 
 few other plants, clad with native verdure, retain 
 thek comely alpecl, in the bleakeft climes, and ia 
 the coldeft months. 
 
 Such, and fo durable, are -the accomplishments of 
 a refined understanding, and an amiable temper. The 
 tawdry ornaments of drefs, which catch the unthink- 
 ing vulgar, foon become infipid and defpicable. The 
 rubied lip, and the rofy cheek fade. Even the fpark- 
 ling wit J, as well as the fparkling eye, pleafe but for 
 
 a mo- 
 il: 4t How little does GOD efteem the things that men count 
 44 great ; the endowments of wit and eloquence, that men ad- 
 mire in fome ! Alas ! how poor are they to him ! He re- 
 ipe&eth not any who are wife in heart : they are nothing, 
 and lefs than nothing, in his eyes. Even uul/e men admire, 
 how little it is that men know; how final! a matter lyes un- 
 der the found of thefe popular wonders, a learned man, a 
 great fcholar, a great ftatefman. How much more doth the 
 all-wife Goo meanly account of thefe ! He often difcovers 
 44 even to the world, their meannefs. He befools them. So 
 44 valour, or birth, or worldly greatnefs, thefe he gives, and 
 44 gives us things he makes no great reckoning of, to fuch as 
 44 mall never fee his face ; and calls to the inheritance of glo- 
 44 ry poor defpifed creatures, that are looked en as the </''- 
 44 fcourlngs and refufe of the world." 
 
 Y HUS fays an excellent author; who writes with the 
 mod amiable fpirit of benevolence; with the mo(V unaflfecled 
 air of humility; and, like the facred originals, from which he 
 copies, with a majedic fimplicity of ftyle. Whofe/cr/rt? works 
 I may venture to recommend, not only as a treafure, but as a 
 MINE of genuine, flerling, evangelical piery. See page 520. 
 ' VOL. 1. N $. 3 M cf
 
 458 A WINTER-PIECE. 
 
 a moment. But the virtuous mind has charms, which 
 furvive the decay of every inferior embellifhment 5 
 charms, which add to the fragrancy of the flower.j 
 the permanency of the ever-green. 
 
 Such, likewife, is the happinefs of the fincerely-re- 
 ligious 5 like a tree, fays the infpired moralifl, " whofe 
 u leaf mall riot fall." He borrows not his peace 
 from external circumftances ; but has a fund within, 
 and is tfc fatisfjed from himfelf *." Even though 
 impoverished by calamitous accidents, he is rich in the 
 poffeffion of grace, and richer in the hope of glory. His 
 joys are infinitely fliperior to, as well as nobly inde- 
 pendent on, the tranfitory glow of fenfual delight, 
 or the capricious favours of wtyat the world calls for- 
 tune. 
 
 IF the fnoiu compofes the light-armed troops of the 
 fky, methinks the hail conftitutes its heavy artillery f . 
 Wlien driven by a vehement wind, with what dread- 
 ful impetuosity does that (lony fliower fall ! How it 
 rebounds from the frozen ground, and rattles on the 
 reibunding dome ! It attenuates the rivers into fmoke, 
 or fcourges them into foam. It cruihes the infant 
 flowers ; cuts in pieces the gardener's early plants ; 
 and batters the feeble fortification of his glafles into 
 fhivers. It darts into the traveller's face : he turns, 
 with bade, from the flroke ; or feels, on his cheek, 
 
 for 
 
 of Archbifhop LEIGHTON'S file ft works, the Edinburgh e- 
 dition, octavo. Which it is necetifary to Ipecify, becauie the 
 London edition does not contain that part of his writings which 
 has fupplied me with the preceding quotation. 
 
 * Prov. xiv. 14. 
 
 f- //<? caftetb forth his ic: like morfels. Pfal. cxlvii. 17. 
 Which, in modern language, might be thus exprefled : He 
 foursih his hail like a volley of/hot. The word cpms inadequate- 
 ly tranflated morfels, alludes, 1 think, to thofe fragments of 
 the rock, or thok/rnooth f:onss from the brook, which, in 
 the day of battle, the warriors hurled from their flings,
 
 A WINTER-PIECE. 459 
 
 for the guming blood. If he would retreat into the 
 houfe, it follows him even thither ; and, like a de- 
 termined enemy, that pumes the purfuit, dames thro" 
 the crackling panes. But the fierce attack is quickly 
 over. The clouds have foon fpent their ihafts ;'foon 
 unftrung their bow. Happy for the inhabitants of the 
 earth, that a fally fo dreadfully furious^ mould be 
 fo remarkably Jhort I What elfe could endure the 
 fliock, or efcape deftruclion ? 
 
