The Path of Duty, a moral tale in four books; Pleasing Recollections derived from a Tour in Monmouthshire; Essays ... with some lighter pieces

Front matter

SfC. fyc A MORAL TALE, IN FOOB BOOKS; liieastitg Befoilerttoits, DERIVED FROM A TOUR IN MONMOUTHSHIRE; ESSAYS, ON SUBJECTS MORAL AND SACRED; WITH SOME LIGHTER PIECES. BY MASON CHAMBERLIN. AtTHOR OF EQUANIMITY, A POEM; AND OCEAN, A POEM. BLANDFORDe PRINTED AND SOLD BY J. SHIPP ; SOLD ALSO BY NICHOLS, SON, AND BENTLEY, RED LION PASSAGE, JLEET STREET; AND W. CLARKE, 38, NEW BOND STREET. 1818. * LIST or SUBSCRIBERS, IN THE ORDER OP SUBSCRIPTION W. C. Heywood, M. D. Blandford Rev. T. Topping, Ditto Hon. A. Stuart, Ditto T. H. Bastard, Esq. Charlton R. Muston, Esq. Blandford Rev. R. Maurice, Ditto P. N. Bastard, Esq. Ditto George Moore, Esq. Ditto Mr. Carpenter, Ditto Mr. Fowle, Ditto Septimus Smith, Esq. Ditto Mr. White, Ditto Mr. Biggs, Ditto C. Baskett, Esq. Ditto SUBSCRIBERS. VI Rev. S. How, Stickland H. W. Johns, Esq. Blandford J. Dansey, Esq. Ditto Rev. J. Dowland, Whitchurch Rev. C. J. Hoare, Blandford G. B. Clapcott, Esq. Keynston S. White, Esq. Charlton J. Williams, Esq. Ditto Rev. T. Rackett, Spetisbury Mr. Baskett, Blandford Mrs. Baskett, St. Mary Blaudford Rev. T. Wise, Blandford R. T. Williams, Esq. Surgeon, Bristol Mr. J. Shipp, Blandford Rev. H. Donne, Cranbourn Mr. J. B. Storey, Blandford, 2 Copies Rev. G. E. Saunders, Rushton Rev. T. Diggle, Tarrant Hinton Mons. Fialon, Blandford Rev. F. R. Spragg, Ditto Mr. George, Ditto Mr. Stradling, Ditto Mr. M. Fisher, Ditto Mr. Abbott, Ditto SUBSCRIBERS.

VII Rev. M. Rowlandson, D. D. Warminster Rev. H. B. Wilson, D. D. Rector of St. Mary Aldermary, &c. 3 Copies Mrs. Wilson Miss Moore Mr. Penny, Sherbourne W. Dansey, M. D. Mr. Gould Smith, Blandford J. Brine, Esq. Ditto Mr. E. Roe, Ditto Mr. Howell, Ditto Mr. Henville, Ditto Mr. Pooley, Ditto Mr. Pegler, Ditto John Griffin, Esq. Bedford Place, London, 3 Copies Mrs. Moore, Wallingford J. Nichols, Esq. F. S. A. Highbury, 2 Copies J. B. Nichols, F. L. S. London, 2 Copies Mr. W. Clarke, New Bond Street, London Mrs. Pickard, Bloxworth Rev. E. Acton, Shillingston Mr. Piddle, Blandford, 2 Copies Mr. Cantrill, Ditto SUBSCRIBERS. R. Simmons, Esq. 5 Albany, London, 4 Copies Mrs. Simmons, Poland Street, London Mr. W. Fisher, Blandford Miss Phelps, Salisbury A. Champernowne, Esq. Dartington, Devon C. Baldwin, Esq. New Bridge Street, Blackfriars Rev. T. S. Whalley, D. D. Bath, 2 Copies H. Bone, Esq. R. A. Berners Street, London W. R. Bigg, Esq. R. A. Great Russell Street Bloomsbury Mr. G. Rutt, Fen church Street Mr. B. Rutt, Leadenhall Street E. B. Portman, Esq. M. P. Bryanslon, 2 Copies Rev. J. R. Arding, Castle House, Wallingford James Flamank, Esq. Wallingford Mrs. A. Flamank, Ditto Miss Flamank, Ditto Mr. J. Flamank, Ditto T. Natt, Esq. Gloucester Place City Road, London Mr. Vinen, Blandford Mr. Wood, Ditto T. Gould Read, Esq. Dorchester Rev. I. T. Napier, Chettle SUBSCRIBERS.

