Welcome, little peaceful strangers,
To your fields and pastures green,
Fearless of surrounding dangers,
Since no dangers you have seen.
To your fields and pastures green,
Fearless of surrounding dangers,
Since no dangers you have seen.
While the sun is on you beaming,
That you may new strength receive,
Sweet new milk is for you streaming,
That you may partake and live.
That you may new strength receive,
Sweet new milk is for you streaming,
That you may partake and live.
Spring, with all her charms, invites you,
Now to taste the tender blade;
Birds are singing to delight you,
Whether in the sun or shade.
Now to taste the tender blade;
Birds are singing to delight you,
Whether in the sun or shade.
Nature has with gladness crown’d you,
Woodlands echo at your birth,
Spreads a flowery carpet round you,
Bids you walk in freedom forth.
Woodlands echo at your birth,
Spreads a flowery carpet round you,
Bids you walk in freedom forth.
But beware of your destroyer,
Crafty Reynard stalks the plains,
To your shepherd cleave then closer,
Or he’ll drain your little veins.
Crafty Reynard stalks the plains,
To your shepherd cleave then closer,
Or he’ll drain your little veins.
In your merry evening gambols,
Of surrounding foes beware,
Also in your distant rambles,
See you wander not too far.
Of surrounding foes beware,
Also in your distant rambles,
See you wander not too far.
Fell destruction round you hovers,
Therefore caution don’t despise,
Croaking ravens wait in numbers,
To pick out your little eyes.
Therefore caution don’t despise,
Croaking ravens wait in numbers,
To pick out your little eyes.
Go not forth without your shepherd,
Be not lifted up with pride,
For if peaceful you would slumber,
You must never leave his side.
Be not lifted up with pride,
For if peaceful you would slumber,
You must never leave his side.
Till your strength is perfected,
Keep within your master’s ground,
You shall never be neglected,
If you thus are faithful found.
Keep within your master’s ground,
You shall never be neglected,
If you thus are faithful found.
See yon lamb that now is bleating,
Him misfortune calls its own;
And mark’d out an early victim,
From the flock he strays alone.
Him misfortune calls its own;
And mark’d out an early victim,
From the flock he strays alone.
See the little lonely mourner,
Like a bull-rush hangs his head,
Seeks a solitary corner,
And refuses to be fed.
Like a bull-rush hangs his head,
Seeks a solitary corner,
And refuses to be fed.
Life to him appears a burden,
This his wailings testify,
Earth no pleasures can afford him,
He will shortly droop and die.
This his wailings testify,
Earth no pleasures can afford him,
He will shortly droop and die.
Ere he drink the crystal fountain,
Ere he dance the flowery plain,
Ere he bleat on yonder mountain,
He returns to earth again.
Ere he dance the flowery plain,
Ere he bleat on yonder mountain,
He returns to earth again.
Emblem of that happy infant
Which was born the other day,
But before it knew bereavement,
From the earth was call’d away.
Which was born the other day,
But before it knew bereavement,
From the earth was call’d away.
Call’d to more delightful regions,
Ere he learn’d his mother tongue,
There to speak a purer language,
There to sing a sweeter song.
Ere he learn’d his mother tongue,
There to speak a purer language,
There to sing a sweeter song.
On his Lord to wait attendant,
And to sing redeeming love,
Seated on a throne resplendent,
In a brighter world above.
And to sing redeeming love,
Seated on a throne resplendent,
In a brighter world above.
Cheerful lambs around us caper,
Woodland songsters hail the morn;
But frail man is doom’d to labour,
Weep, and sweat, and sigh, and mourn.
Woodland songsters hail the morn;
But frail man is doom’d to labour,
Weep, and sweat, and sigh, and mourn.
Yet there is a higher station,
Man is born for nobler joys,
If he seeks and finds salvation,
He shall sing above the skies.
Man is born for nobler joys,
If he seeks and finds salvation,
He shall sing above the skies.
Though he be a fallen creature,
Subject here to droop and die,
The “Lamb of God” can change his nature,
And take all his sins away!
Subject here to droop and die,
The “Lamb of God” can change his nature,
And take all his sins away!
THE COUNTRY BLUNDER!
Some lines which I have lately penn’d
May prove a caution to a friend;
Indeed as such they are intended,
And to my friends are recommended.
May prove a caution to a friend;
Indeed as such they are intended,
And to my friends are recommended.
But some, though caution’d night and morn,
Will not take heed, howe’er we warn,
But still to make their neighbours fun,
Will obstinately blunder on.
Will not take heed, howe’er we warn,
But still to make their neighbours fun,
Will obstinately blunder on.
A servant man in Glazedale glen,
Did lately shoot a fine pea-hen:
Taking her for a pheasant good,
Lately stray’d from the neighb’ring wood.
Did lately shoot a fine pea-hen:
Taking her for a pheasant good,
Lately stray’d from the neighb’ring wood.
But had he studied well the season,
He might have found sufficient reason,
To have convinc’d him, there and then,
’Twas neither pheasant, cock nor hen!
He might have found sufficient reason,
To have convinc’d him, there and then,
’Twas neither pheasant, cock nor hen!
