EOUCAriOHACDE^r 
 
DEATH OF MRS. FRANCIS WHEELE& 
 
 Many people in the neighbourhood of Northampton 
 I will hear with deep regret of the death of the widow »f 
 the late Rev. Francis "Wheeler on Friday last. To a lawre 
 number the demise of this lady will seem like the severance 
 of a link with the past. It will be remembered that the 
 Rev. Francis Wheeler was for a long" time pastor of the 
 Baptist Chapel at Moulton, as well as master of a school 
 at that village. During that period both he and Mrs. 
 Wheeler not ouly gained the affections of their pupils, but 
 the love of those around them. There are numbers, now 
 advanced in years, who were instructed at the small school 
 at Moulton, and still lookback with pleasure to the time spent 
 under the care of Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler. Thirty-three 
 years has the latter survived her husband, and at the ripe 
 old age of 92 she died at Norwich on Friday, after a 
 residence in that city of something like nine years. The 
 deceased lady's body was brought to Northamp- 
 ton, and the funeral took place in Moulton Chap til 
 yard on Tuesday. The cortege left the town shortly 
 after half-past one, the mourners being- — the Rev. T. 
 Wheeler (Norwich), Mr. Benjamin and Mrs. Wheeler 
 (Northampton), Mr. Robert Wheeler, sons of Mrs. 
 Wheeler ; Mr. Walter Wheeler, grandson; Mr. William 
 Vickers (of Nottingham), a nephew; Mr. Samuel S. 
 Wheeler (of Leicester), nephew; Miss Rogers, niece ; and 
 the Rev. J. T. Brown, who was an old pupil of Mr. 
 Wheeler. The Rev. J. Litchfield, of Kingsthorpe, was 
 taken up en route, and Aloultoa reached in about, an hour. 
 Here the coffin, on which were three wreaths of white 
 flowers, was borne to the chapel by six men. Among 
 those who attended were the Rav. W. A. Wickes and Mrs. 
 Wicks, Mr., Mrs. and Miss Pickering, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Scott (Pitsford), Mr. and Miss Cox, Mrs. Liuford, Mrs. 
 Andrews, Mrs. BusweM, and Miss Chamberlain (Moulton), 
 Mrs. Deacon (Brampton), &e. The service w#is conducfed 
 by Mr. Litchfield, who, after reading some portions of 
 Scripture, sai-1 they wore met there on that cold winter's 
 day to' pay the last tribute of esteem and affection to one* 
 whom they had long known, and one to whom they 
 looked up when in difficulty and in perplexity. A 
 long — a very long — course had come to its final close ; 
 nature's winter and the winter of a^e had brought the 
 labourer to her rest. The eye that had been dimmed with 
 age was now viewing the King- in his beauty, and the ear 
 was listening to heavenly music. What a transition ! How 
 pleasing, how consolatory to all it must be to think that 
 she had passed away from weakness to everlasting strength, 
 from extreme old age to eternal youth, from the weariness 
 of life's loug pilgrimage to rest in Heaven — a rest long 
 waited for, and very calmly anticipiti'd through long, 
 long years. And ^o their friends that lived with them so 
 long had gone to that horn?; where she had been welcomed 
 with the * ; Well done thou, good and faithful servant." 
 Think of her during h<:r loug lite — always steadfast when 
 things wont smooth, and immovable in trial, and sorrow, 
 and suffering. What a life she had led ! She gave herself 
 to God, gave her heart to Christ;- and might they also be 
 followers of Him. Those who knew Mrs. Wheeler here 
 knew the depth of her devotion, and saw how she loved 
 the house of God, and looked up to Him for H ; s blessing. 
 He did not know that he had ever met with a woman so 
 
 service concluded at the grave. " *"* 
 
 Thrice blest whose lives are faithful prayers, 
 vVhose loves in higher love endure ; ' 
 
 \V nab SOUls DOSSfiSS thprnsonraa Qn tm^ 0 
 
MOULTON SCHOOL BOARD. 
 Sir,— The election is near at hand, and a few remarks for 
 the consideration of fellow ratepayers may not be out of place. 
 By observation and by careful enquiries, I have come to the 
 conclusion that the present majority have made a complete 
 failure during their term of office. Their policy, if it can be 
 dignified by such a term, appears to have been "meddle and 
 muddle." Have the ratepayers been relieved in any way ? 
 Not at all. On the contrary, they complain of the way in 
 which the School Board rate is "called." The Board ought 
 to try to make their calls upon the ratepayers as equal as 
 possible— a l£d. rate once a quarter would not be heavily felt. 
 But the clever financiers on the Board study their constituents 
 so much thai; the rates are as irregular and inconvenient as 
 possible. They seem to have no system at all, and the 
 heaviest rates are always made in the worst part of t\\e year. 
 In addition to this, the Board are so " muddled " in their 
 accounts, that a large amount of the Government Grant was 
 lost this year— nearly £20, I understand. And yet these are 
 the men who pose as "ratepayer's friends" and as "econo- 
 mists " ! Besides the ratepayers feeling dissatisfied, many 
 parents strongly complain of the action of the Board in regard 
 to teachers. Some time ago I had occasion to go into the 
 school to complain to the master of one of the teachers. I 
 found this "teacher" to be a boy of about 11 years of age. 
 The School Board had appointed this child to teach the other 
 children ! I expressed the opinion that before he could teach 
 others he ought to receive some teaching himself, but to expect 
 him to control other children is as preposterous and silly as 
 the act of appointing him. And I understand there is a 
 majority of these juvenile " teachers." Now this is a ques- 
 tion of great moment to us parents. We are compelled to 
 send our children to school, but we want proper teachers to 
 see to them when they are there, and as the present majority 
 on the Board are of such small mental calibre as not to be 
 able to see the necessity of appointing such, we must elect 
 members who will. We pay rates for the purpose, and we 
 demand a good article for the price. The £20 lost to the 
 Board would have helped to pay a proper and efficient 
 teacher. We must therefore put members on the Board who 
 will do their duty as rational and sensible men, not as 
 "meddlers and muddlers." A PARENT. 
 
JULY 24, 1884. 
 
 BAZAAR AT MOULTON. 1 
 
 A two-days' bazaar was opened at Moulton yesterday in aid 
 of the restoration fund of the Church, of which the Rev. Mr. 
 Walker is in charge. Unfortunately the heavy rain which fell 
 in the afternoon interfered with the attendance, but the better 
 weather of to-day will be more favourable for visitors. There 
 are six large stalls in the bazaar, which was held in a com- 
 modious marquee, laden with a great variety of useful and 
 fancy articles and flowers. They are under the charge of the 
 following ladies and their assistants :— Mrs. Nethercote, 
 assisted by Mis. Baldwin Wake and Miss .Griffiths ; Mrs. 
 Walker, the Vicarage, assisted by the Misses Montgomery 
 (two), and Miss N. Walker ; Mrs. Lewis, assisted by Miss 
 Lewis, Miss James, Miss Marshall, and Miss Thweed; Mrs. J. 
 
 ( Turner and family, assisted by the Misses Walker, of Billing, 1 
 and Mrs. Spurgin ; Mrs. Marsh, assisted by the Misses March 
 (three), Mrs. Brown, Billing Lodge, and the Misses Pell, Wel- 
 lingborough ; Mrs. J eyes, assisted by Mrs. Frank Jeyes and 
 
 I Miss Underwood. A beautiful doll's house constructed by Miss 
 Charlotte Marsh, and valued at £5, attracted great attention. 
 
 ' There were the usual churns, bran pies, f&c, but the rain 
 prevented tennis or any out-door games being engaged in. The 
 band of the Militia was in attendance, and played selections 
 daring the afternoon. The ladies committee who had charge 
 of the bazaar were Mrs. Nethercote, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. 
 Turner, Mrs. Marsh, Mrs. Jeyes, and Mrs. Lewis (hon- 
 
 I secretary), and the stewards were Messrs. Lewis, James, 
 Monk, Geo. Britten, and G. Turner. As already stated the 
 
 I bazaar is in aid of the restoration fund of the Church of 
 Moulton. The Church is in need of re-seating, of a new 
 
 ! roof, and indeed of being wholly and thoroughly restored 
 
 ! in the interior, while parts of the walls require over- 
 hauling. The whole cost of the alterations that are 
 necessary will be about £4,000 or £5,000. Of this £1,400 
 has been acquired. The bells have been recently re-hung 
 
 j and the belfry repaired at a cost of £180, and a new wall has 
 
 ' been built round the church, a new roof put on the tower and 
 several other minor improvements effected. The bazaar is 
 under the patronage of Colonel Sir Robert Loyd Lindsay and 
 Lady Loyd Lindsay, Lady Wake, Sir Charles Isham and Lady 
 Isham, Captain and Mrs. Rooper, and others. 
 
 MOULTON.— The Church Restoration Bazaar.— 
 The bazaar which was held on Wednesduy and Thursday last 
 in aid of the church restoration fund realised upwards of 
 £140, a sum which must be very gratifying to the ladies and 
 gentlemen who worked so arduously for the cause. Had the 
 weather been more favourable, doubtless the proceeds would 
 have been much larger. Amongst the visitors we noticed Mr. 
 H. O. Nethercote and Mrs. Nethercote, Mrs. Allix, Rev. A. A. 
 Longhurst, Colonel Sotherby, Mrs. Sotherby (Ecton), Mrs. 
 Spurgin, Miss Montgomery, Miss H. Montgomery, Mr. Walker 
 and Miss Walker (Billing), Mrs. Markham and Miss Markham 
 (Pitsford), Rev. H. C. Calverley, Mrs. Calverley, Miss Griffith, 
 Miss Maur, Mrs. B. Wake. 
 
MOULTON. — Bell Ringing.— On Saturday a peal of 
 grandsire (making 120 changes) on the first five bells, with tenor 
 behind was rung on the newly-hung bells of the Church of 
 ™! P ? te * a " d *> u1 ' Moulton, by six members of the Moulton 
 Church Bell Ringers' Association, on the occasion of the 
 coming of age of one of the members (Mr. James York). It is 
 nearly ji) years since this was accomplished by a set of ringers 
 all residents of the village. Team : First, James MabbStt ; 
 second, George Wright ; third, Joseph R. Jeyes ; fourth, John 
 Britten jun.; fifth, John Earl (conductor); sixth (tenor), 
 James York. AH the above took part in a second peal, with 
 the exception of J York, Mr. Robert York, superintendent of 
 the Association, then ringing the tenor. 
 
 The Moulton and Overstone Pig Club held its annual 
 meeting at the White Lion Inn, on Tuesday evening, when 
 new rules were laid before the members and passed. The 
 Secretary then gave a statement of the past year's accounts, 
 which showed a clear gain to the Society of £3 12s 4d The 
 fundsnowstaudat£41, with 90 members. Officers for the 
 present year were chosen as follows :-Mr. W. Sharman 
 president; Mr. W Tiplei % treasurer ; Mr. Jos. Britter Tse?re- 
 taiy; Messrs. J. Palmer, W. Tipler, G. Faulkner, T. Birch, 
 L? e ^° n ' W * w n, I ,er ' , and G ' Pa « e > committee. A supper 
 «2™ J? f ? °? Wed " esda y evening, when 70 members and 
 Elunn dS £ at A 0 ?? tGan «<*Uent meal provided by 
 Host Walton Mr. C. Adams presided, and after making a 
 £ji.f C v" gra , tulat0ry remarks, proposed - Success to the 
 ?rwi y V S °^ e .u apifcal son ^ s were sun S by members and 
 friends from Northampton, and an enjoyable evening spent 
 
 ORTHAMPTONSHIPvE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 The ANNUAL MEETINGS will be held in Carey 
 <3hapel, Moulton, on Tuesday and Wednesday in 
 WHIT3UN Week, May 26 and 27. —Tuesday :— At Half- 
 past Ten o'clock, Annual Meeting of the Members of the 
 Provident Society; Twelve o'clock, the M Circular Letter" 
 will be Bead (writer, Rev. W. Fidler) ; at Three o'clock 
 Reports from the Churches will be Read, and General 
 Business. At Half-past Six o'clock, the Annual Meeting 
 of the County Mission, the chair to be taken by Rev. J. T. 
 Brown; after the Report Revs. W. Pratt, B.A., Went 
 Haddon, and E. R. Broom, Milton, and Mr. C. Pollard, 
 Kettering, will Address the Meeting ; a Collection at the 
 •close on behalf of the Fund. — Wednesday :— At Seven 
 -o'clock a.m., a Prayer Meeting. A Public Service at 10.30 
 a.m. ; Preacher, Rev. W. A. Davis, Rushden. At 12.15 
 the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper will be observed ; at 
 Three o'clock Letters from the Churches, Evangelistic 
 Report, &c, will be Read. Rev. J. T. Brown is expected 
 to Preach in the Evening ; Service to commence at Six 
 •o'clock ; Collections during the day for the Provident 
 Society. A Gospel Temperance Meeting will be held 
 after the Public Service in the Wesleyan Chapel (kindly 
 lent); John Siddons, Esq., will preside, and Revs. H. 
 Trotman, F. J. Flatt, and A. B. Middleditch will Address 
 the Meeting. A Public Dinner and Tea will be provided 
 on Wednesday, at 1.30; T€a at Five o'clock. — Convey- 
 ances will leave College-street School-room on Wednesday 
 Morning at Half-past Nine o'clock. Tickets for the Return 
 Journey Is. 6d. each, if taken by Tuesday Morning, May 
 20 th ; 2s. each if later. Tickets can be had of Mr. Darby, 
 Sheep-street ; Mr. Job Williams, 25, College-street ; Mr. 
 Patrick, Newland ; Taylor and Son, 9, College-street. 
 
tfrfgtttal 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS 
 
 POEMS, 
 On Moral, Religious, and Entertaining 
 SUBJECTS. 
 
 
 
 BY 
 
 WILLIAM CHOWN, 
 
 Schoolmaster, 
 OF MOULTON, NEAR NORTHAMPTON. 
 
 Jl3ort|)amptan : 
 
 PRINTED BY F. COllDEUX. 
 
 And may be had of Longman & Co. St. Paul's Church Yard, 
 London ; Abel, Northampton ; March, Wellingborough ; 
 Dash, Kettering ; aud of the Author, at Moulton. 
 
 1818, 
 
ADDRESS. 
 
 The Author of the following Poems 
 presumes on the candour and indulgence 
 of a generous and discerning Public, and 
 hopes for their approbation, although he 
 ^ is conscious that they do not possess the 
 ^elegancies of Language, or the rhapsodi- 
 - cal imagery of Fictio?i to recommend them, 
 he has only to aver, that they are original, 
 and that they are friendly to good order, 
 virtue, and religion. 
 
 The Author not having had the ad- 
 vantages of a liberal Education, most 
 humbly hopes that accomplished Critics 
 
 will spare their rod, and esteem him 
 • • • 
 
 sincere, if not learned. To relieve an 
 honest man in the decline of life zoas 
 the only motive which induced the Author 
 to make them public ; and he has only 
 this plea to advance in their behalf, that 
 if they are not calculated to improve the 
 Taste, they will not corrupt the Heart, 
 which is too often experienced from mo- 
 dern publications of this class. 
 
 a 2 
 
SUBSCRIBERS 
 
 MRS. Armyiage, Northampton 
 
 Mrs. Aspinal, sen. Moulton 
 
 Mrs. Aspinal, jun. ditto 
 
 Master Aspinal, ditto 
 
 Mr. A'Court, Northampton 
 
 Mr. Abraham Abbott, Kingsthorpe Milt 
 
 Mr. Abbott, Harborough 
 
 Mr. James Abel, Bookseller, Northampton 
 
 Mr. G. Baker, Northampton 
 
 Messrs. Birdsall's, ditto, 2 copies 
 
 Mr. F. Birdsall, ditto 
 
 Mr. F. Brown, ditto 
 
 Master R. Britten, Moulton 
 
 Master G. Britten, ditto 
 
 Master T. Britten y ditto 
 
 Mr. Thomas Bin y an, ditto 
 
 Mr. C. P. Barber, ditto 
 
 Mr. William Barber, jun. ditto 
 
 Mr. John Blunt, Moulton 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Blayney, Pitsiord 
 
 Mr. Francis Blunt, ditto 
 
 Mrs. Sarah Buswell, ditto 
 
 The Rev. James Bousquet, Hardingstone 
 
 Mr. G. Barber, Thrapston 
 
 Miss Alice Barber, ditto 
 
 Miss Bradshaw, Hard wick 
 
 Mr. Samuel Baker, Moulton 
 
 Mrs. Bull, Pitsford 
 
 Miss Bull, ditto 
 
 Miss Blewitt, Dustou 
 
 Mrs. Martha Brawn, Grendou 
 
 Mr. Lawrence Brawn, ditto 
 
 Mr. Bryan, Boughton 
 
 Mr. Edward Britten, Moultou 
 
V 
 
 Lady Cave, Kingsthorpe 
 
 Mr. J. E. P. Chambers, Northampton 
 
 Mr. Cordeux, London, 3 copies 
 
 Mr, Cordeux, Northampton 
 
 Mrs. S. Clark, Overstone 
 
 Mrs. Callis, jun. MearVAshby 
 
 Mrs. Callis, sen. ditto 
 
 Miss M. Cox, ditto 
 
 Mrs. E. Coles, Wellingborough 
 
 Mr. Richard Chater, VVollaston 
 
 Mr. Joseph Coles, Moulton 
 
 Colonel Corbet, Pitsford 
 
 Miss Clarke, Brix worth 
 
 Mr. Thomas Cornfield, Guilsborough 
 
 Miss Lucy Coles, Whiston 
 
 Mr. John Cox, ditto 
 
 Mr. John Chown, ditto 
 
 Z. Y. at Mr. John Chown's, ditto 
 
 Mr. Joseph Campion, Abiagton 
 
 Miss Elizabeth Cooch, Harleston 
 
 Mr. Thomas Cooke, Holcot 
 
 The Right Hon. Lord Dunglas, Pitsford 
 
 F. Dickins, Esq. Wollastou 
 
 Mr. Drayton, Northampton 
 
 Mr. S. Dong worth, London 
 
 Mr. Thomas Darker, Sywell 
 
 Mr. James Dove jun. Moulton 
 
 The Rev. Charles Davy, Guilsborough 
 
 Mr. John Dove, Kingsthorpe 
 
 Mrs. Drage, Scald well 
 
 Mr. William Dove, Holcot 
 
 Mr. William Drage, ditto 
 
 Mr. William Eyte, Doddiugton 
 Mr. Ekins, Hannington 
 Master Richard Faulkner, Overstone 
 Miss S. Faulkner, Boughton 
 
V! 
 