 BUT behold a bow, of no hoftile intention ! a bow, 
 painted in variegated' colours, on the diiburdened 
 cloud. How vaft is the extent, how delicate the tex- 
 ture, of i[\zt fhowery arch I It conipaffetli the heavens 
 with a glorious circle, and teaches us to forget the 
 horrors of the ftorm. Elegant its form, and rich its 
 tinclure ; but more delightful its facred fignificancy. 
 While the violet and the rofe blufli in its beautiful 
 afpect, the olive-branch fmiles in its gracious import. 
 It writes, in radiant dyes, what the angels fung iii 
 harmonious (irains; " peace on earth, and good-will 
 " towards men." It is the (lamp of iuj'urance, for the 
 continuance of feed -time and harvefl ; for the prefer- 
 vation and fecurity of the vifible world *. It is the 
 comfortable token J of a better (late, and a happier 
 kingdom ; a kingdom, where fin mall ceafe, arid 
 mifery be aboliflied ; where ftorms (hall beat, and 
 winter pierce no more ; but holinefs, happinefs, and 
 joy, like one unbounded Jpring^ for ever, ever bloom* 
 
 * Gen. ix. 12, 16. :j: Rer. iv. 3. 
 
 M
 
 An IMITATION of Mr H E R v E Y ' s M E- 
 
 D I T A T I O N S. 
 Wrote by a young Lady, in 1750. 
 p. n6, 215. 
 
 TH E ftiortening days, the ftilten clouds, grown 
 dark and ponderous with the gathering rain ; the 
 frigid air, which ftrikes unwelcome on the tender 
 frame, (but mews what Albion's fons could once en- 
 dure,) proclaim the approach of winter. Sec! how 
 the trees, as tho' they felt a mock like human dhTolu- 
 tion, now drop their "leafy honours : 1 fome, you may 
 obierve, like feeble old age, hang totleritig in the air, 
 till a gentle breeze breaks the tender fibre thaTfupports 
 them, and throws them relenttefs on the ground. 
 They fall unlainerited, when they can no longer de- 
 light our eyes; and are no fooner diflblved, than 'for- 
 got : one fummer*s beauty is all they can pretend to \ 
 whilft the lofty fir, though greatly eclipfed by thefe 
 gay ftrangers in the bloom of their yoinh, yet far ex- 
 ceeds them in the duration of her charms. The beau- 
 ty of the fir is always the fame, and periihe's only 
 with her exiftence. 
 
 A lively emblem this, of the hiflability a'nd worth- 
 lefTnefs of mortal charms. How mutable is the hap- 
 pinefs of thofe thoughtlefs women, who place all their 
 felicity in admiration ! Admiration from whom ? 
 Not from the wife and prudent, that were well worth 
 their aim ; but from peribns light and trifling as them- 
 &lves : for fuch alone 'pay court to polifhed daft. 
 Perhaps, they pafs the bloom of their youth without 
 one ferious thought ; and what a fund of impertinence 
 do they then treaTure up for the remainder of their 
 
 days !".
 
 Ail iMiYAtlON bf the MEDICATIONS. 461 
 
 days'! which, when all thefe gay fantaftic vifions fade, 
 when every outward charm is fled, grows quite kifup* 
 portable .-~Hbw can they bear tht (hock of approach* 
 ing age ? which (like autumn by the trees) difrobes 
 them of every attractive grace.-* The perfections we 
 are by the flattering world allowed, whilft we have 
 beauty, too often, at leaft the praile of them, vanifh 
 with it, and leave nothing but malice and envy to fill 
 up the great void of uncultivated fenfe :* they drop 
 like the withered leaves, neglected, if not defpifed ; 
 and, like the path of a fwift arrow thro' the invifible 
 air, leave n6 traces of virtue or goodnefs, whereby 
 they may be remembered. How much happier they, 
 who, in the rnidft of their chHdifh, innocent amufe- 
 tnents, 'experience the effects of a true parental care ; 
 who are taught " to remember their Creator in the 
 " days of their youth, while the evil days come not, 
 u and the years wherein they mail (truly) fay, I have 
 " no pleafure in them ;" and are early informed, (be- 
 fore the trifling joys of this world have made too deep 
 an impreffion on their tender minds,) that all is vanity; 
 that religion, wifdom, and virtue, are the only perma- 
 nent enjoyments in this world, and will be their only 
 confolation when they fink into another. Beauty is 
 no farther of advantage to us than as it is an' cmbel- 
 lifhment to fenfe, and makes virtue appear more ami- 
 able : but when it is only a mafk to vice, or folly ; 
 when it perfuades the owner to neglect the attainment 
 of all other accomplifliments, the blefling then degene- 
 rates into a curfe, and we quickly defpiie the idle flat- 
 terer ; in fhort, " the praife that is worth ambition, 
 " is attained by good fenfe alone, with dignity of mind ;'*" 
 and a woman of true fenfe will be always ambitious^ 
 not of gaining admiration, but of deferving it. 
 
