ass PS I.35T ^LbSo. PRESENTED BY S TR AWS NEMO A HOLIDAY GIFT A drowning man -will catch at a straw, And " stern necessity knows no law." CAMBRIDGE: METCALF AND COMPANY, PRINTERS TO THE UNIVERSITY. 18 5 9. ^t% OIPT BERTRAM SMITH I DEDICATE THIS LITTLE VOLUME THESE " STRAWS," FLOATING ON THE GREAT OCEAN OF LITERATURE, TO THOSE KIND HEARTS WHOSE FRIENDSHIP IS SHOWN BT ITS PURCHASE STRAWS SHOW WHICH WAY THE WIND BLOWS.' CONTENTS. Page A Sunday-School Excursion 9 The Diorama 12 The Silver Wedding . . . ' . . . .16 Song for a School Exhibition 19 On the Death op a Sunday-School Teacher . . 21 On a "Wreath, preserved prom the Coffin of a Young Girl 24 Dawn 25 Assault on Hon. Charles Sumner in the United States Senate . . . . . . . 27 Eetzsch's Drawing of the Game of Life . . .30 Thanksgiving Evening 34 To a Friend on her Marriage 37 To Summer 40 On Eeceiving a Bouquet 42 Merit's Meed 45 To an Infakt 48 For an Album 50 On the Death of a Little Boy 52 To a Friend on her Birthday, with a Bouquet . 54 To a Friend on the Anniversary of her Marriage 56 Lines from Scholars who had received Cards of Merit, to their Teacher 59 A New-Year's Wish 62 To a Friend 65 VI CONTENTS. Ox tiie Death of a Friend 07 Ox the Death of Miss L. G. F GO Lines suggested by a Effort of the Ministers of the Took 71 Written in an Album 73 The Death of 75 Annual Meeting of Teachers, Scholars, and Friends, at Faneuil Hall 77 The Fisher Boy SO To a Portrait 83 Rural Walks SO To a Friend 88 A Sister's Welcome 90 A New- Year's Wish, -with a Wreath ... 92 A Friend's Death 93 Evening Musings 95 A Fragment 97 " The Sociables " 100 To a Child ox her Birthday 103 Twilight 105 Chapel Flower-Girl's Sdxg 107 To a Child 109 Night Ill The Sacrifice . 113 A New-Year's Wish 115 Valentines 117-132 A Dying Child to her Friends . . . .133 TnE Star ix the East 135 Anniversary Hymn fob Warren Street Chat-el . 139 Hymn 112 A Child's Hymx 145 Hymn . . . . . . . . . . 117 Dedication Hymn " . . .149 Sunday-School Hymn 151 Child's Chat-el Hymx 153 TnouGHTs by- Moonlight 155 Ax Address, written with the Thought of Read- ing BEFORE TnE PUBLIC 157 POEMS. The floating straw looks up to the sky, A SUNDAY-SCHOOL EXCURSION. On a morning, lovely, glorious, With glad-beating hearts we strayed, Where fair Nature reigns victorious, In the quiet greenwood shade. There with joy we met together, 'Neath the shade of leafy trees, While the branches made sweet music, Rustling in the summer breeze. 10 A SUNDAY-SCHOOL EXCURSION. Filled with love, each heart rejoices, Breathing forth the secret prayer, While young children's sweet-toned voices Float upon the balmy air. Hour of gladness, scene of beauty, Radiant all around, above, Speaking to the soul of duty, Hope, and Faith, and heavenly Love ! Every bosom beat with gladness ; Brightly beamed each glancing eye ; Banished gloomy care and sadness, As the hours rolled gayly by. Hymns of praise broke forth, ascending To the vaulted, azure sky ; Birds' sweet notes with childhood's blending, Mingling in one harmony. A SUNDAY-SCHOOL EXCURSION. 11 Teachers, Friends, with heartfelt kindness, Words of love, and precepts, brought To dispel our mental blindness, Lead our souls to holy thought. Soon the lengthened shadows*, stealing, Whisper softly, " Hence ! away ! To your homes, with holy feeling, Hasten, with the sun's last ray." Once more, round the Pastor pressing, Listening to his earnest prayer, All receive his fervent blessing, As they, parting, home repair. Day of Happiness and Pleasure! Ne'er wilt thou forgotten be, But 'mid Memory's choicest treasure We will guard and cherish thee. THE DIORAMA, At BWeet and balmy twilight time, I strolled along the Btreet, Amid the hum of voices, And the pattering of feet When, suddenly, upon my ear Sofl tones o( music fell, — The tones o( martial music, which In youth 1 Loved so well. 1 paused within an open door. And listened io the sound : Then mounted up the winding stair Nor rested, till I found THE DIOKAMA. 13 The source of those sweet, witching strains, That o'er my fancy threw A veil of golden visions bright ; But O the glorious view! Before me was the mimic scene Of Trenton's battle-ground, With marching bands of soldiers, And bold horsemen moving round. The sound of heavy cannon, and The spangled banner high) — Ah ! England's noble grenadiers Before our fathers (ly ! 1 sat and gazed upon the scene Until it passed away, While busy memory told the tales, My grandsire used to say. And then another picture came, With singing birds and flowers, With the many blooming, beauteous things, That dwelt in Eden's bowers. 14 Tin: DIORAMA. Beneath the tree of knowledge sai The happy, guiltless pair, Amid the blessings spread around. That God had given them there ; For sin not yet had entered in, This joyous plaee to blight ; But all seemed brilliant, gorgeous, fair, And radiant with delight. At length the vision faded, as A thing too bright to last ; And was numbered with the beauties. And the treasures of the past. A change eame o'er the blooming scene, I saw the billowy sea ; A noble ship, with sails unfurled, Was moving gloriously. Soon o'er the swelling wave appears Another ship of war ; A brilliant flash of light is seen, And heard the cannon's roar. THE DIORAMA. 15 Peal after peal, peal after peal, The fatal volleys speed, While o'er the blood-besprinkled decks, The mangled sailors bleed ! Ah ! whence that horrid thunder-sound That rises fearfully ? Full many souls have homeward sped, — The Guerriere 's 'neath the sea ! And moving on the ocean's breast, All proudly and alone, Is seen the Constitution, Like a Queen upon her throne ! 16 THE SILVER WEDDING. A quarter of a century Has rolled in peace away, Since the bright, auspicious dawning Of our happy marriage day. Then our vows of love were plighted, In holy faith and truth, With all the thrilling fervor That fills the heart of youth. THE SILVER WEDDING. 17 Then the future beamed with glory ; And a halo seemed to rest On every object round us, From the love within each breast. And the light has never faded ; But has still kept shining on, Though a quarter of a century Has blessed us and is gone. And we thank our Heavenly Father For the bliss that has been ours, For his gift of loving children, Our precious human flowers. May they lead our hearts to love Him, And our souls to think of those Who wander, with no dear ones Their dying eyes to close. 18 THE SILVER WEDDING. Bless God, whose love has lingered Like an angel round our way, And with tenderness has led us To our Silver- Wedding Day! Then raise a song of gladness, And let each heart be gay, While we celebrate thy passing, Happy Silver- Wedding Day! 19 SONG FOR A SCHOOL EXHIBITION. To join the flight of rolling ages, Another year has sped away, Stamping our lives upon its pages, A record to remain for aye. Have we our time improved or wasted ? How have we passed the precious hours ? In Learning's garden have we feasted, Or idly strolled within its bowers ? 20 SONG FOR A SCHOOL EXHIBITION. O, let us hope some flower of beauty Each one has placed upon her heart, To cheer her through life's paths of duty, And help her nobly bear her part. Though stormy scenes arise before us, Fearless, with piety and truth, God and bright angels smiling o'er us, We leave our Paradise of youth. 