I S3 «\ 'I: FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY / ■■ C/v \ The Thoughtful Youth. •. . .. '1 f/ * S///c ///.is/'//> THOUGHTS I N YOUNGER LIFE, O N £ INTERESTING SUBJECTS; O R, POEMS, LETTERS, and ESSAYS, Moral, Elegiac, and Descriptive; Written principally on, or at the requeft of, YOUNG FRIENDS; With M emoirs of the Author. By G. VV R I G H T, Efq; A u t M o r of The Rural Ghriflian* %%%*******************■<***********$*%%%> In parts fupzrwr what advantage lies ? Tell, for you can, what is it to be wife ? 'Tts but to hwzo how little can be known, To fee all others faults and feel our own* Pope. L X D N: Printed for J . Buckiakd, in Patcrnofltr -Row ; If DCC LXXVUI, ^^>^^>^^f>^^f i >^^f >^^? >^^r >^ THE PREFACE. PffDQ^ N the heat of youthful vigour and S I x a&ivitv, furrounded with amufe- &£<2>®^5 ments, gaiety, and pleafure, and too clofely attached to each of them (as is generally the cafe) what can be naturally ex- pefted to engage the thoughts, employ the time, and excite the attention of young per- ibns of both fexes, fo much as the puriuit and enjoyment of infipid diverfions and enter- tainments, as little calculated to improve their minds as to preferve their innocence and lecure their virtue (a) ? alas! how much is it to be lamented, that the rifing generation are fo inlcnfible to the beatifying charms of true Piety 9 and fuch willing ftrangers to the beauties of Religion ? Did [a] The. Theatres, and fuch -like places of public relort, will never be out of fa fa ion with the youthful voWies of pleafure and diinpation, till difeafc, mature reflection, or the dictates of Chriftianity 3 yrovz that they \nity and vexation offjiiit* iv PREFACE. Did parents and tutors take more care to inculcate the precepts of Chriftianity, and enforce their admonitions by a fuitable ex- ample^), it would be the means (with a divine blefiing) of reftraining the wanton failles of the youthful mind, and regulating the con- duct of juvenile inexperience; according to the words of Solomon, "Train up a child in the way he ftoould go, and when he is old he will not de- part, from it\ and though it is not in our power to give Grace, yet let us ever remember it is our privilege and duty to evidence and recommend it, by our lives and converfation. Our thoughts in younger life, are fre- quently very different from thofe in more ad- vanced periods, arifing partly from a want of knowledge and experience of men and things ; how little capable are youth in the general of judging rightly refpe&ing wherein true happi- nefs confifts, while our notions of it are often as different as ourfaces ? thefe occafion all thofe various and moftly vain purfuits after it, which generally engrofs our early years. Happinefs, [b) See Every Man his own Chaplain. PREFACE. v Happincft, by the multitude, is only ano- ther na/ne for Pleafure, and this is eagerly followed by the greater part of mankind, through all the enfnaring mazes of folly, vanity, and vice j fome are feeking it in a round of diverfions, while others are expect- ing to enjoy it in a courfe of difllpation •, how much both of them are deceived, and how far they come fhort of it, I leave their own feelings in the moments of leifure and recolledtion to pronounce ? In the following pages the reader will find what the Author's thoughts of happinefs were, and that under twenty-five years of age, fur- rounded with the gifts of fortune, the allure- ments of fenfe, and the fnares of gay com- pany ; whether they were founded on proper principles, and fupported by right reafon, let the fober and judicious (or in other words the thinking few) determine. However the young, gay, and inconGderate part of mankind may efteem the precepts of Religion, Virtue, and Sobriety, unworthy their vi PREFACE. their regard and below their notice, and on this account treat the enfuing thoughts with ridicule and difdain, yet the author cannot but hope, from the fubjeft-matter of them, they will appear to the Serious, Prudent, and Difceming, (however they may not be fo happily expreffed) not altogether unworthy to be adopted for their own -, to their accept* ance, patronage, and recommendation there- fore, he defires to fubmit them with all due deference, humility, and refpeft. G. W. Hatton-Garden, May 2, X778, ,j>.* *************** *^p MEMOIRS Of THE AUTHOR. KTP£1% H E Author of the following work jT A fjfi has, at various periods of leifure $£5«£:3ft! anc * recreation, taken a peculiar pleafure in communicating his thoughts to the public, through various fugitive publica- tions^). He (a) The reader will find in the following pages, feveral pieces which he may have read before in the Gazetteer and Magazines, as they were fome time a^o conveyed to the public through thofc channels. viii MEMOIRS OF He was always fond of literary amufements from his youth, and began publishing {o early as at eighteen years of age •, his Treatifes are chiefly of the devotional kind, expreiTing his thoughts on religion, and his youthful incli- nation to fubje&s of a ferious and folitary turn. The great partiality he ever entertained for retirement and contemplation, naturally kept him from entering into much company, while his invariable prepoflefilon in favour of the country, frequently led him to dwell with pleafure on the undilturbed tranquillity of a Rural Life (b)* About five years ago he married a young lady of family and fortune, who being of the fame retired difpofition with himfejf, readily joined in the wifh to live far removed from the buftle of the metropolis, and enjoy with thankfulnefs the bleflings of a kind and in- dulgent Providence, fcqueftered from the cares of bufinefs, the fatigues of labour, and anxieties of trade; not from a love of indo- lence and inactivity, but an earned defire of being {b) See the Rural Chrifiian. THE AUTHOR. ix being feparated from the eniharing amufe- ments, the idle converfation, and intruding vifits of the gay, fafliionable, and polite, he has taken every opportunity of avoiding the invitations of feftive levity, and the calls of inconfiderate mirth. Placed by the goodnefs of God in a ftate of eaie and independence, he lives, the greatett part of the year, in a fylvan retreat, admiring the works of nature, and contem- plating, with devout aftonifhment, thofe of Grace ; happy in the circle of a few chofen friends, bleit with an amiable wife and a rifing offspring, it is his daily prayer, in the midft of his numerous enjoyments, to live, as well as /peak, his great Bemf a tier's praife. Mufic is his favourite amufement, efpecially in the intervals of ftudy and meditation ; Walking is his principal exercife, when the weather permits, while Charity, Benevolence, and Devotion, find continual employment for his Hands, Head, and Heart. Refpefting his temper (if he knows any thing of himielf) it is to make all around him x MEMOIRS, &c. him happy, as far as he is able ; while his religious fentiments, unprejudiced by party, dictated by a catholic and chriftian fpirit, and founded an the principles of love to God, faith in Jefus Chrift, and fincere obedience and refig- nation to the Divine Will, denominate him to be, as Mr Pope happily expreffes it, Slave to no fett^ who takes no private road % But looks thro' nature up to nature's God. EJfay on Man. But don't think, reader, that the Author is without faults, or fo blind as not to fee them ; — no, he has his failings, errors, and fhort- comings; thefe afford him ample matter for daily concern, felf-abafement and reforma- tion, while they declare him (though it may be no perfeftionift) nothing more nor le£s than a man. THE tksM^4i^fii^M^^th4i THE CONTENTS- MORAL PIECES. A Poetical anfwer to a letter (to the Author) by a lady -------- Page 4 Lines written on women being accounted weaker veflels ---------- 6 An epijlle to Eliza -------- 10 A copy ofverfes fpoken by the author on the mar- riage of a friend ------- ij An epigram on a lady's marrying a Mr Paine - 15 Lines on the anniverfary of the wedding- day of the author's parents ---.-- ibid. Verfes ivritten to a young couple on their marriage 1 6 — on §)ueen Elizabeth's ivalk at Stoke- Newington --------. 18 — to the author's fijler on her birth -day - - 19 — intended to be written on a fun- dial - - 20 — deftgnedfor a watch-paper - - • - ibid. The xii CONTENTS. The batchelor's choice, or defcrlption of a good wife --------- Page 21 An epiflle to Sobrina ------- 22 The rural profpeft -------- 24 On a young lady finging ------ 25 Lines addreffed to the readers of Quarks' s Emblems 26 " addreffed to the readers of Bunyarts Pil- grims Progrefs -------- 27 -' " 'fpoien extempore on abfence being a cure for love --------- 28 ELEGIAC POEMS. Jn elegy on Mr W. Savil/ 9 a young gentleman 31 • on Mifs Maria F ....--- - 34 ■ on the late Rev. fames Hervey, A. M. 37 * on the author's eldefl daughter - - - 40 • on Mifs M . . . . U - - 43 — on a late eminent dijfenting minifler - 45 A farewell addrefs to the Rev. Mr F . . . . S - - 46 Elegiac lines on the death of Mifs Warren - - 48 — — of Mr B . . . . an old gentleman --------- 50 ■ of T W Efq\ 5* % of Mr G .... - - 54 ■ of the late Rev. E . . . Hit chin , B. D. ---..-- 55 An CONTENTS. xiH i An epigrammatical infcription in a country church- yard --------- Page 58 DEVOTIONAL POEMS. A pfalm for a per f on under affliction - - - 61 ! for a family ------- 63 - for one who has received particular mercies 65 • on the goodnefs of God - - - - - 66 ■ of Praife, for a perfon in private - - 68 ■ compofed in a walk through the fields - 69 EPISTOLARY, ALLEGORICAL, and DESCRIPTIVE THOUGHTS. The follies of the age lamented, in a letter to a f riend ^ -\" 73 The true chriflian's origin and happinefs - - - 76 On the death of 'a young gentleman - - - - 79 Lines written to a thought lefs youth - - - - 82 On fubjefls proper for epijlolary efjays - - - 84 To a young man on his marriage ----- 87 ■ on infant baptifm - - - - 92 From Eufebes, junior, to a young acquaintance - 98 To a young lady fond of coquetry and admiration IC2 To a young gentleman, on the happinefs of a married flat e --------106 An allegorical letter to a married lady, on her conduct as a wife - - - - - - - 108 ■ to a married gentleman, en jealoufy ----------in An xiv CONTENT S. An allegorical letter to a young lady, too fond of adulation -------- Page 113 To a lady, with a poetical defcription of the quail- feat ions neceffary to make a good hufband - 115 ■' with the travels of Virtue, an extraft 1 1 9 The frailty of human life confnlered and improved 123 The chrijlian's coat of arms defcribed and moralized 127 The conflations of religion ------ 13c To Eufebius, with an extract from a periodical publication ---------134. Floriander's remarkable converfion, or the bappi- nefs of true piety in youth - - - - - 144 A moral fragment, or anecdotes of Amanda - 150 An irregular ode, addrefjed to the Supreme Being 153 The LAY M A N. N° 1. The Introduction - - - - - - 157 — 2. On the education of youth in general - - 160 — 3. The charafter of a good fchoolmafter - 162 — 4. An addrefs to the rifmg generation - - 166 — - 5. Ditto ---------169 — 6. The miferable end of two youthful debauchees 1 7 3 p— 7. An account of a remarkable unhappy funily 176 — - 8. The catajlrophe of a t hough tlefs young man 178 — 9. The hijlory of the imprudent Arabella - 180 m r 10. A letter to the Layman, on manners making the man ------- 1 84 — 11. On the fnares of a fate of affluence - 187 N° 12. CONTENTS. xv N° 1 2. On Retirement^ addreffid to the ladies Page 191 — 13. On the fight ufe ^Reason - - - 194. — 14. Contentment true felicity , exemplified in the hi/lory of Sophronius and Amelia - - 198 — 15. On the proofs of immortality - - - 202 INTERESTING SOLILOQUIES. On the vanity of earthly enjoyments , and reality of a world to come -------209 Pleafng melancholy --------212 On ?nan, and the end of his creation - - - 216 A f obloquy 1 written in a country church-yard - 218 The conclufton --------- 222 * Lately Publijhed, By the fame Author, Adorned with elegant Copper-Plates, a New Edition of s 1. TPHE Rural Christian; or the Pleafures of Religion. A Poem in Four Books. To which are added, Sylvan Letters; or the Hap- pinefs of a Country Life. 2. Walking Amusements in Profe and Verfe ; or Trades, and various Objects, Spiritualized: With Poems and Letters allegorical, enter- taining and inftructive. The Third Edition of % Solitary Walks, in the Stile and Manner of Herveys Meditations^ with the Confolations of Religion and Poetical Reflections written among the Tombs. 4. Every Man his own Chaplain : A Treatife fuited to Chriftians of all Denominations, and neceflary for all Families, -^^?V^^^i^^^i i^^^f4ki^/$V>» if^^V^^^v>*v THOUGHTS i n YOUNGER LIFE, I N PROSE and VERSE. ^^r ^*£f ^^^^>^^^^f ^ «f v#. **».,•-*» 4 »V «.'• V.. •'V* «■%.,«*» ■.£* »*• *.*» ,v# ,v# ,w v* *> «V J* .»% »*» %» '♦■J '.<.• # : * «^» ' #> #,» *.»''«,« **.% **.» # ; » fc* ir ; » #;» 'V*" •> # ; » "V^ i».» ir.i Our thoughts as well as aflions, in younger life, may naturally be expefled to favour -more cr lefs cf juvenile puerility ; but to affert or fuppofe that we are in- ■capable in youth of thinking properly on any fubjefl, cr of a fling fuitably on any occafion, merely becaufe zve want the folidity and experience of riper years, is no mark of wifdom in either young, or old, but evidences a glaring inattention to the various pollers .una faculties of the human mind. 'y.V '«.> *.+ *.«• *.» ».» *» >.* V* *■> *> v-«" •>»'«.•' '>.. '#.*"#*'#.» '«* **a *.£" "#.» THOUGHTS IN YOUNGER LIFE. Our Jirfl thoughts may be well expreft, Though Jecond thoughts are often bsft. TH E Author, when he was about feventcen years of age, being in company with feveral ladies, by invitation to fpend the evening at a relation's houfe ; and thinking himfelf reflected on by one of the company, refpecting his perfen and fize*; took occafion to fend her a letter a day or two afterwards in verfe, wherein he acknow- ledged himfelf, in fome refpe£ls, deferving ccj from the folly of his aclionb, as well as liable to contempt and ridicule from the fhortnefs of his na- ture , but imprudently hinting as if his Creator was to blame for not making him as tall and perfonaMc as many others, he is fuppofed to have received the following lines from the lady, in anfwer to his epiftle. * Being fhort of hit s^^» B 2 A 4 THOUGHTS IN A POETICAL ANSWER T O A LETTER From a young Lady to the Author. Sip, A, .RE you wrong very often, and certain of this? Then why don't you ftrive to amend what's amifs .? Tho' you can't change your per/on, nor alter your face, A bad fet of features Is no fuch difgrace. Do what's in your pow'r, and, believe me, you'll find More fervice accrue from improving your mind. Tis youx'aftions I mind; not your per/on, Sir, No: Ofou may be a good man, tho' ever fo low : The one you can't help, but the other you can, You may, if you pleafe, be a great little man : Bcfides, it is wicked your fhape to deplore, You're in healthy and not crooked \ what would you have more ? There's many, I'm furc, without flatt'ry 'tis true, Were they as well made, and as upright as you-, Would YOUNGER L t F F. ; Would think themfelves happy, reflect their, h vain, What folly and weaknefs for you to complain ( as well the women^ may often be wrong ; They both have their failings, we all of us own, Let him that is perfeff^ ^then, throw the//// Rone. b 5 AN 10 THOUGHTS IN A N EPISTLE T O £ Z / Z 'Ai T> E L I E VE me, dear Eliza, lovely maid, Your num'rous charms need not poor flatt'ry'fr aid : You, next to heav'n, are miftrefs of my heart, And can alone true peace of mind impart ; You, next to heav'n, my bejl affe&ions claim, And, next to heav'n, alone poffefs the fame- You only can my earthly blifs improve, And, next my God, deferve my warmeft love: With you alone I wifh to fpend my life, >r T\s you alone I fain would call my wife; Then dear Eliza hear this laft requeft, Hafte the glad day, and make me truly bleft ; Ye ling'ring moments bear a double flight, Ye hours, till then, O vanifh from my fight, Till gracious heav'n our hands together join, 'Till I'm Eliza's, and Eliza's mine. A Copy YOUNGER LIFE. n • % ... V> #% *^ »/» «,« • *» * ; * #^» * ; » #^» »/« #.» #.• »* *;» /» A Copy of Verfes on the Marriage of Mr ^ to the amiable Mifs — ~, fpoken by the Author, on their Wedding-day, in a feleft Company, convened to celebrate the fame. A S perfons always on a wedding-day, Their compliments to bride and bridegroom pay; Ladies and gentlemen but nrft a bow, [bows.. With your kind leave I will addrefs them nowj Without offence permit me to rehearfe, My real wifhes for them both, in verfe. i Methinks I hear fome perfon prefent, fay, (e) The man's a fool, he had better kept away Than thus intruded on our mirth to-dav ; Who does he think will mind his paltry rhime, His ftupid fluff at fuch a joyful time ? He's furely mad, I know I'm fo with him, T'expofe his folly in fo ftrange a whim ? Pray, what (fays another one, knitting his brow(/), Is the Jhort little gentleman going to fay now ? He (e) Speaks in an angry manner. (f) Speaks affefteil*, by woy of facer, it THOUGHTS IN He has got a good modeft affurance, no doubt, What in life can he think to be talking about ? He had better be ftill, 'tis an artful difguife, For a fool, while he's filcnt, is thought to be wife. Come, come, (Methinks I hear a lady fay) (g) Good Mr Poet aft with reafon pray, Blefs me, don't teaze us with your rhimes to-day} We've fomething elfe to mind, you mud allow, Than hearing your poetic wifhes now. j To which, with fubmiflion, I beg to reply, That it is an intrufion I cannot deny, But hope you'll excufe it, intending to fay, What I can't but think proper on this happy day, To the new-married couple, the friends of my youth Don't you think them a fmart pretty couple in truth (b)i Five minutes allow me, and then I'll have done; I know by your faces you*ll let me go on. (/) May you, my dear young friends, while here below, The greateft happinefs of marriage know ; May ev'ry bleffing which a God can fend To make you happy, on your fteps attend ; Health, (g) Speaks as a woman. (b) Looking around the company, fmiling, {/) Turns to the new married couple, rOUNGER LIFE, 13 Health, wealth, and pleafure, join the pleafin^ train, Unknown to ficknefs, and eftrang'd to pain ; Long may you happy with each other live Refpecting faults, forgiving and forgive ; Long may you bleffings to each other prove, Sharing thro' life a conftant mutual love, And meet at death to part no more, above. Should you have children, may they (hare Your equal love and conftant care ; May they prove comforts in their day, And love to walk, in wifdom's way ; By your inftru&ions, may they know The means t'efcape eternal woe ; By your example, feek the road That leads to Virtue, and to God, ! } I know you've been in dread fufpenfe, (But cannot tell for why, nor whence) 'Twixt joy and forrow, hopes and fears For fev'ral months, I may fay years. It fo from firft to laft appears (/) ; While you, quite madden'd with delay, Wifh'd days, weeks, months, and years away ; But that's all o'er, you cannot doubt it, We'll therefore fay no more about it; (0 The couple thefe lines refer to, were three year* kept in fuf- pence, by a variety of difrgreeable eventj. But >4 THOUGHTS IN But only wifh it now may prove The height'ning of your mutual love. As ftreams daram'd up, we often fee Flow fafter when from ftoppage free, So may your love increafing be ; Forgetting ev'ry trouble paft, For lo ! long look'd for's come at laft. May the fingle get married, be this their en- deavour (/;/), And they who are married be happy for ever (n)\ Now, ai'n't thefe verfes vajily clever (0) ; But to have done, 'tis quite expedient, Ladies and Gents, your moft obedient(/>). } (m) Turns to the company who were fingle. («) AddrefTes the married part of the company: This couplet was given as one of the toaits after dinner. ( To this delightful walk in crouds repair. ) Here the fide glance from modeft virgins fteals, And the blufh paffing more than words reveals $ Here ried ftate j the author hopes the frequent repetition of it will be ex- cukd, as it is fo fuitable, fo copious and exprefiive of the ardent wi/hes ®f a real friend, and the benevolent effuiions of heart. fek eileem* YOUNGER LIFE. ir> Here the enamour d fwain repairs to fee, And tell, Maria^ what he feels for thee ; The walk is pleafant, rural, and retir'd, By lovers fought, and by the fair admir'd. Verses written by the Author to his S'ister, on her Birth- Day. A/T A Y you, dear fifter Ann, by heav'n ap- lV1 proved Long live, be happy, and by all be lov'd ; May fov'reign goodnefs all your fteps attend, And countlefs mercies on your head defcend , O may your knowledge with your years increafe, (For wifdom's ways are pleafantnefs and peace -,) May you not only grow in years, but grace. And run with ftedfaftnefs the Chriftian race; May health and pleafure wait on all your day?, While you both live and fpeak th' Almighty's praife; May you be taught with wifdom from above, And prove the objeft of your Maker's love -, May true religion be your chief delight, And you in actions, as by name, be — right ; May you, when fummon'd hence by nature's foe, (And clofe your eyes on all things here below) Not ao THOUGHTS IN Not merely from all earthly forrows reft, But, crown'd with glory, live for ever bleft. Verfes intended to be written under a. Sun- dial, placed on the Walls of a Gothic Building, refembling the Ruins of an Ab- bey, in a Gentleman's pleafure-grounds, ia * Surry. Motto. My days are as a fbadow. 