THE LORD OUR SHEPHERD. [COTTLE.] LORD! amid this desert wide Thou art my shepherd, thou my guide, From day to day, from year to year, I shall not want, for thou art near. Thou hast ten thousand gifts bestow'd, All those who call upon thy name, The man who makes his God his friend. And when th' appointed time shall come, Close my sad eyes on every scene, I will not dread, for thou art near, Confiding in Jehovah's power, Our fathers pass'd that gloomy road, PIOUS FRIENDSHIP. [MRS. BARBAULD.] HOW blest the sacred tie that binds In union sweet according minds ! How swift the heavenly course they run, To each the soul of each how dear! What jealous love, what holy fear! Refine from earth and cleanse from sin! Their streaming eyes together flow Together both they seek the place Where God reveals his awful face; How high, how strong, their raptures swell, Nor shall the glowing flame expire TO THE SUPREME BEING. [YOUNG.] H, may I pant for thee in each desire! And with strong faith foment the holy fire; Stretch out my soul in hope, and grasp the prize Which in Eternity's deep bosom lies! At the great day of recompense behold, Devoid of fear, the fatal book unfold! Then wafted upward to the blissful seat, From age to age, my grateful song repeat; My light, my life, my God, my Saviour see, And rival angels in the praise of thee! THE VANITY OF WORLDLY PLEASURES. I [DR. MOORE.] QUIT the world's fantastic joys; Like meteors in the midnight sky, Let fools for riches strive and toil, O Source of glory, life and love! I look with pity and disdain Thy beauties rising on my sight, But must be ever blest. THE SHORTNESS OF LIFE. [COWLEY.] MARK that swift arrow ! how it cuts the air, How it outruns the following eyes! Use all persuasions now and try Fool! 'tis thy life, and the fond archer thou. I'll bid thee fetch but yesterday, ADVERSITY. [SOTHEBY.] ADVERSITY but serves to bind In closer union mind with mind; Bids each from each the pang remove, |