ELICIOUS.^^ PS 1929 — i2- .H852 Copy 1 OETIC MUSINGS — BY — Joseph Hodgson. Cop skighted Januaby 13, 1879. Deep musing thus who has been steep' d In reverses of thought and brain. By flood and field, mountain and plain, Where cascades foamed and cataracts leap'd. l; POETIC mU'^iKgi^ iB^sr JOSEPH HODGSON, PATRIOTIC, RELIGIOUS, SEMTIMENTAL. Deep mnsing thus who has been steep'd In reveries ot thought and bvain By flood and field, mountain andjplain. Where cascades foaaii'4'q^od»cg|ai:^,<^^Ba!«'d. Fbanib: Roehb, Pkinteb, Chicago. ^ PREFACE. 1^ Poetry, like flowers in the fields, is of various rv^inds, it is as diversified as the talents of those who • write it. There is poetry of diction and poetry of thought, , either may be good, but best together. Rhyme, without considerable embodiment of thought, is as childishness, yet, it is undoubtedly the best effort in that line, which many can make. But too many would he's, merely run their fingers over the cat-gut, without calling forth the rich mel- odies of sound, without throwing the spell of en- chantment over us . They cannot strike the golden lyre like glorious Apollo, breathing intensest thought into the living, and almost awaking the dead to think. But they are content to sit down as it were by a little rill of pleasure of their own, in a pleasant valley, with no other object in view, than, just like the flies around, to buzz, buzz, buzz about us. Your poet here, in this little work, would feign have sounded something, worthy of being echoed throughout all time, but alas ! put a tin whistle in his mouth. He would like to have rung the grand artillery of Song,— of the mighty spirit of Song- awakening thoughts of highest heaven. Oh ! Oh 1 he can only weep over his failure. When we put off this mortal, to put on the im- mortal, we may perceive the soul's hereafter gran- deur of existence, the beautitudes of a far mor glori- ous immortality, may enter the arena of wisdom, T^here the noblest angels stand ready to instruct UB. ii -worfchy of the everlasting honor. As it is, bohoo! I weep! Weep over my misfor- tunes and failures. In a very short time I sink into' oblivion. Pardon, then, gentle reader, my calling 70UV attention to these very simple efforts. Yuur money he'ps to live. AUTHOR. mTRODUCTORT POEM. Who will hear what a cripple says '? How should misfortune make ii3b inoanV So friend-forsaken like and lone, Thus roving through live's devious ways. Whose fancies here have led him ou In lyric pleasures to engage, Froiia early youth to hoary age, So now his vagaries are known. Deep musing thus, who has been steep'd In reveries of ..hough fc imd brain. By flood and field, mountain and plain. Where cascades foam'd, and cataracts leap'd, This old-grown child yet loves to play Amidst life's shadows of a kii;d By words and feelings best defin'd, And, flowers and fancies, by the way. When will his weary wanderings ce ise? This heart be chuug'd, tran&form'd this wili? This throbbing pulse be cairn and still? This soul know only perfect peace? Most humble prayer, O God ! I make. Yet thank thee for all mercies shown. Still for sweet rest when night comes on, With thanks and praise all blessings take. NEBEASKA. Nebraska rising in the West, Where summer skies in beauty smile. So worthy all we can invest In prairie lands with virgin soil. Her cities, towns, and villas rise Perspective ever unto view ; NEBRASKA— Continued. Make glad the scene before our eyes, Our hopes in home afresh renew. A hundred papers, printed square. With newsy columns, side by side ; A hundred papers speaking fair Of famed Nebraska, far and wide. Intelligence is spreading fast ; A tide of wealth is flowing in. Thank God 1 prosperity at last, The weeds of doubt and care to thin. The hopeful stranger smiling comes. He sees, he buys, fresh hopes he tries ; Here thousands find them happy homes, To thousands more love welcome cries. Rise fair Nebraska of the West, Beneath the smile of sunny skies ; Where youth and beauty promise best With cherry cheeks and laughing eyes, Who ever will, may here do well, But they that would do well, do right; Come to Nebraska, to excel In life's enjoyments and delight. HEALTH IS ONLY WANTED HERE. We ar» living in a grand age ; We are living for our time, We need not our sorrow's bandage. They will heal midst music's chime, Midst the sounds of things sublime. While progression moves on glorious With the freedom of the press, Intsllect comes of victorious ; New hopes bloom and joys confess. Grows life's sorrows sweetly less. Cause is ample, room is spacious, We can prosper greatly here. Land is plenty, time is precious. HEALTH IS ONLY WANTED HEEE—ContinuecL And our title it is clear, We are in the midst of cheer. We are where all things are lovely, Where we wish and love to be ; Where the grandest things we prove, be Happy health and amity, Health and lov9 in unity. Love shall triumph over all things, Love which eooks each dainty dish. Of will fancy, choose and call things. Breathe in every human wish. Greatest wonders accomplish. Justly strong whene'er controlling Mighty motives of the mind; Every heai-t when happy ruling, Fair express'd and well defin'd, Breathes its spirit like the wind. But though love here reign so mighty. Itself is controll'd by health, Health inspires it, counsels weighty Gently sway its living breath, Ruleth mind ev'n until death. Howe'er mad in its ambition Mind is easiest sway'd by love, Under whatsoe'er condition It in struggling may have strove. Mind with health must blessing prove. Mind with love grows stronger, greater. Conquests hath of noblest kind; Hope, its giant agitxtor Urges to fresh triumphs find. Ever urges on the mind. In the glorious field of action Keep from malice, envy, hate ; Wealth is but a miser's fraction, Health is an'enjoyment great, Health is life's most blessed state. Wealth is oft a botheration. Bought a bargain over-dear ; HEA1.TH IS ONLY WANTED HERE— Continued. Bought ■with toil and care and suasion. Bought with many a bitter tear, Health is onlsr wanted heve. Give us health above all riches, Give us health above ah care ; Vices are but ugly v/itches, Virtues, angels bright and fair, Full of blessing everywhere. Give a perfect health, embracing Every beauty, virtue, grace ; Give a powerful health, displacing Every vice that grows npace When uucheck'd in life's apt case. With happy hoalth and grateful wisdom Give an iinderstanding mind; Ne'er a blessing can amiss come From all goodness unconfin'd. From a being great as kind. One whose justice is pei-fection, One whose words ore full oxtriith; Mercy like a free affection Proves his love and sho'.vs his truth, Gives his saints immortal j^outh. G:d is great, or, great is Allah, So Mahomet's Cillers s;iy, Whf re h s goodness shines we follow, Basking in his glory's ray, Follow him from dsy to day. All our lives are fleet and hollow. All our merit here as dross. Unless we his goodness follow ; Rolling round with care we toss, Never gather aught of moss. All we learn here folly teaches, A'l we know looks thin and vain ; Unless Christ his gospel preaches. Or, his ministers again Holdeth forth that we obtain. Without health we find no pleasure Christianity to prove. —9^ HEAIiTH IS ONLY WANTED HEBE— Continued. Without knowledge find no treasure, Without God we find no love. But how useless live and move. This lifo here may he worth living, This earth worth our culturing care. With our labor for it giving ; Lnbor like a constant prnyer For our blessing everywhere. Whoe'er slothful will not lR,bor, But here only waste hib time, Wan- shall cut him like a sabre, Cut him midst his manhood's prime, Cut him for his careless crime. He shall have no love for living, Nor desire shall know in death ; He shall have no wealth for giving, Who with thoughtless waste of breath As a careless zephyr strayeth. Give, o God! unto the nations, Peace and truth that they may find; Give, o God ! unto the nations Love and mercy like the wind, Ever free and unconfin'd. Give the guidance of thy spirit, Give the counselings of thy love ; W.u-s must cease before its merit; Wars shall but disasters prove, Where'er fearful armies move. Well the people's heart inclining Lead them in thy loving way ; Wisely e'er all good designing Keep them humble, teach to pray, All thy precepts to obey, - - To behold thy temple standing Near the ever-flowing stream ; Every heart and mind commanding; In the bright sun's golden beam ; Showing Uie's not all a dream. All the nations, yea, all living Can behold thy glory there ; . , —ID- HEALTH IS ONLY WANTED HERE— Continued, Every honor to thee giving ; At thy footstool bow in prayer, Feel an aweful sense of care. Give, o Godl unto the nations. Grace and beauty to them show, Give, o God 1 unto the nations Health to live, and grateful knov From thee blessings ever flow. Health in living, greatest comfort ; Health in eating, sweetest sweet ; Health in trouble, balmiest solace ; Health, the bosom's lightest beat, Crowns enjoyment most complete. Give, o God '.'fair nature's graces, Eoseate hues that tint the cheek ; When the glow of summer blazes. These the flow of pleasure speak, Though the scenes of toil we seek. Give, with health, thy Holy Spirit, Through life to guide and cheer : We would prove it hath all merit. Leads to walk with holy fear, Through;,the circling-of^the year, Lead us through where rush the ages, With dread silence passing o'er ; Lead where knowledge full engages With an everlasting store All our mind for evermore. October 27th, 1877. A KANSAS EMIGRANT SONG, — OB- HEBE'S HEALTH7»AND WEALTH FOR YOU. Away off West, in Kansas far. Behold a waving land. Where rises Empire's western star. With beauty smiling grand, — u— A KANSAS EMIGRANT SONG— Continued, Equality in struggling tears, Looks hopeful there to view ; Come on ye panting pioneers, Here's health and wealth for you. Look down you valley, far and wide, As rich as Solomon. Where meek industry may abide, And keep pi'ogressing on, Where blooming lands with plenty cheer, Hope smiles in every view ; Come on ye panting pioneers, Here's health and wealth for you. Away down on the Arkansaw, Far in the Southern part. The soft Favonian breezes blow, For nature's eai'ly start ; Cheap lands and homesteads draw like team In Ipve and friendship true ; Come' on ye panting pioneers. Here's health and wealth for you. Sit down beside the rolling stream. Or by some purling rill, Till like a fairy vision seem The object of your will, Encompass'd with all that endears Home's pleasing scene to view; Come on yo panting pioneers. Here's health and wealth for you. Some poet sings that comint? things Cast forth their shadows here ; If so, see Kansas' shadow'd wings Of future fast career ; Come swiltly, spreading thro' yon spheres ; Before your open view ; Come on ye panting pioneers. Here's health and wealth for you. Go West, young man, it seems the best. That thou may never rue ; Keep going west, go further west, Till thou canst happy view The ranging hills like mighty tiers, To Colorado through ; Come on ye pinting pioneers. Here's health aud wealth for you. -12- EMIGRANT SONG. No. 2. Lo! the emigrants are coining, To behold day's brightest star, With to-niorrow's promise blooming, Rising in the West afar ; Fair as flatters expectation. Cheei-eth honest industry ; Waking with new resurrection All a ijoople's energy. Chorus :— They are coming, ever coming With the hope that cannot rest ; They are coining, ever moving Onwards to the further West ; ..Sailing, ike the ships of ocaan O'er the rolling prairie ground ; With the wind in healthy motion Blowing blessings all around. Like the waves of ocean flowing Forward, forwai'd every way ; Like the waves of ocean going Onwanl, onward every day. With the hope that ever brightens Like soDJC glorious central sun, With the care that always lightens When their daily task is done. Chorus :— They are coming, ever coming With the hope that etc., etc. Where our country's future glory Rises with each cheerful care ; Blooming new in pieasing story Like a thing of beauty there ; I^et them come, and form a people Highly favor'd in the West, Till their hope, like some tall steeple* Points to mansions of the bleas'd. Chorus :— They are coming, ever coming With the hope that etc., etc, —13— THE HOMESTEAD LAND. There is a prospect grand. So some declare ; Ther.i is a fertile land In Kansas, where Good homesteads they are free, Free for either you or me ; O we can go and see If comfort's there. For those who care to toil With steady h-md. For those who do so toil Plenty command ; May find it worth their while To see kind nature smile Upon Nebraska soil And bless that land. It 'waits the husbandman To come and see, It 'waics the husbandman To happy be ; To look, and hopeful scan How shrewd industry can Earn there, or wisely plan Prosperity, Unless there come great drouth Upon that lind. Unless there come sore drouth At God's command, Unless there come in truth Wjnds scorching from the south: Grasshoppers without ruth, Upon that land ; Until the people feel Humbled in pride ; And that they hive to deal With God beside ; Before Him lowly kneel, And such chastisement to feel His justice to reveal Both far and wide. Come to that homestead land With humble prayer, —14— THE HOMESTEAD LAND— Continued. Come to that western strand With earnest care ; O come in many a band, Social life who can command, To learn with heart and hand Good living there. There is a prospect grand, As some declare, There is a western land So fertile, where Good homesteads now invite, O ! how many eyes delight To gain a happy sight Of plenty there. AN INVITATION TO THE LAND OF CORN AND FREE HOMESTEADS. Ye Britons, Gennans, Europeans— all Who long have groan'd beneath oppressing thrall, Have suffer'd oft from want, becaus a few Lordlings and knaves would perverse ways pursue; Come haste ye now, this better land to know. Where corn and wine, where milk and honey flow ; Land long unknown, though stretching far and wide. Which brave Colambus hxil'd with Spanish pride, On going without knowing where its coast He e'er should reach with his adventurous host ; Who long had cared in his ambitious will To land him high on Fame's immortal hill. Bright honor is his star, his guide from day to day, Which glenm'd upon him o'er the trackless way; Nobly he strove o gainst the r-tubborn crew, By superstition sw ly'd, to hold his view ; Singly he stood, no staunchmen by his side. Midst storms and omans in the waters wide, He boldly used the navigator's skill To gain him thus a name that liveth still ; Nor reck'd what dangers he should e'er pass through. While fame and honor's path he did pursue ; Nor how on ocean's waves he might be toss'd. Nor how in vasty deep he might be lost, A little learning is a dangerous thing. But here some knowledge crown'd him more than -king; —15- AN INVITATION TO THE LAND OF CORN AND FREE HOMESTEADS— Continued. Crown'd him the fam'd discoverer of a land So long unknown, tho' greatly good and grand ; Where giant mountains iift their heads sublime, And from the sunlight shadow forth the time ; Where mighty rivers through wide valleys sweep, IJnto the far ofif ocean, onward keep Their devious course, while climates changing grow. Where corn and wine, where milk and honey flow. A liberal form of government holds sway There o'er the people who the law obey. Come to this country, ye so long oppvess'd. Come take ye homesteads, be with plenty bless'd. Through honest toil, where civilization reigns, Where labor to true dignity attains, There, till the land, there, count vipon its gains. Where corn grows plenty on the prairie plains. To seek your future welfare you can claim To do more than Columbus did for fame ; Affirm that honor only is a bubble. But want of bread makes this a world of trouble, On land too little for the people's weal. While wasteful kings the grievance never feel. When yo\i can leave it for a better far, With hope to lead you as a guiding star. Then cast your lot upon the waters wide. To hail the land Columbus did with pride. Each bold adventurer may his honor save. Steer for the West, where fortune cr-^wns the brave ; Where every humble want may be supplied, And naught condem'd excepting huugiy pride. Yourself, wife, children, all may happy be As e'er you cause can for contentment see. Yourself, wife, children, all may worship here The God of your forefathers, free from fear ; May live midst plenty, and may live to God, To die contented, on the Pilgrim's road, Heir to a mansion in his loved abode. INDEPENDENCE DAY. Now July Fourth's echoing round An era in a nation's fume, With jubilant honors highly crown'd, Arches triumphal attest the same. INDEPENDENCE DAY— Continued. How from beneath oppression's thraU, Amidst wild Indims roving round. As other people rise and fall, By forco of circumstances found. This migthy nation has arisen, In anns and war succ; ssful crown'd ; With hopes no tyy;ant can impvison, Whose love of froidom none can bound. A numerous people here we find, A gocdl;/ spii'it now avo scan, Gather'd, as with one hear': and mind, To prove the brotherhood of man. Gather'd f .