bore.

Of sixty years he seemed; and well might last

To sixty more, but that he lived too fast, Refined himself to soul, to curb the sense, And made almost a sin of abstinence. Yet had his aspect nothing of severe, But such a face as promised him sincere. Nothing reserved or sullen was to see; But sweet regards, and pleasing sanctity.

Mild was his accent, and his action free. With eloquence innate his tongue was armed;

Though harsh the precept, yet the people charmed. For, letting down the golden chain from high,

He drew his audience upward to the sky: And oft with holy hymns he charmed

their ears

(A music more melodious than the spheres );

For David left him, when he went to rest, His lyre; and after him he sung the best.

He bore his great commission in his look; But sweetly tempered awe, and softened

all he spoke.

He preached the joys of heaven and pains of hell,

And warned the sinner with becoming

zeal;

But on eternal mercy loved to dwell.

He taught the gospel rather than the law;

And forced himself to drive; but loved to draw.

For fear but freezes minds; but love, like heat,

Exhales the soul sublime, to seek her native seat.

To threats the stubborn sinner oft is hard, Wrapped in his crimes, against the storm prepared ;

But when the milder beams of mercy play,

He melts, and throws his cumbrous cloak away.

Lightning and thunder (heaven's artillery)

As harbingers before the Almighty fly: Those but proclaim his style, and disap