Some while their cup is full can laugh at Death,
And light esteem that power which lends them breath;
But be that far,
As yon pale star,
From him who now its progress witnesseth!
And light esteem that power which lends them breath;
But be that far,
As yon pale star,
From him who now its progress witnesseth!
Did men but see how near is his approach,
They would with morning sun, or nightly torch,
Themselves prepare,
And search with care,
And strictly watch each avenue and porch!
They would with morning sun, or nightly torch,
Themselves prepare,
And search with care,
And strictly watch each avenue and porch!
Nor would they rest, at business or in bed,
Till every foe was found, and captive led;
Till all the soul,
From stains most foul,
Was wash’d, or till the contrite tear was shed!
Till every foe was found, and captive led;
Till all the soul,
From stains most foul,
Was wash’d, or till the contrite tear was shed!
A fountain from the mount of God doth flow,
For all who will take time and pains to go,
Whose healing stream,
Doth freely teem,
To wash polluted sinners white as snow!
For all who will take time and pains to go,
Whose healing stream,
Doth freely teem,
To wash polluted sinners white as snow!
A soul thus wash’d shall joyful rise again,
By Death unscar’d, and on angelic wing,
Shall mount above,
To Him whose love
And power deprive the monster of his sting!
By Death unscar’d, and on angelic wing,
Shall mount above,
To Him whose love
And power deprive the monster of his sting!
MUSINGS DURING AFFLICTION;
OR
THE SEARCH AFTER HAPPINESS.
“He shall fly away as a dream.” (Job. xx. 8.)
While here I sit musing alone,
Not sharing the toils of the day,
My spirit doth inwardly groan,
At the symptoms I feel of decay.
Not sharing the toils of the day,
My spirit doth inwardly groan,
At the symptoms I feel of decay.
My care burden’d mind can’t be still,
Though the external fabric be maim’d;
Some part must be working the will
Of Him who that fabric hath framed.
Though the external fabric be maim’d;
Some part must be working the will
Of Him who that fabric hath framed.
The merchant looks over his books,
And hopes well to finish the day;
So life hath some corners and nooks,
It might not be wrong to survey.
And hopes well to finish the day;
So life hath some corners and nooks,
It might not be wrong to survey.
If the morning of life we behold,
When all seems delightful and bright,
The rosebud doth scarcely unfold,
But ’tis gone as a dream of the night!
When all seems delightful and bright,
The rosebud doth scarcely unfold,
But ’tis gone as a dream of the night!
If to youth our attention we turn,
When all is enchanting and free;
When very few know how to mourn,
And all things seem pleasant and gay.
When all is enchanting and free;
When very few know how to mourn,
And all things seem pleasant and gay.
A something we sought in the fields,—
Alas! as oft sought it in vain!
The joys that such scenery yields,
Are such as we cannot retain.
Alas! as oft sought it in vain!
The joys that such scenery yields,
Are such as we cannot retain.
We sought in the meadows and groves,
In the woods, by the rivers and streams;
But all our vain hopes and our loves,
Were like wood to the furnace’s flames!
In the woods, by the rivers and streams;
But all our vain hopes and our loves,
Were like wood to the furnace’s flames!
The old pathway still puts us in mind,
Though its stones are forsaken and green,
Of youthful affections, so kind,
Though now scarce a vestige is seen!
Though its stones are forsaken and green,
Of youthful affections, so kind,
Though now scarce a vestige is seen!
We long have been wandering abroad,
And have learn’d to sorrow and weep;
While some have been lost on the road,
And others have sunk in the deep!
And have learn’d to sorrow and weep;
While some have been lost on the road,
And others have sunk in the deep!
In the fire-side circle we sought,
But found by the glimmering light,
That soon as the shadows we caught;
They fled like a dream of the night!
But found by the glimmering light,
That soon as the shadows we caught;
They fled like a dream of the night!
There were some whom we knew in the flesh,
Seem’d happy, and healthy, and strong;
But before they obtain’d their wish,
They, alas! in a moment were gone!
Seem’d happy, and healthy, and strong;
But before they obtain’d their wish,
They, alas! in a moment were gone!
’Twas gloomy and dark at their end,
No light in their death did appear;
That happiness would them attend,
Was hoped—but hope turn’d to despair!
No light in their death did appear;
That happiness would them attend,
Was hoped—but hope turn’d to despair!
Alas! how neglectful they lived,
How sad an example they set,
How many fair youths were deceiv’d,
Who are not yet free from the net!
How sad an example they set,
How many fair youths were deceiv’d,
Who are not yet free from the net!
They surely had time to repent,
To weep, and to sorrow, and pray;
But time that should thus have been spent,
Was wantonly squander’d away.
To weep, and to sorrow, and pray;
But time that should thus have been spent,
Was wantonly squander’d away.