-om fields of golden grain. Prom finithy's forge and factory mill; Gather'd from every source of grain, With all the power of human will. Gather'd with grateful feelings all, For being sfivtd from foreign power; Tyrannic will, unfeeling soul, Tending to make both sad and sour. While spirit-light from high' st heaven Is pouring down en all around, The veil of mercy, gently riven, Shows how the past has ceased to wound. Ten millions pic-nic on the gi-een. Cool-sh Itered in the bowery woods ; Ten million happy faces seen. Behold the joyfulmulfcitudes ! Ten millions sib with look serene, Beneath kind heaven's protecting power; Ten millions on the virtue lean Of freedom for our nation's dower. Ten millions, nay ; say five times ten. An ever growingmultitude, Of virtuous woir.en, honor'd men, To back the nation's gratitude ; * Era— a remTkablo period of time, a point, or period of time from which to compute. —IT- INDEPENDENCE DAY— Continued. For what has been by valor won. Free trade, free press, free people all ; For what has been successful done, Whilst in our midst Heaven's blessings fall. Whilst fancy's aims find much to do, Or love, or honor to proclaim ; In praise of heroes leading to The victories we love to name ; Which stamp the celebration great Of free-loved free America; Which honor banqueting in state, Of many states on this high day ; Of every state that lifts its voice Our dear-loved rights to celebrate ; Of all the people that rejoice In this our Federal Union great. With praise Hnd honor where'er found We look upon our sol'^^ier's scars ; Whilst waves, midst banuer'd blood-red stripes, Synabols of glory, clustering stars Symbols of glory, deeds of fame, Snateh'd from disgrace, ambitions yoke ; To deck fair freedom's diadem. Now lead us forth to sing and talk. In happy bands of love and hope To sing our glorious stripes and stars ; To talk, or prayer to offer up To Him whose power or makes, or mars. The patriots of Bunker Hill Raised high-soul'd hopes, though Hardy fell, Evinc'd our fathers had a will. Were men determin'd to do well. The merits of our Washington, On history's page resplendent shine ; By valor's victories made known, Not his, but ours, do we opine. Not his, but ours in present good, In their far-reaching, vast design. Not his, but ours, as understood, The present can the past combine. —18— INDEPENDENCE DAY— Continued. These victories o'er boasted power. Usurped right, and foreign sway ; Were for us won in battle's hour When danger darken'd o'er the way. Then will we not in praise be dumb, But will lift up a trumpet's voice, While kings must to our wish succumb, The whole world knows that we rejoice. Jehovah wills us to be free, Free-will'd in speech, and press, and creed ; As free as God meant man to be, Not free with blindness to mislead; But free to do our duty well. And to advance in knowledge still ; In arms victorious to prevail, To triumph over every ill. Ye men of tongue's undoubted worth. With truth unequal'd for your theme ; Now sound your choice orations forth, And let the sword of honor gleam. Be banish'd hence each thing of wrong, And every feeling of discord ; Let glorious freedom be our song, And liberty our true watchword. Three cheers now for the red, white and blue ; Three cheers for Independence day ; Cheers three times three for patriots true. Three cheers for our liberty alway . Three cheers for the land we call our own, Those free homesteads of Uncle Sam ; Three cheers for our nation's high renown. For which we praise the great 1AM. Beside the footstool of our God Now, let all here bow humbly down, That he may lead us unto good, And ever with his blessing crown. While every heart opens forthwith To catch his love in-kindling flame, Let every people, kin and kith, Hallow our heavenly Father's name. —19- INDEPENDBNCE DAY— Continuen the soil and clime, And fix their hope, and choose their home. Where buffalo herds have ce jsed to come, The Iiidiaus fail to hunt and roam. The Christian's summer time. Roll on ye prairies to the West, Roll on, in your grand expanse, And like old Ocean's wavy breast, On which the sunbeams glance, Bear up the hopes of emigrants. Replenish them in all their wants, Until the people grow In numbers great, and cities build With what the fertile land can yield When wealth begins to flow. The leaf of promise shall become A rapid-growing tree, And sooTi assume a gorgeous bloom. As flush with destiny. Though first, on breaking through the sod, It looks like weakness on the road That leadeiih to the tree Whose ample foliage, spreading found, Can shelter hundreds, standing round, Beneath its canopy. THE REPUBLIC. Let's shout the Republic ! Long live the Republic ! With noblest endeavor. The good time is coming When all will look blooming. For ever and ever. Though Southern revolvers Like evil resoivers Look deadly and damning, With apt resolution For mad revolution The people inflaming. THE EEPUBLIC— Continued- So ever unsteady, E'er quarrelsome ready As with feelings too keen, Oft blood has been squander'd, To pull down our standard For politics mean. Ye powers tyrannic Shall soon know a panic. While free from your thrall. The oppress'd shall go singing. While your hopes they go winging, To the nethermost hall. ITiey shall sing of deliverance From bondage, and severance, Fro.u the cruel, the cross. They shall sing of the beauty. Of freedom with duty, Everyone his own boss. While radiant with glory, See standing before ye, Fair Justice appear ; To speak with approval Of your just removal To Hades' dark Sishere. Ye have ruled with opinion, Usurp'd God's dominion. Dong time had your way, Ye evil resolvers, With Southern revolvers. Have about had your day. Let's shout the Republic! Long live the Republic! With noblest endeavor. The good time is coming When all will look blooming 1 or ever and ever. June. 1864. THE RAMBLING RHYMER'S RAMBLING RHYME. The rhynier here in rambling rhyine As holder of the key of time Would quickly turn to the sublime. Look ye at Omaha, behold I The West beginning to unfold It's empire greatness, here we scan The great highway unto Japan, And further China ; o'er the land Where rolls the prairie truly grand, And where majestic nature pours A lavish wealth for future dowers Up to yon mountain's rocky towers. Dowers of pasture, range for flocks, Of wooiy care, and browsing stocks ; Dowers of arable land to till. And raise the grain the barns to fill: — With virgin soil, and smiling sky. Till breaks the scene, and mountains vast Exposed to every northern blast, Their shadows o'er the valleys cast. Within whose bosom shining ores Are kindly hid for future stores, Which oft become the miner's toast On California's golden coast. Fair California we hail thee here The land of happy clime and cheer; Now from whose fields see plenty borne To San Francisco's Golden Horn. Worth more than gold, are loads of grain And summer fruits to living men. Lo ! here Pacific's flowing seas Which float the merchants with their teas. And, here the yellow Chinaman Of heathen views, the Joss house scan. Where superstition triumphs long O'er mind and matter, weak or strong. Oh 1 that soiil-searching freedom would Ir-radiate mind, as with a flood Of light and thought from highest heaven 1 As Sol to earth has glory given. Till everything most fair beheld, With light stands perfectly unveiled. —24— THE RAMBLING RHYMER'S RAMBLING RHYME— Continued. Oh ! that the mind could see as clear, Behold all good and perfect here 1 See them surpassing, lovely fair. While superstition melts in air. Here standing on a spacious Bay, And Spanish named San Francisco, B-^hold a city of the age, With mines and commerce all the rage With much of learning to engage The thoughts of men, a flow of wealth To life exalt and spice ev'n health; The soil, the soil gives good supply, The climate, with a lovely sky, Helps furnish markets of the place. With all that can the table grace. This.know we here, or wisely learn- As all who lov« intrinsic worth, Quickly its excellence discern :— A little of the fruitful earth Cultured with care, brings blessings forth Most amply e'er-repays kind art For all the labor of its hands, As surely cheers the human heart As adds more value to the lands. Where water can be caused to flow, Abundance can be made to grow. The Tule lands, the bottom lands. The Tule lands best please the hands. That work and own them, deep and rich For produce, easy-flowing ditch To water ; through wants pressure which To rise in value and renown Beside the busy mart of town. And meek industry with contentment crown. The finny tribes, which haunt the deep, The trout, the salmon, swim or leap Into the nets the fishers keep The deep-sea's dainty stoi-es to sweep. 'Tis thus the city can command Resources both of sea and land. 'Tis thus the laborer, cheerful feels En-nerved to toil, while fortune deals —25— THE RAMBLING RHYMER'S RAMBLTNG RHYME— Continued. Her favors with a gi-acious hand On Colifornia's golden strand. "While trade and factories ii.crease, The blessed results of times of peace. View ye Nevada, laud of gold, Whose high-built pillars, massy and bold, Rise up Uke giants from earth's hold ; Whose forms Titanic, born of old, Ascending heavenward, we behold, Ajiproaching regions artic-cold. In heavy, winding mountain^; wrapt, How fold on fold. Oft, with snowy mantle capt, Communion hold With spirits of the air, among Cloud-powers that move Uke armies strong, Yea rush together, crowding spaces, there From battle-towers on high, tempest the air. As the sentinels of time View those mountains, bold, sublime, Around whose summits, thus floating by. Wafted by winds, nigh and more nigh Go the beautiful sails of the ocean sky. Some move, and rest not, by day or by night, While others aweary seem to alight Eike castles of beauty all fleecy and white. And here's a mine of world-wide fame, As bright in ore as fire with flame, The justly celebrated Comstock, There's millions in its auriferous rock. While all that work it must do well, Of its marvellous richness to tell, A few, its honor'd owners, cut a swell. While around, by-standers smile. Cut a swell in fashion's style ; In their pride too often dash Down ruin's precipice, to knash Their teeth below in misery, and Feel millions worse than nothing in hand. While fortune's breeze blows gently by. Now flatterers look with smihng eye ? But when it changes to a storm How many spurn a suffering worm ? -26- THE RAMBLING RHYMER'S RAMBLING RHYME— Continued. This, this is oft our earthly cheer. Such is the way with mortals here ; While different fortunes on us wait, Yet aU must enter at one gate. A sting to pleasure hath the bee Amidst life's sweets, just such have we. We soon must feel the sting of death, We soon must draw life's parting breath. All bounded by one destiny, AU travelling to eternity. We need not dive into earth's bowela For good, or cheer ; look at the fowls Of heaven, how they delight to sing Their praises unto heaven's high king? As happy ever on the wing Nor gold nor silver valuing, Think not of this Bonanza thing. The proud possessors of a mine. Vain man will half-adoring whine ; With thoughts, with feelings duncy fine His Maker and his God malign ; To worship but his ores that shine. Bright ores tho' hidden deep in earth, Unto man's eyes and views brought forth, Outshine his intellect; tho' thought From one far richer mine was brought. Yet man may justly, wisely scan*^ In mines his great Creator's plan. Those that thei-e live, tho' midst air keen, Upon the mountain slopes of green, Feel happier, being near the scene. A scene of wealth, a scene of cheer. But then good health is far more dear. When rightly used, to mortals here. While those that live, and breathe the air On mountain heights, where it is rare, Must gradually get used to bear. Get used to bear to live near heaven, With thoughts and fitness to them given. With sins like boulders rent and riven, And unclean habits downward driven. -27- THE RAMBLING RHYMER'S RAMBLING RHYME.— Coeltinued. Across this stretching continent What has commerce already sent ? The U. P. mighty work can boast With steel-laid rails from coast to coast. To accomodate the wants of man, Upon the neat commercial plan. No matter now about the cost. The vast expense cannot be lost, While long, substantially shall last This glory of the recent past. Here opens the commercial gate Of many a rising wealthy stat3, Rising from sights of bulBfalo herds, And Indians crossing o'er the fords, To neatly cultivated fields. All that comfort and plenty yields To college schools in every town. And learning that brings great renowB. Keep open then the mighty gate Of commerce here— of many a state, Where near Missouri's muddy stream Cathedral spires with grandeur gleam ; And stately rise the houses there Of business and of surging care. Lo 1 here the former capitol Of young-Nebraska, now they call The highest school of Omaha ; Which, those that enter, learn to know Much more than rust.c bard can show ; Think, learn to man ;ge and do well By gaining knowledge, to excel In things of trutli ; where truth is free To all that love philosophy. To live by rule, and Jive for gain. Some lasting good to here obtain ; Is— not by chance here to do well. But in philosophy excel. Had I a mind to moralize, Westward should turn my musing eyes ; But would condemn those absurd thingg. Whence foulest superstition springs. The cause of evil will advance THE RAMBLING RHYMER'S RAMBLrNGr RHYME— Continued. Most through the way of ignorance, How does the Mormon Church live on. Now Brigham Young is dead and gone V Or, will the Salt Lake City thrive When Mormons cease to plural wive? Or, will the lake begin to rise '? To toss indignant to the skies. While stormy winds profusely blow As mighty nature lets us know Hers is the universal power, In calm or tempest— every hour ; A.nd. man is but a little mite Compar'd utito the Lifinite. His moi'tal power soon fades away, And he is left, a clod of clay ; Or, will his spirit mount the wings Of morning, unto life's etherial springs ; And ever, ever soar away Unto the one Eternal Day ! WESTERN HARVESTER'S SONG. The Grasshoppers away, our hearts are ^ight With the pi-ospect bright before us. Gleams the ripening grain before our sight, Hope's visions floating o'er us. Comes harvest on. while every one To work is gladlj^ willing All beautiful seems, with abundance teems. The graineries are filling, Happy and light be our hearts at night, God of harvest e'er adoring ; While clear the west gives iiromise best Of to-morrow's sure restoring Unto the work, we left nt dark, Amidst the fields of plenty ; Where the grain unbound we left on the ground To rest us in the shanty, O the morning light comes beaming bright Thro' the window's open casement The sun has risen, it feels like prison Here to rest without amazement. WESTERN HARVESTER'S SONG.