The New Hampshire Gazette

A Clergyman's Reflections on the Death of one of his pious Parishioners.

From my dear Flock one more is gone
To appear before th' Almighty's Throne,
And pass the grand decisive Test,
"Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust"
Surviving Friends with Tears intrust,
There till th' eternal Doom to rest.

The Soul, dismiss'd from cumbrous Clay,
Expatiates in eternal Day,
And with the Great IMMORTAL dwells:
The Dawn of Immortality
With Scenes amazing strikes the Eye,
And Wonders new and vast reveals.

Thus whil'st I'm dreaming Life away,
Or Books or Studies fill the Day,
My Flock is dying one by one,
Convey'd beyond my warning Voice,
To endless Pain or endless Joys,
For ever happy or undone.

I too ere long must yield my Breath,
My Mouth for ever Shut in Death,
Nor sound the Gospel Trumpet more:
Then may I, whil'st they're in my Reach,
With Fervour pray, with Fervour preach,
And eager catch the flying Hour.

Almighty Grace my Zeal inflame,
O free me from this sluggish Frame,
And fire my Breast with vigorous Love;
O! teach me that divine Art,
To reach the Conscience, warm the Heart,
And all the tender Passions move.