IX John Butler, Esq. Tavistock Square, London Rev. J. Moore, L. L. B. Rector of St. Michael Bassishaw, &c. Newcastle Place, Clerken well, 2 Copies Mrs. Moore, Ditto Miss Elizabeth Anne Moore, Ditto Miss Susannah Moore, Ditto Miss Jane Moore, Ditto Mr. Henry Moore, Ditto, 2 Copies Mr. J. Richardson, Pentonville G. D. Barker, Capt. Dorset Regiment R. Baldwin, Esq. Queen's Square, London Messrs. Baldwin, Cradock, & Joy, Paternoster-row Sir J. W. Smith, Bart. Down House E. M. Pleydell, Esq. Whatcomb Rev. J. Christie, Shaftesbury Rev. H. Fly, D. D. &c. Chaplain to the Royal Household, St. James's Miss Fly J. Harrison, Esq. Blandford J. Bacon, Esq. F< S. A. Newman Street, London Miss Bacon E. N. Thornton, Esq. Kennington Rev. R. Keynes, Blandford SUBSCRIBERS. X Mr. W. Spence, Author of " Leisure Hours" &C. Rev. Charles Bowie, Wimborne II.

Preface

. If through the vehicle of a simple Tale as in the first instance, or through that of a chain of analog-ous ideas as in some of the latter efforts of my pen here offered to the world, any sentiments can be conveyed of a nature calculated to promote the interests of Truth, and the practice of Moral Duty, on the firm foundation of those principles which alone can stand the test of strict examination, I trust the Pieces now presented to my readers, will be received by them without the severity of criticism. In paying the just tribute of grateful ackowledgment to that kindness which PP.EFACE. first prompted me to their publication, as well as to that since exemplified by my early subscribers, and subsequently evinced by those friends who have united with them to favour the design, I have nothing left to wish, but, that the more extended circle before whom they are now laid may view them with the same indulgence.

How far to the ttish I am warranted to add the hope of their successful reception on this enlarged scale, time alone can shew. Whatever be their ultimate destiny, of this I am most happily confident, they will never give me occasion to reflect on their injurious tendency. Moreover, I indulge the humble hope, that the lighter pieces contained in the volume, may serve to give relief, should the longer one be in danger of producingany occasional tedium in the mind of the reader, who, by using them as a kind of interlude, in any such case, may perchance resume with greater vigour, the chain of those more important arguments of a serious description, which it is the intention of the prin cipal Poem to enforce. M. Chamberlin. CONTENTS. Those marked thus * have appeared in the Gentleman s Magazine.

Penje The r*ATH of Duty, Book 1 3 II 47 . ill , 83 IV 153 Pleasing* Recollections, Part I. Chepstow 216 II. Tintern 240 The Summer House 259 On Retirement 272 A Lake Scene on a Summer Evening 275 * On the Victories of the Duke of Wellington 278 Reflection on the Spring of the Year 287 * Thoughts occasioned by the Death of the Hon. S. Perceval 289 * The Path of the Just a Sacred Essay. 294 The Sun of Righteousness, an Essay on Malachi iv. part of the second versa. CONTENTS. XVI Page 302 On Accident 307 Considerations of the Divine Omnipresence 310 * Translation of Psalm xix 318 * Address to Hope A Morning Hymn, in celebration of the Div.ne Perfections 320 322 Address to Pity * A Prayer for Societies engaged in the Propagation of the Christian Religion 324 The Infidel Reclaimed 326 Trust in God our best Resource under Affliction 328 On the Shortness of Life 329 Resignation 330 * An Elegy to the memory of M. C. Jun 331 On a Future Skate 332 Lines on occasion of the Death of the Princess Charlotte... 334 On the Immortal Principle in the Soul 337 A Morning Hymn 339 To the Dog 340 * The Thistle Seed and Acorn, a Simile 342 * The Praise of Pedestrianisin 344 A Receipt for a Modern Terrific Romance 345 Song I. — Virtuous Love 348 IL — Constancy 349 Appendix. — Extract from the Obituary of the Gentleman's Magazine, Part I. 1815 350 * Lilies by M. C. Jun 35*2 THE PATH OF DUTY.