— Continued, While little birds, with music's words Speak gladness from their hearts now. Then let lis arise, for the honor we prize Let every sleeper start now. Ho! the breakfast done, to the fields away, For the dew is of the grain, While the harvest waits at Labor's Gates, It is time to work again. To work all day, to sleep all night, And hope in jilenty always ; Is our only chance, who in life advance To do the right thing always. June 7th, 1878. THE UKION OF THE STATES. Woe to the day when e'er it come, That day of adverse fate and gloom, Brought on by wicked men at length, Who disregard that union's strength. When State by State shall fall away From mutual aid, from Federal sway. When southern waring with the north Hurries to bring his legions forth, And never gives up in the fight Till smitten and exhausted quite. Will thus the Western States fall out? Scarce knowing how or what about ; Will California help the broil? For interest think it worth her while? Will Pennsylvania with New York? And fight like Christia!i would with Turk. Forbid, good God! forldd, high Heaven, That State from State should thus be riven. But give us virtue, wisdom, light, To value truth, discern the right ; To foster well, here nobly plan, Each love and help all that he can The social brotherhool of man, To let live be our honor'd aim. To live well, for our country's fame, And to prefer the christian's name. THE UNION OF THE STATES.— Continued. Still gladly here the pledge receive, Thai token, which true love would give, And Mercy's hands as kindly weave 'Twin'd round the olive branch of peace, OUB UNION, let it never cease! Our country let nofoeman take! Our freedom, we xoould ne'er forsake! We love these for our children here, As, with them all our homes we make, For these, our union still hold dear. These sublime truths we must revere, And to our interest keep awake. The first 18 lines written in Canada, summer of 1860, where the author had recently arrived from. England, the rest written July, 9, 1878, in Neb. WESTERN PRAIRIE PROSPECTS. Lilt up your eyes To the clear-ocean skies, If you see no great wonder-light blazing, In the far away deeps "Which the Infinite keeps. Where the wandering stars are oft gazing ;— See no tail of a comet From heaven's high summit Far-streaming thro' regions benighted. In the Mide-open spaces Of the wilderness piaces. 'Twixt the bright vesper lamps he has lighted. To the earth look again. On the wide prairie plain Is something more pleasing to view ; The workman is busy. The merchant is easy. Each sees well to hope whereunto. The bright sun is gleaming. The wheat fields are teeming With twenty five millions of jilenty ; The laborer willing. The graiueries filling With bushels nor few, nor yet scanty. -SI- WESTERN PRAIRIE PROSPECTS.— Continued. The hopes of mankind Look fair to the mind, And the plough and the reaper are stronger In assurance of good, Than the sword that lets blood, And our trust in their use will last longer. The wide empty spaces, In wilderness places, Might be soon made to bloom and to blossom For good settler's cheer, In Nebraska out here. Whose gardens so fertile would close them. The Indian, as known. Disgusted is gone ; The pale-face still hastens to come ; E'er comes from the East, With numbers increased. To assume and possess all the room. Just builds him a cot, On his own homestead lot, To make himself welcome at home ; And ploughs up the ground, On all sides around, Where the bufifalo used to roam. With heaven's sweet blessing, Good fortune's caressing He soon has him every dainty ; Even cattle and swine. Good corn and wine, While small grain he raises in plenty. Come on to this land ! This good prairie land ! Where every thing grows in its season. There may be some drouth. To tell you the truth, But nothing can be without reason. As for this summer, Rain is a down comer ; It still rains, it has rain'd here so often. That everything's grown, As full widely is known, As the hardest of hearts it would soften. —32— 'IN THIS WHEAT BY AND BY.' We will come, we will come. In this wheat by and by. Ere the harvest is in bloom Will we come by and by. In the lovely month of June, Ere the bloom greet's the eye ; With the birds in sweetest tune ; "In this wheat by and by." We will come with a blast, Like a cloud will we fly, From the rocky mountains vast To this wheat, by and by. When the grass is lively green We will jump we will fly ; We Willi shave the farmer keen Of his wheat by and by. Oh ! our God how they come ! Like a scourge, like a past! To lay waste around our homes, And our substance iu this West, Oh ! thou power of powers supreme, Wilt thou not pity man? Take away what ill doth seem On thy peace-loving plan? CORN. There's not a posey to sight of man In shelter'd valley, or on prairie plain, That's equal to tlie tall and tassei'd corn, Upon its green-leaved fodder-stalk upborne. Then be my verse as justly true and fine. As richly sweet as melody divine, To sing the praises of the Almighty hand That favors labor on the corn-clad land. To sing the corn, the grai:d, the noble corn, . In every breeze that waves like plenty's horn. To feed the cattle on a thousand hills, Both man and beast as our Creator wills. —33— CORN— Continued, Ye Europe's struggling milliong, welcome o'er The surging ocean to Columbia's shore. Nor drop one trembling tear to leave behind Your native land, but smile with hopeful mind. To reach this virgin land, this fertile soil, Which well rewards all thoughtful, skillful toil; Which fills the empty barn, from side to side ; The God of harvest will for want provide. OUR PUBLIC OFFICERS. When we have men in Congress Halls Not two-thirds lawyers low. But men in legislative Halls That equal justice show. Or, if they favor any one, It is the laboring class. To let the bloated rich alone Who cari'y weight in brass. When we have men of thought in power. When we have men of right ; When we have men who rule their hour With justly handed might. When we have men of noble aim, Who high exalt the truth, Then will we forth their praise proclaim. And magnify their ruth. Then shall theii- praise before them go O'er ocean, hill and plain, The a shall their praise before them go Beloved of good men. Yea, social feelings then shall flow Like streams from Lebanon ; And nature fairest beauties show The bright green earth upon. MY HOME AND MY COUNTRY. My home and my country. Oh ! where are they now? My home and my country. And those my youth knew ; MY HOME AND MY COUNTBY-Continued. My home and my country. With all I loved true ; My home and my country Have pass'd from my view, Its high-towering mountains Of common and fell ; Its sweet flowing fountains Adown in the dale ; With its pheasants and moorcocks On swift- whirring wing, With its mines and its sheep flocks Which to memory cUng. The scenes of my childhood Are left far away, Where I wandered in wild mood To frolic and play, Now gone and forever These fair happy days, What thoughtful endeavor Their sweetness repays. The emigrant wanders By land and by sea, More than money he squanders Wherever he be ; His heart is repining, He fe?ls all alone ; No love is entwining New hopes with his own, Midst foreigners and strangers He coldly abides, How happy the fireside Where friendship resides. How bless'd is the lot e'er Of man and of wife, With love in a cot e'er United for life. Upon a few acres Of well-cultur'd ground. Who honor their Maker's Command, and are crown'd :— —35- MY HOME AND MY COUNTRY-Continued. With social contentment And hnppy delight No bosom resentment But love puts it right. They never are ranging For pleasure, or joy, Nor country e'er changing For life, or employ ; Nor ever beholden To others for them ; Their future is golden, Their priv'lege a gem. DENVER. A rising city on a lovely plain. That claims some good and wisdom searching men. Who seek enjoyment midst high grandeur found, Where Alpine scenery scatters beauty round, Who feel impi-ess'd, in all their thinking sense, Here with the landscape's grand magnificence. Where mountains above mountains rise, and soar, As meaning thus to knock at heaven's door. And, as disdaining humblest things of earth. Aspiring unto most deserving worth. Like souls of nobles!; mould have done before; As ages after ages more explore, Beho'd them rise, still looking out on time, Hi?h-towering, rear their giant forms sublime, Where, winter, midst their lefty snow-capt cones, With power, looks o'er a thousand-glittering thrones. And throws his snow-white arms o'er many a ridge. And many a frowning chasm delights to bridge. And many a leaping rill he tastes, and sealeth ; While many an avalanche before him reeleth, Starts cleaving thro' the air; wakes thunder's voice. Besounds, and startles echo with its noise. While down, away down upon yon smiling plain, The sun looks cheerful forth, and gladdens men. Above, see Winter, there the wolves are out. In search of food, prowl dangerous about. Below, see Summer, in fair beauty dress'd, With flush'd cheek, but with an unbutton'd vest. — 8&- DENVER— Continued. Come here, ye tourists, leave your humble homes See, where eai'th's temples rear their lofty dome Learn God from nature, and with awe express'd Be here his glorious attributes confess'd. Where, Denver, far into the western world. Beholds their vast sublimities unfurl'd ; Where nature with vast majesty, is crown'd Come wend your way, come thread th'enchante^ ground : Study design, the origin of man. Contemplate here the mind and matter plan Of God's creative-will, and be content For great Jehovah hath all blessing sent. We will not dwell on Denver's happy homes ; We will not muse on Denver's marble tombs. We will not think of Denver's busy streets. Nor care to stand where stranger stranger meets, But feel the prospect like a monarch crown'd. Enwrap our being with a spell profound. Still spreading its influence o'er this peerless groum Giving enjoyment while we walk around : Until we wish that we could only live Care-free, spell-bound, to beauty sensitive To live and feel our sin-freed, love- wrapt soul Beturn'd to Paradise from Adam's fall. Smile, Denver, smile upon thy lovely plain, Flourish in good, and wisdom-knowing men ; Tho' suns may rise and set, moons wax and wane, Return'd, thy like we may not view again. Apbil 28th, 1878. THE HEARTH IN THE DUGOUT. 1. More lovely by far than Venus' bright star On a cold winter's night, is our hearth's cheert light. Then heap on the logs, their weight never clogs The fast wheels of time when blazing sublime. 2. The more comfort these give the more happy live, They feel more benign than nectar of wine. -37- THE HEARTH IN THE DUGOUT— Continued. [ sing of the hearth, a place for good mirth ; i:ts brightness gives pleasure, and heat beyond measure. 3. ^hen ever you go out into the snow, Phe storm fiend looks fierce, his sharp claws soon pierce. The rough winds are wirling, the snow wreaths are curling. But the frozen streams sleep in their channels so deep. Then just creep in about a Nebraska dugout, at snug by the hearth down in the warm earth ; rt^ith the logs blazing finely, it feels most divinely, Chough winter's loud blasts howl dismally past 5. 1?our brow you may wipe, while you mouth the hot pipe ; ^nd watch, while you talk, its blue curling smoke ; day employ every leisure with friendship and • pleasure, klay smile and look gay, and pass time away. 6. f^ith no cause e'er to grieve,when so bless'd to receive ■jove and friendship's sweet smile, by the hearth's blazing pile, )r to envy the great, or the rich man's estate. )r, with heart full of trouble, e'er make your cares double. Thus give me the hearth, the bright-blazing hearth, tVith a heart full of love, and hopes carried above ' fiiChe little ambitions of worldly conditions, A^'ith a good honest mind, to the God of mankind: ;Vith a free-loving heart, above all wicked art, With good honest mind predisposed to be kind, There's nothing so grand throughout all prairie land ks a bright blazing hearth for a place of good mirth THE HEARTH IN THE DUGOUT— Continued. 9. A poor man can dig, can maTie little or big, And throw out the earth for a dugout and hearth ; Then off to the prairie, with step like a fairy. And away to the woods ere the valley o'er floods. 10. The big heavy logs your time never clogs ; While your heart's winter joy thus rewards good employ ; Contented to live, and as happy receive The g.-eat blessing of heaven on labor thus given. 11. For God to the end is the poor man's friend. Who labors to prove his rich bounty and love. Where valleys expand, or wide prairie land; By the hearth or the stove, God worketh by love. There's pleasure in health, but there's trouble ini wealth, ' With little contented, of all guile repented. It is good to be poor, honest and sure, But nob wise to be rich, for that's hell's deepest ditchj 13. And who would have mirth by the devil's own hearth;^ When happiest joys with our little employs We may find upon earth in the dugout aud henrth Free from wealth's heavy trouble, or honor's wasta bubble. 14. God maketh it plain unto way-faring men. That he choses to give, that the poorest may live; The humble in heart he will never desert. But will find them employ in a life that hath joy. 15. The spirit of pride he cannot abide, But lool5S from on high with a scornful eye. On the revilers vile who his earth would defile, By possession and wealth, or by power and by stealth THE HEARTH IN THE DUGOUT— Continxxed. While he that doth rise ere the sun in the skies, And daily toils on until daylight is gone, For his family's need, shall be blessed indeed; Rich harvests shall pour plenty at his door. 17. With contentment of mind sound sleep he shall find. And sweet social mirth yield joy by his hearth ; With love's bosom cheer and his children so dear, Shall manage to live unto good sensitive. 18. O there's nothing so grand thro'out all prairie land. As the dugout and hearth, as the bright-blazing hearth : More lovely by far than Venus' bright star, On a cold winter's night, is our hearth's cheerful Ught. BUILD FOR YOUR HEALTH. Come build your house upon the ground, Not in a cave ; Build where the winds of heaven surround, And gently lave With pleasure, freshness, strength and health, With these you gather store of wealth. You gather with a steady hand For all your needs ; Sufficient here you may command, Where plenty feeds. Contentment cheers and labor smiles, Feeling rewarded for its toils. Then build your house, not in a cave, But on the ground, When you must lie down in your grave, As lifeless found. So low then must be dug your home, A stone be planted for your tomb. BtriLD FOB YOUR HEALTH— Continued. But while you live build well, build high, Build for your health ; Above the ground, beneath the sky, There is more wealth In God's pure air, where sunlight shines, Than in the deepest golden mines. July 30th, 1878. ROSE CREEK. Though great Mississippi her waters may send. And proudly her valley to ocean extend, From far northern plains and winter's snow-fields, Where buffalo-grass the wide prairie yields. Though muddy Missouri may roll on and roam, 'Twixc many a mountain and valley may come. O'er rapids may dash, and o'er cataracts foam, I will praise the sweet stream that still flows pastt home. Forever which flows like a pleasure to sight. While o'er its clear bosom, with heavenly delight. Moonbeams love to play, and the sun shines bright. Until its glad waters with Little Blue's unite. O welcome its water wherever it flows, O sweet be its voice thro' the vale as it goes. E'er o'er its green banks bloom the red wilding rose. The mint and the sage a sweet fragrance disclose. From the west to the east runs the stream that i: praise. On, onward, forever meandering, it strays Thro' its own shelter'd valley from hot southerna winds. And only its own quiet pleasure it finds. Flow ever. Rose Creek, thro' thy loved valley flow. Go onward. Rose Creek, 'neath the shady trees go; Sweet on thy green banks let the wilding rose blow. That fairer the homes of the people may show. February 16th, 1874. —41— THE BLACK- HILLS LAND. Black Hills I O what a land of wonders here, That fills Our fickle minds with hope and fear, Fills with alternate hope and fear That we might prosper there. Do very wel!, and meet with cheer, And honest care. There's gold In that far region of the earth. The bold Can easily reach