Poems on Several Occasions :: :: University of Virginia Library

Eternal God! whose being all adore,
Tho' none can trace thy self-existent pow'r;
Whose eye can pierce the secrets of the heart,
When specious villains act a patriot's part;
Teach me to know the bounds of right and wrong,
And make my life flow smoother than my song!
let sacred honour be my lasting guide,
And moral virtue o'er each act preside!
Nor strictly rigid, nor profanely loose,
Indulge the joys of youth without abuse!
Nor meanly think, that nature's bounteous Lord
Spread the rich feast of life, yet gave the word,
That none presume to taste the cup of joy,
Left the Creator should his works destroy.

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Firm to this rule, that not one pleasure flow
To feast my ravish'd sense from others woe.
Tho' such a private station can create
But little good or evil to the state;
Yet let each sentiment and action prove
My friendship to mankind, and country's love.
Riches I seek not, but a tranquil mind,
In every character of life resign'd:
Without one pain to interrupt my ease,
And make my being languish in disease.
Such is the tribute of a heart sincere,
Whose adoration flows from love, not fear.
Praise, honour, glory, be to God on high!
For all the happiness mankind enjoy.

I have no notion of any adoration being acceptable to the Deity, that proceeds meerly from the fear of punishment; and think gratitude a much more reasonable motive for divine worship.