Book I

Ji TIIF. ARGUMENT. Exordium. Future destiny of man for immortality. Moral obligations, deducible from thence. Blessing of Divine Revelation. Description of a Welch village. Lorenzo's first serious impression on occasion of his entrance into the Church during divine service. Character of Evsebiis. Lohenzo's attention called by the sound of psalmody. Effect of the same on his mind. Discourse of Ecsebics. Lorenzo's feelings on hearing the same. Psalmody repeated. Its further effect. His consequent address to the Deity. Power of Conscience. Influence of the Divine Spirit, in informing and awakening its exertions. Lorenzo's signs of penitent emotion observed by Ecsebius. Former effects of his preaching. Second visit of Lorenzo to the Church. Further observation of Ecsebics. Third visit. Further effect of the language of the preacher.

Fourth visit. Tempest. Remarks of Ecsebics, in his discourse on that occasion. Storm abates. First interview of Eisebics with Lorenzo in the Church porch. Invitation of the former to the latter. Lorenzo's acknowledgment. Effect of calm after storm. Invitation of Lorenzo to the house of Euseeius, who offers his best services and delicately enquires the cause of liis apparent distress. Lorenzo's tale. Effects of a merely moral education. Gradation to licentiousness. Diminution of fortune. Course of gaming. Renunciation of the same from temporal motives. Disgust of life iu a state of inaction. Recourse to travelling. Listlessness undiminished. First hearing of Ecsebiis with its effects. Advice of Eisebics on the disclosure of Lorenzo's history. Lorenzo's reception of this advice. Arrival at the bouse of Ecsebiis.

Description of the same and the scenery contiguous to it. Cascade. Lorenzo's welcome at the place. Serena, daughter of Ecsebiis. Her conduct. Her office in the Church. Evening service. Invitation to attend it. Acceptance on the part of Lorenzo. Exhortation of Ecsebics. Behaviour of his flock. His return of attentions. Devout style of performing the service. Effect on the minds of his congregation from the same. Psalmody, its pleasing and beneficial effects. mt part of Hut£-

BOOK I.

J.F, for this Life alone design'd ; and here, For a short season only, to remain ; Then, doom'd by Fate's unchangeable decree, Into the gulf of endless night to fall; Well might we covet sublunary good, And make terrestrial things our chief concern. But how, alas! embitter'd by their close, Should joys like these, from present objects drawn, And by such objects nnrtur'd or destroy'd; Afford a solid and substantial groimd, Whereon, with stable prospect of success, To rear a Structure, adequately vast B For that wide scope of intellectual powers, And all those mighty energies of thought, Which join to dignify the human soul. These ornament man's nature : these exalt, Above the brutal tribes, his rank on earth : These bid him, next to Angels in the scale Of sensitive existence, yet aspire After the glories of a world to come : A world, from every imperfection free.

While, prone to earth, the flocks and herds that graze Th' enamel'd mead, their downcast eyes incline, In search of what, with providential care, Each day and hour for their support renew'd, Creative wisdom yields; erect he marks, The mighty fabrick of the vaulted skies : Surveys the rolling planetary spheres : Views night's fair queen, with majesty sublime Enthron'd, amid the countless host of stars, Spangling the firmament ; observes the streaks, That deck the horizon as the morning dawns, And spread increasing lustre o'er the heavens, Till those bright orbs, which glitter' d for awhile, Amid the gloom of deep surrounding shade, Resign their fading splendour : sees the Sun Resume his wonted circuit, and with beams Of kindliest influence darting wide around, Invigorate all nature. Fir'd, by hopes, Which nought on earth can fill, he learns from these To seek a nobler portion.

What avail The gay allurements this vain world affords, Fled in an hour ; nor leaving in their flight, One genuine satisfaction, to supply The dull vacuity their loss has made ? Thus poor ; insipid ; trifling at the best. What then, if guilt its hateful stamp imprint, And mark the fleeting pleasure for its own? Indelibly, as on a tablet grav'd, Of solid marble, conscience then displays, The past— the present — and with anxious dread _ Of retribution in a future state, Afflicts the mental eye, which thus constrain'd, To fix its gaze on what it most abhors, And ever glancing on the dreadful blot, That mars the whole inscription, finds no balm, To heal its wounded feelings: save when faith ; Pointing, to that blest Advocate above, Who sits exalted, next the Mercy-seat Of Majesty supreme; directs his view, To grace; alike unmerited and free; Claiming repentance as its just return.

