V, Jl If ^ £F? ^^ LIBRARY MGRESS. f^Zl^l AMERICA, E.Ccicc: cr<. t t t t s«f **> NEW- YORK : PUBLISHED BY SAMUEL WOOD & $ONS, NO. 261, PEARL-STREET. .6 a- VIXiLAaS POEMS. TO MISS M. D. OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF A YOUNG ACQUAINTANCE^ When kings and heroes bow in death. The Poet wakes his mournful lyre. And splendid deeds of human worth The rapturous eulogy inspire. No monarch's deeds, no hero's fall Awakes my grief, or swells my strain ; I mourn the untimely frost, that nipp'd The loveliest flow'ret of the plain. Beneath fair science' kindling rays, Which on the expanding blossom smild, She rose amidst surrounding plants, And cast sweet odours on the wild. With joy her doating parents marked The rapid progress of her mind, And felt each hour the cord of love More closely round their hearts entwin'd. 1 * VILLAGE POEMS This is the boon bestow 'd to sooth The sorrows of our mortal lot — It is a secret joy, with which ^' A stranger intermeddleth not." Still is the tenure short and frail, By which all human bliss is held — Man may with gratitude enjoy, But with submission he must yield. When pale disease attack'd her frame. Patient she bent beneath the yoke, And quietly her life resign'd To the last tyrant's fatal stroke. Does my dear Mary's feeling heart With sympathising sorrow heave ? Raise the unclouded eye of faith To heaven and thou wilt cease to grieve. Ah, who can read the wondrous plan Of God's immeasurable grace, And doubt that Jesus' shielding arms, Are folded round the infant race. Then let each rebel sigh be hush'd, And not one cruel wish arise, To call the happy child away From her blest home in Paradiscp TO A FRIEND. Ev'ry comfort is a boon From the bounteous hand of Heaven Ev'ry moment of our lives Is an other blessing given. On the hours which have elaps'd. Cast a retrospective view — Count the treasures that enrich'd Every moment as it flew. Seldom has the face of Heaven Been o'er-clouded with a frown. But the blessings of its hand, Weigh the scale of mercy down. Few and short have been the scenes Of pain, of sickness, or distress- But preservations, comforts, joys, Various, frequent, numberless ! Many a wretched wanderer roams Without a shelter for his head — You can taste the sweets of home, A home which. none may dare inyade. VILLAGE POEMS, Many a dwelling is the seat Of confusion, rage and strife — ■VVhile with those dear friends you love You enjoy a peaceful life. Many groan the livelong night, On the bed of pain, laid low — You are blest with soft repose, While health " sits smiling on your brow. Some are mourning life away, Without a friend their griefs to share — On a tender mother's love, You may rest your ev'ry care. To some, a poor and scanty meal, Is all their labour will afford — Prosperous have your efforts been ; Plenty crowns your friendly board. Many, ignorant of God, Grope in shades of darkest night . On you the radiant gospel sheds Us clear refreshing, holy light. All the treasures earth can yield. All that we can now receive, Fades before that splendid day, Of bliss that Heaven has yet to give VILLAGE POEMS. Rise, my friend, with ardour rise — Gird the glorious harness on — Speed thee where courageous saints Onward press'd, and victory won. Let thy mercies now obtain The gracious end for which they'r giveuj And the blessings of thy God, Lend thee wings to fly to heaven. io I THE SNOW STORM. In the winter's bleak reign, in the dark and cold night, When the blast loudly howls, and the storm rages high. When the windows are sheeted with vollies of snow; And the moon has forsaken the cloud-covered sky — Oh, then, while surrounded with comforts, you sit, In a warm habitation, beside a bright fire, Enjoying the converse that dearly you prize, And seeing the faces of those you admire. Oh, then, for a moment reflect on the fate Of thousands, exposed to the heart-chilling storm, By a few scanty faggots, whose quivering blaze Will scarce keep the half-famished sufferers warm ; And while yet your bosoms, to feeling alive, And warm with the generous wish to relieve, Let the sweet eye of pity examine your store, And discretion direct you what portion to give. The fair tree of charily blossoms in vain, If the frost of forgetfulness withers its bloom — But the fruit that benevolence ripens on earth, Will be gathered where mercy shall conquer the tomb. 11 TO A FRIEND, ON RECEIVING H. MOORE's PRACTICAL PIETY. And dost thou realize, my friend, How rich a gift thou hast bestowed? The labours of that faithful pen, From which instruction long has flowed? These little volumes are replete With caution, comfort, hope and peace : They show our state, and point to Him, Who bids our sins and sorrows cease. Thy kindness how shall I repay, Or prove the mother and the friend, More than by pressing on thy heart. The cheering truths they recommend? And didst thou not in earlier youth, Confess the great Redeemer's name, And publicly enlist beneath The blessed banner of the Lamb ? Why didst thou leave thy Saviour's board ' Why from his fold unbidden stray? Where canst thou find so sweet a feast, So kind a guide, so safe a way ? 12 VILLAGE POEMS. The gates of bliss are open wide— Thither thy willing footsteps bend — Let not the enemy of souls Decoy thee from thy dearest friend. Look at the world— alas, my son — Thy every joy will soon be past The fragile flower that springs from earth, Must wither in Death's piercing blast. The fabric of thy happiness, If rested on the sliding sand, Assaulted by the stormy winds, And rushing torrents, will not stand. But there's a glorious structure rais'd — Broad as eternity its base — On the firm rock of ages built — It is the Covenant of Grace ! Oh, come, and hesitate no more — Cast all thy unbelief away — Turn thee from earth, and lift thine eyes To Heaven's own pure celestial day. Whatever ills disturb thy peace, Whatever sorrow, sin, or fear, — Before the Sun of Righteousness, Guilt, grief, and danger disappear. VILLAGE POEMS. 