1I7HILE you behold with juft furprize, How fwift o'er me the fhadow fifes, Oh ! be concerted without delay, To well improve the pafCng day,. Which like a (hadow glides away* For life, with all its fleeting joys, Difeafe invades, or death deftroys ; Another day thou may'ft not fee, Prepare, then, for eternity. . Lines defigned for a Watch-Paper. A W A T C H may teach unthinking man. The longeft life is but a fpan; While you behold with curious eye, . Kow fwift the fleeting moments fly; May YOUNGER LI F E. u May you be daily taught from hence, To turn your views from time and fenfe, And life improve, while in your pow'r, For death draws nearer ev'ry hour(^). THE BATCHELOR's CHOICE, O R Description of a good W i f e, TH E fair whofe heart I would engage, With whom my life I'd fpend, Should prove my younger,, as to age, And to the poor a friend. Religion fhould adorn her mind, And wifdom prove her guide, Good fenfe and nature fweetly join'd, Should in her foul reficfe. Where (y) As we live on earth to the Lord, or to the DciV, (o we mull ex- pec! after death, according to the focred writing?, to live in happinefs or rnifery eternally, for a. the tree falls Jo it mujl lie, Sec. Ab hoc momenta fendet aternitas. The above lines are but eight fyllables in length, that they may be comprized in the fize of a common watch-paper, fhould any one think proper to have them print*. d or written far that purple. 22 THOUGHTS IN Where prudence ev'ry aftion guides, Arrd not inclin'd to rove, Where virtue in the foul refides, On her I'll fix my love. Not fond of drefs, or outward {how, But neat in ev'ry part, Such fhould I be fo bleft to know. To her I'll yield my heart. A fhape genteel, and noble race, I would as trifles own, Nor chiefly prize a handfome face, But mental charms alone. Heav'n crown with fuch a gift my future days, And all my aim fhall be to live thy praife. , J*. V#, A N EPISTLE T O S O B R 1 N A. T> ELOV'D Sobrina, virtuous, good and kind, ■*~* Thou matchlefs pattern for thy fex defign'd. In whom the virtues, and the graces meet, Of temper chearful, fober, and difcreet : By YOUNGER LIFE. 23 By prudence guided, by religion taught, And with the charms of facred vvifdom caught $ Without offence accept thefe artlefs lays, That would, unflatter'd, celebrate thy praife : Thy virtuous mind is clear from wilful fin, Without, good nature, all ferene within; Thy honour'd parents, confciousof thy worth, Hail the glad day which gave their daughter birth, Adore the goodnefs, and admire the grace, Which ftill preferves thee to their fond embrace ; Thy duteous conduct, influenc'd from above, Has gain'd, defervedly, their warmeft love ; Well may they with the darling of their heart, So great a treafure, be fo loth to part. But, dear Sobrina, thou engaging maid, Exert your beft endeavours to perfuade Their full confent, may heav'n your labours aid O tell them, but I fear you can't exprefs How much I feel, how great is my diftrefs; While from thy fight I'm kept, to grief a flave, And whelm'd in forrow, thus diftra&ed rave. Know, lovely fair, I live alone for thee, Without Sobrina^ what's the world to me ? O let my heart- felt woe thy pity move, Soften thy breaft, and melt thee into love. But flop, rafh youth, methinks a voice I hear, Which fays, No longer wound Sobrina's ear With i 24 THOUGHTS IN With caufelefs wailings, for fhe knows thy grief, And longs in fecret, to afford relief:*— She alfo loves, and lives for thee alone, And in thy deep-felt forrows feels her own. She alfo joins with thy fincere requeft, And with thee only, wifhes to be bleft ; She oft implores the gracious pow'rs above, To make thee hers, and render love for love. Then, highly favour'd youth, complain no more, Sobrina loves thee, give thy wailings o'er. Thus, well aflfur'd that heav'n approves my choice With inward pleafure, I obey the voice, With grateful heart, befeeching grace divine To make the much lov'd dear Sobrina mine. rffat^* ^^^k^^^^i^^^ #^^t ^^^t *rfc(^im T H E RURAL PROSPECT, Written in the Spring. TH E Winter's paft, and Spring adorns the fields With ev'ry beauty which the country yields ; The air'is calm, while Phoebus' chearing rays, Fair and delightful make the length'ning days ; The gelid froft, with all its icy train, Is feen no more to glaze the verdant plain j But YOUNGER LIFE. 25 But all is cheerful thro' the gladiomc earth, While rural fwains rcfume their wonted mirth ; The tuneful birds their warbling fongs renew, And bees their curious chemic' works purfue (r); The flocks and herds their Maker's praiie refound, And gentle rains refrefh the teeming ground, While univerfal nature fmiles around. s The branching trees their leaves again difplay, And flow'ry hedges line the devious way ; The JKtant meads in varied hues appear, Whilft heat increafing fpcaks the Summer near; The neighB'r'iiig plains o'erfpread with lively green, Compleat the profpec! of the fylvan fcene. On a Yo u n t g Lady fingincr- PNLIV'NING Phoebus had withdrawn his ray, And fober ev'ning clos'd the fummer's day; When fair Urania of the diftant plains, The praife of friend/hip fang in lofty drains (s) ; C Her (/•) Alluding (0 their extrjcliog honey from flowers. (5) The fong the lady fang, began with the following lines, a:;d con« tains many ufeful obfervations worthy the regard of all: The world, my dear M\ra % is full of oYceir, And friendfhip's a jewtl we feldom can meet, 26 THOUGHTS IN Her voice was pleafing, ev'ry note was fweet, Her looks engaging, and her drefs was neat; Her carriage modeft, her complexion fair, Join'd to an eafy unaffected air; Thus fhe the ear^ with mufic's form'd to move, The eye with beauty, and the heart with love. Repeat her praifes, then, ye tuneful nine, And let her charms embellifh ev'ry line ; While I, enatnour'd, all her beauties trace, Who fure was born to blefs the human race. ►$ h &&&4-Z? ■fr^MM* ! * * * & -if- * -ft * •« ••■«- ■* Lines addrefled to the Readers of QJJARLEs Emblems. T N this choice book of Emblems all may fee How fpiritual things with temp'ral well agree; How pious minds from earth to heav'n are led, How dreams direct us to the fountain head ; How various objects, thro' the wide creation, Yield ample ground for ferious contemplation ; How emblematic pictures ftrike the fight, And give inftruction while they give delight; How children may be to reflection brought, And e'e»n by pictures folemn truths be taught ; How by familiar emblems well defign'd, } {To fix the facred fcriptures on the mind), > Both young and old may equal profit find. ) And YOUNGER LIFE. 27 And how, depicted by th' engraver's art, Prints give moft ufeful leffons to the heart. Then, would you, reader, by this book improve, Firft, beg a bleffing on it from above $ Then ev'ry emblem carefully furvey, How fome the vanity of life difplay; How others, well adapted, plainly fhow, That trials are the Chriftian's lot below ; And from the whole, this one great truth regard, Religion only is its own reward. Verses addrefled to the Readers of BU N T A N's Pilgrim's Progress. AIL happy genius, whofe inftructive pen. By heav'n directed, kindly teaches men The certain road to everlafling joy, Which time, nor death, nor devils can deftroy : 'Tis fhewn fo plain, that he who runs may read \ But wilful ignorance remains deceiv'd. The fpir it ual journey, readers, hence begin, And, taught the way to glory, keep therein. Shun thofe by-paths which furely lead to hell, Where wicked men in endlefs torments dwell; Shun ev'ry vice which Satan ftrives to lay, As flumbling-blocks to lead your fouls aftray ; c 2 Turn H 28 THOUGHTS IN Turn not afide at tempting pkafure's call, But watch your goings daily, left you fall; And by this book forewarned of ev'ry fnare, Walk circumfpe&ly, and proceed with care. Let good Evangelijl (/) point out your road, And lead you fafely through this world to God. Let bleffed Faithful (u) your companion prove, \ In yorJan's itream (.v) he will your fears remove, ^> And land you after death, in realms above. ) The following Verfes were fpoken Extempore on the vulgar Notion of Abfence being a Cure for Love. Jr~Y^ WOULD furely break a flony heart-, A To think the dearejl friends muft part; But parting let us grief remove, For abknee is a cure for love. (r; The Bible. (a) The grace of faith, (x) On a dying bed. ELEGIAC fS^^^^^^^^^^^^^&^^^/^i ^^^^>^<^%. ELEGIAC POEMS. ^^^^^^^^^^^^>^&f ^k ^r^^^^^^^jSS* Death's Jhafts fly thick On this fide or on that, men fee their friends Drop off like leaves in autumn .... Oh fin % fole caufe of death > what haji thou done? ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^- A N EL E G Y O N Mr W. S A V I L L, A Young Gentlem a n, who died in the 2 1 ft Year of his Age, A N D is the happy S&vill dead, ^ His pious foul to Jefus fled ? Thro' pain obtain'd a quick releafe, From trouble into realms of peace? O may his young furviving friends^ Learn hence on what their all depends ; A moment's fpace, a tranfient fpan, So fhort is life, fo frail is man. Thrice happy youth, thy warfare's o'er, Thou foon haft gain'd the blifsful fhore, Where neither tears, nor forrow's known, But Jefus is thy theme alone [a) : O may we meet thee there, ere long, To join in one eternal fong c 4 Of (a) Alluding to the fong of the angels round the throne or Qod* £ci\ i. 5, 6. 32 THOUGHTS IN Of praife to* Kim who reigns on hi°h, And pardons crimes of deepeft dye; In whom believing, here below, The Chriftian conquers cv'ry foe; And thro' whofe everlafting love, The (inner gets to heav'n ^bove. ■• Thrice happy youth , thou 7iow can ft tell M IVbat pleafures with thy Saviour dwell ± " What joys are for the faints in fore, M At God's right hand for evermore {y)" O may we all, when life is paft, PofTefs thcfe joys which ever laft; And with Thee, endlefs ages fpend, Of pleafures which (hall never end. Thrice happy youth, who wheluvu iii pain, Could fay, For me to die is gain \ Thou now may'fl: join with holy Paul % To be with Christ is bcft of all. May that rich grace in us be found, And in our fouls, that faith abound, Which did in thee at death appear, To flop thy doubts, thy fpirits chear ; To raife thy hopes, thy fears controul, And help thee to addrefs thy foul In {y) Thefc four lines are on his tomb-lione, in Bunbill Fields* YOUNGER LIFE. 33 In David's language ; " Hope in God (z) ; " Be not caft down beneath his rod ; u I'll praife him Jiill \ and on him call, 11 Fork's my healthy my God, my all'* May thofe who now this youth bemoan, Learn by his death, to meet their own \ Prepare in time, in youth be wife, Before too late, religion prize; To-day to Chrift for pardon fly, For, ere to-morrow, ye may die. (*) Thcfe were his hft words : Why art thou caft down, O nay foul, and why art thou difquieted within me ? hope in God, for I fhall yet praife him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Pfalm xlii, ji 4 #*% c 5 AN 34 THOUGHTS IN A N L E i O N Mifs MARIA F- Infcribed to her difconfolate Sister. The author is to be fuppos'd fitting in a thoughtful pofture ; but on hearing the bell toll from a neighbouring fleeple, ftarts, and fays, — *\Tf 7"HAT founds are thefe which frrike my * * lift'ning ears (tf), Awake my forrows, and alarm my fears, From yonder fteeple ? 'Tis the difmal knell Of fome departed fpirit; who can tell But now the deathlefs being dwells above, In blifsful regions of eternal love? (Beyond the reach of ev'ry human pain, Whofe lofs to friends is her eternal gain) It does ! for, Oh the dear Maria's dead, To happier realms the blefled fpirit's fled. She's (a) This poem is already printed in a book, entitled The Rural CbnJ- ftV*, by the fame author, and is infer ted here, only on account of its being written in younger life, YOUNGER LIFE. 35 She's gone ! file's gone ! aflift mv feeble lays Ye facred nine, to fing her matehlefs praife In plaintive ftrains -> O lend your fkilful aid Celeftial Mufes ; ev'ry tuneful maid Join in the mournful long, with grief deplore, } Maria's dead, and mufic is no more, ^, Maria's dead, repeat from fhore to fhore. j Maria's dead, in doleful accents cry, Maria's dead, let hills and dales reply (£). Thro' Harlow's (c) meads, the fadd'ning mefTao-e tell, Maria's gone, ye green retreats farewel ; Ye pleafant fields, where oft (lie us'd to ftray, Be cloath'd no more in fummer's brioht array : Ye lofty trees without your leaves appear, Maria's gone, be winter ali the year ; Ye fhady groves, in withered garbs deplore, Maria's gone, and verdure is no more--, Ye plains who late the happy virgin knew, No more be deck'd in flow'rs of every hue ; But ftrip't of bloilbms, now her lofs deplore, Maria's dead, and beauty is no more. But oh ! what words can paint the fitter's grief, Or yield the weeping fair the lealt relief? Too {b) This is imitated fifbm Pope's fourth Pdforal, Ailed WiMiK, [c ) The place where /he lived, 3& THOUGHTS IN Too lovely mourner, fpeak her real worth, Who fhar'd her beft affe&ions while on earth; O tell what numbers mourn her early fate, How much belov'd in this imperfeft ftate ; Say how fubmiflively fhe bore the rod, How foon (he gave herfelf — her all to God. Speak thou who waft, till death, her greateft friend, What num'rous fbrrows did thy bofom rend j When the dread fever rag'd in ev'ry vein, And reafon left her overwhelm^ with pain ; How did her flowing tears thy grief renew, When fenfible of death, (lie faid — Adieu, While pleafing hopes, her lively faith fupply'd, She took her laft farewel, — and calmly died. But, Oh ! my tender friend, wipe ev'ry tear; For tho' foe's gone, your Jefusjlill is near : Then let this thought revive your drooping heart, You'll meet her foon above, no more to part (d). (d) The meeting of pious and beloved relatives and friends, in * future ftate of ttirnal happinef?, is an encouraging and reviving con- fcderatxn to alleviate our giief on their departing this life. AN YOUNGER LIFE. 37 & & &• & & v is & •:* •■» it •? 9 r: ••«■ r: £ ::: £ £ £ .-ft- ^ A N ELEGY ON THE Rev. JAMES H E R V E T y A. M. Author of the Meditations among the Tombs, &c. I. PAR from the dwellings of commercial life, The toils of bus'nefs and the haunts of pride Alike remov'd from envy, noife, and flrife, Religion's patron, Hervey liv'd and dy'd [e). II. Of converfe free, infrruclive and divine, Of temper grave, yet innocently gay; In him did Virtue, Truth, and Goodnefs fhine The Chriftian's riches and the faint's array. III. Behold him preaching to the Serious Few(f) y How fixt th' attention, and how juft th' ap- plaufe(g) ; How (e) See his life. (/) This refers not to the number of his auditors, for he had a very large congregation, but to the number of the truly pious in comparifon with the bulk of mankind, which are indeed but few, (^) Alluding to his character of a minifter. 38 THOUGHTS IN How found his reas'nings in the good man's view, His zeal how fervent in his Mailer's caufe. IV. How meek and humble like his blefled Lord, T' advance whofe glory, was his conftant aim; How would he gladly Jefu's love record, And boldly fpread the honours of his name. V. View him alone, within the hallow'd fane (£), Sagely converfing with the letter'd floor, Where death in triumph regifters his flain, And titles, wealth and beauty charm no more. VI. From fculptur'd tombs of every rank and age, What ufeful leffons does he give to all - 9 Our faith to ftrengthen, and our hopes engage, While we with patience wait the folemn call. VII. Behold him walking 'midft the flowery race (/), While birds melodious hail the op'ning day \ How well he paints the wond'rous works of grace, From thofe of nature, which the fields difplay. VIII. (£) Meditations among the Tombs. (/} Meditations on a Flower.Carden, YOUNGER LIFE. VIII. 39 Then view him teaching all created things (i\ In heav'n and earth to fing their Maker's praife ; And join with them t' adore the King of iings y The God of nature, juft in all his ways. IX. When evening draws her fliadowy curtains round, And gently darkens into peaceful night ; While ftars unnumber'd deck the blue profound, And rifing Cynthia yields her filver light. X. Then trace his footfteps o'er the dewy meads (/). While every object rapt in filence lies; And mount with him as contemplation leads, To view the planets rolling thro' the fkies. XL When dreary winter rules the changing year, And ftorms and tempefts rage along the plains; When Hervey wills, they fpeak in reafon's ear, And tell thejoyful news, a Saviour reigns(///). XII. {k) Defcant on Creation. (/) Meditations on the Night and fairy Heavens, (m) See the Winter- piece, 4 o THOUGHTS IN XII. When Jefu's righteoufnefs becomes the theme, And good Ajpafw every doubt removes (m) ; Convinc'd with Theron blefs the gracious fcheme, While Jefu's crofs, our crown of glory proves. XIII. And tho' he's dead, as man is born to die, Ye weeping kindred give your forrows o'er, For fure as Jesus ever reigns on high, Hervey ftill lives above, to die no more. A N ELEGY On the Death of an Amiable Child, Two Years and eleven Months Old. The Author's eldeft Daughter. I. THE fabbath's facred rites were fcarcely o'er, And night advanc'd with all her gloomy train ; When dear Eliza flept to wake no more, In this our world of trouble, grief, and pain (tf). II. (m) Theron and Afpafio. (n) She died about nine o'clock at night, Nov. 30, 1777. YOUNGER LIFE. |i II. Her infant fpan how fhort ! her days how few ! How foon the path of human life fhe trod ! Cl Early, bright, tranfient, chaftc as morning dew, " She fparkled, was exhal'd, and went to God,", ' III. Her little innocent, engaging ways, Remembrance oft with forrow brings to mind, While from mine eye the gufhing tear betrays, How clofe her image round my heart is twin'd. IV. But hark ! methinks Religion fpeaks, M Be ftill, u The Lord will do what's pleafing in his fight, V Then bow with refignation to his will, " And chearful own whate'er he does is right* V. 4< God gives and takes as he fees fit and beft ( aged 28. Heav'n gives us fr'ends to blefs the prefent (late, Refymes them to prepare us for the next. Dr Toung, TV yf ELODIA (p), dear departed friend, farewell, ^ I mourn with multitudes, my deep-felt lofs 3 But joy to think it thine eternal gain. Yes, happy Saint, thine earthly warfare's o'er,' And thou fafe landed on that blifsful fhore, Where pain and forrow thou (halt know no 1 :'s o'er, "J ': \ more. J She's (^} A name given her by her friends. 44 THOUGHTS IN She's gone to heav'n with kindred faints to dwell, And join with them in their feraphic firains, To fpend eternity in fongs of praife ; Her blefled fpirit, freed from mortal bonds, To realms of glory took its early flight With her dear Jefus ever there to reign. Sick of the world, with all the joys of time, The tranfient pleafures of the young and gay; She's gone to tafte of pleafures more fublime, At God's right hand, in realms of endlefs day. Fond of retirement, from her earlieft years, " She woo'd lone quiet in her iilent walks," And found mfolitude delights ferene. The pomp of greatnefs and the cares of wealth, The blaze of grandeur and the boafts of pride, Were to Mehdia happily unknown. No lefs than heav'n itfelf could gain her love, Whofe heart was ever fixt on things above, \ She's gone, where long fhe wifh'd to be, Her Saviour, her beft friend to fee ; Whofe fmiles are heav'n, whofe frowns are hell ; Thrice happy Saint, adieu, farewell. ELEGIAC YOUNGER LIFE. 45 i^^^sa ELEGIAC LINES O N T H E Death of a late Eminent Difienting Minister. TT^Arewellbleft Saint, my late much honour'd friend, Efteem'd in life, lamented in thine end ; Well haft thou run on earth the Chrtftian race By heav'n direcled, and upheld by Grace; Well haft thou fought the good, the fpirituat fight, Now more than Conq'ror in the realms of light (/), Well haft thou fpreaJ abroad the Saviour's name, Saints to fupport and finners to reclaim ; Well haft thou recommended Wi (Horn's ways, And dauntlefs publifli'd thy Redeemer** praife; Well haft thou preach'd the word, and truly prov'd Faithful to death, and now to heav'n remov'd ; Shall, crown'd with glory, therewith Jefus reign 3 For ever freed from fin, diiirefs and pain. While kindred angels round the throne of God 3 All hail thee welcome to their bleft abode. (y) Tf r ell chr.e good and faithful ferv*nt % inter je int* tire joy of tbj Ltrd, Matihew xxv, 13. 