Madame Guyon - Poems, 1802 by gnosisclassics

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1002

THOMAS

presented to

ZTbe "dniversitp of ^Toronto

1bume from tbe books ot

ZTbe late Ibonourable ]E^war^ 36lafee Cbanccllor of tbe tlntversit^ of (Toronto

(1876=1900)

'',*'//,

POEMS yV)

5*"

Translated from Ike French of <i otrvK N

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MADAME DE LA MOTHE

GUION,

BY THE LATE

WILLIAM COWPER,

Esq.

AUTHOR OF THE TASK.

To which

are addad

SOME ORIGINAL POEMS OF

Mil.

COW PER,

NOT INSERTED IN

WORKS.

HIS

n--g

THE SECOND EDITION. NEWPORT-PAGNEL, ?RINTEt>

AND SOLD BY

WAKEFIELD;

sold at si by

WILLIAMS,

10,

STATIONER'S COURT, LONDON.

(PRICE,

3s. 6u.)

1802.

[Entered at Stationers Li all.]

THE REV. WILLIAM BULL,* ttess

Translations ofafeiu of the Spiritual Songs

OF THE EXCELLENT

MADAME made

GUION,

at his e.rhress desire, are dedicated,

ly lux

dd'ccinni'ti'

Friend and Servant,

WILLIAM

Jitiii,

1782,

COV/PJ7-R.

Preface.

seems needless,

not impertinent, in an

obscure individual, to say any thing

Author of the Task,

in praise

of the

more consequence

inform the reader of the circumstances that have led to this

publication.

About twenty

years ago a very

dear and venerable friend* introduced great and amiable Mr. Cowper.

to the truly

This gave

rise to

friendship which increased with every repeated inter-

view, and for several years I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with this

him every week.

delightful intercourse

moval

to a distant situation,

A$ length

was terminated, by

hi,s

re-

and the painful approaches

of that event which dissolves every social connexion.

2'fc Rev, Jo.pl Neii'ton, Hector ,/

.$'/.

Mury

H'oolnot/t,

Frjtce.

One day amusing myself with of

the poetical

Madame Guion,

the celebrated

work|

was struck with

the peculiar beauty of some of her poems, as well ai

edited with the piety and devotion of which they arc I

strongly expressive.

and partly

amuse

mentioned them

a solitary

hour, partly to keep in

the genius of this incomparable

exercise

Mr. C.j

man,

re-

quested him to put a few of the poems into an english dress.

Afterward, during

Absence upon a journey,

says,

have but

That

may seem.

devoted for a month after your departure

translation

" " .

strange as

little leisure,

which Mr. C.

I received a letter in

last

" plicae, tbr

MaJame Guion.

t!.e

occasion,

" when we

copies of all

pieces

and

rr^c-t.

you may purpose

" amuied me. and

have made

have produced on

will put

They

little

them

into

are yours to

the fair

this

your hands

serve as

you

take and leave them as you like, is

already

served.

They have

have no further demand upon

vii

Preface.

" them."

On my

these translations, Protestant

The

return, to

which he added the Letter

to a

Lady in France, and the Poem on Friendship. idea cf printing

them was afterwards sug-

Mr. C; and he gave

gested to

me with

Mr. C. presented

consent, in-

his full

tending to revise them before I should send them to

Various circumstances prevented him from

the press.

doing

this

;

and the poems would probably have

remained unpublished, Several

still

had not been found that

copies of them had already got abroad.

The

Editor therefore had reason to beleive, that they would *

otherwise have less correct

script.

made

than

their appearence in

will,

state far

printed from the original

Nor can he imagine

form, they

that

even

on the whole, tend

in their

Manupresent

diminish the

well-deserved reputation of their excellent Author.

infer that the peculiarities of

heological sentiments,

Madam

Guion's

were adopted either by Mr. C.

viii

Prrfacf,

or by the Editor, would be almost as absurd as to sup*

pose the inimitable Translator of

a pagan.

Homer

have been

reverenced her piety, admired

genius, and judged that several of her

her

poems would be

read with pleasure and edification by serious and can*

did persons, I have taken the liberty to

add the Stan/as sub*

to the Bills of Mortality,

which had been pub-

joined lished

few years past

Epitaph, which had appeared tion.

They

sufficiently

Northampton

and the

in a periodical publica-

m.iik

the

genius of iheir

Author, correspond with the other paits of

volume, and have not before been printed

this

in a

small

uniform

planner with his poems.

William Bull,

6t/tofJu/i",

80 1,

(

)

CONTENTS. PACE

THE

Nativity

G od neither

known nor

The Swallow The Triumph

oj'

Heavenly Love desired

figurative description of the procedure of Divine

Love

in bringing a soul to the point of Self-renun-

ciation

loved by the world

and absolute acquiescence

Child of

God longing

to see

Aspirations of the Soul after

Gratitude an.l Love to

Hfippy Solitiuk

Living Water

Truth

find Divine Lnv?.

Divine Justice Tt't?

God

Unhappy

a;, liable

Man

-19

reeled by I he World -

-15

him beloved

God

Soul thai laves Godjlnds him every where

CONTENTS.

Page,

The Testimony of Divine Adoption -

Divine Love endures no rival

Glory

/<>

God God alone

The Love of God Love fail !-j'nl

t'i>

the

The Tin

Surrender

i-ntire

1 ,

jif-rft'ct

God liid< s

Sacrifice

his people

The

secrets

The

i-i<

t>J

-42

of the Beloved

-51

- 5'2

<>5

The

end of Life

Divine Love are to be kept '(I

Writ citing unto

same

I'ti-

J.nj

i'i.'

God

^40

ti!.-s<:>icc

Love pure andfen- -nt

and Ti ulh incompatible

Self-love

The acquiescence ofpure Love Repose in

-35

pelf-diffidence

I h^:

Christian Life

in the night season

Pnw

CONTENTS.

Page,

Joy

Martyrdom

Simple Trust

The

-88

necessity of Self-abasement

Love increased by

suffering

Scenes favourable to Meditation

ORIGINAL POEMS. w*^s^

Fjjistle to

Friendship

a Protestant -

Lady

in France

101

104

Stanzas subjoined to a Bill of Mortality for the year 1787

-11?

Stanzas subjoined to a Bill of Mortality for the year 1788

- 119

122

.... ....

127

133

17*89

The same for 1790

The same for

The same for 1792 The same for 1793

An Epitaph

-124

129

THE

NATIVITY. Poeme

Vol.

Heroiyuf-

sn IS Folly

Of Parian

let

all

and

porticos,

no more be told

roofs of gold

;

Delightful views of Nature dress'd by Art,

Enchant no longer

The Lord

all

Makes mean

The

this indiff'rent heart;

things, in his

humble

birth,

the proud magnificence of Earth

;

straw, the manger, and the mould'ring wall,

Eclipse

its

lustre

;

and

I scorn

it all.

Canals, and fountains, and delicious valr>,

Green

Deep

slopes,

and plains whose plenty never

fail-;

;

rooted groves, whose heads sublimely rise,

Earth-born, and yet ambitious of the skies

Th' abundant

foliage of

Vainly the sun Where warbled

in all its

Whose

lives

verdure .B

airs

;

whose gloomy shades, pow'r invades;

of sprightly birds resound

;

while winter scowl* around

THE NATIVITY.

2 Rocks,

And

lofty

mountains, caverns <Lirk and deep,

torrents raving

down

Smooth downs, whose

Meads crown'd with

Whose Their

The

artless

That seems all

flow'rs

;

streams musical and clear,

charms,

make

the scene divine

a rolling sea of golden grain lost

God

;

the charms they once possessed

reigns sovereign in

Bethl'em's bosom

breast;

no more will rove;

There dwells the Saviour, and there

;

vineyard, and the furrow'd plain,

have

infant

From

;

siker waters, and whose murmurs, join

fruitful

All,

the rugged steep

flagrant herbs the spirits cheer/

rests

love.

mightier rivers, that with sounding force

Urge down

the valleys your impetuous course Winds, clouds,and lightnings! and ye waves,whose heads !

Curl'd into monstrous forms, the seaman dreads

Horrid abyss, where all expetience fails, Spread with the wreck of planks and shatter'd

On whose

sails

;

broad back grim Death triumphant ride*,

While havock

floats

all

thy swelling tides,

shores a scene of ruin, strew'd around

Thy With

vessels bulged,

And

and bodies of the drown'd

Fish, that sport beneath the boundless waves.

rest,

secure from

man,

rocky caves;

THE NATIVITY. and whales of hideous

S\vift darting sharks,

Whom Had I

aquatic world with terror eyes

all th'

but Faith immoveable and true,

might defy the

The

size,

fiercest storm, like

you

world, a more disturb'd and boisi'ruus sea,

When Jesus shews a smile, affrights not me He hides me, and in vain the billows roar, Break harmless

Thou azure

feet,

and leave the shore.

vault,where,through the gloom of night,

Thick sown, we see such countless worlds Thou Moon, whose car, encompassing the Restores

Again

lost

nature to our wond'ring eyes

retiring,

when

of light

skies, j

the brighter Sun,

Begins the course he seems in haste

Behold him where he shines

run

His rapid rays, Themselves unmeasur'd, measure all our days !

;

Nothing impedes the race he would pursue, Nothing escapes

his

penetrating view,

thousand lands confess his quick'ning heat,

And

all

he cheers, are

fruitful, lair,

and

sv, t-t t.

Far from enjoying whr.l these scenes disclose, I feel the thorn, alas

Too

but miss the rose

know

this

solid

gcod

well

aching heart lequires

fill

its

vast desires

THE NATIVITY.

4 Iii

vain they represent his matchless might

Who

call'd

them out of deep primeval night

Their form and beauty but augment I

my woe

seek the Giver of those charms they

Him

Nor,

Infinite

whom

I trust for

God, thou great

makes

glory

Compar'd with

How

a blot of

thine,

art

bliss, the light

In thee alone dwells

All darkness

flies

all

;

his beauty

his golden

by which

that I can love

when thou

made,

ONE,

yonder sun

how dim

cure or aid.

unrivall'd

quench'd the radiance of

Thou

beside, throughout the world he

Lives there, in

Whose

sin

;

seem*,

beams

move

;

art pk-as'd

appear,

sudden spring renews the fading year; Where'er I turn, I see thy power and grace

The

watchful guardians of our heedless race

Thy

various creatures in one strain agree,

times and places, speak of thee

;

All, in

all

Ev'n

with trembling heart and i&Btmering tongue,

Attempt thy

praise,

;

and join the gen'ral song. this wondrous plan,

Almighty Former of

Faintly reflected in thine image,

Holy and Fills

just

and supports

Man

the Greatness of whose this universal

frame,

name

THE NATIVITY.

Diffus'd throughout th' infinitude of space,

Who

art thyself thine

Soul of our soul,

own

whom

vast dwelling-place;

yet no sense of ours

Discerns, eluding our most active pow'rs

;

Encircling shades attend thine awful throne,

That

veil thy face,

Unknown, though Lord of

and keep thee

still

unknown

;

dwelling in our inmost part,

the thoughts, and Sov'reign of the heart

Repeat the charming truth

that never tires,

No God is like the God my soul desires He at whose voice heav'n trembles, even He, Great a, he is, knows how to stoop to me ;

Lo there he lies that smiling " Heav'n Earth, and Sta, exist !

infant said,

and they obey'd.