13 This earth will fade, the sweetest ties, That fasten round the human heart, Will loose their grasp — friend, parent, child; From the fond soul forever part. But he who ding's to Jesus' feet, No bitter parting e'er shall prove, From the dear God his soul adores, From his Redeemer's boundless love. 14 THE ROSE BUD IN OCTOBER. When spring led forth her infant trai« Their beauties to disclose, A little bud its head uprais'd, The promise of a rose. But all its treasures lay conceal'd, From every human view, Though cherish'd by the parent sun. And fed with choicest dew. 'Till June advanc'd witii gentle step, From summer's earliest bower, And breathing on its folded leaves, Uuveil'd the modest flower. Its fragrance floated on the air, And each beholder's eye Admir'd its gracefulness of shape, The richness of its dye. But time rushed on with sweeping wing- The lovely flow 'ret found — Brush'd all its circling honours off, And cast them on Uie ground- VILLAGE POEMSo 15 Yet careful Nature had prepared For this disastrous hour, And wrapped within a glossy coat The embryo of the flower. In other seasons this shall live, Again delight the eye, Beneath another smiling sun Another vernal sky. And still the faded, withering leaves A grateful odour shed, And furnished utill a precious board, Altho' the rose is dead. Thus in the human heart is form'd The germ of holiness; Expanded by the breath of love, To deeds of righteousness. And when the scene of action's o'er— The final duty done,— This cherished seed shall rise and bloom, Beneath the eternal Sun. While the mild virtues of the saint, Will memory's pen record, And future Christians imitate The servant of their Lord. 16 THE BRIGHT WINTER MORNING. Cold was the angry storm, And cover'd thick the ground, And seizing fast the naked boughs, Encrusted them around. Imprison'd were the trees, Which wav'd o'er hill and field, And thro' the livelong night they stood In icy bondage held. When, lo, the morning sun, All glorious to behold, Burst from the curtains of the east, In floods of beamy gold. O'er nature's mourning face, A pearly shower he throws, She quaffs the lucid draught, and straight With dazzling beauty glows. How splendid is the scene, To man's astonished sight ! When every bough of every tree Is gemmed with globes of light. VILLAGE POEMSo 17 Even the low bush that grew Close by the streamlet's side, 3Xow decked with sparkling diamonds, laughs At the gay sons of pride. Does not the eye of faith A sweet resemblance trace, Between these bright displays of skill. And the rich works of grace ? When the sin-harden'd soul Enwrapp'd in darkness lies, Thus does the life-restoring " Sun Of Righteousness arise." On the cold heart he sheds Abeam of love divine, And round the heaven-illumined saint Ten thousand graces shine. But while the change is viewed, With deep admiring gaze, Own, Christian, all thy emptiness. And give thy God the praise. 2* 18 TO A FRIEND. When fever left our suffering child, Languor assumed her pallid reign: And health repulsed, refused to paint Her roses on that cheek again. One hope was left — with anxious hearts We led her to the sea-girt shore ; If haply ocean's fav'ring breeze Might her retiring life restore. No parent, sister, friend was near, The kindred sympathy to lend — But thee she found — a stranger maid — Thou wert a parent, sister, friend ! Thy kind attentions were renew'd, As each successive morn arose ; And when tir'd nature ask'd for rest, She shared thy pillow of repose. And when the springs of ebbing life Returned beneath that genial sky, And smiling health at length illum'd The faded lustre of her eye, VILLAGE POEMS. 19 Did then thy tender labours cease ? Ab, no — for at thy faithful side, To seek her long forsaken home, She ventured o'er the briny tide. Nor didst thou leave her, till restor'd In safety to her native plain, 'Till folded in a mother's arms, Beneath a father's roof again. Nor was this all — for when disease Again had mark'd her for its prey, Fond recollection dwelt on thee, Her gentle Evis far away. Nor was the supplicating voice, Loved girl ! addressed in vain to thee — 11)6 wintry wind, the mountain snows, Checked not thy course of charity. Thy sprightly converse soothed, and cheered The drooping spirit of our child ; And stormy days, and tedious nights, Of many a weary hour beguil'd. And no\v, though duty's various claims Imperious urge thee to depart, Yet with thee take this simple pledge This cordial tribute of the heart. ^Q VILLAGE POEMS. Sweet maid of Erin ! wheresoe'er On this side earth thy footsteps bend, On rolling seas, or distant lands, Still may'st thou never want a fiiend. And should the guiding hand of God, Conduct thee to thy native isle, Again to taste the sweets of home, Again to share a mother's smile, Let this remember'd family Be still embosom'd in thy love, And time, the test of human faith, The strength of real friendship prove. And when from these fast changing scenes Our disencumber'd souls have flown, Then may we meet in that blest world, Where separations are unkiiown. In choral strains of endless praise,- To thee, to us, oh, be it given, To join the adoring multitude. Who make the family of heaven. HOME, Say, what is the word that abides on the heart, Wherever we roam in this valley of tears ? Which aiFords a retreat from the scornings of pride. Which adversity sweetens, and absence endears? 