46 THOUGHTS IN srsirs A FAREWELL ADDRESS TO THE Rev. Mr F S •, on his leaving London, to fettle at Axminfter, as Minifter of a DifTenting Congregation there. /^ O lovely youth, to Axminjier repair, Make no delay for Jefus calls you there; Your friends in town will readily forgive, On this account, your going there to live; For tho' 'tis certain you'll be far remov'd, From thofe you value and by whom you're lov'd ; The errand's great, and glorious is the plan, To preach falvation to rebellious man. Go highly favour'd youth, aloud diffufe Thro' diftant lands the precious gofpel news, 2 an 52 THOUGHTS IN A N ELEGIAC POEM O N T H E D e a t h of r W , Efq j late of Hackney. }HT"^ WA S early when the news was fpread (r) 5 -*• Alas ! the pious W > is dead ; Freed from this earthly frail abode, He left this world and went to God. His chief concern while here below, Was by his works, his faith to (how; His thoughts were fix'd on things above His foul was fill'd with facfed love. For pard'ning grace, his only claim, Was in and thro' his Saviour's name; ]-n him alone his hopes relied, And as he liv'd, he joyful died. He could declare when near his end, The Lord was his almighty friend - 9 This [c) He died about fix o'clock in the morning, YOUNGER LIFE. 53 This was his language, when in pain, " To live, is Cbrift % to die, is gain. " / know in whom I have believ'J, " / caiity J /hall not be deceived" At length he calmly breath'd his lad, (His foul by faith on Jefus caft,) And having fought the Chriftian fight, Afcended into realms of light; There may you, who his lofs deplore, Meet him on that eternal fhore (d), Where pain and grief are known no more The EPITAPH. i Thrice happy faint, from forrow free y And fin, thy greatcjl enemy : Go, and in blifsful realms, above, For ever ftng redeeming love: Go, and eternal ages fpend With Jesus Christ, thy heav'nly friend: Go, and with kindred fpir its divell At God's right hand— Bled faint farewell. (d ) Though this wifh is often repeated in different parts of thefe poems it is hoped it will not be looked on as mere tautology, but as the beft dtlire a real friend can exprefs for mourning furvivors, on the death of valuable, pious, and beloved relations. d 3 AN 54 THOUGHTS IN A N ELEGIAC POEM ON THE Death of Mr G , late of Hackney. T\EATH, unrelenting, lately aim'd his dart, "*^ And fatal ftruck a worthy parent's heart \ And now (my grief renewing) calls to mourn, A friend fincere, from dear relations torn ; For o'er the village, lo ! the news is fpread, Our worthy friend, the pious G , is dead j The good man faw his end approaching near, And met Grim Death without an anxious fear; Calm and refign'd he heard the awful call, And in believing, triumph'd over all. He long was taught in fore affliction's fchocl, To make fubmifTion to the Lord his rule; And found when every hope of life was pad, His bed: and choiceft comforts were his la ft, O may the widow'd partner of his life, His once lov'd, tender, and endearing wife; While YOUNGER LIFE. 5S While great her lofs, and deep her forrows are, Thy confolations, Lord of mercy, fliare ; And grant her Ton, her only child, may prove A growing bleffing, and deferve her love ; Teach him to know and to obey thy will, And keep him, Gracious God, from every ill ; To them, for whom thy fervant wifh'd to live, Divine fupports in all their troubles give ; And while they patient bear thy chaft'ning rod, Be thou bis Father, and be thou her God ; And when this prefent world to them is o'er, Oh ! may they meet in heav'n to part no more. A N E O N T H E Death of the late Rev. E. Hit chin , B. D. of Host on Square (.* **.»•**' An Epigrammatical Infcription taken from a Tomb-ftone in a Country Church-yard, Death takes the good, too good on earth iojiay ; DEVOTIONAL POEMS, SUITED TO THE FAMILY and CLOSET, AND Adapted to the different Metres now in Ufe. Is ANY MERRY? LET HIM SING PSALMS, James \>. 13. - * Singing the praifcs of the Lord will never be out of feofon with the real Cbrift ion 9 but his delightful work through ti-me^ as it will afjuredly be his blifsful employ ^* to all eternity, i # •*&# i 1 A p s A F O R A L M p E R S UNDER O N F F L I C T I o N(f.) I will fng of mercy and judgment ; unto thee ^ Lord^ will I fmgy Pfalm ci. i. Common Metre. V^^T^^f!''^ 'ling'ring illnefs, pain, and grief, •^ * Attend me here below ; God can in all give fure relief, And foften every woe. II. Tho' calPd the lofs of friends to mourn, Afflicted day and night; I'll cry, O Lord, thy will be done, And fay of all, 'Tis right. III. (g) Thofe Pfd!m< which arc fuitcd for private ufe, in the following collection, may br ufed in the family, by putting we for J, our for my and the plural number inftead of the fingular. 62 THOUGHTS IN III. God will in trouble be my friend, And beft phyfician prove ; And take me when this life (hall end To dwell with him above. IV. Then come diforders foon or late, Til only patience crave j And trufting in my Saviour waitj For blifs beyond the grave. V. What's life, with all our joys below, To finite creatures given ? What's all the pleafures mortals know, To endlefs joys in heaven. VI. In Chrift alone I would rely, On him 111 daily call ; I'm his for life, and when I die, He'll be my Heav'n and all. YOUNGER LIFE. 63 A PSALM F R A FAMILY. Long Metre. I. EACH us, O Lord, in all our ways, T With cheerful hearts to fing thy praife ; Thy glorious name for ever blefs, And found aloud thy righteoufnefs. II. In health and ficknefs, life and death, May this employ our lateft breath ; Thy tender mercies to record, And praife the goodnefs of the Lord. III. For Thou haft been our fure relief, When in affliction, pain and grief: Tho' forrows rofe and doubts prevail'd, Thy comforts, Lord, have never fail'd. IV. 1 64. THOUGHTS IN IV. Should'ft thou fee fit, moft gracious God, On us to lay thy chaft'ning rod; O teach us ftill thy grace to own, Lord, not our wills, but thine be done, V. Make us to fee thy love in all, And willing to attend thy call ; O may our thoughts afcend on high, On endlefs joys beyond the fky, VI. Where may we meet when time's no more* On that eternal blifsful (hore ; From pain and grief, and forrows free,. To dwell for ever, Lord, with Thee (/;). (b) Who will not calmly bear ftern fortune's frown, Who hopes at death to gain an heavenly crown ? Who will on fubhnary blifs depend, Who hopes fo? happinefs that knows no end ? YOUNGER LIFE. 65 '. *'• ■ »». » r ' .**'.. + '..x». i r » « : »..*V..*V. v». » : #. A, *'*. »*#. **\ M #> 4% M ';» *V # ; » #p * ; » ?* ' # V #V *;» *;% Sj» •*! »» * ; » #V /,■» #* A s A O F L M R A I S E FOR M ERCIES RECEIVED. Com m on Ms t r e. I. f 1 RE AT God accept my feeble fong, My weak attempts to praife; Do thou affift my fault'ring tongue, To fing thy fov'reign grace. II. In childhood, youth, and riper years, Thou haft my Guardian prov'd ; In danger, calm'd my reftlefs fears, In trouble, doubts remov'd. III. When forrow, pain, defpair or grief, Hath overwhelm'd my foul ; Thy word hath yielded fweet relief, While thou haft made me whole. IV 66 THOUGHTS IN IV. Thy goodnefs hath my wants fupply 1, And fed me day by day : Thy wifdom, Lord, hath been my guiJe y And pointed out my way. V. In Thee my foul at anchor rides, Thro* life's tempeftuous fea ; For whom have I in heav'n bcfides, Or in this world but Thee. A A FOR A M PERSON in PRI VAT E, Praiiing God for his Goodnefs. Long Metre. I. THE Lord is gracious, kind, and good, He daily grants me health and food j 'Tis He alone preferves my ways ; Sing, O my fcul, thy Maker's praifr. II. YOUNGER LIFE. II. In ev'ry troubles pain, and grief, His promifes are my relief ; For God hath faid, who cannot lie, None fhall to me in vain apply. IIL If finners call, he'll lend an ear, And will a prefent help appear ; He is in evVy time of need, A God at hand, a friend indeed. IV. Then, O my foul, on Him depend, To his moft gracious laws attend ; To Him make all thy troubles known, God can relieve, and God alone. ^7 Should friends forfake and riches ceafr, Should health decay and pains increafe ; Should death approach, as foon it muft, I'll ftill pronounce my Maker juft. VI. Though He the (harpeft trouble fends, 1 know 'tis for the wifeft ends ; He's wife and juft in all his ways, To Him be everlafting pralfe. 68 THOUGHTS IN A PSALM O F PRAISE. Short'Metre, I. SING, O my foul, his praife, Who came and died for thee; Whofe love, Redemption-work difplays. For fuch a worm as me. II. O may I fpend my breath, In this delightful fong 5 And join'd with angels after death, The endlefs theme prolong, III. Let all I have and am, His facred name record 5 Who was on earth the dying Lamb,. But now my rifen Lord. IV. YOUNGER LIFE. 6y IV. To Him, as juftly due, Eternal praife be giv'n ; To Thee, moft holy, juft and true, Who made both earth and heav'n. V. Ye Saints who dwell on high, In endlefs realms of light ; While ye furround his majefty, In fongs of praife unite. %'* v» v* Jm A A A i A A~ A - A jSkjk, & aa i2§ M A 4 $'* iA*AuA«A<^fe« «•">.»* •*.*"**».% »,» '« '/ji* ^"w />•• #v* '* *i* ** *5rV "P *i % V *i* *i* A PSALM O F P R A I S E, Compofed while the Author was taking a retired Walk in the Country. Long Metre. *\ X 7 H I L E here I pafs by fields of corn, Where num'rous flow'rs my path adorn ; O may my 'fpiring foul arife, And mount above thefe lower fkies. II. 7 o THOUGHTS IN IL Here let me dwell on joys divine, In fongs of praife with angels join ; While trees, herbs, flow'rs, that round me grow, Th' Almighty's works and wifdom fhow. Ill Here from the noify world retir'd, May I, by love divine infpir'd, The mercies of my God record, And fing the goodnefs of the Lord. IV. Ye fcenes of carnal vain delight Which drown the fenfe and charm the fight $ Ye earthly joys, which moft purfue, Fantaftic pleafures, all adieu. V. This life at beft is but a dream ! Jefus ! be thou my endlefs theme; Then welcome death's laft folemn calf, Vain world farewell, my God's my alL EPI S~ EPISTOLARY, ALLEGORICAL, AND DESCRIPTIVE THOUGHTS. Thoughts, if good and worthy to be remembered, foould be written doivn, to imprefs them on the mind ; but if not likely to be edifying and inftruftive, had better be forgotten : Reader, what are thine? YOUNGER LIFE. 73 %•* ,', » : * ifeirit » : ' •> « : * v* *V »>?.*>. &..&•. y*..*>.V».V» .v' ,.&«&. »"•.. •# . •,,#,»"■#,»#,» »,» "#.V V.V«,V >.» '*.» • *» »■» *■< M *;* •;* *;* *•* •;• 'ff ';* LETTER I. 7Z>c Fellies of the Age lamented, 1 N A LETTER T O A YOUNG FRIEND. tatipora ! morts ! YOUTH is undoubtedly, as you obferve, my dear Friend, the beft feafon to improve in knowledge, and imbibe inftruclion ; to purfue thofe fludies which may be an ornament in riper years, and afford matter for comfort in the decline of life ; efpecially the ftudy of Religion, this can never be too early inculcated on the young and tender mind, nor too deeply imprcft by precept and ex- ample ; for it will bear up the good man in the fharpeft trials, and enable him to rejoice even in the views of his diflolution (a). Religion's all ; the goddefs in her left Holds out this world and in her right the next. Night Thoughts. (a) Gcd'inefs (or true religion) bath the prcmife of the life that now is, and of that which is to come, i Timothy iv. 8. E But 7 . + THOU GHT-S IN But ah ! bow little is it regarded in the prefent -day ; the rifmg generation, fo far from attending to the concerns of their fouls, live and act as if they had no fouls to be concerned about; wholly immeril in gaiety and amufements, they have no opportunity, or rather inclination, to reflect on a world to come* melancholy thought! how fadly does it evidence the glaring neglect and inattention of parents, and thofe who have the care of youths, refpecTmg their beft interefts for time and eternity; how few are there, who look for happinefs in the paths of piety and virtue, where alone it can be found ? how few are there, who remember their Creator in the days of their youth, or ktkfrjl the kingdom of God and his righteoufnefs, in this fafhionable thoughtlefs age? Where is now the early piety of a Samuel (tf ), the chaftity of a Jofepb (£), or the deep repentance for fin of a David (<:) to be found r alas ! only in the Bible. "Inftead of fuch examples of diftinguiflied worth .and amiable qualities; youthful impiety, fenfuality and impenitence (fad contraft) are the reign- ing characleriftics of this wicked and adulterous generation ; what dreadful judgments may we not fuppofc hanging over and ready to be inflidled on fuch (a) i Samuel ii. i3, (£) Genefis xxx:x» t2. (c) Pfclm.li. 3. YOUNGER LIFE. 75 fuch a provoking, though highly favoured land, fuch a degenerate though enlightened age? Mdy you and I, my dear friend, ever be thankful for, and endeavour to live up to, the religious education we have received, and the patterns of fobriety and godlinefs fet before us by our honoured parents, that we may be bieffings to them while on earth, and, after death, blefTed for ever with them in heaven. I remain, dear friend, Hjt'on-ftreet, Your fincere well-wifher, December i6. P. S. Remember, according to agreement, to write to me next week, in anfwer to that queftion; Who are the wifejl > the moft religious , or ths mod learned (d) ? (,/) The A-Jthor had the happinefs to be acquainted with a few ferinus young perfons (out of the multitudes of unthinking ones) whom he kept up a weekly correspondence, as they lived at (om?. diftance from him j and it was made 3 fettled rule during this inter- courfe, for each party to propofe and anfwer religious queftions ^vr. nately. A practice he woulu earrjeftJy »ecomnieiid to youths oj ^exes, as of far mare real benefn, >lite car-is o or frivolous epiflks now in veguc. E 2 7h 7 6 THOUGHTS IN S15SSS31S *Bamm LETTER II. 7/5* Chrijliatis Origin and Happinefs j c R T H E BEGINNING and E NO * O F A REAL CHRISTIAN: Extracted from a Letter to Philander. My dear friend's enquiry, Who are real Chriftians? occafions my troubling him with the following obfervations. Chriftian is the hi^befl Rile of man. Dr young. HTHE term Chrijlian, is by fome underftood to fignify a fanatical Enthufiaft, and taken as granted by others for a Mcthodijl or Madman ; it is adopted by too many as a title of reproach refpect- Ifng the ferious part of mankind, and made ufe of by the thoughtlefs and profane to ridicule the pro- fefTors of Religion ; while the world in general is totally ignorant of the true meaning and import of tha thing itfelf, and wilfuljy eftranged to the intereft- YOUNGER LIFE. 77 interefting and important character of a real Chris- tian, The appellation of a Chriftian was derived from the great and glorious Author of Chriftianity, ycfus Chrljl ; and has ever been given to thofe who pro- fefs to be followers of, and believers in him ; in like manner as the term Mahometans is applied to the followers of Mahomet j Papijls to all who arc under the papal authority ; and Infidels to the efpoufers of infidelity (» *> >tf ».<».* g '**"**" «»"*&' >•* *> «■;» V *i* V *5^ - LETTER IV. The following Lines were written to a Young Gentleman, whofe Life was a Scene of Folly, Wickednefs, and Difli- pation •, and are earneftly recommended to the perufal of every thoughtlefs Youth. A CCEPT thefe verfes from a friend fincere, And flop, unthinking youth, your mad career ; Confider well how fhort your life may prove ; Tho' youngs the grave may be your next remove : The hour-glafs of your time, tho' juft begun, Will, think or not think of it, foon be run (f) ; You, now in health, may reckon all is well, But be afiur'd your fteps take hold on hell ; Tho' you are young, you're not too young to die. Death's (hafts thro' all, without diftin&ion fly. Take my advice for once, give God your prime, Say not that you'll repent in future time ; That future time, to you, may ne'er be known, The prefent only, you can call your own ; When t/l Youth is not rich in time, it may be poor, Pait with it as with money, Sparingly, Dr Young. YOUNGER LIFE. 83 When nature's foe has his commifiion feal'd, There's no efcape we're fure, for all muft yield (A). Then be perfuaded and in time be wife, 'Tis in delay your great ejl danger lies ; Dare to be good, while others loft to fhame, Dare vainly mention their Creator's name j Dare to be virt'ous, and your ways amend, For adting thus, you'll make your God your Friend. • I remain, Your real well-wifher, SOPHRONIUS. {h) As by fin came death, fo death faft upon- all men, for that all have finned, Romans v. 12, &3 LETTER 8 4 THOUGHTS IN C$l?$&®gl LETTER V. T O A YOUNG F RIENP, On Subje&s proper for Epiftolary Eflays. Dear Sir, "\Z O U think the fubje&s I write on, as well as my converfation in general, rather too grave and ferious for a young fellow ; Why fo ? becaufe you obferve, young people fhould leave all gravity and ferioufnefs to the old, the fickly, and infirm ; to thofe who are more advanced in life, and not fo able to enjoy it : bad reafoning this indeed ! no, be affured we can never be ferious too foon, nor gny too late ; I am certain we fhall have no reafon on a death-bed to lament our early piety, though we may be ridiculed by our fellow-creatures for it now; it is better to be laughed at by men here, than to be mocked by God hereafter (g). With refpeel to my letters, I wifli to write upon no fuhje&s but what may improve, while they enter- Qj-) I will Iau^h at thur calamity, and mock when their fea tomeih, Ptwei&s'u z6. YOUNGER LIFE. 85 entertain, and be in fome meafure ufeful, edifying, and inftructive ; becaufe fuch epiftles muft be more or lefs improving to the writer, as well as reader of them, and fo prove doubly beneficial. I wifli not to appear a methodiftical Enthufiaft either in my life or letters, but only ferioufly cheerful and cheerfully ferious in both : how happy muft that perfon be, who, on a review of his paft life on a dy- ing bed, is able to fay (as I hope to be myfelf) I never did or wrote any thing that made virtue to figh, modejly blufh, ox piety fhed a tear. Though young perfons of the prefent age may be diftinguifhed by no epithets fo Anted to their conduct as thofe of thoughtlefs and imprudent \ yet is this fo defirable a character to imitate becaufe it is the ton, (as it is ftiled) ? a moment's reflection will evidence the impropriety of it : if we are reafonable beings, let us act as fuch ; for however it may be the fafhion to live like fools, it never was, or will be, the fa/hion to die fo. Men may live fools, but fools they cannot die. Young's Night Thoughts. Let us ever remember, my dear friend, though moft of our age may forget it, that we are young immortals, formed for an eternity, and hourly on the brink of it j that our youth will never excufe our neglect 86 THOUGHTS IN neglect of our duty when we know it; and that to be virtuous is to be truly happy. O may thefe thoughts poffefs my breaft, Where e'er I rove where e'er I reft ; Nor let my weaker paffions dare Confent to fin, for God is there. Dr Watts. Thefe thoughts regulating our actions, will yield us more inward fatisfaction and delight than can * poffibly arife from a round of worldly pleafures, or a courfe of diffipation (/) ; and fhould we live to be old, be the comfort and fupport of our grey hairs,r and our beft confolation in the views of death. I remain, Yours, &c. (i) What a Arising picture of modern fentiments and manners does the following dialogue beteen two men of fafhion hold out. Tom, I muft change the fcene, I can't go on, My health's deftroy'd, my fortune's nearly gone j Nature inverted, night turn'd into day, All facrific'd to that damn'd idol— play. Has God to man fuperior wifdom giv'n, To counteract the wholefome laws of heaven ? 