ODE TO CHARITY. Composed by J. LATHRO, jun. Esq

Heav'ns fav'rite daughter, power divine, While humbly we approach thy shrine, O grant our warm requests! With kind affection's generous glow, For all the family of Woe, Inspire—inflame our breasts!

Teach us with gentle pity's eye, Which, like the dawning orient sky, The way-worn pilgrim cheers, To view the wretch who mourns forlorn, Pierc'd with affliction's ranklin thorn, His bitter beverage, tears!

'Tis thine, when Hope, by pangs assail'd, Yields in despair, and Faith has fail'd, The sinking soul to stay, From realms of bliss to speed thy flight, And change the gloom of mis'ry's night, To joy's unclouded day.

When o'er the desolated land, In anguish roam the "houseless band," Expos'd to ruthless storms; When fell disease infects the gale, And sorrows crowd life's dreary vale In all their varied forms;—

Thou bidd'st the shelt'ring dwelling rise, Thy bounteous hand each want supplies, And gladness spreads around;— Where'er thou mov'st Health's roses spring Contentment smiles, and Muses sing With flowery garlands crown'd.

To thee, the blessed task was given, To enrich the earth with gifts from heaven, E're Time his course began;— Unite in harmony of soul, The human race from pole to pole,— THE BROTHERHOOD of MAN.