T^s^itujiviiiiiiiiLwiiSKL [^W^'^BwiBMMir'Hiff ^ ' '■^^^--'—^•^■—^■'-^ PS 3531 t^KSHL^sH^MCV^-'^*?!^'; .L6 L4 11902 ICopy 1 %e66on6 jfrom tbc XowT^ Xessons trom tbe Xowl^ THE OLD EAGLE SCHOOL TREDYFFRIN, CHESTER COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA 3^ )ij\ pbila5elpbta : FERRIS & LEACH, PUBLISHERS Soufarnir (iHtiition of 200 OEopirs. -^ No. '^ yh 3 s^\ THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, Two CopieG Receivec MM 24 1903 ^ Copyright tntry CLASS pC- XXc. No. ^ t 3 Hi- 1_ COPY B. Non tii)i, dj£u Srt carat memotfae tuac." COPYRIGHTED, 1902, BY FERRIS & LEACH. The Old Eagle School ^* ^* (,?• HE OLD EAGLE SCHOOL in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, is one of the historical relics of Pennsylvania. Its situation on a hillside near Strafford, on the main line of the Pennsylvania Railroad, is very pictur- esque ; and the interest it excites is much enhanced both by its proximity to the last of the sentinel trees from which, during the encampment at Valley Forge, direct communi- cation was maintained with the American Army, and by the fact that the cemetery, enclosed on part of the ground, is said to contain the graves of many Revolutionary soldiers. Nothing is definitely known of the origin of the charity. Meagre records, largely supplemented by tradition, indicate that about the year 1767 it was established for religious and educational purposes and the repose of the dead ; but, whether by individual philanthropy, or by some of the early German Pietists, or by wandering Acadians, is uncertain. The present building was erected in the year 1788, succeeding a log meeting house known as the Lutheran Church, and was in constant public use as a school and meeting-house for lyceums, lectures and religious services until 1873, when it was abandoned, and for some time was occupied by squatters. In 1895, after unique legal proceedings, the original trust was re-established by decree of the Court of Chester County, and Trustees appointed, by whom the property was restored. It is now maintained as a historical and reference library and a repository for historical relics, and for such other public uses as the changed environment may warrant. I. ' As an eagle that stirreth up her nest, That fluttereth over her young, He spread abroad His wings, He took them. He bare them on his pinions." — Moses. COUNTRY schoolhouse with its burial- ground, Bequest from rural life in ruder times ; Its name suggestive that no mundane aim Confined its influence where its aid was sought ; But stirring up the youthful minds here fed, As when in eyries nurture work is done, That influence fluttered o'er them, bore them up, And brought them, all unconscious, nearer Him Whose loving care for man is thus recalled. Be this the subject which this halting verse (Inspired by Power which useth humblest means) Would fain present in aspects far above The rude surroundings of a country school — With thoughts, indeed, that would the spot connect With Heavenly hopes and Heavenly precepts too, As lessons offered by the place to-day ; Presented through that sacred Word the which " Returneth never to Him void," 'tis writ. But " prospereth in the thing whereto 'tis sent." And though no formal cornerstone preserve The record of its humble origin. The uses of the place its story tell. II. ' Remember the days of old ; Consider the years of many generations." — Moses. —^ Y time-worn graves behold the ancient school ! W/% It stands beside the spot where earlier times Beheld a meeting-house of rough-hewn logs, Which sheltered long the German pioneers, There wont to join in voice of praise and prayer. And joy in freedom thus to worship God. It thus hath stood a hundred years and more A church and school, with resting-place for Dead ; In silence telling how from earliest time, The love to yield the homage due to God, With love to cultivate His gift of mind