Classic Poem

Ah why my Soul, art thou absorb'd in pain?
Why art thou found disquieted in vain?
Dispel thy fears, let every doubt subside,
Acquaint thyself with God, in him conside.
Frail Man, of Woman born, is heir to woe;
From various sources his afflictions flow;
As sparks ascending bear to heav'n their course,
So sorrow triumphs with resistless force.
On Earth, what being is exempt from pain?
Awake, then, oh my Soul! no more complain.
Art thou not blest with bright Reflection's aid?
Is not thy Maker's love with grace display'd?
On thee his sacred image is impress'd,
In characters divine, celestial guest.
Tho' ills, impending, threaten and alarm,
God can avert them, with his pow'rful arm;
Tho' wars and battles seem e'en now at hand,
'Tis he alone who can protect our land,
Avenge our cause, and prove our just defence,
By his invincible Omnipotence.
In times of exigence, we all implore
His needful help, his Majesty adore;
Yet, when secure in Peace we seem to rest.
Are we obedient to his wife behest?
When sick, we ask his health-restoring aid,
The purpose gain'd, is adoration paid?
Are we not told to watch and constant pray,
Unknown the hour, and great avenging day?
When loud the Trump shall found, our Judge appear,
Array'd in majesty, dispensing sear.
The Sun and Planets from their orbits fall,
And hence annihilate this Earthly Ball;
Departed Souls, and those who dwell on earth,
Shall rise triumphant in the gen'ral birth.
The lowly here, will there acceptance find,
Receive due recompence, and peace of mind;
This awful season shall each heart disclose,
Proclaim true rectitude, and seal our woes;
Expose Duplicity's insidious art,
And shew the Traitor's vile malignant part.
Hence live in earnest hope, not servile fear,
At this tribunal soon or late t' appear;
Thy deeds at best imperfect, frail, and weak,
Suggest some aid, and sov'reign pow'r to seek:
This help afforded, in the hour of need;
Call on thy Saviour, for by him thou'rt freed.
With due submission wear his easy yoke,
That thou may'st hear these joyful tidings spoke;
" Well done, thou faithful servant, be my guest,
" Partake thy master's joy, and holy rest! "