21 ON THE DEATH OF A SUNDAY-SCHOOL TEACHER. "For the most loved are they, Of whom Fame speaks not with her clarion voice, In regal halls ! — the shades o'erhang their way ! The vale with its deep fountains is their choice, And gentle hearts rejoice Around their steps ! — till silently they die, As a stream shrinks from Summer's burning eye." Hemans The silver cord is loosened, and the golden bowl is broke, And hushed the music of thy voice, that erst in gladness spoke, Still, cold, and pale, that youthful brow where health so lately smiled, And motionless that gentle form, by the spoiler Death beguiled. 22 ON TIIE DEATH OF Thou sleepest calmly, dearest one ; say, is 't a dreamless sleep ? Or do thy thoughts, in visions pure, perpetual Sabbath keep ? Do flitting pictures of bright scenes steal o'er thee dreamily ? Or does thy spirit slumber on, in peace, uncon- sciously ? Thou heedest not the voices of the dearly loved around ; Thy ears are closed for ever now, to aught of earthly sound ; Far in the regions of the pure, the blissful spirit-land, Thou rov'st a happy angel, 'mid the bright- robed heavenly band. Thou 'st left us in the sweet spring-time, the freshness of thy youth, Ere yet the world hath chilled thy heart, or dimmed thy spirit's truth ; A SUNDAY-SCHOOL TEACHER. 23 While yet its hue was on the rose, the blos- som on the tree, Thy spirit on celestial wings soared heaven- ward joyously! Sweet sister of our Chapel ! shall we wish thee back to earth, To share its hollow-hearted joys, its cheating, senseless mirth? " Those whom the Gods love most die young," the ancient poet said ; Our hearts will fondly think it true, since thou from us hast fled. Farewell, loved Teacher ! Friend, farewell ! Though thou no more wilt be With thy sweet presence round our path, yet shall we visit thee ; Yes, dear departed, early called, the pure, the good shall come, And share the happy mansions of thy Heavenly Father's home ! 24 ON A WREATH, TRESERVED FROM THE COFFIN OF A YOUNG GIRL. Memento mori of the dear departed! Whose gentle spirit rests in heavenly bowers, Emblem of her, the good, the pure, true-hearted, Now crowned with Heaven's own amaran- thine flowers. 25 DAWN. How beautiful the quiet hours, ere yet The glorious sun, uprising, has shed forth His beams of light, awakening the earth ! Fair Nature slumbering lies, locked in the arms Of drowsy Sleep. Over her glowing charms A filmy veil of beauty seems to float. A soft, gray mist shrouds verdant hill and dell, Vale, mountain, and the rolling river deep, And wandering lover-fairies, as they steal Back to their homes, within the violets. Soon Phoebus mounts his car ; his fiery steeds, Exulting, bound across the radiant sky. 3 26 DA\vr. His heralds come, — bright rays of beaming light,— Shedding new beauty o'er the glorious scene ! Nature, in all her loveliness, awakes, Smiling in gladness as Endymion, When first his longing eyes in rapture fell On the bright Goddess of his witching dreams. Melodious sounds arise on the still air. The hum of insects, fluttering on the wing ; The song of feathered warblers, as they rise And loudly carol forth their notes of joy. The very breezes, as they kiss my brow, Or with caressing fingers intertwine, In playful gentleness, among my hair, Seem whispering sounds of heavenly music sweet. 27 ASSAULT ON HON. CHARLES SUMNER IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE. Stricken down, — mute, pale, and bleeding, By a treacherous, coward blow, Freedom's Champion, Friend, and Lover Prostrate lies before his foe : — He, the good, the wise, the gifted, Striving with a holy might, In fair Liberty's own temple, For the cause of truth and right ; 28 ASSAULT ON HON. CHARLES SUMNER With his noble voice uplifted In the cause of suffering man ; For his fallen brother pleading, Trodden down 'neath Slavery's ban. Pilgrim land of Massachusetts ! Mourn the grievous outrage done To thy bright, untarnished honor, In the person of thy son ! Gallant Freemen of the North-land ! Can the truths your Fathers gave Teach their sons to bow submissive To the master of the slave ? Never ! while old Ocean thunders 'Gainst the base of Plymouth Rock, Will the Northern Patriot yield him To the force of Slavery's shock ! IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE. 20 Arise, shine, O God of nations! Guard our native land, we pray ! Banish Slavery from its regions, By thine own resistless sway! Then indeed our young Republic May outshine old Greece and Rome, When the banner of our Fathers Waves in truth o'er Freedom's Home ! ao RETZSCH'S DRAWING OV THE GAME OF LIFE, OR THE CHESS-PLAYERS. [The Drawing represents a yonng man, playing at Chess with Satan j to whom he forfeits his soul it' he loses the game. His Quardian Angel bends over him with a sorrowful eounte- nance, fearing the result, while the Fiend, with exultation and malice in his looks, is in the act of taking from him one of his pieees. The men on the board are designated by different charac- teristics of the mind, excepting the Kings, which are represented by themselves. The young man's Queen is Religion, while Satan's is Pleasure. The youth's pawns are Prayers : the F.vil Spirit's, Doubts, v^e. ; each pieee bearing the name of some emo- tion or sentiment J Mortal, le1 nol thy spirit lu sadness bo casl down ; Sirivr on! thou 'It yet inherit Aii everlasting crown. retzsoh's qamb op life. 31 What though thy Guardian Angel In sorrow turns away, — One Doubt, fierce Anger, conquered) Thou yet mayst gain the day. Elope, blessed Hope is left thee, And thy young spirit's Truth ; The Fiend 'a not yet bereft thee, Of those firm Castles, youth. Mas Love, young Love, then vanished, With rosy dreams of bliss? Do not despair; Religion Will give thee happiness. Ah, guard thy Queen ! play closely ! See Pleasure 's pressing on ! Let all thy Prayers now aid thee! I>i parents' loving hearts ; Heavenly gift, thai without measure Daily happiness imparts ; Speaking to them of that Father Who has Kan thee to their arms, Opening all their hearts 1 deep fountain! B) thy helpless babj oharms; TO AN INFANT. 40 Precious Darling ! may thy future All undirnmed, unclouded be, And distress and care and sorrow Never, dearest, come to thee ! But should earthly sorrows sadden, May all clouds thy spirit hath Wear a glorious, silver lining, As they hover round thy path ! 50 FOR AN ALBUM. Bright the morn of life is glowing, Pure, unclouded on thy way ; May no storms of sorrow, streaming. Darken o'er thy shining day. May thy life be pure and holy, Peaceful as a summer's sea : Like the modest violet lowly, Decked with sweet Humility. FOR AN ALBUM. 51 May the virtues clustering round thee, Hope, and Faith, and Heavenly Love, With their presence bright surround thee, From their starry homes above. When life's evening, softly stealing, Darkens o'er thy well-spent day, May thy soul, with peaceful feeling, Fearless heavenward take her way! 52 ON THE DEATH OF A LITTLE BOY. 1 miss thee in the morning hours ; I miss thee through the day ; No more I hear thy pleasant voice, Or see thee at thy play. No more thou 'It bring me blooming flowers, With looks of love and joy ; n earth we cannot mee My darling little boy ! On earth we cannot meet again, ON THE DEATH OF A LITTLE BOY. Thy last sweet gift, a beauteous rose, Shall ne'er forgotten be ; [f that I loved the rose before, Dearer 't is now to me. I 've known thee ever, dearest child, Thy little life all through ; And ever didst thou seem to me Kind, gentle, loving, true. Farewell, dear Boy! thy little heart Hath hushed its throbbings now ; No sounds disturb thy dreamless sleep, — Death's seal is on thy brow ! Thou cam'st awhile to bless fond hearts, — A treasure lent, not given ; Thy Father called, — thou heardst the voice, We '11 meet again in Heaven. ..I ro \ i i;ii \i> on iiik' r.ucriiDAY W I ill \ IIOUOI I I I im;i \.. .1 -hi of simple flowci . To graoe thy natal da\ ; ( > iu;»\ lli<" : - >\\ illl\ nu»\ iii" hoiU Be fair and bricrhl aa th «'\ Though w iiii fl( ii ••.