TO MY BROTHER HENRY,
ON NEW-YEAR’S DAY.

    When all thy friends on this auspicious day
With smiles of truth and love their hopes convey,
While every voice some pleasing wish bestows,
Contentment, health, enjoyment, or repose,
Let me, like them, this happy morn, impart

The warmest feelings of a brother’s heart.
    Oh, may Religion, with persuasive power,
Shed her mild influence o’er each trying hour,
In life’s sad scenes support thy sinking soul,
Thy sorrows soften, and each grief control.

Her favoured gifts may gentle peace bestow,
Around thy dwelling may her blessings flow,
Around thy bed may guardian saints attend,
In peril succour, and in fear defend. [Page 143]
Then at that hour when other worlds in view,

Stern death demands to this you bid adieu,
With faith unshaken may you meet your doom,
And sink in gentlest slumbers to the tomb.
And while no thoughts at life’s last dying close,
With pangs of doubt thy bosom discompose,

Nor hopes presumptuous of a happier state,
With daring confidence thy breast elate,
On wings triumphant may your spirit rise,
To mix with saints in bliss beyond the skies.

THE END. [Page 144]