 I m uft own myfelf obliged to Mr Hervey's- Meditc~ 
 tions, for this poor imitation of him. The two vo- 
 lumes publiihed under that title, cannot, I think, be 
 
 fuificicntJy
 
 462 An IMITATION of the MEDITATIONS. 
 
 fufficiently admired : His Reflections are fo eafy and na- 
 tural, that, upon reading them, you cannot help be- 
 ing furpriied, that the objects which furniftied him 
 with thofe beautiful ideas, did not in the fame manner 
 affect you upon the like occafions, till you confider 
 the dignity of ftyle in which they arc wrote : You 
 are then immediately convinced, that this is only to 
 be attained by a bright underftanding, refined by a li- 
 beral education. 1 can't, for my own part, conceive 
 any thing (in this world) to be more thoroughly con- 
 ducive to happinefs than fuch a genius, where every 
 object round him raifes his admiration, and excites his 
 thankfulnefs to that Being, whofe blemngs he only 
 truly enjoys, who PROPERLY efleems them ; there 
 is nothing fuch a one beholds, but what he can apply to 
 the good of himfelf, and of his fellow-creatures.
 
 A 
 
 A 
 
 B 
 
 E 
 
 E 
 
 OF THE 
 
 More or lefs iiluftrated in this W o R K. 
 
 . B. As Dr SHAW, in the fupplemint to bis excellent book of Travels, andfeveral 
 t'her authors of the greateft eminence, have given an ndex of Scriptures, occafton- 
 ally explained in their -writings ; I doubt not, lut I Jball oblige many of mi rea- 
 ders, by -what I \\ertfubjoiu; tbofe efyecially, whofe tajtc is happily formed to re* 
 lif,j the beauties of thej'acred records. 
 
 Chap. Ver. 
 
 Page 
 
 Chap. 
 
 Ver. 
 
 Page 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 
 
 JOB 
 
 
 XXX. i. 
 
 90. 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 
 451. 
 
 DEUT. 
 
 
 
 PSALM 
 
 
 XXXII. 29. 
 
 ll. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 3-4- 
 
 354. 
 
 JOSH. 
 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 
 403. 
 
 X. 12, 13. 
 
 407. 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 . I. 
 
 43- 
 
 JuDG. 
 
 
 XXVII, 
 
 4- 
 
 
 V. 20. 
 
 171, 2. 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 6.9. 
 
 363. 
 
 V. 30. 
 
 171. 
 
 XLV. 
 
 9- 
 
 168. 
 
 1 SAM, 
 
 
 LI. 
 
 7- 
 
 361. 
 
 XXVIII. 19. 
 
 1 19. 
 
 XCVI. 
 
 5- 
 
 412. 
 
 I KINGS 
 
 
 XCVII. 
 
 2. 
 
 373- 
 
 VIII. 27. 
 
 68. 
 
 CIV. 
 
 3- 
 
 121. 
 
 XX. 40. 
 
 286. 
 
 CIV. 
 
 24. 
 
 178. 
 
 NEHEM. 
 
 
 CVI1I. 
 
 4- 
 
 142. 
 
 IX. 6. 
 
 412. 
 
 ex. 
 
 3- 
 
 1 5 0. 
 
 JOB 
 
 
 ex. 
 
 
 
 lv 14. 15 1 6, 
 
 17.18.19. 
 
 33 4 5- 
 
 CXXXVI. 
 CXXXIX. 
 
 9- 
 
 2. 
 
 325. 
 290. 
 
 IV. 19. 
 
 79 
 
 CXXXIX. 
 
 7- 8. 9. 
 
 2 76. 
 
 'V. 23. 
 
 44 8. 
 
 CXXXIX. 
 
 IO. 
 
 290. 
 
 VII. 20. 
 
 357- 
 
 PROVERBS 
 
 
 IX. 8. 
 
 121. 
 
 IV. 
 
 | . 
 
 212. 
 
 IX. 25,26. 
 
 2 7 8. 
 
 
 ECCLES. 
 
 
 XiX. 25. 
 
 219. 
 
 XII. 
 
 3- 5 
 
 9 8. 
 
 XXII. 14. 
 
 121. 
 
 
 CANTIC. 
 