••in .in.i |cw el i i. iK I iu.i\ iu>( FYiond iliip pro> e ; \ .i take the humble glfl I bear, S\\ eel loktMl of m\ lo\ IN rO \ i i; i i:n r ► on iim; r.n; tiid \ \ . \ii«i wiiii ii prayers, that life m:iy seen I \ilin afl Hi' - : iiiiiiik i : i i i ; \ll gentle as ;• Poet's dream, — i ^n clouded i>y b oare* \l.l_y ; nilllii;; IV.icr lliy :,|r|> : . attend, Bright l [opo thy pathway cheer ; \ ikI Faith her genl le presence lend, To make. I lie IhI uir clear. May many, many natal suns Si, ill bright! y shine f< »•• thee, I lurrounded i>y iii«' cherished one Thou lov'st SO l«-ii(lcily ! IX) a PMEND on nn A\M\n;>u;\ or nri; mvkkivi.i Joi to thee! On this returning Bridal morn, .^o dew to thee, red be the hours to Pleasure, Wit and Mirth and Qayet) ! Noiselessly, with rapid footsteps, years have swiftly Bped away, Shut the Sun of Heaven was smiling On thy joyous Marriage Day, i i i BIEND. o Memory's magic pencil tra Lovely ■• ision i fading fa WiiJj her rainbow colors paini Pictures of the vanished Pai •. Though young Love, with rosy pinions, Come not near my lonely path, Y» -i. I wander in dominion Where he many subjects hath. I offer thee no gem of beauty, Costly gift nor jewel rare, f But my heart with feeling i tender Breathes foi thee an earnest prayer. Lightened be the misty Future By the torch of Faith's bright ray. While young Hope and Truth Celestial Turn its darkne i into I)ay ! 58 TO A FRIEND. May the pledges of affection God has given thee in his love, Idols not, but Guardian Angels, Ever to thy spirit prove ! 59 LINES FROM SCHOLARS WHO HAD RECEIVED CARDS OF MERIT, TO THEIR TEACHER. We have come, dear Friend and Teacher, Come victorious from the strife ! We have triumphed over Evil In this battle of our Life. Many times our hearts have faltered, As we strove the prize to win ; But with courage firm, unaltered, We passed by the paths of Sin. 60 LINES TO \ TEACHER. WYII thou know'st the strong temptations That beset each youthful Soul, — Sin's alluring invitations, Darkening Virtue's shining goal. « But we've onward pressed and gained Lt,« Gained the prize so fondly sought ; Granl us now thy sweel approval. Without which success is nauerht: — No, not naught; for God will bless us, That we've siriven for the righl : And thy rule and liis Word teach us Truth is pleasing in his Bight. May God bless 1 lie" linn endeavor We have made lo i\o thy will: Help us, with His Spirit, ever All our duties io fulfil. LINKS TO A TEACHER. 6 1 We have learned a noble lesson, As we 've struggled day by day ; — 'That, while patiently we labor, We must wait, and watch, and pray. 62 A nva\ YEAR'S wish. TO a FRIEND on BBB eoN \ wa.sei n . I , Mw the year in beauty dawning Prove a happy one for thee, Ami (his bright and gladsome morning Type oi' a blesi future be ! Thy young children's tones of gladness, Willi his voice, so loved, so dear, Greet thee, banishing thy sadness. With a happy, glad New Year! a NEW- YEAR'S wish. 68 And my heart the strain would borrow, Joined with theirs, so dear to thee: Free from every cure and sorrow, May thy New Year happy be! Long lias Sickness — mournful Maiden — Been companion of thy way; With dull pains and sorrows laden, Darkening o'er God's shining day. Now, may sweet Hygeia bless thee, — Ever on thy steps attend, — Tenderly in love caress fchee, And Health give thee, dearest Friend. \iy the bright-eyed Nymph attended, Joyously thou 'It onward go, And, by holy saints befriended, Thou shalt Pain nor Sorrow know. . Reason have I most to love thoe| — Of the kindest the most kind; in inv heart there's none above thee, Deeply art thou there enshrined. For i lu* many hours of pleasure] Sweetest hours in\ soul has known, Valued more than hoarded treasure) Thanks to thee, and thee alone! When to Musio's strains 1 've Listened) To the Nightingale's # soft lays, While my eyes with plrasiuv glistened For the bliss, l gave thee praise. JlMUlV l.lllil 67 ON THE DEATH OF A FRIEND. Thou hast passed away and left us, Left us for Ihy Heavenly I Ionic; Of thy presence dear bereft as, Till our Father bids us come. No more sickness, no more sorrow, Safely, sweetly now at rest, Waking to a glorious morrow, Welcomed to the Saviour's breast. 68 on THE DEATH OF A FRIEND. We may Learn :i noble lesson Prom thy gentle, patient soul ; Learn to bear, to trust, to press on To the glorious I [eavenly Goal. Iged Christian! may the beauty ( )f thy daily life impress ( )n our hearts a love o\' Duly, Ry iis Truth and 1 [oliness. May we love thy bright Example; Thy meek Patience lill each breast, \iul upon us, as the Mantle Of the Prophet, softly resl ! G9 ()N THE DEATH <>K MISS L. G. I "Mourn no1 for me," methinke I hear her That Buffering angel, on her Heavenly way; "Mourn not for me, dear Mother; do m>i grieve, That I this pleasant earth for Heaven musl leave. There sickness slmll I never Know, nor pain. Nor sorrow, anguish, shall I feel again ; Therewith my Heavenly Father shall I be, \ikI A.ngels bright, through all Eternity." 70 ON THE DEATH OF MISS L. G. F. Dearest, we will not wish that thou shouldst come Back to this earth, from thy pure, happy home ; For in our God we trust, that thou art now Happier by far than here with us below. But still we weep; each throbbing, aching heart Feels a keen pang, from one so loved to part. And our souls murmur, all unconsciously, That to Himself our God has taken thee. But we will strive to calm our minds and pray : " The Lord hath given, He hath taken away." O let us be submissive to His will, Resigned, and trusting in His goodness still ! 71 LINES SUGGESTED BY A REPORT OF THE MINISTERS OF THE POOR. Go on, go on, kind teachers of the Poor, Go on and prosper in your holy work ! Ye cause the Widow's heart to sing for joy, And the lone, houseless Orphan to be glad. Preach the good tidings of a Saviour's love Unto their eager, willing minds, and Peace Shall fill their souls, and grateful hearts call down Rich blessings on their kind Instructors' heads ! 'T is yours to soothe, to comfort, and to bless ; O what Divine employment! following in 72 LINES. His holy steps, who died that we might live, — Might live for ever ! Thank thee, Saviour blest, Por thy divine, immortalizing truths! Bright cheering words, that lead our thoughts to God, Pure Heaven, and happy homes, beyond life's scenes, Of closely interwoven light and shade. 