it, rushing forth, Can surely reach that land of gold, And other shining ore Which its bosom- valleys hold Can soon explore. And find Success in every effort, where The mind Is lead direct with scienced care ; To gather wealth, to niiiintain health, And Ufe's fond hopes expand With honest toil, not daring stealth, In that far land. There's beauty in those far Black Hills, There's beauty everywhere. Their variagated scenery fills With visions fair. With love Of home delights, well-cultur'd farms, Which prove A source of profit, powerful charms. The soft outlines of earth and sky, Together mingling well ; i Where fairer prospects meet the eye Than we can tell ; Than time Allows to justly laud and tell. No rhyme Of mine can like those beauties swell Unfold the glories of that land. Of f ar-f ajoaed Sentinel Bock ; THE BLACK-HILLS LAND— Continued. Behold them ever fair expand, And seem to knock Hope's door, Where Heaven pours rapture on our souls, To explore The entrancing view of Sunshine Falls. That high rock sweeps the clear blue sky, Prospecting far around The earth beneath and heaven on high; A sight that's crown'd With hght And beauty, mingling ever fair ; A sight To charm life of its mortal care. Where wild woods grow, and rivers row, A thousand prospects fair, A thousand years of time endears The future there ; Behold ! A thousand pleasant carnivals Unfold 'Twixt Sentinel Bock and Sunshine Falls. August 3d, 1878. MOTHER GRUNDY (COL.). Ho, now, old "Mother Grundy," how do you do? Away up there far on the beatling crags, You look to me, with thought upon your brow, Simply sublime in nature's rocky rags. Your home is sleighey, high among the clouds ; From towering height you look down on the world, The fleecy snow-clouds are your bosom's shrouds, Below you see the avalanches hurled. You feel the blasts of winter's heavy storms. You see the drift-clouds sailing 'cross the sky; You see all nature in her various forms, The pleasing rainbow with its arch so high. The works of nature here are many and bold. The art of man, also, surprising great; The rocks all lie in layers, fold on fold. Each canon looks so Uke some mighty gate. HANGING ROCK (COL.). The railroad passes under Hanging Rock, On Clear Creek Canon, winding still around. And far up among the mountains, that do mock Man's power to humble ye like other ground. To humble, turn and roll beneath his plow. To lay your bosoms open to the sun, Whereon to have the fruitful grain to grow, Th .t daily bread to him be hopeful won. Ye are too lofty, towering in your pride Too high in heaven, too full of majesty; Man's is a puny power your own beside ; You stand unmov'd while storms around you fly. The thunders of the skirs may roll in vain, Your ears are deaf to all such babbling noise. Storms fast and furious tempest you with rain ; Your sides are bath'd, and you can but rejoice. BEAVER BROOK. Here is a noted station, Beaver Brook, A mountain brooklet, dashing, dancing on. Where often pleasure-seekers come to look. View the deep gorge, 'midst pretty cascades shown. Behold ! o'erlookiug all, a fair pavilion Upon a cliff above the railroad track. Where Denver beauties brighter than vermillion, Fairer than flowers, the scene so festive deck. For often here, on moonlight summer evenings. The canon walls are made to echo loud With music sweet, with laughter wild, joy-givinga And pleasure-takings meet, and are enjoyed. Young, hopeful ladies gather fragrant flowers. To further deck a festive scene so sweet; And help to pass a few beguiling hours, With beautiful ferns beneath their pretty feet. Dance on, ye youth, for time is fleeting fast, A few hours, and ye will have parted, gone; Smile on. ye gay, hope cannot always last. Here opportunity is fitly shown. August, 1878. —44— THE CHICAGO FIRE. October 9th, 1871. 1. The city stands upon an inland lake, Where some few years before was only marsh ; A fearful storm did o'er its beauty break, The unwelcome visitor with temper harsh And wings of flame, leapt with a horrid crash On its proud head, and then it suddenly fell To great extent ; the electric whirlwind's flash Swept like a fiend along, and did assail, Till 'midst the blazing ruins stoutest hearts did quail. 2. O dread ! fire 1 fire I the flames are mounting higher t Water I water ! bring water from the tank ! The grandeur of such scenes who can admire. Which stores and contents have devour'd, have sank ; Have riches greater than the wealthiest bank, With comforts of ten thousand homes, consum'd; Those homes, however proud and high their rank, Wiih their destruction see the sky illum'd With their destruction human hopes and joys entomb 'd. O fire and water ! we are conscious that Bad masters but good servants are ye both; When either gets the mastery, man gets flat. To trust too much in either he is loth ; For when ye roar sublimely in your wrath. As witness ^Etna's huge volcanic pile. He may not tread in your devouring path. Nor hope to always conquer you the while, But at a distance he may safely stand and smile. Chicago ! Oh Chicago ! 'tis upon thee. The Fire-fiend now, rushing from block to block ; A horror even to those who long have known thee ; Its glowing heat would melt the solid rock ; The firemen's futile efforts seem to mock, To make th' infidel dread some other doom, And not to take too much of this world's stock ; The world, once drown'd, the fire may next consume, Even Earth evanish from Infinity's wide room. —45— THE CHICAGO FIBE— Continued There came a man of great and marshal fame, And of an iron will, that good might be, Who justly thought to play a Jittle game, And end th' unwelcome visit he did see. The maddening torch that caused catastrophy. When forth he went, with others in command, First everything in readiness had he ; They blew the houses up, that noble band. Thus clear'd the way ere the de sourer came to hand. Chicago, rear thy palace structures high. Build high, build well, where trample busy feet; O build again beneath the smiling sky, Present thy gorgeous fronts on every street ; Where thousand thousands still on business meet. Where money flows and pleasure grows, that is the place To hope, to build, to live, to trade, to cheat, To run and win in competition's race. That is the grand resort of fashion's smiling face. She builds again upon her inland lake, Queen of the Empire ox the Great Northwest, Hope nor ambition e'er her breast forsake ; She robes herself in bridal robes the best. She weds commerce that favors her request; To every nation openeth she her port. Her fair lake port, so hopefully possessed. Merchants from every country there resort. And yield her homage in her magnificent court. INFERIOR PEOPLE. Fruit Stealers. The days of Autumn now have come again, The year's rolled 'round, so do the lives of men ; Yet none is given the privilege to live His lifetime o'er, however he may grieve. Like gold, once tried, if here our nature suit, 'Tis ours to soar, or sink into the brute. INFERIOR PEOPLE— Continued. ' This is the time for Autumn's golden fruit. The time for peaches, and for harden'd rogues To go and steal them, fearless of the dogs. A gang is form'd now for that low-lived game. Candid, will tell my mind about the same. By self-confession, most immodestly, One says he went with them some fun to see, And have a taste of sweetest roauery ; Who sallied forth, beneath night's sable shades, To steal the peaches, and to hide their heads. In doing what they had no right to do. But punishment awaits who wrong pursue ; Awaits the wicked who God's laws transgress, Until they find them far from happiness. A thievish-looking oat will cream a bowl, Yet look no wiser than a solemn owl ; And one that steals fruit may be fool or foul, To look mean with it in his cheek or jowl. Call those, who thus do wrong, inferior people, To be look'd down upon from virtue's steeple. Beheld as trudging through the mud and mire Of worldly meanness and low desire ; Their hearts, their feelings cruel, selfish, cold ; To seize on others' privilege always bold ; To take undue advantage always sharp ; A neighbor's yarn on their own clue will warp ; Live for self only, nor for God or heaven : Care not for others, nor to be forgiven ; Would steal a neighbor's peaches, or his purse ; Descending lower, bee mes a regular curse ; To die, at Inst, strung to some limb of a tree, Or deeply steep'd in crime and poverty. Look, then, fruit stealers. where you miss good road, Snares there be maiy, sin's a heavy load, And dread the condemnation of your God. Whoever steals deserves the name of thief. For what he takes merits the brtind of thief. And for his stealth he soon may come to grief. Soon will mankind lose confidence in him ; Adversity o'ercast him, dark and grim ; Though there may be no legal evidence. Yet does he lose the public confidence ; His name and fame into dishonor cast, Before Death's angel here goes breathing past. -47— INFERIOB PEOPLE— Continued. The money he has taken, or the fruit, Stamps him inferior, viler than the brute ; And what encouragement for us to raise Our orchards full of fruit, to only gaze Upon it, ere a pack of thieves come on To take it from us, till we know it's gone. What must we call them, Arabs, Bedouins, Whose hands are lifted, guilty as their sins, Against mankind, while Satan only wins. But gets no good where misery begins. Youth often fails to reason well in time ; With ill companions rushes into crime. Woe, woe unto the evildoer, curs'd With hard self-will, and unto misei'y thurst. This is the time for Autumn's golden fruit. But to have our peaches stolen doesn't suit. Now, let me call each of the band by name, Bab, Grab and Hab were there among the same, There Clutch and Glutton, with their eager eyes, Ready to seize whate'er they saw to prize. Now, Rab he rob'd, Grab took, and Hab he had, This pleased them all, but left the farmers sad, While handy Clutch got himself heavy weighted. And greedy Glutton like a vessel freighted ; But had they conscience, which they sure had not. Their cheeks had burned, their hearts, like hell, felt hot, All been rebuk'd upon the very spot, Sorry for wrong thus done and all they got. September 25th, 1878. THE FIRE-FIEND. Rushing o'er the brows of Rose Creek. See the Fire-fiend fast descend ; Leap into the grassy ravines. Snap the tall weeds ere they bend. Where the flames burnt, bursting higher, Charr'd and blackened now the scene, Lo 1 behold the rolling fire. Look again where it has been. THE FIBE-FIEND— Continued. How the fiend comes to dismay us, Kavaging our homesteads here ; Must this world go back to chaos ? There is cause somewhat to fear. When even water falls in torrents, Rushing forth in foaming flood. Is it not to us abhorent, And adverse to human good? Fire and water, both bad masters, With their spirits uncontroll'd, Plunging fast into disasters, Looking wild and acting bold ; Will not study man's convenience, Nor for human need obey ; Not inclined to showing lenience. Once beyond his power or sway. Oh ! the running, leaping Fire-fiend Comes when we are least prepared; Oh ! the rapid, rushing Fire-fiend Takes what cannot well be spared. When it forks with tongues like serpents, Hisses as with hate malign. Scowls defiance, looks like fury. It hath vengeance we opine. Dreadful meaning is in vengeance. Full of deep and threat'niug sound. Like some quick mysterious agence, Dealing thunderbolts around; Quickly, like the lightning flashing On our conscience here below. All our being thoroughly dashing With a feeling full of woe. Comes the Fire-fiend like a spirit Without love, or hope, or grace. Comes the Fire-fiend without merit, Glowing redd'ning in the face ; Homes and houses full of comfort On the landscape where they stand, Looking beautiful, how sudden He attacks with vengeful hand. Gives their glory to the burning, Shows to man his littleness, THE FIEE-FIEND— Continued. Who grieves at the overturning Which destroys his happiness ; Turns him out of home and pleasure, Out of future prospects here, Out of what he calls his treasure. Out of hope and out of cheer. Who hath courage here to combat With an enemy so bold ; We are creatures only mortal, And our strength is read'ly told. Power to prosper grows with wisdom, Break your fire-guard's fighting ground, Thus fight ye the fievy dragon That casts heavy gloom around. For his hands are full of damage, Without caring to do good Ready ever for a scrimmage. Like a thing of evil mood. T;et him drive the wolves and minxes, Banish, too, the catamount ; Here we need not dread the lynxes. But the coons as vermin count. Plow and break, ye thoughtful farmers. Turn the sod on every side ; Live in safety in your quarters. Let your homesteads be your pride. There is safety when your conscience All is rightly satisfied ; But contentment here is nonsense. Without love be gratified. While the family all are happy, Break, before misfortune grieves. How the youngest drowses nappy. While sweet sleep refreshment gives. Little children dream not danger, Evil is not on their minds, Evil to their heart's a stranger. Love's contentment they can find. When behold ye o'er Nebraska Goes the Fire-fiend's frightful call, Drive him off to eld Alaska, In his path let snowflakes fall ; —50— THE FIRE-^IEND— Continued. "Drive him oflf without e'en pity. Without shelter, "without food ; Drive him far from town and city, Far from country loved and good. CHANGE AND CHANCE. 1. What is Chance, but un occasion? What is Tide, but some threat cause? Nature, voicing her oration, Must be heard with just applause. 2. Nature here most powerful teaches She has always one great law. Change, not Chance, she clearly preacht Which all things must undergo. .3. Change attends our planet's motion. All its seiisons ns they roll ; Like the hca ^•ing of the ocean ; Change seems written upon all. Time is here forever rolling, With the seasons changing round Time is here forever tolling Hours of doom to mortals bound. Man is e'er a struggling being. Full of aspirations grand ; But in viaiou not far-seeing, Cha .go with Chance, fills up his hand. In set coiirses flowing ever, Marching onward, Nature goes ; Sometimes springs a hidden lever For an ac( idental cause. -SI- CHANGE AND CHANCE— Continued. 7. There upon the corner standing See that beautiful hotel ; Its six stories, so comnaanding, Speak of 'ccommodations well. 8. Comes the Fire-fiend, seizes on it, Leaves a black and charred mass ; Many victims with it perish, Disappear from sight, alas ! Oh, the fire was most outrageous, Mock'd at our calamity ; Though, like tree whose arms umbrageous Spreads a lovely canopy, 10. Was that hotel, proudly standing. Full of beauty, in and out. Full of majesty, commanding Every comfort, beyond doubt. 11. Did its builder reckon chances? Hopeful e'er, but doubtful ne'er ; Full of ^rand ideal romances. Out of comfort seeking cheer. 12, Though a tree has stood for ages, Bursts a thunderbolt from high. When some storm in anger rages, Smites it down so suddenly, 13. Scattering to the winds of heaven All its shivering, withering leaves ; With its trunk all rent and riven. Who beholds it now but grieves. 14. Yet that tree was full of duty, Blithe spirits of the air —52— CHANGE AND CHANCE— Continued. Chanted, with exceeding beauty, Of earth's loves and pleasures there. 15. How that hotel, like aspiring, Gave the weary wanderer rest ; Friendship's mutual torms desiring, Where each found what pleased him best. 16. Though life's duty brave fulfilling. With a kind and loving mind. Chance and Change control our willing. As by Heaven was first design'd. 17. Mnn in thought is sure a dreamer, He will work, will greatly hope ; Truth and light will faintly glimmer. Smiles of love will cheer bim up. 18. But. how have the mighty fallen, All their greatness, goodness, worth : Lord, how have Thy mighty fallen, The most mighty ones of earth. 19. All that's born of pride and vanity, Saith the preacher, is brought low ; Though we smile with sweet urbanity. We are timed and soon must go. 20. Things of time are ever fleeting, Changing with us every day. Friendship's charms and love's own greeting. Passive things, here fade away. '2,1. Death can wrench e.ach sti-ong connection. Deep in memory though they sink ; Grief may weep with fond affection, But, at last, will cease to think. -53- CHANGE AND CHANCE— Continued. 