They quick were cut off at a stroke,
Were hurried away from our sight;
The bonds of their friendship all broke,
They fled like a dream of the night.
Were hurried away from our sight;
The bonds of their friendship all broke,
They fled like a dream of the night.
Though long in the grave they have lain,
And long since have gone to decay,
Remembrance can raise them again,
As fresh as they were in life’s day.
And long since have gone to decay,
Remembrance can raise them again,
As fresh as they were in life’s day.
We remember the look of the face,
The language that glanc’d from the eye,
The cough, or the laugh, or some grace,
By which we their forms can descry.
The language that glanc’d from the eye,
The cough, or the laugh, or some grace,
By which we their forms can descry.
How short our acquaintance appears,
Our pleasures, how swift was their flight!
Before we could number their years,
They fled as a dream of the night!
Our pleasures, how swift was their flight!
Before we could number their years,
They fled as a dream of the night!
In manhood we sought it abroad,
And mix’d with the mirthful and gay,
When liberty lengthen’d the cord,
And tempted our feet far astray.
And mix’d with the mirthful and gay,
When liberty lengthen’d the cord,
And tempted our feet far astray.
Then away to the races and fairs,
When seasons and friends did invite;
To the shows, to the stalls, and their wares,
And to music and dancing at night!
When seasons and friends did invite;
To the shows, to the stalls, and their wares,
And to music and dancing at night!
We sought it by land and by sea,—
Where’er we directed our eyes,
All said, “Pleasure is not in me!
My beauty is all a disguise!”
Where’er we directed our eyes,
All said, “Pleasure is not in me!
My beauty is all a disguise!”
O Happiness! where dost thou dwell?
O where shall we search with success?
From the court to the cottage or cell,
All seem the abodes of distress!
O where shall we search with success?
From the court to the cottage or cell,
All seem the abodes of distress!
Oft have we reflected with pain,
And fancied while counting the cost,
If restor’d to childhood again,
We’d recover the thing we had lost.
And fancied while counting the cost,
If restor’d to childhood again,
We’d recover the thing we had lost.
Then happiness seem’d to be ours,—
We roved by the river or glen;
The birds, and the bushes, and flowers,
Appear’d as a paradise then!
We roved by the river or glen;
The birds, and the bushes, and flowers,
Appear’d as a paradise then!
Yon hill, and the stone on the plain,
Remind us whenever we pass,
Where we in a fairy-like train,
Have scamper’d about on the grass!
Remind us whenever we pass,
Where we in a fairy-like train,
Have scamper’d about on the grass!
Gone by are our childhood and youth,
And gone is each transient delight;
They told us,—who told us the truth,—
They’d pass as a dream of the night.
And gone is each transient delight;
They told us,—who told us the truth,—
They’d pass as a dream of the night.
By the faithful discourse of a friend,
We were told, whether cloudy or bright,
This life, long or short, in the end,
Would depart as a dream of the night:—
We were told, whether cloudy or bright,
This life, long or short, in the end,
Would depart as a dream of the night:—
That in vain among shadows and flowers,
We sought satisfaction within;
True pleasure could never be ours,
Till the heart had been broken for sin
We sought satisfaction within;
True pleasure could never be ours,
Till the heart had been broken for sin
The heart, until such was the case,
Was so puff’d up with pride and deceit,
That no matter how splendid the feast,
That root bitter’d every thing sweet!
Was so puff’d up with pride and deceit,
That no matter how splendid the feast,
That root bitter’d every thing sweet!
He would prove by the sacred page,
And by men of experience too,
It had been so in every age,
And continues so, even till now!
And by men of experience too,
It had been so in every age,
And continues so, even till now!
Until sin was expos’d to the light,
In the glass of the Gospel was view’d,
We could not enjoy true delight,—
Till the heart had been chang’d and renew’d.
In the glass of the Gospel was view’d,
We could not enjoy true delight,—
Till the heart had been chang’d and renew’d.
Nor need we now ask any more,
Why a thing which so many pursue,
And to gain will all things explore,
Should be truly possess’d by so few.
Why a thing which so many pursue,
And to gain will all things explore,
Should be truly possess’d by so few.
In all earth’s extensive domain,
’Midst all the sweet breezes that blow,
In mountain, or forest, or plain,
Where Eden like luxuries grow;—
’Midst all the sweet breezes that blow,
In mountain, or forest, or plain,
Where Eden like luxuries grow;—
Amid all the fair branches and free,
Inviting their clusters to share,
One tree, and only one tree,
This heav’nly manna will bear.
Inviting their clusters to share,
One tree, and only one tree,
This heav’nly manna will bear.
That tree of celestial seed,
By heav’nly culture doth rise;—
That man from his sins might be freed,
’Twas sent as a gift from the skies!