73 WRITTEN IN AN ALBUM. Dearest, the sweet and pleasant hours I 've passed in joy with thee. When Father Time seemed decked with flowers, Will ne'er forgotten be. Thy voice's ringing melody In merry songs I hear; Again thy joyous, gladsome laugh In fancy meets my ear. 6 71 WRITTEN in an AXBUM. Still, Memory paints thy pleasant, smile. Thy gentle, Bpeajung eye, As o'er my mental vision glides The past BO swiftly by. Though fat arc scenes with brightness shine, My heart shall ne'er forget The gay, the merry, joyous hours ! \e passed with Harriet. Hut often to the past 1 Ml turn, As to a hoarded treasure, And thoughts <)( lovely, absent friends Shall fill my soul with pleasure. 75 THE DEATH OF Dear, youthful, sainted Spirit! thou hast left this world's abode, Its sorrows and its trials, and hast fled to meet thy God ; To Heaven, where Jesus, Saviour blest, before thee long hast gone, Where tears are wiped from every eye, and pain is all unknown. We trust that thou art happy now, that it is well with thee, That thy soul has triumphed over Death, in joyful victory ; 7f> tin: i>i \iii <>e . Nasi, cast, aside this tegument <>i" worthless lie, li :unl day, Ami soars with sister Angels, in blest realm: of heavenly day. But, dear one, we arc weeping still, <«> think that fchou will come No mort', with thy sweet voioe and smile, to oheer us in our home ; l>ui, loved one, ours are selfish hearts, to grieve or to oomplain ; Our earthly loss Is small, compared with thy eternal gain. Though thou will oome m> more to us, yel shall we "\ Isit thee; In thoughts, and dreams, and all our prayers, thy name shall mingled be, Till finally we meel in joy, when passed Is life's dark sea, In peace U» dwell, no more to part, through all Bteratty. 77 ANNUM, MEETING OF TEACHERS, SCHOLARS, and FRIENDS, iT PANEUIL HALL. A.notheh year Ins swiftly past, And once more here we Btand, Within the Hall ef Liberty, In Freedom's favored land. Then let our thoughts to oilier scenes And distant countries flee, Where dwelt those fearless Pilgrim men, Who crossed the stormy sea. r8 ANNUAL MEETING VI I ANKIUL HAM . They iled from power that would bow clown The Soul in bondage strong; And on a distant foreign shore They raised fair Freedom's song. There, stern Oppression reigned supreme, Veiling the Torch of Truth, While Ignorance walked hand in hand With Childhood, Age, and Youth. The Lamp of Knowledge burns but dim Beneath a Tyrant's sway, While Learning hides in cloistered halls, And shuns the light of day. Then let us bless the Pilgrim Band, Who fled from Kingly Rules, And gave to glad Posterity, The blessing of Free Schools ! ANNUAL MEETING AT FANEUIL HALL. 79 And may we ever highly prize What they so nobly bought, Guard well our precious Liberty Of Action, Speech, and Thought. Let Glorious Science, Truth Divine, Float freely as the wind, And Knowledge fall, as Heaven's own dew, On every thirsting Mind ! 80 THE FISHER BOY. Upon a pleasant, balmy night, When moon and stars were shining bright, And Nature, in her loveliest mood, Had dressed the stream, the vale, the wood, A lady, worn and sad with care, Thought, as it was so very fair, That with her husband she would stray Far from the town, through fields away, To calm her mind with sights and sounds With which the country fair abounds. She left at home a merry throng Of boarders, full of mirth and song, THE FISHER BOY. 81 A wicked, lively, roguish set, — Never was seen their equal yet ; And as the cat was now away, These naughty mice began to play, And in the pleasant parlor cool, They tried their best to play the fool. One the Piano caused to ring; — With raven notes essayed to sing ; — Another, reckless, lean, and lank, Played many a monkey trick and prank. On a What-not there calmly stood A Fisher Boy, — not flesh and blood, But one of those rare gems of art From which it is so hard to part ; A plaster cast, 't is very true, But pleasant to the gazer's view, And fondly treasured by the dame ; But truth compels me to proclaim, The « Son of Anak," with a dash So swift 't was like the lightning's flash, 82 THE FISHER BOY. Remorseless seized the youthful form, (What though 't was not with feeling warm,) And, rudely twisting off his head, Upon the carpet he was spread, In many pieces, all around, Which would not be, to-morrow, found. Then rose a shout, a scream, a yell ; All on their knees in terror fell, And vainly strove to join, with care, The Fisher Boy, in fragments there ! 83 TO A PORTRAIT. Dearest, I love to look upon Thy sweet, calm, happy face, Where of dull care and sorrow- There 's not a single trace. Old Time 's not yet come near thy brow, Nor marked thereon a line ; Ah ! will he ? O, he '11 surely leave Forehead so fair as thine. 8 1 TO A PORTRAIT. Thine eyes, those large, dark, telltale orbs, Reveal thy young heart's feeling, If either joy or sorrow Be o'er thy pure soul stealing. Dearest, I know old Time can ne'er Entirely dim thine eye ; As long as life remains, thy soul Will still its fire supply. Young Hebe, thy face is passing fair, Thy cheeks of red-rose hue ; You must not let old Father Time Come stealing sly round you. But O thy mouth, thy cherub mouth. All dimples and sweet smiles ! Cupid will surely lodge him there, With all his siren wiles. TO A PORTRAIT. 85 Thy mouth's expression 's beautiful. So red and full thy lip, " Some bee has newly stung it," While pausing sweets to sip. And when those lips are parted, And thy sweet voice is heard, May a brilliant mind and talents Shine forth in every word ! When the person's charms are fading, And you feel Time creeping round. Speak graceful words of Wisdom, And he '11 vanish at the sound. 8G RURAL WALKS. I love, at the calm, sweet hour of night, When the bright moon yields her gentle light. To wander away over vale and hill, Or seat myself by some, gashing rill, Whose blue waters smoothly roll away, Where the piercing beams of the sun never And all is still in the greenwood grove, Save the Nightingale, tuning her song of love. Sweet 't is to rove by the deep sea-side, And list to the roaring, rushing tide, RURAL WALKS. 87 As it foams and lashes the pebbly shore, Stunning the ear with its waters' roar. When the wave is calm, and the fishers' barks ride Gayly along o'er the rippling tide, While the boatmen are singing some merry lay, Contented and happy the livelong day, O, then is the time which is sweeter far Than my lonely strolls by the light of the star, Or by the sea-side, when the billows dash, And the thunder growls, and the lightnings Hash, As the dark storm-spirit on clouds hurries by, His black mantle cast o'er the lurid sky. TO A FRIEND. "Look not mournfully into the Past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the Present. It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy Future, without fear, and with a trusting heart." Longfellow. Friend of other days, arouse thee ! Join the turmoil and the strife ! Break the chains that long have bound thee! Enter once more into life! Come, the world demands thee, Brother! Calls thee from thy lone retreat; Painful recollections smother, And thy future shall be sweet, TO A FRIEND. 89 Come, I once more would behold thee, — Once more hear thy gentle voice ; Come, a spirit bright has told me, That thou shalt again rejoice! Bind not, then, thy proud will longer ; The caged eagle droops and dies, But once free, with spirit stronger, Far above his foes he flies. Heed not, then, earth's babbling minions, Nor their idols of a day ; Gold will buy their best opinions, — Fearless onward keep thy way ! 