RESIG NA ITO N. IN TWO PARTS, "My foul fhall be fatisfied even as it were with mar66 row 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 reasons against it; and are so still; but fome extracts of it, from the few copies which were given away, being got into the printed papers, it was thought neceffary to publish fomething, leaft a copy ftill more imperfect than this should fall into the press: and it is hoped, that this unwelcome occafion of publication may be fome excuse 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 those 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. RESIGNATION. THE PART I. HE days how few, how fhort the years. Each leaving, as it swiftly flies, 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 these akin? Confcious of nature in decline, Permit me, Madam! ere to You To touch on felt infirmity, 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 fecond world, though gay the scene, Can boast no charms for me. 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, Beyond renown'd exploits of war, Bright charms, or empire's blaze, Are themes, which, in a world of woe, Amidst the ftorms of life fupport O Refignation! yet unfung, Beneath life's evening, folemn fhade, To thee, thou fafeft guard of youth! All other duties crefcents are The glorious confummation, Thou! How rarely fill'd! The love divine In evils to difcern, This the firft leffon which we want, The latest, which we learn ; A melan |