'Tis Home ! the sweet centre of wishes and hop^ The pole-slar, that gleams on the mariner's soul. When shrouded in tempest, and rock'd on the wave. He shrinks from the honors that over him roll. Oh, then, if a thought of his far-distant home, Should dart through his frame like electrical fire, How kindled his ardour to stem the rough blast, 'Till nature, beneath the strong contest, expire. The fame-seeking soldier, whose vigorous arm Has brandish'd the death-dealing sword o'er the plain, Who guided, undaunted, the thunder of war, And with hardihood stalk'd over heaps of the slain— At night, when the fierce din of battle is o'er^ And he sinks on the earth, with fatigue overcome, If fond recollection his manhood dissolves, He weeps like the nurse-chidden babe, for his home. 22 VILLAGE POEMS. Nor less are the feelings of childhood alive — When the boy from his birth-place is forced to depart, Be that birth-place a palace, or cottage obscure, Its lines are indelibly drawn on his heart. Whate'er his employment of body or mind, Whether labour or study his moments may fill. He longs for the joys of his own precious home, And the dearly lov'd group, who assemble there still. The world is an ocean of dangers and deaths— The world is a war-field of rage and dismay — *Tis the cold land of banishment, dreary and void, From the mansions of blessedness, far, far away, 'Tis sin that has veiled it in terror and gloom — 'Tis sin bids the tears of humanity flow — And the heart-broken criminal feels it were just, Should he wander forever in darkness and woe. But, rise, humble mourner! there's news from the skies! Thou art destin'd no longer, an exile to roam, A Saviour invites thee— '< Arise, and depart"— For God is thy Father, and Heaven thy Home. 23 TO A FRIEND. That man is blest, whom guardian Heaven Has planted in a middle state ; Above the sufferings of the poor, Below the follies of the great. Expos'd to Fortune's scorching glare, Fair Virtue's form is apt to fade ; And oft the lovely flow'ret droops, Beneath cold penury's chilling shade. The wide extremes of wealth and want. Like the fierce line and frigid pole. Leave a mild temperature between, Where all the seasons kindly roll. Young man — this temperature is thine— Soft flows thy stream of happiness — • Plenty, by industry obtain'd — Friendship, tne bond of human bliss. In calm retirement safe embower'd, Indulgent tleaven has granted thee More than the treaffu-'^s of Peru, A loved and lovely family. 24 VILLAGE POEMS. Does not thy little prattler's voice Full oft thy weariness beguile ? And has this earth a charm so sweet, As thy nurs'd infant's dimpling smile? Another gift thou hast received, A mental boon, a taste refined, That loves to drink at learning's fount, And banquet on the feast of mind. And hast thou not one dearer hope, That far suspasses all the rest, A hope, sky-born — of angel-hue — Does not Religion warm thy breast ? Then go, and " eat thy bread with joy," Thy cup of blessedness runs o'er — Empires could not increase thy wealth, Creation's bounds contain no more. If thou believest — all is thine. That heart can wish, or eye can see — All present things, and things to come. Life, death, earth, heaven, eternity. 25 THE MORNING STAR. Fair Star of day, I sing thy charmSj Thou glory of the morning sky ; For often has thy gladd'ning ray Beam'd sweetly on my gazing eye, When by the bed of sickness placed, By the pale taper's feeble light, When not a sound is heard to break The long, lone watches of th. night- Save now and then a broken groan, Breath'd from the restless couch of pain, . Half breath'd, as though the sufferer check'd His heart, and felt that groans were vain. While thus the periods of the night Roll sad and heavily away, How often turns the wakeful eye To meet the first approach of day. Oh, then, how pleasant to behold, From the dark verge that bounds the sky, The herald of the morning rise. And wing his cheering flight on high. 3 26 VILLAGE POEMS. But shall I sing of lesser orbs, And fail to to celebrate His birth, Whose soul-reviving beams diffuse Salvation o'er the ruin'd earth ? When a lost miserable world, Sin-sick, death-struck, in darkness lay Then, Jesus, didst thou pour abroad, The splendours of eternal day. Awake, ray harp, thy sweetest strains, The glories of his name rehearse, The light of Heaven, the life of men, The Day-staj of the universe ! 27 TO MY SON: ON HIS COMMENCING THE STUDY OF PHYSIC Thou child of my love, tho' removed from my eye, Thou art not removed from a mother's fond heart; The fair path of duty I still can descry, And the counsels of prudence with kindness impart. Though folly's allurements encircle thee round, Yet, let them not tempt thee from virtue to stray, But set thy foot firm on Integrity's ground. And let Temperance guard ev'ry step of thy way. Let knowledge, by close application obtained. Ennoble thy feelings, illumine thy soul. Mankind are thy brothers — whatever is gained, With ardour improve, for the good of the whole When Science unfolds to thy wondering view, The astonishing organization of man, When truth on truth rises, with evidence new, Disclosing the complex, harmonious plan, Oh, then, let thy spirit in gratitude rise, To the source of all wisdom, and goodness, and power, iVho tenderly cherishes, guards, and supplies, This creature of frailty, this child of an hour. 28 VILLAGE POEMS. To him let thy heart be devoted in love, To him be thine earliest energies given, And when the last messenger bids thee remove. He will be a bright convoy to guide thee to Heaven. INFANCY. With fond affection, Ann surveyed. The beauties of her darling child. His lovely features, charming form, And countenancBj so winning mild The infant rested on her arm. For gentle sleep had kindly shedp With soft and balmy influence. His poppies round its little head-. Clear was the sky, the labVing moon Had finished half her nightly race j When glancing at the tender scene. She srail'd upon the baby's face^ Ann gaz'd in silence— 'twas a sight That hush'd the passions all to rest— ~ And breathed a warm and mellow £;Igw Of tranquil pleasure through the foreasl. VILLAGE POEMS. 