Ev'n he whose Being swells beyond the skies, Is born of woman, lives, and mourns, and dies; Eternal and Immortal, seems to cast

That glory from

his

Trivial and vain the

How

brows, and breathes his

works

that

do they shrink and vanish

man

at the

Sweet Solitude, and scene of This

rustic sight assuages all

That

crib contains the

And

Earth's a shade, that

Lord I

last.

has wrought,

thought repose

my woes whom I adore

;

pursue no more.

THE NATIVITY.

He I

firm support,

rock,

tow'r,

dwell secure beneath his sheltering pow'r,

And For

hold this

all I

love,

I see the

mean

retreat for ever dear,

soul's delight

Almighty swath'd

here.

in infant bands,

Tied helpless down, the Thunder-bearer's hands!

And

in this shed, that

\Vliicli Faith

Ye Ye

mystery discern, and Love, and they alone, can

learn.

tempests spare the slumbers of your Lord

zepheii,

Cuntess the

...ll

your whisper'd sweets afford

God

that guides the rolling year;

Heav'n, do him homage; and thou Earth, revere

Shepherds, Monarchs, Sages, hither bring Your hearts an offering, and adore your King 1

Join

lie.

these hearts, and rich in Faith and

in his praise, th'

harmonious world above;

To Bethrhem haste, rejoice And praise him there for all Man, busy Man,

alas

in his

repose,

that he bestows

can

ill

glitt'ring

shews

pomp and in io

mean

;

wealth beguil'd

blind to genuine excellence and grace,

Find; not her AuiliLV

afford

T' obey the summons, and attend the Loid Pel verted reason revels and runs wild,

And

Love;

a place.

;

THE NATIVITY.

unbelieving

learn a wiser part,

Distrust your erring sense, and search your heart

There, soon ye

Glow

shall perceive a

for that Infant

kindling flame

God from whom

camej

Resist not, quench not that divine desire,

Melt

your adamant

all

Not

heavenly

Yielding and

soft this heart shall

And

ev'ry heart, beneath thy

Glad

But

None

if I

Himself alone

render thee, from thee

give

body

love,

vain attempt,

The more

to the flame,

owe the

Upon my meanness,

are thine.

all

still

the more.

poverty, and guilt,

-disdain shall be th'

And my

deformity,

its

state

and

;

unshaken base,

fairest grace;

For destitute of Good and

Must be

came;

expunge the mighty score

pay, I

trophy of thy glory shall be built ;

;

and energy divine

heart and soul and spirit,

The

ever prove

poor, oblation I have none,

for a Saviour, but

My patience, Ah

Love

power should fall, submit, could mine contain them all.

Whate'er

And

fire

so will I requite thee, gentle

rich in

111,

description

still.

THE NATIVITY.

And

surh a humbling lot Nuy, but I cherish and enjoy the thought Vain pageantry and pomp of Earth, adieu 1 grieve at

have no wish, no

The more

The

I feel

in his

Love,

you

;

mis'ry, I adore

sacred Inmate of

Rich

for

memory

my soul the moie my noblest pride ;

I feel

Spring from the sense of having nought beside. In

Thee

I find

wealth, comtort, virtue, might;

wand'rings prove thy wisdom infinite;

All that I have, 1 give thee

and then see

;

All contrarieties unite in thee

;

For thou hast join'd them, taking up our \voe, And pouring out thy bliss on worms below,

filling

with thy grace and love divine

gulph of evil is

And

the hills sink

indeed to bid the valleys

love thee, I the

soul so lifeless,

more reprove

and so slow

to love

;

on a deluge of thy mercy to^s'd, plunge inlo that sea, and tluve am lost.

Till, I

rise,

mau:hi;;g Karth and Skies

The more

'tis

weakness, thank thee, and deplore aching heart that throbs to thank thee more

I feel

mine.

in this he;:rt ol

This

;

GOD NEITHER KNOWN NOR LOVED BY THE WORLD.

Vol. 2.

Linnets,

Which

shall

let

C'antique 11,

us try, beneath this grove,

be loudest in our Maker's praise!

In quest of some forlorn retreat I rove,

For

all

the world

and wanders from

blind,

That God alone should prop the sinking Fills

them with rage

I traverse

Earth

against his empire

in vain

from pole

seek one simple heart,

They speak While

of Love, yet

in their,

bosoo

Their base desires well

set free

satisfied

ways.

soul,

now;

to pole,

from

little feel its i

his

'dul

all

below.

s\v.v,

lurks;

obey,

Leave the Creator's hand, and lean upon

his

works.

COD NEITHER KNOWN

'Tis therefore I can dwell with

man no more

Your

suits

fellowship,

Pure Love has

ye warblers

lost its price,

best

;

though priz'd of yore,

Profan'd by modern tongues, and slighted as a Jest.

God, who form'd you

Beholds his purpose well

Come,

let

for his praise alone,

fulfill'd in

you

;

us join the Choir before his throne,

Partaking in his praise with spirits just and true

Yes,

always love

I will

Tune

to the praise of

Preferring

Love

Lord of It"

should

ceaseless voice

human

men who

cavil at

choice.

that they

might

all

ever

fail

Can such a

fire

Its object heav'nly,

must ever blaze

Eternal Love, a

be thine

the zeal thy smile imparts,

Love, pure and holy,

When

thought,

not a thousand thousand hearts, soul

thou approve

How

and, as I ought,

Love

too vast for

In spite of erring

Why have

;

a deathless

God must needs

fire

decline?

;

inspire,

once he wins the heart, and

fits it

for his

praise.

NOR LOVED BY THE WORLD. 6elf-love dismissed

then

'tis

In her embrace, death, only death

Come

then,

one noble

live is

indeed

found

and succeed,

effort,

Cast off the chain of Self with which thy soul

Oh Ye

would cry

bound!

world might hear,

that all the

self-tormentors, love your

God alone

;

Let His unequall'd Excellence be dear, Dear to your inmost souls, and make him all your own!

They

hear

not

alas

how

fond

rove

In endless chase of Folly's specious lure ! 'Tis here alone, beneath this shady grove, I taste the sweets of

Truth

here only

secure.

THE S

WALLO

\V.

k^.^-^^~^>^>

VoL

2. Cantique 54.

I AM fond of the Swallow Had I skill to improve it, a

How

I learn

from her

lesson of

Love

seldom on Earth do we see her alight

She dwells

she

in the skies,

flight,

ever above.

on the wing that she takes her repose, Suspended and pois'd in the regions of air,

It is

Tis not in

It is

She comes

And

our (idds

wing'd like

her sustenance grows,

in the Spring, all the

dreading the cold,

So, true to our Love,

And

herself, 'tis ethereal fare.

still

Summer

she stays,

follows the sun

should covet his rays,

the place where be shines not, immediately *hui>.

THE SWALLOW.

be Love, and our nourishment pray 'r; we find upon Earth ;

Out

light should

It is

dangerous food that

The

fruit

of this world

beset with a snare,

itself it is hurtful, as vile in its birth.

*Tis rarely,

And

if ever,

only when

Were

she settles below,

building a nest for her

thought upon any thing

Let us leave

To bask Let us

That

young

;

not for her brood, she would never bestow

ev'iy

fly

ourselves

moment

filthy as

('tis

dung.

a mortal abode)

in infinite

Love;

the dark winter, and follow the road

leads to the day-spring appearing above

TRIUMPH OF HEAVENLY LOVE. DESIRED.

236.

Vol. 2. Cantique

AH reign, wherever Man is foundj My Spouse, beloved and divine !

am rich, and I abound, When ev'iy human heart is thine.

Then

A thousand sorrows To

think that

all

pierce

soul,

are not thine

be ador'd from pole to pole

Whore

thy zeal

All hearts are cold,

arise

;

own : ;

known

in ev'ry place,

Yet earthly good with warmth pursue; Dissolve them with a flash of grace,

Thaw

these of ice, and give u

new !

PIGURATIVE DESCRIPTION Of the

PROCEDURE OF DIVINE LOVE In bringing a Soul

to the point

of Self-renunciation and

absolute acquiescence.

Vol.1.

C'antique 110.

Twas my purpose, on a day, To embark and sail away As I climb'd the vessel's side, ,

Love was

;

sporting in the tide

Come," he

Launch

Many

said

;

" ascend

make

into the boundless waste.''

mariners were there,

Having each

his sep'rate care

;

haste,

THE SOUL BROUGHT T

They

that row'd us, held their eyes

Fixt upon the starry skies

;

Others steer'd, or turn'd the

sails

receive the shitting gales.

Love, with pow'r divine supplied,

Suddenly

moment

courage tried

was night Ship, and skies, were out of On the briny wave I lay ; In a

Floating rushes

Did

stay.

unexpected turn

Never to forsake "

" be

soul," I cried,

must be

lost, I

Next, he hasten 'd

still

will."

convey

Both

my frail supports away; Seiz'd my rushes bade the waves ;

Yawn Down

wish myself on shore,

If i

all

sight

with resentment burn

this

Did

;

into a thousand graves I

went, and sunk as

Ck'can closing o'er

leatl^

head.

SELF-RENUNCIATION. Still,

however,

And

was

life

safe

;

saw him turn and laugh : " Friend," he cried, "adieu lie low, !

While

the wintiy storms shall blow;

When

the spring has calm'd the main,

You

shall rise

Soon

Spread

and

float

again."

saw him, with dismay, plumes, and soar away;

his

Now I mark his rapid flight Now he leaves my aching sight ;

gone

whom

'Tis in vain to seek

How

him more.

trembl'd then, and

When my

fcai 'd

love had disappear'd

Wilt thou leave

" Whelm'd

;

adore,

I cried,

thus,"

beneath the rolling tide?"

Vain attempt to reach his ear Love was gone, and would not

Ah See

return,

and love

Frown with wrath, let

Only

still

subject to thy will

hear.

;

or smile with grace,

see thy lace

THE SOUL BROUGHT &C.

15 Evil

All

have none

good

to fear,

ihou

Yet he

leaves

Leaves

Have

I sinn'd

art near.

cruel fale

say wherein

Tell me, and forgive

King, and Lord,

not angry

;

all

my sin whom I adore, !

no more

Shall I see thy face

Henceforth,

lost estate

I resign,

Will

to thine;

consent that ihou depart,

Though

Go All

thine absence breaks

then, and for ever too

heart

;

right that thou wilt do.

This was just what Love intended,

He was now

no more offended

became a

Soon

as I

Love

return'd to

Never

strife shall

;

child,

and smil'd

more betide

'Twixt the Bridegroom and his Bride.

CHILD OF GOD LONGING TO

SEE

HIM BELOVED.

^^v^r^sft Vol. 2.

THERE'S But

How

not an Eccho round

Cantique 144.

pure a

me,

glad should learn fire has

found me,

The Love with which

burn.

For none attends with pleasure To what I would icveal j

They

slight

And The

laugh at

out of measure, all

I feel.

rocks receive less proudly

The

When

story of I

flame

;

approach, they loudly

Reverberate his name.

A CHILD OF COP LONCIN6

them of

I speak to

And

bid

They

And

;

look for gladne^,

better days at hand.

Far from I

sadness,

comforts at a stand

all

habitation,

heard a happy sound

;

Big with the consolation That I have ofu-n found;

I said,

My The

lot is

What

bliss

For, spite of

thc-e

brings

These sweet and it

all

juy."

secret tidi

to hear

chidings,

weakness and

le.it,

sooner I receive them,

Than

And J

" to-mo

rocks replied

To-morrow

sorrow,

giicf has no alloy ;"

I forget

happy love as

pain,

to believe

much

them,

again.

