Thomas Brevard Notebook

88

1 What are the things which constitute Society that's good? My answers falacy confute, And easy understood.

2 Then must they be, both he & she Of a peculiar sect? Yes surely so, & they must grow In their esteem erect.

3 And must they be full pharisee Dispising all beside? Yes, that's the name they ought to claim And in that faith confide.

4 Must they all love to sore above With mammon for their God? Yes, & with frown on all look down Submissive at their nod.

5 Must the males love to wear the glove And hat above the lug? Yes when the pray on preaching day Or steal a negroe's Jug. Must they in view be temperate too Not tasting alcohol? Yes, but when dark may toe the mark And stagger till they fall.

The above with signature or date but transcribed from the handwriting of Thomas Brevard by by J. J. Brevard

89 Composed January 1st 1801

This morning a resolve I've made, How I my life will spend; Oh! may my firm resolve be stay'd Made perfect in the end. All my days then in a good cause, So ordered is by me; Before all else the sacred Laws Remembered shall be; Each day I'll call on God, each night Vain thoughts expel's vain things And ill resist; let my delight Result from nobler springs. Deep in my breast I've settled sure Resolved in humble trust Each cross with patience to endure Still warring with my dust O, may the light of Zion's Son Light give, and love and peace! Views of such Grace if now begun Each day let them increase!- T. R. Brevard

The above transcribed by J. J. Brevard June 24th 1864

90 Those trifiling migrastorial strains Which heretofore have exercised my brain Must now be laid asid; till I fulfill A nobler task with my poetic skill Tho' my imaginations high should vise And make attempts in ancient heroe's praise Should any attention turn to former times To unknown countries or to distant climes And strive to set in lofty poets spheres To 'wake the passions or engage the ears: And demonstrations of filial love, Should I neglect would not the stones reprove. A parent dear whose loss commands my tears Fulfilled his course of more than 3 score years. He lived to see his youngest son of age -- And then with resignation left the stage His life was a continued scene of peace An tears of of sorrow marked his late descease His moderate fortune or his wordly part To leave behind did not distress his heart His mind was drawn from this our earth above And thus engaged he made his last remove May it be so with me his youngest son When I my race on earth have run, That when this trying storm of life is o'er On wings of Angels I to him may soar May this my constant hope forever be

Mailed the original of this to Jas. W. Brevard Feb. 10-1897

91

And in all scenes true resignation see.

Tho. Brevard The above Transcribed June 24th 1864 by J.J.B.

Scrap translated

What is the blooming tincture To peace of mind & harmony within What the bright sparkling of the finest eye To the soft soothing of a calm reply Can comliness of form or shape or air With comliness of words or deeds compare No, those at first the unawary heart may gain But these, these only can the heart retain

June 1st 1800

Acrostic for General Jackson Go teach the British hirelings peace Enlarge the limits of our soil Nor let the pride of Englands fleece Ever reach again their boosting Isle Rise & extend victorious arms Around our frontier southern bounds Learn british allies, savage swarms