The Rule Of Contrary!

Some men have Rules so incorrect, They almost always vary; And some make Rules to gain respect, But I'm for one contrary!

Some strive to gain the smiles of men, But I prefer their frown; The torrent of my pride to stem, And keep ambition down!

The praise of men's an empty thing, And crowns and sceptres vain, To him who seeks the "living spring," As parch'd lands look for rain!

Some recommend the hearty laugh, But I prefer the tear, Which tells me that my heart is soft, My hope of heaven is clear!

Some say, "Give me the tavern song!" But I prefer the sigh, Which though unnoticed by the throng, Yet pierces to the sky!

Some say, "Give me that pleasing look, Which does the fancy win!" But give me one that's plain without, If she be fair within!

Some plead for ornamental dress, The concert and the ball; Except the Robe of Righteousness, Let me be stript of all!

Some love with dealers dark to dwell, And glory in the night; But I would shun the road to hell, Therefore I love the light!

Some love their minds with tales to feed, Of regions yet untrod;-- When I've a little time to read, Give me the Book of God!

Some praise a head of natural wit And worldly wisdom full; Without the truths of Holy Writ, Give me an empty skull!

The jet, the gold, or ivory cross, By many is admir'd; But I esteem the blood of Him, Who on the cross expir'd!

My heart with sin as crimson dyed, Would ever so remain; But if that blood by faith's applied, 'Twill cleanse from every stain!

With some their fill of pleasure here, Is all the good they crave:-- Give me a humble, holy fear, A hope beyond the grave!

At wisdom's shrine I'll light my torch, And in her pleasant ways, Under the Nazarene's reproach, I'll live out all my days!

Thus whether sanction'd or despis'd, Such is my fancy's Rule; In keeping which I shall be wise, Although accounted fool!

Let the free thinker take the hint, And with my creed agree; That all are not compell'd to think, Nor speak the same as he!

ON FINDING SOME DEISTICAL BOOKS IN THE HOUSE OF ONE WHO ONCE FEARED GOD!

"How is the gold become dim!" (Lamen. iv. 1.)

False publications throw their gloomy rays, Where once the Sun of Righteousness did shine; With pain we recollect the former days, While scoffing infidels their voices join!

Insulting Heav'n, they oft with brazen brow, Deny our Saviour is the Son of God! But soon to Him their every knee shall bow, And they shall groan beneath His iron rod!

What madness to defy His power above, To slight that blood which has their souls redeem'd; To him who does his God sincerely love, How painful 'tis to hear His name blasphem'd!

O let us flee these men of wicked minds, Whose glory reaches not beyond the grave; Who to accomplish their absurd designs, Dethrone our King, and style the conquest brave!

Yet still He reigns, and shall for ever hold, In massy chains the gloomy powers of Hell; They soon His second coming shall behold, And howling, see the place from whence they fell!

Ah! surely Satan's thousand years are up, And he once more is suffer'd loose to go! His object is to stagger Israel's hope, And drag them captive to his den below!

Come down, O Lord! and bid thy thunders roll! Send forth thy lightnings, and thy foes consume! O let them know that thou wilt them controul, In each, and all the shapes which they assume!

Gird on thy sword, thou mighty matchless King! Reclaim these poor deluded sons of men! O save them from the cruel serpent's sting; And drive him back to his infernal den!

If Israel's hope is not quite lost in death, May these dry bones the Word of God receive! Come from the four winds, O reviving breath, And breathe upon these slain, that they may live!

ON VISITING FRYUP, DURING A GREAT REVIVAL.

O Fryup! far distant thy fame now extends, Kind Heav'n doth thy breaches repair; Thou land of religion, and bibles, and friends, I rejoice to breathe thy pure air!

Thou land of devotion, and health to the soul, With pleasure I walk o'er thy plains; Where Christ to the sick hath oft spoken, "Be whole!" Where religion, where righteousness reigns!

With earnest desire I've long wish'd to see, The beauties which now I behold; This visit has proved more refreshing to me, Than thousands of silver, or gold!

The day spring of glory hath visited thee, For joy thy inhabitant sings; The bright Sun of Righteousness riseth on thee, And healing's receiv'd from his wings!

His influence too, I have felt in my soul, With gratitude now I confess; May all his opposers yield to his control, And sinners be saved by his grace!

As lights in a land long benighted and dark, May thy sons and thy daughters arise; While faith to a flame fans the Heav'nly spark, And they earnestly press to the skies!

May the husband incessantly plead for the wife, The wife for her husband contend; That the favour of God which is better than life, May on both through the Spirit descend!

May the lover's petition be heard for the fair, And the maiden prevail for the youth; Till all those who for righteousness never did care, Feel the force of Religion and Truth!

May thy ministers fill'd with the Spirit of God, As giants prevail o'er their foes; Their word prove more sharp than a two edged sword, In defence of their King and his laws!

May thy sinners be sav'd on every hand, Believers be steadfast and true;-- With sorrow, once more, I now quit thy fair land, Old Fryup! and bid thee adieu!