n are foremost on a plan,
To gain by rapine, every way they can;
Do you suppose, that wasting other's store,
Can ease the hardships of the labouring poor;
No such a course, our present ills increase,
And robs the Nation of its inward peace.
From late example, all are taught to know,
Dreadful his fate, that strikes confusion's blow;
Then let us quiet at our Cots remain,
And better times will cheer us once again.
All means are trying, comforts to restore,
To ease the hardships of the labouring poor;
Think what distress awaits dishonest ways,
Immur'd in prison many wretched days;
Not only days, perhaps they shed their tears,
In Foreign Lands, for many dismal years;
Not only years, perhaps are doom'd for life,
Abroad to roam, from children, home, and wife;
Should it your lot in prison for to be,
Implore with fervent prayer the Deity;
Who will in time if you sincerely pray,
Lessen your troubles each succeeding day:
It's thro' our Saviour's aid that we should crave,
A gracious pardon ere we meet the grave;
His intercession with the King of Kings,
Alone can save you, from eternal stings.
When at the court, for trial you appear,
Speak nought but truth, you better for it fare;
For should you dare to introduce a lie,
Justice's sharp eye each falsehood will descry:
I've known a perjur'd witness brought to swear,
The guilty felon, of his crime is clear;
Dismay'd, confus'd, he feels alas! too late,
Such impious conduct greatly aggravate;
Besides he answers at the awful day,
For causing others from the truth to stray.
Whatever happens in this vale of tears,
Our Maker knows, give him your fervent prayers:
Let your demeanor if in prison be,
Such as the jailor can contrition see;
For his report may mitigate your doom,
And sometimes save you from a prison's gloom.
Religious Books if you can read attend,
They are in solitude the pris'ner's friend;
When at the Chapel, do not cast away,
By inattention what the Chaplain say:
It's pure Religion cheers each good man's heart,
And will in time its blessings soon impart;
Such as perhaps you never knew before,
And doubtless will your peace of mind restore.
The Bible read, when in your dismal cell,
Read it attentive, ere you bid farewell;
To him who may companion with you be;
Your soul that night may be required of thee.