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gone before, express his feelings and ideas. On such 

 occasions they were wanned and elevated by a devo- 

 tional fervour which those alone can know, who feel 

 that at the approach of death, 



" They sink into a Father's arms, 

 Nor dread the coming day." 



From nine that are extant, the three which follow 

 are inserted as specimens of his talent in this spe- 

 cies of composition. 



HYMN. 



How shall my mortal powers aspire 

 To soar above this barren clod ? 

 How join on earth the heavenly quire, 

 And hymn my Saviour and my God ? 



Can his transcendent grandeur bow 

 To hear a feeble creature's praise ? 

 Can I propitiate, with my vow, 

 " The Ancient of Eternal Days ? " 



Yet what, but his almighty power, 

 Could first from dust and ashes bring 

 My humblest longings to adore 

 The heaven and earth's all-glorious King? 



Would his supreme perfections shine, 

 Though veil'd, yet radiant, to my sight, 

 Were nought but sin and sorrow mine, 

 And my last refuge endless night \ 



Stretch then, my soid, th' advent'rous wing; 

 And dare to hope, and love, and praise : 

 The God who prompts thy voice to sing 

 Confirms thy hopes, and claims thy lays. 



Thy love, a spark of heavenly fire, 

 His grace will raise and still refine, 

 Till certainty absorbs desire, 

 And heaven's eternal year is thine. 