22. Houses, lands, upon this planet, How vre vainly call our own ; Hold them for our heirs we cannot, They, like shadows, soon are gone. 23. Selfish thoughts are poor possessions, Falses, stumbling blocks to all, Evils, full of mean expressions, Hurtle every dying soul, 24. Chance, in minds like ours so finite, Looks like something to expect, Change, without a cause, will lie not, But be seen still in effect. 25. Our best chance in life is heaven. Is to love our neighbors all ; Our best change is sin forgiven. And expect hence save our soul. THE RIVERS. Look on that noted, yawning canon, Where flows the Yellowstone, The mountain sides of that deep canon. Like sky-built walls are shown ; Where tourists view the waterfalls Leap in their spray-white sheet ; Whose thundering voice still loudly calls, But not with music sweet. Past flow the waters from their fountains, As stroug in will as free ; They break their way thro' hills and mountains. Rush rapid to the sea. The Mississippi rolls right onward. From far Missouri comes, -54- THE RIVERS— Continued. The great St. Lawrence shoreward often By settlers' happy homes. When it tumultous breaks and surges Down Chaudiere De La Chien, Its way past many a rupid urges So dangerous as is seen. Sing we the song of Moore, the poet : Row, boatmen, row Viith strength; Ye bring us to a place more quiet Upon the stream at length. Away among the roaming Indians, Among the Rockies far, The waters leap through chasms deep, 'Neath bank, and bush, and scar. Where many a battle has been foughten, With arrows glancing there. By warlike tribes, still friendship doubting, And faced with angry c u-e. They onward rush, a world of wonders, With mighty vciices shout; When melt the snows we hear their thunders, Their strength we can.not doubt. They rush with fullness thro' the valleys, Tbey often overflow Their banks, attack in vig'rous sallies Where trees gigantic grow ; These banks oft deeply undermining. And full up to the biiii) ; But when the summer sun is shining They smile and shine with him. When playful-like tho stones are rolling, They toss them o'er and o'er ; And roar, as with loud voices calling Unto some other shore. The laughing brooklet pooly purls, Where many a troutlet leaps ; The singing rill the landscape curls. Through brakes and brushes creeps. To join the river further onward. To join the river deep ; Until the mighty ocean thunders To welcome its last sweep. -55- THE RIVERS— Continued. And thus of man, the immortal spirit. Rejoicing to be free, Finds in itsulf but shallow merit. But deep iu uternity. Though Time on either side eacompasB, And Death mL<,y bur its way, It rushes on before God's throne, Where shines the perfect day. Give praise ! give praise unto the Highest 1 Who opens up the way Where rivers rush and fountains gush Amidst the light of day ; Wherd forth they flow in countless blessings. To water all the earth, And bless mankind in heart and mind. Until they laugh with mirth. THE SOUL IMPRISON'D. •'Here every man is for himself, The devil for us all;" But none must lay his cares on shelf, To stray a .vay, a wandering elf, And leave behind bis soul. The soul, that greatly mystic thing, Link'd to its body frail, Awhile must stay, must closely cling. However vain its fluttering, Imprison'd here must cheerful sing. And hope all will be well. Oh, mystery of mysteries 1 Why should it thus b? chain'd? What punishmeal upon it lies. That thus it breathes thro' loves and sighs With such a spirit brain 'd? With darksome clouds of care and thought, That o'er it hurry fast ; With many a spell of wonder wrought, With many a curious fancy fraught, -66- THE SOUL IMPEISON'D— Continued. With many a fear, and hope, and doubt, Amidst life's shadows cast. What has it done to be thus clogg'd? To be thus fetter'd so? So much obscur'd, so much befogg'd. Like vessel heavy water-logs'd, While fearful storms do blow? Where pours forth woes from many a vial. On life's high-surging tide ; Beh Id the soul must bear the trial. Must stand fuU-biaced with.strong denial, And be of sin its own espial. Throughout a world so wide. But where a man on self depends. His strength will surely fail ; He needs to look ai'ound for friends To serve his present, future ends, If he would e'er do well. His soul he needs to elevate Above this sinful vale, Where oft temptation changes fate, And turns aside to fiery hate. With anger oft to dwell. His passions need to be subdued. Brought under strong control ; His spirit needs to be imbued With all that's moral, true and good. With all that's wisely well-allowed. How there is grace for all. There's songs of love and angel cheer Where clouds at evening sail Away into the west so clear For lot the glorious sun sets there. There blows the spicy gale. These all give promise ox to-morrow. See God in every cloud. From clouds of care clear every sorrow, For Mercy sows in every furrow, Hope calls to us aloud, -57- THE SOUL IMPRISON'D— Continued. After a few more clays on earth, A few more trials here, Our strength will fail us with our mirth. And we shall cease then to go forth On duties felt severe. Having our mind expanded well, With all that's good and great, Enabling to rejoice, and tell How Jesus has done all things well Here for our fallen state. Through whom at last we shall prevail, (Whose truth shall aye endure) O'er every foe— sin, death, and hell- Triumphant rise with Him to dwell. Our portion to secure. A mansion rising ever fair. For all the saints in light ; But ne'er a taste of sorrow there. And ne'er a tear, nor sense of care. Amidst those scenes so bright. Beyond, where clouds of evening sail Into the roseate west. Or Mercy hangs her starry veil. We'll rise and shine, in strength excel, To pour the song of praise, and swell The numbers of the blest. We'll join the glorious host that tell Of freed souls there endued With life and hope e'er immortelle, With God the Son e'er to fare well. Forever well and good. The soul imprison'd I have sung, But cannot tell you why ; It is not here for mortal tongue To indescrimiuate a wrong, While right stays boldly by. The soul made free, exalted high (This too have surely sung,) An heir of vast eternity, Of some fair mansion that doth lie —58— THE SOUL IMPBISON'D— Continued Embosom'd somewhere in its sky, Wtiere life is ever 5'oung. But nothing is perfectly free. All by some law is bound; Whate'er is free in charity. Is free in love, as love is free. With happy freedom crown'd. That freedom which is free indeed, Is free from prison walls ; Is free from wrong, from sin is freed, And everything of woe decreed, Which penance e'er controls. And thus the soul is happy free When well the body dies ; An heir of God, how sweet to be Immersed in the felicity Of love's immense and boundless sea, Beneath its glorious skies. July 16, 1878. FUTURE PUNISHMENT. Ho I everything from a clam shell, Man from a monkey just as well- Is that your doctrine, Darwin? To match with Beecher preaching Hell, As far too hot a place to dwell, So does not want to scare one. God is too busy with his work. Without e'er minding iluss or Turk, To so hereafter fix them Who go a shooting, slashing all, As if they never had a soul ; So Death just goes and kicks them. Then it will do as well to tell There needs no conscience if no hell ; There needs no moral law ; No use of God with judgment power. For present, past or future hour ; Then are we sunk so low. -5d— FUTURE PUNISHMENT— Continued. As matters of so base a kind, So Jittle sense, so little mind, So little mean ambition, That doubts so much, we nothing know, We cannot tell where we shall go ; The Bible is but novel law, So dark is our condition. Is it not bettor for mankind To teach that none can be so blind, Except the wilful here? But see the right is always plain, And in the end must always gain ; The wrong must suffer fear. Fear sufferiug, being conscience told, The seeming fearless acting bold. Who rashly set aside The laws of God, nature and man, Act on the devil-daring plan, To fail with all their pride. Not only fail, but sink below Our contempt into bitter woe And outer darkness, where They never see the smile of love, But full of misery turn and move ; No better fortune share For all they here durst dare. This is the fortune of the damn'd. No useless tale upon us palm'd, But something understood By ail too well not to be fear'd ; Then flatter none with ''Be not scared ;' 'Tis sealed and stiimp'd for good, The law of Nature's God. By being felt, by being seen. All human links and laws between, 'Tis sealed and stamp'd for good : By angels that e'er Goaward soar. By saints that worship and adore, Who see, and would the cause explore, Thei law8 of Nature's God. FUTURE PUNISHMENT— Continued. Study not, then, from a clam shell, Nor monkey shedding of its tail. The why of everytliiug ; But hear ye Beecher preaching Hell, Thence learn how soon the angels fell. When pride did snap its spring. How Satan fell, Pride's black- wing'd herald.. Down to a far and nether world, 'Midst flames and fierce combustion hurl'd. Cut off from God's right hand ; LinL reason understand, To be everlastingly desti oy'd. Tormented, or with hate employ 'd, Far from those sceiies he once enjoy'd, A punishment well plann'd. By wisdom ; duly scann'd With verse Miltonic grand. Woe, woe to them, the vain of earth, That pass their time in frivolous mirth, For they shall perish all ; There is a time for those to stay. But lo ! they soon must pass away. Death shall entomb them all. Down in the precincts of the grave They all must he, the weak, the brave, One common lot for all ; There hearts must cease with love to swell, As with the breath must hatred fail, There pride must ha^e a fall. The wicked live not, but must die The second death, in misrry They must their portion take ; Be with the unbelieving dirmu'd. With righteous judgment all condemn'd Unto yon burning lake. The lake of brimstone, fire and hell, Where sinner's go, not to do well. Where overj'thing rebukes ; They might have loved and lived for heaven. They might have had their sins forgiven ; How different there it looks. FUTUBE PUNISHMENT— Continued. Behold the smoke fore'er ascends, And their fierce torment never ends ; Woe to the proud of earth ; As Satan fell, so shall they fall, For wickedness shall perish all, Lo I Hell shall end their mirth. FOR LOVE. Lamb of God, how can it be That thou shouldst leave yon high abode. Tome down to earth and die for me. Die, to redeem me by thy blood? How on that rude and rugged tree, They fixed upon Mount Calvary. Endure such cruel mockery, Suffer such pain and agony ? When pierced by the soldier's spear. Wounded and bleeding from thy side, How still thv love and patience bear, Praying for those who crucified? How submit unto cursed death? Three days in his dominion lie, When in thf power was every breath Of all thy rebel enemy ? "O, son of man! 'twas love, 'twas love. O love ten thousand worlds' worth For winch I left the scenes above To lead a suffering life on earth. " For love I bled, for love I died, For love I did my Father's will ; They led me to be crucified On Calvery's remember'd hill. '■Though strongly held in Satan's thrall, Though deep immers'd in fearful guilt, -62— FOB LOVE— Continued. My love redeems each willing soul, My blood for all was freely spilt." Unto the valley from that Mount, Though fresh'ning streams of water go, Rut not the world its boons can count, Whence streams of mercy ever flow. West Allendale, Northumberland Co., Eng.. 1846. DAY CHANGES ALWAYS. Day changes always ! Morning comes. And after morning cometh night. B ut not without day's fuller light, Whose glory beautifies our homes. Day changes always ! We are born The creatures of the passiug day. Of a few days at most, we play Our parts in life to love or scorn. Day changes always ! and our love As often changes with the scene Around. What sorrows intervene! Or mix with pleasure that we prove. Day changes always ! and our life Here changes with our changing day : Young, but soon youth must pass away. When age comes on and cares are rife. Day changes always ! and we change These mortal bodies here of ours, Put on immortal, heavenly powers, Through scenes eternal far to range. Where do we go? After life's day, How do we live? To joy or pain? For infinite joy or infinit gain? Nor pass eternity away. May 14, 1878. CLIMB UP YON GOLDEN STAIRS. If life has lost its charms for thee, So thou would st from its sorrows flee, As all the world were dark and drear Thou hopeless art repining here, Without a bit of comfort found ; To sojourn e'er on earthly ground, 'Midst tangling weeds and bitter cares. Climb up ! Climb up yon golden stairs — Climb up ! If neither love nor friendship claim A passing tribute, nor a name ; Nor brother kind, nor sister dear. E'er wish to claim a comrade here ; And thou art walking all alone Beneath the shadow of God's throne, His saints in light far happier fare. Climb up ! Chmb up yon golden stair- Climb up 1 Canst thou not feel that God is love. Still with His spirit live and move ; A happy being upon earth. Nor find of social sweets a dearth? Canst thou not see with eye of faith What here the Bible to thee saith ? To trust in Christ with all thy ca,res ; Climb up ! Climb up yon golden stairs — Climb up ! His people wish to find thee out. To clear thy mind from clouds and doubt; Finding thee humble and depress'd. To raise and cheer; thy wrongs redress'd. The sinner's friend, of blessed name, Believing ask and comfort claim, Who still with thee life's burden shares ; Climb up ! Climb up yon golden stairs — Climb up 1 LIFE'S CROSSINGS. Life's crossings here Are oft severe. Oh, many a sigh is heard again Amid life's sorrows, clouds and rain. LIFE'S CEOSSINGS— Continued. Oh, little here Is found of cheer I Like that which smiles from heaven above, Like that which fills the courts of love. Little of fair Can ht re compare With whate'er shines in beauty there, Undash'd with sin, untouch'd with care. Then here we feel We have to deal With foes we ne'er before had seen, Hence cannot always look serene. The tempter comes Unto our homes, He comes into our childish hearts, Our foolish minds, and tries his arts. Appears at ease. And seeks to please ; He tries to make us hence believe He can life's best of cordials give. Can care defeat With something sweet, Which is by him full fair unfurl'd. And call'd the pleasures of the world. But could we see More spiritually. The path of duty is most clear, Is full of light, is full of cheer. The thing most fit To brighten wit. Behold! the truth is here made plain. And truly full of golden gain. The way of life With cares is rife, But then it le i ds us wisely on Where all the tried before have gone. LIFE'S CBOSSINGS— Continued. The wav to heaven Himself has given, Who is our Lord and living God. Our only hope, our certain road. O full of joy ! O sweet employ 1 Where saints and angels, happy bands. Together walk Immanuel's lands, Or cheery rest, In mansions blest, From tribulation saved and toil. E'er basking in God's loving smile, THE SCRAP-BOOK. A book that's only full of scraps Is better far than none, And should these scraps be spicy snaps Why not preserve each one ? These may instruct, please age and youth, As well this scrap-book shows ; Be full of wisdom, wit and truth, Whether in rhyme or prose. A book's a book, so Byron wrote, Although there's nothing in it ; But some would hoot that man of note. Disclaim him in a minute ; Yet has he written many things, Others have done the same, Which Time's uplifting to them brings Upon the roll of fame. And lo ! within this book behold ! Each scrap a bit of fame ; While every breath of fame, not cold. Breathes love's divinest flame. The noblest thoughts which thro' it floats Upon the minds of men. Are Memory's treasured sweetest notes. Loved scraps of golden gain. THE SCRAP-BOOK -Continued. Then clip ye scraps as sweet