On the tree of life eternal, Man, let all thy hopes be staid; Which alone, for ever vernal, Bears a leaf that shall not fade." DR. HORNE. SECTION XIII. THE CHRISTIAN RACE AWAKE my soul, stretch ev'ry nerve, A cloud of witnesses around, "Tis God's all animating voice, That calls thee from on high : "Tis his own hand presents the prize To thine aspiring eye: That prize with peerless glories bright Which shall new lustre boast, Shall blend in common dust. My soul with sacred ardour fir'd, And meet with joy the high command, To bid this earth adieu. DODDRIDGE. SECTION XIV. THE DIVINE BEING KNOWS AND SEES EVERY THING. LORD thou hast search'd and seen me thro': My heart and flesh, with all their pow'rs. My thoughts, before they are my own, Within thy circling pow'r I stand; Amazing knowledge, vast and great! 0 O may these thoughts possess my breast, Nor let my weaker passions dare Could I so false, so faithless prove, If up to heav'n I take my flight, 'Tis there thou dwell'st inthron'd in light; If mounted on a morning ray, Or should I try to shun thy sight Oh! may these thoughts possess my breast, Nor let my weaker passions dare WATTS. SECTION XV. THE HAPPY END. WHEN life's tempestuous storms are o'er, Such peace on virtue's path attends, See smiling patience smooth his brow While eager for the blest abode, He joins with them to praise the God, The horrors of the grave and hell, For he who bids yon comet burn, No sorrow drowns his lifted eyes; SECTION XVI. THE DANGERS AND SNARES OF LIFE. AWAKE my soul! lift up thine eyes; Here giant danger threatning stands S See where rebellious passions rage, Has thousands and ten thousands slain. Thou tread'st upon enchanted ground; Come then, my soul, now learn to wield Of heav'nly truth and heav'nly love. The terror and the charm repel, BARBAULD. SECTION XVII. EPITAPH ON A POOR AND VIRTUOUS MAN. STOP reader, here, and deign to look On one without a name; Ne'er enter'd in the ample book Of fortune, or of fame. Studious of peace, he hated strife; Meek virtues fill'd his breast: His coat of arms, a spotless life;" "An honest heart," his crest. |