For is it common thus to see,
Where there is neither bush nor tree,
A pheasant pick, in open day?—
Much more upon the King’s highway?
Where there is neither bush nor tree,
A pheasant pick, in open day?—
Much more upon the King’s highway?
To view her well he did not fail,
Her rosy comb, and fine long tail,
And call’d her without more ado,
A pheasant,—and a fine one too!
Her rosy comb, and fine long tail,
And call’d her without more ado,
A pheasant,—and a fine one too!
But beast, or bird, it makes no matter,
He takes his gun and jingles at her;
And ere that bird his mercy begs,
She tumbles down, with broken legs!
He takes his gun and jingles at her;
And ere that bird his mercy begs,
She tumbles down, with broken legs!
He then did speedily run out,
And twin’d her slender neck about,
With pleasure sparkling in his eyes,
Thinking he’d got a famous prize!
And twin’d her slender neck about,
With pleasure sparkling in his eyes,
Thinking he’d got a famous prize!
But one whose senses were awake,
Did soon point out his sad mistake;
His countenance did alter, when
He found it was a fine pea-hen!
Did soon point out his sad mistake;
His countenance did alter, when
He found it was a fine pea-hen!
He thought his neighbours then would scoff,
And poets soon would take him off;
Too late he wish’d and strove in vain,
To bring his hen to life again!
And poets soon would take him off;
Too late he wish’d and strove in vain,
To bring his hen to life again!
Ye poachers all, both young and old,
If you don’t think my pen too bold;—
Or may I say, kind gentlemen,—
Take warning by this same pea-hen!
If you don’t think my pen too bold;—
Or may I say, kind gentlemen,—
Take warning by this same pea-hen!
Mind well what creatures you abuse;
They all were given by God for use:—
Lest you should make your neighbours fun,
Look well before you point your gun!
They all were given by God for use:—
Lest you should make your neighbours fun,
Look well before you point your gun!
Or you by chance may shoot a horse;—
The other’s bad,—this would be worse:
Yet such a thing was lately done,
And by a badly managed gun!
The other’s bad,—this would be worse:
Yet such a thing was lately done,
And by a badly managed gun!
The thorns or thistles, stones or whins,
May prick your legs, or break your shins;
Yet those who’d buy instruction cheap,
Should always “look before they leap!”
May prick your legs, or break your shins;
Yet those who’d buy instruction cheap,
Should always “look before they leap!”
If still my counsel you disdain,
I may hereafter write again;
And should you not mind what you do,
I may inform of some of you!
I may hereafter write again;
And should you not mind what you do,
I may inform of some of you!
A SINNER SAVED BY GRACE.
Come, fellow sinner, lend an ear,
And listen while I now declare
What God hath done for me;
His word hath broke my stony heart,
My soul hath felt the piercing smart,
Of guilt and misery!
And listen while I now declare
What God hath done for me;
His word hath broke my stony heart,
My soul hath felt the piercing smart,
Of guilt and misery!
Long time I went about distress’d,
Nor day nor night could I find rest,
Till I his voice did hear,
Till I beheld Him on the Cross;—
My soul did then her burden lose,
And all its slavish fear!
Nor day nor night could I find rest,
Till I his voice did hear,
Till I beheld Him on the Cross;—
My soul did then her burden lose,
And all its slavish fear!
To Him who doth my foes controul,
I look’d and He hath heal’d my soul,
And all my sins forgiven:
Hence may I turn my feeble sight
To yonder realms of peace and light,
And live and die for Heaven!
I look’d and He hath heal’d my soul,
And all my sins forgiven:
Hence may I turn my feeble sight
To yonder realms of peace and light,
And live and die for Heaven!
Oh hasten, sinners, to be wise;
While Jesu’s mercy loudly cries,
Do you salvation take;—
But if you’re stubborn to the last,
Then be assur’d you will be cast,
Into the burning lake!
While Jesu’s mercy loudly cries,
Do you salvation take;—
But if you’re stubborn to the last,
Then be assur’d you will be cast,
Into the burning lake!
Say you, “Where shall we find the Lord,
According to his Holy Word,
To heal our wounded mind?
While some say here, and others there,
We long to see the temple where
We may salvation find!”
According to his Holy Word,
To heal our wounded mind?
While some say here, and others there,
We long to see the temple where
We may salvation find!”
Wherever two or three are met,
Whose faces Zion ward are set,
He’s promis’d there to be;
O seek the Lord without delay,
And cry for mercy night and day,
Till you’re from sin set free!
Whose faces Zion ward are set,
He’s promis’d there to be;
O seek the Lord without delay,
And cry for mercy night and day,
Till you’re from sin set free!
When you by grace are born again,
Then publish to the sons of men,
That you this path have trod;
That others may for mercy cry,
And saints may lift their voices high,
And glorify their God!
Then publish to the sons of men,
That you this path have trod;
That others may for mercy cry,
And saints may lift their voices high,
And glorify their God!
THE PORTION OF THE JUST.
How blessed a thing Hallelujah to sing,
When time shall with us be no more:—
At the Judge’s right hand all the faithful shall stand,
His goodness to see and adore!
