possible unto thee," &c. Thus should we not fail to do under all our afflictions. We should ever keep in remembrance, lay claim to, and plead, our relation to God as our Father. This will tend both to reconcile us to our afflictions, by convincing us, that they are the appointments of a Father, who means us well, and intends our good, even in the severest trials. It will also be well pleasing to him, and recommend us to his favour, as shewing a proper filial spirit of confidence in him, even when his hand is heavy upon us. Observe also, how our Lord pleads the all-sufficient power of God to save him. "Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee." When we suffer affliction, we are apt to indulge a desponding spirit, and to conlude, that there remains no possibility of remedy. Perhaps, indeed, no prospects of relief from men, or remedy from natural causes may appear; yet, let us remember, with our Lord in his agony, that all things are possible to our heavenly Father, and, with him likewise, let us not fail to pray earnestly for the deliverance we want. He who heareth the cries of the inferior animals, when they seek their meat from God, will not neglect the requests of his own children. He encourageth, he requires our prayers on these occasions. "Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." He commands us to cast our care on himself, with assurance that he careth for us: to be anxious about nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, to let our requests be known unto God. Let us not neglect, or fail to improve this important privilege. But then, let us observe further, with what perfect submission and resignation our blessed Lord preferred his request to his Father for deliverance: "Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done." Here, especially, let us be particularly careful to imitate him. It is most meet we should do so, because, God, whose wisdom is unerring, knows infinitely better than we, what is fit and proper to be done, and at what season. If it be fit that our requests should be granted, he will grant them: if not, then it is fit that he should not grant them, and that we should be submissive and patient in bearing what he sees needful to inflict. Oh that we could acquire more of this spirit! Let us endeavour to get it wrought into the real disposition of our hearts, and not content ourselves with adopting decent modes of expression with our lips. Observe further: That our Lord was not answered at his first petition, nor at his second, and therefore at his third he thus absolutely resigned himself to the will of God. “O my Father, if this cup may not pass from me, except I drink it, thy will be done." This completed the excellence of his pious resignation, and prepared him for deliverance, which was then granted. Thus let us also, when we find, that our heavenly Father sees it not meet, to answer our petitions, though often repeated, humbly resign them and ourselves up to his good pleasure, saying from our hearts, "Thy will be done." Then we may be assured, that we also shall be heard and accepted for our piety. And though the deliverance or mercies we requested should not be bestowed, we shall obtain the favour of God, and his gracious support and conduct of us through this world, and everlasting deliverance from all evil, together with a perfect joy in his heavenly kingdom. That we all by a frequent and serious contemplation of the most amiable and perfect character of our Lord Jesus, may through the assistances of divine grace, be improved into a more perfect conformity in all things to his temper and character; especially, to a more careful obedience to all God's commandments, and entire acquiescence and submission to all his appointments, may God of his infinite mercy grant through Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen. SIR, POETRY. To the Editor of the Monthly Repository. THE following verses have never been printed to my knowledge, except in a newspaper, at the time when they were first written. They are now rather less, incorrect and at your service. The young African to whom they were addressed, died soon after his return to his native country. Thus were disappointed some fair expectations from the influence of his education in England on the improvement of Africa. While Naimbanna was here, happening in a company to take ⚫ out his watch, he confessed with marks of great regret that he had purchased it with a young slave. This circumstance produced a beautiful little song by a lady, called I think, " The Negro Boy." Should any of your readers be in possession of this valuable piece of poetry, I shall thank them for the communication of it; and I dare say you will readily insert it in your Repository. London, June 26, 1807. R. C. VERSES, To Prince John Frederic Naimbanna, on his arrival in England, under the care of the Sierra Leone Company. 1792. WELCOME mild stranger! friendship's kindest smile For Europe's sons, though Truth her charms display, Through haunts of peace the sanguine falchions glare, By Av'rice charg'd to rouse infernal strife, But launch'd by Commerce with a kind command, Naimbanna! health and virtue still be thine! And point to worlds beyond the bounds of time. Lines written in my New Testament. DOTH learning, science emulate thy mind Canst mark how distant, and how large his sphere, In short, hath Nature in her kindest mood, If there be aught can bid his sorrows cease, Manchester. W.P. SHEPHERD'S SONG. WHEN primrose tufts and daffodils, When trees are leafy, roses blown, When golden grain is gather'd all, When trees are bare, and streams are still, A. M. P |