29 Not hers the babe — but kindred love Around her heart had wound its charms ; And she scarce knew a sweeter joy, Than when she press'd him in her arms. I Ann, lift thine eyes to yonder orb — And raise thy thoughts above that sky- Millions of kindred beings there, Live in close bonds of amity. If joys so pure, so chaste, so dear, To kind affections here are given, Oh, what must be the exalted bliss, Of holy friends, who love in Heaven ? 30 TO M. L. : 0>' HER RETURN FROM VISITING A FAMILY, WHO HAI5, SINCE SHE SAW THEM, BURIEU A SOK, AND MARRIED A DAUGHTER. Mary, I hail tliy safe return, At length, to the sweet rural plain : I greet thee welcome to thy home, And to thy bosom friends again. And hast thou heard the bridal song, And listened to the dirge of woe ? Seen the gay smile of dimpling joy, And the sad tear of sorrow flow ? Dear Mary, this is human life — It is earth's varying hemisphere ; For oft the cloud of deepest shade, Is tipp'd with sunbeams bright and clear. When sin deform'd the beauteous scene. That bounteous Heaven in love had spread. And o'er the cheerful morn of lifcj A dismal gloom of horror shed. VILLAGE" POEMS. 31 Then did the sun of mercy tise^ To chase the dark'ning mist away. And open to the wanderer's eye. The glories of a splendid day. And when his proud and stubborn wiily Resists the lights rejects the grace — And guilt enchains the free-born soul, And drives him from his Maker's face, 'Tiil Heaven in justice, lays hira low. Beneath affliction's chast'ning rod, E'en there does Hope, with cherub smile, Lead back the sufferer to his God. If thou dost "weep with them that weep," And in their happiness rejoice, Still let thy feeling heart receive This faithful, monitory voice. Earth's pleasures, hloom Ihey e'er so fair^ The breath of time will soun destroy. And love may be, in sorrotv's gidsc. The herald of eternal joy. 32 TO A SICK FRIEND, When sadness veils the lonely hours, And health and ease are flown — When painful days, and sleepless nights, Weigh the poor sufferer down — When the world fades, and friendship's self, Is but a feeble prop ; Oh, then, how sweet, beyond compare, Is the meek Christian's hope. How sweet to look beyond the cloud, Aud see a Saviour God — How sweet to lean upon his arm, When chasten'd by his rod. Sweet o'er the darken'd skies to see The bow of promise bend; The promise of a faithful King, A never-failing friend. Oh, never did a humble soul, Believ^e, and trust in vain — A Father's love will hush thy sighs, And bauiish every pain. VILLAGE POEMS. 33 Then cheer thee, pilgrim, let thine eye Be dim with tears no more — Thy sorrows all shall pass away. Thy triaJs all be o'er. And thon shall «ee his lovely face ; Adore his matchless ways — And sing his wisdom, power and truth, la songs of rapturous praise. CHRISTMAS. Roll fast away, ye darksome shades^ Before this splendid morn. The Sun of Righteousness appears. The world's Redeemer's boro. Awake your harps, ye angel bands, Sweep every tuneful string — With hallelujahs to your God, Let Heaven's wide concave ring. Awake, ye ransom'd race, awake. In crouds his temple throng- — Mingle your sweet, melodious notes, And pour the joyful song. 34 VILLAGE POEMS. Go forth ye prisoners of hope? Your great deliverer see — Go forth — your galling chains are broke- For Christ has set you free ! Zion, arise ! thy woes are past— Thy shadowy night is o'er — Thy everlasting day has dawned — Thy sun shall set no more. Let earth with all the hosts of heaven, The choral anthem raise — And swell, in one eternal peal, Immanuel's endless praise ! 35 TO A FRIEND, And why, oh, why, my precious friend, So slow, so backward to believe ? The dearest proofs of heavenly love. Why so unwilling to receive ? Can not thy reason comprehend That He who fills immensity, Should condescend to dwell in flesh, And agonize and die for thee ? Then, contemplaie the eternal law, How infinitely just, and piwe ; Say, who, of all the heavenly hosts, Could its dread penalty endure? What finite being could sustain The awful anger of a God ! That anger justly due to sin, Nor sink beneath the fearful load ? Oh, had that been high Heaven's demand, Created nature must despair — None, none but He who made the law, Its broken honours coulil repair. 36 V VILLAGE POEMS. And see the wondrous task perform'd-"^ The precioas matchiess ransom paid ; The blood of God our saviour shed, To heal the wounds that sin had made. My friend — wilt thou refuse thy heart- Wilt thou reject a love like this? Has God resign'd his only Son, To purchase thine eternal bliss, And wilt t-hou doubt his sacred word, And disbelieve his boundless grace, And coldly turn away thine ear, When he invites thee to his face ? Reflect — this shadowy, flitting state Can yield thee no substantial joy — Sin, in its sweetest cup, has east A bitter mixture of alloy. But see the arms of mercy spread, To fold thee to a Saviour's breast- Seize the dear moment, e'er 'tis past'—' And be to endless ages blest. 