The purpose of this transitory life, Is to prepare us for a better state : Where endless blessings, are reserv'd for all Who rightly seek them. This important fact, Those wisest Heathens knew, who by the aid Of unassisted reason, sought for scenes Of never ending peace beyond the grave; Tho' unconfirm'd, by that benignant ray Which Revelation yields ; of sovereign power, To cheer our passage thro' this world of care, To one where sorrow shall no more prevail. Hail ! glorious Hope of Immortality ! Hail ! last best gift of Heaven ; thou word divine, Where this blest Hope is ratified and seal'd : Sure anchor to the soul, amid the waves Of life's tempestuous ocean! With what thanks Should Christians then receive thee, and sustain'd By such assurance, disregard the threats Of human violence! The will of God; The scope and tenour of his wise designs, As far as mortal faculties can hope In this probationary, fleeting scene, To trace the wonderous scheme of grace divine, Is, thro' his mercy, manifest to those Who scan with reverence due the sacred page, And humbly acquiescing, in the truths Its lines discover, yield the pure return, Of fervent gratitude ; of heartfelt praise, And willing homage.

In auspicious times, They taste true peace, and thro' the blackest night Of dire calamity, a cheering beam, Breaks forth, and shines with lustre unobscur'd. Theirs is a strength proportion'd to their need ; Theirs too a compass, sent them from above To satisfy all doubts, and guide them safe, For that appointed haven of their rest, The presence of their Saviour and their God. 'Twas in the morning, of that sacred day, First, by divine injunction, set apart For those important duties, which prepare The soul for endless happiness on high ; His steps, by seeming chance, Lorenzo turn'd, To trace the windings of a silvery stream, Thro' the soft bosom of a peaceful vale ; By lofty heights secluded from the world, Where Cambria's hardy natives dwelt secure. Amid these mild sequester'd haunts of peace, A village lies; secur'd from wint'ry blasts, By rising woods, thro' which the murmuring sound, Of waters clear with varied cadence swells, As down the cliffs their rapid course they roll.

Above the humble dwellings scatter'd round, The consecrated edifice arose, Wherein Eusebius taught his little flock ; A pious pastor, whose advancing years Were crown'd with joy in his successful work. Here long had dwelt the venerable man : Here, purest precept, with example fair Uniting, shew'd the genuine rule of life, And pointed out with care the road to Heaven. Led by his voice, a simple rustic train, Who blest with sweet content, the happy fruit Of moderate wishes and well govern'd thoughts, Beheld the plenteous produce of the fields, Around them rising, in succession due, Thro' many a prosperous year, had learn'd to raise The notes of heartfelt gratitude, to him Who gave them all things richly to enjoy. At each return of light, or sober hour Of needful respite from laborious toil, For every earthly blessing they possess*^, They paid the tribute of unfeigned praise ; But more, for those far better things to come, Reserv'd in infinite progression sure, To form the substance of their high reward, As their exalted faculties should rise In the vast scale of an eternal round : And as the day of sacred rest return'd, With ready zeal assembled, to perform Their acts of social worship, and with minds Devout and humble, pay the sacrifice Of adoration.

Thus, with faith unfeign'd ; Confessing all the favours of the past, And trusting in the promise of his word, For pardoning mercy and assisting grace, They sought and found the favour of that GOD, Who rules above the Heavens, yet condescends To view with kind compassionate regard, The humble tenants of this lower world. Where, o'er a cluster of surrounding trees; The antiquated tower, sublimely rear'd Its head, with moss and ivy overgrown, Which clinging to its sides, all undisturb'd, For many1 an age had spread, and to the roof A massy shade afforded : at that hour, Lorenzo paus'd; when, bursting on his ear, The solemn notes of well tun'd psalmody, Arrested suddenly his vacant thought. He listen'd, and attracted by the sound The portal enter'd : next resolv'd to wait Their service o'er ; for novelty gave charms, He ne'er till then had tasted.