 Mrs. Fox, Old 
 
 Mrs. Francis, Scaldwell 
 
 Mr. Freeman, bookseller, Northampton 
 
 The Hon. Robert Grosvenor, Pitsford 
 Mr. Thomas Gittings, Overstone 
 Mr. William Gillitt, Mears Ashby 
 Mr. William Gaudern, EarPs-Barton 
 Master John Gaudern, ditto 
 Mr. Robert Gadsby, Abington 
 Mrs. Green, Brixworth 
 Mrs. Garrett, Duston 
 Mr. T. Green, Kingsthorpe-Lodge 
 Mr. Jerome Green, Kingsthorpe 
 Mr. Thomas Green, grocer, ditto 
 Mr. William Gibbs, Hannington 
 Mrs. T. Gaudern, EarlVBarton 
 
 Clark Hillyard, Esq. Thorplands-House 
 
 The Rev. G. E. Hanmer, Overstone 
 
 Mr. Harday, Northampton 
 
 Mr. Henry Hughes, ditto 
 
 Mr, Hanscomb, Newport 
 
 Mr. Harney, London 
 
 Mr. S. Hall, Northampton 
 
 Mr. Thomas Humphrey, Moulton 
 
 Mr. Stephen Hawkes, Abington 
 
 Mr. Lovell Hollis, Boughton 
 
 Mr. Thomas Higgins, Hardingstone 
 
 Mr. Holmes, Northampton 
 
 Mr. Hill, Harborough 
 
 Mr. Howcutt, Wilby 
 
 Mrs. Harris, Pitsford 
 
 Mrs. E. Houghton. Holcot 
 
 Samuel Isted, Esq. Ecton, 2 copies 
 Miss Ingman, Northampton 
 
 Mr. N. Jones, Wilby 
 Mrs. Rachel Jayes, ditto 
 
Vll 
 
 Mr. Ebenezer Johnson, Moulton-Park 
 Mr. Jenson, Westoa-Favell 
 Mr. Edward James, Pitsford 
 
 Clement Sneyd Kynnersley, Esq. Pitsford 
 
 Mrs. Keene, Chelsea 
 
 John Kipling, Esq. Overstone, 3 copies 
 
 Mrs. Kemshead, EarPs- Barton 
 
 Mr. John Knibb, Moultou-Grange 
 
 Mr. William Knowles, ditto 
 
 Mrs. Keeffe, Harleston 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Lockton, Brampton 
 
 Mrs. Lindsey, Northampton 
 
 Mr. William Luck, Overstone 
 
 Mr. A. Luck, ditto 
 
 Mr. William Linuell, ditto 
 
 Mrs. Lovel, MearVAshby 
 
 Master Laundon, Moulton 
 
 Mrs. Lovel, Great-Billing 
 
 Mr. Joseph Lewis, Northampton 
 
 Mr. William Mitchell, Leicester, 6 copies 
 
 Mr. Merry, Northampton 
 
 Mr. Miers, ditto 
 
 Mr. G. Miers, ditto 
 
 Mr. Moon, ditto 
 
 Mr. C. B. Merry, Bedford 
 
 Mr. James Munden, Overstone 
 
 Mrs. Morgan, Ecton 
 
 Mr. Nicholas Marsh, Moulton 
 
 Mr. George Marriott, ditto 
 
 Master Manning, ditto 
 
 Mr. Robert Marsh, ditto 
 
 Mr. J. C. Merry, ditto 
 
 Mrs. William Marsh, ditto 
 
 Mr. John Mackay, ditto 
 
 Miss Marshall, Pitsford 
 
 Mr. Thomas Merry, Abiugton 
 
vili 
 
 Mr. Richard Manning, Kingsthorpe 
 
 Mr. Slepheu Manning, ditto 
 
 Mr. Samuel Marriott, Boughton 
 
 Mrs. Ann Margritts, Harleston 
 
 Mr. Samuel Marsh. Kirby 
 
 Mr. William Manning, Moulton 
 
 Mr. John Marsh, Hoi cot 
 
 Mr. Thomas Marsh, Hannington 
 
 The most noble the Marquess of Northampton, Castle- 
 Ashby 
 
 Mr. Nicholson, Cotton-End 
 
 Mrs. Mary Orlebar, Ecton 
 Master Oram, Moulton 
 
 Mr. Perrin, Northampton 
 
 Mr. Samuel Pell, Overstone 
 
 Mr. Robert Pell, ditto 
 
 Captain Pell, R. N. Sywell 
 
 Lieutenant Pell, ditto 
 
 Mrs. Pell, MearVAshby 
 
 Mr. William Phillips, ditto 
 
 Mr. Absalom Pain, EarTs-Barton 
 
 Mr. William Pain, ditto 
 
 Mr. John Manning Pell, Moulton 
 
 Mr. George Pell, ditto 
 
 Miss Eliza Pell, ditto 
 
 Mr. G. Pierrepont, London 
 
 Mr. William Pell, Pitsford 
 
 Miss Pentelow, Walgrave 
 
 Mrs. Pell, Cogenhoe 
 
 Master Thomas Presland, WollasSton 
 
 Mr. G. Rubbra, jun. Northampton 
 
 Mr. W. Rubbra, ditto 
 
 Mr. Thomas Rice, Moulton 
 
 Mr. William Rigby, Pitsford 
 
 Mr. William Richardson, Kingsthorpe 
 
 Mrs. Redgrave, Boughton 
 
Mrs. Martha Robinson, Harleston 
 
 Mr. Robert Rogers, Delapre 
 
 Mr. Thomas Rogers, Yardley-Hastings 
 
 T. S. W. Samwell, Esq. Upton 
 
 Mr. D. Spurgin, Overstone 
 
 Mr. H. Sloane, Wellingborough 
 
 Mr. John Steele, Overstone, 2 copies 
 
 Mr. A. Steele, London 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Stanton, Moulton, 2 copies 
 
 Mr. S. Sharman, Hard wick 
 
 Mr. Stephen Sheldon, Walgrave 
 
 Mr. W. Sills, Great-Billing 
 
 Mr. Samuel Seagrave, Grendon 
 
 Mrs. Mary Sanderson, ditto 
 
 Mrs. Mary Smith, ditto 
 
 Mr. Thomas Sears, Boughton 
 
 Mr. George Simcoe, Boughton 
 
 The Rev. J. Stanton, Scaldwell 
 
 Mrs. Stanton, ditto 
 
 Master Stanton, ditto 
 
 Master John Stanton, ditto 
 
 Mr. Thomas Tressler, Moulton 
 
 Mr. John Tressler, ditto 
 
 Mr. Taylor, ditto 
 
 Mr. George Tipler, ditto 
 
 Mr. W. Tomalin, Northampton 
 
 Mr. Thompson, Overstone 
 
 Mr. Jeremiah Tomalin. schoolmaster, By field 
 
 Miss M. Thong, Hollovvell 
 
 Mrs. Thompson, Hollowell 
 
 Mr. Thomas Underwood, Pitsford 
 
 Mr. Francis Underwood, Brixworth 
 
 Mr. Wilford, London 
 
 Mr. George White, Overstone 
 
 Mrs. G. Worley, Sywell 
 
X 
 
 Mrs. Worley, MearVAshby, 2 copies 
 
 Mr. Watts, ditto 
 
 Mr. Joseph Willding, ditto 
 
 Mrs* Walton, ditto 
 
 Mr, James Woolley, ditto 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Whailey, ditto 
 
 Mr. William Whitworth, EarlVBarton 
 
 Mr. John H. Warner, ditto 
 
 Mr. Joseph Warren, ditto 
 
 Mr. JohnWilliamson, schoolmaster, Little-Harrou t 
 3 copies 
 
 Mr. Thomas Walker, Orlingbury, 2 copies 
 
 Mr. John Wareing, Moulton 
 
 Mr. Thomas Wareing, ditto 
 
 Mr. George Litchfield Watts, ditto 
 
 St, Vincent Whitshed, Esq. Pitsford 
 
 The Rev. Edward C. Wright, ditto 
 
 Mr. Richard West, Dallington 
 
 Miss Weston, Brixworth 
 
 Mrs. W. Wood, ditto 
 
 Mrs. Wright, Great-Billing 
 
 W. Ward, jun. Esq. Guilsborough 
 
 W. S. Watson, Esq. Upton 
 
 Mr. James Whiting, Duston 
 
 Mrs. J. Woolley, Grendon 
 
 Mr. John Wood, Moulton-Park 
 
 Mrs. Walton, Brampton 
 
 Mrs. Weston, Hardingstone 
 
 William Ward, Esq. Guilsborough 
 
 Mr. Jonathan Wood, Oundle, 2 copies 
 
 Mr. James Woolley, Castle-Ashby 
 
 Mrs. Young, London 
 
 Mrs. Sarah York, Dallington 
 
 Mrs. Ann York, Moulton 
 
€ontmt& 
 
 ©N the Nativity of Christ 
 
 On the Fall of the Leaf 
 
 Stanzas on Content 4 
 
 Unanimity 4 
 
 An Elegy to the Memory of Ambrose Isted, Esq 5 
 
 Reflections on Autumn ... » 8 
 
 A Tribute to the Memory of William Cowper, Esq 9 
 
 Reflections on the Death of a Friend 11 
 
 The Twenty-third Psalm 12 
 
 A Hymn for the General Fast—February 20th, 1799 13 
 The Tutor's Address to his Pupils on breaking up 14 
 
 On the Death of a favorite Canary Bird 35 
 
 A Moral Epistle to a Friend 16 
 
 Address to a thoughtless young Gentleman 18 
 
 The Prospect, or Promise fulfilled 19 
 
 A Penitential Reflection 21 
 
 A Grateful Thought 22 
 
 On Matthew, chap. xi. v. 29 .... 24 
 
 Thankfulness 25 
 
 Sonnet on the Prospect of the Abolition of the Slave Trade 26 
 
 Against Suicide .. 27 
 
 A Hymn, written after a viole»tStorm of Thunder and Hail 28 
 
 The Human Soul 29 
 
 On the New Year 30 
 
 On the Return of Peace 31 
 
 Serious Thoughts on a General Fast ... 33 
 
 Serious Reflections for the approaching Fast * 34 
 
 Grateful Sympathy 36 
 
 Reflections on Mortality 38 
 
xii 
 
 Page 
 
 Stanzas on the late Attempt to assassinate the King 59 
 
 On the Public Thanksgiving for the King 40 
 
 The Hobby-Horse, or Every Man has his Humour 41 
 
 An Honest Man 48 
 
 An Epithalium on Mr. J n's Marriage 49 
 
 The Wisdom of Man : an Epigiam 50 
 
 An Elegy on the Death of a Young Lady 51 
 
 Admonitory Address 54 
 
 Reflections on Winter 56 
 
 Charity to the Poor 57 
 
 The Fast 52 
 
 The decayed Rose 59 
 
 To Mr. J. M. on reading his Christmas Carol ... 60 
 
 A short Paraphrase on the Lord's Prayer 62 
 
 Bunker's - Hill : a Pastoral 63 
 
 On Harvest , 66 
 
 The Shepherd's Complaint 67 
 
 To a young Gentleman on the Anniversary of his Birth-day 68 
 
 The Progress of Life 69 
 
 On the much-lamented Death of Admiral Lord Nelson 72 
 
 Reflections on the Mildness of the Winter 74 
 
 On the exceeding Love of God to Mankind 76 
 
 The One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Psalm 77 
 
 To Mr. John Coles, on hearing he was going to pub- 
 lish a Volume of Poems by Subscription 78 
 
 A Loyal Wish for Unity 80 
 
 The Hundredth Psalm 82 
 
 On the Death of a beloved Child 83 
 
 The Prodigal Son reclaimed, or a Lesson to young Men 84 
 
 Grateful Reflection 92 
 
 Trie Vanity of Human Wishes 94 
 
 On Education # • • 95 
 
 On the Return of Peace * • 96 
 
 Thoughts on the Death of H. R. H. the Princess Charlotte 97 
 
 Concluding Address •• 98 
 
POEMS, &e. 
 
 On the Nativity of Christ, 
 
 v/elestial Muse inspire my lay, 
 To hail the joyous natal day 
 
 Of Christ, our blessed king; 
 May rocks, and hills, and fields rejoice^ 
 In one united grateful voire, 
 
 And never cease to sing. 
 
 May human hearts be mov'd with love ; 
 And in harmonic concert move, 
 
 To praise the mighty Lord ; 
 Who in compassion to mankind, 
 Was pleas'd to cheer the drooping mind. 
 
 Fulfilling of his word. 
 
 The ancient prophecies foretold 
 The truth of which we now behold 
 
 Exhibited to view ; 
 The lo?e of God now stands confesf^ 
 In sending us this heav'nly guest; 
 
 The theme's for ever new. 
 
2 
 
 While shepherd's prostrate 'tend their care ? 
 
 Behold ! t is " angelic bands appear, 
 
 Exulting in the skies ; 
 A light divine was see> ! around, 
 And pealing anthems shook the ground, 
 
 Which struck them with surpiize. 
 
 cc The good of man we're come to sin^ 
 w And your auspicious new-born king, 
 
 " At Bethlehem you'll find ; 
 C4 The sordid manger is his bed, 
 " Around him oxen meek are fed, 
 
 u Tho' Loud of all mankind ! 
 
 " His kingdom it shall be of peace, 
 6; Which shall begin, and never cease, 
 
 u To nil who love his name; 
 <c Rejoice ye drowsy sons of earth ! 
 46 And hail the great Redeemer's biith, 
 
 u Repeat the pleasing theme. 
 
 u May discord never more take place, 
 14 Amongst the sons of human race ; 
 
 44 May love cement their souls, 
 44 That peace and amity may reign, 
 • 4 Till they the blissful seats attain, 
 
 44 And soar above the poles." 
 
On the Fall of the Leaf. 
 
 * All Flesh is Grass." 
 
 r*r r*r r+ 
 
 See all nature round you dying ! 
 
 No beauties of the spring are found; 
 Blust'ring Boreas round you crying, 
 
 While leaves fall wither'd to the ground. 
 
 Sweet zephyrs cease their balmy breezes, 
 The lark forgets her tuneful note, 
 
 The air's so frigid that it freeze?, 
 And floods with rapid progress float. 
 
 Each field a russet liv'ry wears. 
 
 The flow'rs no longer deck the plain, 
 
 While hoary winter bleak appears, 
 Until gay spring returns again. 
 
 Like nature too, we're daily dying, 
 Soon shall drop i'th' silent tomb, 
 
 We're here 'awhile, our patience trying, 
 Soon shall meet our final doom. 
 
 We shall, like the returning spring, 
 With life and vigour be iuflam'd ; 
 
 O may we with blest seraphs sing, 
 
 When God's free grace shall be proclaimed 
 
 Where never-fading beauties dwell, 
 
 And an eternal spring will be ; 
 Then shall we scape the jaws of hell, 
 
 And live with Christ eternally, 
 A 2 
 
4 
 
 Stanzas on Content. 
 
 Content's the greatest blessing man can find, 
 It cheers the heart, and animates the mind ; 
 
 When friends forsake thee, and when riches fly$ 
 This, this alone, will fill your soul with joy. 
 
 Riches and honours, beauty, wealth, and fame, 
 Can't give the gem — but may your hearts inflame^ 
 
 Thank heav'n for what you have, desire no more; 
 This is content — which proves a constant store. 
 
 Unanimity. 
 
 Britons to you T call, dispel your fears, 
 Take courage, and suppress your flowing tears j 
 
 Let's be united, as we ought to be ; 
 Assert our rights, maintain our liberty. 
 
 The gallic foe may rage and boast in vain, 
 
 We'll guard our Coasts, and triumph on the maitii 
 May faction die — then harmony will spring, 
 Jtet'fi serve our Goi> ; and venerate our King! 
 
h 
 
 An 'Elegy 
 
 To the Memory of Ambrose Isted, Esq. of Ecton, 
 in Northamptonshire , zvho departed this life May 6 f 
 1781, aged 63 years. 
 
 " Justi fulgebunt sicnt sol." 
 
 Mv grateful muse would fain essay to pay 
 With gratitude, an humble, faithful lay, 
 To thee, great man ; whose life with virtue shoiie^ 
 Whom piety had claimed for her own : 
 Thou didst thyself to her due homage pay, 
 Delight to walk in her all peaceful way, 
 That leads to heaven's bless'd portals, where, 
 Eternal pleasure reigns without a tear. 
 Tho' great the loss that public justice bears,* 
 The orphan's cries, the widow's pearly tears— 
 The poor man's cause did never come too late, 
 Thou with impartial justice didst debate ; 
 Redress his wrongs, and give him full content, 
 Make up the breach of friendship, and cement 
 Those broils that so distract mankind with cares, 
 Wh ch fill their hearts with anxious thoughts and fears, 
 An r * often terminate in woes and tears. 
 