TO SEE HIM BELOVED. I fly to scenes romantic,

Where never men For

Impiety

For

sport.

and confusion,

riot

barter things above;

They

Condemning,

The joy

resort

an age so frantic,

as delusion,

of perfect Love.

sequester'd corner

this

None

hears what I express

Deliver'd from the scorner,

What

peace do

I possess

Beneath the boughs reclining,

roving

I live,

And

No I

d'c-r

the Wild,

asundesigning, harmless as a child.

troubles here surprize

me,

innocently play,

While providence supplies me.

And

guards

all

the

clay

;

A CHILD OF GOD &C.

dear and kind Defender

Preserves

From men

Who

fill

safely here,

pomp and

splendour,

a child with fear.

]

ASPIRATIONS OF THE SOUL

AFTER GOD.

Vol. 2. Ccuitique 95.

Spouse

Sole object of

Who

is all

I live,.

desires.

canst easily double

pleasant

From I

all

know'st what a flame

And

How

whose presence

that I

I conceive, its fires j

meet

fear of adversity free,

find even sorrow

Because

'tis

made sweet

assign'd

me by

;

Thee.

Transported I see tbee display

Thy

riches

I have only

and glory divine;

Take what

life to

repay,

would gladly

resign.

ASMRATION'S &C. will

Thy

There

the treasure I seek,

For thou

art as faithful as strong;

me, obedient and meek,

let

Repose myself

spirit

and

finish

faculties fail

;

what love has begun

Destroy what

And dwell

sinful

and

frail,

in the soul thou hast

Dear theme of I cry,

the day long.

all

who

my is

wonder and

won

praise,

worthy as Thou and gaze ; left to me now.

I can only be silent

'Tis

all

that

glory, in

Too deep

which for the

lost,

plummet

of thought

an ocean of deity toss'd,

swallow'd,

Yet

lost

and absorb'd

sink into nought. as I

seem,

I chauiit to the praise of

And

my King

though ovt-rwlu'lm'd by the

Am happy whenever I

sing.

;

tlu im-.

GRATITUDE AND LOVE TO GOD.

Vol

ALL

2. Cantique 96.

much

are indebted

But

I far

From many

And

more than

to thee,

all,

a deadly snare set free,

rais'd

from many a

fall.

Overwhelm me, from above, Daily, with thy boundless Love.

What bonds

of Gratitude

I feel,

language can declare

Beneath 'Tis

th'

;

oppressive weight I

more than

can bear

When shall I that blessing prove, To return thee Love for Love r

reel,

GRATITUDE

&C.

Spirit of Charity, dispense

Thy Expel

grace to ev'ry heart;

ail

Drive

other Spirits thence, self

from every part;

Charity divine, draw nigh,

Break the chains

which we

lie

All selfish souls, whate'er they feign,

Have

still

a slavish lot;

boast of Liberty in vain,

They Of Love, and

feel

He whose bosom He, and he alone

not.

glows with Thee, is

free.

Oh blessedness, all bliss above, When My pure fires prevail !

Love only teaches what All other lessons

We learn

its

fail

Love

name, but not

Experience only makes

;

its

powY>,

ours.

]

HAPPY SOLITUDE UNHAPPY MEN,

Vol. 2. Cantique 89.

heart

I smile,

easy, and

my burthen

though sad, when thou

The more my woes I taste thy goodness,

light;

art in

and

There, while a solemn

I love,

The

the more.

stillness reigns

around.

and Hope, within my soul abound while the world suppose me lost in care,

Faith, Love,

And

sight

in secret I deplore,

;

joys of angels, unperceiv'd, I shaie.

Thy creatures wrong thee, O thou sov'reign Good Thou art not lov'd, because not understood This grieves

most, that vain pursuits beguile

Ungrateful men, regardless of thy smile.

LIVirtG Frail beauty,

and

While Thee they

WATER.

false honor, are ador'd

scorn, and

;

with thy word

trifle

Pass, unconcern'd, a Savior's sorrows by

And

hunt their ruin with a zeal

;

to die.

LIVING WATER.

Vol. 4. Cantique 81.

THE fountain No drought

in its source,

summer

The farther it pursues its The nobler it appears.

ftar<

;

course,

But shallow cisterns yield

scanty, short supply

The morning sees them amply At ev'ning they are dry.

fill'd,

[

]

TRUTH AND DIVINE LOVE REJECTED ?Y THE WORLD.

Fo/2. C'antique 22.

O Love, of pure and heav'nly birth O simple Truth, scarce known on earth Whom men resist with stubborn will !

;

And more

perverse and daring

still,

Smother and quench, with reas'nings vain, While error and deception reign.

Whence comes it, that, your pow'r the same As His on high, from whence you came,

rarely find a list'ning ear,

heart that

makes you welcome here

Because ye bring reproach and pain Where'er ye visit, in your train, D 3

TRUTH AND DIVINE LOVE,

The world

proud and cannot bear

The

scorn and calumny ye share

The

praise of

They

men

the place

fly

the

mark

Suits not the vain

Then,

let

the price be

poor,

mean, where ye are seen ;

Pure Lcve, with scandal

Though

they

in the rear,

costs too dear.

what

may,

prepar'd to pay

;

Come

shame, come sorrow; spite of tears, Weakness, and heart-oppressing fears ;

One soul, at least, shall not repine, To give you room come, reign in mine ;

[

]

DIVINE JUSTICE AMIABLE.

Vol. 2.

THOU Or

And

Cantque 119.

hast no lightnings,

O thou

should

know;

I ihcit force if

thou strike

My soul approves The

Just

into dust,

the blow.

heart, that values less its ease,

Than

adores thy ways

;

In thine avenging anger, sees

A subject of Pleas'd, I could

its

praise.

lie

conceal'd and lost

In shades of central night

Not

But

;

avoid thy wrath, thou know'st, lest I

grieve thy sight.

DIVINE JUSTICE AMIABLE,

Smite me,

A"d The

me, though

And dare I seek And meet thy Far from

And

sacred eyes

thou spar'st

thou art kind

find,

pow'rs.

gentle to endure

yet again

that smile

Imparts a pang,

Than woe

;

pain,

with thy Love.

have no punishment to fear !

;

thy wrath should move,

Thou sooth'stme

saddest hours,

all

And when

But

kill.

canst devise;

unction of ihy grace

Alas

thy throne again,

afflicting,

Pervading

provoke

not worthy, to sustain

The worst thou

Too

still

well-deserv'd, and righteous stroke,

Shall please

whom

thou

I will lovethee

far

itself

from thee,

more severe

would

be.

[

]

THE SOUL THAT LOVES GOD FINDS HIM

EVERY WHERE.

Vol. 2. Cnntiq-ie 108.

thou by long experience tried,

Near

whom

Love

I pass

no grief can lon^ abide

how

full of

sweet content

years of banishment

All scenes alike engaging prove,

souls impress'd with sac:ed lovej

Where'er they dwell, they dwell in theej In heav'n, in earth, or on the sea.

To me

My I

remains nor place nor time;

country

in ev'ry clirne;

can be calm and free from care

any shove, since

God

there.

THE SOUL THAT LOVES COD &C.

34-

While place we seek, or place we shun,

The

none

soul finds happiness in

But with a

God

guide our way,

'Tis equal joy to go or stay.

Could

be cast where thou

art not,

That were indeed a dreadful But regions none remote

God

Secure of finding

lot

;

I call,

in all.

country, Lord, art thou alone

Nor The

other can I claim or

Law,

point where

I hold

all

Love

my ;

own

wishes meet

life's

;

only sweel

by nothing here below my journey, and I go

;

Appoint

Though

;

pierc'd by scorn, opprest

I feel thee

feel

good

frowns of

souls

men

fire

can hurtful prove with heav'nly Love ;

Though men and

No gloomy

by pride, nought beside.

devils both

condemn,

days arise from them.

THE TESTIMONY &C.

then

soul thou art

to his

embrace repair; no stranger there

There Love divine

And

;

be thy guard,

shall

peace and safety thy reward.

THE

TESTIMONY O F

DIVINE ADOPTION.

Vol. 2. Canlique 78.

How

happy are the new-born

Partakers of adopting grace

How

pure the

Hid from Within

And

bliss

race,

;

they share

the world and

all its

eyes,

their heart the blessing lies,

Conscience

feels

there.

THE TESTIMONY O*

The moment we

And

believe,

love with

all

'tis

ours

;

our pow'rs

The God from whom it came, if we serve with hearts sincere,

And 'Tis

still

discernible and clear,

An undisputed But ah

if foul

claim.

and wilful sin

Stain and dishonour us within,

Farewell the joy

Again

we knew ;

the slaves of Nature's sway,

In labYmths of our

Without

own we

stray,

a guide or clue.

who

The

chaste and pure,

The

gracious spirit they receive,

His work

And

fear to gricvr

distinctly trace

;

strong in undissembling love,

Boldly assert and clearly prove,

Their hearts

his dwelling place.

messenger of dear delight,

Whose

voice dispells the deepest night,

Sweet peace-proclaiming Dove

DIVINE ADOPTION. With thee

hand

to sooth

our pains,

No wish unsatisfied remains, No task, but that of Love. 'Tis

Love

The

centre where

To which his

all bliss

;

resides,

the soul once brought,

Reclining on the

From

what Sin divides

unites

first

great Cause,

abounding sweetness draws

Peace passing human thought.

Sorrow foregoes

And

life

its

nature there,

assumes a tranquil

Divested of

its

woes

air,

There, sov'reign goodness sooths the breast. Till then, incapable of rest,

In sacred sure repose.

DIVINE LOVE ENDURES NO RIVAL.

JW.2. Cantique 155.

LOVE

"Whose

The

the

tvntie of

Love

whom

Lord

I obey.,

will transported I perform,

all in all to

rest,

stay,

me, myself a worm.

For uncreated charms

bum,

Oppress'd by slavish fear no more

For one,

whom

may

;

discern,

Ev'n when he frowns, a sweetness

I adore.

He little loves Him, who complains, And finds him rig'rous and severe; His heart

Though

sordid,

and he feigns,

loud in boasting of a soul sincere.

DIVINE LOVE &C. Love causes

grief,

but

move

'tis tc

And And

he has never tasted Love,

Who

shuns

Sweet

souls

Love

the cross, above

'Tis just, that

And

self

life

GOD

sweets,

and beguiles.

all

the thought,

murmurs make

clear.

Lord

not.

else is lov'd, the

love of

Thee

flows just as

that of ebbing self subsides

Our

;

ever meets,

should not be dear,

engrosses

groans and

Whatever

all

enamour'd with thy smiles

strips of all its terrors,

Where

;

pang so graciously design'd.

The keenest woe

The

mind

stimulate the slumb'ring

much ;

hearts, their scantiness is such,

Bear not the conflict of two

rival tides.

Both cannot govern in one soul;

Then

let self-love

The Love

And

God

be dispossess'd

will not dwell fc

;

deserves the whole,

vith so despis'd

a guest.

[

SELF-DIFFIDENCE,

Vol. 2. Canlitjite 125.

SOURCE oflove, and light of me from myself away

Tear

day,

;

Ev'ry view and thought of mine,

Cast into the mould of thine;

Teach,

Or,

if it

teach this faithless heart

consistent, constant pail

must

live to

rebellious, break

thus, that

;

grow it

now

requite

Grace and goodness

infinite ?