as snaps. Of spicy flavor still ; These can do more than food perhaps To heaven-direct the will. While Love's own ax*t a thought may staji On wing of noblest aim ; Whate'er can mend or teach the heart Has e'er a worthy fame. Thus let the pen write good to men, While we have ears to hear ; And call attention oft again To words of noblest cheer. Still let the press, with vividness. Its beau-ideals grand, And flowers of knowledge numberless. Bend fortb on every hand. The truth, the light, the always right. E'er be our motto here, These be oiir guides, immortal bright. Far through life's mundane sphere. No BCi'ap of knowledge let us own, Unless worth more than gold ; To us be wisdom always shown. The truth be always told, SundAy. May 19th, 1878. SOME VERSES. Which were presented to the Rev. Belknap, on his re-visiting Rose Creek. May 22d, 1878. O welcome, come around again On friendship's happy feet, To make your dutv known to men. Your Christian lovf complete. You have remember'd been full oft. These months soon glided past ; Our bosom feelings yet are soft Where memory's coins were cast. -67— SOME VEBSES— Continued. To former times of sweet renown, Of loved revival talk, When God in spirit here came down Unseen with us to walk. Our memory turns, our bosom burns, As with a sacred flame, Till sin despised, forsaken, scorn'd, Far passes from our aim. O we remember, sweet as chimes. Those meetings which you led ; O we remember their loved times. By heavenly manna fed. As often as the winter day Out with its cold winds went. At night we met to sing and pray. And happy evenings spent. We gladly heard you sermonize. And sing a song or two ; We felt you draw our longing eyes A Savior's love to view. Beheld you pointing to that scene Of sorrow on the cross ; Where love and mercy come between Opposing powers and loss. Still watch on by the beacon Hght Upon the pulpit stand ; Burn with the fire by truth made bright To honor God's command. To him that hideth many sins Shall much reward be given ; The instrument that saveth souls Still honor'd be of Heaven. LET WELL ENOUGH ALONE. Let well enough alone ! Adage that, without love, ambition, hope, Beats like the heart of some contented one : LET WELL ENOUGH ALONE— Continued Sounds like the step of some about to stop Far short of honor's prize, which may be won. Let well enough alone I 'So^ when we can do better, or we should ; " Though when the thing to us is most unknown. With much uncertainty about the could, We may be thoughtful ere we venture on. Let well enough alone ! O 'grateful words I are we so thankful then For favors here, for mercies to us shown, For benefits received of fellow men, Of Heaven, of God. and must it thus be known. Let well enough alone ! When are we well ? that is the question here. When we have stood temptations one by one. And have triumph'd, and when past all fear From snares of Satan, the unholy one. Let well enough alone ! Is that a thought most noble, faithful, pure, Aspiring after the Eternal One Through dim contentment and a sky obscure, And has no further wishes to make known? Let well enough alone ! Though hardly worthy notice of the mind, Here calls attention", while time passes on. And changes cast their shadows o'er mankind ; Yea more ! mould thought and temper's undertone. Ne'er well enough alone I There is a comforter which God has sent To still be with us ; he will pour upon Our souls whate'er will happiness augment. With his perfections be contentment shown. THE ROLLING STONE. A proverb we need not disguise. When circumstantial made. It may be uttered very wise. Or may be foolish said. THE ROLLING STONE— Continued. We do not like tmwelcome truths, Nor want to think them right ; Thus grown men oft like beardlesH youths Will stand in their own light. Proverbs and maxims have more fame Than good philosophy, When made to play a double game. Or wheedle with a lie. One proverb hints, better not change, Or you may come to loss ; Another that new pasture range May gather fat or moss. Just harken what they have to say About the rolling stone : The stone will never gather moss That still keeps rolling on. Most candid here to tell my friends, For truth if friendship calls : To gather moss far more depends On how and where it rolls. Just look abroad into the world.. To scan among mankind ; Find out the aptitude they hold. The money-making minds. Depends it here on keeping still? Or, how man active is ? Or, how the head with giant will Makes circumstances his? We find it takes an active brain. An energetic speed, To have on hand what draws much gain, And doth to fortune lead. See, emigrants are coming here, Led by a powerful will ; Hope bids them try another sphere. The scriptures to fulfill. With hope to lead, the land is till'd, Gk)d speeds the farmer's plow ; —70— THE ROLLING STONE— Contimied. With hope Columbus had, heaven--will'd, A glorious aim in view. The prized newspapers of the land With livest issues teem, Empower'd, come to every hand, Teaching more than a dream. Why people come, why people go, Why stones must lively roll : How many things we need to know To gather moss at all. How every thing, good honest friends, Learn here from Nature's book, On every other thing depends With many a turn and crook. But see him come to grief and loss, That easy resting soul. Who does not try to gather moss. Too lazy far to roll. Can we believe, and not deceive Ourselves, with proverbs thus? Can we each maxim thus receive. Like right-rigged omnibus ? In many a thing that suits our pride We vainly put our trust ; In some old adage we confide. All ivied o'er with must. Although it means entirely wrong, How aptly we obey. And careless sing our cheerful song, While fortune ebbs away. For ivy tells of time and ruin, However green it looks. And oft foreshadows danger brewing Where'er it hangs or hooks. The tree it climbs is doom'd to fall, Because a thing of time ; So with the tower so strong and tall, Howe'er it looks sublime. -71- THE^ROLLING STONE— Continued, Each may have stood and rested long, All covered o'er with moss ; Or, the ivy green, all grown up strong. It may be counted boss. The tree all hollow to the ground, The hanging weight may crush ; The timbers rotting aU around, The castle down may rush. Blow gently, winds, rush not with rage. Nor yet with fury sweep. Some things now tottering with age, We want to safely keep. But rest, O stone, grow up with moss. Until unseen, unknown ; Tho' many come to grief and loss. Through easy resting on. The path of life is oft obscure, By travelers seldom trod, Where love or nothing can illure In duty up to God. GOD RULES With Light, and Truth, and Love, God sits beyond AU earthly ways, In light enthron'd, Where angels gaze ; Sits fair enthron'd in light. Par, fax above all heavens, Par, far above all might. And night with wing like raven's, Who made all law, And ever rules; We cannot know How he controls ; Whose law is ever good, Beyond our finite mind ; —72— GOD RULES— Continued. Though partially understood. Yet perfectly design'd. God hath ic spired His written word, By saints admired With one accord. His is that matchless Book, Bo blest to human sight ; So glad we in it look, And find it full of light. In morals fair That Book excels ; If anywhere, Truth in it dwells. Onto eternal life, Unto eternal joy, Delivers fi'om all strife. And sinners' vain employ. Though humans fail To understand All it doth tell. Love's great command. Yet without love we know Nor light, nor truth, nor good. Nor learn his moral law, The perfect law of God. The Lord, our God He doth command To every good, Both heart and hand, With soul and mind and strength To serve him here full weU, To give our days full length, In virtue to excel. January, 1878. ABOUT LOVE. Here, gentle reader, is a bit of jingle, To itch your ears, or sense with sound to tingle. -Td- ABOXJT liOVE—Continued Lo, behold I from where you stand, Here and there a righteous ring, Here and there a Christian band, Met to do the worthy thing, Honorable in every land ; Met to pray, and met to sing. Met to do the Lord's command, 'Neath Love's >vide and sheltering wing. For Love's smile so heavenly fair, Under Zion's holy hill, Laid aside their worldly care, 1 here to do their Master's will, Who their lives has deign'd to spartj Just his pleasure to fulfill, Love and mei-cy everywhere 'Round His altar brooding still. Love, a pure and holy thing. Taiketh friendship, glad to meet ; Bright as angel's glistening wing. Sweeter than all earthly sweet, In the heart sits thron'd like king. When its conquest is complete ; Love and light from God coming. Messengers with swiftest feet. Love, like light, in welcome ways Kindly smiles on every one, Yet to some more honor pays. Visits most where most is known, Love, full welcom'd, always stays. Leaves with tears, is missed when gone Daylight glances golden rays. But departs when night comes on. Love without virtue is of earth. Too sensual for the heart's desire ; But love which is of heavenly birth Is kindled with seraphic fire ; Far transcends all human worth. Is something all can admire ; Grace and beauty showeth forth, Lifts our hopes up high and higher. Love hath pleasures here below. Pelt in friendships all would prove ; -74- ABOUT LOVE— Continued, Love hath raptures that we know, Up to joy that carry love. Love delights all mortals so, Higher yet they seek to move, "Where its fountains ever flow. Through the highest courts above. Love is simple, passeth care. Wears a (fimple and a smile ; Love is generous everywhere. And is ever free from guile ; Simple as a youthful swain, Smiling with a generous mind, Giving freely of its gain, Guileless ever as its kind. Love has got a little bow, He has quivers in his pouch, He will use them, use them now. He is coming, see him crouch. Love is looking, we allow. For something he loveth much ; L6! he's aiming, shooting, how? Let us speak to him in Dutch I Love's a marksman, but will go Only where he sees a prize ; Shoots with light, without a flaw. Sharp, unseen by human eyes ; Shoots with hope and beauty so E'er impressive, drawing sighs ; Shoots wherever Ught can show, Darkness far before him flies. "There's a dawn about o break, There's a ray about to beam, Let the people all awake. See a light about to stream," That will soon disperse the dark, See the silly things ye dream Fade before the shining mark Love hits with his level beam. Every marksman enter in, Do not slip your feet nor fall ; To be perfect soon begin. The Bewarder's voice doth call. -75- ABOUT LOVE— Continued. Love can hit his mark and win, Hits the highest mark of all ; Snatches every prize from sin. Nobly wins to save the souL Love can hit a vital part, Where you cannot help but feel ; Love can hit a throbbing heart, Make a wound sin cannot heal ; Love can make the sinner start. Break for him Salvation's seal ; Love excels all human art ; Love promotes all human weal. Without love we have no peace. Love, averse to strife and war, Bids all stormy passions cease, Places here a pleasing bar, Seeks all blessings to increase, Shines with glory from afar, Smiles, with beauty still to please, Down from heaven, like a star. Meet, then, little Christian band. Here to do the noblest thing, Meet with honor where you stand. E'er to form your righteous ring ; Ye most worthy in the land, Meet to pray, and meet to sing ; Meet to do the Lord's command, 'Neath Love's wide and sheltering wing. STILL LOVE. Love's heart, oft growing greater fast, Here softly breathing, heaves a sigh ; How liquid rolls with feeling vast Its fuU-orb'd, sympathetic eye 1 Wells freely up deep-fountain tears, Sublimely drawn with grand design, Yet looks with hope thro' cloudy fears, Forth to its source which is divine. STILL LOVE— Oontinuod. Though baffled oft, it ever lives, A thing of misery or of joy, Of misery when it ne'er receives Returning love for care's alloy ; Of joy whene'er it wakes to life Love's beauteous being's guileless art. And nobly pilots man and wife, Its rudder here the beating heart. 3. Pilots them through this narrow sea, And seeks to save in storm or calm. Partakers of oue destiny, While here they sing life's sweetest psalm, While here like one they both agree, One feeling sways both gentle hearts. While ruled by faith and constancy, Heaven of its happiness imparts. 4. Who can misdoubt all that is told By virtuous saint or knowing sage. Or budding blossoms that unfold Like fairest letters, which engage The reading eye, and always charm With sweet aSrection everywhere, Uesign'd, in fancy's fairest form. To sooth fill grief, engross all care. Love's lesson, known and leam'd from time, Upon this fruit producing earth, Is deep as ocean, and sublime As heaven, is of priceless worth. Of genuine wisdom, standard truth : To all extends, by nature free ; From youth to age, from age to youth, It flies like electricitv. Breath on, sweet Love, awake thy dreams, In bowers of peace, fair scenes of earth, Where bright the moon's full beauty gleamg. Or 'midst the day's loud-warbled ndrth —77- STIIiL LOVE— Continuod. Of happy music, song of birds, While strong the suu's high glory shineft. Sweep, thrill the bosom's tender chords With every feeling that refines- B'ut oh ! how terrible is love To torture weak yet feeling hearts, Whene'er abortive it doth prove. Pierced by adversity's keen darts : When every step by lover taken Leads further on in error's way. Until he finds himself forsaken, Or, deep in debt— the de'il to pay. 8. When every look of lady gay Shoots, like a toothache pang of pain, His future happiness away, With all his hopes of future gain. Instead of lighting up his mind With sunshine of domestic bliss. Instead of cheering ever kind A lover in a world like this. 9. Thus terrible is love indeed ! Yea, almost like the second death. Of which poor sinners should tnke heed. Afraid to draw an errine breath. O thou, the Great First Cause, take back The pang of pain, the cause of woe : Put us upon the happy track Where all the cars to Heaven go. Sunday, May 19th, 1878. KINGDOM COME How mortals, of life oft aweary, Would lie down and rest in the tomb ; Would sleep a sweet sleep to rise cheery To a knowledge of Kingdom Come. —78— KINGDOM COME— Contmuod. Untrammel'd, with Freedom would rally To the standard of Victory, where Glad shouts are heard, in a vigorous sally, O'er Death and the Grave, scatter'd there. O'er Death and the Grave, so triumphant, To rise ever more with fresh strength ; With fresh beauty, fresh joys, so exultant, Thro' Christ, true conquerors at length ; After life upon earth, with its mirrors. Has been hid 'neath the shades of the tomb. After death has pass'd by with its terrors. To alight in the Kingdom Come. To meet with our friends there extending Heaven's welcome of peace and of love. The salute, '* All's well," gladly sending To the throne of true mercy above. With the angels to mingle our voices. With the saints to exult in our home, Where the freed soul forever rejoices In the glory of Kingdom Come. LET ME BE NAMELESS. Let me be nameless, who may not have aught Worthy recording on the roll of fame ; No tidal wave of intellectual greatness, Rolling thro' a ast Eternity's ocean, Across my soul, to bathe it with its waters, That lave the shores of immortality. To freshen it, and strengthen with a life Of honor'd vigor, heart of largest hope, Mind of greatest power, and love of truth ; All great and good, all wise and worthy, e'er To blazon forth, to publish unto men And readers ever- Then let me be nameless. Thou name of splendor, full of living brightness. Glad life adorning, Immortality 1 Whose range is e'er unlimited as thought, Whose thought is like the exalted throne of God. —TO- LET ME BE NAMELESS— Continued. With pure desires suggested by his love, With breathings always noble and benign : How I am nothing, my desires as nothing, Compared to thee? unless one loving eye Smile sweetly down upon me, call my name. To be recorded in the Book of Life. Call me in honor, worthy of redemption From Time's dark sinful world — I must be nameless. name of power, love, truth and firm reliance. Of highest honor, Immortality ! 