Soon in prayer, They pour'd the fervent wishes of their souls, Before the Throne of Heaven. Surpriz'd he felt, A force, to him before that day unknown, In pious supplication, or at most, Esteem'd the coinage of a heated brain; Nor fail'd he now, attentively to join, In their delightful work, and humbly own His great Creator worthy to be prais'd. Again, in strains of harmony, they told The matchless acts of God's Almighty power ; With wisdom and benignity combin'd, In sacred union ; while redeeming love, Heighten'd the glory of this boundless theme, .And struck a deep impression on the heart. In holy melody, resides a charm That draws th' enraptur'd thoughts from Earth to Heaven, Bidding tumultuous passions cease, and bend Submissive to devotion's solemn call. With wonder and delight, Lorenzo mark'd The increasing fervour of their simple lays.

Drawn from the page of Truth by inference just, Eusebius next, with energy display'd The love of God to highly favour'd man ; Exhorting all who heard him, to improve Such mercies, by becoming truly wise; Wise to Salvation. Now, cried he, behold . The accepted time; the day as yet your own; Nor scorn the proffer'd, sole appointed means, By Heaven's free grace, alike bestow'd on all Whom such blest knowledge reaches. Here, by faith, And penitence sincere for errors past, Secure a portion, in that better world, Where, in unrival'd plenitude of power, Sublimely seated next his Father's throne, Your great Redeemer sits, to plead the cause Of those, for whom he offer'd up his life, A sacrifice ; of all sufficient worth, To purchase full remission for our sins. Secure it, ere the season pass away : Ere the mild Advocate, at length assume The aspect stern of an avenging Judge, To punish your transgressions, and assert The eternal justice of the Great Supreme.

If distant yet the important day appear, Reflect, how soon that " Night" of Death shall come, " When none can work;" which must at once confirm Your righteous doom; to lasting bliss consign The immortal Spirit, or for ever bar, The gates of Heaven against the guilty soul But, if awake to God's inviting call ; To wisdom's voice attentive, who by me, Now tenders you his everlasting love; Remember this assurance of his word ; " Faithful is he that promis'd," and withal, Possess'd of power, to execute his will, And bring his promises to full effect. He ceas'd Lorenzo, with amazement, felt The all persuasive influence truth exerts, And thus, within his alter'd mind, revolv'd The weighty question : What attractive force, Thus works within me ? What strange feelings, now Demand an entrance to my o'er fraught heart, And will not be refus'd ?

The time once was, When such advice, however kindly given, Would soon have been rejected. Ah ! how vain The course I follow'd. Pleasures and pursuits, Which then engross'd my whole attention, seem Far worse than nothing in my alter'd view; Nor have they left one trace but self reproach. That goading inmate of the guilty breast, Which bears the name of Conscience, oft has told The selfsame tale; but never with effect, Like what I feel within me at this hour. And why ? Because I never till this hour, Accepted the kind remedy propos'd, To heal the tortur'd bosom of its wounds. Too long the slave of every wayward thought That waited to surprize me ; unreliev'd, The pain of constant wishing; mourning oft, The want of something absent, never found Till now ; some new form'd purpose, for awhile Engag'd my fancy, which if once obtain'd, Still was I left, a prey to discontent: But here, methinks I feel myself transformed, In every part.

The objects all around, Assume a different aspect. While this world. Appears a scene, unworthy to engage A moment's anxious care; much less to raise Ungovern'd wishes after things proscrib'd ; The joys of Heaven, tho' but remotely view'd, Appear in all their magnitude and force, Like blessings near at hand, and seem to court My fix'd attention, by their genuine worth, Transcending every wish my heart can form; Yet not beyond my being's end and aim, Howe'er exceeding all the present grasp, Of my conceptions, at the utmost range This mortal state permits. While thus he thought ; To close their humble worship, they once more With sounds of sacred unison, attun'd Their heaven directed song of ardent praise, To the eternal Parent of all good. An organ, which the venerable man, Had for that purpose given, the chorus led, With plainness and simplicity of style, Becoming best the occasion and the place; Not with wild flights dividing every verse; Or idle flourishes, far more design'd To shew the well skill'd finger, than inspire The flame of heartfelt piety to God.

Stealing in liquid softness on the sense; Or boldly rais'd, in some commanding swell Of grandeur and sublimit}7, to meet Their high majestic import, as the theme Requir'd expression of each varied kind; The notes successive fix'd the list'ning ear, And reach'd the heart, while easy leading tones; Modest and few, between the vocal parts; With just symphonious ornament and grace, And due precision of well pointed time, Excited pure devotion's flame. Again, Lorenzo own'd the all controuling power, Of harmony divine, and in his mind, These grateful sentiments revolv'd — I feel Once more, the influence divine, which sheds Pure and substantial pleasure. Now my tongue; No longer mute, shall raise the cheerful strain Of adoration; in my Maker's work Continually engag'd, nor ever more Vainly pervert his holy Name.