Ev'iy trace of ev'ty boon, Cancell' d> and cvas'd, so soon

SELF-DIFFIDENCE.

Can

I grieve thee,

Thee,

whom

love;

and move

I live

my sorrow touch thee still, Save me from so great an ill If

th' oppressive,

irksome weight,

Felt in an uncertain state

Comfort, peace, and

Should Still I

prove

;

rest, adieu,

at last

untrue

chuse thee, follow

Ev'ry notice of thy will

still

;

But unstable, strangely weak, Still let slip

the good I seek.

Self-confiding wretch, I thought, I

uld serve thee as I ought,

Win

thee,

and deserve

to feel

All the Love thou canst reveal

Trusting

self,

Is to be deceiv'd indeed

Save

from

Lest

gold turn

E 3

a bruised reed,

this

harm and all to

loss,

dross

THE ACdT7IESCi.NCE &C.

42 Self

earthly

Makes Faitli

Feel

Faith alone

an unseen world our

own

;

how we roam, our way, and leave our home relinquish'cl,

Spurious gems our hopes entice,

While we scorn the

And

pearl of price

;

preferring servants' pay,

Cast the children's bread away.

The

ACQUIESCENCE Of

PURE LOVE. Vol. 2. Cuntiqnc 135.

LOVE! Come,

Plung'd

The

thy destin'd sacrifice

slay thy victim, in thy

death,

;

and prepare thy

depths of mercy,

which ev'ry soul

let

fires

die

that lives, desires

THE ACQUIESCENCE &C. i \vatch

The time Yet

all

With no

To me

My My

life

hours, and see

them

away

;

thoughts thy purposes obey,

reluctance, cheerful

'tis

fleet

long, that I have languish'd here

equal, whether

or death, appoint

soul perceives

and sincere.

Love ordain

pain or ease

real 111 in pain

In ease, or health, no real

Good

;

she sees.

One Good she covets, and that Good alone To chuse thy will, from selfish bias free

;

And And

to prefer a cottage ro a

grief to comfort, if

That we should bear the

Die

to the world,

Suffer

and

throne,

pleases Thee.

cross, is thy

live to self

command,

no more

;

unmov'd beneath the rudest hand,

pleas'd

when shipwreck'd,

when

safe

on shore.

]

REPOSE IN GOD.

Vol. 2. Cantiyue 17.

BLEST

who

far

from

This world's shadows

all

left

mankind, behind,

Hears from heav'n a gentle strain Whisp'ring Love, and loves again.

Blest

who

free

from self-esteem,

Dives into the Gre;it Supreme, All desire Uside discards,

Joys

Blest

inferior

who

none regards.

in thy

bosom seeki

Rest that nothing earthly breaks,

Dead

to self

Lost

in thee,

and worldly

thing-;,

thou King of Kings

GLORY TO GOD ALONE.

that

know my

4/>

secret fire,

Softly speak and soon retire;

Favor

divine repose,

Spare the sleep a

God

bestows.

GLORY TO GOD ALONE.

Vol. 2.

lov'd

Cantique

but not enough

15.

though dearer

Than

self

None

duly loves thee, but who, nobly free

From

sensual objects, finds his

Glory of

and

God

Whom man

its

all

;

in thee.

thou stranger here below,

nor knows, nor feels a wish to

OurFailh and reason are both shock'd

Man

far

most lov'd enjoyments are

in the post of

honour

know

to find

Thee behind.

GLORY TO GOD ALONE.

Reason exclaims

" Asham'd,

And

Let ev'ry creature fall, Lord of all j"

abas'd, before the

Faith, o'erwhelm'd with such a dazzling blare,

Feebly describes the beauty she surveys.

Yet man, dim-sighted man, and rash as Deaf to the dictates of his better mind,

blind.

In frantic competition dares the skies,

And Oh

claims precedence of the only wise.

lost in vanity

Nothing

till

once self-known

great, or good, but

God

alone,

When

thou shalt stand before his awful face,

Then,

at the last, thy pride shall

know His

Glorious, Almighty, FirBt, and without end

place.

When wilt thou melt the mountains, and descend ? When wilt thou shoot abroad thy conqu'ring rays, And teach these atoms, tbou hast made, thy praise ? Thy Glory is the sweetest heav'n I feel And if I seek it with too fierce a zeal,

;

Thy Love triumphant o'er a selfish will, Taught me the passion, and inspires it still.

LORY TO COD ALONE.

reason,

all

faculties, unite,

To make

thy Glory their supreme delight

Forbid

Fountain of

That

it,

I should rob thee,

soul

rest

happy

that thy glory,

Confess

Him

Love what he Die daily

;

Then thou

and usurp thy praise

in thy

Nor hope, nor wish, to To take th' impression

;

brightest days,

low

es4ate,

be esteem'd or great

of a will divine,

and those riches

thine.

righteous in his just decrees, loves,

and

let his

pleasure please;

from the touch of sin recede hast crowrvd him,

;

and he reigns indeed.

]

SELF-LOVE AND TRUTH INCOMPATIBLE.

Vol. 2. Canli<juc 2l.

FROM That

The

thorny wilds, a monster came,

fill'd

Droop'd

When

at the sight,

and

" Whence " Distracted Far from

" The joy

The '

;

ear,

fear.

terror

world and

its

and

surpri.sr.

boasts, the pain

affairs, it

Surrender, without guile or

" To God, '

mine

looks, and streaming eyes

tht-

all this

to earth

fell

thus a sage address'd

Himself unconscious of a

and shame

soul with fear

birds, forgetful of their mirth,

an undivided heart

shares, art, ;

savage form, so fear'd before,

Shall scare your trembling soul no

more;

SELF-LOVE AND TRUTH &C.

" For *'

loathsome as the sight

may

be,

'Tis but the Love-of-selfyou see.

" Fix all your love on God alone, " Chuse but His will, and hate your own t

" " And you, through all your happy " Shall bless his name, and his sing

Oh The

lovely solitude,

silence of this

Here Truth, Gives

The

all

calm

the fair

her beauty to

praise."

sweet,

retreat I

days,

pursue,

viewj

simple, unaciorn'd display,

Truth,

whom

Truth,

And

how

whom

Charms every pain and

O O

;

your path be found, The dreary waste shall bloom around, fear shall in

fear

treasure and delight,

this tribute to thy

this

away.

millions proudly slight,

name,

poor heart, from which

came

]

The

LOVE OF GOD, THE END OF LIFE. Cantique 165.

Vol. 2.

NCR

So be

sorrow must be spent,

life in

And meekly

well content,

vrait

Seeking only growth

No In

bliss I seek,

but to

remove,

Love. fulfil

in death, thy lovely will

life,

last

succours in

Save what thou

woes

;

want,

art pleas'd to grant.

Our days arc number'd, let us spare Our anxious hearts a needless care :

*Tis thine, to

Ours, to give

Love

number out our days them to thy praise.

our only bus'ness here,

Love, simple, constant, and sincere;

blessed days, thy servants see

Spent,

Lord

in pleasing

Thee.

]

LOVE FAITHFUL IN THE ABSENCE OF THE BELOVED.

Vol. 4. Cantique 49.

IN vain ye woo

your harmless joys,

pleasant bow'is, remote from strife and noise;

Your

shades, the witnesses of

many

vow,

Breath'd forth in happier days, are irksome now;

Denied

once

that smile 'twas

heav'n to see,

Such scenes, such pleasures, are all past with me. In vain he leaves me,

And

though

I have

I shall love

him

mourn, not murmur

no cause

an object

all

still

;

at his will;

divine

Might well grow weary of a soul like mine; Yet pity me, great God forlorn, alone, !

Heartless and hopeless, Lite and

F 2

Love

all

gone.

[

]

LOVE PURE AND FERVENT. C'antique 31.

Vol. 4.

JEALOUS, and with Love

God demands

o'erflowing,

a fervent heart

Grace and bounty,

still

;

bestowing,

Calls us to a grateful part.

Oh, then, with supreme affection , His paternal Will regard !

cost us

some

Ev'ry sigh has Perfect

dejection, it's

reward.

Love has pow'r

to soften

Cares that might our peace destroy, Nay, does more transforms them often,

Changing sorrow

into joy.

Sov'reign Love appoints the measure,

And And is

the

number of our

pleas'd

In the

trials

when we he

pains

;

find pleasure

ordiifns,

THE ENTIRE SURRENDER.

Vol. 4. Cantique 77.

PEACE

And

has unveil'd her smiling face,

woes thy

From

But seeks not to the

Renounce

Lord, with simple heart,

all

peace

path,

shall

F 3

'till

all

thou art

;

strength but strength divine

be forever thine

Behold the path which

;

who Truth prefer, them who seek not her. all

All that thou hast, and

And

;

thou refrain

earthly Love, else sought in vain

She dwells with

Yield

embrace

soul to her

Enjoy'd with case,

go home

have trod, to

God.

[

]

THE

PERFECT SACRIFICE.

Vol. 4. Cantique 74.

I place an off 'ring at thy shrine,

From

taint

and blemish

Simple and pure

Of all

its

clear,

design,

that I hold dear. -

I yield thee

Thy

gifts

back thy gifts again, which most I prize ;

Desirous only to retain

The

notice of thine eyes.

But

if, by thine ador'd decree, That blessing be deny'd;

Resign'd, and unreluctant, sec

My ev'ry

wish subside.

THE PERFECT SACRIFICI.

Thy

will in

all

things I approve,

Exalted or cast

Thy

down

;

will in ev'ry state, I love,

And

even in thy frown.

GOD HIDES HIS PEOPLE.

Vol. 4. Cantique 42.

lay the soul that loves

Becomes

him low.

the Onlv-wise

;

To hide beneath a veil of woe The children of the skies. Man,

tho' a

worm, would yet be great; would seem strong j

Though Assumes an independent feeble,

sacrilege

state,

and wrong.

COD HIDES

HIS PEOPLE.

Strange the reverse, which, once abas'd,

The haughty

cfeature proves

feels his soul

Nor

a barren waste,

dares affirm, he loves.

Scorn'd by the thoughtless and the vain,

To God

he presses near

;

Superior to the world's disdain,

And happy Oh

welcome,

in it's sneer.

in his heart

he says,

Humility and shame Farewell the wish for human praise, The music of a name 1

But will not scandal mar the good

That

And By Ah,

can

might

else

God work

so despis'd a

vainly anxious

To Sweet

perform it,

worm

leave the

Lord

and dispose; the mandate of his word,

rule thee,

And

he would,

gracious

all

he does.

COD HIDES

HIS PEOPLE.

draws from human

littleness

His grandeur and renown

And

;

gen'rous hearts with joy confess

The triumph

Down

all his

own.

then with self-exalting thoughts,

Thy faith and hope employ To welcome all that he allots,

And

suffer

shame with

No longer, then, On his eternal Arid he

thou wilt encroach right

;

shall smile at thy

And make

joy.

approach,

thee his delight.

[

]

THE

SECRETS OF DIVINE LOVE ARE TO BE KEPT.

Vol. 3. Canlitjue4S.

SUN

stay thy course, this

Suspend

moment stay-

th' o'erflowing tide of

Divulge not such a Love

day,

mine,

Ah hide the mystery divine. Lest man, who deems my glory shame, !