90 A SISTER'S WELCOME. Welcome, wanderer, welcome, brother! Welcome to thy native shore ! Dearer far than any other, Welcome to our hearts once more ! Once again our arms enfold thee, Once again we clasp thy hand, Once again our eyes behold thee In thy much-loved Fatherland ! a sister's welcome. 91 Never leave us, never leave us ! Stay, O stay, our hearts to bless ! Let no more thy absence grieve us, — Stay and give us happiness ! We will pray that sweet Hygeia Ever may thy steps attend ; Ever unto thee may be a Guardian angel, sister, friend. Stay, then, and around thy pathway Love may shed her golden light, Flinging radiance o'er each sad day, Making all thy future bright. Then will each ecstatic vision, Heart-dreams of the early youth, Make life seem almost Elysian, Realized by Love and Truth. 92 A NEW-YEAR'S WISH, WITH A WREATH. FROM MY FRIEND TO HER FRIEND. Dearest Friend, a Happy New- Year With this Wreath I send to thee ; May its bright, unfading emblems Type of a blest future be. I would crown thee King of Science, Friend of Humanity and Truth ; Well thou deserv'st the noble tribute From the heart of age and youth. 93 A FRIEND'S DEATH. He is gone, the noble-hearted ; He is gone, the good, the true ; He is gone, from earth departed, Never more to meet our view. Mourn, ye weeping friends, for never Did a kinder heart e'er beat, Or a purer spirit ever Stand before the Judgment- Seat. 94 a friend's death. Never will the friends forget thee Whom thy presence used to bless # ; Ever will their hearts regret thee, With a holy tenderness. And as years, with solemn beauty, Veil the dim and shadowy past, Still thy life shall speak of duty, Teaching a lesson till the last. 95 EVENING MUSINGS. I love, at evening's holy hour, To muse in some sequestered bower, On pleasant scenes that long have fled, On Friends now numbered with the dead, On Happiness I have enjoyed, And bliss, sweet, pure, and unalloyed. When at this hour I think that they I loved so well have passed away, That in this world I ne'er shall see Their cherished forms so dear to me, 96 EVENING MUSINGS. Or hear them speak, or see them smile, As glide the joyous hours the while, I sigh, and wish that I could fly To those bright realms above the sky, Where dwell my friends with angels bright, With God and saints, in realms of light. 97 A FRAGMENT. What is life ? A dream, a vapor, Like a half-extinguished taper, Sometimes radiant, brightly shining, Then in darkness swift declining ; Beaming with a flickering light, — Sometimes dull and sometimes bright ; Blazing, lambent, iridescent, Illuminating all the present, Shooting meteoric rays, Almost kindling to a blaze. Just so life with many passes ; — Some are knaves, and some are asses. D8 A I'KACMKM. Some, with Genius beaming bright, Flash mid dazzle into light ; Prom their eyes :i glory beams, Blazing forth their poet dreams, While a brilliant halo spreads, Ever radiant, round their heads. These, while mingling in the real, Picture forth a bright ideal, To which their longing fancy turns, As the moth to the flame that bums. Another class of mighty minds, In the real, pleasure finds. .Some the Hero's pathway tread, O'er the dying and the dead. The genius of command is theirs, The courage stern, that danger dares, The iron will, linn as a rock, Thai yields not in the bailie's shock, Thai quails not in the furious din, Till victory their efforts win. A FRAGMENT. 99 In nobler conflicts sonic engage, Striving to benefit the age, To spread Christianity abroad, And teach all men to serve the Lord. Some, with warm, philanthropic zeal, Toil for the helpless prisoner's weal, With earnest purpose strive t' improve Their erring brothers by their love. This is ;i conflict loftier far Than crue] and revengeful war, A just crusade, a righteous fight, For God and Truth, and Holy Right. 100 "THE SOCIABLES.' O the Sociables of Summer Street! They arc a gay affair ; O what a merry gathering Last Friday night was there ! How sweet the music sounded, As across each ivory key Were swept the jewelled fingers Of the winning Mrs. C ! "THE sociables." 101 And graceful moved the dancers, As they hurried nimbly on, In the quick Waltz or Polka gay, Quadrille, or Cotillon. Glad through the bright assembly, With a calm and quiet grace, The pleasant hostess wanders, With her fair and smiling face. And there the mother mingles In the gay and festive set, Enjoying all the merriment, With heart unchilled as yet, And feelings warm and youthful, And a memory fresh and green, That pictures scenes of other days, And joys that once have been. 102 "tiie sociables." O may she here continue long In happiness to dwell, With the children and grandchildren, Whom she loveth passing well ! And may this band in harmony And unity remain ; And soon the pleasant, merry scenes Be acted o'er again ! 103 TO A CHILD ON HER BIRTHDAY. Joy be to thee, Sweet Mary! On this thy natal day, And love, my little Fairy, Bid sorrow flee away ! Although earth's sun be clouded, All brightly glows for thee, Within thy pleasant parlor, Upon thy mother's knee. 104 TO A CHILD ON HER BIRTHDAY. With gentle, kind caressing, She smooths thy golden hair, While from her inmost bosom She breathes a fervent prayer, That God would bless her darling, Her innocent young child, Keep evil from her pathway, Her spirit undefiled. Thy blue eyes dance with gladness, As Father opes the door, And swift thy feet so tiny, To meet him, cross the floor. He folds thee to his bosom, He greets thee with a kiss ! Dear Child, may many birthdays Be granted thee like this ! 105 TWILIGHT. Calm was the hour ; the setting sun His bright and glorious course had run, And sunk as gently in the west, As Christians sink to final rest. He threw his light, now mild and pale, On field and forest, hill and dale ; And many a bright and sparkling beam Fell playfully on lake and stream. At this sweet, still, refreshing hour, When music rung from many a bower Formed by the wild, luxuriant hand Of nature, o'er the verdant land, 8 106 TWILIGHT. As o'er the hills I strolled away, To view the closing of the day, And saw the clouds all fringed with light, Melting in mild and shadowy night, I thought of scenes that long were past, And visions bright, too bright to last. From earth my thoughts were turned above, Where dwell in peace the friends I love, With God and spirits of the just, Whose forms now moulder in the dust, But whose immortal souls have soared To Him whom they on earth adored. O, ever be my wayward mind Submissive, humble, and resigned ; Till I am called to God above, To dwell with Him, in peace and love. 107 CHAPEL FLOWER-GIRL'S SONG. FOURTH OF JULY. O, pray buy my Flowers! They 're fresh and they 're fair ; These roses all blooming, How lovely they are ! Here are Tulips and Lilies, Bright Pinks of rich dye, And the sweet, modest Violet, Buy, O pray buy ! 108 CHAPEL FLOWER-GIRL'S SONG. Here 's the flower of Napoleon, Beneath that bright leaf, Saying, " Do not forget me," Though life's hour be brief. Then buy for some dear one This fragrant Bouquet ; Let it speak Love's warm language On this Freedom's Day ! For what speaks so truly Affection's strong power To the heart's deepest feelings, As a simple, sweet flower ? You '11 purchase, you '11 purchase, I see by your smile ; Thank you, thank you, those young buds Will last a long while ! 