And things, surpassing Nature's earthly law,
Beneath his guardian wing secure I saw,
With low and melancholy sigh, the breeze
Just kiss'd, in passing by the myrtle trees.
Between their darksome boughs, a rider rear'd
His stately head, and straight a steed appear'd.
Blood-red its colour, like the clouds that stand
O'er morning's car, portending storms at hand;
And horses throng'd behind, a varied sight,
The roan, the bay, the speckled, and the white.
Deep admiration struck me; and I stood,
Gazing perplex'd in reverential mood;
When thus, the angel; these are they that go
'Mong men and nations, journeying to and fro.
Then answer'd they submiss: from east to west,
Our steps have roam'd, and all the world have rest;
O'er every region, where the shining day
Sheds forth a pow'rful glow, or feeble ray,
Our long, long course hath been; contentions cease;
The air is still'd; the earth is hush'd to peace.
SUMMER EVENING'S REFLECTION.
How fine has the day been; how bright was the sun; How lovely and joyful the course he has run; Though he rose in a mist, when his race he begun, And there follow'd some droppings of rain.
But now the fair traveller's come to the west,
His rays are all gold, and his beauties are best;
He paints the sky gay as he sinks to his rest,
And foretels a bright rising again.
Just such is the Christian: his course he begins,
Like the Sun in a mist, while he mourns for his sins,
And melts into tears; then he breaks out and shines,
And travels his heavenly way.
But when he comes nearer to finish his race,
Like a fine setting sun he looks richer in grace,
And gives a sure hope, at the end of his days,
Of rising in brighter array.
HABITUAL DEVOTION.
WHILE Thee I seek, protecting Power,
Be my vain wishes still'd,
And may this consecrated hour,
With better hopes be fill'd;
Thy love the pow'rs of thought bestow'd,
To Thee my thoughts would soar;
That mercy I adore.
In each event of life, how clear
Thy ruling hand I see;
Each blessing to my soul more dear,
Because conferr'd by Thee.
In every joy that crowns my days,
In every pain I bear,
My heart shall find delight in praise,
Or seek relief in prayer.
When gladness wings the favour'd hour,
Thy love my thoughts shall fill,
Resign'd when storms of sorrow lower,
My soul shall meet thy will.
My lifted eye, without a tear,
The lowering storm-shall see;
My stedfast heart shall know no fear,
That heart shall rest on Thee.
My God! thy boundless love I praise;
How bright on high its glories blaze;
How sweetly bloom below.
It streams from thy eternal throne,
Through heav'n its joys for ever run,
And o'er the earth they flow.
'Tis love that paints the purple morn,
And bids the clouds, in air up-borne,
Their genial drops distil.
In every vernal beam it glows,
And breathes in every gale that blows,
And glides in every rill.
It robes in cheerful green, the ground,
And pours its flowery beauties round,
Whose sweets perfume the gale.
Its bounties richly spread the plain,
With blushing fruit, and golden grain,
And smile on every vale.
But in thy Gospel see it shine
With grace and glories more divine,
Proclaiming sins forgiven;
Here, Faith, bright cherub, points the way,
To realms of everlasting day,
And opens all her heaven.
Then let the love that makes me blest,
With cheerful praise inspire my breast,
And ardent gratitude;
And all my thoughts and passions tend
To Thee, my father and my friend,
My soul's eternal good.
Dart from thy own celestial flame,
One vivid beam, to warm my frame
With kindred energy.
Mark thy own image on my mind,
And teach me to be good and kind,
And love and bless like Thee.
THE LORD'S PRAYER IMITATED.
FATHER of all! Eternal mind,
Immensely good and great!
Thy children form'd, and bless'd by Thee,
Approach thy heavenly seat.
Thy name in hallow'd strains be sung;
We join the solemn praise :
To thy great name, with-heart and tongue,
Our cheerful homage raise.
Thy righteous, mild, and sovereign reign,
Let every being own,
And in our minds, thy work divine,
Erect thy gracious throne.
As angels round thy seat above,
Thy blest commands fulfil;
So may thy creatures, here below,
Perform thy heavenly will.
On Thee, we day by day depend,
And on thy care rely:
Give us each day our daily bread,
And every want supply.
Extend thy grace to every fault;
Oh! let thy love forgive;
Teach us divine forgiveness, too;
Nor let resentment live!
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