1 stand here gazing, and look toward thee. Behold thee like a spirit, moving before me, Array'd in garments loose and beautiful ; Or, deem thee like the distant shore of glory. Before my longing view e'er bright and fair ; Like ever-green banks, towering high in beauty, Forever upward, riveting mine eyes, Engrossing all my spirit's vision here. Beneath whose banks Time's surging waters flowing Rush restless ever, rush all to and fro, With power like beasts of prey, until I tremble, As confounded, feel as dull and aimless, With tired existence would be — Null and nameless. Who can regenerate being like mine? Exalt to higher life, and worth, and power? Bestow the boon of Immortality ? Bestow the glad desire to live, not die? To live always in some far grander sphere ? To live where life is sweet, like new-made honey? Where skies are always clear, the air serene? No bodies gross and dark, light spirits move? On rising mountains, crown'd with glorious beauty, Where honey-dew e'er glisteneth, no rain falls ; But there gi-ow fruits and flowers ambrosial ; The happy birds trill out love's gush of gladness. Where gi-een leaves quiver, and the waters sweet Sing ever, where all sounds are musical. There nothing harsh e'er grates the timid ear, Ne'er no hard name is called in love or fear. If mine 's not soft enough- It must be nameless. LET ME BE NAMELESS— Continued. O Joseph I thou who once in Egypt was ! King Pharoah's chief adviser, and didst yrisely gather For the coming years of drouth and want. For the necessities of mortal life, For the given, consequence of fleeting dreams, Within these shadow'd valleys of the earth. Where life's a vapor, and where death's a damper. If Hodgson cannot likewise eschew folly. Gathering future good- Let him be nameless. THE POETASTER'S VERSES. You must have some supposition How to make them, try again : There is good in composition When it is in wisdom's vein ; When it aught of moral teaches, Dress'd in language true sublime ; Thought that every bosom reaches Sounds in speech like music's chime. Thought that soars above the world. To a purer, nobler life, Like a banner fair unfurl'd, Leadeth on throuL'h care and strife ; Comes of I;ove's high inspiration, Wakes us up to new delights ; Thought of God in adoration Points our spirit's upward flights. "Verses 'tempted, faulty, ailing, How and why, and where and when : How— because in fancy failing ; Why— they do not interest gain ; Where— in style too plain and homely. Look not fresh, nor bright, nor new : When — in being dress'd uncomely. Flowers of knowledge Inck to view. Feeling fused in glowing verses, Thought pour'd into language strong. —81— THE POETASTERS VERSES— Continued. Oft upsets all controversies With the truth that shameth wrong ; With the truth that man ennobles More than honor's rusty sword, That to walk upright enables Walking with the righteous Lord. Verses thus snatch'd from oblivion, May be born to honest fame. Ever soar above oblivion, Bearing up an author's name. Like some fancy work in jewels, Work of filagree in gold. That our admiration rules, Which doth so much beauty hold. May 28th, 1878. WE WANT THE RIGHT. We want no wrong, but want all right, Wherever love on earth we know : When love we know not— want more Ught The right to show. We surely want the right, true right. That earneth praise still as it should, That findeth favor in God's sight, As just and good. We justly claim the right, full right. To wisely speak our heart and mind, Unhinder'd here by selfish might So unkind. We only ask the right, noble right, To do as should be done by all. To keep the truth, the way, the light, Where'r it faU. We surely need the right, given right To rise again from Adam's fall In God's commandments to delight With freedom's soul. WE WANT THE RIGHT-Continued. We truly want the right, fair right, To have our homes, our joys, our own, Where smiles content, where love looks bright, But not alone. We greatly need the right, just right. Of every social, moral g* od, Which is to fancy exquisite Understood. We all here honor right, needful right, Which sways our conscience as it must, Leading to the Fount of Light, In whoni we trust. We want no wrong, we want all right, No thought bewildering unto men. To hinder 'midst Time's rapid flight, Our goal to gain. Through years still passing, endless, vast, Like ocean sand, so countless all, Give us the right which ruled the past. That rights us all. Give right eternally improved, But none of your sham patent rights, Give, give to those that always loved, Improved delights. The glorious right be given, the time To disembodied rise and soar, In grandest scenes and sense sublime, To God adore. Pure Spirit, lead us right, always right, Here kindly sway our feeble minds ; Inspire the faith, so heavenly bright. That favor finds. Establish'd, then, in every right, Fore'er triumphing over wrong, We place in God our whole delight, To him belong. -SB- CONSIDER. There is an eye which always sees The wicked fly when none piirsueth ; Come weigh our fate's eternities. Which choice and conduct here endueth. Divide time into several parts, Divide and use, there lay yoi;r chances, All waste, no taste, without full hearts, While knowledge everything advances. But where is patience without thought? Consider well and choose your portion, Nor set your chances here at nought, When upon care hangs all your fortune. The Eye All-Seeing always finds The least of dross, the mite of merit, And weighs the worth of human minds In judgment with the Eternal Spirit. Snnday, January 27, 1878. GOOD INTENT. Came into life without a cent, Of all have got would here repent. Excepting only good intent, All Christian graces with it blent. And for a saving blessing sent, Oh excellent is good intent. IF YE WOULD DO WELL. (The author is considerably deaf. The above five words were all he heard of a funeral sermon.) If ye would do well be Christians, Love one another still ; Keep away from the Philistians, The sinner's hardeu'd will ; Nor be strong in your own counsels. But understand the good. —84— IF YE WOULD DO WELL— Continued. Moral law and Bible knowledge, The way to heaven and God ; Study nature, health and yirtue, To learn whate'er is best, Practice every Christian duty, To God leave all the rest. January 18th, 1878. EARTH, BEHOLD, SHALL BE AS HEAVEN. Earth, behold, shall be as heaven, Grace and beauty to it given, Shine reflected full of love. When the world calls only move Forward on the wheels of truth. Guided by the Almighty's hand, With his wisdom full of ruth. With his justice firm command. Guided forward, always right, From the shadows of the night. To the morning full of light, To the day of beauty bright. When the world is full of love. All life's paths will be more smooth ; When the world shall only move Forward on the wheels of truth To God, and all his goodness prove ; Crown'd with love's eternal youth. Basking in his glorious grace, Shining full in Jesus' face, Without sin or Satan's leaven, Earth, behold, shall be like heaven. THE SUN. Yon sun that lights heaven's lofty hall. Smiles o'er the fruitful vale of pccice, E'er sheds his lustre over all, Shines life and blessing to increase. -85— THE SUN— Continued. The greatest praise that men bestow Is with the hand of labor there Effulgent where his splendors glow, As honoring them lor worthy care. He glows with grace divinely fair, The hills, the streams, the vales rejoice ; He smiles surpassing lovely there, The birds sing praise with sweetest voice. And see where nature's wilding flowers, With gentle grace peep forth so sweet, Sparkling in morning's dewy hours. As things which would affection greet How much hath wisdom here design'd. How much hath love brought forth to view, How much creative power combined. That charms as ever fresh and new. But not alone do we behold Day's golden orb full glorious rise. To other worlds in beauty roU'd, His glance of glac^ness quickly flies. He drives away the hosts of night, And smiles triumphant from his car, Unfolds his banner, heavenly bright. Like conquering hero from afar. As forth he hurries to the West, The earth as quickly turns to view ; In her morning robes of beauty dress'd. As still reluctant bids adieu. WHAT OF THE MORNING? Tell me, dear friends, what of the morning? O think ye now the promise fair? Fair for the sun's glad light adorning The beauty of the landscape here, WHAT OF THE MORNING?— Continued. What of the morn? what of the morning? O think you that to-morrow '11 come All bright with beauty, still adorning With smiles and love our every home. O think you that to-morrow's coming Like some light-hearted maiden fair, Full of perfume and beauty blooming, With naught of gloom, nor aught of care. What of the morn? what of the morning? Will there be clouds with drops of rain? Will there be storms and yet no warning Then clear and cool, and calm again. What of the morn? what of the morning? O dream you not of sickness near? Nor e'er of death, nor of a scorning Or frowning world around you here ? What of the morn? what of the morning? We know a change sometime must come, All things around are full of warning. Mortals must pass unto the tomb. The day of life is ever hastening, The night of rest is coming on ; Things present are not always lasting ; Time on its wings will soon be flown. What of the Resurrection Morning? What of the beauty of that day? Does conscience give us ample warning, That we shall walk with banners gay? A-fter life's scenes here have done changing, Into that Great Eternal day. Or will Night fly, like darkest raven, To mock our hopes for e'er and aye? What of the morn? what of the morning? O think you now the promise fair? Fair for the sun of heaven adorning The beauty of the landscape there 1 June 7th, 1878. —87- ADAPTABILITY. In things good is often evil. In things evil often good ; Hangs all things as on a swivel, To be turn'd, as understood, With an easy, graceful motion, Unto man's advantage here ; Turn'd from evil to our notion, Unto good and lasting cheer. Thus the good that is in all things, Is adapted to our want, 'Till no evil can befall things, More than justice e'er would grant; More than man, by nature erring. Errs against imperial laws, Till in punishment conferring, He must wince beneath her blows. Since by laws approved of heaven, Justice must be brought to bear ; From all mean ambition driven, Evil falleth everywhere. So from out o'er-cropping evil, As by justice understood, Mercy gently turns the swivel, To produce some lasting good. Mercy! mercy 1 what a blessing! That we can be favored thus ; Fortune evermore caressing, Smiling, wiling, forcing us To be kind, and comb'd, and civil, Wise and wary, as we should ; To be good, distrusting evil, Out of evil deducing good. May 25th, 1878. THE MAN TO TRUST. Show me the man that is inclin'd After this fashion still to pray. Pray without ceasing, loving, kind. Here as he prays e'er works away, THE MAN TO TRUST— Continued. That he may have good clothes, good fare, As grateful still when these are given ; To work and pi'ay his daily care, His daily duty unto heaven. For that's the man whom I would trust, Neighbor I want with whom to live ; The solid spheres as soon would burst, As heaven to such would cease to give. No idle hour would he destroy, No willful scandal would invent ; He asks no more than good employ, . And what, for such kind, heaven has sent. July 8th, 1878. BETTEK. One grateful, soul here unto God, One loving mind in sight of heaven, Is better ton'd for doing good Than all the hearts which sin can leaven. One humble spirit in the Lord, Seeking to do the always right, Walking ac oi'ding to his word. May find true comfort and delight. July 9th, 1878. THE FALL OF MAN. 1. How Eve, persuaded first, did eat, Beguiling serpent did her cheat, Tasting of knowledge there, Where stood the tree of good and ill. She ate, and loved to eat it still, 'Twas pleasant as 'twas fair. How Adam next transgress'd the law, By thoughtless Eve alluring so, To taste forbidden fruit : THE FALL OF MAN— Continued. They both did eat, the twain trausgress'd. Both were asham'd, and sin confess'd ; Temptation did not suit. They sinn'd because God told them not To eat, or woe should be their lot ; They fell by sinning thus. Were out of Eden sharply driven, Sent forth to labor under heaven, As under some great curse. 4. The more we taste of knowledge here, The more we find the purchase dear, Who must account for all ; The more we have the more desired. The more we know the more required, And thus we rise or fall. 5. The fruit of knowledge maketh wise. Enlargeth hearts and openeth eyes. When fully ripe and good ; And by its talismanic power The mind obtains a mystic dower Of all things understood. But when of fruit we here have taken Which roughly from the tree is shaken, Not rightly grown, but green, And full of acid sour and strong. We feel the evil in us long, The sting of pain is keen. Some almost pluck before they think, And straightway into folly sink, To earn experience dear ; These may step out to better show. To safer act and wiser grow, By shedding sorrow's tear. THE FALL OF MAN— Continued. Yet not all those that feel the sting Of pain, which sinful pleasures bring, From folly's pitfall rise ; A few, and only such a few, To learn that they may good pursue, Look as with thinking eyes. For some will taste and bear the pain, Will form the habit-binding chain. Like fools continue on ; There are how many now of those Who folly for their way have chose, With folly still have gone. 10. To taste, or not to taste? that's it. If knowledge does improve our wit. And should with us agree. Then may we taste the pleasant thing, If not too much of evil spring What we from knowing be. 11. What we fi-om knowledge be, is right, Is wrong, as we are led by light. Which draws the will of all With varied beauty, ever bright, Pours pleasure on the raptur'd sight, And captivates the soul. 12. Lo I some are dazzled with one thing, Some with another, glittering Before their fancy's sight ; Too many, listening pleasure's song, Fail in their not discerning wrong. But heedless think it right. 13. We run too much on appetite, In sensual pleasures we delight, Hence comes the Fall of Man. -91— THE FALL OF MAN— Continued. In surfeits gluttons often sink, To save us when on Ruin's brink. Work is the penal plan. 14. To think, to do, is on condition The free-will part of our volition, In face of circumstance ; We need observe, with prudence scan, How far with human power we can For weal or woe advance. 15 Man will advance for weal or woe, For weal obeying moral law, The highest good of being ; To sway our hearts, enforce our hands. How moi-al law of us demands The weal of all, far seeing. 16. The weal of all demandeth love, That we to others ever prove As good as unto self The weal of all demandeth just What every individual must Consider without pelf. 17. Each must consider to be wise, No one, however he devise. Can wisely foolish be ; For folly can excuse no man From acting out on wisdom^'s plan What love can only see. 18. Love can expedience only find In what the moral law does bind. Experience's self will prove That love is virtue most admired, That love is justice most desired, Since God commands to love. 19. By love we rise, who rise at all, From all the curse of Adam's Fall, Not e'er by what we know ; But strict obedience unto God, By shunning evil, doing good, By all the moral law. 20. By culturing well our feeling sense Of conscious right or wrong intense, Thus may we hope to rise ; Without which we may lower fall. Until we lose our precious soul. Through disobedience. December 6th, 1877. TREAT WITH LOVE. Do not treat because you love. Otherwise your friendship prove ; That may do for temperance men, But in other things is vain. It is vain to e'er expect That our love can aught effect, Without something that we know Will unto advantage show. When the heart, the heart is brim Full of goodness like a hymn, We expect the gifted mind Will be corresponding kind. We expect a genial treat Of something surpassing sweet, We expect the words that drop Will be like song birds that hop. Full of song, or full of mirth. Full of gladness upon earth, Full of many a cheerful tale, Showing how the good do well. -93- TKEAT WITH LOVE— Continued. We expect the crowning acts Will be full of pleasing facts ; Out of love and friendship springs Blessing in a thousand things. Friendship is a power benign, Oppos'd to hate, cannot malign ; Never vainly praises wealth, Nor with flattery drinketh health. In the conversation hour Loving kindness is a power. We must sterling friendship prove. Treat with love to show we love. BENEVOLENCE. Since hate begets and stirs up strife, O let us never hate each other ; Whate'er may be our luck in life, Let's strive and all love one another. Each has a power at his own will, Which he may use, nor use in vain. If used aright 'twill do no ill, Ne'er cause a needless pang of pain. 