 * iu his pubuc capacity he was a Justice of Uie Quorum, 
 
Justice lier sword and balance here did hold 
 Equal, amidst the tempting charms of gold, 
 No bribe could bias thee to sell the truth, 
 Neither in age, nor in thy early youth; 
 Upright, impartial, candid, just, and good, 
 Honest, sincere, unmoved, thou hast stood. 
 But now, O Isted, thou art gone to know 
 And taste that mercy thou wert wont to shew 
 To injur'd men, in presence of thy God, 
 Who, being wash'd in the Redeemer's blood, 
 Drest in the marriage garment of the Lamb, 
 Dost drink the jojs of that exhaustless stream 
 With faithful saints, in heav'nly mansions, where 
 Is happiness, without allay or tear. 
 But yet thy spouse, by thee belov'd so well, 
 In sadness mourns ; it grieves my soul to tell 
 Their pain, whom love and sympathy once join'd 
 For ever happy in each other's mind. 
 By death's relentless hand, thy children are 
 Robb'd of a parent; whose paternal care, 
 Aim'd, indulgent, pious, and sincere, 
 With diligence their tender minds to rear 
 In virtue's paths ; to form the growing mind, 
 And teach them where true happiness to find. 
 Ye servants, mourn! your master is no more: 
 He's gone ! and now his pilgrimage is o'er : 
 He's left these dreary regions of distress, 
 Where poor benighted souls seek happiness: 
 But here, alas! their views are quite tnisplac'd^ 
 They neither see 3 desire, know ? feel, or taste 
 
I . 
 
 What U the only good, that should employ 
 And fit their souls for everlasting joy. 
 My languid muse Mould fain attempt his praise. 
 And speak his merit in sincerest lays : 
 This tiuth, this noble truth, she'd tell abroad^ 
 Hi* virtuous life brought glory to his God ; 
 His lib'ral charity, contempt of gain, 
 His patient meekness while enduiing pain t 
 His willing resignation to God's will, 
 And christian fortitude against all ill, 
 Should be our constant,, daily imitation ; 
 Thus we adorn the gospel in our station. 
 His lore to public good, and virtue's cause^ 
 Merits from us esteem and warm app'ause; 
 His candour, justice, goodness, and delight 
 To do to men the things both just and right | 
 To imitate that G d whom he ador'd, 
 Arid taste the merits of his grarious Lord - 
 Adieu, dear shade ! Let none too nicely scaiy 
 But pardon faults ; — and imitate Thjs MAN. 
 
8 
 
 Reflections on Autumn. 
 
 + * 
 
 The cuckoo has quitted our plains, 
 The nightingale warbles no mor ; 
 
 The lark has forgot her sweet strains^ 
 Their music we now do deplore. 
 
 All nature looks dreary around, 
 
 The stock-dove forgets her love note; 
 
 The yellow leaves fall to the ground, 
 The rivers in torrents now float. 
 
 Stern winter displays his grim fare, 
 And Sol doth his rays from us hide., 
 
 In this we an emblem may trace, 
 That spring will not always abide. 
 
 From nature's decay let us learn, 
 
 That we must bloom, wither and die } 
 
 Oh may we be brought to discern, 
 Those glorious mansions on high ! 
 
 Where wars and commotions will cease, 
 And jo)S will for ever abound, 
 
 AH troubles will change into peace, 
 With happiness we shall be crown'd I 
 
9 
 
 A Tribute to the Memory of 
 
 WILLIAM COWPER, Esq. 
 
 *■* r~+ 
 
 M ust Poets die who've sung in sweetest strains, 
 
 And rural shepherds leave their flocks and plains \ 
 
 Must beauty die, with all its smiling grace, 
 
 And death deform the image of its face ? 
 
 Kings too must bend beneath the tyrant's frown ; 
 
 And every head which justly wears a crown. 
 
 The great, the mighty, and the truly brave, 
 
 Must each fall victims to the gloomy grave J 
 
 Ail earthly greatness soon will fade away, 
 
 And polish'd columns fall into decay. 
 
 'Tis virtue only, can survive the tomb, 
 
 With growing lustre, and immortal bloom. 
 
 The muses weep — in doleful accents cry, 
 
 <; Cowpkr the great and good was born to die !" 
 
 How sweet his notes ! how dulcet was his lyre> 
 
 His muse was fraught with true angelic fire. 
 
 A noble champion he, for sacred truth, 
 
 He taught religion to our rising youth, 
 
 With classic diction, and majestic ease, 
 
 At once to strike, and yet with calmness please. 
 
 In manners meek — u and in affections mild, 
 
 In wit a man — simplicity a child." 
 
 The love of truth, did all his actions guide, 
 
 He liv'd esteemed, and much regretted died! 
 
10 
 
 !His works will show the goodness of his hearty 
 
 That he possess'd no guile nor selfish art. 
 
 The good of man he sung without restraints, 
 
 And taught how sinners, might be form'd to saints* 
 
 His u Task" indeed, an arduous one to scan, 
 
 Which clearly speaks the christian and the man. 
 
 The finish'd scholar, and the humane friend. 
 
 The good of man, and happiness intend. 
 
 Ev'n trifles did his sportive muse engage ; 
 
 To lash the follies of the vicious age. 
 
 John Gilpin's frolics are in mirth explain'd, 
 
 To show how riders and their steeds are trained* 
 
 Burlesque and satire give their keenest dart, 
 
 To pierce the simple, and the stupid heart. 
 
 Where sense of shame remain'd, they might be brought^ 
 
 T' embrace those maxims which he daily taught. 
 
 I trust our bards will always keep in mind, 
 
 Cowper's good sense, with manly sweetness join'd; 
 
 His mind sublime — his spirit took its flight, 
 
 To realms of bliss, and everlasting light. 
 
 His pious soul's arrived on Canaan's shore, 
 
 Where grief and sorrow will as>ail no more ! 
 
 Adieu, dear bard, enjoy th' immortal crowa* 
 
 The just reward of virtue and renown I 
 
ii 
 
 Reflections on the Death of a Friend. 
 
 Ah! crue^ death thy mandates are severe, 
 F n thou hast robb'd me of a friend most dear, 
 A friend in whom my soul did much delight, 
 But now he's far removed from mv sight! 
 
 The darling of his moth°Ts fond embrace, 
 With dignity of form and smiling face. 
 Now tills the silent, gjoomy mournful gavp^ 
 Thus all the £reat, and all the migSit v have ! 
 
 Death is impartial — rich, ami poor must die, 
 No earthly trea-ure can this foe annoy, 
 How vain our boas* — how impotent the plan, 
 T' invalidate the ways of God to man ! 
 
 The virtuous and the good, in death find grace. 
 To them he wears, an angel's smiling face, 
 To soothe I he tin ohbing bn a becalm the mind. 
 That we in heav'n a resting place may find. 
 
 Where ev'ry pleasure fills the soul with love, 
 When it has gain'd those blissful seals above, 
 Where sin arid sorrow, can no more annoy, 
 But all is calmness, happiness, and joy ! 
 
 Thus may my friend, whose death \ now deplore, 
 Ta^te of those joj s, and never languish more, 
 E j >y with Saints, the harmony above, 
 And feel tne pleasure* of redeeming love! 
 
The Twenty Third Psalm. 
 
 X he Lord my Shepherd, will prepare,. 
 
 My wants he will supplj, 
 He'll guard me with a father's care, 
 
 Nor my requests deny. 
 
 By purling streams he will me Iead$ 
 
 In meads of verdant green, 
 Where I, his goodness oft will plead^ 
 
 Altbo' 1 am not seen. 
 
 My soul he'll teach the paths of truth,. 
 
 To walk and not be taint, 
 Whether in age, or early youth, 
 
 He'll 'tend to my complaint. 
 
 Tho' through death's gloomy Tale I go ? 
 
 He will not let me fear ; 
 The comforts of his grace will shew £ 
 
 Nor evil suffer near. 
 
 His table he will kind'y spread; 
 
 Before insulting foes, 
 When by his presence I am led, 
 
 I'll then forget my woes ! 
 
 Thy goodness doth my soul sustain^ 
 
 My days are full of joy ; 
 I, in thy temple will remain, 
 
 Where pleasures never ciojr. 
 
13 
 
 A Hymn for the General Fast. 
 
 Feb. 20, 1799. 
 
 JMay dust and ashes plead with thee, 
 
 Thou great eternal God ; 
 In our distress to thee we flee, 
 
 To 'scape thy heavy rod. 
 
 Our num'rous sins have reach'd thy ear, 
 Thou see'st our guilt and shame, 
 
 Thy indignation let us fear, 
 And call upon thy name. 
 
 ? Tis thy protection we implore, 
 
 An arm of Jlesh can't save ; 
 May we thy providence adore. 
 
 Thou keeps't beyond the grave. 
 
 Let gratitude our breasts inflame, 
 
 For all thy mercies given ; 
 May all who bear the Biitibh name 
 
 Be candidates for heaven. 
 
 Our hostile foes in vain attempt, 
 
 Our liberty to gain ; 
 They rashly fall into contempt, 
 
 Whene'er they dare the main. 
 
 Still be our guardian, Lord of Hosts / 
 
 Our constant refuge prove ; 
 When infidels approach our coasts, 
 
 No dangers can us move. 
 
 E 
 
14 
 
 The Tutor's Address to his Pupils, on 
 breaking up at the Vacation. 
 
 Ye gentle youths, accept my grateful lay, 
 Which I presume to offer you this day ; 
 Fraught with a sympathetic love to you, 
 Your kind attention let me crave as due* 
 
 Your minds to form hath been my constant aim. 
 To prompt your souls to emulate in fame, 
 And every virtue that adorns the soul, 
 That all your wayward passions might controul. 
 
 Your duty to your God, and parents too, 
 Hath been the only aim I kept in view, 
 Fair virtue's cause I always recommend, 
 And pure religion as your choicest friend. 
 
 Ye docile youths, oh let it be your care, 
 T' embrace her precepts, with attentive ear ; 
 They'll teach you with propriety to please ; 
 Her end is happiness • — her paths are peace. 
 
 When keen affliction wounds jour tender hearts^ 
 'Tis she alone that can repel the darts! 
 Becalm your souls at your departing breath. 
 And sooth the keenest agonies of death ! 
 
15 
 
 On the Death of a favourite Canary Bird. 
 
 Ah ! tuneful songster of my gloomy days, 
 
 Thy pleasing notes will charm my ears no more ; 
 
 Those strains which flow'd with undissembl'd praise, 
 Are mute for ever, which I now deplore ! 
 
 For ten long years, pent in thy narrow cage, 
 Alike indifferent to the lapse of time ; 
 
 In calmness liv'd — without distress or rage, 
 And always merry as in days of prime. 
 
 When Sol's refulgent rays illum'd the east, 
 Thy cheerful matins hail'd return of day ; 
 
 Thy simple viands were to thee a feast, 
 Nor to intemp'rance didst thou fall a prey. 
 
 But fell disease attack'd thy tender frame, 
 
 Thy throbbing heartbeat with convulsive throes, 
 
 Then death, a welcome messenger, lie came, 
 Depriv'd thee of thy life, and all thy woes. 
 
 True emblem this, of every mortal's doom, 
 Who must e're long acquit this earthly sphere, 
 
 O ir mortal part must fill the silent tomb, 
 And bid adieu to all we held most dear. 
 
 Yet hope's reserv'd for man beyond the grave, 
 
 If pure religion fill'd his soul with love^ 
 
 By faith in Him who promises to save, 
 
 And raise the spirit to the realms abo?e. 
 
 h 2 
 
16 
 
 A moral Epistle to a Friend. 
 
 .A house dear fr'eed, and T eave a;! meaner thing«, 
 
 To ba^e amiiMon, and the pride of kings ; 
 
 As hum hi life dolh litlle more supply, 
 
 Than just to look about us, and to die ! 
 
 Time is a boon, which heaven has lent to man, 
 
 By which he may inspect great nature's plan ; 
 
 View her fixt laws, with reverence explore, 
 
 Admire great nature, and her God adore. 
 
 This is the path in which the wise have trod. 
 
 Ascend from nature, up to nature's God, 
 
 That God at whose command the light was given, 
 
 Whose presence fills the earth and highest heaven ; 
 
 By v^hose omniscience every thing was made, 
 
 And nicely blended like the light and shade, 
 
 Amidst profusion great, of nature's whole, 
 
 Man was created with a living soul, 
 
 A spark immortal in the human breast, 
 
 0;i which his Maker's image was impressed. 
 
 Such and so great, our origin we see, 
 
 Yet less than nothing when compar'd with thee ! 
 
 Let atheists blush, and infidels reclaim, 
 
 Who but a God could form this wond'rous frame 5 
 
 What but eternal wisdom could proj: ct, 
 
 Such numerous brings, and the whole protect ? 
 
17 
 
 His care extends to all things here Mow, 
 
 The most minute his fender mercies show ; 
 
 The largest animals on him depend, 
 
 The smallest insect finds in him a friend. 
 
 Thus through his works his providence we View, 
 
 His care is exercis'd on me and you ; 
 
 In him we live, and move, and being have, 
 
 Protects us from the cradle to the grave ! 
 
 Nor leaves us there — but cheers w ith hopes to rise. 
 
 With immortality above the skies. 
 
 In endless ages of eternal rest,. 
 
 Where all the good for ever shall be blest ! 
 
 Sure gratitude w ill all our hearts inflame 
 
 With true devotion to God's sacred name ; 
 
 When we explore redemption's wond'rous plan, 
 
 We're lost in rapture at God's love to man I 
 
 Justice and mercy here united shine, 
 
 And all his attributes which are divine ; 
 
 The hordes of mortals who ne'er think of (htSy 
 
 Can they expect t' enjoy a place of bliss ? 
 
 No, no ! their tastes and reason are at strife, 
 
 Or they would not revile the Lord of life. 
 
 Presumptuous men ! what folly you pursue, 
 
 Ye lose this life, and lose the other too ! 
 
 How vain your boast, how mad is your career, 
 
 To live like brutes, and die without a tear ! 
 
 This thoughtless train are numerous on the earth, 
 
 They foster folly, and they give he* birth. 
 
18 
 
 Fair ▼ irtue toe, and all her lovely band, 
 
 At whom they're stunn'd, but yet they keep their stand. 
 
 Following the lawless passions of the mind, 
 
 To sensual pleasures they are still inclin'd, 
 
 Detesting those who wish for their reform, 
 
 Just like a drunken sailor in a storm, 
 
 When furious billows roll around his head, 
 
 He sinks in death — is number'd with the dead ! 
 
 Such is their fate — who wisdom's ways despise, 
 
 Learn then this lesson — u Be thou truly wise/' 
 
 Address to a iJicv^htlcss young Gentleman. 
 
 If birth or fortune, they could give sound reason, 
 There lives a youth that might command esteem 
 
 But all his conduct is oufre of season, 
 And ait his actions with base folly teem. 
 
 O hapless youth, how can you thus disgrace 
 God's noble image stamp'd upon your face ; 
 His laws despise, his counsels thus reject, 
 And live in all the folly of neglect. 
 
 Let me persuade you by the powers above, 
 To live in strict sobriety and love ; 
 Forsake your vain companions now in time, 
 Lest death should cut you off while in your prime 
 
w 
 
 The Prospect, or Promise fulfilled. 
 
 ** While the earth remaineth, se^d-time and harvest, cold 
 and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not 
 cease." 
 
 Thts is the promise of that Lord, 
 
 Who form'd creation by his word ; 
 
 Whose wisdom schem'd the mighty plan 5 
 
 Of love and happiness to man. 
 
 Nature obey'd the high behest, 
 
 Then light appeared, a heavenly guest, 
 
 Chaotic darkness fled away, 
 
 The Sun did shine, and there was day. 
 
 All things in order issu'd forth, 
 
 From north to south, from south to north, 
 
 The birds, the beasts, the herbs and flower^ 
 
 The purling rills, and shady bowers. 
 
 When God had form'd great nature's plan. 
 
 To perfect all he then form'd man, 
 
 Breath'd in his soul the breath of life, 
 
 And gave to him a beauteous wife. 
 
 In Eden's groves this happy pair, 
 
 (For love and innocence were there,) 
 
 Eujoy'd the sweets of ru al love, 
 
 And approbation from above. 
 
 How happy then our general Sire, 
 
 'Till Satan rais'd a vain desire, 
 
And sow'd the seeds of discontent, 
 
 Their folly caus'd them to relent. 
 
 Sin was man's fatal overthrow, 
 
 Brought death into the world, and woe ! 
 
 God's ire provok'd, command was given, 
 
 They both from Paradise were driven. 
 
 Yet God's compassion then to man, 
 
 Devis'd redemption's wond'rous plan, 
 
 The promise of Messiah given, 
 
 That man might find his rest in heaven. 
 
 But human nature still rebell'd, 
 
 The holy spirit was repell'd, 
 
 Corruption bore a potent sway ; 
 
 A deluge swept the world away ! 
 
 Eight pious souls alone su/viv'd, 
 
 God's chosen race was kept alive, 
 
 That his great name might be ador'd, 
 
 By all who love and serve the Lord. 
 
 " While earth remains, you may be sure, 
 
 u Seed-time and harvest shall endure, 
 
 " Both cold and heat, and day and nigh£, 
 
 H And changing seasons shall delight." 
 