Should learn the secret of

night

propitious to

flame.

views,

awning wide diffuse ; Conceal alike my joy and pain,

Thy

sable

Nor draw

thy curtain back again,

Though morning, by the tears Seems to participate my woes.

she shewn,

AfcE

stars

Express

whose

TO BE KEPT. faint

and feeble

fires

languishing desires,

Whose slender beams pervade As silent as my secret sighs, Those emanations of That darts her

fires

the skies

a soul,

beyond the Pole

;

Your

rays, that scarce assist the sight,

That

pierce, but not displace the night,

That shine indeed, but nothing sho\r

Of all

those various scenes below,

Bring no disturbance, rather prove Incentives of a sacred Love.

Thou Moon Bespeaks

Go,

tell

whose

the tidings of

To him who

flame

by name j whose presence cheers

calls the stars

Whose absence

Who

never-failing courra

a providential force,

kills,

blots, or brightens, all

While,

in the blue abyss

Thine orb performs

its

my years.

of space.

rapid race

TRB SECRETS OF DIVINE LOVE Still

whisper

in his list'ning cars

The language

sighs and tears

;

Tell him, I seek him, far below,

Lost

in a wilderness of

thought-composing,

Diffusing peace o'er

silent hours,

all

Friends of the pensive

woe.

pow'rs

who

In darkest shades, the flames

To you

I trust,

The Lore

and

safely

that wastes

;

conceal, I feel

;

may, strength away.

In sylvan scenes, and caverns rude, I taste the streets of solitude;

Retir'd indeed, but not alone, I share

Who From

them with a Spouse unknown,

hides all

her, from envious eyes,

intrusion and surprise.

Imbow'ring shades, and dens profound Where echo rolls the voice around :

Mounuins

whose elevated heads,

moist, and misty veil o'erspreads

ARE TO BE KEPT.

Disclose a solitaiy Bride

To him

rills

I love

that

Among the

none beside.

murm'ring

all

the way,

polish'd pebbles stray

;

Creep sUently along the ground, Lest, drawn by that harmonious sound,

Some

wand'rer,

whom

Should stumble on

would not meet,

lov'd retreat.

Enamel'd meads, and hillocks green,

And streams, that water all the scene Ye torrents, loud in distant ears Ye fountains, that receive my tears !

still

A charge, If 1

conceal, with caution due, I trust

when my

seem

It is

pain and grief increase,

enjoy the sweetest peace,

because

I find so fair

The charming That

object of

care,

can sport, and pleasure,

Of torment,

with none but you.

make

suffer'd for his sake.

THE SECRETS OF PtVlNE LOVE

Ye meads and groves, unconscious things I Ye know not whence my pleasure springs, Ye know not, and ye cannot know, The

source from which

The

dear sole Cause of

all

He knows, Ye

deserts

forests

and understands them well.

where the wild beasts rove.

Scenes sacred to

sorrows flow

I feel,

hours of love

whose shades

;

I stray,

Benighted under burning day;

whisper not how

Nor while

Ye lambs

And

I live, nor

I die.

sport beneath these shades.

bound along the mossy glades

Be taught a

And

who

blest

when

cease to bleat

The wolf may

Whom

salutary fear,

when

near

hear your harmless cry,

ye should dread, as much

as I.

How calm, amid these scenes, my How perfect is the peace I find 1

mind!

ARE TO BE KEPT.

hush, be

tongue,

still

ev'iy part,

pulse,

beating heart

That Love, aspiring to its cause, May suffer not a moment's pause.

Ye In

swift-finn'd nations, that abide

wide

seas, as fathomless as

And

;

unsuspicious of a snare,

Pursue

at large

Poor sportive

Your

your pleasures there

fools

how

soon does

heedless ignorance trepan

Away Where

man

dive deep into the brine,

never yet sunk

plummet

line

Trust me, the vast Leviathan Is merciful,

Avoid

And

compar'd with man

;

his arts, forsake the beach,

never play within his reach.

soul her

bondage

ill

endures

I pant for liberty like yours I long for that

;

immense Profound,

That knows no bottom, and no bound

;

THB SECRETS OF DIVINE LOVE

64 Lost

Infinity, to prove

Th' Incomprehensible of Love.

Ye birds that lessen as ye fly, And vanish in the distant sky To whom yon aiiy waste belongs, !

;

Resounding with your cheerful songs to escape from human sight;

Haste Fear

less,

the vulture, and the kite.

How blest,

and how secure

When quitting earth, I sore on high When lost, like you I disappear, And float in a sublimer sphere

;

Whence I

falling,

within

human

view,

ensnar'd, and caught like you.

Omniscient God, whose notice deigns try the heart and search the reins ;

Compassionate the num'ruus woes, I dare not, ev'n to thee, disclose

Oh Oi"

save

;

from the cruel hands

men, who

fear not thy

commands

ARE TO BE KEPT. Love, all-subduing and divine,

Care

for a creature truly thine

Reign

in a heart, dispos'd to

sov'reign, but thyself alone

Cherish a Bride,

Nor

who

quit thee for a

own j

cannot rove,

meaner Love

The

VICISSITUDES EXPERIENCED IN A CHRISTIAN

Vol. 3.

Canttqu'e 69.

I suffer fruitless anguish

Each moment,

LIFE.

day by day,

passes,

marks

pa n

Scarce knowing whither, doubtfully I stray,

And

see no end of

all

that I sustain.

;

THE VICISSITUDES EXPERIENCED

Ol>

The more

I strive, the

withstood;

Anxiety increasing ev'ry hour,

spirit finds

And

rest,

performs no good,

nought remains of all

former pow'r.

My peace of heart fled, I know not where My happy hours, like shadows, pass'd away is

Their sweet remembrance doubles

all

;

care,

Night darker seems, succeeding such a day, joys, and impotent regret.

Dear faded

What

profit

there in incessant tears?

Oh Thou, whom,

once beheld,

Reveal thy Love, and banish

Alas

flies

nut

Woe

treats

all

ne'er forget,

fears

as his foe,

sorrows, hears not

when

plead

such as mine, despis'd, neglected woe,

Unless

shortens

life is

vain indeed.

Pierc'd with a thousand wounds, I yet survive;

pangs are keen, but no complaint transpires while in terrors of thy wrath I live,

And

Hell seems

to loose its less

tremendous

fires.

IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.

Has Hell

a pain

would not gladly

bear,

So thy severe displeasure might subside

life

Is this the joy so promis'd

Th' unchanging

lovely thou, and I

Why

did I see

dang'rous glories

still

Untaught,

how

them? had

humbler wishes

in better days

shewn me, but

ignorant

this the love,

sworn

love, so

Ah How !

seem already There, exiinguish'd, and yet death denied.

Hopeless of ease,

rash to gaze.

still

remain'd

how

fair

thou

art,

had soon obtain'd,

K^r known

the torments of a doubting heait.

Depriv'd of

all,

Whence

yet feeling no desires,

then I cry, the pangs that I sustain

Dubious anduninform'd,

Ought she

SuffVmg Yet

leel

to cherish, or

I suffer

not

soul inquires,

shake

off her pain.

sincerely love,

no touch of that enliv'ning flame;

chance inclines me, unconcern'd

All times, and

all

events, to

move,

the same.

prove

THE VICISSITUDES EXPERIENCED

I search

heart,

But burns with

Such

A I

ask not if

there,

may

fall

;

the sad disquietude I share,

and

sea of doubts,

And I

and not a wish

zeal that hated sell

life,

self the source of all.

nor do

thine hand

wish to die ; i;h not

accomp

would not purchase, with

A free discharge from I groan in chains, yet

all

cure,

a single sigh,

that I endure.

want not a

release

;

Am sick, and know not the distemper'd part; Am just as void of purpose, as of peace ;

Have

My No

claim to

Once

had

soul

though sought with earnest

life,

within me, or without me, shows]

light,

Find

neither plan, nor fear, nor hope, nor heart.

faith

;

but now, in sell-despair

chief cordial, and

Sinks and

best repose.

a forgotten thing, she sinks, is lost,

without a wish to

rise

;

Feels an indiff'rence she abhors, and thinks

Her name

eras'd forever froir< the skies.

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.

I.V

Language affords not my distress a name, Yet is it real, and no sickly dream j 'Tis Love inflicts it though to feel that flame, ;

know

Is all I

of happiness supreme.

When Love departs, a Chaos wide and vast And dark as Hell, is open'd in the soul When Love returns, the gloomy scene is past. No tempests shake her, and no fears controul. ;

Then

tell

me, why these ages of delay?

Love, all-excellent, once more appear

Disperse ths shades, and snatch

From

abyss of night, these floods of fear!

this

Love

angry, will not

now endure

sigh of mine, or suffer a complaint

smites me,

Exhausts

into day.

;

wounds me, and withholds the cure;

my pow'rs,

and leaves

sick and faint.

He wounds, and hides the hand that gave the blow; He flies, he re-appears, and wounds again Was e% er heart that lov'd thee, treated so f

Yet

adore thee, though

seem

in vain.

THE VICISSITUDES EXPERIENCED

And wilt Thou

thou leave me,

whom, when

and vouchsafe

didst distinguish,

lost to

and blind,

chuse,

Before thy laws were written in

While yet the world had

thoughts and views

Now I

No-v

blot

What Is

of thy laws,

soul to perish from thy sight

can have caus'd the change which I deplore

Permit

mind,

supreme delight; from thy register, and cause

thy gloty

A laithful

me ? when, enamour'd

leave

make

all

prove me,

heart b

true

then, while prostrate I adore,

draw, and place

its

picture in thy view.

'Tis thine without reserve, most simply thine

So giv'n

to thee, that it is

A willing captive of thy And

loves,

not

grace divine

and seeks thee,

Pain cannot move

it,

when

Its tend'rest feelings,

its

;

for thyself alone.

danger cannot scare

Pleasure, and wealth, in It loves thee, ev'n

my own

;

esteem are dust

least inclin'd to

and avows thee

;

spare

just.

IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. 'Tis

An It

all

thine

own

;

spirit is so too,

undivided off 'ring at thy shrine;

seeks thy glory with no double view,

Thy

glory, with

no seciet bent

Love, holy Love

and

Mine

From

all self-bias,

But

thou not severe, fixt ?

an everlasting ardor, clear

fear,

Not ev'n

And,

mine.

me, thus devoted, and tbus

slight

And

art

silent,

gen'rous and unmixt.

seeing what I see

with cause, that

my faith is

that I love,

self-deceiv'd

from suspicion

seems not

free,

be believ'd.

Live thou, and reign, forever, glorious Lord

My last,

least off'ring, I present thee

Renounce me, Slay me,

leave

me, and be

God, and

still

nowador'd

applaud the blow,

WATCHING UNTO GOD

IN THE

NIGHT- SEA SON.

Vol. 3. Cantique 71.

SLEEP

at last

Nor do

I regret his flight,

alert

And my Nature

has fled there eyes,

heart

spirits is

free

and

light.

silent all around,

Not

a single witness near

God

as soon as sought

And

the flame of love burns clear.

Interruption,

all

;

my joys

;

me with a throng, me with their nois*.

Creatures press perplex

;

found

day long j

Checks the current

And

IK THE XICHT SEASON, Undkturb'd

rmt

the

Nothing

Love

muse

all

night,

Eternal Fair;

there obstructs delight,

renovated there.

Life, with

its

Proves a foe

perpetual

stir,

Love and

;

Fresh entanglements occur

Comes

the night, and sets

Never more, sweet

sleep,

enjoyments always

Leave

free.

suspend

new

to possess

;

Friend

;

Other eyes and hearts subdue.