'Pry'thee have done, dear friend, indeed you're wrong, Nature and God } can never be the Ten, T A „_ YOUNGER LIFE. 87 LETTER VI. T O A YOUNG MAN O N H I S MARRIAGE^). Marriage is honourable in all, S I R, A S one of your real and difinterefted friends, permit me fincerely to congratulate you on your feeing the happy day (fo long and earneftly wiflied for by you both) when the amiable Mifs . • • . gave her hand to you, who many months before pofleffed her heart, and in exchange had yours. With what inward pleafure and delight the (b) This Letter the Author fent to a young Friend, whofe wedding he went to by invitation, and for whom be had a great efteem 3 but who is fince dead of a confumption j on whom he wrote the following lines, which are engraven on his tomb ftone. A tender hufband, friend fincere, A pious youth lies mouldering here; Whofe foul, thro' fharp affliction's road, Freed from the body, flew to God, G, W, 88 THOUGHTS IN may you now fit down together loving and beloved, and recount the many difficulties you have fur- mounted, the trials you have gone through, and the dangers you have overcome, while fighing for each other in private, unhappy, difconfolate, and forlorn. It was with inexpreffible fatisfaclion, (felt only by thofe who are united in the bands of amity and friendfhip,) I was a fpeftator of your mutual and folemn engagements before God, angels, and men, to be each others for life : however, too many are entire ftrangers to the divine command; rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that vjeep : I hope it ever will be my temper and dif- pontion to participate of my neighbour's joy, and fympathize in his diftrefs ; but more efpecially where I have profeffed myfelf a friend : Give me leave then, Sir, not merely to wifh you joy, but to join with you in adoring that kind and gracious God who (when your happinefs feemed fartheft off", and you was almoft ready to defpair) removed every obftacle in your way, and proved your felicity at hand. When your union feemed totally fet afide, and you was loft between hope and fear (like a fhip in a ftorm, ready every moment to be dafhed againft the rocks) an ever-prefent Deity appeared, diffipated the heavy clouds of doubt, hufhed the reftlefs billows of your troubled thoughts, and in oppofition YOUNGER LIFE. 89 oppofition to every hindrance, brought you fafely (to carry on the metaphor) to the wifhed for haven : may you, in token of your gratitude for (o favour- able an interpofition of an all-wife and gracious Providence, live as well as /peak his praife : where you have a houfe, may he have an altar; where you have a dwelling, may he have a temple, with the acceptable facrifice of a broken and contrite heart offered up to him daily ; for hitherto the Lord hath brought you. Was I not affured of your efteem and reverence of divine things, I fhould not addrefs you in the language of infpiration ; but you have fome time fince, by giving yourfelf up to a church of Chrift, been enabled (through grace) to evidence your love to God, his ordinances and people, and given the greateft pleafure to a tender and affectionate mother, whofe heart fecretly yearns for you, that you may be found in Chrift at laft. Endeavour to adorn the doctrines you believe, and be an ornament to the profeffion you have made, by filling up the ftations you are placed in to the glory of God, the happinefs of your immortal foul, and the benefit of all around you : firft, as a kind and indulgent hujband^ love, honour, chcrifti and advife with the wife of your bofom ; let your con- vention and behaviour evidence to her and to the world, 9 o THOUGHTS IN world, that you not only do not repent, but are pleafed and happy in your choice; fhould you at* any time differ in your opinion from her in trifling matters, never let it be the caufe of anger, indif- ference, or difcontent, but pafs it over without giving her room to think you fullen or difpleafed ; and if you would have her be a good wife, fhow it by proving yourfelf a good hujband. In the fecond place, as the mafter of a family, let your example be in every refpedl: worthy imitation \ be prudent and difcreet, humane, generous and be- nevolent, without orientation or prodigality; recom- mend the ways of piety and virtue to your domeftics by a fuitable walk and conduit; let your light fo JJnne before men, that others feeing your good works, may glorify your Father who is in heaven; in the third place, as a tradefman, he diligent in lufinefs, fervent in fpirit, ferving the Lord \ be honeft and induftri- cus, but anxioufly careful for nothing ; let truth and integrity preferve you ; do as you would be done by ; beware of your company ; fhun every vice with the greateft abhorrence ; do juflly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will dire ft ihyfteps. In every ftation adt up to the character of a man a-nd chriftian, fo (hall you be a blefling to all around you, recommend yourfelf to the approbation of your Makeo YOUNGER LIFE. 91 Maker, and in the continuance of well-doing be received at death into manfions of eternal happineft above. Should the world laugh you to fcorn, pity and pray for them, for they know not what they do ; and ferioufly reflect who will have moft reafon to laugh or be joyful on a dying bed, and in the world to come. Continue ftedfaft in the faith, knowing the Lord, who cannot lie, hath faid, be thou faithful unto deaths and I will give thee a crewn of life. But fearful of being too tedious, I will take my leave of you here, fincerely wifhing you, and your amiable partner and companion, all that can make you happy for both worlds j farewel. You may be curious to know who the writer of this epiftle is, be fatisfied with the aiTurance that he is, Sir, Your real well-wifher, And fncere friend, BaM vinVgardens, March 2 I. ANONYMOUS. 92 THOUGHTS IN % LETTER VII. T A YOUNG GENTLEMAN O N INFANT BAPTISM. S I R, PROM the fhort time of our intimacy with each other, you may very juftly be furprized at my taking the liberty of writing to you, to beg your fentiments (while I briefly exprefs my own) on a point of do&rine, which has ever been a matter ofdifputeamongChriflians in all ages, and will in all probability remain fo to the end of time ; [ mean In- fant Baptifm : but as I am well allured you have long ago made it the matter of your ftudy and medita- tion, I hope you will excufe the freedom of my re- queft, and am perfuaded of your ready compliance from your known complacency and good-nature. It is a general obfervation, as the bough is bent the tree is inclined ; or, in other words, education forms the judgment. You have enjoyed, for many years, YOUNGER LIFE, 93 years, the example and inftru&ions of pious and in- dulgent parents, a mercy you cannot be thankful enough for, nor improve better than living up thereto : but as in matters of religion, perfons fliould choofc for themfelves, not fit down carclefs and unconcerned about what they profefs, (o I am cer- tain it is the duty of every one to have, with Peter ^ A reafon to give for the hope that is within him. We are not commanded, nor can I think there is the leaft neceffity for us to pin our faith (according to the old but juft obfervation) upon any man's fleeve ; the great and only object of our belief and obedience (hould be Je/us Chrijl, whole imitable perfections we are to follow (as far as we are capa- ble) in this finite ftate of fin and imperfection. Permit me to obferve how weak and foolifh that man muft appear, who, when afked why he is of fuch or fuch a particular fejft in religion, fhould anfwer, becaufe my father and mother were : not that I fuppofe you would make this reply, knowing you have furnifhed yourfelf with many nervous arguments to defend and fupport thofe doctrines you have been educated in and profefs to believe; but am well affured there are too many (who would willingly be accounted true chriftians) if afked the above queftion, to their fhame be it fpoken, have nothing elfe to fay, having never taken the pains of 94 T HOUGHTS IN of enquiring into trie fuitablenefs or impropriety of their own, or any other way of thinking, but fatisfy themfelves with being of the fame denomination as their parents were before them : how indolent, flothful, and blameworthy, fuch muft appear in matters of the greateft moment and importance, I Jeave you to determine. I know you have been perfuaded, by thofe about you, that Infant Baptifm is not to be admitted as a legal inftitution, much lefs an eftablifhed ordinance of the gofpel ; your relations being Baptifts have ftrenuoufly endeavoured to convince you of the im- propriety, as well as invalidity, of this do&rine in particular; it is natural to fuppofe if they thought they were in the right (which undoubgdly they did, or they would not have adhered to this par- ticular tenet) that they would do all in their power to make their children believe the fame, by every precept, admonition, and advice relative thereto (/'). The prejudice of education I own is great in many points, efpecially thofe concerning religion ; what ' is inftilled in the minds of youth, is often found to bias them in riper years ; particularly with refpeii to (/) The Author does not wifli to enter into, or promote a religious controverfy by the above epiftle, being too well perfuaded where con- troverfy begins, religion commonly ends j but only inferred it as among the number of thofe le'.ters he wrote to his young friends. ^ YOUNGER LIFE. 95 to thofe various difputable doctrines they were then taught to receive as found and orthodox \ but it mud be allowed by all parties to be extremely wrong, not to fearch into and examine what we believe ; however you may take it for granted that your parents were right, yet give me leave to fay, it is your and every one's indifpcnfible duty to bring thofe notions of religion and its different inftitu- tions, ceremonies, and appointments, you have im- bibed in younger life, to the teft of the word of God ; or for what intent did the apoftle Paul ex- hort the TbeJJaloniam to prove all things , and hold fajt that which is good (k). It appears to me very clear, from numerous texts of fcripture, that Infants are not to be excludcTI*from the ordinance of Baptifm, it be- ing an allowed privilege, under the New-Tefta* ment difpenfation, coming in the room and ftead of circumcifion under the Law, or I cannot fee what did ; and all acknowledge that Chrift came into the world to enlarge (not to leflen) the privileges of the gofpel ; the latter being abolifhed at ChriiVs coming, the former was appointed to fuppiy its place, to enlarge the benefits attending it, which it evidently does, as it may and is to be adminiftered both to male and female, which cir- cumcifion could not be. It (*) I Thcllalonians v, 21. 9 6 THOUGHTS IN It is generally efteemed as the way of admiflion into the church of Chrift, and praciifed as fuch by moft fedts of chriftians •> if children then are improper fubjecls of, and to be denied this gofpel privilege, the great and blefled inftitutor of it muft have greatly erred when he faid to his difciples, fuffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of fuch is the kingdom of God (/) : but as the one is impious and abfurd, fo the other is as im- probable and unlikely. Infants muft be as fit fub- jecls for Chrift's kingdom now as under the Law ; therefore, as they are no where forbidden to be ad- mitted, and as no ordinance but baptifm is appointed as the way and means of admiflion, I cannot but think they ought to be baptized, as the Lord faid unto Abraham, I will make an everlajling covenant between me and thee, and thy feed after thee (m) j and I will be their God y and they Ji hall be my people. If infant baptifm is to be exploded as an errone- ous inftitution, then I fincerely pity the children of believers in the prefent day; who, (unable to plead their own caufe) muft not be efteemed with thofe (/) Mark x. 14. If children may come to Chrift, and the kingdom of God is made up of fuch, furely they may and ought to be baptized 5 they are as proper fubjecls to be devoted and given up to God under tke Gcfpel, as they were under the Law, (n.) Genefis xyii. 7, YOUNGER LIFE. 97 thofe under the Law as fit to be made members of the great Head of the church ; and dying fuch, O how awful ! fhould they be thought unworthy of this high honour and privilege by God, as they were by their parents here below : but meliora [pcramuu A few verfes and I remain, Sir, Yours to command, I. If children under Mofes" Law Were to be circumcis'd ; Under the Gofpel, tell me why They're not to be baptized 'f II. Chrift came in order to fulfil, The Law in all refpects ; Then why (hould not believers* feed Partake the good effects ? Ill They in the covenant were of old, Which God to Abraham gave ; And not excluded^ ftill they muft An intereft in it have(;/). (») Many m; re arguments might be mentioned in fupport of t!i c v.-i «» #^% #.» ** *.» #/* . *y» #,» •#.%*•*.>•- •>*' , *,»"iJr , V^S">.%* V^ '*»' LETTER VIIL ]Erafl Eusebes, junior \ to a young Acquaint- ance^ ) ; but this, as well as every other fnare, 1 hope to be preferved from by the aforementioned grace exerted in my behalf, and the checks of a yet tender, though condemning' confeience. To enumerate the various enticements to fin, continually prefented to my view, would fwell this epiftle far beyond the bounds intended, and f 2 lc (/») If young perfons were conflantly afraid of falling into temptation, it would keep them more upon their guard againft it ; biit alas ! ihey feem to invite rather than avoid the foaie* thty aie fuxrounded with. ico THOUGHTS IN be in no wife interefting or inftructive ; per- mit me, therefore, to mention only two or three of the mod dangerous of them, which at the fame time as they call for my greatefl circumfpe&ion, may convince you it is not for want of Opportu- nity or Importunity, that I am at prefent in any refpecl more prudent and difcreet than others, but alone through grace \ for I would always adopt the apoftle's language, By the grace of God I am what I am. The firft, next to my own corrupt nature, is the fituation I am placed in, which though eaiy 2nd genteel, places me in the midft of a fet of men loft to all fenfe of virtue, fobriety, and religion; ftrangers to every thing commendable and praife- worthy, unlefs a delight in vicious and abandoned purfuits, and a conftant aifiduous endeavour to make others as bad, if not worfe than themfelves, is deferring imitation and applaufe : the next is the affluence Providence permits me to enjoy ; which, as it affords me the means of vice, might ■eafily tempt me to the praflice of it, to the utter deftrucYion of both body and foul ; but blcfled be that divine and almighty power which has thus far, and I hope ever will, appear in my behalf, and prevent meat all times from falling into the danger- ous paths of error and fcnfuality. I fear YOUNGER LIFE. 101 I fear you will read yourfelf to fleep with perill- ing (o long and unfafhionably fcrious an epiflle ; therefore I will tire your patience no longer than while I conclude with filling myfelf, Your real wcll-wiflicr, EUSEBES 3 junior. LETTER 102 THOUGHTS IN j^^^^^^^^^^^^^f^ LETTER IX. T O A YOUNG LADY FOND OF COQUETRY and ADMIRATION, And who too much encouraged them by her Aftions* Too Amiable Chora, T Am perfuaded you cannot be an entire ftrangcr to the agreeable fenfations your beauty raifes in the breaft of every beholder [q) \ but am extremely forry to fee you fo often in public places of amufe- ment, furrounded with fuch a«croud of thoughtlefs infignificant coxcombs, who (from their difcourfes, which lately I overheard) only admire to betray you, and profefs an ardent efteem merely to facili- tate your ruin. A few ( know, would fully convince you for what ba ends and purpolcs alone ^ they declare thcmfelves your avowed devotees : pardon, madam, the free- dom of this epiftle, the writer (though he may be not fo happy as to (hare in your eilcem) being prompted by a real defire of feeing you happy in the good opinion of your friends, and unblameable in the> eftimation of your relatives and acquaint- ance. You are undoubtedly polTeft of numerous per- fonal and mental charms, above many of your fix, fufficient to gain the hearts of the mod fenfible and difcerning, were they not fullied and rendered too common by an over-fondnefs for general admira- tion [q) ; a foible which, however accounted the natural failing of the ladies, has nothing to plead in its behalf refpefling you - y but youth, inexperi- ence, and the want of an indulgent mother,,, whofe precepts and inftrudions might have taught you to F 4 contemn [q) A handfome woman, however ihe cannot but know &c is i»>, ought to mak« it her conftant ftudy to behave as if fhe was ignorant of it 5 and allow no freedoms to be taken with her, but fuch as aie ccun- enanced by virtue, modefty, and good manners. io 4 THOUGHTS IN contemn the flattery of defigning villians with a fuit- able refentment ; while her amiable conduit and example would have directed you to feek the appro- bation of him alone j who next to your Creator would, as your partner for life, deferve your warmeft love. Permit me to afTure you, however virtuous you are in your difpofition, your admitting young fel- lows (whom I know to be almoft ftrangers to you, or rather the acquaintance of a day) to fuch liber- ties which I have feen them take, gives too much reafon for the world to fufpedr, defpife, and look on you as a mere Coquet, or fomething worfe (r) : forgive my being fo plain, but open rebuke is better than fecret love; I am perfuaded was your dear furviving parent to be informed of what I have often been an eye-witnefs to, concerning your behaviour in public company, it would go near to break his heart, and bring him with forrow to the grave ; as you are certain he doats on you beyond expreflion, and denies you nothing that he thinks would contribute in the lead to your real happinefs and advantage. Reflect, Madam, I fincerely beg before it is too late, for your father's fake, for your own fake, and, l — ' ■ ' ■' ■ ■ — * (r) A modeft refer vednefe is a woman's chief ornament, and belt 4tfencc againft the imprudent freedoms of defining adulation. YOUNGER LIFE. 10 and, if I may be allowed to add, his alio who in fecret adores you (j). Your character and reputation are at itake, which if once loll, are next to impofliblc to retrieve : though you mean no harm, as it is generally termed, and you may be (as I doubt not you as yet really are) innocent, be perfuaded you do well to be cautious of giving any one room to think amifs of you, for perfons are top apt to judge rafhly and to our difadvantage, without having ground for it, much more fo when they have. Should this well-meant expoftutary letter meet with the fate I expect, it will be burnt or torn in pieces before it is read ; but know, Mus, you will (how more good fenfe and penetration in keeping it for your daily perufal and observance, as it contains nothing but the undifguifed fentimente of a tealy though unknown friend, who in the bloom of youth, and furrounded with the gifts of fortune, begs leave to ftile himfelf, Yours to command, Finchley, May 16, AMINTOR. (5) A young gentleman who much admired and efteemed the lady, begged tbe Author to indite a few lines to her on the above fub;e£t, his own hand writing being too well known not to be discovered, LETTER 106 THOUGHTS IN LETTER X, T O A YOUNG GENTLEMAN, Shewing whence the Happinefs of the Married- State is derived^ on what it is founded, and how it may be prolonged. Dear Friend and Companion of my Youth, ^\J O U wifh to know my fentiments concerning entering into the married-ftate, or rather my ©pinioa of the ftate itfelf; permit mc therefore to give it you in as concife a manner as poffible, and with the freedom and opennefs of a real friend ; and fhould I be rather brief in exprefiing my thoughts, I hope you will forgive me, being at prefent much hurried in bufinefs, and having but little, or rather no time to fpare. I muft acknowledge, it is in my view and cftimation, not only a lawful and commendable, but truly honourable, and (if it is not the fault of the parties entered into it) a felicitating and happy flate, capable of, and often the fource and ipring from whence arifes the fweeteft comfort, mofl YOUNGER LIFE. 107 moft foliJ fatisfaction, and unallayed tranquil- lity this chequered world can boaft of: if thefc who are united in the facred bands do but en- deavour upon all occafions to make proper allow- ances for each other's failings ; to cover thofe faults with a mantle of love, which it may be they can- not help feeing; and in every action to ftudy the tafte, difpofition, and inclination of both parties, fo as to evidence a mutual defire of pleafir.g and be- ing pleafed, they cannot furely but be happy. If any ftate on earth is capable of affording true, rational,- and mental pleafure that will always bear reflection, it muft be this ; though it muft be acknow- ledged at the fame time, by imprudence, inconfidera- tion, and a cold indifference, it may be made one of the moft miferable (s) : look before you leap^ and ma- turely confider the circumftances, temper, and cha- racter of the beloved object, as well as your own, is no bad advice to both fexes on this important fubject, together with the confideration that it is — FOR LIFE. I remain, dear friend, Your?, in &afW, T'HERON, juoioV. (j) Indifference, in the married flate, will always be fooner cr late* the lource of mifery, eilher to the hu (band or wife, and often pruve fo to b'Jtb parties, LET T E R. ioS THOUGHTS IN LETTER XI. A N ALLEGORICAL EPISTLE T O A YOUNG MARRIED LADY, Concerning her Conduct as a Wife (/). My Amiable Friend. A C C E P T the following without offence, dictated by a real defire of promoting that mutual -affe£t;on between you and your dear Alta- mont, the continuance of which is the very eflence of conjugal felicity. You and your hufband are placed in the garden of marriage, as our iirft parents were in the garden of Eden^ for the com- fort and afliftance of each other through life ; and as in paradife there were many trees, beautiful to trre eye, whofe fruit was fragrant to the fmel), and pleafant to the tafte, both for nourifhment and delight, (t) The three following epiftlcs, with thofe under the tide of the Liyman, were infer ted by the Author Tome years ago, in a public newt- pa per, fuggeftcd by remarkable anecdotes which he had read therein, YOUNGER LIFE. 109 delight, to add to the beauty of the iituation and incrcafe the happinefs they enjoyed ; Co there arc here, which take root in the duration of a reci- procal cfteem, and whofe fruits are ripened by con- ftancy and love; yet there is one not planted there as the tree of knowledge was in Eden, but fprings up and flourishes by a cold indifference ; it is called Adultery, and its fruits are jealoufy, contention, and hatred, which in the end introduce a lafting- feparation with ignominy and difgrace; it is nourifhed in the breaft by the grand apoftate, and brought to maturity by defigning men, who (like the cunning ferpent) tempt you to tafte it by their baleful whifpers, and overcome at laft by improper freedoms. Of this I conjure you to beware, as thou valueft thy own, or thy partner's happinefs; for the day thou eateft thereof, peace (hall abandon thy habitation, and tranquillity fly thy breaft (#). Liften not to the tempter of your virtue, but fhun him with a juft difdain; make your hu/band the fi!