Then from his Lordship I shall learn, One rank as weel's another; · A PRAYER. Left in a room of a reverend friend'sı house, where the Author slept. O THOU, dread Power who reign'st above! When for this scene of peace and love, The hoary sire-the mortal stroke, To bless his little filial flock, And show what good men are. She, who her lovely offspring eyes Their hope, their stay, their darling youth, 1 Dr. Laurie, minister of Loudoun, from whom the poet received many essential favors, one of which, and none of the least, will be best explained in his own words:-"I had taken the last farewell of my few friends-my chest was on the road to Greenock, from whence I was to embark in a few days for America. I had composed the last song I should ever measure in Caledonia, The gloomy night is gathering fast,' when a letter from Dr. Blacklock, to a friend of mine (Dr. Laurie, who had sent to Dr. Blacklock a copy of our Poet's works), overthrew all my schemes, by opening new prospects to my poetic ambition. The doctor belonged to a set of critics for whose applause I had not dared to hope. His opinion that I would meet with encouragement in Edinburgh for a second edition, fired me so much, that away I posted for that city, without a single acquaintance, or a single letter of introduction. The baneful star that had so long shed its blasting influence in my zenith, for once made a revolution to the nadir; and a kind Providence placed me under the patronage of one of the noblest of men, the Earl of Glencairn." Bless him, thou God of love and truth, The beauteous seraph sister-band, Thou know'st the snares on every hand, When soon or late they reach that coast, A PRAYER, UNDER THE PRESSURE OF VIOLENT ANGUISH. O THOU, great Being! what thou art Yet sure I am, that known to Thee Thy creature here before Thee stands, Yet sure those ills that wring my soul Sure Thou, Almighty, canst not act Oh, free my weary eyes from tears! But if I must afflicted be, To suit some wise design; Then man my soul with firm resolves A PRAYER, IN THE PROSPECT OF DEATH. O THOU, unknown, Almighty cause In whose dread presence, ere an hour If I have wander'd in those paths As something, loudly, in my breast Thou know'st that Thou hast forméd me Where human weakness has come short, Do Thou, All-Good! for such Thou art, Where with intention I have err'd, But, Thou art good; and goodness still STANZAS ON THE SAME OCCASION. WHY am I loth to leave this earthly scene? Or death's unlovely, dreary, dark abode? Fain would I say, Forgive my foul offence! Again exalt the brute and sink the man; Who sin so oft have mourn'd, yet to temptation ran? O Thou, great Governor of all below! To rule their torrent in th' allowéd line; THE FIRST PSALM. THE man in life, wherever placed, Who walks not in the wicked's way, Nor from the seat of scornful pride That man shall flourish like the trees But he whose blossom buds in guilt, For why? That God, the good adore, THE FIRST SIX VERSES OF THE 90TH PSALM. O THOU, the first, the greatest Friend Of all the human race! Whose strong right hand has ever been Before the mountains heaved their heads That Power which raised and still upholds From countless, unbeginning time Those mighty periods of years. Which seem to us so vast, Appear no more before thy sight Than yesterday that's past. Thou giv'st the word: thy creature, man, Again, thou sayest, "Ye sons of men, Thou layest them, with all their cares, As with a flood thou tak'st them off They flourish like the morning flower, A GRACE BEFORE DINNER. O THOU, who kindly dost provide And, if it please thee, heavenly Guide, May never worse be sent; But whether granted or denied, Lord, bless us with content.-Amen. |