Hush

the world, that

may wake

the taste of pure delights;

the pleasures

partake

the partner of

God,

nights

David, for the self-same cause,

Night prefer'd Hearts,

Wish

whom

busy day

;

heavenly beauty draw*,

the glaring sun away.

WATCHING UNTO COD

Sleep, Self-lovers,

Souls that love

you

know,

by night can view,

Fairer scenes,

Than

is for

celestial

the sun could ever shew.

ON THE SAME. Vol. 3.

SEASON

Continue 73.

purest pleasure,

Sealer of observing eyes in larger, freer

When, I can

commune

measure,

with the skies

;

While, beneath thy shade extended,

Weary man I,

forgets his

woes

;

daily trouble ended,

Find, in Watching,

Repose.

IN THE Silence

all

NIGHT SEASON.

around prevailing,

Nature hush'd

slumber sweet,

No rude noise mine ears assailing, Now my God and I can meet :

Universal nature slumbers,

And my

soul partakes the calm,

Breathes her ardor out in numbers, Plaintive song, or lofty psalm

Now my passion,

pure and holy,

Shines, and burns, without restraint

Which

the day's fatigue, and folly,

Cause

to languish,

dim and

Charming hours of relaxation

How

dread

th'

faint

ascending sun

Surely, idle conversation Is an evil,

Worldly

match'd by none.

prate,

and babble, hurt

Unintelligible prove

;

Neither teach me, nor divert

;

I have ears for none but Love.

;

WATCHING UNTO GO*

Me,

they rude esteem, and foolish,

Hearing

absurd replies

;

I have neither art's find polish,

Nor

the

Simple

By Have

knowledge of the wise.

souls,

and unpolluted,

conversing with the Great, a

mind and

ill

t\ste,

their dignity

and

suited

state

;

All their talking, reading, writing,

Are

but talents misapply'd

Infants prattle

delight in,

Nothing human chuse beside.

'Tis the secret fear of sinning,

Checks my tongue, or I should When I see the night beginning, I am glad of parting day: Love,

this gentle

Whispers

" Choice

soft,

admonition within

befits not

Acquiescence

say,

breast;

thy condition,

suits thee best,"

IN THE NIGHT SEASON.

Henceforth, the repose and pleasure

Night

And

affords

me,

I resign

;

thy will shall be the measure,

Wisdom Wishing,

infinite

of mine:

but Inclination

Quarrelling with thy decrees

Wayward

;

nature finds th' occasion,

'Tis her folly and disease.

Night, with

Now Nor

its

sublime enjoyments,

no longer will

the day, with

Irksome

as tbey

its

chuse;

employments,

seem, refuse

;

Lessons of a God's inspiring, Neither time nor place impedes

From our wishing and desiring, Our Unhappiness proceeds.

;

ON THE SAME.

Vol. 3.

NIGHT

My The

how

spirits

bliss

73.

I love thy silent shades,

they compose

of heav'n

In spite of

While

C antique

all

;

soul pervades,

woes.

sleep instils her

poppy dew*

In ev'ry slumb'rmg eye, I

watch, to meditate and muse,

In blest tranquility.

And when

I feel a

God immense

Familiarly impart,

With

ev'ry proof he can dispense,

His favor

heart.

IN THE NIGHT SEASON.

native

meanness

1 lament,

Though most divinely fill'd With all th' ineffable content, That Deity can

yield.

His purpose, and his course, he keeps; Treads all my reas'nings down ;

Commands me out oi Nature's And hides me in his own.

When Our

in the dust, its proper place.

pride of heart

'Tis then, a deluge

Bears

Thou,

deeps,

all

lay

;

his grace

our sins away.

whom

Whose

or'

I serve,

and whose

am,

influence from on high

Refines, and

stili

refines

And makes my

flame,

tellers fly.

How wretched is the creature's state, Who thwarts thy gracious pow'r ;

Crush'd under

sin's

enormous weight.

Increasing ev'ry hour

WATCHING UNTO ODD

The

night,

How Then

when

pass'd entiie with thee,

luminous and clear

sleep has no delighis for

me,

Lest Tkou shouldst disappear.

Saviour

occupy

still

this secure recess;

Let Reason slumber

joy

shall not

she will, less

Let Reason slumber out the night j Rut

Thou deign

make

soul lh' abode of truth

Ah, keep my

heart

and

awake

light,

THE

JOY OF THE CROSS.

Vol. 3. Canligue 97.

LONG

plung'd in sorrow, I resign

soul to that dear

hand of

Without reserve or

That hand

shall

wipe

;

streaming eyes

into smiles of glad surprise,

Transform the

thine,

fear

falling tear,

sole possession

thy Love;

Jn earth beneath, or heav'n above, I

have no other store

;

And though with fervent suit I pray, Aud importune thee night and day, I ask thee nothing more.

THE JOY OF THE CROSS.

rapid hours pursue the course

them by

Prescribed

And

Without

a wish

Though

still

thy

to suffer

all

Thy

praise, behold

sufF'rings

Let sorrow It costs

Who

never-tailing friend

And

still

me no

I stray,

way,

;

may augment

well content-

attend!

regret, that she,

follow'd Christ, should follow

And

Adieu

though, where'er she goes,

Thorns spring spontaneous at her I love her, and extract a sweet

From

;

womb,

still.

command, where'er

Sorrow attends

my doom

escape

a sufferer from the

And doom'd By

love's sweetest force

thy sov'reign Will,

all

bitter

feet,

woes.

ye vain delights of earth;

Insipid sports, and childish mirth, J taste

no sweets

you

;

THE JOY OF THE CROSS.

Unknown

delights are in the Cross,

All joy beside, to

And

The Cross

How

There ev'ry all

;

ravishment and bliss-

grateful ev'n

Its bitterness,

dross

Jesus thought so too.

its

how

anguish

sweet

sense, and

all

the mind,

her faculties refm'd,

Tastes happiness complete. Souls once enabl'd to disdain

Base sublunary joys, maintain Their dignity secure ;

The

fever of desire

And Love

has

Tis

pass'd,

genuine

no grace in sorrow

Consults her J

its

all

taste,

and pure.

Is delicate

Self-love

all

own

the bliss she

knows

;

Love employ

But nobler aims

true

In self-denial

her joy,

sees,

peculiar ease

In suff'ring her repose.

THE JOY OF THE CROSS.

Sorrow, and Love, go side by side

Nor

;

height, nor depth, can e'er divide

Their heav'n-appointed bands

Those dear Nor,

till

associates

the race of life

Disjoin their

;

arc one,

still

run,

wedded hands.

Jesus, avenger of our Fall,

Thou

faithful

The

tell

And

Life

me,

How much

Thy

Lover, above

Cross has ever born is

afflictions

sloth

all !

in thy voice

were thy choice,

and ease thy scorn

choice, and mine, shall be the same,

Inspirer of that holy flame,

Which must forever blaze To take the Cross, and follow thee, Where love and duty lead, shall be I

portion, and

praise.

[

]

JOY IN MARTYRDOM,

Vol. 3. Cantique 94.

SWEET

tenants of this grove!

Who

sing without design,

A song of artless love, In unison with mine

These echoing shades return Full

many

a note of ours,

That wise ones cannot

With

thou

These

learn,

their boasted pow'rs.

all

whose sacred charms

hearts so seldom love,

Although thy beauty warms

And

How To

blesses

slow are

all

above;

human

things,

chuse their happiest

All-glorious

Say,

why we I

lot

King of Kings, love thce not

SIMPLE TRUST*

This heart, that cannot

rest,

Shall thine forever prove

Though bleeding and Yet joyful

in thy love

>Tis happy, though

distress'd,

breaks

Beneath thy chastening hand ;

And

speechless, yet

What

speaks

thou canst understand.

SIMPLE TRUST. Yol. 3. Cantique 95.

STILL, I feel

still,

without ceasing,

increasing,

This fervor of holy desire j

And often exclaim, me die in the flame

Let

Of a Love

that can never expire

SIMPLE TKUST.

Had

What

words she

to explain,

must

sustain,

Who dies to the world and How joy and affright,

its

ways

Distress and delight,

Alternately chequer her days

Thou, sweetly severe would make thee appear, !

all

thou art pleas'd to award,

Not more

Than

in the sweet,

the bitter I meet,

tender and merciful Lord.

This Faith, its

Pursuing

in the

dark

mark,

Through many sharp

trials

of Love

Is the sorrowful waste,

That In the

way

be pass'd,

to the

Canaan above,

;

]

NECESSITY OF SELF-ABASEMENT.

Vol. 3.

SOURCE Thou See

race

Hast thou

of Love,

alone

my is

brighter Sun,

comfort art

almost run

left this

;

trembling heart

youth, thy charming eyes

Drew me froM Then

Cantique 92.

the

ways of men

;

drank unmingled joys ; Frown of thine, saw never then. I

Spouse of Christ was then

And

devoted

all to

my name

thee,

Strangely jealous I became,

Jealous of this Self, in me.

;

THE NECESSITY &C. Thee

to love,

Was my While

Now

and none beside,

darling, sole

alternately

of grief, and

employ

;

died,

now

Through the dark and

of joy. silent night,

On thy radiant smiles I dwelt And to see the dawning light, Was the keenest pain I felt. Thou my

And

;

gracious teacher wertj

thine eye, so close apply'd,

While

Seem'd

watch'd thy pupil's heart, look at none beside.

Conscious of no

evil drift,

This, I cried,

Love indeed

'Tis the Giver, not the Gift,

Whence

the joys I feel proceed.

But soon humbl'd, and

laid low,

Stript of all thou hast conferr'd,

Nothing I

left,

petceiv'd I

but sin and woe,

how

had

err'd.

THE NECESSITY &C.

Oh, the vain conceit of man,

Dreaming of

Though

a good his

all

Arrogating

Lord

the

He, the graces Thou

Makes

own,

he can,

good alone

hast wrought,

subservient to his pride

;

Ignorant, that one such thought beside.

P.: ses all his sin

Such

his folly

prov'd, at

last,

the loss of that repose

Self complacence cannot taste,

Only Love divine bestows. 'Tis by this reproof severe,

And

this

His delects

Man

Learn,

reproof alone,

at last

appear,

to himself made

all

Earth

known.

that leeble

Man,

Sprung from tl is tetrestial clod, Nothing is, and nothing can ; Life, and pow'r, are

all

God.

LOVE INCREASED BY SUFFERING.

Vol. 3. Cantique 98.

I love

the Lord,"

This heart delights

But

is still

the strain

to sing

your thoughts are vain, Perhaps .'tis no such thing. I

Before the power of Love divine.

Creation fades away; Till only

all

God

that

seen to shine survey.

In gulphs of awful night

The God

of our desires

find

;

'Tis there he stamps the yielding mind,

And

doubles

all its fires.

LOVE INCREASE* Flames of encircling Love

And 'Tis

pierce

Love

;

with sacred joy, yet press'd

fill'd

With sacred sorrow

invest,

sweeiiy through

Amidst

heart

too.

in the

right-

a thousand woes,

To thee, its ever new delight, And all its peace, it owes. Fresh causes of distress occur,

Where'er

The

Are

Nor

I look, or

comforts,

and

solitude

;

love.

exile 1, nor prison fear;

Love makes 1 find a

courage great

in ev'ry state.

castle walls, nor

Exclude

There

;

Saviour ev'ry where,

His grace

Nor

move

I to all prefer,

his

can

sit,

And dwell

dungeons deep,

quick'ning beams

and

sing,

;

and weep,

on heuv'nly themes.