When time shall with us be no more:—
At the Judge’s right hand all the faithful shall stand,
His goodness to see and adore!
In that heavenly place in the light of his face,
They in mansions of glory shall dwell;
No more the big tear on their face shall appear,
For to sorrow they’ve bid a Farewell!
They in mansions of glory shall dwell;
No more the big tear on their face shall appear,
For to sorrow they’ve bid a Farewell!
Above and below rich clusters do grow,
Of the grapes of that Canaan so pure;
His welcome so sweet makes the banquet complete,
And they sing of His mercy secure!
Of the grapes of that Canaan so pure;
His welcome so sweet makes the banquet complete,
And they sing of His mercy secure!
Death vanquish’d, they sing, and spoil’d of his sting,
Of Hell conquer’d by Christ from above;
On the plains of delight with thousands in white,
They shall walk and converse of His love!
Of Hell conquer’d by Christ from above;
On the plains of delight with thousands in white,
They shall walk and converse of His love!
But the wicked, alas, when their sentence shall pass,
Shall at once into darkness be driven,
Fierce pains to endure with spirits impure,
Who were hurl’d from their places in heaven!
Shall at once into darkness be driven,
Fierce pains to endure with spirits impure,
Who were hurl’d from their places in heaven!
Oh, if thou dost crave above all things to have
A seat with thy Saviour divine,
No longer delay, nor rest night nor day,
Till a scriptural title is thine!
A seat with thy Saviour divine,
No longer delay, nor rest night nor day,
Till a scriptural title is thine!
THE HAPPY CHOICE!
Jesus! thy name to me hath charms,
Outvieing all beneath the sun;
Thy secret love my bosom warms,
And in my soul ’tis heav’n begun!
Outvieing all beneath the sun;
Thy secret love my bosom warms,
And in my soul ’tis heav’n begun!
No peace like that thy presence brings,
No joys like those thou dost impart;
Anon, with healing in thy wings,
Thou com’st to heal the broken heart!
No joys like those thou dost impart;
Anon, with healing in thy wings,
Thou com’st to heal the broken heart!
Thy footsteps may I always see,
Under thy shadow may I dwell!
I give my life, my all to thee,
And triumph o’er the powers of Hell!
Under thy shadow may I dwell!
I give my life, my all to thee,
And triumph o’er the powers of Hell!
Thou dost my soul with rapture fill,
No more for mammon I contend;
I glory in the joys I feel,
While thou dost comfort and defend!
No more for mammon I contend;
I glory in the joys I feel,
While thou dost comfort and defend!
O let thy name be always sweet
As honey, from the rock, that flows;
So shall I gladly turn my feet,
Where’er my blessed Master goes!
As honey, from the rock, that flows;
So shall I gladly turn my feet,
Where’er my blessed Master goes!
ON THE DEATH OF JOHN MORLEY.
“Heard you that groan? ’Twas from a dying man!
A man just gone into Eternity!”
“Redeem thy time! Thy life is but a span!”
That language,—Hark! It speaks to you and me!
A man just gone into Eternity!”
“Redeem thy time! Thy life is but a span!”
That language,—Hark! It speaks to you and me!
A man of health, and strength, and spirits gay,
The solemn call seem’d distant to his view;
But, lo, how soon the victim’s snatch’d away
By Death’s rude hand, and bids the world adieu!
The solemn call seem’d distant to his view;
But, lo, how soon the victim’s snatch’d away
By Death’s rude hand, and bids the world adieu!
Fearless of danger, he, twelve days before,
Went to the field to share the common lot,
With the sharp scythe to cut the grass or flower,
But, ah, the secret lesson he forgot!
Went to the field to share the common lot,
With the sharp scythe to cut the grass or flower,
But, ah, the secret lesson he forgot!
“All flesh is grass, or like the flowery field,
So soon ’tis faded, wither’d, or cut down;
To time’s embrace its charms are forc’d to yield,
The winds pass over it, and it is gone!”
So soon ’tis faded, wither’d, or cut down;
To time’s embrace its charms are forc’d to yield,
The winds pass over it, and it is gone!”
When heated by the sun’s meridian ray,
And parch’d with thirst, to drink he felt inclin’d,
Dropping his scythe, poor Morley took his way,
In hopes some cool, refreshing stream to find!
And parch’d with thirst, to drink he felt inclin’d,
Dropping his scythe, poor Morley took his way,
In hopes some cool, refreshing stream to find!
To yonder river to receive his death,
With sweat, like dewdrops, hanging on his brow,
He hastes—nor thinks he must resign his breath,
And to the lonely church-yard shortly go!
With sweat, like dewdrops, hanging on his brow,
He hastes—nor thinks he must resign his breath,
And to the lonely church-yard shortly go!
Thus bathed in sweat the river’s bank he gains,
And drinks, and washes in the crystal flood;
When lo! an icy coldness chills his veins,
Affects his senses, and inflames his blood!
And drinks, and washes in the crystal flood;
When lo! an icy coldness chills his veins,
Affects his senses, and inflames his blood!
He medical assistance quickly sought,
Excessive pain depriv’d his eyes of sleep;
Physicians soon their powerful medicines brought,
But ah! the fatal dart had pierc’d too deep!
