Page:Life and character, of the late Reverend and learned Mr Thomas Boston.pdf/13

 and always free without offence.

Of grace the doctrine he did teach

against each legal preacher;

And of the rule of righteousness

he was a constant teacher.

He always loved gospel truths,

delighting them to preach,

As the best means that he could use

the sinner's heart to reach.

When he at first to Simpron came,

he was made synod clerk,

And the best scribe that e'er he saw

old Jerviswood's remark.

He was a very ready scribe,

both eloquent and able;

Sometimes the subject of discourse

at Lewis royal table.

It is the glory of the Merse

that he in it was born;

He like a lovely rose did grow

upon a prickling thorn.

His Lord did early him transplant

to grace's sappy soil;

The influence of grace pour'd down

like Aaron's sweetest oil;

Which sweetly moved all the wheels

of his affection:

Hence he no more serves like a slave,

but like an only son.

The church's bank undoubtedly