SY SUFFERING. There, sorrow, for his sake,

A joy

beyond compare

93 found

;

There, no presumptuous thoughts abound,

pride can enter there.

Saviour doubles

And

sweetens

His strength Consoles I fear

Nor

When

and

ill,

fee!

my joys, my pains,

all

defence employs, sustains.

resent no

wrong

;

a passion move,

malice whets her sland'rous tongue

Such patience

Love,

;

SCENES FAVOURABLE TO MEDITATION.

Vol. 4. Caniin'tt 83.

WILDS

horrid and dark with o'ershadowing trees,

Rocks

that ivy

and briars infold,

Scenes nature with dread and astonishment sees,

But I with

a pleasure untold.

Though awfully I

am charm'd

Your

Lover and Lord.

sick of thy splendor,

And Here

and shaggy, and rude,

shades are a temple where none will intrude,

The abode I

silent,

with the peace ye afford,

here

safely

Of the

hid from

fountain of day,

its

beams,

contemplate a brighter display

noblest and holiest of themes.

SCENES FAVOURABLE, &C.

forests that yield

Where

To you The

me my

sweetest repose,

stillness

and solitude reign,

I securely

and boldly disclose

dear anguish of which

Here sweetly

complain.

forgetting and wholly forgot

By the world and its turbulent throng, The birds and the streams lend me many That

aids meditation

Here wand'ring in scenes that are sacred Love wears me and wastes me away,

And

often the sun has spent

E'er yet

perceive

it is

much

to night,

of his light.

day.

While a mantle of darkness invelopes

a note

and song.

the sphere,

sorrows are sadly rehears'cl,

To me the dark hours are all tqually dear, And the last is as sweet as the first. Here

and the beasts of the deserts agree.

Mankind

are the wolves that I fear,

They grudge

my me

natural right to be free,

But nobody questions

here.

SCENES FAVOURABLE

Though

found

little is

That appetite

spirit

dreary abode

\\iohes to find,

sooth'd by the presence of God,

And appetite Ye

in this

&.T

wholly resign' d.

desolate scenes to your solitude led,

My And

life I

scarce

in praises

know

employ,

the source of the tears that I shed,

Proceed they from sorrow or joy.

There

Love

reigns

seem

nothing

I feel out

my way in the in my bosom,

have

skill to discern,

dark, I

constantly burn,

Yet hardly distinguish the spark. I live, yet I

seem

Such a riddle I

am I

myself

be dead,

not to be found,

nourish'd without knowing

have nothing and yet

Oh Love

who

Though dimly

hew

fed,

darkness art pleas'd to abide,

yet surely

see,

That these contrarieties only reside In the soul that

abound.

chosen of thee.

SCENES FAVOURABLE, &C,

send

not back to the race of

mankind

Perversely by folly beguil'd,

For where

The Here

in the

spirit

let

Little

Thoygh

crowds

though

one

left shall I find

fixt in a desert,

whom

lost to the

Shall be holy

have

and heart of a Child. be

free,

they despise,

world,

if in

union with thee,

and happy and wise.

ORIGINAL POEMS, J$y the Translator of the foregoing Pieces,

101

]

EPISTLE TO A PROTESTANT LADY IN FRANCE,

Madam,

Stranger's purpose

Is to congratulate,

and not

these lays

to praise.

To give the creature her Creator's due, Were sin in me, and an offence to you. From Man Praise

the

Man,

or ev'n to

medium

Coin by Craft

Woman

paid,

of a knavish trade,

for folly's use design'd,

Spurious, and only current with the blind.

The Leads

path of sorrow, and that path alone,

to the

Land where sorrow

unknown

Traveler ever reach'd that blest abode.,

Who

found not thorns and briars

;

AN EPISTLE TO A

102

The world may dance

along the flow'ry plain,

Cheer'd as they go, by many a sprightly strain, Where Nature has her mossy velvet spread,

With unshod

feet they yet securely tread,

Admonish'd, scorn the caution and the Bent upon pleasure, heedless of

its

friend,

end.

But he who knew what human hearts would prove,

How

slow to learn the dictates

-of his

Love,

That hard by nature and of stubborn will, life of ease would make them harder still,

to the sinners

he design'd

j.ity

rescue from the ruins of mankind,

Ca'I'd for a cloud to dauken

all

their years,

And said " go spend them in the vale of tears." Oh balmy gales of soul-reviving air, Oh salutary streams that murmur there, Tht"-e flowing from the fount of Grace above,

Those

The

Iv.XMtli'd

flinty soil

from

lips

of everlasting

Love

indeed their feet annoys,

And su<l<len sorrow nips their springing joy*, An envious world will interpose its frown To mar

delights superior tj

And many

its

a pang, expt-rienc'd

Reminds them

own, still

within,

jf then hated Inmate, Sin,

PROTESTANT LADY

IN FRANCE.

10'

But ilis of every shape and ev'ry name Transform**] to Blessings miss their cruel aim,

And

ev'iy

moment's Calm

that sooths the breast,

Is giv'n in earnest of Eternal Rest.

Ah, be not

sad, although thy lot

be cast

Far from the flock, and in a distant waste

shepherd's tents within thy view appear

But the Chief Shepherd

Thy Flow

forever near,

tender sorrows and thy plaintive strain in a foreign land but not in vain,

from a source divine,

Thy

tears all issue

And

ev'ry drop bespeaks a Saviour thine

'T\vasthus

Aud

Gideon's fleece the dews were found,

drought on

all

the

looping herbs around.

[

104

]

FRIENDSHIP.

WHAT

Virtue or what mental grace

But men unqualified and base Will boast it their possession

Profusion npes the noble part

Liberality of heart,

And

dulness of Discretion.

If ev'ry polish'd

Gem

%ve find

Illuminating heart or mind,

Provoke

to Imitation;

wonder Friendship does the wrae, That Jewel of the purest flame,

rather Constellation,

FRIENDSHIP.

knave but boldly

The

requisites that

pretend a Friend,

and a sound one,

real

Nor any

will

form

fool

But prove

he would deceive,

as ready to believe,

And dream

that

he had found one.

Candid and generous and

Boys care but

105

little

just

whom

they

trust,

error soon corrected

For who but learns

in riper years,

That man when smoothest he appears Is most to be suspected ?

But here again

danger

lies,

Lest having misapply'd our eye*

And

taken trash for treasure,

should unwarily conclude

Frifiidihip a false ideal

mere Utopiaji

Good,

pleasure,

FRIENDSHIP,

1Q6

acquisition rather rare,

Is yet

Nor

no subject of despair is it

;

wise complaining,

If either on forbidden ground,

Or where

was not

to be found,

sought without attaining.

Friendship will abide the test

That stands on sordid

Or mean Nor such

Interest,

self-love erected

may

;

awhile subsist

Between the Sot and Sensualist For vicious ends connected.

Who

seeks a Friend, should

T' exhibit

The

in full

come

bloom disclos'd

graces and the beauties

That form the character he seeks, For 'tis an Union that bespeaks. Reciprocated duties.

dispos'd

FRIENDSHIP.

Mutual

attention

167

implied,

And equal truth on either side, And constantly supported ;

*Tis senseless arrogance

Another of

Our own

But It

sinister views,

much

distorted.

will sincerity suffice

indeed above

And

accuse

all

price

must be made the

basis

;

But every virtue of the soul

Must constitute

the charming whole, All shining in their places.

fretful

temper

closest

will divide

knot that

may

temper passionate and

May

be tied,

ceaseless sharp corrosion

;

fierce

suddenly your joys disperse

At one immense

explosion.

108

In vain the Talkative unite

In hopes of permanent deiight

The

secret just its

Forgetting

committed

important weight,

They drop through mere

And

desire to prate,

by themselves outwitted.

How bright

soe'er the prospect seems,

All thoughts of Friendship are but dreams If envy chance to creep in

;

An envious man, you sucreed, May prove a dnng'rou* foe indeed, if

But not

As Envy

Friend worth keeping".

pines at

Good

possess'd,

So Jealousy looks forth distress'd On Good that seems approaching,

And

success his steps attend,

Discerns a

And

rival in a

hates

him

Friend,

for encroaching*

FRIENDSHIP.

Hence Authors of Unless belied by

Are

tax

the wit a their

upon

And

lend displays

pluck each others

man renown'd

Will thrust a dagger say he

By way

make

finest at

balm

The trumpet Xspersion

in jest,

be sure

ear

hear

of contention

;

the babblers trade,

listen is to

And

ling,

breast,

for healing.

Whoever keeps an open tatlers, will

free

le-

yom

wounded you

praise, laurel.

for repartee

With Friendship's

For

fame,

own just

Will seldom scruple

And

name,

illustrious

common

sadly prone to quarrel,

To deem

109

tand

him

aid,

rush iuto dustntion.

110

FRIENDSHIP.

Friendship that in frequent

controversial rage emits

The

sparks cf disputation,

Like hand

hand Insurance

Most unavoidably

The

Some True

fits

plates,

creates

thought of conflagration.

fickle creatures boast a soul

as a needle to the pole,

Their humour yet so various

They manifest their whole life through The needle's deviations too, Their Love

The

so precaiious.

great and small but rarely

meet

terms of amity complete,

Plebeians must surrender

And It is

yield so

much

combining

fire

to noble folk,

with smoke*

OL.uuity with splendour.

Ill

FRIENDSHIP.

Some

are so placid and serene

Irish

(As

They

And

bogs are always green)

sleep secure from

are indeed a

Your

waking

;

that bears

Bog

unparticipaled cares

Unmov'd and without quaking,

Courtier and Patriot cannot

Their hetrogeneous

mi*

politics,

Without an effervescence

that of salts with

Which dees

lemon

juice,

not yet like that produce

A friendly coalescence. Religion should extinguish

And make But

strife,

calm of human

life

;

friends that chance to differ

points

How

which God has

freely will they

combatants are

left at large,

meet and charge, stiffer

{

FRIENDSHIP.

prove at

last

main

intent,

Needs no expence of argument,

cutting and contriving

Seeking

a real friend

we seem

T' adopt ihe Chymists golden dream,

With

still

less

Sometimes the

Some By

blemish

hope of thriving.

fault in

is all

trespass or omission

Sometime* occasion brings

Our

our own,

due time made known ;

to light

friend's defect long hid

And

fiom sight

even from suspicion.

Then judge

yourself,

and prove your man

As circumspectly as you can, And having made election, ;io

Such

negligence of yours,

as a fiiend but

ill

endures,

Enfeeble his affection.

FRIENDSHIP.

That Secrets

113

are a sacred trust,

That friends should be sincere and

just,

That Constancy befits them, Are observations on the case That savour much of common place,

And

But

all

'tis

the vorld admits them.

not timber, lead, and stone,

architect requires alone

To The

finish a fine building

palace were but ball complete,

If he could possibly forget

The

carving and the gilding.

The man

And

that hails you,

How very

or Jack,

he esteems your merit,

Is such a friend, that JJe

Tom

proves by thumps upon your back.

much

one had need,

his friend indeed.

pardon or

to bear

it,

FRIENDSHIP.

114

As Or

similarity of

mind,

something not

be defin'd,

Fiist fixes our attention

So manners decent and

The same we Must

Some "

Say

save

act

practis'd at it

;

polite, first

sight,

from declension.

upon this prudent plan, and hear all you can"

little

Safe policy but hateful

So barren sands imbibe But render neither

the show'r,

fruit noi flow'r,

Unpleasant and ungrateful.