Excessive pain depriv’d his eyes of sleep;
Physicians soon their powerful medicines brought,
But ah! the fatal dart had pierc’d too deep!
The fever rages, not a limb is free,
It mocks the power of remedies applied;
Friends weep, and wish for his recovery;—
Alas! their warmest wishes are denied.
It mocks the power of remedies applied;
Friends weep, and wish for his recovery;—
Alas! their warmest wishes are denied.
His fate seems hard, but yet Heav’n sees it fit,
And Heaven’s will is best, we must agree;—
Sooner or later we must all submit
To Death’s loud call,—to nature’s stern decree!
And Heaven’s will is best, we must agree;—
Sooner or later we must all submit
To Death’s loud call,—to nature’s stern decree!
The surgeon blushes while his patient bleeds,
All hope soon vanishes of life below;
With hasty step the monster Death proceeds,
Lifts his fell dart, and strikes the fatal blow!
All hope soon vanishes of life below;
With hasty step the monster Death proceeds,
Lifts his fell dart, and strikes the fatal blow!
His wife distracted doth her loss deplore,
His children weep as though their hearts would break;
They shrieking cry, “Our father is no more!
O where shall we our lonely refuge seek?
His children weep as though their hearts would break;
They shrieking cry, “Our father is no more!
O where shall we our lonely refuge seek?
Where shall we find so true, so kind a friend?
Where shall we find a sharer in our grief?
Where shall we find a Father to attend,—
To wipe our tears, or point us to relief?”
Where shall we find a sharer in our grief?
Where shall we find a Father to attend,—
To wipe our tears, or point us to relief?”
O haste! O haste! the house of prayer attend,
And plead your cause, bow’d at your Saviour’s feet;
To Heaven daily let your prayers ascend,
And there a Friend, and Father you shall meet!
And plead your cause, bow’d at your Saviour’s feet;
To Heaven daily let your prayers ascend,
And there a Friend, and Father you shall meet!
Poor Morley’s dead! the startled village cries!
His wife, a widow, has in tears to grieve!
While he, outstretched, now pale and silent lies,
Nor tongue, nor eye, nor hand a motion give!
His wife, a widow, has in tears to grieve!
While he, outstretched, now pale and silent lies,
Nor tongue, nor eye, nor hand a motion give!
No more his whistle echo’s through the grove,
Nor clashing gates pursue his loaded steed;
No more he through the fields doth rove,
To play the flute, or blow the rustic reed!
Nor clashing gates pursue his loaded steed;
No more he through the fields doth rove,
To play the flute, or blow the rustic reed!
No more the rolling flood’s at his controul,
Nor willing servant runs when he shall bid;
But mournfully I hear the death bell toll,
To hail him welcome to his lonely bed!
Nor willing servant runs when he shall bid;
But mournfully I hear the death bell toll,
To hail him welcome to his lonely bed!
But Oh, the soul! That ever during spark,
Kindled in him by the Almighty’s breath,
Still lives, though we her passage cannot mark!—
She lives, though she hath pass’d the vale of death!
Kindled in him by the Almighty’s breath,
Still lives, though we her passage cannot mark!—
She lives, though she hath pass’d the vale of death!
Where has she fled? What is her portion now,
While I upon his death thus meditate?
’Tis mystery this we mortals must not know,—
And cries, “Prepare ye, for a future state!”
While I upon his death thus meditate?
’Tis mystery this we mortals must not know,—
And cries, “Prepare ye, for a future state!”
Her portion’s that for which she was prepar’d;—
Though suddenly remov’d from earth below,
No more can she reject her just reward,
She shares eternal happiness, or woe!
Though suddenly remov’d from earth below,
No more can she reject her just reward,
She shares eternal happiness, or woe!
To trace her flight might but insult her King,
Since He for guilty sinners once did bleed!—
The muse in silence drops her feeble wing,
Refusing any further to proceed!
Since He for guilty sinners once did bleed!—
The muse in silence drops her feeble wing,
Refusing any further to proceed!
THE SERVANT’S ADDRESS TO HIS MASTER;
On deriding him for becoming a Methodist!
Master, I beg you’ll pardon, while I speak,
The liberty I now presume to take;
And trust the brief apology you’ll hear,
Will please, if you will please to lend an ear.
The liberty I now presume to take;
And trust the brief apology you’ll hear,
Will please, if you will please to lend an ear.
“Wilt thou forsake the Church?” did you not say?
“And strive to get to Heaven some nearer way?
A better way perhaps by you believ’d:—
But ’twill be well if you are not deceiv’d?”
“And strive to get to Heaven some nearer way?
A better way perhaps by you believ’d:—
But ’twill be well if you are not deceiv’d?”
Deceiv’d, or not, we are resolv’d to go;
If Christ be with us, all is well we know!
He is our Leader, He marks out the way,
Inviting all to come, and none to stay!
If Christ be with us, all is well we know!
He is our Leader, He marks out the way,
Inviting all to come, and none to stay!
The Church, or doctrine, we’ve no cause to blame,
’Tis to ourselves that we ascribe the shame!
