And deep invention— So once the great Apostle strove With good intention. {238}
And inly to thyself take heed, Oft prove your heart, its pages read,— Self-knowledge will, in time of need, Your wants supply; Who knows himself, from dangers freed, Where’er he lie.
So God will own the labours done, Approving see His honoured Son, And honoured Law; and numbers won Of souls immortal, Through grace, will onward conquering run To heaven’s bright portal.
p. 239And on that last and greatest day, When heaven and earth shall pass away, A perfect band, in bright array, Will form your crown, Your joys triumphant wide display, And sorrows drown.
p. 239
And now farewell, my youthful friend— Excuse these lines, in candour penned; To me as freely counsel lend, With zeal as fervent— For you will pray, till life does end, Your humble servant.
EPISTLE TO THE LABOURING POOR.
All you who turn the sturdy soil, Or ply the loom with daily toil, And lowly on through life turmoil For scanty fare, Attend, and gather richest spoil To soothe your care.
I write with tender, feeling heart— Then kindly read what I impart; ’Tis freely penned, devoid of art, In homely style, ’Tis meant to ward off Satan’s dart, And show his guile.
I write to ope your sin-closed eyes, And make you great, and rich, and wise, And give you peace when trials rise, And sorrows gloom; p. 240I write to fit you for the skies On Day of Doom.
p. 240
What, though you dwell in lowly cot, And share through life a humble lot? Some thousands wealth and fame have got, Yet know no rest: They build, pull down, and scheme and plot, And die unblest.
Your mean attire and scanty fare Are, doubtless, springs of bitter care— Expose you blushing, trembling, bare, To haughty scorn; Yet murmur not in black despair, Nor weep forlorn.
You see that lordling glittering ride In all the pomp of wealth and pride, With lady lolling at his side, And train attendant: ’Tis all, when felt and fairly tried, But care resplendent.
As riches grow his wants increase, His passions burn and gnaw his peace, Ambition foams like raging seas And breaks the rein, Excess produces pale disease And racking
Prev.
Back
Top