 Let sinful man no more repine, 
 
 God's promises are all divine, 
 
 Ife knows our weakness and our woes, 
 
 His providence all things bestows. 
 
 The Prospect's great, let us rejoice, 
 
 In heart and mind, in soul and voice, 
 
 Abundance crowns our fields with corn ^ 
 
 For plenty fills her liberal horn. 
 
21 
 
 A Penitential 
 
 11 I have sinned ; w h+i tfiaN I 
 stiver of men?" 
 
 Reflection. 
 
 do unto thee, O thon pr<« 
 Job vii, 20« 
 
 W hat shall I do, my sins are such, 
 
 So black, so deep's the dye ; 
 My heart is grieved very much, 
 
 O vthere shall I apply ? 
 
 God's righteous law I have despis'd 
 
 His promises forgot ; 
 My carnal self have idolized 
 
 And forfeited my hope. 
 
 I stand condemn'd a guilty wretch^ 
 
 Before thy awful bar ; 
 Lord, change my heart, and make it such, 
 
 That Jesus may dwell there. 
 
 May Jesus be my only prize, 
 
 The object of my love ; 
 May I his name eternalize 
 
 In realms of light above. 
 
 Where seraphs praise his blessed name ; 
 
 Striking their golden lyres ; 
 Chanting the triumphs of the Lamb* 
 
 In everlasting choirs. 
 
22 
 
 A Grateful Thought. 
 
 All, all is right, by God ordained or done. Younc* 
 
 I with grateful heart express, 
 The wonders of redeeming grace 
 
 Which God hath shewn to me ; 
 Who keeps me by his mighty power, 
 From him who seeks souls to devour, 
 
 Who oft hath sought for me. 
 
 But now I stand and do admire- 
 The goodness of my heav'nly Sire, 
 
 Who always does the best : 
 He know* my wants and wishes all, 
 On him I every hour would call, 
 
 Whose lore can't be express'd. 
 
 Ten thousand thanks be to that hand 
 Which snatch'd me as a flaming brand 
 
 From nature's dreadful fire ; 
 I thank thee for my daily bread* 
 By which I constantly am fed, 
 
 Which satisfies desire. 
 
But above all I bless thy name 
 
 For shewing me the slaughter'd Lamb 
 
 By whom my pardon's sure ; 
 Here's a foundation that will stand, 
 Fix'd by God the Father's hand, 
 
 And ever will endure. 
 
 When nature's scenes, and day and night, 
 And all the beauteous orbs of light, 
 
 Are in confusion hurl'd ; 
 Then will the saints with God remain, 
 I trust to join that ha;>py train 
 
 In the eternal world ; 
 
 Where tears are wiped all away, 
 There's nothing but eternal day, 
 
 For Jesus gives the light : 
 May I, while on the earth [ stay, 
 Keep running on the heav'nly way^ 
 
 And never k>se the sight. 
 
9A 
 
 On Matthew, Chap, xi, ver. 29. 
 
 yi Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart." From 
 purity of thought all pleasure springs, and from an hum- 
 ble spirit all our peat',«f. M Young. 
 
 Into the school of love I come. 
 Teach me true wisdom's ways ; 
 
 Into my heart with grace return, 
 There shed its gladsome rays ! 
 
 My feeble drooping spirit cheer, 
 And change my rebel heart ; 
 
 Make me both humble and sincere. 
 To choose the better part. 
 
 May I no more of self be proud, 
 Or all that flesh can do ; 
 
 But come to him who calls aloud T 
 " My grace is fit for you," 
 
 O keep my wandVing fickle soul, 
 And bind my stubborn will, 
 
 That I may come to Christ the full 9 
 And from him have my fill. 
 
 In Jesus is the sinner blest, 
 Who sufFer'd thus for me ; 
 
 That I might have eternal rest, 
 He says " come learn of me." 
 
25 
 
 O may I come when drawn by thee 5 
 
 But with an humble soul, 
 From sin's detested ways I'd flee. 
 
 To thee my perfect Whole. 
 
 For thou art all my righteousness. 
 
 In thee alone I trust ; 
 For none can be but in thee blest, 
 - Since thou art wise and just. 
 
 Thankfulness. 
 
 J jet gratulations from each heart ascend, 
 To him who rules with justice here below, 
 
 Who is to man a guardian and a friend, 
 
 Who stops the falling tear, and heart-felt woe. 
 
 Whose bounteous providence has blest our isle, 
 And crown'd our fields with ample store of grain, 
 
 Who can withhold the placid cheerful smile, 
 When such munificence and goodness reign ? 
 
 Shall man be silent then, while thus caress'd ? 
 
 To him who feeds the ravens when they cry, 
 Who knows the feelings of the heart distressed, 
 
 And proves a friend, a refuge ever nigh ? 
 
 If we would wish God's blessing should attend, 
 Let's be humane, and unto man a friend. 
 
 6 
 
26 
 
 SONNET, 
 
 On the pleasing Prospect of the total Abo- 
 lition of the African Slave-Trade. 
 
 Let every sympathetic soul rejoice. 
 
 Since cruel Slavery's galling chain is broke ; 
 
 The great Jehovah, heard a nation's voice, 
 Our praises now his sacred throne invoke. 
 
 Now Afric's sons with freedom shall be blest, 
 The scourge no more their tender flesh will tear ; 
 
 From toil, and pain 5 — to find a peaceful rest, 
 And every sweet domestic blessing share ! 
 
 Their native home shall be their happy lot, 
 
 With parents, wives, and children, taste of joy ; 
 
 Sweet peace will reign within their humble cot, 
 Rapine and plunder, shall no more annoy ! 
 
 Ye worthy champions, who have gain'd the cause, 
 Your merit's great! we grant you our applause! 
 
Against Suicide. 
 
 " Do thyself no harm." 
 
 Shall Roman fury Englishmen engage. 
 And Suicide committed in a rage ? 
 Forbid it heaven — for God detests the plan. 
 That man should be the murderer of man ; 
 Himself the agent, and fhe victim too, 
 May heaven avert it, — teach us what to do. 
 Can he who reeking with his vital blood, 
 Be right prepar'd to meet his injur'd God ? 
 No — the misery that awaits his fate, 
 Who vilely can self murder perpetrate, 
 No mortal man the punishment can tell, 
 Unless it be the inmost pit of hell, 
 'Tis infidelity, cowardice, or pride, 
 That makes the wretch become a Suicide. 
 In God we live, and move, and have our breath, 
 *Tis he who gives us either life or death. 
 Shall we infringe prerogative so high ? 
 And madly meet our Maker in the sky ? 
 Let's calmly wait our life's appointed span, 
 And act the christian — dignify the man. 
 If reason's gone, we are without a rule, 
 And play the part of madman or of fool; 
 But if by infidelity we act the part, 
 We pierce our bleeding Saviour to the heart. 
 * 2 
 
28 
 
 If cowardice, or pride, our minds inflame, 
 "We show our weakness and display our shame. 
 Shall frowns of fate our happiness annoy, 
 Or fear of shame deprive us of our joy ? 
 Then fly to him who giveth peace and rest, 
 And always freely succours the distress'd, 
 God ever present, knows our ev'ry want, 
 And will the comforts of his spirit grant. 
 
 HYMN, 
 
 Written after a violent Storm of Thunder and Hail^ 
 on Sunday May 4, 1800. 
 
 <f It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed^ 
 because his compassions fail not..** 
 
 -r>* 
 
 J. iiy boundless mercy, Lord, was shown, 
 
 To us a sinful race ; 
 When in thy judgement thou didst frown, 
 
 Thy anger we might trace. 
 
 Thy Voice in awful thunder roar'd, 
 
 And vivid light'nings glar'd, 
 W ith rattling hail, and rain it pour'd \ 
 
 But yet thy Mercy spar'd ! 
 
29 
 
 Can we thy judgments thus behold, 
 
 And never learn to fear ? 
 Must we in thunder oft be told, 
 
 That thou art ever near ? 
 
 Impress our minds with love of thee. 
 And rev'rence for thy name ; 
 
 When danger comes, to thee we flee, 
 Thy mercy still proclaim 1 
 
 The Human Soul. 
 
 Immortal spark within my breast, 
 Who'rt always active, ne'er at rest, 
 Thy wonderous powers who can know, 
 But he who did those powers bestow. 
 Philosophy doth seek in vain, 
 Thy essence fully to explain ; 
 Thy residence is hid from view, 
 Yet we thy actions may pursue. 
 'Tis Revelation shows the plan, 
 Of God's stupendous love to man. 
 His spirit breath'*! without controul 
 u And man became a living soul I" 
 Then since my soul's of heav'nly birth, 
 Be it my care while I'm on earth, 
 
so 
 
 To keep it pure from guilt and sin, 
 That grace may lodge and dwell therein. 
 Whene'er conflicting passions rage, 
 Let me with calmness them assuage ; 
 Let reason then her sceptre sway. 
 And chase those demons far away. 
 Thy price how great ! thy worth how hig 
 That nought but blood divine could buy — 
 Remember this, my soul with love, 
 *Till thou shalt reach the realms above ; 
 Where Jesus sits at God's right hand, 
 And saints redeem'd around him stand^. 
 Enjoying bliss without allay, 
 And basking in eternal day ! 
 
 On the Nexo Year. 
 
 Oim time is ever on the wing,. 
 
 How swift cur moments fly ! 
 Tho' given us to improve with care* 
 
 For immortality. 
 
 How soon does each revolving year 
 Roll its fleet course along, 
 
 Ourselves also are hastening cm 
 To our eternal home* 
 
SI 
 
 What numerous blessings we've enjoy'd. 
 
 By God's own bounty feci ; 
 While many others are no more. 
 
 But number'd with the dead ! 
 
 Thy watchful Providence, O God ! 
 
 Hath kept us safe from harms. 
 When often compassed about ; 
 
 With many great alarms. 
 
 May this new Year be more employ'd, 
 
 In worshipping our God ; 
 And praising him for mercies past, 
 
 In virtue's paths be trod. 
 
 On the return of Peace, 
 
 R ejoice ye British loyal souls, 
 With acclamations shake the poles, 
 
 For Peace hath blest our isle ; 
 The horrid din of war is o'er, 
 Bellona's torch shall blase uq more \ 
 
 With gratitude we smiie. 
 
 i<et's cultivate the arts of Peace, 
 That trade and commerce may increase^ 
 To bless cur happy sbore ; 
 
32 
 
 That we her goodly fruits may taste, 
 With cheerful glee, and temperance chaste. 
 For we desire no more. 
 
 May fell oppression hide her head. 
 Be number'd with the silent dead, 
 
 No more mankind molest ; 
 Dire faction too, with all her train, 
 And all the griping sons of gain, 
 
 Find sweet repose and rest. 
 
 May France and England ever strive, 
 And friendship always keep alive, 
 
 And taste the sweets of Peace ; 
 May George, our gracious sovereign reign, 
 'Till he celestial joys attain, 
 
 Where troubles ever cease. 
 
3$ 
 
 Serious Thoughts on a General Fast. 
 
 ternal Ruler of the skies. 
 O deign to hear a nation's cries, 
 
 Who supplicate thy throne ; 
 Oppress'd by sins, a heavy load, 
 We've walk'd in folly's baneful road, 
 
 Distress'd with grief we moan. 
 
 May recollection rouse our fears, 
 And penitence dry up our tears, 
 
 For God doth know our hearts ; 
 We have thy holy laws despis'd, 
 Altho' we oft have been advis'd 
 
 To act our proper parts. 
 
 May our united prayers ascend, 
 And let thy gracious ear attend, 
 
 We feel our want of thee ; 
 For by thy goodness we're sustain'd, 
 And by thy Providence maintain'd, 
 
 Accept our humble plea. 
 
 May horrid war and faction cease, 
 And all the world be hush'd to Peace, 
 
 The murdering sword no more 
 Pierce generous hearts in Briton's breasts, 
 By devastation's dread behests : 
 
 Nor reek with human gore! 
 
34 
 
 May Peace her olive branch display, 
 And chase our gloomy fears away, 
 
 Let commerce swell her sails ; 
 That love and loyalty may join, 
 And in sweet sympathy combine, 
 
 'Till amity prevails. 
 
 May we our christian warfare prove, 
 And all our actions flow from love, 
 
 May harmony increase, 
 No more may war our thoughts employ, 
 But sweet religion, source of joy, 
 
 To serve the Prince of Peace ! 
 
 Serious Reflections for the approaching 
 Fast. 
 
 T o thee, thou Sov'reign of the sky, 
 To thee great God, to thee we cry, 
 
 In this distressful hour ; 
 Thy mighty arm can save this land, 
 And keep us from the tyrant's hand ; 
 
 Who threatens to devour. 
 
 Let us with true contrition mourn, 
 And from our numerous sins return, 
 For we're a sinful race ; 
 
35 
 
 We slight those mercies thou hast given 
 We cling to earth — forego our heaven, 
 And trample on thy grace. 
 
 Yet Britain's God is always near, 
 He'll deign a nation's prayers to hear, 
 
 Which issae from the heart ; 
 Let us amend — our ways reform, 
 And he'll avert the threaten'd storm, 
 
 And vindicate our part. 
 
 Oh 1 let our prayers to heaven ascend, 
 Our country save ! — the King defend, 
 
 From an insulting foe ! 
 Should they attempt to gain our shore, 
 O ! may thy vengeance on them pour, 
 
 With total overthrow ! 
 
 May we blest freedom still maintain, 
 Nor ever feel proud Gallia's chain, 
 
 Nor her tyrannic rod ; 
 With courage true, and hearts sincere, 
 Let Britons jointly persevere, 
 
 And supplicate their God ! 
 
36 
 
 Grateful Sympathy. 
 
 My Muse, tho' humble, fain would sing of him 
 
 Who form'd all beings by his mighty power 
 
 And energy divine. — O could I sing 
 
 Like that seraphic Bard,* who painted Spring 
 
 And all the seasons in their native hue; 
 
 A lesson to mankind I'd now impart. 
 
 Shall flocks and herds return their grateful thanks. 
 
 And man, the master-piece of nature's works, 
 
 Lie dormant ? heaven's blessings now descend 
 
 On creation's tribes, who share its bounty, 
 
 And taste the good by God designed for them ! 
 
 The seasons change in harmony divine, 
 
 They all concur to furnish man with food. 
 
 Gay Spring, with all her pleasing prospects, comes 
 
 The harbinger of Summer ; when nature 
 
 Smiles around.— The teeming fruitful earth bursts 
 
 Forth, in all the luxury of beauty. 
 
 Great God, how wise art thou in all thy works ! 
 
 The fields, the mead c , the Hocks, the herds, the birds, 
 
 With one united voice proclaim thy praise ; 
 
 Thy matchless praise ! — Autumn in full abundance 
 
 Next appears, to bless the labouring swain. 
 
 * Thomson. 
 
37 
 
 Her golden grain, and richly tinged fruits 
 
 Strike the beholder's eyes, and fill his soul 
 
 With extasy divine. This is the boon 
 
 Of him who all things fills with plenteousness. 
 
 Superior class of mortals! mortals on whom 
 
 Nature her richest gifts bestows in great 
 
 Profusion — forget not those who feel the 
 
 Want of bread; give liberally to them 
 
 Who walk in humble life, press'd with heavy woes. 
 
 When Winter stern arrives with nakedness 
 
 And cold, and all the gloom of that drear season, 
 
 While your full boards display their luxury, 
 
 Remember thy poor brother's many wants, 
 
 And shew that thou art Man! Feel for thyself, 
 
 And taste the joys of sweet benevolence. 
 
 As nature's God affords you plenteous stores, 
 
 Imitate Heaven's dew by doing good. 
 
 Charity benign is its own reward; 
 
 By sympathy, our souls exalted are 
 
 To bliss supreme, while in this vale of tears; 
 
 By which we sweetly taste the joys above, 
 
 By imitating Him who loves mankind. 
 
 D 
 
38 
 
 Reflections on Mortality. 
 
 •Another year its rapid course hath run; 
 
 Eow transient all thiugs are beneath the sun. 
 
 Time's hastening stride doth human greatness show 
 
 How vain it is, and all things here below! 
 
 The loftiest spires will moulder into dust, 
 
 The grandest trophies and the noblest bust 
 
 Alike decay: — how vain's the pride of man! 
 
 Whose pilgrimage on earth is but a span; 
 
 Vv hose boasted knowledge, and whose thirst for fame, 
 
 Like fumes dissolve, and leave an empty name! 
 
 Riches may pamper the luxurious mind, 
 
 But virtue only can true comfort find. 
 
 Death's impartiality we must confess, 
 
 As from his piercing dart there's no redress; 
 
 The smiling infant leaves the fond embrace, 
 
 The sprightly youth doth quickly change his place, 
 
 The man in prime as sudden quits this stage, 
 
 As well as feeble and decrepit age. 
 
 Mortality is man's inevitable doom, 
 
 Or soon or late we fill the doleful tomb! 
 
 Death drops the scene — our mortal part now ends, 
 
 We quit our country, relatives, and friends; 
 
 The part immortal wings its way to God, 
 
 To see his smiling face, or feel his rod ; 
 
39 
 
 Nature's due debt is paid which sin incurr'd, 
 And all our grandeur's in the grave interr'd. 
 But murmur not, O man, thour't born to die, 
 Thou hast a rich reversion fix'd on high, 
 Reserv'd for those who walk in wisdom's ways, 
 In faith and resignation all their days. 
 The Son of God did die our souls to save, 
 And raise our mortal bodies from the grave; 
 By him alone we hope to see God's face, 
 And taste the pleasures of redeeming grace. 
 Happy the soul when on that blissful shore, 
 Where sin and sorrow trouble us no more; 
 Eternal ages will our tongues employ, 
 In endless bliss, and everlasting joy. 
 