37 THE APPLE TREE. In a calm little valley, beside a bleak hill, It rose with luxuriance crown'd, And cheered with the rays of the life giving sun, It spread its thick foliage around. Full many a spring had its blossoming sweets Perfum'd the mild breath of the air ; And many an autumn its deep-laden boughs Rewarded the gatherer's care. But a tempest tremendous rush'd over the plain, And it bent to the terrible stroke — It past — and the zephyr breath'd soft on the tree, But it never recover'd the shock. And yet, though its aged trunk bow'd to the earth, The branches shot upward amain ; For its root had stuck deep, and when autumn return'd It was loaded with apples again. An emblem, I cried, how impressive and just, Of a plant in the Garden of God ! Though the storms of adversity burst on his head, And he bows to th« chastening rod : 4 38 VILLAGE POEMS. Yet well does he know that afflictions are sent, Not to sink him in sloth or despair; But to quicken his graces, and strengthen his faith, That his virtues may flourish more fair. Disencumbered from worldly dependance and hopes, His affections with ardour arise, And he feels that the sorrows which crush him to earth, Are refining his soul for the skies. And though to that glory his spirit would soar, Which dagzles the seraphim's ken, 'Tis his fervent desire that his life may abound In benevolent actions to men. This, thi? is the plant that will flourish and thrive, Unhurt by the elements' rage ; [youth, And the blooms, which adorn'd the fair spring of its Will be fruit in tlie winter of age. 39 SOLITUDE. &WEET Solitude, I court thy quiet shades, And turn my back upon the noisy world — A world that charm'd me once, when "fancy fond' With rapture fi;az'd upon her rainbow hues, And thought them permanent, till silently They sunk away, and left the aching eye To pore on misty darkness. Solitude Holds no deceptive mirror to the view — Secluded from the glare of vanity, The diu of business, and the pomp of pride, The conscious soul collects her scatter'd powers, And rests upon herself — herself? Oh, no — She leans on Him, whose mighty arm upholds The ponderous universe. The worshipper, Who humbly seeks the God in all his works. Is sure to find Him — that resplendent orb Which robes the earth in loveliness, confirms To his believing soul the precious truth, Of His existence, who feeds all its fires. When thunders roll along the vaulted sky, And livid lightnings wrap the world in flame, Thro' the thick cloud he darts a piercing glance, Up to the throne — and fixing " Faith's fiim eye" 0H Him, who guides the tempest, at the feet 40 VILLAGE POEMS. Of the dread Deity his spirit falls In low prostration. Nor alone in these Astonishing: displays of boundless power, Is the Creator seen — for boundless power, And skill, and wisdom, and beneficence, Are visible in every little plant Th'^t lifts its head, to sip the dews of heaven; Ann 'n the smallest insect, that expands Its silken wings to the warm sun. The brook That gursfles sweetly thro' the posied dale, Proclaims the pi'aise of Him who bade it flow, Not less than the tremendous mountain wave. Which roars in concert with the stormy wind. Oh, blind to beauty — to the fairest charm That glows throughout the fair creation, blind, Who in its ample volume sees not Him, Who spreads each page before the admiring eye. As vapours, that ascend from stagnant pools, And fens, and marshes, form a cloudy veil, Which hides the aspect of the glorious sun : So, from deprav'd and sensual appetites, A mist of doubts and false opinions rise, Which darken all the mental hemisphere. And shut the " Sun of Righteousness" from maH. Oh, world ! what a sworn enemy art thou To piety! — thy pleasures, pomps, and gains All hostile to the interests of the seal. r VILLAGE POEMS. 41 Behold the monarch on his throne of state, A royal emmet ! flatter'd and caress'd By fellow-emmets, who like him, rose But yesterday from their own nothingness— Who com*t his smiles, and tremble at his frown To-day, and gone to-morrow — swept aside By one slight puff of fate, and hid in dust. Nor are the pleasures of this little earth More lasting than its grandeur — while the lip Presses the poisonous cup of lawless joy, The blood congeals, and the poor thirsty wretch Feels his heart stop, e'er yet his thirst is cloyed. And what has wealth to charm the immortal mind ? How often has a lust of gold, debased The high-born soul below a sordid brute ! Witness that wretched miser, who foregoes The comforts, and the decencies of life, To hug his darling idol, precious pelf, And starves, and freezes, in the vile embrace. How often has it shut the human heart, As with a fast-barr'd gate of adamant, To sweet compassion's voice, and misery's claims-P- Witness that meagre son of want, who stands Pale, trembling, suppliant at the rich man's door, Thus pleading, in the simple strains of truth — " Once I was prosperous, but disease cut off The labour of my hands, and brought me low. My wife, the sharer of my happier days, Sickly, thro' fasting, chilled with piercing cold, 4* 42 VILLAGE POEMS. Even now sits weeping o'er our hungry babe, Who, yesterday, the last dry crumb, devour'd!" A frigid look, with the stern word, " Begone!" Runs shivering o'er his heart-strings — back he turns, In silent an2;uish to his wretched home. Did Nature form the rich man pitiless? Ob, no — he once was poor, and when he spied A suffering brother, he would freely share With him, his scanty pittance ; but a tide Of fortune flow'd, and charity was drown'd. Laid on the lap of ease and plenty, he Forgets what once he siiffer'd, when his wants Press'd on his heart, and open'd every sluice Of fellow-feeling in him : Nor are these The only ills that wealth unsanctified Procures to erriirg man — Pride, arrogance, Rank self-induleence, in its various shapes Fatal to health, to morals, to the soul, Redundant thrive in this luxuriant soil. Such is the texture of the human heart, That, jrive it opportunity to act, Without the i':race of Heaven to direct And over-rule Hs motions, evils, worse Than froo) Pandora's box were feign'd to spring, Would over-run the world : Who then would dare PermH his^ heart to covet what might prove His bane — the final ruin of his soul ! VILLAGE POEMS. 