Laugh'd loud, while he, attesting it was grace, With tears besought them all his calling to embrace: To his new friends such convert gave applause, Life to their zeal, and glory to their cause: Though terror wrought the mighty change, yet strong Was the impression, and it lasted long; John at the lectures due attendance paid, A convert meek, obedient, and afraid; His manners strict, though form'd on fear alone, Pleased the grave friends, nor less his solemn tone, The lengthen'd face of care, the low and inward groan; The stern good men exulted when they saw Those timid looks of penitence and awe; Nor thought that one so passive, humble, meek, Had yet a creed and principles to seek. The Faith that Reason finds, confirms, avows, The hopes, the views, the comforts she allows - These were not his, who by his feelings found, And by them only, that his faith was sound; Feelings of terror these, for evil past, Feelings of hope to be received at last; Now weak, now lively, changing with the day - These were his feelings, and he felt his way. Sprung from such sources, will this faith remain While these supporters can their strength retain? As heaviest weights the deepest rivers pass, While icy chains fast bind the solid mass; So, born of feelings, faith remains secure, Long as their firmness and their strength endure; But when the waters in their channel glide, A bridge must bear us o'er the threat'ning tide; Such bridge is Reason, and there Faith relies, Whether the varying spirits fall or rise. His patrons, still disposed their aid to lend. Behind a counter placed their humble friend, Where pens and paper were on shelves display'd, And pious pamphlets on the windows laid: By nature active, and from vice restrain'd, Increasing trade his bolder views sustain'd; His friends and teachers, finding so much zeal In that young convert whom they taught to feel, His trade encouraged, and were pleased to find A hand so ready, with such humble mind. And now, his health restored, his spirits eased, He wish'd to marry, if the teachers pleased. They, not unwilling, from the virgin-class Took him a comely and a courteous lass; Simple and civil, loving and beloved, She long a fond and faithful partner proved; In every year the elders and the priest Were duly summon'd to a christening feast; Nor came a babe, but by his growing trade John had provision for the coming made; For friends and strangers all were pleased to deal With one whose care was equal to his zeal. In human friendships, it compels a sigh To think what trifles will dissolve the tie. John, now become a master of his trade, Perceived how much improvement might be made; And as this prospect open'd to his view, A certain portion of his zeal withdrew; His fear abated--"What had he to fear - His profits certain, and his conscience clear?" Above his door a board was placed by John, And "Dighton, Stationer," was gilt thereon; His window next, enlarged to twice the size,