109 TO A CHILD. Dear Child, upon thy sunny brow I love to gaze, And think how calmly, sweetly glide Thy youthful days. Misfortune thou hast never known, Nor sorrow's tear, For thou hast ever, ever felt Happiness here. 110 TO A CHILD. Blessed with a mother's fond advice, A father's care, Thou know'st not what it is to feel Danger or fear. O, may thy days untroubled glide Peacefully on, Till fade all earthly cares and joys, And Heaven be won ! Ill NIGHT. It was a calm and glorious night ; The stars in Heaven were burning bright, The moon was shining placidly, O'er the mild lake and dark green sea. The birds had all retired to rest, Each to his own soft, downy nest, And Nature's noises all were still, Save the soft ripple of a rill. It was an hour when those who never Had thought on God or Angels bright Might lift their eyes, and gaze for ever On those bright realms of glorious light. 112 NIGHT. I left my close, warm room, to breathe The balmy, fragrant air of Heaven ; And fond hopes for the future wreathe, And wish my many sins forgiven. I knelt me down and prayed to God, To ease my troubled, restless mind ; My soul was calmed, my sorrows all Had found a vent, — I felt resigned. I thanked Him for his tender care Of me, through life's dark, checkered ways ; And supplicated Him to watch In mercy o'er my future days. Upon my soul His spirit fell, As falls the mild, refreshing dew, And o'er my homeward path a spell Of beauty, light, and fragrance threw. 113 THE SACRIFICE. The glowing sun shone clear and bright ; All nature seemed to feel delight ; The birds sung sweetly in the grove Their songs of happiness and love. There came a youthful, dark-eyed girl, With brow bedecked with many a pearl, And flowing robes of majesty, A Hindoo widow's death to die. Her funeral pile is blazing clear ; Their hymns the priests are singing near; With face upturned to the bright sun, Her earthly race but just begun, 114 THE SACRIFICE. Devotion kindling in her eye, And her young soul all purity, Surrounded by fond weeping friends, In prayer the lovely victim bends. She lingers, — does she fear her doom ? Its dreadful passage to the tomb ? Yes, flesh is weak, her spirit quails ; She backward shrinks, her courage fails ; O'er her pure brow a shade is cast, As her soul whispers, 't is the last, Last time she '11 view this lovely earth, Its fruits and flowers and things of mirth. It passes ; — hopes that He who made, That dear-loved form before her laid, Will join them on another shore, Where they shall meet to part no more,' Nerve her young heart to bear the pain, And fortitude revives again. She mounts the pile ; 'midst songs and cries, Her spirit pure ascends the skies. 115 A NEW-YEAR'S WISH. Near thee still, yet never meeting, I would send a kindly greeting, Wish thee happiness and pleasure, Health, and Love, and every treasure ; Though my path be girt with sadness, O may thine be full of gladness, And the joys of peace and plenty, With the bliss of love content ye. May you never know the feeling That awakes the tears now stealing, — All the loneliness and sorrow, That o'ershadows each to-morrow ; But each morning sun that rises Fill thy heart with glad surprises, 116 a new-year's wish. And no anxious cares come near, But happy be the glad New Year ! To thy life has gracious Heaven Gifts abundant freely given ; Traces of God's love to thee All around thy path I see, — All that makes life worth possessing, With Wealth, that heightens every blessing. In pleasant paths thy footsteps tread, And. bounteous is thy table spread. Tender Brother, thoughtful Friend, A Happy New- Year's Wish I send; God omniscient, who can view Every soul, both false and true, Read thy worthy, honest heart, And freely did his gifts impart : A faithful steward wilt thou prove, Till sounds the Angel's voice of love, Calling thee to thy Heavenly Home, " Well done, thou faithful servant, come ! " 117 VALENTINE. No. I. I sent to thee a Valentine, But have not yet a single line, To tell me if received or no ; — Thou silent, fickle, frigid beau ! Excuses it were vain to proffer, — Thou hast not one of note to offer. Thy silence does the truth discover, Thou 'It never prove a faithful lover. I little deemed that thou couldst be From gallantry entirely free, « Thou who hast roamed in sunny France, And Italy, land of romance, Through England's vales so green and fair, With lovely maids beyond compare. 118 VALENTINE. Ah no, I thought that thou possessed, Deep hidden in a manly breast, Feelings warm, tender, generous, kind, A noble heart, a lofty mind, And spirit independent, free, — All this, and more, I fancied thee ! Say, was I wrong, my recreant knight ? If I were so, pray set me right ; And if thou canst, in good, sound sense, Set up a logical defence, Your arguments I humbly pray You '11 send to me, without delay. My name, I 've granted Love permission, To tell you, by his intuition. So, if thou art in truth inclined The writer of these lines to find, Consult thy memory and thy heart, — Combined with these, they '11 light impart. Mon ami, now, bon soil', adieu ! Soon let me see or hear from you ! 119 VALENTINE. No. II. In vain I strive to picture The love that fills my heart ; My lips can find no language Its feelings to impart. For most the stillest current The deepest water shows, As smothered fire, when breaking, With wildest fury glows. 120 VALENTINE. No more shall reason struggle My feelings to conceal, But passion to thy spirit The secret shall reveal. Then list, — I fondly love thee, I only would be thine ; Ah ! let my passion move thee, My heart's own Valentine ! 121 VALENTINE. No. III. Have I guessed right, and didst thou send A Valentine to me, my friend ? And truly did you there reveal The secret love you warmly feel ? And can it be that I 'm so blest, To waken love within thy breast, — Within thy heart, that I esteem Worthy of happiness supreme ? If truly thou this love dost feel, Till a fit time the.truth conceal, And let no envious, prying eyes Discover Cupid's dark disguise. 9 122 VALENTINE. If you are honest, kind, and true, Such will I ever prove to you, And love thee with a love so fond, Thou 'It never wish to break the bond ; But through life's journey I '11 be thine. And thou my faithful Valentine. 123 VALENTINE. No. IV. Thine image is before mine eyes ; I think, I dream of thee ; Do not my humble heart despise, But kindly think of me. If in thy soul is deep enshrined Some passion warm and true, I will not seek thy generous mind To shackle or pursue. 124 VALENTINE. Affection, love, bright, priceless gems, That glad the humble cot, While Monarchs in rich diadems Seek, but possess them not. Farewell, Farewell ! Affection's power O cast not idly by ; For sweet is e'en the humblest flower That blossoms 'neath the sky. And oh ! condemn her not unheard Who trembling writes to thee; But, if another be preferred, O love her tenderly ! 125 VALENTINE. No. V. Dearest, as you tread the mazes Of the noisy city life, With its many, varied phases, And of cares and pleasures rife, O remember, O remember, Her who never can forget All those bright days, gone for ever O, they charm my fancy yet ! 