Stranger, go! Heav'n be thy guide! Quod the Beadsman of Nith side. 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 O, free my weary eyes from tears, But if I must afflicted be, To suit some wise design; Then man my soul with firm resolves To bear and not repine! A PRAYER, IN THE PROSPECT OF DEATH. I. O THOU, unknown, Almighty Cause In whose dread presence, ere an hour, Perhaps I must appear! II. If I have wander'd in those paths III. Thou know'st that Thou hast formed me IV. Where human weakness has come short, Or frailty stept aside, Do Thou, All-Good! for such Thou art, In shades of darkness hide. V. Where with intention I have err'd, But, Thou art good; and goodness still VOL. I.-I STANZAS ON THE SAME OCCASION. I. WHY am I loth to leave this earthly scene? Or death's unlovely, dreary, dark abode? And justly smart beneath his sin-avenging rod. II. Fain would I say, "Forgive my foul offence!" III. O Thou, great Governor of all below! If I may dare a lifted eye to Thee, Thy nod can make the tempest cease to blow, the tumult of the raging sea With that controlling pow'r assist ev'n me, To rule their torrent in th' allowed line; VERSES, LEFT, BY THE AUTHOR, AT A REVEREND FRIEND'S HOUSE, IN THE ROOM WHERE HE SLEPT. I. O THOU, dread Pow'r, who reign❜st above; When for this scene of peace and love, II. The hoary sire-the mortal stroke, And show what good men are. III. She, who her lovely offspring eyes IV. Their hope, their stay, their darling youth, Bless him, thou God of love and truth, V. The beauteous, seraph sister-band, Thou knowest the snares on ev'ry hand, When soon or late they reace that coast, A GRACE BEFORE DINNER. O THOU, who kindly dost provide And if it please thee heavenly Guide, But whether granted or denied, Amen. |