By heav’nly culture doth rise;—
That man from his sins might be freed,
’Twas sent as a gift from the skies!
But many the tree did deride,
And oft of its fruit did complain,
Since to gain it they often had tried,
But return’d to their folly again!
And oft of its fruit did complain,
Since to gain it they often had tried,
But return’d to their folly again!
They made it a matter of doubt,
That it had been planted for them:—
Repentance, and Faith were the root,
And Holiness grew on the stem!
That it had been planted for them:—
Repentance, and Faith were the root,
And Holiness grew on the stem!
Some as they pass’d by gave a glance,
Made remark on the wilderness bare;
And affirm’d with eye all askance,
No semblance of beauty was there.
Made remark on the wilderness bare;
And affirm’d with eye all askance,
No semblance of beauty was there.
Though to plant it the Saviour of men
Hath sorrow’d, and suffer’d, and bled;
And His Spirit pour’d out as a stream,
Hath His heav’nly influence shed.
Hath sorrow’d, and suffer’d, and bled;
And His Spirit pour’d out as a stream,
Hath His heav’nly influence shed.
You see, when the secret is told,
And the riddle’s expounded to all,
It was planted in Eden of old,
But had been torn up by the fall!
And the riddle’s expounded to all,
It was planted in Eden of old,
But had been torn up by the fall!
So Christ hath in love to His church,
Thus rear’d this plant of renown,
To screen when the sun’s rays might scorch,
And to cheer when our spirits are down.
Thus rear’d this plant of renown,
To screen when the sun’s rays might scorch,
And to cheer when our spirits are down.
Whoe’er of its produce partakes,
Whatever objections arise,
Through the Cross, and the choice that he makes,
Shall be holy, and happy, and wise!
Whatever objections arise,
Through the Cross, and the choice that he makes,
Shall be holy, and happy, and wise!
Then we to His temple shall run,
And worship with joy and delight;
Our trials while under the sun,
Will pass as a dream of the night!
And worship with joy and delight;
Our trials while under the sun,
Will pass as a dream of the night!
THE PLAY!
On being solicited to attend a Theatre, by two young women, who urged their entreaties by the argument, “There is no harm in attending the Play!”
Ye daughters of Albion’s flourishing isle,
Come listen awhile to my lay;
Defending your morals, you say with a smile,
“There’s no harm in attending the Play!”
Come listen awhile to my lay;
Defending your morals, you say with a smile,
“There’s no harm in attending the Play!”
Ye Theatre gallants, and deep witted men,
Whose counsels so many obey,
Come lend a poor ignorant rustic a pen,
And he’ll help you to plead for the Play!
Whose counsels so many obey,
Come lend a poor ignorant rustic a pen,
And he’ll help you to plead for the Play!
If you are not immortal, but end when you die,
As some have the courage to say,
Why need you look out for a mansion on high,
You’ve nothing to fear from the Play!
As some have the courage to say,
Why need you look out for a mansion on high,
You’ve nothing to fear from the Play!
If you are immortal, yet free from the fall,
And never have wander’d astray;
If you have no sin to repent of at all,
You’ve nothing to fear from the Play!
And never have wander’d astray;
If you have no sin to repent of at all,
You’ve nothing to fear from the Play!
If Christ in His word, has left no command,
For people to watch and to pray,
If an house cannot fall that is built on the sand,
There’s no harm in attending the Play!
For people to watch and to pray,
If an house cannot fall that is built on the sand,
There’s no harm in attending the Play!
Not calling in question your baptismal vow,
If life’s like a long summer’s day,
And you have not to reap such fruit as ye sow,
There’s no harm in attending the Play!
If life’s like a long summer’s day,
And you have not to reap such fruit as ye sow,
There’s no harm in attending the Play!
If the Christian’s creed from the truth be reverse,
And the fair crown of life can decay;
If the Bible be false, and Religion a farce,
There’s no harm in attending the Play!
And the fair crown of life can decay;
If the Bible be false, and Religion a farce,
There’s no harm in attending the Play!
Should a visit from Death come and put you in mind
Of your frail habitation of clay,
You may try to obstruct the unwelcome design,
With the transient delights of the Play!
Of your frail habitation of clay,
You may try to obstruct the unwelcome design,
With the transient delights of the Play!
If a faithful reproof you should happen to meet,
You can soon turn your faces away,
And pass by the blind and the lame in the street,
And carry your cash to the Play!
You can soon turn your faces away,
And pass by the blind and the lame in the street,
And carry your cash to the Play!
But if Parsons themselves so often attend,
Then surely their followers may;
And no wonder that they so well can defend,
The moral effects of the Play.
Then surely their followers may;
And no wonder that they so well can defend,
The moral effects of the Play.