The way to heav’n was certainly made plain,
When told to “run so that we might obtain.”
’Tis to ourselves that we ascribe the shame!
The way to heav’n was certainly made plain,
When told to “run so that we might obtain.”
Our prayers and praises were so faint and few,
We thought one day in seven would surely do,
To praise Him who is worthy of more praise,
Than our best powers are qualified to raise!
We thought one day in seven would surely do,
To praise Him who is worthy of more praise,
Than our best powers are qualified to raise!
Oft when we did approach the throne of grace,
Our hearts and thoughts were in some other place.
O shameful truth! And yet it is most true!
But conscience told us this would never do!
Our hearts and thoughts were in some other place.
O shameful truth! And yet it is most true!
But conscience told us this would never do!
The nearest way to Heaven that we can go,
Is cleaving close to Christ while here below;
’Tis He that can our sinking footsteps stay,
And vain the man who seeks another way!
Is cleaving close to Christ while here below;
’Tis He that can our sinking footsteps stay,
And vain the man who seeks another way!
The man who truly has this race begun,
Will see no time to stand, but strive to run;
The night is coming, and will soon be here,
He’ll therefore oft betake himself to prayer:
Will see no time to stand, but strive to run;
The night is coming, and will soon be here,
He’ll therefore oft betake himself to prayer:
Lest strength should fail, or he should grow luke-warm,
And his weak soul, the enemy disarm!
That Book declares, whose Author is “The Truth,”
The careless soul, “He’ll spew out of his mouth!”
And his weak soul, the enemy disarm!
That Book declares, whose Author is “The Truth,”
The careless soul, “He’ll spew out of his mouth!”
Hence, doth he see he must be cold or hot;
Must either have the Spirit of Christ, or not:—
If on examination he lacks this,
God’s Book declares that “he is none of His!”
Must either have the Spirit of Christ, or not:—
If on examination he lacks this,
God’s Book declares that “he is none of His!”
If not a child of God, a child of hell,
And dying thus, he must with devils dwell;—
And when his earthly hopes have taken flight,
Be then shut up in everlasting night!
And dying thus, he must with devils dwell;—
And when his earthly hopes have taken flight,
Be then shut up in everlasting night!
A sinner when he sees himself aright,
Sees that his brightest day is turned to night;
The things that once were his delight and joy,
Do all his fondest hopes at once destroy!
Sees that his brightest day is turned to night;
The things that once were his delight and joy,
Do all his fondest hopes at once destroy!
God’s Book like Sinai’s mount to him appears,
Its sentences like thunder stun his ears!
He strives to soothe himself, but strives in vain,
Till God, to him the secret doth explain.
Its sentences like thunder stun his ears!
He strives to soothe himself, but strives in vain,
Till God, to him the secret doth explain.
He sees and feels the awful load of sin,
Nor can aught ease the grief that he is in,
Until he hears God’s cheering, still small voice,
Which calms his fears, and bids his soul rejoice!
Nor can aught ease the grief that he is in,
Until he hears God’s cheering, still small voice,
Which calms his fears, and bids his soul rejoice!
A man must know his sins on earth forgiven,
Or he’ll not read his title clear for Heaven;
If this you think too strong to be believ’d,
I’m sure, in death, that you will be deceiv’d!
Or he’ll not read his title clear for Heaven;
If this you think too strong to be believ’d,
I’m sure, in death, that you will be deceiv’d!
I am resolv’d a pilgrim now to be,
Let worldly men say what they will of me;
And through the grace of God, though Hell resist,
I’ll live and die a faithful Methodist!
Let worldly men say what they will of me;
And through the grace of God, though Hell resist,
I’ll live and die a faithful Methodist!
I see the pilgrim’s life is far the best,
Scorn’d by the world, but yet by Jesus blest!
When death shall come, the Heav’nly land in view,
In peace, I’ll bid this world of sin Adieu!
Scorn’d by the world, but yet by Jesus blest!
When death shall come, the Heav’nly land in view,
In peace, I’ll bid this world of sin Adieu!
SABBATH MORNING MUSINGS.
“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Psalm. cxxii. 1.
How do I love thy courts, O Lord!
What glories they unfold:
The joys they do to me afford,
More precious are than gold!
What glories they unfold:
The joys they do to me afford,
More precious are than gold!
The very gates through which I pass,
Are beautiful to me!
What numbers here beneath the grass,
In silent slumber lie!
Are beautiful to me!
What numbers here beneath the grass,
In silent slumber lie!
While I approach this solemn ground,
My thoughts I will controul;—
The tolling bell, with mournful sound,
Affects my inmost soul!
My thoughts I will controul;—
The tolling bell, with mournful sound,
Affects my inmost soul!
While musing o’er the silent dead,
What wonders do I see!
The very dust on which I tread,
Once liv’d, and mov’d like me!
What wonders do I see!
The very dust on which I tread,
Once liv’d, and mov’d like me!
Here things mysterious I perceive,
Things which I can’t explain;—
Wak’d by that voice which Heav’n shall give,
This dust shall “rise again!”
Things which I can’t explain;—
Wak’d by that voice which Heav’n shall give,
This dust shall “rise again!”