Alas! How often have I, in the guilty flights Of riot and intemperance, set at nought, The Maker and Preserver of my frame ; Forgot the glorious and important ends, Of my existence, in the present state Of short probation for a better world, And call'd his awful vengeance on my head, With horrid imprecation. Fearful thought! Tremendous power! How boldly have I dar'd Thy waken'd wrath, but never heretofore, Felt the vast weight of obligation, claim Returns of duteous service ! Yet receive, 0 Lord! who know'st the secrets of the heart, With merciful acceptance, ere too late, My offering of acknowledgment. Impress, A just remembrance of thy mercies past, Productive of obedience to thy will : Teach me henceforth, with humble hope, to rest My claim on thy forgiveness undeserv'd, And hoping thus, to act a better part, Seeking thy favour while it may be found.

There is a feeling in the human breast, Which clearly speaks the origin divine Of its immortal inmate. E'en when guilt, Has warp'd from Virtue's uncorrupted path, The candidate for an eternal crown; A voice, still kindly whispers to his soul, Which, if obey'd, can guide him in the ways Of rectitude ; nor only can but will. The voice of God himself, in kind regard, Yet speaking by his Spirit, loth to quit His friendly office, and desert a charge, His own peculiar province, in the work Of man's redemption from eternal death, c Urges the invitation to return, With fresh solicitude, and presses home, Strong admonitions with resistless force. In many a serious moment of alarm. Conscience, thus strengthen'd by the word of truth, And quicken'd by this energetic ca]l, Howe'er severe its chidings, is a friend ; And tho', when pertinaciously oppos'd, By hoodwink'd reason, listing on the side Of some seductive passion, cherish'd long Within the dark recesses of the mind, This best of guides sometimes is put to flight, Still are its visits frequently renew'd, To search, if yet some slumbering sparks remain, When that bright blaze no longer rises high, Which should be foster'd in the Christian's thoughts, And kept alive by vigilance and prayer.

To rouse them into exercise once more, And waft their fragrant incense to the skies ; An offering, such as God himself may bless With his acceptance, and in fine reward, Is then its special function. In return; Blest token of his favour ! from above, The Spirit pours reanimating beams, With vital warmth and all pervading might, To kindle on the altar of the heart, A pure, a permanent, celestial flame. From such a process in his waken'd sense, Devotion had assum'd her rightful sway, Where wild ungovern'd fancies, late usurp'd The whole dominion, tyrannizing long Without controul ; and now Lorenzo felt A deep conviction of his past neglect. The tear of grief for talents misapplied, Soon started from his eye. His bosom heav'd A sigh, which long had struggled to have vent; A sigh of mingled passions.

Hope and fear, With strong emotion labouring in his frame, Alternate reign'd, while sorrow for the past, Seem'd half to quench the ardent wish, that strove To fan the glowing sentiment of praise, For a long train of benefits, receiv'd While yet alike forgotten and abus'd. His agitation, good Eusebius mark'd; And as he left the consecrated fane, Burn'd with desire to penetrate its cause, Not from the motive frivolous and weak, c2 Of mere curiosity. Far different views, Possess'd this holy servant of the Lord, Whose anxious wish pursued a nobler aim. Solicitude unceasing, to fulfil What best became his ministerial rank, And sacred office in the church of God, Form'd the hig-h object ever in his mind. In the discharge of this important task, He oft had reap'd the harvest, due to care And diligence unwearied as his own : Wanderers, converted from erroneous paths; The wavering fix'd, in one decided course, To lasting peace; distressing fears remov'd, From minds sincere inclining to despond, Thro' heartfelt reverence for God s righteous law, Their purpos'd rule of conduct, tho' too oft Thro' human frailty partially obey'd. Hence many a thoughtless prodigal reclaim'd, Evinc'd the spirit's potency divine, Attendant on his labours, in the cause Of true Religion, undefil'd and pure.