If Wesley and Whitfield have pleaded in vain,
And led their disciples astray;
Let Simpson and Hervey in silence remain,
You’ve nothing to fear from the Play.
And led their disciples astray;
Let Simpson and Hervey in silence remain,
You’ve nothing to fear from the Play.
If you of your time have to give no account,
At the last, the great Judgment day,
The troubles of life you may quickly surmount,
By clapping them off at the Play.
At the last, the great Judgment day,
The troubles of life you may quickly surmount,
By clapping them off at the Play.
If safe ’midst seduction and ruin you roam,
You may laugh at the stoppers away,
Who sit pining and pulling long faces at home,
And are missing the joys of the Play.
You may laugh at the stoppers away,
Who sit pining and pulling long faces at home,
And are missing the joys of the Play.
Should the roof be crush’d in, and you kill’d we’ll suppose,
Why some angel would bear you away,
To some distant region of milder repose,
Where your spirit might dream of the Play.
Why some angel would bear you away,
To some distant region of milder repose,
Where your spirit might dream of the Play.
Having no tribulation, no robe wash’d in blood,
Nor tears that need wiping away,
You might sing in those realms to the praise of your god,
How oft you had been at the Play.
Nor tears that need wiping away,
You might sing in those realms to the praise of your god,
How oft you had been at the Play.
THE REMOTE CHRISTIAN.
Deep in a glen, remote and wild,
And far from affluence,
A cottage stood, and heaven smil’d,
Upon that residence.
And far from affluence,
A cottage stood, and heaven smil’d,
Upon that residence.
A couple liv’d there many years,
In love and unity;
Who careful in this vale of tears,
Had rear’d a family.
In love and unity;
Who careful in this vale of tears,
Had rear’d a family.
No costly goods their cot adorn,
No shining liveries wait;
For them no huntsman sounds his horn,
No carriage at the gate.
No shining liveries wait;
For them no huntsman sounds his horn,
No carriage at the gate.
A simple, honest peasant, free,
Not with much learning stored;
Though thus remote, yet happily,
Had sought and found the Lord.
Not with much learning stored;
Though thus remote, yet happily,
Had sought and found the Lord.
Where neither moth nor rust can harm,
Nor thieves can ere invade,
Beyond the reach of human arm,
Was his heart’s treasure laid.
Nor thieves can ere invade,
Beyond the reach of human arm,
Was his heart’s treasure laid.
Around his farm, or in his field,
The moor birds hatch’d and fed;
And when at work, the lapwing cried,
And flutter’d o’er his head.
The moor birds hatch’d and fed;
And when at work, the lapwing cried,
And flutter’d o’er his head.
While thus his little field he drain’d,
Or temper’d the wild sod,
His household too with care were train’d,
To love and fear their God.
Or temper’d the wild sod,
His household too with care were train’d,
To love and fear their God.
The field, the garden, and the tree,
For him their produce bore,
His table too, the bee supplied,
From her delicious store.
For him their produce bore,
His table too, the bee supplied,
From her delicious store.
The Lord who thus his substance blest,
Did all his wants supply;
And pleasantly to quench his thirst,
A brook ran murmuring by.
Did all his wants supply;
And pleasantly to quench his thirst,
A brook ran murmuring by.
I saw him on his dying bed,
When strength began to fail,
I saw him lift his languid head,—
And heard his happy tale.
When strength began to fail,
I saw him lift his languid head,—
And heard his happy tale.
He then began to bless the day,
His sins had been made known,
When he began to weep and pray,
And look’d to Christ alone.
His sins had been made known,
When he began to weep and pray,
And look’d to Christ alone.
He bless’d that Book his heart had cheer’d,
And tried its worth to tell;
He bles’d that Blood which once was shed,
To save his soul from hell.
And tried its worth to tell;
He bles’d that Blood which once was shed,
To save his soul from hell.
Yes! Christ to him was precious then,
His company was sweet;
He said, His love was in his heart,
The world beneath his feet.
His company was sweet;
He said, His love was in his heart,
The world beneath his feet.
This, when the monster Death arriv’d,
Did solid comfort bring;
That blood he felt had quite depriv’d
The monster of his sting.
Did solid comfort bring;
That blood he felt had quite depriv’d
The monster of his sting.
“This body chang’d, shall soon,” said he,
“With saints and angels join,
And sing to all eternity,
The depths of Love Divine!”
“With saints and angels join,
And sing to all eternity,
The depths of Love Divine!”
SOLITARY REFLECTIONS!
(Occasioned by the death of a newly married pair, who drowned themselves, after living together three weeks.)
On Esk’s old bank the watery willows weep,
Where wife and husband launch’d into the deep;—
And from their cottage sought an early grave,
To end their jarring, in the peaceful wave
Where wife and husband launch’d into the deep;—
And from their cottage sought an early grave,
To end their jarring, in the peaceful wave
Ah, hapless pair! who can withhold the tear,
When he the melancholy place draws near!
