originated from mistaken and superstitious views of religion: it appears, on the contrary, that they arose from a very different cause, and that religion was the thing that restored her to peace and happiness; and, indeed, the only thing that could do it. Mr. Duncombe's words are, "But, ah! why heaves my breast this pensive sigh? And long on earth by heart-felt woes opprest, It is grievous to see authors, whose works are likely to be read, take every opportunity to dress out religion in the most ugly forms they can invent, to deter young people from embracing it, and attributing to it the calamities of life which religion alone is able to alleviate and redress. The following, among other poetical compositions, were written by Mrs. Wright; but at what period of her life is not known. To the Memory of her Uncle, a Physician.† "HOW can the muse attempt the string, Her friend and patron, now no more! * See Christian Magazine, vol. iii. p. 523. † Christian Magazine, vol. iii. p 284. See above page 12. Mr. Charles Wesley's Journal. "Alas! the sovereign healing art, Which rescu'd thousands from the grave, Nor could its skilful master save. Now Varo's lenient hand is gone? "His darling muse, his Clio dear, Whom first his favour rais'd to fame, Perceiving well, devoid of fear, Reclin'd on her he held most dear, By man admir'd, by heaven approv'd, To the Memory of her Sister. "IF happy spirits are allow'd to know, And hover round what once they lov'd below, Maria, gentlest excellence, attend, To one who glories to have call'd thee friend! Remote in merit, though ally'd in blood, Though worthless I, and thou divinely good; Accept, dear shade, from me these artless lays, Who never durst unjustly blame or praise. "With bus'ness and devotion never cloy'd, No moment of thy life pass'd unemploy'd: 66 Pleasing thy face and form, tho' heav'n confin'd To scanty limits thy extensive mind: Witness the taintless lustre of thy skin, Bright emblem of the brighter soul within ; Through jetty eyes with pleasing sweetness smil'd. "To soundest prudence, life's unerring guide, To mirth, the balm of care, from lightness free, A Farewell to the World. "WHILE sickness rends this tenement of clay, And bless the power who gives and takes away: Long shall my faithful memory retain, And oft recall each interval of pain. Nay to high heav'n for greater gifts I bend, "Nay, yet sublimer joys our bosoms prov'd, Wan meagre forms, torn from impending death, The shiv'ring wretch we cloth'd, the mourner cheer'd, Their bodies, nor neglects th' immortal part. "Sometimes, in shades impicrc'd by Cynthia's beam, Youth, wit, good nature, candour, sense combin'd, "Now close the blissful scene, exhausted muse, Miss Kezzy Wesley was addressed by Mr. Hall, a young gentleman of good understanding, agreeable in his person, and engaging in his address. He was entered at Lincoln College as Mr. Wesley's pupil, on the 22d of January, 1731; but Mr. Wesley was totally ignorant of the matter when he first paid his addresses to his sister. Mr. Hall * This appears from a letter Mr. Wesley wrote to Mr. Hall, in which he mentions this circumstance. VOL. I. entered into Orders while he was at Oxford; and though most of the family thought highly of him in every respect as a religious character, yet Samuel Wesley strongly doubted his sincerity. Mr. John Wesley believed him sincere and pious, but in a letter written to his mother, when Mr. Hall was at Oxford, he speaks of him as highly enthusiastic and superstitious. After he had gained the affections of the young lady he quitted her, and paid his addresses to her elder sister. The family opposed this conduct with great vehemence, especially the three brothers. But the marriage, notwithstanding, took place, and the future conduct of Mr. Hall by no means corresponded to the expectations they at first formed of him. After some years he quitted his wife, and afterwards lived in the most loose and scandalous manner. Mrs. Hall bore her trials with remarkable patience and resignation. Indeed, in this respect, she was a pattern to all christians; for she was never heard to speak ill of any person, whatever injuries she might have received.—Miss Kezzy Wesley died on the 9th of March, 1741, and Mr. Charles Wesley gives the following account of her death in a letter to his brother. "Yesterday morning sister Kezzy died in the Lord Jesus. He finished his work, and cut it short in mercy— full of thankfulness, resignation, and love, without pain or trouble, she commended her spirit into the hands of Jesus, and fell asleep." Mrs. Hall survived all her brothers and sisters, and died in peace, July 12, 1791. CHAPTER |