His doctrine and his practice, as became His character and station, both conspir'd To strengthen all the arguments he brought, In attestation of the truths he spoke, And the delightful recollections, drawn From a just sense of duty well perform'd, Gave earnest of his future high reward, When, with the train of converts he had made, He should appear before the righteous Judge, And find his glorious " Labour not in vain." A second Sabbath came ; with whose return. The Stranger met his eye, and as before, Excited his benevolent concern, By his deportment and transitions strong, Which baffled every effort, to conceal Some secret trouble working in his breast. A third succeeded. Faithful to the hour Of stated worship, at the sacred spot, The punctual Visitant again appear'd, With lowly veneration, resting there, Like Mary, at her meek instructor's feet, To catch the pious accents as they fell; To seize the precious promises of grace, And gain the prize of wisdom from above, By God's well order'd means.

Distressing fears, THE PATH OF DUTY. At intervals prevailing, seem'd to shake His inmost soul: but all again grew calm, As good Eusebius told of joy sincere, Among th' Angelic ranks ; then most display'd, When erring man, directs his thoughts to Heaven, With deep humility, and prostrate bends, Seeking remission of offences past, And heavenly aid to act a better part, In what remains of life's precarious date : Believing, hoping, trusting all to Him, Who sent his Son to save a guilty world ; And building on his word, as on a base Of Adamant, eternally secure. Again, the week revolv'd. The sacred morn, Beheld Lorenzo, constant to the hour; Tho' louring clouds, with aspect stern and wild, Accumulated gloom. The hollow blast, Heard frequent bursting from the woods above, Bespoke unusual tumult near at hand ; Then, sinking into momentary calm, Portended deeper horrors ; while the sun, With sickening aspect shrouded more and more, By circling vapours, rolling close around, THE PATH OF DUTY.

At length lay quite envelop'd. Swiftly glanc'd, The ragged lightning from the rifted cloud, With sight afflicting fierceness. In its rear ; The deafening thunder, with tremendous crash, Declar'd the increasing fury of the storm. Re-echo' d, from the rocky heights, that frown'd With huge magnificence on every side, It shook, in motion rude, the ancient pile, With force unwonted; while the rattling hail, Mix'd with a deluge of impetuous rain, Swell'd all the mountain torrents, as they roll'd To inundate the vale. In solemn style Of simple eloquence, the reverend Sage, Changing his purpos'd subject of discourse, To suit this awful season of alarm, Address'd his flock, exhorting them, to own The Providence of God, alike employ'd, In the loud whirlwind or the gentle breeze, And speaking to the well directed mind, In lessons both instructive and benign.

At length the lightnings ceas'd. The thunder's roar, Remotely heard, among the craggy steeps, Around whose towering and majestic heads, The labouring clouds their shadowy curtain fli'.ng, In dying murmurs echo'd yet more faint, At each reverberation, now bespoke The vengeful fury of the tempest past : Yet with incessant deluge fell the rain, Increasing fast the rough cascades, that forc'd Their foamingwaters to the vale beneath, Till the full river, which with gentle flow, Was wont to bend its course, in graceful folds Along its ancient channel, quickly rose Above the common level, and o'erspread On either bank, with desolation wide, A rich extent of cultivated soil. The morning service clos'd. Assembling then, Beneath the time-worn ivy mantled tower, Where first Lorenzo, listening to the call Of Heaven, confess' d the force of truth divine, The train of rustic worshippers yet stood, Till the reluctant remnants of the storm, Should favour their departure.

From the aisle, Eusebius now betook him to the porch. Mixing in friendly converse with the throng, As well became the office he sustain'd, Among the rest with courteous greeting, there His unknown Hearer he accosted soon. While social ease and dignity innate, Adorn'd his meek discourse, a latent sense Of the kind purpose he had most at heart, Imparted to his countenance and port, A novel charm, of more than usual grace, Which well bespoke the messenger of truth, And minister of peace from God to men : Nor fail'd he, with solicitation fair, To invite the Stranger, urging him to seek, The shelter of his hospitable roof, Till won by such civility unfeign'd, Accept, kind Sir, Lorenzo said; the thanks, Due to your proffer'd courtesy, so far Beyond my true deserving; to a suit, Not offer'd with the cold and formal air, Of empty compliment, from one like you, High in my estimation, and possess'd Of every claim to my profound respect; Nay, more than this; as I am bound to own, Entitled to my warmest gratitude, For favours of a more important kind, By far the greatest, if I rightly judge, That man can render to his fellow man.