The man

I trust, if

Shall find

shy to me,

as reserv'd as he,

Jsu subterfuge or pleading Shall

win

confidence again,

J will by no means entertain

Spy on

proceeding.

FRIENDSHIP.

These samples

for alas

115

at last

These are but samples and a Of evils yet unmention'd

taste

prove the task a task indeed,

May

In which

much

'tis

However

we succeed

well-intention'd.

Pursue the search, and you will find sense and knowledge of mankind

Good

To be at least expedient, And after summing all the

rest,

Religion ruling in the breast

A principal

ingredient.

The

noblest Friendship ever

The

Saviour's history

Though some have

And

shewn

makes known, turn'd and turn'd

whether being craz'd or blind,

Or seeking with Hase

not,

a bias'd

mind,

seems disccrn'd

it.

it,

116

FRIENDSHIP.

Friendship

soul forego

Thy dear delights while here below To mortify and grieve me,

May

I myself at last appear Unworthy, base, and insincere,

Or may my

friend deceive

[

11'

STANZAS Subjoined to a Bill of Mortality for the Parish of

ALL-SAINTS,

NORTHAMPTON,

Anno Domini Pallida

Mors

1787.

frqno puhat pede pauper urn fabernas,

HORACE,

Regunvjue lurres.

Pale Death, with equal foot sirikes wide the door

Of royal

Halls and hovels of the Poor.

WHILE

thirteen

The Nen's

moons saw smoothly rim

barge-laden wave,

All these, Life's rambling journey done,

Have found

Was Man, Than

their

(frail

home, the Grave.

always) made more

in foregoing

years

Did Famine or did Plague prevail, That so much death appears f

frail

STANZAS.

118

No.

These were vig'rous

as their sires,

Nor Plague nor Famine .came

This annual tiibute Death requires, And never waves his claim.

Like crowded

forest-trees

stand,

And some are mark'd to fall The axe will smite at God's command, And soon shall smite us all. ;

Green

as the Bay-tree, ever green

With

its

The Gay,

new foliage

on,

the Thoughtless,

I pass'd

have seen,

and they were gone,

Read, ye that run the solemn truth With which I charge my page ; !

Worm And at

in the

present Health can Health insuie

For yet an hour

Bud of Youth,

the Root of Age.

med'cine though

Can always baulk

come it

;

often cure,

the tomb.

STANZAS.

And Oh that humble as my Lot And scorn'd as is my strain, !

These I

truths,

may

So prays your Clerk with all And ere he quits the pe.n, Begs you

much

though known, too

forgot,

not teach in vain.

for

once

And answer

take his pait

Amen

all

his heart^

H88, Qnodadest,

Componqrc

tpqitits ;

mmcnfo Cfrlefu f.tuninis

HORACE',

Ritufenaitur,

Improve the

presc-nt

Is a mt-ie Feather

COULD

from Heav'n

Hour,

for aM

c- -io :

on a Torrent's Tide.

inspir'd, as sure presagr

To whom the rising Yeai shall punv liis As I can number in my punctual Page, And Item down the Victims of the past

bit

;

STANZAS.

120

How On

each would trembling wait the mounitul Sheet,

which the Press might stamp him next

And, reading here his sentence, how With anxious meaning, Heav'n-ward Time,

then,

to die

turn his eye

Pray'r, nore seasonable than the Noise

Of Drunkards,

or the Music-drawing Bow.

Then, doubtless, many a

Of this World's Forc'd

Told

to a

Pause, would feel

that his setting

rest

on the Brink

Trifler

hazardous and headlong Shore,

Ah self-deceiv'd Who next is fated, The

Sun must

Could

good

rise

to think.

no more.

prophetic, say,

and who next,

to fall,

might then seem privileg'd

But, naming nan?, the Voice

to play

now speaks

Observe the dappl'd Foresters, how

;

ALL.

light

They bound and airy o'er the sunny Glade One falls the Rest wide scatter'd with affright, Vanish

would seem more precious than the joyj

In which he sports away the Treasure n

And

;

replete

once into the darkest Shade.

STANZAS.

Had we

their

121

wisdom, should we often wain'd,

need repeated warnings, and at last, thousand awful admonitions scorn' d,

Still

Die

self-accus'd of hie run

Sad waste!

The

for

which no

waste?'

after-thrift atones

grave admits no cure for guilt or

Dew-drops may derk the But

all to

sin.

turf that hides the bones,

tears of godly grieif ne'er flow within.

Learn then ye

Of all

That, soon or

And

living

by the mouths be taught

these sepulchres, instructors true, late,

Death also

the next opening grave

your

lot,

may yawn

ibr you.

122

STANZAS.

1139.

Placi&iq;

ibi

demum morte

Vino, There calm,

OH "

at length,

he breath 'd

his soul

away.

man

most delightful hour by

Experienc'd here below,

The hour " His

that terminates

folly,

and

his \roe

his span, !

" Worlds should not bribe me back " Again life's dreary waste, " To see again Day o'erspread

to tread,

" With

all

the

gloomy

My Home henceforth '

Earth, Seas, and

Past.

is in

the skies,

Sun adieu

Heav'n unfolded

I have I\Q sijjht for

y)u."

eyes,

STANZAS. So spoke Aspasio, firm

Of Faith's Then

possess'cl

supporting rod,

breath'd his soul into

The bosom

123

its rest,

of his God.

was a man, among the few,

Sincere on Virtue's side

And

all

To That

his strength

;

from Scripture drew,

hourly use apply 'd. rule he priz'd,

by what he

hated, hwp'd and lov'd

fear'd,

;

Nor ever frown'd, or sad appear'd, But when his heart had rov'd. For he was

And

frail as

evil felt

But when he

And Such

thou or

within

ielt it,

heav'd a sigh,

loath'd the thoughts of Sin.

liv'd

Aspasio; and,

CalPd up from Earth

The gulph By

;

at last,

Heav'n,

of Death triumphant pass'd,

g;les of blessing driven.

STANZAS.

124

His joys be mine, each Reader When my la^t hour arrives

cries,

shall be

They

yours,

Verse

Such only be your

replies,

lives.

1790.

Nr common'Mitcm

recta sperne.

BUCHAN AN Despise not

HE who

sits

from day

Heedless of his loudest

Where

the

Nightly

that

watchman lifts

Wakes

hung,

lay,

he has sung. in his

his voice

None, accustom'd

day,

lark

V'liLM-e the ptison'ci

Hardly knows

good counsel.

to the

round

on high, sound,

the sooner lor his cry.

STANZAS. So your Verse-man Death

Duly

hand

And

Yearly

and Clerk,

song proclaim yourselves his mai k-

the foe's unerring aim.

time

Publishing to

all

come, aloud

Soon the grave must be your home,

And

your only

suit, a

But the monitory

strain,

Oft repeated

Seems

notice,

a truth,

your ears, sound too much in vain,

Wins no Can

shroud.

all

wakes no

(ears.

confessed

such magnitude and weight,

Grow, by being

oft express'd,

Trivial as a parrot's p:

Pleasure's call attention wins,

Hear

often as

as ever

we may

seem our

Though committed

;

sins,

cv'ry day.

129 Death and Judgment, Heav'n and Hell

These

alone, so often heard,

No more move us than When some stranger Oh

then, ere the turf or

the hell is

interr'd.

tomb

Cover us from ev'ry eye, Spirit of instruction,

Make

come,

us team that

we must

die

;

STANZAS.

127

1792.

Felix

qu'i

poluit rerum cognoscere causast

Sitig; metus

omnes

et inexoralnle faium

Subjecit pedibus, strepitumq; Ackerontis avari !

Happy

the mortal,

who

To their first cause, cast And Death, and roaring

has trac'd effects tear beneath his feet

Hell's voracious fire*

THANKLESS for favors from on high, Man thinks he lades too soon ; Tho'

tis

his privilege to die

Would he improve

the boon.

But he not wise enough

Would

to scan

best concerns aright,

gladly stretch

ages,

life's little

he might.

span

STANZAS.

128

To ages in world of pain To ages where he goes, :i

GallM by

affliction's

And hopeless

heavy chain,

of repose.

Strange fondness of the

Enamour'd of

human

harm

its

Strange world, that costs

And

death a toe

Recoil from weary

The Her

tale

voice

And

woe

terrible, ol

evijs then

Conscience ;

though

soft

death ensues.

fo be longer spar'd

Man mourns With

Conscience

dread

best hour,

of guilt renews

Then anxious

life's

covet longer

cause

Her

smart,

has the world her magic pow'r?

Why deem we And

much

has pow'r to charm.

still

Whence

heart,

his fleeting breath

seem

light,

;

compar'd

the approach of Death,

oft

STANZAS. 'Tis judgement shakes him

That prompts the wish

129 there's the fear

;

to stay

He has incurr'd a long arrear, And must despair to pay. Pay

follow Christ, and

all is

paid

His death your peace insures ; Think on the Grave where he was

And

calm descend

;

laid.

to yours.

H93. DC

sncris autein

h&c

sit

una

seiitentidy

nt conserventur.

CICERO DE LECIBUS. But

let

all

concur in

this sentiment, that

sacred be inviolate.

lives

And

who

all

lives

God, alone;

are dead beside

For other source than God,

Whence

;

non

Hie can be supplied.

things

STANZAS.

130

live to

God,

His love

To make

to requite

as best

we may

his precepts

His promises our But

life,

;

our delight,

stay.

within a narrow ring

Of giddy Js falsely

joys compriz'd, nam'd, and no such thing,

But rather death disguis'd,

Can

life in

Who

them deserve the name,

only live, to prove

For whai poor

endless

toys, they can disclaim life

above

Who, much diseased, yet nothing Much menac'd, nothing dread;

feel

Have wounds, which only God can Yet never ask

Who

deem

Faith,

And

his

his aid

heal,

house an useless place;

want of common sense;

ardour in the Christian race, hypocrite's pretence

;

J31

stANZAS.

Who

trample Order

Which God

;

and

asserts his

;

day

own,

Dishonour with unhallow'd play,

And

worship Chance alone

Jf scorn of God's

On word The

commands, impress'd

and deed, imply

better part of

With Life Such want Till

man

that

man/unbless'd

cannot die

and

it;

that

want uncur'd

resigns his breath,

Speaks him a Criminal, assur'd

Of everlasting Sad period

Yet

death.

to a pleasant

so will

God

course

repay

Sabbaths profan'd without remorse,

And Mercy

cast a\vay.

132

[

]

Epitaph O N

MR. In

Who

the

T. A.

HAMILTON,

Church Yard of Ncii-pn

died July 7, 1788, in the 32d year of his age. <&

PAUSE

here,

and think.

Demands one moment Consult Life's

Seems

monitory

silent clock, thy

say"

Rhyme

of thy fleeting time.

bounding vein

Hast thou the vigour of thy youth

an eye

That beams delight? a heart untaught to sigh ? Yet fear. Youth, oftimes healthful, and at case, Anticipates a day

And many Exclaims,

never seesj

a tomb, like HAMILTON'S, aloud

;

Health, here, has long to reign ?"

Prepare thee for an early shroud."

trinted by J. H'akrfeid,

CJ?

PJ 1799 G8A22 1802

Marie Guyon, Jeanne Motte) La de (Bouvier P ems

PLEASE

CARDS OR

DO NOT REMOVE

SL.PS

UNIVERSITY

FROM

THIS

OF TORONTO

POCKET

LIBRARY

-41

>-^

,v J

;

vrO

O^| .K

As.