 STANZAS 
 On the late Attempt to assassinate the King. 
 
 Drtested be that man who lifts his hand 
 To assassinate the Sovereign of our land; 
 Destruction seize him for the impious deed, 
 That traitor-like he justly now may bleed. 
 Murder— assassination — for vengeance cry 
 To him who reigns in heaven, above the sky; 
 Whose providence still guards us every hour, 
 From wicked men, and from satanic power. 
 D 2 
 
40 
 
 Blest Sovereign! Thou, the favourite of heaven, 
 Thou art a blessing to thy people given; 
 Long may'st thou reign, still with thy guardian care, 
 And Britain's sons thy kind affection share. 
 
 On the Public Thanksgiving for the King. 
 
 .Accept our thanks, most gracious Lord, 
 
 For blessings of a King restor'd; 
 
 May ev'ry heart unite as one ; 
 
 Let grateful thanks ascend thy throne. 
 
 Our gracious Sovereign's now set free, 
 From dire disease to liberty; 
 His mind serene, his health restor'd, 
 See what kind Heaven can afford! 
 
 Onr prayers are heard! let us rejoice, 
 Ju mind, in soul, with cheerful voice; 
 May we with rev'rence due attend, 
 And God his gracious ear will lend. 
 
 All blessings from his goodness spring, 
 'Tis he hath heal'd our suffering King, 
 And made him like an eagle strong: 
 May Providence his days prolong. 
 
 May peace her healing balm impart, 
 And cheer his mind — revive his heart; 
 When time with him shall be no more. 
 May he to heavenly mansions soar ! 
 
41 
 
 His royal offspring blessings prove, 
 And all his subjects fear with love; 
 Where virtuous deeds receive renown, 
 May he possess a lasting crown. 
 
 THE HOBBY-HORSE!! 
 Or, Every Man has his Humour. 
 
 Celestial Nine, assist my lays, 
 While I the hobby-horse shall praise; 
 Inspire my muse to sing the truth, 
 That Age may ride as well as Youth. 
 Men have wants as well as wishes; 
 Some cry for loaves, and some for fishes; 
 Some sigh for wealth, and some for fame, 
 And find at last an empty name. 
 Man's fickle genius ne'er stands still, 
 But's like the horse which turns the mill, 
 Which treads the circle's constant round, 
 And runs the course within the bound, 
 Till giddiness his head inspires, 
 And when death comes he then retires. 
 Thus man his round and circle runs, 
 
 And leaves his glory to his sons; 
 His hobby then becomes their care, 
 
 Their names, their deeds, are empty air; 
 
42 
 
 New scenes of action charm the soul — 
 Some find their hobby in the bowl; 
 Various their modes to kill their time, 
 Which some accomplish in their prime. 
 Variety all men contrive, 
 T' amuse themselves while they're alive. 
 Our Alexanders of this age, 
 For human blood they thirst and rage; 
 Their souls, with mad ambition fir'd, 
 Of murder, slaughter, ne'er are tir'd; 
 Their hobby is mankind to kill, 
 Command all nature at their will; 
 They fancy greatness in their crimes, 
 That sounds their names in foreign climes. 
 How vain and impious is their pride, 
 Like Death — they ne*er are satisfied, 
 Till the grim tyrant ends the strife, 
 They leave their hobby, and their life I 
 The titled dons and artful friars, 
 Oft seek amusements in the fires 
 Of rage and lust, and drunken glee, 
 And fancy they're the men who're free; 
 Such freedom is not worth a straw, 
 Unless we're rul'd by reason's law. 
 The masquerade, the giddy dance, 
 May suit the democrats of France, 
 Whose hearts and heels together move, 
 Their characteristic manners prove. 
 
43 
 
 Let us their impious morals 'scape, 
 
 Nor strive to imitate the ape. 
 
 Fashion's the idol fools admire, 
 
 From honest John to Rant the 'Squire; 
 
 Fashion and reason are at strife, 
 
 And plague and teaze poor human life; 
 
 Reason should direct our motion, 
 
 And regulate our best devotion, 
 
 For want of that we run astray, 
 
 And oft forsake the proper way. 
 
 In fashion's maze we're often tost, 
 
 By mounting hobby we are lost! 
 
 Hypocrisy and moral cheat, 
 
 Often assume a base deceit; 
 
 The Romish priest, with shaven head, 
 
 To reason lost, by luxury fed, 
 
 By pious fraud he plays his part, 
 
 And often steals away the heart 
 
 Of simple, honest devotees. 
 
 Absolves their sins and takes his fees; 
 
 The mind is stuff'd with pious story 
 
 And the soul kept from purgatory. 
 
 Thus the farce is carried on, 
 
 The priest is paid, the work is done; 
 
 No more damnation s cares the soul, 
 
 Nor human failings meet controul. 
 
 The numerous clans of hobby elves, 
 
 Whose wisdom centers in themselves. 
 
44 
 
 The miser, stung with keen remorse, 
 Makes shining gold his hobby-horse; 
 In waking thoughts, and nightly hours, 
 He dreams of nought but golden showers; 
 With anxious eyes he views the store, 
 And grieves because there is no more! 
 Mammon's the god which he adores, 
 His iron chest contains his stores; 
 The wretch starves soul and body too, 
 His gold is all he keeps in view. 
 The widow's cries, the orphan's tears, 
 Afford no pity to his ears; 
 His stony heart admits no feeling 
 But to his golden gods still kneeling. 
 His gold is dross, his treasure's pelf, 
 No comforts will they buy for self; 
 His heart is like the adamant, 
 He starves himself, sees others want, 
 Which canker - like eats up his soul, 
 For avarice can't meet controul. 
 O cursed vice! how mean its end, 
 That man should live without a friend ; 
 For who a miser can adore, 
 Unless he wishes for his store* 
 If holy writ may be beiiev'd, 
 And sordid man be not deceiv'd, 
 That money is the root of evil, 
 And sends its lover to the devil. 
 
45 
 
 Desist ye mortals from this vice, 
 Let love of virtue be your choice. 
 The Muse would fain suspend its rod, 
 But for the honour of her God, 
 That God of truth who hates deceits, 
 And all the gaming tribe of cheats, 
 The billiard table, rattling dice, 
 Consume the time, and fix the choice 
 Of him who covets another's store, 
 Who's always venturing yet he's poor. 
 The gamester's aims are all defeated, 
 By cheating others he is cheated. 
 The man who loves to game and swear. 
 Must of his purse and soul beware, 
 As both may vanish, who can tell, 
 But that his soul may find a hell, 
 Where cards and dice can't give relief. 
 Nor ease his troubl'd soul of grief. 
 The man who's wise will shun this course. 
 And leave the gaming hobby horse. 
 The Debauchee with guileful art, 
 Who oft decoys the simple heart 
 Of innocence, from virtue's road. 
 That leads to happiness and God. 
 Base wretch desist ! reform your plan, 
 Or else deny that your are man ! 
 Reason should be your only guide, 
 Not sensual lust and cursed pride. 
 How vain the triumph you can boast, 
 O'er ruin'd innocence when lost ! 
 
46 
 
 You think you're wise— but ye are fools, 
 And only satan's frantic fools. 
 Your mad career will soon be o'er, 
 Your wealth and wit will be no more ; 
 Disease and death will soon annoy, 
 And rob you of your promis'd joy I 
 Your body in the grave will rot, 
 And short liv'd pleasures be forgot ! 
 The grave must burst and dust arise, 
 To meet your Maker in the skies ; 
 When the last trump shall raise the dead, 
 And rouse them from their lowly bed, 
 To hear their doom ! * * * ! 
 The hungry patriot seeks his prey, 
 He dreams by night and swears by day, 
 Black disappointment fills his breast, 
 And like the troubl'd sea can't rest. 
 While some are in and some are out y 
 He badgers P — tt and roars about, 
 Censures all measures but his own, 
 And loudly bawls against the crown ; 
 Dear liberty is all his theme, 
 But without law an empty dream, 
 Such liberty we can't advance, 
 Unless we're jacobins of France. 
 To speak of all the hobby crew, 
 I'll speak of self as well as you. 
 J, I, myself, pray whose so great, 
 Not the first minister of State, 
 
i1 
 
 My own opinion I'll maintain, 
 
 And all my pleasures turn to gain. 
 
 The subtile jobber eyes the stocks, 
 
 The country farmer hunts the fox, 
 
 The rustic fellow tells his tale, 
 
 And quaffs the brown October ale ; 
 
 He sings his song and cracks his jokes, 
 
 He's happier than greater folks, 
 
 Who ride in gilded coach to air, 
 
 He's free from strife, and free from care. 
 
 The simple shepherd tends his lambs, 
 
 Who skip and play beside their dams ; 
 
 No broils of State disturb his mind, 
 
 He at the fervid noon's reclin'd, 
 
 On verdant mead by purling rill, 
 
 Where joy and peace his bosom fill. 
 
 How happy those who are content, 
 
 With what kind Providence has lent, 
 
 Princes might wish the humble lot, 
 
 Of happy shepherds in their cot. 
 
 Where sweet content and peace do dwell, 
 
 Superior to the hermit's cell. 
 
 These are the joys which make complete, 
 
 The rural shade and calm retreat. 
 
 Most men have hobbies which thy prize, 
 
 But the best hobby's to be wise: 
 
 To study nature and her laws. 
 
 And vindicate religion's cause, 
 
 Virtue will be the good man's friend ; 
 
 Ee'n when this mortal life shall end ! 
 
An Honest Man. 
 
 When we survey great nature's mighty plan. 
 
 There's none so noble as an honest Man ; 
 
 Truth is his guide — religion rules his heart, 
 
 Nor will he from true rectitude depart. 
 
 No fraudful arts can bias him to stray, 
 
 From the true path of wisdom's holy way, 
 
 This is the path the wise and good have trod, 
 
 This is the road which leads the soul to God. 
 
 Fraud aud deceit may prosper for a time, 
 
 But surely justice will detect the crime ; 
 
 M Thou shalt not steal" — is the commandment given. 
 
 From him who rules on earth, and reigns in heaven. 
 
 iC Thou shalt not covet" what's thy neighbour's store. 
 
 Be frugal, honest, and desire no more. 
 
 He who doth hear the ravens when they cry, 
 
 Will grant your wishes with a rich supply ; 
 
 The characters of men are thus defin'd 
 
 By that sweet Bard,* who knew the human mind, 
 
 By his satiric wit, and pointed strain, 
 
 He shows that human follies are all vain, 
 
 " A wit's a feather, and a chief's a rod, 
 
 " An honest Man's the noblest work of God." 
 
 If to these honours we may all attain, 
 
 Let's rightly act, the noble prize to gain. 
 
 * Pope* 
 
49 
 
 An Epithalamium on Mr. J — n*s Marriage. 
 
 And does Philander ask of me a song ? 
 
 My harp is broke, and on the willow hung. 
 
 Forsook by all the Muses cheerful aid, 
 
 And left in solitude and dreary shade j 
 
 Yet to comply with your request, my friend, 
 
 I hope the Muses will assistance lend 
 
 To hail thee on thy nuptial joys complete, 
 
 And sing the blessings of a married state. 
 
 Surely in wedlock there must be charming things, 
 
 That pleases poets, philosophers, and kings ; 
 
 The noble lord, the humble* peasant too, 
 
 O may its blessings all descend on you ! 
 
 And since the wild goose chase is now quite o'er, 
 
 O may your souls be blessed more and more, 
 
 With every earthly good that you can find, 
 
 To cheer the heart and to improve the mind ; 
 
 May rosy health with all her smiling train, 
 
 Attend you here so long as you remain ; 
 
 May peace and plenty ever crown your boarJ, 
 
 With all the sweets that nature can afford ! 
 
 And may fair Delia prove a faithful vine, 
 
 May pledges of your love around you twine, 
 
 Like olive branches round )our table spread, 
 
 And every joy attend your nuptial bed > 
 
 E 
 
50 
 
 May every boisterous passion be remor'd, 
 
 And always be endearing and belov'd ; 
 
 May lovely virtue on your steps attend, 
 
 And pure religion guide you to the end, 
 
 'Till every trial and affliction cease, 
 
 O may your souls enjoy felicity and peace, 
 
 And sing eternal praises to the Lamb, 
 
 With never-ceasing songs his gracious name proclaim. 
 
 The Wisdom of Man. An Epigram, 
 
 At nature's birth the light was freely given, 
 By the Creator of the earth and heaven, 
 But man so cunning, and so very wise, 
 Has tax'd the bounteous blessings of the skies! 
 
M 
 
 AN ELEGY, 
 On the Death of a Young Lady. 
 
 The God of day had quit our hemisphere, 
 
 And silent Nox had spread his gloom around ; 
 No vocal voice could charm the ravish'd ear, 
 But all was solemn silence quite profound ! 
 
 Sweet balmy sleep restorer of our health, 
 
 O'er half the busy world its influence spread ; 
 
 On griping misers, and their hoarded wealth, 
 When Dorio frantic issu'd from his bed. 
 
 Like one distracted o'er the plains he went, 
 Forgetful of his cottage and his care, 
 
 He sigh'd, he groan'd, he gave his heart full venf> 
 For now his soul was rent with keen despair. 
 
 Alas ! he cry'd, where shall I flee for rest ? 
 
 When meeting Lucis, thus he spake his mind, 
 Ye God's propitious, who are doubly blest, 
 
 Hear my complaint, and to my suit be kiud« 
 
 Our lov'd Maria, the pride of all the plains, 
 Whose pleasing mein and beauteous face inspir'd, 
 
 Who was belov'd by all the village swains, 
 By all the nymphs caress'd, and much aJmir'd. 
 
 E 2 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 
 LIBRARY 
 
52 
 
 .She is no more ! the cruel hand of death, 
 
 Hath by his power sever'd the slender thread ; 
 
 Has chang'd her form and stole her fleeting breath. 
 And number'd her among the silent dead. 
 
 Suppress your grief, my Dorio forbear, 
 
 Remember death's the lot of human kind ; 
 
 My sympathizing soul must drop a tear, 
 When charms so lovely rush into my mind. 
 
 Oft have I seen her at the early dawn, 
 
 Walk thro' the meads, to view the lambkins play ; 
 
 To see the bounding roe, and nimble fawn, 
 And simple nature, cheerful, blythe, and gay. 
 
 Oft have I listened to her matin song, 
 
 Which she in raptures offer'd up to heaven, 
 
 I caught the pleasing accents from her tongue, 
 And pray'd that I myself might be forgiven. 
 
 Enough dear Lucis — my heart is almost broke, 
 When I my former happy days review ; 
 
 On halcyon times, we pass'd in tale and joke, 
 In pleasing scenes which always seemed new. 
 
 But such is human life and all its charms, 
 Like the gay rose we blow but to decay, 
 
 Our brittle frame is subject to alarms, 
 We sicken ! wither ! and soon die away ! 
 
53 
 
 No more let music charm my languid mind, 
 Nor all the beauties of the vernal spring ; 
 
 My pipe and crook I wish no more to find, 
 Nor thou sweet Philomel no more to sing. 
 
 Ye bubbling rills forget your wonted course, 
 Ye flowery meads, forego your varied hue; 
 
 No more I trust in manly strength and force, 
 Ye fleeting joys I bid you all adieu ! 
 
 My Dorfoy I sympathize with thee, 
 
 Let not fell grief destroy thy tender soul, 
 
 The death of man is fix'd by a decree. 
 That human nature never can controul. 
 
 Let us, who now survive this lovely fair, 
 
 In every virtue let us all abound ; 
 And for our final exit now prepare, 
 
 That we may enter heaven and there be crown'd. 
 
 Where joys immortal are without allay, 
 
 Our tender shepherd will our guardian be ; 
 
 There we may bask in everlasting day ! 
 In all the blessings of eternity ! 
 
Admonitory Address, 
 
 All men think all men mortal but themselves." Young 
 
 See dying nature all around, 
 
 Wither'd leaves fall from the bough ; 
 
 The knell that foils with solemn sound, 
 Warns us of the important now. 
 
 Nature teaches man this lesson^ 
 That all human things decay, 
 
 All our comforts how they lessen^ 
 Wither, fade, and die away ! 
 
 Time's a talent wisely given, 
 
 By the ruler of the skies. 
 Virtue is the road to heaven, 
 
 And eternal life the prize. 
 
 Can we hope to gain this blessing. 
 
 If we live a life of sin ? 
 No ; religion's in possessing, 
 
 Now's the season to begin. 
 
 Shall we boast of earthly treasure. 
 
 Or the fancied worth of gold ? 
 Or of fervid youthful pleasure, 
 
 Or the pride of being old ? 
 
55 
 
 Death will not respect a mortal, 
 When commission'd from, on high; 
 
 All must enter his dread portal, 
 Sinful man is born to die ! 
 
 Sin's the cause of all our trouble, 
 While we're in this vale of tears,. 
 
 All our honour's but a bubble, 
 And our journey full of fears. 
 
 If we wish to be released 
 
 From the surviie fear of death, . 
 
 And our conscience be appeased, 
 Let us live whilst we have breath. 
 
 Let our contrition be sincere, 
 Prostrate fall before God's face, 
 
 Then our petitions he will hear, 
 And bestow his saving grace.. 
 
 Faith adds vigour to devotion,. 
 