'Tis manlike to resent a wrong, 'Tis Godlike to forgive the same ; Good feeling should to us belong. Who are so weak in mortal frame. So apt to err, with bias'd mind. So prone forget to reason well ; To each, to all, we should be kind ; Not faults, but rather merits, tell. Yea, each should for his brother feel The noblest sympathy should show. Should strive with loving kindness heal The sting of poverty or woe. Even when misfortune drives him hard, 'Midst stubborn roots of stumpy field. May future good his hopes reward, And harvest for him plenty yield. Though weak a fellow mortal be. In mind and body formed so frail, —94— BENEVOLENCE— Continued. Though faults he have be plain to see, We need not on his errors dwell ; But offer him, in gentlest way, Good counsel, when we see he needs, Without offending, as we may ; Kindness to comfort often leads. The ready tongue should speak no ill. No vile abuse, no venom spit. It is a member seldom still. The skull— repository for wit— The worth of learning should contain, Superior wisdom to display, And reason e'er should hold the rein, Lest fond invagination stray. No pulse should beat for self alone ; Mind's freeborn thoughts should breath as free Of self, as all have need to own The heart of great Humanity, That beats within, throughout, around, The circle of each joyous home ; Since none with happiness are crown'd. Where love and friendship do not come. The paltry soul that stoops so low As to eye all things in view of gain. May freeze as where it could not thaw, 'Neath polar winter's dreary reign ; May, struggling with its freight thro' life. Still tempest-toss'd be out at sea. To die at last 'midst sin and strife, Hopeless to all eternity. But he whose mind so nobly soars Above the common things of earth, His Maker worships and adores, Enjoying Christ's supernal worth. Drawn by the love express'd for all, Gladly he owns Jesus his Lord, To arise to glory at His call, And find the promise of His word. That promise to His saints is sweet, Such as can love who love not thera ; Free grace to all, believe, repent. Delighting in the one best name. —95— BENEVOLENCE— Continued. That name is sweeter than the air Wafted o'er beds of roses hence ; That name is heard in truest prayer, The watch-word of benevolence. Near Listowell, Canada West, 1861. MOSES ON MOUNT NEBO. (Deut, xxxiv, v. 1 — 5.) Lo 1 on Pisgah's top I stand. Looking on fair Canaan's land. What a glorious scene command Over Jordan's silvery flow. Land of hope, and of the vine. Land of honey, milk, and wine, Where the sun resplendant shines. There my heart would gladly go. Fairest promise of oar God, Though of heathen the abode, See upon its nearest road, Israel's tents like spots of snow. How I lose delightful fame. Half the prestige of my name, Though from Egypt thus I came, Leader of a nation here, Prophet to the sons of men : But my grief I must restrain. Soon return to earth again. Without hfe's enjoyment there ; Though in great magnificence All the world be smiling hence, Ere yon darkening mists condense Moses, dying, may lie here. Baasenthwaite, Cumberland County, England, December 13th 1859. - — o HYMN. Great God of truth, of power and right. Let Christ, Thy Son, for us now plead, —96— HYMN— Continued. Who first, thro' love, gav'st glorious light. Thy love we want. Thy light we need. All secret evils banish hence. Let Anti-Christ, with Satan's power, Frona earth depart, let conscience, sense And reason triumph every hour. Cast down the Dagons of the land, And Error's temples, fill'd with dark ; Let every-one hear Thy command. And bear aloft Thy Holy Ark. The Ark of Covenanted Grace, Wherein is set Thy mercy seat. Wherein Thy Spirit, having place, Descendeth from above so sweet. Wherein the Lamb is typified, That hath been made a sacrifice ; Christ has for sinner's suffer'd, died, Has paid for them the ransom price. Then glory, hallalujah, shout, Praise ye our Great Bedeemer's name ; Let's glory, hallalujah, shout, His love to all on earth proclaim. The sun in heaven is glorious bright. So also is the Son of God ; Lo I both can fill the earth with light, , Through love adorning man's abode. Through love adorning each glad morn With light and beauty, spread so fine, Until the heart, to heaven upborne, Doth soar and sing of love divine. Behold ye heaven is found below, Compass'd in feeling's finest sense. We need not there nor farther go, Than Christ and love in present tenSe. The sublime sense of love find here, When heaven is love, where love is heaven. Love is the true angelic cheer, A foretaste to believers given. —97— HYMN— Continued. With love we pray, with love we sing. With neighbors spread we love around ; Through love, with our Immanuel King, Establish heaven on earthly ground. December 25th, 1877, HEAVENLY LOVE. Source of everlasting pleasure, Fount of "Mercy's healing streams," Fund of never-failing treasure, Is that boundless love which beams Through the Eye of the Eternal, Glorious Sun of Righteousness, Uncreated and supernal, Heavenly love is happiness. While yon stars in countless orders Shed their radiance over all ; Where'er land on ocean borders, 'Round the earth from pole to pole ; Where'er saints or sinners marvel. Where'er man meets brother man. Where'er light or truth can travel, Love is heaven's eternal plan. In the fairest country yonder. See, from Hojie's delightful mount, Love is there their grandest banner, Over bands ye cannot count, Over multitudes in glory, Over happy souls redeem'd, Over all those saved before ye, Its effulgent light hath beam'd. CROWN HIM ! CROWN HIM ! ! Who has virtue still preferr'd Through temptation long and hard. He is worhy of reward — Crown him 1 crown him 1 1 pure in thought. GROWN HIM 1 CROWN HIM ! 1-Continued. With a peasant's humble lot, Who the high has envied not. But content with what is got— Crown him 1 crown him 1 1 meek in thought. With a high and steady aim, Who has risen unto fame, To the sluggard's very shame- Crown him I crown him 1 1 great in thought. Who has in the restless world Seen ambition's flag unfurl'd. Pride unto destruction hurl'd— Crown him I crown him I ! clear in thought. Who has found the use of knowledge, Won from Bible, school and college, ' Fair as trees in summer's foliage- Crown him 1 crown him 1 1 bright in thought. Who for duty e'er has striven, Sought and found his sins forgiven, And expects a home in heaven — Crown him 1 crown him ! I wise in thought. Who has reach'd the realms of glory. Who has proved the gospel story, Out of faith as born before ye— Crown him I crown him ! I blest in thought. GREAT GOD, WHO REIGN'ST ABOVE. Great God, who reign'st above, Who rul'st the earth below. Whose conquering arms are full of love, Whose mercies ever flow ; Who hast on all impress'd Supreme, almighty power, Whose hands of judgment are confess'd By all, the wide-world o'er. We read Thy will divine Within Thy Book of Books, And let its full instruction shine On him who in it looks, GREAT GOD, WHO REIGN'ST ABOVE-Cont'd. On all whoe'er assent To truly worship Thee, With strongly-fixed and wise intent. Who would thy glory see. Thy word is ever plain, Thy spirit makes it known, That none may look therein in vain, As it is freely shown, To all the gentile race, Egyptian, Jew and Greek ; They all may learn Thy perfect grace, And all Thy kingdom seek. All, all may live to Thee, Turn from their wicked ways, Beauty in holiness may see, And offer grateful praise To Thee, the Eternal One, Who art the only God, Unequal'd, awful and alcne. Who sit'st on Heaven's high throne. HOPEFUL. PART I. The gladness which our hearts engages, The triumph o'er the world's dark ages, Christ's kingdom is, which, since begun. Grows greater with each rising sun. Fled are the days of persecution, Light are the times of tribulation ; God's saints are everywhere secure, Our moral atmosphere more pure. Behold upon the isles of ocean, The heathen tremble with emotion ; Look ye on China and Japan, Behold the ministerial plan. But rarely their advance resenting, The heathen there more apt repenting ; Lo ! Christ beholds them from afar. Whose bowels of mercy open are. —100— HOPEFUL— Continued. For all, for all on e Good Physician, For all one open, fair condition ; Christ can the sin-sick soul redeem, Kepent, believe and follow Him. Who offers each His great salvation, Throughout the kingdoms, every nation. Who offers peace unto mankind, Glad-tidings to the hopeful mind. Where'er the rivers roll to ocean, The burthen everywhere is caution ; Though dark the clouds of heaven lower, There yet is Ught and moral power. The glorious Gospel Day is breaking, New light into the valleys taking, New light into the hearts of men, Whose idols are beheld so vain. Roll on 1 roll on, thou mighty Ganges I Though superstition slowly changes ; Flow ou I flow on, thou Indus fast I Those times of darkness will go past. The world be filled with light and wonder. The powers of hell must stand from under, Jehovah Great, the Almighty One, Will make his truth and glories known. PART 11. Aye, hopeful, we may all be hopeful. The world is great and wide and ecopeful ; Invention rapid, good and grand: Machinery supercedes the hand. There are five things by which men walking. May get to heaven, without much talking ; Though some of these be little known. Yet others are quite overdone. First, everyone who has the senses Looks out for labor's recompenses ; What is the use of labor here. Without something to bless and cheer? —101— HOPEFUL— Continned. Who has his senses thinks of heaven, And of all sin to be forgiven, Of everything here to be done, To earn reward beneath the sun. The next is mind above all matter, How lean or leaner, fat or fatter, Or whether all inanimate, Bulk still looks small when mind looks great. The mind can soar in meditation. Pass matter by in contemplation Of all that has been good or ill, As it is gifted with free-will. The third may be the nerves' high-forces. So independent in their courses ; At times o'erpowering so the mind That some lunatic here we find. The nerves, close center'd in the brain, Run through the body back again, Touch every sense like Damask blade ; To warn and threaten is their trade. The fourth, then, surely is the spirit. Which every human must inherit ; This spirit may be good or bad. To plunge in woe or to make glad. What of the spirit always present, E'er to deject or to make pleasant ; Reject with ease, as mental will'd, Or have with joy duty fulfiU'd. The fifth, the ele.ctric Jire that burneth. And all the other wheel-work turneth ; Breathes in our words, burns in our thoughts, Our immortality denotes. Which can as quick as lightning's flash, Our sense of things with conscience dash. Move every nerve to feel aright. And our whole being fill with Hght. With God's good help, the Christian graces, Which every wise man here embraces. As stepping-stones from earth to heaven. These angel guides to us are given. —102— HOPEFUL— Continued. How some of these are powers mysterious. The thought of which oft makes me serious : To think myself almost a slave Here from the cradle to the grave. 'Tis by believing Revelation, A loving Savior's free salvation. That my soul's anchor I can cast, Until the storms of life be past, October 14th, 1878. MAN'S GRADUATED BEING. How weak man is, before the All- seeing, In his Divinity of Being ; How weak and vain, ready to err, On trial here from year to year. How little does he know with reason. How much he learns, but out of season ; In order complex justly ruled, Or only with some evil school'd. Well ruled with love, on faith depending, From low to higher still ascending ; Faith is the substance of the things We hope for, brought on angel wings. Faith is the sublime light of truth The guardian of oiir age and youth. The just and right and good of thought. Which will'd and done is substance brought. Faith without love is only science ; Love gives to faith a just compliance, Heightens pleasure in what we know. And sweetens life to all below. Through love of life and self we labor, For mutual good we love our neighbor, To find our duty, as we can. To live and love our fellow-man. O by what guides is man attended, O by what light and tru th befriended ; —IDS- MAN'S GRADUATED BEING— Continued. How here he can escape God's wrath By flying from the sinner's path. But if to evil he is swaying. To gain a trifle widely straying. He loses here a virtuous name, And feels as conscious of the same. How soon he dies, the man that loves not. Passes away and virtue proves not, Departs from all there is of good, With him but evil understood. How graduated, then, this being, Little we learn from much of seeing, What little use of knowledge make. How little duty undertake. How thoughtless man forgets his duties, God's moral law, His holy beauties ; How thoughtless he, with joy or pain, Here weaves his being's endless chain. Why lengthen out this endless being To heights and depths beyond our seeing? " Why lengthen out," the sinner cries, "My galling chain of miseries." O but to soar on love's fair pinion Into yon heavenly high dominion, Unto the mansions where the blest With perfect pleasures always rest. October 15th, 1878. A SERIOUS MISFORTUNE Occurred unto the Author in his tenth summer. May, 1836, while feeding a heavy crusher, at a lead ore mine ; there, for sixpence a day, working ten hours, without board. Thus touchingly alluded to : Misfortune's wheel, in turning 'round, My limbs with its machinery ground. There the wheel-work moving, heavily rocks. About it stands the fodder-bos, —104- A SERIOUS MISFOETUNE— Continued. Where, sorrow almost weeps to tell, I climb'd and look'd, but slipp'd and fell ; In falling, swoon'd, but soon was found, A host of friends all standing 'round ; My bones sore fractur'd by the mill. My flesh more torn and mangled still ; The pain I suffered was extreme. Sense came and went a fickle gleam ; I pray'd, I cried, since that were vain Have cheerful taken heart again. By circumstances made and led. There learning an unhealthy trade, The sad occurrence then transpired, Ambition yet my heart has fired. Although the greater wheel of time Revolves to crush me and my rhyme, How I have written, ventur'd, tried. In duty striven, my Muse my pride ; Have traveled through the world afar To view the Western Empire Star, ■ All lustrious, glorious, great and grand. Arise, now smiling o'er this land. There's rapture in th' expanding view, There's pleasure in a kind adieu ; Now, reader, for a sweet good-bye, Or for a shake of your warm hand. Another look in your kind eye ; Can I your friendship still command? To powers of memory belong All friendships, whether weak or strong; As we have been or are impress'd, So still with love would be address'd. Can we receive, or here impart. The loving kindness of the heart? Or must my Musings always lie Upon the shelf before your eye, Untouch'd, unread, Unthought, unsaid, While you, 'midst smoke-clouds curling blue. Fast-fleeting cares of life pursue? O bring those flowerets from the field That sweetest fragrance always yield. Among the leaves there let these lie. For balmy loves of memory. Rose Creek, Neb., Feb. 22d, 1879. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS iilliililiiililllillillillliillL 016 112 653 6 #