As the shades of evening close, On all thou'st seen, and heard, and wrought. Thus resign'd and quiet, creep Stranger, go! Heaven 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 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 Thou know'st that Thou hast formed me Where human weakness has come short, Or frailty stept aside, Do Thou, All Good! - for such Thou art, In shades of darkness hide. Where with intention I have err'd, But, Thou art good! and goodness still STANZAS, ON THE SAME OCCASION. I. WHY am I loth to leave this earthly scene? Have I so found it full of pleasing charms? Some drops of joy with draughts of ill between ; Some gleams of sunshine 'mid renewing storms Is it departing pangs my soul alarms? Or death's unlovely, dreary, dark abode? II. Fain would I say, "Forgive my foul offence!" But, should my Author health again dispense, Again exalt the brute, and sink the man; Who act so counter heav'nly mercy's plan? Who sin so oft have mourn'd, yet to temptation ran? 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, 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; I know thou wilt me hear, When, for this scene of peace and love II. The hoary sire, the mortal stroke, To bless his little filial flock, And show what good men are. She, who her lovely fspring eyes IV. Their hope, their stay, their derling youth In manhood's dawni✰ blyth; |