§ repofitory of your fecrets, and the only partner of your bed ; he will prove your faithful guardian and protestor againft the mal-defigns of treacherous and bafe feducers -> truft not too much to your own in- trepidity, («) See a fmall ingenious tratt lately pub'ifhed, entitled, The Cuidc to Domeftic Happinefs, no THOUGHTS IN trepidity, left you fall like Eve (the flrft fair cap- tive to adulation and deceit) a prey to flattery, artifice, and guile, Excufe my freedom and importunity ; I am kn~ fible of your danger, and, as a friend, would fore- warn you of it. Your good nature and unfufpedt- ing temper expofe you greatly, and prove the necef- iity of the caution (#). Avoid then, my dear Sophia, the company of him who (though in whatever light you may view him.) can be ftiled nothing better -than a bafe gallant, left by yielding to the tempter you ruin both aX once. I am. With the greateft fincerity and "refpeS, Your real well-wifher and humble fervant, A young Philanthropist. (x) A young woman of an open and unfufpecling temper, and not aware of the many wicked dcfigns and machinations of beiraying man, is not only a ready prey for, but too frequently falls a ruined facrirlce to the importunities and cunning of guileful treachery and enfnaring aduu- iation 5 fcs7bomJon$ Spring, from line 970, LETTER YOUNGER LIFE. trt LETTER XII. T O A MARRIED GENTLEMAN, Dijfuading him from Unreaf enable Jealoufy. Dear Friend, THE happinefs you and your dear partner have enjoyed for fcveral years, is better ex- perienced than expreft, and I doubt not was the original defign the author of all things had in view . in the marriage inftitution ; but the late difagree- able appearances in your behaviour, give too great reafpn to fear it is near its diflblution. The fine weather the day began with, feems to be clouded and overcaft ; the comfort and pleafure your Cepkifq promiftd heifelf at her union, appears to be wither- ing in its bloom. The fun of connubial felicity fhone at your marriage with a pleafing luftre, not the leaft appearance of difcontent (as a cloud) intervened, to hide the radiance of its beams. Your unfuilied. tempers (like the blue expanfe of heaven without a fpot) discovered pure affeclion and unfeigned love; your friends were delighted with the prof- pedis ii2 THOUGHTS IN pe&s of your future blrfs, and thought you the happieft of the human race, but behold, a dark and thick cloud on a fudden intercepts the agreeable view, and threatens an immediate fhovver; the brooding ftorm feems ftruggling in your breaft and portends diflike. Your angry looks, like flafhes of lightening, affright your tender wife and fill her eyes with tears ; your hafty words, like dreadful claps of thunder, ftrike terror to her foul and forebode diftra&ion (y). Stop then in time its alarming progrefs, before itburfts into open hatred, and ends with the total ruin of your partner's comfort and happinefs j difTipate thofe jealous thoughts you have fo unreafonably chcrifhed, and drive away the va- pours of fufpicion from your troubled mind ; let the rays of mature reflection pierce through the clouds of jealoufy, and brighten your future con- duct with unfading and renewed efteem. I am, dear friend, Your real well-wifher to command, THYMANDER. (y) Love is rtrong as death, Jealoufy cruel as the grave, Solomon $ Song viii, 6, LETTER YOUNGER LIFE. 113 LETTER XIII. TO A YOUNG LADY, TOO FOND OF ADULATION. Amiable Berinda, A S the fruit of the tree of conjugal love in the garden of marriage, you are in your parents' hands and at their difpofal ; your beauty, like the bloom of the peach, attracts admiration and creates efteem ; your affability and good nature, like the fweetnefs of the apple, recommend you to all your acquaintance; your good fenfe and difcretion, like the foftnefs of the plumb, prove you ripe for the indiffoluble union, and give reafon to hope you will add happinefs to the ftate; but there is a cer- tain fnail which foon will corrode your winning temper, and fpoil your pleating charms, unlefs re- moved by the hand of prudence, and deilroyed by the foot of reafon ; it is called flattery, and covered with the fhell of a fpecious friendfliip; encourage not its approach by your approving fmiles, nor per- mit ii4 THOUGHTS IN mit it too near you left you are overcome (z) ; for when once fixt it is almoft impoffible to fhake it off; let the dilates of fincerity engage your atten- tion, and the words of truth excite your regard. Defpife the treacherous flatterer with a juft ab- horrence, and look on adulation with difdain 5 fo fhall vanity be a ftranger to your perfon, and a man of fenfe and difcernment the worthy inherit^ of your charms (a). I remain, with all due refpeft, Hackney, May 12 . Your real friend, SOPHRON1US. (*) Proverbs xxvi, 28. (a) Let the fooliih ani vain at the toilet ftill vie, Jn the fimple endeavour to rival — a fly j Do you, like the bee., ev'ry moment improve, Aad merit a love which no time can remove* LETTER YOUNGER LIFE. 115 .»"•. <5» s* Jm j3», »"/..»'• •'•, -'• •'. %'* yU, J#. » r »..ViU.* r ». »'» .sfe. >T '..V*. *■'' .•'» **:% v '. v .* ';*';•'-.* ' v *;**'V . V V ; V • r ;* V V '. LETTER XIV, T O A LADY IN THE COUNTRY* With Jome Verfes en the qualifications necejfary to make a good Hujland. Madam, T Do not know what you will think of the liberty I take in troubling you fo often with my offici- ous fcrawl, but this I am certain of, nothing but that genuine friendship, which however undeferv- ing, I have fome reafon to flatter myfelf you have for me, can procure your forgivenefs. The civility and refpect I have always received from your family, demand a thankful remembrance and fuitable return ; not only infpired with, but actuated by the ennobling principle of gratitude, I will make it my conftant aim to approve myfelf worthy your future efteem, and the tenor of my actions n6 THOUGHTS IN n&ions to merit the continuance of your good opinion, as well as the approbation of your friends, to whom I have the happinefs of being known. My chief defign for vifiting B , next to the enjoyment of your agreeable company, is to pay my perfonal refpedls to thofe of your relation?, in whofe efteem I pleafe myfelf with the thought I have to great, though unmerited a (hare. . . ; I cannot finifh this epiftle without inferting fome lines addreffed to Mifs , on her intended marriage with Mr ■ , fuggefting a few quef- tions absolutely neceffary to be anfwered in the affirmative, before the wedding-day is fixed on by the lady ; concluding with an earneft prayer for their happy union and permanent felicity. Vouchfafe your pardon, dear engaging friend, If my beft wiflies I prefume to fend In humble verfe ; forgive a poet's lays, Whofe firft ambition is to gain your praife; Who hopes when e'er you marry, you may prove Bleft in a hufband worthy all your love. I hear, kind Mifs, and I believe 'tis true, A certain perfon here, is courting you, Whofe name is W , and I think in truth, From what I've feen he is a likely youth $ I owa YOUNGER LIFE. / 117 I own he's young, but that he'll foon get over, The queftion is, is he a real lover {a) ? You've known him long, fay, for you beft can tell, Has he the character of living well (b) ? Is he induftr'ous, is he well inclin'd, Docs he his bus'nefs more than pleafure mind ? In all his dealings is he juft and right ? And ever a&s as in his Maker's fi^ht ? Is he a prudent and difcreet young man ? And does he form his life on virtue's plan ? Is he good natur'd and from vices free ? What does his ruling paffion feem to be ? What are his notions of religion too ? Is he a real Chriftian (c) ? what think you ? If fo, he's worthy of your warmeft love, And form'd to blefs you ; — Grant ye Pow'rs above If 'tis your will ; this pair may foon be join'd, And all the happinefs of marriage find (d). Your (a) If every young lady would make the above enquiries before they admit the addrefit-s of their admirers, they would not fo often meet with bad hufbands in the married ftate. (i>) The term living well here, is to be undeiftood net as appetite, but religion dictates. (c) W/thout rrligioTj, how can arjy relation in life be ftiled defirabl.*? morality may indeed make a perfon fober and honeft, but real Cbrif- tianity alone confirms and fecures fidelity and good temper to the end. ( but my inheritance is fecurcd, and my crown fadeth not away : I am defcended from the great Eternal of the Ikies ; he is my Father, my Guardian, and my Protector ; his hand (hall fafely guide me through the maze of life, and the glory of his prefence illu- mine the valley of the ihadow of death. Having fpoken thefc words, Virtue and her companions purfued their journey along the road of Mortality with cheerfulncfs. Amidft all the fatigue and difficulties that attended them, they G fainted 122 THOUGHTS IN fainted not, nor were they weary. At laft they reached that ancient town in the road of life, ftiled Old Age ', where they were feized by Infirmity, Sicknefs, and Decline ; and after being for fome time confined in the prifon of Fatality , they were conducted through the land of darknefs to the region of Death, where their faces turned pale with fear, till ac- cofted by Good Confidence, who prom i fed to appear as their friend, when they were brought to the bar for trial ; nor did he fail in his promife : the judge was fatisfied, and commanded Innocence to waft tbem over the river Jordan, and land them on the wiiht-for fhore of a blifsful Immortality y here they were embraced by Glory, and with him took their flight from the view of mortals. From hence we may learn, that Virtue leads to happinefs hereafter, though it may be greatly diftreft while here below ; and is undoubtedly in the end, its own reward. That we may each of us find it fo to our eternal felicity in a world to corae, is the tincerc wi(h and earneft prayer of, Dear Sobrina, Yours till death. LETTER YOUNGER LIFE. 123 v» #.» *,» #.•">,»•*>.»#,»•*.* #.» #,» #.. • ** y VV #1* #.* «.» *> M #.« «j» *d» LETTER XV. 7/fc Frailty of Human Life> CONSIDERED AND IMPROVED; Written to a Friend on the Death of an amiable Toung Lady. Vanity of Vanities^ all is Vanity. Difce vivere et memento mori, Dear Sir, HE truly pious and amiable Mifs U— — • T has at length obtained her joyful and defired releafe from earth and all hs forrows, pains, cala- mities, and fears ; (he is now, I doubt not, beyond expreffion and above conception, truly bleft. — Blejl with the beatific prefencc, and feated at the right hand of her heavenly Father •, Friend^ and portion.— How great and furprizing mult the change appear to the unembodied foul, freed from the clogs and afflictions of this probationary world, and en- tered into joy unfpealcable and full of glory ? — Yes, Maria's gone, to join with kindred faints, in fongs of endlefs praife, — While here below, G 2 it 124 THOUGHTS IN it was all her aim to ferve, love, and obey that God, whom now (he views with rapture face to face. Bleft faint, farewell Alas ! what are the moft defirable enjoyments of this prefent ftate, this ftate of trial and probation ? but the mere out-fides of felicity, and the ignis fatuus of true happinefs. — Riches, take themfelves wings and flee away : Honours, how ineffectual to produce or fecure contentment and fausfaction re- fpedting their pofTefTors ! Pleafurcs, how momen- tary, uncertain, and at beft, how frail ! Well may the departed fpirit fay, on reviewing the tran- fitory nature of terreftrial joys, Life is a dream y and all things (how it ^ I thought fo once, but now I know it. When we reflect on the inftability of every finite good, how unsatisfactory and delulive the things of time and fenfe appear to the thinking, ferious, and difcerning part of mankind, and how unable to procure felicity, unalloyed with pain, difappoint- ments, afHi&ion and diftrefs ; we cannot but join with Solomon in acknowledging, vanity of vanities, all is vanity and vexation of fpirit [a). One friend or another is continually dropping into the filent grave and reminding us of our own mortality, (a) £cclefiaftes i. 2. YOUNGER LIFE. 125, mortality, while the returning feafons of the year evidence, in the renovation and decays of nature's brighteft fcenes, the poffibility (and I was going to fay, almoft the certainty) of a general refurrec- tion ; a doctrine fo plainly held out and aflerted in the facred writings, that no one who has imparti- ally fludied them, can difbelieve or deny. How unfpeakably happy will it be for us, my dear friend, if dying in the Lord y we rife again at the laft great day to a blifsful immortality and eter- nal life; indeed what would all the comforts, blefs- ings, promifes, or threatnings held out in the fcrip- tures avail, or what would the Bible itfelf be worth if the Creed of the Sadducees in our Saviour's time, was to be adopted and depended on (b) ? if there is not a life aft sr. death y both of happinefs and mifery, the Spirit of God muft be (though it is furely blafphemy to fuppofe) a liar; but God forbid any one, efpecially among thofe who are called Chrif- tians, . fhould entertain or countenance fuch a dreadful thought. It is undoubtedly one of the greateft confolatlons of the virtuous, fober, and religious man, under the trials of life, and in the views of death, to reflect that all tears (hall ere long be wiped away from his eyes, the wicked ceafe from troubling, faith be G 3 turned {b) 1 Corinthians xv. 12, 126 THOUGHTS IN turned into vifion, grace into glory, and hope into full and eternal fruition : thefe pleafing, animating, and foul reviving thoughts, fupport the true be- liever in the midft of the world's hatred, the devil's malice, and the agonies of diflblving nature; fo that he can, in the language of triumph, addrefs the laft enemy and fay, O deaths ivbere is thy fling ? and add with the infpired apoftle, grave, where is thy victory ? the fling of death isfn, and the frength of fin is the law \ but thanks be to God who giveth us the viftory through our Lord Jefus Chri/i (c). May thefe, or fuch like words, be the matter of our dying fongs, and after having finifhed our courfe with joy on earth, may we meet in the realms of glory, to fpend the countlefs ages of eter- nity in praife, is the earneft prayer of, Dear Sir, Yours, &c. Halftead, July 1 6. A S PA S I O, junior. (0 i Corinthians xv. 55, 56, 57. LETTER YOUNGER LIFE. 127 4 & $••$ fr $-$4- fc £■■ *••$■ & ■*■ •* fr $•♦ fr & "♦ * LETTER XVI. THE TRUE CHRISTIA NV COAT O F A R M S, Deferred and Spiritualized, in a Letter to * Friend. If any man would come after me, let him tale tip J::s crcfs and follow me, Mark viii. 34. No CiOs?, 1:0 Crown# Dear Sir, Have juft finifhed the allegorical drawing you faw the beginning of when you called on me laft Friday, and as you defired to have a defcrip- tion of it when I had compleated the defign, per- mit me to trouble you with the following. You remember it was the arms of the real CI n if tian^ to whom to live is Chrift, and. to die, eternal gain. The arms are divided into four quarters or com- partments ; in the left quarter at the .bottom, is g 4 , reprefented 128 THOUGHTS IN reprefenttd a man with a crofs on his back, going up a fleep, rugged, and flippery road, fupported by an ange), who is pointing to a little cherub flying above him with a label in his hands, on which is written, Pfalm xci. 10, n, 12. under- neath the road thefe words appear, a rough^ but right way to glory : and by the fide of it, Luke ix. 23. on the oppofite quarter is difplayed a crofs, with a glory round it, and in the rays of it are the following texts of fcripture, Gal. vi. 14. 1 Cor. u 18, 30, 31. Colo/. 1. iy t In the upper quarter, on the left hand, is a crofs with a crown on it, raifed on three fteps, with thefe words at the bottom, in hoc figno vinces\ in the next quarter^ on the right, our Saviour is portraited fitting on his throne of glory, with a crofs in his arms (J), and little cherubs on each fide of him \ on the fteps of the throne, thefe texts of fcripture are infcribed, Hebrews xii. 2* Epb. iv. 8. Rev. iii. 21. Over the arms is the fhield of faith, with the helmet of falvation, and a crown of glory on the top of it, with the enfuing texts of fcripture in the front (d) No part of the arrr,s is without a Crofs, to remind the true Chriftian, that he muft expert to meet with crofles or afflictions more or Jtfs while in this world, for it is through much tribulation the righ- teous enter into the kingdom, Atts xiv, 22, YOUNGER LIFE. 129 front of them, Ephefwns vi. 16, 17. Rev. ii. 10. Faith and Hope, in the figure of women, with a Bible and anchor, are the two fupporters ; and No cross, no crown, is the motto. The MORAL. See from hence, Chriftian, the terms on which you take up your profeflion of religion, no lefs than bearing the crofs daily, but rejoice in the pleafing alTurance that Faith and Hope will fupport you in the midft of all your trials, and a crown of glory be at laft your exceeding and eternal great reward. Your opinion of the above defign will much oblige, Dear Friend, Yours, &c. G. W. g 5 LETTER i 3 o T H O U GH T S I N LETTER XVII. THE CONSOLATIONS of RELIGION; WRITTEN TO A YOUNG FRIEND. Religion* s all ! . . ••«•••• His band the good man f aft ens on the Jkies, And bids earth roll, nor feels ber idle whirl. Night Thoughts. TV /T Y dear friend I am perfuaded will excufe me not anfwering his laft affe&ionate epiftle be- fore now, when I inform him a bereaving difpenfa- tion of Providence in my family occafioned my delay : the day after I received yours of the twenty- ninth, that gracious, all-wife, and ever-bleffed Creator of heaven and earth, who gives and takes away as he fees fit and beft, called from my fond embraces my eldeft daughter, juft before fhe had compleated her third year. I cannot but acknowledge it was a ftroke as painful as it was unexpected, but murmuring would only YOUNGER LIFE. 131 only have difcovered my impatience, and in (orrie meafure, a difbelief of the wifdom, goodnefs, and beneficence of God, zvhofe tender mercies, I am well aflured, are over all his works (d) ; therefore it was my prayer (and I truft not in vain) to be dumb, and not open my mouth, becaufe it was the Almighty's doings, and agreeable to his fovc- reign will, whofe will, not mine, be done. I found relief in tear?, and experienced unfpeak- able comfort in the midft of my heart- felt trouble, from the didates and promifes of the evrr- lajlitig Gospel; indeed what is or can be (o well calculated to affuage the an£uifh of a mourning parent, or alleviate the forrows of the fatheijei* and widow, as the comforts of Religion ? My dear Eliza was an amiable and engaging child, and promifed fair to be a growing blcffing here below, but heaven determined otherwife, and took her, I doubt not, in mercy from the evil to come ; therefore why fhould I complain? fhe now, I truft, is far more happy with kindred fcraphs round Jehovah's throne, than all that earth could make her, though its B&oft pleafing and defirablo enjoyments were at her command ; this,. this, is what fupports my finking fprrits, and helps me to fubmit to the difpenfation without repining. Alas I (d) Pi'alno cxlv. 9. James v. II. 132 THOUGHTS IN Alas ! how much inward peace and fatisfaction do they lofe, efpecially in times of affliction and diftrefs, who are wilful ftrangers to the truths and confolations of genuine piety ; the truly good man may even triumph in the fwellings of Jordan, and on the brink of eternity, knowing that it is de- clared by God himfelf, Blejfed are the dead that die in the Lord (e). — You, Sir, as one of the dear com- panions of my youth, can tcftify how happy an effect a religious education (under the influences of divine grace) has had upon me, ever fince about my fixteenth year, and I defire to acknowledge it with heart-felt gratitude, that the care, inflec- tions, and example of my honoured parents, have not been altogether loft, or ineffectual. I cannot but confefs I fee daily more and more reafon to value and be thankful for their pious admonitions and affectionate concern. Under my prefent lofs, what can be fo animating as the hope (which only true religion can fuggeft) that infinite Wifdom and unerring Goodnefs will more than make it up by his prefence and blefiing, and the comforts of his holy Spirit, which are neither few nor fmall. He who made the dear deceafed fo amiable and engaging, can doubtlefs caufe either, or each of my furviving children, to be (e) Revelation xiv. 13. YOUNGER LIFE. 133 be as promifing and defirable; then is it not my duty to wait patiently, and fee the goodnefs of the Lord in the land of the living (/) ? may God enable me fo to do. I know you will fympathize with me on this oc- cafion ; you can feel for me, having loft a child yourfelf, but let us rejoice in the pleafing profpedT: of foon meeting them and each other in a world of blifs, never more to weep, to feparate, or to die. I remain, Sincerely yours. (/") Mr Hervey very juftly obferves, concerning the bereaving and affticlivc difpenfations of God's providence, Good when he gives, fupremely good, Nor lefs when he denies j E'en crojjei from his fovereign hand Are bUJJingi in difguife. LETTER i 3 4 THOUGHTS IN LETTER XVIII, T O E U S E B I U S^ WITH A COPY of a LETTER, Written by a Tutor to a Young Gentleman^ who had been one of bis Pupils. Dear Friend, The inclofed elegant epiftle I have tranfcribed from a periodica] publication, which in my opinion is a mafterpiece of its kind, and deferves