Commingling grow, in this great land of Truth, Till all shall "know" at last, as they "are known." Could these old stones, so long concealed from sight Beneath the cover later care bestowed. Declare the influence all-pervading here. Recall the thoughts which here inspired men. Although "unlearned and ignorant" perhaps. Their voices would in glad acclaim be raised. As bidden to "remember days of old," To render homage such as stones had done In heralding the advent of the Christ Before the city of Jerusalem, Had loud-acclaiming throngs been silent then. Yet since 'tis not ordained these stones should speak (A service silent theirs, albeit long), Since unto man this privilege is given As "put in trust" the Gospel truths to spread, Thou who inspirest man with Godlike powers, Whose blessed influence lifts man's thoughts to God, Give ear, O Spirit, guide this venturous verse. Nor let apparent insignificance Forbid thine aid nor yet abate its power. Disclose the Presence, here long undiscerned. Of the Divine, the Living Cornerstone, And tell the message there contained for all. Regard these lines, mere fragments though they seem. By laborer's toil in unskilled manner chipped From sacred gems or the Everlasting Rock, And as by power of alchemy divine. Mosaics show them, in the Master's use. -yy%\\ (^r III. ' Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness ; but a faithful man who can find?" — Solomon. SUBLIME repression here of selfish aims : A relic this of true philanthropy, Memorializing work well done, and not The humble instruments the work employed. A contrast strong with custom usual now, In disregard of words against such alms. To make display of every donor's name, Connecting it with His Almighty Name From whom all good gifts have their origin. Yet mig-ht each stone attest the care bestowed When laid in place by hands which thus gave alms (Without a trumpet's sound) of all they could ; Nor scorned to give the labor of those hands As contributions to this Charity. 'Twas He, who knows the secret here concealed, Declared a widow's mite accepted alms ; And in the restoration of this place Fulfils His promise of the open meed. IV. ' He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much." — The Christ. s WEET memories cluster here of patient work, As day by day, and often month by month, The master and the scholars gathered round Would scarcely know of any progress made Within the scanty time they snatched for school From toilsome tasks of pioneering life. Yet progress in some form is always found By plodding toilers treading Duty's path ; By all is knowledge gained, experience won ; Perhaps no more than rude foundations laid, Perchance at most here learned the immortal truth : "They also serve who only stand and wait." Who may declare, before the sum is told At day of reckoning with the Almighty Judge, The extent of influence, not confined to place, Of those who in this schoolhouse once were taught ? And thoueh the school no Lincoln hath enrolled Amongst its scholars, may it not have trained Some feebler servant, who then helped to raise Some Franklin, Marshall, or perhaps a Wayne, To higher places ? as when Andrew brought The pillar Cephas to the Master, Christ. V. "We are laborers together with God." — S/. Paul. G* N silence stand these graves as witnesses To pious uses long established here — mi^^ To uses which no narrow sect restrained, ^ i# But born of broad and comprehensive aim Which seeks the worker in the field of work, And makes such places seem not far from Him Who bade the lowly fishermen " catch men," And sent them seeking "into all the world." And though such uses seldom raise to fame The servant in that holy work engaged. Yet those whose only ordination is The word, "Let him that hears the call say, 'Come,'" Find promised strength and comfort in the thought That they, as workers, are thus joined with Him. And though to least