 See our Saviour's bleeding side ; 
 View his sufferings with emotion, 
 
 For man he wept, he groan'd and died !~ 
 
 Death's dire sting Will be extracted, 
 God will choose us for his own, 
 
 If by grace we are affected, 
 Pleading, mercy at his throne. 
 
56 
 
 Reflections on Winter 
 
 Nature's verdant robe is fading, 
 The howling wind it rends the air ; 
 
 Nor is summer's heat pervading, 
 But all is barren, bleak, and bear ! 
 
 Fleeting are all earthly treasures, 
 
 Our hopes on them they are but vain ; 
 
 Let's aspire to lasting pleasures, 
 
 Where peace and joy for ever reign* 
 
 Hope thou soother of our anguish, 
 Fill our souls with calm repose ; 
 
 Let's no more in sorrow languish 
 In horrid dread of future woes. 
 
 The wint'ry storms will soon be driveB^ 
 To the cold regions of the north, 
 
 And spring's reviving beauties given, 
 And all its glories issue forth. 
 
 We who life's slippery paths do tread, 
 Often with storms and tempests meet, 
 
 Until .we're number'd with the dead ; 
 The grave secures a calm retieat ! 
 
57 
 
 ¥hen will the joyful morning rise, 
 When slumbering nature must awake, 
 
 Th' Archangel's trump shall rend the skies, 
 Then we eternal spring partake ! 
 
 Charily to the Poor. 
 
 &weet Charity, thy gracious gifts impart, 
 To cheer the widow's and the orphan's heart—* 
 Now let your bounty to the poor be given, 
 And you may hope to find a place in heaven. 
 
 If you would wish God's favour to obtain, 
 You must relieve and mitigate their pain, 
 Who suffer here, by what they can't avoid. 
 But must endure whatever ills betide. 
 
 Ye who possess the treasures of the earth. 
 Remember man is not of heavenly birth ; 
 Of earth he's born — to earth he must descend^. 
 Here all his greatness, and his riches end ! 
 
 Surely that man who on his gold relies, 
 Hath no idea of the heavenly prize, 
 Which will compensate for our trouble here, 
 And wipe from every eye the falling tear. 
 
58 
 
 The Fast. 
 
 rt Repent, aid be converted, tb*t yetit tint tn»y *e 
 blotted out." 
 
 What is the use of daily prayer, 
 Unless amendment he sincere ? 
 Can we deceive Almighty God, 
 Who governs nations with his nod ? 
 
 Our thoughts to him are clearly known. 
 He views our actions from his throne ; 
 Omniscience sees thro' every guise, 
 And marks us all with piercing eyes. 
 
 Repent, amend, return and live, 
 And all your crimes he will forgive ; 
 Your darling sins you must forego, 
 Or taste the bitter cup of woe* 
 
 Lord, teach us all to know thy will, 
 And all thy holy laws fulfil ; 
 To live as we would wish to be, 
 P enjoy eternity with thee ! 
 
59 
 
 Th& decayed JRa$£, 
 
 Xhe Rose in its prime, in beauty array'd, 
 
 It claims our attention to view, 
 Where sweetness and hue are softly display'd, 
 
 And all its perfections are true ; 
 
 Aurora's fine tints its foilage adorn, 
 Sweet zephyr's exhale its perfume ; 
 
 When cover'd with dew-dropi first, in the morn^ 
 It looks like a virgin in bloom. 
 
 Like beauty alas! how soon it decays, 
 When time has pass'd over its head, 
 
 Ah ! fate, cruel fate, upon it now preys, 
 It withers, and sinks with the dead! 
 
00 
 
 To Mr. J. M. on reading his Christmas 
 Carol. 
 
 How shall I express my delight, 
 When I of your merits shall sing, 
 
 You tell us of Christ the true light, 
 As our Saviour and heavenly King ? 
 
 Oh may we revere his blest name, 
 And strictly his precepts obey ; 
 
 And always be found in the same, 
 
 And from his commandments ne'er stray ! 
 
 His grace to poor man how it flows, 
 
 In every token of love ; 
 He left his calm seat of repose, 
 
 T' exalt us to mansions above ! 
 
 His nativity let us adore, 
 
 And repent of the sins we have donq, 
 
 Our numerous failings deplore, 
 
 And rely upon God's only Son. 
 
 In whom true Salvation is found, 
 To bind up the broken in heart ; 
 
 To ease them of satan's fell wound, 
 And free us from death's potent dart ! 
 
61 
 
 Let charity kind give relief, 
 
 To those who may suffer distress; 
 
 T' assuage the keen feelings of grief, 
 And sorrow's sharp arrows suppress. 
 
 A. christian is one who does good, 
 (A name is a tinkling sound,) 
 
 He gives to the hungry food, 
 And will in each virtue abound. 
 
 Religion's a practical thing, 
 It deals not in theory alone, 
 
 Its suited to subject and king, 
 
 The cottage as well as the throne. 
 
 0 
 
62 
 
 A short Paraphrase on the Lord's Prayer. 
 
 JCjternal Father! who dwells in light above, 
 The fount of grace and everlasting love; 
 Thy name be hallowM and adorM by all, 
 Who now inhabit this terraqueous ball. 
 O may thy blessed kingdom goon appear, 
 Within the hearts of men while living here. 
 Thy heavenly will may it be done also, 
 Whether in mercy shewn or poignant woe. 
 Diurnal bread we ask of thee, O Lord, 
 And rest by faith in thy most holy word. 
 Our many sins and trespasses forgive, 
 As thou'rt the sovVeign Lord by whom we live ; 
 As we forgive our offending brother here, 
 May our repentance prove the more sincere; 
 Abandon us not, O God, to Satan's will; 
 May we thy just commands with joy fulfil. 
 Deliver us from the horrid guilt of sin, 
 That we, thro' Christ, thy grace and favour win, 
 For thine's the kingdom, power, and glory ! — then 
 May every grateful tongue exclaim Amen. 
 
63 
 
 Bunker's Hill: a Pastoral. 
 
 X e Muses who assist the bard to sing, 
 And paint the beauties of the verdant spring, 
 Assist me to describe in simple strains 
 The sweet retreats of lovely nymphs and swains. 
 Far from the noisy tumults of rude war, 
 Distant from any town or village far, 
 On you fair mount, a superstructure stands, 
 That vies with all the works in nature's hands: 
 'Around inclosed by a purling rill, 
 Tis call'd, thro' strife, by rustics, Bunker's-Hill, 
 Whose distant front strikes the traveller's eye 
 With perfect beauty and just symmetry, 
 Commands a prospect o'er the verdant plains, 
 Where pious solitude and pleasure reigns, 
 A mighty prince, with all his pompous train, 
 Would envy this most high-heav'n favour' d swain, 
 Who here enjoys life's sweets, free from court 
 
 cares and pain. 
 Here verdant meads and purling rills abound, 
 And all the landscape charms the eye around. 
 'Twas thee, great Strafford, rear'd this noble form, 
 For thou delight'st thy buildings to adorn 
 With all the beauties of the artist's skill, 
 And all thy groves with elegance to fill. 
 F 2 
 
64 
 
 Not far from hence a noble structure lies, 
 
 Whose spire, till time destroy'd, approached the skies, 
 
 A holy church, where saints did oft repair 
 
 To worship God with fervency and prayer; 
 
 Who oft did find, in sweet religion's road, 
 
 Rest to their minds from life's most toilsome load ; 
 
 But now, alas! rude time, destructive foe, 
 
 Hath so deform'd it, scarce the place we know! 
 
 Near to the same there stands a little mill, 
 
 Where smoothly glides a sweetly purling rill; 
 
 There dwells a bard, whose true poetic lays 
 
 Has from Apollo gain'd a crown of bays, 
 
 Whose humane soul, and sympathetic heart, 
 
 Do lively converse and true wit impart; 
 
 Who charms the rustic swains with notes of love, 
 
 And with his tuneful pipe their passions move. 
 
 Not distant far a noble park appears, 
 
 Where oaks, and firs, and elms, each top uprears,, 
 
 Beneath whose cooling shades the shepherds lay, 
 
 And view with joy their gentle lambkins play; 
 
 Here sweet content doth unmolested reign 
 
 On every hill, and vale, and grove and plain. 
 
 No jarring discords do distract their souls, 
 
 But all their pleasured to attend their folds; 
 
 To watch their harmless flocks, attend their lambs, 
 
 And see them sporting with their fondling dams, 
 
 To hear the gentle cooing of the doves, 
 
 While Philomel with rapture fills the groves. 
 
65 
 
 How sweet is rural life and all its charms! 
 Better by far than clam'rous war's alarms; 
 Happy those shepherds who, content at home, 
 Enjoy the sweets from whence no troubles come. 
 Accept, O Strafford, these my humble lays, 
 For thou'rt the man who truly merits praise; 
 Thy charity and love to all mankind, 
 Is, like the glorious sun, to none coufin'd; 
 But like that heavenly orb on all doth shine, 
 With rays benign of charity divine. 
 When God thinks .fit to call thee from below, 
 May he on thee immortal joys bestow. 
 
66 
 
 On Harvest. 
 
 Come, see the fields, they laugh and sing, 
 Hark how the country villas ring 
 
 With rustic melody; 
 The golden fruit of Ceres bends 
 Beneath the weight it now sustains — 
 
 It is a joyous symphony. 
 
 As soon as Sol doth gild the east, 
 And hath the fields in beauty dresfr, 
 
 With lustre all around, 
 The reapers with their sickles haste, 
 To reap the precious sweet repast, 
 
 In rows upon the ground. 
 
 They jest and joke, and spend the day 
 As happy as the flowers in May, 
 
 And chat, and talk of love; 
 When night draws on they hasten home, 
 And talk of happy days to come, 
 
 And so in concert move. 
 
67 
 
 The Shepherd's Complaint. 
 
 Y e woods, ye vales, and verdant meads, 
 Ye limpid brooks and myrtle shades, 
 
 0 hear a shepherd's sighs; 
 
 Who feels the wound that love has made, 
 Which has my simple heart betray "d, 
 And robb'd me of my joys. 
 
 My bleating flocks are gone astray, 
 Since I have lost my Polly Gay, 
 
 1 in despair am lost; 
 Distracted through the groves I run, 
 In seeking thee my only one, 
 
 And thus with love I'm tost. 
 
 Could I but win the lovely maid, 
 Who is conceaPd in yonder shade, 
 
 Oh! thither would I go; 
 Whose matchless charms my heart have won, 
 To her with rapture Fd return, 
 
 And taste no more of woe. 
 
68 
 
 To a Young Gentleman, on the Anniversary 
 of his Birth-Day. 
 
 Accept my muse's grateful lay, 
 To hail thee on thy natal day^ 
 
 As the sineerest friend; 
 Void of deceit and fraudful art, 
 The effusions of the warmest heart, 
 
 This is my only end. 
 
 May Providence thy youth secure, 
 Your guardian be while life endure, 
 
 And keep you from all harms; 
 Amidst the sprightly hours of youth, 
 O may your mind be taught by truth 
 
 To shun all rude alarms. 
 
 May every blessing on you wait. 
 Now in your youth, or manly state, 
 
 If God the same approve; 
 May you in scientific lore, 
 The sacred page with care explore, 
 
 And fill your soul with love. 
 
 For church or state if you're design'd, 
 May virtue still adorn your mind, 
 
 And teach you how to scau 
 The loveliness of virtue bright, 
 The rays of true religion's light, 
 
 As human life's a span. 
 
69 
 
 The Progress of Life. 
 
 A he Spring of nature's like the spring of life, 
 Where beauties lie conceal'd from human sight ; 
 The infant lies dormant in its mother's womb 
 Till nature forms it to complete perfection, 
 Then it issues forth, animated with life, 
 A poor and helpless creature, wanting aid. 
 Now the fond parent sees its feeble state, 
 And by affection prompt gives it relief; 
 Such were we all when in this world we come, 
 Destitute of every thing but life. 
 Surely this should fill us with gratitude 
 To those who gave us being and repose. 
 Our childhood and our boyish days are spent 
 In frivolous pursuits, not worthy of remark. 
 Young men oft think they're wise above their years, 
 And precipitately into follies run, 
 Without the aid of reason t© direct 
 Their headlong course, which they too oft pursue, 
 To the grief of those who brought them into being, 
 And hop'd to see their wishes crown'd in them, 
 Who were the fondest darlings of their hearts, 
 And those they wish'd to see adorn their sphere. 
 Now Summer's come with its refulgent train, 
 And Sol's diffusive beams illume the world, 
 
7© 
 
 Like man in his meridian vigour clad, 
 
 And fit for all the duties life requires. 
 
 Manhood is bold, impatient of restraint, 
 
 And filled with sanguine hopes of future good, 
 
 And all the pleasures which attend his state: 
 
 Some seek for honour where it is not found, 
 
 And shadows seek which prove an empty dream. 
 
 When art and science do engage the mind, 
 
 Then human nature will appear complete, 
 
 And form the man to act a noble part 
 
 In life's great drama, where he ought to act. 
 
 But some heroic souls take arms their country 
 
 To defend, and their civil rights maintain 
 
 Against insulting foes and war's alarms,. 
 
 Where they behold slaughter and cruel death 
 
 In all its horrid forms, and poignant grief, 
 
 That fills their souls with horror and dismay j 
 
 These honours let us shun, and never more 
 
 Seek them in the cannon's bellowing sound. 
 
 Some to the joys of wedlock now repair, 
 
 And taste the pleasures of eonnubial bliss; 
 
 Cares increase, but yet those cares are pleasure 
 
 To the feeling heart of the fond parent. 
 
 Delightful task, to improve the infant mind, 
 
 And rear it to perfecti >u and to joy. 
 
 Now Autumn comes with symptoms of decay, 
 
 When leaves fall yellow from their native boughs; 
 
 Thus man appears when hairs turn grey, eyes dim. 
 
71 
 
 And grinders from their wonted sockets fall, 
 Which all proclaim that prime of life is past 
 This season should teach man to lay up fruit 
 For the approach of winter, near at hand; 
 Unhappy those who're not prepared in time, 
 When all the pleasures of their former days 
 Have fled, without a preparation due. 
 Stern Winter now is come with all its horrors, 
 Clad in her sable robes and gloomy mantle; 
 Dark days and nights, and dismal tempests howl; 
 In this drear season nature feels the shock, 
 Vegetation ceases, and the tuneful tribes 
 Are heard no more; the groves are silent, 
 And nature mourns in melancholy gloom. 
 Thus man in his last stage now feels the shock, 
 And death consigns him to the silent tomb, 
 Till the archangel sounds his awful trump, 
 " Ye dead arise," and come to hear your doom. 
 44 Then come ye blested, or go yecursed" 
 Will then decide the fate of all mankind 
 
72 
 
 On the much - lamented Death of Admiral 
 Lord Nelson. 
 
 ****** r*** 
 
 A he Muses weep, Britannia mourns, 
 And gen'rous Britons bedew the urns 
 
 Of those who bravely fall, 
 Of all our British worthy Tars 
 WJio're cut and maim'd with many scars, 
 
 By sword or vengeful ball, 
 
 Great Nelson high in office stood, 
 
 He sought his Kino and Country's goob, 
 
 Nor fear'd the daring foe; 
 But prompt, and ready to defend 
 The Monarch's rights, the poor man's friend, 
 
 He sought their overthrow. 
 
 But fate, oh! cruel fate decreed, 
 
 That gallant Nejlson now must bleed, 
 
 When victory's at hand; 
 But like a hero and a saint, 
 Resign'd his life without complaint, 
 
 At the great God's command. 
 
73 
 
 May his example leave behind 
 A deep impression on the min3 
 
 Of every Briton born, 
 To act a disinterested part, 
 By generous feelings of the heart, 
 
 Nor fear fell envy's scorn. 
 
 Where storms and tempests are no more, 
 O may his soul have reached that shore, 
 
 Where wars for ever cease; 
 In realms of bliss and seats of love, 
 The MANSiaNs of the blest abore, 
 
 Where all is joy and peace. 
 
 MOULTON PARK AND MOULTON. 
 Sir, — In your last issue of the Mercury I noticed a 
 report of the proceedings of the Board of Gaardians on 
 Thursday week. Referring to the case, I wish to state that 
 Moulton lost the day by the casting vote of the chairman. 
 Mr. H. O. Nethereote, Moulton Grange, abstained from 
 voting, and thereby caused Moulton to lose the case by 
 the chairman's casting vote. I deeply regret that Mr. 
 Nethereote could not bring his mind in .unision with the 
 ratepayers of Meulton ; he had a grand opportunity of 
 doing Moulton a gosd turn, but, unfortunately 
 for us, allowed his chance to pass by. The 
 amalgamation was opposed by every clergyman 
 there, and I have been informed that several of 
 them are also trustees of St. Andrew's Hospital. If it is 
 really so, morally their votes count for nothing, and may 
 be left to be weighed by the President of the Local 
 Government Board, who, I am sure, will appraise them at 
 their proper value. Meanwhile I shall call a public 
 meeting for next Thursday. I hope every one interested 
 in the matter will attend and support me in my endeavours 
 to do right in spite of might. 
 
 John Frances, overseer of Meulton. 
 
74 
 
 Reflections on the Mildness of the Winter. 
 
 ffow Providence smiles on the poor, 
 In giving us winter so mild ; 
 
 Its bounties are laid up in store. 
 To succour the widow and child. 
 
 The weather how mild and how fine, 
 The snow-drop displays its white head^ 
 
 The crocus and primrose will shine, 
 And rise from their annual bed. 
 
 The rooks they are seeking their mates. 
 They gambol about in the air, 
 
 Not knowing their several fates. 
 Should winter, stern winter appear. 
 
 The black -bird he tunes his bold note. 
 