the regard of all, but efpecially of youth coming into the world; permit me to beg your acceptance of it, and be affured, I am, Your fincere toell-wifher, &c. Dear Sir, \ S you rcqueft my giving you fome inftruc- tions relative to your future conduct, I now undertake the pleafing talk; hoping I may be able to furnifh you with fome hints, that may prove u fef ul YOUNGER LIFE. 135 ufeful in the courfe of thofe various fcenes of life, which it may be your allotment to pafs through, I am the more encouraged to undertake this arduous taflc, from knowing that you are blefTed, not only with a capacity fuperior to the common rank ; but alfo with a difpofition willing to receive and profit by inftru£Hon. The firft thing neceffary to be ftrongly incul- cated in your mind, is the fleady, fixt belief, that, in every action of your life, you are under the immediate notice of a felf-exiftent, righteous, and omnifcient God. — A Being, who from the molt glorious motives of pure unmixed benevolence, has created his rational creatures, capable of enjoy- ing happinefs both in time and through eternity ; and who has gracioufly made known to them the proper means for obtaining (through grace) that defirable and blefled end ; and that he requires of us a conduct correfpondent with the relation we bear to him, and to the reft of the inhabitants of his footftool. From a well-grounded knowledge of thefe im- portant Truths — Truths which conftitute the foun- dation of Religion and Virtue — arife the obliga- tions of duty to him, and to one another. With 136 THOUGHTS IN With regard to particular fyftems of faith, or modes of worfhip, I pretend not to direct your choice. If there is any thing in that, wherein you have been educated, which after due confideration, occafions you to be diflatisfied therewith, I would by no means reftrict you from a ferious fearch after truth in any other- but would rather recommend you to pra&ife the advife of the Apoftle, To prove all things ) and hold fajl that which is good, I am not fo much of a bigot as to fuppofe Truth confined to any fyftem of religion ; or that even the moft irrational is altogether founded in Error. As Error, under fome or other of its innu- merable terms, has crept into all the different focieties that bear the Chriftian name ; fo, on the contrary, I doubt not but each pofTefles a portion of truth, although it may often be eclipfed by the grofs darknefs, with which in fome, it is too much %lended. Therefore let Love and Chriftian Cha- rity cover the weaknefs and frailty of thofe, who appear to us to have deviated from the true mode of worfliip ; and let our anger and refentment arife agamft nothing but fin. Ever bear in mind, that of every name, fociety, or feet, upon the face of the earth, the man who acts agreeable to the con- victions of enlightened reafon and a tender confcience y will obtain (through Jefus Chrift) the mercy and favour of his Creator and Judge at the laft Day. But, YOUNGER LIFE. 137 But, in all your enquiries and refcarches after truth, be guided by the teachings of the divine Spirit, and the evidence arifing from the free im- partial exercife of thofe rational powers, which God has given you for that purpofe. Thefe rightly exercifed are, through the afiiftance of his grace and Spirit, capable of leading you to the know- ledge of himfelf, and of his will concerning you. Be not led afide, through the prejudice of educa- tion, the force of habit, or the influence of fhining examples, to entertain fentiments inconfiftent with the plain dictates of reafon, or injurious to the facred character of Him, who is the fource of all perfection, and the fountain of immutable truth. Give place to no thought refpecting the Deity, that conveys the idea of imperfection, or that cafts a fhade on his unfpeakably excellent and amiable character ; much more avoid entertaining a notion of his actions being governed by mere arbitrary will and pleafure ; or that he is capricious, revenge- ful, and delights in the punifhment of the creatures that he has formed. Thefe are fentiments, which, whenever they are imbibed, tend to infpire the mind with uncharitablenefs and revenge, and to root out that genuine benevolence which is the dif- tinguifhing excellence of a Real Chriftian. Having thus laid a foundation whereon to ground your Belief of a God, and your fubfequent Con- duct 138 THOUGHTS IN duft, I (hall proceed to fome more particular re- marks which may not be unworthy your attentive obfervation. Your rank in life will doubtlefs fub- je£t you to greater dangers than many in a lower ftation, and caft many temptations in your way to which thofe in humbler fituations are happy ftrang- ers. Placed amongft a rank of men who, from having it in their power to gratify every paffion to its full extent, are too often led into unhappy lengths of Intemperance, you will doubtlefs be ftrongly foli- cited to join them in their exceffes. You will be powerfully incited to lay the reins of fober Reafon on the neck of your Paffions, to give full fcope to the imaginary pleafures of guilty diflipation, and to fly with every fhifcing gale on the wings of Vanity. Pleafure in all her allurements will incite you from fteadily purfuing the path that leads to Virtue's temple \ and Sophiftry with her innumerable wiles will endeavour to pervert the right exercife of your Reafon. But remember here is afforded a glorious opportunity for you to difcover the higheft Prudence, and the moft excellent Wifdom. And by with- flanding the numerous folicitations which prefs you on every hand, and governing your conduit by the fafe rules of fobriety and religion, to ftand forth in the dignified character of a Man and Cbrj/lbn. By this means you may preferve a Confcience void of YOUNGER LIFE. 139 of offence towards God and Man, and become the happy means of preventing evil in others. I do not mean that you are to lead the life of a Reclufe^ to appear with the fanclified grimace of monaftic Aufterity, or negle& to enjoy thofe in- nocent pleafures which the merciful Creator has allowed the ufe of, within the bounds of Reafon and Temperance. I am firm in the belief that the path of Virtue lies between the two extremes ; equally remote from the felf-infl idled Penances of fuperftitious Zealots, and that unbounded diflipa- tion which almoft inceflantly intoxicates the licen- tious Libertine. There is a middle path wherein we may fteer with fafety through the uncertainties of life to a glorious Immortality. There are many innocent pleafures which are not inconfiftent with the duties of a real Chriftian, or the obligations of focial Virtue. But to a mind exalted above the common level, a mind which, by being converfant with itfelf, reflects on the dignity of its nature, and the unfpeakable important end of its being; the full boivl^ the table of excefs, the licentious fcenes of wantonnefs^ and the trifling amufemenU of thought- lefs debauchees, will appear exceedingly empty, un- interefting, and unavailing. They will look down on many of the polite, and too fafhionable amufing follies of the prefent age, with a mixture of Pity and 140 THOUGHTS IN and Contempt. A fenfible mind can never want employment worthy its purfuit. To fuch, Nature prefents a field of objects on which they may be inceffantly employed with profit and delight ; a field whereon they may contemplate with pleafing reverence the facred footfteps of Omnipotence dif- played around. By attending the inftru&ive lefTons of Nature and proceeding from Effeft to Caufe, the attentive mind beholds the Creator in thefe his marvellous and wonderful works. From a knowledge of your literary tafte perhaps^ you will expert from me fome directions refpe&ing your ftudies and choice of books. In the firft place, permit me warmly to recommend the attentive ftudy of the [acred writings as the bed compofitions in the "world. In them you will find matter, not only of importance with regard to your focial and religious duties ; but alio for entertainment and delight,., they are replete with the mod perfedt maxims of found. morality and true wifdom. They tranfmit to us an account of the mod remarkable events that have happened in the various ftages of human life, fince the commencement of time. They are alfo interfperfed with the fineft graces of poetry, with the moll mafterly ftrokes of rhetoric, and with the moving pathetic touches of facred .eloquence. In a word, they are profitable for doc- trine. YOUNGER LIFE. 141 trine, for reproof y for correction, and injlrudion in right eoufnefs (g). With refpeci to other writings, the produce of human learning and genius, there is a great variety to exercife your leifure hours. But amongft the innumerable volumes that fill our Libraries, there are but few worth the reading with attention. Amongft thefe few (on religious fubjects) I would recommend Tillotfon, Whichcot, Scot, William Law, Synge, Clarke, Hervey, Addifon, Young, Barclay, Penn, and Locke. You will perhaps wonder that I include Barclay and Pen in the Cata- logue, being Quakers. But let not popular preju- dice warp your judgment, or prevent your reading them with that attention their works deferve. However they might err, refpecling fome forms and ceremonies, and other things of little import- ance, yet their writings in general are ftriclly con- formable to the doctrines delivered by Chrift and his Apoftles. They feem to have ftript religion of many things which fuperftition and prieftcraft had artfully blended with it y and reduced it nearer to the original ftandard of primitive Chriftianity, than moft of the Writers of our Church. With regard to the arts and fciences, your ftudies therein, have made you fufficiently ac- quainted [g) i Timothy Hi. 16. 14* THOUGHTS IN quainted with them to direcT: your choice. And as to writings, which only ferve for amufement, or the refinement of your tafte, it is difficult to advife. Many of them have a mixture injurious to morality, and are too often the unhappy means of hurting the heart whilft they improve the head. Of this kind are almoft all the Plays and Novels, which in- grofs fo large a portion of the time of our fafhiona- ble youth, in this age of licentioufnefs and diffipa- tion. Yet there are fome exceptions to the general cenfure, and amongft thefe you may find an agree- able entertainment in Homer, Virgil, Taflb, Horace, and Juvenal, amongft the ancients; and Pppe, Prior, Milton, Dryden, Waller, Cowley, Brome, Rofcommon, Cambray's Telemachus; with Blackmore's Creation, Mafon, Dodfley, Wharton, Gay, and Armftrong, for Poet-y among the moderns. In Profe, Addifon, Steele, Johnfon, Hawkfworth r Richardfon, and many others, who now efcape my memory, will afford a pleafing repaft in the hours ©f relaxation from higher ftudies. But above all, read the Book of Nature , written (if I may fo fay) by the finger of Omnipotence, the reft are but tranferipts, here is the original. In her ample pages is an infinite variety of • objects, capable of employing the moft aclive mind, and of filling the moft capacious faculties. It is an in- cxhauftible fountain of variety, and affords the ob- ferver YOUNGER LIFE. 143 fcrver both profit and delight ; in it, we perceive thewifdom and goodnefs of the Deity, and trace the work of his hands. When we explore thofe living volumes, let reverence cover our minds ; and let them be as fteps to conduit us up to the ftill more delightful contemplation of ///>//, who is the fource of all perfe&ion, and the author of every mercy. In him we live, move, and have our being : Created by his power, and preferved by his good- nefs, let us pafs the time of our fojourning here in fear, remembering the uncertainty of our ftay, and the awful decifive period that fucceeds our diflblu- tion. Remember the great end of your being, and improve the remaining hours of life to everlafting advantage ; that when the folemn feafon approaches wherein all flefh {hall gather palenefs, you may meet the Meffenger of Death with triumphant joy, and ftedfaft hope of immortality and eternal life. I am, With fincere wifhes for your Happinefs, Both Temporal and Eternal, Your cordial Friend, &c. Darkirg, July 10. LETTER 144 THOUGHTS IN LETTER XIX. FLORIJNDER's CONVERSION; OR THE HAPPINESS F TRUE PIETY 1 N YOUTH. Who mahth thee to differ ? \ Cor. iv. 7. TV It Y dear friend I am well perfuaded will be glad to hear of the happy Change wrought in the young, gay, and thoughtlefs Floriander ; who from being a lover of pleafure is now I truft (through divine grace) become a lover of God. He went about three months ago to the play with two young ladies, and Mr L , one of his in- confiderate companions ; at the latter part of the third a6t, Mr L was taken extremely ill, and obliged to be carried home, attended by his fervant ; 2 Floriander YOUNGER LIFE. 14.5 Floriander would have gone with him, had it not been on account of the young ladies ; however, after the play was over, and he had accompanied the two Mifs to their aunt's in BloomJbury-Sqitare % he immediately went to fee how Mr L was ; whom, to his great furprize, he found on the verge of his diflblution. Floriander went to the bed fide, and Mr L , on feeing him, was juft able to fay, " Ah my dear " friend^ the play of life is indeed juft aver with " me, the curiam is dropping, and a dreadful " eternity is all I have in view ;" then waving his hand, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, with two or three deep fetched groans expired ; leaving i%- riander to his own alarming reflections on (0 hidden and awful a providence, Floriander returned to his habitation with very different thoughts, and in quite another turn of mind than when he went. out (as you may naturally fuppofe). being exceedingly frruck at the fcene and words of his dying friend ; it was evident to every one about him that fomething greatly affected his fpirits, but he did not divulge the caufe till the next morning, when his fervant going to call him, heard him repeat feveral times with great earnefl> nefs, AN AWFUL ETERNITY, H Upon i 4 6 THOUGHTS IN Upon coming down to breakfaft he afked his fcr- vant whether he did not hear him faying fomething when he called him, yes, Sir, replies the fervant, and told him what the words were he was repeat- ing ; Ah, fays Floriander, they were the laft words of my friend Mr L , who went to the play with me yefterday evening : he died about eleven o'clock at night in great agonies, while I was in his room, and in my deep I dreamed I faw him in a lake of fire and brimftone, furrounded with evil fpirits, crying out in extreme anguifh, an awful ETERNITY INDECD ! For feveral days after, Fl&riander was remarkably grave, and only went out when his bufinefs re- quired it; laft Sunday fe'ennight in the afternoon I called on him to know how he was, and afked him to go with me to hear the Rev. Mr D — ■ preach, he readily complied, and after the fervicc was over, as we were walking home, he mentioned how fuitable he thought the difcourfe was to him, and what pleafure it had giyen him, particularly the latter part of it; the text was, Let the iuded ferfake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts ; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have n.ercy upon him, and to our God, for he ivill abundantly pardon, Ifaiah Iv. 7. Oh, YOUNGER LIFE. 147 Oh, fays he, thofe comfortable and encouraging words, abundaiitly pardon! how well they fuit my cafe ; I have been a great finner, an atrocious offender againfl: the goodnefs and mercy of a long- fufferino- God, but blcfled be his name, he abun- dantly pardons, and will have mercy and not facti* fee ; there is ground for me to hope (vile as I am) that he will not utterly caft me off if I truly repent;, may his grace and Spirit enable me fo to do. Thefe words- you may be affured gave me inexpref- fible fatis fact ion, and more efpecially as he feemed to be determined to alter his conduit and way of life, which had been fo very oppoiite to every- thing of a religious caft; indeed it made me reflect with concern en the follies and vanities I had my- felf once purfued with fuch eagernefs and alacrity. It was my chief ftudy fome years ago, as 1 fear it is ftill with many of my young contempo- raries, to go from one place of amufement and new diverfion to another, to eftcem religion a dull, gloomy, methodiftical profeflion, only fit to put one in the vapours, and drive one melancholy mad : but I defire to blefs God for (hewing me my miftake, and teaching me to walk in wifdom's ways and feek his favour, whofe favour and loving kind- nefs far furpaffes life itfelf [b). h 2 Give (b) Pfalm lxiii, 3. i 4 3 THOUGHTS IN Give me leave to add, that Floriander is now, I truft, a real convert, a convinced and humble penitent, fhewing the truth of his converfion by his exemplary fobriety, and circumfpection. The above relation, while it ferves to evidence the riches of fovereign grace, and the unfearchable ways of God, which are truly part finding out, at the fame time may be a means of illuftrating the difpofals of Providence in a way and manner pecu- liarly ftriking, convincing, and pathetic. Indeed, as Mr Addijon very jufbly obferves, The ways of Providence are dark and intricate, Puzzled with mazes and perplext with errors \ Our understanding fearches them in vain, Loft and bewildered in the fruitlefs fearch ; Nor fees with how much art the windings turn, Nor where the regular confufion ends. Cato* I am well aware that the men of the world will call this ftile of writing fanatical enthufiafm, or Something worfe ; but let me afk one queftion, Is there any fuch thing as /peaking againjl fatts ? truths are ftubborn thing?, whether reflecting law, phyfic, or divinity, or as the Latin ifts fay, Omnia vincit Veritas, the wind (as the infpired penman has it) bio wet h where it lijicth and ye hear the found thereof^ but cannot tell whence it cometh nor whither it blow- eth* YOUNGER LIFE. 149 eth(i). If thefe things are fo, what muft or can we fay, but — yea Lord, for fo it feemeth good in thy fght? Let us then, my dear friend, be content con- cerning things at prefent unrevealed, to reft allured that what we know not now we fhall know hereafter ; we doubtlefs know fufficient for the performance of our duty, and yet come far fhort of doing it: a time is coming when we fhall fully fee, admire, and adore the wifdom, juftice, and goodnefs of God in all his dealings towards us and ours \ death is approaching, and eternity is at hand ; Oh then, my dear friend, let us, young as we are, be con- cerned to fpend the paffing moments, not in idle entertainments and uninterefting purfuits, but (as the world terms it) methodifl-LiKE, in living fob erly, right $Qufly> and godly in the world (k). I remain, With my befl wifhes For your temporal and eternal Felicity, Yours fincerely, Hampftead, November 6. PHILALETHES, junior. (i) John iii, 8. (k) Titus ii. 12, 13. h 3 150 THOUGHTS IN A MORAL FRAGMENT: Part cf AmandaV Hiftory. Go, and fin no more. . . . . I left her weeping, but what wourd tears avail ? (he had been oft forewarned, and yet was offher guard; poor girl ! {he once was innocent, and, like her mother Eve, fhe early fell, a haplefs prey to flattery and deceit. 1 knew her danger, and with frequent admonitions told her to beware: how frail is female virtue ! the love of admiration proved her ruin.