Then some to everlasting life,
Exultingly shall rise;
While some to everlasting death,
Shall go with weeping eyes!
Exultingly shall rise;
While some to everlasting death,
Shall go with weeping eyes!
Such as we sow, that shall we reap;
The sowing time is now:—
O may I watch, and faithful, keep
My station at the plough!
The sowing time is now:—
O may I watch, and faithful, keep
My station at the plough!
O what’s this world with all its joys,
But a delusive dream;
The dead, as speaking witnesses,
All testify the same.
But a delusive dream;
The dead, as speaking witnesses,
All testify the same.
They preach in lectures loud and plain,
Though silent, cold, and deep;
They tell me, if the earth remain,
I soon like them shall sleep!
Though silent, cold, and deep;
They tell me, if the earth remain,
I soon like them shall sleep!
They cry to all, “Repent, believe,
And you shall pardon’d be;
Unless that blessing you receive,
You’re lost eternally!”
And you shall pardon’d be;
Unless that blessing you receive,
You’re lost eternally!”
The dial faithful to its task,
The sun in yonder sky,
Both show to us without a mask,
How swift the moments fly!
The sun in yonder sky,
Both show to us without a mask,
How swift the moments fly!
“Redeem thy time!” they seem to say,
“Thy life is but a span;
For what are three score years and ten?
And that’s the age of man!”
“Thy life is but a span;
For what are three score years and ten?
And that’s the age of man!”
Here on a level all are laid,
Here none the conquest have!
The robes that once the rich array’d,
Are tarnish’d by the grave!
Here none the conquest have!
The robes that once the rich array’d,
Are tarnish’d by the grave!
The cheek which blossom’d like the rose,
Has lost its lovely charms;
That beauteous form the lover chose,
Is clasp’d in Death’s cold arms.
Has lost its lovely charms;
That beauteous form the lover chose,
Is clasp’d in Death’s cold arms.
All earthly hopes, and earthly joys,
And prospects must decay;—
But they who serve their God aright,
Shall live in endless day!
And prospects must decay;—
But they who serve their God aright,
Shall live in endless day!
How wondrously the scene is chang’d!
How lovely they appear!
I view them in their state arrang’d,
With more delight than fear!
How lovely they appear!
I view them in their state arrang’d,
With more delight than fear!
Ah! once the scene was not so fair,
I scarce could read a stone!
But grace can conquer slavish fear,—
With joy I look thereon!
I scarce could read a stone!
But grace can conquer slavish fear,—
With joy I look thereon!
The opening grave oft spoil’d the hinge,
On which my fancy play’d;
The skulls and bones would make me cringe,
While I their forms survey’d.
On which my fancy play’d;
The skulls and bones would make me cringe,
While I their forms survey’d.
Chill horror used to haunt my breast,
While sin therein remain’d;—
But Jesu’s name be ever blest,
I have his favour gain’d!
While sin therein remain’d;—
But Jesu’s name be ever blest,
I have his favour gain’d!
’Tis faith perfumes destruction’s breath,
Our Jesu’s strong to save;
’Tis faith removes the sting of death,
The terrors of the grave!
Our Jesu’s strong to save;
’Tis faith removes the sting of death,
The terrors of the grave!
How oft have I in giddy maze,
This sacred passage trod!
Not thinking ’twas so pure a place,
Much less the house of God!
This sacred passage trod!
Not thinking ’twas so pure a place,
Much less the house of God!
His mercy doth preserve me still,
He doth not always chide;
But waits that all His love may feel,
Since he for all hath died.
He doth not always chide;
But waits that all His love may feel,
Since he for all hath died.
Behind some lofty pillar here,
In silence let me steal;
And tread His courts with humble fear,
And low before him kneel.
In silence let me steal;
And tread His courts with humble fear,
And low before him kneel.
With fearful, trembling, broken heart,
To him I lift mine eyes;
And wait till He his love impart,
And conscience bid me rise!
To him I lift mine eyes;
And wait till He his love impart,
And conscience bid me rise!
Then will I praise Thee, O my God,
When in my heart it glows!
And gladly wait to hear thy Word,
And catch it as it flows!
When in my heart it glows!
And gladly wait to hear thy Word,
And catch it as it flows!
Then may I keep thy sabbaths pure,
And still thy house attend;
Until that sabbath shall commence,
Which never hath an end!
And still thy house attend;
Until that sabbath shall commence,
Which never hath an end!
LINES ON LEAVING FRYUP, IN SEARCH OF WORK.
I’m sorry, Fryup! thee to leave,
But thou deniest what I crave,
Though I have ask’d with tears!
Oft have I drunk at thy pure rills,
And labour’d ’mongst thy moorland hills,
For many toilsome years!
But thou deniest what I crave,
Though I have ask’d with tears!
Oft have I drunk at thy pure rills,
And labour’d ’mongst thy moorland hills,
For many toilsome years!
’Twas oft to me a painful task,
Thine aid in time of need to ask,
So often sought before;
And many times my small demand,
Was torn, as with a trembling hand,
Reluctant from thy store!
Thine aid in time of need to ask,
So often sought before;
And many times my small demand,
Was torn, as with a trembling hand,
Reluctant from thy store!
