however I may seem to expose myself to the danger of it. But the thought of having my own name perpetuated in connexion with the name in the title page, is fo pleafing and flattering to the feelings of my heart, that I am content to risk something for the gratification.

This Preface is not defigned to commend the Poems, to which it is prefixed. My teftimony would be infufficient for thofe, who are not qualified to judge properly for themselves, and unnecessary to thofe, who are. Befides the reasons, which render it improper and unfeemly for a man to celebrate his own performances, or those of his nearest relatives, will have fome influence in fuppreffing much of what he might otherwise wish to fay in favour of a friend, when that friend is indeed an alter idem, and ex

cites almoft the fame emotions of fenfibility and affection, as he feels for himfelf.

It is very probable these Poems may come into the hands of fome perfons, in whom the fight of the author's name will awaken a recollection of incidents and fcenes, which through length of time they had almost forgotten. They will be reminded of one, who was once the companion of their chofen hours, and who fet out with them in early life in the paths, which lead to literary honours, to influence, and affluence, with equal profpects of fuccefs. But he was fuddenly and powerfully withdrawn from thofe purfuits, and he left them without regret; yet not till he had fufficient opportunity of counting the coft, and of knowing the value of what he gave up.

If happiness could have been found in claffical attainments, in an elegant tafte, in the exertions of wit, fancy, and ge nius, and in the esteem and converse of fuch perfons, as in thefe refpects were moft congenial with himself, he would have been happy. But he was not-He wondered (as thousands in a fimilar fituation ftill do) that he fhould continue diffutisfied, with all the means apparently conducive to fatisfaction within his reach-But in due time the cause of his difappointment was difcovered to him-He had lived without God in the world. In a memorable hour the wifdom which is from above vifited his heart. Then he felt himself a wanderer, and then he found a guide. Upon this change of views, a change of plan and conduct followed of course. When he faw the busy and the gay world in its

true light, he left it with as little reluctance as a prisoner, when called to liberty, leaves his dungeon. Not that he became a Cynic or an Afcetic-A heart filled with love to God, will affuredly breathe benevolence to men. But the turn of his temper inclining him to rural life, he indulged it, and the providence of God evidently preparing his way and marking out his retreat, he retired into the country. By these steps the good hand of God, unknown to me, was providing for me one of the principal bleffings of my life; a friend and a counsellor, in whofe company for almost seven years, though we were feldom seven succeffive waking hours feparated, I always found new pleasure. A friend who was not only a comfort to myself, but a bles fing to the affectionate poor people, among whom I then lived.

Some time after inclination had thus removed him from the hurry and bustle of life, he was ftill more fecluded by a long indifpofition, and my pleasere was fucceeded by a proportionable degree of anxiety and concern. But a hope, that the God whom he ferved would fupport him under his affliction, and at length vouchfafe him a happy deliverance, never forfook me. The defirable crifis, I truft, is now nearly approaching. The dawn, the prefage of returning day, is already arrived. He is again enabled. to refume his pen, and fome of the firft fruits of his recovery are here presented to the public. In his principal fubjects the fame acumen, which diftinguithed him in the early period of life, is happily employed in illuftrating and enforcing the truths, of which he received fuch deep and unalterable impreffions in bis