 And cheerfully sings thro' the day, 
 He swells with sweet music his throat, 
 
 On the bush or the nudeous spray. 
 
 The bee ventures out of its hive, 
 The pleasures of spring to enjoy ; 
 
 But alas ! it never can thrive, 
 
 When Flora, sweet Flora's not nigh. 
 
75 
 
 By instinct these creatures are led. 
 
 Not like man who is guided by reason, 
 
 By nature they're cloathed and fed, 
 Yet poor creatures they know not the season. 
 
 May this be a happy new year, 
 
 To subject as well as to king ; 
 May peace with her olive appear, 
 
 Then with joy every Briton will sing. 
 
 g2 
 
7(i 
 
 On the exceeding love of God to Mankind. 
 
 hat mortal can express the 1-ove, 
 That dweils with God who reigns above, 
 Jn giving us his only son. 
 That we the pains of hell might Aran* 
 
 Ever adored be that God, 
 
 Who loves our souls thro* Jesu's blood. 
 
 Eternal praises let us sing, 
 
 To him our only Lord and King. 
 
 Had not dear Jesus shed his blood, 
 And in our room and place have stood, 
 Our souls were doomed to endless pains, 
 And Bound in adamantine chains. 
 
 But since we're free we'll cheerful sing 
 To Jesus our Almighty King, 
 Of his great love to ruin'd man, 
 And of salvation's wonderous plan. 
 
 With holy seraphs let us bless 
 The wonders of redeeming grace, 
 Until we join the angelic host 
 Of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
 
77 
 
 Psalm 134. 
 
 Jljehold oi/r gracious Lord, 
 Ye servants praise his name ; 
 
 Rejoice with one accord, 
 
 Sound loud his mighty fame. 
 
 Ye who his courts attend 
 With pious zeal and love, 
 
 Our God will be your friend, 
 When in the realms above# 
 
 With hands uplifted high, 
 Unto your Saviour pray, 
 
 For he's for ever nigh, 
 To guide you in the way. 
 
 Jehovah formed the skies, 
 And gave to man his breath, 
 
 His blessing he supplies, 
 
 And keeps us safe till death. 
 
78 
 
 TO MR. JOHN COLES, 
 
 On hearing he was going to publish a 
 Volume of Poems by Subscription. 
 
 Shall Wecdon once again uplift its head, 
 
 Since West, the musical sweet bard is dead ? 
 
 Who render'd vocal all your woods and plains, 
 
 With his seraphic apid enchanting strains. 
 
 May you attempt, with ardent zeal aspire, 
 
 T' imbibe from hirn his true poetic hre — 
 
 Let flagrant follies of this present age, 
 
 Employ your pen with keen satiric rage : 
 
 Let vice in horrid forms smart with your rod. 
 
 That man, deluded man, may fear his God. 
 
 If pastoral strains invite you to explain 
 
 The charms of nature and her rural train, 
 
 The sweet enjoyment of a country life, 
 
 Free from corroding care, and endless strife,, 
 
 Let modest diction 'dorn your artless page, 
 
 And pious truth your ev'ry thought engage; 
 
 That youth may read with pleasure what you've peim'd, 
 
 And age be fortified to meet the end. 
 
 May you with laureate honours deck your head. 
 
 And trophies gain whe.i numbcr'd with the dead ; 
 
79 
 
 May deathless fame attend your moral strains,. 
 And public favour remunerate your pains ; 
 May want, and poverty, fly your abode, 
 And sweet contentment pave your destin'd road, 
 'Till all the sorrows of this life are o'er, 
 And you've arriv'd on blissful Canaan's shore ! 
 Where love ecstatic fills the soul with joy, 
 With lasting pleasures, which can never cloy ! 
 
80 
 
 A loyal Wish for Unity. 
 
 u nitYj concord, love, and peace, 
 May they begin and never cease, 
 
 In this our happy time ; 
 How long hath faction led the sway, 
 And we were forced to obey, 
 
 Altho' we're free from crime. 
 
 See, see the Sovereign condescend,* 
 No more let subjects dare contend, 
 
 Against his love sincere ; 
 Who hears his languid country groan, 
 From his imperial splendid throne, 
 
 Sheds a paternal tear. 
 
 How lovely 'tis for us to see. 
 Our brethren live in unity, 
 
 Amidst contending power ; 
 When nought but hostile war doth rage, 
 And strive each other to engage, 
 
 In troubles every hour. 
 
 » See his Majesty's Message to the House of Commons, 
 April 24th, 1782. 
 
3) 
 
 May Providence our arms attend^ 
 And jarring discords no more rend 
 
 Our public happiness ; 
 May peace her olive now display. 
 And drive all discord far away. 
 
 And no more us distress. 
 
 Now Britons, all join heart and hand. 
 To praise the Sov'reign of this land, 
 
 Whose virtues splendid shine ; 
 May blessings on his offspring wait, 
 That they may find a sweet retreat,. 
 
 And in one soul combine. 
 
82 
 
 Psalm 100. 
 
 Ye men who dwell on earth below, 
 With grateful thanks your homage pay : 
 
 Come serve the Lord, his praises shew. 
 And from his precepts never stray. 
 
 The Lord our Maker is indeed, 
 
 Who doth our souls and bodies keep ; 
 
 " We are his flock, he doth us feed". 
 He the kind shepherd, we his sheep. 
 
 Come let us to his temple haste, 
 
 And there our grateful homage give ; 
 
 No more our precious moments waste, 
 But praise that name by whom we live. 
 
 For gracious is our heavenly Lord, 
 His love and mercy still the same, 
 
 These truths shine in his holy word^ 
 For ever blessed be his name. 
 
83 
 
 On the Death of a beloved Child 
 
 Y"e parents who weep for your babe, 
 I wish to address you in love, 
 
 God has called your darling to save, 
 To glory in mansions above. 
 
 Where sickness and pain are no more. 
 But happiness fills up the place, 
 
 Where saints their Redeemer adore, 
 And enjoy his kind favour and grace. 
 
 Your minds are now wounded with grief, 
 For the loss you so late have endur'd. 
 
 But your God he can give you relief, 
 And your happiness will be secur'd ; 
 
 If you trust in the Saviour of man, 
 Who wept, died, and bled on the tree, 
 
 His goodness no mortal can scan, 
 His salvation is gracious and free. 
 
 The dear child you soon will behold, 
 When this mortal life is no more, 
 
 When God shall his wisdom unfold, 
 His goodness you then will adore ! 
 
84 
 
 THE PRODIGAL SON RECLAIMED; 
 Or a Lesson to Young Men. 
 
 St.- Luke, Chap, xv, Ver. 11. 
 
 Designed to inculcate the duty of filial affection, and 
 expose the folly of Prodigality and Dissipation. 
 
 W hen Christ, heaven's choicest gift, came here or 
 earth, 
 
 Poor human nature to set free from guilt, 
 The benevolence of deity to show 
 What God designed for mortal sinful man, 
 With the graces of humility he came, 
 And filial affection. — By his command 
 Who rules the universe, God over all! 
 He left his blissful bosom by consent, 
 And veil'd in human form he did appear 
 In condescending Majesty divine ; 
 Fill'd with every heavenly virtue, 
 Yet proud of no accomplishment or gift, 
 But meek and patient as the harmless lamb. 
 His father's laws to justify and keep 
 Amidst the jarring discords of apostate 
 Men— who fancied they were wisdom's children, 
 He came fraught with benignity divine. 
 
85 
 
 And love surpassing human thought to know, 
 
 In every sense qualified to point the 
 
 Way to heaven, where bliss eternal reigns. 
 
 The Jews, a hardy and a stubborn race, 
 
 To superstition blind, closely attach'd, 
 
 And all the jargon infidels admire, 
 
 Despised all his salutary counsel 
 
 And admonitions. Their eyes they closed 
 
 Against God's only Son, their Saviour. 
 
 The Gentile race, deeply immers'd in learned 
 
 Insolence and fancied erudition, 
 
 The best gift of heaven utterly despised, 
 
 And worshipped a deity unknown. 
 
 Thus stupid mortals, who were sunk in sin, 
 
 The only means by heaven ordained 
 
 Refused to make them fit for glory. 
 
 He preach'd the gospel to poor sinful men, 
 
 Shew'd them the law's extreme severity. 
 
 Sometimes the blessed teacher did rebuke, 
 
 And did exhort, and speak in simile 
 
 And parabolic strains, and simple truth; 
 
 By each he wished to gain the soul to God, 
 
 And virtue's noble, amiable cause. 
 
 The sacred volume's full of truth divine, 
 
 But none excels that similitude sublime, 
 
 The penitential Prodigal reclaim'd; 
 
 This is the theme on which I mean to speak 
 
 With my best powers of utterance and soog. 
 
 H 
 
86 
 
 Attend ye docile youths, attend the tale, 
 And from example shun the sinner's path, 
 The fatal path of folly and destruction, 
 Before you hreak your tender parents' heart, 
 And plunge yourselves into the dread abyss 
 From whence there's no return to happiness, 
 But a foreboding of eternal woes. 
 Think ere yon act, be cautious how you walk, 
 Anticipate the consequence of things. 
 The example take: — A venerable Sire, 
 Whom ktcd heaven with two sons had bless'd, 
 The eldest, full of thought and circumspection, 
 To rural life attached, and domestic 
 Pleasure, stern in his aspect, his manner 
 Uncouth, suited to his destm'd station; 
 To view sweet nature in her best attire, 
 His soul to adorn by contemplation; 
 An aged father to assist in life's 
 Decline — how laudable is this employ! 
 The youngest, full of passion and of pride* 
 Disdaitrd his fathers counsel and advice; 
 He sought amusement from a giddy world, 
 And all the follies of licentious youth, 
 V/Lo're led by passion blind, and vain deceit, 
 To sip the bitter draught of sad regret! 
 When health, and strength, and fortune are no 
 more, 
 
 Then the^ * oiled; reflection comes too late 
 
87 
 
 Them to save; despair and fear torture the soul 
 With horror, and plunge it into misery. 
 Would youth beware of pleasure's wily lures, 
 Of good the semblance, consult their reason, 
 The consequence of all their actions view, 
 Then would they walk life's road with cautious 
 steps, 
 
 The slipp'ry paths of youth, and learn from asje, 
 Those maxims age alone can truly give; 
 Then prodigals would shun those specious rocks 
 On which they're shipwreck'd in a thoughtless hour ; 
 The impetuous youth, impatient of restraint, 
 Flies from the arms of fond paternal love, 
 And calls himslf a man\ Demands his goods, 
 And bids farewel to all his happiness, 
 His father, friends, country, forsakes them all, 
 In quest of joys which wither at the touch, 
 And leave a sting, a poignant sting, the wounds 
 Of which will torture the sad soul with grief; 
 The afflicted sire, to satisfy his son, 
 Gives him his portion, which he deem'd his share. 
 He flies with this to a country far remote, 
 With conscious pride his consequence to shew; 
 A victim falls to follies and distress, 
 Extravagance and lewdness could invent. 
 All's soon expended; his friends forsake him, 
 And want and misery fiercely him attack. 
 But to complete his woes, stern famine rag'd, 
 h 2 
 
88 
 
 The staff of life began to fail, and fear 
 Of death invaded the passions of his soul. 
 This was distress of which he little dream'd, 
 When in his prosperous days of jollity. 
 Perhaps he beggM his bread from door to door; 
 With tottering steps and voice that faltered 
 He crav'd relief from those who'd nought to give. 
 Of friends bereft, and all the comforts life 
 Could give, he sought employment food to gain ? 
 To keep his meagre frame from dissolution. 
 To lend the stupid swiue then did accept, 
 Rather than with hunger perish. Sad fate; 
 Preposterous choice; Folly coRsimimkte! 
 To leave the board of plenty, feed on husks, 
 For no man aught to him would give to eat, 
 The trough supplied him with the scanty meal. 
 High birth and fortune now avail him not, 
 The husks of folly now his chief repast, 
 Reflection keen now stung his contrite breast, 
 Which brought him to repentance and to shame. 
 Distress alone can make us truly wise, 
 And of all our fancied greatness us deprive. 
 This his sad case. Now filial feelings 
 All rush'd into his mind; he saw his fault, 
 Resolved to amend — happy alternative! 
 44 Fool that I was, to quit my father's house 
 44 And fond embrace, where plenty fiils the board, 
 44 Where love and harmony had us'd to dwell. 
 
89 
 
 " His faithiul servants still enjoy content, 
 
 " While I'm an outcast in a frowning world. 
 
 46 I will arise and to my father go, 
 
 " Full of humility, and prostrate fall 
 
 " Before him; he'll deign to shew compassion, 
 
 M Pity my folly, and my crimes forgive. 
 
 M If he'll accept me iu a servile state 
 
 " I'll be content, no more to bear the name 
 
 " Of son, but hireling to my latest breath. 
 
 " I oft have broken heaven's high commands, 
 
 " My father's kindest counsels set at nought, 
 
 11 But now I feel my guilt, sorrow fills my breast, 
 
 " Lest I should meet contempt from God and man." 
 
 With hasty steps the prodigal arose, 
 
 Approach'd his aged sire's domestic home; 
 
 His garb was shabby and his aspect mean, 
 
 From his late splendid egress, oh! how changed. 
 
 The father saw him and his bowels yearn'd, 
 
 Compassion fill'd his heart, he ran with love 
 
 To give the fond embrace, and bless his son. 
 
 Parental tenderness was now alive, 
 
 And every feeling of his manly soul; 
 
 He callM his servants for the gorgeous robe, 
 
 To clothe his naked and his shivering frame ; 
 
 His finger to adorn a ring he gave, 
 
 And shoes, and all the comforts he required, 
 
 That could administer to his health and ease, 
 
 To his long-lost but now repenting son. 
 
90 
 
 To his servants faithful, he gave command 
 That they should kill and dress the fatted calf, 
 And a sumptuous entertainment make, 
 The glad hearts of all around to cheer. 
 For his dead son to life and reason had 
 Returned. O happy parent, this thy son 
 Was dead, but now's return'd to life again 
 With all the sentiments that man adorn. 
 How great the pleasure to a feeling mind, 
 Of him who wish'd to see his offspring blest, 
 And taste the joy of sweet paternal love. 
 Attend ye prodigals, your duty learn 
 By this example, learn now to be wise. 
 With viands now the festive board was fiM'd, 
 The cheerful glass went round, and calm content 
 Illumin'd the faces of the assembled guests. 
 Conceive the ecstacy the joyous parent 
 Felt; his son recuscitaled from the grave 
 Of sin, to life and virtue now returned. 
 The case how different from those base souls. 
 Who often bring a parent's hoary hairs 
 With sorrow to the grave. Unfeeling youths! 
 Can ye now forget the hand that fed ye, 
 The anxious days and nights they oft have spent . 
 On your account, your happiness to gain. 
 Your tenderest feelings now are called forth, 
 And filial affections; God's promise 
 A sanction gives to nature's kindest law: 
 
91 
 
 He gives him happiness and length of days 
 
 Who honours his parents in declining years. 
 
 How grateful this to sensibility, 
 
 A brother to relieve, pierc'd with sorrow's dart; 
 
 Much more, an aged parent in distress. 
 
 The force of nature and the law of God 
 
 Prompt us to act the man in ev'ry part. 
 
 The eldest son, with manners rough, from field 
 
 Returned, replete with melaocholy gloom, 
 
 Approach'd his father's houst? ; envy at good 
 
 Had stung his breast, and filTd his soul with grief; 
 
 No charms had music to his stupid ear, 
 
 But all was disappointment and chagrin. 
 
 His father he reproach'd for his kind care 
 
 And love. An exil'd brother now return'd 
 
 In peace and safety, to reason and to truth. 
 
 Oh happy change; how pleasing to the good. 
 
 Angelic bands with symphonies rejoice 
 
 When prodigals are from sin's wayg reclaim'd. 
 
92 
 
 Grateful Reflection. 
 
 My grateful muse attempts to sing 
 The goodness of the eternal King, 
 
 Who rules this earthly ball ; 
 Whose wisdom keeps us every hour, 
 Sustain'd by his almighty power, 
 
 We're kept — we cannot fall. 
 
 All nature's decked by his hand, 
 
 In him we live, and move, and stand*, , 
 
 By Providence secure ; 
 Oh ! may our gratitude ascend, 
 To him who is man's only friend. 
 
 Who ever will endure. 
 
 Shall we complain when storms arise, 
 When darkness clouds the azure skies, 
 
 And tempests rage below ? 
 When sickness doth invade our frame^ 
 Let's supplicate his gracious name^ 
 
 Nor dread the threatn'd blow* 
 
93 
 
 While we his favours do enjoy, 
 
 Of health, and wealth, let us employ 
 
 Ourselves w in doing good." 
 That when we do this world forsake, 
 We may of heavenly joys partake, 
 
 And feed on living food. 
 
 Where faith and hope will have an end 
 And sweet fruition us attend, 
 
 At the eternal throne ; 
 Where holy souls their joys relate, 
 Rejoicing in their happy state. 
 
 No more to weep or mourn ! 
 
94 
 
 The Vanity of Human Wishes. 
 
 To wish for fame or wealth, how vain. 
 They're not within our power, 
 
 They often leave a fatal stain, 
 And vanish in an hour ! 
 
 When views ambitious fill the mind, 
 
 With what it can't possess, 
 Like shadows pass before the wind, 
 
 Without a place of rest. 
 
 The miser, he augments his store, 
 And thinks he has a friend, 
 
 He covets that he has no more, 
 Defeated in the end. 
 