Oft have I rang’d thy verdant woods,
Where roses bursting from their buds,
Have struck my wondering eye!
And oft have I thy woodbines cropt:—
While from my hand the sweet flowers dropt,
I’ve thought,—I too must die!
Where roses bursting from their buds,
Have struck my wondering eye!
And oft have I thy woodbines cropt:—
While from my hand the sweet flowers dropt,
I’ve thought,—I too must die!
Here, with each morning’s early dawn,
I lov’d to walk the flowery lawn,
To hear thy warblers sing!
Or when at eve their songs were mute,
I’ve sooth’d my fancy with my flute,
And made thy woodlands ring!
I lov’d to walk the flowery lawn,
To hear thy warblers sing!
Or when at eve their songs were mute,
I’ve sooth’d my fancy with my flute,
And made thy woodlands ring!
I’ve seen thy mountains clad with snow,
While shelter’d in the vale below,
’Midst hospitable friends!
For all their kindnesses to me,
May Heav’n bless every family,
And make them full amends!
While shelter’d in the vale below,
’Midst hospitable friends!
For all their kindnesses to me,
May Heav’n bless every family,
And make them full amends!
But trade is now so dull and dead,
A man can hardly earn his bread,
In winter’s frost and snow:
So I must take my staff in hand,
And travel to some distant land,
Till here more plenty grow!
A man can hardly earn his bread,
In winter’s frost and snow:
So I must take my staff in hand,
And travel to some distant land,
Till here more plenty grow!
I grieve to leave the Sunday School,
Where I with gratitude of soul,
Have taught with great delight,
The youthful, rising sons of men,
To steer safe past the gulf of sin,
By glorious gospel light.
Where I with gratitude of soul,
Have taught with great delight,
The youthful, rising sons of men,
To steer safe past the gulf of sin,
By glorious gospel light.
With men of understanding heart,
I always joy’d to act my part,
Where I may teach no more:—
Where I, myself have oft been taught,
And blessings gain’d beyond my thought,
From Heaven’s bounteous store!
I always joy’d to act my part,
Where I may teach no more:—
Where I, myself have oft been taught,
And blessings gain’d beyond my thought,
From Heaven’s bounteous store!
As when the sailor points the keel,
For ancient Greenland’s icy field,
So I my course must steer!
I need assistance at the helm,
Lest life’s rough sea should overwhelm
My soul,—no harbour near!
For ancient Greenland’s icy field,
So I my course must steer!
I need assistance at the helm,
Lest life’s rough sea should overwhelm
My soul,—no harbour near!
For quicksands and contrary winds,
And enemies as well as friends,
I still expect to find:
There is a Friend who lives above,
To all who do His precepts love,
He proves both true and kind!
And enemies as well as friends,
I still expect to find:
There is a Friend who lives above,
To all who do His precepts love,
He proves both true and kind!
To Him I will address my prayer;
My little bark unto His care,
With confidence I’ll trust!
A steady course, O may I steer,
And if to Him I prove sincere,
He’ll land me safe at last!
My little bark unto His care,
With confidence I’ll trust!
A steady course, O may I steer,
And if to Him I prove sincere,
He’ll land me safe at last!
THE SWALLOW!
(On being deprived of her nest by some Sparrows.)
A Swallow one evening was sweeping along,
’Mongst such as against her were spiteful,
An impudent Sparrow requested a song,
Affirming her voice was delightful!
The innocent Swallow consented,
But afterwards sadly repented;
For the nest she had been at such pains to erect,
She was soon from enjoying prevented!
’Mongst such as against her were spiteful,
An impudent Sparrow requested a song,
Affirming her voice was delightful!
The innocent Swallow consented,
But afterwards sadly repented;
For the nest she had been at such pains to erect,
She was soon from enjoying prevented!
To the ridge of the barn they hurried along,
As fast as their feathers could speed them,
Where she tweedled and sung, in her African tongue,
Her favourite anthem on Freedom!
While she was this Sparrow amusing,
The rest were her labours abusing;—
They had taken possession both of garret and floor,
And were in her best chamber carousing!
As fast as their feathers could speed them,
Where she tweedled and sung, in her African tongue,
Her favourite anthem on Freedom!
While she was this Sparrow amusing,
The rest were her labours abusing;—
They had taken possession both of garret and floor,
And were in her best chamber carousing!
When the Sparrow beheld by the flood in her eye,
How much this bad treatment did grieve her,
With contempt in his manner he bade her good by
Nor pitied, nor tried to relieve her!
Still her sweet little song did not alter,
Her delicate voice did not falter;
But she tweedled and sung what was next to be done,
As though she alone was the faulter!
How much this bad treatment did grieve her,
With contempt in his manner he bade her good by
Nor pitied, nor tried to relieve her!
Still her sweet little song did not alter,
Her delicate voice did not falter;
But she tweedled and sung what was next to be done,
As though she alone was the faulter!
Reproving the Sparrows she then seem’d to say,
“To you we are surely no strangers;
To pay you this visit, in crossing the sea,—
We encounter a great many dangers.
O Sparrows! why have you betray’d us?