some Christian aid be given, 'Tis given, His word declares it given, to Him. The blest assurance ever was vouchsafed, Where two or three are gathered in His Name There He will be and with them in their midst Though undiscerned as on the Emmaus road ; For even in a humble spot like this. Oft-times the Holy Spirit finds His home Within the temple of some human heart. K . f t \ ■ \, 1 \ ^^ 1 \ x^ ^ N \ N \ V 4 -si ■\ ^^ ^ <» .y \ ^ M •Si VI. "There is no respect of persons with God." — Si. Pau/. A RURAL trysting-place is here disclosed, Where useful pleasures oft were sought and found — Forensic contests at debating clubs, Where cobblers', carpenters' and blacksmiths' boys Met face to face the farmers' sons of right : J^he heirs apparent to allodial homes But freshly wrested from tyrannic power. Themselves rude types of Nature's noblemen. The farmers' daughters too, with serving maids. Oft trained their voices here at singing-school, To cultivate an art of heavenly birth. A social centre of bucolic life : Here master, mistress, maids and working men. Were often gathered, while itinerants In lecture, magic-lantern, and the like Presented glimpses of a wider world — The " little leaven, leavening all the lump." Such scenes must to the thoughtful mind suggest All class distinction here discountenanced. The mission of this schoolhouse was to bring Some elevation to the lowest rank. And thus fulfil the plan of Him who seeks " The poor of this world, rich in faith," and makes Them heirs of kingdoms He prepares above. Where better than in such a place as this Can heeded be those warning words of Paul : "Mind not" the glamour which surrounds "high things," " But condescend to men of low estate " ? The Master's influence was no less because, Athirst and weary. He, at Jacob's well, Asked water from the abased Samaritan, And promised her, when asking, living draughts ! He chose the lowly fishermen His friends ; He sat at meat with sinners, publicans ; A carpenter, and yet — the King of Kings. K o w Pi VII. ' Breathe upon these slain, that they may hve." — EzekieL YET higher far this place would bear the thought From scenes within the lives of pioneers. These walls and grounds in later years declared The close of its career, apparent Death ; And thorns and briars evidenced decay As Nature sought to hide the emptiness When work which man had planned for it was done. Yet from this stage of Death's oblivion, Responsive to the vital force of Law, When breathed upon by that transcendent Power Whose breath secures the harmony of worlds. It rose, and like a cerement, casting off The cover of neglect in which 'twas wrapt. It entered on the new and nobler use A century's progress should disclose the need. Ezekiel's awful vision so declared How might the breath of God come on dry bones — There representing Israel's withered hope — And lo ! they rise, they stand, an army great, As born anew to life for them designed By Him who speaks and then performs His word. And thus the place impressively suggests The Resurrection Life, the Christian's goal. When man from Grave's dread power shall ransomed stand : Death swallowed up in endless Victory, And Life Eternal realized at last In knowledge of the one True God above. And Jesus Christ the Lord, whom He hath sent. 'THE NEW AND NOBLER USE.' VIII. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth in me may not abide in the darkness." — The Christ. F ROM insignificance this place evolves Considerations of a holy kind, Presenting here, as lessons yet unlearned. These admonitions guiding man to Hope, The teachings of the holy men of God. And warmed in light, these lessons gather round The schoolhouse, no impressive mind But feels a reverence for the place Time spares To tell of patience, love, and final rest. And school and grounds, illuminated thus. Suggest the place itself, a beacon bright, Wherein the lamp of Knowledge, ever