The dire event to future times will prove,
The short enjoyment of your wedded love!
When he the melancholy place draws near!
The dire event to future times will prove,
The short enjoyment of your wedded love!
How apt are earthly prospects to deceive,
And leave her disappointed sons to grieve!
How oft will trifling things the mind perplex,
Where grace doth not her influences mix!
And leave her disappointed sons to grieve!
How oft will trifling things the mind perplex,
Where grace doth not her influences mix!
The morning shines,—to church they haste away,
And noisy guns proclaim the wedding day;
Within three weeks to the dark grave they’re borne,
To slumber till the Resurrection morn!
And noisy guns proclaim the wedding day;
Within three weeks to the dark grave they’re borne,
To slumber till the Resurrection morn!
Around, the neighbours mourn their hapless lot,
And weeping children haunt the dreary spot;
The lippering wave, rais’d by the nightly gale,
Tells to the Moon her melancholy tale!
And weeping children haunt the dreary spot;
The lippering wave, rais’d by the nightly gale,
Tells to the Moon her melancholy tale!
ON SOME WHO HAD LEFT US, AND SPOKEN DISRESPECTFULLY OF US!
“There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.” (Proverbs xxx. 12.)
Yes! once they met with us, and gave us the hand,
Uniting to sing and to pray;
But long could not bear the rigid command,
So off they went lilting away!
Uniting to sing and to pray;
But long could not bear the rigid command,
So off they went lilting away!
Forsaking the vulgar, whom now they despise,
For doctrines more learned and pure;—
This cutting off hands, and plucking out eyes,
This doctrine they could not endure!
For doctrines more learned and pure;—
This cutting off hands, and plucking out eyes,
This doctrine they could not endure!
They speak of perfection, but oft with disdain,
Our faults and our failings expose;
Because this perfection they cannot attain,
They’ll plead for their muffs and their boas!
Our faults and our failings expose;
Because this perfection they cannot attain,
They’ll plead for their muffs and their boas!
So lofty their eyelids, so lofty their looks,
They’ll laugh at a sinner in tears;
Their prayers are lock’d up in their finely bound books,
While they’re trimming their necks and their ears!
They’ll laugh at a sinner in tears;
Their prayers are lock’d up in their finely bound books,
While they’re trimming their necks and their ears!
The new birth’s convulsions they cannot have felt,
Or they dare not speak as they do;
Their heart is too proud into nothing to melt,
And must, while to mammon they bow.
Or they dare not speak as they do;
Their heart is too proud into nothing to melt,
And must, while to mammon they bow.
Whenever their dwelling you chance to approach,
Of their soft invitation beware;
The pharisee’s leaven, the good man’s reproach,
And the seat of the scorner are there!
Of their soft invitation beware;
The pharisee’s leaven, the good man’s reproach,
And the seat of the scorner are there!
To folks of high breeding they offer their pledge,
’Gainst others to raise a complaint;
They’ll skim on the surface, and trim off the edge,
To pass for a dignified saint!
’Gainst others to raise a complaint;
They’ll skim on the surface, and trim off the edge,
To pass for a dignified saint!
The God of Elijah who sees through the heart,
These specious impostors will spurn,
And send them in spite of their cunning and art,
Where they will eternally mourn!
These specious impostors will spurn,
And send them in spite of their cunning and art,
Where they will eternally mourn!
THERE IS A GOD!
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” (Psalm xiv. 1)
There is a God who rules above!
And man’s the object of His love!
And Jesus, His beloved Son,
Hath bled, and died to make this known.
And man’s the object of His love!
And Jesus, His beloved Son,
Hath bled, and died to make this known.
Though man his attributes deny,
And utter daring blasphemy,
He shall be conquer’d from above,
By Justice, Judgment, or by Love.
And utter daring blasphemy,
He shall be conquer’d from above,
By Justice, Judgment, or by Love.
Though he be lusty now, and strong,
And bold in ribaldry and song,
A time will come when he must flit,
And to a stronger arm submit.
And bold in ribaldry and song,
A time will come when he must flit,
And to a stronger arm submit.
Then Death will disregard his groans,
And time will melt his giant bones,
If no contrition he shall feel,
His sins will sink him into hell.
And time will melt his giant bones,
If no contrition he shall feel,
His sins will sink him into hell.
While there he drinks the bitter cup,
The dust shall lick his marrow up;
His tongue within the grave shall rot,
While name and memory are forgot.
The dust shall lick his marrow up;
His tongue within the grave shall rot,
While name and memory are forgot.
On that dread morn when all shall rise,
The righteous whom he did despise,
Shall over him dominion have,
And all the terrors of the grave.