’Tis cruelty thus to invade us!
We bring summer with us, take nothing away,
O Sparrows! why have you betray’d us?”
“To you we are surely no strangers;
To pay you this visit, in crossing the sea,—
We encounter a great many dangers.
O Sparrows! why have you betray’d us?
’Tis cruelty thus to invade us!
We bring summer with us, take nothing away,
O Sparrows! why have you betray’d us?”
A CALL TO THE CARELESS!
Awake! O ye sleepers, awake!
Or soon you will smart ’neath the rod!
Be thankful you’re not in the lake,
That burns with the anger of God!
Or soon you will smart ’neath the rod!
Be thankful you’re not in the lake,
That burns with the anger of God!
Your life as a vapour will prove,
Your days as a shadow will flee;
Then seek to have treasure above,
And struggle from sin to be free!
Your days as a shadow will flee;
Then seek to have treasure above,
And struggle from sin to be free!
O sinners! be honest and yield
To the Spirit of God when He strives;
Or you will be slain in the field,
When He with His army arrives!
To the Spirit of God when He strives;
Or you will be slain in the field,
When He with His army arrives!
This Jesus shall conquer the world!
The proud and the lofty subdue!
With terrible banners unfurl’d,
Shall sift both believers and you:—
The proud and the lofty subdue!
With terrible banners unfurl’d,
Shall sift both believers and you:—
The poor, not because he is poor,
Nor the rich for his riches regard;
But thoroughly purging His floor,
Appoint unto each his reward!
Nor the rich for his riches regard;
But thoroughly purging His floor,
Appoint unto each his reward!
Believers! who wish to be whole;—
A fountain long open hath been,
To wash out the spots of the soul,—
O hasten to wash and be clean!
A fountain long open hath been,
To wash out the spots of the soul,—
O hasten to wash and be clean!
When sin shall experience its death,
Then you the grand secret shall know;
Shall Heaven enjoy upon Earth,
And be happy and useful below!
Then you the grand secret shall know;
Shall Heaven enjoy upon Earth,
And be happy and useful below!
TO A HORSE, DYING ALONE!
Poor, hapless beast, thus left by all below,
Amongst the noblest of God’s creatures, thou,
Once free from pain,
Didst trip the plain;
But Oh! how much thy case is alter’d now!
Amongst the noblest of God’s creatures, thou,
Once free from pain,
Didst trip the plain;
But Oh! how much thy case is alter’d now!
Thy groom and master seem to stand aloof!
Is it, because of thee they’ve had enough?
Is it respect,
Or sheer neglect,
That of their care thou hast no stronger proof?
Is it, because of thee they’ve had enough?
Is it respect,
Or sheer neglect,
That of their care thou hast no stronger proof?
Perhaps they do not like to hear or see
Thy last deep groan, thy dying agony!
The grass upspurn’d,
Thine eye upturn’d,
Bespeak its weight to heedless passers by!
Thy last deep groan, thy dying agony!
The grass upspurn’d,
Thine eye upturn’d,
Bespeak its weight to heedless passers by!
That hoarse deep sigh, the sad effect of sin,
Proclaims the depth of agony within!
On man and beast,
Greatest and least,
Grim Death doth feed, and glad his victim win!
Proclaims the depth of agony within!
On man and beast,
Greatest and least,
Grim Death doth feed, and glad his victim win!
The blue shade gathers on thy glassy eye,
So sternly fix’d upon the evening sky;
Once full of light,
Through darkest night,
It proved its master’s guide to home and family!
So sternly fix’d upon the evening sky;
Once full of light,
Through darkest night,
It proved its master’s guide to home and family!
Thy lovely form, once beauteous to behold,
For which thy master parted with his gold;
And this thy dappled hide,
Though once its owner’s pride,
Now for a thing of nought will soon be sold!
For which thy master parted with his gold;
And this thy dappled hide,
Though once its owner’s pride,
Now for a thing of nought will soon be sold!
That ear through which the slightest sound inspir’d
Vigour, when pressing business oft requir’d;
Already cold as clay,
Doth now inactive lay,
Nor startles at that gun which now is fired!
Vigour, when pressing business oft requir’d;
Already cold as clay,
Doth now inactive lay,
Nor startles at that gun which now is fired!
Thy frolics and thy gambols now are past,
Thy last stage is run;—thou art dying fast:
Perhaps ere I,
At home shall be,
Thou unattended wilt have breath’d thy last!
Thy last stage is run;—thou art dying fast:
Perhaps ere I,
At home shall be,
Thou unattended wilt have breath’d thy last!
The stall is vacant where thou lov’dst to be,
The curb and saddle now are nought to thee!
The whip and spur,
Thou car’st not for,
But leav’st to others as thy legacy!
The curb and saddle now are nought to thee!
The whip and spur,
Thou car’st not for,
But leav’st to others as thy legacy!
While I string up my rhymes to make them chord,
And thus thy melancholy fate record,
Perhaps near thee,
In some old tree,
The lonely night bird sings thy funeral ode!
And thus thy melancholy fate record,
Perhaps near thee,
In some old tree,
The lonely night bird sings thy funeral ode!
MORAL.