12G VALENTINE. Happy memory loves to linger O'er the sweetness of those hours, Tracing, with a willing finger, The bright record wreathed with flowers. Driving in the shaded by-lanes, 'Neath the murmuring, moaning trees, Pulses wildly, through the full veins, Throbbing to the sighing breeze. Of lost happiness will never Those sweet scenes return to bless ? Only Fancy, fondly, ever Paint the warm, the dear caress ? Ah, let love with rapture glowing Waken heart-throbs full of bliss, Till the soul, with joy o'erflowing, Realize life's happiness. 127 VALENTINE. No. VI. dear and pleasant, absent Friend, Would I were now with thee, — To thee to whom my spirit turns, Beloved ! so constantly. The hours seem ages as they pass ; They move on leaden wings; When thou art far away from me, Naught to me comfort brings. 1 joy not in the festive scene, No music charms mine ear ; The music of thy voice I miss, Thou best beloved, most dear! 128 VALENTINE. The merry dance no pleasure gives : I miss thy gentle hand, •With loving pressure leading me To join the merry band. Then come and bless my longing heart, O come nor longer stay ! With thy dear presence turn my Night, Sun of my Soul ! to-day. The brightness of thy joyous smile Flashes across my dreams ; And all seems bright and radiant then, — Alas ! alas ! but seems ! No longer then will darkness shade, Nor longer shall I pine, Thou silver lining to my cloud, My heart's own Valentine ! 129 VALENTINE. No. VII. Think of me at eventide, When the moon is brightly beaming ; Think of me, let naught beside Mingle with thy spirit's dreaming. Think of me when all is still, When the stars are brightly shining, Think of me when by the hill Thou in peace art calm reclining. 130 VALENTINE, Think of me, if distant far Thou with some loved form art roving, Think of me, let every star Tell thee still I 'm fondly loving. Think of me, O ne'er forget Her who these fond lines composes ! Think of me, and ever let My image come begirt with roses. 131 VALENTINE. No. VIII. O absent friend, where art thou ? A Valentine I send ; It comes from one who loves thee, Thy fondest, truest friend. While waking or while sleeping, Thou 'rt ever, love, with me ; My truant fancy wanders Continually to thee. 132 VALENTINE. For thee my loving spirit With fervent ardor burns, As to his shrine the pilgrim With fond devotion turns. Then let this humble tribute, Whene'er it meets thy view, Before thy memory picture An absent friend that 's true. Young Love in tones of music My name to thee shall tell : Dost hear ? he whispers , Dear , fare thee well ! 133 A DYING CHILD TO HER FRIENDS. I feel I'm dying, Mother; That I must leave this earth, — The scene of many happy days, And hours of joyous mirth. O, do not grieve so, Mother, For I shall meet you there ; There, in that blissful Heaven, Where all is bright and fair. And I must leave my Playmates, Each fond, true-hearted Friend ; O God, I pray thy blessing May on them all descend ! 134 A DYING CUILD TO HER FRIENDS. My good and gentle Teacher, 'T is hard to part from thee ; Thou hast ever treated kindly, And taught me patiently. Farewell, thou dearest Brother, No more with me you '11 play, No more with me con lessons, Or to our Father pray. O do not grieve so, Mother, For you know you Ve often said, That in Heaven I should meet Father, — His spirit there was fled. O come, my Mother, nearer ; Put your hand upon my brow ; There 's something closing o'er my eyes Farewell! All farewell now! 135 THE STAR IN THE EAST. "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judcea, in the days of Herod the king, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he that is born King of the Jews ? for we have seen his star in the East, and are come to worship him."' A Star is beaming bright, High in the eastern sky. And gazing on its brilliant light Is many an anxious eye. That Star beams forth a pledge ; Earth's children's prayers are heard ; The promised Saviour, Christ, is born ! God hath fulfilled his Word. 136 THE STAR IN THE EAST. On humble couch of straw- Lies Israel's infant King, And gifts of Gold, Myrrh, Frankincense, The Eastern Sages bring. Lowly they bend the knee, Those men of ancient lore ; With wondering looks of reverence gaze, As meekly they adore. Slowly they then depart, Spread the glad tidings round ; — Throughout Judsea's Palaces, Lute, Harp, and Cymbal sound. Their songs of love and joy The grateful Shepherds raise To God, their Heavenly Father, who With mercy crowns their days. THE STAR IN THE EAST. 137 Glad hymns arise from all, To celebrate His birth, Who brings Good Tidings of great joy, Peace and Good-Will on earth ! And will He be their King ? Mighty among the Great ? In regal pomp and glory reign, With majesty and state ? He comes to bless the Poor ; To teach the thirsting mind; To guide inquiring, humble souls, The Heavenly way to find ; To heal the wounded heart, The drooping form revive ; To soften sorrow's rending pang, And bid the Dying live! 10 138 THE STAR IN THE EAST. For this did Jesus come, To spread the Gospel's light, To wake the sleeping souls of men From Sin's dark, gloomy night. O may we early strive To love his Holy Word ; With Spirits meek, and fervent Faith, Trust in our Sovereign Lord ! 139 ANNIVERSAKY HYMN. FOR WARREN STREET CHAPEL. TEACHERS. Thou Father eternal, omnipotent, glorious ! All-bounteous Preserver! we worship thee here; We thank thee, we bless thee, that thou hast shed o'er us Thy love and protection throughout the past year. SCHOLARS. O Lord, thy young servants, with loud accla- mation, In strains of thanksgiving would echo thy praise ; 140 ANNIVERSARY HYMN. Thine arm has upheld us, O God of creation ! Thy goodness, with blessings, has crowned all our days ! TEACHERS. O blest be the hour when we entered the portal, To publish his Gospel, who came man to save; To whisper to each youthful, blooming Im- mortal, The hopes of a Heaven beyond the dark grave. SCHOLARS. We thank thee, O God, for the kind Teachers present, Whose words of instruction have aided us on; Restore to our fond hearts the dearly loved absent, To join in thy praise as in days past and gone ! ANNIVERSARY HYMN. 141 TEACHERS AND SCHOLARS. Thou Spirit, Almighty, Undying, Eternal ! Long, long may thy praise in this temple be sung ! While young hearts are beating, while earth remains vernal, Let songs and hosannas arise from each tongue ! 142 HYMN. Praise, praise to the Father ! supreme, uncre- ated, Each spirit before him in reverence bow ; With blessings deep laden life's bark has been freighted ; O yield the full tribute of thankfulness now ! Praise, praise to the Father! for his arm has led us, His cloud and his pillar have guided our way, With manna, rich manna from heaven, he has fed us, And illumined our spirits with truth's holy ray. HYMN. 143 Then bow down before him, unite at his altar, The heart's humble worship, devout and sincere ; Sound, sound forth his praises, in tones that ne'er falter, For love, perfect love, casteth out every fear ! The words of our Saviour, our dear elder brother, Our guide through the pathway of life ever be, Who spake as on earth never yet spake an- other, — Bring all to the knowledge and true love of thee. And may the glad tidings of human salvation, The Gospel of Jesus, the blest Prince of Peace, Be preached through the world to each far distant nation, Till Heathen and Pagan God's kingdom 144 HYMN. Then joyfully yield the heart's grateful oblation, And loud let our mingled hosannas arise ; Ring forth the glad poean in warm adoration, Till Angels re-echo the strains from the skies ! 