43 How wise that good man's prayer, who knowing well Temptation's force, besought his gracious God To " give him neither poverty nor riches." This life's a middle state, and it accords With such a lot to tread the middle path, Between the wide extremes of indigence, And haughty independence — of high power Accountable to none, and slavery So abject, that the wretch dares hardly /ee/, Much less assert his real dignity, But yields his nature's great prerogative, His liberty of choice, to brother-worms. Yet let not him, whom Providence hath bless'd With rich abundance, spurn the precious gift ; A talent 'tis, which claims his deep regard — The benefaction of a friend — yet one To which the bounteous donor has attach'd A high responsibility — Whate'er His health demands, whate'er his comfort claims, He may enjoy— but, drearaest thou, vain man. That thou art privileg'd to loll at ease. In luxury's soft lap, or hoard thy wealth In secret coffers, to enrich thy heirs, When thousands of thy brethren pine in want? Or dost thou still the monitory voice. That speaks within, by casting, now and then, A pittance to the poor? Or if a call On public charity should reach thine ear, 4,4 VILLAGE POEMS. Perchance thou'lt give most nobly — this is well — But this is not one half thy duty ; oft, The deepest sufferers are the most conceal'd. Full many a humble, meek, and feeling heart, Would bear the sorest scourge of penury In uncomplaining silence, e'er 'twould feel A right to burden others with its wo. Such should be sought for ; and the gentle hand Of Christian sympathy dispense relief As soft and silent, as the still dew falls On drooping flowers, thro' the lone night — they Feel the sweet refreshment, and returning morn Beholds them flourishing in beauty's pride, Unconscious who had cheer'd them : Charity And ostentation, are as opposite As light and darkness — he who proudly boasts Of benefits conferr'd, cancels, himself, That moment, every debt ; that boHst has svrept The score of obligation clean away. Riches give influence — let the rich man then Exert that influence for the general good. Let him instruct the ignorant, and reclaim, If possible, the guilty; let him lead The feet of error in the path of truth ; And with a steady active zeal promote The truest interests of his fellow-men. I VILLAGE POEMS. 45 It is an ancient adage of the world, That standers-by can best discern the game In all is bearings ; thus the thinking mind Which calm ascends the mount of solitude, Looks down with pure, serene, unclou ded eye On all the various paths of human life, On all the moral and religious ties That ought to bind society ; nay, more, Through the clear glass of faith the soul devout Beholds the bright reward which waits the good, And feels it duty to persuade mankind To listen to the voice of heavenly love. But have the poor no joys? Has Providence With partial hand distributed its gifts Of happiness? Oh no ! the poor have joys Peculiarly their own : Say, humble ones Who glean with patient toil your daily bread Behind the generous reaper — kindles not In your warm hearts the glow of gratitude To these your benefactors, who, heaven-taught, Let fall the plenteous handful in your path ? And more — Does not your faith discern that God Who kindly looks on your necessities. And opens thus the hearts and hands of men To give the timely aid ? Full oft does want Reduce her children to the sorest straits — And when each stream of human hope is dried, Then has a wonder-working Providence 46 VILLAGE POEM§. Unlock'd a new and unexpected source So visible, so rich, so suitable, That the poor heart, opprest with such a weight Of tender mercy, swells with thankfulness Almost to bursting : — Pause we here a while And contemplate the wisdom, power, and love, Of Him who out of darkness call'd forth light; And on our deep and various wretchedness Has rais'd a host of virtues — thus with skill Divine, o'ercoming all our stubborn guilt, And counteracting every subtle plot And machination of our deadliest foe. See gentle sympathy, andp73/ meek, And \imA forbearance, and forgiving lovCy And patience all-enduring — precious band! , United to alleviate the woes Of this our fallen state, and overcome Sin's dismal offspring, passion's demon-rage, Sharp provocation, cruel injuries, Jnsults unmerited — and kindly soothe The pang o( guilt, that wrings the breaking heart, And groans oi pain from sorrow's hard But needful hand, that lays the sufferer low. But these are graces militant — unknown In that blest world where neither guilt nor woe Can find an entrance : they are built VILLAGE POEMS. 47 On the sad wi'eck of man's apostacy. A beauteous fabric ! rais'd, upheld, adorn'd By our Jehovah -Jesus ! Love divine Subduing thus the selfish will of man, By wholesome discipline — and with the dew Of cleansing, healing, sanctifying grace, Prepares him for that beatific state Where sin and sorrow shall be known ^o more, 48 NOCTURNAL REFLECTION. Hast thou ever seen the moon Travel through the midnight sky? Hast thou seen the brilliant stars Stud the canopy on high? When thy musing mind was fix'd, In the depth of solemn thought, Did thy spirit strive to learn, What the glorious scenery taught ? bid this pride-abasing truth On thy soul with sweetness fall-*- Mortal, lay thee in the dust — Thou art nothing — God is all ? 