 
 XXII. -16. 
 
 329- 
 
 II. 
 
 i. 
 
 jjr. 
 
 XX 1 1. 20. 
 
 365. 
 
 VI. 
 
 10. 
 
 33- 
 
 XXV. 5 . 6. 
 
 381. 
 
 
 ISAIAH 
 
 
 XXVI. 14. 
 
 35 i 
 
 II. 
 
 ir. 
 
 444. 
 
 XXXVIII, 25. 
 
 199. 
 
 IX. 
 
 3- 
 
 382.
 
 4^4 
 
 TEXTS illujlratcd. 
 
 Chap. Ver. 
 
 Page 
 
 Chap. Ver. 
 
 Page 
 
 ISAIAH 
 XIV. 23. 
 XX X. 8. 
 XXXIII. i 5 , 
 
 xxxn r. i 7 . 
 
 XXXV. i. 
 
 3,8. 
 299. 
 
 2ii, 2. 
 174. 
 201. 
 
 JOHM 
 
 XI. 26. 
 XII. 32. 
 XIV. 6. 
 XIV. 9 . 
 
 123. 
 400. 
 206. 
 399- 
 
 XXXVIII. n. 
 
 285, 
 
 A^TS 
 TY 
 
 
 XL. 12. 
 XL. 15. 
 
 368, 9 
 351. 
 
 IA. I. 
 
 XX. 28. 
 
 361, 
 
 XL. 29, 30. 
 
 3'. 364- 
 
 ROM. 
 
 
 XL I. 10. 
 
 39*- 
 
 V. g. 
 
 377- 
 
 XLII. 3. 
 
 393- 
 
 V. 20. 
 
 387- 
 
 XL1X. 13. 
 
 378. 
 
 XIII. 14. 
 
 172. 
 
 Xi^X. 15. 
 
 427. 
 
 I COR. 
 
 
 LI. 6. 1 6. 
 
 232 
 
 I. 24. 
 
 397> 8 - 
 
 L1II. 3. 
 
 239- 
 
 I. 30. 
 
 326. 
 
 LV. 13. 
 
 201. 
 
 XV. 41.42. 
 
 419. 
 
 LVIil. 10. 
 
 203. 4- 
 
 2 COR. 
 
 
 LXI. 10. 
 
 172. 
 
 IV. 17. 
 
 292. 
 
 JEREM. 
 
 
 VI. 16. 
 
 70. 
 
 xxxr. 12. 
 
 201. 
 
 IX. 8. 
 
 384. 
 
 XLIX. n. 
 
 94- 
 
 GAL. 
 
 
 EZEK. 
 
 
 II. 20. 
 
 209. 
 
 XVI. 03. 
 
 359- 
 
 EPH. 
 
 
 DAN. 
 
 
 III. 10. 
 
 398. 
 
 IX. 24. 
 
 33 r - 
 
 III. 18. 19. 
 
 356. 
 
 XII. 3. 
 
 416. 
 
 III. 20, 
 
 366. 
 
 HABAK. 
 
 
 PHILIP. 
 
 
 I. 9. 
 
 452. 
 
 II. 6. 7. 8. 
 
 355- 
 
 m. 4 . 
 
 187. 
 
 III. JO. 
 
 209. 
 
 III. IT. 
 
 47> 3. 
 
 COLOSS. 
 
 
 ZECH. 
 
 
 II. 3. 
 
 399- 
 
 IX. 17. 
 
 375- 
 
 HEB. 
 
 
 XIII. i. 
 
 362,82. 
 
 I. 2.3. 
 
 162, 88. 
 
 MATTH. 
 
 
 VII. 3 6. 
 
 359- 
 
 VI. 2J. 
 
 40*. 
 
 VIII. ,o. 
 
 402. 
 
 LUKE 
 
 
 XII. 2. 
 
 205. 
 
 VII. 12. 
 
 5,2. 
 
 I PET. 
 
 
 XIV. 23. 
 
 i3r. 
 
 I. 12. 
 
 400. 
 
 XV. ii. & 
 
 c. 385, 86. 
 
 2 PET. 
 
 
 XVIII. 19. 
 
 376. 
 
 III. 10. 
 
 3 zo. 
 
 JOHN 
 
 
 REV. 
 
 
 * 3- 
 
 161, 8S. 
 
 X. 1f2 'l' 
 
 281 
 
 III. 3. 
 
 307. 
 
 4.5-6. 
 
 
 V. , 7 . 
 
 164. 
 
 XII. i. 
 
 235. 
 
 
 206. 
 
 XXI. i. 
 
 24 f. 
 
 End 
 
 of VOLUME FIRST. 
 
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 Los Angeles 
 This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 
 
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