145 A CHILD'S HYMN. O Heavenly Father, unto thee Humbly thy children pray, That thou wilt cause each youthful heart To seek Religion's way. Teach us to shun the path of those Who Folly love, and Sin, And onward help our souls to press, A heavenly prize to win. 146 a child's hymn. Strengthen each heart to persevere, In striving to obtain That better portion 'bove the skies, The soul's eternal gain. When life 's shut out, and children meet Around God's holy throne, Happy those angel spirits then Jesus shall call his own ! 147 HYMN While gazing on the brilliant moon, And lovely, starlit sky, My thoughts to Heaven and holy things Turn all unconsciously. That bright, blue concave arch, who spread Its softened covering o'er ? Who peopled space with those bright worlds ? A Wise Almighty Power. The earth's gay carpet, velvet green, The fragrant flowers we see, The mellow music of the birds, Proclaim God constantly. 148 HYMN. The gentle, balmy breeze imparts Feelings of thankfulness, And leads my heart to Him who gives Our every happiness. Thou Glorious Sun ! bright type of Him Who came to shed abroad The beams of Light and Life and Truth, And knowledge of our Lord, Can my soul view thee, and not think Of Him who came to save ? Bright Sun of Righteousness, who threw A light e'en round the grave ? Thoughtless indeed must be his heart Who through God's earth can move, And see not, in the works he views, A Guardian Father's Love! 149 DEDICATION HYMN. O God, this House of Prayer We 've humbly raised to Thee : O may thy guardian care Forever o'er us be ! On all, each Sabbath here, Thy holy spirit shed ; Lead them to worship in thy fear, In virtue's paths to tread. 150 DEDICATION HYMN. May youthful hearts be taught To understand thy word, And many souls be early brought To praise and love the Lord. Unto each contrite mind, Thy blessing, Father, give : O let them humbly seek and find, - Meekly thy truth receive ! Father, to thee we pray : Help us to flee from sin, Watch o'er our spirits day by day, Keep conscience pure within. 151 SUNDAY-SCHOOL HYMN. O here may youthful minds be brought To love the precepts Jesus taught ; To understand God's word, and tread The holy path our Saviour led. O lead our hearts to feel how near To Heaven we are, while lingering here Teach each to know how short the span On earth of feeble, erring man. 152 SUNDAY-SCHOOL HYMN. O give us strength to love and draw- Instruction from thy Sacred Law, And let our thirsty souls receive That u living water " thou canst give. Youth's brightest dreams will soon be past ; Earth's fleeting pleasures cannot last; Even as mist before the sun They fade, and soon life's race is run. God's promises we '11 trust, and dwell With pleasure on the words which tell Of future bliss and joys, aw T ay In regions of Eternal Day. 153 CHILD'S CHAPEL HYMN. Dear Sabbath School ! I love it well, For here of Heaven my Teachers tell, And strive, with accents gentle, kind, To lead to God the youthful mind. The Bible's lessons are explained, — In Wisdom's ways young hearts are trained, Religion's holy truths displayed Devoid of terrors, pleasant made. 11 154 child's chapel hymn. And then in Chapel, O how sweet The same kind faces 'tis to meet! Whose minds and hearts in love agree, Like members of one family. Our Spirit's Teacher, He whose care Is o'er us all, we join in prayer, And read with him the Song of Praise We to our great Creator raise. O grant my soul may profit by What here I learn, and humbly try To practise all the virtues taught, And keep from error, even thought. Our Heavenly Father looks with love On children's efforts to improve ; O'er all he spreads his fostering care, And hears each humble infant prayer. 155 THOUGHTS BY MOONLIGHT. Mild, silvery Moon, that shinest bright In yonder clear and cloudless sky, While gazing on thy gentle light, I think of Him who rules on high ; Who listens to the humblest prayer That e'er from infant's lips ascends ; Who guards us with attentive care, And to our every want attends. 156 THOUGHTS BY MOONLIGHT. He bears for us a Father's love, And keeps us safely day by day ; While, from his glorious Throne above, He looks on us, so far away. My God, may I remember thee, — In all my thoughts thy image find ; O may I ever grateful be, For thou art always good and kind! 157 AN ADDRESS, WRITTEN WITH THE THOUGHT OF READING BEFORE THE PUBLIC. ye who grace this Meeting! Strangers, Friends ! A rapture to my heart your presence lends ! As round I gaze, and on me bright eyes beam, 1 breathe, in fancy, in enchantment's dream ! But no ! warm life is flashing from those eyes That greet the novice with such strange sur- prise, That speaks expressive in each glowing face, And questions, with a sort of wondering grace, Her advent here, who comes now to rehearse The thrilling strain of Genius' lofty verse; — Not with sweet Music's soul-entrancing power, That throws a spell of bliss around the hour ; 158 AN ADDRESS. That loveliest of the Muses, charming maid, Divine Euterpe, lends not now her aid; But ranged around, though her sweet voice be dumb, Have many children of the Muses come. Here learned Howadjies, savants, men of wit, With grace and beauty joined, before me sit, A star-like, radiant band, with lustre bright Shining in Fashion's galaxy to-night. O could their thoughts that breathe, and words that burn, Who now lie cold in the funereal urn, — Could He, the mighty Master, deathless name! Proud Albion's Shakespeare, of immortal fame! By some weird magic, my poor verse inspire, And lend a portion of poetic fire, — Could I the crazed, the meek Ophelia trace, Her beauty and inimitable grace, Or bring the fair Cordelia to your view, That pure embodiment of all most true, Or win wise Portia, with transcendent art, To charm for me each listening hearer's heart, AN ADDRESS. 159 Whose lips, more worthy of a swarm of bees Than even Plato's, could not fail to please, — Bat ah ! those sweet creations of his will Come not to aid me with their matchless skill ! Were mine a Sappho's power, a Helen's grace, The charms of genius, with the charms of face, Could I, Prometheus-like, Olympus mount, Or sip from Castaly's enchanted fount, Then might my verse with such bright glory beam, That listening Genius would applaud my theme ! O that some Friend of Letters now were mine! To smooth the pathway to Apollo's shrine. With Plutus' magic gild the rocky road, That onward leads to Pallas' fair abode. But Fortune, wayward, fickle goddess, sheds Her glittering treasures on more favored heads, And leaves me cheerless on my lonely way; E'en Hope, young truant, will scarce longer stay ! 160 AN ADDRESS. No foreign prestige heralds my debut; A daughter of your city speaks to you ! No laurels from the Old World grace my brow, To dazzle, charm, and win a triumph now ! No wide-spread radiance of dramatic fame Plays, with its brilliant halo, round my name ! But here I come, an humble devotee, Low bending at the Muses' shrine the knee, Driven, by stern Nemesis and destiny, Their strains to echo who can never die, Whose lays have won them immortality ! Daring to strive, and struggling to obtain Your kind approval, — shall I strive in vain ? But should no merit shine, your praise to draw, Give me your hearts, — judge by their higher law ! THE END. *jD -^