49 TO A FRIEND, AFTER THE DEATH OF HER MOTHER. Still does the breast with sorrow heave, And still the tear-drop wet thine eye, Though many a moon has v;ax'd and wan'd Since thy lov'd parent sought the sky? And still does busy memory brood O'er tranquil joys forever flown ; And that dear countenance recall, Where sweet maternal kindness shone ? And dost thou recollect the hours, When thy poor heart with grief opprest, Felt that a mother's soothing voice Could lull thy anxious soul to rest? And when thy cup of bliss was full, Oh, didst thou not exult, that she, Thy parent, dearly, fondly lov'd, Could share that bounteous cup with thee And are those scenes forever gone? Are all those precious comforts o'er? And shall that voice no more be heard ? And must that face be seen no more? 50 VILLAGE POEMS. Hush ! dry thy tears — thy mother lives — Didst thou not see the path she trod? And may we not, rejoicing, trust It was the path which led to God ? Rise, let thy spirit quit the earth, And stretch its wings to scenes of bliss^ There, they who humbly sought their God^ Dwell where the blest Immauuel is. Look thro' the seats of heavenly light, Where saints in radiant beauty shinC; Adorij'd with perfect holiness, Reflected from the light divine. Is there no trait of character. By which thou may'st thy mother know ?. Dost thou not see that lovely one, With meekness smiling on her brow? Were she allow'd to see thy grief, Were she allow'd to counsel thee, In this, thy earthly pilgrimage. Oh, would not this her language be? " Weep not, my child — my woes are past. My every tear is wiped away — My nifrhT of sin and d^'ath is o'er, I live in everlasting day. VILLAGE POEMS. 51 "' Haste thee, my child, and follow me ; For God thy future hours employ — The time is short — the crown is sure — Arise — and seize eternal joy!" TO A SPORTSMAN. 'Tis pleasant o'er the fields to roam— Better to hunt your foes at home — Look at your heart, and there descry, The foxes that in ambush lie, Ready to seize, and bear away, Each rising virtue as their prey ; And oft with many a crafty wile, The youthful spirit they beguile-^ Here, level all your choicest skill, And range no more the lawn orhilL Subdue the rebels in your breast, And let the woodland people rest. 52 THANKSGIVING DAY. Eternal King of Heaven ! From thy resplendent throne, Of boundless might, of holy love, Oh, look in mercy down. Look down in mercy, Lord, And bless this kindred band ; In close, endearing union plac'd^ By thy most gracious hand. On this returning day, Devoted to thy praise, Father, assist our feeble tongues, The joyful song to raise. But where shall we begin, Thy mercies to recount? On every thought they cluster thick And memory still surmount. Our lives have been preserv'd. By thine Almighty power, And liberty, and home-born joys Until this favour'd hour. VILLAGE POEMS. 53 Each day thy constant care A plenteous table spread, And nightly blessings, like the dew, Around our dwelling shed. Our Father, and our God ! One blessing more impart, And add to all thy precious gifts, An humble, thankful heart. Then shall thy lofty praise, Our voices here employ, Till we shall join the heavenly choir, In everlasting joy. 54 SONNET. See the modest Columbine, With a borrow'd lustre shine. Cradled in its beauteous breast, See the rain-drop softly rest. Lovlier still the plant appears, Wet with Nature's purest tears, Emblem of the faithful soul. Under friendship's sweet control. Kindly coveting to share, Every sorrow, every care — Cherishing the heart of grief, That in its bosom seeks relief, While bending to a friend's distress, Increases its own loveliness. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. Oh, how has vile apostate maa Debas'd his noble birth ! Spread desolation o'er his soul; And ruin thro' the earth I VILLAGE POEMS. Once 'twas a garden of delight, Where every virtue smil'd; But now a thorny wilderness, A dark and cheerless wild. yet, in this wild, Almighty grace, To wand'ring man has given, A guide unerring to conduct His wayward steps to heaven. An upland path the Christian spies, A straight and narrow way, '^Tis steep and thorny — but it leads To everlasting day. With zeal he labours to ascend That path that leads to God, But oft his eyes, with weeping dim. Can scarce discern the road. Yet, courage, pilgrim ! thou shalt live In spite of all thy fears, For oft Religion's choicest plants, Are water'd best with tears. And though desertion's awful night. Involve his soul in gloom. And dark despondence' heavy pall Would press hira to the tomb — 65 56 VILLAGE POEMS. Yet, e'er he faints, a lucid ray Beams on his lifted eye, And darkness, doubt, and fears depart, Before that smiling sky. But these are seasons of deliglit, That may not, must not last — One sweet reviving hour, perhaps, And then the vision's past. Anon, his glorious sun is hid, His spirit droops again — He gropes for light — he sinks with fear, That every effort's vain. But, lest in darkness overwhelm'd, His trembling feet should stray. Faith arms him with a walking staff, And Hope illumes the way. 57 THE RESTING PLACE. Poor feeble man, in sorrow born, A pilgrim from his earliest morn, By strong temptations urg'd to stray, While dangers thick beset his way — While numerous foes assault his life, With subtle craft, and furious strife, And sore infest his mortal race — How needs his soul a resting place ! When storms of poverty assail. And wants increase, and comforts fail — When enemies insult, deride, And friends, forgetful, turn aside- How welcome then the word of love Sent to the mourner from above, Which leads him to a throne of grace, To find a heavenly resting place ! When pining sickness wastes the frame. And dimly burns life's feeble flame. When clouds of guilt the mind o'erspread, And sorrow bows the aching head — ,. Then how reviving mercy's voice. That bids the humble heart rejoice^ 58 VILLAGE POEMS. Reveals a Saviour's smiling face, And in that smile a resting place ! Oh, when my spirit, tempest-tost, Feels that all earthly scenes are lost, And trembling views the immortal shore, Where grief and sin are known no more- Then may I see that Saviour near, To hush each sigh, dry every tear, And grant me in his blest embrace An everlasting resting place. 