— —Yes, fhe was handfome, thoughtlefs, young, and gay, all which combined to facilitate and accelerate her deftruftion ; but (he was daily told to watch and pray againft the wiles of men — how little to be pitied then, if inattention was her known, perfifted in and fatal weaknefs — it was. — Eugenius, a youth well-fkilled in artifice and adulation, beheld her charms with fond defire, and fought with no fmall pains to gain pofleflion — he did fucceed — too well for poor Amanda — her virtue loft, her reputation gone, by friends abandoned, and YOUNGER LIFE. 151 and relations fcomed, what could fhe do — alas ! — but mourn — and this I found her doing : moved by companion and pitying her diftrefs (though it was her own procuring) with fentiments, the lan- guage of humanity and benevolence, I ftrove to comfort her — at firft fhe feemed like Rachel^ un- willing to take comfort, and fatally refolved to end her days in grief, defpair, and woe. Was this her duty ? — no — fhe was not left with- out fome ground to hope — but hope for w T hat ? for pardon and forgivenefs at the hands of her offended Maker? — yes, fhe might hope for this, but only through the medium of fincere repentance, mixed with faith on Him who died for Magdalenes, con- vincedof fin's defert, and humbly feeking mercy at a Saviour's feet (/). — [ told her this — fhe ftrove to fpeak — her heart was full, but all fhe uttered was — Sir, God knows my grief, he knows how much 1 have fuffered fince I loft Here tears and deep-fetcht fighs, fQr feveral minutes flopped her fpeech at length, though with much difficulty fhe added, Heaven is my wit- nefs, what I would not do to regain my innocence (if that was poffible) — how often and how fervently have I prayed to Him, who does not take delight H 4 either (/) Luke vii, 47, 48, 50, 152 THOUGHTS IN either in the death or punifhment of his creatures, to forgive my fin and cleanfe me from my guilt — But may fuch a wretch as I — a proflitute, the chief of finners, bereft of Virtue, Innocence, and Reputation — hope for pardon? — Yes, I replied, you may — but only on contrition — are you refolved, if God fhould hear your prayers, to go and fin no more ? — fhe lifted up her hands and eyes to heaven, and faid — O God thou knowest — then, over- come with grief, burft into tears ® m THE YOUNGER LIFE. 153 ;+2^i^^^^^K5^^K A N ADDRESS O F Gratitude and Veneration to the Great Creator. An Irregular Ode. I. np H O U ever-blefled God of truth, «*■ Teach an afpiring grateful youth Thy goodnefs to proclaim ; In joy or forrow, life or death, May this employ my lateft breath, To praife thy gracious name. Ill Hail mighty Lord of heav'n and earth, Whofe word was all creation's birth, To Thee be endlefs praife \ The angels bow before thy throne, While devils (tho* in torments) own The juftice of thy ways, h 5 Hr, iS4 THOUGHTS IN III. Almighty Father, heav'ns eternal King Of every being, author, fource and fpring ; Thou macTft the day and night ; Thou art my Sun, my Shield, my Guide, Thy mercies o'er thy works prefide j And all Thou doft is right. IV. Thou mod adorable, moft unador'd ! To me all needed grace and ftrength afford, My wand'ring foot-fteps lead ; O may thy care my life protect, Thy wifdom all my ways diredt, And I am bleft indeed. V. All comforts I enjoy below Do from thy boundlefs mercy flow, Thou great and good Supreme ! Be thou my Guide till life's no more, And when I've gain'd th' eternal fhore, My everlafting Theme, THE THE LAYMAN. ADDRESSED TO THE THINKING AND RELIGIOUS FEW. The following papers written in numbers, after the mariner of the Speftator, were publi/hed weekly fome time ago in the Gazetteer, and the author being requejled by fome friends to feleft them into one treatife, is happy in having an opportunity not only cf evidencing his compliance, but exprejftng his ac- knowledgments for the favourable reception they met with from the indulgent public. YOUNGER LIFE. 157 THE LAYMAN. NUMBER h 7mpora mutantur tt nos mutamur in Wis. THE clergy of the prefent day being too polite to tell their fafhionable hearers their own (as the common phrafe is) or too tenderly pious to utter fuch harfh expreflions as bell, judgment, and damnation, in the delicate ears of their refined audi- ences, make it abfolutely neceffary for the laity, who are real well-wifhers to themfelves and their brethren, to turn what is generally ftiled lay preachers, and tell each other what their modernized paftors and teachers are fearful of mentioning, left they fhould offend them by fpealcing the truth • O tell it not in Gath, publijh it not in the Jlreets of Afcalon, the iniquity that abounds in our day ; a good text for many of the Priefthood at the weft end of the town to take, as a defence of their alamode dif- courfes to their depraved hearers. If the public are not too much immerfed in political difputes and national parties, a well-mean- i 5 8 THOUGHTS IN ing chriftian, and brother layman, would be glad to throw out an hint or two occasionally on what concerns them much nearer, than who are in the adminiftration or who are out ; who for Wilkes or againft him ; I mean, as a late author exprefles it, To catch the follies as they rife, And vice difplay without difguife. I anticipate the many opprobrious epithets I {hall have given me by the unthinking multitude, and the difregard and contempt numbers of my readers will treat me with ; but, with refpect to the former, I (hall only obferve, to take them from whence they come, and look upon the givers as real objects of pity, knowing no better. As to the latter, I fhall have this confolation, to think, however they may flight and contemn my admonitions, and fup-» pofe me a Methodljl^ enthufiaft, madman, or the like, I have difcharged my duty as a man, chrif- tian, and fellow-candidate for eternity, in warning them of the errors and miftakes they are daily com- mitting, or liable to fall into : I am well aware of the objections which many may ftart againft the plan I have adopted; the grand and principal one I prefume will be the impropriety of conveying my fentiments through the channel of a public news- paper; the next I expert will be the little advan- tage they can be of, to an age fo thoughtlefs and diffi- ; pated YOUNGER LIFE. j S9 pated as the prefent ; hardened againft every attempt to reform and reclaim them : methinks I hear one fay, Why furely this man muft think himfelf un- commonly wife to di£hte to a whole nation, and efteem his abilities at a high rate, to fuppofc he fhould be capable of telling the world more than they know already; why the fellow's a fool to be fure, fays another, to pretend to turn reformer of, and admonifher to this great metropolis ; what ! does he flatter himfelf fo much as to think any one will read his occafional fluff, or give themfelves the trouble of perufing his officious admonitions ? no, no, if he does he is quite miftaken, I aflure him : to all which I beg leave to anfwer, as the real benefit of mankind is the only end I have in view (Providence having placed me,above the neceffity of writing for advan- tage) I leave my humble attempts for the good of my fellow-creatures, to be either efteemed or re- jected by the candid public. If I fhould be fo happy as to advance any thing that may prove the leaft ferviceable to the reader, I fhall think myfelf fully rewarded for my trouble; but if not fo fuccefsful as I could wifh, I (hall only have my labour for my pains-; though I am certain I fhall not pleafe ally I am as fure I fhall ivillingly offend none. A 7 . B. 160 THOUGHTS IN N. B. Modern ordained preachers, the Layman hopes will pardon his officious endeavours, as they may think them, and promote his good defign of affifting them in that work, which however they neglect, they ought to do, as their duty, their intereft, and their profeflion. THE LAYMAN, NUMBER II. u 'Tis education forms the vulgar mind, u Juft as the twig is bent the tree's indin'd." Pope. r I 'HE neceffity and importance of a virtuous education, are fufficient motives to induce the fenfible and judicious parent, early to inculcate the greateft reverence and refpedt for religion, virtue, and morality, in the tender breafts of his young offspring ; while a juft abhorrence of the im- propriety of the methods made ufe of in our modern boarding- fchools, both with refpedi to their ad- vancement in learning, and prevention from im- bibing ill habits from one another, induces him to keep them under his own infpe&ion, and take the management of their education into his own hands; by which means he is better enabled to infpeft their a&ions, YOUNGER LIFE. i6x actions, inform their judgments, regulate their paffions, and direct their ftudies ; and has greater opportunities of enforcing his precepts by a good example. It is with much concern I obferve, in moft of our academies, an inefficient number of tutor* to attend properly to the conduit, behaviour, and progrefs in literature of their numerous pupils : the matter, inftead of confulting the welfare and improvement of his fcholars, is only ftudying the benefit of his pocket, by ufing every method avarice or hypocrify can fuggeft to increafe his wealth, I beg the fchool-mafter's pardon for giving fuch a wretched character of the faternity in general, but as it is meant for no one in particular, I hope to be forgiven. The real benefit of the community, as well as individuals, being the only aim and defign of the Layman, he muft, and will deal as faithfully with mankind as he would wifh to be dealt with* The wife man very juftly remarks, indeed if his ac- tions are unbecoming, and his converfation difagree- able, whether fuperior or inferior, he is to be (hunned and avoided ; for we fhould always re- member — Manners, not Money, make the Man. We fay a perfon is known and efteemed according to the company he keeps; but the Proverb does not intend particularly the fphere of life they are in, or the abundance they enjoy, but their cha- racter 186 THOUGHTS IN rafter and way of acting; I am not arguing for a Gentleman's keeping company with a (hoe-black, or a Tradefman's aflbciating with a chimney- fweeper (though civility and good behaviour is due to all while a proper diftance is obferved) but for the entire extirpation of pride, haughtinefs, and difrefpecT: on account of any outward advantages of circumftance and condition. But to return to myfelf ; I have been fo unhappy as to fix my efteem upon a young woman who I happened a few days ago to be in company with, and who, upon a ftricl: enquiry, and further ac- quaintance (unknown to my parents) I find is every way qualified, and promifes fair to make a good wife, a prudent companion, and valuable friend } but, to my great mortification, proves to be greatly inferior to me in point of fortune ; which, I know with refpect to my relations, will be an unfurmountable bar to our ever being united ; if I marry her I am fure of being difinherited, and if not, I fhall be unhappy for life: my father tells me, though I may marry her for love, fhe only likes me for my money. Pray, Mr Layman, if you can, inform me how I fhall be certain it is the perfon and not the fortune fhe is fond of, as I am certain it is one or the other, or both : the former, I would hope, and do flatter myfelf it is, but am not fure. Your YOUNGER LIFE. 187 Your anfwering the above will lay me under in- finite obligations. Pardon my prolixity, for my happinefs is at flake. N. B. This letter fhall be anfwered as foon as poffible. THE LAYMAN. NUMBER XI. Beware of the Snares attending the Mammon of Unrighteoufnefs. '"PHAT affluence is a bleffing. (where the Al- ■*» mighty has given both an heart and opportu- nities to make a proper ufe of it) is undoubted ; but that riches may prove a curfe to the polTefTors of them, improperly applied, I believe, the un- thinking youth, who is left by opulent relations in a ftate of independence, without fuitable ad- vifers, and under no reflraint from confeience, reafon or religion, muft be accounted an object worthy of compaffion and afliftance, by the difcern- ing part of mankind, and thofe that would take advantage of the thoughtleflhefs, extravagance, ig- norance, or credulity of a young man in the above unhappy fituation, muft furely deferve abhorrence and x88 THOUGHTS IN and contempt ; and fliould they ever fucceed in their attempts to ruin the unwary and imprudent; fay, O ye impartial and judicious/hf, what punifh- ment is too great, and what ignominy is too pub- lic and reproachful for fuch pefts of fociety : that there are many fuch in this metropolis, is too evi- dent from daily obfervation. What a melancholy refleftion is it, that there are fo many noted gaming- houfes in and about London, for the refort and encouragement of thefe enfnaring harpies. On a late trial in Weflminjler-hall, between a young gentleman and a well-known gambler not far from Pallmall) it was proved that the latter had not only won all that the plaintiffhad about him (at a certain tavern not many miles from St James" s-Street) which amounted to a very confiderable fum, but had the bafenefs to lend him between forty and fifty pound more to play with another of his brother- gamblers j which lofing, he immediately demanded the money of him ; and on the young gentleman's not anfwer- ing it, had him arretted and taken to a fponging- houfe ; but on the pfontiff's fending for an intimate friend, and telling the whole affair, he advifed him by no means to pay it, but take an adtion out againft him for the fum he had already loft and paid, which he accordingly did ; and the defendant was caft, with five-hundred pounds damages, and cofts of fuit, to the great fatisfadtion of a numerous court. If YOUNGER LIFE. i8 9 If fuch abandoned mifcrcants were always treated in the fame manner, it would greatly tend to leffen their number, and deftroy all fuch like practices; for they are a growing evil, and cull loudly for the fpeedy regulation of the police. The various temptations young men in affluence are expofed to, from defigning villains, evidence the neceflity of their daily circumfpeQion, pru- dence, and watchfulnefs; efpecially when it is con- fidered, their very age and fituation are too com- monly the inlets to thefe vile intruders, like the captivating beauties of the fair, which, while they are the admiration of all around, only ferve to en- danger them the more, and render them the objects of the fnares and machinations of treacherous feducers. A ftate of opulence has numerous inconvenien- cies, or rather temptations, attending it, which the poor and indigent know nothing of, and therefore are not likely to fall into : and, on the other hand, a ftate of dependence is accompanied with many wants, hardfiiips, and uneafinefles, which the rich are exempted from (in a great meafure) by the abundance they poflefs. While the fir ft has its cares, anxieties, and foli- citude, the latter has its pains, diftreftes, and afflic- tions • i 9 o THOUGHTS IN tions; whilft the one elevates, the other deprefles : yet Providence has fo ordered it, that happinefs may be attained in both -> as the rich and wealthy are to be grateful, charitable, and difcreet 5 the poor are to be humble, induftrious, and refigned ; which, under the benediction of the God of all, will procure tranquillity in either ftation. However wealth may be the chief purfuit of moft men, and indigence accounted the greatefl curfe that can befal us here below, thofe who think wifely, and judge fuitably between things that dif- fer, will neither anxioufly defire the one, nor dread the other, but join with Agur in praying, Give me' neither poverty nor riches , but feed me with food con- venient for me^ left I be full and deny tbee 9 and fay> Who is the Lord ? or left I be poor and fleal, and tatt the name of my God in vain. THE YOUNGER LIFE. 191 THE LAYMAN. NUMBER XII. Addrejfed to the Ladies. On RETIREMENT. f f A joy, in which our reajon bean ne part M Is but a forrow tickling, ere it ftings." Youngs Night Thoughts, * i % HE tafte, and in fomc meafure the temper ■** and difpofition of a lady, rs eafily known and diftinguifhed by the nature and tendency of thofe amufements, diverfions, &c. (he takes greateft pleafure in, and principally purfues in the hours of leifure and retirement. Indeed, God knows the principal part of the ladies of the prefent age, either young or old, have little notion of, or inclination for, what the thinking part of mankind include under the word Retirement. To retire from the common concerns and affairs of focial or private life, to reflect on what we arc, and what we muft be in a future ftate, as it is re- vealed in the Sacred Writings, is fo unfafhionable, (0 x 9 2 THOUGHTS IN fo methodiftical, and fo demure an employment for fine ladies, who are candidates for pleafure, gaiety, and admiration, that I cannot but fuppofe many of the fair fex will laugh me to fcorn for mentioning fuch an obfolete and unpolite an amufement (if I may fo term it) for vacant hours. Methinks I hear one fay, " The writer of the Layman, I doubt not, is a Tabernacle-m?kr\ 9 by his pious remarks and admonitions to our fex :" while another exclaims, " Lord blefs me ! what an antiquated creature that Layman is, to recommend religious obfervations and employments to women of the ton 9 ladies of tafte, fpirit, and fafhion, who have hardly time enough for the neceflary refrefh- ment of fleep, amidft the hurries and engagements of company, vifiting, &c. much more for Gothic reflexions and fqueamifh meditation." Indeed it is too true, religion and fobriety are topics not to be mentioned in the prefence of fine ladies, leaft they fhould make them faint away; and rational entertainments an old worn out theme fit only for the pens of formalifls and madmen ; the more the pity ! " Give me," fays a modifh lady, " dear Qua- drille, or the pleafures of Vauxhall, Ranelagh, or the Theatres, and let who will enjoy the hap- pinels YOUNGER LIFE. 193 pinefs of another world for me." The joys of virtue, and the charms of piety, are below the notice, and accounted unworthy the regard of the beau monde, as things which tend only to promote fuperftitious gloom, or religious melancholy \ or to ufe the fentiment of Otway's Orphan : Never (hew religion, from fuch WQrldly-yj\k men, good Lord deliver us ! Miranda^ a lady of beauty, wealth, and genteel accomplishments, about thirty years of ao;c 5 a K 2 virtuous j^6 THOUGHTS IN virtuous wife, an agreeable companion, and a friend to the poor ; fhe alfo has her penchant, which is Cards ; no party fo defirable to her as an engage- ment to pafs away the evening at a pool of qua- drille ; no company fo pleafing as the advocates for cards ; Vauxhall, Ranelagh, and the Theatres, have no charms for her in comparifon with this her favourite amufement [a) ; or, as it may juflly be accounted, her ruling weaknefs ; excepting this, {lie is in many refpecls an amiable chara&er, and deferving imitation j if not a zealpus promoter of, fhe is not a profeft enemy to, the caufe of God and truth ; if not a lover of the gofpel, fhe does not make a jeft of it j fhe has her failings, but they hurt no one but herfelf ; fhe is confcious of her prevailing paflion, often acknowledges it among the circle of her acquaintance, and yet has not fuffici- cnt command over herfelf to reftrain or overcome it : fuch is the imbecillity of human nature in both fexes. If we are fenfible of our defects and imperfections (as very few but what muft be in a greater or lefs degree) we cannot a£t a wifer part than to endeavour entirely (a) Any thing indulged in to excefs may become a crime, but what fcrves to murder or deftroy our precious time (given us to prepare ourfelves for an eternity in) as Card*, and fuch-like uninterefting di- vcrfions and employments muft be filled, doubtlefs cannot but be reckoned, by the thinking few, ivilfu!fir.s. YOUNGER LIFE. 19; entirely to remove them ; all have their errors of one kind or another, and fometimes inclination leads us to plead for their continuance and overlook their criminality (b) ; how ought this to put us on daily felf-examination, and teach us to beware of known fins; or, as the fcripture ftiles them, beloved luflsy which ivar againft the foul \ O Thou, from whom alone all wifdom flows, Thou God omnifcient ! kindly interpofe \ Pour thy bright beams of knowledge on our mind, To know Thee right, ourfelves, and all mankind; Teach us the art ofyt , //-infpec~tion, Lord ! T' amend our errors and obey thy word ; And confeious of our many failings paft, To make each day a critic on the laft. (b) According to that well- known proverb, If a man wants to beat a dog, be will eafily find a Jlick j (o if we cheiifh any known fin, or willingly live in the practice of any particular vice, how readily do we find excufes to palliate or plead in its behalf j^fuch as it is the Fajhion, or the prevalence of cuflom, habit, weaknefs of Confiitution, a natural failing, &c, &® K J THE 198 THOUGHTS IN THE LAYMAN. NUMBER XIV, Where's thy true treaftne ? Gold fays, " Not in me," -And " not in me," the di'mond Gold is poor j India's infoivent : feek it in tbyfelf, Seek io thy naked felf and rind it there. Night Thoughts, In Anfwcr to the Letter in Number X. CONTENTMENT true FELICITY. A S riches cannot procure content, nor ward off the attacks of infirmities and difeafe, what remains to be determined on by the thinking and difcerning man, but that they are inefficient to make the poffeffor of them truly happy ? if we look around us on the wealthy part of mankind, and take an accurate furvey of their lives and actions, how few of them are to be envied, and how little to be admired ? alas ! where is the rich man that is without anxiety, left his affluence fhould excite the depredations of the robber, or unforefeen mis- fortunes lefTen his abundance? where is the man of diftin&ion, or the boncur'd, fam'd> and great* that YOUNGER LIFE. 199 th.it have not their troubles of mind, body, or eftate ? It is true, riches may be ftilcd a plcafing ingre- in, or an eligible companion to, fublunary comfort and tranquillity, but cannot, with any propriety, be accounted absolutely nectjfar} for the attainment of true happiness. Sopbronius and Amelia are a happy couple, though not the inheritors of an ample fortune ; they had but a few hundreds when they came together; they have been married feven years, and are blelt with four engaging pledges of their honeft love : the parents of Amelia were at firft much againft their union, fuppofing there would not be enough to keep them from the inroads of penury and want, if they fhould have many children; but Sdpbronius being in bufinefs, and naturally averfe to indolence and inactivity, attended fo clofely to his (hop, and with fuch fuccefs, that he is now (though not pofleft with the means of procuring the elegant ac- commodations of life) furrounded with every con- venience and enjoyment that can be defired, to foften the fatigues of labour, fweeten the bitters of adver- fity, and place him in jfgur's defirable ftation, fo happily exprefied and petitioned for in Proverbs xxx. 8 (b). K 4 It {b) See this illuftrated at the dofe of Number XI. 200 THOUGHTS IN It is not the fortune, dignity, or grandeur of a man that makes him happy, for all thefe have their alloys ; it is not the fmiles of the great, the favours of the noble, or pleafures of the beau monde y that eonftitute trui felicity : no; thefe all join with the motto of this paper in acknowledging, " It is not 11 in mt" Contentment alone is the eflencc of terreftrial blifs ; it is not from outward circumftances, be they ever fo flattering and elevated, nor does it depend in the leaft on the gales of profperity and fuccefs, but on the mind and difpofttiorij as is confirmed by that common obfervation, My mind to me a kingdom is ; or, as the poet fays, Defire not riches, they bewitch, Contentment makes the poor man rich. Therefore Dr Young very juftly admonifhes us, to feek this valuable treafure in our/elves: If fo, then the indigent may be as happy (if not more fo) as the affluent ; the lefs fears, cares, anxiety and folicitude a pcrfon labours under, the nearer he approaches to mental compofure and tran- quillity; and the more he enjoys of the gifts of fortune, and the greater his pecuniary acquifitions, the more will he not only have to take care of, or to YOUNGER LIFE. 201 to lofe while living, but to part from and relinquifh when he dies. In anfwer to my anonymous correfpondent in number ten, I would obferve, that to fuppofe a man cannot love a woman of a greater fortune than himfelf, or a woman the man, but only for the fake of the money, is to make riches the fource and fpring of affe&ion, which cannot with any pro- priety be aflerted. I am well acquainted at this prefent time with a likely young man, who had not an hundred pounds in the world, when being accidentally in company with a lady who had a fortune of five thoufand, he fell in love with her, not on account of her fu- periority of fortune, for he was totally ignorant of it when he fixed his affe&ions on her; after fome time, the lady being convinced of his fincere regard, and fatisfied refpe&ing his amiable charadter and acknowledged merit, married him, and has not the leaft occafion to repent of her choice. A mercenary temper, or the love of money, may induce fome needy neceflitous wretches to feign an efteem and wed for gold, on the fame fcore as the ambitious man, with all the fawning adulation of a fycophant, truckles to, and idolizes even the follies of the great, in the hopes of — a place at court ; but venality and proftitution reign not in all. k 5 Can 202 THOUGHTS IN Can place or leflen us, or aggrandize ? Pygmies are pygmies ftill, tho* percht on Alps $ And pyramids are pyramids in vales. Virtue alone out-builds the pyramids ; • •••••••••••« That pride defames humanity, and calls The being mean, which Jlaffs or firings can raife. Night Thoughts. THE LAYMAN. NUMBER XV. PROOFS of IMMORTALITY. 