The righteous whom he did despise,
Shall over him dominion have,
And all the terrors of the grave.
CONFIRMATION.
The stars recede, the morn appears,
So long anticipated!
The air which now the spirit cheers,
With shouts is agitated!
So long anticipated!
The air which now the spirit cheers,
With shouts is agitated!
The rustics full of mirth and glee,
Are big with expectation,
Of what they are to hear and see,
When they’re at Confirmation!
Are big with expectation,
Of what they are to hear and see,
When they’re at Confirmation!
The road is fill’d from side to side,
With bonny lads and lasses;
With country bloom, and village pride,
Gigs, horses, mules, and asses!
With bonny lads and lasses;
With country bloom, and village pride,
Gigs, horses, mules, and asses!
With whip and spur, they dash along,
As though to fair or races;
With artificial feathers hung,
And veils before their faces!
As though to fair or races;
With artificial feathers hung,
And veils before their faces!
But few know what they’re going to do,
Or they are strangely lied on;
They’re careless of the solemn vow,
As is the steed they ride on!
Or they are strangely lied on;
They’re careless of the solemn vow,
As is the steed they ride on!
They go, because their neighbours go,
Without consideration;
And think all pass for Christians, who
Are pass’d at Confirmation!
Without consideration;
And think all pass for Christians, who
Are pass’d at Confirmation!
A few there are, but few we fear,
Their faith by works expressing;
And oft in private on their knees,
They wrestle for a blessing!
Their faith by works expressing;
And oft in private on their knees,
They wrestle for a blessing!
The greater part of them by far,
Will carry a Cain’s offering;
They’re strangers to the morning star,
To royal David’s offspring!
Will carry a Cain’s offering;
They’re strangers to the morning star,
To royal David’s offspring!
A hope they have, but cannot tell
On what that hope is grounded;—
Thus like some old Egyptian spell,
It cannot be expounded!
On what that hope is grounded;—
Thus like some old Egyptian spell,
It cannot be expounded!
The carnal mind still bears the sway,
For want of resolution;
And scatter’d tribes, still day by day,
Profane the institution!
For want of resolution;
And scatter’d tribes, still day by day,
Profane the institution!
In spite of lectures orthodox,
Of Bishops, prayers, and caution,
They, greedy as the thirsty ox,
Drink in the deadly potion!
Of Bishops, prayers, and caution,
They, greedy as the thirsty ox,
Drink in the deadly potion!
The scribes may write with mournful pen,
The Church’s lamentation;
While year by year, they seek in vain,
The fruits of Confirmation!
The Church’s lamentation;
While year by year, they seek in vain,
The fruits of Confirmation!
THE MAN OF THE WORLD!
From a boy much indulg’d, he grew up to a man,
And had liberty almost unbounded;
Nor scarce ever thought of this life’s little span,
With prospects of plenty surrounded!
And had liberty almost unbounded;
Nor scarce ever thought of this life’s little span,
With prospects of plenty surrounded!
His steed, like himself, in high spirits he views,
As it snuffs at the fresh flowing fountain;
On which oft at daybreak he brushes the dews,
And gallops o’er valley and mountain!
As it snuffs at the fresh flowing fountain;
On which oft at daybreak he brushes the dews,
And gallops o’er valley and mountain!
His cheek round and fat, wears the hue of the rose,
He seems quite a stranger to sorrow;
And while on his sofa his limbs find repose,
He laughs loudly, and talks of to-morrow!
He seems quite a stranger to sorrow;
And while on his sofa his limbs find repose,
He laughs loudly, and talks of to-morrow!
“To-morrow,” says he, “you must call up the hounds,
As soon as the light is appearing!”—
Not thinking that Death while rambling his rounds,
To his mansion a message is bearing,
As soon as the light is appearing!”—
Not thinking that Death while rambling his rounds,
To his mansion a message is bearing,
“To-morrow,” says he, “we’ll unkennel the fox,
Or in his old cabin we’ll crush him;
Or when we have got him away from the rocks,
In spite of Old Harry we’ll brush him!
Or in his old cabin we’ll crush him;
Or when we have got him away from the rocks,
In spite of Old Harry we’ll brush him!
And then we will dine on the lamb or the goose,
Which, if he had liv’d would have fill’d him;
Then o’er a full bumper we’ll have a carouse,
And we’ll sing where he fell, and who kill’d him!”
Which, if he had liv’d would have fill’d him;
Then o’er a full bumper we’ll have a carouse,
And we’ll sing where he fell, and who kill’d him!”
But ah! when life’s stern disappointment he meets,
Like a lion imprison’d he grieves,
That he who expected so much of life’s sweets,
So soon of its bitters receives!
Like a lion imprison’d he grieves,
That he who expected so much of life’s sweets,
So soon of its bitters receives!