 The hungry patriot bawls aloud, 
 
 With vociferation, 
 To gain the stupid gaping crowd, 
 
 And save a ruin'd nation. 
 
 Thus foolish man is often tost, 
 
 As on a boist'rous sea ; 
 His sanguine wishes they are lost, 
 
 And all prove vanity ! 
 
95 
 
 On Education. 
 
 •*<* * * 
 
 Tis Education forms our rising youth, 
 With moral maxims, and the love of truth, 
 cc Precept on precept — and line upon line," 
 Which will enlarge the soul, and mind refine, 
 Rough stones are often from the quarry brought^ 
 But by the chisel they are nicely wrought ; 
 So education when pursu'd with care, 
 Produces objects which appear most fair. 
 The docile youth vast treasures will attain, 
 And all his studies he will turn to gain ; 
 The useful aits of life he will pursue, 
 And truth and justice always keep in view. 
 Not so with those who're left in vice to stray, 
 And ne'er are taught to walk in wisdom's way. 
 Youth rightly train'd, if they will but attend, 
 Are happy now, and will be to their end; 
 Good habits form'd, will teach the mind to soar. 
 To God above and only him adore. 
 The word of God will be their chief delight, 
 " They'll read by day and meditate by night." 
 
96 
 
 On the return of Peace. 
 
 o Sweet Peace, thou hast blest our happy isle, 
 May we with gratitude and friendship smile ; 
 Bellona's torch no more the world shall scare, 
 With all her horrid scenes of dreadful war. 
 Peac3 to the world, we see the boon of heav'n, 
 To man, ungrateful man, this blessing's given. 
 May we embrace it in a high degree, 
 And live in mutual love ard charity ! 
 May all those heroes who surviv'd the fight,* 
 Return to England and enjoy delight. 
 Taste all the joys of dear domestic life, 
 No more engage in wars and endless strife. 
 May all those heroes who so bravely died. 
 Be still remember'd as old England's pride. 
 And their freed souls have enter'd heavenly rest, 
 Into those mansions where they're ever blest. 
 May trade revive — and harmony increase, 
 And let us cultivate the arts of peace, 
 Let pure religion be our guardian friend, 
 That we may happy be when life shall end. 
 
 * Waterloo. 
 
97 
 
 THOUGHTS 
 On the much-lamented Death of 
 
 Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte 
 of Wales. 
 
 The Muses weep, Britannia mourns, 
 With sorrow sighing o'er the urns, 
 
 Of those they deem'd most dear 
 The beauteous Princess now is fled,. 
 And numbered with the silent dead, 
 
 Whose virtues were sincere. 
 
 Her soul is fled from earthly toys, 
 To enter into heavenly joys, 
 
 Where troubles are no more ; 
 She's landed on that blissful plain, 
 Where joy, and peace for ever reign, 
 
 Her Saviour to adore. 
 
 Religion was her only guide, 
 in God she always did confide, 
 
 E'en to her latest breath, 
 When nature's pangs did on her come, 
 She said, u O God thy will be done"™ 
 
 And clos'd her eyes in death. 
 
 i 
 
98 
 
 Concluding Address. 
 
 w hex gratitude inspires the breast. 
 The feelings cannot be exprcssMy 
 
 That warm the heart within / 
 Renowned actions will gain fame, 
 Flattery's but an empty name, 
 
 'Tis virtue must begin. 
 
 My humble muse attempts to praise 
 The patrons of my simple lays. 
 
 Which have been brought to view ; 
 I trust their candour will appear. 
 In judging me to be sincere, 
 
 My thanks are ever due. 
 
 I, with my latest breath will own. 
 The kindest favours to me shownv 
 
 Till time shall be no more ; 
 May we all happiness enjoy, 
 Without a trouble to annoy, 
 
 When on the blissful shore f 
 
 FINIS?. 
 
 Cordeux, Printer, Northampton, 
 
THE Author most gratefully begs- 
 to return his sincere Thanks to all 
 his Subscribers, for their very generous 
 Patronage ; and at the same time to in- 
 form them, that several unforeseen cir- 
 cumstances have occurred to retard the 
 publication till the present time, and he 
 humbly hopes that it will meet with their 
 indulgence and approbation. 
 
THE REV. W. f A. WICKS AND THE MOULTON 
 
 NATIONAL SCHOOL. 
 
 Carey House, Moulton, June 2nd, 1885. 
 Sir, — Kindly allow me space in your valuable paper to 
 make a statement with regard to the speech delivered by 
 me, at the dinner given to the members of the North- 
 amptonshire Baptist Association, on Tuesday, May 26th. 
 I am reported in the evening* papers of Wednesday, May 
 27, as having* said: "Application was made for the 
 National School to hold the dinner in, but Churchmen 
 said J no ; they would rather the doors were locked than 
 that the Baptist ministers should desecrate the place.'" 
 Now, this report is correct as far as the wording is con- 
 cerned, but incorrect as to the punctuation. Through this 
 error in punctuation people have naturally concluded that 
 when the trustees of the National School said " No " to our 
 application, they added "they would rather the doors 
 were locked than that the Baptist ministers should 
 desecrate the place, whereas the word " No " is the only 
 answer I attributed to them, and the words " they would 
 rather the doors were locked than that Baptist ministers 
 should desecrate the place " are my inference concerning 
 their answer. The case stands thus : — Understanding 
 that the National School-room would be closed during 
 Whit- week, application was made by the officers of the 
 Baptist Church to the trustees for the use of it for a public 
 dinner. The trustees replying, stated that they " could 
 not lend the room for anything which savoured of a 
 polit ical or semi-political character." We, as I have stated, 
 asked f©r the use of the room for a pub^c dinner only, not 
 for a political or semi-political meeting. The reason then 
 assigned for refusing is weak in the extreme. Taking 
 into consideration the weakness of this excuse, and re- 
 membering the remarks made by certain persons (remarks 
 which clearly show pleasure at being able to refuse), we 
 feel constrained to come to the conclusion that some, at 
 least, among the Church party, would rather that the room 
 remained empty and locked, and that we were put to con- 
 siderable trouble and^expense, than oblige us. We must, 
 however, take this opportunity of expressing our thanks 
 to several Churchmen, and to all Wesleyans of this village, 
 for their kindness during the Association meetings. — lam, 
 Sir, yours faithfully, William A. Wicks. 
 
M'JULTON. 
 
 Supposed Suicide of a Servant at Moulton 
 Grange.— On the 13th inst., Martha Carter, 20, who was 
 engaged as under housemaid at Mouiton Grange, the resi- 
 dence of Mr. H. O. Nethercote, being missed, search was 
 made for her, and on the morning of the 13th in;st. her dead 
 body was found in the pond opposite the Grange. It was 
 immeciia ely removed to an outhouse, and an inquest was 
 held in the evening. In the evidence it transpired that 
 the deceased, who formerly came from Derby, had been in 
 the service of Mr. Nerthcote for nine or ten months. On 
 11th inst. she obtained permission to go to Northampton, 
 and was to have returned the same evening, but did not do 
 so, Her fellow-servants stated that there was nothing 
 unusual in her manner before leaving, and that no dispute 
 of any kind had occurred, except that one complained of 
 her not having done her work properly. — Ann Clark, of 
 Mill-lane, St. Jaines's-end, Northampton, deposed that 
 deceased went to her house on 12fch inst. She stayed at 
 her house that night, and left a little before seven o'clock 
 the following morning. — James Hickerson, a man employed 
 at the Grange, deposed that he searched for the deceased 
 on the following morning, and let the water out of a pond 
 which was abwit fonr or live feet deep. He could see no 
 tracks or marks about the bank.— Mr. D. G. Lewis, sur- 
 geoD, of Mouiton, stated that there were no marks of 
 violence on the body. — The jury returned a veroict of 
 ,; Pound drowned." 
 
 THE BAPTISTS AND MOULTON NATIONAL 
 SCHOOL. 
 
 Moulton Vicarage, May 28. 
 Sir, — Perhaps you will kindly find roooi to publish 
 the enclosed letter, whica is a copy of the one I sent on 
 behalf of tne trustees of the Mouiton National School in 
 answer to The application made by the Baptist community 
 in this place for the use of the room for their conference. — 
 I am, yours faithfully, Onebye Walker, 
 
 Vicar of Mouiton. 
 
 [Copy.] 
 
 Mouiton Vicarage, Northampton, 19th. May, 1835. 
 
 Dear Sir, — Wit h regard to your request on behaii' of the 
 Baptist Union, I have consulted the trustees, aed we are 
 of opinion tnat we must adhere to our rule, which is not 
 to let the National School-room for any purpose wUoh 
 might in any degree be eon.-idered to savour qi politic;., or 
 semi-political character. — I am, dear sir, yours faithfully^ 
 
 Mr. H. Andrew. ONEBYi3 R. Walker. 
 
 The Northamptonshire Baptist Association meetings have 
 been held this week at Mouiton. According to the report 
 presented the denomination does not appear to be making 
 any great headway in the county. The business transacted 
 was of the usual character. In connection with the affair we 
 regret to note that Rev, Mr. Wicks tried to make out that the 
 use of the National School-room had been refused because it 
 was not desired that the place should be desecrated by Bap- 
 tist ministers. The Vicar of Mouiton, in reply to this, sends 
 us a copy of the answer made to the application. This simply 
 states that a rule had been adopted " not to let the National 
 School-room for any purposes which might in any degree be 
 considered to savour of a political or semi-political character." 
 The Baptist meeting was made distinctly political by a resolu- 
 tion moved by Mr. Purser, approving the Government action on 
 the Afghan frontier question. 
 
MAY 27, 1885. 
 
 NO RT H AM PTO N S H I R R BAP r I ST 
 ASSOCIATION M ft K T I N 6 S 
 AT MOULTON. 
 
 The annual meetings commenced in Carey Church, 
 Moulton, on Tuesday, under the presidency of the Rev. 
 W. A. Davis, of Rushden, the moderator. There were 
 also present :— The Revs J. T. Brown, A. B. Middleditch, 
 S. Needham (Northampton), W. Pratt, B.A. (We3t Had- 
 don), H. B. Robinson, F.R.C.S. (Kettering, association 
 secretary), T. Baker, B.A. (Stonv Stratford), A. James, 
 
 B. A. (Thrapston), W. Satchwell "(Harpole), J. Dodwell 
 (Middleton Cheney), W. Thomas (Sulgrave), A. Stock 
 (Weston- by- Weedon), J. Spans wick (Lo^g Buckby), T. 
 Litchfield (Kingsthorpe), J. G. Scott (Guilsborousrh), S. 
 Williams (Hackleton). A. C. G. Rendell (Earl's Barton), 
 J. Bates (Kislingbury), J. Allen (Olney), D. Llewellyn 
 (Burton Latimer), H. Trotman (Blis worth), O. Thomp- 
 son (Pattishall), F. J. Flatt (Bugbrooke), W. Skelley 
 (Gretton), W. A. Wicks (Moulton), T. Gardiner (Roade), 
 E. R. Broome (Milton), I. Near (Ringstead), J. Tyrrell 
 (Woodford), and E. J. Health (Walgrave) ; Messrs. R. 
 Cleaver, T. Purser, S. Mason, J. Fod'iy, W. Tomlin, 
 M. Mawby, T. Dyer, J. Knight, T. Farmer, J. 
 'Gibbs, G. Lmglar'd (Northampton), Manton Smith 
 (London), T. C hater (Long Buckby), J. Westley 
 (Bliawort'i, treasurer), R. C. Wesley (Kislintrbury). 
 J. Campion (Biisworth), J. Eaton Gunn (Ravensthorpe), 
 W. French (Woodford), J. E. Dickens (Spratton), H. 
 Andrews (Deanshanger), G. Scott (Pitsford), E. G. Cos- 
 ford (Heyford), T. Amos (Roade), T. F. Hadion (Clipston), 
 
 C. Pollard, Gotch, W. Lewin, T. Jones, J. Bryan, J. 
 Spence (Kettering), S. Walker (Walgrave), F. W. 
 Woollard (Stony Stratford), S. H.Deacou (Brampton), N. 
 Fisher (Milton), John Siddons (Moulton), J. B. Spendlove 
 (Gretton), T. Catfeerrnole (Aldwinkle), W. Ashbv (Long 
 Buckby), C. H. Cos (Moulton), G. Hall (Hardingstbne), J. 
 Ward (Bugbrooke), G. Cave (Nobottle), W. Billson (W*>1- 
 ford), W. Page (West Haddon), C. Bayes (Rushden), and 
 J. Cave (Ringstead).. There was a meeting of the Provi- 
 dent Society first, and a meeting of ministers and delegates 
 held at noon. The circular letter to the churches wa3 
 written by the Rev. W. Fidler, of Towc^ster, who was, 
 however, unable to be present, owing to indisposition. 
 
"if" oc;HUUr> uv — 
 
 . The letter concluded with words of counsel 
 and benediction. — The ministers and delegates then 
 adiourned to the Infant Boird School (discussion on the 
 letter being" subsequently postponed till the following* 
 day), where dinner was served in capital style by Mr. 
 Andrew, of Moulton Over eighty gentlemen and a 
 few ladies sat down. — The Rev. W. A. Wicks gave the 
 friends a hearty welcome to MouUon. Application, he 
 said, was made for ths National School to hold the dinner 
 in, but the Churchmen said, No; thty would rather th* 
 doors were locked than that the Baptist ministers should 1 
 desecrate the place. (A laugh.) He was sura everybody 
 must be glad to see Mr. Brown present. (A Voice : 
 " Except the Churchmen," and another laugh.) Mr. 
 Wicks believed it was 43 years since the association met at 
 Moulton, and he did not attend then. It was before he 
 entered the county. (Laughter.) — The Rev. W. A. 
 Davis acknowledged the welcome given to the association, 
 and spoke of Dr. Carey's associations with the vilhige. — 
 The business meeting was held in the afternoon in the 
 chapel. — The Rev. J. G. Scott moved, and *Jie Rsr. P. J. 
 FiATT seconded, the adoption and printing of the circular 
 letter, with thanks to, and sympathy with Mr. Pidler in 
 his indisposition, and thanks to Mr. Brown for reading the 
 letter. — The reports from the Churches were then given by 
 the Eev. H. B. Robinson, and it Appeared that during the 
 year 245 new members had been received in the area of 
 the association, and 232 had been lost to the Churches, 
 leaving a total net gain of only 13— an announcement of 
 wjiich Mr. Robinson said there was reason to be sad, 
 though there were things t« be said. He mentioned 
 with satisfaction the settlement of Mr. Needharn as j 
 pastor of the Grafton-street Chapel, Northampton, and the j 
 Rev. J. T. Brown brought forward the subject of the j 
 proposed testimonial to the Rev. J. C. Robinson, late j 
 minister at Brington, and appealed for its support. Tt^| 
 •election of the committee was then proceeded with, thff*| 
 Moderator desiring his own name to be omitted, as he j 
 should certainly be leaving North am pton shire in the ' 
 course of two or three months. The following gentlemen 
 were chosen : — The Revs. J. T. Brown, J. Spanswick, J. 
 Allen, S. Williams, H. Trotman, A. B. Middleditch, W. A. 
 Wicks, and A. James, Messrs. D. F. Gotch, Kirby, N. 
 Fisher, R. Cleaver, Bilson, G. Cave, R. C. Westley, an- T < 
 
THE REV. W. A. WICKS AND THE MOULTON 
 NATIONAL SCHOOL. 
 
 Northampton, June 4, 1885. 
 Sir,— I noticed in your issue of Wednesday a letter under 
 tbis heading from Mr. Wicks, offering an explanation of his 
 speech on the 26th ult. I would say that it is certainly ver y 
 honest of Mr. Wicks to make the explanation, but it is a pity 
 he should allow a week to elapse before doing so. The explana- 
 tion, I consider, shows the remark in question to have been 
 an uncalled for exaggeration, and altogether out of place. In 
 connection with this matter I should like to remind your 
 readers of a resolution passed by this Baptist Association 
 at a meeting held recently at Wellingborough, and which 
 was moved by Mr. Purser, thanking the Governments of 
 England and Russia for referring to arbitration the Afghan 
 question, &c. This mixture , of religious and political ques 
 tjons quite justified the Trustees of the Moiilton School in 
 regarding the desired gathering as savouring of a political Or 
 semi-Dolitical character. In Northampton we are told that 
 politics and religion are quite distinct, and have nothing to 
 do with each other ; in fact, we are told that religious men 
 may vote for an Atheist without any stretch of conscience. 
 But Mr. Purser at Wellingborough manages to mix the twc 
 up in a very convenient manner. With respect to this famou 
 resolution, I should like to point out that it has been state 
 over and over again that the only question to be submitted tt 
 arbitration is whether each side rightly understood the 
 " agreement " or "sacred covenant" which existed between 
 them. If this is really necessary, it becomes at once a matter for 
 regret that the language of Liberal Stidtesmen should be so 
 ambiguous as to render an arbitrator necessary to define its 
 meaning. I, however, regard it as a move, the sole object of 
 which is to save what little honour it can to the Glad- 
 stone Cabinet. I am very far from joining in Mr. 
 Purser's vote of thanks, believing that the agreement in 
 question was as clear and distinct as words could mak^ 
 it, viz. : that neither sides should advance, and the 
 question for the arbitrator to decide appears to be as stupen- 
 dous and difficult as the great problem whether two and two 
 make four. I feel sure if the Baptist Association would con- 
 fine itself to the real objects of its existence, and not dabble 
 with political questions at their meetings, they would receive 
 more support from their outside friends, and schools con- 
 nected with other denominations would be more readily placed 
 at their disposal.— Yours truly, „, 
 ONE OF THE CROWD.