'Tis immortality, *tfs that alone, Amid life's pains, abafements, emptinefs, The foul can comfort, elevate, and Jill, The (kks above proclaim--- Immortal man 1 And man immortal ! all below re founds. Night Thoughts. T j£ 7 ERE there no life beyond the grave for th* good man to enjoy that felicity, or the wicked to fuffer that punifhment in, which the Bible holds out to be determined and awarded at the day of judgment, by the great judge of all, ac- eording to the deeds dom in the body, we might with propriety YOUNGER LIFE. 203 propriety afk the queftion, Is there a God? for the being of a God, and the certainty of a future ftate, are truths fo clearly revealed in the facred fcrip- tures, and fo obvious to the unprejudiced and dif- cerning part of mankind, that the former may as foon be denied, as the latter on any good founda- tion difbelieved. That we are endued with rational powers and faculties, by which we are enabled to think and a£i according to the different objects prefented to our view, and the impreffions of good and evil, every one will allow, what then can we be fo eminently diftinguifhed from the brutes for, if we are to die like them never to rife again ? what real benefit can arife from our being made capable of y and frequently led to reflect on future rewards and punifhments, if there will never be fuch things ? No man can doubt his own exiftence in the prefent ftate, and why not believe the reality of a life to come ? every perfon will acknowledge there is fuch a thing as Confidence, and that it is common to all mankind ; we always experience, more or lefs, a pleafure in doing that which we are confei- ous is right ; and, if not hardened in iniquity, a fear or reluctance in the commiffion of any thing that we know is wrong : now what do thefe fears and 1 204 THOUGHTS IN and pleafure intimate, but the hopes or appreheh- flons of a future reckoning ? Our fenfe then of right and wrong, declares us candidates for immortality, for we cannot fuppofe the Almighty would have wantonly tortured us with the flings of a condemning confcience, any more than he has the hearts of the field, if we, like them, were at death to be eternally annihilated ; if our exiftence was wholly terminated by the life that now is, we fhould, like the brutes, have been permitted to tafte every animal and fenfual pleafure unallayed by the fenfe of guilt; a thirft for know- ledge would never have been implanted in us, which can never be fatisfied on this fide the grave ; a mind that was to be confined to earth, would never have been inclined to meditate on things beyond the fkies ; the all-wife Creator, who has made nothing in vain, would never have given us the capacity of thinking on the fublime joys of a ftate of glory, and made us defirous of poflefling them, if they were only the chimeras of a diftempered brain. Indeed we may fafely affirm, with a late writer, that no rational bein-gs can wife there may be no future ftate, but they, who from their wicked lives, have too much reafon to fuppofe it will prove a ftate of never-ending mifery and woe to themfelvesj fo the pfalmift (peaks refpeding Atheifm, " The "foci YOUNGER LIFE. 205 " fool hath faid in his heart, there is no God r c) •" and it may very juftly be added, none but a fool would have faid fo \ it would doubtlefs be to the ad- vantage of fuch, that there were no God to call them to an account for their actions, but however this may be fincerely wifhtd, it cannot be honeftly believed. If man dies wholly, well may we demand Why is man fuffei'd to be good in vaint Why to be good in vain, is man tnjoin'd? Why reafon made accomplice in the cheat? But if man lofes all, when life is h .., He lives a coward, or a fool expires. Dr Young. Even an heathen philofopher(^) could teach his dif- ciples, Tliat the true kappinefs of man conftjis in being united to God, and his greateji mifery in being feparated from him ; that this world is nothing but corruption, and that we ought to fly from it to join ourf elves to Go J, ivho alone is our health and life: well might the poet fay, Could I the firm perfuafion once attain, That after death no being would remain ; To (c) P&m xiv. 1, {J) Plato, 206 THOUGHTS IN To death's dark vale I'd willingly defcend Where all muft deep, a fleep without an end ; But no, it cannot be The foul requires enjoyments more fublime, By fpace unbounded, undeftroy'd by time. Then fwift convey me to that blifsful fhore, Where pain expires and paffions rule no more ; Where fouls made perfect tafte the wifh'd repofe, Bleft in proportion as their virtues rofe ; Where the good man from earthly troubles free, Shall o'er his foes, more than a conq'ror be; And (every tear for ever wip'd away) Shall dwell with God in realms oi.endkfs day. X THE INTERESTING S O L I L O Q^U IES; O R SELF-CONVERSE RECOMMENDED. •*»' «.» V* '*» VV *.» #* ^ *#» *i< *.» '>j»' >;»*•» *;» V* *i* * ; > Ifi *S V* •>** Self-knowledge will never be attained without felf- converfe, and if we do not know ourfelves, what will the knowledge of others avail us ? it is ahfolutely neceffary for every one^ who would obtain true wif dom, to retire daily, at proper intervals, from the common concerns of life^ to fearch and enquire what they were created for ? what they are feeking after ? and how they mufl live on earth fo as to be eternally happy beyond the grave ? Content and Vip.tue make our blifs below, Whilftallourknowledgeis, " ourselves toknow." Pope. YOUNGER LIFE. 209 A S O L I L O Q_U Y O N T H E Vanity of earthly Enjoyments, and reality of a World to come, It mufi be jo , , Addifon's Cat©, T TOW frail is human life ! how tranfient earthly blifs ! one hour I am well and free from pain, the next I am quite difordered and eftranged to cafe; one day I am cheerful, pleafed, and happy, the next I am dull, melancholy, and difcontented: but what is the caufe of this ? .... the muta- bility and uncertain nature of all fublunary enjoy- ments. Happinefs, the goal or mark which every one is aiming at or ftriving to obtain; alas! how clofely it refembles a dijlant profpecl, enchanting beautiful and romantic while at a diftance, but when near at hand, it loofes all its charms : we often promife ourfelves great fatisfaction and delight in 3tio THOUGHTS IN in the attainment and pofleflion of that, which when arrived at, proves delufive, and at beft— a dream. Say, O my foul, what are all the pleafures this world can boaft of, but fleeting as the morning cloud, or volatile as the early dew that foon vanifheth away ? how do the young and gay purfue the amufements in vogue, and how little does the important and momentous reflection of an approach- ing eternity affect them ? Once I thought as feldom and as lightly upon an hereafter, a ftate beyond the grave, as any of them ; once I was as carelefs and unconcerned about death and a world to come as they are now ; but thanks be to that all-gracious God who maketh me to differ ; happy am I to ac- knowledge, that however I once was blind, now I fee, may they alfo (before it is too late) fee their folly and danger, and be enabled to feek the things that belong to their peace before they are for ever hidden from their eyes. Though furrounded with the gifts of fortune, and the blandifhments of worldly pleafures, I ft ill can own (through grace) I wifh to live to his glory alone who giveth me all things richly to enjoy : alas ! how few there are among the young and profperous in life who ftrive to live his praife, whofe YOUNGER LIFE. an whole bounty, care, and goodncfs, they (o freely fh are ! What will it avail the votaries of mirth and gaiety, when on the verge of an eternal world, they look back on the delights they once enjoyed and purfued with fo much glee — now to be known no more for ever ! what will it avail the honoured, famed, and great, to reflect in the views of death on the fading glories of a receding world? — nothing j but add poignancy to the flings of an accufing con- fcience, and thorns to a dying pillow. In health and affluence, religion may be ac- counted enthufiafm, and the chriftian a methodijl or madman j but when we come to die, whether young or old, rich or poor, our fentiments and language (if we retain our fenfes) will be greatly altered ( is right. Tho' father, mother, hufband, wife or child, Or thofe whom friend/hip's tender ties unite j Are call'd to part, yet let us reconcil'd Bow to the ftroke, and fay of all— 'tis ricnt« YOUNGER LIFE, 215 Oh ! fay ye bright inhabitants of yonder happy realms, ye cherubims and feraphims in glory, fay, is not my loved Eliza now, one of your cekftial choir, learning to celebrate in pure angelic drains, the great Jehovah's praife? Mcthinlcs I fee the dear departed cherub, hovering around the Al- mighty's blifsful throne, charmed with the fongs of faints, (who are continually waiting to obey his high commands) and ftriving with all her infant powers, to emulate their lays. Pleas'd with the thought, I'll wipe my forrows dry, Eliza, happy babe ! ftill lives on high, To fing her Maker's praife eternall}* s 216 THOUGHTS IN S O L I L O Q^U Y On Man, a?id the End of his Creation. Homo, nofce teipfum • Man know tbyfelf, all wtfdom centers there. Dr Young. T Am endowed with rational powers and faculties, and diftinguifhed from the brutes which perifh, by my underftanding and capacity for reflection (/) ; I can think on, meditate, adore, praife, and love my creator, God, as the author of my being, life of my foul, and length of my days. As renewed by grace, I can believe in, reft on, and truft to Jefus Chrijl, the only Saviour of finners, for acceptance, pardon, and eternal life ; I can pray to the holy and blefled Spirit for his guidance, teaching, and divine illumination ; I can prepare for death, and a future ftate, while I am daily (landing on the brink of each of them ; yes, through ftrength and grace given me from above, I can do all thefe, and many more neceflary and important duties : but the queftion is, Do I, or do I not thefe things ? The Judge of the world, at the laft day, will not aflc me, What could you do ? but, What did you do ? Js (») Every reader, whether young or old, rich or poor, may ape y this Soliloquy to themfelves, for it is applicable to all, YOUNGER LIFE. 217 Is there a future ftate beyond the grave, wherein I muft be eternally happy or miferable, according as I live on earth ? The Scriptures afiure me there is, and men in all ages have believed it ; then what good ground have I to hope, from my life and con- verfation, that itwill be a ftate of bappinefs unto mc ? I live, but how ? to whom, and for what do I liv"e ? to and for myfilf alone ? God forbid ! " The life I live (fays the apoftle Paul, and would to God all my contemporaries could fay the fame) is by -the faith of the Son of God" But, as certain as I live, fo fure is it that I muft die ; if To, am I ready fcr the awful fummons ? am I prepared for the folemn and momentous change? A few years mere at moll (it may be but a few days) and I muft go the way of all flefli, and appear before God in judgment. Important thought ! What then is left for me to do, but to anfwer the end for which I was created, to live to my Maker's glory now, that I may live with him in glory when time (hall be no more? Yes, this, this is all I have to aim ar, all I have to hope for, and all I wifh to do, May it therefore be to me to live, Cbrifl^ that it may be at laft to die, my eternal gun % 218 THOUGHTS IN A S O L I L O Q_U Y Written among the Tombs in a Country Church - Yard. Memento mori. 'TT^HIS ruftic burial-place is wifdom's fchool, **• each turf-clad grave with oziers bound, pro- claims the folemn truth, That all muft die: but when? ah! this to every one remains a fecret, not to be revealed till the laft breath is drawn, and hu- man life's no more: how necefTary and important then is that great and folemn work to meditate upon, and ferioufly prepare for death's approach before too late ! but how muft this be done? by living fob erly, righteoufly, and godly in the world (/). Yes, I know my duty is to advance (as far as poflible) the honour of my God, promote the good of my fellow-creatures, and feek by faith, repentance, and perfeverance, the falvation of my immortal foul ; if fo, the enquiry fhould be, what is my practice? for knowing, without doing, will only exaggerate my condemnation. How (0 Titus i7, xz* YOUNGER LIFE. 219 How many in the world arc deceiving thcmfclves with the notion that morality, or the performance of moral duties and obligations, is fufficient to en- title them to the pleafing hope of future happinefs in the ftate of immortality and incorruption ? how many others trouble themfelves not at all about futurity? while, alas! how few are there among the fons and daughters of Adam, who truly live mindful of death, and in readinefs to meet it ! One fellow-mortal after another is numbered wi:h the mouldering dead ; one is falling on my right hand, and another on my left j every church- yard allures me, No age nor jlailcn is feeure, The old, the youngs the rich, the poor , Alike by death are fnatctid away - y Without dijlindion cr delay , To mingle with their native clay, And vjait the final judgment day. Que ftonc informs me that a tender father, in the prime of life, left a difcon folate widow, and five dear children, to mourn his deep-felt lofs ; another tells me, an amiable and beloved child was taken from ' his afflicted parents, by a fatal difeafe, juft as he had entered his thirteenth year; but yonder monu- ment relates a mournful tale indeed 3 Maria, the L 2 daughter 220 THOUGHTS IN daughter and only child of an eminent merchant, departed this life in the twentieth year of her age, the day before (he was to have been married to a worthy man ; thejines that follow the infcription deferve to be remembered. Confide not, reader, in thy youth or ftrength, But moft of all, the prefent moments prize : Graves here furround thee of each breadth and length, And thou may'ft be, perhaps, the next that dies. The uncertain tenure by which we hold all fublunary enjoyments, is juftly ftiled frail and momentary - y our promifes and expectations of fome future earthly good in profpect, too frequently pre- cludes the thought of its tranfitory nature and dura- tion ; fometimes (as here) it is loft before enjoyed, and if arrived at, it is hardly attained before it cJoys, even in polTeflion, or finks into infipidity and difguft : well might a late poet fay, All, atl on earth is Jhadow, All beyond is fubjlance. Night Thoughts. What are the moft captivating and defirable acqui- fitions here below, but the airy phantoms of a day, or the brittle gewgaws of an hour. Life, with all its fleeting pleafures ; Wealth, with all its alluring charms } Youth, with all its gaiety S and YOUNGER LIFE. 221 and delights ; Ambition, with all its towering fchemes ; and Nobility, with all the dazzling titles in its train ; what are they in the eftimation of a deathlefs foul, in the near views of leaving off the garments of mortality ? — nothing, !cfs than nothing and vanity (i): then from fixing my affeclions on any thing under the fun, or c'eaving to the un- fubftantial joys of time and fenfe, good Lord de- liver me ! In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the laft trump, the graves fhall be opened, the dead raifed incorruptible, and we fhall be changed; and is this all 5 no, — the judge (hall appear, and every eye (hall fee him ; the books will be opened, and the final fentence paft on all for eternity; then let me ferioufly confider what account I have to give of my thoughts, words, and actions, before the heart- fearching and reins- trying Jehovah, who chargeth even the angelic fpirits with comparative folly ; how fhall I be able to ftand before him, or to anfwer for one fin in a thoufand that I have committed ? — God of his infinite mercy grant, that while I live, I may live unto the Lord ; and when I come to die, die unto the Lord ; that fo whether living or dying, I may be the Lord's (/). Amen. THE (A) Ifaiah xl. 17, (/) Romans xiv. 8, 221 THOUGHTS IN THE CONCLUSION. Js the tree falls fo it mujl lie. Finis coronat of us, *y~OUNG as lam, in ajbort time (for what is time compared to eternity) I (hall have done with days, weeks, months, and years; a little while longer, and I fhall take my final leave of all fublunary things. Time, with every tranfitory pleafure and enjoyment; life, with all the trifling amufements of this lower world, the purfuits of ambition, and the gewgaws of pride, the acquifitions of covet oufnefs, anxieties of wealth, and inconveniencies of poverty, all, all will foon be no more to me for ever. — I am daily drawing nearer to a ftate of never-ending happinefs or mifery, and muft ere long (God only knows how foon) die out of the world; the Lord enable me to die to it firft. What have I been doing ever fince I came into being ? how have I aded, and what am I now in the YOUNGER LIFE. 223 the purfuit of(tf)? have I done my duty to God and my fellow-creatures, as far as I knew it ? are the paths of virtue or the ways of vice my delight and choice? — When death approaches to diflblve the union of my foul and body, what will fupport my hopes, yield me confolation, and diffipate my fears ? nothing, nothing but the reflexions of a r ^ffll fpent life, accompanied with that faith in Chrift, which is the fubjlance of things hoped for , and the evidence of things not feen ; may God of his infinite mercy and grace help my unbelief and increafe my faith. I prqfefs to be a Chrijlian\ is my conduct be- coming my profeflion ? am I rich in this world's goods ? if fo, do I fhew my gratitude by charity to the needy, and thankfulnefs to heaven ? am I poor? do 1 live contented with a little, and re- signed to the Almighty's will ? knowing the lot is cafl into the lap, but the whole difpofal thereof is of the Lord(o)? am I the fon or daughter of affliction ? what then is the language of my heart, and the breath- ings of my foul ? are they not for patience, fub- miflion, and a fuitable improvement of every pro- vidential difpenfation ? am I in the views of death and (n) Let every reader put thefe queftions to him or herfelf, and refolve (with the help of divine grace) wherein they have done amifs, to do fo no more* (o) Proverbs xvi, 33, 22+ THOUGHTS, bV. and on the verge of immortality ? what then are my fentiments in thefe folemn moments, and how am I affe&ed at the profpeft of my diflolution ? O that I may meet the pale meflenger (come when he vsjSf) without teiror, having fought the good fight, and look into the dreary grave as my fubterranean road to blu£ :