Disease o’er his fortified barriers leaps,
And with internal pain soon afflicts him;—
Next into his chamber the pale monster creeps,
And singles him out as his victim!
And with internal pain soon afflicts him;—
Next into his chamber the pale monster creeps,
And singles him out as his victim!
Like a leaf that in autumn falls dead from the tree,
Soon a train is seen weeping behind him:—
A visit I made, his improvements to see,
And I look’d, but alas, could not find him!
Soon a train is seen weeping behind him:—
A visit I made, his improvements to see,
And I look’d, but alas, could not find him!
THE RULE OF CONTRARY!
Some men have Rules so incorrect,
They almost always vary;
And some make Rules to gain respect,
But I’m for one contrary!
They almost always vary;
And some make Rules to gain respect,
But I’m for one contrary!
Some strive to gain the smiles of men,
But I prefer their frown;
The torrent of my pride to stem,
And keep ambition down!
But I prefer their frown;
The torrent of my pride to stem,
And keep ambition down!
The praise of men’s an empty thing,
And crowns and sceptres vain,
To him who seeks the “living spring,”
As parch’d lands look for rain!
And crowns and sceptres vain,
To him who seeks the “living spring,”
As parch’d lands look for rain!
Some recommend the hearty laugh,
But I prefer the tear,
Which tells me that my heart is soft,
My hope of heaven is clear!
But I prefer the tear,
Which tells me that my heart is soft,
My hope of heaven is clear!
Some say, “Give me the tavern song!”
But I prefer the sigh,
Which though unnoticed by the throng,
Yet pierces to the sky!
But I prefer the sigh,
Which though unnoticed by the throng,
Yet pierces to the sky!
Some say, “Give me that pleasing look,
Which does the fancy win!”
But give me one that’s plain without,
If she be fair within!
Which does the fancy win!”
But give me one that’s plain without,
If she be fair within!
Some plead for ornamental dress,
The concert and the ball;
Except the Robe of Righteousness,
Let me be stript of all!
The concert and the ball;
Except the Robe of Righteousness,
Let me be stript of all!
Some love with dealers dark to dwell,
And glory in the night;
But I would shun the road to hell,
Therefore I love the light!
And glory in the night;
But I would shun the road to hell,
Therefore I love the light!
Some love their minds with tales to feed,
Of regions yet untrod;—
When I’ve a little time to read,
Give me the Book of God!
Of regions yet untrod;—
When I’ve a little time to read,
Give me the Book of God!
Some praise a head of natural wit
And worldly wisdom full;
Without the truths of Holy Writ,
Give me an empty skull!
And worldly wisdom full;
Without the truths of Holy Writ,
Give me an empty skull!
The jet, the gold, or ivory cross,
By many is admir’d;
But I esteem the blood of Him,
Who on the cross expir’d!
By many is admir’d;
But I esteem the blood of Him,
Who on the cross expir’d!
My heart with sin as crimson dyed,
Would ever so remain;
But if that blood by faith’s applied,
’Twill cleanse from every stain!
Would ever so remain;
But if that blood by faith’s applied,
’Twill cleanse from every stain!
With some their fill of pleasure here,
Is all the good they crave:—
Give me a humble, holy fear,
A hope beyond the grave!
Is all the good they crave:—
Give me a humble, holy fear,
A hope beyond the grave!
At wisdom’s shrine I’ll light my torch,
And in her pleasant ways,
Under the Nazarene’s reproach,
I’ll live out all my days!
And in her pleasant ways,
Under the Nazarene’s reproach,
I’ll live out all my days!
Thus whether sanction’d or despis’d,
Such is my fancy’s Rule;
In keeping which I shall be wise,
Although accounted fool!
Such is my fancy’s Rule;
In keeping which I shall be wise,
Although accounted fool!
Let the free thinker take the hint,
And with my creed agree;
That all are not compell’d to think,
Nor speak the same as he!
And with my creed agree;
That all are not compell’d to think,
Nor speak the same as he!
ON FINDING SOME DEISTICAL BOOKS IN THE HOUSE OF ONE WHO ONCE FEARED GOD!
“How is the gold become dim!” (Lamen. iv. 1.)
False publications throw their gloomy rays,
Where once the Sun of Righteousness did shine;
With pain we recollect the former days,
While scoffing infidels their voices join!
Where once the Sun of Righteousness did shine;
With pain we recollect the former days,
While scoffing infidels their voices join!
Insulting Heav’n, they oft with brazen brow,
Deny our Saviour is the Son of God!
But soon to Him their every knee shall bow,
And they shall groan beneath His iron rod!
Deny our Saviour is the Son of God!
But soon to Him their every knee shall bow,
And they shall groan beneath His iron rod!
