A Reflection, Occasioned by the Death of a Neighbour

Another awful warning heaven has sent
To rouse my slumb'ring soul; — Death is abroad;
Close at my side he twangs his deadly bow.
Unerring flies the shaft, Sarissa falls:
In life's gay bloom she falls; yet I am spar'd!
But wherefore this indulgence? Gracious God,
By this new admonition, teach my heart
How precious are the swiftly-flying hours
Which I supinely waste! arouse, my soul,
Why wilt thou sleep upon this sea-beat shore,
When the next wave may whelm thee in the deep,
Th' unfathom'd deep of vast eternity?
Eternity, to pure and holy souls
Joy's boundless ocean, ever calm and clear,
Where all the streams of lasting pleasure meet!
But to the sinner 'tis the dark abyss
Of black despair, where all the waves of horror,
Beyond what nature ever felt or fear'd,
Incessant beat; and not a ray of hope
Breaks through the tenfold night to cheer the gloom.
But tempest, everlasting tempest, roars.
How my soul shudders at the view!«
Where am I? O for help, immediate help!
Some angel snatch me from the dreadful brink!
Some angel! no, — omnipotence descends
On mercy's wing: behold the Saviour God!
His arms are wide-extended; see, my soul,
Thy only refuge! his almighty love
Dispels my fears, while here I fix my trust.
Almighty love, thou art the fountain-head
Of all the joys, which swell th' unbounded sea
Of bliss immortal! Jesus, am I safe?
And art thou mine, my Lord, my life, my all?
O speak th' assuring word, and I am blest!
Death shall resign his terrors; let him strike,
Encircled in thy arms I'm safe for ever,
For thy eternity of joy is mine.