RESIGNATIO N. IN TWO PART S. "My foul fhall be fatisfied even as it were with marrow "and fatnefs; when my mouth praiseth thee with "joyful lips." PSALM lxiii. 6. ADVERTISEMENT. THIS was not intended for the Public; there were many and ftrong reafons against it; and are fo ftill; but fome extracts of it, from the few copies which were given away, being got into the printed papers, it was thought neceffary to publifh fomething, left a copy ftill more imperfect than this fhould fall. into the prefs: and it is hoped, that this unwelcome occafion of publication may be fome excufe for it. As for the following ftanzas, God Almighty's infinite power, and marvellous goodness to man, is dwelt on, as the most just and cogent reason for our chearful and abfolute refignation to his will; nor are any of thofe topics declined, which have a juft tendency to promote that fupreme virtue: fuch as the vanity of this life, the value of the next, the approach of death, &c. RESIGNATIO N. PART I. T HE days how few, how fhort the years Each leaving, as it fwiftly fiies, A fhorter in its place! They who the longest lease enjoy, Have told us with a figh, That to be born feems little more, Than to begin to die. Numbers there are who feel this truth, And am not I to thefe akin? Confcious of nature in decline, Permit me, Madam! ere to You The promis'd verfe I pay, To touch on felt infirmity, Sad fifter of decay. One G 4 One world deceas'd, another born, Like Noah they behold, O'er whofe white hairs, and furrow'd brows, Too many funs have roll'd: Happy the patriarch! he rejoic'd His fecond world to fee; My second world, though gay the scene, To me this brilliant age appears Near all with whom I liv'd, and smil'd, And with them dy'd my joys; the grave And clos'd, against this feeble frame, Cruel to fpare! condemn'd to life! And trembles as I write. What fhall I write? Thalia, tell ;. A choice of moment high inspire, Beyond Beyond the themes, which most admire, Which dazzle, or amaze, Beyond renown'd exploits of war, Bright charms, or empire's blaze, Are themes, which, in a world of woe, Amidst the storms of life support O Refignation! yet unfung, Beneath life's evening, folemn shade, I dedicate my page To thee, thou fafeft guard of youth! Thou fole fupport of age ! All other duties crefcents are Of virtue faintly bright, The glorious confummation, Thou! How rarely fill'd! The love divine In evils to difcern, This the first leffon which we want, 3 A melan. |