What madness to defy His power above,
To slight that blood which has their souls redeem’d;
To him who does his God sincerely love,
How painful ’tis to hear His name blasphem’d!
To slight that blood which has their souls redeem’d;
To him who does his God sincerely love,
How painful ’tis to hear His name blasphem’d!
O let us flee these men of wicked minds,
Whose glory reaches not beyond the grave;
Who to accomplish their absurd designs,
Dethrone our King, and style the conquest brave!
Whose glory reaches not beyond the grave;
Who to accomplish their absurd designs,
Dethrone our King, and style the conquest brave!
Yet still He reigns, and shall for ever hold,
In massy chains the gloomy powers of Hell;
They soon His second coming shall behold,
And howling, see the place from whence they fell!
In massy chains the gloomy powers of Hell;
They soon His second coming shall behold,
And howling, see the place from whence they fell!
Ah! surely Satan’s thousand years are up,
And he once more is suffer’d loose to go!
His object is to stagger Israel’s hope,
And drag them captive to his den below!
And he once more is suffer’d loose to go!
His object is to stagger Israel’s hope,
And drag them captive to his den below!
Come down, O Lord! and bid thy thunders roll!
Send forth thy lightnings, and thy foes consume!
O let them know that thou wilt them controul,
In each, and all the shapes which they assume!
Send forth thy lightnings, and thy foes consume!
O let them know that thou wilt them controul,
In each, and all the shapes which they assume!
Gird on thy sword, thou mighty matchless King!
Reclaim these poor deluded sons of men!
O save them from the cruel serpent’s sting;
And drive him back to his infernal den!
Reclaim these poor deluded sons of men!
O save them from the cruel serpent’s sting;
And drive him back to his infernal den!
If Israel’s hope is not quite lost in death,
May these dry bones the Word of God receive!
Come from the four winds, O reviving breath,
And breathe upon these slain, that they may live!
May these dry bones the Word of God receive!
Come from the four winds, O reviving breath,
And breathe upon these slain, that they may live!
ON VISITING FRYUP, DURING A GREAT REVIVAL.
O Fryup! far distant thy fame now extends,
Kind Heav’n doth thy breaches repair;
Thou land of religion, and bibles, and friends,
I rejoice to breathe thy pure air!
Kind Heav’n doth thy breaches repair;
Thou land of religion, and bibles, and friends,
I rejoice to breathe thy pure air!
Thou land of devotion, and health to the soul,
With pleasure I walk o’er thy plains;
Where Christ to the sick hath oft spoken, “Be whole!”
Where religion, where righteousness reigns!
With pleasure I walk o’er thy plains;
Where Christ to the sick hath oft spoken, “Be whole!”
Where religion, where righteousness reigns!
With earnest desire I’ve long wish’d to see,
The beauties which now I behold;
This visit has proved more refreshing to me,
Than thousands of silver, or gold!
The beauties which now I behold;
This visit has proved more refreshing to me,
Than thousands of silver, or gold!
The day spring of glory hath visited thee,
For joy thy inhabitant sings;
The bright Sun of Righteousness riseth on thee,
And healing’s receiv’d from his wings!
For joy thy inhabitant sings;
The bright Sun of Righteousness riseth on thee,
And healing’s receiv’d from his wings!
His influence too, I have felt in my soul,
With gratitude now I confess;
May all his opposers yield to his control,
And sinners be saved by his grace!
With gratitude now I confess;
May all his opposers yield to his control,
And sinners be saved by his grace!
As lights in a land long benighted and dark,
May thy sons and thy daughters arise;
While faith to a flame fans the Heav’nly spark,
And they earnestly press to the skies!
May thy sons and thy daughters arise;
While faith to a flame fans the Heav’nly spark,
And they earnestly press to the skies!
May the husband incessantly plead for the wife,
The wife for her husband contend;
That the favour of God which is better than life,
May on both through the Spirit descend!
The wife for her husband contend;
That the favour of God which is better than life,
May on both through the Spirit descend!
May the lover’s petition be heard for the fair,
And the maiden prevail for the youth;
Till all those who for righteousness never did care,
Feel the force of Religion and Truth!
And the maiden prevail for the youth;
Till all those who for righteousness never did care,
Feel the force of Religion and Truth!
May thy ministers fill’d with the Spirit of God,
As giants prevail o’er their foes;
Their word prove more sharp than a two edged sword,
In defence of their King and his laws!
As giants prevail o’er their foes;
Their word prove more sharp than a two edged sword,
In defence of their King and his laws!
May thy sinners be sav’d on every hand,
Believers be steadfast and true;—
With sorrow, once more, I now quit thy fair land,
Old Fryup! and bid thee adieu!
Believers be steadfast and true;—
With sorrow, once more, I now quit thy fair land,
Old Fryup! and bid thee adieu!