59 THE TEA-TABLE, Let other ladies boast the joys In parties gain'd, where wit and noise, Inspire a transient glee, The crowded hall I'd leave in haste, To sit with ray dear girls and taste A social cup of tea. The board with spotted papers strew'd, Exciting passions base and rude, My heart can ne'er approve ; Be it with wholesome viands crown'd, And smiling faces circled round. And, 'tis a sight I love. The monarch on his throne of state, While slaves obsequious round him wait, Feels not a joy like this — No heart, amongst that vassal band, Will beat, e'en at a king's command, In unison with his. QO VILLAGE POEMS. Oh, thou great origin of love ; Teach us so wisely to improve The blessing thou hast given, That we may each obtain a place, At the full table of thy grace, When it is spread in Heaven. 61 SONNET. Sweet Moon ! I love to gaze upon thy face, For thou dost not repel the asking eye With piercing brightness, like thy brother Sol, But dost invite, with a kind, winning grace, The contemplations of a musing mind That quits the noxious earth, and looks on high For objects suited to its vast desires — And thou dost tell of Him, who gave thee birth, Thro" trackless fields of ether bade thee roll, And shed thy lustre o'er the darksome earth. To kindle pure devotion's holy fires, To cheer the aching heart with joys refin'd, And light the pilgrim on his arduous way. Through mortal life's thick glooms, to Heaven's re- splendent day. •^2 SONNET. As mists, that cloud an April sky, Now gathering low, now tow'ring high. By rival breezes driven ; Distilling now, like dews of night. Now parting wide, with cheerful light, And opening to the gladden'd sight, The beauteous blue of Heaven—- So, on the soul that seeks the skies, Dark shades, and gloomy fears arise^ Beclouding all its way— 'Till truth dispels the sable hue, That doubt o'er all its comforts threw, And breaks upon the enraptur'd view, A bright and endless day. 63 SONNET. How sweet it is, upon a summer's niglitj After the falling of a gentle shower, When the full moon, in silent majesty, Hides o'er the topmost arches of the sky, Pouring around her soft and silver rays — How sweet it is to spend a tranquil hour, With those we love, in meditative gaze, Upon the solemn beauty of the scene. When, as the scarce heard zephyr stirs the treeSj, We listen to the drops that patter down, Does not a nameless feeling of delight Steal o'er the soul, so pure, devout, serene, As Eden's sweets were floating on the breez?, And innocence from man had never flown. CONTENTS. To Miss M D.*: Occasioned by the Death of a young acquaintance, - - - - - 5 To a Friend, - - - - - 7 The Snow Storm, - - - - - 10 To a Friend, on receiving H, More's Practical Piety, 11 The Rose Bud in October, - - - - 14 The Bright Winter Morning, - - - 16 To a Friend, 18 Home, 21 To a Friend, 23 The Morning Star, - - - - 25 To ray Son, on his commencing the study of Physic, 27 Infancy, - - - - - - 28 To Miss M. L. On her return from visiting a family who had, since she saw them, buried a son, and married a daughter, - - - - 30 To a sick friend, - - - - - 32 Christmas, - - - - - - 33 To a Friend, 35 The Apple-Tree, 37 Solitude, 39 Nocturnal Reflections, - - - - 48 To a Friend, after the Death of her Mother, - 49 To a Sportsman, - • - - - 51 Thanksgiving Day, - - - - 62 Sonnet, - - - - - - 64 The Christian Life, .... ib. The Resting Place, - - - - 57 The Tea-table, 59 Sonnet, - - - - - - 61 Sonnet, - - - - - -62 Sonnet, - - - • - j^ 6^ 6* SAMUEL WOOD &, SONS, JVo. 261 Pearl-street, NEW YORK : Have Recently Published^ THE INSTITUTES OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR, Me- thodically arranged; with Examples for Parsing, Questions for examination, False Syntax for correc- tion, Examples for writing, Observations for the ad- vanced student, and a Key to the Oral Exercises : to which are added four Appendixes. Designed for the use of Schools, Academies, and Private Learn- ers. By Goold Brown. Second edition, revised and enlarged. THE FIRST LINES of English Grammar, being a Brief Abstract of the Author's larger work. Designed for young learners. By Goold Brown. Second edi- tion. THE ELEMENTS OF ASTRONOMY ; with methods for determining the Latitudes, Aspects, he. of the Planets for any future time ; and an extensive list of Geographical Problems on the Globes. Designed for the use of Schools and Junior Students. By S. Tree- by, Teacher of the Mathematics, Classics, &c. &c. Second edition. Revised and corrected by M. Nasb, Teacher of Mathematics, New York. 67 A NEW TREATISE on the Use of the Globes, or a Philosophical View of the Earth and Heavens : com- prehending an account of the Figure, Magnitude, and Motion of the Earth, the natural changes of its surface, caused by Floods, Earthquakes, fcc. together with the elementary Principles of Meteorology, and Astronomy, the Theory of the Tides, etc. Preceded by an extensive selection of Astronomical and other definitions ; and illustrated by a great variety of Prob- lems and Questions, for the examination of the stu- dent, &c. Designed for the Instruction of youth. By Thomas Keith, Private Teacher of Mathematics, Geography, kc. The Fourth American, from the last London edition. Revised and corrected, by Robert Adrain, ll.d. f.a.p.s. f.a.a.s. &c. and Professor of Mathematics in Rutger's College, New-Brunswick, New Jersey. THE LIVES of Distinguished Foreigners, celebrated in Childhood for Premature Attainments. Translated from the French by E. Arrowsmlth. CHOICE EMBLEMS, Natural, Historical, Fabulous, and Divine ; for the Instruction and Amusement of Youth: displaying the beauties and morals of the Ancient Fabulists* •5£ "^S^^f cc *" ^El CCT < dT CC ^^C C C <^rcc: c €cr CC ^cr? c c ^H CC ^^^ c c ^EZ CC^ ^S ^_ c