trimmed, Emits a light, dispelling darkness round ; While higher thoughts direct each reverent mind To that True Light which lighteth every man. And in which Light of Life no darkness dwells : (Such thoughts but seemly, where so often came The Christ's own Presence in the century past.) A mystic type of that same Light once shone Where Jewish rites preserved most holy things. And veiling curtain hid the Mercy Seat : Which things were "shadows of the things to come," When all believers should be " kings and priests." And since the risen Lord may yet be found If sought reliant on the assurance given, " Where two or three are gathered in my name : " As still unseen the Holy Ghost prepares Eternal buildingrs, those "not made with hands;" 'Tis natural here, that curtain rent, should rise Shechinah visions, as those thoughts connect This humble schoolhouse with that risen Lord. The rude and common may be sanctified ; And man, declared to be but dust, may yet Become partaker of Divinity. Through many centuries, midst distrust and doubt. While supplications rise, " Thy kingdom come," Have Christians yet sustained unfaltering hope That "this same Jesus" will so come again: The reason this, that where the Lord has been. And where in humblest form this Bethel stands, The place is vested with a sanctity For those who "shew the Lord's death till He come." THK SENTINEL CHESTNin'. [Maximum Ciroumffreiu-e 27 Feet.] [Staiuliiig near N. E. Corner of The Lancaster Turnpike and Old Eagle School Koad.] IX. A "Even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him." — St. PatiL SACRED spot whence such conceptions rise ! And consecrated ground this acre, made A grassy resting-place 'twixt birth and Life : Where, weary from their toil, so many sleep Till day shall break and shadows flee away ; Until the trump announcing end of Time Proclaim the Resurrection and the Life. Authoritative. 1. Couplet Book of Deut. 32: 11. 12. Lines— 5 and 7 Book of Deut. 32: llj 12. 18 and 19 Proph. of Isaiah 55: 11. II. Couplet Book of Deut. 32: 7. Lines— 13 1 Cor. 13 : 12. 18 The Acts 4: 13. 20 Book of Deut. 32 : 7. 21 to 24 St. Luke 19: 40. 28 1 Thess. 2: 4. 29 Book of Job 32 : 8. 30 St. John 16: 14. 35 Eph. 2: 20. 1 Epis. of St. Peter 2: 4. 39 Proph. of Isaiah 26: 4. in. Couplet Book of Proverbs 20: 6. Lines— 6 St. Matt. 6: 1. P.om. 12: 8. 9 St. James 1 : 17. 12 St. Matt. 6: 2. 16 St. Mark 12: 43. 18 St. Matt. 6: 6. St. Luke 14: 14. IV. Couplet St. Luke 16: 10. Lines— 21 St. Jolm 1 : 42. 22 Gal. 2: 9. t V. Couplet 1 Cor. 3 : 9. Lines — 7 St. Luke 5 : 10. St. Matt. 4: 19. 8 St. Mark 16: 15. 12 The Rev. 22: 17. 14 2 Cor. 6: 1. 16 St. Matt. 25: 40. 18 and 19 St. Matt. 18: 20. 20 St. Luke 24: 13 to 31. 22 and 23 2 Cor. 6: 16. VI. Couplet Romans 2: 11. Lines— 11 Book of Job 38: 7. 17 Gal. 5: 9. 1 Cor. 5: 6. 23 and 24 St. James 2: 5. 27 and 28 Romans 12 : 16. 30 to 32 St. -John 4 : 6-14. 33 St. John 15 : 15. 34 St. Mark 2: 15. 35 St. Mark 6: 3. 1 Tim. 6: 15. vir. Couplet Proph. of Ezek. 37 : 9. Lines— 16 to 21 . Proph. of Ezek. 37: 114. 23 Philippians 3: 11. 24 Proph. of Hosea 13 : 14. 25 1 Cor. 15 : .54. The Rev. 20: 14. 26 to 28 St. John 17 : 3. VIII. Couplet St. John 12: 46. Lines— 4 1 Cor. 10: 11. Romans 15: 4. 5 2 Epis. of St. Peter 1:21. 15 St. .John 1 : 9. 16 St. John 8 : 12. 1 Epis. of St. John 1: 5. 19 to 21 Book of Levit. 16: 2. Book of Ex. 26: 31-34. 22 Heb. 8: 5 and 9: 9. Col. 2: 17. 23 The Rev. 1: 6. 24 and 25 St. Luke 11:9. St. James 1:6. Proph. of Isaiah 55: 6. 26 St. Matt. 18: 20. 27 and 28 2 Cor. 5 : 1. 29 St. Matt. 27 : 51. 32 The Acts 10: 1.5. 33 Book of Gen. 3 : 19. 34 2 Epis. of St. Peter 1 : 4. Heb. 3: 14. 36 St. Matt. 6: 10. 38 The Acts 1:11. 40 Book of Gen. 28 : 19. 42 1 Cor. 11: 26. IX. Couplet 1 Thess. 4 : 14. Lines — 5 Songs of Sol. 2 : 17. 6 1 Thess. 4: 16. The Rev. 10: 6. 7 St. John 11: 25. .4 190? 2^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 018 348 806 5